^^6^6^^ 
 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
 she/fyysh-t\4- 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERSCA. i 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 JESSE AND HANNAH WILLIAMS, 
 
 LATE OF 
 
 PLYMOUTH, 
 
 MONTGOMERY COUNTY, 
 
 n!:NNSlJL IAN I A. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 WM. H. PILE, PRINTER, 422 WALNUT STREET. 
 1875. 
 
':^> 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 In the brief Memoirs of Jesse and Hannah 
 Williams^ it is observable that obedience to the 
 ^^stiIl^ small voice^^ in the secret of the heart from day 
 to day^ was the only path of peace and safety ; cor- 
 responding with what has been the experience of the 
 righteous in all ages of the world. They were in early 
 life brought under the discipline of the cross^ being 
 instructed to labor daily in the vineyard of their OAvn 
 hearts for soul-sustaining bread, and by endeavoring 
 to let obedience keep pace with knowledge, and follow 
 their Holy Leader in the way of his requirings, they 
 were favored, as the conclusion of their time on earth 
 drew near, with quiet composure, and a humble assur- 
 ance of admittance into the realms of the blessed. 
 
 Although J. W/s opportunities for obtaining a school 
 education were limited, yet, having become a scholar 
 in the school of Christ, he was made " Quick of un- 
 derstanding in the fear of the Lord;'^ and being 
 
iv Introduction.. 
 
 brought under exercise for the good of souLs^ lie be- 
 eiiine qualified for service as a messenger of the gospel. 
 
 H. AY. was early impressed with a sense that^ " No 
 great or public place'^ was for her; ^^But a good ex- 
 ample was required in all things;" and it is instrnctive 
 to observe her concern through life^ to live answerably 
 thereto. In this quiet^ humble sphere^ she had a daily 
 Avork to do; being desirous of keeping her own vine- 
 yard^ and was also exercised for the good of her fellow- 
 creatures. She was^ during the greater part of her 
 life^ engaged in the care of children and young people^ 
 and growing from stature to stature in religious expe- 
 riences^ she became one of the burden-bearers in the 
 churchy '^ An Elder worthy of double honor." 
 
The following, from the hand of a ivorthy Elder of that 
 time, who accompanied our friend Jesse Williams in 
 some of his little journeys in Truth's service, is deemed 
 worthy a place in these Memoirs. 
 
 SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND PEACEFUL CLOSE OF 
 MY DEAR FRIEND, JESSE WILLIAMS. 
 
 The first of our acquaintance was about the time of 
 his marriage^ and before his public appearances as a 
 minister were acknowledged. His communications at 
 that time appeared, (and as he afterwards informed me 
 was the case,) to be much in the cross to his own will ; 
 but continuing to feel that which he believed to be a 
 necessity laid upon him, and fully believing that the 
 Holy Head of the Church would not be pleased with, 
 nor accept a divided heart or affection, he w^as therefore 
 made willing to resign his own to the Divine will, and 
 in simplicity impart his impressions in our religious 
 meetings as they arose in his mind ; and as far as I 
 was capable of judging, his appearances were accej) ta- 
 ble, having a general tendency to solemnize. 
 
 Soon after his marriage he removed to Evesham, in 
 New Jersey, where, continuing his appearances, his 
 case was considered, and he acknowledged an approved 
 minister by Evesham Monthly and Haddonfield Quar- 
 terly Meetings ; and as they were a bodv of livelv and 
 
vi Introduction. 
 
 judicious Friends^ their unity and sympathy, I have 
 heard him acknowledge, were strengthening to him. 
 
 After about two years, he removed, to reside in Ply- 
 mouth, and so became a member of Gwynedd Monthly 
 Meeting again. 
 
 In the fall of the year 1810, he felt a concern on his 
 mind revived, and believed to be matured, to pay a 
 visit to some of the meetings composing Burlington 
 and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings ; and accordingly 
 opened his prospect in our Monthly Meeting; and on 
 consideration he appeared to have the unity and near 
 sympathy of Friends, and he left at liberty to proceed ; 
 and with the concurrence of Friends, I accompanied 
 him. 
 
 We left home the 6th of 10th month, 1810, and 
 crossed the Delaware into New^ Jersey, and our kind 
 friend Job Haines, accompanying us as a pilot towards 
 the sea-coast, we visited the meetings of Friends gene- 
 rally from Barnegat to Great Egg Harbor, and on the 
 beach we visited the fcAV Friends, being a very sickly 
 time there. On meeting with Friends from those 
 parts since, and remembering the baptising seasons we 
 had when among them, there is reason to believe it 
 made lasting impressions on some of their minds. We 
 travelled about 270 miles. 
 
 Through this little journey I Avas both instructed 
 and edified, and could with him acknowledge we did 
 not serve a hard Master. But by carefully endeavor- 
 ing to keep near to that Divine Counsellor that cannot 
 be removed into a corner, but carefully and attentively 
 follow its leadings, we found our exercises and consola- 
 
Introduction. vii 
 
 tions so adjusted as to produce the acknowledgment 
 that ^^His ways are indeed ways of pleasantness/^ and 
 his paths lead to peace. 
 
 And in the 12th month^ 1813^ with the like con- 
 currence of Friends at home^ in company with our be- 
 loved Friend^ his father-in-law^ Jacob Albertson^ (who 
 had been through that country before^) we paid a visit 
 to Friends^ Meetings composing Exeter and Muncy 
 Monthly Meetings. We had twelve public meetings 
 among Friends^ and three at places where meetings are 
 not usually held; ^vere out twenty- three days^ and 
 travelled upwards of 350 miles. And although w^e 
 knew at our setting out that our stock for such an un- 
 dertaking was but small^ yet^ moving in the faith that 
 with frugality^ it would be sufficient^ so indeed we 
 foiuid it; for by keeping in the littleness and child-like 
 simplicity^ and a close watch against being clothed with 
 SauFs armor, we found a sufficiency to sustain through 
 the journey^ and returned home with thankful hearts 
 and peaceful minds. 
 
 In the course of the exercises of our dear Friend he 
 was frequently led to declare^ and that from sensible 
 experience, that the Cliristian's path is far from being 
 a gloomy one ; and that obedience to known duty was 
 the way to happiness, and though it would restrain 
 from liglitness and vanity, yet it furnished a comfort- 
 ing hope and confidence in the Divine Arm of PoAver, 
 for preservation in all the various allotments through 
 which we have to pass, in our journey through time. 
 
 And as he lived so he closed, as I was, with others, 
 a witness in his last hours. He appeared fully sensible 
 
viii Introduction. 
 
 that his dissolution was near. His understanding was 
 clear, though his bodily sufferings were great. The 
 prospect of a final separation from his near and dear 
 connections appeared a trial to the natural part, yet as 
 he had before been endeavoring to learn of that Divine 
 Teacher, who under great trial said : " The cup that 
 my Father giveth me, shall I not drink it?^^ so he 
 was made willing to resign all to the Divine disposal, 
 and said he felt no gloom. After taking an affection- 
 ate farewell of his connections then present, he quietly 
 departed this life. 
 
 Never more feelingly could I make the inquiry : " O 
 death, where is thy sting ; O grave, where is thy victory.^' 
 
 ^^ Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from 
 henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest 
 from their labors, and their works do follow them.'' 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 JESSE WILLIAMS. 
 
 Jesse Williams was the son of Richard and Sarah 
 Williams^ of Xew Garden^ Guilford County, North 
 Carolina, and was born on the 29th of Second month, 
 1780. He was possessed naturally of a good constitu- 
 tion ; but by sickness which he had in early life, and 
 a strain in his breast, was rendered very tender and 
 delicate; which made it necessary ever after, to be 
 careful not to take cold, or over-exert himself, as the 
 effect would be raising of blood, and a hard cough. 
 
 He was early concerned to walk circumspectly, as in 
 the sight of an All-seeing eye, and to encourage others 
 to do so likewise. His mother being removed by death 
 when he was about seventeen years of age, he was par- 
 ticularly useful in aiding his father in rearing and help- 
 ing along with~his young family, himself being the oldest 
 child. 
 
 He was a remarkable example of uprightness, sobriety 
 and humility, yet there was an innocent cheerfulness of 
 disposition, and sweetness of manners, which rendered 
 him an agreeable companion for the older as well as- 
 younger class. 
 
 Between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five, he 
 
10 ' Memoir of 
 
 was useful iu our religious Society ; sometimes accom- 
 panied ministering Friends to meetings not very remote, 
 and at several difFerent times, engaged with them in 
 family visits ; and by some notes preserved by himself, 
 we have reason to believe, that from the integrity and 
 simplicity w^ith which he engaged in these services, it 
 was an acceptable sacrifice. During this period he 
 made the following memorandums : 
 
 ^^28th of 2d mo., 1801. I am twenty-one years of 
 age this day ; and on dwelling upon it, it has brought 
 some serious reflections over my mind, which I hope 
 may have a tendency to make me humble, if haply I 
 may be favored to return suitable acknowledgments 
 unto Him who hath done much for me in days that 
 are past. He hath fed to the full out of His good 
 treasury, both immediately and instrumentally, to my 
 humiliation. Yet, at times, I have been very closely 
 tried, and like one that had no comforter. But I have 
 thought that it is good for us to be tried and proved, 
 to see if we will keep the faith in low seasons, when 
 there seems nothing to depend upon, — living by faith 
 and not by sight. 
 
 " The good Master, in his wisdom, hath seen meet to 
 allot unto me a considerable share of affliction of body, 
 the greater part of my days, as yet ; so much so, that 
 it hath appeared to me at times, as if I hardly should 
 live through my many infirmities to be twenty-one 
 years old. Though it has been trying to nature, yet I 
 feel no disposition to murmur, having faith to believe 
 it has been intended for some good purpose, if I do but 
 keep my place ; but this I am very sensible I have not 
 
Jesse Williavis, 11 
 
 done at all times since I have come to the years of re- 
 ligious understanding, although I have generally, I be- 
 lieve, kept up a pretty fair character amongst my friends 
 and neighbors. I have at times been sensible that I 
 was falling short of walking according to the mind and 
 will of Truth, so that if it were not for the gracious 
 Redeemer's manifold mercies, I should have fallen a 
 victim to the adversary of my souFs everlasting hap- 
 piness. But O, He is a tender father unto all those 
 that will turn unto Him in sincerity of heart, and beg 
 His forgiveness. He willeth not the death of any, but 
 His compassionate regard is toward all, that they may 
 return unto Him and live. This was the language 
 uttered to a people formerly : ' Why will ye die, O 
 house of Israel f I think I may say as Job Scott did, 
 viz. : ^I confess that I have no true humility, only as it 
 is daily beat into me.' I ought to be humble, but if J 
 go to think I am so, I may be proud even of that ; so 
 that I am what I am by the grace of God. By nature 
 I am prone to evil, and do find daily that there is no 
 safety oflF the watch. I have at times felt longing de- 
 sires to be found in the way of my duty, but find it 
 hard work to come at that of having the first nature 
 slain and brought down, so that the second birth may 
 have a growth. I have thought at times that it was no 
 matter whether I was in any reputation amongst men, 
 nor how mean or low I did appear, if only engaged in 
 the Master's cause. 
 
 '' First-day morning, 1st of 3rd mo. My heart seems 
 still somewhat moved within, me, and a concern rests 
 upon my mind to leave something upon record to be 
 
12 Memoir of 
 
 seen in days to come. T do not know tliat I feel uiueh 
 eondenination at this time^ neither do I feel any thing 
 to boast of — poor and needy — and many infirmities are 
 mine. Daily bread is very desirable for the immortal 
 part^ Init if I am given to discern the signs of the times^ 
 it is not a time to look for any thing very extraordinary ; 
 the pnre seed being so oppressed in many hearts, gives 
 cause of mourning to those who have their faces turned 
 Zionward. I have thought it good for me to sink 
 down low in my mind, and there wait in patience to 
 know what was the mind and will of the Master con- 
 cerning me. But indeed it is hard work to keep down to 
 so low a spring as to witness the waters to rise and flow 
 over all. But I believe there is no other way to be- 
 come acquainted with that still small voice which speaks 
 as never man spake, which, if given heed unto, will 
 lead us out of all evil, and carry safely along through 
 time in that straight and narro\v^ way which leads to 
 life and peace. Oh, merciful Father, Thou who alone 
 knowest the secrets of all hearts, be pleased to make 
 me as the pliable clay in the hands of the potter, do 
 with me as thou pleasest, and enable me to distinguish 
 what is of thy immediate begetting, from the enemy's 
 presentations, for Thou alone art worthy of all praise, 
 both now and forevermore, saith my soul !" 
 
 Extract from a letter to a young friend. 
 
 ^'23rd of 2nd mo., 1802. 
 
 ^^I am in hopes we shall always endeavor to keep 
 within the bounds of moderation in all respects, and 
 try to be good examples to others, and careful to do 
 
Jesse Williams. 13 
 
 iiotliing tliat will cause the blessed truth to be evilly 
 spoken of. I have many times thought the example of 
 such as are in good circumstances in life, and may be 
 looked upon as the foremost in a neighborhood or set- 
 tlement, was of great force among others, whether it 
 be in doing good or evil. May we, dear friend, attend 
 to that holy pursuit after durable treasure which will 
 never fade away, and which wdll be of more value 
 when time doth terminate, than all the vain amuse- 
 ments and pleasures that this world can give.'' 
 
 '' 29th of 5th mo., 1803. First-day evening. This 
 day lia5 been something of a trying one to me, and I 
 thought I would pen down a little of the exercise of 
 my mind to be seen a future day, I have been made 
 sensible that I have received renewed favors from the 
 bountiful hand, and also have had to believe that the 
 enemy was very busy in sowing his tares among the 
 precious seed, that I have greatly feared they would 
 so cumber up the ground, that the precious seed, the 
 seed of the kingdom — -would be choked. I have said 
 in my heart, Who is there that is tried like as I am, 
 and what is it all for? O, the many ups and downs 
 that my poor soul has had to pass through in the course 
 of my little experience ! I try to keep in the patience, 
 hoping all will work together in the end for my good, 
 having this comfort, that there is One who sleepeth 
 not by day, nor slumbereth by night, that knows the 
 integrity of my heart. I have been highly favored iu 
 days that are passed, so that I know I have need to be 
 luunble, and to return suitable acknowledgments unto 
 
14 Memoir of 
 
 Him from whom all good cometli; but alas, after all 
 my experience, I find myself to be a poor, weak, frail 
 creature, liable to be carried away by the many storms 
 and tempests that attend poor mortals in this vale of 
 tears. Without a steady watch, I know there is no 
 safety, so that if there is ever any good done by me 
 as an instrument, it will be no merit of mine, but let 
 all the praise be given unto the Lord, who alone is 
 worthy. 
 
 ^^ 13th of 12th mo., 1804. I have been taking a view 
 of my steppings along of late, and remembered the 
 many w^eaknesses I have given way to, after having 
 had some experience in a religious sense; have also 
 called to mind the many favors and blessings which I 
 have received from the bountiful hand of the good 
 Shepherd of Israel, who is very compassionate and 
 merciful to his children and people. If it were not for 
 His mercy, I must have been lost in Egyptian dark- 
 ness, but through His infinite condescension I have a 
 comfortable hope that I am not altogether left, but that 
 He is still near at hand for my deliverance from the 
 power of sin and Satan ; having to believe that I have 
 been favored with some renewed visitations within these 
 few days past, and a call to come away from everything 
 that is sinful, and be what the Lord would have me 
 to be. But O, the sore struggle I feel in my mind 
 between the two spirits, each striving for \h<<^ mastery ; 
 none knows the anxiety of my mind but the Lord 
 alone. It is my sincere desire that I may be able to 
 keep the faith and fight the good fight, and if but 
 favored to feel the consolation at the close of time 
 
Jesse Williams. 15 
 
 Avhich the Apostle Paul did, it will make up for all 
 tlie trials aud hesetments wbieli T have to pass through. 
 Oil that I may ^ die the death of the righteous, aud my 
 last eud be like uuto his.' '' 
 
 About the year 1805, he left home iu compauy with 
 Caleb Shreeve, Mercy Shreeve aud Joyce Buckmau, 
 who were in those parts on a religious visit, and came 
 with them to Philadelphia. Whilst here, he wrote as 
 follows to some of his friends : 
 
 '^ There are some very valuable Friends in this city, 
 both old and young. I have been at several meetings 
 since I have been here, and some of them the largest I 
 ever attended ; and the solidity that appeared in many 
 of their countenances, even amongst the young people, 
 was instructive to my mind. It was beautiful to be- 
 hold the comely appearance that many of them made. 
 
 ^^ The more I see, the more I admire the beauty of 
 lioliness. Oh, the solid satisfaction wdiich the children 
 of our heavenly Father at times enjoy. I have said in 
 my heart, when I have felt a little of the incomes of 
 His love, that it was enongh to make up for all the 
 toils and trials that we are ])eset with in our journey 
 through time.'' 
 
 After residing in the city for a short time, he inclined 
 to remain in this part of the country, provided he could 
 get introduced into some business. His health being 
 delicate, he thought best to qnalify himself for a teacher; 
 and for this purpose he entered as a scholar, the board- 
 ing school at Westtown. He continued here eighteen 
 months — six of which he was a scholar, and the remain- 
 ing time assisted in the school, and kept the accounts 
 
IG Me^noir of 
 
 for the Superintendent. Early after entering this 
 school^ he was taken ill of pleurisy^ and reduced very 
 low^ apparently almost to death's door; yet his mind 
 was composed^ being satisfied with his movements as 
 related to his leaving home and coming to that place ; 
 he felt a secret confirming evidence, that it was by best 
 direction, and that all would work together for good. 
 
 Although his mind was thus prepared, he passed 
 through many proving, buffeting seasons, after coming 
 to these parts, and particularly during the time spent 
 at Westtown. In a letter to a friend, he expressed 
 himself thus : " Notwithstanding the afHictive dispen- 
 sation through which I have had to pass Avithin these 
 few months, hath caused deep exercise of mind, and 
 have felt so much reduced at times, I have been ready 
 to sink under discouragement ; yet I now feel thank- 
 ful that I was favored to keep the faith ; and am 
 persuaded I am not forsaken f and he further adds, 
 ^^ Oh how precious it is to feel the sweet incomes of 
 Divine love ! How it revives the drooping sj^irits, and 
 causes the soul to rejoice, after passing through the 
 winter season, to experience the return of spring, and 
 to hear the voice of the turtle in the land/' 
 
 Letter to his parents, dated 
 
 " Philadelphia, 4tli mo. 26th, 1806. 
 
 '' Dear Father and Mother : — In the bonds of endear- 
 ed affection do I salute you at this time, and may inform 
 you that I have been anxiously looking for a letter from 
 you. I went to Westtown Boarding School the first of 
 last month, with a prospect of staying there six months, 
 
Jesse Willia-ms. 17 
 
 in order to l)ctter qualify myself for a teacher. After 
 I had been there about two weeks, I was taken sick, 
 which confined me two weeks to my chamber. I may 
 just mention for your satisfaction, that I was fiivored 
 during my illness, to feel in a good degree resigned to 
 the will of the Great Master, although at times was 
 ready to think I would not be raised again. Yet 
 through Divine favor, I am so far recovered as to be 
 able to attend the Yearly Meeting of Friends in this 
 city, w^hich has been sitting by adjournments for more 
 than a week. We have had the acceptable company 
 of several worthy Friends from a distance ; — Elizabeth 
 Coggshall, and others. The meeting is very large, 
 and many weighty subjects have Qorne before it; and 
 through the several sittings, I may say with gratitude 
 of heart, that the Great Head of the church hath been 
 near for our help, and a sweet covering has been, at 
 times, spread over the meeting. As to myself, I have 
 nothing to boast of, but feel myself to be a poor de- 
 pendent being, at times reduced to a state of suffering, 
 and ready to cry, ^' My leanness, my leanness, woe 
 unto me !'^ then again am favored to feel a little with 
 my friends, and to partake with them in the blessing 
 which the good Master is pleased to shower down upon 
 his devoted children. I have endeavored to keep the 
 faith, and not give out, knowing I have a good Master 
 to serve, who will not require anything more than Pie 
 will enable to perform. Although He may see meet 
 to prove as to an hair's breadth, yet He Avill not forsake 
 those who put their trust in Him. I am renewedly 
 confirmed in the belief, that there is no cause for anv 
 2* 
 
18 JVIetnoir of 
 
 to be discouraged, who have given up to serve Him 
 who made a way for the children of Israel, where 
 there seemed to be no way. 
 
 ^^I ex])ect to return to Westtown directly after the 
 Yearly Meeting (closes, — am well satisfied w^ith being 
 there, believing it is the right place for me at present. 
 I have been humbled, under a sense of the great im- 
 portance of educating children in the right way. There 
 has been much said in this meeting, in regard to the 
 preservation of families. Heads of families are advised 
 to collect their children together into stillness, and read 
 the Scriptures to them. I see more and more the beauty 
 there is in this practice, however light some may make 
 of it, and say that it is nothing but a form ; yet, I be- 
 lieve, that all who are endeavoring to live soberly, 
 righteously and godly in this present world, will find 
 a necessity often to retire into stilhiess. 
 
 ^^I had no prospect of writing so much on these 
 weighty subjects, but as it arose without searching, I 
 have penned it.'' 
 
 Letter to Caleb Williams. 
 
 ''Philadelphia, 4tli mo. 21st, 1806. 
 ^^Dear Cousin: — I make use of the present oppor- 
 tunity of sending a few lines to thee — and may inform 
 thee, that I left New Garden in North Carolina, the 
 3rd of Eleventh month last, and joined company with 
 some travelling Friends from these parts, who w^ere at 
 our Yearly Meeting last fall. I travelled with them 
 near three months ; we visited a large number of meet- 
 ings, and I mav sav I had nuich satisfaction in being 
 
Jesse W'llliams. 19 
 
 with those Friends on their religious visit. AVe arrived 
 in this city on the 18th of Second month. I remained 
 liere four or five weeks to good satisfection — met with 
 a very kind reception among my friends of this city. 
 From here I went to Westtown Boarding School, 
 about twenty miles from Philadelphia, and engaged in 
 the school for six months, with the view of better 
 qualifying myself for a school-master for North Caro- 
 lina. The number of scholars in the school at present 
 is about two hundred — one hundred of each sex. 
 
 "I came to this city day before yesterday, in order to 
 attend the Yearly Meeting, and expect to return to the 
 school when the meeting closes. 
 
 ^^I may say with gratitude of heart, that I have felt 
 the love of our heavenly Father, to be round about me 
 in my late illness, which is more desirable in such a 
 time, than all the world besides. I sincerely desire that 
 thou, my dear cousin, with myself, may endeavor more 
 and more to live in the fear of the Lord, and to walk 
 agreeably to His most holy direction ; so that when the 
 time comes when we must bid a final farewell to all 
 these lower enjoyments, we may have a comfortable 
 hope of entering into the mansions of eternal rest. 
 Oh, I thought in the time of my sickness, that it w^as 
 well w^orth while for all, to endeavor to live the life of 
 the righteous, so that our latter end may be like unto 
 his. 
 
 " With a salutation of love I conclude, and remain 
 thy most affectionate friend and cousin, 
 
 Jesse Williams, ^wP 
 
2U Memoir of 
 
 From meniorandunis kept during J. W.'s tarriaiieo 
 at AVesttowii^ we extract the following : 
 
 " 5tli mo. 8tli^ 1806. At meeting with ray teachers 
 and schoolmates : not so lively as some I have attended 
 since my lot has been cast in this place ; yet I endea- 
 vored to keep np the warfare against the many pre- 
 sentations of the enemy of man's happiness^ and to en- 
 dure the portion of suffering allotted me for my purifi- 
 cation. I have had some close trials of late, but may 
 say with gratitude of heart, that my heavenly Father 
 has been near for my help, through all the afflictive 
 dispensations which He hath seen meet to dispense, 
 which has made hard things easy : sometimes filling 
 my heart with his Divine love. 
 
 " 9th. I had a few words to communicate to the 
 scholars in the time of silence in the evening, a little 
 before we retired to rest, — endeavoring to convince 
 them of the importance of remembering their Creator 
 in the days of their youth ; and to bear in mind that 
 all our thoughts, words and actions, are before the 
 view of his all penetrating eye, wdio sees and knoweth 
 all things. I had to refer to that solemn period of 
 time, w4ien the grasshopper w^ould be a burden, and 
 desire fail, because man goeth to his long home. If 
 we transgressed, even in things that we might look 
 upon as small matters Avhen in a state of health, in 
 that awful time, they would be a burden. But if we 
 w^ere careful to live soberly, righteously and godly in 
 this present world, it would be a time of joy and re- 
 joicing to us.^' % 
 
 10th. After recording that he had not been suffi- 
 
Jesse Williams. 21 
 
 ciently watchful^ and speaking in a slighting manner 
 of a Friend, wldcli made him uneasy in mind, J. W. 
 adds, " I am renewedly convinced that there is no 
 safety excei)t on the watch-tower, let the attainments 
 he ever so great. I feel the need of taking heed to the 
 admonition of our gracious Redeemer ; ^ Be ye wise 
 as serpents, and harmless as doves/ ' The spirit in- 
 deed is willing, but the flesh is weak/ 
 
 " 11th. At meeting in the afternoon, I felt constrain- 
 ed to speak a few words, to this effect : that in times of 
 prosperity we should not forget adversity, nor in time 
 of health be too careless, and slide along in an easy 
 channel ; but endeavor to serve the Lord, so that when 
 trials come, we may have something as an anchor to 
 lean upon. 
 
 " It was brought to my remembrance the expressions 
 of a beloved Friend a short time before her decease on 
 this wise : ' O, how much more acceptable would it be 
 unto the Great Master, if people would be thoughtful 
 while they are favored w^ith health, than to put it off 
 till such a time as this, when it is the nature of all 
 mankind to cry out for help — but there can be little 
 done now.^ '^ 
 
 Letter to Hannah Reeve. 
 
 '' Westtown, 5th mo. 15th, 1806. 
 
 ^^Dear Friend : — Having an opportunity of convey- 
 ing a few lines to thee, I felt a willingness to embrace 
 it, feeling a degree of that love to flow towards thee at 
 this time, whicli I felt wlien thou wast in my native 
 land a few years ago. 
 
22 Memoir of 
 
 '' I left my fiither's lionsc in the Eleventli month 
 last, and joined in company with some Friends from 
 these parts who were paying a religions visit there; 
 with Avhom I travelled near three months^ [in the pro- 
 secntion of their visit to the meetings in Carolina and 
 Virginia^ nntil onr arrival at Philadelphia. I had 
 not a prospect of coming to Westtown when I left 
 home^ bnt only to make some little stay in the city, 
 ha vino; the concnrrence of mv friends at home so to do. 
 Bnt soon after I came to the city, I believed it right 
 for me to come here for a time. 
 
 '' Perhaps tlion mayest have forgotten me by this 
 time, bnt if thon wilt recollect the little lad that went 
 with thee and thy companion from Sandy Spring meet- 
 ing to Hopewell, then thon wilt remember me. I w^as 
 then in a poor state of health, and had bnt little pros- 
 ])ect of ever seeing this part of the world, bnt throngh 
 infinite mercy, I have been spared from time to time 
 — may it tend to the praise of His great name, who is 
 worthy of all praise^ adoration and renown, for His 
 condescending goodness to the workmanship of His 
 hands. I have heard of thy afflictions, beloved friend^ 
 which has created a near sympathy in my mind for 
 thee. Althongh Ave had bnt a short acqnaintance, yet 
 the love and regard I felt for thee in that brief space, 
 will never be erased from my mind. I often feel for 
 the aged and infirm, and wish to render them all the 
 consolation I am capable of — cheering the drooping 
 spirit, and recommending to Him who is the alone 
 Comforter, when all other helps shall fail. I have a 
 lively ho])e that the good Master will be near nnto 
 
Jesse Willi ants. 23 
 
 tliee now in tliy advanced age^ and speak comfortably 
 nnto thee. He that has been with thee in six tronbles 
 will not forsake in the seventh. 
 
 ''' Having written a fcAV lines in the simj)licity^ as a 
 token of remembrance, T most affectionately salute thee 
 in a degree of that love which spreadeth over sea and 
 land. 
 
 Jesse Williams.'^ 
 
 " 5th mo. 22d. In the evening when the scholars 
 were collected, in the interval of silence before retiring 
 to bed, I felt constrained to recommend to them, to 
 turn their minds towards their great Creator when they 
 retired to rest, that being the best preparation for quiet 
 repose. 
 
 ^' 30th. I have spent this day in a good degree of 
 quietude. In the evening when the scholars were about 
 to retire to the chamber, and I had the candle in my 
 hand to light them up, I felt constrained to speak a few 
 words to them, which I thought arose with life and 
 power. Being in rather an unsettled state, and indulg- 
 ing in levity, I informed them that it was now a time of 
 prosperity with them ; but that the time might come, 
 when they would have need of something more to lean 
 upon than a light and airy disposition. The expres- 
 sions of the wise king were brought to my remem- 
 brance: ^ He that being often reproved hardeneth his 
 neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without 
 remedy.' I labored with them to live consistently 
 with the Divine will, and not slight the day of His 
 gracious visitation. It lelt very solemn to my mind, 
 
24 Memoir of 
 
 to have to deliver this to my schoolmates, but I dared 
 not do otherwise. My mind was humbled under a 
 fresh sense of the mighty power of the Most High. 
 
 " 6tli mo. 29th. First-day. In the morning meet- 
 ing, soon after taking my seat, I felt a weighty cover- 
 ing to spread over my mind, under which I abode in 
 the stillness for a time, and then felt constrained to 
 appear in solemn supplication to the Most High, that 
 He would be pleased to help us with a little of His 
 saving help. It seemed a solemn time to most present. 
 Soon after my appearance, Thomas Scattergood arose, 
 quoting the passage, ' Out of the mouths of babes and 
 sucklings, Thou hast perfected praise ;' alluding to the 
 precious covering that was spread over the meeting, 
 and that he felt the inviting language of the Lord to 
 His people, to ^Forsake the evil of their ways/ from 
 which he was enlarged in gospel communication. T. 
 S. also spoke in the afternoon meeting, and again in 
 evening collection, with good authority. May we 
 number the blessings of this day ! for assuredly we 
 have ]3een favored to receive, as it were, direct from 
 heaven. ^^ 
 
 In a letter to his parents, dated 1st mo. 4th, 1807, 
 he says : '' I have often turned my attention towards 
 the land of my nativity, since I left there twelve 
 months ago, and have sometimes felt anxious desires 
 to enjoy the company of my dear friends and relations 
 there, but have been ready to conclude of latter times, 
 that I shall not see New-Garden very soon ; for, to be 
 plain, I must tell you I have believed it would be riglit 
 for me to settle myself in these parts for a time ; and 
 
Jesse Williar/is. 25 
 
 if way should open with clearness^ it is not unlikely 
 that I shall w^rite home for my certificate before long, 
 in order to have my right of membership conveyed to 
 some meeting not very far from this. I hope you will 
 cheerfully give me up, if I should make such a request, 
 as I have believed it was something more than my^ 
 o\vn contrivance that I came here. 
 
 ^^ It has been humbling to my mind, w^hen I have 
 looked back at my first movements, in order to come 
 to this land ; and since I have been here, to feel the 
 sweet presence of the Divine Master at times, and the 
 incomes of His love. O, He hath done much for me, 
 and made a way where there appeared to be no way : 
 and if He be pleased to continue with me, and point 
 out the way in which I should go, it will make hard 
 things easy, and sweeten every bitter cup ; and I have 
 fiiith to believe I shall not be forsaken, if I do but 
 let obedience keep j^ace with knowledge, which, that 
 I may, is the fervent desire of my spirit. 
 
 ^' Do not be uneasy about me, for I have good coun- 
 sellors here who, I believe, will give me such advice 
 from time to time, as they think will be for my good.'^ 
 
 '^ 1st mo. 29th. At meeting felt poor and needy, 
 but was not left without faith and strength to maintain 
 the warfare. 
 
 ^^ 2d mo. 5th. John Baldwin, one of our teachers, 
 bore a lively testimony in our meeting to-day ; with 
 the best authority ; spoke to the states and conditions 
 of some present, I believe. O, that it may have the 
 desired effect on each one of our minds. I have felt of 
 3 
 
26 Memoir of 
 
 late^ like a poor disconsolate being, under a sense of 
 my own nothingness — am sometimes ready to sink 
 under discouragement, then again am a little revived, 
 in a belief that I am still under the notice of Him wlio 
 certainly will do right. I am surrounded with moun- 
 tains of difficulty, but will put my trust in that Arm 
 of Almighty power, Avhich has ever made a way for 
 me in times of difficulty — hath cast up a way where 
 there appeared to be no way ; so that I can adopt the 
 language, ^Hitherto hath He helped me/ O, that I 
 may walk worthy of a continuance of Divine regard, — 
 that I may keep the iaith in this time, compared to the 
 winter season, and not take my flight, — but stand firm, 
 and ^vait in the patience for the return of spring, — that 
 joyful time when all is harmony and love. 
 
 '^ First-day, the 8th. A comfortable day to me — 
 attended meeting to good satisfaction. Soon after I 
 took my seat, my mind was humbled, and was made 
 to partake a little of that living fountain which quick- 
 eneth the soul, and makes it alive unto God. Under 
 a sense of the renewed favor, I bowed in humble pros- 
 tration before the throne of Grace, and made interces- 
 sion to the Father of mercies, that He would be pleased 
 to deal with his people agreeably to their several needs, 
 that we might be enabled to run the race that is set 
 before us with alacrity of heart, and at the conclusion 
 thereof be deemed worthy an admittance into His glo- 
 rious kingdom, there to sing praises to His great and 
 excellent name for evermore. 
 
 ^'In the afternoon I enjoyed sweet peace. Towards 
 evening, in conversation with dear M. Sharpless, my 
 
Jesse Williams. 27 
 
 mind was unexpectedly liiimbled under a seusc of the 
 present day^s favor. This little opportunity which I 
 had with my beloved friend, afforded me solid satisfac- 
 tion. I esteemed it a favor to feel my spirit thus 
 tendered and contrited, being made sensible of my own 
 nothingness, and of the all-sufficiency of Him who had 
 once more condescended to give me to feel of the sweet 
 incomes of that love which maketh glad the whole 
 heritage of God. 
 
 ^' 3rd mo. 19th. At meeting I felt much humbled 
 in my mind on several accoiuits — had my state and 
 condition spoken to by dear J. B., in a very lively 
 manner. Was convinced I had not been watchful 
 enough over the disposition of my own mind of latter 
 time, and therefore had sustained loss in the best sense. 
 Under these considerations, I was led to enter into 
 covenant with the great Master, that if He av ould be 
 pleased to blot out my sins and transgressions from 
 His book of remembrance, and receive me again into 
 favor, then I w^ould serve Him in the way of His re- 
 quiring. In the afternoon, my mind was favored to 
 enjoy a quiet calm. 
 
 "" 24th. Felt myself to be a poor infirm being — 
 almost ready to conclude it would not be very long 
 before my poor earthly tabernacle would be dissolved ; 
 which has occasioned serious reflections. Am I pre- 
 pared to meet the Bridegroom of souls ? Have I done 
 my day's work, and am I in readiness to appear before 
 the tribunal of Divine justice, there to give an account 
 of the deeds done in the body !'' 
 
 ^^4th mo. 7th. Felt stronir desires this day that T 
 
28 Memoir of 
 
 niiglit be more and more in love witli retirement, being 
 convinced that it is good for the poor tossed mind to 
 settle down into stillness ; was favored to see the beanty 
 and sweetness of dwelling in the quiet habitation. 
 
 '' 29th. Was closely tried in the morning meeting, 
 and much discouraged till near the conclusion, when I 
 remembered the expression of the dear Master to Simon, 
 ' I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.^ Felt 
 better in the afternoon. 
 
 ^^5th mo. 10th. First-day. A favored meeting to- 
 day ; had the company of Roger Dicks, w^ho spoke 
 lively. 
 
 " 14th. Attended Cain Quarterly Meeting. A time 
 of renewed visitation to many minds : a worthy Friend 
 spoke in a very alarming manner, being baptized for 
 the lukewarm, and commissioned to preach the gospel 
 for the good of souls. It was a time of leanness and 
 poverty with myself, although not insensible of a re- 
 newed visitation to those assembled. 
 
 '' 31st. We had the acceptable company of James 
 and John Davis with us, at our meeting to-day. They 
 were returning to their homes in New England, having 
 been on a religious visit to the State of Ohio. I was 
 much pleased with these Friends, and had good unity 
 with their communications. Poverty seemed to be my 
 lot the greater part of the day, although we had good 
 Friends with us. In the evening was a little tendered 
 and refreshed in company with my friends, and received 
 a word of encouragement from dear James Davis : liad 
 cause to believe he Avas favored to feel my state and 
 
Jesse Williams. 29 
 
 (condition. After tliis favored sitting in the family^ I 
 retired to rest in a humble frame of mind. 
 
 ^^6th mo. 1st. Surrounded by many discourage- 
 ments — part of the day not capable of attending to 
 business^ my mind being under deep exercise — would 
 have been glad to be alone^ where I might have wept 
 in secret. The language of my heart was, ' A Saviour, 
 or I die ; a Redeemer, or I perish forever.^ 
 
 ^^5th. Attended Goshen Monthly Meeting; not 
 lively, but was enabled to labor a little with my 
 friends, though in much weakness. I thought it a 
 time of poverty, but received instruction from some 
 lively remarks which were dropped by some Friends. 
 
 '' 6th. Was much humbled this morning ; in com- 
 pany wdth the teachers, had a solid opportunity with 
 the scholars — a time not soon, if ever, to be forgotten 
 by me. May the weighty and solid remarks which 
 were dropped at this season, be as a ^ nail fastened in 
 a sure place ;' and I trust it will be so in some mea- 
 sure. After this favored opportunity, I enjoyed a good 
 degree of quietude the remaining part of the day.^^ 
 
 On the 11th, being on a visit to some friends in Bur- 
 lington, he says : ^' Had a favored sitting at George 
 Dillwyn's in the evening, in company with several 
 other Friends. Dear George spoke lively in testimony 
 and supplication ; may I ever bear in mind his weighty 
 remarks. It was indeed a renewed favor to my poor 
 soul, having been much exercised this afternoon, but 
 was encouraged by this favored sitting to endeavor to 
 keep the faith. 
 
3U Memoir of 
 
 " 15th. Attended in Philadelphia the funeral of Mary^ 
 the only daughter of Xathan Smith ; a young woman 
 who left Westtown about three weeks ao^o. A lame 
 concourse of people were collected^ and at the grave 
 Arthur Howell spoke in a solemn manner. My mind 
 is humbled this evenings and may I ever bear in mind 
 this day, and not forget w^iat I have seen and heard ! 
 
 ^' 21st. First-day. Meeting not lively in the fore- 
 part, but more so afterwards ; I spoke a few words, and 
 felt quiet after meeting, for a time ; then was assailed 
 by workings of the enemy, who endeavored to make me 
 ashamed of the cross of Christ ; but I was enabled to 
 maintain the warfare, and did not let go my hold ; for 
 which I felt the reward of peace in the evening. 
 
 ^^22nd. In the evening, after I retired to rest, w^as 
 much humbled under a sense of the awfulness of eter- 
 nity. Had living desires raised in my mind, that I 
 might be purified from every defilement of flesh and 
 spirit, so that at the conclusion of time I might be 
 deemed worthy to join the Heavenly host in anthems 
 of praise to Him w^lio liveth forever. Be pleased O, 
 righteous Father, to keep me as in the hollow of thy 
 holy hand, and not suffer thy dependent child to go 
 astray. Thou k^nowest w^hat I stand in need of before 
 I ask thee ; therefore deal with me as seemeth good in 
 thy sight. 
 
 '' 7th mo. 23rd. At meeting rather in an unsettled 
 state ; was not careful to prepare my mind for meeting 
 during the morning. In the evening, was humbled 
 under a sense of my own imperfections, and desires Avere 
 raised that I might be preserved. 
 
fesse 
 
 Williams. 31 
 
 ''28th. Attended the Montlily Meeting for the 
 Northern District in Philadelphia^ and produced my 
 certificate to that meeting, wliich was read and ac- 
 cepted. 
 
 '' 8th mo. 7th. I enjoyed a good degree of quietude 
 through the course of this day, and in the evening felt 
 the sweet incomes of Divine love, which revived my 
 drooping spirits. Was ready to say in secret, ' It is 
 enough, O Lord, to compensate for all my sufferings, 
 to be made sensible that thou art pleased to forgive, 
 and to remember thy dependent children, who are con- 
 vinced of their own nothingness, and of Thy superior 
 excellence.' O, the unity and sweetness that was felt 
 this evening, in sitting with my friends in stillness ! 
 Dear J. B. spoke the language of encouragement, 
 which was as a cordial to my exercised mind. 
 
 '' 13th. Dear Samuel Smith was lively in his public 
 testimony. May I ever bear in mind the good advice 
 received at this meeting, and improve upon it. In the 
 evening I had a religious opportunity with the girls, 
 when they were collected for bed ; for which I felt the 
 reward of peace for my labors amongst these dear 
 children. 
 
 '' 14th. In a comfortable frame of mind, I took 
 leave of my dear friends at Westtown this morning ; 
 having been at this place more than eighteen months, 
 I hope to profit ; but now thought proper to settle 
 myself elsewhere ; w^ent to Philadelphia in the stage, 
 and lodged at Edward Wilson's: enjoyed a good de- 
 gree of quietude this day. 
 
 "15th. I went to Joshua Paxson's, at Plymouth, 
 
32 Memoir of 
 
 having a prospect of engaging in a school in the neigh- 
 borhood. Felt quiet this evening, which I thought 
 was a confirmation of the propriety of my settling in 
 this place. Having now entered into a new sphere, I 
 felt fervent desires that I might be preserved in the 
 right way. 
 
 " 17th. Was at H. Foulk^s school in the afternoon ; 
 then returned to J. P.^s. Felt serious this evening 
 and was favored to feel a little of the sweet incomes of 
 the Father's love, w^hich had a tendency to settle my 
 mind in the quiet. 
 
 " 20th. Attended Plymouth meeting, and spent the 
 afternoon at J. A.'s. 
 
 " 25th. Attended Gwynedd Monthly Meeting for 
 the first time. A serious opportunity this was to me. 
 In viewing the state of things in this meeting, my mind 
 w^as much humbled. The meeting ended pretty well, 
 and I enjoyed cpiietude the remaining part of the day. 
 
 " 10th mo. 5th. I commenced teaching a school at 
 Plymouth meeting-house this day.'' 
 
 To his parents he wrote 10th mo. 9th, 1807. " Last 
 Third-day was a week, I produced my certificate to 
 Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, conveying my right of 
 membership from the Xorthern District in Philadelphia, 
 to this meeting. At the same time laid my intentions 
 of marriage with Hannah Albertson before that meet- 
 ing. Since then I have enjoyed a quiet mind, and feel 
 well satisfied that I have proceeded thus far in the 
 solemn engagement. 
 
 "11th mo. 12th, 1807. This day I entered into 
 
Jesse Williams. 83 
 
 the marriage covenant with Hannah^ the dangliter of 
 Jacob and Mary Albertson^ of Plyniontli^ Montgomery 
 Connty^ Pennsylvania. Spent the day agreeably nnder 
 a sense of Divine favor. Had the company of several 
 valuable Friends from Philadelphia^ with us at meet- 
 ings and severcil of them, to dine — of whom Thomas 
 Scattergood was one^ w^ho spoke the language of en- 
 couragement to my companion and self. Some of the 
 particular heads of his communication were as follows : 
 ^Be content with such things as ye have. It is better 
 to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man^ for 
 He hath said^I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.^ 
 He spoke of Jacob of old^ who was raised from a low 
 estate to affluence^ and had to say^ ^ AVith my staiF I 
 passed over this Jordan^ and now I am become two 
 bands.' He encouraged to be faithful in the little^ 
 sayings ^ Thou knowest not what that little may grow 
 to.' At the house^ after dinner, he had a religious 
 opportunity ; spoke of his experience in his journey 
 througli time to the present day, which was humbling 
 and instructive. He alluded to the man who had tlie 
 witliered hand, saying, ^This poor man was commanded 
 to stand forth in the midst of the people, and sliow 
 himself, that he might be made whole.' " 
 
 To his father and mother. 
 
 ''Plymouth, 11th mo. 30tli, 1807. 
 
 ^^ I received your very acceptable letter yesterday, 
 whic^h was dated the third of this month, and was 
 pleased to hear you received mine of last month. 
 
 " I have been closely engaged in my school to-day, 
 
34 Memoir of 
 
 and feci wearyjl)iit niust try to Avritc soniotliing to you 
 this evening, and let you know liow I have fared sinee 
 I last wrote. I have enjoyed my health pretty well 
 of 'latter tinie^and also been favored wnth a quiet niind^ 
 and feel well satisfied that I have come to this place to 
 settle for a time. On the 12th of this month^ we en- 
 tered into the marriage covenant^ which proved a day 
 of Divine favor to us ; more so than I have words to 
 express^ so that I was ready to say in the secret of my 
 hearty ^It is enough.^ We had the company of several 
 valuable Friends from Philadelphia ; among whom 
 w^ere Thomas Scattergood and daughter Rebecca^ Jo- 
 seph Scattergood and wife^ and Caleb Shreeve and Ed- 
 ward AVilson^ and their wives^ &c. T. Scattergood 
 was favored to impart the language of encourageinent 
 to us in a particular manner^ both at meeting and after- 
 wards at the house. You would have enjoyed being 
 here, but seeing; it was not convenient, I am content. '^ 
 
 After their marriage J. W. continued employed in 
 the school at Plymouth during the winter; and in the 
 spring following, an opening presented for them to 
 settle at Evesham, in New Jersey, where they resided 
 for about two years, he being most of that time em- 
 ployed in teaching school there, his wife also assisting 
 him therein. This was a comfortable home to them ; 
 they found agreeable soci<^ty, which compensated for the 
 loss of connections left behind. Their continuance at 
 this place was shorter than they or their friends there 
 had anticipated ; but an opening occurred for them to 
 return to Plymouth, and settle more permanently, by 
 
Jesse Williams. 35 
 
 purchasing a house and lot near the nieeting-Jiouse^ 
 whieli they embraced^ and removed there in the spring 
 of 1810^ and continued to reside there until the time 
 of their decease. They opened a l)oarding and day 
 sc^hoolj which was continued during the remainder of 
 his life. 
 
 Having passed through many proving baptisms, 
 whereby a preparation . was wrought for the solemn 
 work of the ministry, he was engaged to speak a few 
 ^vords in that line from time to time, and by faithful- 
 ness to the little that was committed, he grew^ in his 
 gift and became an acceptable minister of the gospel, 
 being acknowledged as such during their residence in 
 New Jersey, by Evesham Monthly and Haddonfield 
 Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. 
 
 During their tarriance at Evesham, in the fall of 
 1809, he and his brother-in-law, Josiah Albertson, 
 accompanied Nathau Hunt and his son to North Car- 
 olina, (Nathan having been in these part^ on a religi- 
 ous visit) ; and spent some time in visiting his father's 
 family, and relations and friends thereaway. At se- 
 veral of the meetings which he attended in his native 
 land, also in many of the families which he visited, it 
 appears from some short notes kept by him, that he 
 Avas engaged in the exercise of his gift in the ministry, 
 and also to make sonie remarks in the Yearly Meeting, 
 which he attended, on some of the subjects that came 
 before it. On one occasion, he reminded some of the 
 solenui covenants they had entered into in the time of 
 affliction ; and gave a word of encouragement to the 
 vounger class, to follow their Divine Leader in the 
 
36 Memoir of 
 
 way of his requirings. At the concluding sittings after 
 the minutes of the several sittings were read, the shut- 
 ters between men and women Friends were opened, 
 and after some lively communications by Nathan Hunt 
 and others, the meeting solemnly concluded. 
 
 In the 10th mo. 1810, with the unity and concur- 
 rence of his Monthly Meeting, he paid a visit to some 
 of the meetings in the limits of Haddonfield and Bur- 
 lington quarters, in New Jersey ; some account of which 
 follows : 
 
 '^ Seventh-day, 10th mo. 6th, 1810. I -left home in 
 order to pay a religious visit to some jneetings, princi- 
 pally along the sea-coast in New Jersey, having H. 
 F. as a companion. 
 
 " First-day, the 7 th. Attended Westfield Meeting ; 
 fielt poor and empty in the forepart, but was favored 
 with the Master's help afterwards. Was renewed ly 
 confirmed in the belief, that it is possible for man to 
 have a foretaste of the joys which are to come, while in 
 mutability. I had to encourage Friends to be in love 
 with retirement when at home, &c. Went to Thomas 
 Lippincott's to dine ; then to Evesham, and attended 
 the funeral of Agnes, the wife of William Haines, which 
 was a solemn season — a large concourse of people at the 
 grave. After the burial, we went home with William 
 Haines, wdiere w^e lodged. We endeavored to comfort 
 him respecting the loss of his wife, my companion hav- 
 ing considerable to say to him and his son, in a very 
 consoling manner, and I had a little to offer also. 
 
Jesse Williams. • 37 
 
 Peace was the covering of our mincls^ which led us to 
 believe we Avere in our right places. 
 
 '' 8th. Attended Haddonfield Monthly Meeting, 
 which we thought was favored in the fore part, but not 
 so lively in the latter. We dined at Thomas Red- 
 man's, and in the evening went back to Evesham, and 
 lodged at Job Haines\ 
 
 " Third-day, 9th. Set off for Little Egg Harbor, 
 having J. H. for pilot. In the evening got to the house 
 of David Maps and wife, who are colored people, but 
 both of them members of our Society, where we were 
 kindly entertained. 
 
 "- 10th. Rode about sixteen miles to Thomas Ballin- 
 ger\s, where we arrived about 12 o'clock, and spent 
 the remainder of the day. In the afternoon I felt 
 much shut up as to conversation, being made sensible 
 of the great and w^eighty service which I was engaged 
 in, which was truly humbling to my mind ; but was 
 favored to keep much in the quiet. 
 
 ^^ 11th. Went three miles to Little Egg Harbor 
 Monthly Meeting; had a lively opening in the fore 
 part, and stood up and endeavored to express what was 
 on my mind, but did not get through quite to my satis- 
 faction ; the cause of which I had to leave. I settled 
 down in the quiet afterwards, and thought the meeting 
 closed under a solemn covering. Dined at Simeon 
 Haines', near the meeting-house, and rode thirteen 
 miles to John Collins', at Barnegat, and lodged. 
 
 ''' 12th. Attended an appointed meeting at Barnegat, 
 
 which was a favored season. I had considerable to say 
 
 to the people by way of encouragement, &c. There 
 4 
 
38 • Memoir of 
 
 were several present who Avere not members^ who sat 
 in a quiet becoming manner throughout the meeting. 
 I felt the sweet reward of peace at the conclusion, 
 under a sense of Divine favor. After meeting, at John 
 Collins' we had a religious opportunity, to our mutual 
 satisfaction, and then rode seven miles to S. Gray^s, 
 near the bay, to spend the night. 
 
 " 13th. In company with S. Gray and his son, we 
 went across the bay in a boat, three miles to the sea- 
 shore, or beach. Took a survey of the great ocean, 
 went along the seaside a mile or more, and it was 
 really awful to behold the swelling and foaming of the 
 great deep. We went to Job Inman's, a Friend, who 
 lives on the beach, and after dinner had a religious 
 opportunity with him and his family to satisfaction. 
 Then took leave of this family, and calling to see two 
 other families on the beach, we returned to our boat 
 and had a pleasant sail across the bay to S. Gray's, where 
 we lodged again. 
 
 " 14th. First-day. Went ten miles and attended 
 Little Egg Harbor meeting, which was large for that 
 place, there being a number there who are not members 
 of our Society. When I first took my seat I felt much 
 reduced under a sense of my own nothingness and ina- 
 bility to do any good thing ; and in this state I appeared 
 in solemn supplication ; afterwards felt a little renew^al 
 of strength, and stood up and had considerable to say to 
 the people to the peace of my own mind, and the meeting 
 concluded under a solemn covering. Dined at James 
 Willits' near the meeting-house, and had a little time 
 
■ Jesse Willi am^s. o9 
 
 of solejiiii retirement to our mutual satisfaction ; then 
 went three miles to Jeremiali Willits' to lodge. 
 
 " 15th. AVe left the settlement of Little Egg Ilar- 
 l)or, and set off for Great Egg Harboi^^ where w^e 
 arrived in the evenings and lodged at the house of 
 Samuel Leeds, near the upper meeting. 
 
 " 16th. Went twelve miles to Daniel Leeds', near 
 the lower meeting ; spent the afternoon and lodged 
 there. In the evening came Ann Edwards and Robert 
 French, from Chester Monthly Meeting, and Maria 
 Milner and Lydia Bullock, from Chesterfield Monthly 
 Meeting, who were in these parts on a religious visit^ 
 they being united together in the visit. 
 
 '^17th. We had a religious opportunity in D. L.'s 
 family in the morning ; then to Great Egg Harbor 
 meeting wliich w^as to a good degree of satisfaction. 
 There was considerable said in the meeting, I hope, to 
 some profit; M. Milner and her companions being 
 present. After meeting w^e went to Samuel Smith's, 
 had a sitting in his family, and in the afternoon went 
 to Samuel Leeds', ten miles, where we had stopped 
 before, staid over night, and during the evening had a 
 time of religious retirement, and some lively remarks 
 from M. Milner ; and also some of the rest of us had a 
 little to offer. 
 
 '' 18th. Attended the upper meeting in Galoway 
 township, in which I was silent. M. M. and A. Ed- 
 wards had considerable to say. After meeting I w^ent 
 with Samuel Leeds, Jr., to dine, while the rest of our 
 company went back to his father's ; where, after dinner, 
 I joined them, and we had a parting opportunity with 
 
4U Memoir of 
 
 our before mentioned friends. Dear A. Edwards 
 appeared in solemn supplication for Divine preserva- 
 tion, which had a humbling effect upon our minds. I 
 thought I was made sensible of the overshadowing of 
 the Divine wing. In the evening my two companions 
 and self, went back to S. Leeds, Jr.^s, and had a com- 
 fortable sitting with him and his wife, and returned to 
 his father's and lodged. 
 
 '' 19th. Feeling clear of these parts, we set off early 
 in the morning, and travelled thirty-six miles to Abner 
 Watson's, where we staid over night, and attended an 
 appointed meeting at Hopewell Meeting-house the next 
 day, which was attended by a considerable number 
 who are not in membership with Friends, and proved 
 to be a favored meeting ; and in the evening, we ar- 
 rived at Job Haines', at Evesham. 
 
 ^^21st. Had a time of solid retirement with this 
 family to satisfaction. My mind was humbled and 
 tendered under a sense of past favors, and was also led 
 to sympathise with some tried states, and had to speak 
 a word of encouragement. Went to Evesham meeting, 
 which was an excercising time in the fore part, but I 
 was favored in the latter part with Best help, and had 
 considerable to say to the people in a close, searching 
 manner, and the meeting concluded under a solemn 
 covering. I felt the sweet reward of peace, and hum- 
 ble thankfulness of heart to the Father of mercies for 
 his manifold favors. 
 
 '' Second-day, 10th mo. 22d. Set out this morning 
 for home, parting on the way with my dear companion, 
 who had been w^ith me a true helper, we having been 
 
Jesse V/illia-ms. 41 
 
 much united together in our little journey. xVrrived 
 safely at my own home at Plymouth^ and found my 
 family well^ and was made thankful for their preser- 
 vation as well as my own/^ 
 
 In the Sixth month^ 1811, he accompanied Ann 
 Jessup and her companions^ Friends from Carolina^ 
 Avho were on a religious visit to these parts^ to a few 
 meetings^ chiefly in Chester County. After being at 
 the Valley Meeting, Radnor Monthly Meeting, and 
 one appointed at Willistow^n, they wxre on the 16th, 
 at Westtown School. [' At 10 o^clock, went to their 
 meeting, where there were near 200 scholars, in beau- 
 tiful order. Dear Ann had considerable to say to them, 
 I hope, to profit. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, we 
 all attended their meeting again, in which Ann ap- 
 peared in solemn supplication. My mind was deeply 
 exercised, and with a small opening I stood up, and as 
 I endeavored to keep in the simplicity, under a hum- 
 bling sense of my own nothingness, way was made for 
 me, to the relief of my own mind : a solemn covering 
 spread over the meeting. 
 
 " 17th. Attended an appointed meeting at Birming- 
 ham ; an exercising time in the fore part, but concluded 
 under a solemn covering. In the afternoon, to an ap- 
 pointed meeting in a school-house near West Chester; 
 the house crowded with people. Considerable was said 
 to them, I hope, to some profit ; but I could not feel 
 so free an entrance into their minds, in general, as on 
 some previous occasions. AYent to Nathan Cope's to 
 lodge, and were entertained kindly. 
 4^ 
 
42 Memoir of 
 
 " 18tli. To an appointed meeting at Bradford. 
 There being a fnneral just before meetings tliere was a 
 large collection of people. Ann^was favored to speak 
 in a very lively manner^ and way was made for me to 
 the relief of my own mind. It was a humbling sea- 
 son — a time of renewed favor. 
 
 " 19th. Attended Downingtown Meeting, which 
 was a satisfactory time, and the meeting closed under a 
 sense of Divine goodness. After this meeting at Down- 
 ingtown, I took leave of our dear Friends Avith whom 
 I had been travelling for a few days in near unity, and 
 set oif for home : felt peace of. mind, which was a suf- 
 ficient reward.^^ 
 
 To his brother Richard AVilliams. 
 
 '' Plymouth, 10th mo. 12th, 1811. 
 " Dear Brother : — I received thine of 9th mo. 26th, 
 and was glad to hear of thy safe arrival. No doubt, 
 thou esteemed it a favor. It was humbling to us all, 
 to find thou hadst been so closely tried in thy passage 
 by sea to Carolina, [having encountered a storm], yet 
 were comforted in believing thy mind had been stayed 
 on Him who is able to preserve all those who put their 
 trust in Him. May we endeavor to walk worthy of 
 His notice for the future, and not be ashamed to ac- 
 knowledge before the world, that we love and fear the 
 Master." 
 
 ^^Seventh-day, 5th mo. 30th, 1812. I left home 
 in company with my father-in-law, J. Albertson, an 
 Elder, in order to perforin a religious visit to the 
 
Jesse Williams. 43 
 
 meetings of Friends in the compass of Bucks Quar- 
 ter. Rode twelve miles and lodged at Alexander 
 Foreman's ; felt very poor this afternoon under a sense 
 of my manifold infirmities^ was renewedly confirmed 
 that there w^as great need for me to be more watchful 
 over the disposition of my own mind : was unwell 
 through the nighty and got but little rest. 
 
 '' First-day morning. Was favored to feel a little 
 quiet ; although weak in body and mind. Had a few 
 minutes of solid retirement in this family^ wherein I 
 had a little to offer by way of encouragement to faith- 
 fulness^ which tended to the peace of my own mind ; 
 and about eight o'clock, set off for Plumstead meeting, 
 a distance of ten miles. I felt much revived in sittiup- 
 in this meeting, and had considerable to say by way of 
 encouragement to the sincere hearted, and admonition 
 to those who had not given up to come under the 
 government of the Prince of Peace. Felt very much 
 reduced in my bodily powers at the close of the meet- 
 ing, but was favored to enjoy sweet peace of mind. 
 After meeting, I met with Joshua Sharpless and wife, 
 not knowing they were in the meeting till after it 
 closed ; went in company with them to Stephen Wil- 
 son's, and dined. 
 
 " 6th mo. 1st. To Buckingham Monthly Meeting. 
 This was an exercising time throughout the whole 
 sitting. In the meeting for worship, I found it hard 
 work to get at the waters of life, but after a time was 
 favored to feel a little strength, and had to deal in a 
 close manner with such as are depending on a name to 
 religion, and wanting the substance. After saying con- 
 
44 Memoir of 
 
 siderable to the careless and indiiferent professors, I felt 
 a stream of love to flow towards the young people pre- 
 sent, and was favored to counsel and invite them to give 
 in their names to serve the Lord in the way of His 
 requirings, laying aside every weight and burden, and 
 the sin that doth so easily beset. Felt peace of mind 
 in having discharged what I believed was required of 
 me in this meeting. After men and women separated, 
 the meeting for business was a very tedious one, being 
 between three and four o'clock before meeting closed. 
 Eeturned to B. G.'s, in company with Benj. White 
 and wife, and spent the afternoon pleasantly ; and in 
 the evening, to Jonathan Roberts' to lodge. 
 
 " 2nd. Visited J. Pickering, who lives near to J. 
 R.'s, and had a comfortable sitting with him and his 
 family, being led into near sympathy with them, in 
 particular with a son, a tender young man in the thirty- 
 fifth year of his age, who had lost his eye-sight about 
 nine years before, and was also afflicted in other ways. 
 I left them vTiih a peaceful mind, and went to Sole- 
 bury Monthly Meeting. After sitting a considerable 
 time, I stood up and endeavored to attend to a little 
 opening, but did not get along cpiite to my satisfaction. 
 There were some other appearances in the line of the 
 ministry, but I could not feel that ' Truth reigned over 
 all,' at this season ; felt very poor and stripped at the 
 close of the meeting for worship, which I trust had a 
 tendency to humble me. In the meeting for business, 
 I felt a little revived, and had a few remarks to make 
 which tended to the peace of my own mind. After 
 meeting went to Oliver Paxson's, where we spent the 
 
Jesse Williams, 45 
 
 remainder of the day, and staid over night. I felt 
 much reduced all this afternoon, and had very little 
 comfort or satisfaction in the company of my beloved 
 Friends, but' was favored not to cast away all hope. 
 J. Sharpless and wife, were here, and dear old Oliver 
 and Joshua were lively, and could converse pleasantly 
 together, and I must acknowledge their conversation 
 was instructive, but thought they were not sensible of 
 my deep exercise. 
 
 '' 3rd. Felt very desirous this morning, that I might 
 be preserved in the way which would be well pleasing 
 in the Divine sight, and experience the strong will of 
 the creature brought down as in the dust. Accompa- 
 nied by O. P. and J. S. and wife, we went to Wrights- 
 town Monthly Meeting, which proved a baptizing 
 season; had a comfortable time in the meeting for 
 worship; the language of encouragement, flowed freely 
 to the humble hearted ones. My mind was renewedly 
 strengthened at this season, and I believe many that 
 were present were made sensible of the overshadow- 
 ing of the heavenly Father's love. Men and w^onien 
 Friends then separated and proceeded to business. 
 This was also a time of exercise to me, and my fellow 
 travellers also had considerable to say to men Friends, 
 encouraging to faithfulness in their several allotments. 
 For my part, I had more to say than is common for 
 me, in Meetings for Discipline. I had to believe when 
 meeting concluded, this had been a memorable day to 
 many of us that were present. Felt a quiet mind on 
 leaving this place, which is all I craved. 
 
 ^^4th. Called this morning to see William Blakey 
 
40 Memoir of 
 
 and family ; found the dear old man in a poor state of 
 liealtli^ but in a very pleasant s^veet frame of mind. It 
 was truly comfortable to feel the canopy of Divine 
 love to be round about the bedside of this our valuable 
 Friend. Then to Middletown Monthly Meeting, which 
 I believe, was a time of favor throughout the whole 
 meeting. Was- deeply humbled soon after I took my 
 seat, and was made willing to supplicate the Throne of 
 Grace for a renewal of strength, which I had cause to 
 believe was granted, my way being made easy, and 
 I was favored to labor with the strength received, 
 to the solid peace and satisfaction of my own mind. I 
 was renewedly confirmed in the belief that our heavenly 
 Father^s love was spread over us at this season, for the 
 encouragement of the heavy-hearted and the mourners 
 in Zion. After meeting, we went to S. G.\s to dine, 
 who was affectionately kind to us poor travellers ; in- 
 deed I have cause to be thankful for the kind attention 
 of our beloved Friends everywhere since we have been 
 in this quarter, and hope I am sensible of the need 
 there is for me to keep down in the valley of humilia- 
 tion, so that I may be favored to see Avith clearness 
 what to do, and what to leave undone. May this be 
 my situation, O righteous Father ! is the secret petition 
 of my spirit this morning. 
 
 " 6th. Had a comfortable sitting with several of 
 my elder brethren and sisters at S. G.^s a little before 
 starting to meeting. I felt them near to my best life, 
 and expressed a few words which I believe were sensi- 
 bly felt to proceed from the Fountain of love, so that 
 our spirits were tendered, and united together in the 
 
Jesse Williams. 47 
 
 bond of })eace. Then in company witli my beloved 
 Friendhi, Avent five miles to Falls Monthly Meeting. 
 Soon after taking my seat therein^ my mind was bronght 
 nnder deep exercise^ and I believed it to be my place to 
 endeavor to impress on the minds of those present the 
 great importance of the act of coming together to per- 
 form Divine worship, and felt peace of mind at the 
 conckision. 
 
 '^ 6tli. To an appointed meeting at Makefield nicet- 
 ing-honsCj wliich was satisfactory to me. Several at- 
 tended who were not members, and behaved in a very 
 becoming manner. I labored among this people to the 
 relief of my own mind, and it appeared to be to the sat- 
 isfaction of my friends. Went to a Friend^s house to 
 dine, in company with O. Paxson and some other 
 Friends. In a sitting after dinner, Oliver spoke in a 
 very encouraging manner to me. I was made sensible 
 that he had been favored to dip with me in my deep 
 baptisms. After which I parted with the dear aged 
 Friend, under a sense of his affectionate regard for 
 me, and secret prayer for my preservation. May his 
 fatherly care over me be remembered ! 
 
 "First-day, 7th, Went to a meeting at Bristol, 
 which was attended by a considerable number of peo- 
 ple who are not members of our Society. It was a 
 time of hard labor. I had to sound an alarm amongst 
 them, under a sense of great deficiency in coming up 
 in faithful obedience to the manifestations of Divine 
 grace. Felt more exhausted in my bodily strength 
 after tlie meeting than liad ever Ijccn my experience in 
 the exercise of the ministry; but was favored to enjoy 
 
48 Memoir of 
 
 a quiet calm^ which I esteemed a great favor. After 
 meeting we went to P. B.'s^ and after dinner^ had 
 a comfortable sitting with a number of valuable 
 Friends who were with us at this place^ some from 
 neighboring meetings. Here w^e parted with our 
 beloved Friends Joshua Sharpless and wife^ who 
 had been acceptably with us at all the meetings in 
 the compass of Bucks Quarter. Joshua spoke a few 
 words by way of encouragement before we parted ; 
 said it had been a satisfaction to him to be with us 
 from meeting to meeting. 
 
 ^^9th. Attended Solebury Meeting, which was com- 
 posed of a mixed multitude — many, not members, being 
 there. After sitting some time in silence, I stood up 
 with a small opening, yet as I endeavored to keep in 
 a state of humility, experienced an increase of strength 
 to my humbling admiration ; and it proved to be a 
 memorable day to me. 
 
 " lOth. Attended Buckingham meeting, which was 
 a time of hard labor ; was favored to relieve my mind 
 in a good degree, but did not feel cpiite so comfortable 
 when the meeting concluded, as I had on some other 
 occasions ; the cause I had to leave ; was ready to con- 
 clude it might be on my own account, lest I should 
 be exalted above measure.^^ 
 
 This finished his visit, and he reached home the 
 same evening ; and in retrospect of his little journey, 
 he says, '^ I am renewedly confirmed in the belief, that 
 when the Good Shepherd puts forth. He will not fail 
 to go before and make a way for his humble, depend- 
 ent children. ^^ 
 
J' esse Williams. 49 
 
 In a letter to his cousin, H. F., who was a teacher 
 at Westtown School, dated 7th mo. 31st, 1812, he 
 wrote as follows : — " Thou asks concerning my hurt. 
 Well, I may tell thee, it was a very narrow escape 
 from losing my life. I am now nearly recovered ; 
 which I esteem a singular favor. O, how necessary 
 it is for us to be prepared, seeing we know not the 
 day nor the hour when we may be called upon to 
 give an account of our stewardship. I feel more at 
 times than I can express, the importance of endeavor- 
 ing to live in a state of innocency, and in a willing- 
 ness to do what may be required of us. It matters not 
 whether we are hewers of wood, or drawers of water, 
 if we are only faithful in the line of Divine appoint- 
 ment, it will be sufficient, through mercy, to procure 
 for us at the close of time, an entrance into the man- 
 sions of rest, ^ Where the morning stars sing together, 
 and all the sons of God shout for joy.^ 
 
 ^^ I have often been made sensible, my dear cousin, 
 that thou hast thy deep wadings, and seasons of close 
 proving to pass through. Well, notwithstanding this 
 is the case, do not let in discouragement. I know 
 very well what it is to pass through such seasons ; 
 they are good for us, and have a tendency to keep us 
 humble ; which is the most acceptable state we poor 
 finite beings can be found in — even a state of humility.'^ 
 
 In the Twelfth month of this year, he paid a reli- 
 gious visit to the families of Gwynedd Particular Meet- 
 ing, having upwards of ninety sittings. 
 
 In the Fifth month, 1813, he was liberated to attend 
 
-jO Memoir of . 
 
 the Yearly Meeting of New York. On the 19th he 
 set out^ being aeeonipanied by his father-in-law, and 
 on the evening of the 20th, '' We arrived/^ he says, 
 ^^at the house of Henry Shotwell, in the town of Eah- 
 way, a handsome little village. At this plaee we met 
 with our Friend Susannah Home, from England, and 
 her companions, dear old John Hoskins, from Bur- 
 lington, and a number of other valuable Friends, all 
 on their way to the Yearly Meeting, at New York. 
 Spent the evening pleasantly with our beloved Friends. 
 
 "Sixth-day, 21st. We had a time of solid retire- 
 ment in this family, with the wife and children of H. 
 S., he being from home as companion to a ministering 
 Friend. We were comforted in being with them. 
 Dear S. Home, had something to offer, which had a 
 very solemnizing effect on all, I believe, that were 
 present. I had to cast in my little mite also, and 
 set my seal to what S. H. had to say. Felt peace of 
 mind on leaving this place. We travelled over a 
 beautiful turnpike road through Elizabethtown, New- 
 ark, etc., crossed the Hudson River in a steam ferry 
 boat, and arrived in New York city about one o^clock. 
 AYe met with a kind young Friend at the ferry, who 
 piloted us to Francis Thompson's, ^vhere w^e were 
 kindly received, and took up our lodgings at his house. 
 
 " 22d. At ten o'clock, we went to the opening of the 
 Meeting of* Ministers and Elders, held in the meeting- 
 house on Pearl Street; which was a favored season. 
 Dear old Abel Thomas, had considerable to say in the 
 meeting for worship, very much to my satisfaction. 
 
 " Elizabeth Coggshall opened in this meeting a pros- 
 
Jesse Williams. 51 
 
 pect of paying a religious visit in Ireland and some parts 
 of England. The subject elainied the solid attention of 
 the meeting, and was feelingly united with, and a com- 
 mittee appointed to prepare a certificate for her. 
 
 ^^ Susannah Home informed the meeting that she 
 did not see much further service for her in this country^ 
 and a committee was appointed to prepare a certificate 
 for her. 
 
 " Henry Hull informed the meeting, that he had 
 accomplished his visit to the British Isles^ and pro- 
 duced a certificate from the Yearly Meeting of Minis- 
 ters and Elders of London, expressive of their unity 
 with his labors in Truth's service in that country. It 
 was noted in the certificate, that on the day it was given 
 forth, they had received the affecting intelligence of the 
 decease of dear Henry HulPs wife and son. The testi- 
 mony concerning him, and his labors in that land, was 
 truly satisfactory. 
 
 " The subjects introduced by H. Hull, S. Home and 
 E. Coggshall, had a very solemnizing effect over the 
 meeting. Adjourned to four o'clock in the afternoon, 
 when the Queries and answers were read and consid- 
 ered. There was not much said during the reading of 
 tlie answers to those important queries ; according to 
 the sense I had, it was rather a low time. There was 
 some exception in some of the answers in regard to 
 love and unity^ which was truly affecting to some deeply 
 exercised minds. After sitting some considerable time, 
 and suffering with the seed of life, dear Richard Jordan 
 stood up, and was engaged in a very solemn and affect- 
 ing manner in the exercise of liis gift; had to treat 
 
52 Menwir of 
 
 pretty largely on the subject of love and unity ; the 
 inconsistency of Christians^ or the followers of Christ, 
 being at enmity one against another ; how very dis- 
 couraging it must be to those who are not of our per- 
 suasion, when they look towards us, a highly professing 
 people, and see that we have not the mark of true dis- 
 cipleship, which is, ^ Love one for another,^ but behold 
 in us as well as in other people, that there is strife and 
 animosity amongst us. 
 
 '' I sat among my friends as a scholar, willing to be 
 taught, being sensible that I have need to learn in the 
 school of Christ ; but believe I was favored to sympa- 
 thize, in some degree, with the suflFering seed. 
 
 ^^ First-day morning, I attended the meeting on 
 Pearl Street, which was a crowded assembly. In the 
 fore part, there w^ere several appearances in the line of 
 ministry, but I could not feel that settledness in the 
 minds of the people, w'hich I coveted for them, as well 
 as for myself. After this we had a silent sitting for a 
 considerable time, then dear John Cox, from Burling- 
 ton, bore a lively testimony. He commenced with the 
 exhortation of the Apostle Paul to Timothy : ^ Study 
 to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that 
 needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the w^ord 
 of truth.' After he sat down, Susannah Home ap- 
 peared in solemn supplication. The meeting then con- 
 cluded, under a sense of favor extended to us near the 
 close of this opportunity. At four o'clock, I attended 
 Liberty Street meeting, w^hicli w^as small. After sitting 
 some time in silence, I spoke a few words, and felt peace 
 of mind in attending to what seemed to be given me 
 
Jesse Williams. 53 
 
 to offer. Soon after I sat down^ J. Baldwin addressed 
 the young people in a very affectionate manner ; after 
 which the meeting concluded. In the evening I paid 
 a visit to Caleb and Elizabeth Coggshall. We had a 
 time of solemn retirement together^ and I felt it to be 
 my place to speak the language of encouragement to 
 my beloved friends^ believing I w^as favored^ in some 
 degree^ to sympathize w^ith those who are deeply tried 
 and proved^ and that the everlasting Arms are under- 
 neath^ to support those who have no might of their 
 own. J. R./from Philadelphia^ set her seal to what 
 had been said, wdtli some little addition. This was a 
 very unexpected religious opportunity to me, but I 
 liad to believe it was a favored one, and returned to 
 my lodgings in a quiet frame of mind.^^ 
 
 We do not find any further account of this Yearly 
 Meeting. 
 
 In the latter part of this year, J. W. paid a religious 
 visit to the meetings of Exeter and Muncy Monthly 
 Meetings. Of his exercises on this journey he kept no 
 particular account ; only a brief mention of the places 
 and meetings they were at. 
 
 This, our dear Friend, was taken sick about the 
 15th of Eighth month, 1814. A physician was early 
 called in, who pronounced the disease bilious remitting 
 fever. In about two weeks the fever seemed consider- 
 ably broken, and strong hopes of his recovery were 
 entertained. But a change for the worse soon ensued. 
 He had much oppression, and a hard cough through- 
 out his illness; and in addition to his bodily sufferings, 
 
54 Memoir of 
 
 passed through much conflict of mind. On the night 
 of the 2nd of Nintli mouthy he altered greatly. A 
 dear friend of his^ a fellow-laborer in the gospel, sat 
 up with him that night ; whom he asked to read to 
 to him from Isaiah, the passage, ^^For a small moment 
 have I forsaken thee, but with everlasting kindness 
 will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Re- 
 deemer.^^ He requested it might be read again, and 
 after hearing it the second time remarked, it felt com- 
 fortable, and he believed it applicable to his situation ; 
 said he had often found comfort and consolation in the 
 Scriptures. He further said to the friend, " Whatever 
 thou doest, J , neglect not the cause nor the testi- 
 mony, for this will prove of greater importance than 
 anything else. Thou feelest very near to me, and I 
 can tell thee as Jacob Lindley once told Thomas Scat- 
 tergood, ' I do love thee, and feel as if I could live 
 with thee forever.^ '^ 
 
 When raised in the morning, for a little change of 
 position, he exclaimed, " O, I am so weak, I should 
 not wonder if I did not live through the day.^^ On 
 this day (which was Seventh-day), he desired his bro- 
 thers and sisters might be sent for. Although his re- 
 covery appeared doubtful to himself for the greater 
 part of his illness, yet he did not seem so fully sensible 
 of this being his last illness, until now. 
 
 On Second-day afternoon, he inquired if all were in 
 the room. His wife answered they were, viz., his 
 brothers and sisters, also his wife's, and her father and 
 mother. He then requested to be raised a little; after 
 which he spoke out with a clear audible voice, to the 
 
Jesse Willimns. 55 
 
 astonishment of all present^ his weakness considered : 
 '' I feel my mind drawn to give forth this short testi- 
 mony concerning our dear Lord. He hath been kind 
 to me^ from childhood down to the present time^ and 
 lias been with me in my present affliction ; and I feel 
 a confidence which w^arrants me to say^ He will be 
 merciful to my soul.'^ He then addressed his brothers, 
 and said, ^^I want you to choose the Lord for your 
 portion, and the mighty God of Jacob for the lot of 
 your inheritance/^ And he requested they might have 
 a parental care over his precious children. To a sister, 
 he said, '' And thou, my dear sister, thou art a talented 
 young woman ; if thou art faithful, thou wilt be made 
 to shine as a fixed star in God^s firmament.^^ He fur- 
 ther said, '' Let all be concerned for the immortal part ; 
 though you may be continued here a little longer, you 
 must all come to this — you will all have to die !'^ 
 Here he paused — then continued, '^ And if the awful 
 change should take place in a short time, keep com- 
 posed ! Let all things be done decently and in order.^^ 
 Shortly after a consulting physician arrived, (Dr. At- 
 lee, from Philadelphia.) He told the doctor he had 
 very little prospect he could do much for him, but was 
 willing one more effort should be made. The doctors 
 consulted together, and ordered some change in the 
 treatment, but said, a very short time Av^ould determine 
 whether these prescriptions would answer ; and so it 
 proved ; he was fast failing. About eleven o^clock he 
 had a very hard spell of coughing, which occasioned 
 great pain at his breast; and his distress at this time 
 was such, that he prayed in a very solemn entreat- 
 
56 Memoir of 
 
 ing manner^ that ^^ The work might be cut short in 
 righteousness/' 
 
 He requested his brothers might be sent for, who 
 came shortly, and also a beloved uncle, to whom he 
 said, " O uncle ! dear uncle, how^ glad I am to see 
 thee ! Ah, I believe I am going/' The doctor com- 
 ing in, he said to him, " Well, doctor, thou hast done 
 what thou could to raise this poor tabernacle. I 
 have been sensible of thy kind attention to me since I 
 have been on this sick bed, but now I am going/' 
 After this, there was a considerable time of silence, 
 when, the doctor being about to retire, he called him 
 to the bed-side and said, '' My mind has been exercised 
 on thy account, doctor, that thou mayest be concerned 
 for thyself — for the immortal part. I desire to do all 
 that is required of me on thy account." Then men- 
 tioned to him the principal subject of his concern. 
 ^^Be willing to take the advice of a poor staggering 
 brother, reduced to such bodily weakness ! Farewell, 
 doctor ! I must now leave thee to the gift of God, and 
 the word of His grace, which is able to build thee up 
 in the most holy faith, and finally receive thee into His 
 kingdom of rest." After a little time the doctor re- 
 tired. 
 
 From the evidence that was felt that his work was 
 finished, his mother was induced to say to him, that 
 " There seemed to be the language of Well done." 
 He noticed what w^as said, but made no reply. After 
 a time of stillness, a precious stillness, not only to 
 him, but to all present, he turned his head upon the 
 pillow and said ; '' Come, dearest Lord, thy servant 
 
Jesse Williams. 57 
 
 is ready ; at least it feels so to me ; if anything yet re- 
 mains^ be pleased to wasli it aAvay, that tlion niayest 
 receive my soul into glory !'^ 
 
 He continued entirely sensible^ waiting patiently^ 
 and took leave of all separately. Some time after^ in 
 a low whisper he inquired if all the family were pre- 
 sent — hoped none would leave in this solemn time. His 
 wife told him all were present. It was truly a solemn 
 time; but his patience continued to the last^ though he 
 had several very severe spells of suffering ; yet^ when 
 these had passed by^ he would lay easy^ and the joy of his 
 heart was expressed by the serenity of his countenance, 
 and by the frequent lifting up of his hands. Thus his 
 sufferings ended, and his day closed, about half past 
 ten in the evening of the 6th of Ninth month, 1814; 
 and there is no doubt but that he entered into the joy 
 of his Lord, and into his lieavenly Father's rest. Be- 
 ing aged 84 years. 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 HANNAH WILLIAMS. 
 
 She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary Albertson^ 
 of Montgomeiy County^ Pennsylvania^ and was born 
 in the year 1784. During her childhood and youth^ 
 she was of a lively, social disposition, and early evinced 
 a maturity of judgment and deportment beyond her 
 years; her mother confiding in her as her especial 
 friend. She says of this period, '^ Our parents were at 
 all times careful to attend religious meetings, and they 
 took me to tAvo Yearly Meetings with them when quite 
 young, which, to me, were times of favor ; and instruc- 
 tion was sealed on my tender mind, not yet forgotten 
 by me.^^ Her parents being exemplary in plainness 
 themselves, were concerned to bring up their children 
 in conformity with that simplicity which our Christian 
 principles lead into, and she ever yielded a ready com- 
 pliance with their wholesome restraints in this respect. 
 
 To her brothers and sisters, all of whom were younger 
 than herself, she was a most affectionate and exemplary 
 sister, being pleasant and cheerful with them, and not 
 assuming an authoritative conduct amongst them, or 
 over her associates at school. 
 
 A brother that survived her a few years, has left 
 
60 Memoir of 
 
 upon record this testimony concerning her : " She was 
 in those days a pattern of all that we admire in child- 
 hood^ a choice sister as would be found in a thousand. 
 ThiS/part of her life is still fresh in my memory^ and 
 presents the strongest draughts upon gratitude and 
 affectionate remembrance/^ 
 
 In the spring of 1799^ soon after Westtown Board- 
 ing School was opened^ she w^as sent there a scholar, 
 beino; about the twelfth or thirteenth entered. She 
 w^as then in her fifteenth year ; and in allusion to this 
 period, she wTote in after years, '' I yet remember with 
 gladness my feelings at that school before I w^as fifteen 
 years of age ; and the labors of my concerned friends 
 there, have been helpful on my journey, especially 
 helpful, along the tribulated path of life.^^ 
 
 After her return from Westtown, she was engaged 
 as an assistant teacher, in a boarding school kept by 
 her parents in their ow^n house, for a period of three 
 years. " It was about this time,^^ says another of her 
 brothers, " when I was about thirteen years of age, 
 that she was instrumental in effectually checking in me 
 a growing fondness for gunning, shooting birds, &c. 
 On one occasion, having shot a robin in the orchard, I 
 broupht it to the house, when she addressed me on the 
 cruelty of this amusement, ' Which owes its pleasures 
 to another's pain;' and so touching and impressive 
 were her appeals, that I ever after felt restrained from 
 indulging in that ^detested sport.'" 
 
 In the Ninth month, 1804, she went to Westtown 
 as a teacher, and continued there tlu^ee years. From 
 some memorandums she kept during this time, it ap- 
 
Hannah Williains. 61 
 
 pears she Avas much interested in those she had the 
 care of instructing, and endeavored to discharge the 
 duties of teacher with fidelity ; being concerned that 
 they should not only advance in learning, but also 
 acquire habits of virtue and sobriety. It is very ob- 
 servable that she kept up the warfare against the ene- 
 mies of her own household, in order for her groAvth 
 and preservation in the truth ; and she does not conceal 
 the fact that she had many weaknesses to contend with : 
 at one time she would record with regret, and hopes of 
 future amendment, that she gave way to too much 
 laughter ; at another time, spoke something she had 
 better not have said, and thus brought forth fruit for 
 repentance. But she learned by the things she suf- 
 fered to be more on her guard, and labored to have a 
 conscience void of oifence. 
 
 Some time after her return from that institution, 
 she was united in marriage to Jesse Williams, son of 
 Richard and Sarah Williams, of North Carolina. He 
 was an approved and esteemed minister of the gospel. 
 They lived together in much unity for about seven 
 years, part of the time at Evesham, Ncav Jersey, where 
 he kept a school. He died at his residence at Ply- 
 mouth, in the Ninth month, 1814, after an illness of 
 about three weeks, in the thirty-fifth year of his age. 
 A brief account of his life, and of its close, precedes 
 this. 
 
 Thus Hannah Williams was early left a wadow, with 
 
 four small children, three daughters, and one little boy 
 
 a few months old, to provide for. She continued a 
 
 widow the remainder of her life ; and for the main- 
 
 G 
 
62 Memoir of 
 
 tenaiice of her family opened a boarding and day 
 school^ in her own honse^ which she continued till 
 near the close of her life : in retrospect near the con- 
 clusion thereof, saying, " More than two-thirds of my 
 life has been more or less taken up in the care of 
 children : on retrospection have but little to say for 
 myself: if a blessing has rested on my labor in any 
 particular^ the praise be to the Great Dispenser of 
 blessings. But this I may say, many times when sit- 
 ting in school J my spirit has been refreshed from a belief, 
 that the good seed would be watered in the hearts of 
 some of the young, and grow to be a plant of renown." 
 
 Through the blessing of a kind Providence on her 
 honest endeavors, she was enabled to maintain her 
 family reputably ; the daughters as they became of 
 sufficient age, assisted in the school, and she employed 
 from time to time, other teachers, as they were needed. 
 
 She was, through life, a steady attender of meetings 
 for Divine 'Worship, as well as those for Discipline, 
 taking her family with her; the prosperity of Truth, 
 and the welfare of our religious Society, being very 
 near to her best feelings. 
 
 She was called to fill various important stations in 
 religious Society, in all of which, she was concerned to 
 keep a single eye to the honor of Truth. She stood 
 in the station of Elder and Overseer in the Monthly 
 Meeting to which she belonged for many years ; and 
 was for a considerable time a member of the committee 
 having charge of the Boarding School at Westtown. 
 She felt a deep interest in the right management and 
 welfare of this institution ; and diligently attended to 
 
Hannah Williams. 63 
 
 its concerns as long as her health and strength per- 
 mitted ; and her services were much valued in the com- 
 mittee. 
 
 Her compassion and tenderness towards the brute 
 creation^ were remarkable, yet greater, if possible to- 
 wards suffering humanity. The poor, the sick, the 
 afflicted in any way, claimed her sympathy, and what 
 her limited resources afforded, was cheerfully admin- 
 istered for their relief and comfort. She exercised 
 sound discretion in her benevolence, not always with- 
 holding assistance on account of the improvidence of 
 the sufferers ; but administered also advice, instruction, 
 counsel or reproof, as the case appeared to require. 
 
 She had but a humble estimate of her own labors 
 and position in society ; saying at one time, " In my 
 young days it was sealed to my understanding and 
 best sense, that no great or public place was for me ; 
 but a good example was required in all things : and a 
 voice followed close, saying intelligibly to the ear of 
 my soul in early days, ' This is the w^ay, walk thou in 
 it :' when tempted to turn either to the right hand, or 
 left, the monitor was at hand; and even to this day, I 
 see no more required but a sound steady example; not 
 many words, and those to the point in the business 
 laid upon me from one period to another. And greatly 
 have I been comforted and strengthened in this my 
 way, when I have found my exercises have been in 
 accordance w4th those of the faithful, either of the pre- 
 sent day, or of those who have passed away. But I 
 have not always been careful enough, and sorrow has 
 been the result. Temptations yet await in this lowly 
 
64 Memoir of 
 
 path ; a whispering, Why not do and be as others who 
 are better than I ? then the first and early injunction 
 presses for place, ' This is the way/ I cannot be too 
 thankful that the rod and staif still correct and com- 
 fort me.^^ 
 
 The .extracts from letters, &c., which constitute the 
 greater portion of this Memoir, w ere penned during the 
 last twenty years of her life, and it is believed they 
 may serve as way-marks to others Avho may peruse 
 them, and animate to faithfulness, by observing her 
 careful. Christian walking, along the chequered path 
 of life. 
 
 '' 1816. The Yearly Meeting collected, and quietly 
 commenced business ; not interrupted with preaching 
 that did not apply ; had some short, lively remarks. 
 H. Kirkbride is lively In good things; my heart has 
 rejoiced in seeing and believing there are many valiants 
 in our Yearly Meeting of the elder and younger class. 
 Hannah Smith, Sarah Emlen and Sarah Cresson, side 
 by side in the second gallery, are quite an ornament to 
 the meeting. Epistles were read from all the Yearly 
 Meetings ; after w^hich, some good remarks were made 
 in a clear and comprehensive manner, relative to the 
 propriety of this correspondence Avith our Friends at a 
 distance when done in the life ; alleging, that ^ the Spirit 
 maketh alive, but the letter killeth. ^ Third-day — morn- 
 ing and afternoon sittings were occupied with reading 
 the Queries with their answers, from the respective 
 meetings, and were weightily considered ; the non- 
 attendance af week-day meetings, sleeping in meetings, 
 
Hannah Williams. OO 
 
 &c., speaking detractively of our neighbors and one 
 another^ was^ in a very interesting and instructive man- 
 ner^ set before us ; also^ the subject of dress, and ex- 
 travagance in household 'furniture, &c., was feelingly 
 spoken to; I thought nothing was left untouched. 
 Many of our worthy ancients and middle-aged, are 
 greatly favored to bring forth out of the treasury 
 things new and old, to the instruction of many minds. 
 Much encouragement was held forth to those in afflu- 
 ent circumstances, to remember the poor, and not be 
 too fearful of hurting their feelings, but endeavor to 
 search out the cause they knew not; this was, more 
 than is common, extensively treated upon, with the 
 education of the children of such. When the answers 
 to the eighth Query was before tho meeting, some re-- 
 marks were made on account of cases being introduced 
 seasonably into our Monthly Meetings, and dismissed 
 at the proper time. At our afternoon sitting, on 
 Fourth-day, a memorial for our dear Friend Thomas 
 Scatt^good was read, which spread a solemnity over 
 the meeting; which, with a few remarks on the life 
 and death of the righteous, by Hannah Fisher, closed 
 that sitting. Attended Arch Street meeting for wor- 
 ship ; which was favored with a very interesting testi- 
 mony from a dear Friend, concerning the seed of the 
 kingdom, which ^ is the least of all seeds,^ &c. The 
 
 afternoon sitting, received a visit from , who 
 
 treated affectionately Avith mothers, to exercise a godly 
 care over the children, and was much favored ; address- 
 ed the children in a most moving manner ; and then a 
 little relating to those active in Monthly and other 
 
66 Memoir of 
 
 Meetings^ that they should be careful when going forth 
 to deal with offenders^ to go clothed with love ; which 
 would have a tendency to reclaim and to restore. An 
 interesting communication followed, encouraging, com- 
 forting and strengthening to the widowed mothers, 
 showing that they and their fatherless children were 
 peculiar objects of heavenly regard ; this I could do no 
 other than, with others present, apply to my own situ- 
 ation. At the close of this sitting, a testimony was 
 read for Jacob Lindley. Sixth-day's sittings were 
 occupied reading the account of the Boarding School, 
 Indian reports, &c. ; also a memorial from the Monthly 
 Meeting of Friends for the Southern District, for De- 
 borah Evans, wife of William Evans ; it was truly an 
 interesting and affecting account — deceased in the 28th 
 year of her age ; very lively and encouraging testi- 
 monies followed the reading of it, to our dear young 
 women ; a concern, was also felt and expressed for us, 
 recommending moderation in all things, and to en- 
 deavor to circumscribe our wants.'' 
 
 ^ >fi ;|^ >!< :{c 
 
 " 1818. The Yearly Meeting of women Friends com- 
 menced with a solemn supplication from Mary Naftel, 
 after which the usual business was entered upon. At 
 our afternoon sitting, the representatives proposed the 
 reappointment of Catharine Morris and Sarah Wilson 
 for Clerks, which was feelingly united with ; after 
 which, there was an appointment to essay epistles; 
 there was a proposition that the appointment be made 
 from the several Quarters, and not in the usual manner ; 
 this, Mary Naftel sanctioned, with querying, ^how those 
 
Hannah Williams. 67 
 
 were to be helped who had lain^ as it were^ among the 
 pots/ if not by being banded together with the older 
 and more experienced, and wished the appointment 
 might be made amongst those who were of the little 
 ones, who had not come up to this solemnity in the 
 pride or haughtiness of their hearts ; but who were 
 bound to the Truth, and who loved it and were saying 
 within themselves, ^Is there not a cause ?^ In this 
 sitting there was not much done, but much was felt, 
 and what was said ^n2^ feelingly said. Whilst the state 
 of Society was before the meeting on Third-day, much 
 salutary advice was given, and many instructive re- 
 marks made/^ 
 
 * ^< 5K 2!< * 
 
 '' 4th mo. 13th, 1823. Our Select Meeting was con- 
 ducted with propriety and weight. Our dear Friend, 
 George Withy, from England, had some very close, 
 pertinent remarks to make at the close of the business. 
 
 " 16th. Whilst the state of Society was before the 
 meeting, it was introduced into a lively concern and 
 travail for the help of the church from its present low 
 state. The neglect of duty as regards the attendance 
 of week-day meetings, was cause of painful exercise, 
 and such Friends as feel bound to attend all our reli- 
 gious meetings, were encouraged to extend care in ah 
 affectionate manner to those who are sometimes absent, 
 and that the dear children, and others of the family, 
 might have way made for them. The subjects of love 
 and unity, and tale-bearing and detraction, were feel- 
 ingly spoken to : it was recommended that Ave dwell 
 in the patience, when we apprehend we have been in- 
 
GS Memoir of 
 
 jured or hurt by the misconduct of a Friend ; not tell- 
 ing it to another^ and thereby weakening our own 
 hands. That of speaking of the weaknesses or failings 
 of a Friend^ and giving ear to something of detraction 
 or tale-bearing, was cause of much concern. The sub- 
 ject of the poor w^as affectionately recommended to those 
 in more affluent circumstances, not limiting their bounty 
 to those only who were under the care of Monthly Meet- 
 ings. The subject of dealing with offenders, Avas care- 
 fully investigated. Some of the answers stated, they 
 were dealt with agreeably to our discipline ; it was 
 observed, such might be treated with agreeably to the 
 leUer of the discipline, and yet fall short of the spirit 
 of restoring love, which is the spirit and life of our 
 discipline. Monthly Meetings were exhorted to be 
 weighty in the nomination of Friends, to treat with 
 such as transgress the rules of Society, as much de- 
 pended on a right appointment to such services. I 
 have wished that the exercise might be carried as 
 Ijurely as it could be to the several Quarterly Meetings, 
 believing that the wing of Ancient Goodness hovered 
 over our meeting this day. Many were favored to 
 enter into the concerns of Society profitably to them- 
 selves and to the meeting, which was cause of encour- 
 agement humbly to depend upon the sufficiency of that 
 Arm of power which is underneath, to support all the 
 rightly concerned in their various allotments and sta- 
 tions in Society. The report of the committee appointed 
 last year, to visit the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, 
 was read ; which excited a deep travail for the preser- 
 vation of Friends upon the ancieiif foundation. A 
 
Hannah Williams. 69 
 
 copy of the report is to be sent down to the Subordi- 
 nate Meetings. It must be acknowledged^ that our 
 meeting has been evidently owned, and Best Help 
 afforded to transact the weighty business that has 
 come before us, and much faithful labor bestowed." 
 
 '' 1824. During the sittings of this Yearly Meet- 
 ing, and whilst the state of Society was before it, many 
 subjects were touched upon : that of living within the 
 bounds of our circumstances ; that w^e be so under the 
 circumscribing limits of truth, as to live Avithin them, 
 not looking out at others, but be willing to deny our- 
 selves many things, in order that the husbands and 
 fathers might not be too much tied down to the earth 
 to obtain the means. The young w^omen were called 
 upon to turn at the reproofs of instruction — to faith- 
 fulness in ^ little things ;^ also, to suppress a word, or 
 even a look, that was improper. Dear Sarah Cresson 
 was very lively and sweet in her address to the young 
 women, on their reading improper publications ; and 
 just as the adjournment was about being read, she arose 
 again and said, ' O, it is very desirable that all would 
 keep still until the meeting is regularly adjourned, and 
 dwell under the precious covering, which in mercy is 
 offered as the crown and diadem of our assemblies.^ 
 The answers to the Queries, all show" much w^eakness 
 amongst us. It seemed very desirable, all should be 
 able to divide between the letter and the spirit in the 
 application of the discipline, and in understanding the 
 Queries. Counsel flowed to overseers, and to all con- 
 cerned Friends, that they visit the widows and the 
 
70 MemoLV of 
 
 fatherless, and those in affliction ; if nothing l)e said, 
 endeavor to enter into their situation, feel where they 
 are, and what may be their trials. E. B. spoke to 
 such as had been marvellously met with, in a way 
 they in no wise looked for ; also had their doubts and 
 perplexities removed. She recommended them to be 
 on the watch, and to be still; not presume on their 
 attainments. M. L. desired that we might gather up 
 the fragments. "^ "^ '-^ "^ Then A. B. addressed 
 young mothers on the care of their little ones ; related 
 how it had been with her, and what Truth called her 
 oif from. She spoke as one who had yet much to learn ; 
 that she hardly dare look into the future ; meaning, as 
 I understood, that her own children were young, and 
 she knew not what might happen. She is one who 
 being wise is made simple, and being willing to be 
 simple, is made wise. Our dear aged Friend Hannah 
 Kirkbride, is lively and green in age. Truly we have 
 been favored \\\\\\ the countenance and help of tlie 
 Head of the Church at this season." 
 
 The following is addressed to a chikl at Westtown : 
 
 '' 12th mo., 1828. 
 '' My child, try as time passes, to lay up a little 
 store of durable good ; you have many opportunities, 
 good times at meeting, with committee Friends, and 
 others, — and times of quiet, wherein you may think 
 and reflect. Learn to think ; it produces stability. 
 Stability and humility are marks of a sound Chris- 
 tian. O, I have longed that my children may know 
 something better, than mach that is passing around 
 
Ha iijiii h Willia : n s. 71 
 
 them here; there is so much that may be compared 
 to tlie chaff, so much that is nothing worth, that I 
 have often longed they might have something better 
 to be looking at for example. '^' " * "^ 
 
 These lessons are best learned in silence, and in begging 
 to be preserved and instructed. I hope my dear child 
 will open her ear that way, and hearken and hear. 
 The Great Teacher teaches such himself. I could say 
 much, but a little may suffice-; only remember it is thy 
 mother's most especial wish, that thou may often think 
 of these things.'' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 /•' 1st mo. 22nd, 1829. 
 
 '' The list of teachers at Westtown thou sent me, I 
 looked over. Four of the number who were there 
 when I was, have gone from works to rewards. And 
 from accounts of their close, together w^th my know- 
 ledge of that portion of their lives spent there, I 
 thought we might say they were blessed. And when 
 I compare that state with the rest of us who remain, 
 I could indeed say, ^Blessed are the dead who liave 
 died in the Lord.' " 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ''3rd mo. 16th. 
 
 '' Thy account of your First-day evening reading, 
 and your good superintendent's exhortation, were in- 
 teresting to me. Good opportunities we used to have 
 at times, on such occasions ; good counsel sometimes 
 from the teachers, sometimes from the superintendents. 
 
72 Memoir of 
 
 or from committee or other concerned Friends. That 
 school has been from its first beginnings under the 
 peculiar notice of Him who sleepeth not by day nor 
 slumbereth by night, filling the hearts of faithful ser- 
 vants with a w^ord in due season for the dear children 
 placed there; and in many and various ways caring 
 for it. Our dear Friend Thomas Scatt^rgood^s ser- 
 vices there, I do not forget, and hope none will who 
 partook thereof. He spent two summers there, out of 
 religious concern for the school — much of the time 
 being spent in the schools, and with the teachers 
 — was capable of entering into feeling with them on 
 all occasions^ and was generally present in all diffi- 
 culties, affording counsel, and strengthening the hands 
 that were often ready to hang down; giving advice to 
 the children, both separately and together : and was 
 very commonly with us at the times of collecting. I 
 do afresh remember his labors in meetings, and out of 
 them. Our Friend Samuel Smith, was also there in a 
 similar way, though not at the same time.^^ 
 
 " 4th mo., 1829. I came to Philadelphia, to attend 
 the Yearly Meeting. Morning and afternoon was at 
 the meeting of Ministers and Elders. An exercise pre- 
 vailed respecting the care of parents over their children, 
 that they should be educated consistently with our 
 Christian profession. A concern also prevailed that 
 ministers should dwell with their gifts, and minister 
 only in right ability. Thomas Shillitoe did not fail 
 to exhort to put away out of our houses, gods of gold, 
 of silver, of wood and of stone, together with that 
 
Hannah Williams. 
 
 TO 
 
 i O 
 
 disposition which is not in accordance with the spirit 
 of Truth ; and said he had seen in the visions of light, 
 that as this became the concern of Friends, w^e should 
 again come forth in ancient brightness. 
 
 '' I had unity with the exercise of the meetings, 
 though feeling very low. The importance of properly 
 being a member of that meeting, and my own sense of 
 the qualifications I possessed were so at variance, that 
 only a hope I might improve, made me willing again 
 to go. 
 
 " On Second-day, during the morning and afternoon 
 sittings, epistles from all the Yearly Meetings were 
 read.; the language of which was unusually grateful 
 to my feelings. It is a time when what we feel and 
 communicate in this epistolary way, is not the floating 
 imaginations of the head, but as ' Deep calling unto 
 deep.^ 
 
 " Third-day. Whilst the third Query was under 
 consideration, pertinent counsel was given relative to 
 the right education of youth, and to the care of parents, 
 first over themselves, then tow^ard their children. Ann 
 Jones [of England], was concerned for the younger 
 part of families, spoke of the impropriety of young 
 persons associating in companies out of the company of 
 their older friends, often exposing them to frivolous 
 talk and much laughing, whereby precious time was 
 consumed, and weakness added ; not prohibiting proper 
 associating with each other, and letting their parents be 
 their nearest friends, to w^honi all their little grievances 
 might be committed. Parents cannot be too careful 
 to keep open this communicative channel ; it is a source 
 7 
 
74 Memoir of 
 
 of much comfort and consolation often, both to j^arents 
 and children. 
 
 ^^The daily reading of the Holy Scriptures was re- 
 commended. So much evidence of its being a pure 
 concern accompanied the opening, that I have no doubt 
 many amongst us, if faithful, will have not only to 
 approve, but adopt it. 
 
 " The use of the plain language in its true gram- 
 matical way, was left by dear Ann Jones as a testi- 
 mony to the truth, that the time was at hand, or com- 
 ing, that '' My people shall have a pure language /^ 
 and that we must come to be a more spiritually-minded 
 people ; that those who are looking to us for examples, 
 may not be turned away in disappointmeut, saying, 
 these people are not the people they profess to be; 
 professing to be led and guided by the spirit of Truth, 
 and yet in their movements disregarding it. 
 
 " I do feel prepared to unite with the precious testi- 
 monies of the Friends exercised this day in meeting, 
 amono;st whom was dear Sarah Cresson, settino; her 
 seal to the benefit of silent waiting in families, and to 
 the reading of the Holy Scriptures. But whether 
 human weakness will prevail to preventing my attempts 
 in humility and simplicity to be more careful in these 
 respects than heretofore, with heart and mind to look 
 to Him who is. able to bless, I know not ; but I crave 
 the blessing of preservation, and to be found coming 
 up in my place. 
 
 " While the state of Society was before the meeting, 
 much excellent counsel was handed on various subjects. 
 Friends were encourao-ed to faithfulness in the attend- 
 
Hannah Willia-ms. 75 
 
 ance of meetings^ both for worship and discipline ; 
 parents of children, especially yonng mothers and young 
 housekeepers, were very tenderly and affectionately 
 entreated to be moderate in their expenses, in their 
 families, and on their little children, and to labor day 
 by day to bring them up in the nurture and admoni- 
 tion of the Lord. 
 
 '' I was greatly comforted in finding from time to 
 time during this meeting, and especially at the close of 
 this sitting, Friends called home by a living gospel 
 call, such as would gather all who are really desirous 
 to be instructed, who have been scattered in the dark 
 and cloudy day. 
 ' " Seventh-day morning, met at 9 o^clock. Shortly 
 after the meeting settled, men Friends informed us 
 that Thomas Shillitoe Avished to pay a visit to women^s 
 meeting; which being united with he came, and was 
 favored to address the youth with an earnest call, which 
 he believed would not always be extended to the children 
 of this people ; but if disregarded and slighted^ not be- 
 ing willing to deny themselves and come forward in 
 the Lord^s cause of truth and righteousness, that the 
 very stones of the street would cry out, and those from 
 highways and hedges would be called in to take their 
 places, even the places of the children of professing 
 Abraham. I thought the fervency and earnest travail 
 of this faithful servant did indeed claim the very close 
 at%ition of all : I did believe it to be a gospel call. 
 He then addressed the female heads of flimilies ; en- 
 couraged them so to manage their domestic matters, as 
 to have more quiet in their families. His mind had 
 
76 Memoir of 
 
 often been pained to see the bustle and hurry many 
 were in ; hardly time to sit down at all ; that in con- 
 sequence of their tables being furnished with such a 
 variety^ they were much engaged in cooking; that three 
 times a day to cook warm victuals, kept the female head 
 and her help (if she had any) almost all day cooking 
 and washing dishes, that time for retirement or read- 
 ing was precluded. He gave solid advice respecting 
 silence before meals, that as this practice was carefully 
 observed with hearts of gratitude for bodily refresh- 
 ment, their souls would sometimes be spiritually re- 
 freshed. He mentioned also his exercises, on account 
 of the manner in which mothers dress their children 
 in infant life ; though to appearance, tolerably consist- 
 ent themselves, yet, by their conduct in these matters, 
 proved they were not abiding under the power of the 
 cross in themselves. Mentioned the little boys, when 
 at an age to put on buttoned clothes, his feelings had 
 been hurt to see how fantastically their clothes were 
 made, so many needless buttons, &c. 
 
 "After he withdrew, the way was left open for many 
 exercised minds to obtain some relief. Sarah Cresson 
 strengthened the concern by adding her portion, be- 
 lieving, as she said, the time was coming that the 
 Babylonish garment would be searched out : that 
 though some might say these were little things, yet 
 they were an outward and visible sign of inward want : 
 encouraged heads of families to be faithful to those 
 placed under their care. Take time to sit down in 
 retirement with their little ones, that so a blessing 
 might attend. She expressed a hope, that by discharg- 
 
Hannah Williams. 77 
 
 ing their duty in these respects, a little army would 
 be raised up for the Lord from among the youth in 
 this Yearly Meeting, who would stand faithful for the 
 law and testimony. 
 
 "There was much solemnity over the meeting under 
 these communications ; no doubt it was the language 
 of the Spirit to the church, through these instruments. 
 There was one part of dear T. Shillitoe^s concern which 
 I omitted. In speaking of the children's dress, — it 
 prepared the way for departures as they grew up, and 
 often was the means of introducing them into unsuit- 
 able company, whereby there were outgoings in mar- 
 riage.'^ 
 
 To one of her daughters. 
 
 "11th mo. 9th. 
 " Thy account of the Quarterly Meeting, was truly 
 good ; how we ought to prize such precious opportu- 
 nities ! I feel thankful to my parents who zealously 
 attended all our meetings, and took their families with 
 them ; which is the duty of parents, and often is 
 blessed to the children. ^ ^^ ^ ^^ ^^ regards 
 our aged Friend, Jonathan Evans, I consider him one 
 of the faithful standard-bearers in our day, an ' Elder 
 worthy of double honor ;' and that his children are as 
 a staff in his hand.'' 
 
 " 4th mo. 1830. The first sitting of the Yearly 
 Meeting of Ministers and Elders, was held mostly 
 in silence, until the business commenced. Our dear 
 Friend, Ann Jones, had a short testimony in comme- 
 
78 Memoir of 
 
 moration of the unmerited mercy and goodness of the 
 Shepherd of Israel^ who has made bare his arm for 
 the help of his people^ and wrought great deliverance. 
 She alluded to the fact^ that several who had stood 
 as upright pillars^ had of latter time been removed 
 from works to rewards^ and encouraged those who 
 remained, to a faithful discharge of their respective 
 duties ; adding that for herself, above every thing else, 
 she had desired to be united to the seed of life, and 
 to dwell with it. 
 
 '' In the afternoon, the remaining Queries with their 
 answers were read. I was sensible there w^as silent 
 exercise on the various deficiencies apparent, and verily 
 there is need of a close abiding with the gift, and with 
 the Giver of the gift, to be able, in truth, to answer so 
 clear. 
 
 " The excellency of a sound gospel ministry was held 
 up to view, and the blessing it was to the church ; and 
 the necessity of ministers and elders dwelling deep and 
 waiting in our meetings ; which are much stripped in 
 many places. The ancient declaration was revived : 
 ^ I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor 
 people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord.' 
 
 '' The answer to the fourth Query, was from all the 
 Quarters, ' We endeavor to train our children, and the 
 youth under our care, in plainness of dress and sim- 
 plicity of manners becoming our religious profession.' 
 The clerk, Samuel Bettle, considered this ' An indefi- 
 nite way of answering the Query. We may endeavor, 
 and yet not have the endeavor crowned with success.' 
 He queried, ' Did we believe it possible to come up in 
 
Hannah Williams. 79 
 
 a faithful discharge of duty ?' He believed ' It was 
 not only possible^ but absolutely necessary we should^ 
 if ever our Society shone in brightness/ He con- 
 sidered ^a failure in fulfilling our duty to our offspring 
 in this respect^ one fruitful source of the trials which 
 have overtaken our religious Society. O^ the daily, 
 deep indwelling that it requires to be prepared to meet 
 our various trials and difficulties which may occur ; 
 not only in meetings but on all occasions, to have our 
 minds so seasoned w^ith grace, that our example and 
 precept might have influence with those under our 
 care/ I did feel near unity with the concern, and 
 thankful to hear it held up to view in so much love 
 and life. It is a testimony which early in life, took 
 deep hold npon my feelings, by hearing dear fathers 
 and mothers in the truth, recommending it affection- 
 ately to the youth, which, with the care of my piously 
 concerned parents, have tended instrumentally to fasten 
 the matter so with me, that if I fall from it, it wdll be 
 against the full conviction of the propriety of such care, 
 and I shall be left without excuse. I do humbly hope 
 that Good Hand which has followed me all my life 
 long, will continue to instruct, reprove and strengthen 
 me, in this and every w^ork which is allotted me. 
 
 ^' Our meeting on Second-day morning, was favored 
 wdth a season of solemn quiet before proceeding to busi- 
 ness ; during which a prayer was offered up by dear 
 Ann Jones, to the great Head of the church, so to 
 keep us during the sittings, in our coming together, 
 and in separating to our several places of abode, as 
 
80 Memoir of 
 
 woukl^ indeed, bewray us that we had been with Jesus, 
 and bring praise to his name/^ 
 
 To one of her daughters. 
 
 '' 1830. 
 
 " Thv account of the meetino; was interestino;. I used 
 to be favored occasionally with hearing our dear Friend 
 John Cox, in the exercise of his gift, and it was as thou 
 , saidst, ' Something sweet attended,^ especially in sup- 
 plication. The remembrance of him is very precious 
 to me. He and his worthy wife were of the Westtown 
 School Committee in those days. >:^ ^ >k ^ j 
 desire we may be so humble as to witness the blessing 
 of preservation. It is the humble the Lord teaches of 
 his ways, and the meek he guides in the midst of the 
 paths of judgment. ^ ^. :^. ^ :^ 
 
 '' I have been thinking about the little folks not 
 always behaving well in meetings. It would be a 
 good plan, as thou mayst feel ability, at times to re- 
 mind them in whose sight they are, even their heavenly 
 Father's ; that it w^ould be displeasing to Him for any 
 of us to sit down under the pretence of worship, and 
 not endeavor to be quiet and wait to feel his good pre- 
 sence to be near. Tlius to enlist their attention and 
 interest, would be very advantageous to them. 
 
 " We had good meetings on Fourth and Fifth-days. 
 was clear and lively in the ministry ; ad- 
 dressed the young people, advising against departures 
 from our testimonies in little things, which the voice 
 of their better feelings in their best moments is against. 
 Attention to this inspeaking voice, preserves from turn- 
 ino; to the ri2:ht hand or to the left." 
 
Hannah Williams. 81 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '' 5th mo., 1832. 
 
 '' I did enter feelingly into sympathy with you all^ 
 including the dear invalid^ not doubting but her bodily 
 sufferings were extreme. To be able to lay hold of 
 holy confidence in saving help^ must be an unspeak- 
 able favor and support^ when the sufferings of the poor 
 body preclude much opportunity to look around and 
 see how it is with us.'^ 
 
 To her son. 
 
 "9th mo. 9th. 
 
 ^' Try, my dear child, to be very quiet and still as 
 thou goes along, and give way to sober reflection ; it 
 will greatly aid in forming a steady, valuable character, 
 make thee useful among men, and prepare thee for 
 another state of being. ^- * ^ Our little scholars 
 have all been regularly here this damp w^eather, as 
 lively as if the sun shone. How much sprightliness 
 attends the morning of life ! Some of us who have 
 grown sober during the toils of the day, can hardly 
 remember how to understand it always, and yet it is 
 truly pleasant to see it.^^ 
 
 No date. "We had a good meeting to-day, and 
 were informed how to be in a condition to have good 
 meetings. Though at times we might be permitted to 
 sit poor and empty, yet by a patient waiting, the Lord 
 would arise for our help. The young people were 
 very tenderly addressed. 
 
 "4th mo. 1833. Attended the select Yearly Meet- 
 
82 Memoir of 
 
 ing. It was a precious inccting. A feeling of solem- 
 nity^ and the owning presence of the Great Head of the 
 Church was prevalent. It was truly strengthening 
 and comforting^ after a long winter season^ in which 
 poverty and w^eakness were the clothing of some of our 
 minds^ on account of the weak state of many meetings, 
 and the lukev\^armness of many w^ho do profess to at- 
 tend, and to retain their right in Society. 
 
 " Our Friend, Christopher Healy, now returned the 
 certificate granted him two years since, to visit Friends 
 and others in Great Britain and Ireland, together with 
 a short account of his labors while there, delivered w^ith 
 •feeling, under a grateful sense of being sustained, and 
 helped through and over low seasons both of body and 
 mind. 
 
 " First-day, morning and afternoon, I attended the 
 meeting held on Arch Street. The house was crowded, 
 up stairs and down. The meeting in the morning was 
 nearly held in silence ; that in the afternoon entirely 
 so, and to me it w^as a solid sitting, and had on my 
 feelings a strengthening and vivifying eifect. 
 
 " On Third-day, the Queries with their answers 
 were read. Many lively and pertinent remarks were 
 made, adapted to the deficiencies still apparent, and the 
 mourning of the church therefor was felt. It was 
 cause of thankfulness to the Great Head of the Church, 
 that He was pleased to enable his servants to hold up 
 encouragement to be faithful in all our different meet- 
 ings ; to advise and encourage, as way opens, such 
 members as are negligent in the attendance of reli- 
 gious meetings, and that we watch over the youth and 
 
Hannah WilUanis. 83 
 
 others^ for their good, and in love encourage all to main- 
 tain faithfully our testimony to plainness of speech, be- 
 havior and apparel. The subject of a hireling min- 
 istry was very feelingly touched upon, a testimony that 
 our worthy predecessors suffered so much for. Beulah 
 Sansom expressed an apprehension, that this and other 
 of Friends^ precious testimonies will not be suffered to 
 fall to the ground, but if we are not faithful, the call will 
 be extended to the highways and hedges. Her decla- 
 ration was strong, impressive and clear, carrying evi- 
 dence of its being the language of Truth. ^^ 
 
 To her son. 
 
 No date. 
 ^^I have a pitiful idea of the man who never reads 
 iu the Sacred volume with serious attention ; let his 
 appearance in the world be what it may. If he has 
 the opportunity so to do, and neglects it, he must be 
 greatly wanting. I feel very solicitous that my chil- 
 dren may not be formal professors of a spiritual reli- 
 gion, but that they may earnestly covet the best gifts, 
 even the gift of Grace.^^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 ^^I have much love for those dear girls, and greatly 
 desire they may experience an advancement in best 
 things; which cannot be done till there is a yielding 
 to the inward call of heavenly love, and submitting 
 more and more to the cross. As regards the article of 
 dress thou mentioned, my sense is this ; that when we 
 feel' some little ability to close in with the offers of 
 
84 Memoir of 
 
 Divine love^ any little thing that seems in our way is 
 a hindrance to this call ; it keeps back ; keeps us with 
 the world ^ and in the ways thereof, and we cannot get 
 on until it is removed/^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " 9th mo. 6th, 1833. 
 
 " This date seems to speak. It is this day nineteen 
 years ago, since your dear father was with us last ; a 
 day not to be forgotten. Looking back, I find that 
 five of our dear Friends who were then present, and 
 deeply interested in the scene before us, have since 
 deceased also. It is profitable to consider that we do 
 pass aw^ay, and the place that has known us shall know 
 us no more ; that it is important to be prepared for the 
 change, which I trust w^as the case with them, through 
 deep suffering, both of body and mind.^^ * * >sc 
 
 To her son. 
 
 ^^ Amidst perplexity and difficulty, and various vex- 
 ations, and unlooked for besetments, remember to keep 
 collected, and rather silent than otherwise, looking in- 
 ward. We are all w^eak and poor, and easily tempted. 
 
 " Do not try in any place or company to be fine. 
 Better pass for a plain, unassuming person. Be wil- 
 ling to wear the cross; bind it as a garment about 
 thee ; it will keep thee often from harm. 
 
 " The day, I believe, has fully come for our young 
 men and women to show on whose side they are ; 
 to seek for strength to walk in the path pointed out 
 in momenb^ of favor, when the good Spirit of Truth 
 
Hannah Williams. - 85 
 
 lias opened the understanding into the good and right 
 way. It may, in some weak moments, feel a cross, 
 and in some company; but that sort of company is no 
 help, but a hindrance, and the sooner the better it is 
 left; in room thereof, choose some older and more 
 settled than thyself, and strength will increase. Keep 
 thy eye single, and I feel assured a blessing is in store 
 for thee.^^ 
 
 To her brother, Benjamin. 
 
 " Patience, as it is abode in, fortifies the mind, so 
 that it can bear almost any thing ; but when it is not 
 abode in, trouble weakens the mind, and it can hardly 
 bear anything. I find myself closely beset, and it is 
 true enough that the enemy, whom we hear spoken of, 
 is unwearied. If we become not a wreck, it will be by 
 fleeing to the stronghold. As far as I am capable, I 
 feel for thee in thy varied trials. Endeavor to bear 
 uj) under them with as much cheerfulness as possible. 
 I have no doubt, as faith and patience are abode 
 in, thou wilt be brought through, and enabled to sit 
 down in the end with comfort. Do not look for great 
 things : be humble and contented. 
 
 '' The account of was new and interesting. I 
 
 could but desire his time and talents w^ere devoted to 
 the welfare of Society. How help is wanted ! So few 
 ^ Young men, princes of the provinces,^ come forward to 
 order the battle, that when the fathers are removed, I 
 fear in many places we shall not see the sons. If the 
 call or invitation to the children of this people is not 
 
 obeyed, others from the highways and hedges will 
 
 8 
 
8G Me^motr of 
 
 come in^ so that the precious testimonies given us to 
 bear shall not fall ; and our crowns will go to those/^ 
 
 '' 3rd mo. 30th, 1834. 
 ^^ I think it right^ to give a little account of the sick- 
 ness and death of my dear parents^ Jacob and Mary 
 Albertson ; who departed this life at their residence in 
 Plymouth township^ Montgomery County, State of 
 Pennsylvania/^ 
 
 " Departed this life, 29th of 11th mo., 1825, my dear 
 mother, Mary Albertson, in tlie 73rd year of her age, 
 after an afflictive dispensation of a year's continuance. 
 Her bodily strength gradually declined, and her flesh 
 wasted, yet was cheerful and easy in her spirit, par- 
 ticularly the latter part of her time, and would often 
 say, ' She was much favored, that she could rest in her 
 bed ;' being mostly free from pain. Her strength being 
 exhausted, a difficulty of speaking followed, she became 
 silent, though appeared sensible, breathing shorter and 
 harder until the little wick of life was spent : her close 
 was about nine o'clock on Third-day evening, the date 
 above, and was interred in Friends' burial ground, 
 at Plymouth, attended by many Friends and relations, 
 after which a good meeting was held. She was to us 
 a kind mother : my heart is tendered in the remem- 
 brance of her many cares and concerns for us, her 
 children, which rather increased than diminished in 
 the latter years of her life. Her care of me when 
 young is sealed in my heart, where I have a testimony 
 to bear, to the good effect of early religious care : my 
 desire was strong to be like tliose of my age, in dress. 
 
Hannah Williams. S7 
 
 &c.^ to which she yielded not, but endeavored to 
 strengthen my mind against the remarks of those who 
 lightly esteemed these things. Our parents Avere care- 
 ful at all times to take us to religious meetings^ '•' "^ ^^ 
 that I have hoped we may remember this pious care 
 extended to us, and not be slack in endeavoring to do 
 our duty to our children, and those under our care, 
 which, with the Divine blessing, maybe to them better 
 than riches, and they have cause, as I have this day, to 
 be thankful for our care. tlAN:NAH Williams.'^ 
 
 '^ Departed this life, the 10th of 10th mo., 1833, my 
 dear father, Jacob Albertson, aged nearly 78 years; and 
 was interred in Friends' burying ground at Plymouth. 
 
 ^' He possessed a good constitution, but a slender 
 frame; of great spirits and resolution, very active and 
 industrious. '^ * * As he advanced in life his 
 mind became more loosened from the thino;s of time. 
 He was not only remarkable for piety, but humility, 
 self-denial and benevolence : all his fellow-beings in 
 any affliction, either outwardly or mentally, claimed 
 his attention ; as far as he could, sparing neither time, 
 money nor pains, to serve them ; we his children have 
 need to be instructed by his example. His sight failed 
 so much, that for several years before his death, he 
 could not see to read, in which he had taken delight, 
 and mostly in the Scriptures, but his memory served 
 him, and often, very often, quoted passages and applied 
 them judiciously. The welfare of his children and 
 grand-children was very dear to him ; he evinced it in 
 many ways. ^ ^ ^ Encouraged us to be diligent 
 
88 . Memoir of 
 
 ill the attendance of our religious meetings; and ^do/ 
 he saySj ^take care of the children.' 
 
 '' For several months previous to his last indisposi- 
 tion, he appeared in a state of waiting ; not looking or 
 expecting to be long here; not nnfrequently alluding 
 to that period, and in recounting the mercies and tender 
 dealings of the Lord with his soul, would be tendered 
 even to tears : Ah ! my impression is^ he has indeed, 
 ' washed his robe and made it white in the blood of 
 the Lamb;' and was finally admitted, through much 
 suffering and in great mercy, into that kingdom whose 
 inhabitants no more sav they are sick. H. W.'' 
 
 To 
 
 ^^ It is very desirable to keep the little folks out of 
 liarm's wav ; the world abounds with much that chil- 
 dren had better not see or hear ; this we cannot always 
 help, so the antidote must be resorted to, to help their 
 minds, and to fortifv them for what they, in their day, 
 niust oppose.'' 
 
 To her son. 
 
 '' 1834. 
 
 " To stem the current of custom, requires firmness. 
 Good customs we may follow, but evil customs and 
 fashions we ought not to submit to. It may possibly 
 not hurt us, but example is powerful, and it may hurt 
 a weak brother. This consideration has had more 
 place with me, in regard to little matters relating to 
 my dress, than any other. I seem to feel that I should 
 be accountable for what liberties others might take on 
 
Hannah Williains. 89 
 
 my acGOUiit. Thou may treasure up this hint; it may 
 apply in many little things. Fenelon says^ ' Little 
 things are little things, but to be faithful in little 
 things, is something great/ I have one thing more I 
 want to say, reflect, my dear son, on the great import- 
 ance of attending religious meetings. Be not a formal 
 attender, but let thy mind be impressed with a sense 
 of the solemn duty, w^hen assembled for the worship of 
 Him from whom we receive all w^e have. Our time 
 here is short, and we need be industrious ; preparing 
 for a never-ending state." 
 
 The following letter, is addressed to one who was 
 not a member of our Society. 
 
 '' 2nd mo., 1835. 
 
 '^ "^^ ''' "^^ '' Now I come to a part of thy letter 
 which ought to be answered to thy satisfaction and in- 
 formation, yet my ability is not much for opening and 
 explaining these things, being given to believe from 
 the first openmg of my understanding in matters rela- 
 tive to the peculiarities of our Society, that my business 
 was more to endeavor to example well in these things, 
 than to say much about them. Thou says, ^I really 
 feel sorry that the young women amongst Friends, do 
 not do a little [for the instruction of heathen children, 
 &c.], while those of other Societies are doing so much. 
 There is a Society organized here (in China), by a 
 number of ladies whom I consider among the excellent 
 of the earth.' 
 
 " The words, ' Really sorry,' induced the desire that 
 some explanation should be given, believing truly they 
 8* 
 
90 Memoir of 
 
 were not mere words of course^ bat sincerely felt. We 
 believe, and are even assnred, there are sincere and 
 pious people in other religious Societies, who, in their 
 way, not only worship acceptably, but whose labors for 
 the good of souls have been greatly blessed, and who 
 in the end will receive the answer of ' Well done,' &c. 
 We believe also, that such amongst Friends who live 
 consistently with their profession, find themselves called 
 upon to bear peculiar testimonies, among which are 
 plainness of speech, plainness of behavior and apparel, 
 calling persons by their proper names, avoiding the^ 
 honor of the hat, &c., &c. These peculiarities are in 
 the cross to the unregenerated nature, we must naturally 
 know. Hence a temptation would be presented to our 
 iunior members, and those not firmly established, to 
 shun the cross, and thereby bring weakness over them- 
 selves, a shade on their profession, and cause the way 
 of truth to be evilly spoken of. For these reasons 
 Friends do not encourage their members to unite with 
 others in their different associations for benevolent and 
 useful purposes. 
 
 "And in our religious assemblies, the rightly exer- 
 cised wait reverently upon God, who by the teachings 
 of the spirit of His Son manifested in the secret of the 
 heart in the silence of all flesh, not only instructs how 
 to worship the Father, but how to pray, when to pray, 
 and what to pray for. These blessed results are found 
 by those who live up to their profession; would it were 
 the case Avith all under our name. Silent introversion 
 of mind is much inculcated, believing great safety is 
 in it. 
 
Hannah Williams. 91 
 
 " The associations of others are not unfrecjuently 
 opened by vocal prayer. This again wonkl stumble 
 one of us^ not being prepared as the above reason will 
 show^ to join rightly in a prayer previously concerted ; 
 and by not yielding to so solemn a call^ it would be an 
 offence to those with whom they might be associated. 
 For these and many other reasons^ we have mostly 
 declined uniting our efforts with others. H. W/^ 
 
 '' Yearly Meeting of 1835. Attended the select 
 Yearly Meeting. Our dear Friend^ Sarah Emlen, 
 opened in an interesting manner^ a prospect of visiting 
 the meetings of Friends in Great Britain and Ireland. 
 After calm and solid deliberation, the way did not' 
 open to resign her to that service at this time ; though 
 acknowledgment was made by divers worthy Friends 
 of their unity with her therein, and a belief of its liav- 
 ing a right origin. The subject was handled very 
 tenderly and feelingly, and she retained, with her con- 
 cern, in the bosom of the church ; which to me was 
 very consoling and soothing. I have but little doubt 
 she feels it so, and that sweet peace is her attendant. 
 A minute was made accordingly. 
 
 '' First-day morning, attended Arch Street meeting : 
 
 a full house. Our dear Friend, , was lively 
 
 and interesting in testimony ; enabled to bring forth 
 out of the treasury that which is both ancient and new. 
 I can truly sa}^ it was reviving to my discouraged mind, 
 to feel life stir in the assemblies of the people : am often 
 ready to say ' Hoav^ are we spoiled !' 
 
 " In the afternoon, accompanied by my children, 
 
92 Memoir of 
 
 attended Orange Street meeting. It was a silent meet- 
 ing. Several were present who had come with minntes 
 to attend this Yearly Meeting; also onr Friends, 
 Christopher Healy^ Robert Seotten^ and other worthies^ 
 who are members of that Particnlar Meeting. Silence, 
 thongh often a hard lesson to the creature^ is a very 
 useful one ; and it is instructive to witness this thing 
 abode in, in a chastened, patient feeling, when there is 
 no opening, even though endowed with excellent gifts, 
 owned, by their friends, and knowing as they must, 
 that in a large meeting many wait anxiously looking 
 for words ; who love to hear the gospel sound, — being 
 more ready to hear than obey. 
 
 ^^ Third-day morning was taken up with the reading 
 of the first hve Queries, with the answers, and the 
 consideration of them. A favor highly to be prized, 
 that counsel and caution, faithful warning, and like- 
 wise encouragement to the rightly exercised, should 
 again be furnished in a weighty manner, tending to 
 solemnize the meeting, and to prove that the love of 
 the great Shepherd is still towards us as a Society. 
 
 ^^The exhibition of weakness in many particulars, as 
 represented in the reports from the different Quarters, 
 seemed awhile to cast a shade of dismay, and some 
 were ready to say: ^What can be done that has not 
 been done, or said that has not been said!^ By dwel- 
 ling under the exercise, many were enabled to touch 
 on these weaknesses. Dear Hannah Hartshorne, in a 
 lively manner, on the neglect of week-day meetings. 
 She used the language ^Pray and not faint. Let our 
 intercessions ascend, that He who sees us as we are. 
 
Hannah Williams. ■ 9o 
 
 would graciously condescend to beget in the heart a 
 right concern for our own welfare/ Friends were 
 desired to extend faithful private care towards such^ 
 and that as ability was afforded, we might desire for 
 them. It was weightily and feelingly handed forth. 
 
 ^' Large provision at burials was likewise an exercise, 
 so many being entertained at the house, &c. Elizabeth 
 Evans, in a weighty manner, expressed an apprehension 
 that not a few amongst us were in danger of being in- 
 sidiously made to believe by the grand deceiver, that 
 this was a day wherein liberty was more allowed in 
 many things, than was first cast up by the Author of 
 the straight and narrow way; even a broader way; that 
 it was not necv^ssary in this enlightened day to be so 
 scrupulously careful about so many small matters, as 
 some might think them, but which, as a people, we have 
 felt bound by the spirit of Truth to maintain. Sarah 
 Emlcn had a similar exercise. 
 
 ^^In the afternoon the remaining Queries and an- 
 swers were read and considered. Some excellent coun- 
 sel was given by our ancient friend, M. Philips, res- 
 pecting living within our means; not to go in debt for 
 anything to put in our houses, on our persons, or on 
 our tables; a most salutary hint. 
 
 '' was then called forth on account of such as do 
 
 live within the bounds of their circumstances, thinking; 
 as they fulfil the discipline, they are doing right, and 
 yet the limitations of truth not regarded. Her ex- 
 l)ressions were ' Not bound by the girdle of the Spirit 
 of Truth, but expanding their desires because they 
 have the means; broadening the way.^ Her words. 
 
94 Memoir of 
 
 whicli spoke her exercise^ were close and very search- 
 ing; and it would be greatly to the furtherance of the 
 cause of Truth, if Friends who are thus able, and thus 
 disposed to extend their borders, would duly and very 
 seriously consider. 
 
 '' At our afternoon sitting on Fourth-day, a lengthy 
 and interesting Epistle, addressed by our Meeting for 
 Sufferings, to that of London, was brought in by men 
 Friends, and read by our clerks. Our Friend, Jona- 
 than Evans, opened the subject, expressing the exercise 
 and concern of their meeting, and that many Friends 
 had been concerned lest the enemy of all good would 
 make inroads amongst us in different ways, through 
 the spirit of the world, over-reaching and allowing 
 greater liberties than Truth prescribes; but more es- 
 pecially it was feared there was a departure from the 
 gospel ground of our profession, the doctrine of the 
 Light of Christ within.^' 
 
 H. Williams concludes her account of this Yearly 
 Me3tlng thus: ^^I think we have reason to rejoice and 
 be very thankful, in that the Great Head of the Church 
 was pleased from sitting to sitting to own us with his 
 presence, and endue his servants with strength and 
 ability to minister to the wants of the church.'^ 
 
 To her son. 
 
 '^ I want thee to be very careful of thy company and 
 conversation. JSTothing is more true than that ^Evil 
 communications corrupt good manners.^ Do not con- 
 tract the habits and manners of those who are out of 
 the Truth ; the fashionable habits of the people of the 
 
Hannah Williams. 95 
 
 world ; but ever remember that the Society of Friends 
 are a plain people^ and that too for the best reason^ 
 even because our Lord and Master was plain. He 
 was meek and lov/; and as He dwells by his spirit in 
 our hearts^ He leads and guides his followers into 
 plainness and simplicity in dress and address. It is 
 the very result of a faithful attention to the light of 
 Christ. All the riches and grandeur in the world 
 will do nothing for us; but there are riches that will 
 endure^ and I do crave thou may possess them. My 
 heart yearns for tliee.^^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ''5tli mo., 1835. 
 
 '' I feel concerned thee may not be ashamed of a 
 plain appearance^ plain in every sense. I know temp- 
 tations present; keep thy mind inward^ and thy eye on 
 the Lord^ who will regard the concern of His children. 
 Do be very sincere in thy desires^ and He will bestow 
 grace and furnish strength for every occasion. Do not 
 let the enemy gain strength.'^ 
 
 '' 4th mo.^ 1836. To omit preserving some notes of 
 the present Yearly Meetings would seem to myself 
 neglectful. But for the hope that recurring and 
 dwelling on the subjects revived^ might strengthen my 
 inner man^ and encourage still to look towards His 
 holy temple^ and trust in His mercy^ although dis- 
 couragements and dismay had pervaded the mind^ 
 conflicts and close besetments from within and with- 
 out, of long duration, having assailed.'' 
 
9G Memoir of 
 
 Of the account of this Yearly Meetings we shall only 
 take a few extracts. 
 
 '' On First-day mornings I attended Twelfth Street 
 meeting. I felt that it was a great loss to a meeting, 
 to have communications not exactly savory and lively. 
 The afternoon meeting, at the same place, was a good 
 one : the silent part very solemn. Our Friend, Chris- 
 topher Healy, appeared in a solemn manner, with the 
 call of the angel to the church, ^ Except thou repent, I 
 will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy 
 candlestick out of its place.' Applicable, it appeared 
 to him, to each individual. 
 
 '^ On Second-day morning, the business of the Yearly 
 Meeting opened. In the early part of the sitting, our 
 dear Friend, Elizabeth Evans, was favored to entreat 
 the great Head of the Church, for those who were 
 under pressure of various difficulties and fears, for 
 strength to trust in his power. Also, various classes 
 were brought into remembi*ance. It Avas relieving, 
 and cause of gratitude thus to be favored.'' 
 
 Of the sittings on Third-day, wherein the Queries 
 and answers were read, she says : — ^^ In the ability 
 which seemed once more in mercy afforded, labor was 
 bestowed to stir up Friends to faithfulness in the dis- 
 charge of their various duties. It is a great favor that 
 there is yet preserved amongst us, Friends of qui(*k 
 sense concerning the state of the Church, and endowed 
 by the Great Head thereof with gifts to minister to its 
 need. And oh, may we also, in our lesser offices, be 
 faithful, so as to be clear in the great day of account. 
 
Hannah Willia'ins. 97 
 
 " At the afternoon sitting on Third-day^ we were 
 furnished with an Epistle from the Meeting for Suffer- 
 ings in London^ addressed to the Meeting for Sufferings 
 in Philadelphia^ dated in the Twelfth month last ; 
 and the reply thereto from the latter meeting ; an 
 excellent document — embracing the causes of fear^ on 
 account of various stratagems of the unwearied enemy 
 of all good^ which are now afloat in our Society^ and 
 likely to draw down many who have shone as stars of 
 the first magnitude ; turning from the Light of Christ 
 inwardly revealed in the secret of the hearty and going 
 back into bondage^ into the activity of the creature^ 
 out of which early Friends were called^ and so faith- 
 fully maintained their testimony against joining in with 
 the world. 
 
 " Many valued Friends^ at different periods in the 
 course of this week^ were^ in a very solemn manner^ 
 engaged to call the attention of the meeting to the state 
 of our Society^ believing further trials awaited. The 
 travail of the faithful in this day^ is deep and painful : 
 they can take but little pleasant bread.^^ 
 
 To her son. 
 
 " 1837. 
 " I remain lively in concern for thy present and 
 everlasting good. Now while youngs try to find the 
 true foundation^ on which if any build, all the storms 
 and tempests of time must beat in vain. There are, 
 even in this day of trial, those who build on such a 
 foundation. By their fruits we shall know them : all 
 ^vho keep their ])laces in the Truth, shall speak one 
 9 
 
98 Memoir of 
 
 language^ and they kiioAV one another in the hidden 
 life. I do greatly long that Friends^ both old and 
 yonng^ may come to know a deepening in the root; 
 then all their words and actions^ will bear the stamp 
 of Trnth. This is the tree Avhich is known by its good 
 fruit. There is a tree also that is known by its bring- 
 ing forth evil fruit. So let us be wise, be considerate, 
 be very much retired in our feelings before our heavenly 
 Father, and I believe He will keep us in all trials, and 
 direct us in all our movements. When that is the case, 
 His blessing will rest on us, and on our labors. I feel 
 very desirous thou mayst come more and more to 
 set the Lord before thine eyes always, that He may 
 direct thy steps; even so may it be, saith my soul.'^ 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 Date omitted. 
 
 '' Our afflicted brother is a little better. It is a great 
 and heavy affliction ; may we all bear a part, and 
 as near as possible for humanity to do, make the case 
 our own ; so that some solid benefit may accrue to us ; 
 for we are all greatly wanting in coming up to- the 
 right standard." 
 
 To the same. 
 
 No date. 
 ^' I write to inform of the decease of our young 
 friend, E. M. * * "' He has had a larger share 
 of bodily suifering than often attends that complaint, 
 and much fewer of the consolations that every poor 
 soul would covet in their last days, but I feel a humble 
 
Hannah Williams. \)\) 
 
 hope tliat He who does not afflict willingly, nor grieve 
 the children of men, has regarded him, and had mercy 
 on his soul. He said little, but gave evidence he was 
 aware of his situation. My feelings, which had been 
 more than usually turned towards him during his 
 confinement, seemed to settle on hearing of his death. 
 Since then my concern is for us who are left to contend 
 a little longer with the probations of time. Our 
 common adversary is seeking whom he may devour ; 
 wdiether we shall all faithfully keep the watch, I know 
 not. You will think by my writing it is a low time 
 with me. Well, so it is ; and what is it that can make 
 it any other ? Nothing but the presence of the Bride- 
 groom of souls. * '" "^ 
 
 " J. is about to return to the city. My mind feels 
 drawn to look at my city friends. I would be glad to 
 sit down with you at Arch Street house, in a meeting 
 capacity. It would, I am pretty sure, be so quiet and 
 so good ! Ah, these are precious privileges, — to be 
 drawn into a solemn feeling of quiet in a religious 
 meeting ; a good with which a stranger cannot inter- 
 meddle.^^ 
 
 In the account of the Yearly Meeting of 1837, she 
 says : ^^ Treating with offenders as the Discipline directs, 
 in the spirit of meekness and wisdom, in order for their 
 help, was recommended in a feeling manner by our 
 aged Friend, Hannah Gibbons. She also addressed 
 the young women, inviting them to forsake the plea- 
 sures and gratifications of a vain world, and not to 
 ^ Pursue lying vanities. Such forsake their own mer- 
 
100 Memoir of 
 
 " Beulali Saiisom was exercised for those^ avIio^ out 
 of siglit of their parents^ would put on something they 
 would not be w^illing they should see, and hide the 
 volume they ought not to read. 
 
 " Our dear Friend Mary Wistar, mentioned tliat 
 young persons were apt to think deviations in dress^ 
 &c., little things. She called the attention of mothers 
 to the subject, and she believed overseers ought also to 
 extend care to such. Just at the close of the meeting, 
 the young women were very feelingly addressed ; it 
 seemed indeed, that we had ^ Line upon line, precept 
 npon precept.^ 
 
 ^^ During our sittings on Sixth-day, feeling addresses 
 from several dear Friends flowed to the vouth, and to 
 those further advanced. Beulah Sansom alluded again 
 to the concern of carefully attending religious meetings. 
 The fruits and testimony of age and well tried experi- 
 ence were before ns, showing it is good to trust in the 
 Lord, and to wait often upon Him, both in meetings, 
 and in retirement at other times.'' 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 ''5th mo., 1837. 
 
 ^^ I hope my child, thou and others, may not forget 
 the earnest affectionate gospel call extended to you at 
 our Quarterly Meeting. Yon will be more account- 
 able than if not permitted to be there. It was one 
 more favor, added to many others — a singular favor." 
 
 To her brother, B. A. 
 
 " 1839. 
 
 "It seems our heavenly Father still remembers 
 
Hannah Williams. 101 
 
 us^ and is yet willing to dig abont ns. Onr Friend 
 Christopher Healy, has been liberated to visit the fam- 
 ilies of our Monthly Meeting of Gwynedd^ and also 
 the meetings of Abington and Backs Quarters: and 
 as I believe him to be an honest Friend^ he will find 
 rubbish to remove. He attended our Monthly Meet- 
 ing on Fifth-day last; and from his communication, I 
 should say, he sat where we sat. Our state was plainly 
 pointed out. I could fain hope some fruit may appear. 
 Have feared the sentence, ' Cut it down, why cumbercth 
 it the ground ?' would yet rest upon us here.'^ 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 '' 12th mo., 1839. 
 " I received and read thy lines, dear E., with sat- 
 isfaction and instruction; would be glad to make a 
 suitable return. But there is such a sense of want of 
 any capacity to write, constantly abiding with me, that 
 it discourages. Love for my friends seems the only 
 link that connects me to them, and this I can feel 
 strong. * * I was well pleased that our Friend R. 
 Scotton had visited you. His company and conversa- 
 tion are strengthening and instructive. He attended 
 our last Monthly Meeting, and seemed much exercised 
 therein. Rising the second time, he said, he believed 
 the time was coming, that as regards our Society, not 
 the earth only, but also the heavens would be shaken. 
 The prospect of another woe, after w^hat has already 
 passed, causes fear and dismay. But let it drive us to 
 our tents, where •no divination can prevail. Though 
 discouragements seem at times to arise, yet, to remem- 
 9* '^ 
 
102 Memoir of 
 
 ber our Captain never was foiled in battle, and that 
 his faithful followers have many eomfortable proinises, 
 does this moment a little inspirit thy poor friend. May 
 thou and I be so kept during the remainder of our af- 
 flictive, besetting and close proving pilgrimage, both 
 within and without, that at last we may be accounted 
 worthy to receive tlie blessed invitation, ' Come, ye 
 blessed of my Father,' &c., is the sincere desire of one, 
 who, though in company, travels a lonely path/' 
 
 To her son. 
 
 ^'Thou art often, dear child, the subject of my 
 thoughts, with solicitude for thy preservation through 
 the temptations and snares, which thickly beset and 
 waylay the path of the young. These are not imagi- 
 nary, but they are realities, and the Avant of experience 
 makes the young less fearful of them than their older 
 friends are ; though that is the very reason why they 
 should be the more watchful. Giddy, laughing, talk- 
 ative company, keep out of the way of. Steady and 
 instructive young persons, that have religion in the 
 heart and not in the head, will be worthy of notice ; 
 and such I would have thee seek : remembering always 
 to prepare thyself for such, by steady conduct, joined 
 with industrious habits. I trust these remarks are not 
 new to thee, and that they w^ill be agreeable to thy own 
 judgment and good sense; yet, to be as a watchword I 
 pen them. Many eyes are upon thee ; thy conniiercial 
 friends in their line are watching ; thy young acquaint- 
 ance do not forget thee, and thy more elderly friends, 
 thy father and mother's friends, eye thee, and w^ill be 
 
Hannah Williams. 103 
 
 disappointed if fruits do not appear answerable to thy 
 opportunities througli life thus far. Thy heavenly 
 Father has bestowed upon thee a susceptible mind^ quick 
 of feeling as to right and wrong; live near to this feel- 
 ing and principle in all thy movements ; in thy busi- 
 ness^ and thy intercourse with the people of every de- 
 scription thou hast to be among. It will lead thee safely 
 along^ and prepare thee^ through the mercy of our 
 heavenly Father, to land safely at last in the realms 
 of the blessed. 
 
 ^^Seek to be as often as convenient, in the company 
 of our best elderly Friends ; there is great strength to 
 be derived from the company of such. Some young 
 people do not like the company of elderly Friends; 
 they feel under restraint. But were they to accustom 
 themselves to this, the restraint would wear off, and it 
 would be more and more pleasant and desirable. I 
 love to see young persons fond of their elder Friends; 
 it is a good sign.'' 
 
 To a Friend. 
 
 No date. ^^I fear the enemy will get in if we arc 
 not careful to draw near together, and every day, and 
 all day do the things that make for peace. This dumb 
 feeling that will not let us speak a word, that winds us 
 up closely in our own web, and makes us so busy and 
 so careworn, that social feelings have to give way to a 
 headlong press of business, if I am not mistaken, if 
 we give way to it, our religious sensibility will be 
 blunted, and leanness sent into our souls. A poor, 
 meagre repast as to spiritual food will often be our 
 
104 Memoir of 
 
 portion^ even in meetings^ iind while careful to retain 
 the form^ the life \yill be wanting. I fear this is too 
 much my own case; if yours, let us rise up against it, 
 and do better; be humble and willing to search out tlie 
 cause. '^ 
 
 To one under discouragement. 
 
 '^Dear , I have thought much about thee at 
 
 times since seeing thee at . My impression 
 
 then was, ^Thou hast compassed this mountain long 
 enough;^ that exertion must be made while the day 
 lasteth, to come out of that gloom. I felt sorry, and 
 have carried thee in painful remembrance. Now do 
 beg, even if the ability is small like that of the Publi- 
 can, who coidd not even raise his eyes to heaven, that 
 mercy may be granted, and thy eyes anointed to see 
 things in the true light; not men as trees walking. 
 The same power who gave sight to the blmd, can help 
 thee, and as rightly sought unto, will help thee, and 
 soften thy feelings with His tendering, endearing love; 
 which will draw thee near to thy Great Helper, and to 
 all who dwell in the Truth. That which separates 
 and divides from the living seed will have no entrance. 
 I believe thou hast tried to love thy friends, but a 
 secret feeling, not right, has place. I do believe thou 
 may be delivered from it, if in earnest thou throw aside 
 and keep out thoughts v^hich led thee first into this 
 trying path, and come humbly to the feet of our dear 
 Lord, who ' Knoweth our frame, and remembereth we 
 are dust;' and who, on sincere repentance, pities and 
 
Hannah Williams. 105 
 
 forgives, heals and restores, so that true peace, ^vhic5h 
 tliou hast not lately enjoyed, may flow as a river. 
 
 ^^In near feeling, and with earnest desires for thy 
 preservation, I remain thy sincere friend, 
 
 H. W.'' 
 
 To . 
 
 '' Tliou art so much in my remembrance, dear , 
 
 that I do not know what better to do than to write 
 and say what is on my mind. If I feel easier after- 
 wards, there will be something gained to myself; and 
 I trust if thou even thinks it beside my business, 
 thou wilt excuse me. 
 
 "On inquiring for thee lately, I was informed of 
 thy discouraged and tried state, and what it was owing 
 to. It caused me to enter farther into the subject 
 than just hearing the matter. I have been truly con- 
 cerned for fear thou might be tempted to give back. 
 O, I have felt alarmed at the thought. What ! now 
 at this time of day, and in this crisis of society matters, 
 to draw off* from the Meeting for Sufferings ! 
 
 "Better cry mightily for Best Help to lay low and 
 near the Fountain. The waves will pass over, if thou 
 keep low enough, not letting in the reasoner, who fills 
 tlie mind with a slavish feeling, and with jealousies; 
 but he was a liar from the beginning, and cares not so 
 he can hinder the Lord^s work in any. My sense is, 
 thou would pursue an even, straightforward course, 
 unless there is more cause than I have been informed 
 of. The Truth is dignified, and it is very precious; 
 tliose wlio keep tlieir places are not to be turned about 
 
100 Memoir of 
 
 unci displaced, nor displace themselves for nought. 
 Tliere is an order in t\\^, Truth, and to such as live in 
 it, and keep in it, the places assigned to them in Best 
 Wisdom cannot be hurt materially. I hope thou Avilt 
 hold on as usual; and mayst thou always be found 
 worthy of a place there.'^ 
 
 To a cousin. 
 
 ^^It is little we can do one for another, but if only 
 we can stir up the pm^e mind by way of remembrance, 
 it is something. I have often had thee in mind latterly, 
 and as thou and I are near of an age, and pretty wxll 
 advanced, of course wearing out, I feel, and expect 
 thou dost also, that it is time to be concerned for our- 
 selves in that work which w^e must do for ourselves, if 
 it ever gets done, even the working out of our souFs 
 salvation Avith fear and trembling; and it is wise to 
 avail ourselves of every opportunity of being helped 
 on in this work. I have had a fear thou hast too often 
 been missing from your meetings. I have made no 
 enquiry, for to hear it is so, would add to my trouble. 
 Do now, my dear friend, gather up and attend all thy 
 meetings; surmount difficulties, lead the w^ay, and who 
 knows the effect of care in this respect on thy family. 
 I have no doubt it would yield peace, and prove a 
 quiet rest. There is help and comfort in going to 
 meetings with a serious intent. Sometimes He whom 
 we seek, suddenly comes to His temple; which is the 
 heart, and in a moment, as it were, we are refreshed." 
 
Hannah Williams, 1 07 
 
 Yearly Meeting of 1840. 
 
 " Fourth mo. 1840. First-day morning attended 
 Areh Street Meeting; a large and quiet gathering. 
 There was a communication from Benjamin Hoyle^ of 
 Ohio^ particularly adapted to our need in this day. 
 In the afternoon at the same place, we had a large 
 solid meeting, and but little communication. How good 
 it is, not only in our individual capacity, but also in 
 our little meetings at home, as well as in these large 
 Yearly Meetings, to feed on the living substance in 
 solemn silence. It is only when preaching is from the 
 fresh spring of life, that the heritage is refreshed. 
 
 ^'Third-day morning, went through with all the 
 Queries and answers. A living exercise was felt, un- 
 der which much excellent counsel was given. Friends 
 were recommended to get down to the principle of love 
 and life, and labor to keep there in a lowly, humble 
 state, then no root of bitterness could spring up. A 
 travail was felt, that we might be in possession of 
 the excellent principles we profess, without which Ave 
 would be in a worse condition than if we had never 
 known these things. Mildred Ratcliff was led to speak 
 very extraordinarily. She said she could see as plainly 
 as she could see us with her outward eyes, that the cun- 
 ning enemy had laid traps for this people : that they 
 were thickly spread about us ; but were so hidden and 
 so artfully covered, that if we were not very watchful, 
 we should be caught on one hand or the other ; that 
 they were laid for the goodly inembers of this Society. 
 The ^Watc^h,^ was recommended as the only way to 
 l)e kept from the enemy's traps ; said he was trans- 
 
108 Memoir of 
 
 formed also into an angel of light, and in that garb, 
 more to be feared than in any other way. The com- 
 munieation spread a solemn feeling over many of ns ; 
 may we all be watchful. I have had a fear that this 
 awakening warning will not be noticed as it ought. I 
 do believe it was from Best Authority, and in mercy 
 given through this faithful servant, now" near her jour- 
 ney's end ; she being old and feeble. 
 
 '' As regards the lack of unity, shown by the answers 
 to that Query, dear Ellen McCarty, in a lively manner 
 did beseech us, individually to be willing to make a 
 search, that if we felt we had lost any thing, we might 
 diligently sweep our house ; though we might have 
 ' nine pieces,' yet one being missing, it was needful the 
 ^search' should be made. 
 
 " We were favored at this Yearly Meeting, with the 
 overshadowing Aving of Ancient Goodness, and I be- 
 lieve the good cause was strengthened thereby, hoAvever 
 uuAvorthy we are of such a favor. 
 
 To her brother, B. 
 
 "otli mo., 1840. 
 
 " This mornino: we heard of the close of our dear 
 Friend, Alice Comfort. It was quiet and peaceful, 
 and the work done : a favor beyond any thing else in 
 this w^orld. I attended the funeral. Alice Knight 
 spoke at the house, respecting our living the life of the 
 righteous, that onr last end might be like his. Ezra 
 Comfort, was also engaged \\i testimony, with an 
 earnest concern that all might be prepared for the 
 kingdom, by building on the sure foundation, etc. 
 
Hannah Williams. 101) 
 
 Haiiiiali Ilhoacls was engaged at the grave with an 
 honest call ; indeed I think she will return with her 
 penny, for I believe she delivered faithfully that she 
 had in charge ; I did feel for her very much.'^ 
 
 To a daughter at Westtown. 
 
 " Thomas Kite^s concern for you, as expressed in 
 the opportunity with the teachers at Westtown, was 
 relieving and very satisfactory to me. The advice was 
 good and sound, and adapted to the stations you hold. 
 It reminded me of the concern of some who have gone 
 before, to the teachers there, which I believe was blessed 
 to them. I do want the right thing kept alive, with 
 all the caretakers of that school, from the committee 
 to the least in charge. As this is the case it will be 
 blessed. 
 
 * t ^^^ i'- ^jjy ^^ enjoy thy meetings. Do not be 
 thinking ' How young you all are to be placed before 
 the children.^ You are old enough, and if careful to 
 seek Best Help, it will be found, and strength too, in 
 the needful time. I have been greatly comforted and 
 encouraged in my late visit to the school. May all 
 who have the care, unite in endeavoring to live so 
 near the Source of life, as to be able to help. the good 
 seed to groAV in the hearts of the children, like giving 
 ' Bread ^ when they ask it — not a ^ Stone.' The charge 
 to Peter \vas, ' Feed my lambs.' We may not all be 
 called as Peter was ; tliere are other ways in whicli the 
 little ones are fed and nourished. Children are quick- 
 sighted, and a good example is loud preaching. 
 
 ^Mt is wrong, I think, to have too little conceit of 
 10 
 
110 Memoir of 
 
 our abilities ; it rather further disqualifies. When a 
 little help is needed^ it is a mark of humility to ask 
 for instruction. Pride would rather conceal its needs, 
 and so go blundering on. Those who are sincerely de- 
 sirous to do right, will not be suffered to do wrong ; 
 so dear Samuel Smith, of Philadelphia, once told me 
 Avhen I w^as in a strait.^^ 
 
 To -. 
 
 ^•' llth mo., 1840. 
 '' There are just now, many poor afflicted people in 
 this neighborhood, w^hom, were I able, I would be glad 
 to visit, and see if I could be helpful to them. Not one 
 
 of the least, is our poor neighbor , mourning 
 
 over the fate of her naughty son ; more, I fear, than 
 over his wickedness. She too, is much to be pitied. 
 True it is, ' Day unto day uttereth speech, and night 
 unto night showeth knowledge.^ It seems plainer and 
 plainer to me, that a great responsibility rests upon 
 parents, rightly to discharge their duty to their off- 
 spring, while young and under their control, so as to be 
 clear from their blood in the day of account. It never 
 felt to me so awful, as since these things have been 
 passing.^^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 '' 3rd mo. 2nd, 1841. 
 
 ^^ After thou and the rest of our company were gone, 
 we passed rather a lonely day ; the scenes [death of a 
 relative] which had been passing for the last two or 
 three days, were calculated to cause a reflecting nn'nd 
 
Hannah Williams. Ill 
 
 to look into its own state ; in which endeavor I felt 
 desirous to be helped; tliat the midnight cry might 
 not find me unprepared. Thou wilt doubtless be in- 
 terested in hearing of our meeting last First-day ; about 
 
 the middle of the time of meetings arose^ and 
 
 very deliberately repealed the 4;ext^ ^Whosoever is 
 ashamed of me and of my w^ords^ of him also shall the 
 Son of man be ashamed^ when he cometh in the glory 
 of his Father and the holy angels/ she added a little 
 more ; the meeting was very still ; when Ezra Comfort 
 arose, and opened the travail of spiritual Israel from 
 the land of bondage to the promised land, comparing 
 the outward travel to that of the true spiritual Israel, 
 of which it is indeed a just figure. He mentioned 
 particularly their want of bread, and their crying to 
 Moses ; their being fed by bread immediately from 
 heaven, and that not to be found when they pleased, 
 but when the Lord pleased, in His own time. Their 
 travel also, he alluded to, through Jordan, before enter- 
 ing Canaan ; from the very bottom of which they were 
 enabled to bring up stones of memorial. 
 
 '' What may come of this dear child, and her offer- 
 ing, I know not ; but it felt solemn to me, and savored 
 of a good beginning. May she keep quiet now and 
 low, (not too low, for there is a possibility of getting 
 below the Witness of truth,) and look steadily to the 
 Lord for help, who is ever merciful and compassion- 
 ate, requiring no more than He will give ability to 
 perform. I have felt much for the children in many 
 places, in the present day, and my faith is, there will 
 be a revival in our poor Society, through their willing- 
 
112 Meinoir of 
 
 ness to bow to the yoke and work of Christ. I have 
 felt near unity with the spirit and temperament of 
 
 dear ^ and believed she lived near the trath^ 
 
 but this I had not looked for ; it Avas hid from me^ and 
 may be best so^ that such exercises do better to be 
 hidden^ for sometimes the work is marred by man^ and 
 the exercise lightened before the Lord^s time. I would 
 have all this way concerned to be very patient^ keep 
 their ^eye single^ then their whole body will be full 
 of light.' It is the Lord's work^ and He knows best 
 how^ and when^ and where^ and what to say and move 
 in.'' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '^ On Fifth-day was our Monthly Meeting ; I thought 
 it a solid meeting. A committee was appointed to unite 
 with men Friends, on account of the several weighty 
 and important matters contained in the ' Extracts/ as 
 having occasioned exercise in Yearly Meeting, and by 
 that meeting recommended to the care of Subordinate 
 Meetings. It seemed a weighty subject when opened 
 by men Friends in our meeting ; after which dear 
 
 kneeled, and, in a very solemn and lively 
 
 manner, entreated vocally, ' that the hands of the burden- 
 bearers, that were ready to hang down through weak- 
 ness, and the knees that were ready to smite together, 
 might be strengthened, and that the young, even those 
 wdio have not yielded their hearts to serve Thee, O 
 Lord, might be reached unto.' 
 
 "Oh, may she be kept, is my prayer: she seems to 
 
Hannah Williams, llo 
 
 have given iip^ so far^ all ; and is following a meek 
 and crucified Saviour/^ 
 
 To one of her brothers. 
 
 ^^How desirable that our Society may be kept so 
 pure^ so sound and discerning^ as to judge according to 
 the judgment of Truth. He with whom we have to 
 do, is able and willing as ever He was. What then 
 is wanting but humility and faithfulness on our part. 
 We are advancing on in life; and our journey draAving 
 nearer towards a period ; that we may be w^ise and im- 
 prove, is my earnest concern.'^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " I thought we had a solid good meeting to-day. 
 Ezra Comfort was engaged to describe the church 
 militant, such as obey the voice of the true Shepherd, 
 and obey not nor follow the stranger. These were 
 they of every nation, kindred, tongue and people, who 
 make up or compose the church triumphant. He 
 opened the subject clearly and plainly, that it was no 
 matter what we might profess, if we did not really 
 obey the voice, for all have heard. ' The grace of God 
 that bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men.' 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 '' I feel the cares of my friends, and their afflictions 
 mine. A care rests upon me according to my little 
 measure, for our meeting and its concerns, which I 
 fear will suffer in our hands. I often look back to 
 those who were here in our places, their zeal and faith- 
 10* 
 
114 Memoir of 
 
 fulness. The prospect is now discouraging, yet that is 
 not the way to do, — ' Look back/ How often are we 
 told, and do we not know of a truth, that ' Help is 
 laid on One that is mighty.' So thou and I must 
 gird up the loins of our minds, ' Watch and be sober,' 
 and hope to the end. 
 
 '^ But then how we are annoyed by the unwearied 
 adversary, seeking every moment when we are weak, 
 to devour and destroy. It takes so long to regain our 
 feet, and come up to the ground w^e have lost, and to 
 feel ourselves restored, that our slips and misses keep 
 down all self exaltation/' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ''8th mo., 1841. 
 
 " At our Preparative Meeting, we had a little com- 
 pany indeed, several having gone to the funeral of 
 John Comfort, of Solebury. One is removed here 
 and another there ; do we think enough about it ? 
 That our time will come ere long, is most certain. I 
 desire we all should settle our own outward affairs 
 while in health, and have the mind so released from 
 care, anxious, perplexing care, that it may prepare for 
 its never-ending state. Let us do the best we can and 
 try to be ready as we go along ; remove the daily rub- 
 bish — press through — in great mercy we may be ac- 
 cepted." 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " We hear our Friend, Jacob Green, has a prospect 
 of being" at our Monthly Meetino\ It feels encourasrino; 
 
Hannah Williams. 115 
 
 to be remembered in this way. AVant^ and not abound- 
 ing, lias been our feelings at this place of latter times, 
 I think. May we be content with such food as is con- 
 venient for us, and be more concerned to be found among 
 the number who are accounted worthy to suffer for the 
 good cause, than to ' Fare sumptuously every day.'' 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 '' Thou art often present in my remembrance with 
 near aflPectionate feeling, desiring, though out of sight 
 as we may be, that at last we may be found standing 
 in our lots. Great strippedness has been my portion, 
 which I have endeavored silently to bear, and not now 
 do I Avish to complain. It is all good enough for one 
 who has so often sat at the King's table, and gone 
 away, I fear, without sufficient gratitude. Thou hast 
 heard, no doubt, of the decease of our dear Friend 
 Daniel Wheeler. For him indeed we might rejoice. 
 But his labors have seemed to be unexpectedly ended. 
 The clothing of my spirit was that of sadness^ for some 
 time after hearing the account." 
 
 To one under affliction. 
 
 " It is not for want of near feeling w^ith thee under 
 a late proving dispensation, that I have not visited thee 
 Avith a few lines, but from a feeling of inability to touch 
 the tender subject and not hurt. I thought better to 
 leave thee in the hands of Him whose wisdom is un- 
 searchable, and his ways a great deep ; desiring thou 
 mayst be enabled, though hard to flesh and blood, to 
 say ^Thy will be done.' 
 
116 Memoir of 
 
 '' We must^ dear chilcl^ come to this. It seems to 
 me the spirit is willing, but the flesh weak, even now. 
 May He who comforts his people every where, and 
 under all cuTumstances, those who look to Him, com- 
 fort thee and sustain thee by day and by night, and 
 give thee to believe all things will work together for 
 good.^' 
 
 H. W. kept, as she w^as accustomed to do, some 
 account of the Yearly Meeting of 1841, in concluding 
 which, she says : " A solid weighty feeling, and lively 
 exercise of mind were maintained to the last, and it 
 may be truly said, we had a favored meeting. When 
 all keep their places, and dwell down to the root of 
 life in themselves, so large a body moves on with the 
 various concerns that come before it, harmoniously and 
 safely, their labor is to the honor of the Great Name, 
 and to the help of His cause.^' 
 
 To one of her daughters. 
 
 "oth mo., 1841. 
 
 " At our Quarterly Meeting, we had the company 
 of Joseph Whitall and C. Healy. Both were very 
 encouraging and clear in their sense that all would 
 work together for good, to those who keep their places ; 
 saying, that the favor of the Lord was towards this 
 people, notwithstanding what they had passed through, 
 were passing through, and might have to pass through : 
 that the Lord\s covenant with his people should not 
 fail, but there would be those preserved who would 
 stand for his testimonies and truth upon earth. The 
 
Hannah Williams. 117 
 
 substance of this and much more^ was expressed in the 
 Select Meeting ; and in the Quarterly Meetings on 
 Fifth-day^ a close^ searchmg testimony went forth^ to 
 the necessity of bearing our cross to the customs and 
 fashions of the world^ even in little things. As much 
 peace is found in being faithful to manifested duty in 
 some little matters^ as in greater. It always does me 
 good to find Friends religiously concerned to recom- 
 mend a care in little matters of dress and address ; as 
 a neglect of it, and a departure from it, does lead by 
 little and little out of the way, and the heart becomes 
 more and more callous, when it should be tender and 
 susceptible of good feelings and impressions. 
 
 ^' Christopher^s communication in the first meeting, 
 was too remarkable to be lost. He said he had heard 
 a voice distinctly to say, ^ There is fire enough yet to 
 light the candle, and if there is fire enough to light the 
 candle, why the house might yet be swept, and the lost 
 piece of silver found : a word to the wise is sufficient.^ 
 Having said this he sat down, but shortly rose again, 
 and said he could not get rid of the subject ; that if, 
 through neglect or carelessness, the fire should be suf- 
 fered to go out, the candle could not be lighted, the 
 house could not be s^Yept, nor the lost silver found. 
 He did wish Friends encouraged to see to it. C. also 
 came into our meeting for business, and was very 
 earnest we should be ready, even the young, with the 
 great work, the preparation for another state. May 
 the concern have due weight on our minds.'^ 
 
1 1 S Meinoir of 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '' 6th mo. 
 
 '' Paid a visit to the city^ and called on a number 
 of dear friends. If in these calls and interviews we 
 have not the good of one another at hearty so as not to 
 offend the witness for Truth, we had better be shut up 
 at home. 
 
 " Ah, we are poor things, and it requires close watch- 
 ing to keep near the Guide, over rough and vexatious 
 places, in our journey through time.'^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '' 8tli mo. 
 
 '^ I have felt for a long time, as if this going hither 
 and thither, with little or no business but to see and to 
 be seen, was a growing pastime among us plain people, 
 and not without its inconveniency, and I fear disad- 
 vantage. A right visit paid or received, is mutually 
 strengthening. I have spoken my mind to a Friend 
 on this subject, but received no praise for my care or 
 concern ; this I care little about ; the day may come 
 when I will be better understood than just now, in the 
 height of so much pleasure. 
 
 '' We have been around under appointment, attend- 
 ing the Monthly Meetings. The heat was great, and 
 my weakness, bodily and spiritually, Avas trying to 
 abide under. I was enabled secretly to crave help and 
 preservation, that, through me, the cause might not 
 suffer. Through favor not to be forgotten, my cry 
 was heard. I felt much strengthened, and by the time 
 meeting hour came round on Third-day morning, felt 
 
Hannah Willia^ms. 119 
 
 like a new being. Thomas Kite attended tlie meet- 
 ing, and ministered life to us ; so that both immedi- 
 ately and instru mentally, help was sent/^ 
 
 To one of her ehildren. 
 
 " has something to learn, though in many 
 
 respects a clever young woman. But I think her 
 friends did not, in her early education, enough imbue 
 her mind Avith a proper understanding of the views of 
 our Society, on account of its various peculiarities, 
 together with more knowledge of its rise and history. 
 She has so little taste for it, makes me think it is not 
 the food on which she fed. It is a certain truth; 
 ' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when 
 he is old he will not depart from it.^ There may be 
 some exceptions to this truth, yet it is obligatory on 
 religious parents so to do. The older I grow, the more 
 I am sure of it, and digressions therefrom feel more 
 trying to me than formerly.^' 
 
 To a daughter at AYesttown. 
 
 ''12tlimo. 17tli, 1841. 
 
 '' I noticed your care about some lightness in meet- 
 ings. Oh it requires much religious feeling in the super- 
 intendents and teachers, to reach such light spirits, and 
 it spreads if not arrested. I remember when I was a 
 scholar at that school, the labor of our good caretakers 
 out of meetings, on our behavior in meetings. This 
 labor from a right feeling and sincere heart, will be 
 blessed to the children. I would encourage one and 
 all to be faithful. Suitable opportunities improved. 
 
120 Memoir of 
 
 sometimes in private, will be blessed. I feel much in- 
 terest in your meetings, good readings, &q, ; do men- 
 tion them. It brings me so near, feel almost as if I 
 were with you. I do exceedingly covet, that your 
 hands may not hang down with discouragement. Be 
 strong, be cheerful, be firm, for He who is with you, 
 is greater than he who is trying to w^ork against you/^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '' 2nd mo. 2nd, 1842. 
 
 '' I attended meeting at G., on First-day ; very small, 
 and interrupted by a few late comers. This is such an 
 unseemly habit, that I am at a loss to imagine how any 
 person is willing to be in the way of it time after time." 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 " On taking my seat in meeting to-day, an unusual 
 sense of want, and of entire inability to prepare an ac- 
 ceptable offering, seemed to come over me ; when, to 
 my comfort I remembered, that He whom we profess 
 to worship, can prepare such as will be acceptable, and 
 that our wants and need were known to Him. He 
 needeth not to be informed ; wait humbly before Him ; 
 a broken and contrite spirit He will not despise. For 
 this little token I felt glad. It seemed a little evidence 
 of His moving, as ' On the face of the waters.^ " 
 
 To her brother B. 
 
 ^^It has been a low time with me ; I could not even 
 greet you with a line ; and as I have had no letter to 
 respond to, all has been silence. I am sensible years 
 
Hannah Williams. 121 
 
 are bringing their infirmities. Am feeble as to health, 
 and convinced that my outward tabernacle is wearing 
 out : desire not to be encumbered ^ about many things/ 
 so that the better building may be made secure. As 
 for myself, I am free thou shouldst go. I have no 
 doubt it did exercise thy mind greatly ; which, I be- 
 lieve, is a necessary preparation for every religious 
 service, greater or smaller. For lack of this, some 
 things that are termed religious, feel so empty and 
 weigh nothing. I could wish that all professing the 
 guidance of the Spirit of Truth, had enough of this 
 true exercise about them to keep them in their right 
 places, and right sense of feeling, so as not to burden 
 fhe living. ^^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ''- We had a good Monthly Meeting last Fifth-day : 
 ability was afforded to labor to the point ; even the 
 departure of some of our youth from Friends' testimo- 
 nies, in what they might term ^ little things.' The 
 subject Avas feelingly handled by our worthy Friend, R. 
 S. It is cause for thankfulness, that some are quali- 
 fied to speak about these departures. Many go out at 
 that door and never return. 
 
 " A great deal rests on parents while their children 
 
 are young and growing up, to watch, guard, help and 
 
 explain, restrain and tenderly entreat, and not give out. 
 
 Few children could be so stubborn, as not to yield, 
 
 and in after years, thank heartily their parents for this 
 
 wholesome care ; though it was hard to them awhile, 
 
 yet the yoke would become easy. Indeed I have really 
 11 
 
122 Memoir of 
 
 feared^ some parents like too well to see something a 
 little smart and tasty^ and so give away their strength, 
 that when the children grow older and exceed bonnds, 
 they can do nothing. * '^ ^k >fc ^ 
 
 '' I have desired it never may become an easy thing 
 to go and do errands for the church, but that a portion 
 of baptism may precede, preparing for service, although 
 dwelUng under it may not be pleasing to the natural 
 part/' 
 
 To one under affliction. 
 
 " Dear : Since my little call to see thee, my 
 
 mind has often been turned towards thee with near 
 feeling, and earnest desires for thy comfort. I have 
 often said to myself, some may say there is no comfort 
 or settlement for one so tried ; but my sense is not so. 
 That Great Being, who sees the afflictions of the afflicted, 
 and graciously compassionates the workmanship of his 
 own hands, if we bear our trials with patience and 
 meekness, in his own time will say, ^It is enough,' 
 will ^Give the oil of joy for mourning, and the gar- 
 ment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.' As to the 
 outward, in looking tOAvards a happy settlement with 
 thy own family together, things may be unpromising ; 
 yet keep thy eye single to the Great Head, and much 
 comfort may be thine. Often wait on Him in thy 
 own mind, as many quiet moments must necessarily 
 
 be thine ; and do, deiu^ , keep close to religious 
 
 meetings, and there wait upon the Lord, and thou wilt 
 be strengthened to bear up under the weight of thy 
 sorrows, and be able to see that by so doing they can 
 
Han n ah Willia nis, 123 
 
 be l)orno. Mv secret [)rayer and desire is, tliat tliey 
 may be sanctified to thee^ and that tliou may yet have 
 canse to praise His great name for His wonderful 
 works/^ 
 
 To a daughter. 
 
 '' 1st mo., 1842. 
 
 ^' The feelings thou speaks of, jjoor, loic, and desti- 
 tute, I understand. As okl as I am, and used to such 
 turns, am ahnost ready to think sometimes that I shall 
 never know any more good. I say nothing in vindi- 
 cation of this giving out way ; better bear patiently ; 
 ^ Wash and anoint and not appear to fast.' '^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " 3rd mo., 1843. 
 ^ ^ ^' " Do not be discouraged when you have 
 trying cases among the children. If teachers labor 
 after a right qualification to treat with them, and not 
 overdo with words or punishment, such labor may 
 prove availing, and never be forgotten. The wise 
 king said, ' A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold 
 in pictures of silver.' Your movements have much 
 interest for me. I do very much desire your preserva- 
 tion in the good and right way, which, to the single 
 and simple hearted, is not hard to find. Some diffi- 
 culties, and many things not altogether pleasant, may 
 naturally be expected to occur among children, or be- 
 tween teachers and children, yet ^Wisdom is profita- 
 ble to direct,' and patience is a great help, it removes 
 mountains. Take some pains to understand the mo- 
 tives children have for acting; it does often very much 
 
124 Memoir of 
 
 lessen- the faulty or whatever is amiss. And then at 
 other times the seeming good actions of the more art- 
 fnl are discovered^ and an opportunity is furnished to 
 place judgment on those; and thus they are helped. 
 I feel more on this subject than I can write or speak 
 ofj but a word may be sufficient, having often felt my 
 mind engaged for the help of my scholars, even in 
 school hours; learning little by little the difference 
 of dispositions, and noticing things, and treasuring 
 them up for use, if ever wanted. This has sometimes 
 enabled me to give privately a word of advice, caution 
 or encouragement, and sometimes more publicly. A 
 dear friend remarked to me when I was young, that 
 ^Teaching school was next to preaching the gospel.^ ^' 
 
 Yearly Meeting of 1842. 
 
 ^^4th mo., 1842. At the afternoon sitting on Se- 
 venth-day, of the Select Yearly Meeting, James Hadley, 
 from Indiana, had a very appropriate communication, 
 which seemed to raise a little life. This Friend and 
 his companion seem to be walking carefully. 
 
 '^It is a low time with me. I had almost question- 
 ed whether any good would ever reach me more, or 
 that I should ever be refreshed, either immediately or 
 instrumentally. Often of latter times do I remember 
 an expression of a dear old Friend many years ago ; he 
 often used it, and no doubt experienced the truth of it, 
 ^ The days of youth are days of favor.^ Our adversary 
 is unwearied ; and when we are weary and w^orn down 
 bodily and mentally, he is still unwearied : that noth- 
 ing but a close abiding with or near that power w^hich 
 
Hannah Williams. 125 
 
 is over liim^ watching and prayings can secure us from 
 falling a prey. 
 
 '^First-day morning I attended Arch Street Meet- 
 ing; many present that were not members. Tlie com- 
 munication Samuel Bettle delivered ^ was^ no doubt^ 
 strengthening and encouraging to many : ' He that 
 laboreth^ receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life 
 eternal;' pretty lengthy and close to his subject. 
 Thomas Kite followed with an address to those ad- 
 vanced in life. It felt to me to be true ministry. 
 Surely he ministered to my state^ and doubtless to 
 many others. It flowed like oil, his voice and manner 
 suiting his subject, encouraging us to trust to that God 
 who had been with us all our life long, and had sus- 
 tained us through various trials and difficulties; to 
 which I could in my own experience fully subscribe. 
 
 " At our afternoon meeting a dear Friend spoke, and 
 extended her communication, I thought, too far. It 
 seemed to me like being in shallow water, near aground. 
 O, how I do feel on these occasions; it seems a general 
 hint from some dear father, like Jonathan Evans used 
 to be in his day, would be serviceable. 
 
 " Third-day at our morning and afternoon sittings, we 
 were favored with lively, sound remarks on several 
 subjects. The indiflFerence some manifest in the attend- 
 ance of their religious meetings, was cause of exercise, 
 and the subject was feelingly spoken to; the things 
 that hinder, if a care was felt to press through, would 
 not continue to let or hinder. It is an obligation we 
 are all alike under, to the Great Giver of all good, and 
 we are in duty bound to wait upon him in our meet- 
 11* 
 
126 Memoir of 
 
 ings; though sometimes we may feel poor, and as 
 though no good was near, yet even that patient waiting 
 and hungering was acceptable, and He would in His 
 own time, arise for the help, encouragement and strength 
 of these. I believe fresh ability was furnished to labor 
 for the help of those who, through weakness and the 
 hindering things of this w orld, keep back from fulfilling 
 their duty in this respect. 
 
 " The inclination of many of our members to attend 
 places of worship out of our Society, was noted in 
 several reports, and a living exercise prevailed on that 
 account. E. E. labored much to the point. She is 
 greatly gifted, and I desire her preservation in humility 
 and watchfulness, and faithfulness to the end. S. 
 Emlen lifted up her voice on that subject, rehearsing 
 PauFs expressions, ' O foolish Galatians ! who hath 
 bewitched you?' that ye seek to make that perfect in 
 the flesh which was begun in the Spirit. 
 
 "This day we were favored with good meetings 
 throughout, which is cause of tliankfulness. 
 
 "At the afternoon sitting on Fourth-day, the min- 
 utes of the Meeting for Sufferings for the past year, 
 w^ere read, showing the care of that body for the fur- 
 therance of our principles and testimonies ; their care 
 in observing the movements of the legislature and the 
 head department at Washington, using their influence 
 with those bodies as w^ay opens, on account of slavery 
 and the slave trade ; and on account of the poor Indians. 
 
 " There was also an Epistle addressed to the Meet- 
 ing for Sufferings in London ; an excellent document, 
 
Hannah Williams. 127 
 
 so feelings so suitable^ and evidently written under 
 Divine direction. 
 
 '^I felt thankful^ not only that we had the reading 
 of itj but that we had such efficient members^ watch- 
 ing for the welfare of the body at large/^ 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 ''Sixth rao., 1842. 
 
 "If wcAvere careful in our different meetings and 
 neighborhoods to support the standard for Truth^ ac- 
 cording to the gift and understanding which our great 
 Head giveth to his willing^ obedient and faithful fol- 
 lowers, it seems to me that this is a day that some 
 might be turned to look on us, not out of contempt, 
 but from sincere motives*; and the day is coming when 
 I believe they will flock in as doves to the windows, 
 from the troubled waters, when there is no rest to the 
 soles of their feet. While I feel as I do in this respect, 
 I can but be very jealous that many amongst us are 
 not careful to live and example well day by day ; and 
 I often mourn over my own shortcomings.'^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 ''8th mo. 4tb. 
 " At our Quarterly Meeting, we had our Friends 
 John Letchworth and Samuel Bettle. Both had ser- 
 vice in the meeting. J. was brief and to the point, 
 respecting the people being in readiness and Avaiting 
 for the Saviour, in order to be healed of their various 
 diseases ; that he was as able and willing now as in 
 that day, to heal and to cun^ our maladies, if we were 
 
128 Memoir of 
 
 willing to do our part. S, was lengthy on ^The 
 foundation of God standetli sure, having this seal, 
 the Lord knoweth them that are his/ He was earnest 
 in his exhortation to the young people present. For 
 myself it was a low time, and these good things did not 
 seem for me, or my state was not reached. But in our 
 last meeting there was a little living stream in great 
 weakness opened, w^hich ran amongst us fresh and lively, 
 through dear Alice Knight and Elizabeth Mason, and 
 followed by a lowly humble petition to the throne of 
 Grace, for a continuance of supplies of strength, with 
 thanks for the present help, by our dear, though almost 
 worn out Friend, Elizabeth Robeson. I travailed with 
 this exercise, and it felt grateful.'' 
 
 V 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " 11th mo. 
 
 " I reached home safely from the school, and brought 
 with me much of the feeling that had gathered about 
 me while there, and even yet it is not lost, though I 
 have to lay aside some of the thoughts, to make room 
 for home cares and concerns, which are many and vari- 
 (ms, increasingly so : may there be a proportionate con- 
 cern to seek for a daily supply of Best help. 
 
 " E. Comfort is better again ; ^vas silent at meeting 
 to-day, but of latter times has communicated consider- 
 ably ; I was almost ready to conclude he was finishing 
 oif his w^ork. Our aged Friend, George Martin, is 
 very poorly indeed, so that we are threatened with 
 further strippings in our little meeting. If our broken 
 ranks can but be filled to the honor of the good cause, 
 it will, I trust, be a happy change to the afflicted.'' 
 
Hannah Williams. 129 
 
 To her brother, B. 
 
 * * ^ '^1 long to get nearer and nearer to what 
 I ought to be. My time is so fully taken up^ and a 
 necessity laid upon me to turn from one thing to another 
 without much loss of time, that to be rightly prepared 
 for each portion of business as it presents, and so be 
 doing my day's work in the day time, is my greatest 
 desire. 
 
 ^^ James Hadley, is this day at a meeting appointed 
 for him at Horsham. When his visit to our meeting 
 comes, I cannot say. The Good Shepherd hands out 
 to us as we pass along, a little help, comfort and con- 
 solation, as well as advice, reproof and correction. As 
 it comes either immediately or instumentally, I crave 
 we may accept it and improve by it.'' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " Our dear Friend, Sarah Emlen, was silent at each 
 place 'she visited here, except a little for the children 
 of C. F. She was not out on a reliorious concern, vet 
 I was sensible she was not without religious exercise. 
 She was rather more silent in her common manners 
 than I have been used to see her ; should not be sur- 
 prised if a preparation for future religious service would 
 be the result of this proving dispensation, wherein she 
 was, to use her own words, ' Mercifully preserved from 
 feeling any anxiety whether she recovered or not.' " 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " We have held a Monthly Meeting to-day. E. C. 
 seemed to feel a little life, and ability to labor, encourag- 
 
130 Me^noir of 
 
 ing to some, tlioiigh with a serious call to those wlio 
 are pursuing worldly matters^ regardless of the high 
 obligations they are under for the many favors bestowed. 
 " Thou wilt doubtless be surprised to hear of the 
 death of our cousin^ E. R. I do feel much for her 
 husband and son. When left by themselves^ and all 
 excitement gone by^ then is the time of trial and prov- 
 ing, which some can hardly endure. I w^ell remember 
 what a discouraging view I had, when thus left ; but 
 mercy and goodness reached forth a kind, helping hand 
 immediately. My spiritual ear heard a promise as 
 clear and distinct as though vocally uttered, and with it 
 a confidence was given me beyond all doubt of its source 
 being from ' Him who cannot lie ;' that if I did as I 
 ought, and kept my place and station in the Truth, 
 way would be made for my safety and getting along. 
 Often, very often have I recurred to it all my life long 
 since ; and many times when under trial have said to 
 myself, — AVhat ! distrust now I Truly on His part. 
 He has fulfilled the promise.^' 
 
 To a friend. 
 
 '' An unusual number of useful active members of 
 our religious Society, who were in the prime of life, 
 have been removed within the past year, from little 
 meetings where they are much missed. But we may 
 hope the mantle has fallen on those, who like Elisha, 
 will be helped to gather it up, and move forward 
 through the dec^ps, comparable to the waters. This 
 will cheer thee now in the evening of thy lengthened 
 day. From the aj)pearance of very many middle- 
 
Hannah Williams. 131 
 
 aged and youDg Friends at our late annual meetings 
 there was reason to believe there would be a succession 
 in our poor backsliding Society^ that will be prepared 
 to hold up the standard for the people to rally to. 
 There are discouragements truly^ and sometimes it 
 would seem as if we should fail before the nations^ 
 and not be known^ but an eye of faith is opened now 
 and then to see better things. Truly I thought^ at our 
 late Yearly Meetings notwithstanding I admit some 
 hard things had to be suffered, that the Lord does 
 design to comfort his people.'' 
 
 To her brother, Benjamin Albertson. 
 
 " I was able to get to Westtown, and attend the 
 examination. S. Bettle say's, it is as many hours sit- 
 ting as the Yearly Meeting, if it held from Second- 
 day morning till Seventh-day noon. We had an in- 
 teresting time in the school, and miich unity and good 
 feeling among us in the engagement, and some fresh 
 ability to endeavor to have things brought into and 
 kept in good order, in regard to the dress of the' boys 
 and girls, and their language and behavior. I ex- 
 perienced a low time on Fourth-day night, almost 
 ready to fear, that through our hands the concern 
 would suffer. But in an opportunity with the children 
 before meeting Fifth-day morning, was made thankful 
 in finding the little strength increased, to plead with 
 them relievingly, aflPording faith to believe, that He 
 who furnished that for our present necessity, would 
 be near and bless the labor to some of the dear children, 
 and preserve the concern to the credit of Society.'' 
 
132 Memoir- of 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " Our meeting this mornings was favored Avith a 
 rightly authorized communication from our Friend^ E. 
 C. Am always thankful when I can clearly see any 
 one thus favored. It caused a fresh desire he might 
 continue to experience his feet shod with the preparation 
 of the gospel. There are in our days so many things 
 to obstruct the pure gospel current^ both in preachers 
 and hearers^ that we ought thankfully to rejoice when 
 we can see eye to eye in the true light.^^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 ^'llth mo. 9th, 1842. 
 
 " Yesterday E. C. took Mercy Paxson and myself 
 to Horsham^ to attend Abington Monthly Meetings 
 where the Quarterly Meeting Committee was to meet. 
 The meeting itself was good ; but I had some very 
 close trying feelings on several accounts ; my heart inly 
 mourned. I lodged with M. P.^ and to her I com- 
 plained as much as w^ould do. I suggested more dili- 
 gence and faithfulness in our little meetings at home, 
 to visit in a concern for the encouragement of indi- 
 viduals and families as way opened in the truth, and 
 I believed it would open if Friends were more fully 
 devoted to the good one of another, and not selfishly 
 sit brooding over our own weak state, and caring for 
 things at a distance. Thus I complained, and in this 
 poor way was conveyed to our little select Quarterly 
 Meeting at Germantown, very unfit to attend such a 
 meeting; but through all, I did not forget that there 
 was One able to help, though T felt no ability to 
 
Hannah Williams. 133 
 
 apply therefor. We had the company of our Friends 
 Elizabeth Pittfield and Sarah Hillman. It was a fresh 
 evidence of the care of our great Caretaker^ in that he 
 put it into the hearts of his servants to come and see 
 how the brethren fared. Things both new and old 
 wxre brought out of the good treasury. The circum- 
 stance was revived of the Apostle Paul being met by 
 the brethren at Appi-Forum^ or the Three Taverns^ 
 after he had been in great tribulation. As also that of 
 the Prophet^ when they w^ere in a great strait^ he prayed 
 that the eyes of his servant might be opened to see ; and 
 behold he saw they were surrounded by the Lord^s 
 host^ chariots of fire^ horses, &c. So that altogether I 
 was strengthened and comforted, and encouraged to 
 leave those things ; and in the place of the trial I was 
 under, experienced a quiet, resigned feeling, even as a 
 child weaned of its mother. It is marvellous how we 
 are cared for and instructed. To be sensible of this 
 preserving care is an invaluable blessing. We had a 
 choice Quarterly Meeting the next day ; I think it 
 may be said ' Truth reigned' more than is usual ; so 
 that we have need, as I trust has been the case, to 
 ^ Thank God and take courage.' " 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ''12th mo. 9th. 
 '^ My feelings were quite moved, to find that sadness 
 and desertion should be so wrapped about thee in thy 
 early pilgrimage. Whether our tarriance here be long 
 or short, we do well to remember that if the very hairs 
 of our head are all numbered, and not even a sparrow 
 12 
 
134 Meinoir of 
 
 is permitted to fall to the ground without His notice, 
 surely He will care for us who are of more value than 
 many sparrows. The circumstances by which you are 
 surrounded at W. are peculiarly trying, and anxious 
 feelings are yours; but be not too sad or anxious; ^Do 
 your best and leave the rest/ Do not look up occasions 
 for self-reproach or regret. It is a temptation which 
 minds not very self-confident are apt to fall into, after 
 watching and waiting on the sick and witnessing their 
 close, even though they omitted no duty while it was 
 in their power. A few moments after hearing of my 
 nephew H. W.^s death, it came fresh to mind, ' Taken 
 from the evil to come.' My chief care and concern is, 
 that it may be blessed to the family and connections. 
 I seem to feel some quiet assurance that he is well, and 
 who could wish him back, or risk his life being pro- 
 longed. '' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 "25th. 
 
 ^^ In looking at dear brother Josiah\s case [afflicted 
 with paralysis] with an outward eye, Ave have almost 
 no hope ; but I have had a different view. I may be 
 suffered to be mistaken ; am trying to be prepared to 
 bear up, as the trial will be great, if he is now removed. 
 Oh, I thought yesterday in waiting on him, can he pos- 
 sibly be raised from this low state of body and mind ? 
 To-day he seems more quiet. I cannot believe he is 
 forsaken, but trust that the Lord Avill, in great mercy, 
 save him. My mind in sitting quietly by his bedside, 
 was so sweetly comforted with being favored to see His 
 
Hannah Williains. 135 
 
 great mercy many ways to his poor people struggling 
 with infirmity ; I cannot tell thee how good it felt to 
 me. I believe now is our time to be found near the 
 throne of grace^ supplicating not only for ourselves but 
 for him^ as our Great Head may be pleased to help us 
 so to do in the secret of our hearts^ for He knoweth all 
 hearts, and no secret is hid from Him/^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 ^^Our meeting this morning was remarkable for a 
 communication of our Friend, E. C.^s, delivered I be- 
 lieve^ with right authority. After describing the state 
 we read of, being ' empty, swept and garnished/ the 
 evil spirit entered, and the last state was worse than 
 the first ; similar to that of being at ease in Zion. His 
 concern centered in the state of an individual present, 
 who had yielded to Heavenly visitations, and measur- 
 ably taken up the cross, but had stopped short and 
 taken up a rest by the way. He was very close and 
 to the point, mentioned the ^sow washed/ and ^wallow- 
 ing in the mire,^ and earnestly recommended a closing 
 in with Divine requiring, and ' thou wilt be an instru- 
 ment for his glory, and thy candle will shine brightly* 
 But, O, if thou return not and yield all up, thy 
 candle wdll be removed out of its place, and the mind 
 of thy heavenly Father concerning thee will not be 
 known by thee.' It felt to me like a fresh call to 
 some poor soul.'' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ''1st mo. 27tli, 1843. 
 
 ^^ This ridiculing disposition thou speaks of, which 
 
136 Memoir of 
 
 is manifested by some towards those who assemble to 
 read some religious work^ I felt grieved with^ and 
 much sympathy was mine for the rightly exercised 
 ones^ scholars and caretakers. This scoffing is hard 
 to cure^ and great wisdom is to be used ; for Solomon 
 says: ^A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him, 
 neither will he go unto the wise/ I have felt desir- 
 ous you may so move that no just cause of offence be 
 administered. To those who feel willing to be in- 
 structed, even to hear good reading, I would recom- 
 mend the reading for their comfort and encouragement 
 the first Psalm of David. Indeed, many comfortable 
 promises to the humble, lowly ones, are recorded, and 
 they need not be ashamed, and my heart's desire is, 
 that they may use the opportunity put into their power 
 by their friends sending them there, and treasure up 
 the good advice, and the good feelings too, of their 
 concerned caretakers; the committee Friends who visit 
 them, and other Friends who come there. I know 
 something about what I say ; when I was young, not 
 fifteen years of age, my feelings at that school are yet 
 remembered with gladness, and the labors of concerned 
 Friends there, have been helpful on my journey, es- 
 pecially helpful, through the tribulated path of life. 
 
 ^^ Thomas Kite attended our Monthly Meeting very 
 acceptably; faithfulness was the burden of the word; 
 faithfulness to our different gifts. He supplicated for 
 the company convened in our parlor after dinner; 
 there were various states present. Some of which 
 were in a solemn manner brought to view and remem- 
 bered. O, may it ^avail much. 
 
 
Hannah Willian'is, 137 
 
 To one of her daughters. 
 
 "3rd rao. 1st, 1843. 
 
 "Attended our Monthly Meeting; very low in feel- 
 ing. Unexpectedly we had the company of our Friends 
 E. Pittfield and S. Hillman. As regards this visit^ I 
 may say, I cannot tell thee what a comfort it was ; there 
 was spread a full table of choice good things of the 
 right preparing, for which I am not able to be thank- 
 ful enough. 
 
 " I was glad to hear from the sick child at the school, 
 (Westtown) — feel interest enough in many of your cares 
 and concerns to bring me there ; but at present all I 
 can do is to desire for you, and that the work may be 
 blessed to the dear children, even to the naughty ones. 
 Do not give out, not one of you, from the superinten- 
 dents down to the least of the helpers, who are looking 
 to the only Helper, and it seems to me the work will 
 be blessed. ^ Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. ^ 
 This is often mercifully so.'' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '^ITth. . 
 
 ^^ There is a way, which of all others, I dislike for 
 young girls to fall into ; an admiration for personal 
 appearance, and fixing up apparel to suit such feel- 
 ings. Do thou discourage an increase of it. It is 
 one of the very evil things. It grows out of the 
 naughty ones setting themselves up, and all who can- 
 not imitate pretty well every way, and in every thing, 
 are pointed at and ridiculed. It is a disposition 
 that will not bend to the cross in anv thino;, nor let 
 
 otliers bend to it ; not even thouo-h it is the great con- 
 12* 
 
138 Memoir of 
 
 cern for caretakers and committee to liave all in the 
 simplicity, and that they shonld rather improve their 
 minds and seek to get wisdom. I do really mourn 
 over these things in young persons, it is so great a 
 hindrance to a growth in grace, and keeps the heart 
 hard and haughty, so that good cannot enter. Sad as 
 this is, I see no way but to lie low and cry mightily 
 for the deliverance of the children of this people, and 
 that their eyes may be opened to see the things which 
 belong to their peace, and for strength to stand against 
 wrong things, that so they may not be carried captive 
 by their soul's enemy /^ 
 
 ^^I hear a separation has taken place in Indiana 
 Yearly Meeting on the subject of slavery. The sepa- 
 ratists held a yearly Meeting to themselves, and trans- 
 acted all the usual business of such a meeting, addressed 
 Epistles, &c. This is calculated to bring Friends into 
 trial again. Many ways the destroyer gets entrance 
 into our poor Society, and we should certainly fail and 
 give back, did we not know of a certainty that, ' The 
 foundation stands sure,' and that ^The Lord knoweth 
 them that are his/ that ^His arm is not shortened that 
 it cannot save, nor his ear grown heavy that it cannot 
 hear.''' 
 
 Yearly Meeting of 1843. 
 
 ^^I would like to give some good account of the 
 Yearly Meeting each day, but came to it in great feeble- 
 ness of mind and body. 
 
 ^^On Second-day morning the meeting convened and 
 
Hannah Williams. 139 
 
 was largc^ tliough there were many vacant seats in the 
 galleries. Epistles from all the Yearly Meetings with 
 which we correspond, were read. Though there is a 
 backsliding in many in our Society, yet a living seed 
 is left, w^hich is like ^Deep calling unto deep.' I am 
 almost afraid to use this language, but so it seemed to 
 me. But I do sorrowfully know there are some in 
 high stations who do not feel the true state of things. 
 There is great need not to be high minded, but to fear 
 and crave, as ability is aiforded, that the heritage may 
 not be given over to reproach; and that those may not 
 rule over us, who are not believers in the lowly, self- 
 denying life of Christ, which is inwardly revealed, even 
 to babes and sucklings. 
 
 " On Third-day morning, proceeded with the Queries 
 and answers, as far as the sixth. Deficiencies are 
 still marked, and it seemed to me as though there was 
 much hidden exercise, a little of which, some few were 
 strengthened to spread before the meeting. The neg- 
 lect of our little meetings at home, and many not being 
 careful to take the children with them, w^ere adverted 
 to as a cause of great weakness amongst us, and the 
 children suffered loss. Overseers, and other concerned 
 Friends, were admonished to deal faithfully with such, 
 and to be willing to go down into littleness and try to feel 
 with them, that their labor might be helpful ; in short, 
 there is a baptism of spirit to go through before we are 
 fitted for any service, either in a public or a private 
 way. The many instances of our young Friends at- 
 tending places of worship where a hireling ministry is 
 
140 Memoir of 
 
 maintained^ was cause of exercise ] and these two sub- 
 jects were directed to the care of the representatives. 
 
 '' The slackness of parents in carefully bringing np 
 their children from very early life in plainness of dress 
 and habits, prepares the way for departures from the 
 testimonies of the Society ; makes it easy for them to 
 mingle with the world^ and to go to other places of 
 w^orship^ to the great grief of concerned Friends, and 
 the hurt of the cause. The expressions which were 
 addressed to William Penn by his father were revived, 
 to the effect, that if he and his friends kept to their 
 plain way of preaching, and plain way of living, they 
 would make an end of priestcraft, to the end of the world. 
 
 '' appeared in an instructive communication, on 
 
 onr having each a gift, a talent or talents to occupy, 
 and the need we be found faithfully occupying them, 
 that so we might refund them with their increase; and 
 she pressed the remembrance of the account, that it was 
 the slothful servant that did not use his gift, but said, 
 ' I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where 
 thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not 
 strewed.^ It was a solid communication, and calcu- 
 lated to stir up to faithfulness. 
 
 '' In our meeting that met at 8 o'clock on Fourth- 
 day morning, some weighty counsel was in a lively 
 feeling communicated by several Friends.^^ 
 
 ''6th mo., 2nd. 
 " Dear children : — In reo;ard to takino;; children to 
 meeting, it is certainly our duty so to do, and to en- 
 deavor rightly to impress their tender minds with cor- 
 
Hannah Williams. 141 
 
 rect and proper views of our being so concerned ; it 
 may have a lasting good eiFect. The evil seed starts 
 its growth very early ^ and if we are not careful ' in 
 the morning' to sow the seed^ and ' in the evening with- 
 hold not the hand/ we cannot expect a growth in that 
 which is good. While I thus write^ I am sensible the 
 work must be begun in ourselves^ or we can do noth- 
 ing that will be availing for the children. 
 
 " 16th. I have not been well^ though am better ; 
 and glad to be so^ as it was our meeting day^ and ^\ e 
 much stripped; so I was able to sit in my place. Out 
 of poverty and ^veakness as to any ability to help my- 
 self, was somewhat comforted and refreshed in remem- 
 bering the sister of Lazarus, who said, ' But I know 
 that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask, God will 
 give it thee.' So great is his mercy and condescension. 
 He does help and raise up.'' 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 '' 7th mo., Gth. 
 
 " At our meeting to-day, we had the company of 
 our Friends, William and Elizabeth Evans. Our 
 members generally there, with some of the neighbors 
 round ; and truly our state was ministered unto. In 
 the first place W. was engaged to show what our fore- 
 fathers in the Truth were, and hoAV much the Society 
 falls short in the present day ; that had we as a people 
 been faithful, we should ere this have possessed the 
 gates of our enemies. Then remembering the poor 
 struggling ones, encouragement was found adapted to 
 our several exigencies. The close provings in our dif- 
 
142 Memoir of 
 
 ferent allotments were alluded to^ and the stratagems 
 of onr common adversary, suiting his baits to all ages 
 and stations, prowling around our habitation until we 
 are ready to fear we shall fall, and indeed that we are 
 already fallen. 
 
 '' Our standing has seemed to me of latter times to 
 be in slippery places ; the security and confidence which 
 w^as the neighborhood feeling, is very much gone, and 
 the general feeling changed, or I am mistaken ; there 
 seems nothing to rest the foot on. William got into 
 the condition of things, as it seemed to me, and closely 
 pressed dwelling with our suffering Lord, even if yet 
 more reduced in numbers. He seemed to believe yet 
 further trials await this Society, but a rising out of 
 this low estate will come, when there will be a looking 
 unto and drawing unto this people. 
 
 '' This is scarcely the outline of a long communica- 
 tion, every word to the point: Elizabeth supplicated 
 afterwards for the states brought to view in the address. 
 It was a favored time, and more than we had a right 
 to expect.^^ 
 
 U^ 24th. After speaking of many favors dispensed, H. 
 W. says : '' So we are cared for by the Good Husband- 
 man, w^ith all our failings and short-comings ; to sit 
 dow^n and mourn over these will not do ; we must be 
 up and doing, for ^the day hasteneth.' '^ 
 
 To one of her brothers. 
 
 '' 28tli. 
 " More and more it is needful — yea, positively so, 
 
Hannah Willion^uS. 143 
 
 for Friends to keep the dear children from mixing Avith 
 tlie multitude. I fear many of the young people within 
 my knowledge are hurt thereby. Even the children 
 of Friends congregating together unnecessarily^ I do 
 see leads to no good. 
 
 ^^ We may reasonably expect a sifting and winnow^- 
 ing season in Society; there being almost everywhere 
 too much of a mixing with the world in its various 
 customs^ fashions^ and many self-pleasing things. It is 
 impossible in this small compass to lay before thee my 
 feelings on these matters ; I am almost all the time 
 sad ; only now and then a bright spot.^^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 "Sthmo. 18th, 1843. 
 
 '' Came safely to the city^ and attended the Aveek- 
 day meeting on Sixth Street. It was a meeting at 
 which a table was spread Avith many good and salutary 
 things for hungry souls. I mourned over the absent 
 who belonged there^ — the sons left in the stores^ &c., 
 and many flimsy reasons assigned for the omission. 
 Most surely Ave as a people Avill be visited for these 
 things^ and for the indifference in other AA^ays ; CA^en 
 robbing Him to AA^hom only honor is due, and folloAV- 
 ing our OAvn ways and pleasures. I dined at J. and 
 C. C.'s ; they with their children were at meeting. 
 These Friends, it seems to me, are trying to do as Avell 
 as they know hoAV Avith their family, and I look for a 
 further adA^ancement, if faithfulness is abode in. What 
 is it that is said about the ^Willing hearted in Jerusa- 
 lem?' 
 
144 Memoir of 
 
 " has been very sick; seems sensible he has 
 
 narrowly escaped being brought low. I desire every 
 admonitory call to us may have a proper effect. In 
 great mercy we are spoken to in different ways by our 
 Great Preserver^ in order that we may escape the wrath 
 to come ; which w^ill inevitably come on those who do 
 not obey the call of, ' Walk before me and be thou 
 perfect.^' 
 
 " I want to hear from our dear Friends^ James and 
 Sarah Emlen, and from you all at Westtown. Suppose 
 you are toiling on from day to day. That concern is 
 like a great machine^ always in motion. It Avas in the 
 first outset a religious concern, for the guarded educa- 
 tion of our youth. I have desired that this may be 
 carefully kept in view by the Yearly Meeting, the 
 committee, superintendents, teachers, and all the officers 
 in the house. It is a great strength to be all united in 
 furthering this concern.'^ 
 
 '^ 8th mo. 28th. We had a crowded, sultry ride, far 
 from agreeable, though the company were very civil. 
 These strict temperance days have made drunken and 
 half drunken men scarce ; a change to be regarded with 
 much satisfaction. The leaven of our testimonies, if 
 faithfully adhered to by our Society, will have an in- 
 fluence on the community at large ; so said , in 
 
 the conversation I had with him, when I excused ray- 
 self and family from attending his lecture on Slavery. 
 ' It is your leaven that is out in the world, and as you 
 
Hannah Williams. 145 
 
 are faitiiful, it will more and more spread and prevail.' 
 He mentioned war^ and other of our testimonies. 
 " I was glad to hear our Friend, R. Scotton, had 
 
 called and to account for coming to 
 
 meetings late, as also their absence on Fifth-day. 
 There was a sound in it betokening right zeal. I 
 wdsh we could find time and inclination to go and see 
 our members in the right way. It would have an en- 
 couraging effect. There are some who hardly feel as 
 if they were linked to Society, they are so little noticed, 
 
 or not noticed at all. Some such mav never be able 
 
 t/ 
 
 to do much for Society, but Society may do something 
 for them. ' Those who are not against us are for us.' " 
 
 '*'9th mo. 8th. My best love to dear S. E. Her 
 time seems lengthened out, and doubtless for a good 
 and wise purpose. It is not a great deal we commu- 
 nicate to each other outwardly, but I believe we are 
 not strangers to each other in hidden exercise, and I 
 set more value on that sort of acquaintance — yea, much 
 more — than in outside show of friendship, without any 
 foundation but the natural feelings of unstable mortals. 
 
 Date omitted. 
 " We had the company of our Friends, James and 
 Sarah Emlen ; I thought we had a good meeting after 
 deep wading. A fresh call was sent forth to the chil- 
 dren of this people, and to the children of others pre- 
 sent, to ^ Come out and be ye separate, and touch not 
 the unclean thing,' &c. The way was clearly opened 
 and shown them, with very suitable encouragement; 
 
 that the way of the cross was the way to the kingdom. 
 13 ' 
 
146 Memoir of 
 
 It is a safe way, and peace is the result of walking 
 therein. O that we were more in earnest to hold up 
 the standard for the people to rally to !" 
 
 " 11th mo. 8th^ was our Quarterly Meeting. It 
 seemed a good solid time with Friends^ and we had 
 some suitable communications. My feelings resembled 
 the wantry appearance without doors. I was poor, 
 destitute, blind and naked. Yet I loved my Friends, 
 w4iich seemed the only good spark left. But I do not 
 wish to complain, — have more than I deserve. So, 
 dear child, let us try to be travelling on, that so at the 
 end of time having done what w^e could, we may be 
 received with the answer of ' Well done / this is all 
 that is worth our concern. By little and little we 
 progress ; not great matters at once." 
 
 " I feel very much for dear , who, I under- 
 stand, is w^ading under a load of exercise, and passing 
 through the dispensation of judgment and of burning, 
 under which the enemy buflFets and upbraids, casts down 
 and seeks to destroy. My heart has been strengthened, 
 in being afresh made to see how good the Lord is in 
 remembering us in our low and sinful condition, and in 
 great mercy reaching forth a helping hand w^hen utterly 
 unable to help ourselves.'^ 
 
 To her daughter at Westtown. 
 
 ^'24th. 
 
 " I have received the account of the issue of the 
 
 case of illness at Westtown. My mind had been 
 
 buoyed between hope and fear. Deeply did I feel for 
 
Hannah Williams. 147 
 
 all interested ; the caretakers there, and her own dear 
 friends. Close must the event have proved, and, no 
 doubt, caused deep searching for the cause, why she, 
 who so lately gladdened the eyes of her parents, should 
 leave the family circle for such a good reason as that 
 of obtaining school learning, many miles from home, 
 and almost immediately on entering fall sick; and 
 though, no doubt, anxiously watched over and faith- 
 fully cared for, should then be summoned to her ever- 
 enduring home. Oh, saith my soul, may the Lord 
 bless the dispensation to all concerned, that it may help 
 prepare for the same final termination to these mortal 
 bodies, and through the gracious interposition of the 
 blessed Redeemer, qualify for an entrance into the 
 mansions of rest, where I do humbly trust, this dear 
 child has safely landed after those agonizing suffer- 
 ings.'^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '' 12th mo. 1st. 
 
 "The Monthly Meeting to-day, was a remarkable 
 one. Ezra Comfort had a concern to encourage the 
 tried, the wrestling spirit ; that as sure as Jacob was 
 blessed after wrestling the whole night season, so 
 would the same concern now be blessed. Then a state 
 was mournfully spoken of; that of being at ease in 
 Zion, — indifferent, unconcerned. Oh, w^hat can be done 
 for these ? was the query. Then Robert Scotton fol- 
 lowed ; spoke of a state that was trusting in the form 
 without the powder ; making a goodly appearance, but 
 sliding along unconcerned. He pressed an individual 
 
148 Memoir of 
 
 examination, saying, it would not hurt the very best 
 to examine — ' Is it I ? Is it I?' We might hide our 
 state from one another, but a day was hastening when 
 we should appear just as we really were, naked and 
 bare, before the judgment seat. Truly, I may say it 
 
 felt solemn indeed ! Then dear , mentioned 
 
 that early in the meeting she had felt a concern to re- 
 vive the passage concerning the ' Vineyard that was 
 planted in a very fruitful hill ;' that having fenced it, 
 and gathered out the stones thereof, it was planted with 
 a choice vine, and when he looked for grapes, behold 
 it brought forth wild grapes. The result was, the 
 hedge was to be taken away, ' and it should be eaten 
 up, and the wall thereof broken down, and it shall be 
 trodden down ; and I will lay it waste, it shall not be 
 pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briars 
 and thorns, and I will command the clouds that they 
 rain no rain upon it.^ A lamentable situation, should 
 any of us be thus left. I do believe this exercise was 
 begotten by the great Head of the Church, for his poor 
 backsliding and rebellious people, once more to sound 
 the alarm ; and whether we will hear or forbear. He 
 will be clear, and his faithful servants will be clear. 
 
 "1843. Under great depression, but from a con- 
 viction it would be right, I have been round to see 
 some of our neighbors. If Thomas Kite (who has been 
 attending our meetings) had not been so hurried when 
 at the bedside of my dear brother Josiah, I believe a 
 word would have been furnished. Have rather hoped 
 T.'s Master would send him back to finish. There is 
 R. J., not able to see Friends who come to have meet- 
 
Hannah V/illia-ms. 149 
 
 iiigs among us; and there also is M. B., now a little 
 revived ; and onr aged Friend, G. M., all Plymouth 
 members, who had not the privilege of meeting our 
 Friends at meeting. It does seem to me so connected 
 with the concern of the Friends, that either we or 
 they have too lightly overlooked it. I feel willing all 
 these cases should be thrown before Thomas : he will 
 not come unless his way opens. All these rest heavy 
 on me ; I can but feel the low spot that some of them 
 are in. I know^ too, that ^ Help is laid on One who is 
 mighty,^ and able for his own Avork, without the aid of 
 instruments.'^ 
 
 To her brother, B. A. 
 
 ^' I feel bound to thank thee for thy scrap ; it has 
 had a tendency to stir up the pure mind in me, by 
 way of remembrance. To have strength to go through 
 with thy every-day cares is a favor ; and also, to have 
 some sight and sense, that the trials of the present day 
 (if rightly lived through), will result for our real good, 
 is an encouragement to bear up manfully, and try to 
 live rightly through them. I live in hope, that some 
 sense of a helping hand may be seen and felt, but times 
 are low with me. 
 
 " My best love to you, also the dear children. If 
 you can do nothing else, take the right care of them as 
 they grow up. The late Yearly Meeting minutes of 
 advices say, ^ Children are an heritage from the Lord, 
 and we nuist watch for them as for our own souls.' '' 
 13* 
 
150 Memoir of 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ^'Thy mournful letter I received. Were it not that 
 it answered as face to face in a glass with my own con- 
 dition, I might put a wrong construction upon it. 
 Doubtless it is best to wait the whole appointed time, 
 the night season through ; a brighter moment will 
 come ; faith and patience work wonders, for the bless- 
 ing attends. 
 
 " I looked for thee at our Quarterly Meeting. No 
 doubt thou wouldst have been comforted through the 
 ministry of our Friends, William Evans and Isabella 
 Casson, who attended our meeting, and whose exercises 
 agreed together. W.^s concern, was to strengthen those 
 who were stripped and in prison, having no light, and 
 very little comfort, when their judgment was taken 
 away, and they Avere ready to call all the good they 
 ever had experienced in question. He encouraged such 
 to hold on, to keep near to their dear Lord, and in His 
 own- time he will come, and as in the twinkling of an 
 eye, can change the dispensation ; and said these prov- 
 ing seasons are among His choice blessings. He then 
 addressed those of younger experience, who were in 
 danger of being led away by some near friend, who 
 did not intend to mislead, but were looking too much 
 outward at the appearance of things; there being many 
 voices out in the world. If a watchful care was not 
 maintained, and a close walking with the Good Guide, 
 by prayer and humbling themselves before Him, some 
 who had set out well were in great danger of suffering 
 loss. Then a spiritual and energetic call to the poor 
 prodigal who had wasted his substance in riotous liv- 
 
Hannah Williams. 151 
 
 ing, feeding on that which does not satisfy, while there 
 is bread enough and to spare, in the Father's house, 
 who yet stood graciously disposed to receive such a 
 returning, repenting prodigal. 
 
 "In conclusion, I may say, it is a great blessing to 
 have a living gospel ministry preserved in our Society. 
 ' The ear trieth words as the mouth tasteth meat.' '' 
 
 To P. P. 
 
 " I acknowledge the receipt of thy letter ; it was 
 acceptable to hear of the children and thy aged mother, 
 yet, there was part of thy letter which did not feel so 
 pleasant; — to bring into view with seeming satisfaction, 
 those separate meetings. The ground taken by those 
 who compose them, is but being very newly tried ; the 
 safer way on your part would be, to be pretty quiet, — 
 so it seems to me. In looking to see how plain men 
 and women, so lately members of our religious Society, 
 must appear, in attending and listening to a lecture, by 
 one of the modern lecturers of the day on the subject 
 of Slavery, I am pained. I do not know how the 
 anti-slavery people out there manage the business; but 
 here it is seen by many, when traced home, to have its 
 right arm in politics. Where Friends join them (if 
 preserved spiritually alive), they will find precious 
 testimonies must be laid waste, and to say the least, 
 have to sit down with sorrow in the end. Whether 
 this is the case or not, I am willing just to say, I be- 
 lieve the ground broad enough for our religious Soci- 
 ety to move on, when help may be availingly handed. 
 I can truly say, dear P., the care and labor of our 
 
152 Memoir of 
 
 Yearly Meetings the past year, was cause of humble 
 gratitude; and the sweet fellowship was like incense, 
 reaching even to Him who is able to help all, who in 
 humility wait for his appearing. 
 
 " I do not pen this from a fulness of rich feeling ; I 
 am very poor every way, but can sincerely crave that 
 your eyes may be opened, and hearts inclined to trust 
 yourselves in the bosom of Society, leaning on that 
 Arm which is able to deliver to the very uttermost ; 
 who puts forth his own and goes before them. ' My 
 sheep hear my voice, and they follow me, and the 
 voice of a stranger will they not follow.' '^ 
 
 To a scholar at Westtown. 
 
 ^^Ever since thy return to school, dear , my 
 
 mind has been turned towards thee, in near and ten- 
 der feeling, greatly desiring thy preservation, know^- 
 ing as I well do the trials and temptations attending 
 the pathway of the young. It would be well for thee 
 to remember, that youth is the seed-time of life, and 
 that such as we sow, such also shall w^e reap. The 
 particular matter that lies with weight on my mind 
 is, that now having to change thy dress, in order to 
 meet the views of the Yearly Meeting^s Committee, 
 w^ho have the care of that Institution, in regard to 
 plainness, thou may not ever change back again. 
 Words cannot convey to thee my sorrow^, when I saw 
 thou wert likely to lay aside thy plain appearance. 
 Oh, how I did inly mourn, that thy example would 
 be against those who were striving to keep their lads 
 plain ; then here was thy brother close after thee, to 
 
Hannah Williams. 153 
 
 want the same liberty. I did try to open my feelings 
 to thy dear mother^ but it did not relieve me ; I ought 
 to have left my burden with thy dear father^ and now 
 he is no more. May thou take a course that will insure 
 peace at last. I do not at all wonder at thy wanting 
 this change, but though it may seem a small thing 
 now, yet it is one of the ways out of Society, and very 
 few who go out this way, ever return. Hard work is 
 the consequence if they ever get back ; then those who 
 may follow thy example and grieve their tender friends, 
 may never return, and remain useless in Society, if in 
 it they continue. I want thou should remember, that 
 if thou lives, great responsibility will rest upon thee. 
 Prepare for it, by a wise and steady conduct. Turn 
 not to the right hand nor to the left, from following 
 in the footsteps of the flock of Christ^s companions ; 
 then ere long, if thou continue faithful, it may please 
 the Great Giver of all good gifts, so to endow thee, 
 that thou might be prepared to take the place of thy 
 dear and tender parent, who in wisdom unsearchable, 
 has been called away in the midst of his usefulness. I 
 desire thou mayst keep these things close in view. It 
 may be a strength in time of trial and close temptation 
 which will beset, till thou obtain a victory over the 
 fascinating things of time, then thou wilt have to rejoice 
 as I do, and as many others have had to do, that we 
 were kept by our close friends from turning off in the 
 days of youth, and can bless my parents now that 
 their heads are laid low, for their care ; and many can 
 subscribe to the benefit of the same excellent wav." 
 
154 Memoir of 
 
 ^^12th mo., 21st. Thy letter was received giving 
 account of the further afflictive dispensation. Our 
 feelings were indeed deeply affected. It seems all 
 through as if the case were nearly our own. I feel 
 much for all of you who are sensible of the responsi- 
 bility that belongs to your stations. Wisdom is profita- 
 ble to direct us in all things, while we believe that our 
 lives are in His hands who will do right.'' 
 
 ^' As> regards , I may say; it is not for every 
 
 truly exercised soul to appear publicly. His ways are 
 a great deep, and it becomes us to lay low and wait all 
 the appointed time, though it be a long dark time, 
 wherein neither sun, moon nor stars appear. He may 
 be working a work in and for us, which will not only 
 be acceptable to Him, but redound to his glory and 
 praise eventually, and we be filling up our measure of 
 the sufferings of Christ which yet remains, for the 
 church's sake, and our own souFs sake." 
 
 To a Friend. 
 
 *^ We have begged a little money for poor old Dinah, 
 and also some wood, and got it hauled, which required 
 considerable contrivance to get it done. Blind S. is 
 sick. I have had many fears for the poor old woman, 
 yet when I visited her in the loft under the rafters, her 
 bed on the floor, I concluded she would be w^atched 
 over by that Eye which sleeps not, but who regards 
 all the workmanship of His hands, and without whose 
 notice not even a sparrow falls to the ground. She 
 asked me to read to her, and since, I heard theh^ minister 
 
Hannah Williams. 155 
 
 had been sent for to pray for her. I felt a hope she 
 might be comforted, but thought there were those there 
 who needed to be prayed for more than she, if they 
 had known it/^ 
 
 To a daughter at Westtown. 
 
 '' 12th mo., 1843. 
 
 '' We hear our dear Friend Christopher Healy has 
 a minute to come within the limits of Abington Quarter 
 to hold meetings, principally for other people. The 
 call to the highways and hedges seems to be going 
 forth, and I believe there is also a fresh invitation to 
 many among us. To me it does seem to be a very in- 
 teresting period in our Society, though on many ac- 
 counts discouraging." 
 
 To her children. 
 
 '' 1844. 
 
 " I feel as if I had a few words to say, which may a 
 little guide in your deciding as to what meeting you 
 shall attend. First desiring that ' He whose ways are 
 not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts,^ 
 may so open the w^ay that there may be no doubt left 
 in your minds. But as we are so prone to let com- 
 mon considerations, convenience, &c., influence us in 
 our determinations, I want to say it will be of great 
 
 importance to , exercised as she often is, to have 
 
 around her feeling Friends ; mothers in the best sense. 
 For want of the true sense and sympathy of the Elders 
 and caretakers in meetings, many a poor, exercised and 
 rightly concerned young person in the ministry has not 
 
156 Menwir of 
 
 had help^ and gone halting all their days ; and so have 
 not been able to answer the design of the great Head 
 of the church in putting them forth." 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ^' It is a poor time in our Society ; there is need for 
 every one to look to the principle^ or they will cer- 
 tainly be blown away. If they find themselves rooted 
 and grounded in the Truth^ they need not fear the 
 storms nor the assaults of the cunning adversary trying 
 to deceive. May we see to it ; time is precious^ and we 
 all stand accountable. When I think of these things, 
 other matters seem of small moment." 
 
 To the same. 
 
 /^2nd mo. 9th, 1844. With a few other Friends, I 
 accompanied our Friend, C. Healy, to an appointed 
 meeting at Xorristow^n. It was held in the basement 
 story of the Baptist meeting-house. The meeting was 
 very quiet, and crowned with the presence of the great 
 Minister of ministers. If it was not so, then I had no 
 right sense of it. A ^Whip of small cords^ was not 
 given C, but an encouraging and inviting communica- 
 tion, with life and power. I do not know how better 
 to describe it than did the Presbyterian minister, who, 
 after meeting, introduced himself to C. as such; ac- 
 knowledging his thankfulness for the meeting; that the 
 communication was cordial to his feelings. It was, he 
 said, ' The very cream of the gospel ;^ that ' It had dis- 
 tilled as the dew.^ I observed the man during the 
 time C was engaged, for he sat directly before me; he 
 
Hannah Willzams. 157 
 
 was much affected and broken. What his real char- 
 acter is I do not know; but likely^ as Nicodenius did, 
 so would he. Christopher treated on that of Nico- 
 demus coming by night for fear of the Jews. The 
 man was sensibly reached, and my desires for him are, 
 faithfulness to manifested truth, and to his duty. He 
 offered his house to C, and welcome when he came 
 again; but C. informed him he did not know that he 
 ever should come again. When we got into the car- 
 riage and were returning, C. seemed much relieved, 
 and especially rejoiced in believing the way was open 
 for our Friends, should they incline from a sense of 
 duty, to appoint a meeting at Norristown. We came 
 to my brother, Jacob Albertson's, to tea. The evening 
 was spent in suitable conversation, but yielding to a 
 little intimation for stillness, comparable to the cloud 
 that was the size of a man's hand, a shower was poured 
 forth with life and power. Thus, again and again 
 the Lord was good to us, poor things as we are, and 
 we have nothing to pay with ; may a ready obedience 
 be yielded.'' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '' On Fourth and Fifth-days attended our Select and 
 Quarterly Meetings. Ezra Comfort was engaged on 
 Fifth-day, for the welfare and preservation of our So- 
 ciety, in its present peculiar situation. In the last 
 meeting Alice Knight was concerned to speak of the 
 hurt we sustained by reading publications of conspicu- 
 ous persons of other religious denominations, which 
 contain many sentiments and views corresponding with 
 
158 Memoir of 
 
 those of Friends, and yet in other parts are entirely at 
 variance, and striking at the root, the fundamental 
 principles of our Society. I travailed with her in near 
 feeling, being an exercise I have long been under. 
 This kind of reading is opening the way for a relish 
 for that which is as ^Sounding brass and a tinkling 
 cymbal,^ while it destroys the relish and renders taste- 
 less the profitable reading of the Holy Scriptures, and 
 good books which have been penned in the savor of 
 life/^ 
 
 '' 2nd mo. 22nd. I often think that if in the mo- 
 ment of trial and vexation, we could stop and not speak 
 until the right time, how much heart-burning it would 
 save us. The tongue is a troublesome member to an 
 unguarded individual. I can speak from experience in 
 myself, and need improve even in old age. 
 
 " I have been thinking this evening, that if there 
 were more sincerity and simplicity of heart, it would 
 be better for us as a Society. I just now remember 
 dear Sarah Cresson's communication to us in our 
 women's Monthly Meeting, shortly after the separa- 
 tion ; and she spoke so feelingly : ' No matter how low 
 we are, so we are preserved from despair.' That was 
 a day of close besetment and trial, and so is this.'' 
 
 " ' The meeting small.' Well, if attended faithfully, 
 not formally, but with prayerful hearts, the Lord wdll 
 regard with an eye of compassion." 
 
 To . 
 
 "We had a pleasant visit lately from S. and A. R. 
 
Hannah Williams, 159 
 
 Tlie latter is much broken ; but the quiet, subdued and 
 patient state of mind that was to be felt in her com- 
 pany was very agreeable and comforting to me. I re- 
 membered that ^ These light afflictions which are but 
 for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and 
 eternal weight of glory/ May she indeed realize it, is 
 my df'sire for her, as for myself." 
 
 " I wish the confusion and noise in the world, may 
 not reach you in your quiet retreat at Westtown. The 
 original rule, and a good one it was too, of having no 
 visitors on First-days, ought to be faithfully observed. 
 There are substantial reasons for it. Both committee 
 and superintendents ought to unite in speaking against 
 it. Our time here is very short, and to improve it so 
 that we may all be ready for an enduring state, is what 
 we must be concerned for.'' 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 '' Went to the city yesterday afternoon ; arrived rather 
 late for meeting; though Avent, not feeling willing to 
 miss meeting. A quiet, solid sitting. Near the close 
 dear E. Pittfield, ministered to a lowly, proved condi- 
 tion, answering as face to face in a glass with that of 
 my own; having felt, on approaching the city, as if 
 all my ' Goodliness was as filthy rags.' I felt myself 
 paid for coming, if I should then return and see no 
 one who knew me. When meeting closed, I quietly 
 left the house. Attended the evening meeting, where 
 we had the company of our Friends Dougan and 
 Asenath Clark, whom I came down to see. I feel 
 
160 Memoir of 
 
 easy they should go on their embassy [a religious visit 
 to England and Ireland], desiring the blessing of pre- 
 servation for them. This morning at 8 o^clock, they 
 went on board the ship, many friends accompanying 
 them there. I felt most inclined to stay at my bro- 
 ther's. Was engaged in reading T. Scattergood\s Jour- 
 nal, which I cannot read without much emotion, so 
 much feeling is couched in the account, and knowing 
 him as I did, and somewhat of his exercised spirit 
 and sorrowful turn of mind at times. The solid atti- 
 tude in which he was accustomed to sit, seemed plainly 
 before me.'' 
 
 ^^ has passed through a great deal latterly; 
 
 whether Best Wisdom may see meet to finish the work, 
 or prepare through further baptisms for further useful- 
 ness, I leave. 
 
 ^^Glad to hear of your good meetings. They are 
 among the rich blessings of our heavenly Father, to 
 the poor and needy." 
 
 To her daughter, at Westtown. 
 
 "3rd mo. 8th, 1844. 
 
 ^'I have been quite sick; but, through the kindness 
 of Him who careth for the sparrows, am again better. 
 Think I can say, I feel a degree of thankfulness to my 
 heavenly Father, for all, and as much as any for the 
 ' Severe.' If food and raiment, and a home of my own 
 be allowed to the end of this life, I ask no more 
 of these things : feel very different about them from 
 what I used to in years gone by. Am glad I can say. 
 
Hannah Williams. IGl 
 
 I think my faith increases as nature fails. It is very 
 comfortable to be easy in our feelings ; and besides, to 
 have those around me who are studying my comfort 
 all along ; I cannot want more, except a glimpse now 
 and then of my good Guide, with the crook of His 
 love to steer by, that that which remains of labor in 
 any way for the best of causes may be going on, and I 
 found in my allotment, though in a little simple way ; 
 this is the height of my desire/^ hc % * 
 
 " There are many things that are wrong amongst us 
 as a people. ' The golden wedge,' and ' Babylonish 
 garment,' with other wrong things, for which there are 
 mourners ; and I have a sure hope that the ruins will 
 be viewed and strength given to rebuild, even through 
 rebuke like this: ^What do these feeble Jews,' &c.? 
 So let us not be overly discouraged ; strength for the 
 day, I fully believe, will be furnished to those who 
 are preparing for the w^ork." 
 
 ^^ 12th. My late visit to the school, has seemed to 
 bring all the careworn ones near, in feeling. There is 
 no other way, but to learn to bear burdens, and to keep 
 down to the root of the matter, that you may see and 
 understand how things really are. I do believe that 
 faithful, honest labor in that concern, will have its 
 reward." 
 
 " Thy account of dear Sarah Emlen's exercise was 
 moving. Her way in the ministerial line, there at 
 Westtown, of latter times, seems to be generally close 
 14* 
 
162 Memoir of 
 
 and searching ; her secret baptisms, deep and oft. My 
 whole heart is filled with desire for her help and safe 
 keeping, her comfort too in tribulation. If I could 
 wTite a suitable letter to her, I would ; but I think she 
 has better comfort, and I am greatly comforted in 
 being able to feel where she is.'' 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 ^' There is truly a living seed there in that meeting, 
 and it is not confined to the aged and middle aged, 
 but young Friends, and even children, appear solid 
 and settled; that it is encouraging. No minister be- 
 longing to that meeting now for many years. They 
 are not depending on instrumental help. 
 
 " The long ride to meeting, will require faith and 
 patience sometimes to accomplish it, and perseverance 
 too, but He who is strength in weakness, and helps us 
 when we cannot help ourselves, I do hope will be 
 near.'' 
 
 Yearly Meeting of 1844. 
 
 '^ 4th mo., 1844. My mind has Ix^n very quiet 
 and thoughtful on my own account, respecting attend- 
 ing this annual meeting, and solicitous not to forget 
 myself, not even for a minute. 
 
 " At our afternoon meeting on Seventh-day, our dear 
 Friend, Sarah Emlen, brought her concern before the 
 meeting, under a baptized feeling afresh extended to 
 her, of which the meeting largely partook. She arose 
 and opened it with these words, ' I may say as a ser- 
 
Hannah Williams, 1 6 3 
 
 vant formerly, " Unless the Lord had been my help, my 
 soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said my foot 
 slippeth, thy mercy O, Lord, held me up.'' Had this 
 not been the case, I should not care to tell my friends, 
 that a concern which was left nine years ago in the 
 bosom of the Church, has rested with weight now for 
 several years, inducing a belief that it would be re- 
 quired of me to visit in the love of the gospel, the '' Isles 
 afar oif," and I apprehend the '' Full time" has come.' 
 She alluded to her deep baptisms and close provings, 
 and how low she had been brought; that her ^Fam- 
 ily Avas poor in Manasseh, and she the least in her 
 father's house, yet, through mercy she had been sus- 
 tained.' It left a precious feeling over the meeting, 
 under which, much unity Avas felt and expressed, and 
 the expression was so general, that a Friend compared 
 it to a ^ Sky without a cloud.' After full time was 
 allow^ed for Friends to express themselves, a committee 
 Avas appointed to prepare for her a certificate. 
 
 " Third-day morning, the Queries and their ansAvers, 
 Avere read and considered. Suitable advice on various 
 subjects, Avas handed forth in life and authority. The 
 neglect of Aveek-day meetings by some, was shoAvn to 
 be the result of not keeping the right thing upper- 
 most. Hannah Gibbons recommended, to ' Seek first 
 the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, 
 and all things needful Avould be added ; that Godliness 
 Avith contentment, is great gain.' ^We brought no- 
 thing into this Avorld, and it Avas certain Ave could carry 
 nothing out ;' Avith more that Avas excellent and to the 
 point; encouraging concerned P'riends to speak in love 
 
164 Memoir of 
 
 to those who were remiss. Several Friends were con- 
 eeriied on this subjeetj and spoke to it in a lively manner. 
 
 " On the snbject of love and nnity, E. Evans set 
 forth the only trne gronnd on which it could be main- 
 tained ; ^ I and my Father are one.^ ' Continue ye in 
 my love, that ye may be my disciples indeed.' The 
 necessity of keeping low; not seeking our own honor, 
 was enjoined, but the honor of Him who hath called 
 us ; no self-exaltation, &c. 
 
 " A silent, hidden seed, was sweetly addressed by 
 E. Pittfield : ' Who hath believed our report, and to 
 whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?' The 
 union between Christ and his followers was described ; 
 ' Whosoever doeth the will of my Father which is 
 in Heaven, the same is my mother and sister and 
 brother.' ' Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I 
 command you.' It was shown there might be unity 
 out of this, but it was not the true unity. 
 
 '^ The attendance of some under our name, at places 
 where a hireling ministry is supported, was feelingly 
 spoken to by Isabella Cason. She marvelled that any 
 should grow weary of our little silent meetings, and be 
 willing to sit under a man-made ministry, supported, 
 by pay, while He whom we profess to serve, is able to 
 teach his people himself. 
 
 " Hannah Gibbons, was earnest for a more lively 
 zeal to\vards God, and did encourage all to be carefiil 
 to attend religious meetings. She is aged, and verj^ 
 lively in best things. 
 
 ^^The conclusion of this our Yearly Meeting w^as 
 solid, and with becoming weightiness and dignity this 
 
Hannah Williams. 165 
 
 large gathering separated, after sitting five days. Dur- 
 ing the various sittings Friends were refreshed by the 
 presence of the Great Head of the Church, enabling 
 to transact the important business thereof in harmony." 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 " 8th mo. 1st. 
 
 '' Attended Goshen Monthly meeting, where we had 
 the company of our Friend, Samuel Cope, who min- 
 istered in truth's authority. He was favored to ad- 
 minister counsel, caution and encouragement, suiting 
 different states, with an affectionate invitation to the 
 young people to come, taste, and see for themselves that 
 the Lord is good. His first concern was earthly-mind- 
 edness, and the effect of it was clearly shown. Then 
 the reverse, and the result of that portrayed. Then on 
 arising the second time, he addressed a rightly con- 
 cerned class very encouragingly ; alluded to the ^Lo 
 here's,' and 'Lo there's;' but these moved not. They 
 had built on Christ the Rock, and could not be moved ; 
 they were enabled to see the snares and the gins by 
 which our adversary draws away the unwary." 
 
 " 1st mo., 1845. 
 ^^A few lines in acknowledgment of thy letter, I 
 thought would be right. From thy account, I perceive 
 that Best Help, at times has been near, sufficient for 
 the occasion. My heart was warmed with gratitude 
 for the favor, and an engagement was felt that thy 
 abiding might be low and -humble; not reaching after 
 even a word which was not in due course of fresh 
 feeling, and immediately given, so that life be admin- 
 
166 Memoir of 
 
 istcred unto life. Keep little and low, then there is 
 nothing to fear. Be contented, if only a few words be 
 given; more will be added if the Great Giver sees it 
 best. He leads safely : this thou knows ; yet, to be 
 reminded of what we already know is sometimes a help. 
 The head of the church is sufficient for his own work.'' 
 
 To . 
 
 " 20th. 
 
 '^ Order the children aright. It will save yourselves 
 and them trouble another day. Do not command un- 
 less obeyed. The icill gains ground when they get the 
 up])er hand; and when it takes a wrong direction, 
 father and mother must be firm (though as tender as 
 they please), and insist on right. Many goodly pa- 
 rents, through a mistaken tenderness, have suifered 
 wrong habits to gain strength, until years have so 
 matured their child in error, that the parents have had 
 to submit, and to sit down in sorrow over a naughty, 
 and to be feared, lost child. A great accountability 
 rests on parents. Those who arc careless and indulgent 
 to the humors of their children, will certainly have to 
 answer for their conduct ; and go sorrowing to their 
 graves. I have seen this in my short pilgrimage.'' 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 " I received thy letter, which was truly acceptable. 
 Thy waking up ^Wide awake,' at that early hour, 
 and getting up after the succession of thoughts, did 
 much interest me. It seemed like reading over my 
 own experience. The intrusion of unwelcome thoughts. 
 
Hannah Williams. 167 
 
 on my most sacred moments, is a grief and affliction, 
 that I did not know thou wast troubled with. We 
 are draAving towards the evening of our day, and I am 
 concerned how we shall answer. Many weaknesses, 
 short-comings, omissions and commissions, are mine ; 
 when I am weak, then the enemy is strong ; am not 
 always able to remember that ' Help is laid upon one 
 that is mighty.^ I crave thy sympathy and the aid of 
 thy spirit, that I may feel a little evidence of Divine 
 approbation, and be able to work out my soul's salva- 
 tion in the way prescribed. '^ 
 
 To the same. 
 
 '' It is a nice matter to be a clear-sighted Elder ; one 
 who is united to the true seed in himself, and in the 
 exercised minister ; to live in the life, that the life in 
 public communications may answer the life in us. I 
 do believe it is as quick as a touch ; and I w^ould advise 
 thee to see for thyself, and to be quite satisfied, then I 
 am easy thou should encourage, or discourage ; but not 
 to go at the instigation of another ; that is a poor way 
 of doing, and will hurt both thyself and the one 
 thou may be sent to. Faithful, clean-handed, clear- 
 sighted Friends, may be a great blessing one to another. 
 ' They who feared the I^ord, spake often one to an- 
 other.' '' 
 
 Letter to Sarah Emlen. 
 
 " I feel as though I could not let thee depart, with- 
 out a fresh testimony of my sincere love for thee, and 
 concern for thy comfort, both of body and mind. The 
 
168 Memoir of 
 
 evidence of the Divine sanction vouchsafed the meet- 
 ing in which thy concern was considered, did indeed 
 comfort and console me ; and I did not doubt but 
 thou rejoiced that a oneness of feeling prevailed. Now 
 the time is drawing on for thy embarking^ it may be 
 that a foretaste of hard things to be endured will be 
 meted out^ both on the water and on entering upon 
 thy mission. According to my small measure, I do 
 crave thy preservation and patient abiding under 
 the close provings, and very likely new exercises, as 
 Friends and others are differently circumstanced in 
 different places and countries ; but to dwell with the 
 seed, which I think, in many places, is much out of 
 sight, will be no easy task. While those who may be 
 at times thy caretakers as thou art passing about, art 
 dwelling too high, O, have a care, dear S., of rising with 
 the light stuff of the day. Thou who hast been from 
 thy youth to the present time marvellously helped 
 through and over uncommon hardships, trials, and 
 besetments, from within and without, led about and 
 instructed, fitted and qualified by the Great Head of 
 the Church for his work and service ; it has been secretly 
 my sincere desire that He may continue to be thy leader, 
 and the lifter up of thy head out of low seasons, which 
 I have no doubt will be the case as thou lookest to Him 
 alone. From the first, my faith has been thou wouldst 
 be cared for every way, as heretofore. He who puts 
 thee forth can make all up, and thou wilt not now be 
 suffered to need that which cannot be supplied : so in 
 faith let us leave it. 
 
 " My mind will visit thee, in the cabin, in thy little 
 
Hannah Williams. 169 
 
 bed chamber^ and in every turn, as far as I can see 
 thee in my mental eye, with a hope of all being well, 
 and of seeing thee face to face in this land again, unless 
 I should be removed. Sometimes I think my way is 
 so hedged up, and weakness so attends, that though I 
 have, out of the abundance of my heart, offered thee 
 the little consolation which seemed with me, together 
 with a hint to be careful of one thing in particular, as 
 if I knew something ; yet poverty and nakedness and 
 blindness attend thy friend, and many fears on my own 
 account, and on account of some who stand feeding the 
 flock. If but favored with ability to keep a clear con- 
 science I shall be contented, without expecting to do 
 much* or any good. 
 
 " I have no claim I know on thy time, or on thy 
 care, yet if thy mind incline thee to write to me, I 
 shall be very glad to hear how thou fares ; perhaps no 
 one more glad out of thy own family.^^ 
 
 Reply ^o the foregoing letter. 
 
 " I have determined to w^ite unto thee with pen and 
 ink, ever since thy feeling and comforting letter was 
 put into my hands ; but from various causes it has 
 hitherto seemed to be impracticable. I tell the truth, 
 and without flattery, that thy pithy letter has been my 
 constant companion over sea and land, and that very 
 many times have I recurred, particularly to the twenty- 
 third line; and many a time have its contents been a 
 help and strength to me. And this may be an en- 
 couragement to thee^ though coming from one of the 
 
 least and the hindermost of the flock, to discharge faith- 
 15 
 
170 Memoir of 
 
 fully every clebt^ however small it may seem, to the 
 poor and needy. And thus wilt thou, out of thy 
 'poverty' and ^nakedness/ and 'blindness' and 'many 
 fears/ and ' sometimes sorrowful heart/ be made to 
 rejoice, and though very poor, yet thou wilt make 
 others rich; and having nothing thou wdlt possess all 
 things. 
 
 "Thou hast doubtless heard long since, of my good 
 passage over the great deep. I shall ever esteem it a 
 peculiar favor. Not a sail did our clever captain ever 
 have to reef, from the time Ave left Cape May, till we 
 were in sight of Liverpool. And all the crew were so 
 prompt at the word of command, and free from im- 
 proper expressions, that it really did one's heart good 
 to see them, and to be among the honest-hearted 'tars.' 
 There were one hundred and fourteen in the steerage, 
 (poor Irish, returning home affrighted,) and but ten 
 cabin passengers ; so that any one of us could be as 
 retired as we wished, and oft was my little cup so filled 
 to the brim, that I was glad to retreat to my little state- 
 room to pour it out. Ah, how does the sensible pre- 
 sence of our dear Master assuage all our griefs and 
 privations, and in every situation give peace and con- 
 tentment. . 
 
 " When our little barque reached the wharf, there 
 was, as is always the case, a great bustle, each caring 
 for themselves. There I stood gazing, every face and 
 every object new and strange, till pretty soon a gentle 
 squeeze of the elbow caused me to look round, when I 
 saw, to my relief and joy, two nice, plain looking lads, 
 the elder who had hold of me saying very pleasantly, 
 
Hannah Williains. 171 
 
 we are J. H/s sons. Mother has been down several 
 times since she heard the vessel was in the river^ but 
 as it had not come^ she sent us with her love^ and 
 wishes thee to come to our house. This again filled 
 my heart to the brim. I was not long getting into the 
 carriage, nor long going through the tedious, dark and 
 gloomy looking streets of Liverpool, before I was wel- 
 comed by our Friend at her dwelling ; but how I felt 
 is not for my pen to describe : not a word could I 
 utter. She kindly helped me up stairs, and after giv- 
 ing me many assurances of her sympathy, and that her 
 home should now be my home, she left me ; of which 
 I was glad, that I might give full vent to my heart. 
 After tea, I began to feel better, went to bed and rested 
 sweetly„ But O, what a contrast does the busy scene 
 of such a city afford, from that of the one we had just 
 left I where we had only the quiet and beautiful bosom 
 of the ocean before us and on all sides, without noise 
 of whip, or horse, or w^heel ! 
 
 '' The next day, in company with our Friends, I 
 went to Lancaster Quarterly Meeting. I hardly felt 
 fit to go, but thought best to do so. It was not a large 
 meeting, and w^e were favored, I thought, with a little 
 of the ointment. It fell to my lot to remind some, 
 that while they were so careful to provide bread and 
 so forth, for their children, that it ^^^as vastly more im- 
 portant, that they should instruct them how to labor 
 for that bread which cometh down from heaven, &c. 
 And some relief was afforded to my poor overflowing 
 mind, by returning thanks for my safe arrival, and in- 
 
172 Memoir of 
 
 tercediDg that the angel of His presence who liacl been 
 with me, might oversliadow my beloved ones at home. 
 
 "There is a spirit in this land, that is trying to in- 
 sinuate itself into theClmrch, and would fain persuade 
 the daughter of Zion to believe, that more libertj' is 
 now granted to her children, than could have been in 
 the beginning ; that this is a different age of the world ; 
 and a different state of the Church, and of things alto- 
 gether ; and these things bring the living members into 
 great straits, and cause them to go heavily on their 
 way. 
 
 "We are not to remind the children of the danger 
 of the love of dress, <tc., for ^ Their minds are not in 
 such trifles.' We are not to tell them that ^ The foxes 
 have holes, and the fowls of the air have nests, but the 
 Son of Man had not where to lay his head.' * * =^ 
 
 " I have ventured to tell some, that I hope we shall 
 not lose the Quaker badge. And yet, among all this 
 ^ Light stuff,' there is that which is excellent, things 
 that are lovely and of good report ; so that if there is 
 any praise or any virtue, we ought to ^ Think of these 
 tilings.' But that the chaff will be sifted out without 
 a grain of the weighty wheat falling to the ground, I 
 have not a doubt ; and that the testimonies of truth 
 given to this people to uphold in the face of the world, 
 will be supported by others who will come in by 
 convincement. How many, very many times have I 
 thought of late, of the centurion's conversion, and how 
 our blessed Redeemer should have marvelled at his 
 faith, and said, ' Many shall come from the east and 
 from the west, and shall sit down with Abraham and 
 
Hannah Williains. 173 
 
 Isaac and Jacob in the kincrdom of Heaven^ but the 
 children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer 
 darkness.' If this should happen to us as a people, 
 through unfaithfulness, what a mournful thing will it 
 
 1^^ [^^ * :^' ^ * 
 
 To a beloved Friend. 
 
 '' 3rd mo., 1845. 
 
 " I received the shawl, and the parcel for the blind 
 woman also; the latter very suitable. Though as 
 much obliged as I can be, by thy care for me, yet it is 
 so bright, light and shiny, that I cannot wear it with 
 easy feelings. It is long since I turned away my eyes 
 from these things, and have suffered deeply in the self- 
 denying path in which I have had to walk; to turn 
 into them again, I fear the sense I have of my duty, 
 may in displeasure, be removed, and I left in darkness. 
 The cross at times is yd a gtoss^ even non:> in my six- 
 tieth year; but the command is obey^ &c. So in near 
 love and tender feeling for thee in this delicate position, 
 I am, 
 
 ^^Affectionately, &c.'' 
 
 To her brother Benjamin. 
 
 ''1845. 
 ^^I would refer to thy account of our Friend's com- 
 munication; glad it was in ^Gospel authority.' When 
 our preaching is not in that, and the Elders and others 
 who sit and listen, cannot discover it, we are in a 
 lapsed condition of Society. I sincerely hope we may 
 be preserved; some will likely fall off, but may not 
 15* 
 
174 Memoir of 
 
 the body. I do feel strong desires for her preservation, 
 and that her natnral feelings may not rnle in her, but 
 her better feelings/' 
 
 ^' I was early discouraged this morning in looking 
 towards our meeting, as to how I could attend and 
 feel at all lively, or fit to face the meeting; but sud- 
 denly remembered, ' Help is laid on one who is mighty,' 
 &c., and so it proved, being helped through to my 
 comfort. Our Friend, E. Comfort, too, was favored 
 in a lively communication — not lengthy. So we move 
 along. Were it not for the putting forth at times of 
 His hand, ' Through the hole of the door,' our spirits 
 would fail. I want to be found daily leaning my de- 
 pendence on the ' One who is mighty.' In troublous 
 times it is great safety, and indeed at all times. 
 
 '' Dear Thomas Kite's escape from us, seems to me to 
 be one of those dispensations of inscrutable wisdom, 
 about which we have nothing to say. But the lesson 
 it teaches we must remember, ^Beye also ready." 
 
 To the samCc 
 
 " As regards , there was not a giving up in 
 
 early life, in honest faithfulness. Now, as the day is 
 far spent, and the night is approaching, there is no 
 time to waste. Let us try to hold on, each one of us ; 
 look straight before us with the little faith which may 
 in great mercy be vouchsafed, though under many 
 weaknesses." 
 
 ^^I was interested in thy account of dear H. W.'s 
 labors in your little meeting, in its every day dress; 
 
Hannah Williams. 175 
 
 truly it was a remarkable meeting, and her labor ought 
 to have due weight/' 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 ^^My visit in retrospect seems easy to my feelings, 
 hoping no harm was done to the good cause, which I 
 felt very fearful about, and hardly had confidence to 
 go around. I feel particularly satisfied that I was at 
 your Monthly Meeting, I have had a fresh sense, that 
 if ever our Zion arises and shines, those on whose 
 shoulders the testimonies rest, will have to be humble 
 and watchful, to keep themselves and families, and to 
 be good examples to the flock. After abiding here a 
 sufficient time, and their fidelity and faithfulness prov- 
 ed, strength will be furnished to lend a helping hand 
 to others, in the way that Best Wisdom sees best. I 
 do not know much, but thought I saw as I sat in the 
 last meeting, a work to do like building over against 
 our own houses. Notwithstanding discouraging things 
 exist, more or less, everywhere, yet I felt some en- 
 couragement, more than I often do." 
 
 To . 
 
 ^' One day more and it will be thirty-one years since 
 my husband's death. Thou remembers that evening; 
 to me it seems very fresh in memory. Many trials 
 since have I encountered; have had much to feel, in 
 that the Good Hand, and the sympathy of many bore 
 me up — surprisingly so to myself. We had so full 
 and perfect assurance of his safe entrance into rest, that 
 to mourn for him would have been folly, but for our- 
 selves o:reat need." 
 
176 Memoir of 
 
 " I felt sad at hearing of dear . Were it not 
 
 for the suffering the poor tabernacle has to undergo in 
 her case as well as that of the one just mentioned, we 
 need not mourn. T seem to have a sense that when 
 the period arrives to her, all will be well. And we 
 who are yet conflicting with the cares of time and many 
 probations, may we not hope that our latter end may 
 be like to that of the righteous." 
 
 " I performed my visit to the school to a good degree 
 of satisfaction, and came home stronger in body and 
 mind than I went ; though not without a sense that it 
 was and is a low time in best things, with many in 
 our Society, in most places." 
 
 "My strength is little, and close on us are two Select 
 Meetings, a Preparative and Quarterly; and three 
 young women to visit whose cases are in our meeting. 
 Xow to perform all this as it presents, to the honor of 
 Truth, is my sincere desire. I cannot help craving 
 the prayers of the spiritual travellers in the Lord^s 
 cause, that His own works may praise him, and that 
 man's works and workings may be laid low." 
 
 '^I was glad to hear of the Meeting, and of S.'s liv- 
 ing ministry, which is a favor of great account in these 
 days, when the members of our poor Society are so 
 often fed with husks — comparatively speaking. 
 
 '^ Friends must draw near in feeling, keep firm, and 
 not give away their strength in needless words and 
 uncalled for actions or movements, and it seems to me 
 they will be helped through and over all forward and 
 unsanctified spirits." 
 
Hannah Williams. Ill 
 
 ^^I crave that tliy hands may be strong, and if we 
 expect to succeed, our exercises must be to ourselves, 
 apart from those who lightly look on these things; 
 seeking and improvmg suitable opportunities with 
 those who are the objects of our care. Then out of 
 weakness we shall be made strong, and H(^ who careth 
 for his own will help, and we shall see the desire of 
 our hearts. Were this the earnest care and travail of 
 the parents and caretakers of youth, good fruits woukl 
 appear, and multitudes saved from the broad way that 
 leadeth to destruction. This is a day of peculiar desire 
 to run into fashions and customs; but let all guard 
 their precious charge ; great accountability lies at the 
 door of parents." 
 
 " At our Monthly Meeting, R. S. was engaged to 
 minister faithfully to us ; encouraging- to ' Bring our 
 deeds to the light.^ The subject w^as closely followed ; 
 and the consequence of not doing so, but hiding them 
 in the dark, until that day comes, (and it hastens, and 
 is nearer than w^e are aware of to some of us,) when 
 all we have said and done, will appear in the light, 
 and we be judged accordingly. It felt to me a solemn 
 call and warning." 
 
 '^ The longest journey through life is very short when 
 compared with a never-ending eternity ; and on this 
 short period our claim to a happy eternity depends, if 
 faithfully filled up, yea or nay ; so that it seems as if 
 we have no time to spare, between our religious and 
 social duties. With the latter, I include the care of 
 
178 Memoir of 
 
 providing ' Things honest in the sight of all men/ R. 
 M. has been spending a few days with ns. He seems 
 very clever, as indeed he onght to be. But so many 
 of our nice young Friends make a stand at a certain 
 place, and let their day be spending/' 
 
 '' Your dear father's work was cut short at an early 
 age, and very unexpectedly to himself and me ; yet, I 
 fully believe, he was prepared after wearisome days 
 and sleepless nights, wherein the end was, no doubt in 
 wisdom, hidden from him. He was able to say, he 
 believed he should die, and felt an assurance he would 
 be received into glory. Very peaceful and in full faith 
 he closed his .short life." 
 
 '' I have been particularly struck, in reading the life 
 of Thomas Shillitoe, to find him over and over again 
 out of great weakness and difficulty and trial, as a last 
 resort, summing up his energies and resolving to ' Do 
 his best;' and it has conveyed instruction to me. If 
 under our provings w^e endeavor to do our best, no 
 doubt we shall be helped, as was his experience, even 
 to admiration. 
 
 "0\^ meeting yesterday, was, to me, better than 
 often. Our Friend, E. Comfort, gave us a short, lively 
 exhortation, to cast our dependence upon the Saviour, 
 and call on Him in extremities, as did the disciples 
 when tossed with a tempest and likely to be wrecked. 
 ' Master, carest thou not that we perish ? xlnd He 
 arose and rebuked the winds, and there was a great 
 
Hannah Wtlliands. 179 
 
 calm/ Pie kept to his i^^i^ and was soon done. It 
 seemed fresh and lively/^ 
 
 " 12th mo. 29th. Heard the sad tidings of T. W.^s 
 son being drowned in the Schuylkill. The family are 
 in deep affliction. The body not yet found. I Avish 
 sincerely this may be a warning to all children. His 
 parents had so much objected to it^ that he went with- 
 out their knowledge. 
 
 '' Teach thy child obedience^ and he shall bless thee. 
 
 Be watchful in time^ dear ^ over those given you^ 
 
 that so you may be clear when the solemn inquiry may 
 be made^ Where are those lambs I have given thee in 
 the wilderness of this world ?'^ 
 
 ^' 3rd mo.^ 1845. I desire our every day walk may 
 be so guarded^ as to encourage the good in our scholars^ 
 and help them on in the best sense. I believe there 
 never was a time of more need of careful conscientious 
 teachers of children. There is such a torrent of fashion, 
 that many young females are much carried away with 
 it, to their great hindrance of school studies. School- 
 keeping increases in importance, in my view, as I ad- 
 vance in life.'^ 
 
 To 
 
 " The first lesson little folks should learn, is to obey 
 father and mother. When they fail to learn it while 
 young, it is hardly likely they ever will learn it. Dis- 
 obedient sons or daughters, grown up, or growing up, 
 towards men and women are an odious sight, and seldom 
 
180 Memoir of 
 
 they come to any good. I feel more and more the re- 
 sponsibib'ty of parents ; we do need assistmg grace to 
 get along through all.'^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 " Christopher's communication was lively and full 
 of entreaty — a good deal like conversation till about 
 half way through, when he raised melodiously his voice 
 and seemed helped over all. He commenced with sup- 
 posing, that we all believed that every good gift was 
 from God ; that we have nothing but what we have 
 received ; that we are entirely dependent ; we could 
 save neither body nor soul ; that faith was His gift ; 
 if we believed there was a way to be saved, it was His 
 gift. So he stripped us of all things, and we saw our- 
 selves standing naked and alone, before the Great All- 
 seeing eye : here he brought in the Omniscience of our 
 great Caretaker ; his compassion for our helplessness, 
 as we with sincere hearts looked towards Him ; and 
 when we fell short and did evil, and repented, and 
 humbled ourselves, how^ he would make the dry ground 
 of the heart, springs of water ! That ' Instead of the 
 brier, shall come up the myrtle tree, and it shall be to 
 the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall 
 not be cut off.' The diligent and right attendance of 
 all our religious meetings he encouraged ; though 
 sometimes we might feel poor and low, yet he would 
 not send empty away those who waited for Him in 
 singleness of heart. He said, ' A little unfaitlifulness, 
 and a very little too, how quickly it weighs down the 
 scale against the little good we may have done ;' con- 
 
k 
 
 Hannah Williams. 181 
 
 eluding with — ' O Friends^ be eneouraged^ be faith- 
 ful/ &c/^ 
 
 Yearly Meeting of 1845. 
 
 ^^4th mo. 22nd. At this sittings went through with 
 the reading and consideration of the answ^ers to the 
 Queries. There w^ere lively and feeling remarks from 
 several Friends on various subjects. Dear I. C. opened 
 in a sensible and feeling manner, the subject of our 
 young women placing themselves in stores, exposed to 
 temptations which they were not able to bear, to evade 
 and depart from our testimonies in dress and address, 
 &c. She said, ^If such who are obliged to seek a 
 livelihood, would place themselves under the care of 
 careful Friends, either as instructors of the children, 
 or assistants in families, they would not only be 
 tenderly cared for, but brought on their way in a re- 
 ligious sense ; many in her country, were now heads 
 of families, and as princesses in our Society, who had 
 filled such situations in early life.' E. E, finished out 
 the concern, and it obtained a feeling in the meeting 
 which, I hope, will not be lost. 
 
 ^^One Friend made a good, sound remark in regard 
 to lessening our expenses ; that by not limiting our 
 wants to needful things, our husbands, fathers and 
 brothers had to keep tugging at the laboring oar to 
 support us.'' 
 
 To her son. 
 
 '' 7th mo., 1846. 
 
 ^^Thou wilt doubtless attend the little meeting at 
 IB 
 
182 Memoir of 
 
 Stroudsburg to-day. Well^ thougli very few in num- 
 ber^ yet if the few be alive in the ' Root,^ they will live. 
 Meetings are small in many other places^ and often 
 poor. Now do thou help all thou canst; endeavor 
 earnestly to maintain a lively exercise of spirit, and 
 this will be a help to others Avho are alive. To me it 
 is a fearful thing to go to meetings without some right 
 preparation of heart previously ; supposing or trusting 
 that to come after we get there. But we need not 
 look for much if we do not try. When I have had 
 much to do on meeting morning, and hardly time to 
 get ready at all ; yet with my mind turned with desire 
 for the right thing, a little soul-sustaining bread, I 
 have been favored with livelier meetings than at some 
 other times when, as to the outward, more ease has been 
 my lot.'' 
 
 H. W. kept her usual account of the Yearly Meet- 
 ing of 1846 ; a portion of which follows : — ^^ We have 
 had during the week several communications from con- 
 cerned Friends : one from E. E. to young mothers, 
 portraying their difficulties, watching by day and by 
 night their infant charge, feeling often very sad, and 
 as one formerly expressed, ^As one out of mind.' Yet 
 she said, that, if they were concerned faithfully to main- 
 tain their places in the Truth, and imbue the minds of 
 their tender charge with that which is good, they were 
 doing much for the cause of Truth, there being many 
 ways of exalting the kingdom of the Redeemer. The 
 seed thus sown in early life, was often greatly blessed, 
 
Hannah Williams. 183 
 
 being watered with tears and prayers of the anxious 
 mother. 
 
 ^^ A sense of heavenly regard was experienced to be 
 near ns in the different sittings of this Yearly Meeting, 
 and it may be thankfully acknowledged. Best help was 
 afforded/^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 "Tith mo. 26th, 1846. 
 
 ^^I thouo^ht this mornino:, on coniins: to the bedside 
 of my dear brother Josiah, he could not live through 
 the day. We see and believe his end is near. His 
 sufferings are very heavy, yet he bears them without a 
 murmur. His patience is sustained all through, which 
 is a great favor; is quiet and sensible. I do plainly 
 see, that though he has been largely afflicted for the 
 last four years, yet mercy has been mixed with it. 
 These afflictions, which are but for a moment, will, I 
 trust, w^ork for him a far more exceeding and eternal 
 weight of glory. We are poor creatures, and require 
 much purging, to fit us for the Blessed Kingdom. 
 These solemn truths are humbling ; may we keep them 
 in remembrance for our benefit.'^ 
 
 To a daughter. 
 
 " Hold fast that thou hast received, let no man take 
 thy crown. New exercises may be thine, and closer 
 provings than heretofore ; but w^e should remember He 
 who appoints and permits, is all wise and rich in mercy ; 
 that I do desire thou may not give out or give back. 
 ^Greater is He that is in vou, than he that is in the 
 
184 Memoir of 
 
 world/ It might seem I did not feel much for thee ; 
 but I do feel plenty for my strength^ and desire thy 
 patient perseverance from day to day^ in and through 
 the varied trials greater and less, not being cast down 
 nor lifted up. ^ The race is not always to the swift, 
 nor the battle to the strong/ " 
 
 " To acknowledge our errors and short-comings is 
 the only way to secure peace, and a great favor it is to 
 have our peace broken and rest disturbed, until willing 
 to confess and forsake wrong things/' 
 
 '' While some of us cannot say, we want mv dear 
 brother back again, after having, as we believe, passed 
 the boisterous billows and landed safely, yet I for one, 
 feel as I did not expect, a loneliness, and a void that 
 cannot be filled by any one left. Though lame and 
 crippling, he had resources ; was free and open, anti- 
 cipating my wants, offering and opening a way to keep 
 along. Father once remarked on looking at something 
 he had done, ^ A liberal man deviseth liberal things, 
 and by liberal things shall he stand.' '' 
 
 " 30th. You will be very careful of all the little 
 folks, for they may come to be valuable. Great is the 
 responsibility of parents, and those intrusted with the 
 care of children ; by being neglectful or remiss we in- 
 cair accountability, which, in a day to come, we may 
 find heavy on us, and no ability then to discharge it. 
 As a mother, I feel all these things.'' 
 
Hannah Williams. 185 
 
 " I feel as if it would be a satisfaetion in a day to eome^ 
 to the children of my brother, Josiah Albertson, and 
 to his friendsj to have a little notice preserved of him. 
 He died at his residence in Plymouth, Montgomery 
 County, Pennsylvania, on the 28th day of Twelfth 
 month, 1846, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. 
 
 '' He was four years older than myself, and the next 
 oldest of our family of children ; my sympathy and 
 feeling for Mm under heavy work and journeys, not 
 very far, with the care of business, horses and wagon, 
 when but young, too young it seemed to me; my trou- 
 bles were then great on his account, lest some accident 
 should happen ; many escapes from dangers might be 
 named, showing the watchful care of a kind Provi- 
 dence over the workmanship of his hands, which my 
 heart did then tenderly feel and acknowledge. Our 
 father's business engaged him at home, where he found 
 it needful to husband time, and be careful of expenses, 
 &c., to make a living with his trade, (being a tailor,) 
 and twenty acres of land. 
 
 '' Energy and intrepidity were traits of character then 
 forming which never changed, only as grace governed 
 in after life : he was naturally generous, evincing for- 
 titude in difficulties, and self-command. He did not 
 receive as much school education as the rest of us, owing 
 to the difficulty of sparing him from home. 
 
 ^^As he grew to manhood, his mind became reli- 
 giously exercised, and he was very careful of his conduct 
 and conversation, and a good example to all around 
 him ; the savor of his spirit was felt by those with whom 
 he had intercourse. >{c * * * * 
 
 16* 
 
180 Meinoir of 
 
 ^^ In wisdom inscrutable^ in the midst of liealth and 
 strength, he was overtaken with a paralytic stroke on 
 his left side; it was so heavy as to give little or no 
 hope he would long survive it; yet he very gradually 
 improved until able to walk with a crutch, though his 
 hand did not recover its use. This improvement was 
 by little and little for four years. He became capable 
 of attending to his worldly affairs ; I often thought 
 the good hand of Providence was to be seen in open- 
 ing a way for him to get along : ordered his work on 
 his farm with his wonted care ; often looked after my 
 affairs, and in many ways relieved me. * * * -k 
 He had no return of the paralysis ; but two months 
 previous to his decease, his strength began to decline, 
 appetite failed, and a fever set in ; being in a very 
 prostrated state, he took to his bed, two weeks previ- 
 ous to his end : this latter period was marked with an 
 increase of bodily suffering. ***** ^g 
 dissolution approached, his sufferings lessened, and he 
 calmed down into an easy and very still state, drawing 
 his breath gently, shorter and shorter, until the last. 
 It was a very solemn time, yet amid it we were greatly 
 consoled, in that mercy and kindness were afforded to 
 the sufferer of an easy passage out of time, and Best 
 Help enabling him to bear patiently the affliction, no 
 murmur having escaped him, as we remember, from 
 first to last, during an indisposition of four years' 
 duration. 
 
 "The interment of his remains was in Friends' 
 burial ground at Plymouth, the 30th of Twelfth month, 
 1846. While gathered in stillness on that occasion at 
 
Hannah V/illiams. 187 
 
 the housej my feelings were much tendered^ in taking 
 a retrospective view of his life^ and very clearly seeing 
 the merciful compassion of a watchful Providence in 
 laying him by^ and waiting, truly ' waiting to be gra- 
 cious ;^ not in the twinkling of an eye^ as it were^ cut- 
 ting the tender thread of life^ but helping through to 
 the end. For w^hich favor^ may we return thanks 
 where alone it is due ; and humbly endeavor so to walk 
 the little time we may be spared^ as to end w^ell at last^ 
 and be entitled to a place in the mansions of rest. 
 
 Hannah Williams.'^ 
 
 " 2nd mo. 8tli, 1847/' 
 
 The Yearly Meeting of 1847, was the last H. W. 
 attended. She wrote concerning it : " The Queries 
 and answers thereto, were read and solidly considered, 
 and some good and suitable remarks were made, tend- 
 ing to stir up to faithfulness in attending our religious 
 meetings, and a proper exercise of spirit therein. To 
 the third Query, some very sound, old-fashioned ad- 
 vice was given to parents and children, such as I used 
 to hear when I was young ; and that then fasten,ed as 
 a nail in a sure place, being, I humbly believe, blessed 
 to me, and as ' Bread cast upon the waters,^ found after 
 many days. 
 
 ^^Dear H. G., aged and feeble as she is, made lively 
 and suitable remarks, as to the care Friends ought to 
 maintain over themselves in treating with offenders, in 
 order that it may be to their help. 
 
 ^^The annual Query was read, and the answer; which 
 mentioned the decease of many valuable and worthy 
 
18S Memoir of 
 
 ministers and elders^ within tlie past year; to which 
 snbjeet E. P. and E. E. spoke in an interesting and 
 enconraging manner to the younger Friends^ encour- 
 aging them to exercise their gifts in faithfulness to man- 
 ifested duty^ so that the places of those may be filled 
 up. This has been a day of favor indeed^ and afforded 
 encouragement to my drooping feelings.'^ 
 
 To one of her children. 
 
 ''7th mo., 1847. 
 
 ^^ Sarah Emlen had an appointed meeting here on 
 Third-day. Her concern was chiefly for our young 
 Friends, and it was a good meeting. She commenced 
 her communication thus : I have been thinking Avhat a 
 blessing it is to have bread to eat, w^ater to drink, and 
 raiment to put on : all this is from the hand of a boun- 
 tiful Creator ; we cannot command even one shower, 
 and how soon our supplies might be cut oif. It is 
 recorded early that the charge to man was, that he 
 should eat bread by the sw^eat of his brow, and so we 
 see it. Tracing the subject along, she spiritualized 
 upon it, and showed how it was that some had no 
 bread in their houses or water in their cisterns, &c. 
 She spoke close to the ^Children of my people;' that 
 if they were not faithful others would be called in, 
 and the crowns intended for them would be set upon 
 the heads of others. In addressing the meeting at 
 large, she spoke of that Reprover, or witness against 
 evil, which all were favored with, and which shows 
 right from wrong. This, though stifled and disre- 
 garded, and even forgotten, yet in the last day, it 
 
Hannah Williams. 189 
 
 would rise up and judge them; be brought to their 
 remembrance^ not by the aid of their natural faculties, 
 but would come up and be their reprover and judge. 
 She did deliver the word faithfully/' 
 
 To the same. 
 
 "22nd. 
 
 '' Yesterday morning I was very weak ; could almost 
 have thought too much so to go to meeting ; but re- 
 membered I gained nothing by staying, when I could 
 go. At meeting, we had our Friends E. Pitfield and 
 William Scattergood ; both were concerned in public 
 testimony. The Apostles and followers of the Saviour 
 were told, they were not to rejoice that the spirits were 
 subject unto them, but rather rejoice that their names 
 were written in heaven. This was the only cause of 
 rejoicing. This part of dear E.^s testimony was very 
 precious to me. The passage concerning the woman 
 who came in the crowd and touched the hem of the 
 garment, was recited. ' Come just as thou art, in liv- 
 ing faith, and thou canst not be hid ; but He who has 
 a feeling of our infirmities, w^ill notice thee and give 
 thee help, and enable to go on thy way rejoicing.' I 
 told my friends after meeting, I was so low in body 
 and mind, that I had not perceived the clouds gather- 
 tng, and that a gospel shower was just upon us.'' 
 
 To a daughter. 
 
 '' 25th. Labor while it is day, for we know not 
 when the season may come, in which no work can be 
 done ; and I more fear a spiritual death, than the death 
 of the body. So, dear child, be faithful to all right 
 
190 Memoir of 
 
 openings ; after trying the fleece, wet and dry, a true 
 judgment may be come at by the sincere in heart. Thy 
 work seems to be given out in small lots, adapted to 
 thy strength and circumstances. I look at it as being 
 in 2:reat wisdom.^' 
 
 fc>^ 
 
 To her brother Benjamin. 
 
 '' The situation of our Society in general and in the 
 particular, hangs as a heavy load upon me all the 
 time. O, we are a backslidden people! so very few 
 live up to the truth as professed by us. Turnings and 
 overturnings we must expect, for, as a Society we de- 
 serve scourging and sifting, and none of us will stand, 
 unless our names are found Avritten in the Lamb's 
 book of life. I was not at all comforted in reading 
 that long account of London Yearly Meeting in ^^The 
 Friend." It showed a stretching out their arms far 
 and wide, and encouraging one another with prospects 
 to preach the gospel abroad ; I felt afraid it wonld 
 induce a going without being sent; w^hich we know 
 cannot profit the people." 
 
 To Sarah Emlen. 
 
 "Our dear cousin, E. F., died on Fifth-day morn- 
 ing last, after an illness of about four days. Her mind 
 had been turned of latter time, to mention a prospect 
 that her end was near ; w^as much concerned lest she 
 was not pure enough to enter the kingdom. Being re- 
 minded of her spotless, innocent life, there could not bo 
 cause for fear : ^ Ah,' she says, ' we must be very pure 
 to enter the kino:dom.' She was favored to have her 
 
I 
 
 Hannah WilliaifTis. 191 
 
 senses to the last ; was very stilly and so gently did 
 her end approach^ that the family who were sitting 
 around^ did not know the moment when she eeased to 
 breathe. ' Blessed are the dead/ may we not say, who 
 [have] died in the Lord/^ 
 
 Letter to Sarah Emlen. 
 
 ^^ I herewith send thy little note, though can assure 
 thee it has done no harm. I can understand every 
 word of it. That, or something, has brought thee very 
 near in feeling. Almost all winter have I been, at 
 times, thinking of thee, with earnest desires for thy 
 preservation. One morning lately, on aw^aking, thou 
 wast brought to remembrance, with the text thou 
 quoted on opening thy concern, relative to paying a 
 visit to England, in the Select Yearly Meeting: ^ When 
 I said my foot slippeth, thy mercy, O Lord, held me 
 up.^ Well, I said, there are still slippery places, and 
 felt earnest in desire that He may still continue to hold 
 thee up. ^Hold fast that thou hast, let no man take 
 thy crown.^ Thy life through has been one of deep 
 wading, and hidden exercise oft thy portion, attended 
 with many discouragements. If I mistake not, these 
 latter days are as full as any previous ones, so that my 
 soul craves His mercy may still hold thee up, to His 
 praise, and that his mind and will through thee (though 
 in thy apprehension feeble instrument,) may go forth to 
 the comfort and help of many poor souls. I feel no- 
 thing but the language of encouragement in thy close 
 provings and trials, which to thee may appear peculiar.^' 
 
192 Jvlenwir of 
 
 To A. T . 
 
 " I am concerned, that thou and I should never for- 
 get the early impressions of good ; how clearly did we 
 see the things we ought to do ; the path was plain and 
 our convictions strong ; great simplicity in all respects 
 was laid on us. Now never let us forget this ; for we 
 have need to fear, that the way the current is rolling, 
 we may entirely lose or forget the dew of our youth. 
 There is something getting in, and in places gotten into 
 our Society, which is a good deal harder to detect by 
 careless observers, than the spirit which rent us eighteen 
 years ago. It is a nice, easy spirit, very accommodat- 
 ing, full of professions of love — has found an easier way 
 for inquirers after truth; in short, as I heard a, dear 
 aged father in the truth express, ' It is a religion with- 
 out the cross.' So let us mind and be watching. '^ 
 
 To her brother-in-law. 
 
 *^ Greatly do I deplore the state our Society is in, 
 both far and near, in this and foreign lands, where we 
 are known as a people. Were it not that I believe it 
 is the will of the Great Head of his Church to keep 
 unto himself a proved and tried people, who may serve 
 Him in the ^Beauty of holiness,' I should fear this 
 trial would be too much for us. But I trust, humbly 
 so, that He will order the cause Himself, and use clear- 
 sighted, clean-handed instruments, through whom His 
 own work will be seen.'' 
 
 To her son. 
 
 '' Ever remember that the Societv of Friends are a 
 
Hannah Williams. 193 
 
 ])lain people^ and that too for the best reason, even be- 
 eaiise our Lord and Master was plain, meek and lowly ; 
 and as He dwells by his spirit in our hearts, He leads 
 and guides His followers into plainness and simplicity 
 in dress and address. It is the very result of a faith- 
 ful attention to the light of Christ. All the riches and 
 grandeur of the world will do nothing for us, but there 
 are riches that will endure; mayst thou possess them. 
 I know temptations present ; keep thy mind inward, 
 and thy eye on the Lord, who will regard the concern 
 of his children. Be very sincere in thy desires, and 
 He will bestow grace and furnish strength for every 
 
 occasion.'' 
 
 To and . 
 
 ''8tli mo. 27th, 1847. 
 
 " At our week-day meeting, unexpectedly dropped 
 in our Friends William and Elizabeth Evans. Their 
 services were remarkable. It was our own state opened, 
 and the way by which we would be helped, shown us ; 
 and also the way by which there would be more and 
 more outgoing, until there would not be one more 
 young Friend, or older one either, left to go out. This 
 last would be and is the work of our adversary, per- 
 suading us to press on, and get, and get, more of this 
 world's goods and wealth collected, the pursuit of the 
 things of time engrossing the mind, so that there is no 
 room left for the better work. Nor did he fix all the 
 enemy's stratagems on a worldly spirit; but those who 
 were poor and had but little, he, the enemy, would 
 sink down into degradation ; thev would fall away from 
 17 
 
194 Memoir of 
 
 a care, and trust, and reliance on Best help; some 
 who had begun well, and run well for a time, would 
 fall away. He told us, the same thing that kept our 
 forefathers in the Truth would keep us, even a faith- 
 ful attention to the pointings of the Spirit of Truth in 
 our own hearts daily and hourly ; this watchful, wait- 
 ing state, would keep us from over-reaching, and we 
 would grow in grace, from that of a little child to the 
 state of men and women, fathers and mothers in the 
 church. Though we were in imminent danger, yet he 
 seemed to have a view that some would stand and be 
 found in their lots and places, when the fathers and 
 mothers were removed; that the day would come, 
 when the hearts of sons and daughters would be 
 touched — those of the highways and hedges — and find- 
 ing some with whom they could unite, they would join 
 with them, and so there would be raised up faithful 
 witnesses for the Truth. 
 
 " I cannot give it in his language, but this was part 
 of the substance, and corresponded with dear S. Em- 
 len^s view and service when at our meeting. We 
 were also told, that making a profession of the truth, 
 and holding sound doctrine, and going to meetings, 
 and thinking of these things on First-day, would not 
 do ; nothing short of coming to the truth, and mind- 
 ing its pointings and motions in our hearts; doing 
 justly, loving mercy and walking humbly before our 
 God day by day : though we had Abraham to our 
 father, and we were the children and grand-children 
 of faithful, worthy Friends who had stood upright 
 and firm in their day and had entered into their rest ; 
 
Hannah Williams. 195 
 
 yet this would not avail us; the work was an individual 
 work, and each one must do it for his or herself. 
 
 ^' As for dear E/s communication, I cannot give it : 
 it was an address to the ' Poor in spirit/ and was fol- 
 lowed by a supplication for all states, even for those 
 w^ho were secretly and covertly inquiring how they 
 should do to add to w^hat they had already acquired, 
 and increase their gains. To be thus remembered and 
 invited and helped, is no light favor ; may their labors 
 of love be blessed to us." 
 
 To the same. 
 
 ''10th mo. 27th. 
 
 ^^ If you are not in the way of it already, I think it 
 would be rio;ht to have some suitable time for readinor" 
 the Scriptures, or in some good book : an interesting 
 journal which neither of you may have read. I have 
 had great satisfaction, at times particularly, in reading 
 with our family gathered. Even when we have had 
 company with us, if our time for reading came, I have 
 mentioned our practice in that respect, they have ap- 
 proved, and it seemed to add weight, so that I have 
 felt paid for what was a cross to yield to. Should 
 
 feel hurried, or concerned with business, time 
 
 may be found. The prophet ordered the woman to 
 bake for him the little cake first, when she thought 
 she had nothing to spare ; yet, by her obedience, how 
 the little was increased.'' 
 
 To a Friend. 
 
 '' lltli mo. 20th. 
 
 "' O that there were more nursing fathers and mo- 
 
19G jMemoir of 
 
 thers in the Church. I do verily believe our dear 
 young Friends would not scatter so, and appear as 
 sheep without a shepherd ; but the world, the world 
 and its attractions, have an influence even on the aged, 
 in too many cases. I wish to be found doing the little 
 given me to do, honestly. 
 
 " There is great need that we be not stumbling blocks 
 to honest inquirers after truth. W. B. has attended 
 our meeting, also a young woman from Xorristown. 
 Strangers, one here and another there, may be com- 
 pelled to come in and fill up the vacant places of those 
 to whom the invitation has been extended, and they, 
 too much engaged, have sought to be excused. I con- 
 sider this a very interesting day to il^ as a people. I 
 think I may say our meetings latterly, to me, have' 
 been marked with an unusual degree of solemn feel- 
 ing." 
 
 " 2nd mo., 1848. So dear children try, with your 
 mother, to hold on in the best way we can ; then I 
 trust, at the end of the race a blessing will be given. 
 Our Monthly Meeting was held yesterday ; many of 
 our Friends called to see me. They had an interest- 
 ing meeting. I think there is a little life stirring, 
 more than some weeks back. I feel more encouraged 
 in the spirit of my mind. 
 
 '' 3rd mo. 2nd. As I lay awake early this morn- 
 ing, and remembered your long, cold ride to meeting, 
 and the exercise of faith and patience called for twice a 
 week, I was concerned that vou should not for2:et whose 
 
Hannah Williams. 197 
 
 subjects ye are; not the subjects of one who cannot })ay, 
 but of Him who often suddenly enriches from His in- 
 exhaustible store-house^ filling our hearts with love, 
 which makes hard things easy, bitter things sweet, and 
 that which is crooked, straight." 
 
 To a brother. 
 
 "I cannot well forbear acknowdedging the great 
 kindness of thy letter last evening, and that excellent 
 testimony. How fully could I take it in and own it. 
 It is encouraging truly, and my concern long hath 
 been, that sound Friends in our highly favored Yearly 
 Meeting, may be able through Best Help, to see eye 
 to eye, and act in true unity ; none reaching forth a 
 hand unbidden. The work is the Lord\s, and it seems 
 to me He will take care of his own, and of His own 
 cause, while the servants wait in patience, bearing and 
 forbearing, eyeing their blessed, holy Leader.'^ 
 
 To her brother B. 
 
 " We are now ' Walking on a sea of glass, mingled 
 with fire.^ Here and there is one, in a covert manner, 
 undoing the religious standing of Friends. This is 
 done by whispering to such as open their ear to it. 
 Do not thou be one to listen to tales. If a Friend has 
 slipped, it is not the way to help him or her; and if 
 past hope, time will make it appear : give an erring 
 one time to recover." 
 
 To a friend. 
 
 '' I have heard of thv illness, and doubt not thou 
 17* 
 
198 Meinoir of 
 
 hast suffered great pain ; if desertion of all good has 
 also attended^ it must have been hard to bear; but I 
 have hoped the Master has eomforted and renewed 
 thy faith : we cannot expect much, but if only a crumb 
 is handed, and that blessed, it satisfies. My sick turns 
 have been my best times heretofore. I cannot say 
 much, for out of the very depth of poverty I took up 
 my pen/' 
 
 " 3rd mo. 11th, 1848. I have been sick all winter; 
 only out twdce since the middle of Tw^elfth month ; am 
 gradually w^eakening. If it be not the wall of Provi- 
 dence to renovate my w^asted frame, and. health gene- 
 rally, I may not be long here ; but am thankful I can 
 say, I am resigned to His wdll, either life or death.'' 
 
 The last meeting our friend H. W. attended, w^as one 
 appointed for H. C. H.,on the 28th of Second month, 
 which seemed too much for her in her enfeebled state. 
 Her love for assembling with her friends for the purpose^ 
 of Divine worship, lived after her bodily powers failed, 
 and often w^hen very feeble, would she rise above her 
 weakness and go to meetings, thus evincing her love 
 to her dear Lord and Saviour. When the time came 
 that she could thus mingle no more with us, she cheer- 
 fully gave up, remarking on her family's return from 
 meeting one day, " I have given up the idea of ever 
 occupying my seat there again — am entirely resigned 
 — feel so easy and peaceful, can but compare my mind 
 to the peaceful ocean." 
 
 On the 16th she said, " I hope I shall be favored 
 
Hannah Williams. 199 
 
 with patience to bear my affliction^ and that we may 
 be supported and sustained in the trying hour/^ adding, 
 "I believe it will be the case/' 
 
 Second montli Gth, slie had a slight hemorrhage 
 from the lungs ; after which observed, " It seems to 
 remind me how slender a thread binds me to time." 
 And on hearing of the decease of a friend, remarked, 
 ^^So it is we pass away; no fixedness here/' 
 
 Although she had given up the idea of ever occupy- 
 ing her place at meeting again, on the 8th of Third 
 month feeling a little better, and the weather being 
 very fine, she remarked ; ^^I tliink I can go to meeting 
 to-morrow, if the day be as pleasant as this/' That 
 night, however, her cough allowed her very little rest, 
 and the mornmg was rainy ; on this she observed, 
 '' My plans seem, as it were, written on the sand, a wave 
 comes and washes them away." 
 
 12th. She said, " It seems as though a little respite 
 had in mercy been allowed, that I might finish what 
 yet remained to be done : I do not feel as if any great 
 service would be required, but some little matters 
 rest with me, which I hope to have strength to per- 
 form." This she was favored to do, having private 
 opportunities Avith several persons, the import of which 
 was known to them and her alone. 
 
 After attending to a little matter in the writing line, 
 which had been on her mind for some days, remarked, 
 " How much better I feel when I do my duty. How 
 comfortable and happy I feel. Am sure you could 
 not wish to have me well again, I am so happy." Her 
 heart seemed to overflow with love and gratitude, often 
 
20{) Memoir of 
 
 contrasting lier (H)niforts with others under affliction. 
 Nothing she so frequently desired as stillness. '' Now 
 let us be still/^ was a remark she often made ; and also, 
 ^' May I be preserved in patience." Truly it may be said, 
 she was most exemplary in patience, quietness and re- 
 signation. She frequently spoke of her death with the 
 utmost composure ; gave directions relative to the 
 articles of dress needed; ^^That there might be no 
 confusion at the time." A new feature of the disease 
 appearing, she remarked, " Do not be troubled ;" and 
 again^ " It is only the flesh that is wasting away." 
 
 It seemed to be her desire to strengthen, and not 
 distress those about her. Her wonted placid cheerful- 
 ness continued, and she often entered into pleasant and 
 instructive conversation. Notwithstanding she was 
 generally favored in so remarkable a manner, w^ith 
 peace of mind and holy confidence, yet she had seasons 
 of close proving ; remarked at one time, " I have felt 
 tried and proved this morning, and had to remember 
 a remark of a dear Friend, since deceased, that ^' The 
 enemy is permitted to follow us to the very threshold 
 of eternity." She was, however, soon favored to centre 
 down in humble quietness and calm dependence. 
 
 4th ino. 12th. Had a suffering time from a severe 
 stitch in her side, on which occasion she remarked, 
 " Do not be too anxious, my case is in good hands ; I 
 do not feel uneasy." Daily she seemed to be endeavor- 
 ing to prepare those, about her for the time of trial ; 
 expressed the desire she felt that quiet might be ob- 
 served, and that things might be done decently and in 
 order. 
 
Hannah Williams. 201 
 
 20th. On being fixed for the night, she said, ^^One 
 thing more I want ;'^ being queried with what it was, 
 replied, ^^ An evidence that all is right/' 
 
 21st. She said, " There was a passage of Scripture 
 unexpectedly brought to my remembrance this morn- 
 ing, which I hardly knew how to apply. I was feel- 
 ing desirous I might look into my own state, Avhen 
 this was presented, ' I came not to call the righteous 
 but sinners to repentance.' '' It was observed to her, 
 she might take comfort in it. " Oh,'' she replied, " I 
 never could class myself with the righteous." 
 
 5th mo. 11th. She said to a relation that was with 
 us, '' Is it not the practice of Friends in the city, to bow 
 their shutters after the decease of a friend ?" Being 
 told it was; she said, ^^I should like it omitted in this 
 case." She had previously spoken on this subject, and 
 said, she '' Believed there was great inconsistency in 
 Friends doing so." 
 
 11th. After passing a trying night, she remarked 
 in the morning with great sweetness, ^^ Through the 
 goodness and mercy of a kind Providence, I feel a little 
 better." Had a call this day from three of her beloved 
 friends, members of her meeting ; after they left the 
 room she observed, '' How well they look," adding, 
 " But I would not exchange situations with them, and 
 have again to contend with the conflicts of time." 
 
 12th. This morning, after the doctor had gone out 
 of the room, she said, " Doctor sees he cannot do any 
 thing for me." Shortly after, on offering her her usual 
 medicine, she calmly, but earnestly remarked, '^ These 
 things will not keep me here, — you nuist let me go." 
 
202 Memoir of Hannah Williams. 
 
 Towards evening, suffering from pain of body, she 
 earnestly desired that her understanding might not 
 fail her ; and shortly after, put up a short but fervent 
 petition to the Throne of Grace, that " A little relief 
 might be aiforded,^^ which was mercifully the case ; 
 after which she observed, " I shall not be here long/^ 
 In great tenderness, she then bade some present fare- 
 well ; after which she was very quiet, her work appear- 
 ing to be done ; she gently breathed shorter and shorter, 
 until her purified spirit departed ; and those who w^ere 
 left had the consoling belief that her robes were washed 
 and made white, and she prepared to join the just of 
 all generations, in ascribing glory and honor, thanks- 
 giving and praise, to Him who sitteth on the Throne, 
 and the Lamb forever. 
 
 Her remains were interred in Friends' burial ground 
 at Plymouth, on Second -day, the 15th of Fifth month, 
 1848. She was in the sixty-fourth year of her age.