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MEMOIR
OF
PHILIP AND RACHEL PRICE.
" Honour thy Father and thy Mother."
PHILADELPHIA:
PRINTED FOR ELI K. PRICE AND PHILIP M. PRICE.
1852.




E. B. MEARS, STEREOTYPER.              C. SHERMAN, PRINTER.




PHILIP AND RACHEL PRICE.
BELOVED and venerated parents, your memory is
cherished by your children with a devoted affection:
Shall they pay no outward tribute of respect, nor leave
of you any memorial for the future? To you, under Providence, we owe it, that we breathe the breath of lifethat we open our eyes to the glorious light-behold the
beauties of all created things, and rejoice in a happy
existence. To you we owe yet more; that we were
trained to lives of usefulness, guided in the paths of
virtue, and from your lips received the inspired words to
turn the heart in love to God. With us and our children
the recollection of beloved features will pass away; and
shall the memory also of your worth, affections, and
devoted service with us perish for ever! The thought
of it brings the reproach of a delinquency in filial duty
to you, and also of the neglect of the sacred obligation
we owe to our posterity, to perpetuate your precepts and
example, for their observance and imitation.  To com3




4             THE HUMBLY GOOD.
memorate these I would invoke to the service more than
the skill of the Egyptian art of conservation, that your
character and memory might be embalmed in the hearts
of our descendants in all the purity and beauty in which
you lived, and yet live in the recollections of your
children: And as your long lives were a bright exemplification of the power of Gospel truth, so may your
memory live in its light and life, enshrined in living temples of love and devotion, for ages to come.
To commemorate by written memorial all those of good
name who have lived and died would multiply books beyond the capacity of readers to peruse more than a very
limited selection.  The beneficence of the Creator produces in his creation the good and the beautiful in boundless profusion. The sequestered flowers that bloom unseen
by human eye, and " waste their sweetness on the desert
air," do not uselessly grow,-but produce a seed that in
time may germinate in light, and lend a cure to the healing art.  The humbly good that pass through life and
challenge no admiration of men may unobtrusively instil
into many hearts sentiments to be perpetuated for the
moral and religious preservation of our race: And if
their virtues do but bloom in the sight of the Creator's
Eye, and shed a fragrance that is but an incense to Him,
they will not have lived in vain.
To claim a worldly distinction for those whose endeavour it ever was-"to do justly, and to love mercy, and




BLENDED NARRATIVE.                        5
walk humbly with their God"-would be to act in conflict with the spirit that actuated their lives. Acting
solely in obedience to their apprehension of duty to man
and his Creator, such a pretension would be rebuked by
the  recollection  of  that self-watchfulness  that ever
guarded them against the weakness of human vanity, and
accounted all that was good and excellent as emanating
from  a Divine Source; the merit of which man cannot
rightfully claim as his own. Yet all of their history that
may be useful to others, in precept or example, it is a
duty to rescue from forgetfulness and loss; and to perpetuate it, is in perfect consonance with their sentiments
and character. If their lives were rightfully devoted, the
record of the testimony of that devotion cannot fail to be
useful; and faithfully to portray, is unavoidably to commend,-for the facts speak praise:  But praise cannot
reach " the dull cold ear of death,"-and their offspring
cannot share it but by a like deserving.
The plain and simple memoirs of Philip and Rachel
Price will readily and harmoniously blend in the narrative.  United early in life, they lived together in cordial
affection and harmony of views for more than half a century.  Born and educated in the Society of Friends, and
both at an early age brought under that Divine influence
which alone can constitute them  truly its members, they
devoted their protracted lives faithfully to the duties
which its discipline, its testimonies, and its faith enjoin.
1 




6            BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.
The one successively an overseer and elder and the other
a minister of the Gospel, they were never called to move
under diverse views, and were only separated by the calls
of duty leading either to the visitation of distant places,
when the sacrifice was made from the united sense of a
religious obligation. These separations were felt to be
privations in proportion to the intensity of their affection, but in a like degree was the sacrifice a source of
consolatory reflection, when their minds were brought to
the test of the inquiry whether they had fulfilled the
Divine injunctions laid upon them. In the performance
of the services required they were often separated in person, but in harmony of feeling, devotion to duty, love for
each other and for their Maker, there was ever a unity in
one mind and one spirit.
PHILIP PRICE was born the 8th day of the First month,
1764, and was the fifth in the line of lineal descent from
Philip Price, who came into Pennsylvania with the Welsh
settlers, who in 1682 took up Merion, Haverford, and
Radnor townships, and increasing afterwards settled the
townships of New-town, Goshen, and Uwchlan (1 Proud's
His. 221).  The name was continued to him  through
but a single male representative in each generation from
the first settler. His father, Philip Price, of Darby, died
9 month 17th, 1811.  His mother, Hannah Bonsall, of
Kingsessing, was of English descent, and of a family of
the first settlers in that place. They were both members of




RESCUE FROM  WANT.                     7
the Society of Friends in good esteem, the latter an elder,
lived together in close harmony half a century, and
extended to their children the guarded education recommended by the discipline of their religious society.
RACHEL PRICE, born the 18th day of 4th month, 1763,
was a daughter of William  Kirk, of East Nantmeal,
Chester county, the tenth child of Alphonsus Kirk, who
came from the North of Ireland, and settled in Centre,
New Castle county, in 1689 (I Proud, 218), and of Sibylla Davis, who was of a family of early Welsh settlers.
They were also members and held in esteem in the Religious Society of Friends, and their children received from
them the religious care customary in that society.
The parents of neither were wealthy, and as a grazier
in Kingsessing, Philip Price in the same season suffered
the loss of his stock of fat cattle by the British, and
afterwards of his poor by the American army, during the
revolutionary war.
William  Kirkl removing from  his father's residence
near Wilmington, prior to the middle of last century, was
a pioneer in a new settlement, and encountered the usual
hardships and perils of those who first penetrate the
wilderness, to fell the forest and reclaim  the earth for
cultivation. At an early period of this settlement, when
the clearing was small and the crops in proportion, a
severe winter came on, with a heavy snow three or four
feet deep, and drifting, made the roads next thing to im



8             RESCUE FROM  WANT.
passable.  It found them  destitute of provision.  The
father rode all day to procure a supply, but returned at
night exhausted and sick, without any success.  The
feelings of the wife and mother were roused to make
another effort to avert starvation.  She set off next
morning and beating her way through the snows on
horseback, reached George Ashbridge's mill, now Milltown, near Westtown School, a distance of more than
fourteen miles.  She offered her web of homespun and
next year's crop in pledge for meal; frankly confessing
that they were without food and without money.  The
miller-honoured be his name, as yet it is in Chester
county and the city of Philadelphia in the third and
fourth generations-took only her word, and furnished
her the meal, and offered to supply the family until the
next harvest. The husband in her absence had appeased
the sharpest cravings of their children's hunger by the
rinsings of the kneading bowl, and at night they found
respite in sleep.  But the sleepless husband watched in
deepest anxiety and sympathy for her return all the night
long, during which the heroic wife had battled with the
snows.  She reached their cabin in the morning, with
the precious store for relief, and the husband and wife,
overcome with joy and gratitude, fell into each other's
arms and wept,-much to the astonishment of her young
brother, a lad of ten or twelve years of age, at such a
manifestation of rejoicing,-who sensibly hastened to




THE  POST  DOG.                      9
make a pot of mush for breakfast.  This relief from the
extremity of peril, our mother often told us with a like
emotion, her father never could relate without shedding
tears; and with tears the narrative is now written, and
will often so be read by the descendants of William Kirk.
It is due to truth, however, to say that the courageous
woman was the first wife, Mary Buckingham, and Rachel
Price was a daughter of the second wife of her father.
An amusing substitute for the mail occurred between
the families.  William  Kirk took with him  to the new
settlement a dog from  his father's house.  It occurred
that the dog got his feelings hurt and travelled off to his
old home, whence, upon the like offence being taken upon
a like show of disrespect, he travelled back again.  Observing this infirmity of temper, or perhaps a proper selfrespect and dignity, it was practised upon so as to make
him the bearer of letters to and fro, inclosed in a bladder
tied round his neck, so as not to be wet in swimming the
Brandywine.  The letter adjusted, the provocation to a
departure was administered, and the excited temper sped
the post dog, unconscious of the calculated purpose of
which he was the victim, a distance of thirty miles, at
the end of which he was welcomed by food and caresses.
This incident may not be destitute of instruction to
others than the canine race against suffering their infirmities to be played upon for the advantage of those more
cunning than themselves.




10      DEVIATION AND REPENTANCE.
William  Kirk's eldest son, Caleb, interested for his
father in his loneliness after the death of his first wife,
and desirous of a good mother-in-law for the children,
advised his marrying an excellent widow of the name of
Coates.  The father thought she was rather too old for
him, and declined taking the advice, and thereupon the
son courted and married her himself. The only issue of
the latter marriage were three sons, one, Elisha Kirk, an
eminent minister among Friends.  The father, besides his
ten children by his first wife, had nine by his second, the
sixth of whom was Rachel Kirk.  Happily, therefore, it
was that the well intended advice was not taken.
Our father at earliest manhood, for deviations so slight
that the world would deem them trivial and unimportant,
was visited by compunctions and a repentance that produced an instant and marked effect on all his after life.
Contrary to the known wishes of his parents he adopted
a fashionable style of dress, and with a company of other
young friends inclined to gaiety, visited first Shrewsbury
and afterwards London Grove quarterly meeting.  At
the latter meeting, the powerful preaching of Jacob
Lindley reached home to his state of feeling so strongly
that he heeded not the call of his companions to rejoin
them, and he returned home by himself, already experiencing the precious feelings resulting from the resolution to
take up the cross and submit to the Divine will.
Thus commenced, in a ministration that made one as a




LETTERS.                      11
spiritual father the instrument of arresting an erring son,
a friendship, that made them in after life affectionate colabourers in the services of the Church, and in the cause
of humanity.
The following fragments of correspondence indicate
the exercised state of mind which followed this event,of a youth yet considerably in his minority.
Kingsess. 23d 9 mo. 1782.
DEAR FRIEND, —I received thy letter this afternoon,
and shall endeavour to answer according to ability,-feeling much love towards thee at this time, and should have
been glad to see thee at the meeting.  As thee seems
anxious to hear how we come on, I shall let thee know a
little how it is with me in that respect. As I feel my
mind much drawn from the follies and vanities of this
world, which I have too much given way to, to my hurt,
I find at this time that I cannot keep company with any
one on the account that thee mentions.  This is very
much in the cross of the natural will, but I find I cannot
witness true peace without yielding obedience to that
forming Hand which has drawn me much from the
world and worldly things, so that all prospects of entering into business or settling as thee mentions, have vanished at this time. But if way should open more clearly
to enter into that business, I will let thee know, as I
would as soon enter into partnership with thee as any one




12                  LETTERS.
else. *  *  *  I do not expect to come down to the
meeting.  I desire thy welfare, and that thou wouldst
give up thy time more and more to serve Him for whose
glory we are all created; so that when these fading things
shall be no more, we shall receive an admittance into the
Arms of Everlasting Peace and Rest. What will all the
world be to us if we end not well at last?  I believe
there is no time like giving up in our youth, whilst
health and strength of body are afforded us; that so
we may be as lights to the world, that others seeing our
good worls, may glorify God, who is worthy for ever.
Though I meet with discouragements sometimes, and believe myself to be as it were the hindermost of the flock,
yet I feel a desire that all my companions, as well as myself, may come to see ourselves as we truly are.
I remain thy loving friend,
PHILIP PRICE.
Kingsess. the 16th of 1 mo. 1783.
MY DEAR SON,-I received thine, which was a comfort
to me, and I have esteemed it a great blessing that thou
art one amongst the number who are made willing to
stand for the testimony of truth, and my desires are that
thou mayst be more and more established, and that thou
mayst not run too fast, nor loiter behind thy true guide:
for what we are is by mercy and not any merit of our
own.  I believe it is good for us often to examine our



LETTERS.                       13
selves, and I can truly say that thy preservation, with
that of thy brothers and sisters, is more near and cear to
me, than all other earthly blessings; and that it is a
great comfort to thy father and me, that thy mind has
been thus early touched with that, that if strictly abided
in, will lead out of great trouble and conflict in this present world, and when time here shall be no more, crown
with that which neither this fading world, nor the enjoyments thereof, can ever give.  And I may further say
that I hope from thy example thy brothers and sisters
may be willing to take up the cross.  *  *  *
From thy mother,
HANNAH PRICE.
To PHILIP PRICE, Jr.
Philadelphia, 2 mo. 5th, 1783.
ESTEEMED FRIEND,-Since I last saw  thee at thy
father's house, thou hast been the object of near care and
sympathy, being confirmed in the persuasion that He
whose mercy is over all His works, hath in infinite loving
kindness cast the mantle of redeeming love over thee.
And oh, saith my spirit, that neither heights nor depths,
things present nor those that yet await thee, may ever be
able to separate from  this enjoyment of the love of
Christ and the sweet incomes of His life-giving presence.
It is only by bowing to the blessed Root and abiding in
the Living Vine, that we are fitted to receive Divine
2




14                   LETTERS.
instruction, bearing with patience and resignation the
truly necessary preparation, even the pruning Hand.
Thus is the mind enlightened, and an enlargement experienced into the mysteries of the Heavenly Kingdom,
and we not only discover clearly His gracious will concerning us, but as we keep a single eye to Him, neither
attempting to go forward, nor in the moments of proving
and desertion, when the winter season is wisely permitted,
seeking succour and nourishment short of the living
eternal substance.  We shall be favoured with the further discoveries of light and truth, and be enabled to
withstand the unwearied enemy, however various his
transformations, and mysterious his workings.  That
thou and I may fervently and diligently labour after this
necessary and right experience, is the ardent desire of
Thy real friend,
HANNAH CATHRALL.
To PHILIP PRICE, Jr.
Kingsess. 5 mo. 1783.
DEAR FRIEND,-I have been at home about a week;
since which I attended Concord quarterly meeting, greatly
to my satisfaction and peace of mind. I feel a near sympathy with thee, my dear friend, under thy present trying
dispensation, which I have wished might be sanctified to
thy further refinement, and that we may endeavour for
contentment under every allotment, which the Lord in




EARLY VISITATIONS.                   15
Infinite Wisdom is pleased to place us in.  His Holy
Hand is underneath His dependent children, to preserve
them and lead them  in paths they have not seen, and
will not suffer them to be tried beyond what they can
bear; but He will arise in his own good time for their
deliverance. I write from a small degree of experience,
being as it were left alone; but HIe who knows the sincerity of my heart has been pleased again to favour me
at times with a glimpse of His living presence; which is
a cause of humble thankfulness.  In Him, therefore, let
us put our trust, who is able to deliver; and unto whose
Divine Protection I recommend thee, with desires for
thine as well as my own establishment in the ever blessed
Truth.  With that love which united us in the paths of
self-denial, I remain thy assured friend,
P. PRICE, Jr.
To      -.
Our mother has left her own account of her early religious impressions.  "I believe children are often visited
with the endearing influence of Divine Love in their hearts
even in early years. When I look back to the many precious feelings that I was favoured to witness in early life,
my mind is clothed with gratitude to the Author of my existence for his care of me. Often, when my pious parents
were concerned to collect their numerous offspring together
and read the Scriptures or some good book, the sweet im



16            EARLY VISITATIONS.
pressions that I sometimes felt remain fresh in my recollection, now in advanced age. I mention this for the
encouragement of parents, who may have young families
coming up around them, to take up the cross and invite
their children together, not merely in a formal manner,
but with sincere desires for mutual improvement. Although parents may not see their pious labour and care
crowned with success, yet I believe they will receive the
reward of peace, and may have the hope that their conicern and exercise may, like the bread cast upon the
waters, be found after many days.  I can freely acknowledge that the tender care of my pious parents was the
means, under the guidance of best wisdom, of preserving
me in my youthful days, from many of the snares into
which too many of the unguarded fall, in passing along
the slippery paths of youth.  They were not stern or
severe in their commands, but kept the way open for
advice and counsel.  I seldom  or ever parted with my
dear mother, without her saying to me something in this
wise:' Now thou wilt be from under my eyes for a short
time, but remember that thou art always under the AllSeeing Eye that is watching over us in mercy.' I at that
time thought there was an over anxious solicitude about
me, but since I have experienced the anxiety of a mother,
I feel thankful for her care.'
In the 5th month, 1782, Rachel Kirk was passing by
the gate of Friends' meeting-house, at Second atid Market




MET IN THE WAY.                   17
streets, Philadelphia, and was stopped by a Friend who
took her hand, and asked, "' Whence comest thou?" Being
told the place and her name, and having answered as to
the settlement in life of her sister Rebecca, whom the
Friend had met before, and whom he remembered and
loved, he paused and said, " Rachel, it will be thy turn
next, and be careful that thou place thy affections upon
virtue.  Let not anything short of virtue sway thy mind.
If anything inferior should gain pre-eminence in thy view,
difficulties may ensue; but if virtue and piety govern
thy mind in making a choice of a companion, you may
walk hand in hand happily together through life, and be
true helpmates to each other."  Still holding her by the
hand, he continued,-" Farewell: now mind what I say."
This Friend was Samuel Emlen, an eminent minister, who
through life seemed to have been gifted with a prophetic
spirit. That casual meeting-casual so far as man can
discern-in the crowded market-place, produced a lasting
impression, and may have determined the current of a
happy and useful life. Narrating it to her children, after
she had lived in wedlock for more than half a century,
and known all the experience of a long life, she said, " I
thought it a remarkable interview with an entire stranger
But it was of great use to me in settling my mind to
make a prudent choice, which was soon after brought to a
trial, having but a few days previously become acquainted
with Philip Price, with whom his prediction has been
2*




18                  MARRIAGE.
verified, and as far realized as can be expected in this
probationary state of trial, for our refinement and preparation for a more perfect state of existence."  They
were married on the 20th of the  10th month, 1784.
Assisted by the opportune advice, she preferred the serious, virtuous, and solid character, to the more gay and
showy, and enjoyed the felicity of a congenial companionship through life, but witnessed the moral declension of
him  of specious address and appearance, who had had
but a momentary power to hold her choice in suspense.
Farming was the business of Philip Price. After his
marriage he remained three years with his father in
Kingsessing,-then four years on a farm in East Nantmeal, Chester county, when in 1791 he bought the plantation lying between West Chester and the Brandywine.
At this time, like much of the surrounding country, it
was in a low condition, exhausted, washed into gullies
and unclothed with verdure; and partly overgrown with
poverty grass, briers, and alder bushes. Writing to Judge
Peters in 1796, P. Price said —  In the spring of the
year 1792, I fenced off a piece of about four acres (to
fold his cattle), being a part of a large field that was
much reduced, washed into deep gullies in many parts,
and which had been totally neglected for many years.
The appearance was so disagreeable that I put no value
on it when I purchased the place, though the field contained fifty acres." Meli. Pha. Ag. Soc'y. 2 vol. The




AGRICULTURE.                      19
highest efforts of agricultural improvement in  this
neighbourhood at the time of the purchase were those of
a  few  meadows  under artificial irrigation.   Philip
Price was in communication with Judge Peters, Dr.
Mease, and others, who had begun to take a lively interest
in the advancement of agriculture, and his acquaintance
and observation extended to the best practical farmers
and farms in the country.  He commenced on his newly
purchased place a course of improvement in manuring,
the sowing of red clover and other grasses, and in the
rotation of crops, that rapidly took effect, and rewarded
his skill and labour. Lime was obtained from the " Valley," gypsum  or plaster from  tide water, and freely
administered; the stable manure was protected by shelter,
and applied without loss of strength before the autumnal
seeding of wheat.  Judge Peters, in publishing the communications of Philip Price and others, on the advantages
of plaster of paris, says, " I have heard of none who
have been more remarkably successful in the plaster system  than Mr. West and Mr. Price.  They have brought
old worn-out lands to an astonishing degree of fertility
and profit, by combining the plaster with other manures."
lb. 34.
The best rotation of crops, that resulted from experience, was to break up the sod late in the fall or early in'the spring, and to plant the field with Indian corn, pumpkins, and potatoes-the former intermixed, the latter




20            ROTATION  OF CROPS.
manured; the second year to sow with barley or oats,
and after the removal of this crop, to plough the stubble,
manure and sow with wheat in the fall, upon which was
sown the clover and timothy seed, to come into use for
pasture after the wheat harvest of the next summer, and
to be mowed and pastured with the use of gypsum for
several successive years, until the field came in rotation
for a like repetition of crops. This process of careful
husbandry transformed the exhausted hills of the Brandywine into their present fertile and beautiful appearance,
and made them  a garden spot of the world.  And the
worthless old worn-out "fifty acre field," its proprietor
lived to see worth more than a hundred dollars an acre,
in common with the residue of the plantation. To have
been a pioneer in a process so beneficent and of apparently magical results, would be felt as no small honour
to those who respire their happiness in the popular favour
and applause. To Philip Price it was simply a source of
benevolent satisfaction, in contemplating the good he had
aided in accomplishing, of which his eye took a wide
survey, from the porch of his mansion; but the obligation
was not forgotten by his neighbours, in after years, when
the members of the Chester County Agricultural Society
elected him its first President.
The results of the experiments of P. Price in the use
of plaster, as communicated in 1796, in answer to the
queries of Judge Peters, were that on a high loamy soil




GYPSUM.                        21
it operated better than on low-lying clay ground; one to
one-and-a-half bushels per acre are sufficient, repeated
yearly while in clover; the effect is good with or without
recent ploughing; is without liability to leave the soil
exhausted, as from the effect of a stimulus, where the
product is returned in manure; that it is most beneficially
applied to Indian corn and red clover,-but usefully to
other grasses and grain crops; and may be used advantageously with or without other manuring, and with most
striking effect, if not immediately preceded by other
manure. The best time to strew it is at the first harrowing of Indian corn, and on clover, with a small quantity
soon after it comes up, to be repeated as soon as vegetation takes place in the spring; this giving a stimulus
when most needed. The effect is most visible on a poor
soil,-eight acres sowed plentifully with it without other
manure, in five years became, says P. Price, "worth ten
times what it was before I plastered it, the face of the
soil appearing to be entirely changed, and is admired by
all who have hitherto known it:" but though now (1852)
in a high state of cultivation, the same article is annually
used with decided advantage, on the same farm.
Early in life it became a manifested duty of Divine
requisition unto Rachel Price, that she should make a
public appearance in the ministry. Though it was a well
settled doctrine of the Society of Friends that the gift
of the Gospel ministry is not confined to either sex, yet




22         CALL TO THE MINISTRY.
so heavily did the weight of responsibility rest upon her
mind that she diligently sought the Scriptures to find
authority for exemption from the service, and consequent
relief of mind.  From the writings of the Apostle Paul
the desired exoneration might perhaps have been gathered,
if the strength of conviction and sense of obligation had
been less powerful.  But when she reflected that God is
no respecter of persons, that His spirit is given to all,
and that woman and man, are "heirs together of the
grace of life," she could not doubt that she was equally
under the command-"freely ye have received, freely
give."
Under the solemn impressions made upon her mind
when attending the funeral of an ancient friend, it was
manifested to her-" now is the acceptable time;" and in
a broken voice she was enabled to declare —  God is a
spirit, and they that worship him aright must worship
Him in spirit and in truth, for it is such that He seeketh
to worship Him;" and she found in obedience the reward
of peace.  Again she doubted and questioned her own
mission or that of any female appearing in the ministry;
when  Deborah  Darby and  Rebecca Young, English
Friends, visited the meeting, and the former spoke so
clearly to the subject and her condition of mind as to
remove all doubting; so that late in life she was enabled
to testify that-" I have never at any time since been
tempted to question the propriety of women's preaching,




WOMAN'S PREACHING.                    23
fully believing in the declaration that male and female
are one in Christ.  My merciful Lawgiver and Judge,
who knew that my heart was not altogether stubborn,
but rather feared the putting forth my hand to the Ark
unbidden, condescended to manifest His presence by
breaking and handing forth a little of his Heavenly
bread; and I was enabled again to taste of his goodness,
and praise His Holy name as on the banks of deliverance;
but with fear and trembling, lest I should add to or take
away from what He should command."  "Those dear
Friends visited and had precious opportunity under our
roof. Deborah, after saying a good deal to encourage us,
particularly addressed herself to me, saying,'Why art
thou discouraged on account of the smallness of thy gift
in the ministry?  Doest thou not know that five words
fitly spoken in season are better than five thousand without life? It is by being faithful in the little, that we have
the promise of being made rulers over more.'  These
excellent remarks encouraged me then, and often since
have afforded me instruction and strength."
In yielding to the sacrifices to be made in the discharge
of her ministerial duties, she always had the support and
encouragement of her husband. Both equally understood
their proper relationship in respect to the conditions of
this life, and in respect to obligations above all human
control. In all that related to earthly affairs, free consultation and sympathetic aid subsisted, without inter



24           WOMAN'S PREACHING.
ferenee with the assigned duties of the head; and also in
spiritual concerns the like freedom  of communion and
interchange of feeling cemented their happiness, but with
an implicit deference to the higher sanction of a Spiritual authorization to either.  This harmonious sympathy
and mutual deference imparted a moral and religious
beauty to their life; and made it not only an example,
but a happy illustration, as the natural fruit of the principles of their religious profession. The wife whose mind
is truly impressed with the sense of religious obligation
will not fail in her deference to her husband in temporal
matters,-and the husband in like manner impressed
could not presume to control the spiritual exercises and
powers of the wife, for which, as an immortal being, she
is accountable to the Almighty.  Under this paramount
sanction, her life of religious thought and prayerful devotion to her Creator, brings her upon a perfect equality
with man, and the history of the Society of Friends has
been adorned with many instances in which woman has
excelled in the powers of persuasive conviction and true
religious eloquence.  Apart from  the gifts of natural
talent and spiritual endowment, she ever addresses hearers
prone to believe in her superior purity of life and thought,
her greater sincerity of belief, warmth of affection, and
more ardent devotional piety.  This condition of the
hearer is the best commencement to persuasion-and
under it the guarded, perhaps hardened heart, admits more




LESSON  OF INSTRUCTION.                    25
readily the divine visitation that leads to condemnation,
repentance, and submission.
An early lesson of instruction to our mother, which
remained with her through life, and is left for her children,
was derived in this wise: She had heard John Simpson very instructively in the ministry, and particularly
so in explaining the mysteries of the Revelations; and
on an expected visit from him, looked forward to it as an
occasion of spiritual instruction in respect to the sublime
truths, which had so interestingly engaged his mind in
the ministry.  She was disappointed to find him drawn
to speak familiarly of his farming operations, and to abstain from those high and serious matters her own mind
was dwelling upon: and among other things he narrated
was the occurrence of a disorderly contest among his
hands in the harvest field, whereby they injured his
wheat. He started to arrest their proceedings, determined
to turn some of them out of the field in a hurry, but was
himself arrested in the way by a voice which inwardly
spoke to him in the language, "John, govern thyself before thou art rightly qualified to govern others."  He sat
down until his own mind was quieted, then went to the
men, addressed them  upon the impropriety and ingratitude of wasting the grain bountifully bestowed for our
sustenance by a merciful Creator; and was heard with
respect and submission, all steadily resuming their work.
Our mother concluded this to be the lesson she most
QR




26           RELIGIOUS JOURNEY.
stood in need of as one of the heads of a large family
of various dispositions, saying, "I felt the necessity of
keeping self under proper control in order for the right
regulation of those about me; and the incident was often
recurred to in silence for my own improvement, and
sometimes recommended to others for their advantage."
One of the earliest occasions of prolonged absence of
either from home on a religious journey, apparent from
their correspondence, was the accompaniment by Philip
Price of Charity Cook, and Susanna Hollingsworth, of
South Carolina, on a visit to the meetings of the Society
in Virginia and Western Pennsylvania, during the severe
winter of 1796-97.  The crossing of the mountains was
then a difficult task, not free from danger. He writes
from Virginia: "I wish thee may be favoured to bear
with patience my absence, being in hopes it is still right
for me to go on with them, however trying it may be.
I feel an earnest _desire of being found in my allotment
(of duty).  I have had some heavy exercises to pass
through since I have been from home, both on my own
account and on that of the Society, but I have endeavoured to come into a state of resignation, wherein I now
enjoy a good degree of peace of mind.  * *   I could
write a good deal more, but must decline at present, as it
is so cold the ink freezes in my pen, although near a good
fire."  From Redstone he wrote, " Way has been wonderfully made for us to get along, without meeting with any




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY.                    27
accident or injury, yet not without great dangers, wherein
we have experienced that Preserving Power to be near in
our greatest straits, who I have no doubt has called for
the present dedication.  My faith has never been more
closely tried I believe, on any occasion."  *  *  * "  I
have no doubt but thou feels thy situation lonesome and
often trying in my absence, but I have a hope thou art
preserved in patience and submission to the Will of Him
to whom we ought to submit in all things, and let these
trials work for our further refinement and purification."
*  *  "I often remember my dear children, and have no
doubt of thy care over them, which makes me feel easy
on their account.  Oh that they may be preserved in
innocency and virtue, which I hope will be more our
concern for them  than anything besides in this fading
world."  On their return journey he again writes, "the
labour of my dear devoted companions has been close and
searching in most places where our lot has been cast, but
they have been enabled to discharge their duty so as to
pass along with much peace of mind, of which I am
sometimes favoured to partake a share in feeling a silent
travail for Zion's prosperity. There appear to be many
in most places who depend upon the labours of the faithful traveller, and neglect the work in themselves, which
makes me fear the things which belong to their peace
will be hid from them.  It has been a baptising time to
the churches in many places, but mournful to behold the




28            RELIGIOUS JOURNEY.
little fruit that is brought forth to the praise of the
Great Husbandman, who has so freely sent forth His
labourers. I often feel my mind deeply impressed in beholding the low state of things amongst us, and under
discouragement when I behold how many things are suffered to eclipse the beauty that would shine more and
more from amongst us, were we to live up to what we are
called, and what we profess to believe." * * " I often
wish for thy dear company in these closely trying seasons,
which I have often met with, thou knowest, when we were
together, and have been increasingly my lot since we
parted.  But when I come to a state of resignation I am
favoured for a time to feel.a degree of peace, which is
what I have longed to experience more than any other
enjoyment in this world, and it is to be preferred to everything  besides."   The responses of his beloved wife
breathed the same deep religious dedication and sympathizing affection.  " My anxiety for thy preservation is
at times past description, though at some times I am
favoured with resignation and patience to bear thy long
absence from me with more fortitude than I expected. I
feel my mind measurably supported under it at this time,
yet often, very often, forcibly feel the want of thy tender,
sympathizing, and endearing company, in my present
trying situation."
A lasting friendship was formed between these travellers, who had moved together in that "unity of spirit




YELLOW  FEVER.                     29
which is the bond of peace." A correspondence ensued
after Charity's return, and while on a visit to Europe, in
the affectionate terms of a mother to a son, by which
title she addressed him.
In the fall of 1798, the yellow fever prevailed with
great fatality in the city of Philadelphia.  In their
humane efforts to relieve the sick and dying, Philip's
brother Isaac Price (a member of the Board of Iealth),
was prostrated with the disease, and his brother-in-law,
Edward  Garrigues, exposed  to  imminent danger in
attending the sick. These were both remarkable men.
Isaac was of a happy and joyous temperament, and his
gayety a degree beyond what his more sober brethren
could fully sympathize with; but not less innocent,
humane, and devoted to the high calls of duty, to which
at this period his life fell a sacrifice.  Edward, of a
French descent, possessed extraordinary physical energy,
courage, and force of character, to young, superficial observers, apparently uncongenial to the mild and subdued
character of the Friend.  Yet he bowed with implicit
submission to the power of religion, owned its gentle influences on the heart, and was ever ready to serve with
alacrity and zeal the cause of truth and humanity, and
to extend hospitality and aid in the progress of those
travelling in the ministry and service of the Church.
Responding 9 mo. 10, to a letter from  Philip Price,
"truly consoling" and acknowledging a "tender sympa3*




30               YELLOW  FEVEIR.
thy," he writes,   Our brother Isaac is in a quiet, composed frame  *  *  his mind evidently striving for
best support;" and on the 15th, "Our dear Isaac is considerably better in health, and I hope is likely to be
raised up once more as a monument of Divine mercy,
and that he with many more may not only be willing to
sing His praise, as on the banks of deliverance, but also
remember His marvellous works."  *  *    "I hope your
benevolent minds, who have been engaged for the accommodation of the distressed citizens of this once highly
favoured city, may enjoy in this lot the hundred fold of
peace, and joy unmixed in a never ending eternity."
The improvement that gave hope in the morning was but
the prelude of the approaching dissolution that took
place on the evening of the same day, as announced in a
subsequent letter.  "It hath pleased the Almighty Father of Mercies to release the spirit of our dear Isaac
this evening. He was favoured with much composure,
and an easy passage, I trust to everlasting rest."  Next
morning at 7 o'clock, he adds, "I have just returned
from attending the last office to our brother.    * *  Dear
Stephen Grellet, the sure friend of distress, and most excellent nurse, not only attending our brother with the
assiduity of a near connexion, but at this early hour I
found he was most willing to accompany me to the grave.
His company in my family I hope and trust will add a
blessing by his exemplary deportment."  On the 29th he




AN INCIDENT.                     31
further writes,  It has pleased the great 1 Am to mitigate this dreadful pestilence, which has hurried more than
three thousand souls into a boundless eternity."  *  *
"The sweet solacing comfort in some of the chambers
where I have attended has never been exceeded, at any
former period of my life. Oh, that I may, with many,
very many more, improve under the awful dispensation!"
Again, a month later, he says, " Oh, that the sufferings
of the present day may soften my hard heart, so as to
make a lasting impression, and not be as the morning
cloud which soon passeth away."
An anecdote illustrative of the fearless character of
Edward Garrigues is in traditional remembrance in the
family, which may be more easily excused by Friends as
occurring while he was yet a young man. An American
officer during the revolution, in the entry of Cook's building at Third and High streets, undertook to abuse the
Quakers in general and his father-in-law Philip Price in
particular, as Tories, for which Edward took him to task,
and reminded him  how often Philip Price had fed him
and the American soldiers with tubs of soup in his
orchard at the Swedes' Church, Kingsessing. The officer's
temper got roused as he was worsted in the argument,
and he drew his sword on Edward, who instantly wrested
it from his grasp, and seizing the officer by the waistband,
pitched him over the lower half-door then in use, sprawling into the street, much to the amusement of the soldiers




82            VISIT OF JOHN  HALL.
who witnessed the feat. It is not related whether this
circumstance led the officer into serious reflection and
amendment of conduct, but certain it was that he afterwards reformed, became convinced of Friends' principles,
and an eminent minister in the Society.
The loss by death of one brother and the failure in
business soon afterwards of the other, increased the care
and anxiety of Philip Price, junior, as the next friend
and protector of their families; and he discharged his
duty as such towards them, and to others later in life
having like claims, faithfully, affectionately, and liberally,
and transmitted as an inheritance the like duty and obligation to that daughter who had lived with him and most
immediately represented him in position, as she also did
in disposition, and a kind and considerate care and concern for all who had claims as relatives and friends.
In the years 1800 and 1801, John Hall, an English
minister, was a frequent inmate in the family of P. and R.
Price, and his cheerful temper and pleasant humour
made his company as acceptable to the children, as were
his religious experience  and instructive conversation
grateful to their parents. At considerable sacrifice in
leaving a young and numerous family, P. Price accompanied him in his visits to the meetings of Friends in the
eastern part of Pennsylvania, as far as Muncy, Catawissa,
&c., into the State of Delaware, and part of New Jersey.
These occasions of absence are spoken of as seasons of




VISIT OF JOHN HALL.                   33
trial, but in the end rewarded with the feeling of peace
resulting from the discharge of apprehended duty.  He
writes, " I do not know that I ever left home with my
mind under more embarrassments, but have since been
favoured to get into a more quiet and resigned state of
mind, and I believe I never experienced a time wherein
I felt a greater necessity of putting my trust in that
Power which is able to carry us through every trying dispensation we may meet with."  " Dear John has been
much favoured, being more enlarged than I have known
him  at any time before.  The number of Friends (in
Delaware) is generally small at each meeting, but many
other people often attend, to whom the call seems much to
be extended."  From New York, 4 mo. 15, 1802, John
Hall wrote, "I expect by this time thou hast heard of
my coming to this place under a prospect of embarking
for my native land, and can now inform thee, that through
an humble attention to the pointings of the Great Shepherd of Israel, I have been favoured to see the right time
to leave this country, I think in as clear a point of view
as I did to come here, which I esteem a great favour,
among many others I have been made a partaker of.
Though my trials have been many, and in depths often,
yet I have no cause to complain, but in humility of heart
set up my Ebenezer, and say, Hitherto the Lord hath
helped me. It felt solemn to my mind in parting with
thee and thy beloved wife, to whom I have felt my mind




34           VISIT OF JOHN HALL.
nearly united in the near bonds of gospel fellowship, and
though we are parted one from another, yet are often
present in spirit and in epistles written on the fleshly
tablets of the heart, by the blessed Head of the Church.
As He and His Father are one, even so we are one in the
Covenant of Life, being made partakers of the same
spiritual bread.  My leaving the city (of Philadelphia)
was a solemn time to me, and I rejoiced in being favoured
with so many united and concurring testimonies from my
dear friends in that place, that I left them in the right
time; and their prayers for my preservation were as marrow to my bones.  There is a precious remnant in your
parts to whom I feel my mind nearly united: May the
Lord preserve them as in the hollow of His holy hand."
In the retrospect of his American travels and service,
John Hall wrote from "Broughton, 11 mo. 16,1803Beloved friend (Philip Price)-Although about eighteen
months have passed over since I conversed with thee
through the medium of my pen, yet I can assure thee
that my love and affectionate regard for thee, thy dear
Rachel, and beloved children, is not the least abated or
worn out; for I can tell thee that by my fireside, and
when in my bed, my mind frequently takes its flight over
the great Atlantic Ocean, to visit many of my dear
Friends; and thy habitation often has a large share. I
often call to mind the many pleasant days and nights I
spent with you and your beloved children. It was truly




WEST-TOWN SCHOOL.                  35
a place of rest to the sole of my foot, because I found
the Sun of Peace to be there. May you, my dear friends,
be so far preserved as still to be in the abodes of peace.
This will make amends for all. I believe you have your
trials and exercises as well as others for the Truth's sake,
and happy are they who continue with the Master in his
afflictions. I believe the same promise that was formerly
made to his disciples will be your reward-' Ye are they
who have continued with me in my tribulations, and I
appoint unto you a kingdom."'  *  *  *
Towards the close of the last century, the Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends, held in Philadelphia, had
come to the resolution of establishing a Boarding School
at West-Town, for the better and guarded education of
the youth of the Society. In the year 1795, Philip Price
was appointed one of the committee, which had charge
of the construction, opening, and supervision of the institution. In this capacity he continued to devote much of
his time from his first appointment until the year 1818,
when Philip and Rachel Price were appointed the Superintendents, in which offices they remained until 1830,
making a connected service of thirty-five years for the
welfare of that School. There were educated successively
all their ten children, commencing with the day of its
opening in 1799; and to it those children owed nearly
all that they received of an education beyond the primary
instruction of the country schools. The course of studies




36            WEST-TOWN SCHOOL.
did not then extend to the languages, but it was so much
more and better than that then prevalent in the country
as to be an invaluable blessing to them, and to the large
numbers who have been educated there, numbering generally about two hundred of both sexes at a time, through
now over half a century. The value of the instruction
derived at this seminary has been of incalculable service
to the members of the Society of Friends, putting them
generally in advance of others in otherwise equal circumstances, for intelligence, respectability of character, and
power of usefulness.  And though the immediate benefit
be exclusively to members of the Society, the remote advantages have been widely diffusive through many of the
States of the Union, not only from the number of educated citizens sent forth to mix as active members of the
community, but by multiplying good teachers to spread
largely the benefits of education. How much the Society
of Friends have thus been the benefactors of the country
it would be difficult to over-estimate, and it is a stream
of beneficence that flows in perpetuity.
It was during the superintendence of Philip  and
Rachel Price, that some of the local improvements of the
property were commenced, that have been since greatly
advanced in the laying out of walks and planting of trees,
now become groves of ample size, for shade and scenery;
in keeping with the beautiful and varied landscapes that
surround this quiet retreat of learning.  But it was the




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY.                    37
moral and religious government of the household, composed of teachers, caretakers, assistants, and pupils, in
which their usefulness was chiefly conspicuous. It was
in consonance with the views of the Society and with
their own characters-mild, considerate, and parental.
All found there the best comfort and solace in their
separation from parents and home-affectionate and sympathizing protectors and friends; and departing thence,
they carried with them into the world an affectionate remembrance to be retained through life. It thus occurred,
from this long superintendence of West-Town, and afterwards of their own school at West Chester, that few
persons have become the object of affectionate attachment
and personal regard to so many individuals.
In the 7th month, 1801, Rachel Price joined Sarah
Newlin in a visit to the meetings and families of Friends
in the Southern Quarter, in Delaware and the Eastern
Shore of Maryland. Discouragement attended her outset.' My mind was very much tried and borne down
with the prospect of being so long separated from thee
and our dear children, and remained so until I came to
Duck Creek Meeting, where I felt almost ready to shrink
and turn about homewards, when this language was lovingly presented to my mind —'Thy Maker shall be thy
husband'-which proved a real consolation to my poor
lost mind.  Oh, may it be my greatest concern to endeavour to keep low, and experience my own will brought
4




38           RELIGIOUS JOURNEY.
into subjection, and thereby experience His divine presence to be near, for verily without Him  we can do
nothing as we ought to do, and mayest thou find Him to
be thy support and stay in my absence, and may His holy
arm  be round about and preserve our tender offspring
from harm."  And of later date,   The thought of being
detained so long from home seemed almost more than my
nature could bear,  *  *  yet I believe that there is no
cause of dismay, as the service seems to be owned by the
Master."  " My dear children, you may be ready to conclude that my love for you is not very great, or I could
not leave you so long: but let me tell you that I never
felt the tender ties of nature more forcibly, than since my
absence from you.  How often has my mind been raised
in secret supplication to the Father and Fountain of all
our blessings, that He may be pleased to preserve you as
in the hollow of his Divine hand; yea, oftener than the
returning morning."  And again —"Although I feel
very much tried at times on account of my being so long
separated from my endeared connexions, whom I feel increasingly dear to me in my absence, yet am I favoured
to experience my mind so strengthened and supported
through the various dispensations I have had to pass
through, as to induce me to believe that I am in my place
in thus giving up.  Although we feel ourselves poor
weak things, to be thus engaged and often have to go
down unto suffering, as I believe, with the seed, which




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY.                   39
lies low and oppressed in many minds, yet we find a
little remnant in every place, which our hearts can unite
with and encourage.  Although weakness is often our
portion, yet blessed be that Holy Arm of Power which
we have found to be near for our help in the needful time
of trial."
She received in response from her husband this encouragement: —"  Although thy company thee knows would
be very desirable at home, I hope thou wilt be favoured
to be easy about us until thy mind is at full liberty to
return with peace. I have been so far much preserved
in the patience, beyond what I expected, and I hope I
shall be favoured so to continue until the right time for
thee to return."  *  *   "Let us be content to drink the
cup that is allotted us, if we are persuaded it is the
Will of the Great Master, however trying, as the alone
way to peace of mind. I hope thou art faithfully given
up to do thy part of the work, not looking too much at
thy own littleness, remembering that from those that had
not great offerings to make, a turtle dove or young pigeons
were accepted." Similar encouragement is repeated in
later letters.  " Having set thy hand to the work it will
not do to look back, otherwise thou wilt lose the reward
which I believe those are favoured to experience who are
faithfully given up to do in true sincerity of heart. The
work in which you are engaged, I have no doubt, is great
and arduous, and thou art often looking to thy own weak



40          MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
ness and inability, but I trust that He that has required
this at your hands will preserve and carry you through
every trial and discouraging prospect.  *  *  Then, I
trust, thy peace will flow as a river, and His living presence be felt to dispel the gloomy clouds which have often
gathered and been ready to break over thy head, and overwhelm as in the deep."  Further letters acknowledged
the kindness of Friends visited, and that the service of
the travellers "was all to pretty good satisfaction,"
" strength being mercifully given to relieve their minds."
Sarah Newlin returned home apparently well, but with
the seeds of disease in her system, as on the day after
her arrival she was attacked with bilious fever.  Our
parents hastened to her, found her in a sweet and submissive state of mind: she declared her work was done,
and after severe bodily suffering, within a week of her
return, her life fell a sacrifice to her devotion in the service of her Creator.
It was about the year 1792, that Rachel Price first
appeared in the ministry.  After a period of probation
her service was approved; and some notes left by her
manifest the feelings that accompanied the event.  " My
friends of the Monthly Meeting of Concord thought it
right to acknowledge and recommend me to the Quarterly
Meeting of Ministers and Elders, as an approved minister.  A minute to that effect was furnished the Select
Quarterly Meeting, in the 4th month, 1802.  I attended




MINISTERS AND ELDERS.                   41
that meeting in the 5th month, when the language of encouragement was handed forth by our valuable friend
Eli Yarnall, in his usually impressive and affectionate
manner.  I considered it a privilege to be permitted to
sit with those to whom I felt so nearly united, and to
become associated with and placed more particularly under their care: but I found my exercise and concern not
diminished thereby, nor my ability increased,-neither
were my besetments lessened, by becoming incorporated
with such valuable companions.  After attending several
meetings of the kind, and feeling rather disappointed, as
I supposed if all were as good as I thought we ought to
be before we were admitted to the Select Meeting, we
might expect these to be Heavenly Communions without
earthly interruptions,-and querying in my own mind
why these meetings were sometimes so lifeless, even more
so than the large mixed assemblies, Samuel Smith, of
Philadelphia, arose and spoke very interestingly.  Ie
said,-' We are informed in the Book of Job, that when
the sons of God came to present themselves before the
Lord, Satan came also among them; and he believed there
was not a station or situation that a man can attain unto
in this life, beyond the assaults of the enemy of our
souls' salvation; hence the necessity of the sacred injunction to all to watch and pray lest ye enter into
temptation: that it is no sin to be tempted, but it is by
obedience to temptation that we commit sin.'  He ap4*




42         MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
prehended there might be present individuals who had
not been long admitted to that meeting, and might have
expected there would be but little to interrupt the worship in spirit and in truth. He thought it was in the
ordering of Best Wisdom, if it was often permitted to be
otherwise, that we might feel our own weakness and dependence; that of ourselves we can do nothing to advance the cause of righteousness on the earth; that no
flesh might glory in its own perfection, but that we might
lie low in the abasement of self, so that He, whose right
it is to rule and reign in our hearts, may direct according
to his pleasure.  If we who compose this part of the
Society, were permitted generally to partake of the effusions of Divine love and regard, we might be induced
to think that we had attained a higher state of perfection
than our fellow members, and thereby become exalted in
our own imaginations, ascribing that to the creature which
only and alone belongeth to the Creator.  This communication was very instructive and interesting to my inexperienced mind at the time, and strengthening when recurred
to since.  The substance yet remains fresh upon my
memory (at the age of seventy), and I am willing to put
it upon record and leave it, hoping that it may afford
some comfort to some tried and discouraged minds when
I am gone."
For some weeks in 1802, Philip Price travelled with
Richard Mott, of New York, visiting the meetings of




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY EAST.                 43
Friends in the south-eastern counties of Pennsylvania.
The services of this ministering Friend are described as
having been very close upon the unfaithful, in instances
producing deep contrition, but unproductive of full relief
to the mind of the faithful labourer, who apprehended be
had passed by some meetings that he should have taken
in his course. During this and other absences of her
husband, Rachel Price directed the business of the household and farm  with judgment, and was concerned to
attend the meetings with the children, taking with her
seven or eight of them," a distance of two miles to
Birmingham.
During the spring of 1804, Sarah Talbot and Rachel
Price made a religious visit among Friends in Middle and
East New Jersey.  Leaving Philadelphia under discouragement, the latter wrote, "With health not very good,
yet my mind enjoys such a comfortable degree of quietude
in the belief that I am in the way of my duty, that I
have scarce language to describe the different feelings of
my mind now."  *  *  "We are permitted sometimes
to partake as it were of a brook by the way-side, whereby
we are encouraged to move forward in the ability received,
to the relief of our own minds." In the spring of 1805,
they continued their travels together among Friends of
South or West New Jersey: At Salem, met with John
Simpson, Thomas Scattergood, " and many other precious
Friends.  I felt myself a poor thing amongst them, as




44        RELIGIOUS JOURNEY EAST.
thou mayest suppose, yet am favoured at times from a
degree of experience to acknowledge that in Ilis presence
there is life, and at His right hand there are rivers of
pleasure forevermore."  " We have been at meeting every
day but one since we left home. Surely, some may say,
we might be very good by this time, if going to meeting
would make us so; but if we are but made sensible from
time to time, that we are in the way of Divine appointment, and suffered to partake of even the fragments of
the true bread, after witnessing it to be broken amongst
us, so that we may know that we do indeed live, I believe
we shall be satisfied." At Egg-Harbour, R. Price probably first saw the ocean, with the lively sensibility and
reverential emotion with which the great works of the
Creator ever impressed her sensitive mind. " I am seated
at the window, delighted with beholding the waves of the
sea continually rolling, wave after wave, and breaking on
the shore.  Oh, how awfully majestic,-how great the
power, that hath set bounds even to the sea, and said' thus far shalt thou go and no farther: There shall thy
proud waves be stayed.' He hath placed the sand for the
bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it cannot
pass it; and though the waves thereof toss themselves,
yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they
not pass over it."
The journey was pursued to satisfaction, but under
circumstances of trial and discouragement to the partner




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY EAST.                   45
left at home.  She writes, "I have found my mind very
much resigned to my present allotment, whether in
heights or in depths, so that I am but made sensible that
I am in my place, and through Divine favour I may say
(I trust without boasting) that I have from time to time
felt the reward of sweet peace, which is all I crave for
myself, hoping that thou wilt be made a partaker of a
large share in thus giving me up." He, under the besetting trials, exclaims,-" Oh! patience and resignation
to Divine allotments, how much do I still want of their
influence to bring all into subjection, and be able to say,'not my will, but Thine be done in all things!' and to bear
crosses and adversity with the same calmness and fortitude
as if all prospered, and was to our outward desires. Perhaps it is best for me to feel the hand of adversity and disappointment, lest I should grow forgetful and lose the sense
of a grateful mind for the favours that are enjoyed."
And again,-" I believe I have felt thee to be as near
and precious to my life as at any time of it; indeed, our
separation, I think, has felt more trying.  I have been
almost afraid to put my pen to paper to communicate
with thee, lest I might imprudently drop something that
might do more harm  than hearing from us would give
comfort, as it has not been my allotment to be much refreshed with the stream of consolation since thy absence:
but enough, lest I now commit the error I have been
afraid of."




46          HOME REMINISCENCES.
An interval occurs in the preserved correspondence until the year 1807, when the next journey in a religious
service, was undertaken.  The recollections of the writer,
though then young, extend back to this period. He was
then and for some years after, in conformity with the
practice of making all the children actively useful, assisting in the business of the farm.  Though frequently
taken from home by the calls of the Society of Friends,
meeting the School Committee, &c., yet upon all urgent
occasions, and in matters requiring.skill and judgment,
Philip Price was an important workman on his plantation.
With his own hand he sowed the grain, the grass seeds, and
plaster,-struck the furrow  for planting and drilling;
ploughed and harrowed the corn; and pitched the hay
and grain sheaves at harvest, with an elasticity of muscle
and endurance of fatigue that few could equal. He was
a practical farmer, of efficient energy, and sound judgment, skilled in the choice and management of stock;
and an experienced grazier lately told the writer that he
had received from him his first and best lessons in the
selection of cattle.  He had a capacity to make riches,
but he preferred to educate his numerous family; to fulfil
the higher duties he believed he owed to his Creator; and
to keep the tempting cares and ambition of the world
beneath his feet.
It was about this period, that P. Price, with one of his
daughters, made a journey into Virginia, to, procure the




HOME REMINISCENCES.                     47
seed of the Virginia thorn. These were the commencement of the beautiful thorn hedges that have since so
much prevailed on and in the neighbourhood of his farms,
dividing the rolling country of the Brandywine hills into
fields of luxuriant grass or waving grain, which when
ripening for the harvest, make a striking contrast with
the green and neatly trimmed borders.  The view of this
scene from Osborn's hill, or similar elevations, can never
fail to inspire a sentiment of love for our commonwealth,
its happy and prosperous people,-and of gratitude to
the bountiful Creator, who has spread plenty over the
land and clothed it in surpassing beauty.
In order to keep the farm  free from weeds, it was a
constant practice of Philip Price, to pull up the docks,
mulleins, cockle, thistles, &c., by the roots, before the seed
ripened for a new  growth; and it was a rule with him
not to pass by such a weed without eradicating it, whereby the task was lessened each year, and the plantation
freed from  such mischievous intrusion; and for a like
reason the parental care of both father and mother, was
constantly watchful to eradicate all noxious weeds as they
appeared to take growth in the minds of their children,
before they got firm root, or went to seed for a new crop,
and to sow  good seed in their stead, and nourish the
growth of good plants, to keep under those of a deleterious nature, and by the like continued watchfulness and




48           HOME REMINISCENCES.
care the task came to be less needed on the part of the
religiously concerned parents.
The household arrangements were upon the footing of a
republican simplicity.  The best of plain food was provided for all, and ordinarily all, employers and employed,
sat down to the same table: nor was there any loss of
respect sustained by this equality of treatment; but on
the contrary, a salutary influence, and parental constraint,
conducive to discipline and order, not repulsive to innocent cheerfulness, were accompanied by a feeling and
confidence that the welfare of all was cared for and protected.
No spirituous liquor was used on the farm, though the
practice prevailed among others than Friends.  In the
cause of temperance, peace principles, and anti-slavery,
the Friends had effectually done their work, wisely and
prudently, generations before the modern zeal displayed
upon these subjects; and all true Friends then, before,
and ever since, have availed themselves of all suitable
opportunities to advance their humane testimonies on
these subjects, upon those in authority and among the
people.  Their progress was steady-carried forward by
the process of persuasion and conviction-and sustained
by the power of consistent example. It, therefore, knew
no relapse or reaction, as occurs when partisan zeal becomes cooled, and excitement subsides. Their testimonies
upon these subjects of human reform, Friends are bound




FUGITIVE SLAVES.                     49
by their Discipline to ever uphold and maintain, and so
long as they shall remain true Friends, must they carry
on the good works, faithfully, consistently, and steadily,
not only to preserve themselves free from  taint and infirmity, but to be the perpetual warners and reformers of
mankind.  May they ever persevere in their good and
glorious mission in the way that they have so long persevered, having made their lesson effective by beginning
at home, and then presenting their example to enforce
their reasonings and persuasions. It is true this practice
may not produce sudden demonstrations of success, but it
more than compensates by its mildness, constancy, and
endurance, and it is the course most consistent with the
character of Friends, because in their conduct and teaching they are ever bound to exercise that wisdom which is
peaceful and long-suffering, temperate, kind, and charitable.  The first example to mankind of admonition and
judgment, was not hasty or violent, but the voice of the
Lord was heard as he walked " in the garden in the cool
of the day —and it was without any sharp accusation,
woundingly to produce rebellious recoil.
Among the reminiscences of the plantation, is the fact
of the frequent visits and sojourns there of coloured people, in fear and distress, fleeing in pursuit of liberty.
They ever found there shelter, sympathy and aid, those
claims of humanity which, though it might be penal to
recognise, no true Friends could deny.  Slavery, origir5




50              FUGITIVE  SLAVES.
nating in the captivity of war, fraud, or oppression,
could in their view gain no valid sanction by lapse of time
or the authority of human law, when thus based on error
and injustice. Yet neither by sentiment nor deed would
they countenance any act to weaken the general authority
of established government, on which,the security of so
many invaluable rights of person, property, and reputation depend.  WVm. Penn recognised it as a great end of
government " to support power in reverence with the people, and to secure the people from  the abuse of power."
Our civil institutions are habitually recognised by the
Society as excellent, and deserving their respect and obedience, and where they cannot conscientiously acquiesce
in the requisitions of laws that conflict with their testimonies, they patiently submit to the penalty, thus bearing a willing testimony to principle through sacrifice, in
the hope that the world may be awakened to see and
correct all errors that lead to wrong and oppression.
They are the peaceful champions of the world's reform,
believing that as truth and righteousness are mighty,
they will, as the world becomes enlightened, prevail. No
people so peaceful and conservative can fail to value
highly the constitution that secures the Union of the
States, and thereby preserves the domestic tranquillity
and the peace with foreign powers; a constitution in
which all the citizens find their safest anchorage for all
vested rights and title to property, in the prohibition of




TESTIMONY  AGAINST  SLAVERY.                   51
all state laws that can impair the obligation of contracts.
It tolerates, it is true, an evil it could not consistently
name, but it was the best that could, under the circumstances, be formed. Its framers were under a compulsion
so to form  it as to obtain the consent of independent
slave-holding states, or to abandon the task. The alternatives were disunion, and border wars, insecurity, weakness, and the final extinction of republican freedom;
and Union, with peace, prosperity, strength, and the perpetuity of the great example of free institutions, and
man's power of self-government, on the basis of the
greatest good of the greatest number.
The uncompromising hostility of Friends to slavery, is
not factious, violent, or abusive; but, proceeding from a
deep religious and moral conviction of its injustice and
impolicy, their opposition is based upon an established
testimony, from the support of which they cannot swerve
so long as Quakerism shall endure.  It is a hostility that
is patient, resolute, and candid, and speaking in behalf
of humanity, it is only fearful of doing aught to mar the
progress of a good work. Pacific in principle, they can
excite to no violence; Christian in practice, the sword
must be sheathed; and- as the fetters are imposed by
masters who only can repeal the law, that authorize their
infliction, the appeal must be made to the public opinion
of the states which tolerate slavery. That opinion cannot be favourably reached by abuse and denunciation, or




52      TESTIMONY AGAINST SLAVERY.
by any method that will arouse the passions; disturb the
reason, and array the feelings in hostile reaction. The
legislator, exercising the prerogative of sovereignty,
must be reasoned with, to convince his reason, and his
passions tranquillized, that he may listen to the voice of
humanity within his own breast.  Nearly a hundred
years ago, John Woolman, in his tenderly conscientious
and beautiful writings-[often, and on his death-bed, recommended by Philip Price to the perusal of his children] afforded the best example of effective writing upon
this subject; and he published in the midst of slaveholders without offence, because he calmly addressed that
reason and humanity, the possession of which no civilized
men dare to disclaim. Friends have, accordingly, at all
times kept the door> open for friendly entreaty and the
convincement of the masters; have securely performed religious visits to the South, and held meetings with the
slaves for religious worship; but no clandestine conduct
hostile to legal claims was ever practised there by members of good repute in the Society. To the slaves they
preached the patient and peaceful religion of the Gospel;
to the masters the obligation of kindness and mercy, and
the duty of doing unto others as they would have others to
do unto themselves. But it would be to expect quite too
much to believe that any true Friends should in any manner aid in the restoration of fugitive slaves, or that they
would not afford theml comfort and facility in their flight.




ABOLITION  OF SLAVERY.                  53
Regarding them as fellow beings and co-heirs of immortality, they admit the obligation towards them to do unto
them as under like circumstances they would be done unto,
and thus yield obedience at the same time to the Christian
and Mosaic Law, the latter declaring that-" thou shalt
not deliver unto his master the servant which has escaped
from his master unto thee." But if the master come and
take his servant, they can offer no resistance.
The example and influence of Friends, aided by the
co-operation of a Bryan, Reed, Franklin, Morris, Rush,
Peters, Rawle, and other philanthropists, led to the abolition of slavery in Pennsylvania, and the subsequent
protection of those unlawfully held in bondage. It was
in the midst of the American revolution that the people
became awakened to a sympathy for others' woes by
their own sufferings, and on the 1st of March, 1780,
was passed a statute the most just, and the preamble
the most responsive to the voice of humanity, of any
before placed on the statute book of any nation. Reciting their grateful sense of the aid of the Divine
Being in the national struggle for liberty, the patriots
of the revolution conceived it to be their duty, and rejoiced that it was in their power, "to extend a portion
of that freedom to others, which had been extended to
them;" and feeling their "hearts enlarged with kindness
and benevolence towards men of all conditions and nations"-enacted that slaves should be for ever released
r, 




54        RELIGIOUS JOURNEY WEST.
from thraldom  in the State of Pennsylvania.  It was a
peaceful, patient, earnest, yet wise perseverance that led
to so happy a result, and placed upon the statute book its
most luminous pages. May the same wise counsels, pacific and humane spirit, ever continue to plead the cause of
the oppressed, and lead to further triumphs of humanity,
-pacific, bloodless, and glorious!
In the 6th month, 1807, Mary Witchel, a friend from
Bradford, England, and Rachel Price, started on a religious visit to Friends in Ohio and Virginia. No turnpike
had then been made across the Allegheny Mountains, and
the narrow and steep wagon track, in soft places, was cut
into deep ruts, and in others was rough and stony. The
women Friends in crossing the mountains were obliged to
dismount from  the carriage and walk, or ride alternately
the single riding-horse, on a man's saddle, going at the
rate of two miles an hour.  Rachel Price writes, "I
think it is not possible for any one to conceive how bad
the roads are, without seeing them. We are preserved in
good health, and our minds from sinking. My mind when
crossing the mountains was filled with admiration and
praise in beholding the wondrous works of an Almighty
hand."  *  *  " In our preservation we have had often
to exclaim, Surely these are the Lord's doings, and marvellous in our eyes.  May a grateful sense thereof rest
on each of our minds, to our own humiliation."  " When
we left Pitt we pursued our journey along the bank of the




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY WEST.                      55
Ohio, the beautiful river on the left, and on the right a
mountain, with rocks overhanging  our heads, awfully
majestic to behold.  We may say with the poet,-'These are thy glorious works, Parent of good,
Almighty! Thine this universal frame,
Thus wondrous fair; Thyself how wondrous then;
Unspeakable, who sitt'st above these heavens
To us invisible, or dimly seen
In these thy lowest works; yet these declare
Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine."'
At New Garden she writes, "We attended Springfield
yesterday. There is a valuable settlement of Friends
here in this wilderness country, whom  we feel nearly
united to; and I may tell thee that I fully believe that I
am  in my place in coming here.  Though trying to be
separated from you at home, yet I feel very comfortable
in being with our friends here in little cabins."  At
Short Creek —"I received thy first and second letters; it
was a feast indeed, to get so much satisfactory information; but I have been for the most part easier about home
than I could have expected, having so fully given all up
to Best Protection and Direction, that I sometimes can
but wonder that my mind is so relieved from  anxiety
about you.  I am  truly thankful you have been so preserved, and may we all put our trust in that preserving
Arm of Power, whose care is even for the sparrow."  "I
have met with many choice friends and relations since I




56        RELIGIOUS JOURNEY WEST.
left home, to whom  I feel nearly and dearly united, I
trust in gospel fellowship."  A P. S. to this letter reminds us of a constant habit of the writer of it which
many will recollect, so that at home or abroad, no time
should be lost: " If you have not sent the yarn, you need
not send it till you may expect we are in Virginia, as 1
do not knitfast."  She would have had more than the
sublime regret of the Emperor Titus, which has made
him  immortal, —  that he had lost a day."  She would
have regretted the loss of an hour unfilled by some useful
employment.
The mails then were slow, " three weeks from Pittsburgh."  Four weeks had elapsed, and no letter had
reached her husband. He writes 21 of 6 mo. " My dear
love: Another week has passed without hearing anything from  thee, whether you have got along safely or
not. I did not think I should feel so anxious about
hearing; but the expectations thee gave of writing makes
me feel desirous to hear from thee. I intended to think
as little about thee as possible, as I was in hopes it might
be a means of preserving me in patience during thy long
absence, and no doubt trying journey in many respects;
but I think it has been so far to the contrary that I can
hardly think of anything besides.  And how can it be
otherwise, when thou, who hast been my companion in
the nearest unity and affection for so many years, art now
so far separated from me? but, being as I fully believe




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY  WEST.                  57
in the direction of Best Wisdom, I must not complain
nor murmur.  And I think I have resigned thee, and do
still, to Divine disposal, though thou art the object of my
nearest and dearest affection of all earthly enjoyments;
yet I have to remember, for the trial of my faith and love,
that we must part with the most near earthly tie if required; and as our blessed Lord declared, If you love
anything more than me you are not worthy of me. But
I have no doubt, my dear love, thou hast also thy feelings
and exercises about us, and art deeply concerned for our
welfare, as well as that of those thou art engaged to
visit in Gospel Love. And may your labours prove beneficial to many, in strengthening the weak, in confirming
the feeble-minded, and in alarming such as live too unconcernedly about that part which will endure for ever,
either in happiness or in misery and woe. But if only
one should be rightly awakened and warned to turn from
evil ways, and thereby become converted to the truth,
your labours will not be fruitless, but the blessing of
Divine approbation and peace will be your crowns, if you
should be again favoured to return."  Further letters
evince the same anxious desire to receive information from
the travellers-" 7 mo. 7, I have had more uneasiness
and been more uncomfortable than at any time since thou
left us.  I have sent up to West Chester regularly every
day the stage returned, for two weeks past;" that was
twice a week; now there are three arrivals of cars and




58       RELIGIOUS JOURNEY WEST.
stage daily, with prospect of an increase. " My health
has been improving, and I have now to work hard, which
I stand better than I expected." " Our dear children are
all doing well, and I am much comforted in them, as the
elder ones are trying to do the best they can, and I am
afraid they are almost overdoing the matter sometimes."
From Wheeling, 7 mo. 24, R. Price writes, " We have
attended all the meetings of the State of Ohio, except
those on the Miamies, which we have apprehended our
minds released from, the state of the roads having made
it impracticable to reach them."  " We have taken to the
wagon again, having rode on horseback through the
meetings, and I have had my health much better than
when at home."  "After attending Plainfield monthly
meeting  * * we have felt our minds released from the
State of Ohio."'  We had meetings at the Courthouses
in St. Clairsville and Wheeling."  "These were indeed
very weighty engagements, yet I trust they were in the
ordering of Best Wisdom."
After visiting Friends at and about "Redstone,' or
Brownsville, the travellers again crossed the Allegheny
Mountains, into Virginia. After visiting a number of
meetings in this State, and holding one in the Treasury
Department, Washington, and others in Maryland, they
returned home. Their faithful and cheerful companion
and caretaker on this journey was Samuel Schofield, of
Abington, Montgomery county.




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY SOUTH.                 59
In the 4th month, 1809, Sarah Talbot and Rachel
Price believed it to be their religious duty to visit Friends
in Virginia, and set out on the journey accompanied by
Abel Otley as their caretaker.  They attended meetings
through Maryland, reached Fredericksburg, Virginia,"rode down the James river, most of the way a beautiful
fertile country, which was very pleasing, after travelling
through that of a contrary description;" " had a favoured
meeting  at Caroline;" another  at  Richmond, and
attended the yearly meeting, and generally the meetings
through  Eastern Virginia, wherever they could find
Friends.  Their meetings in parts were " few and far between," costing great fatigue to reach them; journeys
which, with bad roads and hot weather, caused " Jack"
and " Hunter," favourite and well-remembered horses at
home, to suffer, although friend Abel was very careful
of them; with whom they say " we get along in much
unity, only he is not willing to move quite as fast sometimes as we would like, but we don't fall out about it."
Speaking of the horses, it may be permitted the writer,
who has a grateful and lively recollection of them, to pay
a tribute of respect to them and their companions then at
home, and say, that they were the most faithful of servants,-doers of all work,-seldom  idle, and employed
alike on the farm, in the team, in social visiting, and the
more serious duty of going to meeting and carrying
Friends on their religious journeys; and who were never




60       RELIGIOUS JOURNEY SOUTH.
refused by their owner to a friend or relative, though the
plough was left thereby to stand in the furrow.
To proceed on the journey, one result of the bad roads
was that " the wagon overset, down a hill, in a steep
place, but through Divine mercy (the narrator says), we
were preserved from  receiving much hurt; I believe a
grateful sense of which covered each of our minds."
" Crossing the middle and north branches of the Shenandoah-then through a fertile country inhabited mostly by
Germans, with the Blue Ridge on the right hand full in
view, the river winding along its side, on the left the
view of the north mountain from a distance, over a considerable valley of limestone land, the road being in many
places paved by nature with limestone rocks, often on
edge, added to the variety of the scene, but not much to
the ease of the traveller."
The religious travail and exercise on this journey were
both hard and consolatory. At some places their meetings
were attended by many besides Friends, " some of them
perhaps from curiosity to hear women preach, who sat
still, were attentive and serious, and it may be said Truth
reigned over all."   Meetings were also held for the
blacks,  wherein Best Help was mercifully found to be
near, I believe to the comforting of many of that afflicted
people."  "I think I never have been more feelingly
sensible of being in my right place, and that I am about
my Heavenly Father's business, which makes hard things




RELIGIOUS JOURNEY SOUTH.                  61
easier, and sweetens the bitter cups we have to drink;
but if any good be done, let it be ascribed to the Great
Author of all good, and nothing to the creature, lest by
self becoming exalted, I be in danger, while calling to
others, of becoming a castaway myself."  " The meetings
for discipline were favoured seasons, there being great
openness to receive counsel, the sincere-hearted were
encouraged, the weak strengthened, the disobedient and
forgetful warned, and the dear youth invited to forsake
the vanities and delusive pleasures of this fading world,
and to close in with the gracious offers of Divine love,
which were mercifully extended to them. I hope some
of them yielded to its holy influence so far as to form resolutions to take up their cross and follow the dear Master
in the way of self-denial. Oh, may it not pass off as the
morning  dew!"  Certain  meetings of Friends "painfully exercising my mind, I was almost ready to sink
under discouragement.  The fathers and mothers in too
many instances being too much buried in the earth, and
many of the young people, as it were, flying in the air.
Poor Virginia, what will become of thee! If it were not
for the sake of a few righteous souls that are, I trust, interceding with the Father of mercies in the behalf of the
people, the judgments that seem to be impending would
not long be withheld.  I have had such impressions as
these; but oh, may the intercessions of those be availing,
so that there may be a turning from darkness unto light,
6




62       RELIGIOUS JOURNEY SOUTH.
and from the power of Satan unto the Lord.  Notwithstanding I have felt so much tried, I have also been thankful in believing that there is a remnant in almost every
place that we have been in, that are sincere-hearted, endeavouring to live up to the principle which we profess.
To these we have felt nearly united." At Lynchburg,
" I received thy very acceptable letter, the contents of
which were very satisfactory and strengthening. I never
needed more help and encouragement than at that very
time.  Having had a prospect that it might be right to
have a meeting with the Friends and friendly people of
the town, and also with the black people there, the concern was weighty and exercising to our minds; and the
contents of thy letter were so cordial and encouraging
that it seemed indeed like bearing up of the hands that
were ready to hang down under the weight of the exercise. Thus are the rightly yoked made a helpmeet to
each other, even when far separated. The meeting for
Friends was, I trust, a memorable time to many. I may
say without boasting, I have never been more sensible of
Divine strength being afforded,-mercifully afforded,than in these two meetings."  *   " The other meeting was large; many of the gayer class of the town's
folks came in, which increased the exercise, but I believe
truth was in dominion.  May a grateful sense thereof be
remembered to my own humiliation; ascribing all unto




RELIGIOUS  JOURNEY SOUTH.                 63
Him that is mindful of his little ones, who are trusting
in Him."
" I can't tell thee yet how it may be about Fairfax. I
have not seen a great way before me, nor often looked
much back; it requiring enough of attention to distinguish the right stepping stones to tread on in the immediate path of duty, which is the most material. I wish
to go there without any formed impressions; and if we
feel easy without visiting the families, it will be a release,
but hope to be resigned."
The following is an extract from the letter of her husband referred to:  "Thy letter was very acceptable, although it had been long written; as I am always pleased
to hear from one, when absent, I so dearly love, and for
whose safe getting along and welfare I feel very solicitous; and it is truly comfortable to learn you have been
so far cared for and supported; and though trying baptising seasons are often your portion, the Divine arm has
been underneath, and I trust will continue to preserve to
the end of your journey. It is pleasing to contemplate
that your faces are now turned homewards, and that the
time is not very distant when we may be favoured to
meet again; but hope to be preserved in patience and
resignation until you can have discharged the burden that
has been laid on you, so as to return with the full reward
of peace, and can look back with a comfortable assurance
that you have not omitted doing what was pointed out in




64       RELIGIOUS JOURNEY SOUTH.
the clear openings of duty.  Notwithstanding I often
feel my mind low and under much depression, I still feel
strengthened to bear thy absence, beyond what I had any
idea I could before thou left me, which I consider as a
peculiar favour, for which I cannot be too thankful; and
I much desire the dispensations I have had to pass through
for many months past, may in the end work for my good,
and better establishment on the everlasting rock which
can never be removed; and I hope I am striving to bear
with resignation and patience what further trials may be
yet further allotted to prove me."
From  New  Market, Md., 7 mo. 26, R. Price writes,
With satisfaction I can now inform thee that we have
entirely left Virginia, having got through what we had
in prospect there; visited all the families of Fairfax, attended the monthly meeting there, at South Fork, Goose
Creek, all to good satisfaction, though often under discouragements, feeling an entire necessity of a full reliance on that Arm of Power that is alone able to help,
and without whom we can do nothing to advance the
great cause of Truth and righteousness." 8 mo. 4th" Came home, found my dear husband and family all well.
With heart filled with love and gratitude to the Father
and Fountain of all our mercies, in that He has been
pleased to afford me a portion of that peace of mind,
which the world cannot give nor take away, and is beyond




SIMPLICITY OF DRE'SS, &c.                65
the conception of the worldly wise in a state of unregeneration."
The following letter, during this absence, was written
by Rachel Price, to one of her sons:
"Winchester, Va., 7 mo. 5, 1809.
" DEAR SON,-I received thy very acceptable letter at
Lynchburg.  It afforded me much satisfaction to find
thou art willing to continue in the path of self-denial,
taking up thy cross to the vain customs and fashions of
the world in' that place of temptations and trial (Philadelphia). Oh, may thou be favoured to stand firm now
in early life, despising the shame,-having an eye to the
good Pattern of plainness and self-denial, remembering for
thy encouragement that he has testified, that they that
acknowledge Him before men, He will also acknowledge
before His Father and the Holy Angels; and mayst thou
also awfully remember that He has also declared that they
that deny Him before men, them He will also deny before
His Father and the Holy Angels. I have often felt very
anxious on thy account since I left home, seeing the vexy
great deviations in many places of the children of well
concerned Friends, from  plainness and simplicity, and
even good moral rectitude; but, notwithstanding this is
the case with too many, yet there are some precious
young people in this land of oppression, which afford a
comfortable prospect of a succession in some places. And
I may tell thee, for thy encouragement, that I fully be6*




66        ADHERENCE TO PRINCIPLE.
lieve that those that are standing firm to this profession,
keeping to the principles which we profess, are much
better respected by the people of the world, than those
that are baulking the testimony, by giving way in dress
and address; and am sure that by keeping to the principle is the alone way to obtain  peace of mind here,
and  furnishes the  only well-grounded hope of peace
when time shall be no more.  I am  pleased to find thou
art satisfied with thy place and business,-hope thou endeavours to improve in every sense of the word, so as to
be capable of doing well for thyself. In endeared affection,
Thy mother,
RACHEL PRICE."
This letter is given as an instance of the anxious care
extended to all the children, all of whom conformed not
only in religious profession, but in respect to dress and
address, except in the latter particulars the three who
adopted learned professions.  The term  shame it is believed was used in reference to the feeling experienced by
those who wish not to be singular and unfashionable in
fashionable company.  It cannot be doubted that those
only can be respected by any class who act faithfully up
to their own convictions of duty, whether it be in dress,
address, or the more important matter of Christian faith
and practice.  In the advanced progress of Christianity
its profession has ceased to be cause of shame or reproach,
but rather the absence of a Christian faith and practice,




COURTEOUS MANNERS.                     67
and the caution often is, with those who are true to an
honest integrity, not to profess faster than the conviction
is sincerely felt; thus avoiding all just imputation of
hypocrisy or of lightly handling sacred things.
The severest of trials to young Friends, when entering
upon life, often is, to observe the simplicity of manners,
dress, and address, of their religious Society; and the
conclusion is erroneously formed that its requirings in
these respects are inconsistent with a genteel training and
a polished behaviour. It is true that the use of unmeaning compliments and fashionable manners would be irreconcileable with the views of Friends; but in respect to
all that really constitutes the character of a true gentleman or lady, the training and principles of the Society
should furnish the truest elements, in the benevolent impulses of the heart and the inculcated duty of doing unto
others as we would have others do unto us, which will
unquestionably imbue the feelings with a sincere kindness, and the desire to receive and return a frank courtesy
and respect.  Having this spring to their conduct ifi
social intercourse, the Society of Friends has always exhibited to the world bright examples of men and women,
of pure morals, polished manners, and cultivated intellects, who would have felt at home and ranked high in
the most cultivated and intelligent society in any age or
country of the world, provided only it should be truthful,
unpretending, and virtuous.  Such  in  England  were




68      FIRST  OHIO YEARLY  MEETING.
Penington, Ellwood, Penn, Barclay, Fothergill, Collinson, Tooke, Allen, Gurney, and Fry; and in America,
Logan, Pemberton, Emlen, Savery, Dillwyn, Waln, Griffitts, Cox, Stabler, Whitall, Cope, and Parrish.  The law
of Christian benevolence and love should, and ever will,
induce gentle, kind, and courteous manners, and all beyond is idle ceremony and useless vanity.  In short
goodness and intelligence will ever lead all the true graces
in their train.
In 1810, Rachel Price visited generally the meetings
of the Western Quarter; and in 1812, those of Abington
Quarter; with good satisfaction.  In 1813, Philip Price
went in company with Jesse Kersey to the Ohio Yearly
Meeting, being the first held there.  It was a horseback
journey, and meetings were appointed by the way.  The
Yearly Meeting commenced with apprehensions that there
would be " a want of qualified, discerning Friends, to conduct the business of so important an assembly as a yearly
meeting." These apprehensions were not realized. "The
meeting closed on 6th-day," writes P. Price, "and I may
sum  up the whole by saying it was a very satisfactory
meeting.  Jesse Kersey was much favoured.  Indeed I
never have known him more conspicuously so, or appear
more in his place than in being here at this time."
Those who heard Jesse Kersey at this period of his
life, will never forget the power of his eloquence. In the
deliberative assemblies of the Society he would carefully




JESSE KERSEY.                     69
observe and sympathize with the exercise of the body,
and then state the views that had opened upon his own
mind, with a clearness of demonstration and impressive
influence that seldom, if ever, failed to guide and make
the sense of the meeting conclusively apparent and satisfactory. In the meetings for worship he would commence
his subject by a text or proposition, calmly and deliberately consider it, reason upon it, and support it by
scriptural citation and example, and proceed by a clear,
logical deduction and cogent argument; discourse of the
precious gift of God to the souls of men; of that faith
which is the evidence of things not seen, the substance
of things hoped for; that faith which proceeds from a
living principle, the light and life of the spirit, and manifests itself in corresponding works; and as himself and
hearers became more deeply interested, and the sensibilities were awakened, the examples of the devoted servants
of the Most High, in past ages, and of His precious
visitations to all people, in all times, for their guidance
and preservation, were dwelt upon, in persuasive and
touching appeals to the feelings, and in tones pathetic and
impressive.  It was truly "the feast of reason and the
flow of soul," in the highest sense, awakening to a recognition of our obligations of worship and obedience to
a beneficent and merciful Creator, and of love to Him
and love to our fellow-creatures.  Then followed the
deeply impressive silence,-eloquently impressive to an




70            AFFECTING  WARNING.
audience in tears,-owning  the overshadowing  spirit
of the Head of the living Church of God; to be, after a
precious season of fraternal love and prayerful feeling,
broken by audible prayer in the same persuasive voice,
of humble thankfulness and praise to the condescending
Father of Mercies, for his gracious visitation to the
nearts of His people; to be followed by another solemn
pause and felt quietude, before the separation of the
assembly.   It has been acknowledged  by competent
judges, that within, or without, the Society of Friends,
in England or America, no more gifted and impressive
powers of sacred eloquence have been heard than those
that proceeded from the lips of Jesse Kersey; yet his
advantages of literary education had been very limited
and his employmeht humble. But as was the plastic clay
under his moulding touch, so was he himself beneath
the forming hand of Infinite Goodness and Mercy.
Thus far had I written, with the design to
"No farther seek his merits to disclose,
Or draw his frailties from their dread abode,
(There they alike in trembling hope repose),
The bosom of his Father and his God."
But his own narrative has since been published, and in
the sincerity of the deeply contrite and repentant heart,
has disclosed the " horror of the great darkness" that fell
upon him, in the use of stimulants, induced by pernicious
medical treatment.  In the depth of mortification and




AFFECTING WARNING.                     71
humiliation he was brought to the confession  that"among all the remedies for distress, there is none more
dreadful than that of intemperance!"   As an awful
warning and beacon to others, this most signal downfall
of the Iright, the gifted, and eloquent servant of God, is
probably little less useful, than if his course through life
had continued in its meridian splendour, unobscured by
clouds and darkness.  But he again found Friends to
sympathize and aid him in the effort to recover from the
fearful infirmity; and the life and services of his latter
years, if without their earlier strength and brightness,
shed a mild and benignant light, as he sank to his final
rest. It is a beautiful and instructive trait of character,
that though undergoing the severest of trials, and deepest
of humiliations, he indulged not in a spirit of resentment,
but allowed his sufferings to be the chastening means of
self-reproof and reformation.  He passed into the decline
of life without the persecution, but in the repentant disposition, that made the example of James Naylor, after
his sad delusion and inhuman persecution, so pathetically
touching.  "I cannot (says Kersey) look back to the
period when my standing was called in question, without
feeling the most poignant remorse, that I should have
been in any degree the cause of reproach to the ever
blessed principle of Truth, of which I have made profession."  But he turned to the great Source of true consolation to all who repent, "having witnessed that his




72          SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS.
God was indeed a God of mercy and long-suffering kindness."
It is from the depths of extremest suffering, that often
the soul is brought, through chastisement, to its most
perfect state of purification and forgiveness. Of this experience, the dying declarations of James Naylor, are
among the most touching and instructive to all, and beautifully illustrative of the true spirit of Quakerism and of
Christianity.  " There is a spirit which I feel, that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong; but delights to endure all things, in hope to enjoy its own in
the end. Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention,
and to weary out all exaltation and cruelty, or whatever
is of a nature contrary to itself. It sees to the end of all
temptations; as it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives
none in thought to any other. If it be betrayed, it bears
it; for its ground and spring is the mercy and forgiveness of God.  Its crown is meekness; its life is everlasting love unfeigned. It takes its kingdom with entreaty,
and not with contention, and keeps it by lowliness of
mind.  In God alone it can rejoice, though none else regard it, or can own its life.  It is conceived in sorrow,
and brought forth without any to pity it; nor doth it
murmur at grief and oppression.  It never rejoiceth, but
through sufferings; for with the world's joy it is murdered.
I found it alone; being forsaken.  I have fellowship
therein with those who lived in dens and desolate places




SPIRIT  OF CHRISTIANITY.                  73
in the earth; who through death obtained this resurrection, and eternal, holy life."
This is that spirit that Friends so well understand, but
which the world is so much at a loss to comprehend.
This is that love and Gospel fellowship that drew them
together and so richly compensates, even in prisons and
solitary places, for all sacrifices, sufferings, and privations.
It was "unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the
Greeks foolishness, —and even the Christian world yet
but imperfectly comprehends it.  The world casts its reproach because a spiritual profession, that is unfettered by
the letter, may run into an extreme of license, unjustly
refusing to judge by the test of the fruits, as Divinely
enjoined; and it brings into question the good citizenship
of a people who will not fight to sustain the laws, for
their firesides, their country, and their religion. The answer would be enough for them  to say, we obey God
rather than man.  But is it not also a just and sufficient
answer for them to give, If all men lived justly and as
we in peace and amity with all the world, there never
would be a call to fight for law, firesides, country, or religion? Living in the example of Christ, their testimony
is to be borne to all the world, and in manner irritant to
none, and can only be consistently borne by a perfect abstinence from all contention and strife; and though it
might be that upon occasions they should fall defenceless
victims to the wicked and violent, it is but in accordance
7




74          SPIRIT  OF CHRISTIANITY.
with the great example of their Spiritual Leader, in his
arrest, suffering, and sublimest act of forgiveness on the
cross, who forbade his servants to fight, and prayed for
his enemies, " Father forgive them, for they know not
what they do."  No two nations, both just and wise,
ever went to war. Friends' example and warning are to
both and to all, and the force of that example and warning would be lost if they mingled at all in the fierceness
of strife and bloodshed.  Unresistant by force, they suffered torture, imprisonment, and death, by thousands, in
Old England, and were whipped and hung in New England.   By their patient, firm, and resolute heroism,
what did they not accomplish, not for themselves only,
but for all others?  Inhumanity and cruelty at length
relented, wearied of their persecutions, and human rights,
by the fidelity and sufferings of Friends, became secured
by better laws. When vested with political power in a
new commonwealth, they acted not on that too common
principle of our nature, that makes the slave put in
power the severest taskmaster, or the persecuted in his
turn the severest persecutor, as if by infliction on others
to compensate for former sufferings endured. Friends in
Pennsylvania were, by their toleration and justice, the
admiration of the wise and good of all the world; and
their pacific principle and practice, even as a worldly
policy, put to shame the wisdom of the other earlier settlers on this continent. Without arms they landed among




PRINCIPLE  OF PEACE.                 75
and exposed themselves to the tender mercies of those
called savages. They formed a treaty of peace with them,
the only one it is said ever formed without an oath, and
the only one never broken; and if violated ever in spirit,
it was not by the Indians so much as by those descendants
and agents of the family of William Penn, who, in departing from his strict sense of justice, as they did also from
his religious profession, overreached the Indians by " long
walks," accelerated to running, to encompass undue quantities of land, and hence bred a discontent and insecurity
of far greater loss and disadvantage than the price that
would have been cheerfully taken for the lands thus unjustly gained.  And when war came by the acts of
others, Friends in its midst enjoyed the highest security.
It is a needless task to destroy those who will not fightthose who will not be enemies; and it is unnatural to injure those whose avocation it is to go about doing good.
Few, indeed, are so wantonly cruel, certainly not the
Savages, as to destroy known benefactors; those engaged
in works of love and charity; in helping the helpless,
relieving the destitute, healing the wounded, curing the
sick, visiting the imprisoned; such as the Howards, the
Frys, the Dixes, or those most devoted of women, the
"Sisters of Charity," who frequent the wards of pestilence and death, to minister to the sick and dying. Prejudice, passion, and wickedness, may be inflamed and for
a time triumph, and inflict penalties and punishment




76            PRINCIPLE OF PEACE.
upon the disinterested benefactors of the helpless victims of
oppression, or of the insane inmates of their asylums, and
burn the convents of harmless women who have devoted
their lives to religion; but the reacting sentiment of
humanity and justice will soon again restore the unjustly
injured to their true position of respect, favour, and
gratitude.
But if the peace principle held by Friends, be impracticable as a worldly policy, it is only so because of the
injustice and wickedness of the world.  And is that a
sufficient motive for them  to abandon their heavenly
descended principle, and to succumb to and participate in
that injustice and wickedness?  Is it not rather their
duty ever and unflinchingly to maintain their sacred
testimony against evils of man's self-infliction so cruel,
brutal, and devastating, as those of war? Let them not
be discouraged; the world has advanced, and been advanced by them, in toleration, justice, mercy, and forgiveness. The axe, the halter, and the sword, are of less
frequent application; and peace, security, and happiness,
are progressive on the earth.
Be it that Friends must endure the charge of transcendentalism; it is but an assertion that their standard is
excellent above that which unregenerate men have yet
attained.  It is but a confession that these have found
Christianity impracticable to themselves.  Is then the
exalted standard of Christianity to be reduced to meet




PRINCIPLE OF PEACE.                   77
man's short-comings, and conform to his imperfect standard?  Rather let men look upward to the standard of
highest perfection, and in aiming to reach it, attain a
higher excellence. Striking is the contrast between the
Christian standard-bearer and his accusers.  These reproach him for striving for an exalted purity, and becoming, perhaps, a martyr to principle; but he regards them
with kindness, pity, charity, and forgiveness; because
they know not what is their loss. They would drag him
down to their worldly condition and spirit of contention;
he, in abounding love and sympathy, would raise them to
the enjoyment of his own pure and exalted serenity, love,
and happiness, and prays that they may be forgiven, "for
they know not what they do."
Yet there exists a soldiery, and it may be a patriotic
soldiery, and as the world now is, the necessary protectors
of order and security, but they are a necessity arising
only from the wickedness or folly of mankind, and to be
used, in worldly policy, in the smallest practicable quantity, as themselves dangerous to security and liberty.
But looking to the ultimate good, and to the influence of
the advocates of peace on that public opinion that determines the momentous question of peace or war, these are
to be cherished as affording that example, and the maintainers of that principle, which alone can mirror and
establish the future pervading happiness of the world,
that is the hope of all good men. Thus, if in the mino



78             HOME PROTECTION.
rity, they accomplish a great good; and could they obtain
a unanimity of sentiment and practice, then would the
world witness an unprecedented peace and prosperity,even the bliss fabled by poets, and the happiness hoped
for in the millennium. But if the ultimate perfection and
happiness be unattainable, yet is every approach a gain to
the world; while to those who are of the kingdom whose
" servants fight not," it is a realized beatitude, except
only as the good must ever sympathize with and strive
for the recovery of the unregenerate and uninstructed
in their own true felicity.
During the second war with England, from 1812 to
1815, when foreign supplies were cut off, our own manufacturers having a monopoly of the home market, Merino
sheep came into great request, and attained highly speculative prices. Large flocks then and afterwards ranged
the farms of Philip Price, and were good fertilizers of the
soil. But with the influx brought by the return of peace, of
foreign goods, and the impolitic abandonment by the government of an adequate protection to the capital invested
in manufactories, wool and sheep found a sudden depression,
and the loss on these aggravated the difficulties of the farming interests, otherwise severely suffering under the fall of
prices incident to a return after the war from an inflated
paper currency to a specie basis. The large flocks that
whitened the hills of Chester county soon disappeared,
only to reappear, many years afterwards, on the cheaper




AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.                   79
lands of the rolling surface of Washington and adjoining
counties in western Pennsylvania. An incident occurred
in relation to the produce of the sheep of P. Price, that
afforded some amusement at the  time.  Until then
blue had been the standing military colour, and he had
his wool manufactured into gray cloth and sent to the
store at West Chester, thinking it quite secure from
military service; but it so happened that the first volunteer company there formed fancied that colour, called
themselves the " Chester County Grays," and the writer,
then a lad in the store, thought himself in good luck to
sell the whole stock of Quaker cloth to the members to
go to camp.  The companies at Marcus Hook were not,
however, called to meet the enemy, and the clothing had
only served to keep the soldiers warm, a circumstance
hardly to be regretted, since among them were personal
friends, and an uncle of the writer, Joseph H. Brinton,
who, though of great wealth, advanced age, and mild
manners, believed it to be his duty to turn out as a volunteer private in the defence of his" country. He was
not bred a Friend, and was undoubtedly actuated by a
high sense of patriotic feeling.
The Agricultural Society of Chester county was organized early in the year 1820, by the election of Philip
Price, as President, Doctor William Darlington, as VicePresident, and Isaac Sharpless, as Secretary; and about
fifty of its most substantial and worthy farmers were




80          AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
appointed on its ten committees.  It was the first society
in the State composed chiefly of practical farmers. The
objects embraced by its standing committees, evince the
intelligence and liberal scope of the minds of the members.  The committees were: 1. On farm  buildings,
fences, and implements of husbandry; 2. On the veterinary art; 3. On natural history, particularly mineralogy  and  entomology;  4. Political economy; 5.
Domestic animals; 6. Grasses, grains, and roots; 7.
Manures; 8. Fruit and forest trees; 9. Irrigation and
draining; 10. Horticulture; with specifications of the
objects and purposes of each committee. An address to
the citizens of the county was prepared by Nathan H.
Sharpless, recommending its objects, and inviting investigation and contribution of the results of experiment and
experience; which states that " it is within the memory
of many of us that this county was very poor, but thanks
to the worthy founders of our present farming system,
our own industry and a beneficent Providence, it has
arisen to a degree of prosperity and excellence seldom
witnessed in so short a period of time.  Most of you
know how this has been accomplished.  It has been
effected by a judicious rotation of crops, by clover and
gypsum."  To encourage the diffident and unpractised
with the pen, the address proceeds,-" It would not be
expected that all communications, to be beneficial, should
be grammatically correct, or in smoothly rounded periods;




AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.                    81
practical observations and facts, tending in any degree to
illustrate the subject, will find as ready acceptance dressed
in the plainest language of simplicity, as the more polished
sentences of the philosopher or scholar." A further address, from  the pen of another member, William  H.
Dillingham, will also be found in the columns of the
"Village Record," of the same year, enforcing concert
of action for the common interest, the diffusion of useful
intelligence, and to raise the profession of agriculture in
the public estimation.  Much of this address would have
been forcibly pertinent in favour of the formation of a
State Agricultural Society, as lately consummated, at a
central point for exhibition, the receipt and diffusion of
information, seeds, &c. And reference is made to another
great branch of human industry to enforce the argument
and afford encouragement to a like vigilance and concentration of power. " In no part of the world are the merchants without their Chamber of Commerce, and to this
means, in a great measure, is to be ascribed, not only
their high respectability as a body, but their great unanimity in public measures, and their weight in almost every
government.  The moment their interests are touched in
any one point, the whole body sympathizes, and all their
influence is exerted through the common organ." Chester county has now her Hortic-ultural Hall, and though a
later architectural ornament to West Chester than the
Chester County Cabinet, the liberal scope of the purposes




82        SERVICE IN THE MINISTRY.
of the Agricultural Society probably suggested the formation of the Cabinet, Horticultural Society, &c. Certain,
however, it is, that such naturalists as Dr. Darlington,
David Townsend, Joshua Hoopes, and many others, were
active in all, and by their industry and zeal, have added
to the scientific character of the county, and one of them
by his publications has acquired a reputation among
European savans.  In giving his own learning, and the
remains of other naturalists - of a Baldwin, Marshall,
Collinson, and Bartram-to the public, he has acted in
the benevolent spirit, and not in that of those whom
Buckminster reproaches as the misers of learning, who
hoard for themselves alone: " That learning, whatever it
may be, which lives and dies with the possessor, is more
worthless than his wealth, which descends to posterity."
If all capable of teaching would thus earnestly devote
themselves in some way and to some extent, to instruct
mankind, the progress of improvement would be vastly
accelerated.
During the years of their superintendence of WestTown, and afterwards of their school at West Chester, the
duties there devolved upon them, relieved Philip and
Rachel Price from the service of distant travel.  Their
sphere of influence was, however, hardly more circumscribed.  Children came to them  from far and near, to
experience from  them  the care and concern of earthly
parents, and to sit under the teaching of a spiritual mo



SERVICE IN THE MINISTRY.                  83
ther.  The communion of feeling was promotive of the
mutual happiness; for they loved the innocence and
purity of youth, untainted by a knowledge of the evils
of the world, and drew them unto them in the spirit of
the Holy one, who said " suffer little children to come
unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom
of Heaven."  Meetings of worship were regularly held
in the house at West-Town; and besides an attendance at
the places of worship, frequent family sittings, and readings of the Scriptures of Truth, took place in the school,
at West Chester.  On such occasions, and to her latest
age of over eighty years, Rachel Price spoke under emotions of deep humility and exercise of religious feeling,
as in the discharge of a duty she could not disobey and
obtain the peace of mind her soul coveted.  Her power
of voice was not great, but gentle and pathetic in its
tones, and sweetly in unison with the affectionate appeals
made to her hearers.  She ever dwelt upon the Divine
precepts of our Saviour,-His love, His sufferings, and
sacrifice, with an intense sympathy and love, inducing a
like feeling of love and appreciation of His merits in
others. She ever held in view His promise to return as
the Comforter and spiritual visiter to the souls of men;
admonishing the young to heed His gentle knockings at
the door of the heart, and the whisperings of the still small
voice of love, offering its divine counsels for safe guidance
through a world beset with temptations.  Though it




84        SERVICE IN THE MINISTRY.
should demand continual watchfulness, and the road be
straight and narrow, yet it was with the promise that all
His ways were ways of peace, and all His paths
paths of pleasantness.  With more than the yearning of
a mother's affection, she would gather them beneath the
enfolding wings of Gospel love. It is believed that she
was seldom visited with the sorrowful regret of Him who
wept over the people of Jerusalem, whom He would thus
have gathered, " but they would not;" but it is remembered with contrition by one of her sons, who had
absented himself from  her on an occasion of religious
worship, that the solemn language came sorrowfully to
her mind in reference to him,-" Couldst not thou watch
one hour" with me?  The keenest of reproaches, communicated in love, was followed, as in the Divine example,
by a benign forgiveness. With the stricken and disconsolate she was deeply sympathetic, and most affectionate
in her appeals that they should turn to the true and everlasting source of comfort; and often did she repeat to
such the invitation of the Divine Master, with the sanction of her own heartfelt experience,-" Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest
unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light."
At no period of life, and under no circumstances, did




CHOICE OF PROFESSION.                  85
the children of these affectionate parents cease to be the
objects of their Christian care and deep parental solicitude.
Those who adopted professions, did so not under a prohibition, yet without their " cordial approbation." In the
legal profession, it was apprehended, there could be little
quiet peace of mind to be enjoyed, in the midst of strife
and contention; that temptation would arise to make
causes appear difficult to enhance the fees; and that
while;' sensible there is no profession by which a man
may raise himself in the public estimation more conspicuously, it might lead away from that true Christian dignity
which is so much superior to all this world can confer.
Though the happiness and comfort of my beloved children has always been an object of my most ardent desire,
and I have endeavoured to promote it as far as was in my
power, and have wished to leave them  very much to
choose for themselves such occupations as would accord
with their own views, yet I have always desired they
might be content with the humble walks of life, in which
there is much less temptation to depart from those principles which we must practise, if ever we expect to
secure that peace and felicity which can only be attained
thereby."  *  *  " Notwithstanding we have been much
comforted in a belief that thou hast intended to regulate
thy conduct by the strictest integrity and morality, fears
will be excited from thy continual exposure" to adverse
influences.  This is an instance of repeated expressions
8




86        EDUCATION OF THE HEART.
of parental regard and wisdom  of one of the best of
fathers, pointing to the true sources of human happiness
and dignity.  One rule given by him  at the outset of
professional practice, cannot be too often inculcated on
young beginners,-" always to have the client's money
ready when he calls."
While the subjects of this memoir were always friendly
to the cause of education, and devoted much of their
lives to its promotion, it was in regard to the education
of the heart that they were ever most solicitous.  They
well understood the risk there constantly is that the
learning of the head may be at the expense of that teaching of the heart which it was the great and unceasing
purpose of their lives to foster.  In regard to those sons
who had chosen the learned professions, their anxiety in
this respect was intense, and their warnings frequent and
solemn. They perceived the danger incurred of a yielding to the suggestions of an absorbing ambition, and that
even the laudable desire of being sufficiently learned to
be skilful and reliable, might exact so much time and so
fully occupy the mind, as to become too exclusive an engagement, and leave the more precious seed and germs
of the heart to wither, exhausted of their needful support.
Ambition they knew to be a barren soil for the growth
of the gentle affections, and the reasoning faculty they
believed often to be impoverishing to the growth of religious life.  Besides the exacting demands of professional




EDUCATION  OF THE HEART.                  87
learning and business, the scholar who too exclusively
cultivates and relies upon the deductions of his understanding is ever in peril of placing an undue dependence
upon his own intellectual strength and moral fortitude.
The observation of physical facts and close logical deductions become engagements too exclusive to permit a corresponding culture of the moral and religious susceptibilities with which we are wonderfully endowed.  The
self-confident philosopher assumes the problem of life to
be, and he the wisest man, who can derive the greatest
amount of pleasurable sensations with the fewest of pain:
the laws of health are to be observed to avert pain and
suffering; but consistently therewith pleasure may be
tasted to the measure of the human capacity for enjoyment. This theory, adopted in the ardour and confidence
of youth in its practical carrying out, is commonly found
to be depreciative of worth and character; indulgence
begets increase of appetite; the Stoic gives way to the
Epicurean philosophy; and the pride of intellectual
strength must succumb in sympathetic decay with the
undermined physical powers.  The sentinel Reason, in
dalliance with pleasure, is betrayed and lost to the enemy,
and is powerless to retrieve the fatal error, or reascend
the way so easy of declension.
Against the ever operative seductions of the sensual
appetites, producing a moral paralysis and spiritual inanity, as well as destructive  to  health, Christianity




88              THE DIVINE  LIGHT.
teaches, and Friends have ever emphatically preached, a
sure means of preservation and safety to every human
soul. It instructs to the observance of a higher principle
of action, cultivates to a higher sensibility to virtue, a
quicker perception of evil, and to an appreciation of
higher joys, in the presence of which degrading vices
cease to tempt, and, become repulsive, now confirm virtuous
resolves. Friends find in the promises of the Gospel, and
in the experiences of their own spiritual travail, a quicker
monitor than the process of reason; for reason shortsightedly estimates the tempting pleasure at a value that
will ever bias the decision, while in the sacrifice of it the
far-seeing Christian soldier finds in his triumph a more
than compensating foretaste of a superior happiness.
Friends have been the especial instructors in the doctrine
of the inward guide and Divine light "given to every
man to profit withal,' and ever nigh, " even in the heart."
They experimentally know that " The heart of the wise
teaches his mouth and addeth learning to his lips."  It
is the doctrine of the Scriptures, every part of which
gleams with the truth that God speaks to and operates
upon the hearts of his people. It comports with His beneficence and justice towards the creatures of his own creation that He should cast a light on their path, through
the perilous pilgrimage of life; and it is not for philosophy to assert that the Master of all causes cannot shape
them  to His ends, influence the affections, change the




THE LIGHT WITHIN.                   89
heart, and suggest the thoughts of men, for their individual or national guidance.  The Psalmist exclaims,
"Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I
flee from Thy presence?"  " I will praise Thee, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made."  "How precious also
are Thy Thoughts unto me, oh, God! How great is the
sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in
number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with
Thee."  And how emphatic and awfully impressive, and
repressive of sinful indulgences, the declarations of the
New Testament, " Know ye not that ye are the temple
of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?"
and "if any man defile the temple of God, him  shall
God destroy:" " The kingdom of heaven is within;" and
"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, faith."
Those who are quiescent from agitating worldly influences, desirous to be enlightened, and guided by the
highest wisdom, sincerely true to their own happiness and
prayerfully earnest that they might not be betrayed into
temptation, cannot have failed to perceive feelings to
arise and thoughts to be suggested of unwonted clearness,
as obeyed to conduce to safety of conduct and solace of
mind; and again in the retrospects of the future, the
Divine guidance through the besetting perils of the past,
but become more conspicuously apparent, in the visible
shipwrecks of others, with which the shores of life are
strewn. Man may do much to put himself in the position
8*




90             THE LIGHT WITHIN.
to be the recipient, but cannot of his own will command,
the Divine favour: He may withdraw himself from the
current of worldly cares and strifes, enter into his closet,
or gather among those of whom Christ has promised to
be in the midst, and patiently waiting, "in the silence of
all flesh," he will find precious visitations to his soul,
coming unbidden and without human effort, and often
without discernible association according to any asserted
law regulating the successions of human thought.  Holy
influences are breathed upon the soul more sweetly than
the tones of music, potent to dispel its anxieties, kindling
into faith, hope, and joy. Though the understanding be
not able to trace the cause or comprehend the means of
operation, the effect and the fact are obviously apparent.
The presence of a power of spiritual discernment is felt,
and its discernments are perceived with sufficient distinctness to become the practical and sure guidance of life.
" The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest
the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh or
whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the
spirit." Judging from the beneficent effects, it is enough
to believe its source is good and its end peace and happiness.  This Divine influence, figuratively called "the
light within," so earnestly believed and preached by
ancient Friends as to become their most distinguishing
characteristic, is that doctrine most prominently taught
in all the Scriptures of Truth, and owning the inward




DUTY OF OBEDIENCE.                    91
and operative presence of the Spirit of God is most potent
to purge of sin and give elevation and purity to the
human affections.  Who, dwelling in this faith, can dare
to pollute the chosen temple of the Immaculate, to dim
its heavenly lustre, and crucify again the Holy Spirit in
this inward appearance!
This doctrine, preached and practised  by all true
Friend s, and most consistently preached and practised
through life by the subjects of this Memoir, is, however,
ever accompanied by the warning that the voice that
speaks within may be unheeded until it shall not speak
again; that the eye may be so wilfully closed upon the
light as to become sealed in blindness. This voice may
speak in whispers, but in stillness is to be listened to and
obeyed; and though the light appear as the earliest dawn,
yet is it to be watched to its perfect day. The faith begotten is in the beginning compared to the smallest of
seed, which may grow to great size; but its germ, however small, is not to be choked, nor the flower of promise
crushed, or there will be no fruit.  The good seed is
broadly cast upon every soil, as the rain is sent alike upon
the just and the unjust, that none may have excuse; but
with some it falls as upon stony places, with others as
among thorns, and with some as upon good ground. The
duty and responsibility is with the recipient to give it
nourishment and growth until it shall yield good fruit:
It may be quickened by the tears of repentant sorrow, or




92          SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE.
by those that spring from the grateful heart of love and
devotion, alike owning its source, the " living water
springing up into everlasting life."
This growth, though " it cometh without observation,"
is as certain and visible in its effects upon human feelings,
thought, conduct, and character, as the phenomena of
physical nature, and thus carries with it the same force
of demonstration.  Philosophy itself enumerates "the
principle of faith" and " the sense of the Deity" as inherent in the human mind;  whilst it also avers the
sources of all human ideas to proceed from sensation, and
the reflective operations of the mind.t  But these are
perceived and known only by consciousness; nay, it is only
by consciousness that we know that we live and recognise
our own identity; and it is equally by consciousness that
the spiritual operations are felt and known, than which,
and the religious convictions thereby sealed upon the mind,
nothing can be more direct and powerful.  There is no
evidence of higher certainty that can reach the human
understanding; all must reach the mental consciousness;
it is experience all, perceived, felt, known experience.
With, therefore, all the certainty of demonstration that
pertains to objects of physical perception, is it not
rational to believe that the Creator should ever be as
operative upon human feeling, thought, and conduct, as
that His power should be incessantly active upon all the
* Rush on the Mind, 10.         - Locke, Stewart.




DIVINE INTERPOSITION.                   93
inferior creation?  All things proclaim their origin in a
Supreme Intelligence, whose watchfulness and protection
are never for a moment intermitted; and man, the highest
in perfection, and of greatest permitted range and liberty
of choice, most of all needs guidance and protective care,
and must mainly receive and share it through the feelings and mental operations.  No one will rationally say
that a being so wonderfully framed and mentally endowed
as man is the production of blind, physical causes,-in
structure, feeling, immaterial thought and heavenly aspirations,-of causes absolute, irreversible, unvaryingly
and eternally operative-without subsequent interposition
to imbue a feeling  or suggest a thought for mortal
guidance.  This would contradict the beneficence and
wisdom  displayed in all creation.  Man's wants are
infinitely diversified, and as infinite the resources must be
for his well being. Is it a greater marvel to the comprehension that God should regard and protect in the enjoyment of life and happiness, the being whom  he created,
than that he should have especially interposed to create
him?   Whom  he did create and does perpetuate by
mysteriously preserving the equality of the sexes, and
by providing the resources of food and raiment, is it extraordinary that he should  mentally and spiritually
guide?  All things tell us that God hath done all things
well, and nothing in vain.  He has endowed the moral
nature, and gives the spiritual discernment and impulse to




94           DIVINE INTERCESSION.
prayer. Shall he then clothe the lily in its beauty, and
give to all vital nature the impulse and direction appropriate to its prescribed development, and yet shall He not
inspire the grateful heart in its worship and praise to
Him?   Yes, truly, " the preparation of the heart in
man and the answer of the tongue are from the Lord."
He is that " friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
To whom  then He bids to knock, will he not open the
door? to whom to implore will He not give?  Of Him
that knoweth what things we have need of before we ask,
shall we not " find grace to help in time of need?"  It
is true He must be the Judge of what we need, and we
shall not receive what we unwisely ask; but asking in
submission to His will, shall ever receive contentment
and peace, and attain that condition wherein best we
deserve and are most certain to receive suggestion and
aid for our relief and well-being. Then it is we most
certainly come into a conformity with the Divine will, and
into the condition best to subserve human happiness.
Then it is that the disturbing interests and passions become allayed, the understanding cleared, and the voice of
wisdom is heard, inevitably suggestive of improvement,
safety, and happiness; and then it is that assailing
temptations vanish, as evil spirits into their dark abodes,
the soul becomes purified, and the apprehensive anxiety
ever mingling in our mysterious existence is appeased,
and we come to know a reconciliation with our Heavenly




CORRECTIVE EXPERIENCE.                  95
Father.  Then in another and happier sense we find
verified the pristine declaration of Jehovah, "My spirit
shall not always strive with man;" but strive it ever
assuredly will, so long as aught exists at variance with it,
until there be a submission and conformity, or the lost
soul becomes hardened and deaf to the voice of Divine
instruction. For those who have " tasted the good word
of God and of the powers of the world to come," may
"fall away," not " to renew them again unto repentance."
Have the preceding views been unduly extended, or
indeed wholly misplaced?  They have appeared to the
writer to be applicable for the correction of a too prevalent tendency of the learned mind, and to be a just acknowledgment to the wisdom of the parental solicitude,
after the experience and reflection furnished by maturity
of years, by one who was the object of their deep concern and anxiety.  The truthful beauty and efficacy of
their faith, by time and experience, have become more
convincingly apparent. This corrective experience has
in a degree involved the task of unlearning what had been
learned, and of retracing the divergent steps to come to the
more simple path from whence the departure was taken.
It is a retrograde course that philosophy and learning are
ever compelled to take, to test elaborate and overwrought
theory by that which is unsophisticated, unbiassed, and
simply truthful.  When the pride of learning has overlooked and travelled beyond the simple evidences of truth




96         CORRECTIVE EXPERIENCE.
within the mind, and a literal theology has darkened
knowledge and disregarded the very fountain of true
religious faith and experience-a recurrence to a simpler
test becomes necessary; and this service the Society of
Friends rendered to the world in its rise and subsequent
existence.  It called upon mankind to turn their minds
inward to observe the manifestations of truth and wisdom,
there to be perceived, felt, and understood, with the certainty of sensation, and the clearness of a self-evident
proposition, showing, by a light always at hand, a way so
clearly that even the simple may find and not err therein.
The sincere and honest mind could never find it difficult
to distinguish the presence and pervasive influence of
feelings and thoughts infused in every crisis restraining
from  evil, from  those of an opposing nature, betraying
into the besetting temptation. The difficulty ever was to
draw the attention of men from  the attractions and disturbance of outward and worldly influences, from agitating passions and deceptive reasonings, to an observance
of this simple but purest and sublimest source of teaching, which, if faithfully begun and persevered in, with a
just fidelity to its manifestations, and a proper regard to
their own happiness, would be found to experience a larger
growth, obtain a predominance and victory over gross and
earthly propensities, and  productive of feelings  and
thoughts so elevated and enlightened as to be in themselves a source of inexpressible satisfaction, and thus




SPIRITUAL  WORSHIP.                      97
minister to the soul the evidences of a Divine approval
and authority.
A rigid and sceptical philosophy will call this experience but an enthusiastic feeling: it is, nevertheless, a
reality, in itself happiness, instructive in the highest intelligence, and has all, and more than all, of the evidence
that is the basis of philosophical demonstration.  It is
evidenced by consciousness, by the deductions of the
rational power of the understanding, by its good fruits,
and more than earthly felicity.  Those who have this
happy experience "have tasted of the heavenly gift,"
and learned that of a certainty "the true worshippers
shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth." This
heavenly teaching and spiritual worship is a source of
instruction alike open to the illiterate and the learned;
for to all, in the infinite beneficence of the Almighty
Father, a portion of His blessed spirit is imparted, in
measure sufficient, if obeyed, to lead into righteousness,
to interpret the Holy Scriptures, lend to their perusal a
holy joy, and unerringly guide into His everlasting rest.
This belief, and this alone, can keep the mind directed
heavenward, and its rejection, to set it towards a material philosophy, that is "of the earth, earthy,"  that
must bring it to a spiritual death, and the sacrifice of the
most exalted affections and  aspirations of the human
soul. All that there is of pleasure in appetites and propensities repressed and supplanted by this Heavenly
9.




98            DIVINE INSPIRATION.
influence, is more than compensated here on earth by the
pure and holy joy it dispenses at all times and in all
places, whether in the busy throngs of the world's progressions, or in the silence of solitude and night, whilst
the blessed promises for the future life are illimitably
consoling and beatific.  The innocent and the good alone
are happy, but most truly so when man fully enjoys his
pre-eminent privilege to love and adore his Creator. This
most exalted service of the human mind, neither rejects
nor disparages  any intellectual faculty, but, in deep
humility, every holy feeling and every power of the
understanding is submissively engaged in the adoration
of the Infinite in power and wisdom.
Thlat the vicious should disbelieve in the intercession
of the spirit of God, and in His divine inspiration, is
natural, for they will stifle that which whets the conscience
to turn its sharpened edge upon all their iniquity.  That
philosophers should doubt, proceeds from another and too
exclusive occupation and reliance of the mind, withdrawing its attention from  a watchful perception of and submission to God's best gift to man, in its cherished growth
constituting man's highest excellence and perfection of
character. But that professing Christians and Christian
teachers should call in question this great saving Truth,
without which all religion loses its vitality, is matter of
marvel, and only to be comprehended in the admission
of the fact that such outward and literal views are taken




DIVINE INSPIRATION.                   99
by them as to turn the perception and intellect from the
true source of Divine enlightenment and religious conviction. The Scriptures assure us of the visitations of the
spirit of the Almighty to the souls of men in ancient
days; that it strove with man; that " in the beginning
was the Word-and the Word was God:"  He raised up
prophets in all ages, and they addressed themselves to that
which was spiritual in man.  He declared to Israel, " I
will pour my spirit on thy seed." Has the human race,
then, become less the object of Divine regard?  Did
Christianity introduce a less spiritual dispensation? or
did it more especially and emphatically call man to a
recognition of the spiritual coming of Christ again?  It
declares, " A man can receive nothing unless it be given
him of Heaven."  " Unto every one of us is given grace,
according to the measure of the gift of Christ."  And
Jesus said, "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you
another comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"
"the spirit of Truth will guide you into all Truth;"
and thus the New Testament abounds in blessed promises.
The kingdom of God is declared to be within; and that
without a new birth, man cannot see the kingdom of God.
He must be born of the spirit, " and that which is born
of the spirit is spirit." This regeneration then comes of
God, and is the manifestation of His Holy spirit upon
the soul of man.  But wherefore, unless He can change
the disposition of the heart, inspire holier feelings and




100        IRRELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY.
infuse better thoughts, and thus speak to and inspire
man's highest intelligence and guide his course on earth?
If there be a spark of religion in the human breast, it is
there Divinely lighted, and for a holy purpose. It must
enlighten and direct. It must do so as needed; and will,
as the star of night, guide the voyager in life in the hour
of trouble, darkness, and peril, if he will but turn to it
with faith and hope.  " This God is our God, for ever
and ever; he will be our guide even unto death."
This subject has not been dwelt upon without ample
knowledge of the occasion for it.  It was the deep concern of devoted parents, and it is fitting that it should be
transmitted, as perhaps the most valuable legacy of the
writer to his own children. The world has recently been
shocked by the annunciation that even cultivated woman,
forgetful of what seems almost the instincts of her better
nature, disclaims that Gospel that alone has given her
station and elevation; nay, atheistically rejects a God,
and resolves all nature into "a system of ever working
forces, producing forms, uniform in certain lines and
largely various in the whole, and all under the operation
of immutable law."  In her philosophy, all revelationall spiritual influence, is a delusion; all prayer is powerless, weakness, and folly.  But who established this immutable law, and empowered it to fashion all things in
admirable beauty of design and perfection, is not explained. Did an immutable law produce those   forms," and




IRRELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY.                    101
breathe into them life?  Did inert matter, by a spontaneous working force, take upon itself motion, and life,
and thought? or did one living species produce another?
All observation has shown that one species cannot generate another, and that each, in infinite number, was the
object of the special interpositions of the Creative Power.
Indeed, all life, in all its processes, can only be referred
to the continuing action of creative power-no philosophy sounds its mysterious depth.  That Book of the Almighty, to whose printed pages, at least, this unsexed
philosopher will give her credence-the long-treasured
archives of geology-would appear to show many successive interpositions to place differing species of animals on
earth.
But such a philosophy finds its condemnation in the
inherent repulsion of the human mind itself. The mind
is formed to infer and believe that all things made in
transcendent beauty and perfection, have had a beneficent
and intelligent Author; and those who falter in this belief, are illogical exceptions to the Divine purpose. It is
formed to admire the manifestations of the Divine wisdom
and power, and to love, worship, and adore a Supreme
Intelligence; and when it fails in this, its error is demonstrated in a failure to attain its own highest excellence
and truest happiness. Thus the test of experience falsifies the philosophy. If, indeed, all results proceed from
material causes, under self-existent laws of uniform ope9*




102  SCHOLASTIC  LEARNING  DISTRUSTED.
ration, then must we but worship matter, and yet blindly
bow down in heathen idolatry.  Then must there be no
spiritual future, no continuous identity of being, no
righteousness nor sin, no virtue nor crime.  Then is
man's freedom coercion, his choice a necessity; and all
matter, all life, all mind, have been predestined by laws
of blind physical compulsion. This necessary reduction
flagrantly exposes the falsity of the premises.  It is the
extreme of incongruity to assume that mind can originate
from matter. Intelligence alone can produce intelligence;
and the human soul ever owns the divinity of its source
in its lofty desires and devotional aspirations.
The error of such a theory is, however, the less dangerous, since the mind by an instinctive dread shrinks
from its adoption. But there is a more insidious danger
that has always produced a watchful distrust in Friends.
It is the philosophy of the schools as taught from standard works of approved character; and a system  of instruction that developes the intellect more than it cultivates the affections of the heart. Turn, for instance, to
the work of Locke on the Understanding, ascribing all
ideas to the sources of sensation and reflection, with so
rigid a severity, as to leave but the conclusion that the
spirit of piety and a divine inspiration into the minds of
men is but a delusive enthusiasm  or hallucination of
the enkindled imagination.  Though himself a Christian
professor, and making no ostensible attack upon religion,




SCHOLASTIC LEARNING  DISTRUSTED. 103
the tendency of his principal work is to encourage the
philosophy of materialism, and is accordingly so cited
and relied upon.  To look to its practical effects, no one
can doubt that, if fully adopted, it must quench those
feelings and chill that fervour from which great actions
and exalted character usually spring.  If George Fox
could in his youth have read the then unwritten work of
his great contemporary, when first visited by those strong
impressions —"that day-spring from on high" — that
decided the course and character of his momentous life,
and had adopted its conclusions, his religious ardour and
indomitable resolution would have been for ever repressed,
and his glorious mission been lost to mankind.  The
characters of these two great men cannot be compared by
the strong contrasts of the lights and shades that discriminate the good and the bad; but by their appreciation of the enjoyment and value of life as tested by the
final and truthful testimony that ends all experience, let
us judge which of two good men had the truest view of
the purpose and destiny of God's crowning work of creation. The philosopher, when he last received the sacrament "with fervour and piety," declared it as his final
testimony, "That life appeared to him  mere vanity."
The preacher and reformer, when in the portal of death,
opening to the vista of heavenly light and glory, whispered to surrounding friends his still progressive and
triumphing experience-"All is well: the seed of God




104          PHILOSOPHY  OF LOCKE.
reigns over all, and over death itself. The power of God
is over all, and the seed reigns over all disorderly spirits."
"He died," says Penn, an attendant witness, "rejoicing
in the hope of the Gospel," and must have felt that life
to him had been full of deepest import, and himself the
gifted instrument of inappreciable service to mankind.
He must have felt, as he had ever most earnestly preached,
that the lives of all are of momentous significance, as their
tenor might influence human welfare on earth, or determine their future happiness or wo.  If, indeed, the end of
this life ended all things to individual consciousness, then,
truly, life would " appear to be mere vanity;" its mingled
draughts of joys and sorrows not worth the tasting; its
scope and end without ennobling purpose or adequate design. But, regarded in reference to its immortal destiny,
and its sojourn here as a stage of probationary trial, every
emotion and experience of life but manifests creative
wisdom; happiness and joy are the gifts of His beneficent
bounty; pain and sorrow the vindications of His violated
laws, or the purifying preparations for the felicity of
heaven.
The briefest summary of the philosophy of Locke, is,
that there are no innate ideas; that all ideas are derived
by sensation, through the external senses, and by reflection, or the mind's own elaborations of the previously
perceived sensations. The materialists thence infer that
as sensation is owing to organized life, and the ideas that




PHILOSOPHY  OF LOCKE.                   105
constitute thought and mind are thence derived; so these
depend upon the material organization, and must cease
with its dissolution.  But their fallacy is in overlooking
the fact that it is something else than the material senses
that receives and acts upon the perceived sensation; that
without the percipient mind had been first placed in the
organized body, no sensation could be conducted to it; that
its presence must precede the first and faintest perception
of even foetal infancy. That capacity must be innate, and,
with the gift of life, come from the Creator. Then, again,
the power of the percipient mind to act upon the perceived
sensations, to compare, combine, analyze, infer, reason,
and reflect, whence comes it?  Certainly not from the
external sensations; these are but channels of information to the pre-existent mental capacity, but not themselves creative of that capacity; they may enrich its
resources, but are not itself. The image of external objects pictured on the retina of the eye, the sounds that
vibrate on the tympanum of the ear, nor yet the impressions made upon the sense of smell, the taste, or touch,
reach the mind in material essence; neither can the mental perception or thoughts evolved be material products.
The nerves that serve the senses, and again obey the will,
transmit no material thing to be perceived or constitute
thought.  And again, there are feelings, affections, hopes,
fears, passions, and emotions, inherent in the human constitution, perceived of the mind, productive of thought,




106 TRUE LEARNING NOT DEPRECIATED.
determinative of conduct and character. These, as well
as the intellect, give to man his elevation above all the
rest of animated nature.  His religious susceptibilityhis spiritual perception-it is that make him sensitive to
the breathings of Divine Love, and bring him into the
presence and under the operative teachings of the Spirit
of God.  These precious visitations of grace to the soul
are as gratefully felt and certainly heard, as by the outward sensation the breeze that stirs the leafy grove, or
wakes the JEolian chord to music; but, it may also be,
to the guilty conscience, that His voice shall be heard as
in the storm and in the thunder of His lightnings. Yet
is it the voice of God, whether heard in vindicatory punishment, or in whisperings of peace and comfort to the
contrite and repentant, or when prompting to missions
of blessed charities and Gospel love. All that is good
must come from the Source of all goodness, whether in
disciplinary correction or in the overflow of the fountain
of goodness and mercy.
Let it be understood, however, that Friends do not discourage the acquisition of knowledge to any extent that
the human capacity can truthfully develope it.  It is
only when the incessant occupation, or the sceptical spirit
in which it may be pursued, tends to obstruct the growth
of the precious seed of religious faith and feeling in the
heart, that the pursuit is discountenanced. They fear
not but that every truthful disclosure of the operations




TRUE LEARNING NOT DEPRECIATED. 107
of nature will reveal the wisdom  and goodness of the
Creator, and, rightly understood, will prompt the tribute
of praise and adoration to Him.  Philosophy then becomes the handmaid of religion, and ministers to a more
exalted demonstration; expels from an impure and unintelligent faith its superstitions and weakness, and permits
the unclouded understanding to perceive the power and
majesty of the Creator, and the heart of devotion to worship in the confiding faith of the goodness and mercy of
God.  But philosophy, without religion, is to the moral
and religious susceptibilities, what the arctic snows are to
the world, the blighting cause of a perpetual sterility;
but with religion's warmth and genial feelings as the temperate zones, equally distant from the icy coldness of unbelief and the scorching heats of fanatic zeal and persecution, clothing life and character with consistency and
beauty, and productive of blessed fruits.  Light and
knowledge, as means intrusted, will enhance the responsibility of a  faithful stewardship, but without vital
warmth and earnest purpose, in religious faith and Christian charities, cannot save. The faithless to these high
gifts bury even the ten talents intrusted for improvement and increase, and from such even that he hath shall
be taken away.
Men of the highest range of thought and success in
philosophical attainment, have  pursued  their studies
under the influence of a devout and prayerful spirit.




108     TRUE LEARNING DEVOTIONAL.
When the great task of forming the constitution of the
United States hung in suspense from the prevalence of
discordant views, the venerable Franklin moved that the
favour of Heaven should be invoked, and the differences
were composed.  Sir Humphry Davy, in describing the
qualifications of one so materially engaged as the chemical philosopher, says-" his mind should always be awake
to devotional feeling; and in contemplating the variety
and beauty of the external world, and developing its
scientific wonders, he will always refer to that Infinite
Wisdom, through whose beneficence he is permitted to
enjoy knowledge.  He will rise at once in the scale of
intellectual and moral existence; his increased sagacity
will be subservient to a more exalted faith, and in proportion as the veil becomes thinner through which he sees
the causes of things, he will admire more and more the
brightness of the Divine Light, by which they are rendered visible."  Dr. Rush, in the same spirit, entered
upon his Inquiry into the Diseases of the Mind-as if
" about to tread on consecrated ground," and thus prayerfully begins the task, " I am aware of its difficulty and
importance, and I thus implore that BEING, whose government extends to the thoughts of all his creatures, so to
direct mine, in this arduous undertaking, that nothing
hurtful to my fellow citizens may fall from my pen, and
that this work may be the means of lessening a portion
of some of the greatest evils of human life."  And in




RELIGION  OF THE HEART.                 109
describing the character of Dr. Sydenham, Dr. Rush
declares-" I am  disposed to ascribe to his sublime and
just conceptions of the Deity, much of that force and
extent of mind which enabled him to produce a revolution
in medicine."
It is apparent that piety and religion involve an experience of emotions and feelingstdifferent from the abstract
deductions of the faculties of the understanding.  It is
also evident that the results of the inward teaching of the
Gospel, commanding also the service of the mental faculties, immeasurably transcend all that mankind had before
attained.  At the Christian era, the Greeks had reached
the highest civilization and knowledge of any people on
earth; but the Apostle Paul found them superstitiously
worshipping gods " dwelling in temples made with hands."
Him whom  they darkly perceived and ignorantly worshipped, and to whom they had erected an altar with this
inscription, " To the iUnknown God," he declared unto
them  as the " God that made the world and all things
therein," and admonished them "that they should seek
the Lord, if haply they might feel cfter him, andfind him,
though he be not far from  every one of us."  Their
philosophy had given them but an obscure idea of this
the " only true God," and they knew as little of " the
words of eternal life," as Pilate, when he asked our
Saviour, under trial before him, " What is truth?"  But
let the fruits determine how much the Gospel first com10




110        RELIGION  OF TIIE HEART.
mitted to ignorant fishermen transcended the highest
attainments of the most enlightened and acute philosophy
the world had afforded.  Socrates, the wisest and best of
the Greeks, had a vague idea of an attendant spirit, but
all superstitiously worshipped fancied deities represented
in wood and stone; degrading practices and revolting
crimes pervaded the heathen world, and their philosophy
made no approach to the sublime and effective Truth as
taught by Jesus, and brought home to the severest test
of the highest sincerity of feeling.  His disciples and
followers were required to do unto others as they would
be done unto; they were not to yield to even an imaginative impurity; and as they prayed in truthful sincerity
to an all-seeing God, in the hope to be forgiven, were
they to forgive all others, though enemies, their transgressions; to do good for evil; and to love even those
that hated them.  No merely human philosophy of man's
intellect could have soared to results so sublimely pure,
so authoritatively self-exacting.  And it is through devotional and holy feelings, and the Divine grace and inspiration shed upon them, that such truths are alone truly
and spiritually discerned, and made fruitful in their application. It is thus a witness to the truth is developed in
the souls of men, answering to and appreciative of the
numberless truths set forth in the Holy Scriptures, that
will the most effectively set at nought all cavilling at
their authenticity. Nothing can be more true than the




MAN AN IMPERFECT MEDIUM.    111
great moral precepts and religious doctrines there recorded,
as tested by all fair experience and reflection; nothing
elsewhere so purifying, exalting, and redeeming from sin
and corruption; nothing so satisfying and consolatory to
the human  soul, as the Life and  Immortality of the
Gospel.
The circumspection of one now commemorated, all of
whose mature life was engaged in the service of an elder
of the Church, admonishes me not to pass from  this
serious subject without the cautionary explanation required by truth and experience.  While fully acknowledging the perfect purity and truthfulness of the Divine
light shed upon the souls of men, Friends are fully sensible of the imperfections of human nature, and how
greatly an imperfect medium of transmission may refract,
tinge, and discolour the rays of ineffable brightness. The
capacity to receive is limited; the range of thought is
bounded; passion may disturb, interest bias, self-will mislead, superstition cloud, sin taint, and disease discolour;
and that which descended in the purity of light become
mixed, perverted, darkened, and lost.  Of these disturbing causes, Friends have ever been and must ever be
watchful; but exceptional occurrences cannot justly be
seized upon by those of differing faith, to draw in question that Fountain of Light which is as essential to the
moral and religious well-being of man as the sun to the
physical world.  Misguided zeal and wild enthusiasm




112                COMMUNISM.
may run into extravagance; or the life of religion may
be lost in cold and formal observances; unauthorized prophecy may disappoint or be the unhappy cause of its own
fulfilment; and disobedience lead into error and utter
darkness; but the light of Truth remains for ever the
same, and those who will receive it with purity of heart,
and unperverted and unclouded intellect, will find in it
the perfection of wisdom  both to enlighten the understanding and regulate the conduct. Instead of arrogating
a claim to infallibility, no Christian people are more constantly wary and apprehensive of man's inherent infirmities and liability to misapprehend, to err, or fall away
from an humble dependence upon the true Guide; but
the delinquencies of the erring and unfaithful cannot
justly bring into question Truth itself.
In the freedom of transition required by the progress
of the Memoir, I proceed to other subjects.
In the year 1825, Robert Owen, whose establishment
at New Lanark, Scotland, in copartnership with William
Allen, and other well-known philanthropists, gave him
a favourable introduction in America, undertook to establish a pattern community in New Harmony,Indiana.
Some near and dear to our parents, were induced by
benevolent considerations, to join the settlement; but
not without deep concern and apprehension on their part
for the result. The 29th of 7 mo., 1825, P. Price writes,
The more I reflect on the subject, the more I am con



COMMUNISM.                      113
vinced of the delusion, and that it will end in disappointment and ruin.  I am more and more convinced that the
foundation is laid in the sand and it cannot stand." Just
one year thereafter, in  answer to  a communication
announcing the dissatisfaction of the parties referred to,
he speaks of the result as expected, and as a system
"established upon a foundation to be compared to a
quicksand, that the more they built on it the deeper it
would sink.  It is utterly impracticable to form a community that shall unite in promoting each others' happiness, without pure Christian principles of the greatest
simplicity. It is in vain to say that all Christian religious
sects are in error, and therefore there must be something
more substantial to build upon. Although there may be
a large proportion of professors who are not strictly
governed by those pure principles, yet I trust there are
many endeavouring with strict integrity to follow the
Captain of their salvation.  The error is not in the principle, but in the conduct of those who do not submit to be
governed by it.  The example of the truly upright followers of a crucified Saviour, has a powerful influence on
society, and generally restraining power.  When I consider what would be the effect of R. O.'s opinions, were
they generally adopted,-that we are the creatures of
circumstances, and, therefore, cannot be accountable for
our actions,-having no will of our own to do good or
bad,-no governing principle of action, and, therefore,
10 -*




114   PHILOSOPHY OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
no fear of punishment for evil, or hope of reward for
good actions, — am convinced it must lead us back to a
state far worse than the dark and heathen ages of the
world, before the Gospel dispensation."
The concern of Rachel Price, on the same occasion,
was also expressed before the result was known, substantially in these terms: " We feel a deep interest in your
welfare.  You claim a great portion of my thoughts and
desires for your preservation, by night and by day —the
last before I close mine eyes to sleep, and the first when I
awake.  Often, very often, when favoured with ability, is
the secret and fervent petition put up to the Preserver of
men, on your accounts, that He may be pleased to keep
you from evil, and turn your hearts more fully to Himself;-that you may feel for yourselves the necessity of
Divine assistance,-to direct even in outward concerns.
But how much more important the well-being of the immortal soul! It is not in man that walketh to direct his
own steps, but the good man's ways are ordered of the
Lord.  This is my firm belief, from  experiencing His
preserving power to be near even from early life to the
present time, causing  great uneasiness when I went
astray, and affording sweet peace for doing well.  I am
also from  experience fully confirmed in the belief that
there are in the mind two opposite spirits striving in us,
the one leading to virtue and happiness, the other draw
ing into every kind of disorder and crime, consequently




PHILOSOPHY OF CIRCUMSTANCES.   115
to woe and misery.  Good and evil are set before us, and
we must assuredly have the power of choice, and on
making that choice wisely must depend our happiness in
this existence and in that hereafter.  How awfully important then the consideration; and may it sink deeply
into our minds.  If persuaded to lay aside the belief of
free agency, we'should, with all our boasted knowledge,
reason, and philosophy, sink into mere machines to be
acted upon by circumstances.  I acknowledge that much
may be done by precept and example, in forming the
character of youth. But there is a power of choice and
a free agency to elect the course of action, with a consequent accountability; and a gift of Divine grace dispensed to every individual of the human family for his
preservation  and  everlasting  happiness,-leaving him
without excuse for disobedience and subject to the penalty
thereof.  I concur in the opinion that there is no effect
without its cause; but that there is a Great First Cause
of all causes is evident. All the contrivance, harmony,
wisdom, and wonders of the universe proclaim His works
as the creation of an all-wise, omnipotent, and omnipresent Creator.
It is the Almighty power whose law connects
The eternal chain of causes and effects;'Tis He who made the eye and formed the listening ear,
To improve the mind by what we see and hear.




116           SOCIAL STRUCTURE.
To other animals He has given admirable instincts to
guide them:' Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her
appointed times; and the turtle, and the crane, and the
swallow, observe the time of their coming.' And to
man He has given reason and understanding for his
government; but, above all, to him is also given, the free
gift of His Divine grace and light, as a guide through
life unto salvation."
It was found out that this pattern community had
truly been built upon a sandy foundation, and it sunk to
rise no more.  The judgments of those who had been
attracted to it by delusive hopes were soon corrected by
actual observation, and they returned to the bosom of
general society, there to pursue their avocations for their
individual profit and the aggregate advantage.  They
returned with a valuable lesson in human experience, the
more firmly fixed in right principles, and the fervent
prayers of the righteous were accomplished.  It was
there proved, as often before, and often may be again,
that the only reliable incentive for efficient exertion for
manes maintenance and improvement of his condition, is
that of his own interest, by securing to himself by law
the complete protection of the fruits of his own industry.
This alone will secure from each individual the greatest
exertion and thrift, and carry the wealth of the community to the highest aggregate amount. This is the hope
of the poor man as well as of the rich, for what worthy




SOCIAL  STRUCTURE.                    117
and industrious poor man is there that does not expect
himself to realize, or that his children may, property for
his comfort and independence in age?  There will, of
course, be cases of failure to succeed, and of inevitable
hardships, but for these society must provide through her
taxes, or the benevolent bestow their charities for relief.
The enterprise begotten by this principle of action, gives
a life and energy that keeps the social body in health
and prosperity,-while communities, adopting a community of property, even where they can be held together
by some peculiar fanaticism or religious profession, lose
the highest incentive to human effort, and comparatively
stagnate, become monotonous, and tend to extinction. It
is when man is left free to choose and exert his own
energies, under all the varying vicissitudes of society, as
it has received its cast by all time and circumstances,
physical, moral, and religious, that he achieves his highest
success and obtains his greatest happiness.  It is only
then that life has a variety that gives it spice, and presents
rewards to whet the appetite of highest enterprise.  The
natural development of the social arrangement is into
families,-these smallest communities accomplishing the
greater and better part of education, government, and
protection, that maintain the order and security of society;
and in the domestic circle, unfolding the most pleasing
attributes and affections of the human heart, delightful




118            SOCIAL STRUCTURE.
for all good men to contemplate, and God to behold,for " God setteth the solitary in families."
The writer freely confesses that he at the time sympathized with the experiment at New Harmony, so far as it
promised a more equal and just distribution of the products of labour, and to afford the labourer a better
opportunity to rise in the scale of social improvement,
and in the acquisition of wealth and influence.  He
yet thinks that there is a great dereliction of duty on the
part of those who legislate and have power to regulate
the employment of labour in this respect.  Those having
capital, skill, and influence, should be encouraged, by its
being made their interest, to divide profits with those who
labour in proportion to their successful exertion of skill
and industry, and incorporated or limited partnership
manufactories should be put in motion, as New England
whaling vessels are sailed, for a proportionate benefit to
all, thus giving to all the highest incentive for the exertion of the greatest thrift, industry, and skill. But the
dividend of profit should go to the individual account,
and be felt and taken as the separate resource of every
separate family, whose independent existence and the
sanctity of whose relations should, never be broken in
upon by any earthly polity.
It was in advanced life, that the severest trials that
proved the faith, patience, and love of the subjects of
this Memoir, awaited them.  The causes that had for




DIVISION OF FRIENDS.                  119
some years before been actively operative, brought the
difficulties in the Society of Friends to a crisis at the
Yearly Meeting held in Philadelphia, in 1827.  These
causes related to doctrines, and the administration of the
disciplinary affairs of the society.  The influence that
practically had guided the measures of the society was in
comparatively a few, though all members of adult age were
admitted to its ordinary meetings for discipline. All
there were at equal liberty to express their views; but
only those spoke with weight whose communications
carried with them the evidence of a Divine qualification
and authority, and whose lives afforded the test of bearing good fruits. Such were recommended to the ministry,
advanced to be elders, and appointed to superintend education, and to represent the society in a Meeting for Sufferings.  These met in select meetings, and were not
renewed by periodical appointments, but others were
added as qualification appeared to be furnished and the
service required.  The frequent meetings of these select
bodies afforded opportunities of a comparison of views,
and naturally resulted in a concert of opinion and action.
When the members of the body of the society became
agitated upon the subject of doctrines and the steps
taken to check the spread of those believed by many to
be unsound, though thought by others to be edifying, a
central influence was found to prevail in Philadelphia,
and a jealousy arose through  the  society that this




120          DIVISION  OF FRIENDS.
influence was operative to prejudge questions in its general meetings. Complaints were made that members were
continued in the select bodies after their useful service
had ceased, and after they failed truly to represent the
views of those who appointed them; that the Meeting for
Sufferings had attempted to impose a declaration of faith
contrary to the practice of ancient Friends, who had
avoided fettering the society with a creed; and that prominent members had unduly interfered with the progress
in his religious service of an eminent minister, travelling
under the usual sanction from another yearly meeting.
With those thus complained of, the English ministers
then travelling in this country concurred in sentiment,
and the part they took served to awaken a further opposition by arousing the American feeling of independence
and jealousy of an influence in the mother country. On
the other hand, they that were designated orthodox, believed and charged that doctrines were preached and
otherwise promulgated, that tended to lay waste the
authority of the Holy Scriptures, to question the divinity
of our Saviour, his propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of
mankind and mediatorial advocacy with the Father:
and believing that the vital interests of Christianity were
at stake, felt justified by the extraordinary emergency in
resorting to more than usual measures and in acting
without the accustomed unity of the members, which had
theretofore remarkably characterized the movements of




)IVISION OF FRiENDS.                   121
the society. In fact, the bond of unity that had constituted them one society, had been broken, and a forbearing
condescension and united action was not to be expected
from distinct bodies, acting under repelling influences,
but only that each division should look to its own conservation. The charges of unsoundness in faith by one
portion against the other, were again generally denied,
and a conformity with the doctrines of the founders of
the society averred, and that whatever charges of unsoundness were applicable now, were only such as were made
against and applicable to ancient Friends by those from
whom they had been gathered to unite as a society.
Each division appealed to the writings of ancient
Friends, to prove the correctness of its opinions, by the
publication of nnmerous extracts from  their writings.
These were convincing to the members of each that they
were standing on the true foundation, but did not reconcile those in the opposing ranks.  Whatever may have
been the diversity of individual opinions among primitive
Friends, the cementing power that united them was now
lost; and many leaders among modern Friends had not
only inclined to opposing extremes of opinion left in the
writings of their ancestors, but under the prevailing excitement and  distrust, were  mutually suspected and
charged by opponents as having gone beyond the range
of opinions formerly entertained. They might both, as
they did, profess to believe in the doctrine of the inward
1l




122           DIVISION  OF FRIENDS.
light, and to support all of the invaluable testimonies of
the society; but the bond of religious fellowship had
been severed, their love had been replaced by distrust
and repulsion of feeling, and they were no longer united
by common sufferings inflicted by an intolerent and persecuting world.
Generally the minorities in the respective meetings
retired from  the majority, and each portion formed or
kept its connexion with the yearly and subordinate meetings of discipline which it elected to join or continued to
adhere to.  The right of property became the subject of
litigation in several of the States; but it was apparent,
that even before temporal tribunals, each litigant party
was quite as anxious to establish its claim to be the true
Society of Friends, as to gain the property in contest. To
the credit of both, however, it can be truly said that
they soon wearied of litigation; the controversy was
found uncongenial and distasteful, and both yielded supposed rights of great value rather than continue a strife
wasteful of their spiritual well-being and Christian profession.
The difficulty with those who adhered to the Yearly
Meeting of 4th month, 1827, that continued its sittings
upon regular adjournments at the same place, and over to
the next year, was, that apprehending those in its connexions to be the only true society, it would be an abandonment of obligatory trusts to come into any arrange



DIVISION  OF FRIENDS.                  123
ment for the voluntary division of the property; while
their opponents as sincerely claimed to be a portion of the
Society of Friends, and to be equally within the purpose
of the trusts.  It was not to be expected of human
nature that where so much feeling  existed, such  an
arrangement could be consummated.  The writer has no
right to judge those so much better and purer than himself, yet he could not but cherish the thought that if
Friends could have come to an amicable and equitable
division of property, they would have set an example to
the world of more value than the property to be thereby
sacrificed, fitting to be recorded with the history of their
leading and glorious triumphs of principle, when they
treated with and paid the Indians for lands that by chartered  right was already the Proprietary's; when  as
pioneers they secured religious toleration; and when,
obedient to the calls of humanity, they enfranchised their
slaves, and zealously co-operated for the abolition of the
slave trade.  In scriptural authority, they had before
them the beautiful and persuasive example of Abraham
and Lot-each willing to yield to the other the right to
take to the right hand or to the left, for the enjoyment
of what a bountiful Providence had amply supplied for
their flocks and herds, and their households and people.
In respect to the legal right so to have adjusted the
rights of property, when it is considered that it is a
cherished principle of our jurisprudence to favour arnica



124          DIVISION  OF FRIENDS.
ble settlements, and that family compacts made for the
determination of controversy, are upheld as of sacred
obligation, because they avert litigation and preserve
peace, it could hardly be doubted that the tribunals of
justice would meet in the same spirit and most willingly
affirm the amicable treaties of divided religious associations.  Can this be questioned when the Supreme Court
of Pennsylvania has reiterated the recommendation that
the litigant members of a divided religious society should
" part in peace, having settled their claims to the property
on the basis of mutual and liberal concession," and expressed the confident trust that, even in the contingency
of revolution, "to  the justice and forbearance of the
majority of the association, whose very object is to deal
justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, the minority cannot appeal in vain?" 1 W. & S. 40.  But no word of
censure of Friends is intended to be here implied: it is
only the indulgence of the thought, perhaps an enthusiastic one, that those who have been always so self-sacrificingly just, and so prominent in the cause of humanity,
might, even in this respect, have gone counter to all
known practice, and transcended the example of the world.
From  an early period of life Philip Price had been a
member of all those select bodies of Friends of infrequent change of members.   He participated in the
opinion, and entertained a solemn conviction, that unsound
doctrines had been preached and were making progress in




DIVISION OF FRIENDS.                 125
the society.  The Yearly Meeting to which he belonged
did not provide by an amendment of the discipline to
meet the extraordinary emergency, that a separation from
its subordinate meetings should be accepted as a resignation, or make such act itself a cause of disownment,
without the visitation and effort at reclamation which the
discipline required in its usual course of administration.
The task of disowning equal and often greater numbers,
was left as an imperative but very onerous duty on the
members, in stations requiring them  to carry out the
requisitions of the discipline. These visitations were
regarded by the parties visited and disowned, and who
recognised their own body as the true society, as useless
aggravations of the existing differences and feelings;
and it was not to be expected that such visits would generally be received with complacency or meekness. This
unwelcome duty Philip Price performed among friends
and neighbours; and also as one of a committee to visit
the Southern Quarter, where but few remained in the
same connexion to perform the duty.  The respect and
veneration felt for the man, caused him to be received
with kindness, but the ordeal was the severest his kind
nature had ever been subjected to, and sorrow and tears
were often his portion. Yet he did his duty according to
what he believed required of him, to the acquittal of his
own conscience, and of his obligation to his religious
society and his Creator.
11 




126           DIVISION  OF FRIENDS.
A  similar allotment of service did not devolve on
Rachel Price.  As a minister, she was not so much expected to take an active part in disciplinary duties; and
as such she had felt bound to be watchful for her own
preservation and usefulness; and to keep her mind and
feelings disengaged from those matters of controversy
which divided the members of the society.  She dwelt
in the Gospel love that had so much  distinguished
Friends in prior times, and her heart yearned towards
all, that they might dwell in humility at the feet of the
Saviour: and it was in the assemblies of the youth; of
her own descendants; and of a few undivided meetings,
that she most freely poured forth her feelings in Gospel
ministration, and experienced the sweetest relief and consolation, declaring unto them, " By this shall all men
know that ye are my disciples, that ye have love one for
another."
The division in the society carried their children and
remoter descendants into different religious associations.
This was a source of deep trial to the most affectionate
of parents, and to the children by whom they were beloved.  They were separated in the performance of man's
highest duty,-in their religious worship,-with which
the domestic affections delight to commingle; yet the
parental and filial attachment withstood this severest of
trials.  The language often repeated in her religious
communications was now spoken with an especial signifi



RETROSPECTION.                   127
cance and deeply impressive effect: the maternal appeal
was made in the words of the Divine Master-that their
fellowship should bear His test of discipleship, and that
they should experimentally know that a" God is Love, and
he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in
him."  In proportion to the laceration was this balm
graciously dispensed to heal the wound.  The parents'
love endured with life.  The filial and fraternal affection
of their descendants survives the grave; and that it may
survive to all when time shall be no more to them, is
their fervent prayer.
In reference to the former condition of the society
within her recollection, and afterwards as she saw it when
torn by divisions and scattered asunder, I find the following expression of the feelings of our beloved mother;
uttered not in censure of any, but in lamentation of visible results, restrictive of her own exercises in the Gospel
ministry.  "When I consider those days of favour to
our once happy society, and compare them with the present, my mind is clothed with mourning, and according
to my small measure, I can adopt the language of the
prophet Joel, when he says-' Let the bridegroom go forth
of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet: Let the
priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the
porch and the altar, and let them say-Spare thy people,
0 Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the
heathen should rule over them; wherefore should they




128 RECURRENCE TO FIRST PRINCIPLES.
say among the people, Where is their God?' May the
Lord be jealous of His name and pity the people." * *
" Of latter times, I have felt my way very much closed
from frequent communication in the exercise of my gift,
or in travelling to visit friends in their meetings, from
causes over which I had no control. I desire to wait in
patience and resignation, endeavouring to know  the
Divine Will, and to do it according to my ability, having
no will of my own, but leaving it to Him that hath the
key of David: He that openeth and no man shutteth,
and shutteth and no man rightly openeth. If it should
be His will that my way should yet be closed, and my
harp hung on the willow, and my tongue cleave to the
roof of my mouth, yet may I remember Zion, and prefer
Jerusalem above my chiefest joy. This language is often
the companion of my mind —Be still, and know that I
am God."'
Each division has since felt the value of the lesson of
1827, in its bitter consequences, and a forbearance has
been exercised by each under subsequent difficulties, that if
then mutually observed, it is believed, would have averted
the rent of that period. Individuals might have been disowned, but the integrity of the body have been preserved.
To the truth and wisdom of the following passages in the
Address of the Yearly Meeting, held in the Fourth
month, 1847, nothing can be added.  " The enemy of
truth and of the soul's salvation, has succeeded by various




DOCTRINES OF FERIENDS.                  129
stratagems in marring the beauty and peace of Zion, and
it behooves all those who are desirous of seeing the waste
places built up, and the former paths restored, to put
shoulder to shoulder, and walking by the same rule, and
minding the same thing, rally to first principles, and
labour harmoniously in the great work of our duty."
" Against these dangers which threaten the Church, there
is but one defence,-a hearty and practical return to First
Principles. The light of Christ which shineth in every
man, which is the swift reprover of sin, and shines more
and more in the humble and obedient soul, unto the perpect day, will, if we follow its guidance in all things as it
makes them manifest, lead us into all truth and unto all
humility and holiness."  " This humble, consistent walking, a godly zeal, the love of each other in that fellowship which is in the ever-blessed and unchangeable Truth,
would again distinguish us as a people, and it would
again be said of us as of old,  See, how these Quakers
love one another!'"
The " Appeal for the Ancient Doctrines of Friends,"
from  which the preceding extracts are made, was prepared and issued by those who had twenty years before
combated what they believed to be errors of heretical
tendency, but now, turning to the other extreme of the
doctrinal platform, exerted the same ability and research
to exculpate the Society of Friends from the imputation
of opinions nearly allied to those of the churches from




130         DOCTRINES OF FRIENDS.
which ancient Friends had separated.  Thus prepared
with the care and wariness induced by the recollection
of the recent history of the society on the one hand, and,
on the other, in refutation of writings assimilated in
doctrine to the views of the persecutors of the founders
of their religious community, the " Appeal" is based in
neither extreme, and is a close and careful exposition of
the doctrines of the society, distinctly recognising " the
more sure word of prophecy" to be "the Word nigh in
the heart"-from which the Scriptures came, and in and
by which the Scriptures are to be interpreted.
It becomes the writer to speak with the greatest diffidence upon the subject of doctrines, but he would be derelict to the duty he has ventured to assume, were he to
leave unstated a summary of the faith of his parents.
Their faith was Orthodox, in the sense that the Society
of Friends had always been orthodox. Theirs was not a
dead faith, unproductive of good works. It was a faith,
believing in the authenticity and Divine authority of the
Holy Scriptures, but understanding them with the light
of the Holy Spirit that inspired their penmen; a faith
believing in the "miraculous conception, birth, miracles,
doctrines, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ;"* but ever waiting on His spiritual
appearance in the heart, who "brought life and immortality to light;" a faith believing in a reconciliation, for* Letter of P. Price.




DOCTRINES OF FRIENDS.                   131
giveness, and justification through Him, but to be preceded by a repentance of sin, a regeneration and sanctification of the soul,-a being justified because made just
by the operations and a submission to His H-oly Spirit,
without which, all human efforts, in worship, in prayer,
and in sanctification, would be vain and unavailing; and
believing, that without such repentance and justification,
in the final judgment man will be adjudged according to
the deeds done in the body.
Friends, in all times, since they rose, have endured the
charge of heterodoxy from sects claiming to be orthodox.
The ground of the charge has mainly been that Friends
have preferred to adhere to the Spirit of the Scriptures
of Truth, as they find them to have been written; refusing, therefore, to adopt unscriptural terms and deductions
made from them  in man's will and wisdom.  They have
preferred that the evidences of their faith should be
found in a life of righteousness, in their obedience to the
spiritual appearances of our Saviour and to His commandments left while on earth, wherein each individual
must experience the work of his own regeneration, redemption, and salvation to be wrought in his own soul.
" For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this present world."  Instead of falling
short of others, true Quakerism is religion's power in its




132,       SEPARATION DEPLORED.
highest efficacy-is sincere, self-sacrificing, earnest and
devoted, in love to God and love to man-a fervent belief in Him whom to believe in is " everlasting life"the Messiah, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Many others than members have lamented events so
keenly deplored by the subjects of this Memoir, and by
all who have been faithfully concerned for the welfare of
the Church.  The conservative example for all that
regarded good order and sound principle, and the unceasing philanthropical labours of Friends, had ever been of
salutary and pervading influence, and it was a source of
regret to all who could appreciate their virtues, that
they should be in any degree shorn of their power of
usefulness.  Their mutual love and fraternal aid were a
marvel to others, and while their charity to their own poor
is so much unseen as to be little known, their affluence
of love and charity have also unceasingly flowed to others
beyond the pale of their society.  It is true they ever
warn their youth to abstain from the vain fashions and
seductive allurements of the world, and to keep up the
hedging of a distinctive dress and language, but when
proved and fortified by experience, their humane and
gifted emissaries, clothed with the armour of Christ, have
ever been obedient to the calls of humanity, and maintained the Christian warfare for the reformation of mankind-of the action of mind upon mind, of feeling upon
feeling, and of the principle of truth over error, and of




SEPARATION DEPLORED.                     13
goodness over evil.  To the well-wishers of human progress and improvement, whether within or without the
society, therefore, it was cause of mourning that the
spirit of discord could find entrance into such a fraternity of love and peace-that so beautiful a temple of
harmonious proportion as this living Church, could have
been riven to its foundation.  But it was those who had
long enjoyed the spiritual benefits and happiness of the
religious association that most keenly felt the lacerations
of broken ties and alienated friendships-mournfully beheld their waste places, and, in the bitterness of sorrow,
heard the songs of Zion as in exile from brethren and the
spiritual homes where they had worshipped together.
Were it permitted of one who can claim no influence
to utter a prayerful wish, it would be that the blessed
Power who is ever operative to restore the disturbed
equilibriums of His natural creation, who beneficently
heals the wounded, "' binds up the broken-hearted," and
is ever shedding the light of His glorious Truth, should
continue to allay all unhappy feelings, and as His holy
love shall draw His people to Himself, He will ever draw
them into a Gospel fellowship and unity with each other,
and though they should  not worship  together, and
" neither in this mountain, nor yet in Jerusalem, worship
the Father,"-yet may they worship Him  in the same
spirit and in the same truth and faith.  And may they
never forget the value of those testimonies of truth and
12




134            WILLIAM  JACKSON.
humanity which their common religious ancestors upheld
and established under the sharpest persecutions, and that
the righteous principles they cherished were dearer to
them  than property or life; that the history of their
descendants, as theirs, may, as the course of a pure and
beneficent stream, brightly contrast with the dark and
crimsoned annals of mankind, and reflect the glory of
Him that is the fountain of all light.
During the summer of 1833, Philip and Rachel Price
visited together many of their friends and relatives in
Maryland, and parts of Pennsylvania, in going and
returning.  The occasion seems to have been social,
rather than a religious service. Returning, they visited
and were welcomed by their venerable friends William
and Hannah Jackson.  The former, then in his eightyfirst year, had from infirmity ceased to attend meetings
of worship, but his mind was bright, filled with love, and
wakeful to the condition of the religious world. On its
being remarked to him  that it was an inexpressible
favour, when the body was afflicted so as to prevent
attendance at places of Divine worship, to know "that
He whom we meet to worship is not confined to temples
made with hands, but continues to condescend to meet
with those who sincerely seek Him, even in their lonely
habitations;" William  replied,  "Yes,-my love is towards them,-and in all our weakness of body and mind,
lIe permits us to feel and know that we are not forsaken,




WILLIAM  JACKSON.                  135
by the frequent incomes of Divine love in our hearts,
whereby the mind is strengthened to hold on in its way,
bearing in remembrance that here we have no continuing
city, and that our generation must pass and another
arise."  He expressed for himself an entire resignation
and willingness to pass away.  He referred with a lively
interest to the rise of the society, and made a comparison
between the present and the times of George Fox, when
there was great commotion and unsettlement about religion, and the different sects contended for supremacy.
But these " did not sufficiently consider that an outward
profession of faith, however good, without the experimental knowledge of the operation of the Divine Spirit
on the secret heart, is not sufficient for our purification,
justification, or redemption. Things being in this state,
George Fox invited the people to Christ within, the hope
of glory, the true light which lightens every man. As
they gathered to this, as the standard of light and life,
and settled under its operations in the heart, withdrawing
from  outward ceremonies and forms, there was a great
revival of true religion. I have believed, on weighing
the subject, that if the people in this land, and in this
our day and time of commotion, would centre down in
their minds to the same Divine principle in the heart,
there would be again a gathering to the Light, and the
knowledge of the Lord would increase a thousand fold,
and as faithfulness should be kept to, the reign of the




136     TREATMENT OF THE INDIANS.
Prince of Peace would more and more abound."  The
narrator, Rachel Price, adds, " I cannot convey the feelings of my own mind more fully than by saying they
have long been in accordance with what he expressed in
the interesting interview we had with him."
The Society of Friends, from  the settlement of the
province of Pennsylvania by William Penn, following his
good example of kindness and justice, in a spirit of grateful humanity, has ever maintained friendly relations with
the Indian tribes, and its members have devoted much
time and means for their improvement in the arts of
civilized life, and their moral and religious instruction.
When more contiguous, the care of the society was more
immediate and constant, begetting frequent interviews,
and councils together, and addresses full of interest and
instruction. For these injured and expelled sons of the
forest, the sympathies of Rachel Price were always intensely awake.  The records of the councils held with
Friends and Deputy Governors, speeches delivered, &c..
were procured and copied by her own hand.  When the
Cherokees published a newspaper, it was subscribed for,
read, and contributed to, by her. She wrote to encourage
them in the worship of the " Great Spirit,"-the "' Common Father" of all,-to abstain from the use of ardent
spirits,-froim holding slaves,-holding up to their view,
that " Surely the God of mercy and justice will one day
or other plead the cause of the oppressed African, as




LETTER TO PRESIDENT JACKSON.   137
well as that of the afflicted Indian; He who of one
blood created all nations on the earth,-who is our common Father,-who has in his Divine goodness and mercy
granted a portion of his Holy Spirit, as a witness placed
in each of our hearts."
When that tribe was required by the policy of the
General Government to remove to the west, she felt bound
to raise her voice, though that of a feeble woman, in a
feeling, pathetic, and solemn remonstrance, addressed to
the President of the United States, pleading with him for
the Indian, as she had with the Indian for the African.
To be sure no result was likely to come from the appeal,
but it was uttered in that authority that she was not at
liberty to disobey. Quoting the Great Commandment of
our Saviour, " that whatsoever ye would that men should
do unto you, do ye even so to them," reciting the obligations of treaties formed, the example of Penn, and the
duty of kindness and protection to the original owners
of the soil, she proceeded to say,' The sympathetic feelings in the minds of many of the people are very
much awakened on behalf of the natives remaining within
the limits of some of the southern states, whose rulers
seem determined to dispossess them, and drive them from
the land of their forefathers, and from their comfortable
homes,-made so by their own industry and economy,
under the encouragement of former administrations of our
government."  "Permit a feeble female voice to plead
12 -




138   LETTER TO PRESIDENT JACKSON.
for that distressed, afflicted people,-for sixty thousand
individuals, equally the objects of redeeming love and
mercy with ourselves, who profess the sacred name of
Christians."  "We deeply feel for our beloved country,
lest by any rash or cruel act upon the helpless, the Almighty Power may see meet to avenge their wrongs.
Although He is a God of mercy, He is also a God of
justice, and will recompense us according to our works.' For the crying of the poor and the sighing He will arise.'
May the prayers of the sincere of heart be availing with
Him who can turn the heart of man, and cause him to
know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdoms of men.'It is shewn unto thee, oh man, what is good, and what
the Lord thy God hath required of thee,-to deal justly,
to love mercy, and walk humbly before thy God.'  If
man, presuming in his own strength and power, persists
in his own will to raise the iron hand of oppression, to
exterminate the unoffending and helpless, may we not
fear that He that hath all power in heaven and on earth,
may see meet to turn it on the head of the oppressor?"
" May the President of the United States be willing to
pause and reflect, remembering that'not the hearers are
just before God, but the doers of the Law shall be justified.'  " We are both advanced in life, and the time fast
approaching when the awful language may be sounded in
our ears,   Steward, give up thy stewardship, for thou
mayst be no longer steward.'  May the King of kings,




LAST JOURNEY.                     139
and Lord of lords, who is God over all the families of the
earth, incline thy heart to justice, truth, and mercy."
In behalf of the Indians, in answer to the allegation against them that "civilization must displace barbarism"-she advocated, in their Gazette, their right to
remain on the footing of their advanced civilization. " Is
not this realized in and by the Cherokee nation and
several other tribes? It would no doubt spread far and
wide under the protecting care of a kind Providence,
encouraged by a mild, pacific government,-like that of
our worthy predecessor (William  Penn), or under the
fatherly, fostering protection of such a President as
George  Washington.  Notwithstanding  you  may  be
driven from the land of your forefathers by the powerful
hand of man, even beyond the Rocky Mountains, remember that you cannot go beyond the care of Him who regards even the sparrows, of Him who said to his disciples,
are not ye of more value than many sparrows?' 
In the year 1836, our beloved parents made their last
journey together, to visit their daughter in Susquehanna
county, on the north border of Pennsylvania, and other
friends in the state of New York.  Our mother made
some notes of impressions on this journey, and it is interesting to observe the effects of new objects upon her
reflective mind.  It was probably her first ride by steam
power, and she could not but regard the locomotive with
its fire and puffing, whisking its long train along, as having




140               LAST JOURNEY.
" an infernal appearance," and its rapid motion, like flying through the air from  time to eternity.  The slower
pace in the canal boat up the Susquehanna, permitted
time for observation and reflection, in better keeping with
her own feelings.  " We passed moderately along at the
rate of four miles an hour, which afforded us an opportunity of looking upon the scenery; the works of art and
the sublime works of the Creator; the lofty mountains
and the rocks hanging over the river,-the beautiful
flowers of various kinds, all adding to the grandeur or
loveliness of the scene, and producing a sweet sensation,
comparable to the calm decline of life, when the day's
work seems to be almost done.  There was one subject of reflection which occurred often in our travelling,
particularly on the rivers and mountains, striking my
mind with great force, particularly in passing up the
Susquehanna,-that all these romantic scenes had been
from time immemorial in the possession of the Indians,their peaceful homes,-their hunting  grounds,-their
fisheries; where were their wigwams, and all the comforts they required in their wandering manner of life.
But now, they are driven off by the whites from these
abodes, designed no doubt by our Great Benefactor for
their benefit as well as ours,-a poor and oppressed people, permitted now to have no share of what was justly
their own. In solemn retrospect, the hillocks I see appear




LAST JOURNEY.                      141
to my imagination as the graves of the nations that have
passed away!"
Her notes mention their cordial reception by their warm
friend, Charles Miner, near Wilkesbarre, and speak of a
visit with him to the Baltimore mine of coal, but not of
the impressions and remarks there made, which much
interested his mind. To one who had never seen such an
excavation into the interior of the earth, between massive
jet columns of coal, supporting at great height a roof of
slate, that itself sustained the incumbent hill, the impression made was grand and imposing, and not unmingled
with emotions of astonishment at the boldness of man,
in thus venturing to penetrate and disturb the bowels of
the earth-but was quickly followed by the grateful
acknowledgments to an all-wise and bountiful Creator,
who had thus treasured up in ages long past, this resource
of fuel and comfort for the present and future generations
of men.
But a recent letter from the pen of her attentive conductor, gives more of the details of this visit to the mine:
" When we came in full view of those lofty pillars and
vast caverns, seemingly dark from  the contrast with the
glare of day in which we stood, she paused, and her eye
passed over the scene in a deliberate survey. Presently
she began with much cheerfulness to observe and to
inquire.  The unlistakeable traces of vegetable impressions, and even of the roots and stumps of large trees in




142               LAST JOURNEY.
the slate-rocks, were objects of special notice and examined with delighted curiosity; a few for their own beauty,
but chiefly as they impressed her mind with their great
antiquity; and especially as furnishing strong proof that
coal was not a mineral but of vegetable origin.  We
rather waited her pleasure to move, than led the way to
enter the mine.  Her inquiries, remarks, cheerfulness,
and evident enjoyment, were a source of pleasure to us
all.  After examining the various layers or sealms of coal
apparent in the pillars, differing in thickness and quality,
and divided by their lamina of slate; and listening to the
suggestion that they indicated that the whole body of coal
was not formed at one time, but by successive layers, and
at long intervals, I ventured to speak of the pecuniary
value of the mine, showing the results by cubic yards
and per acre, to be very great.  She smiled, but made no
reply.  Having completed the exploration, we returned
near to the place of entrance and paused, the mind of
your excellent mother apparently absorbed in thought.
A deep feeling of solemnity seemed to come over us all.
After a few minutes' silence, she spoke to this effect:'The visit to this place has been to me a source of
rational pleasure and desirable information. In it are
combined, in a wonderful degree, the beautiful and instructive, from  objects of minute examination unto the
sublime in rude magnificence and vastness.  I cannot
conceive that an intelligent and rightly disposed mind




LAST JOURNEY.                     143
could behold what we have seen to-day without its
awakening a very solemn train of reflections.  I am sensible these mines give profitable employment to many
labourers, and thus render many families comfortable,
and am aware of their great commercial value; but my
mind has been led to consider them in a light less worldly,
but not less worthy of our regard. These cold but fruitful northern latitudes seem in the future destined to be
the residence of a numerous population; but food and
raiment are not alone sufficient; fuel is indispensable to
their comfort, if not to their existence.  Hence the deposits of these inexhaustible supplies of indestructible
fuel, in positions where so much is needed, are to my mind
additional demonstrations of the wisdom and goodness of
our beneficent Creator; and that we, his children, are
the objects of his constant care. Cherishing these reflections must awaken in every breast renewed feelings of
gratitude to the Divine Spirit, and of praise and thanksgiving to His Holy Name.' The outline is here, my dear
friend, but to pretend to verbal accuracy would be presuming.  The latter part of her remarks were more full,
very pleasing, and very solemn. That they were deeply
impressive on my mind you are aware-more so than any
discourse I ever heard.  I give you the rose-tree, but
neither the fragrance nor the flowers."
Continuing their journey, they were pleased with the
lakes and scenery in the interior of New York, and of the




144           SOCIAL GATHERINGS.
North River, on the return; met a variety of company,
and had new ideas to form  of persons and things; " and
in every situation found some congenial minds with whom
we could mingle in conversation and unite in feeling."
It was felt that it might be, as it proved, their last journey on earth; and it is added, " We were often reminded
of the great and final journey from which no traveller
will return, to the city where nothing that is impure can
enter. How awful, and oh, what need there is to remember the injunction,' watch and pray, and that continually,
lest ye enter into temptation;' but the consoling promise
is that' in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, they
that fear God, and work righteousness, shall be accepted
of Him.'  Such is His universal love to mankind, that' all that will come may come, and partake of the waters
of life freely, without money and without price.'"
In their deportment towards their children and government of all under their authority, there was no austerity.
The love and respect that all bore for them, and the fear of
wounding their feelings, were sufficient restraints against
disobedience.  The young were encouraged by kindness
to seek their presence and confide in them. The society
of youth was congenial to their feelings, and the social
meetings of their numerous relatives, and the friends of
their children, under the paternal roof, were of frequent
repetition, and the occasion of both enjoyment and instruction.  There they often gathered their descendants,




SOCIAL GATHERIN  GS.                   145
numbering, before the death of either, over fifty individuals, besides the husbands or wives of their ten children, who also were all received within the family circle
with the same cordial affection as their own children. In
that beautiful scene and hospitable mansion, to which the
" untravelled hearts" of their children constantly return,
as to the brightest spot and dearest home of earth, did
they often collect their flock, and in the social gathering
they never failed spiritually to obey the Divine injunction, " feed my lambs."  The last occasion, during their
lives, of a general assemblage of this description was in
1834, the fiftieth year of their marriage, at their former
homestead and natal home of their children.   Here,
where their son-in-law and daughter maintained the ancient hospitality, met the descendants of all ages from
infancy to past middle life, and after the usual entertainment, gathered in stillness and silence. It was felt to be
the last occasion when so many of us would ever convene,
and that the patriarchal parents could not long survive.
These considerations awakened the natural sensibilities
of parents and children; but greater was the paternal
solicitude then expressed that their descendants should
obey the Divine and inward guide, live in righteousness,
and continue in that harmony and love with each other,
which had ever through life been to them the cause of
heartfelt thankfulness; and remembering that the old
must die, the young may die, and the middle-aged do
1s




146                LAST ILLNESS
die-to prepare for the final accountability, that all might
meet again in happiness, no one missing from the joyful
assemblage.  They had in all things endeavoured to fulfil
their duties to their offspring,-to instil into their minds
the precepts of justice to man, and the cheering hopes
of Christian salvation,-and as they had striven to perform their duties, their earnest supplications were raised
that their children should in like manner endeavour to
perform their duty to their offspring,-that goodness,
justice, harmony, and religious faith might flow as a
stream through the succession of generations.
On the 12th day of the 2d month, 1837, Philip Price
was attacked with pleurisy, which, increasing in violence,
produced intense suffering, in breaking down a naturally
strong constitution.  His children, relatives, and friends,
were allowed free admission to the sick chamber, he desiring their presence, saying in the words of Addison,
that he wished them to " see in what peace a Christian
can die."  They sat in quietness with him during a sickness prolonged through two weeks, deeply sympathizing
with the sufferer, and instructed by his patience and expressions. They truly felt that
" The chamber where the good man meets his fate,
Is privileged beyond the common walk
Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of Heaven."
In the early part of the illness, the suffering was so
intense, he feared that with the desire for bodily relief, he




LAST ILLNESS.                   147.
could not keep the patience. He had full confidence in
the Divine Power, but felt stripped of the evidences of
His presence.  His beloved companion was led to recall
to his recollection the situation and language of the
Divine Master, while on the cross, when He was buffeted,
ignominiously treated, and felt forsaken; and the pathetic
language then used by the dear Redeemer, " My God,
my God, why hast thou forsaken me;" that it was not
for His own state that He was thus baptised, but for the
sins of the whole world; thus setting an example of submission and patience to His Father's will, under the
severest trials; and she fully believed that if he likewise
dwelt in a measure of the same patience he would yet
have to praise and testify of the Lord's goodness and
mercy to his soul; and this language of encouragement
brought to him consolation in his continued great bodily
sufferings. He regarded this as his last illness, felt a
submission to his approaching end, and that the way was
clear before him.  He felt at peace with all mankind,
knew not that he had an enemy in the world, that he had
done all in his power to assist others, had done what he
could to educate his children, but had not been concerned
to lay up much riches for them.  The quietude of the
hushed household of scholars was grateful, to his feelings;
they seemed, he said, to learn of one another to be kind,
respectful, and considerate. Little children were called
to receive the parting kiss, with the expression that even




148               LAST ILLNESS.
they might remember the event; and he desired that
they should not only be taught useful learning, but instructed in things of a substantial, divine nature.  As
those relatives and friends visited him who had leaned on
him  for protection and kindness, his regret seemed
keenest; that he must leave them now to love and help
one another.  He admonished all not to defer the work
of preparation for the scene they were now witnessing.
It was then " a poor time to lay up treasure in Heaven.
Too many were deferring it to a bed of sickness; but it
should be an every-day work of the whole life, and that
all business should be pursued with the affections placed
on high, and the world beneath our feet.  On the entrance of that beloved minister of the Gospel, Sarah Emlen, he said, " 1hou knowest how faithfully I have endcavoured to follow in the footsteps of the Divine Master,
devoting my life and best ability to His service;" and received the reply, "Well do I know it and can testify to it,
and I trust thou wilt be abundantly rewarded for thy submission to the Divine requisitions of our Holy Saviour."
Addressing his beloved wife, he said,  "We have been
united in the bonds of endeared affection for more than
fifty years, and now we are about to suffer a final separation on earth.  I have consolation in believing that we
have endeavoured to instil into the minds of our children
the spirit of love, and have set such an example before
them as in sonic degree to be effectual, and desired that




LAST ILLNESS.                   149
this feeling should continue among them."  "We have
had many bitter cups through life together, but nothing
to be compared with the rejoicings we have had."
As his sickness continued, and his end approached, a
sweeter peace, a firmer confidence, and a brighter hope,
dawned upon the sufferer.  "I could not have thought
the way could be made so clear. For some days I have
felt my close to be near.  I know not why it is-it is
no merit of my own that death is not appalling.  It is
admirable  mercy!  It is adorable  goodness! It is
adorable goodness! I hope I am not deceived; but I
could not feel this peace, were I not enabled to trust in
His armour, whom I have endeavoured to serve all my
life long. The longest life is almost too short to prepare
for eternity."  "' Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither hath it entered into the heart of man, to conceive
the good things that the Lord hath in store for those who
love Him.'   "The natural eye can have no perception
of the splendour of the New Jerusalem; no outward representation can give an idea of it." " The Divine Wisdom, it is all sufficient; oh, do attend to it, the uncreated
Word from eternity."  " Verily, there is a reward for the
righteous."  "d How short is the space from  earth to
Heaven! It seems but a step."  On First-day, the 26th
of the 2d month, much relieved of bodily pain, he gradually sank away, and with the close of the day, departed
in that holy quiet, he had so much enjoyed, surrounded
13 -




150               LAST ILLNESS.
by his beloved wife, children, relatives and friends;
his last request, "that they might partake of a holy
quiet"-and in that quiet his precious soul took its flight
from time to eternity; and after a solemn and prolonged
pause, that awful stillness was broken by the sweet tones
of one whose voice had ever called her children to a
" holy quiet" and everlasting peace.  Then most impressively were they made to feel, and ever will remember,
that at the death of the righteous,
" A holy quiet reigns around,
A calm which life nor death destroys;
Nothing disturbs that peace profound,
Which his unfettered soul enjoys."
And there did they witness and verify the injunction to
" Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the
end of that man is peace."
At a subsequent period, his bereft partner, adverting
to this interesting scene, said, " Many of his dear descendants and friends were seated round his bed in
solemn silence, and were permitted to partake of that
holy quiet, and to witness the calm  resignation of his
mind; my soul bearing him company through the shades
of death, to the happy mansions of eternal bliss;" and
as a soul there welcomed " among saints and angels, and
the spirits of the just made perfect," did she afterwards
seem  to behold him  as with the perception of actual
vision.




EXPRESSION  OF SYMPATHY.                 151
The voice of sorrow and sympathy came from  many
sources, but from none more sweetly than from the gifted
pen of one of kindred feelings, appreciative of the like
qualities and character, in the following letter, and in an
obituary furnished the Wyoming Herald.
a Retreat, March 4th, 1837.
" MY DEAR FRIEND,-Your lines, in the sweet words
of Ossian, were'pleasant, but mournful to the soul.'  To
have been remembered and kindly spoken of, by your
beloved father, our most excellent friend, in his dying
hour, was an affecting, but pleasing proof of his affection
for us.  He always showed to us the consideration of a
parent.  The early friendship of your father and mother
-they seemingly adopting us into their family-was not
only a source of social gratification, but, from their standing in society, it was a passport to public respect and
favour, of the greatest value to us, and was entitled to our
most grateful acknowledgment.  In a long intercourse
with the world, I have never met with a man who united
in himself so many claims to esteem  and love.  His
aspect was so benignant, his manner and address were so
mild and engaging, that the bosom seemed to open to him
in confidence before he spoke. Then, his clear mind,
sound understanding, and benevolent heart, commanded
respect, inspired confidence, and enabled him  to do so
much good among his fellow-men. Pardon me, I could




152      EXPRESSION  OF SYMPATHY.
not say less, though this may not be the proper place.
It is impossible not to mourn the loss of so good a man.
But we are not without sources of consolation,-his sufferings are ended, and his gain infinite. He had performed his part in his day and generation most usefully
and most worthily; and while performing his duty,
through a long life, he has duly estimated the bounties
of Providence, and rationally enjoyed them. Passed the
age allotted to man,-full of Christian hope and Christian
charity,-his spirit returns to his Maker, amid the tears
and prayers and blessings of all who knew him.  Who
can say that such is not a most enviable lot?  May his
children emulate his virtues, and like him be useful, beloved, and happy, to as advanced an age. Lsetitia joins
with me in expression of sympathy and condolence to
your good mother. We shall never forget her affectionate
address to us when our dear Ann was taken away.  Our
kindest and most respectful love waits upon her, and our
best regards to yourself and all the family.
From your sincere friend,
" CHARLES MINER.
" To ELI K. PRICE."
"Died, recently, at West Chester, Chester county,
PHILIP PRICE, aged 74 years.  Friendship would claim
space in your paper, Mr. Editor, to say a word of the
departed: He gained no laurels in the bloody field of
battle; the clangor of the trumpet and the rolling of the




OBITUARY.                      153
drum awakened no sympathetic stirrings in his pure and
chastened breast. A member of the Society of Friends,
whose distinguished doctrinal tenets are derived from the
character and precepts of our Saviour-to love mercywalk humbly-not return evil for evil-when reviled to
revile not again,-he bore testimony before the world that
the terrible scourge of war should be done away, and man
cease to butcher his fellow-man.  I come to tell of no
lucrative civil offices he filled. His heart never gave way
to the proud aspirations of ambition, though he cherished
a proper regard for those who faithfully served their
country.  Then what can you tell us?  I can tell you,
and record with sincerity and truth, a brief sketch of one
of the worthiest men this generation has known.
" Philip Price was descended from  a very respectable
Welsh family, among the earliest settlers in Chester
county. In person he was tall, well formed, of excellent
though not robust constitution.  His countenance mild,
intelligent, and pleasing, his movements dignified and
easy, and his manners and address remarkably bland and
prepossessing. The mind of Mr. Price was well informed,
his judgment clear and strong, united to an intuitive perception of character, and a ready apprehension of the
right and proper in all matters of business. Though
seeking no distinction in the walks of public life, it was
impossible but such a man should have extensive influence
in society.  He had.  And as duty led him, it was his




154                  OBITUARY.
pride (if that word may be used in connexion with his
name) and pleasure to exert that influence for the benefit
of his fellow-men.
" Mr. Price was among the earliest, most liberal, and
enlightened of those who broke in on the old exhausting
method of farming; and took the lead in introducing
plaster, clover, lime, and a proper rotation of crops, the
four grand pillars of improvement that have raised and
sustain Chester county as one of the most rich and productive districts in Pennsylvania. No one had more influence in the excellent society of which he was a member; because that influence was ever exercised wisely and
prudently, in doing good. On an eminence, in a most
romantic situation, overlooking the fertile hills and rich
meadows along the Brandywine, his mansion was situated, fronting to the east and south; on this elevation,
his spirit seemed pure as the air he breathed; his mind
appeared to expand with his expanded view, and his spirit
was bright as beams of morning sun.  Friendly and
hospitable, it was delightful to visit there and share in
the converse of himself and his amiable and intelligent
partner.  After educating his children with care, and
seeing all of them happily settled, and most of them
near him, Mr. and Mrs. Price, impressed with its great
importance, and taking a parental and lively interest in
the improvement of the rising generation, accepted the




OBITUARY.                    155
situation of Superintendents of West-Town School, where
they remained for several years.
" Here, viewing the matter more closely, and actuated
by the most pure and philanthropic motives, they formed
the design to erect a SCHOOL FOR GIRLs-somewhat varying and enlarging the scope and plan existing at WestTown; not in rivalship or interference with that valuable
seminary; but opening their Halls to many who could
not, by the rules, be admitted there. A large building,
admirably adapted to the purpose, plain, simple, yet neat
and commodious, now adorns the flourishing village of
West Chester; while the full rooms of happy faces, and
the press for admittance, show that the West Chester
Boarding School for Girls, established by Philip and
Rachel Price, has accomplished and is accomplishing its
high and benevolent purpose.  By the simple rule of
that unostentatious society, no marble monument will be
erected over the remains of our departed friend; but
while the West Chester Boarding School for Girls shall
last and flourish-and may it be perpetual-there will be
a monument to the worth of Philip Price more honourable than Blenheim to its first titled possessor.
"At the age of 74, having spent a life of usefulness
and virtuous enjoyment-for there never lived a happier
man-surrounded by children and friends, amid the
prayers and blessings of all who knew him, the good man,
like the sun in a mild summer evening, full of Christian




156           SURVIVING  PARENT.
faith and Christian hope, lost to our sight but not extinguished, sinks calmly and sweetly to rest."
Rachel Price survived her husband more than ten
years. She lived to cherish his memory, enforce his example, and enjoy the affections of her children, relatives,
and friends. She was especially the object of the personal care of that daughter, who had for many years been
resident with and the comfort and solace of her parents,
whose father bore, as his last testimony of her, that " We
are of one heart and of one mind;" whom all the other
children considered as their representative in that precious
and sacred charge. In the blended narrative the history
of Philip and Rachel Price has been told in their principal outlines. In a more limited sphere, in her own meeting, in those near home, and in her daughter's school,
the same earnest and pathetic appeals in Gospel love continued to be made by the survivor unto the end.
A few extracts from a letter written to absent sons, in
1839, will show the continued occupation and concern of
her mind.  "I have much to be thankful for.  I am
still able to get to meetings, to visit the afflicted, and my
children in the neighbourhood, which I consider a great
favour; and also to experience that love in my heart to
increase, which binds together in the bonds of life and
love.  May we all know a partaking thereof, and obey
the command of our Redeemer, given to his immediate
followers, that we love one another, for  by this shall all




SURVIVING PARENT.                  157
men know ye are my disciples, if ye love one another.'"
*  *       I am solicitous that for the short time I may
yet have to remain, I may be enabled to fulfil my duty
towards you; yea, to double my diligence, craving Divine
aid therein, and I recommend to all of you who have
tender plants committed to your care, to endeavour to
guard and protect them from  the many defilements of
this vain world, and the besetments of the enemy of our
souls' happiness; who is seeking to draw our minds off
the watch, and encumbering them with the cares of the
world. I know by experience that there is a great care
necessary for those who have large families to provide
for, to guard against the unlawful love of lawful things;
and the language is,' Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added
unto you, for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye
have need of these things.' Let us endeavour to be in
readiness when the solemn inquiry may be made,'What
have you done with the lambs committed to your care in
the wilderness of this world?' fMay we not have to answer that while we were busy, hither and thither, they
made their escape." "  Men that are engaged in public
business are often exposed and in danger of being drawn
into party feeling in politics, whereby the mind may be
much engrossed, if there be not a strict watch maintained;
but I do hope a word to the wise is sufficient to induce a
renewed care upon this subject, as comning from the heart
14




158            SURVIVING  PARENT.
of an affectionate mother, whose petitions are often put
up, in sincerity and truth, on behalf of herself and endeared offspring."
In the last week of her life, a son, then visiting her,
writes to his distant sister: a It is very gratifying to find
that with the infirmity of disease and great age upon her,
our dear mother retains a clear mind, and the dispositions
and affections that have characterized her through life.
None of the irritation and fretfulness that is so frequently
incident to such age and sickness is perceived.  On the
contrary, like our father, she regrets her inability to help
herself, and expresses a grateful feeling for all the attentions she receives.  There is a quiet dignity that will
probably remain with her, however much she may be
enfeebled by the further progress of disease and age.
Love to all mankind abounds with her, and this love and
the  religious sentiments with which she has been so
thoroughly imbued through life, remain with her, as part
of her nature, only to cease their manifestations with the
extinction of life.  Many are the scriptural expressions
she continues to repeat to us, with the same sweetness
she has ever uttered them from the gallery and in the
family circle, on serious occasions. These are now additionally impressive, as they may be the last, and are
sanctioned and sanctified as if they were, as she expects
not to be long with us.  She has not strength to enlarge
in her remarks, but from time to time repeats those truths




HER LAST ILLNESS.                   159
which abide with her,-expressions and promises which
are not only her own reliance and source of comfort in
the extremity of life, but which she wishes to impress
upon her children as their reliance and as their hope for
the future;-' Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.''Take my yoke
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of
heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.'' Christ's
invitation is for all to come unto him; I will give unto
him that is athirst of the waters of life freely,' &c. The
great end and purpose of religious faith she summed up
in this:'To know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus
Christ whom thou hast sent, this is Life Eternal;' and
her last charge to that son was,  Keep a guarded care
over all those placed under thy authority. Be obedient unto
the law written in the heart; and endeavour to draw
others unto it; in this you will find your present and
everlasting peace.'"  A few days after, when expecting
her close, he wrote, "I am  sad and sorrowful; yet my
reflection teaches me I should be otherwise. Our mother
has reached a great age, and a continuance of life would
be a burthen to the spirit. Her long life has been one
uniform and beautiful example, and at fourscore and four
years of age, the intellect is bright; to the last her heart
has remained full of love and affection to all of human
kind.  Through nearly a whole century, she has in simplicity and truthfulness preached the precepts of Jesus,




160            HER LAST ILLNESS.
and she departs without a blemish or a shade upon her
character or intellect. If the Gospel truths she preached
were few and simple, their influence was constantly present, and imparted their own serious and sublime simplicity to her character. These deeply felt and sincerely
believed, with a constant hope beyond this life, she
seemed never to suffer vacillation from doubts or natural
propensities, in conflict with the holy influences that
dwelt on her mind.  Is it not then a cause of gratitude
that the close should be bright, and that, almost without
pain, her spirit should be released from its mortal tenement?  Surely it is; and when her memory shall be all
that is left of her to us, it will be most pleasing in all the
residue of our lives to reflect that she lived so long and
so well, and was gathered as the ripe corn, that felt not
the sickle that severed it from its earthly connexion."
On the evening of the same day, the 6th day of the 8th
month, 1847, he further wrote, " Our beloved mother has
departed this life. It is now a solemn certainty that we
have heard her sweet voice for the last time; that we
shall see her living countenance no more,-so divinely
good.  If the good recognise each other in the future
world, then have the blessed spirits of our beloved parents
met this day in joy, and felt the felicity that they were
united in an endless bliss.  This was our dear mother's
fervent hope, expressed for herself and beloved olfspring.




BURIAL.                       161
May her hope and prayer be realized, no one missing to
mar the heavenly joy."
Appropriately was it asked at the last solemn gathering, when the remains of those who so loved in life were
placed together in their last resting-place,
" Oh grave! where is thy victory?
Oh death! where is thy sting?"
At Birmingham, their earthly remains repose.  There
they tranquilly sleep beneath the soil once trod by hostile
feet; on the spot where the battle was fought, and foe
met foe in deadly strife. It was the scene of their peaceful mission. There they preached peace on earth and good
will toward men.  Thence are seen the hills of Brandywine, the stream  that gave name to the battle, clothed
with the verdure that sprung beneath their culture. The
demon of war has fled,-the trace of the battle has
gone,-the spirit of peace rests on the scene,-and as
often as the returning seasons shall bring life and beauty
to these hills and vales, will they freshly bring to mind
the memory of these benefactors.  No monument marks
their grave; no epitaph speaks on their tomb; but the
vernal bloom of these hills is a living testimony of their
peaceful deeds.  No lettered  marble can speak their
praise; but their name, their worth, their memory, are
written on the tablets of living hearts; hearts, wherever
they are, hither turning in affection, will, in their faith
14 




162                 CHARACTER.
and hope and love, soar to the view of the blissful reunion of souls in a Heavenly mansion.
In all the relations of life, Philip and Rachel Price
were consistent with the professions they made before the
world.  They were mild in temper, of equable disposition, and exempt from  the irritability and eccentricity
of character that often impair the dignity and usefulness
of those of more active imagination and brilliant genius,
and consequently more practically useful and more generally beloved. They were friendly and social with their
neighbours, rendering aid in times of need, visiting the
sick and the house of mourning.  They had differences
with none, were pacificators among others, and lived and
died without an enemy.  To say that in all his transactions Philip Price was governed by a strict integrity,
would be short of what the truth requires.  His disposition to oblige seemed not to be less than that of one who
loved his neighbour as himself, and his property, his
money, and his credit, were lent according to his ability,
and if erring, it was on the side of excess of liberality.
In aiding the progress of travelling Friends, and in their
entertainment, and in providing travelling accommodations for relatives, to reach their meetings, and perform
their social and other visits, his arrangements were well
contrived and his facilities liberally contributed. It is
believed that more than half his time was devoted to
duties of a social, religious, and humane character, in the




CHARACTER.                      163
performance of which it is not known that he was ever
deterred by adverse weather.
In the delicate and responsible office of administering
the discipline of the Society of Friends, Philip Price,
while firm  in its execution, was ever compassionate and
charitable, and sincerely actuated by the desire to reclaim
an erring brother, and it was only when he believed the
vindication of its testimonies required it, that he concurred in the judgment of disownment from the society.
In the transaction of business in its meetings, he was
inclined to wait for the expression of the views of others,
and if these expressed his own, he felt discharged from
an obligation to repeat them.  The forward he would
privately counsel to observe a salutary restraint; while
the diffident would receive from him encouragement in
this wise,-" If we wait until we are perfect before we
attempt to do good, there are few of us that can do much
good.  Do what appears to thee to be right for thee to
do, and trust that strength will be given to go through it
with consistency and with the Divine approval."
As superintendents of schools, their judicious conduct,
kindness, and humanity, were conspicuously manifest
In a letter recently received from Benjamin Hallowell,
of Alexandria, Va., who was a teacher at West-Town,
from 1821 to 1824, and a competent judge of long and
yet continuing experience, he bears this testimony, —  I
have always looked back to the time spent there as the




164                 CHARACTER.
most important and improving period of my life, which I
attribute, mainly, to the dear Friends, Philip and Rachel
Price, in immediate charge of the institution.  No persons could have been more admirably qualified for such a
charge.  They invariably manifested towards every vmember of the large family, which, including teachers, scholars,
and domestics, numbered over two hundred, the feelings
of deeply concerned parents, urging to a faithful performance of individual duty, and to the maintenance of
mutual kindness, confidence, and affection.  In the delicate relation of umpire in cases of difficulty between
teachers and scholars, the mild, deliberate, and concerned
manner of the Superintendent (Philip Price), was remarkably successful. He was much opposed, from principle, to corporal punishments, and the committee who
were at that time in charge of the institution, wisely
adopted the regulation that previous to the teachers' resorting to this mode of correction, the case of difficulty
should be laid before the Superintendent and his sanction
obtained.  When the men teachers all united in judgment that the conduct of a boy had been such that corporal punishment must be inflicted, they laid the case before the Superintendent. After hearing the statement
of the teachers, he usually sat fifteen or twenty minutes
with them in the most solemn stillness, and manifestly
under an intense exercise and concern that a right judgment might prevail in the case; and I have known in




SOCIAL DISPOSITION.                   165
repeated instances, the influence of his precious spirit so
to operate upon the minds of the teachers, that, without
his uttering a single word, they would unitedly propose
a milder treatment; and, what it was very interesting to
observe, there was not a single instance, where the milder
course was adopted under these circumstances, which was.not entirely satisfactory and successful in the result, verifying the expression of Scripture,' the effectual, fervent
prayer of a righteous man availeth much.'"
This narrative has so much dwelt upon the serious and
solemn duties of life and religion, with which its objects
were engaged, that an erroneous impression may be taken
as to some of the traits of their character.  It is true
that a serious dignity was ever present, because they possessed a native dignity of character, and the habitual discharge of constantly recurring solemn duties naturally
produced a serious thoughtfulness; but no persons were
less encased by a repulsive self-righteousness, or were
more attractively inviting to cheerful, happy, and innocent society.  They delighted to commingle in feeling
even with playful childhood, and a vein of pleasant
humour kindly indulged by Philip Price towards others,
and particularly the youthful, made his company always
acceptable, and begot for him their confidence and affection.  Thousands yet living, who have experienced the
cheerful kindness, regard, and sympathy of Philip and
Rachel Price, will bear their testimony to these qualities




166               THE MINISTRY.
of their hearts; and travel where they might over the
wide territory of our country, their descendants have ever
enjoyed the happiness of finding such testimony warmly
and affectionately borne to the memory of their departed
parents.
Upon the subject of the ministry, our beloved mother
has left some observations that it may be useful to repeat
and preserve.  Preaching in the will of man, and with
the effort of human eloquence, she considered wholly irreconcileable with the sacredness of the service and the
profession of Friends, that the Gospel ministry can only
consist in the faithful delivery of the message Divinely
communicated.  It is, she instructs us, "an awfully
responsible station to fill, to be made use of as an instrument in the hands of the Lord, and to speak to the people in His Holy name.  The eye must be kept single;
the blind must not lead the blind; all human importance
be suppressed, nor man presume to add to or diminish
the words of prophecy, lest he experience condemnation,
and lose his part in the book of life. Let not the leaders
of the people cause them  to err, by drawing them into
sects, party divisions, and controversy, wholly at variance
with the spirit of true religion, which breathes peace on
earth and good will to men. The temptation to arrogate
consequence, and minister to the great Myself, ever besets
poor human nature,-the king, priest, and people,-and
the important'I,'  me,' and' mine,' become painfully




THE MINISTRY.                     167
conspicuous in their emphatic and frequent use in the
hearing of the unselfish and devoted worshippers of God,
who ever ascribe to Him and the Saviour, the merit and
glory, as they alone are the source of all that is good and
perfect. These self-important teachers forget that they
are no longer safe than while they obey the injunction
of the Master,'Watch and pray continually, lest you
enter into temptation.'  Let them  not take the Lord's
jewels to decorate self, and give the praise to the creature
that belongs to the Creator; and let them remember the
caution that even the Apostle Paul took unto himself, of
the necessity of keeping the body in subjection when he
preached to others, lest he should be himself a castaway.
Let all who presume to speak in the name of the Lord,
seriously consider the import of Christ's declarations,' Freely you have received-freely give;' and that'all
who will come, may come, and partake of the waters of
life freely, without money and without price.' I conceive
there is great danger of being cast away, from the imprudent caresses of those who may feel very much attached
to the favoured instruments, and who manifest their
regard even unto personal flattery, of the poor frail vessel
through which the pure spring of living water may flow
to the people, for their refreshment and consolation. But
these are only earthly-vessels, subject to be injured and
liable to fall, if by heeding the applause of men they become self-consequent and self-important.' Let him who




168      APOLOGETIC OBSERVATIONS.
thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.'  May the
humble, self-denying followers of Christy be encouraged to
take up the cross daily, considering nothing too near or too
dear to part with, so that they may obtain that crown of
glory which is laid up in store for all those who love the
appearance of Jesus in the heart, and yield to it in
obedience."
In delineating the lives of Philip and Rachel Price, it
has seemed unavoidable to speak of the faith, testimonies,
and usages of the Society of Friends.  In that society
they "lived, moved, and had their being."  Engaged in
the active and practical duties of life and religion, and
making communications that were chiefly oral and unpreserved, the filling up of the history of their services,
character, and principles, was properly to be drawn from
those of their religious society.  So far as the writer has
been enabled to give a correct view of these, the result
cannot fail to be useful. But it is right that his own
observations and reflections should be accompanied by
certain cautionary remarks.  He is not a member of the
society, and speaks by no authority as such. IHe especially desires that nothing he has said may be construed
as favouring either division into which Friends have unhappily separated over the other, or as casting a censure
upon either.  He regards that separation but with regTet
and sorrow; and it is irrespective of it that he has felt
bound to reiterate the expression of his love and admira



ATTACKS UPON  FRIENDS.                  169
tion of the principles, testimonies, faith, and practices of
the society.  He has felt great fear and delicacy in
handling serious and sacred subjects, as one little authorized to touch them; while the duty of writing this
Memoir of his parents, so long neglected and so likely to
be wholly omitted by others, has appeared to be umnistakeable and imperative.  And again, he has had the
consolation of knowing that for all errors committed, no
one else than himself can be held responsible, while from
himself much cannot have been expected; and as no influence can be exerted further than as truth shall manifest
itself to the acceptance of his readers, so will error as
readily expose itself to be detected and rejected.
Since all of this volume was written except what shall
now be introduced by this paragraph, a work has appeared
of peculiar virulence and injustice in its charges against
Friends.  Such charges have been infrequent in modern
times, for the world had begun to appreciate and do justice
to the principles and services of the society. In the
enjoyment of the happy toleration and equality of all
religious persuasions under the Constitutions of these
United States, where no one sect can exact tithes from
those who share not in its worship; where all support to
the church is a voluntary tribute, and no one can claim
pre-eminence over another, the causes of irritation have
so far ceased that we find all disposed kindly to co-operate
in all good works, and it has become a matter of more
15




170         ATTACKS UPON  FRIENDS.
than questionable taste and propriety for any one to
attack another; for all are alike bound to respect that
toleration under which each enjoys its own immunity
from  encroachment.  There is one cause, however, yet
operative to produce the recurrence of attacks upon the
Society of Friends. They have ever held it to be their
duty, by a mutual watchfulness and supervision, to keep
their members to a consistent observance of the pure and
exalted principles and conduct of their religious profession, and to disown from membership those whom patient
and forbearing Christian entreaty fails to preserve from
bringing a reproach upon the Gospel truth.  Those who
are unwilling to take up the cross and sacrifice their
worldly desires and vanities, impatiently submit to the
administration of the discipline, and in leaving the society,
sometimes let fly their Parthian arrows envenomed by
resentment.  A companion of our youth, and a frequent
visitor under the roof of the subjects of this Memoir,
found the society, its discipline and doctrines, uncongenial
to his inclinations, taste, and convictions, and employed
his well remembered characteristic powers of ridicule,
and his acquired biblical learning, to prove " Quakerism
not Christianity;" but this eminent Presbyterian minister
did not condescend to become the industrious ferreter of
private vices, or the betrayer of the confidences of friendship and hospitality.  His polemic work of near seven
hundred pages, was sufficiently answered in a pamphlet




ATTACKS UPON FRIENDS.                   171
of seventy, in " Vindication of the Society of Friends,"
by Enoch Lewis.  This co-labourer, through life, of my
parents, but yet, at near an octogenarian age, actively
engaged to enlighten his fellow-citizens and serve humanity, has, in this vindication, and in all his writings and
example in life, appeared to be the more valuable in his
advocacy, as showing that in the same mind and bosom
may reign in congenial consistency the high attainments
and severe habits of thought of mathematical and abstract science, together with the belief of the inspired
influences of religion, as operative on the sensibility of
the heart.
The most recent attack, first above referred to, " Quakerism, or Story of my Life," is a painful exhibition, not
of the indulgence of playful ridicule, or a battle upon
polemical differences, but of a sad perversion of the
writer's own feelings, and of her willingness to seek out
foibles and delinquencies, that, so far as founded in the
semblance of truth, are exceptional cases from the general
rule, and evincive that she was stimulated by resentment,
or prompted by an appetite that sought its own congenial food in what it fed upon. The powers of fiction that
were cultivated in stolen opportunities of novel reading,
in disobedience to the injunctions of her father, have been
turned in abuse and disparagement of the principles and
practices which that father cherished as his life; and her
production involves the obvious contradictions that if the




17T2       ATTACKS UPON FRIENDS.
writer had not had a high appreciation of the reputation
of the society, she would not have been so deeply mortified in her vanity by her disownment and deprivation of a
share therein, and that without its excellent and purifying
principles and practices her no doubt justly lauded father
would not have had so high an estimate of them, nor
have become their exponent in the pious and excellent
character she describes.  Did it never occur to that
daughter how much she might be grieving the spirit of
that father, in her unmitigated ridicule and abuse of his
nearest friends and dearly cherished religious profession?
It is needless, however, to attempt special refutation of
her perversions and defamations, for they are apparent in
the perusal of the book, and are contradicted by the history of Friends, and the every-day intercourse of all who
have lived among them.  Of whom can it be more fearlessly asserted that they have ever been engaged to do
those things that the Saviour of men declared would obtain the blessing of the Father and the inheritance of the
kingdom  prepared from  the foundation of the world?
When have they not given to the hungered meat, to the
thirsty drink, to the stranger shelter, clothed the naked,
visited the sick and imprisoned?  Who more sturdily
fought the battle of religious freedom  and political
equality, and separation of Church and State, than Fox
and Penn, and their associates, and gave their principles
trial and example in Pennsylvania, whence they have been




ATTACKS UPON FRIENDS.                 173
perpetuated in all the Constitutions of all the States of
this Union?  Who, but Friends, were the chief support
of Wilberforce, Pitt, Fox, Clarkson, and others, when
Parliament abolished the unutterable horrors of the African slave trade? Who led the way to the abolition of
slavery in these States, but devoted and conscientious
Friends, who yielded to the operations of the Spirit of
the Almighty upon their hearts, when all the rest of mankind were blinded by self-interest, or unfaithful to the
manifestations of Divine Truth?  Who so humane and
just towards the helpless aborigines of our continent? and
who else refused to take from them by power and hold by
force, natural rights, that the God of Nature had conferred upon the sons of the forest?  Who but they were
the pioneers in the blessed cause of temperance for ages
before others were touched by the modern zeal upon that
subject?  Who after Howard, like Elizabeth Fry, descended into foul dungeons, and among the worse living
pollutions of the prisons, for their purification and reform,
sustained by the wealth and influences of brothers of
kindred feelings of humanity?-yet are these the special
objects of the aspersion of this perverse writer-and
that even in the matter of food absolutely required by
the condition of the health of a delicate and lovely woman, broken down and exhausted by her constant and
devoted services for the relief of the most suffering and
most neglected portions of humanity. It might reasona15 




THEIR  GOOD DEEDS.
bly have been expected that one who was sacrificing
health and life for the good of others, could receive the
sustenance medically advised, and required to prolong
her strength yet a little longer to serve her suffering fellow-beings, without the reproach of a woman, claiming
the refinement of a lady, and even a more saving faith in
the religion of Jesus. But in those who respect not the
memory of the good and the humane, nor yet the sanctity
of the grave, what trust can we have?  The Christian
world will, however, believe the mark quite too high and
pure to be reached by the shafts sped by private pique or
malevolence.  That world has already awarded to Elizabeth Fry, and to those brothers who in honouring her
drafts in favour of suffering humanity honoured themselves, the homage of its praise and admiration and a
world-wide renown; and when, in a holy sympathy for
suffering, she gratefully thanked them with the exclamation, "What sister has such brothers as I!" and they
happily replied, " What brothers have such a sister as
we!" that world did them the justice to believe that
this exultation of gratified feeling had its source in a
pure and holy Fountain.
And who, when the world was stirred in sympathy for
famished Ireland, and poured into that devoted island its
stores of relief-who were so trusted and so useful in the
distribution of its concentrated charity, as some of these
abused Quakers, whom this self-deluded and uncharitable




THEIR GOOD DEEDS.                   175
authoress would expect the world to believe are as a
society a whited sepulchre without, and full of loathsome
corruptions within?  But turn we where we may, where
are not the evidences of the good deeds of these Samaritan people? Everywhere they are seen to instruct the
youth, clothe and feed the poor, to visit the sick and imprisoned, to teach the blind and the dumb, and to preach
the Gospel, not among themselves only, but among and
to all others, without money and without price.  Andmost blessed triumph of humanity!-they taught mankind most successfully to minister unto the most afflicted
portion of humanity-to those bereft of reason-by the
sure approaches of kindness and sympathy to hearts mistakenly supposed, in the prostration of a rational accountability, to be dead to all the feelings of humanity. They
rescued these unfortunate beings, so often the victims
of feelings that but make their sensibilities the more
acute, from  confinement and punishments, cruel even
when inflicted for crime; struck from them fetters and
shackles, fit instruments themselves to dethrone the
reason and drive even sanity into madness; and brought
them from  dungeons into the light of day, and the presence of the glorious works of nature, and into the social
intercourse and sympathy of their fellow-beings, all so
soothing and restorative to the lacerated feelings, whether
writhing under real or imaginary woes. So long was it
before those that in ancient times were spoken of as




176    SEEKING  NO EARTHLY REWARD.
having " a devil," were treated otherwise than if really
so possessed.  Some gifted medical men had suggested
the beneficent idea, and partially tried the experiment of
the reverse treatment; but it was in Friends' Retreat, at
York, in England, and in Friends' Asylum, at Frankford,
in Pennsylvania, where the happy suggestion was more
effectually tried and proved for the adoption of the world.
Strange, indeed, seems it now, that mankind could have
expected cure to the mind from distracting exasperations,
more than that the healing process could close a wound
ever irritated by rude appliances and fresh inflictions.
But slow has man always been to learn that the chief of
human aids, to remedy all bodily or mental, moral, political or religious ailments, is to remove all causes of aggravation, thereby to permit the delicate processes of cure
quietly to proceed, by the beneficently healing and restorative power that gave and preserves life, health, and mental sanity.  And lastly, who follow so nearly in the footsteps of Jesus, in His example and commandments, for
the preservation of good feeling and peace among men?
Friends seek not political power, they claim no distinction, aspire to no earthly fame, neither is their kingdom
of this world.  All the favour they ask is that men
should love one another, forbear to persecute, cease to
injure and make war on each other, learn to do well and
be happy; all the privilege they desire is to be permitted
humbly to do good; and whomsoever they may aid in




NO ASSUMED PERFECTION.                   177
whatsoever cause of humanity, all that they ask is a
hearty co-operation in the service, and freely and in welcome may others take all the political power and influence
and fame. It sufficeth to them to enjoy the reward of an
approving conscience, and humbly to hope for the final
award to the good and faithful servant.
Taking leave of the Irish authoress, the narrative will
proceed as it was before written, nothing deterred by her
assault, from  recommending the faith, the testimonies,
and example of Friends, to the imitation of others.  In
thus endeavouring to do them  some justice against a
wanton attack, the language used may appear to be strong
and unreserved; yet will the members of the society be
the last to suppose, or to wish, that they should be represented as faultless.  Some individuals will prove derelict
in all religious associations; but it is in their guileless
simplicity, purity of motives, and unsuspicious character,
that Friends most frequently present a mark for the
shafts of ridicule, or expose their motives to a sinister
interpretation, by themselves unperceived and unintended.
They admit the duty ever to strive to be, but do not
claim to be perfect.  Man's admitted imperfection and
liability to err lie at the base of the structure of their
church polity, which not only exacts a constant selfwatchfulness, but permits and claims as a fraternal duty,
watchfulness of one over another, and of all over each,
wherein the counsels of the least given in an authorized




178 WOMAN'S POSITION AND INFLUi J            CE.
concern may not be unheeded by the greatest. The constant warfare between good and evil endures through life,
and as constantly and enduringly demands vigilance and
the invocation of Divine aid and protection. It is the
victory of righteousness over sin, that is the great and
surest test of true religion, and that must be maintained
unto the end. A secured perfection is unattainable by
man on earth. It was under a sense of human infirmity
that the mother in Israel herein commemorated, on whose
pure life no cloud for a moment cast its shadow, tasked
herself, even at fourscore years of age, "to double her
diligence," that she might fail in no duty that could preserve her highest peace of mind, and bring to her bosom
the grateful evidences of the Divine approval.
Among all the reforms and advances made by the
Society of Friends, there is, perhaps, none more important and interesting to contemplate, than the improvement
in the position and influence of woman.  Her equality is
recognised more perfectly than in any other religious
community.  She participates in the concerns of their
meetings of business, in the executive duties of administering the discipline, in the meetings for ministers and
elders, in the marriage ceremony makes only the same
promise as her husband of fidelity and love, and in the
service of the ministry, all are in a perfect equality before
God. The result is mutually beneficial: it is humanizing
to the men; it makes women more reflective and intelli



WOMAN'S POSITION  AND INFLUENCE. 179
gent, for the faithful discharge of their responsible duties
requires that they should be adequately informed, calmly
deliberative, tolerant of differences of views, and capable
of reconciling them  to a practical result.  This experience gives strength of character and mind, but does not
detract from the qualities of the heart, that make women
truly to be loved and respected.
It is true all other religious persuasions afford their
many bright and useful examples of women who devote
their lives to works of charity and humanity, and as devoutly and acceptably worship their Creator; but in none
do they enjoy the same approach to an equality with men.
There they are led, taught, and employed, but do not
deliberate, govern, or instruct, in the higher matters of
Church government and worship.  It is true, too, that
Quakerism plucks from the person every attractive ornament of dress, and mirth and gayety are transformed to a
tranquil seriousness; yet may not the devotee of fashion
and pleasure take a useful lesson from the unadorned and
self-sacrificing Quakeress? The quick pulsations of pleasure rapidly exhaust the vital energies, the spirits sink,
and beauty fades, beyond the power of an assumed vivacity or the skill of art to retrieve; and amidst a round
of empty occupations and distrusted enjoyments, the culture of the mind and heart is neglected. Then does the
advantage of a more prudent reservation of the resources
of health become apparent; while the time and inclina



180     WOMAN'S AID AND INFLUENCE.
tion preserved for intellectual pursuits, have made the
mental improvement progressively apparent in the charms
of conversation, and in the radiant expressions of the
countenance. With well preserved health, with peace
and happiness within, crowned with goodness and intelligence, ever advancing by constant culture, the human
form and mind become the most benign and attractive in
expression.  The countenance lighted by intelligence,
softened and harmonized by the influences of the dovelike spirit within, becomes proof against the ravages of
time and of perennial beauty.  The painter may exhaust
the delicate skill of his exquisite art on a Madonna, or
encircle with a halo of glory the sacred character of
heavenly mien, but no artistic skill can successfully rival
the impressive beauty of " the human face divine,"
when softened and illumined by the inspirations of a
Divine love, and a serene intelligence and happiness.
Men who neglect the aid of women for all that is good
and useful, are not true economists of the resources provided by Providence.  Though it may be that other persuasions will not admit them to participate in the affairs
of Church government and in the ministry, their aid and
influence would be found of incalculable service in their
schools, asylums, hospitals, and in various ways, in all
that promotes charity, humanity, and religion, with
which her feelings and nature, are more congenial. Women of highest rank and cultivation, thus occupied,




THE MOTHER'S INSTRUCTION.                181
would derive the purest consolation and happiness, feel
life to be a higher blessing, and, by their happy influence, interest and attract others to aid in their holy
engagement; while we all owe it to those in humble condition to make more room for female employment in every
business requiring delicacy and skill of execution without great muscular effort, guarding them against undue
exposure, and from  every occupation and influence that
would detract from that respect and regard which a brother would wish to entertain for a sister, and a father and
a husband for a daughter and wife.
Let not man, in his pride and self-sufficiency, slight the
aid of woman as unimportant.  She has ever aided the
onward progress of Christianity and civilization, and,
probably, even more than man, prevents a relapse from
the vantage-ground attained.  But for her constantly
exerted meliorating influences, man's more rugged and
ruffian nature would but become more hard, harsh, and
selfish, and be but seldom  adorned by the Christian
graces.  It is the mother that moulds the tender mind
of infancy, and gives it its most abiding impress through
life. She forms the character of the future mothers of
the race, to repeat and perpetuate the same lessons of instruction, and also forms the character of the men who
will rule the national councils and guide the destinies of
mankind.  Greater, it is believed, would be the loss to
human welfare, if the mothers' teachings to the infant
16




182      THE MOTHER'S INSTRUCTION.
mind were lost, than if all the seminaries for the education of men were closed for ever.  And as there is no
influence so potent for good, so there is no sight on earth
so beautiful and holy as that of the intelligent and pious
mother, when at the close of the day she imbues the
minds of her children with the spirit of prayer, and
teaches them to recall its events for self-correction-to ask
forgiveness of each other for all offences given, and of a
Heavenly Father for every wrong committed.  None but
a mother will find the time, or will condescend to this
sacred office; none can feel the same intense responsibility
for these precious beings, as she that bore them; and none
like her enjoy the holy bliss that kindles in her bosom, as
she trains her offspring for usefulness on earth, in the
confiding hope that her labours, Divinely blessed, may
secure the reunion of her beloved family in Heaven.
With such a hope, can so sacred a trust ever be neglected
or delegated by one true to the maternal feelings? can
any other than a mother fulfil the requirings of this high
accountability, or finally answer in her stead the awful
inquiry, should any of the precious flock be missing,
" What hast thou done with the lambs committed to thy
charge in the wilderness of the world?"
It were well, and it is but just, that woman should be
ever impressed and encouraged by the thought that she
is peculiarly, in the order of Divine Providence, designed
for the accomplishment of the highest good to our race,




THE MATERNAL INFLUENCE.                   183
and that man also should understand that in the strength
of a towering intellect, fitted for physical, scientific, and
political progress, he is less potent for good in all that
constitutes true excellence of character, and gives the
most assured promise of everlasting happiness.
Are these reflections seemingly a digression from the
narrative? They but further illustrate the character and
enforce the example of one of the best of mothers, all
of whose long life was faithfully devoted to the fulfilment of these high and sacred duties. They are believed
to be written, and it is humbly hoped this volume has
been written, in the spirit of her last and sacredly
regarded injunction, " Be obedient unto the law written
in thy heart, and endeavour to draw others unto it I"  It
is in this faith that obstacles have been levelled in prospect, and clouds have melted into the transparency of
heaven.  And, again, I have been encouraged by the
advice of a venerated father, to those disposed to hang
back and thereby fail to do what good they might, "If
we wait to be perfect before we attempt to do good, there
are few that can do much good."
It is of course that the question has often recurred,
and recurs with a more serious impressiveness in drawing
the narrative to a close-Has it been written with a sufficient object, and with motives wholly pure? The best
response afforded to an inward scrutiny and prayerful
feeling has been affirmatively given. For numerous rela



184        SUFFICIENCY OF MOTIVE.
tives and friends has the Memoir been written, and their
appreciation and love for its objects will assuredly make
the work acceptable to them; and should it fall into
other hands, let these reflect and duly allow for the purpose of its composition.  The motives that actuated in
its execution, are believed in all instances to have been
pure, and with an exalted aim; at all events, to have
proceeded from  a sense of duty, and a desire for truth
and usefulness. Having this assurance, whatever censure
may follow, the sacrifice will be felt to be slight, indeed,
when compared with that of the natural feelings of a beloved mother, when yielding to the requisitions authoritatively made upon her.
Upon the consideration of the highest usefulness of
example, can any error in this step have been committed?
The history of the lives commemorated has appeared tobe instructive in the best duties of the citizen, and the
most sacred of the Christian; and if without the adventure and the worldly fame that arrest the attention and
dazzle the fancy, it will shed a mild and beneficent light,
usefully to guide the humble, the industrious, and the
devoted, who would serve their fellow-beings and walk
acceptably in the sight of their Maker. It will excite no
eccentric ambition to leave the quiet and peaceful walks
of private life, and, affording examples within the reach
of imitation by all, will become the more extensively useful.  Mankind, as they become more enlightened and




HIGHEST CULTURE.                    185
humanized, sicken at the shedding of human blood, and
relish less the details of the horrors of war. The heroes
of humanity, and the victories of peace, become more
attractive and admired. By the test that goodness is to
be preferred to greatness, the good most deserve to be
held in remembrance, and upheld as examples.  Since
"he that is slow to anger, is better than the mighty, and
he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city," how
much better then those who have not only all their lives
submitted to the restraining power of religion, but have
by active service devoted those lives to the good of their
fellow-beings!
Those who shall have attentively followed the writer
through this narrative, cannot have failed to make the
reflection that from a point of small beginning, the subjects of this Memoir underwent a most useful mental
culture and religious improvement. This growth is easily
explained: They were faithful to the little furnished, and
became rulers over more. Their school instruction consisted of the rudiments of an English education, imperfectly obtained in country schools, at the period of the
revolution.  But their minds were early brought under
an exercise of feeling that necessarily induced a further
and higher culture.  Religion comes with its strongest
power upon those minds who believe their impressions to
be the inspeaking word of the Almighty to His dependent
children. Under its influence a scrutiny commences upon
16 -




186            HIGHEST  CULTURE.
the conduct, affections, and thoughts, more rigid and
unsparing than the Socratic cross-questioning of feelings
and motives; and to prove faithful to a trust of the most
sacred obligation, the duty of self-watchfulness, and of a
conduct conformed to the manifestations received, becomes
incessant and imperative. Under this high sanction, they
felt themselves charged to seek their souls' salvation, and
commissioned to turn the minds of others to the only true
source of their redemption. Fidelity to this trust was
more to them than life or death. It was a requisition of
a like resistless obligation to that which caused their religious ancestors to endure persecutions unto imprisonment
and death; and that it was which required a modest,
delicate, and retiring woman  to overcome her great
natural reluctance, and to stand up before the assemblies
of the people, and to travel abroad to preach the Gospel.
No other incentive could be so strong upon the human
mind, to seek and to hold fast all that was good for instruction and spiritual profit, and this higher cultivation
of the mind, and process of purifying the human affections, necessarily increased the intelligence, and gave
elevation to the thoughts of those undergoing this authoritative teaching.  The author of Elia tells his readerslovers of literature-to "G Get the writings of John Woolman by heart; and love the early Quakers."  The subjects of this Memoir read for something more than the
indulgence of a literary taste. They read to establish




HIGHEST  CULTURE.                   187
their faith-to strengthen their resolution in a devoted
service-to " be perfect and thoroughly furnished unto
good works."  They read with deepest sympathy and undoubting faith, the Holy Scriptures, the writings and histories of early Friends, many of them good scholars; and
they heard the preaching and conversations of contemporaries, at a period when many eminent men and women
adorned the ranks of their society.  It was a training to
enlarge the mind and improve the heart; to form serious,
reflective, and earnest character, and to blend in it the
firmest resolution, with the mildest disposition, and a
sympathy for others' woe.  The command was ever before them, " Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is
in Heaven is perfect," and ever watchfully striving for
purification and refinement, they attained to a higher
excellence than practicable under any other teaching.
They lived in the beauty of holiness, and the brightness
of the world they beheld before them illumined that below, and made their character here reflective of the stainless purity of the life to come.
The review of these pages happily presents nothing of a
controversial character; and nothing of the kind, as connected with the characters commemorated, has been suppressed. On the sure foundation they started in life, these
faithful Friends continued unto the end.  It was that on
which the Society of Friends rose distinctively in the beginning, whose doctrine and testimonies the world then re



188            HIGHEST CULTURE.
sented, but become more enlightened, has been more willing to acknowledge to be generally truthful and righteous.
The lives here portrayed, abiding in the love that distinguished their religious ancestry, and in the light and life of
the Gospel, as made manifest by the Holy Scriptures, and
the revealings of Divine truth upon the souls of men,
were in all of life consistent exponents of the true Quaker character.  With them the precious seed fell neither
upon stony ground, nor was it choked by thorns.  The
first public appearance of'one, was with the declaration,
that " God is a spirit, and they that worship Him aright
must worship Him in spirit and in truth, for it is such
He seeketh to worship Him," and among the last, " To
know Thee, the only True God, and Jesus Christ whom
Thou hast sent, this is life eternal;" and in the lives of
both, all was consistent with these declarations. Their
religion was a religion in its highest power-a vital principle, inwardly active, and productive of a living faith
and love, worship and works, prayer and praise; and in
the same faith and love they lived, so they died, in the
confident hope of a happy and glorious immortality.
In gathering these scattered fragments, the writer has
derived instruction which he sincerely hopes may be experienced by others.  He has felt the task to be a small
reparation for the neglect of former opportunities, when
the best of parents spoke in living tones, in the faith that
even neglected counsels might return as bread cast upon




CONCLUSION.                     189
the waters, after many days. So have they been felt to
return to him in this labour of love and gratitude, and so
may they return as the bread of life to others, and float
down the stream of time to successive generations of descendants. In meditating upon their sweet and peaceful
memory, his sorrow for their loss has been soothed by
their precious words of hope, and his aspirations encouraged by their beneficent example.  In these renewed
associations and tender recollections, he has felt that
" there is a joy in grief, when peace dwells in the breast
of the sad"-a " pleasant joy of grief, like the shower
of spring, when it softens the branch of the oak, and
the young leaf rears its head;" and his earnest prayer is,
that their words and example may pass on, alike refreshingly, to remoter generations, nourishing into spiritual
life and the beauty of holiness, and their course be made
freshly visible by beneficent effects, " as willows by the
watercourses."
And I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, that Thou
hast permitted me to accomplish this filial duty; and
hast caused the touch of the dry and mouldering relics
of thy departed servants to impart a renovated life. In
the performance of the service, Thou hast given increase
of strength, shed upon the wakeful hours of night an
unwonted light, and mingled in the busy day its purest
joy.  Thou hast awakened long slumbering emotions of
the heart, whispered to the ear the sweet tones familiar




190                 CONCLUSION.
to youthful days, as in distant echoes from my native
hills, and led me again over their green pastures as one
of the flock that knoweth the voice of the True Shepherd;
and again have I listened to the pathetic tones of a devoted Mother's Gospel ministry, and a dedicated Father's
counsels of wisdom.  May all their descendants, in the
retrospection now afforded, aided by Thy Holy Spirit,
enjoy the like happy experience.  MIay the sweet memories of the distant past, thus influenced, cause again and
often to flow in their breasts the pure fountain of living
waters, leaving none to thirst again; and with the baptism  of joyous tears may Thy heavenly spirit approvingly descend upon them.  Take from  every error here
committed the power to harm; cure every wound here
inflicted by the instillations of Thy healing balm; and
commission these leaves to take their flight only for good.
May these gathered thoughts, as winged seeds borne upon
the breeze, fall upon goodly soil, and, nourished by Heavenly dews, spring into life, in their blossom  yielding a
grateful fragrance unto Thee, and in their fruit righteousness and eternal life.
ELI K. PRICE.




INDEX.
Agriculture, 19, 20, 79, 80.    Emlen, Samuel, 17.
Amicable compact, 123.          Experience, 92, 95.
Apologetic, 168.                Expression of sympathy, 151.
"Appeal," 129.                  Faith, 130.
Appointments, 119.              Families, 117.
Anniversary, 145.               Farming, 18.
Ashbridge, Geo., 8.             First principles, 128.
Attacks on Friends, 169.        Forgiveness, 72.
Birth, 6.                       Fox, Geo., 103, 135.
Burial, 161.                    Free Agency, 91, 115, 117.
Cathrall, Hannah, 14.           Fry, Elizabeth, 75, 173.
Character, 162.                 Fugitive Slaves, 49.
Coal Mine, 141.                 Garrigues, Ed., 29.
Communism, 112.                 Gospel Love, 126.
Consciousness, 92.              Grellet, Stephen, 30.
Cook, C., 26.                   Gypsum, 21.
Co-operative labour, 116.       Hall, John, 33.
Crops, rotation of, 19.         Highest culture, 183.
Courtesy, 67.                   Home industry, 78.
Cox, S. H., 170.                Home reminiscences, 46.
Darby, Dh., 22.                 Hollingsworth, S., 26.
Davy, Sir H., 108.              Jackson, Andrew, 137.
Disinterested, 176.             Jackson, William, 134.
Deviation, 10.                  Indians, 75, 136.
Delaware, 37.                   Insane, treatment of, 175.
Division of Friends, 119, 132.  Kersey, Jesse, 68.
Doctrines, 130.                 Kirk, William, 7.
Disownments, 125.               Last journey, 139.
Divine Light, 88.               Last illness, 146, 158.
Dress, 65.                      Learning, 102, 106.
Education, 35, 86.              Letters, 11, 65, 112, 151.
Elders, 40.                     Lewis, Enoch, 170.




192                       INDEX.
Light within, 89, 111, 129.     Religion of the heart, 109.
Lindley, Jacob, 10.             Reform, spirit of, 48.
Litigation, 122.                Retrospection, 127.
Locke, John, 102.               Rush, Dr., 108.
Manners, 67.                    Separation, 119, 132.
Marriage, 18.                   Sheep, 78.
Martineau, H., 100.             Simpson, John, 25.
Merinoes, 78.                   Slavery, 51, 173.
Ministers, 40.                  Smith, Samuel, 41.
Ministry, 21, 82, 166.          Social structure, 116.
Miner, Charles, 141, 151.       Social gatherings, 144.
Mother's instruction, 181.      Soldiery, 77.
Mott, Rd., 42.                  Surviving parent, 156.
Motive, sufficiency of, 182.    Sympathy, 151.
Naylor, James, 71.              Talbot, Sarah, 43, 59.
New Jersey, 43.                 Temperance, 48.
New York, 143.                  Thorn hedges, 46.
Newlin, Sarah, 37, 40.          Trusts, 122.
Obedience, 91.                  Unity, lost, 121.
Obituary, 152.                  Vindication, 169.
Ohio, 54, 68.                   Virginia thorn, 46.
Owen, R., 112.                  Virginia, 26, 58, 59, 61.
Parentage, 6.                   Visitations, 10, 15.
Peace principles, 48, 73, 176.   Want, 8.
Perfection not assumed, 177.   War, 78.
Persecution, 74.                Warning, 70.
Peters, Judge, 19.              Weeding, 47.
Pioneers, 7.                    West-Town, 35.
Plainness, 65.                  Witchel, Mary, 54.
Post-Dog, 9.                    Woman's preaching, 24.
Price, Hannah, 13.              Woman's influence, 178.
Price, Isaac, 29.'Woolman, John, 52.
Profession, 66, 85.             Yarnall, Eli, 41.
"Quakerism," 170.               Yellow fever, 29.
Religious journeys, 26, 37, 43,  Young, R., 22.
54, 59.
THE  END.