O'

'Y^ILE-WMimEI^SlIinf' iLmaiH^isy •

ACQUIRED BY EXCHANGE

MEMOIRS AND LETTERS

OF

THOMAS KITE,

u I

A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN THE SOCIETY
OF FRIENDS.

PREPARED BY HIS FAMILY.

FRIENDS' BOOK STORE, No. 304 ARCH STREET,
PHILADELPHIA. 1883.

WM. H. PILE, PRINTER,
No. 422 Walnut Street.

MP

INTRODUCTION.

When those who have, through the varied trials and tempta
tions of time, been driven nearer and nearer to the fountain of
purity and love; whose course, as it draws towards its close,
shines more and more unto the perfect day, are called home to
the mansions of everlasting blessedness whilst in the midst of
the fulness of their usefulness on earth, the church feels the loss,
and amidst the sorrow that oppresses, it oftentimes becomes the
duty of the bereaved, for the benefit of survivors, to preserve
some memorial of the humble, obedient walking of the departed,
and of the faithfulness of the Lord, whose all -sustain ing presence
has been with them to the end.
AVe would gather up such fragments as remain, to testify of
the inward exercises and outward trials, the fervent labors and
faithful dedication of our dear departed parent and brother,
Thomas Kite. Remembering him in the varied relations of life
which he so conscientiously filled : — the sustaining husband, the
carefully concerned father, the helping brother, the sympathiz
ing friend, the faithful minister, we feel the poignancy of in
dividual bereavement, and the depth of the church's loss.
In the oft renewed sorrow of our hearts we could lament and
weep, but that we know that the Judge of all the earth does
everything in faithfulness and truth, and that all is well with
him, whom He hath gathered from amongst us. We see him
not, but from the habitation prepared for him in his Heavenly
Father's house, he calleth us, by the remembrance of his holy,
humble walking amongst men, by the recollection of his earnest
travail of spirit for our everlasting welfare, to follow him in the

IV INTRODUCTION.
lowly path he trod, to blessedness and peace. If we are faith
ful, his God will be our God for ever and ever ; He will be our
Guide even unto death. We remember how we have heard him
testify in Gospel authority, to the holy, consoling truth, that
the dedicated followers of the Lamb have the privilege of com
ing, in sweet unity of feeling, even whilst on earth, "Unto
Mount Zion, unto the city of the Living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the
general assembly and church of the first-born which are written
in heaven, * * * and to Jesus the Mediator of the hew
covenant." Can we not in earnest travail of spirit seek more
and more to attain this blessed unity?
With hearts tenderly touched at the. remembrance of the dear
departed one — with hearts elevated with thankfulness to the
God who redeemed him from the corruptions of this world, let
us turn to the records of his life. Therein we shall find the
follies of youth and its sins manifested, and the mercy of God in
Christ Jesus which pardoned them all ; the imperfect obedience
of riper years set forth, repented of and forgiven ; the faithful
dedication of heart, and the peaceful and happy end permitted
by infinite Goodness as a crown to the tribulations of life.
These pages bear testimony to many earthly blessings and com
forts showered down around the way of the pilgrim, yet are they
a record of trials and baptisms, of a preparation, through sorrow
for unmingled joy.
These memoirs of my dear father were prepared by his family
soon after his death, and now, after a lapse of some years, it has
been a labor of love to revise them for the press. The revival
of the memories of his earnest, loving labors for his family has
been very precious. May the readers of this little volume be
comforted and strengthened by the perusal of these records of
his fervent Christian zeal for his dear Lord and Master, to press
heavenward with the same dedication of heart. William Kite.
German-town, Philadelphia, 1883.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.— 1785-1806.
Birth and parentage of Thomas Kite, 9. Accident in early life.
Placed apprentice to Benjamin Johnson to learn the printing busi
ness, 10. Lasting religious impressions in his seventeenth year, 10.
John Letchworth's first appearance in the ministry, 10. Diary com
menced in 1802, 12. Sermon from Martha Routh, 13. Diary. Yellow
fever in Philadelphia, 16. Letter to his uncle John Letchworth, 16.
Annie Mifflin and Mary Gilbert, 17. Diary, 18. Yearly Meeting.
Sermon by Nathan Hunt, 19. Letter from Mary Harper, 20. Ann
Alexander, 21. Diary, showing careful watching over himself, 20.
George Dilwyn, 23. Arthur Howell's sermon, 24. John Letch
worth removed to Chester County, Pennsylvania, 26. Thomas Kite
writes to him, 27. Ruth Richardson and David Bacon removed by
death, 28. T. K.'s letter to his young brother Joseph, 28. Attains
his majority, 32. CHAPTER H— 1806-1808.
Enters into partnership with Benjamin Johnson, 32. Letters to
his mother, 32. Describes a colored lad without arms, 34. Partner
ship with his father, Benjamin Kite, 36. Letter of advice from John
Letchworth, 36. T. K. in reply, 37. Pecuniary trials, 38. Makes
the acquaintance of Elizabeth Barnard, 39. Letter to her from Joshua
Maule, 39. Was married to her, 41.
CHAPTER IIL— 1808-1811.
Letter to his wife, 42. Marriage of Robert L. Pittfield and Eliza
beth Folwell. Samuel Smith and David Sands attended the meeting,
42. Elizabeth Kite takes her first born child, Susanna, to Evesham

VI CONTENTS.
for her health, 42. Believing himself called to the ministry, T. K.
first speaks in Frankford meeting, 43. Letter to his wife, 45. Mary
Morton at Preparative meeting, 46. Diary, 46-50. Illness of his
wife — birth of son William, 50. Death of Elizabeth Kite, 50. Isaac
Paxson, Emmor Kimber and Thomas Scattergood speak at the
funeral, 51. Thomas Kite's sketch of his wife, 51.
CHAPTER IV.— 1811-1814.
Entry in his diary on the loss of his wife, 56. Accompanies
Charles Osborne through Abington Quarterly Meeting, 56. Letter
to his parents, 57. Sorrow over his trials, 57. Letter to his aunt
Elizabeth Letchworth, 59. Susanna Horne has an appointed meet
ing in Philadelphia, 60. Death of Eli Yarnall. Letter to Edith
Sharpless from Micajah Collins, 61. Death of Joshua Maule, 63.
Letters to Edith Sharpless (afterwards Kite), 63. Yearly meeting,
64. Sudden death of Caleb Shreeve, 65. Proposed high school in
advance of Westtown, 66-70. Letter from Thomas Scattergood, 67.
Married to Edith Sharpless, 68. Letters from Stephen Pike, 68.
Jacob Lindley, 70. Letter to his wife, 71. Encouraging sermon
from John Cox, 71. Stephen Pike describes meetings at Burling
ton, 71. Henry Hull visits there, and Christopher Healy there and
at Mount Holly, 72. Account of Mary Roscoe, 73. Summoned before
a court martial, 75. Rebecca Kite born, 76. Sketch of John Hos-
kins, 76. His death, 78. Sickness and death of Thomas Scatter
good, 78. Thomas Kite's letter to Joshua Sharpless on Thomas
Scattergood's death, 79. Death of Mary Harper, 81.
CHAPTER V.— 1814-1815.
Letter to wife alluding to the launching of a frigate, 82. Stephen
Pike to T. K. on the prospect of peace, 83. John Letchworth to
T. K. sympathizing with him, 85. T. K. in reply, 85. Death of
Anne Mifflin and Sarah Matthews, 86. Samuel Bettle acknowledged
as a minister and visits Muncy, 86. Mary Roscoe's address at Bur
lington meeting, 86. Letters of sympathy with Cheney and Martha
Jefferis on the death of a young child, 88. Stephen Pike to T. K.
on Friends of Burlington meeting, 90.

CONTENTS. Vll
CHAPTER VL— 1816-1822.
Thomas Kite recommended as a minister, 92. John Letchworth
to him on that occasion, 92. His interest in his children's educa
tion, 93. Letter to Joshua Sharpless on the illness of Sarah Sharp
less, 94. Death of Rebecca Bacon, 96. Letter from T. K. to his
father-in-law, 96. Decease of Rebecca Jones, 97. Visit to New
England, on business, 97. Benjamin White, Stephen Grellett and
Mary Naftel sail for Liverpool, 100. Lydia H. Sigourney, 100.
Letter to T. K. from a young female, 101. T. K. to Martha Jefferis
alluding to dull business times, 103. Decease of T. Wilson, 104.
Letter to Joshua Sharpless mentioning some cases of malignant fever
in Philadelphia, 105. Illness of his son Thomas, 105. Samuel Bettle
and John Letchworth visit Ohio, 105. T. K. visits Muncy, etc., and
Centre Monthly Meeting, 108. Joseph Walton is his companion.
He visits some meetings in Abington and Shrewsbury and Rahway
Quarterly Meeting, but is much hindered by snow storms. Charles
Townsend accompanies him, 108. Letters from Hyale Ann Sammes
and John Phillips, 113. . Mildred Ratcliffe in Chester County, 113.
Lydia Phillips, 113. William Foster lands in New York, 114. Death
of George Dillwyn, 114. Decease of Mary Morris, wife of Israel
Morris, 116. Elizabeth Foulke dies in Burlington, 117. T. K. to
his father-in-law, expressing sympathy with him under increasing
infirmities of age, 117. Ann Yarnall's death, 119. T. K. holds two
meetings with the convicts in prison, 119. Letter to Edith Kite, 120.
Death of Nathan Yarnall, 122. Letter from Sarah Humphreys to
Thomas Kite, 122. Letters to Susanna Kite at Westtown as a scholar,
124-134. Letter to a young minister, 134. Death of Isaac Sharp
less, 135. Letter to T. K. from Lydia H. Sigourney, 136.
CHAPTER VII.— 1819-1824.
Separation of 1827, 137. Letters to daughter Susanna then at
Westtown, etc., 139. Marriage of Edith Sharpless to George Mar
tin, 142. Letter to Joshua Sharpless, 143. William Foster holding
public meetings in Philadelphia, 143. Letters to daughter Susanna,
145. Stephen Pike to T. K, 145. Letter from Thomas Kite to M.
B. U., 147. One to Phebe  , 148.

VJii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.— 1825-1828.
Letter from a young man in trouble to T. K., 150. T. K. in reply
comforting and encouraging him, 151. Stephen Pike to T. K., 154.
Letter to daughter Susanna, 156. Death of his father-in-law, Joshua
Sharpless, 156. Letters to his son William, who was teaching school
near Medford, N. J., 157. Daughter Rebecca sent to Westtown B. S.
as a pupil, 159. CHAPTER IX.— 1828-1834.
Letters to daughter Rebecca, 160. Elizabeth Robson's last meet
ing in Philadelphia, 161. Letter to Rebecca Kite describing a visit
to his brother Dr. John L. Kite, 162. Letters to Rebecca, 164.
Yearly Meeting of 1829. Thomas Shilletoe and an Indian preacher
at T. K.'s house, 165. Visit to Virginia Yearly Meeting, 165. Visit
to Cain and Western Quarterly Meetings, 165. Death of John D.
Godman, M.D., 166. Letter to his sister Mary, 166. Injury to his
son Joshua, who remained a cripple for life, 167. Thomas Kite, Jr.,
sent to Westtown as a pupil, 167. His father's letter to him on that
occasion, 168. T. K. attends New York Yearly Meeting, 168. He
attends the meetings of Concord Quarterly Meeting, 169. Letter to
his son Joshua telling of the death of Thomas Bettle, 170. Death of
Abigail Folwell, 170. Letters to Thomas Kite, Jr., 171. Visits the
families of Radnor Monthly Meeting, 171. Yearly meeting appoints
a committee of men and women Friends to visit the subordinate
meetings, their names, 172. Remarkable prayer by Thomas Kite,
172. Notes of visits paid by him while on that committee, 173.
Letter to his son Thomas, 176. Also to his son William, 177. Letter
to Thomas Kite, Jr., mentioning Edward Bettle's death, 178. Attends
Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 178. Letter to his wife then in New
England with Gulielma Widdifield, 179. Illness of Edith Jeff'eris.
180. A visit to meetings in New Jersey, 180. Letter to Susanna
describing the visit, 180. Letters to his children, 182. James R.
Greeves and Abigail Sharpless were married, 183. Letter from New-
Bedford to his wife, 183. Letter to Edith Jefferis, 184.

CONTENTS. IX
CHAPTER X.— 1835.
T. K. visits some meetings in New Jersey, 187. Letter to daugh
ter Rebecca, mentioning decease of Lydia S. Rogers, 187. Letter to
Martha JefFeris on her daughter Edith's first appearance in the
ministry, 188. T. K. attends New England Yearly Meeting, 190.
Death of his son Joshua, 191. J. W. of Hopkinton to Thomas Kite,
191. T. K.'s testimony concerning him, 192. Aaron Sharpless
and Susanna Kite married, 192. Letter to Rebecca Kite, 192. Two
letters to Susanna Sharpless, one describing Baltimore Yearly Meet
ing, 195. Letter to Edith Jefferis, encouraging her, 196. Letters
to daughter Susanna Sharpless, 198. An evening meeting established
for winter of 1835-36, in Arch Street Meeting House, 198.
CHAPTER XI.— 1836-37.
Letter to Martha Jefferis informing of Mary Yarnall's death,
201 . Death of Griffith Edwards, 203. Letter to daughter Rebecca,
204. Letter to E. S. F., 206. T. K. attends Ohio Yearly Meeting,
J. R. Greeves accompanying him, 206. Letters describing his visit,
206. T. K. on a committee of his monthly meeting to visit some of
its members, 208. Letter to daughter Susanna ; death of Othniel
Alsop, 209. Letter to E. S. F., 209. Death of Philip Price, 209.
Decease of Mary Elliott, 210. An evening during Yearly Meeting
week at Thomas Kite's house, 211. Anecdote of Thomas Shilletoe,
212. Marriage of James Kite and Lydia B. Rodman, 213. Letter
to E. S. F., 215. Letter to Aaron Sharpless, 216. Sarah Scull to
Thomas Kite, 216. Account of » visit to meetings of Cain and
Western Quarterly Meetings, 218. Letter to his wife giving an ac
count of the death of Abigail Greeves, 223.
CHAPTER NIL— 1838.
Letter to daughter Susanna, 225. Description of a visit to Muncy
on aQuarterly Meeting's committee, 227. Letter to daughter Rebecca,
then at Westtown as a teacher, 229. Letter toE. S. F., 230. Letters
to daughter Rebecca ; John Justice's last visit to the city, and his
death, 231. Illness and death of T. K.'s father, Benjamin Kite, 232.

X CONTENTS.
Marriage of William Kite and Mary F. Clement, 234. T. K. attends
the meetings of Concord Quarterly Meeting, 235. Letter to daughter
Susanna on the sickness of her child ; Thomas and Elizabeth Robson
described, 236. Letter to Martha Jefferis encouraging her daughter
Ann, 236. Note on his religious services, 236. Appointed clerk of
Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting, 237.
CHAPTER XIII.— 1839.
Death of Jonathan Evans, 237. Letter to Aaron Sharpless ; Daniel
Wheeler, 238. Letter to Rebecca Kite describing the funeral of
Jonathan Evans, at which Thomas Evans spoke, 238. Abigail
Nicholson's decease, 239. T. K. visits Woodbury to attend Salem
Quarterly Meeting ; Friends there, 239. Diary, 239. Several family
visits alluded to. Yearly Meeting; names of several Friends in
attendence, 243. Diary continued, 242. Letters of kind advice
and encouragement to daughter Rebecca, 244. Thomas Kite, Jr.,
removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, 246. Letter to Rebecca Kite, then at
We6ttown, 246. Letter of advice to his son Thomas, 247. John
Letchworth and Samuel B. Morris visit the monthly meetings of
Abington Quarterly Meeting, 247. Dr. John L. Kite removes to
Philadelphia ; his son Alban dies of scarlet fever ; Elizabeth Evans
spoke at the funeral, 248. Letter to Martha Jefferis. A visit from
Joseph Edgerton, 249. An encouraging letter to Susanna Sharp
less, 250. CHAPTER XIV.— 1839-1840.
Joseph John Gurney and his writings, 254. Thomas Kite ad
dresses him^by letter, 252. Letter to son Thomas giving kind advice
253. Visit from Jacob Green, 254. T. K. in a family gathering
addresses several member present, 255. Letter to Thomas Kite Jr.
relative to his settling in Cincinnati, 255. T. K. attends Concord
Quarterly Meeting, 256. Dr. Parish's death, 256. Sarah Kite, Dr.
J. L. Kite's daughter, deceased, 257. Christopher Healy and John
Wilbur meet at Thomas Kite's house ; an interesting account of their
visit, 258. During the Yearly Meeting many Friends gathered at
T. K.'s house, Benjamin Hoyle and Jacob Green ministered on these

CONTENTS. XI
occasions, 260. T. K. spoke in the Yearly Meeting on the care
needed in selecting proper books for reading, 261. Letter to son
Thomas. The Yearly Meeting described, 261. T. K. visits his son
at Cincinnati, 263. The journey described, 264. After his return,
a. letter to T. K., Jr., describing the journey home, 265. Death of
John North, in North Meeting-house, 267. Caution to his son
Thomas against the love of music, 267. Illness of T. K.'s mother,
Rebecca Kite ; her last letter, 270. Lydia Dean, visits the families
of the Southern district ; and Elizabeth Evans those of Haddonfield
and Chester, N. J., 272. T. K. visits Friends in Salem Quarterly
Meeting, 272. Death of his mother, 273. Letter to Joseph Edger
ton, 274.
CHAPTER XV.— 1841.
Thomas Kite, Jr., entering into business in Cincinnati, his father
sends him a letter of advice, 277. Letters to T. K., Jr., 278. Yearly
Meeting, 280. Letter to E. S. F., 280. One to Martha Jefferis ;
Joseph Snowden nominated as an Elder and Rebecca Collins as a
minister, 281. Edith Jefferis acknowledged as a minister, 282. T. K.
visits Baltimore Quarterly Meeting in company with James R.
Greeves, 282. Letter from a Friend to Thomas Kite after his return
from this visit, 285. T. K. to his son Thomas, 286. Letter to Nathan
Kite, 288. One to Martha Jefferis; Smith Upton's marriage with
Sarah B. Thompson, 289. Ebenezer Roberts in Philadelphia, 289.
Family gathering at Thomas Kite's, 290. T. K. to Nathan Kite in
Indiana witlj Samuel Bettle, 291. Indiana Yearly Meeting, 293.
Letter to Edith Jefferis, 293. One to daughter Susanna. John Cox at
Arch St. Meeting, 294. Hannah Warrington visits North Carolina
Yearly Meeting, 295. Letters to Rebecca Kite, Jr., 295. Thomas
Kite writes to Jeremiah Hacker, 297. William Evans to T. K.,
from North Carolina, 298.. Nathan Hunt, 299. D. and A. Clark,
301. Letters to daughter Rebecca, 301. Accidental death of Rachel
C. Bartram, 303. CHAPTER XVI.— 1842.
Illness of Robert Letchworth, 304i William Evans returns from

Xll CONTENTS.
North Carolina, .306. Letter to daughter Rebecca, 306. One to
daughter Susanna, mentioning Robert Letchworth's death, 307. Re
ligious opportunity in T. K.'s family, 308. Letter to son Thomas,
alluding to the pecuniary state of things, 309. Letter to daughter
Rebecca ; Elizabeth Pitfield and Sarah Hillman visit the families of
their own Meeting, 310. T. K.'s pecuniary troubles, 311.

CHAPTER XVIL— 1842.
Letter to daughter Rebecca ; Joseph Ely and Peter Thompson die
suddenly, 313. Death of an infant of William Kite, 313. Letters to
Rebecca Walton, afterward married to Joseph Kite, 314. Letters to
Rebecca Kite, Jr. ; funeral of Rachel Bullock, 315. Susanna Sharpless
to her father, encouraging him, 316. T. K. in reply, 316. Diary,
317. Visit to Nottingham Quarterly Meeting described, 318. T. K.
to his wife absent at Muncy on a committee of the Quarterly Meet
ing, 320. Their son Thomas long absent on business, 321. Visit to
Burlington Quarterly Meeting, 322. Thomas Kite, Jr.'s return, 324.
His father writes to him, 325. Letter to daughter Rebecca, 325.
Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting, in the Eighth month. Elizabeth
Evans and Hannah Gibbons ministers to them, and William Evans
and Thomas Kite follow, Mercy Ellis closing with prayer, 326.
Letter to daughter Rebecca ; Stephen Grellet ill, 327. Visit to Bucks
Quarterly Meeting, interesting account of it, 328. Letter to son
Thomas, 332. Letter to daughter Susanna describing a visit to Green
wich-, N. J., 334. CHAPTER XVIII.— 1842.
The Quarterly Meeting's committee visit Muncy; T. K.'s account
of it, 336. Letter to son Thomas, 339. Diary, 340. Funeral of Henry
Williams, a, lad who died at Westtown, 341. Death of William
Biddle's daughter Rebecca, 341. Letter to son William mentioning
death of AVilliam Biddle's son Samuel, 343.' Deaths of Mary Coates
and Catharine Sheppard, 344. Diary, 344. Visits Woodbury, 346.
Attends North Meeting, 347.

CONTENTS. Xlll
CHAPTER XIX.— 1843.
Diary. T. K. preaches on spiritual declension, 348. Elizabeth
C. Mason appeared in testimony, 349. T. K. speaks in Orange St.
Meeting from the text, " Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself,
O God of Israel, the Saviour," 350. Letter to his daughter Rebecca ;
remarks on D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation, 351. George
Fox the greatest of modern reformers, 351. Sympathizing letter
from T. K. to Joseph Edgerton, 352. Diary, 343. Letter to daughter
Rebecca ; William Evans' return from Ohio, 354. T. K. speaks from
the text, " Lord wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom again to
Israel?" 356. Letter from Mary Kite to Susanna Sharpless on the
illness of John Letchworth, 356. Diary, 357. Obtains a minute to
visit the meetings of Abington Quarterly Meeting, 357. Charles
Allen's death, 358. Letter to son Thomas, 359. Diary, 360. De
scription of the visit to Abington, 360. Funeral of a young son of
John M. Whitall's, 364. T. K. to daughter Rebecca, 364. Extreme
illness of Edith Jefferis, 366. Letter to his son Thomas, 367. Diary,
367. Funeral of David B. Griscom, 368. Letter to his sister Mary,
368. Diary, 368. Funeral of Samuel Rhoads of Darby, 369. Calls
on Rebecca Biddle and Elizabeth Baily, 370. Visit from Christopher
Healy and Ezra Comfort, 372. Letter to son Thomas on the death of
two of his friends by an accident at a fire in Cincinnati, 372. Diary,
374. Letter to daughter Susanna alluding to the troubles in the So
ciety of Friends, 375. T. K. to daughter Rebecca, 377. Diary ; decease
of his uncle John Letchworth, 378. Death of Edith Jefferis, and
her funeral, 379. Sarah Emlen/s testimony to Edith Jefferis' worth,
379. Yearly Meeting, 380,. Diary, 382. Visits Jane B. Haines
and Alfred Cope, 382. Letter from Joseph Edgerton to Thomas
Kite, 382. Attends the Quarterly Meetings of Salem and Concord,
384. Letters to son Thomas, 386. William Evans, Samuel Cope and
Thomas Kite attend New York Yearly Meeting, 387.
CHAPTER XX.— 1843.
Letter from Nathan Kite to T. K. while he was at New York, 391 ,
Changing Virginia Yearly Meeting into a half year meeting, and at
taching it to Baltimore, 391. T. K. to Rebecca Walton, 393. Diary,

XIV CONTENTS.
394. Letter to his daughter Rebecca ; Diary, 395. Funeral of Eliza
beth Williams ; Benjamin Hoyle of Ohio attends Arch St. Meeting
397. T. K. to daughter Rebecca, 397. Diary, 398. Funeral of
Elizabeth Edwards at Haddonfield, 399. T. K. to daughter Rebecca,
400. Sarah Hillman obtains a certificate to visit Ohio Yearly Meet
ing, 401. T. K. to his son Thomas, 401. Letter to his wife. Visits
Westtown, 402. Diary. Letter to daughter Rebecca,, 404. Letter
to son Thomas, 404. Diary, 405. T. K. to daughter Susanna, Isabel
Casson and Rachel Priestman, 406. Letter to Rebecca Kite, 407.
Diary. Clarkson Sheppard and Anne Garrett married, 407. Isabel
Casson and Rachel Priestman had a meeting appointed in Arch St.
Meeting-house for market people, etc., 408. Diary, 408.
CHAPTER XXL— 1843-1844.
Thomas Kite attends Indiana Yearly Meeting in company with
William Evans and Henry Cope, 409. James Taylor; Harrison
Alderson, 410. Yearly Meeting sittings described, 411. Letter to
daughter Susanna describing the country, 413. Letter to daughter
Rebecca, 414. Diary, 415. Visits Joseph Whitall at Woodbury,
416. Lloyd Balderston and Catharine Canby married, 416. Letters
to Rebecca Kite, 417. Diary, 417. Letter to son Thomas, 419.
Diary, 419. Letter to daughter Susanna, on the sickness of a little
daughter, 420. Diary, 421. Death of a young child of Benjamin
Albertson and also a daughter of Joseph Snowden, 421. T. K. to
daughter Rebecca, mentioning cases of scarlet fever, 422. Diarv*
423. Funeral of Samuel Spencer at Moorland, 424. T. K. addresses
his family on the texts, "Ye are the light of the World," and "I am
the light of the World," 426. Death of an infant of James Kite
and Lydia, 426. James R. Greeves accompanies Thomas Kite oq a
visit to Salem Quarterly Meeting, 427. Diary, 428. Hannah Gib
bons, Samuel Cope and Thomas Kite speak at evening meetin°- 429.
Funeral of Rest Cope, 430. John Pease, 430. Benjamin Hoyle to
Thomas Kite, 431. Yearly Meeting; Sarah Emlen set at liberty to
visit the churches of Great Britain and Ireland, 432. Sickness of
Susanna Sharpless, 432. Letter to daughter Rebecca about her
sister, 433. T. K. to son Thomas in allusion to his sister's illness
434. Funeral of Rebecca Haverstick, 435. Letter to Rebecca Kite

CONTENTS. XV
436. Increasing illness of daughter Susanna, 437. T. K. to his son
Thomas about his sister, 438. Letter to daughter Rebecca, 439. To
son Thomas alluding to visit in Philadelphia, 440. Letter of T. K.
to daughter Susanna, 441. T. K. when at Abington Quarterly Meet
ing alludes to Alice Knight's death, 443. Hannah Warrington
attends Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, 444. Letter from T. K. to
Ann Eliza Yarnall, 445. T. K. to. daughter Rebecca, alluding to
troubles in New England, 443. Letter from Sarah Emlen, 448.
Death of Sasanna Sharpless, 449. T. K. speaks at her grave, 451.
T. K. to his son telling of his sister's last few days, 454. Rebecca
Kite to her brother Thomas, 457. T. K. to his daughter Rebecca ;
William Evans and Joseph Elkinton about to start for Canada, 460.
Sarah Emlen to Thomas Kite, 461.
CHAPTER XXII.— 1844-1845.
T. K. attends Frankford Meeting also Meetings in Haddonfield
Quarterly Meeting, 464. T. K. to Rebecca Kite ; death of Mary
Wistar, 465. Evening meeting, T. K.'s ministry in, 465. Visit to
Cain Quarterly Meeting on the Yearly Meeting's committee on the
subject of education, 465. His gospel labors during that visit, 466.
Taken unwell while at Westtown, 467. But continued to manifest
his interest in the work throughout the visit, 467, 468, 469. Much
¦¦vorn when he reached home, but attended meetings for worship the
next day. T. K. calls on Deborah Welsh, 470. A biographical
sketch of D. W., 470. Increased sickness of T. K- ; Erysipelas sets
in, 473. Dr. Kite calls in Dr. C. Evans in consultation, 474. T.
K. converses with his sister Mary and other members of the family
on the seriousness of his illness, 474. Had some trifling affairs
attended to, 475. His disease, attacks one lung, 475. His physicians
inform him his end was approaching, 476. Declares his hope of
acceptance through Christ our Saviour but adds, it is all of mercy,
176. Sends for a few of his friends and bids them farewell, 477.
Sinks peacefully to rest, 479.

MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE.

CHAPTER I.— 1785-1806.
EARLY RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS— COMMENCED A DIARY —
YELLOW FEVER OF 1803 — LETTER TO HIS BROTHER
JOSEPH — DIARY — LETTER FROM A FRIEND.
Thomas Kite, the eldest son of Benjamin and Rebecca
Kite, was born in Frankford, Philadelphia, on the 16th of
the Seventh month, 1785. When he was about two years of
age a cup of strong lye being left upon a chair within his
reach, he seized it with childish eagerness, and swallowed a
copious draught. His mother, turning round, found him
with the cup in his hand, and perceived at a glance what he
had done. She felt that an agonizing death must speedily
follow if a remedy were not instantly applied. A moment
of suspense and her eye fell upon the oil can. With prompti
tude and decision, which ever marked her character, she
took the child in her arms, opened his mouth, and poured
down his throat a large draught of the oil. Entering into
combination Avith the lye in his stomach it changed its char
acter, and, in the judgment of the physician, saA'ed the life
of her first born. Nevertheless, the effect upon his constitu
tion was severe, and for many subsequent years, he was weak
and sickly; so much so, indeed, as" to interfere considerably

10 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1800.
with his attendance at school. But his parents taught him
early to read, for Which he imbibed a taste, and with little
regular education, he acquired a large fund of general knowl
edge. In 1792 his parents removed Avith their family to Phila
delphia, and as his health continued still unequal to the con
finement of school duties, he made long visits in the country
amongst his relatives. His strength gradually increased,
and in 1800 he was placed apprentice with Benjamin John
son to learn the printing business.
Respecting the early part of his life Thomas Kite thus
writes : " Though favored Avith religious parents, my early
years were marked with many follies ; yet the Lord followed
me with the convictions of his Holy Spirit, which Avere too
often slighted. In my fifteenth year, being placed apprentice,
I became exposed to the influence of bad example, and the
usual contaminating effects ' followed. I desire that some of
the transactions of those times may fill me with humiliation and
self-abhorrence, and that I may ever retain a sense of my un
speakable obligations to the Lord Almighty, who did not cut
me off in my transgressions, but favored me with a powerful
visitation in the seventeenth year of my age. In one of our
meetings a Friend [his uncle John Letchworth] offered a few
words in testimony, being the first time of his appearing in
that line. I could not distinguish one word he uttered, being
some distance from him in the youth's gallery, yet impres
sions of a serious character were then made, which never
afterwards entirely left me. : convictions for sin, desires for
deliverance from its guilt and power, and that I might ex
perience conversion to God.
After enduring for a season the dispensation of condem
nation, I believe I was favored with the gift of repentance,

1800.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 11
and enabled to enter into covenant with the Lord. I gave
up the society of associates who had been a snare to me; sat
alone and kept silence ; endeavored to keep a guard over
my words and actions ; kept close to religious meetings, seek
ing to have my mind stayed upon God ; and was sometimes
livingly favored of Him, both immediately and instrumentally.
For want of greater watchfulness, I too often missed my way,
but met with merciful chastisements, and being thereby hum
bled, I was again admitted to favor."
Being, through Divine mercy, thus thoroughly aroused
from the state of carnal security in which he had been living,
Thomas Kite endeavored to be faithful to the requirings of
his Heavenly Father. He became earnestly concerned to
attend religious meetings, and was conscientiously scrupulous
that his master should be no sufferer by it. Having a daily
task allotted, he was enabled by diligence, and working in
the evenings, to make up his full quota, though he not un
frequently attended other meetings than his own. He en
deavored to be circumspect. in life and conversation, yet he
had much to contend against in his natural inclinations and
dispositions, and was often brought into deep humiliation in
the retrospect of his daily walk before men. He now sought
to spend his leisure hours in the company of those who were
seeking the Avay to Zion. His uncle, John Letchworth, who
was then passing through baptisms consequent on a call to
the ministry, he delighted to visit. Mary Harper, a valuable
elder of Frankford Meeting, was also one with whom he
could enjoy sweet fellowship, and from whose counsel and
religious adA'ice he derived benefit. One of her communica
tions, under date of Eighth month 4th, 1802, contains this
passage : "I am informed thou art often conversant with
dear uncle John Letchworth, who, I hope, is in the road

12 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1802.
* * * to that glorious place Avhere there it neither sorrow
nor crying. I have often thought it would be well if the
youth more generally were to spend their leisure hours with
those advanced in age and religious experience."
After Avading along through many spiritual depths in the
summer and fall, without attaining that stability his soul
longed for, Thomas Kite concluded, in the Twelfth month,
as one means of improvement, to commence keeping a diary.
He thus explains at the opening his motives in the under
taking. Convinced of the necessity of watchfulness and circum
spection, I have resolved daily to pen down such events as
impress my mind, that, by a frequent review of them, under
the Divine blessing, I may endeavor to improve.
Twelfth month 12th. Too willing to listen to reports to
the disadvantage of my neighbors. " Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself."
13th. At meeting, Northern District, thought the meeting
Avas hurt by one or more injudicious appearances. Nothing
but what proceeds from God can gather to God. He maketh
his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire.
14th. Temper ruffled. Lord give me meekness ! Soul,
dost thou not endeavor to shut thy ears against the voice of
Christ when He opposes thy corrupt will ? Lord, destroy
the root of self in me ! A day of weakness.
15th. At meeting : desirous of being inwardly gathered,
yet too unwatchful.
16th. Preserve me, O Lord, from every taint of envy.
Evil thoughts. How desirable is a well regulated mind,
even that state in which every thought is brought into cap
tivity to Christ.

1803.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 13
1 7th. Heard of the appearance in the ministry of a youth
about as old as myself. Made a person angry. Preserve
me, O Lord, from putting a stumbling block in another's
way. 18th. Beware of detraction. At three meetings, in each
of which the goodness of the Lord Avas conspicuous. Awake,
my soul, to greater diligence, and make thy calling and
election sure.
20th. At North Meeting. Light and life mercifully
afforded. Exceeded in conversation. Guard thy tongue.
21st. At Pine Street Meeting. Oh for a more deep in
gathering. Thoughts wandering and unsettled.
22nd. None, however large their religious experience,
are safe when off the watch. Be thou careful, oh, my soul !
Oh, how noble the simplicity of truth ! Hoav consistent
throughout is the character of the htimble-minded Christian !
A few of the succeeding pages of his diary have been de
stroyed or lost. The next entry found is about the close of
the Third month, 1803.
At an evening meeting light and truth prevailed and the
gospel trumpet Avas powerfully blown. Lord, grant that I
may finally enter into that everlasting sheep-fold of rest,
which was testified of this evening by thy servants.
Fourth month. At a Aveek-day meeting. A SAveet cover
ing of solemnity. Martha Routh encouraged the young men,
and quoted the example of William DeAVsbury, a bright son
of the morning, who was a weaver's apprentice. Oh that I
might experience a little of that spirit Avhich gathered our
ancestors to the poAver of Truth ! Make my heart tender and
thankful, O Lord, for the renewings of thy tender mercies.

14 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1803.
Yearly Meeting. A remarkably weighty baptizing season,
on the state of Society.
Meeting for Avorship. The Gospel laborers engaged on
account of the youth in earnest travail of spirit.
Yearly Meeting closes, having been favored, during the
several sittings, to experience the fatherly regards of the
Holy Head of the Church. This short testimony was re
vived in the conclusion : " Jesus, having loved his own, loved
them unto the end."
Fifth month. Quarterly Meeting. The covering of
solemnizing love was felt. O Lord, convince my obdurate
heart. Meeting. Gospel calls to the youth. Awake, my
soul ! Something of the Divine presence felt, calming and
solemnizing the mind. A severe mortification. Oh ! Lord,
Avithdraw me from depending on the Avorld for consolation.
Sixth month. Having had thoughts for some time of at
tending Westfield Preparative Meeting, I accomplished it in
company with dear  . In the first meeting he was enabled
to speak of and open the prophet's visit to the potter's house ;
recommending our becoming as clay in the Great Potter's
hand, as well as mentioning the necessary operations of form
ing, drying, hardening, and passing through the furnace. In
the meeting for business he had likewise considerable per
tinent advice to communicate ; and a lively meeting it Avas
upon the Avhole. Several of the youth of that meeting seem
hopeful. Having lately perceived that many of my faults
seem to increase, and the old inhabitants of the land to get
the victory almost daily, I hope to endeavor, with Divine
assistance, to keep up the watch more circumspectly. O
Lord ! bring every secret thought into judgment. Purify
my soul, I pray thee, if consistent Avith thy holy will, amen !
Tried to learn silence.

1803.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 15
•
Seventh month 16th. My birth-day. I am eighteen
years old. Oh thou eternal Creator of the world, enable me,
a poor, weak worm, yet the workmanship of thy holy hands, to
solicit thee, with sincerity of heart, for a continuance of thy
manifold mercies. Pass by my backslidings, forgive my re-
voltings, cleanse, purge and purify me, in the laver of re
generation, through Jesus Christ, the Lamb immaculate, the
blessed Advocate for sinners. Oh God ! I beseech thee,
enable me implicitly to bow to thy holy direction ! Let me
feel the language of " Thy will be done," in the depths of
my soul. Let me be in thy hands as clay in the hands of
the potter. Preserve me from hypocrisy. Let me not take
up a rest short of the true rest, but enable me to press for
ward toward the mark, in humble hope of forgiveness through
the blood of a crucified Redeemer. And oh, my Almighty
Maker, if consistent with thy will, bring me into union and
communion Avith thee, and the Son of thy bosom, to Avhom,
with thee, belongs worship, adoration and praise. Hosanna
in the highest. Amen.
27th., O Lord, grant me to make war in righteousness
against my spiritual enemies.
Ninth month. By the admission of a new journeyman
into my master's house, I am exposed to much immoral con
versation', swearing, and taking the name of the Most High
in vain. From observing my many backslidings, even of
late, though favored to see my conduct in them inconsistent
with the Divine will, I am jealous and fearful lest I should
lose the little desire I have after spiritual good. Oh thou
unslumbering Shepherd of Israel, preserve me ! May I be
come one of thy flock, whom thou leadest about in the green
pastures of life ! May I go down to the washing pool oft, to,
be cleansed of the filth of the earth ! May I never fall into

16 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1803.
the snares of the devouring Avolf ! but by constantly endeavor
ing to follow thee, and be near thee, be admitted through the
only true door into the sheepfold of everlasting rest and
peace. Amen.
About the time the last memorandum was written, the
yellow fever appeared in Philadelphia, and although not at
tended with such mortality as in former years, it was suffi
ciently alarming to cause many of the citizens to seek a tem
porary refuge in the country. Benjamin Johnson having
closed his printing-office, gave his apprentices the privilege
of visiting among, their relations out of town. He sent
Thomas Kite into Bucks County on business, who, after ac
complishing it, being at liberty to go where he would, spent
some time with his grandfather Benjamin Walton, who Avas
then living in East Fallowfield, Chester County, Pennsyl
vania. Whilst he was at Reading, he addressed the following letter
to his uncle John Letchworth, then in the neighborhood of
Muncy, as companion to Annie Mifflin and Mary .Gilbert,
who were engaged in a religious visit to Friends in those parts.
Reading, Xinth month 23rd, 1803.
Beloved Uncle : — I am here on business for my master,
and supposing a letter may reach thee previous to thy return,
I can inform thee that thy family were Avell the day before
yesterday. Thy two apprentices, through fear of the fever,
had left the city, and John Fohvell has offered aunt part of
his country house, if she would esteem it proper to remove
from the city. The yellow fever continues, but not in such
an alarming manner as in some former years. Four or five
neAV cases occur daily, and sometimes more. Father's school
has been broken up, and my master's family have remoAred

1803.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 17
into the country. Before my departure from Philadelphia
our meetings were very small ; many Friends having re
moved into the country, especially such as lived near the
water. If this letter should reach thee seasonably, wilt thou please
to remember my love to thy dear fellow-travellers, Anne
Mifflin and Mary Gilbert.
Wishing thee Light and Life in thy toilsome journey, and
the reward of that peace which the world can neither give
nor 'take away, I subscribe myself thy affectionate nephew,
Thomas Kite.
During this visit, in Chester County he had an opportunity,
for a short time, of accompanying his old friend Peter An
drews, who was visiting the meetings there. Under date of
Ninth month 30th, his mother thus wrote to him.
Dear Thomas : — * * * We had a small meeting
this day, but to me it was a good one. We had the company
of Thomas Scattergood and William Savery, which added
strength to some, — at least to my mind. Dear Sarah
Harrison asked for and received a certificate to attend Balti
more Yearly Meeting. The loss of her company at this time
seems trying, the galleries are so stripped. I may say the
whole house,_for there is but here and there a solitary person
sitting." * *
Benjamin Kite added this posftcript : " As thy mother
refers to me for an account of thy uncle's letters, I shall
briefly inform thee, that he seemed nearly Avorn out riding
on horseback. He mended as he went on, and seems to be
preserved in faith and patience, and in measure experiences,
as he expresses it, the mountains to skip like rams, and the

18 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1804.
little hills like lambs. About the 22nd he left Muncy with
his companions on their Avay to Cerestown, &c. Anne sup
ports her travel like a good soldier, as we expected ; poor
Mary cannot endure so much ; therefore they ride but about
three miles an hour. In one of the letters thy uncle addresses
himself to each of his children particularly, giving them very
seasonable and pertinent advice, which I hope may not be lost.
Upon the whole I think the sickness rather increases, yet
but slowly. Mary Budd has been twice reported to be dead,
but was alive at noon. Whether she continues alive is doftbt-
ful. If she has gone, I trust it is in innocency.
The first entry made by Thomas Kite in his diary, after
his return from the country, is under date of
Twelfth month 23rd. Reminded two Friends of the neces^
sity of silence. Teacher teach thyself.
30th. Of late I am much given to lightness. Beware of
vain jesting.
1804. First month 1st. At three meetings. The first
two painful, but Life and Light shone in the last. The youth
were invited and encouraged to take the yoke of Christ upon
them and learn of Him, the meek and lowly Jesus.
8th. Evening meeting. The gospel trumpet powerfully
blown by a dignified instrument. Attend the call !
10th. Beware' of equivocation : oh, the noble simplicity
of the truth.
19th. At meeting. .# female revived the promise " Thine
eye shall see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation." How desirable
is this solemn covering of quietude' and peaceful assurance
which we cannot command of ourselves ! How refreshing to
the weary, exercised, drooping mind !
20th. How corrupt is my heart ! " Who shall deliver

1804.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 19
me from the body of this death ?" My soul, apply to Him
who was never foiled in battle !
24th. When the sense of Divine Life is low in my mind,
oh may I endeavor to keep low with it, like Mordecai, who
had been exalted and rode upon the king's horse ; yea, his
very enemy proclaimed " This is the man whom the king de
lighted to honor," yet after all this, he was willing to descend
and wait as before, at the. king's gate.
27th. At meeting. Sarah Talbot, a mother in our Israel,
opened a variety of states with clearness and precision ; ad
ministering reproof and invitations to the disobedient, as
well as encouragement to the honest-hearted.
Monthly Meeting. A searching season on the Queries.
Much close advice communicated and the youth invited and
encouraged to come forward in faithfulness.
Fourth month. Yearly Meeting. Second-day : the read
ing of the Queries occasioned some lively remarks from
exercised minds, tending to stir up to greater diligence and
faithfulness in what many deem little things, but which
were shown materially to affect the cause and testimony of
Truth ; particularly tale-bearing, and reading pernicious
publications. Third-day. This morning some precious remarks Avere
addressed to the youth. Nathan Hunt, in a short, powerful
testimony, opened the passage of scripture respecting the
league of Solomon and Hiram, and the cutting of timber in
the mountains for the building of the temple at Jerusalem.
The reading of two memorials appeared to increase the
solemnity of the meeting. One of them was concerning a
youth of eighteen. May the example of those young persons
who have given their names to serve the God of Israel stir-

20 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1804.
us up, Avho are too negligent, to greater diligence in making
our calling and election sure.
Fifth-day. Meeting for worship. James Simpson ad
dressed the youth. His heart seemed drawn forth in affec
tionate desire, and his soul appeared earnestly to implore
that they might indeed become the children of God. He
entreated those who had been brought out of Egypt, and had
traversed the wilderness, not to encamp on this side Jordan,
but to pass over, sword in hand, to subdue their enemies and
possess the good land which flows with milk and honey, and
yields abundantly corn, wine and oil.
Sixth-day. The business of the Yearly Meeting this day
concluded, having been favored during its several sittings,
and more especially in the last, to experience the gracious
condescension of the Great Head of the Church, enabling
the members present to transact the Aveighty affairs of Society
in harmony and love of each other.
Having written to his esteemed friend Mary Harper com
plaining of the malady of sin which still clave to him, he
received a reply, from which the following is extracted.
Through favor I have nearly recovered. Although pretty
well, as to bodily health, yet not Avholly free from the malady
thou mentions. It is for want of a right application to the
Great Physician we remain sickly. I have often thought of
thee since. I last saw thee; and notwithstanding there are
many snares to entangle the feet of the youth, I trust thou
wilt be preserved whilst thou keeps "up the watch. Remem
ber, the Christian life is a continual warfare. * *
Mary Harper.

1805.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 21
Diary continued. 1805. First month 5th. I have lately
been betrayed into something very much resembling slander.
May the disagreeable feelings which this has occasioned, be
a caution to me, never to speak ill of the absent.
7th. Favored in our afternoon meeting with the accepta
ble company of several ministering Friends, strangers to me.
Dear Benjamin White, who was also there, stood up with
these words : " There has something been gathering round
my mind, which causes me to say, Blessed is God ; blessed in
himself, and in his Son, Christ Jesus our Lord ; blessed with
out us ; complete without us." Proceeding in Gospel au
thority in a short testimony, he extended an invitation to the
youth, beseeching them to close in with those heart-tendering
visitations Avith which, in the present day, they are remarka
bly fa\-ored. Not only immediately in the secret of their
own minds, but by the ministry of those messengers whom,
the Lord hath qualified and is qualifying and sending forth
with the offers of salvation through Jesus Christ.
1805. Second month 24th*. At three meetings. In the
evening Ann Alexander had the Gospel to proclaim with
power and authority. A secret sense of my own unwilling
ness to submit to the restraining influence of the cross of
Christ, painfully affected my mind this day.
25th. I am abundantly convinced by repeated experience,
that there is something alive in my mind, which would, if
given way to, lead me into self-exaltation. Whilst this
principle is nourished, I believe I shall never be able so to
descend into nothingnesss and abasement of soul as accepta
bly to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Oh that
the axe of the Lord's poAver may be laid to the root of this
corrupt tree, that I may vigilantly watch against self in all
its various transformations, and humbly wait to receive

22 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1805.
strength from the eternal Fountain of strength to overcome
all the enemies of my soul's peace ; those of my own house
hold, the evil propensities of my own mind, the old inhab
itants of the land. Though they may disguise themselves
and feign to be something else, may I be preserved from
entering into a league or confederacy with them. Oh that
my soul may persevere under the Captain of Salvation to
wage war in righteousness against these spiritual enemies,
until they are subdued, and my heart can feelingly adopt
the language " In that day shall this song be sung in the
land of Judah ; we have a strong city, salvation hath God
appointed for walls and bulwarks."
. Third month 9th. The morning meeting unusually favored,
and several testimonies borne in the authority of Truth.
After- meeting I was deficient in neglecting a gentle, secret
.intimation, which is now a cause of grief to my mind. May
I become more increasingly willing to submit every thing to
the requirings of the Holy One, and be contented, if it be his
will, to be considered a fool. ' This life is, and must be, a
state of probation ; trials must be encountered, the cross
must be borne, or Ave shall never be permitted to participate
in those eternal glories with which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, will crown those who have passed through many
tribulations and have washed their garments in the blood of
the Lamb ?
18th. The day before yesterday I was again guilty of
neglecting to obey a gentle intimation, which has introduced
my mind into a state of darkness ; so that, though the morn
ing meeting, yesterday, was eminently favored with the de-
scendings of heavenly dew, I was poor and dry. The re
bellious dwell in a dry land ! Oh that my heart might be
aroused to greater watchfulness ; that I might gird up the

1805.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 23
loins of my mind, watch and be sober, that I may be favored
with the gift of deep repentance for all my rebellions and
backslidings, and that I may indeed be made clean ! And
oh, that in deep humility and prostration of soul, I may at all
times ascribe the praise of his own works to the Almighty
Helper of his people, nor presume to attribute any excellence
to myself, Avho am, indeed, unworthy of all the mercy and
all the truth Avhich He has shown to my soul. Forsake me
not, thou gracious One ! Follow me, O Lord, with the visi
tations of thy love ! And though I let go my hold on thee,
yet be pleased to pity me, a poor worm of the dust, and exer
cise thy righteous power for my deliverance from the thral
dom of sin. Oh preserve me, and if consistent with thy
blessed will, create me anew in thy Son Jesus Christ, that
my heart may be made pure ; a habitation for thy eternal
Spirit, to dwell in !
19th. At a favored meeting at the North House. Dear
George Dillwyn appeared in a short encouraging testimony
addressed to those who wished to be classed on the Lord's
side. May those who have enlisted under the banners of the
Great King, and received his bounty-money, never desert
the cause, nor presume to advance to battle, without first re
ceiving the word of command.
At dinner at my father's had the acceptable company of
three dear female laborers in the gospel vineyard. Their
conversation, and the love I Avas favored to feel, afforded
satisfaction to my mind. May I be preserved in humility,
and become increasingly united to the members, and the
Holy Head, of the church, by the cementing influence of that
love which is stronger than death.
21st. At our week-day meeting George Dillwyji appeared
instructively in testimony : the difference between an assenter

24 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1805.
to the doctrines of Christianity, and a believer in Christ being
set forth, together with the difference between the false rest
and that rest which is prepared for the children of God.
22nd. At uncle John's (Letchworth's) in the evening,
where was also dear Mary Gilbert. As we sat together in
the family, silence unexpectedly took place, and after some
time spent therein, they had each somewhat to communicate.
May those religious opportunities, with which our Society
are so remarkably favored, be cause of thankfulness to the
Author of all good, and the means of our furtherance in the
way of life and salvation.
24th. At morning meeting, several Friends favored in
testimony, and in the afternoon Arthur Howell in a short
arousing testimony, prophetically declared that a time is ap
proaching in which our foundations will be tried ; exhorting
us to build upon that stone which alone stands sure, and
which, whoever builds upon, shall never be confounded.
Fourth month 21st. Last week I attended the several
sittings of our Yearly Meeting, which was large, and at times
overshadowed by the wing of Ancient Goodness. In the
close of the last sitting the presence of the Blessed Master
being evidently felt, I trust thanksgivings and praises were
ascribed to his name, in the secret of many minds.
Fifth month 4th. Being renewedly sensible that Aveakness
is mine, and that many impurities still remain in my heart ;
and that without the aid of Omnipotence I cannot maintain
the spiritual warfare, I am at this time desirous that I may,
on all occasions, so descend into the valley of humiliation as
to receive strength from the Lord, and witness the arms of
my hands to be made strong by the hands of the mighty God
of Jacob. , May I indeed be concerned to bow beneath the
rod, and turn with all my heart unto Him who hath ap-

1805.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 25
pointed it. Oh that I may experience forgiveness for my
repeated sins of omission and commission ; that my soul may
put on Christ. Jesus, that I may be found in Him, and ex
perience his blessed Spirit to cleanse me from every defile
ment of flesh and spirit. The All-seeing One knows what
lodges within me, — the evil propensities of my fallen nature,
— all is open before Him. He knows the temptations that
surround — the cunning devices of the grand adversary. Oh
that He may reneAV to my soul the preserving efficacy of his
divine light and love. Oh that He would be pleased to keep
me, an unworthy and rebellious servant, from the evil that is
in the world : that under his direction and influence I may
be enabled to steer my weak bark through the tempestuous
ocean of life, and having the blessed Pilot on board, witness
a safe arrival at the haven of eternal felicity ; that city which
indeed hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God !
7th. Our Quarterly Meeting yesterday was eminently
favored with the Great Master's presence. In his poAver and
authority dear Ann Alexander Avas opened in the meeting
for worship. The pure stream of the gospel flowed livingly
through her, I believe, to the refreshment of many minds.
In the meeting for business, a Friend was several times
drawn forth in affectionate entreaties to the young men, en
couraging them to fiersevere in the way of well-doing. Oh
that the counsel of those deeply baptized messengers of Christ
may make lasting impressions on our minds. May we ever
retain in grateful remembrance the many benefits conferred
upon us by our Almighty Benefactor, who from time to time
is favoring us with the descendings of heavenly dew, that
nourishes and refreshes the plant of renown ; the seed of the
kingdom, which He himself hath implanted in our minds !
3

26 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1805.
May the praise and glory of his own work be forever ascribed
unto Him.
8th. This evening I violated the golden rule of " doing
unto others as I would they should do unto me," by relating
a circumstance injurious to the character of another, which
it would have been better to have buried in oblivion. Oh
that I may never again be guilty of this vice !
In the latter end of the Third month, 1805, John Letch
worth removed from the city of Philadelphia, and settled on
a farm in East Fallowfield, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Kite could not help feeling the loss he sustained by
being so far separated from his sympathizing friend and rela
tive. As the best substitute for personal intercourse he fre
quently wrote to his uncle, and many pleasant tokens of
friendly remembrance passed between them.
On the 30th of Fifth month, 1805, he wrote to his uncle.
Dear Uncle : — * * * At our Preparative Meeting
to-day, six or seven new cases were introduced, and all but
one sent forward. James Pemberton mentioned on the occa
sion the words of our Saviour, " The harvest truly is great, but
the laborers are few," adding " but this is likely to produce
a dismal crop !" So by this thou canst judge a little how it
fares with the rightly concerned among us, of which number,
on the male side of the house, thou knowest Ave have too few.
It is cause of wonder to me that persons who appear of exem
plary lives, and are diligent, or frequent, attenders of meetings
for worship, should almost wholly neglect those for discipline.
It certainly indicates that something is 'wanting on their
part. I believe that all those whose minds have been merci
fully quickened, have work to do, according to their different
capacities and measures. * *

1805.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 27
Immediately after Quarterly Meeting in the Eighth month,
Thomas Kite having a vacation alloAved him by his master,
accompanied his father on a visit to their relatives in Chester
County. During their absence from home they attended the
Quarterly Meeting held at London-grove, and that at Con
cord. Soon after their return the yellow fever again made
its appearance in Philadelphia, but it was of a less malignant
type than that of some former years, and its victims Avere
comparatively few ; still some of the cases were quickly
fatal, and much alarm, both in the city and county, prevailed
for a time.
Thomas Kite to his uncle John Letchworth.
Philadelphia, Tenth month 21st, 1805.
Dear Uncle : — Thy letter of yesterday, Avhich I received
to-day, Avas very acceptable. The city now wears a more
cheerful aspect; our friends have, many of them, returned,
and others are still returning. Although a few cases of
malignant fever occur almost daily, yet the general health of
the city is, I believe, pretty much as usual at this season.
On Seventh-day the tents (erected for the sick) were re
moved, and the encampment broken up. The hospital on
the Schuylkill continues open. The Board of Health has
concluded to grant bills of health as usual from this day
forward. Our meetings have been very small for some time past,
and they Avere rendered smaller by the circumstance of five
persons having the fever in the Avidow Kitt's house, at the
corner of Strawberry street and Market street. The widow
and her two" daughters are both dead. The son-in-law has
recovered, and the girl is recovering.
I suppose thou hast heard of the departure of Mary

28 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1805.
Harper as the companion of Anne Mifflin ? I suppose they
are now at Baltimore. We have heard of a number of
Friends going thither, so that probably their Yearly Meeting
has been large. John Hoskins and daughter, Nicholas Wain,
Richard Mott, Elizabeth Coggeshall, etc.
Ruth Richardson has been confined, I think, with gout or
cramp in her stomach, and David Bacon with dropsy. They
are both much better, which seems a pleasing circumstance ;
as we can ill afford to part with two of our good folks in such
low times as these. Loav times they have been, at least with
respect, to myself, for some time past. The future, were it
allowable to indulge such thoughts, might seem a gloomy
prospect on several accounts: the temptations youth are
liable to, — some, who ought, from their years and appearance,
to be patterns of circumspect walking, occasionally staying
away from meetings, either induced thereto by business or
political discussions, electioneering, the weight of business at
Monthly Meeting, the few upright, sound pillars to bear that
weight, the apparently increasing lightness instead of solidity
of my own mind, and my unwillingness, yea, obstinate refusal
to submit to that cross which crucifies us to the world and
the world to us ; all these, and many more, are copious sub
jects for mournful contemplation. Indeed, I think country
Friends ought to sympathize with the poor citizens in their
many trials, especially thou, who hast so lately made thy
escape from amongst us ; but trials, I suppose, thou meets
with, even in Fallowfield."
His brother Joseph, a little boy of ten years of age, being
on a visit to his relatives in Fallowfield, Thomas addressed
this letter to him.

1806.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 29
Philadelphia, Tenth month 21st, 1805.
Dear Brother : — I thought I might write thee a few
lines to convince thee I have not forgotten thee. I remem
ber thee, and desire that while absent from under thy parents'
notice, thou may behave Avith a watchful care and circum
spection, endeavoring to be modest, quiet and obliging, in
dustrious in doing what thy friends may have for thee to do,
and attentive to meetings Avhenever way is made for thee to
go. Don't thee remember the words of one of the divine
songs : What blest example, do I find
AVrit in the Word of Truth,
Of children that began to mind
Religion in their youth.
Young as thou art, dear brother, thou art not too young to
be sensible of thy duty, and that when thou doest well thou
feelest more composed and peaceful than when thou hast be
haved amiss. Love and cherish those calm feelings, and in
order to procure them, be good. Should thou wisely choose
the better part in childhood, and persevere as thou advances
in life, the consequence to thyself Avill be happy indeed, and
pleasing and comfortable to our dear parents, who have no
greater joy than to see their children good and virtuous.
Think on these things when thou goes to bed.
From thy loving brother.
Diary. Third month, 1806. Although my mind dur
ing several of the preceding months has been much in a state
of dryness, and to myself I seem to make but little progress
on my heavenly journey, yet have I cause to acknoAvledge
with grateful emotions the kindness of the Father of Mercies
in touching a deeply baptized minister Avith a sense of my

30 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1806.
condition, and leading him to administer thereto, not only in
his public communications, but in private conferences Avith
me alone. In these last he has pointed out the peculiar
trials which aAvait me, and informed me that his prayers had
been put up for my preservation. Ah, may I, by patiently
abiding under every dispensation meted out in unerring
wisdom, be preserved in an humble dependence on that Al
mighty Arm of power which alone can lift the mind above
the propensities of our fallen nature, and enable us to per
severe in the Christian life.
Having written to this Friend, he received the folloAving
answer : Wilmington, Third month 25th, 1806. „
Now my dear friend, Thomas Kite, I can inform thee
[that] before I recei\red thy very precious letter, — for so it
is' to me — I had been feeling and sympathizing for and with
thee. I well know thy poor mind is frequently tossed as
with a tempest, and not comforted. It will be so, I belieA-e,
for a season. I see clearly, to my comfort, thy tabernacle
will be surrounded by the guardian angel of thy Heavenly
Father's presence. Be comforted, and put on strength in
his blessed name. He will fight all thy battles for thee if
thou art but really resigned to his divine will.
Diary. Fourth month 1st. Great is the necessity of
silence and self-recollection. Oh, may I become increasingly
conversant therewith, and humbly endeavor in retiredness of
mind to distinguish the voice of the true Shepherd from every
presentation and imagination which proceeds from the mys
terious workings of the poAver of darkness. How poAverfully
does the principle of self-love still operate in my mind. How
often do I let it out after selfish gratifications. How little

1806.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 31
ability do I possess of truly loving, worshiping or praising
that awful Power, Avhose outstretched arm hath mercifully
drawn me out of many pollutions, and is willing still further
to redeem and purify my soul, were I enough resigned in all
things to his holy will. Oh, may I indeed press after this
state of patient acquiescence with the decrees of Eternal
Wisdom. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Yearly Meeting. During the course of this Aveek the
weighty concerns of Society were deliberated upon, and re
sulted in much harmony, and the coArering of solemnity was
reneAvedly felt to be spread over the minds of Friends, under
which several exercised brethren*delivered various concerns
relating to the subjects deeply interesting to the well-being
and health of the body. A travail and concern for the right
education of the youth peculiarly engaged the attention of
the meeting ; and the frequent collecting families for silent
retirement of mind, and reading the Scriptures, were pointed
out as means of preservation and improvement to the youth.
Fourth month 28th. Second-day morning. The Yearly
Meeting closed. It has been an interesting aud favored
season. The revised Discipline, which for two years has
been under care of a committee, being now finished by them,
was agreed to, and directed to be printed.
Fifth month 12th. Yesterday morning at our Market
Street Meeting, Nathan Yarnall bore a short testimony. He
appeared much affected, and I trust sympathy and unity Avere
felt for and with him therein. May he be preserved.
13th. Oh, that I were enabled wholly and unreservedly
to give up all ! Oh, this unsubjected will ! How it hinders
my access to the Fountain of Good.
On the 16th day of the Seventh month, this year, he be-

32 MEMOIR OF 'THOMAS KITE. [1806.
came of age. In writing in aftertime of his early life, he
says : " During my minority I tAvice had the privilege of
accompanying, for a short time, Friends Avho were travelling
in the work of the ministry, which afforded me some sea
sons of profit. From the time of the memorable visitation
until the close of my apprenticeship, I endeavored conscien
tiously to discharge my duty to my employer."

CHAPTER II.— 1806-1808.
THOMAS KITE JOINS IN PARTNERSHIP AVITH HIS FATHER —
MEETS WITH ELIZABETH BARNARD, AND IS MARRIED TO
HER. Benjamin Johnson Avas so Avell satisfied with the con
duct of his late apprentice, and so assured of his correct
moral principles and good business habits, that he offered
him a share in his business. This offer Thomas Kite accepted,
and remained in partnership during the latter part of the
year 1806. In the Eighth month of that year, having busi
ness to attend to in the State of DelaAvare and the eastern
shore of Maryland, he concluded to accompany his father to
Chester County, and there seek a means of conveyance to
enable him to accomplish his proposed journey. Whilst
absent he wrote to his mother and sister Abi.
Elkton, Md., Eighth month 7th, 1806.
Dear Mother and Sister : — We left Philadelphia on
Third-day morning last (Eighth month 5th). We reached

1806.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 33
grandfather's about 10 o'clock at night ; left aunt Sarah
there and proceeded on to uncle Nathan [Walton's], where
Ave arrived about 11, and got to bed about 12. Next morn
ing I Avent over to Abraham Romans, Avho kindly offered
me a horse to pursue my contemplated journey. [That clay]
father and I Avent to London-grove Monthly Meeting, he in
uncle Nathan's light Avagon, I Avith Abraham Romans.
Uncle John [LetchAVorth] opened a concern Avhich had
impressed his mind, under Avhich he believes it to be his
duty to attend the ensuing Yearly Meeting at Baltimore,
some meetings belonging to the Quarterly Meeting of Balti
more, the Monthly Meeting of York, and some meetings on
the Avay. A number of Friends expressed their unity Avith
his prospect, and a committee was appointed to prepare a
certificate. Fifth-day. This morning, after breakfast, I started from
uncle Nathan's. The country, on leaving his house, very soon
has a more level appearance, not many high hills to be seen
except the Octoraro, which at a few miles distance from the
road appeared to extend in a range not much differing from
a north and south direction. Dined at Nottingham, in a
public house, and proceeding, crossed the Maryland line.
The land from West FalloAvfield to within a few miles of
Elkton appeared poor, and poorly cultivated. Since dinner
there has been several appearances of gusts, and I Avas caught
in the rain. * * * About 6 o'clock I reached this town ,
Avhich is situated on Elk River, a stream navigable within
a mile, and emptying into the Bay of Chesapeake. It is the
capital of Cecil County, contains a jail and court-house, and
a number of respectable buildings. It was very sickly last
fall, but some marshes in the neighborhood having been
drained, it is not so much so this year. Whilst I Avrite the

34 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1806.
rain falls considerably, and it thunders. Some of the claps
have been very loud ; but a blessing attends, rain being very
desirable from the dryness of the ground.
Chester Town, Kent County, Maryland,
Eighth month 9th, Seventh-day.
On Fifth-day evening, in one of the streets of Elkton, I
saw a black lad, born without arms. Next morning, seeing
him again as he was sitting on a bench at the door of a house,
I entered into conversation with him, He can read and
write, and his master maintains him. I threW a trifle of
money on the ground for him ; he picked it up with his
toes, threw it up, caught it on the back of his foot, laid it on
the bench, took it up with his teeth, and twisting his body
into such a position as opened his pocket, let the money fall
into it. At my request, he with a stick wrote my name on
the ground. All this he performed with apparent ease and
great dexterity.
Yesterday, Sixth-day, I left Elkton, and crossing Elk
Creek, one of two streams, the confluence of Avhich forms
the Elk River, I passed the Maryland line into Delaware.
This morning I crossed one of the branches or feeders of the
proposed canal for uniting the Avaters- of the Delaware and
Chesapeake, and arrived at Glasgow, or Akinstown, a sickly
village. * * * From thence to MiddletOAvn ; thence to
Warwick, [in Maryland], a miserable looking village, and
proceeded to the " Head of Sassafras." This last-named vil
lage derived its name from several streams' uniting near it
and forming the head of Sassafras River, which is navigabl*
within a few miles of the place. I lodged there at a Friend's
house, and proceeded this morning to GeorgetoAvn Cross
Roads, a small village ; thence to Chester-toAvn, the capital of

1806.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 35
Kent County, where I noAV am. This place is situated on
Chester River, which is a navigable stream, wider, I believe
than the Schuylkill at Philadelphia. The town contains a
court-house, jail, market-house, several places of worship, and
near it is a large house built for a college, but not so occu
pied at present. St. George's Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware.
Eighth month 11th, Second-day. After writing the pre
ceding, just as I Avas going to bed, I was taken with a chill
and fever, and passed a very trying night. The thought of
being sick so far from home was afflicting. In the morning
I called on a physician, Avho prescribed medicine, advised me
to lay by till the feA^er left me, and then return immediately
to Pennsylvania, as the sickly season had commenced. I
rode accordingly slowly out of Chester-town into the country
about five miles, put up at a farm-house, and took the medi
cine. During its operation I felt very unwell, but in the
afternoon the fever abated considerably, and I rode on to the
head of Sassafras River, and lodged at the house of a kind
Friend, \vhere I was favored with a good night's rest. I have
ridden about 13 miles this morning, feel much better than
yesterday, and expect a few day's residence in Chester County
will render me strong and hearty as usual.
Thomas Kite returned home by way of Wilmington, and
attended Concord Quarterly Meeting before reaching Phila
delphia. Although in partnership with Benjamin Johnson, Thomas
Kite Avas not satisfied that it was his proper place. His
father was growing old, had become temporarily very hard
of hearing, and his school duties, for the right performance
of Avhich this had partly unfitted him, had become irksome

36 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1806.
to him. Benjamin thought the time for his release from
teaching was drawing near, and both he and his son believed
it would be right for them to enter into the book selling
and publishing business together. After much deliberation
thereon, they signed articles of co-partnership on the 2nd of
the Twelfth month of this year, although they did not engage
in business for several weeks thereafter.
Benjamin Kite having informed his brother John Letch-
Avorth of his prospect of entering into business with his son,
John felt, concerned to address a letter of caution to his
nephew, Avho he well knew would be the active business
member of the firm. East Fallowfield, Eleventh month 30th, 1806.
Dear Nephew : — * * * Thy father hints that he has
a prospect of entering into business with thee. This is a
subject not new, I believe, to him ; therefore I hope, indeed
I expect, it has been Avell weighed. The calling he is at
present in is not likely to yield much to lay by for those
days of feebleness, when the lighting on of a grasshopper may
seem a burden.
I Avas going to hint that thou hast served a regular appren
ticeship, and hast some experience in the store, hast a pretty
large acquaintance, and perhaps by this time large ideas of
doing business ; for youth is violent. Mournful instances of
this has your city produced. Thy father styles himself, and,
perhaps, justly, timid. Now I wish, if there be any portion
of rashness in thy composition, that his timiditv may act as
a just counterpoise, that so you may get along Avith reputation
and peace. My desire is that if he should, in the course of
your business, not be willing to go all lengths thou wouldst
Avish, thou shouldst not impute all to timidity, or his not
understanding the business. Remember he has Avisdom, age

1806.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 37
and experience on his side, Avhich ought to operate strongly
to temper thy zeal for doing much. Ah ! Thomas, do not be
a dasher, but let the grave counsel of thy father have its due
place, and then, as Franklin describes the New England
teams, two pulling down the hill and two up, lets the wagon
down in safety. That you may thus conduct, is the desire of
thy affectionate uncle, John Letchworth.
To this letter Thomas Kite thus replied :
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 11th, 1806.
Dear Uncle : — Thy letter, and the concern it expresses
for my welfare, Avere both agreeable, and I hope thou wilt
never omit communicating Avhat thou may apprehend will
prove beneficial to me. Youth, as thou observes, is rash, and
is moreover oftentimes exposed to temptations Avhich render
the advice and counsel of those who have trodden the slip
pery paths before us, useful to those who are just upon the
threshhold of manhood.
Independently of forming an establishment which may
afford myself a livelihood, can my attention be turned to a
more proper object than to relieve my beloved father from
that laborious and irksome employment so peculiarly unsuita
ble in the evening of life, and from which his mind feels
very much relieved ? As he is scarcely a day quite well,
teaching hangs as a burden upon him. To all this it may be
added that his family is increasingly expensive, and neces
sarily So, whilst his business is scarcely adequate to bear it.
These are in part my motives for entering upon that business
to Avhich thou alludes, in the prosecution of which I desire
Ave may do nothing whieh will bring reproach upon our pro
fession. I hope, in conformity to thy advice, to pay proper
attention to the cautions of my father, and not to undertake
anything of magnitude that has not his concurrence. * , *

38 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1806.
In the spring of 1807 Benjamin Kite gave up his school
and devoted himself to his neAV occupation. The firm had
not much capital ; the father put in a small sum, the saving
of thirty years of quiet, industrious attention to teaching, and
the son brought business habits, activity and enterprise.
With much constitutional timidity, Thomas Kite had in the
commencement of his business too earnest a desire to extend.
it. Some severe lessons which he soon received, Avere of
essential service to him. The most important one Avas this :
A person, married to a rich Avoman, Avhose property Avas,
however, secured from his creditors, persuaded Thomas, as a
mutual accommodation to them in their business, to exchange
promissory notes to a considerable amount. This placed in
the hands of each a capital, which was used to extend their
publishing operations and increase their stock. Objects,
Avhich prb'mised to inexperience advantages Avhich were
never realized. The man soon failed, and leaving the neAV
firm to pay his and their own notes, amounting to more than
all their capital, he quietly retired behind his Avife's secured
patrimony and lived in affluence, Avhilst those he had
wronged had to strain every nerve to collect sufficient to
meet the notes as they became due, and maintain their credit.
In the latter end of the Seventh month, 1807, Thomas
Kite visited New York, with many of the cities and towns of
New England, and established business connections Avith the
principal publishing houses there. On his return to Phila
delphia his father paid a visit to their relations and friends
in Western Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Thomas was fond of being in the company of those Avhom
he esteemed of religious experience, from whom he could
hope to derive instruction in righteousness. One of his
visiting places during the latter part of his apprenticeship

1806.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 39
and for some years after, was at the house of Emmor Kimber,
who was then esteemed, and doubtless was, a Araluable minis
ter of the gospel of Christ Jesus. In Emmor's family he
became acquainted with Elizabeth Barnard, a pious young
Avoman, Avho had been educated an Episcopalian, had joined
the Baptists, but being favored to see beyond the adminis
tration of outward rites, and convinced of the doctrines of
the Society of Friends, had been admitted into membership
amongst them.
To her his mind Avas draAvn in affectionate feeling, and be
lieving it Avas according to the will of his Heavenly Father,
he, with the consent and approbation of his earthly ]3arents,
made proposals of marriage to her, which were accepted.
She Avas a native of Wilmington, in the State of Delaware,
and appears to have derived spiritual benefit from the minis
try of Joshua Maule, from Avhom, after her removal to Phila
delphia in the spring of 1806, she received several letters.
One of them Ave insert. Wilmington, 3rd of Seventh month, 1806.
Dear Friend : — I received a few lines from thee in
forming of thy situation, which was very comfortable to me.
When I read them my mind was humbled and broken into
tenderness by the fresh manifestations of Divine Good,
which Ave have very unworthily, and yet largely partaken
of. May our minds be deeply humbled under a sense of it,
that we may be qualified to render grateful acknowledg
ments to Him, who has been thus mindful of us, and helped
us when we had no power to help ourselves. How, dear
Elizabeth, can we better express our gratitude than by yield
ing unreserved obedience to the Divine will, hoAvever it
may be in the cross, remembering it is not every one that
saith Lord! Lord! that shall enter into the kingdom of

40 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1808.
heaven, but he that doeth the will of the Father in heaven.
I have often thought of thee, since thou left us, with secret
satisfaction, and am solicitous that not only thou, but I, may
be qualified to adopt the language in humble resignation of
mind — " Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest."
Then I believe we shall not only experience the way made
plain before us, but we shall be strengthened to walk therein.
Though at first it may seem to be a strait and narroAV way,
yet it will be experienced to be a way of pleasantness and a
path of peace, by all those avIio become acquainted with it.
* * James Brobson buried his daughter Sally last week ;
a very affecting case. A floAver nipped in its bloom, respect
ing Avhom it may be said, " Iioav has beauty fallen !" It
seems to be an additional testimony that " all flesh is as grass,
and the goodliness of man as the flower of the field." Though
the grass withereth and the flower fadeth as soon as it is in
bloom, yet the Word of the Lord endureth forever. I do
not mean the Scriptures, they are not the Word. I mean
that quickening Word of Life, that more sure Word of
Prophecy unto Avhich we shall do well if we take heed, as
unto a light shining in a dark place. It is able to build us
up and give us an inheritance amongst all them that are
sanctified. That Ave may have this truth realized in our OAvn
experience, is the desire of thy friend, Joshua Maule.
The marriage of Thomas Kite and Elizabeth Barnard was
accomplished on the 30th day of the Third month, 1808, at
the meeting-house of Friends in Pine ' Street. David Sands,
Avho Avas then in Philadelphia on a religious visit, Avas at the
meeting, and dined with the wedding companv.
Thomas Kite, in a short account he left of his life, thus
speaks of this marriage connection.

1808.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 41
" On the 30th day of the Third month, 1808, 1 was married
to Elizabeth Barnard, a pious young woman, who, after hav
ing been brought up in the Episcopal A\ay of worship, had,
Avhen quite young, been induced to attend the meetings of
the Baptists, and to submit to the outward rite from which
they have their name. For a time she Avalked in communion
with them, but not experiencing that inward satisfaction she
longed for, she was at length convinced of the principles of
Truth as held by us, began to attend our meetings, and after
a time of serious attention to the gradual unfoldings of
Heavenly light, was joined in membership with us, about the
period when my acquaintance with her commenced. I believe
she continued faithful to her Divine Guide, and Ave Avere
measurably favored together Avith the incomes of heavenly
love."

CHAPTER IIL— 1808-1811.
CALL TO THE MINISTRY — DEATH OF ELIZABETH KITE —
HIS TESTIMONY CONCERNING HER.
Thomas Kite was now married, and in his new connection,
Avith unwonted cares he experienced an accession of unwonted
comforts. He was affectionate in his feelings, and was well
qualified by his natural disposition to promote domestic hap
piness, and to enjoy it. His conversational powers Avere good,
and he had a fund of interesting incidents in his memory,
ready to come forth in their proper place to enliven his dis
course. Above everything he appeared desirous that the
members of his household should be seeking the Lord for
4

42 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1809.
themselves, and endeavoring to grow up in good likeness
before Him. His letters manifest this concern, and also
pleasingly set forth the strength of his affectionate feelings.
Soon after the Yearly Meeting in 1808, Elizabeth Kite
visited her relatives and friends in her native place. While
she was absent her husband addressed the following note to
her. Philadelphia, Fifth month 6th, 1808.
My Dear : — Home has lost part of its charms since
thou left me, yet considering our loss, we are tolerably com
fortable. Robert L. Pittfield and Elizabeth Folwell accom
plished their marriage yesterday at our meeting, and were
addressed in the language of encouragement by Samuel
Smith and. David Sands, the latter of whom took leave of
Friends. Farewell, my love, to-morrow I hope to see thee.
A few cases of highly malignant bilious fever occurred in
Philadelphia in the latter end of the summer of 1809, and
occasioned some alarm to the inhabitants. At this time,
about the middle of the Eighth month, Elizabeth Kite and
her little charge retreated for a few weeks from the city to
the house of Stephen Morris at Evesham, New Jersey. Whilst
she was there her husband frequently wrote to her. In one
of his letters, dated Eighth month 26th, he says :
"As I mentioned yesterday, the city continues healthy,
indeed I question much whether a case has been known
within a week that looked like yellow fever. Home seems
to me very lonely, deprived as I am of the society of her
whom I love beyond all others ; but believing the country to
be useful to our dear child, I am willing to submit to the
deprivation for her sake. Beside, I trust, thy health will
be improved, which is another motive for resignation."

1810.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 43
Looking back to this period of his life and business, Thomas
Kite afterwards Avrote thus : " In the prosecution of my out
ward concerns I had many trials and temptations, yet I was
favored to keep the love of Truth so far predominant, as never
to neglect my religious meetings, and though at times much
discouraged, and after my marriage full of fears lest I should
not be able to support my family reputably, yet through the
Lord's unmerited goodness I Avas not only permitted to dis
charge my engagements with a good degree of punctuality,
but never knew the Avant of the necessaries and common com
forts of life ; so that I have abundant cause to acknoAvledge
to the truth of Christ's promise, Seek ye the kingdom of God,
and all these things we have need of, whilst in this state of
being, shall be added."
Thomas Kite Avas passing through many inward conflicts
to fit him for the work of the ministry, to which he was
sensible he was called, yet he made no note of his exercises
from Fifth month 13th, 1806, until the beginning of the
Fourth month, 1810, shortly after his first public appearance
as a minister. •
Diary. Fourth month. I have for several years believed,
if I kept my place, it would be required of me to bear testi
mony to the Good Hand that has delivered me out of Egyptian
darkness. This concern has latterly increased upon me, so
that I have sometimes thought a few words required of me
in religious opportunities, to which I have several times given
up iu private, but not in public until the 20th of the Third
month, when at Frankford I expressed a small matter that
had rested on my mind, in great fear. Oh may I be pre
served near the Divine Guide.
His friends had, some of them, been dipped into sympathy

44 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1810.
Avith him, in the prospect of his being called to this awful
Avork, and the day of his appearance at Frankford, his rela
tive and friend Mary Harper had exhorted him to faithful
ness to the requirings of duty in this line. He spoke on the
text in the Apocrypha, Ecclesiasticus ii. 10 : " Look at the
generations of old and see ; did ever any trust in the Lord
and was confounded ? or did any abide in his fear, and Avas
forsaken ? or whom did He ever despise, that called upon
Him ?"
Diary. Fourth month 4th. Attended Byberry Meeting ;
believed myself commissioned to sound an alarm to some,
Avho, I apprehended, had not many years to live, and Avho
Avere not yet prepared to receive the inscription of " Holiness
unto the Lord."
21st. Our Yearly Meeting concluded yesterday. During
the course of this meeting Friends have been preserved in a
good degree of quietude and harmony, and although the
power of Truth in the meetings of Discipline appeared not
to be so eminently manifested«as at some other times, it Avas,
upon the whole, a comfortable season.
Fifth month 13th. Oh that I may be preserved in hum
ble, patient waiting in the deeps, hor presume to offer strange
fire on the Lord's altar. Oh may I never step forth, unless
the Shepherd of Israel puts forth and goes before me. Under
an impressive sense of my insufficiency for the awful work,
may I be increasingly incited to abide in the Vine, to receive
the circulation of sap from the Root, which will indeed keep
the plant alive in my soul, and enable it to bear fruit to the
honor and praise of the everlasting Husbandman, who indeed
is worthy of the praise of his own Avork, noAV and forever,
amen.

1810.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 45
Sixth month 1 1th. Attended Haddonfield Monthly Meet
ing. Found peace in endeavoring to discharge my mind of
a concern for parents, near the close of a meeting for business.
Having taken his wife to Wilmington, he left her there to
spend a short time Avith her friends and relatives, and re
turning to Philadelphia, met with the adventure described
in the following letter. Phi adelphia, Sixth month 21st, 1810.
My Dear:— I sit down in the cool of the morning to
give thee an account of our progress yesterday. The morn
ing was fine and a breeze rendered the ride agreeable, so that
we came along pleasantly enough until we arrived at Chester
creek, where, the tide being low, the bank presented an
abrupt descent. As Ave Avere going down to the flat the
driver says one of the horses was frightened, stepped on one
side, and the horses and stage were turned over, the horses
into the creek, the stage at the edge of the Avater. We were
somewhat alarmed at our awkward situation. I crawled out
into the mud, and Rebecca Maule followed, but being assisted
did not get so muddy as I. We went up to the tavern and
changed our clothing, the tavern-keeper's wife lending me
some of her husband's clothes. I felt most concerned re
specting Rebecca, but she appears to have sustained no in
jury, and stood the Avhole ride very well. After we were
thoroughly dried, it appearing that the roof only of the stage
Avas damaged, we proceeded on our journey and reached home
about two o'clock.
To his Avife. Sixth month 22nd. Yesterday, Fifth-day,
Avas Preparative Meeting. James Sellers' request to become
a member of Society was introduced, and a committee ap-

46 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1810.
pointed. We had the company of Mary Morton, who was
exercised in supplication. * * * Farewell, my dear,
mayest thou be preserved in the way of duty, the path of
Divine appointment, whether rejoicing be thy portion or
affliction thy lot, and if thou art favored to feel ability to do
so, pray for thy poor husband, that he may be kept from the
snare of the devourer.
Sixth month 26th. We have another instance of the un
certainty of life, in the removal of Thomas Annesly. He
appeared in usual health on SeArenth-day evening and died
in the night. His remains were interred on First-day even
ing attended by a large concourse of Friends and others. I
have felt poor and low since thou left me, but I desire to be
contented with my allotment. In a little time all our trials
Avill be over. May we then be enabled so to improve the
time and opportunities afforded us as to lay up for ourselves
a good foundation, that when our earthly tabernacles fail Ave
may be received into everlasting habitations.
Diary. Seventh month 31st. During the present month
I have suffered loss from reading books not written by per
sons under the influence of Truth. Too much talking has
been indulged in, and something of slander. I have felt
convictions for the last. Something of a Avaspish temper,
an additional evidence that my will is not thoroughly sub
jected to the principle of life. Lord ! pardon my sins. In
writing a letter this day, I mentioned a text of Scripture,
and made observations of a religious nature. I am fearful
they were not seasoned with salt, as I felt afterwards bur
dened. Went to North Meeting. Some observations Avero
expressed on the necessity of faith in, God, and in the pro-

1810.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 47
priety of all his dispensations. I feel very feeble ; may I
be preserved watchful, patient and humble.
Eighth month 1st. Some small symptoms of anger in my
mind, not much apparent to others.
2nd. Spent this day without much cause of self-reproach.
5th. In the morning meeting the people were invited to
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day and forever. After
noon meeting proved a low season. I was deficient in patient
waiting. 8th. Having in a jocular Avay repeated a passage of Scrip
ture, felt sorry for it.
12th. Morning meeting : an exercise, attended on account.
of some of the younger class ; after disburdening my mind I
felt poor and weak. Afternoon meeting : dull, and a wan
dering mind much prevalent in me, against which I did not
war so earnestly as I ought to have done.
13th. Paid a visit of a sociable nature ; but not being
rightly timed, I had little satisfaction. In the evening a
pleasanter one.
14th. Was thoughtful about attending a country meeting,
but after a solid conference with a Friend on the subject, was
easy to omit it.
19th. At morning meeting ; an opening, but without
sufficient life to be uttered. That which dieth of itself shall
ye not eat.
2tfth. Last evening, wishing to give some advice to a
particular person, I enlarged somewhat in the way of preach
ing but without the requisite qualification : it has since been
burdensome to my mind.
30th. Returned last night from a visit to my child at
Wilmington, During my absence from home I engaged in

48 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1810.
political conversation with a friend, to the wounding of my
mind. Ninth month 2nd. Yesterday, by gratifying my inclina
tion, introduced my mind into weakness. Felt naked and
wounded in morning meeting, yet some desires for a thorough
purgation. In an opportunity of retirement with my family
after dinner, some serious thoughts were present, which I
dropped amongst them.
9th. Returned yesterday from a journey to New York,
during which, for want of more indwelling, my mind has
been too much outward and dissipated. Whilst I was at
New York our Friend Benjamin White arrived, returning
home from a religious visit to Friends in Great Britain. In
the same vessel with him came Susanna Horne, on a like
errand to this country. May she be instrumental to arouse
the careless, comfort the feeble-minded, and enabled to pro
claim liberty to the captive.
At morning meeting: some considerations with thoughts
of expression, but wishing to have the prospect weighed in
the balance, was easy in silence. Afternoon : fear I was not
earnest enough in spirit after retirement of mind.
10th. Spoke hastily on finding something in the line of
business had not been accomplished according to my wish.
Called to see a sick young man. Dropped a word of en
couragement, but have feared it had not sufficient savor.
Tried of late with poverty. May every dispensation prove
a means of my refinement.
16th. On looking back over the few past days I find cause
to deplore a want of greater Avatchfulness. In the morning-
meeting an impression concerning individuals, but as I was
making ready another stepped in before me. The matter

1810.] ' MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 49
continued after he sat down, but the meeting soon closing, I
did not unburden myself.
27th. Fear I have been rather too much engrossed for
several days past, with the world. A few evenings since at
a meeting of a society of a benevolent nature, too active in dis
cussing and promoting measures relative thereto. Yesterday
at Pine Street and to-day at our Monthly Meeting somewhat
favored in silence. In the evening, dear Susanna Horne had
a precious opportunity with us of the young classes of So
ciety, and those of similar ages, not in membership, who
attend our meetings. Invitation and caution were handed
forth, and a covering of solemity prevailed. May the Lord
alone be praised !
30th. At morning meeting : an impression of duty to
stand up, but many appearances being made, I was silent.
Hope the opportunity was not entirely unprofitable.
Tenth month 5th. Yesterday our adjourned Monthly
Meeting. First meeting my mind engaged in religious con
siderations, but fear they were not in the pure openings of
Truth, but rather the fruit of my own cogitations. In the
meeting for discipline I might have been easy Avith being
less active in words. Oh for a more deep indwelling under
that exercise of mind which is begotten by the Truth in all
our meetings of worship and discipline.
14th. May I be preserved patient and humble, nor pre
sume to burden the living by words without life. I fear that
self has had too great influence, although I was not suffi
ciently sensible of it. Oh that I may be enabled to abide
low, and experience all my sins, whether of omission or com
mission, whether proceeding from the activity of self, or the
transformations of the power of darkness, washed away in
the blood of the Lamb. The desire of my heart is, that every

50 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. ' [1810.
dispensation may, by the Lord's sanctifying power, be made
to work together for my real good, and furtherance in the
way of peace. May I be enabled to cast down imaginations
and every high thing, and simply wait upon the Lord Most
Holy in the nothingness of self in prostration of mind. Oh
Holy Being, forsake me not.
21st. On a review of the past week I am persuaded my
mind has been too much outward ; intent on worldly things,
and little or no qualification experienced to aspire after
heavenly treasures.
Towards the close of the Ninth month, Elizabeth Kite fell
down a flight of stairs, and although not at the time conscious
of receiving much injury, it proved, in the opinion of her
medical attendant, the cause of her death. Her second child,
William, was born on the 25th of the Tenth month, soon
after which event her health rapidly sunk. Her husband
thus describes her close in his Diary.
Eleventh month 16th. My dear wife is very ill. The
physicians give no hope of her recovery. She has been a
precious companion to me, and has been a spiritual worshiper.
I trust, through the mercy of her Almighty Saviour, if re
moved at this season, it will be to a mansion of rest. Oh
that I may be permitted so to experience the cleansing opera
tions of Divine love as to witness a qualification to join her,
when the appointed time comes, in celebrating the depth of
his love, Avho remains to be the Father of the fatherless, the
Judge of the widow, the refuge of the afflicted, and the salva
tion of his people.
19th. My dear companion was this morning removed to
her everlasting resting place. Oh may I be favored to get

1810.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 51
deep enough to discover Avhether it is not for my correction
that this afflictive dispensation has befallen me. May I kiss
the rod and turn to Him who has appointed it, saying '' The
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the
name of the Lord !"
20th. The body of my dear Avife was this day interred.
The evening after her departure, in testimony, Isaac Paxson
expressed his belief of her qualification for entering into the
heavenly kingdom, as also in the same opportunity, Emmor
Kimber. At the grave, Thomas Scattergood had to testify
his belief that she had stood in her allotment, and was safely
landed, " Where the Avicked cease from troubling and the
weary soul forever is at rest." In the evening, in a season
of silent, retirement in my family, with some sympathizing
Friends, my mind was mercifully made quiet and resigned.
Emmor Kimber addressed the throne of grace in supplication
for the company present, and thanksgivings for mercies past ;
and in particular that my mind had been favored with resigna
tion, as well as the minds of other near connections of the
beloved deceased. His prayer was that our language might
continue to be " It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth
Him good."
The following short testimony concerning his deceased
Avife was found among Thomas Kite's papers.
" Some particulars respecting my dear wife. — Elizabeth
Barnard was born the 12th of Second month, 1786, at Wil
mington. She Avas, when young, tinctured with that vanity
to which childhood and youth are incident, yet through the
merciful kindness of the Lord she Avas early visited with a
sense of his controversy against sin, and earnest desires were
begotten in her for deliverance from its bondage. In this state

52 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1810.
of mind she attended the religious meetings of the Baptists,
and having submitted to the initiatory rite practised by them,
became a member of their communion. She continued in
this way a few, years, and was considered a young woman of
exemplary conduct : but her mind soon became uneasy with
some outward observances practised by that people, feeling
them to be lifeless and formal, and being earnestly desirous
of an establishment in a state of greater purity, she was
mercifully favored with a more full discovery of the means
of salvation, the grace of our Blessed Redeemer, and humbly
submitting to its inward operations, she experienced a gradual
growth in Christian stability.
She removed to this city in the early part of 1 806, and
became one of the family of Emmor Kimber ; soon after
Avhich, from a prospect of religious duty, and a thorough.
convincement of the inward principle professed by Friends,
and the testimonies flowing from it, she requested the. care,
and became a member of the Southern District Monthly
Meeting. In the spring of 1808 she was united to me in marriage.
She Avas a truly valuable wife, fulfilling her domestic duties
Avith assiduous attention, and tenderly sympathizing with me
binder trials and discouragements. Not long after our mar
riage she passed through a close exercise of mind for several
months under a suspension of that sensible enjoyment of
Divine good she had before experienced. This led her into
close searching of heart, Avith earnest desires that in a married
state she might be favored to serve her great Master as ac
ceptably as she had done whilst single. Although she was
particularly cautious of expressing much concerning her re
ligious experience, I have reason to believe that He Avho
knew the sincerity of her heart, Avas again pleased to restore

18 10. J MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 53
to her ' the joys of his salvation,' Avhich produced a peaceful
serenity of mind, Avhich she was mostly favored with after
wards, during the short residue of her life.
During the year immediately preceding her decease, she
several times expressed a belief that her continuance in this
ljfe would not be long. About five Aveeks before her last
confinement, she had a fall, Avhich, although no very serious
apparent effects immediately folloAved, was supposed to have
occasioned an inward injury. Soon after the birth of her
second child she became very ill. She called me to her bed
side and affectionately addressed me, appearing desirous that
she might be favored Avith an evidence how her illness Avould
terminate. I think it was the next day that she again spoke
to me, informing me that she now believed that her departure
was near, and endeavored in the most tender manner to pre
pare my mind to be resigned to the event. After this she
was for several days mostly delirious, but there is cause to
think that for a feAV days before her close she had the pos
session of her understanding, although unable to speak in
telligibly. She was preserved throughout her illness in a
remarkable degree of patience, and though her suffering
must have been great, she uttered no complaint. Having
lain in stillness for several days, on the 19th of Eleventh
month, 181 0, without moving hand or foot she gently breathed
her last, and her spirit departed, I dare not doubt, to its pre
pared mansion of rest.
My dear wife Avas a Avomari of rather a hidden character,
more in substance than in show ; exceedingly devoted in
heart to what she believed to be her religious duty, and
cautious in examining the evidence thereof. My wish for
myself and my dear children is, that Ave may be willing to
submit to the operation of that Holy Power which was her

54 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1810.
preservation, and be enabled to walk, as she did, in humble
circumspection before the Lord, that so we may experience
Him to be our guide and refuge through the probations of
time, our hope in the hour of death, and our crown and
diadem in everlasting inheritance. Thomas Kite."
Various letters of condolence and sympathy were received
from the friends of the family on the occasion of the decease
of Elizabeth. John Letchworth says in one from him : " I
.think I feel for Thomas ; he is young to be left in a state of
widowhood, and it is pleasing to find that he felt a degree of
resignation to the stroke. As we believe these things do not
happen by chance, it may put him upon examining in the
secret of his own heart ' For what good end is it, that just as
I have begun to be comfortably fixed, av th the prospect of
a rising offspring, who probably might be the support of my
declining years, that I am thus stripped of her in whom I
could confide, who was my comfort in trouble, and the par
taker of my joy, my adviser in difficulty, my anchor when
running too fast ?' I believe Young's idea was correct when
he wrote — ' When heaven Avould kindly set us free,
And earth's enchantments end,
It takes the most effectual means,
And robs us of a friend.' "
John Heald, a beloved minister, residing at Fairfield,
Columbiana County, Ohio, thus wrote on the subject to
Benjamin Kite.
" What thou mentioned with regard to thy son Thomas
being left in a solitary way, I notice Avith attention, and, I
trust, with a measure of affectionate sympathy ; but I do not
know that I can send anything that can help to bear up a

1811.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 55
drooping mind, or dry the tears of grief. He is, no doubt,
deeply tried. He does not know for Avhat purpose ; that lies
hid. I shall only observe that I have heard, he has, for some
time, made a public appearance. I may here observe that ¦
among the many who set out well in this way, few hold out
to the end. Some soon turn aside ; some flourish for awhile
and then forsake the cause ; some at different points fall
from a favored state, Avhere unnumbered blessings Avere in
possession, or near at hand, into an impoverished, lamentable
condition : the most abject, and pitiable. I have often viewed
these things and applied them to myself. How dangerous
my lot, how unsafe I am. It appears to me that more of
these, according to their number, than of any other class, the
adversary has drawn down and degraded. I could, but shall
add no more respecting this, and only say that in early life
some small sufferings compared to those of Thomas, which I
endured, I have found brought to my mind, at different
times, to the present day, to my own profit and that of others.
We knoAv not, when Ave pass through adverse trials, the use
I hey may be to ourselves or others."

CHAPTER IV.— 1811-1814.
LETTERS — ELI YARNALL's DEATH — MARRIAGE TO EDITH
SHARPLESS — THOMAS SCATTERGOOD's DEATH.
Although Thomas Kite was favored to feel a good meas
ure of resignation at the time when his beloved wife was
taken from him, yet he soon after experienced great depres
sion of mind. His faith and confidence in the Lord's merci-

56 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1811.
ful regard to him, seemed to fail, and for a considerable time
he did not appear in the ministry. About the time that the
clouds Avere, in mercy, somewhat dispelled from about, his
faith, he made the following entry in his Diary :
Fourth month 21st, 1811. Since the afflictive dispensation
last recorded, my poor mind has been tossed with a variety
of temptations and trials ; feeling little of what I have here
tofore regarded as Divine good. Yet at times, through all,
my desires have been that the Lord will cause all these things
to work together for my good. Oh ! that my soul may be
increasingly established in his everlasting patience, meekly
receiving the cup given me to drink, considering the Captain
of salvation, and what He endured, lest I be weary and faint
in my mind. Oh ! enable me, thou gracious Benefactor, to
resign myself to thy disposal with an undivided heart, dedi
cating all my faculties, attainments and possessions, unto thee,
from whom they all proceeded — thou Avho remainest to be
God over all,, blessed forever and forever, — worthy of all
praise, adoration and worship from the soul which thou hast
made. After this Yearly Meeting Charles Osbourne visited the
subordinate meetings of this Yearly Meeting, and in the
Fifth month Thomas Kite accompanied him through tjie
meetings constituting Abington Quarterly Meeting. This
short excursion appears to have been of singular service to
the drooping mind of the young widoAver, and a reneAval of
faith was graciously vouchsafed him from above, and a fresh
ability received to run Avith patience the race which had been
evidently set before him. Whilst on this visit, he thus Avrote
to his parents :

1811.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 57
Horsham, Fifth month 21st, 1811.
Dear Parents : — On Second-day we were at Abington
Meeting, where Charles had the Gospel to proclaim largely
and livingly to a numerous, solid audience. George Wil
liams went with us in the afternoon as a pilot to Byberry, to
Hannah Yarnall's. The meeting there yesterday was the
largest ever knoAvn in the neAV house, as I was informed.
Charles was furnished in an extraordinary manner with mat
ter and utterance, addressing the members of religious society,
whether our own or others, separately ; and those who made
no profession of religion also, together Avith a variety of
states and conditions. A solid weight covered the meeting,
and in my judgment, it Avas a truly favored opportunity.
Stephen Comfort and Hannah Yarnall came with us here, to
the widow Spencer's, where we now are waiting to attend
Horsham Meeting to-day. I see nothing about home yet,
but expect, Avhen Benjamin Johnson comes, to return. I feel
much bound to dear Charles, and can a little, I trust, sympa
thize with him.
In relation to the state of his mind after the death of his
Avife, and the animating effects produced on him by the visit
Avith Chas. Osborn, he wrote thus in after life :
" After I had appeared a few times in the meeting I
belonged to, a dispensation of great affliction was permitted
to overtake me. The death of my beloved companion was
one cause of my great sorrow, but not the only one ; great
tossings were experienced, being left with two small children,
the youngest but a few weeks old. Under these trials my
mouth was shut in our meetings for worship for many months,
and I seemed very near losing my hold on heavenly good ;
but a friend in the ministry, from a distance, taking me for a
5

58 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1811.
short time as his companion, hope revived, and at length
strength was received once more to advocate that cause Avhich
was, and is, precious to me ; and having obtained mercy, I
continue to this day in the exercise of the gift, which, I be
lieve, has been dispensed to me."
Humbly attentive to his religious duties, and industriously
active in his outward business, Thomas Kite, although still
at times cast down, and often baptized into spiritual deaths,
found the summer wear quickly and tranquilly away. In
the autumn he thus wrote to his aunt, Elizabeth Letch worth :
Philadelphia, Ninth month 11th, 1811.
Dear Aunt : — Having finished my daily task, it occurred
to me to write to thee. True, I hardly know what to write
about, for very seldom do I write anything beyond an entry
in the day-book or a letter on business. Yet, I trust, I am
not so entirely engrossed with the cares of this life as to make
me unthoughtful of my friends. They are often recollected
by me with sentiments of affection, and I feel a lively interest
in their prosperity. Sometimes, in particular, I picture to
myself your evening family circle : Uncle John reposing his
weary limbs in his comfortable arm-chair, and disposing
himself either to cheerful conversation, or silent meditation ;
whilst thou, equally comfortable in the opposite corner, sits
mending stockings, reeling yarn, or paring apples for to
morrow's pies. The other branches of the family, either
busily engaged in acts of good housewifery, or resting
from the toilsome occupations of the day. Cousin Mary*
and her little charge form part of the picture ; Susan catch
ing instruction from her cousin's lips, or addressing her in
* T. K.'s daughter, not quite three years old, boarded at J. L.'s,
and was under the particular charge of his daughter Mary.

1811.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 59
the inquisitive language of childish simplicity. But I had
perhaps better stop my painting, and tell thee some matters
of fact ; let thee know what has been said and done in this
great city, the centre of neAvs, trade, and bankruptcy — the
grand emporium of almost all things good, bad and indifferent.
In the first place, then, trade is dull, and dull it is likely to
be. Many people apprehend a war with England ; in Avhich
case our foreign commerce, already languishing, will receive
a fatal blow. The British have sent out a considerable naval
force, which is said to have arrived on this side of the Atlantic.
What object in particular they have in view is yet the sub
ject of conjecture only. A number of failures have taken
place Avithin a week, amongst whom may be mentioned  .
The JeAvish priest, Cohen, died a few days ago, and Wm.
Poyntell this morning. Authentic intelligence of the death
of John Simpson has reached us, but I have not yet heard
particulars. Samuel Smith (currier) was married last Fifth-
day, at Darby, to Hetty Stokes, a daughter of Nathaniel
Newlin. Joshua and Mary Hoopes have removed to town,
and live in Carter's Alley. Edward Parker and Mercy
Widdifield passed at last Monthly Meeting, Northern Dis
trict. Charles Allen and Rebecca Jackson, and Wm. Evans
and Deborah Musgrave are expected to pass soon. * * *
Wm. Bowen's wife is deceased, and he is about breaking up
housekeeping, and intends going into the country to board.
We have been looking at a comet, visible early in the even
ing to the north-west, near the horizon, of considerable
magnitude, and are on the lookout for an eclipse of the sun
described in the almanac to take place on the 17th inst.
Joseph Walton has not yet returned, owing to the sickness
of his companion, Avhich detained them at Cincinnati.
In looking a little towards the possibility of times ap-

60 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1812.
proaching of outward difficulty, it appears desirable that Ave
who profess to have a testimony to bear to the Messiah's
peaceful kingdom, should be preserved from mingling our
spirits with the spirits of the people, or catching that uncer
tain, fluctuating state of mind which results from having the
eye outward to the arm of flesh. May we be redeemed from
every disposition that prevents our becoming upright, dedi
cated followers of the Prince of Peace ; for if this is our
happy situation, whatever trials from without may arise, hav
ing our confidence unshaken in the Supreme Disposer of
events, we shall be safe as in the hollow of his holy hand.
Our place of defence shall be the munition of Rocks, and not
only so, but by thus abiding under the seasoning virtue of
Truth, we may be instrumental in holding up the blessed
ensign of peace in the view of others, and thus become as the
salt of the earth, or as a city set on a hill, which cannot be hid.
***** Thomas Kite.
In his Diary, Tenth month 14th, is the following entry :
" Suffered anger to prevail, and, under its influence, spake
unadvisedly. Oh ! for more of the disposition of the Lamb !''
In the Fourth month, 1812, T. K. being in Trenton, his
father wrote to him : " Susanna Home's meeting was large ;
and considering many of the company were like bullocks
unaccustomed to the yoke, Avas a satisfactory season. The
notice of it had spread over all the city. Every seat, entry,
and step were filled, and hundreds went away because they
could not get in the house. The people Avere not all of the
description intended, but as much so as could be expected."
B. K. TO THOMAS KITE.
Ne\v York, Fifth month 28th, 1812.
Dear Son: * * * The Yearly Meeting here is

1812.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 61
smaller, they say, than usual. There are many zealous ones
among them. Upon the whole, it has been so far satisfac
tory ; though Ave had last afternoon one of the most un
savory political speeches, from a wild member, that I ever
heard. This was the harder to be borne, as Friends here are
remarkably clear of political engagements. The meeting
very properly took no notice of the harangue.
In his Diary of Eighth month 26th, 1812, T. K. writes:
" Yesterday morning died Eli Yarnall, a prince and a great
man in our Israel ; eminently distinguished by gifts and
qualifications, yet not more so than by his humility. He
Avas remarkable for seldom appearing as a minister, yet Avhen
he did, his communications were thought to be Aveighty and
poAverful in an uncommon degree. May the mantle of
Elijah - the prophetic spirit — rest upon Elisha, for the har
vest truly is plenteous, but the rightly anointed laborers are
comparatively feAv."
Micajah Collins, who visited the Meetings of Chester and
DelaAvare Counties, in the early part of this year, thus speaks
of Eli Yarnall in a letter addressed to Edith Sharpless. The
letter possesses so much interest as to warrant the insertion
of considerable extracts from it.
Fallowfield, Second month 16th, 1812.
* * * After leaving the city we proceeded to Haver-
ford ; thence to several small meetings not far distant from
the Lancaster Turnpike ; thence to Middletown ; took a
night's lodging, and attended meeting with the celebrated
and justly esteemed Eli Yarnall. I was much interested in
his company, and wanted to hear the sound of his voice in
meeting, but did not. Was in hopes he would tack on his
net, but it was a vain hope. He Avas, however, very free

62 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1812.
and interesting in his converse, and I found good reason to
love him.
I did not meet thy father [Joshua Sharpless] until we
arrived at Concord, at the Quarterly Meeting, since which,
have had his company at divers meetings. He was well, and
I expect we shall meet with him at the meeting at this place
to-day, and that he will continue with me perhaps several
days. I should be glad of his company, as long as I stay in
this part of your Yearly Meeting.
There is no small company of the fraternity when we all
come together. Beside the New England friends [himself
and John Bailey], there are Willet Hicks, of New York,
Isaiah Balderston, of Baltimore, and the simple, humble-
hearted Abel Thomas. The dear old man is so humble and
backward among such a crowd, he can scarcely put his net
in at all. However, he preaches, if he says nothing. He has
been with me at every meeting since Cain Quarter.
As I pass from meeting to meeting I meet Avith many Avho
are the salt of the earth, — many whom I love and esteem.
There appears a prospect among the young people, male and
female, giving ground to hope a succession of standard-bearers
are rising, and will arise from among them, to supply the
places of those who have gone and are going from the stage of
action. 19th. London-grove. Have this day attended the Quar
terly Meeting at this place. It aa as very large on both sides
of the house. There Avere many young people present, as
also divers worthy examples among the ancients, who are
near to my tenderest feelings, and in whose welfare I feel an
affectionate interest. The meeting stands adjourned until
to-morrow at eleven o'clock. * * Micajah Collins.

1813.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 63
T. K.'s Diary, Ninth month 1st, 1812. " Another worthy
departed in the meridian of life, Joshua Maule, who died on
First-day, being from home on a religious visit. His disor
der was a fever, and he suffered much pain, but could testify
notwithstanding during his illness, that it had been to him a
time of rejoicing. He was much dedicated to his Master's
service, and is, no doubt, admitted to the rest prepared for
the faithful."
1813. Thomas Kite was now preparing to enter a second
time into the marriage state. His choice Avas Edith Sharpless,
a daughter of Joshua Sharpless, a Avorthy man, and a faith
ful elder of Birmingham Monthly Meeting, Chester County,
Pennsylvania. Edith had been employed in teaching school
in the city, and had made her home during the latter part of
the time of her residence in Philadelphia with that father in
our Israel, Thomas Scattergood. Thomas Kite in proposing
the marriage connection to her, did it under the belief that
it was in obedience to the secret pointings of his Heavenly
Guide, as well as from the promptings of affection ; and she,
in accepting him, did it in the assurance vouchsafed her,
that he was one of the Lord's chosen ; poor, indeed, in this
world, but. rich in faith, and heir of the kingdom.*
Edith having given up her school, and returned to her
father's house to prepare herself for the important change she
Avas about to make, Thomas Kite frequently addressed her
by letter. Their letters are good specimens of their kind ;
pleasant, affectionate, and giving evidence on what his mind
was mainly bent. We give a few extracts.
* E. K. pleasantly remarked, that she had come to the conclusion
in early life, tbat three things she never would do — marry a man that
was a widower, — one that was younger than herself,: — or a preacher,
— yet all these met in her husband.

64 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1813.
Fourth month 4th. My best wishes attend thee. May
thy residence at Birmingham be pleasant and profitable ;' and
may we each, not only now, but when joined in a more en
during relationship, unitedly seek for that blessing which
makes truly rich, and adds no sorrow with it ; as Cowper ex
presses it :
" Thou bounteous Giver of all good,
Thou art of all thy gifts thyself the crown I
Give Avhat thou canst, without thee we are poor,
And with thee, rich, take what thou wilt away."
May we seek first his kingdom, and the righteousness thereof,
confiding in his promise, " that all things necessary shall be
added." By the truly humbled mind, small possessions in
temporals, are seen to be sufficient.' It dare not seek for
great things, but having food and raiment, desires to be con
tent. I belieAre this state, though hard to come at, is through
Divine aid attainable, and desire I may endeavor for it.
Under a fresh feeling of affectionate regard, I salute thee, and
bid thee farewell.
Fourth month 19th. The Yearly Meeting is very large ;
quite as much so, I think, as ever I remember it. The stran
gers, however, who attend are fewer in number than com
mon. Sarah M. Watson* is with us, better in health than
Avhen thou saw her. I met Ann Scattergood in the street
after meeting ; she inquired affectionately after thy welfare.
I have seen thy parents, sister Lydia, and Cheyney, and am
in hopes of meeting Phebe. I have met with many friends
to whom I am attached ; Stephen Pike in particular, and
some beloved relatives, whose company has been agreeable ;
* Daughter of Dr. Watson, of Buckingham, Bucks County, a valu
able young minister.

1813.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 65
but necessary attention to business has prevented my enjoy
ing their society to the extent I wish.
It is truly pleasant to see such a number of goodly-looking
Friends, particularly young women, walking our streets ; and
if their conduct should indicate their dedication to the princi
ple of Truth, their being here may be an advantage to them
selves, and afford no cause of injurious remarks on the part
of our sober fellow citizens. Many of these are keen-sighted,
and able to decide upon our conduct, whether it comports
Avith our dignified profession. Oh ! if this was more gener
ally the case, how should we shine as lights in the world,
even as a city set on a hill which cannot be hid. We should
be as way-marks to those who are inquiring the way to Zion
with their faces thitherward. I remain under the renewed
impression of love and esteem, thy friend.
Fourth month 24th. Our Yearly Meeting closed last
evening, and may be. acknowledged to have been a favored
one, wherein the minds of Friends generally were preserved
in quietness and harmony ; and in conclusion a comfortable
degree of solemnity was granted, under which thanksgiving
Avas vocally rendered as well as inwardly felt, to the Author
of all our blessings.
Fifth month 8th. We have another striking and affect
ing instance of the uncertainty of life. Our friend Caleb
Shreeve is deceased. I suppose it was about the time you
left the city that he had a parting opportunity of religious
retirement with his family, intending to join Susanna Horne
at Cropwell. At the close of this opportunity he was taken
with a pain in his head, which it is thought was apoplectic,
and which increased till he became insensible, in which state
he lay until about 2 o'clock, and then expired.
Fifth month 27th. May thy mind be preserved in quietude,

66 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1813.
until the important day ; and oh ! that He who condescended
to attend the marriage of Cana, may favor us with his holy
presence on that solemn occasion, enabling us in his name to
set up our banners, — yea, to choose Him for our portion, and
the lot of our inheritance ; trusting in Him for our supply,
both of the dew of heaven — the refreshment that keeps the
soul alive — and also for such temporal accommodation as He
sees necessary. In this, as in every other respect, may we
seek for a qualification to say : Thy will be done.
Sixth month 1st. I received to-day thy letter, dated the
30th ult. I am well pleased that you have agreed not to
alter the time agreed on, and feel very little uneasiness re
specting the other couple [to be married at the same meet
ing]. The principal wish in relation to that part of the
subject which I feel is, that thou may be favored to banish
all unpleasant anticipations from thy mind, and to renew thy
confidence in Him Avho hath ever proved a present Helper
in the needful time. * * * Emmor Kimber started this
day on his proposed visit.* I called at Samuel Bettle's and
found Jane in tears, having just parted with her beloved
companion. The prospect of several months' separation was
evidently trying ; but she seemed aiming at resignation, be
lieving him in his place. Abraham Lower is going on a
religious visit to . the lower parts of New Jersey, having
Israel Maule for a companion.
Sixth month 5th. I have for several days been very
closely engaged. Thou mayest recollect that Friends were
generally invited throughout our Yearly Meeting to attend
a conference at NewtoAvn last Sixth-day on the subject of a
superior school for boys only, in which the higher branches
*To the meetings in New York Yearly Meeting. Samuel Bettle
was his companion.

1813.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 67
of learning might be taught, and youth of a riper age than
can be admitted at Westtown might bo accommodated. I
attended that conference, and Friends saw fit to appoint me
one of a committee of thirteen, to take the subject into more
particular consideration. That committee met on Fifth-day
afternoon. Our meeting on that day, which Avas an ad
journed Monthly Meeting, held till near two o'clock. The
committee met at three, and sat till seven. Then again next
morning at eight, and rose between ten and eleven. In the
afternoon the Asylum business came on at three, and Ave sat
till near night. So thou seest I have not been entirely un
employed. Thomas and Sarah Scattergood were invited to attend the
marriage of their friends at Birmingham, but way did not
seem to open for it. Instead thereof Thomas, the day before
the wedding, addressed the following letter to the parties :
Philadelphia, Sixth month 9th, 1813.
* * ' * I do not see an opening for me to leave home
under present circumstances. Nevertheless, I feel a warm
desire accompanying my mind, that you may be favored to
get comfortably through your seeming trial to-morrow ; but
more so after the accomplishment thereof, that you may
yet, more fully than ever, set your hearts to serve the Lord
in the way required of you. So will preservation be wit
nessed under all trials attending. You have had a share of
conflict, both of you, in travelling on so far; be encouraged
to persevere in desire to fill up your measure of known duty
even in the little opened before you, and more from time to
time will be manifest. In so doing, your Father which is in
heaven, will bless you. And it is my prayer for you in pen
ning these hasty lines, that you may be blest.
Thomas Scattergood.

68 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1813.
The marriage Avas accomplished on the 10th in a satisfac
tory manner, in Birmingham Meeting-house ; and the newly
married pair Avere soon comfortably settled in Philadelphia.
The committee on the high school above mentioned, held
many meetings ; but way did not open to take any steps to
wards establishing such a seminary. Thomas Kite, shortly
before his marriage, having addressed a letter on the subject
of the proposed institution to his friend, Stephen Pike, then
keeping school at Burlington, early in the Sixth month re
ceived a letter in reply, from which the following is extracted :
Dear Thomas. * * * If it shall be determined that
there be a school of that kind, I think great caution is requi
site in choosing a preceptor in classical literature. He should
be one that is fully convinced of the subordinate utility of
knowledge of that kind, and one who is both capable and
willing to influence his scholars in forming a correct notion
of its value ; keeping always in vie\v himself, and endeavor
ing to hold up to their view, that one thing only is needful.
I think that the procuring a teacher in this department!
every way qualified, will be a principal difficulty. I confess
I have some doubts respecting the advantage that it is hoped
will be derived from the contemplated establishment. Some
favor it on the ground, that a knowledge of the languages, —
and, perhaps, classical learning in general, — is a desirable
object ; others, that since there is an inclination in the minds
of youth for such acquirements, and this inclination is en
couraged by their parents, it will be prudent to furnish them
with tbe least exceptionable means of obtaining what they
desire. Science and literature are both, no doubt, worthy of
attention ; but ought we not to be guarded against buying
them at too dear a rate? against sacrificing too much for

1813.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 69
them ? If Ave attain them at the expense of humility and
simplicity, Avill Ave not pay too much for them ? I know it
does not necessarily follow that those who possess the former
are deficient in the latter ; but not many rich, noble, pro
found, or scientific, &c, is Cowper 's idea ; and certainly, it is
a just one. The sum of what I have said, or intended to say,
is : If the higher Avalks of literature can be attained without
endangering the truly Christian virtues, let us do it; if not,
let us remain Avhere we are. I believe that minds rightly
disposed may pursue science and literature to a very con
siderable extent ; but those Avho are much given to self-com
placency, and are not capable of appreciating the inestimable
value of humility and simplicity, had better have their atten
tion turned to something else.
Ninth month 11th, S. Pike again Avrote to T. K. — " How
hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom ! I think
 exemplifies in its inhabitants the justness of that remark.
They appear to me too rich in every sense of the term to
entertain much of genuine Quakerism. I fear there are
many among them, Avho think an agreeable and creditable
establishment on earth, the prime good, and who do not choose
to be troubled with cares about futurity. They have a pretty
smart meeting-house, and it is sometimes pretty well filled ;
but the gay appearance of the assembly, and the levity of
the juniors after meeting, give an unfavorable impression
respecting their standing in a religious sense."
T. K. having informed S. Pike of the conclusion of the
labors of the High School Committee, without having effected
anything, he received the following :
Burlington, Ninth month 20th, 1813.
* * Thou mentions the conclusion of the committee

70 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1813.
relative to the proposed Boarding School, at which I am not
surprised ; and I believe it to have been the best they could
have formed at this time. The little private seminaries that
are forming in different parts, will, perhaps, answer the pur
pose had in view, and better than a large unwieldy one.
* * We had an agreeable visit from our much beloved
and loving friend Jacob Lindley. I think if Jacob is ex
emplary in no other way, he is considerably so in the love of
the brethren — which his conduct and conversation manifest.
I believe his visit was not only agreeable to his Burlington
friends, but also to himself. He seemed particularly gratified
with being at John Cox's, and in that neighborhood. He
said the farms appeared finely cultivated, and things around
looked pleasant, but these were nothing compared with the
feelings that attended his mind. John Hoskins and he em
braced at parting, with a remarkable degree of warmth, and
the sympathy of fraternal love. The former Friend seems
increasing in that kind of sympathy as he advances in the
vale of years. What a happy omen ! when the natural
capacity and affections are impaired by the paralyzing hand
of age, for the distinguishing badge of discipleship to be more
and more apparent.
Edith Kite, in the Ninth month, taking her son William
with her, paid a visit amongst her relatives in Chester County.
Her husband thus wrote to her under date of Ninth month
26th, 1813.
* * * « We had a grand illumination of the city on
Sixth-day night, in consequence of the naval victory gained
on Lake Erie. Some Friends Avere much alarmed at the
prospect, not knowing Avhat the mob might do to those

1813.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 71
who could not join in this mode of expressing joy. I am
sorry to say, the fears of a number led them into a com
pliance, amongst whom were some from whom more con
sistent conduct might reasonably have been expected. The
mob broke the windows of a number of Friends ; yet the
injury done by them is not very expensive. * * * The
illumination was very general. It was a wonderful show,
and the streets were crowded with people walking. Com
panies were dragging burning boats about the streets ; some
making bonfires, others firing squibs, whilst guns were
heard in almost every direction. Neither our dwelling nor
store was molested. I fear this is but the beginning of this
kind of work ; and I feel very desirous if it should prove
the case, Friends may be preserved in a faithful testimony
for the peaceable doctrines of the Gospel. * *
This morning at meeting we had the company of Jane
SnoAvden and John Cox, each of whom ministered with ac
ceptance. The latter, as he frequently does, handed forth
the language of encouragement to the tired traveller, who
under great weakness and discouragement is nevertheless
looking with desire towards Zion. Such he desired might
hold on their way, remembering that though the path is a
tribulated one it leads to endless blessedness." * *
The 4th of Tenth month, S. Pike wrote to T. K— " We
had yesterday the favor of Benjamin White's company at
our meeting. He continued with us until to-day, very much
to my satisfaction. Beside a weighty communication from
Benjamin, we had one from Mercy Brown, another from
Mary Bonsall, another from John Cox, and a prayer from
Susan Smith. A lively time and worthy of remembrance.
Elizabeth Coleman and Margaret Allinson obtained certifi
cates or minutes to visit some meetings in your State, par-

72 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1814.
ticularly within the compass of Cain and Concord Quarterly
Meetings. Rowland Jones was furnished with a minute to
accompany them."
1814. First month 2nd. S. P. again wrote to T. K.—
'' Burlington has been much favored of late by the visits of
Friends. Henry Hull spent several days among us very
acceptably. His visit was principally of a social nature ; but
he has a minute from the Monthly Meeting Avhence he came,
and has been pretty largely in communication, both in meet
ings and private sittings. He made his home at Nathaniel
Coleman's, where I several times met Avith him, as well as at
other places. His conversation is agreeable and his addresses
of a religious nature pleasing and instructive. * * * I
suppose he is now with you in Philadelphia.
We have also had the company of the lively little Chris
topher Healy ; little in person, but some of us think him a
large minister. The inhabitants of Burlington were invited
to attend the meeting at Avhich he was when here, and there
Avas a considerable gathering. He was animated in testimony
and prayer, and I believe gave general satisfaction. He
afterwards had a meeting at Mount Holly which, I am told,
was a' very extraordinary time. He addressed the different
classes and descriptions of those Avho Avere present, in a man
ner that occasioned the tears of many to be strewn on the
floor. The members of that meeting, which is rather a poor
one, think it was a day long to be renfembered. Wm. Ridg-
Avay, who with some other Friends of this place Avere there,
thinks he was very eminent. Simon Gillam was his com
panion ; and he gave us a specimen of his gift in two sittings
at which I was present. I liked what he said and the man
ner of it, much. I hope he Avill continue to gain accession
of wisdom and knowledge, and be allowed to communicate

1814.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 73
to others, whether it be in a little or large way. Robert S.
Pitfield accompanied Christopher from this place, and I sup
pose stayed with him till they reached your city, or its neigh
borhood. We have had a great deal of instruction and
exhortation latterly by strangers and by our own ministers.
Even the lips of the humble, but interesting Mary Roscoe,
though closed in silence for a long time, have been opened
to utter sweet and animating strains for the encouragement
of travellers in the holy spiritual journey ; and to invite
those Avho are proceeding in the broad way of vanity and
folly, to enter at the straight gate into the circumscribed
path of wisdom. I hope we may improve bur advantages.
I believe thou inquired of me when I was last in the city,
respecting Mary Roscoe, under the title of ' The Little
Prophetess.' She lately dined at our house, and in conversa
tion gave us some particulars respecting herself. Her father,
Avho is her only surviving parent, is a rigid Methodist ; and
her brothers and one sister also incline to the same persuasion,
or do not make any profession of religion. The family are
poor. Mary was placed out when very young in the family
of a friend in New York, an acquaintance of her mother's.
She at that time possessed a sovereign contempt for Friends
and their ways, and thought it would be a distressing cir
cumstance if any connection of her's should become a Quaker.
Her views, however, changed ; and she at length submitted
through great reduction of self, to make application to be
come a member of the Society, as it appeared to be her in
dispensable duty. For a still greater trial of her faithfulness,
she apprehended herself obliged to appear in open testimony
to the principles of Truth. In her first essays she did the
utmost violence to her feelings, and fainted several times in
attempting to speak in public. Her relations on hearing of
6

74 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1814.
the steps she had taken, became almost entirely estranged
from her, and treated her with cold,neglect. Her father was
particularly ^embittered against her ; and I think fbr a long
time refused all communication with her ; so that she has
not seen him more than once in the course of many years.
About three years since she was on a religious visit, in the
neighborhood where he resided, and considered it her duty,
though a great trial, to go to see him. He received her
rather rudely, showing little or no marks of affection for her ;
but he endeavored Avith all his might to convert her to
Methodism. She listened to all he said with patience and in
silence, not feeling easy to make any reply to his arguments.
After saying a great deal, and finding it was to no effect,
he threatened to bring the ofiicers of their society to convince
her of her error, and did make application to one ; but the
man had a little before been at a meeting where Mary was,
and he wisely counselled that she should be let alone. This
cooled the father's zeal, and he became more moderate ; and
when she took her leave of him he was affected ; and signified
that he believed she was in her right . place. He has since
written to her once, Mary says, quite charitably. She does not
wonder that her relations treat her with so much neglect, for
she well remembers when she was in the same spirit. She
has continued in the situation of a hired maid from the time
of her becoming of age, esteeming it her proper sphere, and
so far from being inflated at the attentions she received since
she became an approved minister, she is modest and shy,
perhaps to a fault. She resided for some time in  family,
and it troubled him and his wife not a little, that they could
not by any means induce her to sit with them at the table.
I suppose they considered her a sister in the highest affinity
— being spiritually a child of the same Divine Parent, a par-

1814.J MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 75
taker of his favor and heiress of a mansion in his kingdom,
and they were unwilling she should be too much of a menial ;
but she insisted that the kitchen was her proper place. She
has acted upon the same principle since, so uniformly, so
perversely, might I not say, that Rebecca Grellett and Susan
Smith's family have desisted from expostulating Avith her on
the subject.
Our last Quarterly Meeting was favored with the company
of the animated Christopher Healy. He had considerable
to communicate, and his labors were attended by evident
effects, particularly in the women's meeting. His representa
tions and appeals were accompanied by a tendering sympathy,
which reduced nearly the whole company to tears. Several
young Avomen sobbed aloud. I suppose he is now with you.
I do not recollect anything material besides occurred at the
Quarterly Meeting. Yes! Abby Barker was admitted a
member of the Select Meeting.
Mary Roscoe is making a visit to the families of those who
are in the habit of attending our meeting, members and
others. * * * We shall be sorry to part with her, but
I suppose our sorrow will be unavailing, for Henry Hinsdale,
it appears, has been persuading her she had better go to New
York, assume his name, and become a partner of his pains
and pleasures ; circumstances indicate that she is of the same
mind." In the early part of 1814, Thomas Kite was summoned
before a Court Martial of military officers to ansAver for not
having turned out with the militia in the preceding summer.
Accompanied by his father he went voluntarily before them;
gave them his reasons for believing their proceedings were
illegal, and obtained permission to place his protest against
their authority upon their minutes.

76 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1814.
On the 23rd of Third month Rebecca, the first child of
Thomas and Edith Kite, Avas born.
Fourth month 1st. Stephen Pike wrote to T. K. — " I
congratulate thee on the increase of thy comforts, alias cares.
' Life's cares are comforts,' and surely an addition to the
number of infantile dependents, is a care of considerable
magnitude. Thou hast, no doubt, heard of the loss Society has met
with, in the removal by death of the ancient, honorable, and
much beloved John Hoskins.* Friends of this place have
mourned sincerely on the occasion ; for there are, perhaps,
few so generally respected and esteemed by every class and
age as he Avas. A considerable portion of his time, of latter
years, was spent in making little social visits among his
friends — perhaps most of the members in the place — avIio,
whether at the wash-tub, spinning-wheel, other occupations,
or in hours of leisure, were at all times pleased to see him.
He mostly called on them when it suited him, without making
any apology when he entered, or when he Avithdrew, and
seemed to prefer that they should not press him to stay when
he showed a disposition to retire. By these familiar visits,
and his instructive conversation, the venerable man was ex
ceedingly endeared to his neighbors, who derived both pleas
ure and advantage from them. In him was seen the benign
influence of Christian principles when allowed to have their
proper regard. In early life it appears, his manners Avere
rather austere, and his appearance repulsive ; but as he ad
vanced in the knowledge and practice of his duty in relation
to his Divine Master, and his fellow man, his deportment avhs
exceedingly changed. He was, indeed, a pattern of gentle
ness and affection for his friends. When he entered a room
* He deceased Third month 27th, 1814, in his 87th year.

1814.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 77
he Avas cordially received, and the arm-chair was placed with
apparent satisfaction for his reception. EAren the young,
though a respectful deference for him might make a slight
change in their eom'ersation, felt no unpleasant restraint
from his presence. He was a most exemplary observer of
religious duties. Scarcely any circumstance could prevent
his attending religious meetings. No weather Avas so stormy
or inclement, as to induce him to stay at home, when his
health would alloAv him to go ; and the indisposition must
have been considerable that could operate as a discourage
ment. He was so punctual to the hour of gathering, that he
used to be called pleasantly, " the regulator," and it was
common to say : Come, it is tiine to go, there is friend Hos-
kins. His judicious activity and zeal in the different meet
ings for business is well known. I think he said he had
attended sixty Yearly Meetings. When he died he was about
eighty-six years old. What a long course of well doing ! and
how peaceful was the close ! I attended him, in company with
his son John, during the last night except, one of his life.
My mind was clothed with a calm solemnity as I watched
near him, and contemplated the approach of his closing scene.
He Avas extremely Aveak, and was much troubled with
phlegm and difficulty of breathing ; but no murmur escaped
his lips, nor any expression of fretfulness. He appeared to
be perfectly rational, except while dozing ; and his mind was
evidently occupied with desires for the prosperity of Truth
and righteousness ; Avhat he said was in short, detached sen
tences ; but though uttered in a feeble voice, it was clear and
pertinent. * * * I was told he had a solemn opportunity
with J. afterwards, which was exceedingly affecting.
The departure of this dignified servant was not distinguished
by the triumphant air Avhich some have been enabled to

78 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1814.
assume upon their death-bed. Indeed, his humility taught
him to think so little of himself, that he said he had nothing
to depend on but mercy. When I entered his room, and he
was told I had come to see him, he replied meekly : " He has
come to see. a poor thing." He was continually in motion
from the effect of his disorder, and kept drawing Thomas
Scattergood towards him in a Arery affecting manner. Thomas
kneeled down at his bedside and prayed with great fervency
and while in this act the dying man seemed to be sensible of
the exercise, for he lay entirely still ; but as soon as the
prayer was ended he resumed his former motions. This was
about tAvo hours before he left this scene of trial and entered
the mansions of rest. His funeral was attended by a great
number of Friends and others. Arthur Howell spoke twice
at the grave. George Dillwyn and Susan Smith also spoke ;
and Thomas Scattergood appeared in prayer. It was a
solemn time."
The time Avas now fast approaching when that eminent
minister of Christ, Thomas Scattergood, was to be released
from his labors of love in the Church militant, and translated
to the Church triumphant; exchanging the conflicts, the
baptisms, the unspeakable sorrows which often depressed his
spirit, for the joys which human ear hath not heard the full
of, and the human mind fails to conceive of, which are
reserved for the people of God. He was at several sittings
of the Yearly Meeting; but being taken sick on the 21st of
Fourth month, the disease, though not apparently violent,
soon prostrated his strength. He retained his interest, how
ever, in the transactions of the Yearly Meeting, — inquired
frequently concerning it, and did not appear to apprehend
that the disorder which handled him so gently, was a mes
senger with a speedy summons for him to the invisible world.

1814.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 79
On the 23rd, a friend, saying he felt a peaceful solemnity,
Thomas added, " So do I ; my mind is centered in quiet,
peaceful resignation." On the 24th, the day he died, he
said, " This is the last piece of the garment that is to be
worked up ; and if I can be favored to join the righteous of
every generation, it will be enough. Well, I don't know
that I have much to say for myself; I leave it to the Lord,
the Shepherd that sleepeth not by day nor slumbereth by
night ; who watcheth over his children and over his flock."
" I hope that a righteous generation will be raised up and
preserved as a seed." He lay awhile in silence, then added,
" Oh ! if we can but be favored to take some of that love with
us — the end crowns all. I have nothing to boast of; I have
been baptised into many low places and raised up again."
His last expression was : " I will lead them !" This was
uttered with emphasis, as if his soul could feel and rejoice in
the assurance, that Christ Jesus was about, to lead his tribu-
lated spirit to the living fountains of waters, where God
should wipe away all tears.
Thomas Kite was deeply moved a't the loss sustained by
the Church militant, in the removal of this faithful servant,
this honorable elder, this discerning minister, from the flock
and family on earth ; and he thus poured forth his feelings
to his father-in-law, who had not been to Yearly Meeting :
T. K. TO JOSHUA SHARPLESS.
Philadelphia, Fourth month 25th, 1814.
Dear Father : — Our city, his family, and the Church,
have truly sustained a loss in the removal of our beloved
Thomas Scattergood, who departed this life at twenty min
utes past seven last evening. He had been a little poorly
with a cold for several days, but on Fourth-day night became

80 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1814.
seriously indisposed. On Fifth-day, at noon, Dr. Parrish was
called ; and his illness continuing, Drs. Atlee and Griffiths
were successively called in. Yesterday morning he appeared
so low, that Dr. Parrish proposed remaining with him, and
did so during meeting time ; and in the afternoon Dr. Atlee
took his place. After afternoon meeting, both Grifiiths and
Parrish remained until the close. They were sitting in the
room when, perceiving a slight suspension of breathing, they
requested his children to be called. They were in the house,
and came immediately into the room, where they had been
seated but about two minutes, when he gently drew up his
feet into the bed, and without the least apparent pain or
struggle, breathed his last. During his illness he appears to
have had no prospect that it would so terminate. He ex
pressed to Dr. Atlee, in substance, that he had several times
been let down with great weakness, and been raised again.
That if this was his last sickness, he had not seen it ; but that
it was among his Lord's secrets. Expressing entire resigna
tion, notwithstanding, to the Divine Will, and appeared to
be in a sweet, affectionate and composed frame of mind.
It may be said of the deceased, that he had grown up to
the stature of a Father in the Truth ; and in this city his
services as such were eminent, indeed ; often handing out the
cup of encouragement to the feeble travellers towards Zion,
and having had large experience of the Lord's wonders in
the deeps, he was remarkably qualified to speak to the states
of those who were sinking under discouragements of various
kinds. The Christian propriety which adorned his life and
conversation, gave great influence to his fervent labors in the
Gospel ; and in his own meeting, particularly, he will be much
missed, being taken away in the midst of his usefulness, while
he was still strong for the Lord's work, his spiritual eye not

1814.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 81
being dim, nor his force as a living minister abated. But
though one generation of faithful laborers passeth away, and
another generation cometh, the Word of the Lord,— that
Avhich quickened and qualified them for the service of their
day, — endureth forever. As those Avho are now coming on
the stage of active life submit to its purifying operations,
they also will be enabled to stand as faithful witnesses for the
same dignified cause. Thus the spirit which animated Elijah,
Avill rest upon Elisha, and there will be a succession in the
prophetic office ; testimony-bearers will still be raised up to
bloAV the trumpet in Zion, and to stand as watchmen on the
walls of Jerusalem.
Fourth month 25th. The funeral was obliged to be yes
terday afternoon, as the body was not in a state to keep.
The funeral was very large, and the testimony which Henry
Hull bore at the grave, I suppose could not be heard by one
third of the people collected. The widow appeared more
composed than could have been expected.
Mary Harper, who was left sick at father Kite's, continues
there. She has been very poorly, indeed, but is somewhat
better. The information relative to Mary Harper's health was
premature. She continued to sink rapidly, and on the 29th,
three days after the above paragraph Avas written, was quietly
released from suffering. The loss of this valuable elder, who
had been in some measure a spiritual mother to him, was
sensibly felt by Thomas Kite ; but in her case, as well as in
that of Thomas Scattergood, the undoubted persuasion that
each had respectiArely filled' up their measure of duty on
earth, and were gathered home in mercy, took away much of
the sting from the bereavement.

82 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1814.

CHAPTER V.— 1814-1815.
CLOSE OF THE WAR WITH ENGLAND  DEATH OF ANNE MIF
FLIN AND SARAH MATTHEWS —LETTERS FROM STEPHEN
PIKE. Business calling Thomas Kite to the East in the early
part of the summer of 1814, from New York, he addressed a
letter to his wife, under date of Sixth month 4th, from which
the following is extracted :
* * * « A^e ha(j a very agreeable company in the
stage ; one Presbyterian and one Episcopalian clergyman,
together with other intelligent and well behaved persons.
We reached our lodging place, Somerville, about nine in the
evening, and started at half-past four in the morning."
Soon after his return from the eastward, T. Kite wrote to
his wife, then at Birmingham, under date of Sixth month
20th. He describes the great commotion amongst the citi
zens that day, consequent on the launch of a new frigate.
People gathered in from all the neighboring places ; sheds
were erected and crowded with spectators, as were also house
tops chimney-tops, and all sorts of river craft. After stating
that it was estimated that 50,000 persons were gathered, he
adds : " I am sorry toTiear some Friends were led away by
curiosity to join this great multitude, evidently for want of
attention to that which preserves, not only from evil, but from
the appearance of evil. Doubtless it is an evil thing for those
who profess to'have a testimony against war, to give their com
pany on such occasions. I have not yet heard whether many
casualties occurred. One man is stated to have been killed ;
and if no more, it will be cause of wonder."
1815. The war, with its depressing effects on trade, and
its illuminations for victory, passed away ; and all classes of

1815.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 83
the community seemed to rejoice at the return of peace.
Stephen Pike, writing to T. K., gives a lively picture of the
sensation produced in the quiet city of Burlington, by the
announcement of the treaty of peace.
Burlington, Second month 15th, 1815.
* * * Among the circumstances Avhich have latterly
excited a powerful interest among the peaceful inhabitants
of Burlington, is the long hoped-for dawning of peace over
the dark and fearful prospect of privation and calamities
which seemed daily thickening around us. There are few
places, perhaps, of the same magnitude, in Avhich there are
so many genuine lovers of peace as in this. What, then,
must have been the sensation produced by a sudden, and to
many an unlooked-for annunciation of the near approach of
such a delightful guest. Every one seemed inspired with
fresh and unusual animation. A buzz of pleasure circulated
from neighbor to neighbor, and from street to street. The
bells of the tOAvn were employed in uttering a more clamor
ous expression of joy ; a large proportion of houses — except
Friends' — Avere illuminated, as emblematical of the state of
the OAvners' minds. I had not received any information re
specting the event, which I thought could be depended on,
until it Avas announced by an animated peal of the bells, a
little before the close of my school. It is customary with me
previous to dismissing my scholars, to have a pause of silence.
At that time the contrast between the profound stillness within
and the noisy expression of joy without, was so strong as to
have a great effect on the risibilities of my scholars. I was
obliged to double the appearance of gravity on my own
countenance, to produce a becoming degree of it in theirs.
My feeliugs on the occasion were in some degree solemn ; and

84 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1815.
I endeavored to experience a sense of gratitude for the ex
traordinary favor which appeared likely to result from this
dispensation of a gracious Providence. Some of our friends,
on being informed of the peace, were singularly affected.
Our neighbor Maria (George Dillwyn's sister, and mother to
Gulielma M. Smith), on receiving the intelligence, burst into
tears, and expressed an apprehension that we were not worthy
of so great a blessing. Nathaniel Coleman, Robert L. Pit-
field says, was completely intoxicated. He ran to convey
the news to his Avife, and seized her by the arm with such a
powerful grasp, as to make her call out. I wish future events
may justify the rejoicing which has been indulged in to such,
a degree by many ; but I am apprehensive (as well as my
pious neighbor), we shall prove ourselves, in a collective capa
city, unworthy of such a favor, and shall again, at a time to
come, forfeit that we have received, and by increasing our
debt, incur still greater penalties. But we have one conso
lation under every circumstance, prosperous or adverse, we
have it in our power to become associated with the righteous,
that band of alchymists, possessed of a stone which trans
mutes all into good.
Thomas Kite having written a letter to his uncle, John
Letchworth, in which he spoke of quickness of temper as be
ing one of his besetting sins, he received the folloAving reply :
East Fallowfield, Third month 12th, 1815.
Dear Nepheav : — Iron sharpeneth iron. So a man sharp-
eneth the countenance of his friend. This seems, in some
measure, the case with a letter. I received thine of the 5th
instant, and was gratified thereby. Thy observations, I be
lieve, are correct with respect to trials of various kinds aAvait-
ing us, and that others beside thyself have their besetting

1815.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 85
sin, there need be no doubt of. Quickness of temper thou
apprehendest to be thine. May I not say, " hail fellow, Avell
met!" for it is mine, also. What is the result? When Ave
are off our watch, and this predominates, are we not met
Avith ? and do we not receive chastisement ? Noav, what con
clusion shall Ave draAV from this? One seems evident, that
Ave are poor Aveak creatures, and stand in need of the care of
the great Caretaker. This ought to have a humbling ten
dency. Though this may cast us down, yet Ave ought not to
despair, for I think it is written, " Whom the Lord loveth
He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth."
I may, perhaps, take the liberty to hint at [a thing] wherein
I have been tried sometimes, and that is, a prospect of duty
which appears far beyond my depth or strength to accom
plish ; it appears the work of a man, nay, a strong man, and
not. a child like me. So that I am almost led to doubting ;
•there appear so many obstacles from within and from with
out to oppose it. Yet I feel disposed to try the fleece Avet
and dry, that I may be furnished with a clear evidence ; and
sometimes persuade myself, were this obtained, I would not
prove rebellious. But I am weak. In seasons like the one
described, it is not always easy to Avash the face and anoint
the hair ; yet I have endeavored to be in the disposition of
not appearing unto men to fast.
T. K. replied Third month 30th, 1815.
Dear Uncle :— Thy last revived feelings of sympathy
towards thee, which have often secretly prevailed in my
mind under a consideration of thy various .exercises ; and the
desire that arose was, that thou might press forAvard in the
path of simple dedication. Thoughin seasons of weakness thou
may be ready, under a view of apprehended requiring to say,

86 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1815.
"who is sufficient for these things?" yet how encouraging
the language of our Divine Master, "My strength is suffi
cient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
What a favor it is that we do know that of ourselves we can
do nothing, and that we are sensible our trust is not in our
selves, but in the. sufficiency of that PoAver \vho not only puts
his own forth, but goes before them ; whose promise is, " As
thy days so shall thy strength be;" and who hath never
failed to reveal Himself as a present Helper in the needful
time. Our meeting has been stripped of two ministers. Anne
Mifflin departed on Third-day Aveek, in the afternoon, and
Sarah Matthews the next morning. They had each been
unwell for some time ; had each partaken considerably of
trials of various kinds, and Ave trust, are each gathered to
that blessed inheritance Avhere the weary are at rest.
This day was our Monthly Meetmg, in which sat the first.
time for many years, Joseph Dillworth, having been reinstat
ed to membership at the preceding meeting. To day an
acknowledgement was received from John James, I hope,
made in sincerity. The meeting also accepted it, and he is
again a member. Samuel Bettle obtained a minute to visit.
the meetings about Muncy, Roaring Creek, &c, but does not
expect to set out till after Yearly Meeting. I suppose thou
knew his gift had been acknowledged by the Monthly Meet
ing, and he recommended to the last Quarterly Meeting.
Caleb Pierce expects to acompany him.
STEPHEN PIKE TO THOMAS KITE.
Burlington, Third month 19th, 1815.
Our Morning Meeting this day was an unusually solemn
one. We had sat in silence during perhaps half an hour,

1815.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 87
Avhen our much esteemed Mary R. rose and began an inter
esting and \'ery instructive address. She generally com
prises Avhat she has to say among us in a single paragraph
or two ; but at this ti me she made several pauses. She com
menced Avith expressing an apprehension she had, that some
present Avere oppressed in the bonds of affliction, and were
under the influence of discouragements, and she administered
consolation to their drooping minds. She observed bonds
were far from being a sure indication of Divine displeasure
and desertion ; and instanced Peter bound in chains in prison,
Avho Avas liberated by an angel sent from heaven. She ex
horted them to rely on the strength of the Almighty arm,
the never-failing support of which is promised to the faithful.
She added other .instructive and encouraging remarks, and
then in a solemn and impressive manner addressed the youth
of her OAvn sex. She said she had experienced much satisfac
tion in the belief that though the faces of many of them did
not appear to be turned toAvard Zion, their hearts were filled
Avith good-Avill to the cause. That though, Avhen interrogated
under certain circumstances, like Peter, they might deny
their connection with their Divine Master, they were deeply
interested, in what, through Aveakness, they affected to slight ;
and she exhorted them with fervency and affection to come
forward in their life and conversation as the avowed disciples
of Jesus, and the advocates of truth and righteousness. I
cannot say with certainty whether others were circumstanced
like me, but if I might judge by the reigning silence and
solemnity, and by the number of handkerchiefs employed to
veil the face on the women's side of the house, there were
many, as well as myself, enamored of the beauty of holiness,
and excited strongly to desire the possession of what ap
peared so noble, and at the same time so lovely. Mary was

88 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1815.
followed by A. Barker, George Dillwyn, Richard Smith, and
by Susan Smith in prayer. Richard's matter on this, as well
as several late occasions, was more in quantity, and I think
also in weight, than formerly. He appears to be increasing
in strength and integrity of mind. He exhibited lately an
uncommon instance of simple dedication in the performance
of apprehended duty. He made confession in the Prepara
tive Meeting, of having improperly beateu a boy that was
under his care. He said he knew the mention of it would
appear singular, but his peace was concerned in doing it.
Who will undertake to assert that no use will arise from it ? *
Rowland Jones, our other minister in embryo, seldom appears
now in public.
Robert and Elizabeth Pitfield ! The latter I consider shap
ing to be a minister of the first order, endued with power to
baptize. I was lately witness to a special instance of the
exercise of her gift, in a private sitting, in which she, George
Dillwyn and Margaret Allinson spoke. * * *
Lydia Jefferis, a young child of Cheyney and Martha
Jefferis, having deceased about the 1st of Ninth month, this
year, T. Kite Avrote to his wife, Avho Avas Avith them, the
following : Philadelphia, Ninth month 5th, 1815.
Thy letter came to hand on Second-day, and the intelli
gence of little Lydia's release from her sufferings was not
unexpected. Though both reason and religion in such a
case suggest topics of consolation, yet still to parents such a
bereavement must be affecting. Our dear sister no doubt
feels it so ; yet I trust she, as well as brother Cheyney, have
been favored with resignation. * * * *
Henry Hull was, and perhaps still is in the city, journey-

1815.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 89
ing southward. I spent last evening at Samuel Bettle's. Jane
was quite lively and pleasant, and Samuel quite as much so
as common. Elizabeth Pierce is better than she was at
Concord. She seems in a pleasant, innocent state of mind,
and if taken hence, I doubt not it will be to rest. This is
the crown of all ! and oh ! the solicitude I sometimes feel that
thou and I may so bend to the forming hand of the great
Potter, as to become instruments for his use ; that we may
fill up our measure of usefulness on this stage of action, that
at the solemn' close we may be entitled to " Well done." Let
us then cheerfully give up to those baptisms of spirit which
reduce the creaturely will, — which bow and prostrate us
before the Father of Mercies,— and which make us renewedly
willing to be what He would have us to be ; and as this is
our engagement, He will be near to help in every trial ; He
will lift up the drooping head, confirm the feeble knees,
teach our hands to war and our fingers to fight ; give us the
victory over our own corruptions, preserve us from falling,
and finally (oh! precious hope!) present us faultless before
the presence of His Glory with exceeding joy. What is the
world and all its amusements, profits and honors, compared
with a crown immortal that fadeth not away, which is re
served in Heaven for all who are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation. I am sensible I can write
nothing new, but feel desirous our minds may be increasingly
drawn from earth to heaven, that as we advance toAvard the
termination of our earthly course, we may be increasing in
a qualification to join the innumerable company who stand
before the throne, whose garments have been washed and
made clean through the blood of the Lamb, who have fol
lowed their Lord in the regeneration, continuing with Him
in his temptations — drinking of the cup He drank of — bap-
7

90 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1815.
tized with his baptism, and therefore permitted to reign with
him. It is very unexpected to touch upon these solemn
subjects in this way, but as they presented, I drop them in
love and tenderness, being truly thy affectionate, T. K.
STEPHEN PIKE TO THOMAS KITE.
Burlington, Tenth month 25th, 1815.
I had considerable conversation with Joseph [Scattergood
son of Thomas], though on indifferent subjects. I think him
possessed of strong natural powers, and probably if his
talents had been cultivated, he would have been one of our
most shining characters. As it is, he is calculated to be
highly useful in society. He may never be commissioned
in the Divine embassy as his father, that eminent minister,
but his service in the councils of his fellow members in the
church militant, may still be exceedingly valuable.
* * * It is really melancholy to observe the diffusion
and multiplication of error in our Society. To see value set
on some things of not intrinsic worth, and the value of other
greatly misapprehended and immoderately esteemed; whilst
the virtues of meekness, temperance, charity, exhibited in a
life of condescension and forbearance, of contented frugality,
and the essence of benevolence and humble piety, appear to
be considered as subjects in which the eloquence of our galla-
ries may indeed be employed with great propriety, but not
as indispensable acquirements. Ah ! 1ioav I wish that heads
of families should see things in the light of truth, and weigh
them in the balance of the sanctuary ; that nothing should
appear beautiful to them but Avhat accords with simplicity
and purity ; and that nothing should seem possessed of weight
which has not some degree of eternal importance.
Our meeting, thou knew, liberated several couples to travel

1815.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 91
to the North and to the South,- with a view to preach the
knowledge of truth, and persuade men to abandon error.
Since then, John Cox has obtained concurrance in a prospect
of attending the meetings composing Westbury Quarterly
Meeting, New York ; and our Burlington Nathaniel, in whom,
perhaps, there is nearly as little guile as in the HebreAV Avhose'
name he possesses, has gone to bear him company. I think
very well of it for several reasons. He, (that is N. Coleman)
is by no means an unsuitable companion, and he has had
rather a melancholy kind of life latterly. Since the Avar, and
the levying of the tax on plate, he has declined business,
except a little in the mending department, Avhich has left
him more leisure than one not given to lounging, and not
particularly fond of reading, can satisfactorily dispose of.
Add to this the absence of a wife [E. C. being on a religious
visit], whose absence he could but ill brook for a day, when
he had more concerns to occupy his attention, and thou canst
easily imagine him not very comfortable. His daughters
have not been remiss in endeavoring to console him, but
they could succeed but in a small degree, and had the mor
tification to be told by him that the attentions of a hundred
children could not suffice to fill the blank occasioned by the
absence of a wife. Elizabeth and Margaret are expected
home in the course of a few days, and A. Barker and company
about the same time.

92 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1816.

CHAPTER VI.— 1816-1822.
THOMAS KITE RECOMMENDED AS A MINISTER — REBECCA
JONES' DEATH — DEATH OF GEORGE DILLWYN— DEATH
OF ISAAC SHARPLESS.
In the year 1816, the Monthly Meeting of Philadelphia
recommended Thomas Kite to the " Quarterly Meeting of
Ministers and Elders as one to whom they believed a gift in
the ministry of the Gospel had been committed by the Head
of the Church. His uncle, John Letchworth, who sympa
thized with his nephew in the trials and temptations incident
to the station into which he was called, addressed the folloAv-
ing instructive letter to him :
East Fallowfield, First month 4th, 1817.
Dear Thomas : — I often hear talk of great ministers, and,
unless I deceive myself, hear it Avithout envy. Shall we con
sider what it is that constitutes a great minister? By what
rule shall we judge? Common fame is the rule in courts to
judge of a person's character. Well, be it so. Hear what
is said : " Such an one spoke largely ; I think not less than
an hour and a half, or two hours ; he is a great, minister !"
" Well, for my part, (says a second), I must confess, my head
was not sufficient to contain all ; I was glad when he sat
down. I even thought, the few words dropped by the other
Friend, carried as much weight with it as all the other's ptft
together." " I don't like your ' poppers,' " says a third.
Again : " Such an one is a great minister, and she has a most
beautiful delivery; her voice is quite musical." "Well,
now, I thought when I heard her, what a pity it was there
had not been some, good elder with her in her early setting

1817.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 93'
out, to have prevented her singing instead of preaching.''
" Well, I admire at this ! How dost thou like the delivery of
such an one ?" " Why, I think he delivers himself in a clear,
distinct, intelligible, manly manner." " Noav, I think, he
seems to read his sermon over like a school-boy saying his les
son." I have given a short specimen of the observations which
are made on ministers of our Society, and by members, too.
* * * # #
There is a path, a path of safety, and this is the path of
clear, plain duty. As this is kept in, and Ave journey for
Avard, although we may be stripped and Avounded by thieves
and robbers, — although the Priest and the Levite may look
on and pass us by on the other side, and make no observa
tions at all, yet when the good Samaritan comes along, he
Avill pour in wine and oil, bind up our wounds, and set us
upon his beast. Thus it will be done unto the man or AA'oman
whom the King delighteth to honor ; who seek the honor
that cometh from Him, and not from man, whose breath is
in his nostrils. Therefore, " seekest thou great things for
thyself? seek them not," but be of good cheer. So saith thy
loving uncle, John Letchworth.
Thomas Kite Avas very much concerned for the right edu
cation of his children, and he devoted much of his leisure
hours to them, endeavoring to promote their instruction in
useful and interesting things. In the Eleventh month, 1817,
he makes the following note concerning the two eldest, and
their reading :
"Susan in her ninth year. William just turned of seven.
Previous reading, parts of the Bible, Barbauld's Lessons,
interesting anecdotes of children, original poems, the first
part of Harry and Lucy and Frank and Rosamond. Began

94 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1817.
a regular course of reading and conversations with them,
Tenth month, 1817, for from twenty minutes to an hour in
the evening. Melish's School Atlas furnishes geographical
exercises for a portion of almost every evening. Evenings
at Home furnishes interesting matter for many evenings ;
much of it found to be beyond their comprehension, and,
therefore, left for the present.
Eleventh month. Dr. Aiken's Arts of Life does not seem
sufficiently to interest them. Frank and Rosamond, and
Harry and Lucy, the second parts. Highly interesting ;
furnishes much matter for remark.
15th. Went to see the camels. Their natural history.
Key to knowledge; useful information, but not conveyed in
a lively and interesting manner. New Robinson Crusoe ex
cites much interest. Some parts needful to be suppressed
in reading to children, being calculated to encourage a mar
tial spirit.
Twelfth month. Evening Entertainments. Some parts
to be suppressed, but containing much that interests and in
forms respecting the manners and customs of nations."
Sarah Sharpless, the wife of Isaac, Edith Kite's brother,
was now in declining health. As she was patiently and hope
fully drawing near her close, her mother-in-law, Ann Sharp
less, who resided under the same roof Avith her, became much
depressed in spirit. Joshua Sharpless having written to his
son Thomas, giving an account of his wife and daughter, re
ceived the following letter :
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 19th, 1817.
Dear Father : — I had thought of Avriting to thee before
I received thy letter, when I found we were not to see thee at
this time. The situation of sister Sarah, though on her hus
band's, children's, and the Church's account, it may be re-

1817.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 95
gretted, yet on her own account it cannot be, because there is
ground to believe that her warfare is accomplished, her ini
quity is pardoned ; and waiting in readiness, her loins girded,
and lamp burning, for the call of the Heavenly Bridegroom.
It is affecting to hear that dear mother is plunged into so
low a spot ; but I cannot but hope she will be favored Avith
strength to lay hold on his promises,'" who cannot lie," and
be enabled to cast her care upon Him Avho careth for her as
well as the sparrows, and in whose sight, being of the num
ber of his dear children, she is of more value than many
sparroAvs. May her confidence be renewed in Him who is
both a sun and a shield, light and protection, that so from a
fresh feeling of his everlasting, loving kindness, she may be
qualified to say, " The Lord is the strength of my life ; of
Avhom shall I be afraid ?"
It is a humbling consideration, that even those who have
had large experience of the Lord's goodness and preserving
power in youth, middle age, and more advanced life, have
often, nevertheless, toward the close of their pilgrimage, been
deeply tried, both from Avithin and from without. If some
experience of this kind, my dear father, should be allotted
thee, it is a favor that thou art enabled to believe " that these
. light afflictions are working out through Divine favor a far
more exceeding' and eternal weight of glory ;" and though
thy humbled mind, in looking back over a long life of dedi
cation, may be obliged to confess, " I am an unprofitable
servant ; I have done but that which it Avas my duty to do,"
yet how precious to be enabled to offer the incense of a con
trite heart, renewedly believing, that He who has delivered
out of past conflicts and dangers, will be near to preserve in
the feAV remaining trials, and by the operation of his own

96 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1818.
eternal baptism, refine and prepare for an admission into his
undefiled rest.
* * * Rebecca Bacon was suddenly called out of
time about a week ago ; having retired apparently in usual
health, and being found dead in her bed in the morning ;
probably occasioned by apoplexy.
1818. At the time of the Yearly Meeting in 1818, Joshua
Sharpless judged himself too infirm to venture to Philadel
phia to attend it, yet he was not so indisposed as to make it
needful for his wife, to remain Avith him. Rightly appreci
ating the trial it must be to one who had long been zealously
and actively concerned for the prosperity of Truth, to be un
able to attend the annual assembly and mingle in social and
religious fellowship with those who were bound to the sup
port of the same precious cause and testimonies, and also
feeling with him in his lonely situation, Thomas Kite be
lieved it right to address him a few lines of sympathy and
encouragement. Philadelphia, Fourth month 18th, 1818.,
Dear Father : — Both Edith and myself feel sensibly dis
appointed at not seeing thee, with mother and Isaac [when
they came] ; but cannot blame thee, considering thy state of
Aveakness, for deciding upon remaining at home. Though
it is likely thou wilt feel somewhat lonely, yet Ave hope thy
mind will be supported in peaceful contentment, remember
ing, that when able, thou didst not permit trifles to prevent
thee from assembling with thy friends, and going down into
exercise and baptism with those Avho bear " the burden and
heat of the day."
Mother [Sharpless] appears to feel very comfortable ; says
she feels this morning less of a pain in her shoulders. Aunt

1818.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 97
Esther Garrett is with us, and lodges Avith mother. Cheyney
and Martha are also with us ; no others have yet come to
lodge. Rebecca Jones rests from her labors and painful conflicts.
Her sufferings during a few late months have been great.
She died on Fourth-day afternoon, and is to be buried this
morning before meeting.
Wm. Williams and John Heald are here, and lodge at
Father Kite's. Esther Griffin, and her daughter ; Mary
Naftel, and other friends, are in town, among whom, I be
lieve, Daniel Howland, of Rhode Island, is one.
Early in the Fifth month of this year, Thomas Kite started
on a visit, principally of business, through the Eastern States.
Desirous of administering pleasure to his infirm father-in-
IaAV, by shoAving him he was not forgotten in his weakness,
soon after his return, Thomas Avrote him a letter, giving
some account, of his journey. Philadelphia, Sixth month 5th, 1818.
Dear Father : — Having returned from my little jour
ney, I am willing to devote a sheet of paper to giving thee
some account of it. I left home the day of our Quarterly
Meeting [held Fifth month 4th] in the afternoon, by the
Bristol steamboat. Took stage [at Bristol], and reached
Kingston, in NeAV Jersey, that night, — bad roads, and a
drunken driver, occasioning me considerable uneasiness.
The next morning [Third-day] I reached New York.
Fourth-day was Monthly Meeting there, which I attended ;
and having dispatched my business, on Fifth-day evening I
took the steamboat for Albany. I regretted passing the
Highlands in the night, but rose about midnight to get such
a view of them as I could, which was but the majestic out-

98 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1818.
line. The next morning I saw the Catskill Mountains, still
white Avith snow. In the evening reached Albany;* and
having on Seventh-day morning attended to business there,
went in the afternoon to Troy. First-day attended morning
and afternoon meeting [in that place]. Between meetings I
climbed a hill, from which I had a distant prospect of
Cohoes Falls, where the whole MohaAvk River is precipitated
seventy-five feet, I was told. I met at Troy agreeable Friends,
and I think it one of the handsomest little towns I have ever
seen. In the evening I returned to Albany, from whence, on
Second-day morning, I took my departure towards Boston.
That day passed by Lebanon Springs— the Shaker settlement
adjunct, — and went over the mountain on which said settle
ment is situated. There again I saw snow. We afterwards
ascended the Green Mountain, which is here said to be
twenty-five miles over. On the elevated land spring had not
made its appearance ; the ground Avas not clear of snoAV, and
not a leaflet to be seen. The farmers are discouraged from
attempting to raise Indian corn, and are substituting potatoes,
which yield an abundant increase. I think they are better
than ours, and they say answer very well for fattening both
pork and beef. Lodged at Northampton, a beautiful town,
on the Connecticut River. The next day rode through a
cultivated country one hundred miles, to Boston. I think in
nopart of Massachusetts, not even in the mountainous country,
is so much land left in timber as about the Brandywine, Pa.
Most of the way are thick stone fences, and many handsome
towns. Boston is very much improved in buildings since I
was there eleven years ago, but is still the crookedest town I
ever saw. I went to see- Friends' meeting-house, now shut
up ; it is next door to the Merchants' Exchange. On Fourth-
* Taking 24 hours from New York to Albany.

1818.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 99
day evening I went to Lynn, and lodged at Micajah Collins.
Next day [Fifth-day] attended their Monthly Meeting, which
was large ; I thought the business Avell managed. That even
ing I went to Salem ; lodged at Betsey Purington's. Re
turned next day to Boston ; finished my business there, and
on Seventh-day Avent in a stage to Providence. Here Obadiah
Brown kindly insisted on my staying at his house. On First-
day I attended two meetings. On Second-day, finding no
stage for Hartford, I was obliged to remain. I spent the
morning with Obadiah at [the house of] his father, Moses
BroAvn, who interested me much with anecdotes of Job Scott,
who lived with him Avhen he first appeared in the ministry.
He showed me a number of Job's letters to him, and inter
esting books and papers. After dinner we all Avent to see the
Yearly Meeting school house, now nearly finished. It is on
a very fine and commanding situation. I afterwards went
to Wm. Almy's, with whose daughter Anna I Avas pleased.
Her simplicity and dedication, in the midst of affluence, being
very exemplary. She had just returned from visiting fami
lies in a neighboring meeting. Third-day morning I started
for Hartford, and was much pleased with the Institution for
the Deaf and Dumb [at that place]. The pupils appear to
be making considerable progress in knowledge. The superior
class, who have been there about a year, can understand the
significant motions of the hands of their preceptors so as to
write down grammatically complex sentences. They also
learn arithmetic. From Hartford, on Fourth-day, I went to
New Haven, and embarked again the same evening on a
steamboat for New York. Our passage through Hurlgate
was difficult. We reached New York on Fifth-day morning,
and on Sixth-day left for Philadelphia. As I Avas going down
from my lodgings to the steamboat, I met my uncle, John

100 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1818.
Letchworth, and my sister Mary, who had just arrived to
attend the Yearly Meeting. I reached home on Seventh-
day morning. Thus I have given thee a brief account
of every day's movements. I may add, that B. White
sailed last Seventh-day for Liverpool ; and that Stephen
Grellett, who was liberated for his northern journey by his
own Yearly Meeting, expects to sail for England on the 15th
or 16th of this month, accompanied by Mary Naftel.
Whilst passing through Connecticut, Thomas Kite became
interested in a fellow traveller, a young female of pleasant
manners and good intellect. Beside the conversation grow
ing out of the scenery around them, and the various little
circumstances occurring, she made some inquiries into the
doctrines of the Society of Friends ; which not only led him
into an explanation and defence of them, but induced him to
present her with a copy of Barclay's Apology. They parted
mutually pleased with each other ; and an occasional inter
course and friendly interest was maintained between them
until his death. Her name was Lydia Huntley, since better
known as Lydia H. Sigourney.
Thomas Kite was a pleasant travelling companion, possess
ing excellent conversational powers, an enquiring mind, a
clear head, and a memory stored with anecdotes. He had
also a facility in drawing others out, and in overcoming the
reserve of strangers ; and he rarely, if ever, passed along in
a stage or steamboat, that he did not elicit informaticn from
those about him, and engage them in pleasant and profitable
discourse. He was not. forward to obtrude his religious sen
timents on such occasions, but it not unfrequently happened
that those who became interested in his general remarks,
Avere desirous to converse on some of the doctrines of the So-

1818.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 101
ciety of Friends with one who, from his dress and address,
appeared a consistent member. Thus he Avas often enabled
to advocate the Truth — to enlighten the understanding of
seeking minds, and to remove the prejudices of his hearers,
without violating any of the conA'entional proprieties of life.
His mind was tenderly alive to the spiritual trials and ex
ercises of the young, particularly such as he deemed under
the preparing Hand for usefulness in the Church. Having
Avritten to a female whom he considered of this class, he re
ceived the following reply :
Upper Darby, Seventh month 5th, 1818.
It had been on my mind before I left home, to request thee
to Avrite ; but I Avas best satisfied to omit it, hoping thou
wouldst. be influenced by a motive more poAverful than that
of friendship.
The single eye shall be filled Avith light ; but I have greatly
feared that my eye being evil, my whole body has become
full of darkness. I know not my vocation ; neither have I
much reason to hope that I shall ever be qualified for useful
ness in the Church. 'Tis a mournful consideration, and it
has often filled me Avith sadness. Perhaps if I were willing
to be nothing, — to be laid aside as a broken vessel, — I might
witness a preparation for service, though in a small degree,
in the Master's house. Yet think not that I am too much
depressed ; on the contrary, apathy, insensibility, more to be
deplored than suffering, is my present state. Continue, my
dear friend, thy intercession for me, that " Light may arise
out of obscurity, and my darkness become as the noonday."
After a long period of probation, the writer of the above
letter came forth in the ministry. Her communications
were short, and her voice in that line was only heard after

102 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1819.
long intervals of silence. Her appearances Avere lively and
very acceptable to her friends.
A time of pressure had now commenced in the commercial
world, and many failures among men of mercantile business
and speculators in real estate took place. This state of things
lasted for two or three years. Thomas Kite having given
Stephen Pike a description of the difficulty in the community
consequent thereon, received the following reply. It was
written after the ice had obstructed steamboat navigation in
the Delaware. Burlington, Twelfth month 30th, 1818.
* * * Philadelphia seems to be fifty miles further
from us than when the steamboat afforded an opportunity
two or three times a day to transport ourselves thither in a
couple of hours. Thou mentions the overturnings that are
taking place in your city. On reading thy account, as at
many other times, I have felt that
" 'Tis pleasant, through the loopholes of retreat,
To peep at such a world."
'Tis true, I am obliged to ply a business replete with care
and difficulty, but then I am never visited by bank notices ;
and though I have no prospect of being quickly rich, I am
not yet obliged to encroach upon my little fund of savings,
but have a trifle to spare.
THOS. KITE TO MARTHA JEFFERIS.
Philadelphia, First month 29th, 1819.
* * * My business is not very brisk, yet sufficiently
so, with frugality, for a decent maintainance. I am content
with my situation, and have no prospect of change, and I be
lieve Edith is pretty well satisfied. To be sure her cares and

1819.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 103
concerns in her family sometimes are trying, but afford her
a noble opportunity of manifesting forbearance, patience, and
other Christian virtues ; in the peaceful daily exercise of
which I hope she and I may be favored to increase. My
business is not so pressing but I find time, when a duty in
the case is apprehended, to attend a neighboring meeting ;
and am at times favored Avith a secret hope that I am not
doing my own will therein, but seeking rather to serve the
Holy One in the Gospel of his Son — an awfully important
office ! What manner of persons ought, such to be Avho as
sume it, in all holy conversation and godliness? How far,
very far, indeed, am I from having attained such an estab
lishment in righteousness as I believe is attainable, and which
Ave are called to. May I not settle down into ease and security,
but rather be incited to daily vigilance, that forgetting the
things Avhich are behind, I may press forward towards those
things which are before, — even complete redemption and
acceptance in Christ. And, dear sister, as the wish arises
with freshness and fervency, may brother, and thou also, be
found pressing forward. It is the will of the great Head of
the Church, in this day of deep degeneracy, that his people
should arise, shake themselves from the dust of the earth, and
go forward. May you, placed as you are, in a station which
makes your example conspicuous, be favored day by day with
the renewings of Holy help, enabling you to take your jour
ney before the flock, speaking by the language of example
the invitation, " Follow us, as we endeavor to follow Christ."
Thus strengthened to overcome the evil in yourselves, you
will be qualified to rule your own house well, and keeping
your authority in the dignity of our Holy Head, you will
be qualified more eminently to take care of the house of
God, as instruments in his hand, who alone can enable us to

104 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1819.
Avork for his honor and our own peace. Excuse me, dear
sister, for thus speaking to a beloved brother and sister of
more experience than myself, and whose sympathetic desires
for my preservation I have.
I had omitted to notice thy query concerning dear S.
Wilson's illness. She seemed recovering ; had been once out !
but was taken on Seventh-day with bilious colic, which, after
a painful conflict, terminated her earthly course on the fol
lowing Third-day. There is reason to believe an apprehen
sion had attended her mind, that, her days' work was draAv-
ing to a close. Well, she was a precious plant in the Lord's
heritage, and is, doubtless, transplanted to his everlasting
kingdom. The Church has met with a loss which will be
sincerely felt ; her particular intimates will miss her much,
for she* was much beloved by them. But it is all well, be
ing his work who doeth all things well ; who is still able to
raise the beggar from the dunghill, and set him with the
princes of his people; to call strangers in to feed his flock,
and to make the sons of the aliens ploAvmen and vinedressers ;
whilst the children of his family who abide under his form
ing hand, will not be cast off, but will be made priests and
ministers unto Him. Thus we have the consolation of be
lieving, that the foundation remains. Though one genera
tion goeth and another cometh, the Word of the Lord abideth
forever. T. KITE TO JOSHUA SHARPLESS.
Philadelphia, Seventh month 13th, 1819.
Dear Father : — I wrote to thee a few days ago on the
state of our health, and that of the city generally, but no
* A minister of the Southern District Monthly Meeting, deceased
Twelfth month 29th, 1818.

1819.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 105
opportunity presented of sending the letter, and, therefore,
thinking you may have reports which have been circulated
on the subject of the yellow fever, and feel some anxiety for
us, I have concluded to write again. There have been in the
neighborhood of Market street. Avharf, a few cases of ma
lignant fever, of Avhich about five persons have died. The
Board of Health has caused the removal of those who have
taken [the disease] as fast as they came to its knowledge.
This they deemed a measure of prudent precaution ; as also
the cleaning of certain dirty and offensive places in that
vicinity. I know of no new case yesterday or to-day. The
city in general is remarkably healthy. My family, except
ing little Thomas, enjoy their accustomed health.
The times, as to business, are remarkably dull, and there
have been some considerable failures. Indeed, the Avild
speculating spirit Avhich has prevailed, and which led to the
present embarrassments, has met with a serious check. It is
to be hoped that warning may be taken, and a different man
ner of business adopted, which will lead to more favorable
results. Thomas Kite, Jr., the third and last child of Thomas and
Edith Kite (born Second month 25th, 1818), was now very
unwell, and his mother, soon after the above letter was writ
ten, went with him to her father's, in East Bradford, to try
whether country air would not recruit him. Whilst there,
Edith Kite received the following letter from her husband :
* * * " Samuel Bettle and George Williams left home
yesterday on their way towards Ohio. Perhaps if thou hadst
written thou couldst have informed whether uncle John
Letchworth was set at liberty by the Western Quarter.*
* J. L. was set at liberty, and paid a religious visit west of the
mountains, attending the Yearly Meeting in course.

106 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1819.
From Byberry we hear that our friends there are mourning
the removal of Ezra Townsend.* Perhaps a greater loss to
that meeting and neighborhood could not have taken place.
To have a man of his experience and exemplary deportment,
which gave him a great place in the minds of Friends, re
moved in the full possession of his powers and usefulness,
seems to have occasioned a general mourning amongst his
neighbors. But, no doubt, it is in wisdom ; and He who has
removed and is removing from the militant to the triumph
ant Church, those who have long borne the burden and heat
of the day, can, and, we humbly trust, Avill continue to qualify
those who are made ' willing in the day of his power,' to suc
ceed such in a faithful testimony to the Truth. Mayest thou,
and I, dearest, be amongst the number of those who are wit
nessing the cleansing baptisms of the Spirit, increasing in
weight and religious experience, faithfully serving our gene
ration, and witnessing a gradual preparation for that awful
day, when we may be enabled to do it, in humble hope that
our sins are forgiven us ' for his name's sake,' Avho hath loved
us and whom we have desired to serve. Oh, my dear, it is
animating to be favored with a hope of admission within the
pearl gates to the general assembly and Church of the first
born ; and what a tendency such a hope has to raise desires
that even here we may be purified even as He is pure, — that
heavenly dispositions may be implanted, and all unholy af
fections done away. But alas for myself! Avhen I consider
how far I am from such an attainment, my own weakness
and the strength of surrounding temptations, my heart is
ready to meditate terror. Pray for me, that, having preached
unto others, I may not become a castaway from Divine favor
and acceptance. I hardly know how to cease, such is the
*An elder; he deceased Eighth month 14th, 1819, aged 60.

1819.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 107
solicitude unexpectedly awakened for our increasing dedica
tion to the ' God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of
Avhom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.' But
I pause, with recommending us to Him, and to his keeping,
who only is able to keep us from falling, and to present us
faultless before the throne of his glory with exceeding joy."
The young child continuing ill, — so much so that the
mother despaired of his life, — their stay in the country was
prolonged. On receiving which information T. K. wrote :
Ninth month 7th, 1819.
I feel such a void in thy absence, I hardly know how to
spare thee longer, yet if thy health, or that of our dear boy
requires it, I must endeavor to submit. I rank amongst the
chief blessings of my life, my happy connexion in marriage
with my dearest earthly friend ; and I feel that more than
six years' experience of its comforts has increased my affec
tionate attachment. Yet, Avhilst I desire to be grateful to
that kind Providence who has provided me with so beloved
a companion, I also desire to be preserved from such an
undue or inordinate affection for the gift, as might lead to a
neglect of the Giver. Often has the aspiration been excited,
that our union, through the sanctifying influence of our
Heavenly Father, may be more and more purified ; and that
whilst we are permitted to feel the comforts which flow from
our mutual, natural affection, we may experience an enlarge
ment in that blessed communion which is spiritual and divine :
and to this end much have I craved, that Ave may be frequent
and fervent in waiting for, and feeling after those baptisms
which cleanse the heart and preserve it sweet and tender.
Thus favored, may we not hope that death itself will not
separate us long ? — a thought calculated to afford the survivor,

108 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1820.
comfort in a trying hour. Indeed, in every situation we can
be placedin on this probationary scene, how consoling the
evidence that we have an interest in Him who hath abolished
death, and brought life and immortality to light through the
Gospel. Oh ! that this consolation may be ours !
Although under much anxiety about the health of his
child, Thomas Kite believed it right to mention to the
Friends of his Monthly Meeting, held Ninth month 23rd, a
prospect of religious service which had been long ripening
on his mind. This concern, as expressed by the Minute
granted him was " to pay a religious visit to the meetings
comp&sing the Monthly Meetings of Exeter, Roaring Creek
and Muncy : also, the meetings belonging to Centre Monthly
Meeting within the compass of Warrington Quarter." He
had the unity of his friends, and the company of his brother-
in-law, Joseph Walton.
1820. At an adjournment of Philadelphia Monthly Meet
ing, held Second month 3rd, 1820, Thomas Kite received
a minute to attend a few meetings within the limits of Abing
ton Quarterly Meeting, and some in that of Shrewsbury and
Rahway. On the eighth he left Philadelphia to accomplish
his prospect, having Charles Townsend as a companion. Of
this journey some particulars are given in his letters.
THOMAS KITE TO HIS WIFE.
Mendham, Second month 12th, 1820.
I will begin at our departure, which was, as thou recollects,
no doubt, on the afternoon of last Third-day [the '8th]. That
evening Ave reached Dr. Mitchell's at Horsham ; were kindly
entertained; and on Fourth-day morning rode to Watson
Fell's, at Solebury, to dinner. Whilst we were there it began

1820.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 109
to snoAV ; but Ave pushed on through it, and arrived at Henry
Clifton's, at KingAvood, near night. We were kindly receiv
ed, and pleased with meeting our friend Abraham Lower,
Avho had an appointed meeting there that mcrning, and had
been detained by the badness of the roads, the snow not per
mitting him and his companion proceeding in their chair.
Fifth-day morning, in company with him, I attended the
Select Preparative Meeting, which is held at nine o'clock, as
also the Monthly Meeting, Avhich begins at eleven. In the
afternoon, leaving Abraham, and his companion Joseph
Warner, at Henry Cliftons, we proceeded towards Randolph,
iu the face of a severe fall of snow, having Joseph Stevenson
for a guide. By tying our handkerchiefs over our hats and
faces, Ave secured ourselves somewhat against the driving
siioav, and stopped for the night at John Dawes', an aged
Friend, who lives remote from any other of the Society. In
the welfare of himself and family of daughters, apparently
amiable and intelligent young women, we Avere much inter
ested. In the night a large quantity of snow fell, in conse
quence of which, instead of reaching Randolph on Sixth-day,
as Ave expected, Ave scarcely exceeded half that distance.
Such travelling I never saAv ; snow-drifts nearly or quite to
the horses' backs. Frequently having to break the road for
considerable distances ; at other times getting into fields to
avoid heavy drifts —altogether obstructed our progress so
much that it was noon by the time we had travelled about
six miles. ToAvards evening Ave arrived near a tavern, but
hearing they were without hay, and probably Avithout oats,
Ave petitioned a Presbyterian farmer to take us in, who
Avillingly consented. His wife, Ave found, was descended
from Friends ; himself Arery zealous [in his belief] yet not
bigoted. His brother-in-laAV, a physician, Avas present, and

110 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1820.
much interesting conversation relative to our principles,
occupied the evening, towards the close of which Avay opened
for a religious opportunity. Indeed, unlike any former
journey, my way has opened in several families already for
services of this kind, to my own peace.
This morning [Seventh-day the 12th], Ave have also had
our difficulties, though on the whole travelling is rather im
proved. We have come (having parted with our guide)
about twelve miles to Aaron Boker's, who formerly lived in
Philadelphia, and whose wife is a member. [At his house]
we have just dined. We have about nine miles to go this
afternoon, which, with calling a few minutes on Samuel H.
Cox, which we propose to do, will probably occupy us till
near night. To morrow [First-day] we propose being at
Randolph Meeting — and nothing further is clear at present.
As thou knows how deeply I was depressed under the pros
pect of leaving home, I think it right to say I have been
remarkably supported in calmness and contentment ; so that
nothing I have met with has been hard to bear, and scarcely
unpleasant. T. K. TO HIS WIFE.
Randolph, Second month 14th, 1820.
I wrote from Aaron Boker's, bringing my account down
to Seventh-day afternoon. After leaving his house we rode
to Samuel H. Cox's, who professed himself glad to see us.
After a short visit we pursued our way tOAvards this place,
but found such heavy snow-drifts that it seemed impossible
to get our horses through. We had to dismount and en
courage them to plunge onward a feAv paces and then stop
them to rest, as my mare in particular seemed ready to give
out. At length we reached a beaten road which lasted nearly

1820.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. Ill
to this place, [our way was then along] a road which no one
had passed. We endeavored to hire a man to go with us ;
but he told us he Avas afraid it would kill his horse to go
through the snow. So we were obliged to venture without a
guide, and night coming on, very great was our difficulty, —
often we were on the point of giving out. My colt having
scarcely strength or patience to get through the drifts, Avas
kicking, and plunging and exhausting herself, whilst I
wading and falling about, was endeavoring to guide her by
the bridle. At length we gave out. After getting the horses
onto a bank in the wood, I left Charles with them, and
plunged into the snow, to endeavor to reach a house, the
light of which glimmered through the darkness. We knew
from information [this house] must be that to which we were
bound. I left the road to try the fields, but the darkness
not. permitting me to distinguish the drifts, I frequently fell,
and thought of Thompson's description of a man perishing
in the snow. Having regained the road, I reached Thomas
Dell's house much exhausted, in a profuse sweat, and glad to
get there. He (T. D.) kindly sent three stout sons to Charles'
assistance, and they succeeded in getting our horses through.
Charles says he had a time of very comfortable meditation in
the woods. A good supper cheerfully prepared by kind and
hospitable friends was very refreshing. We yesterday, First-
day, attended the meeting here, which was large for the
place, many of the neighbors attending. It was, I trust, a
solemn and profitable opportunity. As there is said to be
no suitable stopping place between this and Hardwicke, dis
tant. 18 or 20 miles, and we have had so much bad road, we
concluded [yesterday] to rest until this morning and then
set out with a view of being at meeting there to-morrow. We
are now waiting for breakfast. Last evening Abraham

112 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1820.
LoAver and company again met us, they having been at
Hardwicke Meeting in the morning, and come on in a sleigh.
They are bound to Rahway to the Quarterly Meeting. * *
My mind continues to be sustained in quietness and resigna
tion, which I esteem a favor indeed.
A short account of the rest of this journey is contained in
the following extract from a letter to his father-in-laAV.
" Second-day the 14th. We rode to Hardwicke, formerly
Great Meadows, where on Third-day we had a meeting ; and
that afternoon crossing the Delaware on the ice, we passed
through the Water Gap to Stroudsburg. There we waited to
attend their usual week-day meeting on Fifth-day, and rode
in the evening to Easton, and were kindly entertained at the
house of Mordecai Churchman. Sixth-day we rode to Rich
land expecting to have a meeting there on Seventh-day ; but
on arriving at 2 o'clock found Friends going into the meet
ing-house to a meeting of Amos Peisley's. Tired as we Avere
we attended this, and way opened to relieve my mind, so
that, on Seventh-day we felt at liberty to return home."
A few days after Thomas Kite left Randolph, the follow
ing letter was addressed to him by a friend, of that place.
HYALE ANN SAMMES TO T. K.
Randolph, Second month 17th, 1820.
It has been on my mind this sometime to write thee a
letter, feeling drawn towards thee in that love which unites
together the children of our Heavenly Father, and causes
them to feel near one to another, when distant as to bodily
presence. These can sympathize Avith each other in their
trials and exercises, and can also rejoice with them in their
consolations. Dear brother, for I believe I may call thee so,

1820.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 113
I have often thought of thee since I saw thee at Shrewsbury.
I esteem it a favor that thou shouldst have taken notice of
me, and felt for me, a poor unworthy creature, one of the
least among the thousands of Israel, if numbered among them
at all. Yet I feel the evidence that I sincerely desire the
Avelfare of my fellow mortals. Unto God would I commit
my cause, Avho alone can qualify his humble depending chil
dren and prepare them for his Avork and service. I knoAv
without Christ I can do nothing. May I always look to
Him with an eye of faith. He is my only helper ; and I
desire no other. May Ave be encouraged to go in the way of
his holy leading, casting all, our care upon Him, for He
careth for us.
Soon after reaching Philadelphia, Thomas Kite received a
letter from his friend John Phillips, an elder of New Garden
Monthly Meeting, Chester County, a portion of which is
given. Kennet, Second month 22nd, 1820.
The choice little, weakly, Mildred Ratcliffe was here, and
in this neighborhood about two weeks past ; and I thought
her much faA'ored in some close and feeling testimonies
amongst us. She is busily travelling this cold weather. My
Avife [Lydia Phillips, a minister,] got home about six weeks
since. She Avas away about six months, and much favored
Avith health nearly all the time. They went through the
State of Ohio, part of Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, North
and South Carolina, so through Virginia, home. They at
tended the Yearly Meeting in Carolina, which they thought
a favored one, [having] a large number of innocent, goodly
Friends, who treated them with much kindness and affection.
I have no doubt they kept open houses in the fullest extent

114 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1820.
of the word. Rachel Barnard* took a bad cold when about
Cincinnati, with some fever ; she got a little better, went on,
came to Carolina, and the meeting-house [being] open and
without fire, and the weather uncommonly cold for the season,
she got it renewed. She was frequently unwell on her way
home, and [has not been] very well since.
In a letter to Joshua Sharpless dated Fifth month 29th,
1820, Thomas Kite says :
" William Foster, so long expected, has arrived from Eng
land. He is but 33 years old. His prospect is to visit
Friends and others on this continent, and some of the West
India Islands. After New York Yearly Meeting he expects
to go to New England."
George Dillwyn, that venerable minister of the Gospel of
Christ, having by a fall during the preceding winter injured
his hip, had been since that period declining in health. On
the 23rd of the Sixth month, 1820, he was released by death,
having a few months before completed his 82nd year. The
following letter gives some account of his latter hours.
STEPHEN PIKE TO T. K.
Burlington, Sixth month 23rd, 1820.
Dear Friend : — As sad intelligence is of rapid flight,
thou wilt perhaps have learned before this reaches thee, that
" a prince and a great, man hath this day fallen in Israel."
Our doubly-honored and beloved friend George Dillwyn,
being removed by the hand of death from this scene of his
long continued and very useful labors. My first impressions on
hearing of the circumstance were solemn, but not accompanied
*A minister of New Garden Monthly Meeting travelling with
Lydia Phillips.

1820.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 115
Avith much of the sadness produced by deep regret ; for I am
fully convinced that having fought the good fight and kept
the faith, his course is finished with the approbation, and by
the appointment of Him whose wisdom and goodness are
both Avithout bounds. The suddenness of the change was
rather surprising ; though it Avas not supposed he would con
tinue long with us, as he had in addition to his hurt, the
cholera morbus. He was free for a day or two past from
the latter complaint, [and] it was thought he might continue
some weeks longer. He conversed, as I understand, very
freely and pleasantly with those around him, and said, that,
except his lameness, he felt as if he were well. In this situa
tion he went to sleep and never awaked, but passed aAvay
quietly about five in the afternoon, without any symptoms of
approaching dissolution, except a little unusual motion in
the muscles of his face. I find that the impressions of others
on this occasion are similar to my own — those of solemnity
without sorrow. After an unusually long pause at the tea
table, John Cox, in a very solemn manner, expressed a short
ejaculation to this effect : " We would not approach thee
with unhalloAved lips, but we feel engaged to say, 'Thy name
is as ointment, poured forth, therefore do the virgins love
thee.' "
George's poor widow, now a little childish, who has been
very fondly and strongly attached to him during upwards of
60 years that they have been united, feels the separation
very greatly. She obtains the sympathy of her friends.
T. K. TO JOSHUA SHARPLESS.
Philadelphia, Sixth month 26th, 1820.
Dear Father : — I thought it might perhaps interest thee
to hear af the removal from the present scene, of two precious

116 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1820.
Friends, the one in the meridian the other in the declining
years of life, George Dillwyn and Mary Morris, wife of Israel.
The latter was under nomination from our Quarterly
Meeting to visit some of the meetings belonging to it ; and
was to have started on Sixth-day. The day previous she
Avas taken with cholera morbus, which carried her off in
twenty-two hours. She dying about. 4 o'clock on Sixth-day
morning. She was a sweet-spirited Friend, very useful in her
family and meeting, and had for sometime past, appeared in
the ministry. I Avent out to Merion to the funeral on Seventh-
day afternoon. It was largely attended and a sweet solemnity
was thought to prevail ; divers testimonies being borne under
a sense of the blessedness of those who die in the Lord.
Dear George Dillwyn since his hurt, has been rather de
clining ; and Avas also taken with cholera morbus, but ap
peared to obtain relief, so that on Sixth-day, conversing
cheerfully with his friends, he said, that except his lameness
he felt quite well. Thus circumstanced he went to sleep,
but never awoke, passing quietly away to the mansion pre
pared for him, without any symptom of approaching dissolu
tion excepting a little unusual motion of the muscles of his
face. Though it feels solemn, yet there is no cause for sorrow ;
full of years, as a shock of corn fully ripe, having kept the
faith and finished his course, he no doubt enjoys the croAvn
laid up for the righteous.
During the summer of this year, 1820, a few cases of
highly malignant bilious fever occurred in the City of Phila
delphia, which, of course, gaA-e occasion for an alarm through
the country that the yellow fever had once more visited the
place. T. K. went to Lancaster County during the Eighth
month.

1820.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 117
STEPHEN PIKE TO T. K.
Burlington, Tenth month 1st, 1820.
Elizabeth Foulke,* Avho is next door to us, is thought to
be sinking pretty fast. It is the doctor's opinion that she is
not. likely to remain long. She has suffered a great deal ;
and as there is no hope of her recovery, I shall be glad to
hear of her release. It is a great favor that she has the full
and proper exercise of her faculties, though Avithin a feAv
days she declines conversation. She appears frequently to
be in private supplication, which shows the foundation of
her hope. T. K. TO JOSHUA SHARPLESS.
Philadelphia, Tenth month 13th, 1820.
Dear Father : — Hearing from brother Isaac of thy in
creased suffering, has aAvakened feelings of sympathy and
commiseration. Under the anguish which I can readily
conceive thou must endure, I have felt a desire that the
power and presence of Israel's Shepherd may be Avitnessed,
enabling thee to support with a degree of patience those re
maining probations, Avhich will probably ere long wear out
the poor afflicted tabernacle, and release the immortal part
to its everlasting home. It has not been uncommon, I be
lieve, in the wisdom of Him whose counsel is unsearchable,
for his dear children near the close of lives of dedication, to
be closely tried in many ways, even as to an hair's breadth.
And it is not marvellous that it should be so, when the Great
Pattern submitted to the same cup and baptism. Great, no
doubt, was bis distress, both of bodily suffering in his humanity,
* Elizabeth Foulke was a minister belonging to Philadelphia
Monthly Meeting. She died Tenth month 19th, aged 63 years.

118 MEMOIR OF THMOAS KITE. [1820.
and a sense of the sins of a fallen race, when He cried out,
" My God, my God, Avhy hast thou forsaken me ?" Yet soon
the conflict ended, and He ascended to his God and our God :
and though his followers who have endeavored to continue
with Him may be at seasons, when the bitterness of anguish
is felt, almost ready to conclude they are forsaken, yet the
everlasting Arm is underneath, and for the elects' sake those
days of suffering will be shortened, the conflict ended, and
they enabled to ascend to their prepared mansions, triumph
ing in the power of an endless life, over death, hell and the
grave. A firm persuasion that this will be the blessed end
and consummation of all thy trials, my dear father, has afforded
some comfort under the trial which thy increased afflictions
have occasioned. An end unspeakably glorious. No more
pain, neither sorrow nor crying, and God himself shall wipe
all tears away. I might enlarge further, but hope this will
suffice thee. I have had feeling with thee. Edith sends her
love, and also unites Avith me in the expression of it to mother
and sister ; who we hope will experience the fulfilment of
the promise, " As is thy day so shall thy strength be."
In the Tenth month T. K. attended the Southern Quarterly
Meeting, and beside the labor Avhich fell to his share in the
public meetings, he appears to have had frequent religious-
opportunities in families, visiting, as way opened, the afflicted.
He was absent from home on this little journey about eight
days. T. K. TO JOSHUA SHARPLESS.
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 19th, 1820.
Dear Father : — Our cousin Ann Yarnall departed this
life last Seventh-day night, continuing to the last, Avhen not

1820.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 119
under the influence of delirium, supported in her mind by a
comfortable hope that she was about to be gathered to the
habitation of the blessed. Her remains were yesterday de
posited in our burying place ; and in the evening a number
of her connexions being collected at her late abode, a relig
ious opportunity took place, in which the covering of Divine
Good was eminently witnessed. I was present, having gone
thither from an apprehension of duty, not knoAving that so
many were likely to be there. Testimony was borne to the
sufficiency of that Divine power that enabled her to be faith
ful in the line of duty — to visit the sick and afflicted, and
minister to the necessities of the poor ; and the young people
were invited to bow to the operation of it, that they might
become qualified thereby, to fill up their allotted portions of
duty in the church and in the world. The blessing of having
the Lord for their friend in the trying hour of approaching
dissolution, Avas set before them. Amongst others, Elizabeth
Pitfield Avas very sweetly engaged in a strain of persuasive
Gospel ministry. Poor cousin Nathan* has been informed
of his wife's decease, and was brought in the morning to see
the corpse. He was sensibly affected ; and his behavior was
more quiet and composed than has of late been common.
I thought thou would, perhaps, be willing to hear that on
First-day last I had a meeting in the morning with the male
convicts in our prison. About three hundred and ninety
Avere present. Their deportment on the whole Avas becoming,
and there were many of them very attentive to what was of
fered for their consideration. In the afternoon I had the
company of the female convicts, in number not exceeding
forty, who were also commendably quiet and orderly. The
flowing of gospel love was felt in both the opportunities, and
* Nathan Yarnall, then laboring under alienation of mind.

120 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1821.
its message declared to them, I humbly hope, in a degree of
his authority, who was anointed " to preach deliverance to the
captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are
bound ; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." If any
of their hearts were at all reached, to Him be the glory.
T. K. TO EDITH KITE.
Philadelphia, Eighth month 22nd, 1821.
Since thou left several friends have deceased. Josiah
HeAves, on Fifth-day evening ; John Alsop, on First-day
morning. Having called to inquire after the latter, I was
present at his close, which was remarkably quiet. Though
solemn, yet the scene was attended with calm and pleasing
sensations to my mind. John Wilson, a nepheAv of Joshua
Harlan, was buried last evening, and this morning Ludawick
Laws is to be interred. He went to the sea shore, I believe,
in usual health, a few days ago for bathing, was taken with
bilious colic, which terminated his life. Thus are we fur
nished with admonitions to endeavor to be ready when the
time of our dismission comes.
In the early part of the Eighth month, Thomas Kite, hav
ing business requiring his attention in New York, took his
Avife with him there. His daughter, Susanna, then at the
house of her uncle, Cheyney Jefferis, on a visit, wrote him a
letter, directed to Boston. He replied to her in a pleasant
manner, calculated to please, a child of twelve years of age,
whoAvas very fond of cats and kittens, and had in the letter
enquired after her feline favorites at home.
Philadelphia, Eighth month 21st, 1821.
Dear Daughter : — I received thy very acceptable letter,
not at Boston, but at home. Thou Avast mistaken in suppos-

1821.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 121
ing my intention to be to go so far as Boston. Thou hast,
no doubt, heard of thy mother being at her father's. We
returned from New York on Fourth-day last, and found thy
uncle Nathan [Sharpless] here, prepared to take her out.
Thou Avilt probably get to see her. She took Rebecca with
her, and has left her at Concord, I expect. Susan Renouf
[a domestic in the family] is at grandfather Kite's. Our
house is very quiet and lonesome. The cat and kitten are in
very good health, as far. as we may judge from appearances,
for though the old one seems .rather sedate, the young one is
frolicsome enough. It is quite agreeable to hear that you
are going to school. Be diligent, and, dear child, don't be
wild, but endeavor to be a good girl. Thou art not too
young to have serious thoughts of thy duty to thy great
Creator ; and I hope when thou sits in meeting, and at other
times, thou feels desirous to live in his favor, and have Him
for the Guide of thy youth. This is thy affectionate father's
wish for thee.
• I went out to Frankford last evening to see thy aunt Abi
[Walton], and returned .this morning. The family there is
in usual health. Thy grandmother is not quite well, though
better than she was a few weeks ago. Thy grandfather has
gone to Byberry. I have little more to add at present, ex
cept to desire my love to thy uncle, aunt, and the children.
And please mention to little Joshua, that father sends his
love to him. T. K. TO JOSHUA SHARPLESS.
Philadelphia, Tenth month 16th, 1821.
Dear Father: — It has been a time of uncommon sick
ness in many parts of the country, and also in the city ;
mostly with those who have been spending some time out of

122 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1822.
town. We know of no neighborhood near the city where it
has been much more mortal than at the Asylum. Several
have died there. Our cousin, Nathan Yarnall, amongst
them, though not of the prevailing fever. On Seventh-day
afternoon he appeared to go into a kind of stupor, after hav
ing eaten his dinner, which increased, and about half-past one
at night, he quietly departed. Sister Abigail Sharpless ac
companied Edith and me to the funeral on Second-day, at
Frankford. It was very small, but one of uncle Ellis' family '
being there, occasioned by the .prevalence of the fever in the
family. Uncle, aunt, Sarah, and Edward, had been sick
with it. Of these, uncle is supposed to be the most unwell.
Indeed, his situation is thought critical. Sybil Dawes de
ceased a few days ago. During the early part of her illness,
which lasted, perhaps, ten days, she appeared favored with a
renewed visitation of Divine goodness, in which past failings
were brought into view, and forgiveness experienced, so that
a reconciliation to the prospect of the closing scene was merci
fully afforded. SARAH HUMPHREYS TO T. K.
First month 8th, 1822.
I feel much interested for the Avelfare of Zion and the en
largement of her borders, and my heart mourns for the deso
lation of that part [Radnor Monthly Meeting] of the vine
yard, and believe the work is marred on the wheel by an
unwillingness in s«me to serve the Lord, who seem as if they
would not so mucn as touch a. burden with one of their fin
gers ; and by the expressive language of conduct are saying,
we will not have this man to rule over us. Oh, what lovely
plants in the Lord's garden might some of these be, if they
were but willing in simplicity to yield themselves into his

1822.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 123
hands, to be anything or nothing, as He might see meet !
How Avould He qualify such to go forth as valiants who are
now lying as among the pots ! Truly our sufficiency is not
of ourselves, but of God, and our help cometh from Him,
and not from man, whose breath is in his nostrils — and
Avhereof is he to be accounted of? I feel as one of the weak
lings of the flock, and one of the least in the family, needing
the prayers and the help of the rightly exercised that I fall
not to the right or left. Weak as I am, the desire of my
heart at this time is, that all who see and feel the necessity
for faithfully laboring as God may give ability, may seek to
be preserved in that state of true humility, as, to be willing
to do the meanest office in the King's house, — to bear the cross
and despise the shame, that so the blessed cause of Truth and
righteousness may be exalted in the earth, and they at last,
Avhen their day's work is done, may be set down at the right
hand of God, far above all principalities and powers, bearing
the inscription of " holiness unto the Lord !"
Under a previous feeling of love, flowing, as I humbly
trust, from the Father of Mercies, I bid thee, affectionately,
farewell. T. K. TO JOSHUA SHARPLESS.
Philadelphia, First month 12th, 1822.
Dear Father : — * * * The Yearly Meeting's Com
mittee are at present visiting the Monthly Meeting of Bur
lington and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings. We hear
William Forster has gone into the Illinois country. Geo.
Withy was at Washington on First-day last, wishing to have
a meeting in the Capitol ; but a Baptist preacher having had
a previous grant, he was disappointed. It was uncertain
whether he would stay over another First-day. Thos. Evans,

124 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1822.
son of Jonathan, is his companion in this southern journey,
which will probably extend to Carolina.
I have heard of thy more comfortable state of health, and
have felt tender desires that whether it may please the Su
preme Controller of events still further to restore to health,
or whether increasing pain and weakness may be attendant,
thy mind may be preserved in the everlasting patience,
deeply anchored on Him who has been thy morning light,
thy strength in the meridian of thy day, and, I trust, will be
thy evening song. Paul, that experienced servant of Jesus,
was deeply tried with a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of
Satan sent to buffet him. We hardly know what particular
trial he alludes to ; perhaps it was the irritability of a tem
per naturally quick and ardent. Whatever it was, he sought
its removal. " I besought the Lord thrice," said he, " that
it might be taken from me," and the gracious answer was,
not that he should be exempt from the trial, but sustained
under it : " My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is
made perfect in weakness." Very encouraging fbr those who
may, like Paul, be tried, singly to depend upon the sufficient
grace of our Holy Redeemer, who, having loved his own,
loveth them unto the end, and enables them, through his
power, to overcome all the propensities of corrupt nature,
and finally to triumph over death, hell, and the grave.
Thomas Kite's oldest daughter, Susanna, was placed at
Westtown Boarding School in the latter part of the Fourth
month, 1822. Her first letter on the 24th, tells of her childish
griefs— her alarm the first morning after her arrival at the
sound of the great bell, calling the scholars to arise ; as she
thought, in her half-awakened state, that she Avas in the city
and heard the fire-bell. She appears to have been afflicted

1822.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 125
with home-sickness— had had a hearty cry — and thought
herself thereby disqualified to Avrite. Under date of Fifth
month 4th, her father thus wrote to her.
" Dear Susanna: —I was disappointed in not receiving a
letter from thee by the last stage. If permitted, I should
like to hear from thee frequently. Thou canst be at no loss
for subjects to Avrite on which Avill interest thy- parents, who
feel anxiously solicitous fbr thy good every way. Thy studies
— thy companions— the little incidents of the school — your
meetings for Avorship — all these, and many other subjects,
will prove to us interesting from thy pen. We feel fbr thee,
not doubting that at first the trial to thy feelings in being
separated, will be considerable. It is so to ours. But be
encouraged ; attention to thy business will assist in shaking
off unprofitable regrets; and thou Avilt soon feel comfortable
amidst thy new associates, towards all of whom I wish thee
to behave AA'ith perfect kindness, whilst thou art not very
intimate, except with a feAv."
Susanna, having informed her parents in one of her letters,
that it was against the " Order" of the school for her to have
been thus employed at the time she wrote it— her father
replied : Philadelphia, Fifth month 9th, 1822.
Pleasant as it is to receive letters from thee, I have no
Avish thou should infringe the rules of the school, nor even
go counter in the least degree to the wishes of the teachers.
When thou hast an opportunity to write, begin a letter and
add from time to time until the paper is full. Write as
neatly as thou canst.
It is my particular Avish that thy behavior may be toward
thy teachers both respectful and affectionate. Never appear
heedless or unmindful when addressed by them, but endeavor

126 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1822.
by prudent conduct to gain their confidence. It will add
much to thy comfort, and afford thy mother and myself
sincere satisfaction. I will just add, whilst I am advising
thee, a hope that thou wilt be particularly careful of thy
deportment in meeting. Let it be serious, and, dear child,
endeavor to have thy thoughts collected as in the presence
of the Holy One,' that thus a qualification may be furnished
thee to worship ; to rejoice in his goodness, to fear before
him, to choose him for thy portion, to say unto him in the
secret of thy heart, " My father, thou art the Guide of my
youth." Oh ! that thou mayest be thus favored. How earthly
distinctions and earthly advantages fade when compared with
these spiritual blessings. Learning is good ; the outward
comforts of life are good ; it is a favor to have kind parents
aod affectionate friends ; but Avhat are these compared with
being fhe sons and daughters of the Most High, instructed
in the school of Christ, and united to the blessed society of
the saints in light. Keep this in thy view above all other
acquisitions or advantages. The benefit will be experienced
not only here but hereafter ; for godliness is profitable unto
all things, having the promise of this life, and that Avhich is
to come.
Now, for news. George Withy had a meeting for the
young people of the city on Third-day afternoon. A great
collection — but he did not preach ; a great disappointment
to many. * * *
After visiting his daughter at Westtown, T. K. wrote to
her, Fifth month 17th.
" When I left thee on Second-day evening, I went to thy
grandfather's to lodge. In the morning I walked up to the
top of Osbourne's Hill, and heard the music of the little

1822.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 127
birds, as well as feasted my eyes with the delightful prospect
of the cultivated hills of the Brandy wine. I. have seen few
more lovely landscapes in my travels. We went to Concord
to the Quarterly Meeting, and lodged at Samuel West's,
near Chester ; attended Chester meeting on Fourth-day,
where was a marriage ; dined with the wedding company,
and reached home in the evening. * * * I have but
little to say more than this ; frequently ask thyself in thy
amusements, ' Would my father approve of this?' My dear
child, thy preservation in innocency is a wish that is very
near my heart." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Sixth month 17th, 1822.
* * * I do not wish for thee, my dear, anything far
beyond the common standard, yet I do wish for thy diligent
improvement of the. faculties thou art favored with. Not
that thou may shine and be applauded, but that thou may
be qualified to discharge thy duty in any situation of thy
future life. The habit of industry is of great consequence,
and when we consider how uncertain all temporal possessions
are, it seems peculiarly important that we acquire habits in
youth which may render it easy to labor for a subsistence, in
case it should become necessary. Far more important is the
habit as regards the concerns of the immortal part in us. In
this respect we should be diligent, fervent, laboring to know
ourselves to be redeemed from wrong things, from every
habit, passion and propensity which will render us unac
ceptable in the Divine sight."

128 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1822.

SAME TO SAME. Sixth month 22nd, 1822.
* * * I saw the Superintendent yesterday, and received
from him a pleasant account of thy health and cheerfulness.
I do not want thee to lose thy affectionate regard for thy
friends at home ; but I do want thee to feel entirely contented
where thou art, so long as it appears best for thee to remain
there. This disposition will be valuable in assisting thee to
prosecute thy studies to advantage ; for, remember, thou art
not sent to Westtown to be amused, but to study, and this
implies diligence, attention, assiduity. Nothing valuable is
to be obtained without labor. I wish thee particularly to
endeavor to cultivate a habit of abstraction, as essential to
mental improvement. I mean that thou think only of the
subject before thee. If thou suffer thy mind to be drawn
aside by every trifle that occurs, or thought that presents, it
is hardly possible thou canst lay in a good stock of valuable
knowledge. Keep close to the study before thee, endeavoring
thoroughly to understand it — passing over nothing without
clearly comprehending it, conquering weariness, disgust and
the love of indolence. In this way, my dear daughter, thou
wilt answer my design in sending thee to school, and lay up
such a foundation of useful learning as will be pleasant to
thyself and us in future days, should thy life be spared to us.
* * * David Cope came with thy uncle Cheyney to
attend some meetings in the city. He lodged at our house.
Our friend Sarah Hopper is deceased. She had been a re
markably healthy woman, but since last fall her health has
declined, and of late rapidly so. She was buried on the day
appointed for the marriage of her brother John Tatum to
Anne Biddle. Her own daughter's marriage is also post-

1822.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 129
poned. She will be much missed in her large family. The
children will feel the want of such a counsellor and friend,
but if they apply to that Almighty Being, who has, no doubt
removed her in wisdom, we have room to believe, that being
the father of the fatherless, he will condescend to be the
Guide of their youth. * * *
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Sixth month 30th, 1822.
Circumstances prevented my writing to my dear daughter
by the last stage. * * I think I mentioned thy mother's
visit to Woodbury on Seventh-day week. She did not re
turn till Fourth-day morning,' when she and I attended the
meeting at Twelfth street, when John Tatum and Anne Bid-
die accomplished their marriage. * * * I cannot say I
was pleased with thy observations respecting your food at
Westtown. Wast thou in a humble, contented disposition,
thou would feel that such fare was not only better than thy
deservings, but cause of thankfulness to the bountiful Feeder
of the human family. This leads me to mention what, perhaps,
thou hast not heard, that in Ireland the poor are suffering
for want even of the coarsest food. In many parts last year
the crop of potatoes failed, and the horrors of famine, and
consequent disease, have been experienced. When next thou
takest thy plentiful meal, remember, that to thousands it
would seem a feast of delicacies. There has been a great
fire in Baltimore ; about thirty houses destroyed, and much
distress experienced. Thus is there continually occurring some
thing to call forth our tender commiseration for others ; and
the sympathy we now give, we know not how soon we may
need. This life is made up of changes. They, and they only,
who, endeavoring to live in the fear of the Lord, and in

130 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1822.
obedience to his will, are prepared for every change. It is
declared, " all things work together for good to them that
love God." I long more than my pen can express, that in
thy young and tender years, thou mayest be brought into
the love of the Heavenly Father, arid into the experience of
his favor. Oh ! how religion dignifies and adorns the beloved
youth, enabling them to fill up with propriety every station
in which the providence of the Almighty places them ; and
when their pilgrimage is terminated, how it opens to them an
access to that blessed company that surround the throne of
the Eternal in never-ending bliss. May a life of religion be
thy deliberate choice, that, having lived the life, thou may
die the death of the righteous. SAME TO SAME. Seventh month 5th, 1822.
Dear Susan : — Thou knowest not the parental anxiety I
feel for thy welfare every way. It is impossible for thee fully
to appreciate it ; but thou art old enough to know, that the
course of life I wish for thee, will conduce to thy happiness,
to present peace— contentment in eA'ery situation — and if
persisted in to the close of life, it will open the cheering hope
of a blessed immortality. '
13th. It often happens to people who seek pleasure by
change of place, that they come home disappointed. Happi
ness depends less on outward situation and circumstances
than on the inward disposition of the mind. With a humble
sense of how little we deserve, and a grateful sense of Iioav
much Providence has done for us, — a lively wish to fulfil all
our own particular duties, and a continued endeavor to make
all those around us comfortable, — we can hardly fail to be-

1822.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 131
come in a considerable degree happy, let our outAvard situa
tion be Avhat it may.
19th. I spent, nearly two days Avith [his wife and family
in Jersey], enjoying those beauties of nature, of which I per
ceive by thy letters, thou art sensible. Let us raise our hearts
to the contemplation and love of the bountiful Author of*
nature, Avho has given us all things richly to enjoy.
26th. On looking at thy letters I find another question
unanswered. Thou sayest, speaking of our coming to see
thee, " if you all come at once, how can I part Avith you all?"
Now, perhaps, to save thy feelings, we had better stay away
altogether. Dost thou think so ? Dear child, thou must
endeavor to control thy feelings, and discipline thy mind.
Close attention to thy studies will be a good Avay to get the
better of thy excessive longings and anxieties about us. We
prize th3r love very highly, but would rather it were shoAvn
in doubling thy diligence at school, that thou mayest be the
sooner restored to us.
There have been many deaths; some of them so sudden as
loudly to give the warning : " Be ye also ready !" A serious
consideration of the end of life is proper even in the season
of youth, and it is not incompatible with cheerfulness, though
it excludes levity. May the blessing of Providence be thy
experience. 30th. * * * There are some practices which unthink
ing young persons have fallen into, Avhich I wish thee to avoid,
such as speaking unhandsomely of their places of learning.
This marks a very unpleasant state of mind. The Institu
tion in which thou art now placed had its origin in a concern
for the guarded religious education of the youth of our So
ciety ; and a little reflection must teach thee, that in order
to attain that end, a degree of method, order and restraint

132 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1822.
must be introduced, which is someAvhat irksome to young
minds. It is, [however;] ungrateful in such who know they
are deriving essential benefits from the school, to speak ill or
complain ; and particularly would it be unbecoming in thee,
who wast sent there at thy own request. I speak this as a
caution, not only noAV whilst at school, but when thou leaves
it, that thou mayest be particularly guarded on this point.
Another disagreeable practice with some children is find
ing fault with their teachers, or ridiculing them to their
young companions. I know not that thou ever did so, but I
Avarn thee affectionately against such a procedure. Many are
the trials of teachers, arising from the great variety of dispo
sitions they have to deal with; and much they have to give
up to devote themselves to so arduous an engagement. I
hope thou wilt be one that will endeavor rightly to feel for,
and sympathize with all the teachers, to pay a respectful
attention to all their admonitions, and by example, and per-.
suasion, when necessary, endeavor at all times to uphold their
authority. This thou wilt find conduce much to thy peace
and comfort.
Lastly, some children are prone to find fault, with their
provision. This, I feel a comfortable hope, thou wilt not fall
into. What do we deserve, compared with the bountiful
supply for our Avants which a beneficent Providence continu
ally affords us? Rather let us endeavor to feel the senti
ment of the Psalmist, " What shall I render to the Lord for
all his benefits ?" * * It is pleasant to us to hear from
thee. Believe me, dear child, thou art not likely to find
firmer friends anywhere than in thy father's house. Be not
anxious to make a large acquaintance ; and if any thou hast
made should seem to slight thee, be not much concerned about
it. Keep near to thy parents, brothers and sister, in true

1822.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 133
affection. Separate from us as thou art, I dare say, thou
thinks such an admonition superfluous, and that thou art in
no danger of forgetting to love us. See, then, that thy con
duct speaks the same language. Let thy love to thy parents
induce thee to do nothing in their absence thou fears would
be unpleasant to them, and Avhen restored to the domestic
circle, if Providence should permit us to be again united, may
thy love to thy brothers and sister lead to increasing patience
in bearing their little foibles, increasing self-denial when your
inclinations are in opposition, and an increasing concern as
our eldest hope, to set the younger a good example in all
things. Thus will our desires — may I not say our prayers —
concerning thee be answered, and thou prove a solace to our
declining years. May it never be otherwise, for nothing is
so bitter to a parent's feelings as a disobedient or ungrate
ful child ; nothing so likely to bring down his grey hairs
Avith sorrow to the grave.
Sixth month 16th. There is one hint, both as regards thy
studies and the reading thou mayest undertake in the inter
vals of thy studies. Read nothing, study nothing, without
understanding it. If thou hast not clear and precise ideas,
ask the teachers at a suitable time ; and if done in a proper
manner, I have no doubt they will be glad to give thee all
necessary information. A certain English writer says, " If
it is worth while to do anything at all, it is worth while to do
it well." Attend to this both in important and small mat
ters ; whether it be waiting on table, hemming a handker
chief, writing a letter, or getting thy lessons, — do thy best.
Establish habits of order, neatness and industry, now in thy
youth. If thou dost, these habits will prove of great conse
quence in advanced life.
Why do I giAre thee so much advice? Because I love

134 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1822.
thee. Because I earnestly desire thou mayest groAV up
Avorthy to be loved. My spirit at times is bowed in secret
prayer to my God, that He may bless thee, that He may in
cline thy heart to fear and love Him, and to keep his com
mandments always. Then will thy peace flow as a river ;
no uneasiness will be indulged at any present situation, but
in all states thou wilt be content, daily blessing the Lord for
all his benefits, and rejoicing in the God of thy salvation.
The following portion of a letter to T. Kite was written
by a young female minister, who had been on a religious
visit to Philadelphia. One phrase in it marks the district in
which she was educated.
" Eighth month 26th, 1822. We were favored to reach
our homes in safety and peace, Avhich, indeed, is cause of
thankfulness. Since which my lot has been much circum
scribed, the door closed, as to public communications, and
my dwelling-place within the compass of quiet and rest.
How evident in every line of life is the goodness, great lov
ing kindness, and tender mercy of Him, who is sometimes
pleased to call into action, and operate upon the instruments
in his own way ; and when they have humbly attended to
his directions, to release them, with a portion of the oil of
comfort, causing the light of his countenance to attend them
on their way, and return with them to their accustomed de
partments. Things are in a low and trying state among us, as a So
ciety ; but neither to those within or without its pale who are
rightly engaged, had ' this ought to administer discourage
ment. Those of this description [humble seekers], it is my
belief, however situated, have very much to dwell alone ;
their secret exercises known but to themselves. But their
sighs and silent intercessions are noticed by Him, who re-
gardeth his heritage, and Avatcheth over his little ones."

1822.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 135
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Ninth month 30th, 1822.
Thy last letter, my dear Susan, was peculiarly acceptable,
because it marked a contented mind. Cherish and cultivate
this disposition, which will, I am assured, conduce to thy
comfort, as well as the comfort of thy parents and friends.
* * *
Tenth month 12th. From thy uncle Isaac Sharpless, ac
counts are not more favorable. He appears to be gradually
declining ; and it is probable ere many months have elapsed
he will be numbered with the dead. An affecting circum
stance to us all, particularly to his dear wife and children ;
the latter being now of an age sufficient in some degree to
understand their loss. Thou hast heard, I expect, of the in
jury thy aunt Mary Sharpless received in her eye. It is
doubtful whether she will have the use of it. With her
affliction, her husband's situation, and of that of thy grand
father and grandmother, there has been a time of great trial
amongst them ; and thy aunt Phebe has been under the ne
cessity of making great exertions. * * * I need hardly
repeat my desires for thy diligent, improvement of the oppor
tunities afforded thee for acquiring learning. Be not afraid
of labor ; do not give way to indolent feelings, but arouse
thyself to exertion, supported by the sweet consciousness of
the approbation and esteem of thy parents; and above all,
looking for a blessing upon every good endeavor from thy
Heavenly Parent, in whose favor the Scriptures say " is life,
and at his right hand rivers of pleasure forevermore."
Isaac Sharpless deceased Eleventh month 13th, 1822, and
after attending the funeral, Thomas Kite and wife paid a
visit to their daughter at Westtown.

136 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1822.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Twelfth month 7th, 1822.
My Dear Susanna : — I wish thy literary improvement,
and in propriety and decorum of manners ; but far above all, I
Avish thy heart improved. This can only be produced by thy
submission to the cross of thy Saviour. Now in the spring
time of life, mayest thou take up that cross, that so should
thy days be lengthened to maturity, it may prove thy crown
of rejoicing.
About this period Thomas Kite received from his stage
coach acquaintance, Lydia Huntly, a copy of her poem on
the "Aborigines of America," with the following letter:
November 18th, 1822.
Friend Thomas Kite : — You may possibly recollect hav
ing presented several years since a copy of " Barclay's
Apology for the Quakers," to a young female, of Connecticut.
The gift was not lightly valued, nor the giver forgotten ; and
as a testimony of such remembrance, she begs leave, to pre
sent you with a Poem, in whose second Canto allusion is
made to that peaceful sect, who, whatever may be the pre
tensions of other denominations, certainly adhere the most
perfectly to the unresisting system of that Redeemer, who at
his death bequeathed to his disciples that spirit of peace,
which turned to joy the harps of angels, when the star of .his
birth first gleamed over the mountains of Bethlehem.

1819.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 137
CHAPTER VII.— 1819-1824.
SEPARATION IN the society of friends — letters to
members of his family.
It will now be necessary to allude to the defection from the
original doctrines and principles of the religious Society of
Friends, which finally resulted in the separation of 1827.
Thomas Kite thus wrote on the subject :
"About the year 1819, the trial of Friends in this coun
try commenced, from the dissemination of the unsound senti
ments of Elias Hicks and his adherents. In the sufferings
and afflictions of my brethren from this cause I had a large
share. Believing it required of me by my Divine Master
openly to oppose the spirit of unbelief, and earnestly contend
fbr the faith once delivered to the saints, my conduct herein
drew upon me much censure and reproach. For a time it
seemed as if I must have sunk under these trials ; but the
tender sympathy of my dear companion, and other precious
Christian friends, proved a stay to my mind, and I Avas en
abled to persevere until the separation, which took place in
1827, opened a way in some degree for my relief."
Although the defection commenced or became apparent,
as the above quotation specifies, about the year 1819, but
little disturbance was created in Philadelphia Yearly Meet
ing until towards the close of 1822. Thomas Kite frequently
said, that the first intimation he received of the unsoundness
of Elias Hicks was from the late John Cox, of Burlington,
who told him sometime before the breaking out of the con
troversy that " Elias Hicks held Unitarian principles."
Being warmly zealous for the doctrinal purity of the Society
he loved, he demanded, why then he Avas not disowned?
10

138 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1823.
John replied, " That the attempt to disown him would cause
a separation in the Society of Friends."
In the year 1822, it began to be well known that a doc
trinal difference existed in the Society of Friends : and it
was as well understood that the heads of that profession in
Philadelphia were opposed to the Unitarian views of Elias
Hicks. We shall now return to Thomas Kite — giving no further
particulars of the disturbances amongst Friends, except as
they may incidentally arise, connected Avith his biography.
t. k. to his daughter s.
Second month 15th, 1823. It is very cold. The Dela
ware closed yesterday ; to-day the boys are skating, and by
to-morrow we expect it will bear horses, &c.
Some sound and valuable Friends were uneasy at the open
opposition manifested by the faithful in Philadelphia to the
doctrines of Elias Hicks, and Thomas Kite received several
letters from those he loved, containing sentiments like the
following, which is extracted from one of them : — '' I wish, if
it is proper to wish, that I could reach every heart with the
sound of alarm, and effectually proclaim the exhortation ' Be
still.' I believe if strong measures are resorted to, by the
active members of either division, the wheat will be torn up
with the tares, and confusion, — perhaps utter confusion, —
will be introduced into the affairs of Society."
In reply to the writer of this, Thomas Kite said, he thought
the account received by his friend of the state of fermentation
in Philadelphia, and the disposition to disown one another,
was exaggerated. He declared his belief, that the testi
monies of the religious Society of Friends would never be

1823.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 139
permitted to fall, and concluded with urging the vital im
portance of knowing, each one for himself, a preparation
through faithfulness here, fbr the after scene.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Third month 14th, 1823.
My omission of writing to thee has not proceeded from
any diminution of tender interest in thy welfare. On the
contrary, the older thou growest, the deeper is the solicitude
I feel, as regards thy whole conduct and behavior. I wish
even thy amusements may not be too childish. Remember,
this is the season of improvement, and that part of youth
Avhich is merely spent in sport, is lost or worse than lost.
* * * Dear daughter, be serious. Again I repeat it, be
not too full of childish sports. Remember thy Creator in
the days of thy youth. Take up the cross to the wild pro
pensities of nature, and great will be thy own peace, and
great the comfort of thy parents, who can have no greater
joy than to behold their children Avalking in the truth.
On the 30th of Fifth month, after returning from a journey
of business to New York, T. K. wrote to his daughter S. at.
Westtown : — * * * " It gives us satisfaction to administer
to thy comfort ; let us in return have the satisfaction of be
holding with thy increasing years, an increase in dignity and
propriety of behavior. The true foundation of good conduct is
the fear and reverence of our Creator. Remember Him, then
in thy youth, — ask of Him to purify thy heart, that thou mayest
be enabled to love and serve Him, and feel the rich enjoyment
of a peaceful mind — a sense of Divine favor and acceptance.
Could all the gratifications the most unbounded imagination
could conceive of, or desire, be bestowed in full perfection,

140 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1823.
the possessor would' be poor, compared with one in the blessed
inheritance of a conscience void of offence, the peace which
the world neither gives nor takes away. Dear child, dare
not, in the smallest instance, do anything thou knowest to be
wrong. Giving way to temptation in a little thing, opens the
way for greater departures ; and some instances have been
known wherein children once amiable and lovely, have
brought down by their conduct, the grey hairs of parents
with sorrow to the grave. I write not thus to cause thee
unnecessary uneasiness, but to relieve a mind full of parental
anxiety and tenderness, which greatly desires thy present
and eternal welfare."
Eighth month 18th. To the same :— " Thy letter of last
Third-day was agreeable to us. Every circumstance and
incident which occurs to thee, interests me, because I feel so
deeply for thy welfare, and so ardently desire thy happiness.
I knoAv that evil-doing and misery are connected, as also
well-doing and comfort. When we have done wrong, whether
in greater or lesser matters, if we are sensible of our error,
and seek to our Heavenly Father for forgiveness, He will
pardon our transgressions. I want thee, dear, often to read
in the Bible. There thou Avilt find that all have sinned, that
all need repentance, that our blessed Saviour came into the
world to save sinners, to call them to repentance, to suffer
for them, to die for them ! What gratitude ought to fill our
hearts towards our Divine Redeemer ; how ought Ave to open
our minds to receive Him spiritually ! for He does appear in
those who are made willing to forsake every evil way. He
appears as a cleanser and purifier of the children of men.
gradually washing away all impurity of thought, all envy,
malice, unkindness, enabling us to live in love one with
another, and to love our gracious God Avith all our heart, and

1823.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 141
soul, and strength. My breathing to my Heavenly Bene
factor for my dear child is, that she may experience this, and
may become one of the adopted children of the heavenly
family, even Avhile she lives on earth. How Avould it console
me, and enlarge my happiness ! I speak not these things as
finding fault with thee. No, my dear, thou hast for the
most part, been to me a dutiful, and I believe, always an
affectionate child ; but from the sense I have that it is neces
sary all should experience Avhat the Scriptures term regenera
tion, Avithout which we cannot enter the everlasting kingdom
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.''
Eleventh month 4th. To the same: — "Thy grandmother
and aunt Mary continue their attention to the poor and dis
tressed. In addition to considerable attention to theorphan
asylum in Southwark, the former is banded with a little
company who are seeking the welfare of female prisoners,
not only by visiting and conversing with them on week days,
and supplying the most destitute with clothing, but also col
lecting them every First-day and reading to them from the
Scriptures, and other religious Avritings. On such occasions
Friends sometimes speak to them in the love of the Gospel,
desiring that they may be converted from the evil of their
Avays. I have been present a number of times on- these
occasions, and have had to admire the goodness of the Lord,
who is waiting to be gracious even to such Avretched outcasts.
But oh ! my child, what misery do those escape Avho are so
wise as to choose Him for their portion in early life, and
dedicate their. lives to his service. May this be thy happy
experience, and whether thy future life be marked by pros
perous or adverse circumstances, it Avill be comparatively of
little importance. Time is short, the human soul is immor
tal, and so to live as to secure a blessed immortality, is the

142 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1823.
one thing needful. Try then every day to increase in hu
mility, love and the fear of the Lord, which keeps the heart
clean, and to be found every day in the exercise of such
tempers and dispositions as thou wouldst wish to be found in
at the hour of death." This habitual preparation for the
solemn hour of departure, though it would check all giddi
ness and levity, would not interfere with the cheerfulness
natural to youth. Surely they have the best right to be
cheerful whose minds are kept in innocency, and who have
the Lord for their friend."
Twelfth month 12th. To the same:—* * * "Thy
grandmother continues improving, and thy aunt Mary is
about again. We had last evening information from thy
uncle in Susquehanna County by one of their neighbors.
* * * He'brought a letter from thy uncle John written
very cheerfully. He keeps school this winter and is paid so
many bushels of corn a quarter. To fill up time profitably
he makes shoes of an evening, his wife sitting by at her work,
and thy uncle Nathan reading aloud. It Avould gratify me
to pop in on them some evening, and see how they look ; but
the distance renders an excursion there a serious affair. Hast
thou heard that it is expected Cousin Edith Sharpless* is ere
long to be married ? The Friend to whom she is to be united
is spoken very favorably of. His name is George Martin.
I have been this afternoon to attend the funeral of Jane
Silliman, sister of Harriet, who lives with Jane Canby. She
heard about three weeks ago of the death of her father, which
took place at a distance. She appeared much affected, soon
took to her bed, gradually weakened, and died yesterday
morning, lamenting that she had not in early life chosen a
*A daughter of Nathan Sharpless. George Martin deceased
Seventh month 26th, 1847, having been an elder several years.

1824.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 143
religious course. At such a solemn hour, of what unspeaka
ble importance must it be to feel the assurance, that having
embraced the Saviour's love as our inheritance, and followed
Him in the way of self-denial, his supporting power is felt to
be underneath in the last-struggle of expiring nature. Em
brace religion, my dear child. Though it makes us serious
it does not make us gloomy. On the contrary, it leads to
cheerfulness, gilding the sorroAvs of the present scene, and
opening bright prospects of a future world of blessedness.
How incomparably more desirable is such a life, than one
passed in the bondage of sin ? For however splendid the trans
gressor's course may be, sin and misery are indissolubly con
nected even in this world, and the prospect of what awaits
the impenitent when death has dissolved the connection with
this world, is awful to think of. Mayest thou and I, and my
whole family, so lean upon the Saviour of men, and receive
Him as our Redeemer and Sanctifier, that we may be ac
counted worthy to obtain that blessed inheritance which is
prepared for the Lord's children, being carried by angels
into Abraham's bosom, enabled to rejoice,
' No wanderer lost,
A family in heaven !' "
T. K. TO JOSHUA SHARPLESS.
Philadelphia, Third month 6th, 1824.
Dear Father: — * * * Wm. Foster has lately been
in the city holding public meetings with Friends and others.
He has since gone to Bucks Quarterly Meeting, and is now,
I expect, attending meetings within its limits. His present
prospect, I believe, is not to be at our Yearly Meeting, but
to go eastward.
Our friend Hannah Elliott continues in a low declining

144 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1824.
state, and probably we shall have her with us but a short
time. As we have good hope concerning her, there is no
cause of mourning except for some she leaves, who are
closely united to her in the bonds of religious friendship, and
for the Society, in which her example of simplicity and dedi
cation will be missed. On considering how we are stripped
of devoted servants and handmaidens, the wish seems invol
untarily to arise, that more of our youth Avould submit to
the preparing Power, that, by separating them from a worldly
spirit, and uniting them to Christ, our Holy Head would
qualify them to take the places of those who have entered
and are about to enter their everlasting rest.
Dear father, may the gracious Shepherd himself be near
thee in all thy trials, sustain thy drooping mind ; renew thy
ability to wait with patience all the appointed time until thy
change come, that at the last thou mayest feel the grateful
arisings of praise unto Him who has been with thee all thy
life long, and Avho having loved his own, loveth them unto
tbe end.
And for dear mother, I feel most affectionate desires,
that her Master, whom she has desired to serve in integrity
of heart, may spread over her the shadow of his wings, sup
port her under trials, and centre her in a qualification to
say " Thy will be done." Then will she see that every dis
pensation from the Lord's hand is in mercy, and designed to
do us good, to prepare, it may be, through many tribulations
from within and from without, for an entrance into that
blessed state, " where the wicked cease from troubling and
the weary are at rest."
The time that brother waits is short, or in the love I feel,
I could embrace you all ; dear sister Phebe in particular, who
is often affectionately remembered, aud, who, being one of

1824.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 145
those on whom the burden and heat of the day is devolving,
I doubt not often feels clothed Avith a sense of insufficiency.
Well, this emptying prepares for being filled. May she re
member the promise, " As thy day is, so shall thy strength
be." Again, " Thy eye shall see Jerusalem, a quiet habita
tion, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down ; not one of
the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, nor one of her
cords broken."
Fourth month 22nd. To his daughter S. : — " We have had
thy uncle Cheyney, aunt Martha and Ann Rogan as lodgers
this Yearly Meeting, though a number of our friends have
called to see us. Amongst the strangers attending are Anna
Braithwaite and Isaac Stevenson from England. The latter,
we understand, proposes taking tea with us to-morrow even-
ing." 30th. To the same : — " Shouldst thou return in my absence
I have one request, to make, which is, that thou wilt not visit
much until I see thee ; perhaps not beyond thy grandfather's
and uncle Joseph [Walton's], unless some peculiar circum
stances seem to require it. I wish some conversation with
thee on the subject of visiting generally, as well as other
subjects relative to thy comfort and future prospects."
Susanna returned from Westtown, Fifth month 12th, 1824,
and for sometime devoted herself to domestic duties.
STEPHEN PIKE TO T. K.
Burlington, Fourth month 30th, 1824.
Esteemed Friend : — I received thy acceptable, communi
cation of the 27th. It may be said to have come in anticipa
tion of my wish, for, having missed of the advantage I have
annually enjoyed, of attending our Yearly Meeting, and

146 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1824.
feeling, in my measure, as a member, with the body of our
heretofore much favored church, I had thought of request
ing that thou wouldst endeavor to convey to me some views
of the circumstances of its deliberations ; and this thou
hast done. I was not without some apprehensions that the
dignity and solemnity of the meeting might be materially
affected by some of the restless spirits who appear to have
conspired from one motive or other, to destroy in part at
least, if not entirely, the hedge whieh I have never doubted
was planted around our vineyard, through favor, by no human
hand. In looking towards the meeting, at various times. I
felt a degree of confidence that, notwithstanding the unfruit-
fulness of many portions of the enclosure, and the wild nature
of the fruit of some others, the time had not arrived, nor was
even near, Avhen the sentence, " I will take away the hedge
thereof," should be put in execution.
The firmness and steady perseverance of the " aged ser
vants," as well as the secret fervent desires that the good
cause should be maintained, which are cherished by great
numbers in less conspicuous situations, have obtained for
us a suspension of that fearful sentence. Much I wish that
the gratitude to which thou hast alluded, may be experienced
to work its proper effect on our individual conversation and
actings, and thereby secure to ourselves a continuance of
preservation from the quarter whence alone it can be derived.
I had heard before incidentally of the firm and effectual
stand which our highly valued friend John Cox Avas enabled
to make, with others, against the encroachments of a dis
organizing spirit ; and have felt towards them an additional
kindness on that account, though sensible that the praise is
due elsewhere.

182-!.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 147
The folloAving letter Avas Avritten to a young female who
had lost a. brother. T. K. TO m. b. u.
Philadelphia, Seventh month 12th, 1824.
Dear Mary : — I returned home from New York on Fifth-
day, having the interesting company of Wm. Jackson and
his wife. It has long been to me a source of peculiar satis
faction to associate with such veterans in the Great Master's
cause, Avhose SAveetness of spirit in old age indicates them
" like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season," to be
nearly ripe for gathering unto the Heavenly Garner. Such
an intercourse prompts the rising wish, that we of the younger
ranks may be induced to follow them as they have followed
Christ. [If such be our experience] then, whatever clouds
may occasionally rest upon our vievvs whilst treading the
chequered paths of life, they will all, through Divine mercy,
be dispelled, and " in the evening time there shall be light ;"
and peace, hope and confidence in God, will go Avith us to
the last confines of mortality.
Thou hast frequently been in my affectionate remembrance
since the pleasant visit I paid thee in thy rural retirement.
[That retirement] I would fain cherish the secret hope, may,
under the Divine blessing, prove to thee a season of peculiar
profit. I have desired that as thou communest with thy own
heart, former days may be instructively called to remem
brance, the petitions and vows offered in the hour of afflic
tion, and the support then graciously vouchsafed. Though
there may not have been an entire devotion in following on
to know the Lord, yet I trust, desires after spiritual good are
not extinguished, and I believe the Lord ever merciful, waits
to be gracious ; but then it must be on his own terms. If we

148 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1824.
would be reconciled to God through the mediation of his
dear Son, our Lord and Saviour, we must take up the cross.
Thus it was the exercised mind of that brother, to whom thou
wast so tenderly attached, found 'nest. How clearly was the
doctrine of the cross opened to him in that flood of light Avhich
Avas shed upon his departing spirit. Remember, dear Mary,
with reference to this lamented brother, the sentiment of a
pious writer : —
" He mourns the dead who lives as they desire."
May it be the future steady engagement of thy soul to
follow in that path which leads to blessedness, bearing , the
cross and despising the shame. Then, when thy day of pro
bation shall be over, thou mayest rejoin him in that state of
being where " adieus and farewells are a sound unknoAvn,"
and surviving friends may say, " Lovely in life, and in death
not divided."
The following letter is supposed to have been Avritten about
this time. A rough copy, or the original, was found among
Thomas Kite's papers, endorsed by him, " Sketch of letter
on H. G. F.'s decease." T. K. TO PHEBE  .

Dear Friend : — It so fell out that I did not hear of your
late affecting bereavement until some time after its occurrence.
When communicated, it naturally introduced my mind into
feeling with you, especially as I had so recently been on
several occasions with the dear deceased, for Avhom I enter
tained a true respect, and Avith whom I was united in Gospel
fellowship. The retrospect of the time spent in her society
Avhen lately in New York, is tenderly interesting, because I

1824.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 149
then beheld her fast ripening for eternity. I [cannot] noAV
entertain the shadoAV of a doubt, that as a shock of corn
cometh in in his season, so she is gathered by the Great
Husbandman into his heavenly garner. I trust the same
conviction has had a tendency to alleviate your sufferings,
to centre your minds in an endeavor after entire resignation,
and even to console under the loss of her sweet society, in the
prospect that to her, to " die Avas gain." Having loved and
served her Saviour — followed him in the regeneration —
washed her robes and made them white in the blood of the
Lamb, she is now associated with those purified spirits who
enjoy a happy immortality. What then remains, but that
you her children, may let her, though dead, speak, " FoIIoav
me as I have followed Christ." In renouncing the fascina
tion of a world which lieth in Avickedness, and following the
footsteps of the flock of the companions of Christ, you Avill
enjoy a serenity of mind, of which no words can convey an
adequate idea. The Holy One of Israel will be your " Sun
and your shield," affording light and protection to guide and
to guard )rou, not only through the slippery paths of youth,
but throughout your earthly pilgrimage, until you also arrive
at a peaceful settlement in that city, whose walls are. salva
tion, and her gates praise.
Though these lines are more particularly addressed to thee,
dear Phebe, I have not been able, as thou wilt perceive,
to separate between Maria and thyself. The same love and
hearty well-wishing attends you both, and also thy married
sisters, less known to me. To thy dear father, please men
tion my love and sympathy. He knows, under so deep a
bereavement, the cisterns of human consolation can hold no
Avater, and that the fountain of everlasting mercy, can alone
afford an availing supply. The God of all consolation can

150 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1824.
alone heal the broken in heart, and bind up all their wounds.
May it be his experience to realize the fulfilment of the
promise, " Call upon me in the day of trouble, I Avill deliver
thee, and thou shalt glorify me."

CHAPTER VIII.— 1825-1828.
LETTER FROM A YOUNG FRIEND —THOMAS KITE'S REPLY
— JOSHUA SHARPLESS' DEATH — MEMORANDA.
Thomas Kite was often dipped into sympathy Avith the
young, and through the unfolding of the Holy Spirit, was
made acquainted with their departure in heart from the
principle of Light and Life, which would have preserved
them from sin. Having been brought, as he believed, into
a sense of the lapsed state of one of the children of a man he
dearly loved, he unfolded to the young man plainly and
affectionately his concern on his account. He soon afterwards
received'the following letter. Second month 2nd, 1825.
So far am I from feeling offended at, thy communicating
thy exercise on my account to me in the manner thou, hast,
I can assure thee it was acceptable ; and I have desired that
I might experience a qualification duly to appreciate the
favor. But alas! I must candidly acknowledge that it is
with me as thou hast feared. I am not what I once was.
The truth of this I sometimes keenly and sensibly feel, Avhen
in seasons of serious reflection I am brought in a degree to
feel my alienation from the Commonwealth of Israel. Yes !

1825.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 151
I have wandered, widely wandered from that which tends to
true peace of mind. I have rebelled and rebelled, till I have
gone so far that I am led to think at times that I shall never
be able to return. Yet there are seasons when the little good
Avhich is yet left in me predominates, and I feel anxious to be
found a dedicated follower of the Lamb, and thereby become
an honor to the Truth. But a dread of the cross, added to a
strong natural inclination, has enabled the adversary of my
soul to keep me in bondage, and introduce me into a state,
Avhich I may truly say I have at times felt to be Avorse than
Egyptian darkness. I could say much, but it is far from
being a pleasant subject for me to dAvell upon. But I con
sidered my acknowledgments were due to thy kindness ; and
sincerely hope that I may be qualified to receive anything
further Avhich thou mayest haA'e to communicate in this way,
in a degree of that spirit which has introduced thee into a
tender solicitude for the welfare of thy sincere though un
worthy friend.
t. k. in reply.
Second month 3rd, 1825.
I have been affected in reading thy letter, which I received
last evening, and can truly say, that as thou art in some de
gree enabled to see thy situation, my petitions on thy behalf
are, that thy convictions of the exceeding sinfulness of sin,
and of the awful danger of continuing in it, may be strength
ened and confirmed. There are two kinds of sorrow for sin.
There is a sorrow for that loss of comfort and respectability,
the first of which always, and the latter of which generally,
follows a sinful course. This kind of sorrow mends not the
heart, being merely selfish. There is another sorrow which
springs from conviction, impressed by the Divine Spirit, of

152 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1825.
having violated the law of a beneficent holy God. This sor
row is genuine, leading to an abhorrence of our whole life of
iniquity, and to a willingness to suffer such a portion of an
guish of spirit as the Most Merciful shall see needful for our
correction. " I will bear the indignation of the Lord," said
one of old, " because I have sinned against Him." As such
a disposition is cherished, the truly awakened and contrited
sinner, though despairing, and justly so, of his own strength
and his own resolutions, dare not. despair of the mercies and
forgiveness of God ; being led to look in faith to that blessed
Redeemer, who is the Propitiation for our sins, the Mediator
and Intercessor with the Father, and a High Priest touched
with a feeling of all our infirmities. The Apostle Paul, in
confidence of the mercy of God through Christ, thus addresses
some of old : " My God shall supply all your need through
Jesus Christ." Now, what do we ? What dost thou, need ?
Is it that thy hard heart should be broken? Behold the
promise : " I will take away their stony hearts, and give
them hearts of flesh ;" that is, hearts capable of feeling. Is
it that the heart, being broken, has need of healing ? " He
healeth all the broken in heart, and bihdeth up their wounds."
Is it to be cleansed from former pollutions ? " The blood of
Christ cleanseth from all sin. " " A fountain is set open for
the house of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin
and uncleanness." Is it strength to resist evil in time to
come? " I can do all things through Christ that strength-
eneth me." Is it light upon thy path ? or is it protection
thou needest ? " The Lord God is a sun and a shield."
Let me invite thee, then, to the footstool of the cross ; let
me entreat thee to take the Saviour's yoke upon thee ; to flee
from sin as from a serpent. Never do anything thou know
est to be wrong; endeavor to be inwardly watchful unto

1825.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 153
prayer, and I cannot but believe, if thou makes use of the
little strength thou hast, thou mayest at length experience a
restoration to a state in which the consciousness of the
Heavenly Father's love and protection Avill be thy greatest
Every truly enlightened mind must abhor the idea of al
lowing themselves to transgress, because God is merciful ; of
continuing in sin that grace may abound. But when brought
to a proper abhorrence of sin, — when we can say, " How can
I do this great evil and sin against God ?" or, " If I have
done iniquity, I will do so no more," then there is comfort
to be gathered from the assurance, that the " Lord is merci
ful, and ready to forgive." In such a state, the experience
of David is deeply instructive. Behold 1ioav great his fall !
The man who had enjoyed intimate communion with God—
the sweet Psalmist of Israel, who had proclaimed to others
the name of Him, who is glorious in holiness, and fearful in
praises — yet grossly fell. Behold, also, the depth of his
penitence, his anguish of spirit, his self-abhorrence, his pray
ers for restoration : " Take not thy holy spirit from me !"
" Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within
me." Behold the mercy of that God against whom he had
so grievously sinned. There is yet some encouragement to
the poor penitent, sincerely desirous of returning from the
evil of his ways.
With regard to thy outward situation [he having spoken
of retiring where he was not known], I would rather encour
age thee to remain where thou art, for the present. Beware
of rash steps. Stay where thou art known, and where thou
art beloved, and where there are those who will feel for thee,
pity, comfort and advise thee. If thou wishes to see me, I
will call on thee. If thou hast anything whatever to say, or
11

154 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1825.
any advice to ask, I am willing, to the best of my ability, to
hear and counsel thee ; remaining thy truly affectionate
friend. There is one thing I particularly wish to press upon thee,
when thou feelest a state of wretchedness and want, beware
of turning again into folly for temporary relief. This would
be to add bitterness to the bitter, to bar up thy own way, to
heap up wrath' against the day of wrath. Rather under such
feelings endeavor meekly and patiently to bear what thou
art conscious of deserving, remembering, it is better that our
sins go beforehand to judgment, than that they should follow
after. The young man settled down into a useful citizen, and be
came a religiously concerned member of the Society of Friends.
He continued to reside in Philadelphia, and within his do
mestic circle numbered a happy, virtuous wife, and an inter
esting family of children.
Near the close of the Tenth month, this year, Thomas
Kite's three eldest children spent a short time at Burlington
with their father's friend, Stephen Pike. On their return,
they were made the bearers of the following letter :
Burlington, Tenth month 30th, 1825.
Esteemed Friend : — The company of thy children has
been acceptable to us all ; to myself particularly so. This
earth has nothing so interesting as the loveliness of innocence
accompanied with sprightly intelligence and benevolent affec
tions ; and I think these inestimable qualities are possessed
by my young visitors in no small degree. Much I wish for
them, that the contact with a corrupt world, Avhich they must
necessarily experience, as they advance in life, may not con
taminate them, and that 'they may advance in the improve-

1826.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 155
t
ment of the faculties with which they are gifted, and also of
those exterior graces which render their possessor agreeable
to others, and, consequently, better qualified for usefulness.
In haste, thy sincere friend, Stephen Pike.
During the years 1824, 1825 and 1826, T. Kite continued
laboring as ability was afforded against the inroads of un
sound doctrines into the religious Society of Friends. From
time to time, at the pointings of duty, he attended neighbor
ing Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, but paid no extensive
religious A'isit during those years of commotion. For his
faithfulness to what he esteemed fundamental truths, he was
much disliked by the followers and admirers of Elias Hicks,
Avho manifested their displeasure with him in various ways.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Eighth month 19th, 1826.
I find, my dear child, whenever I take up my pen to ad
dress thee, that desires for thy welfare in the best sense pre
dominate. This is, no doubt, because I love thee, and love
ever wishes the best things for the beloved object. If it
were possible for me, with a wish, to obtain for thee riches
and honor, and all worldly advantages, I would not let the
Avish escape, because far from proving to thy advantage, they
Avould be a snare. But in desiring for thee heavenly treasure,
durable riches and righteousness, I cannot limit my desires.'
Cultivate then, every day, and every hour of the day, the
favor of that Great Being, who can dispose of these precious
gifts ; and however slender thy portion of what the Avorld
chiefly values, thou wilt become an heir of glory. To see
thee really adorned with humility, meekness, and the fear of
the Lord, will afford me the most lively satisfaction ; whilst

156 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1827.
few or any circumstances could cause me such heart-rending
grief as to see my children turn aside into the paths of folly.
Be circumspect, then, lest the dissipating effects of visiting
about should indispose thy mind for serious reflection. Let
no morning or evening pass over without an endeavor to
draw near to thy Creator in spirit, to implore his protection,
to bless Him for favors past, and supplicate for more. The
actions of time are weighed in the balance of eternity, and
such as we sow such shall we reap. Oh ! that, sowing to the
Spirit, thou mayest of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Joshua Sharpless, father-in-law of Thomas Kite, deceased
the 21st of the Ninth month, 1826. The funeral took place
on the following Seventh-day, the 23d, at 10 o'clock. Thomas
Kite remained for a short time with the bereaved family at
Bradford, and his Christian labors in consolation and counsel
on that occasion, were long had in remembrance by some of
the grand-children collected.
The Hicksites having agreed amongst themselves fto estab
lish Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in unity with their
separate Yearly Meeting, it became the duty of the Quarterly
Meetings of the Society to appoint committees to strengthen
their subordinate meetings, especially such as contained Avithin
them, many unsound members. Philadelphia Quarterly
Meeting, in the year 1827, appointed a few men and women
"Friends to extend aid to Radnor Monthly Meeting. The
clerk of that meeting united with Friends, but the larger
portion of the members were separatists, and they determined
to throw off their allegiance to Philadelphia Quarterly
Meeting, and attach themselves to a body favoring their
views. Thomas Kite was one of the committee, and shared

1827.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 157
Avith other of its members, the trouble incident to the duties
of such an appointment.
This year Susanna Kite commenced keeping school in
Philadelphia, and her brother William, then but seventeen
years of age, undertook a similar occupation at Medford,
New Jersey, for the winter of 1827-8. His father felt much
concern and anxiety at this early engagement of his son in
so important a matter, and his letters testify his care.
T. K. TO HIS SON WILLIAM.
Philadelphia, Eleventh month 21st, 1827.
Dear Son : — * * * I feel anxious to hear how thou
feels in the new and important station in Avhich thou art
placed, and for thy good conduct, wherein I feel myself in
some degree responsible, not only because of my relationship,
but because of my recommendation of thee to the Friends
Avho have employed thee.
I trust thy endeavors will not be wanting to give satisfac
tion, not only by diligent attention to thy school, but also by
a prudent and exemplary course of conduct. I think thou
hadst better not resort to corporal punishment. Pass over
¦ slight offences, as if not observed ; in more serious cases, if
admonition fails to reclaim, complain to the trustees. But
Avhilst mild and gentle towards all thy scholars, be not too
familiar Avith them, and have no favorites.
With respect to thy demeanor out of school, either in the
family thou boards with, or where thou mayest visit, be
modest and unassuming, patient and Avilling to be pleased.
I have confidence in thy religious principles, yet I wish thee
not too freely to assert them, nor be too liberal of thy re
marks, particularly when with the young, on the present
unhappy state of our religious Society. May the blessing

158 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1827.
rest upon thee which was " on the head of Joseph, and on
the croAvn of the head of him who was separate from his
brethren." * * * A dear aged friend of mine, Elizabeth
Collins, lives near thee. I wish thee, some First-day after
noon, to call on her, make thyself known to her, and remem
ber me affectionately to her.
Twelfth month 22nd. To the same : — " I have received
some information of thy getting along, Avhich has been satis
factory. I mention this not to elate thee, because I know
that every degree of preservation from evil is a mercy which
calls for humble gratitude to the Lord our Helper, but I men
tion it to excite thee to continued watchfulness that thou
mayest be strengthened in stabiliiy of conduct, which will
prove consoling to thy best friends and be of lasting benefit
to thyself. Thou art aware that some interesting young per
sons, whose early lives gave promise of much future useful
ness have been overcome by temptation, in an unguarded
hour, and have brought a stain on their characters and grief
upon their friends. [In order] that thou mayest avoid the
rocks on which these have been wrecked, look to the Hea
venly Pilot, dwell in the fear of the Lord all the day long,
earnestly seek to feel his presence contriting thy heart in
religious meetings, and in more private seasons of retirement.
This course of life, far from rendering life gloomy, as some
have falsely imagined, will prove a fruitful source of com
fort. Outward blessings will be enjoyed with a double
relish, Avhen received as gifts from Heaven ; and innocent
cheerfulness is not incompatable with the most ardent devo
tion. Moreover it is the uniform testimony of the Lord's
servants, that no earthly joy is to be compared with that
which is ' unspeakable and full of glory,' even in the present

1828.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 159
life ; and then they have the blessed assurance that death
itself cannot destroy their pleasures. They know that ' if the
earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, they have a
building of God, a house not. made Avith hands, eternal in
the heavens.' "
Among Thomas Kite's papers was found the following :
" God created man for enjoyment, and therefore implanted
in him an instinctive desire for happiness. As first created,
his thirst for happiness was gratified by partaking of the
fountain of supreme bliss, by communion with his Creator.
By his disobedience and fall from the state in which he was
created, both he, and his posterity, partaking of his nature,
have sought to have their desires for happiness gratified by
partaking of fleshly delights. These can never satisfy, be
cause the mind is immortal, and nothing short of an immor
tal good can fill the soul. The work of regeneration com
mences by making man sensible of what he has lost, and
raising desires for its restoration.. Hence he craves purity,
that he may again assimilate with God and enjoy Him.
By submitting to the power of the Spirit, the instinctive im
pulse after happiness becomes purified. That which in a
fallen state is carnal desire becomes heavenly and spiritual ;
it is hunger and thirst after righteousness."
Soon after the Yearly Meeting in the Fourth month, 1828,
Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Kite, went to Westtown
Boarding School, and in the Fifth month his father and
mother broke up housekeeping and became inmates of his
family. As his book store did not realize sufficient profit to
support his family, he now added a printing office and a bindery
to his means of maintenance. The printing office, proved a
profitable investment, and he retained an interest in it for a
number of years.

160 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1828.

CHAPTER IX«.— 1828-1834.
ELIZABETH ROBINSON'S LAST MEETING — VISIT TO VIRGINIA
YEARLY MEETING  DOCTOR GODMAN's DEATH — YEARLY
MEETING'S COMMITTEE — LETTERS.
THOMAS KITE TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Sixth month 7th, 1828.
* * * Thou makes some allusion to the state of thy
mind ; dear child, I wish thee to be serious and weighty in
thy attention to the concerns of the immortal part. It is no
new thing for those who sincerely desire to serve and love the
Lord to be tried with wanderings of mind, arid the intrusion
of unprofitable thoughts, even when sitting in religious meet
ings. But look steadily to the Lord, and cry unto Him, and
in his own time He will send deliverance. Remember, to
bear the cross is the way ty) win the crown. It is worth while
to suffer many trials here, if they may but be sanctified to us,
and work out for us, when the trials of time are over, an
exceeding and eternal weight' of glory.
Sixth month 28th. To the same :— * * * " My be
loved child, I have no doubt the gracious Hand of mercy has
been extended unto thee, and this it is that troubles thee for
wrong conduct and for wrong thoughts. Be not discouraged,
the Lord is merciful! Wait in the simplicity of a little
child upon Him, and ask of Him to change thy heart and
make it better. His power alone can do it ; and He is as
willing now as ever He was to cleanse and purify. Though
thou may experience thy inward troubles, yet if thou follows
on to know the Lord, He will in his oAvn time, ' give thee

1828.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 161
beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment
of praise for the spirit of heaviness.' "
During the early part of summer, this year, Susanna Kite's
health became someAvhat impaired, and her father concluded
that a short relaxation from school duties Avas necessary ; and
feeling a freedom to visit his friend Henry Hull at Stanford,
Dutchess County, New York, he took his A\ife and daughter
there. They left Philadelphia the 2nd of Seventh month and
were gone a little over a week. The visit proved pleasant
to all and exerted a beneficial influence on Susanna's health.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Dear Rebecca : — I thought it would interest thee to be
informed of the proceedings of Elizabeth Robson for a few
days before leaving us. On Fifth-day evening week, she had
a public meeting at the North house, favored, though not
large. The next morning she had an interview Avith the
ministers and elders of the city, in which much feeling was
evinced. In the afternoon [she had] an opportunity with
the younger classes, members and attenders of our meetings,
at the Arch Street house. It was largely attended, particu
larly on the female side, and she was extensively engaged in
the love of the Gospel, in persuading to a holy life and con
versation. On Seventh-day she saw , at her lodgings many
Friends, who called to have a parting interview with her.
On First-day morning she was at our meeting, and this, her
last opportunity, was a memorable one, in which Divine
goodness was pleased to appear, tendering the hearts of very
many, and enabling his servant to appear both in testimony
and supplication, in the love and authority of the Gospel. I
think I never knew so many tears of tenderness shed in a
meeting. It seemed like a seal to her services in our land.

162, MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1828.
She went from the meeting-house to the steamboat, and pro
ceeded in the afternoon to New Castle, where the ship was
waiting. About thirty friends accompanied her to the vessel,
which immediately got under weigh, as the sailors phrase it.
She is now, most probably, several hundred miles on her way
to join her family, from whom she has so long been separated.
* * * Hinchman Haines' wife was buried yesterday.
to the same. — From the residence of John L. Kite.
Silver Lake Township, Susquehanna Co.,
Tenth month 10th, 1828.
Dear Rebecca : — I thought it would please thee to re
ceive a token of remembrance from so distant a part, of the
country as this. Thou wast probably aware of my intention
of visiting my brother and accompanying thy aunt and
cousin home.* I left Philadelphia last Seventh-day for
New York ; arrived safely in the evening ; attended at the
new meeting-house twice on First-day ; and with A. Braith-
wait, Henry Hull, Samuel Adams, and other Friends. On
Second-day I went up the River Hudson to Newburg, and
was quite unwell on the passage. As the stage was to leave
Newburg at 2 o'clock in the morning, I went early to be,d,
but between my indisposition and the constant noises in the
house I did not sleep at all. I ventured to start notwith
standing, and continued that day and night for upwards of
one hundred miles westward. I left the stage on Fourth-day
morning about 10 o'clock. I could not obtain a passage to
Montrose without paying an unreasonable price, so I footed
it. My baggage proved very heavy in a walk of nine miles.
* Phebe and Abigail Sharpless. They had been on a visit to
Western NeAV York and intended returning home through Susque
hanna Co.

1828.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 163
At Montrose I found there would be no stage into brother's
neighborhood until morning, and therefore, fatigued as I
was, I set off, and arrived at J. Mann, Jr.'s, about dark. His
son took me two miles in a dearborn to brother's, where I
met with a Avelcome reception. Yesterday I attended Friends-
ville Preparative Meeting, dined at uncle Jehu [Lord's], and
visited Dr. Rose and Silver Lake in the afternoon in com
pany Avith brother John. The lake is beautiful. We took
tea at the doctor's and found his wife and daughters agreea
ble. To-day I propose going to Friendsville in company with
sister Mary L. to make some arrangement for sister Phebe
and cousin Abby's accommodation when they may arrive
there, as well as to see the place, and some Friends Avho re
side in that neighborhood. Though very much tired I was
better in health when I arrived than I had been on my jour
ney, and feel very well excepting some soreness. I propose
Avaiting in this neighborhood for sister and Abby ; and re
turn as soon as they feel ready, by any of the various routes
which they may prefer. I should not choose, if it were left
to me, one that travels all night.
Thomas Kite Avas desirous that his children should acquire
a good literary taste and facility in composition. This led
him to encourage a proposal made by one of his brothers
that his family and some of their relatives, should combine
and prepare a periodical, which should be read every Seventh-
day night during the winter season. Although no one but
the editor or reader, knew the Avriter of each particular, yet
it was the understanding that no one should be present at
anytime, who had not for that occasion furnished his mite.
Thomas Kite was a frequent contributor, and some of bis
essays Avill be added.

164 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1829.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Second month 13th, 1829.
* * •* My time is so much occupied, that lean scarcely
find leisure even for writing to my beloved child. I feel a
hope thou art improving, not merely in literary attainments,
but in a knowledge of thyself, in humility, in love, and in the
fear of the Lord. Thou well knowest how little parents can
do for their children in a spiritual sense. They may advise
them to be faithful to the discoveries of Divine Grace ; they
may pray Ifor them ; but after all, the main point rests with
the children themselves. If they obey the call of the Lord,
He will be a father to them, and they shall be made the
adopted sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. I be
lieve, my child, thy desires are good. I wish thou mayest
not be too mueh discouraged by the strength of natural cor
ruption, which may sometimes be powerfully felt, but wait
on the Lord to receive power over them, and be sure to yield
obedience to the discoveries of his will, even when most ad
verse to thy natural inclination. As thou trusts in the Lord,
and not on thyself, He will make way for thee, and in his
own time introduce into the glorious liberty of his children.
In the progress of the great work of the soul's salvation, many
are the changes we experience; sometimes rejoicing in the
light of God's countenance, sometimes mourning its with
drawal ; sometimes praying for its restoration. At one time,.
perhaps, thinking our mountain stands strong, at another
almost overwhelmed with the consciousness of Aveakness.
But through all these changes, as the Lord is steadily looked
to, He will gradually carry on his own work, at times give
the evidence of his loving kindness, which is better than life,
in seasons of adversity afford hope, which is as an anchor to

1830.J MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 165
the soul, sure and steadfast, and Avhich entereth into that
Avhich is Avithin the vail. He Avill moderate our rejoicings
in prosperity, keep us in the hour of temptation, guide us by
his counsel, and afterwards receive us into glory. Feeling
that all the work is the Lord's, Ave shall be enabled to render
Him the praise of it. I find by thy letter to S., that you
have been favored with the company and gospel labors of
Ann Jones, and others.
Fourth month 18th, 1829. To the same. " We have been
comforted with the arrival of many precious friends to attend
our annual solemnity. The Meeting of Ministers and Elders
met this morning, and was a large meeting. We had at
breakfast Thomas Shilletoe, to meet an Indian, Avho is a Metho
dist minister, and was interpreter for Thomas when he was
amongst the natives. He is ^intelligent, and speaks English
well ; dresses much as Methodists usually do, excepting that
he is decorated around his waist Avith a red belt or sash.
Be particularly careful, dear, of thy health. To this end
use exercise ; two or three times a day run or walk in the
open air. I would rather see thee restored to us in good
health, not knowing quite so much, than that thy attention
to thy studies should undermine thy health."
In the Fifth month of this year, Thomas Kite attended the
Yearly Meeting of Virginia. The service was performed to
the peace of his own mind. His minute was obtained in the
Fourth and returned to his Monthly Meeting in the Fifth
month. At Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, held Fourth month
29th, 1830, he obtained a minute to visit the meetings of
Friends in Cain and Western Quarterly Meetings. Of this
journey little account is preserved. He left home on the

166 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1830.
12th of the Fifth month, and having passed rapidly through
the Eastern meetings in Cain Quarterly Meeting, he passed
into the Western, beginning at London Grove, Fifth-day the
20th. During this journey he was in a low state of mind.
In writing to his wife, he says : " I have very little to say of
our meetings, for I think, notwithstanding Friends are very
kind, I have seldom known a time when I thought myself
more in need of the sympathy of those who can feel. I am
desirous of being preserved, wholly given up to do or suffer
the Divine Will."
. On Second-day, Fourth month 19th, of this year, Dr. John
D. Godman was buried in Friends' Western ground. His
funeral Avas largely attended by the scientific portion of the
community, and meu of more than ordinary pretensions to
knowledge and literature. On this occasion Thomas Kite
Avas remarkably drawn forth in the ministry, setting forth
the excellency of true religion as compared with knoAvledge
and science ; and calling on all the men of exalted minds and
great, attainments to cast their crowns at the feet of Jesus.
T. K. TO HIS SISTER MARY.
Philadelphia, Seventh month 1st, 1830.
Dear Sister : — The ties of natural affection Avhich bind
the children of one family together, are strong ; but the ties
of spiritual love which unite the redeemed children of the
heavenly Father's family, are stronger. May our fellowship
be increasingly of this latter kind, which does not obliterate
the former, but exalts and purifies it. Encompassed as I am
Avith frailties, feeling myself an unprofitable servant, I never
theless greatly desire for thee that thou mayest be faithful ;
that having put thy hand to the plough, thou mayest not
dare to look back, and through unfaithfulness unfit thyself

1830.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 167
for the Heavenly kingdom. As a sincere desire to stand
approved in the Divine Sight is cherished, and as we centre
down in humility and stillness before the Lord, he will not
fail in his own time to show what he would have us to do,
nor to afford strength to perform it. He sends no one a
warfare at their own charges ; though he sends his poor dis
ciples out without purse or scrip, yet depending in faith on
Him, they lack nothing. Yield not unprofitably to discour
agement ; at the same time be careful to try all openings or
presentations of a religious nature in the balance of the sanc
tuary : and though many baptisms and exercises for the
Lord's sake, and for the working out of thy own soul's salva
tion, may attend, thou wiltknoAv at seasons from the evidence
of Divine life in thy silent waiting on the Lord, that he hath
not given us the spirit of fear, — that is slavish fear, which hath
torment, nor of the fear of man, Avhich bringeth a snare —
but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.
We have heard from Nathan and William,* who stood
their journey out admirably. They accomplished [it] in five
days and a half, which is nearly thirty-two miles a day on
an average.
Joshua, the second son of Thomas Kite, towards the close
of this year, began to suffer much pain in the hip, supposed
to have arisen from a hurt received by falls whilst skating.
Whatever the cause, he never recovered from the effect, but
for several years was quite a cripple.
Thomas Kite, Jr., the third and youngest son, commenced
as a scholar at Westtown, Seventh month, 1830. His
father's first letter to him is dated First month 7th, 1831.
* His brother and son, who had taken a pedestrian tour to Susque
hanna County, to visit John L. Kite.

168 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1831.
Dear Son : — I hope thou dost not forget to read over the
letter of advice thou carried with thee to Westtown. It may
serve to remind thee of me, when I am too busy to write to
thee. Whether I write or not, I am at all times thy deeply
interested parent, anxious that all the pains taken with thee
may produce their desired effect, and that thou may groAV up
intelligent, well behaved, and, above all, pious ; remember
ing thy Creator in the days of thy youth, fearing to offend
Him, endeavoring to love and serve Him, that He may pre
serve thee from temptation, support thee in trouble, conduct
thee in safety through theAvilderness of this world, and finally
receive thee to his own blessed abode. That, at last, when
the journey of life is over, this may be thy happy experience,
is the desire of thy loving father, Thomas Kite.
He attended the Yearly Meeting held in New York in the
Fifth month, \vith a minute of his Monthly Meeting, whence
he wrote a letter to his wife, dated Fifth month 24th, 1831,
in which, after mentioning having the company of Hannah
Warrington, Jr., and his cousin Anne Warrington, wife of
Henry Warrington, of Westfield, on the journey to New
York, and being accommodated at Samuel Wood's, he notes
that Samuel and Jane Bettle were lodging at John R. Wil
lis's, and then says : " Amongst the strangers attending are
Daniel Wood, J. and E. Meader, J. Patterson, Abigail Bar
ker, Granville Woolman, J. and H. C. Backhouse. So far,
it has been to me very much a time of suffering, which I de
sire patiently to endure, because the blessed Master's cause
is worthy to be suffered for, and because I know, if I am
favored rightly to bear the trials dispensed, they will tend to
purification, which I greatly need. * * *
Please remember me affectionately to the family circle, my

1831.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 169
parents especially, and my dear Joshua. I have heard what
has befallen my dear friend Sarah Morris, and sympathize
much with her in this personal affliction. But she is in the
hands of a merciful Father, who will enable her to bear up
under all, as she looks unto Him in child-like dependence.
He is our only refuge in the hour of trial. May thou and I,
my love, so live in his fear, that Ave may experience Him to
support us in th'e hour of need, is at this time the prevalent
desire of thy affectionate, Thomas Kite."
On the 28th of the Seventh month, Thomas Kite was set
at liberty by his Monthly Meeting, to attend the meetings
composing Concord Quarterly Meeting, and appoint meet
ings for those not members. His invalid son, Joshua, being
at his grandmother Sharpless's, in East Bradford, he ad
dressed him a letter, dated Seventh month 29th. It begins
with a description of a destructive fire, which he knew would
interest the boy, and then adds :
" This is not the only instance of the uncertainty of all
things here. Our dear friends Samuel and Jane Bettle, have
had the affliction of losing their son Thomas, by a sudden
death. He went on a journey to Easton, Pennsylvania,
hoping it might benefit his health. He Avas staying there
with his cousin Martha Sinton and her family. After tea on
Second-day evening, he walked out into the yard, and was
soon found there entirely dead. The afflicted parents have
this alleviation to their sufferings, that for some time Thomas
has appeared more seriously disposed. At the house at the
time of the funeral, and in the grave-yard, much quietness
aud solemnity were felt. His widow appears overwhelmed
with affliction. But we may hope that our Heavenly Parent,
Avho has promised to, be a father to the fatherless, and a h'us-
12

170 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1831.
band to the widow, will care for her and her babes. In her
late husband's parents she will find tender and sympathizing
friends." ******
After attending Concord Quarterly Meeting, Thomas Kite
proceeded to fulfil his prospect of visiting the subordinate
meetings, &c. T. K. TO HIS WIFE.
Middletown, Eighth month 25th, 1831.
* * * j was particularly affected with the account of
dear Abigail Folwell's sudden removal ; at a time when we
are anxiously looking forward for a succession of testimony-
bearers from amongst our dedicated youth, to have one of
the most exemplary of that class called away, is no small
trial. Yet we dare not murmur. The Lord is perfect in
wisdom as well as goodness, and can raise up others to bear
his testimonies, and bless to survivors these stripping dispen
sations. With regard to dear Abigail, the testimony lives in
my heart, " There is now no condemnation to them that are
in Christ Jesus." - She is safe, where no storms or tempests
can ever assail her, — landed on the peaceful shores of immor
tality, and permitted to mingle with the ransomed of the
Lord, returned to heavenly Zion with everlasting joy upon
their heads.
My prospect is to attend Middletown Meeting to-day,
Darby to-morrow, and return home in the afternoon ; re
main there until Seventh-day evening, or First-day morning ;
then attend Springfield Meeting on First-day. * * *
Thy expressions of affectionate sympathy are very grateful
to me. May we ever be presented in a disposition to " bear
one another's burdens, and so fulfil the laAV of Christ."

1831.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 171
T. K. TO THOMAS KITE, JR.
Philadelphia, Tenth month 29th, 1831.
Dear Son : — * * * As usual, I feel anxious thou
shouldst be diligent in thy studies ; but far more I wish thy
conduct may be such as to gain thy teacher's esteem. Do
not be light or trifling, but remember thy Creator in the
days of thy youth. Remember Him to fear Him, to love
Him. It is those only who are truly religious, — that is, who
fear and love God, — who are truly happy in this Avorld, and
have a hope of being happy in the world to come. Oh ! my
dear son, I feel ardently desirous that thou mayest be of the
number of those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and are
his faithful disciples.
Twelfth month 27th. To the same. * * * "Our rich
citizen, Stephen Girard, died yesterday. His wealth could
not save him from the common lot. Great curiosity, is no
doubt, felt, to know how he has left his immense wealth. A
few days will probably disclose the secret.
My dear son, be thou attentive to thy learning, and cir
cumspect in all things in thy conduct, that so thy affectionate
mother and myself may have comfort in thee ; for it is writ
ten in the good Book, ' A wise son maketh a glad father ; but
a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.' "
On the 29th of Twelfth month, he obtained a minute of
his Monthly Meeting to visit the families of Friends compos
ing Radnor Monthly Meeting. This service he performed
during the First and Second months, 1832, to the peace of
his own mind, and " much to the satisfaction of that meeting."
A concern having arisen in the Yearly Meeting of 1832,.
respecting the situation of its subordinate meetings, a com-

172 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1832.
mittee was appointed to visit them, as Avay might open, to
feel with and for them, and as ability might be afforded, to
offer counsel and encouragement. The committee consisted
of the following Friends : Samuel Bettle, Joseph Whitall,
Thomas Wistar, Thomas Kite, Thomas Stewardson, John
Comfort, Ezra Comfort, Thomas Evans, Benjamin Cooper,
Hinchman Haines, William Evans, Samuel Craft, David
Cope, Robert Scotton, Ruth Ely, Abigail Barker, Elizabeth
Pitfield, Mary Allinson, Hannah Paul, Jane Bettle, Regina
Shober, Martha Jefferis, Hannah Gibbons, Mercy Ellis and
Hannah Warrington, Jr.
On Sixth-day, the 4th of Fifth month, Thomas Kite was
boAved in awful, vocal supplication. The matter continuing
with him, he afterwards believed it right to reduce it to writ
ing. Substance of a prayer, Fifth month 4th, 1832. " It is, O
Lord ! under a sense that none of us can keep his own soul
alive, that no man can redeem his brother, or give to thee a
ransom for his soul ; that though Noah,- Job or Daniel stood
before thee, they could save neither son nor daughter ; it is
under a sense of the entire inability of man, that we are en
gaged to look unto thee, the Fountain of everlasting life, and
to ask of thee that thou wilt minister, by thy abiding Word,
to the various states noAV assembled before thee. Grant us,
O Lord, a fresh visitation of thy mercy — the. influence of the
law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, which alone sets
free from the law of sin and death— that thus those who have
been halting between two opinions, may be convinced that
thou, the God who answereth by fire, art the true God, worthy
to be worshipped, served and obeyed, and may be strength
ened to cast their idols to the moles and to the bats ; and
those who have once known thy power, but who have settled

1832.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 173
upon their lees, may be stirred up and animated to give all
diligence to lay up a good foundation against the time to
come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
May those who are endeavoring to bear the ark of thy
testimony upon their shoulders, often in great weakness —
.their hands hanging down, and their knees smiting together,
be strengthened Avith might by thy Spirit in their inner man,
and afresh feel the consoling assurance that thou art God,
and changeth not. therefore the sons of Jacob are not con
sumed. Oh ! Heavenly Father ! may the children be gath
ered ! allured from the world, and turned unto thee, who only
can preserve through the slippery paths of youth. By sub
mitting to thy power, may each of them be enabled to say,
the Lord is my shepherd, therefore I shall not want.
We are afresh humbled into a sense of our own unworthi-
ness. But we remember thy love and mercy, which gave
thy Son to be a propitiation for our sins. We remember
that He, our glorified Redeemer, ever standeth in thy pres
ence, to make intercession for us. For his sake we ask thee
to heal our backslidings, to blot out our transgressions, to
pardon our iniquities, and through the renewed extendings
of thy Holy Spirit, to prepare our minds, not only to worship
thee in thy courts below, but also, O Lord ! for thy heavenly
kingdom, that at length we may join those who have gone
before — thy ransomed and redeemed ones — in ascribing unto
thee salvation and praise ! uniting together in that worship
which will know no end."
Thomas Kite made a few notes of the proceedings of that
branch of the Yearly Meeting's committee, of which he was
one; consisting of Joseph Whitall, Thomas Kite, Thomas
Stewardson, Thomas Wistar, Hannah Warrington, Jr.,

174 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1832.
Martha Jefferis and Hannah Paul. Portions of his memo
randa follow : —
" Fifth month 9th. Attended the Select Quarterly Meet
ing of Abington. Beside the committee and Hannah C.
Backhouse, eight men and thirteen women were present.
Some evidence of a right concern amongst them. The
mourners were encouraged.
10th. Quarterly Meeting. About 90 men and boys.
The business was harmoniously attended to ; and it was
thought to be a solid opportunity. The young people be
haved with great solidity.
28th. Were at Abington Monthly Meeting. Fourteen
or fifteen of their own members attended. Beside the Yearly
Meeting's committee, a committee from the Quarterly Meet
ing on the subject of education, was present. There is great
weakness and want of skill in the discipline ; yet some hover-
ings of the wing of Ancient Goodness were prevalent.
29th. Frankford Monthly Meeting. About 30 members,
exclusive of strangers. A lively concern for the maintenance
of order, and a more judicious exercise of the discipline
appeared. The meeting was favored.
30th. Select Quarterly Meeting of Bucks. The meeting
small, several of the members being absent. [Christopher
Healy was in England]. ToAvards the close a little revival
of light and intelligence ; and Friends were encouraged to
submit to baptisms necessary to qualify for service in the
church. 31st. Quarterly Meeting for business. About 90 persons
present. Great openness toward the committee appeared,
and ability to labor was vouchsafed. The meeting was satis
factory.

1832.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 175

T. K. TO HIS AVIFE.
Whitemarsh, Sixth month 1st, 1832.
My Dear, * * * We attended [Frankford] Monthly
Meeting- at Germantown on Third-day; dined at Thomas
Megargee's ; and had Asa Walmesly for a pilot to Byberry.
We, that is Joseph Whitall and myself, with the tvvo women
Friends [Hannah Warrington, Jr., and Hannah Paul],
lodged at his house. We four haA'e been together at every
place, and my two name-sakes have been accommodated else-
Avhere. On Fourth-day Ave attended Bucks Quarterly Meet
ing of Ministers and Elders, Avhere sister Martha met us ;
with whom we went to Moses Comfort Jr.'s. The next day
was the Quarterly Meeting of business. Sister M. went
home with Mercy Hulme ;* Ave went to James Moon's to
dine and lodge. To-day Ave have had a wearisome journey
to Ezra Comfort's, where we now are waiting to attend
Gwynedd Monthly Meeting to-morroAv. * * * We have
been favored to get along in much unity ; and Friends have
manifested an agreeable openness towards the committee.
Sixth month 2nd. Gwynedd Monthly Meeting. About
twenty of their own members. A feAv concerned Friends ;
but as a meeting, in a weak state.
4th. Buckingham Monthly Meeting. About thirty-three
members present. A larger number of concerned Friends.
Yet a danger manifest in respect to taking an active part in
the discipline, without taking up the cross, or being rightly
engaged to set a consistent example.
5th. Wrightstown. Nine or ten members present. Much
weakness. The mourners had a word of consolation offered
them. *An Elder.

176 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1832.
6th. Middletown Monthly Meeting. Thirteen or four
teen. A concerned remnant present. Perhaps the most
comfortable covering of solemnity we have yet experienced.
7th. Falls Monthly Meeting. Nearly fifty present. An
honestly concerned number amongst them, but rather defi
cient in skill. Judicious fathers wanting. A prospect
amongst the youth somewhat hopeful."
After the return of the committee from this visit, they
were ready for a trip to Stroudsburg and Friendsville, the
most distant meeting of Abington Quarterly Meeting. They
left Philadelphia on Third-day, the — of Seventh month.
It was a serious parting. The Asiatic, or spasmodic cholera
had just broken out in New York, and from the rapidity of
its progress, no doubt could be reasonably entertained, but
that it would reach Philadelphia before their return. No
account of this visit has been found amongst Thomas Kite's
papers. It was, however, performed to their satisfaction.
During the prevalence of the cholera in Philadelphia,
Thomas Kite was in the city, except a few excursions to
meetings in the neighborhood. T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS.
Philadelphia, Ninth month 4th, 1832.
My Dear Son:— It is a considerable time since I mani
fested in this way my interest in thy welfare, which, notwith
standing, remains unabated. Whilst my principal wish for
my children is, that they may become the Lord's children,
which can only be their happy experience by living in his
fear, I am not indifferent about their welfare and prosperity
in the world. Hence 1 desire that thou, in particular, may
apply thyself diligently to thy studies, that thy talents may

1832.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 177
be so improved, that thou may be qualified for whatever
business it may be found expedient to put thee to. The
habit of industrious application formed in early life, is of in
calculable advantage ; therefore, strive to form and to pre
serve this habit. Whatever thy hands find to do, do it with
all thy might. To be lazy is a reproachful character, and
yet some boys deserve it. * * * Thy mother and I went
to Burlington Quarterly Meeting last Aveek. The cholera
has nearly disappeared.
On Sixth-day, Eighth month 31st, 1832, William Kite
went to spend a feAV days in the neighborhood of Medford,
where he had taught school. The day he left home, his
father addressed this letter to him :
Dear Son: — * * * Whether thou goes abroad or stays
at home, my thoughts are often turned towards thee, with much
solicitude for thy present and everlasting happiness. With
thy conduct towards me as an obedient son, I am fully satis
fied. What I wish is, that thou may not rest short of the
experience of regeneration ; that thou may be in truth a
follower of Jesus Christ, and may knoAv redemption through
his blood, the forgiveness of sins, the sanctification of thy
nature, felloAvship Avith the Father and with the Son, and a
consequent qualification to maintain a lively exercise of
spirit in public assemblies, and private retirement. Thus
wilt thou know, not only the restraints of religion, but also
the comforts of it ; and as thou art engaged to wait for
heavenly direction, thou wilt, I trust, receive it on all need
ful occasions, so as to be conducted safely through the wilder
ness of this world, and receive at last a peaceful settlement
in the promised land.

178 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1832.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS.
Philadelphia, Tenth month 20th, 1832.
Dear Son : — * * * I expect to go to Baltimore
Yearly Meeting. * * * Thou hast heard, I presume, of
the death of Edward Bettle. He had been a dutiful son to
his father, and being of good talents, well improved by edu
cation, he was not only useful in civil and religious society,
but had become the companion and counsellor of his father,
Avho now mourns the loss of a valuable son. Yet he must
have the consolation of knowing that he was a religious man,
a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, and, therefore, that there
is ground to hope he is now in a happy state, in which he
will be forever with the Lord.
Whilst my desires are undoubtedly strong for thy mental
improvement, for the proper and diligent cultivation of thy
natural powers, I yet more earnestly desire that thou mayest
become my friend and counsellor. Mayest thou inherit the
blessing one of old enjoyed, of whom the Almighty thus
speaks in the Holy Scriptures : " My covenant was with him
of life and peace, and I gave it him for the fear wherewith
he feared me, and was afraid before my name." Then,
whether thou livest to old age, or thy life should terminate
in youth, all will be well ; thy example Avill be salutary to
survivors, — thy prospects for eternity will be bright. Ah !
my SQn, is not the hope of everlasting happiness a glorious
hope ! sufficient to animate and encourage us under the diffi
culties we must expect to meet with in the present life.
Thomas Kite having a minute of the unity of his Monthly
Meeting, attended Baltimore Yearly Meeting ; his wife bore
him company. The meeting was smaller than usual, owing
to the fears many were in respecting the cholera.

1833.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 179
1833. Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Committee continued
its labors, but Thomas Kite has left no account, of its visits
from place to place.
Edith Kite, having accompanied Gulielma Widdifield to
NeAV England Yearly Meeting, her husband thus Avrote to
her: Philadelphia, Sixth month 21st, 1833.
My Love : — I was glad to receive thy letter this morning,
and to hear of thy Avelfare. It was pleasant to find thou
hadst met with so many of my dear friends. I sincerely de
sire thy visit may prove not only agreeable, but profitable,
so that thou mayest bring home a little good to me, for I feel,
and have long felt, very poor, indeed. Yet I do not men
tion it in a murmuring spirit. I desire patiently to wait, and
quietly to hope, for the arisings of Divine Life. And oh !
that neither thou nor I may rest satisfied without this ex
perience, which will sanctify the comfort we have in each
other, and enable us to bear up under whatever portion of
sorrow may be in reserve for us in our future steppings
through this vale of tears. * * * *
Give my love to our dear friend Jacob Green. I know
not hoAv to think of his leaving this country without seeing
him again. Tell him our Monthly Meetings are next week,
and if he comes here on Second-day with you, he may have
the opportunity of attending them, of taking leave of many
Avho feel closely bound to him in the fellowship of the gospel,
and may be back to New York in time for the ship. 4
In the Tenth month of this year, the Monthly Meeting of
Philadelphia set Thomas Kite at liberty to visit the meet
ings of Salem Quarterly Meeting, New Jersey. This service
he performed in the Eleventh month.

180 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1834.
In the Twelfth month, Edith Jefferis was taken ill at the
house of her uncle, Thomas Kite, and was fbr a long period
hardly expected to live. She, however, gradually recovered
during the spring of 1834, and was enabled to go to the resi
dence of her mother, near West Chester, soon after the Yearly
Meeting. An interesting account of this illness will be found
in a memoir, published of her life.
At an adjournment of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting,
held Fifth month 8th, 1834, Thomas Kite received a minute
" to pay a religious visit to the meetings composing Shrews
bury and Rahway Quarterly Meeting, and also a few meet
ings within the limits of Burlington and Haddonfield Quar
terly Meetings, particularly those near the sea shore." Soon
after the Monthly Meeting, he started to fulfil this prospect.
His first meeting was at Plainfield, his second at Rahway ;
after which he proceeded to Shrewsbury, where the Quarterly
Meeting for business was held, on the 15th. On that day he
addressed a letter to his invalid son Joshua, which contained
the folloAving paragraph to his wife :
" My Dear : — I never remember parting with thee with
more tender emotions of regard and affection. I much desire
we may "both live so near the Heavenly Fountain, as to ex
perience an increase of that gospel fellowship which, I trust,
we have each known something of. I feel my oAvn weakness,
and desire, thy secret sympathy and prayers, that I may be
preserved in the line of duty ; and when at liberty to return,
I shall be glad again to be favored Avith thy company."
t. k. to his daughter susanna, then at East Bradford.
Philadelphia, Fifth month 24th, 1834.
* * * I returned on Fifth-day, before meeting. My
route was through New Hope, Somersville, and to Plainfield,

1834.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 181
Avhich Avas the first meeting ; then to Rahway ; afterwards
through New Brunswick to Shrewsbury, where I attended
the Quarterly Meeting. Thence through Squankum to
Barnegat, Tuckerton, Galloway and Egg Harbor, which was
the last meeting.
At Plainfield I climbed to the top of a mountain, and had
a magnificent view of an extensive landscape, including New
York in the distance. The country through which I travelled
from NeAV BrunsAvick to ShreAvsbury is mostly dreary. Heavy
sand and pine forests, occasionally interspersed with poor
farms. ShreAvsbury is a beautiful village, and Margaret
Parker, late Allinson, seems quite at home, in a pleasant
house, Avith a kind husband. [The house] is surrounded
with beautiful fields and trees. The Quarterly Meeting was
small, and no young Friends belonging to it dress plainly.
A lamentable case ! which prompts a sigh, in considering
where the standard-bearers of a succeeding generation are to
be looked for. Oh ! how fervently I wish that my children
may be of the number of the few Avho are willing to bear the
cross, and to be thoroughly crucified to the world.
From ShreAvsbury to Barnegat is a poor country ; yet the
various rivers, opening to the ocean, and numerous birds,
diversified our ride. From thence to Tuckerton the country
appears better. The meeting at Tuckerton being on a First-
day, was large, and some of the young people belonging to
it looked like Friends. I thought the good Master Avas near
to bless us.
We left our chair and horse near this place, and took pas
sage by water to Leed's Point. * * * The meeting is
very small, yet contains some concerned friends.
William Kite had been in weak health for many months,

182 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1834.
and having gone into Chester County for the purpose of re
cruiting his energies, his father Avrote to him :
Philadelphia, Sixth month 18th, 1834.
Dear Son :— I Avas in hopes thou wouldst have Avritten, '
to let us know how the country agrees Avith thee. * * *
I feel a strong desire, not only for the restoration of thy
health, if it please our Heavenly Father to permit it, but
more so for thy spiritual strength ; that thou mayest be en
abled to shake thyself from all hindering things, and press
toward the mark for the prize of the heavenly calling.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Eighth month 27th, 1834.
* * * Hannah C. Backhouse, we suppose, met Jonathan
at Burlington Quarterly Meeting, held yesterday. A num
ber of citizens went up, principally attracted by the hope of
hearing Stephen Grellett give an account of his European
journey. * * * Farewell! May this retirement from
business be blessed to thee; and a renewal of desire and
prayer be felt, for more entire dedication and conformity to
the Divine Will !
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Ninth month 20th, 1834.
* * * Our dear young friend, Beulah Maule, was
buried on Second-day last. Though long in declining health,
and her complaint of a pulmonary character, a bilious fever
was at last the instrument of her release from the conflicts of
mortality. I was at the funeral, and dined with the rela
tives. A comfortable feeling predominated in the assurance
that she was one of our Saviour's adopted lambs, Avhom He
has gathered to the heavenly sheepfold.

1834.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 183
Dr. Porter, our old friend, has also deceased. Spme of us
attended the funeral yesterday. Thus old and young are
passing away, admonishing all ages to be ready Avhen our
Lord shall call upon us to give an account of our steward
ship. Mayest thou, and I, dear child, increase in devotion
to our Lord and Master, submitting to the purifying opera
tions of his holy hand, until we are prepared, through his un
merited mercy, not having spot, or Avrinkle, or any such
thing, to join the company of his redeemed.
On Fifth-day, the 6th of Eleventh month, Thomas Kite
attended the marriage of James R. Greeves and Abigail
Sharpless, his niece ; and on the following Second-day, with
his wife, Rachel Bartram* and Israel W. Morris,— they
being under appointment of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting
— started for Muncy. In allusion to this journey, he wrote :
" It will require in all of us much self-reduction, and humble
reliance on Divine aid, to get through with it to profit."
Being in NeAV Bedford on business in the Tenth month, he
thus wrote to his Avife : New Bedford, Tenth month 14th, 1834.
* * * I yesterday rode out a few miles into the coun
try to see our friend Sarah Tucker .f Her health is very
delicate : but she appears to be alive in the Truth. Her
husband seems a valuable, solid Friend. I feel inclined to
go to Fall River Week-day Meeting on Fourth-day, and so
on to Providence ; visit, once more, my aged friend, Moses
BroAvn, and return here on Sixth or Seventh-day. * * *
* An overseer of Northern District Monthly Meeting.
fOf this visit, S. T.'s Journal says, "We had a sweet visit yester
day from dear Thomas Kite, of Philadelphia ; it was, indeed, com
forting and reviving to my drooping mind." Page 148.

184 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1834.
On First-day afternoon, Thomas Arnott attended this meet
ing, and Was to have a meeting yesterday at an adjacent vil
lage called Padan aram. The meeting here is not a small
one. I suppose from 250 to 300 persons attended on First-
day, of whom, I understood, a number were not members.
They have a large and convenient brick meeting-house. The
Avhole town is so changed, it is difficult to recognize in it the
New Bedford I once before saw. It is now a beautiful place,
many very splendid mansions adorning the higher parts of
the town. Great wealth has produced its usual effect, as re
gards luxury and extravagance, though, as yet, it is an indus
trious community which inhabits it. One house is now erecting
which, it is supposed, will cost $70,000, and there are many
which have cost a large proportion of that sum.
T. K. TO HIS NIECE EDITH JEFFERIS.
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 21st, 1834.
I am not very partial to letter-writing, but thy communi
cation, my dear cousin, seemed to call for some acknoAvledge-
ment, and therefore I have taken up the pen. I needed not
such a remembrance as thy letter to awaken sympathetic
feelings with thyself, thy dear mother and sister. Thy
valued parent can adopt the language of David Barclay, the
father of the Apologist, " The perfect discovery of the Day-
spring from on high, Iioav great a blessing has it been to me,
and to my family." Although her trials have been many,
and she may yet have some bitter cups to drink of, she knows
in whom she has believed ; she yet feels the gracious Shepherd
to be near, and his power and love, as felt in the day of early
visitation, is still her consolation. To her I have nb doubt,
notwithstanding her bereavement, the declaration will apply
" Thy Maker is thy husband, the Lord of Hosts is his name."

1834.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 185
May she be strengthened then to lean on Him, and commit,
not only her own soul, and all her concerns, spiritual and
temporal, but her children also, to his holy care and keeping.
And thou, dear cousin, hast, through unutterable mercy, ex
perienced the operation of that living Word, by which we
are born again, and in the experience of the child's state, a
very precious state, as a new-born babe thou hast desired the
sincere milk of the Word that thou mightest grow thereby.
Often in secret, in days that are past, have thy desires been
gratified, and thou sustained and nourished. But if we ex
perience a growth, Ave shall in the Heavenly Parent's time,
know the weaning state ; and sometimes, as we advance, a
state of fasting ; Avhich is all in wisdom, to keep us sensible
of our dependence on the Good Shepherd, who taketh his
lambs, carrieth them in his bosom, and feedeth them with
the food convenient for them — of Avhich He is the judge.
Noav, as these operations are often painful, the weanings and
the fastings, it is important that the child should neither
murmur, nor look out for forbidden gratifications, which the
enemy will not fail to present, in one shape or another, and
sometimes he may in degree take the mind captive, when
the holy watch is not rightly maintained. Yet the reproofs
of instruction Avill folloAV ; and as the child bows under the
rod, reconciliation and forgiveness will be knoAvn. Thus led
along and instructed, the knowledge ofits own weakness keeps
pace with its discoveries where strength is to be obtained,
and gradually the young man's state is obtained, who is
strong because the Word of God abideth in him, and because
he has in a good degree overcome the wicked one. And
now the Lord expects, in his own Avay, and in his own time,
his children to labor for Him — to endure hardness as good
soldiers — not to be ashamed of the cross ; for they that are
13

186 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1834.
with the Lamb, are called, and chosen, and faithful. I feel
desirous, dear Edith, that thou mayest become of this dedi
cated number, so that whether few or many days are allotted
thee, or whether thy prospects as to this world be adverse or
prosperous, thou mayest stand for the cause of the holy
Redeemer in thy generation, and at length be permitted to
join the innumerable multitude whose robes are made white
in the blood of the Lamb ! Salute in my name thy dear
sister Ann : tell her to keep near the Truth in her own
heart, and to choose the friends of Truth for her friends. I
know that in faithfully bearing the cross she will meet with
many mortifications ; but may she be willing to confess the
Lord Jesus in life and conversation, and then these mortifi
cations will prove blessings ; and she will be strengthened
not only to be a comfort to her exercised parent, who can
have no greater joy than to see her children walking in the
Truth, but she will also be enabled to unite with thee, so that
you can bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the laAV of
Christ. And above all she will experience that peace which
is the portion of the followers of Jesus Christ.

1835.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 187

CHAPTER X.— 1835.
EDITH JEFFERIS' APPEARANCE IN THE MINISTRY— DEATH
OF T. K.'S SON JOSHUA — MARRIAGE OF AARON SHARP
LESS TO SUSANNA KITE.
In the First month, 1835, with the unity of his Monthly
Meeting, Thomas Kite visited the meetings constituting
Burlington and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings, except the
few on the sea coast Avhich he had so recently attended. The
journey was performed during the continuance of a very re
markably severe frost.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Second month 20th, 1835.
Thou wilt see in to-morrow's " Friend" an obituary notice
of Lydia S. Rogers ; thou may easily guess from whose pen.
Much more might have been said with truth ; but perhaps
what is given will suffice to give evidence that she is added
to the " cloud of witnesses" of the effect of the Gospel in pre
paring for the close of life. Her last expressions I think
peculiarly striking.*
* * * Since thy absence I have thought of thee with
earnest desires, that nothing may turn thee aside from atten
tion to the one thing needful. I want thee to live not unto
thyself, but unto thy God and Saviour. I Avant thee to watch
unto prayer ; and taking no mortal for thy standard, aspire
after purity of heart and dedication of life. That our So
ciety has need of faithful laborers is very evident. Oh, that
the visited children, may keep under the forming hand of
* See Youthful Piety, p. 197, 1st ed. ; 229, 2nd ed., for an account
of her by Thomas Kite.

188 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1835.
the heavenly Potter, and be made into vessels for his use,
that his power may be made manifest in the faithfulness of
those who are now coming on the stage of action ; and that
to our poor, but still highly favored Society, the language
may be addressed, " Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and
the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."
Love to dear aunt Martha and the girls. I hear cousin
Ann is coming with thee ; she will be welcome to us. Don't
forget, to mention me in affectionate terms to cousin T.
[Tamasine Morris] and her companion. I hope they will
set out right, by giving religion the first place. The things
of the world will, prosper better by this means with them, I
am well assured.
Having received from his sister-in-law, Martha Jefferis, in
formation that her daughter Edith had appeared in a public
meeting in the line of the ministry, T. K. thus Avrote to her.
Philadelphia, Third month 7th, 1835.
Dear Sister : — Thy letter of the 22nd of last month was
very acceptable to us, and was the means of renewedly
quickening in our minds that sympathy which those, who are
in measure baptized by one spirit into one body, are at times
favored to experience, and by which they become as epistles
written in each other's hearts. Such varied and important
circumstances as have of late happened in thy domestic circle,
have no doubt called into action all tha,t is capable of feeling
within thee. Dear sister, mayest thou not forget the privi
lege of the believer, but endeavor to cast thy burden upon
the holy High Priest ; touched with the feeling of our in
firmities, and commend thyself, thy children and all thy
concerns, to his Father and thy Father, to his God and thy

1835.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 189
God. It is always interesting to those who have themselves
passed through the exercises attendant on coming forth as
soldiers in the Lamb's Army, to be informed that any are
publicly manifesting their attachment to his glorious cause.
They know by experience the hearts of these — their fears,
anxieties and baptisms of spirit. This interest is of course
heightened in the case mentioned in thy letter, by strong
natural affection, by long and intimate acquaintance, and
relationship almost paternal. I need not say how much I
have felt, nor that my desires are strong for dear Edith's
preservation, and that in simplicity and godly sincerity she
may follow in the clear unfoldings of the Master's will. If
the work be of Him, He will OAvn it, by the incomes of peace
in her own breast, and by opening the hearts of his children
to receive her testimony. But exercises she must expect to
meet with ; they are the lot of all. She must learn to endure
hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. She must knoAv
how to be abased, as well as how to abound. But if the
Gospel has its tribulations, it has also its consolations ; and
may no unfaithfulness on her part deprive my dear cousin
of access to that " pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,"
which is given no less for refreshment than for purification.
Much depends, I have thought, dear sister, in the present
state of the church, on our all, younger and elder, keeping
our places. Though we may seem to be individually of little
account, yet in a firm, united exercise, there is strength ; and
there is a call for all who feel for the cause of Zion, to stand
in their respective allotments, laboring as fresh ability is
vouchsafed, for the removal of wrong things, for strengthen
ing the things which remain which are ready to die, and for
exalting the standard of Truth. For Zion's sake not holding

190 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1835.
their peace, until the righteousness thereof go forth as bright
ness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
Dear cousin A. has been pleasantly with us. I cannot but
think her improving ; and many times have I wished for
her that her intelligent mind, her quick and lively abilities,
Avere all sanctified and made meet for the Master's use.
Though nature may be reluctant to yield, when once will
ingly submitted to, she will find, as many have found to their
humble admiration, that " his yoke is easy and his burthen
light." In the Sixth month, 1835, Thomas Kite attended New
England Yearly Meeting. It was a deeply proving pros
pect, for his son Joshua was very ill, yet believing that his
Master called him thither, and having the consent and unity
of his Meeting in the concern, he gave up in submission. It
was a trying meeting ; some of the principles of Isaac
Crewdson had found advocates within the borders of that
Yearly Meeting, and their spirits were to be felt.
On one of the days of the Yearly Meeting an individual,
standing high with some Friends, commenced a regular
attack upon Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and ended by
proposing the discontinuing any correspondence with it.
Thomas Kite believed it his duty to reply to the charges ;
confuting one after another in the order in which they had
been made. Elisha Bates was present, and active in en
deavoring by his ministry to uphold the unsound sentiments
he had imbibed in England, or which having ibeen imbibed
before, received there nourishment and strength. Hearing
more unfavorable accounts respecting the health of his son,
Thomas Kite hurried home as fast as was practicable. The
poor sufferer was still living when his father returned.

1835.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 191
T. K. TO NATHAN SHARPLESS AND WIFE.
Philadelphia, Sixth month 24th, 1835.
Dear Brother and Sister : — Our poor sufferer has
been released, and rather unexpectedly, at last. He ceased
to breathe seventeen minutes past 12 [this day]. It is cause
of thankfulness that I Avas permitted to see him, and be
present at his departure. I reached home on Seventh-day
afternoon. The Yearly Meeting closed Avith one sitting on
Sixth-day. J. W. TO THOMAS KITE.
Hopkinton, Seventh month 20th, 1835.
Thou art not wanting for some in NeAV England, my dear
friend, to sympathize with thee and family in the loss of thy
dear son, whose sickness did, undoubtedly, make thy absence
whilst, with us, very trying both to thee and them. I hope
an assurance of his preparation for such an event, has been
Avitnessed, and proved a healing balm to his bereaved and
afflicted relatives. I hope also thou wilt not be induced to
repine that thou wast so much away during his sickness, for
'many of us were truly glad of thy company and help at our
late Annual Meeting. A confirmation was not Avanting,
that it was in the ordering of Wisdom that thou wast with
us at so trying a time, when mourning and secret suffering
was so prevalently our lot. At times the hour and power of
darkness was suffered to overshadow the feast of our solemni
ties, and so to becloud many innocent minds, that good dis
cernments seemed wanting to distinguish between that which
is, and that which is not bread. Nevertheless, there were a
few seasons in which there was truly a little living bread
broken and distributed. Hoav lamentable it was to see the

192 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1835.
attempts — I believe as regards some, successful attempts — to
take this living bread out of the children's mouths, and to
proffer a fair show of that which is not bread, and I fear
contained poison. * * * Please accept my tender love,"
my dear friend, for thyself, thy wife and children.
T. K.'S TESTIMONY CONCERNING HIS SON JOSHUA.
" In the Sixth month, 1835, my second son, Joshua, de
parted this life, being in the 19th year of his age. He had
for a number of years endured much bodily suffering, which
I humbly trust was sanctified to him, he being enabled to
bear it with a good degree of patience. In his last illness
his diffident disposition prevented his saying much, but the
little of a serious nature he did express was very satisfactory ;
and I have a consoling hope, that his spirit has been per
mitted to join the company seen by John in the opening of
light, who had come out of much tribulation, and washed
their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
In the Ninth month, 1835, Susanna Kite, with the appro
bation of her parents, was united in marriage to Aaron Sharp
less. Her home was thenceforward in East Bradford, Chester
Co., and thither the day after the wedding she accompanied
her husband, taking her sister Rebecca with her.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
* * * I have seen nothing of Jane, but we all had a
piece of wedding cake. I wish her well ; but my expecta
tions of her future comfort are not very sanguine ; yet real
religion will be to her, if she keeps under its influence, as it
is to every one who is so wise as to embrace it, a regulating

1835.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 193
principle in prosperity, and a balm in affliction. It has been
pleasant to have thy dear aunt Martha's company. I went
Avith her to infant school. She seemed quite interested in
the little creatures. From thence Ave went to see Sarah
Gibbons, who is evidently declining. The ties of nature
cling around her heart, but that Divine power under whose
precious influence she evidently abides, can, in his own time,
strengthen her to let go her fondest attachments, and prepare
her to adopt the language, " Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly,
thy servant is ready." * * * Give my kindest, tenderest
greeting to thy dear sister. I feel for her more than it is
proper to express. Her lot seems fixed, so far as we can
_ perceive. I have no doubt she will endeavor to discharge her
neAV duties with Christian propriety ; and I trust she may be
the instrument, not merely of contributing to her husband's
earthly comfort, but also of promoting his religious welfare,
and strengthening his resolutions to vcalk worthy of Him
who hath called us to his kingdom and glory. Such I am
sure she may be, if she is daily concerned to seek and to
wait for holy help.
And mayest thou, dear child, the child of many prayers,
keep near the Good Hand that visited thee in early life, that
the promise of future usefulness may not be blighted, but
that abiding in the Vine, subjected to the power of the Holy
Redeemer, thou mayest, in due season, bring forth fruits to
his praise. Married or single, I greatly desire for my children,
that whether they eat or drink, or whatever they do, they
may do all to the glory of God.
After visiting Susanna at her new home, her father wrote
to her : —

194 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1835.
1
Philadelphia, Tenth month 3rd, 1835.
Dear Susanna : * * * Thou mayest remember I
mentioned on Second-day, that I heard a noise which I ap
prehended was the blowing up of a powder mill. It turns
out that Dupont's powder mill exploded, by Avhich event two
men lost their lives.
I find that our amiable cousin, Ezr& Jones, has deceased.
He finished his earthly course on Seventh-day last. He was
out in the parlor every day until his last, as I have been in
formed. I know nothing of the state of his mind, excepting
that he expected his disease to terminate as it did. I think
he was pious, and therefore I trust his hope and expectation
were placed on his Redeemer, and that through Him, he
found acceptance. Thou seest, dear, how brief his marriage
life has been ; another instance of the uncertainty which
attends our prospects of sublunary bliss ; by which we ought
to be admonished to remember our Creator, the design of
our being brought into existence, the necessity of living unto
Him, so that we may be preserved, in the enjoyment of his
gifts, from forgetting the Giver, or seeking to have our
Heaven here. We cannot be heirs of two kingdoms. I can
speak the more feelingly, because, surrounded as I am with
domestic comforts, and favored in my domestic relations, I
find the necessity of close watchfulness to keep my attach
ment to created things in subordination to the love of un
created purity. I wish this may be thy daily prayer to the
Fountain of our mercies, for thyself and thy dear partner,
that your mutual love may be sanctified, and prove no hin
drance to your journey towards the celestial city. Our
Society, in many places, is in a low state. The want of faith
fulness to the cause of God' is the reason of this. Though
the harvest is great, the field of labor extensive, the laborers

1835.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 195-
are few. My spirit intercedes for you, my dear children,
that by submission to the Grace which brings salvation you
may be prepared for usefulness in the Church, that even now
you may prefer Jerusalem above your chief joy, and by acts
of daily dedication be preparing more conspicuously to evince
your devotion to the cause of Christ, when the few faithful
standard-bearers who yet remain in your neighborhood shall
have entered their everlasting rest. * * *
With the approbation of his Monthly Meeting, Thomas
Kite attended Baltimore Yearly Meeting. On his return he
thus wrote to his daughter Susanna : —
Philadelphia, Eleventh month 7th, 1835.
My Dear Daughter : — Before I set out for Baltimore
I could not make it suit to write to thee, and since my return
I have been at a meeting of one description or another every
day until to-day. I am now seated to converse a little with
my absent child. I made my home at Baltimore with Hugh
Balderston,, S. Bettle with Joseph King, Jr., and Stephen
Grellett with Nicholas Popplin, a German Friend, who, like
himself, had formerly been a Roman Catholic. Though
lodging at different houses, we were much together, and
mostly dined and took tea at the same places. We gene
rally had the company of Hannah Paul, Sarah Hillman and
Susan P. Smith, who put up at the same place with S. Bettle.
* * * Notwithstanding in meetings I met with trials of
feelings, and inward exercises, yet between whiles I had often
rich enjoyment in the Society of Friends, and sometimes our
meetings were in degree favored. Though the state of things
is low, in the general, yet there are individual cases of dedi
cation to the best of causes, and a few young people seem
under the preparing hand of the Lord for future usefulness

196 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1835.
in the Church. May they be kept humble and teachable, and
thus escape being taken in the snare of the enemy who will
seek to entangle them with the friendship of the Avorld, which
is enmity with God. Then, through the same Divine Power
which raised up our predecessors 'in the Truth, some of them
may become burning and shining lights.
We have had the company of Joseph and Rebecca Batty,
from Friendsville Meeting, for several days at our house.
The latter is an approved minister, and seems a sweet and
amiable friend. They attended Abington Quarter this week,
and have gone homeward. Dost thou know that Elizabeth
Fell, sister to Edith, who is now a teacher in our Select
School, is making her home with us ?
T. K. TO EDITH JEFFERIS.
Philadelphia, Eleventh month 21st, 1835.
Understanding that an opportunity will occur this after
noon, my dear Edith, I feel a freedom to address thee, desir
ing, as I do, the preservation of all the Lord's children, and
more particularly of those Avho have demonstrated on Avhose
side they are, by making themselves, in obedience to appre
hended duty, spectacles to angels and to men. These have
their natural dispositions, propensities, and peculiarities, of
Avhich the enemy fails not to avail himself, in endeavoring to
withdraw them from that watchful state in which safety is
experienced ; and when he has in some degree prevailed over
them, he is very artful in trying to prevent their return to
the state in which the gentle intimations of the Divine Will
are witnessed. Thus are they exercised at times ; " without
are fightings, within are fears," and not feeling the same
access as at former seasons to the Fountain of living waters,
they are ready to fear that God hath forgotten to be gracious.

1835.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 197
It is important for such not to forget — I greatly desire for
thee that thou mayest not forget — that as a father pitieth his
children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him ; that He has
made a rich provision for us in his dear Son, the merciful
and faithful High Priest ; touched Avith a feeling of all our
infirmities ; and that it is his will, if his dear children should
at any time miss their way, that they should return through
Him, who is the way, the truth and the life, our advocate
with the Father, and the Propitiation for our sins.
I desire thy encouragement, and, that having put thy hand
to the Gospel plough, thou mayest not look back, but that,
pressing onward, thou mayest be led in the middle path out
of all extremes. It is a narroAv but a safe way. " Its walls
are salvation, and its gates praise." If deep plungings and
strippings should sometimes be thy experience, and the cause
be hidden from thee, perplex not thyself thereat, nor open
thy inward state too freely to any mortal. The Lord Almighty
doeth all things Avell. He has led his devoted servants in this
way to wean them from a dependence on aught but himself,
who remains to be the saving strength of his anointed. Even
the dear Master, our example, trod the wine-press alone, and
of the people there Avas none with Him. It is the privilege
of his disciples, remembering his many gracious promises, to
lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset,
and to run Avith patience the race which is set before them,
looking unto Jesus. Let thy eye be single unto Him, in
heights and in depths, in poverty and in aboundings, and
thou wilt then, in his own time, witness the lifting up of the
light of his countenance. Thou wilt gradually learn to en
dure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ — learn clearly
to distinguish his voice, so as to " preach the preaching that
he bids thee," and keeping to this in child-like obedience,

198 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1835.
the Word of the Lord will have free course and be glorified,
thy own soul at times will be as a watered garden, for " He
that watereth shall be Avatered himself; and the praise be
ascribed where it is due."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Eleventh month 29th, 1835.
* * * ^hy certificate was sent to Pennock Passmore
by the Westtown stage, yesterday. I feel an anxious solici
tude, at times, that in the meeting to which that document
will join thee, thou mayest be enabled to fill up thy place
with propriety, giving evidence of the preference of the dear
Master's cause to every earthly comfort ; choosing as first in
importance the kingdom of Heaven and the righteousness
thereof, and patiently submitting to those humbling, cleans
ing baptisms of spirit, which prepare us for the Lord's service.
Our respective Monthly Meetings in the city have concluded
to open an evening meeting at Arch Street House. Many
Friends have been desirous of such an opportunity of meeting
their brethren and sisters from all parts of the city in the
exercise, of social worship, in the hope that it will strengthen
the bond of religious fellowship, as well as that these occa
sions may be useful to the younger branches of the Society-
Others have felt fears that they may prove of some disad
vantage. The experiment is to be tried. May young and
old attend them under a reverent sense of the weight and
importance of holding them in the authority and power of
Truth, and then we may humbly hope that through the con
descending goodness of a gracious God, they may tend to
his honor, and the comfort and strength of his people.
Thou wert probably aware that Elizabeth C. Mason has
been in poor health latterly. She has so far recovered as to

1835.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 199
attend meeting last Fifth-day. She went there in obedience
to apprehended duty, kneeled down and appeared vocally in
solemn supplication.- Thou knowest my friendship for her,
and art aware, it is likely, of my belief that she is a solidly
concerned Friend. Thou canst easily imagine my feelings
are deeply interested in desire for her preservation and en
couragement in the path of dedication ; and also, that, seeing
the harvest is great, and the laborers few, the Lord of the
harvest may be pleased to send forth more laborers. (
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 11th, 1835.
Dear Daughter : — I have been lately reading the life
of James Macintosh, written by his son. I am partial to
biography, where the character is fairly laid open ; and I
think in this instance the author has succeeded well, neither
wholly concealing, nor indecently exposing, his father's errors.
James was an eminent political and literary character, not
long since flourishing in England. First a physician, and
afterwards "a lawyer, he filled for a number of years the station
of a judge at Bombay. After his return to England he was
mostly in parliament during the remainder of his life. He
produced several important works, amongst, which are a
History of Ethical Philosophy, several volumes of a general
history of England, and a minute account of the Revolution
of 1685, which placed William and Mary on the throne of
England. The last work was posthumous, and unfinished
by him, but has been completed by a very inferior hand.
One of the greatest faults of James Macintosh gently touched
on by his son, was his inordinate fondness for society, in the
indulgence of which propensity his most serious occupations
were abandoned. From an extract from his private Diary,

200 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1835.
given in the Memoir, I infer that in younger life he was sensi
ble of religious impressions of a very tender character. Such,
I suppose, to be*at one time or other, an universal experience,
though too often very much effaced in the commerce of the
world, which was probably in a great degree his case. His
last illness was occasioned by inadvertently swallowing a
chicken bone. The progress of his disease, and his closing
scene is depicted by his daughter, who appears from this
sketch to have been a religious character, in an interesting
manner. Serious reflection prevailed in those solemn mo
ments. Day after day found him more disengaged from
interest in political affairs, and more solicitous as regarded
the awful after-scene. There, is ground to hope that his
vigorous understanding was brought to bow in child-like
submission to the cross of Christ.
The packet of letters by sister Phebe met Avith a cordial
reception. We are always glad to hear from our absent
one, and all the details of domestic affairs were welcome.
The aspiration frequently ascends, that amidst these multiplied
engagements, the most important of all concerns may continue
to hold the chief place in thy affections ; and that every thing
else, however proper in its place, may be subordinate. When
the current of our earthly concerns Aoavs smoothly, and every
thing is smiling around us, it is difficult to realize the truth,
that days of trial are in reserve for us, notwithstanding all
human experience proclaims it. No language can set forth
adequately the necessity and advantage of living in the pre
serving fear of the Lord. Then may Ave, if this be our blessed
experience, view all events as ordered by our heavenly Father,
and designed to contribute to our everlasting benefit, know
ing all things to work together for good, and having, in the
greatest afflictions that can befall us, a sure refuge in those

1836.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 201
compassions which fail not. May my belovred child so live
in the sight of the Searcher of hearts, so submit to the sanc
tifying operations of his Holy Spirit, that she may always
experience his protection, and the language be applicable to
her, " He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his
wings shalt thou trust ; his truth shall be thy shield and
buckler."

CHAPTER XL— 1836-1837.
DEATH OF MARY YARNALL — SEVERAL LETTERS  DEATH
OF OTHNIEL ALSOP — OHIO YEARLY MEETING — JAMES
KITE MARRIED TO LYDIA B. RODMAN — ABIGAIL GREEVE's
DEATH. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, First month 23rd, 1836.
My letter turns out little more than a bulletin of intelli
gence concerning our friends' want of health. This may not
be without its use in putting us in mind, what we need often
to be reminded of, the uncertainty of health and other tem
poral blessings, and ought to stir up to diligence in endeavor
ing to secure an admittance into the house not made with
hands, not one of Avhose inhabitants can say they are sick.
T. K. TO MARTHA JEFFERIS.
Philadelphia, Third month 3rd, 1836.
Dear Sister : — Uncle Ellis Yarnall has requested me to
give thee an account of his most afflicting bereavement, the
14

202 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1836.
removal of aunt Mary, under circumstances of peculiar trial
to the surviving members of their family, and of solemn
admonition to us all. On Seventh-day morning last, she
requested uncle to walk out with her, intending to call and
see two friends, one of whom had been sometime ill. After
going as far as Broad Street, finding the walking unpleasant
in consequence of the snow, she concluded to return home
without accomplishing her visits. On her way [back], the
near approach of a cart or wagon, somewhat agitated her,
so that she had to stop a minute to recover herself. On
reaching home, she went into cousin Amy's room, and sat
down near the fire, appearing fatigued, and mentioned that
the air had been too keen for her. Cousin Sarah handed her
camphor, and then went to see her brother Charles' wife.
Cousin Amy asked her if she would have an egg beaten up
for her ; and on her assenting, went down stairs to prepare
it. On returning, not having been absent more than five
minutes, she found her mother lying on the floor, with her
head near the grate, having fallen from her chair. The cries
of our afflicted cousin soon brought uncle and others into the
room, but life was gone. It is supposed her death was caused
by apoplexy, and that it was instantaneous. The body Avas
a little burnt about the head and face, and a small portion
of blood issued from the nose. The alarm having been'given,
four physicians were soon present, but their services were not
needed. Uncle seemed wonderfully supported through the
trying scene; his daughters, as might have been supposed,
were greatly agitated. The funeral was on Second-day. The
inclemency of the weather, and the absorbing nature of the
event, prevented invitations being sent into the country. My
Avife and I attended the interment. Yesterday I went to the
house of mourning, and found dear uncle preparing to go to

1836.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 203
the Week-day Meeting. I stayed with Sarah and Amy,
Benjamin and Charles' wives, and tAvo women friends. The
minds of our cousins appeared much tranquilized. Cousin
Amy seems favored to take a just view of the subject. I
trust she will be preserved from sinking under this bereave
ment, which the whole family appear to feel very keenly,
and which I ardently desire may be sanctified to them.
I have little room to speak of the interest we feel in thy
movements, the sympathy we have in thy trials, the desire
we feel that right direction may be vouchsafed, and the con
fidence we have that in the path of duty, " as thy day, so
shall thy strength be."
I might have added, that the sick friend aunt, designed to
call on, died just about the same time she did.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Third month 7th. On Seventh-day evening our neighbor,
Griffith Edwards, departed this life, aged nearly 83 years.
He has long been of a meek and quiet, spirit ; and his hopes
of future happiness being founded on a humble trust in re
deeming mercy, his family have good grounds of comfort
concerning him. He died of old age, the machine, appar
ently, worn out. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Fifth month 14th. * * * Time but for a short note,
just to show the continuance of that interest in thy welfare,
and those desires for thy establishment in the path of recti
tude and peace, which continually attend me, when my mind
is drawn seriously to think of thee. There are many objects
of pursuit Avhich seem, in moderation, lawful, some of which

204 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1836.
are decidedly agreeable, and add to innocent enjoyment ;
but " one thing is needfuL" It is so, because if this be not
secured, all is lost, and we have lived in vain ! I Avish to
impress upon thy mind the importance of decision, that the
great object in thy view may be to live to the glory of thy
Creator and Redeemer. Let this mind be in thee which was
also in Christ Jesus, who said, " My meat is to do the will of
Him that sent me, and to finish his work." My heart is
warmed towards thee ; and I could add more, but time ad
monishes me to close.
I have information that Stephen Grellett is also to be at
NeAV York Yearly Meeting. Think of me when [I am] there.
Thomas Kite had been set at liberty by his Monthly
Meeting, in the Fourth month, to attend the Yearly Meeting
of New York. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Fifth month 20th, 1836.
Dear Rebecca : — I can hardly comply with thy request
at this time for " a long real letter," because I expect to take
my departure this morning in the ten o'clock steamboat for
New York, and have yet some preparatory arrangements to
make ; yet my letter shall be " real," so far as to convey the
genuine feelings of a father's heart, with which thou art not
unacquainted ; but having them revived, " to stir up the pure
mind by way of remembrance," may not be unattended Avith
profit, if thou art renewedly led thereby to seek for counsel
and strength to walk worthy of the care of thy parents, and
the distinguishing favor of thy Heavenly Father. Thou hast
been a child for whom many prayers have been offered, — on
whom much instruction in the way of righteousness has been

1836.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 205
bestowed ; nor has, I am persuaded, the immediate operation
of the Holy Spirit, " by which we are sealed to the day of
redemption," been wanting. I wish the language of thy.
heart to be, " What shall I render to the Lord for all his
benefits ?" I wish thee to wait in retirement of spirit for the
unfoldings of his will, and that nothing may prevent from
acting in conformity thereto. Thou hast by this time had
sufficient experience to understand the weak points of thy
character, — the manner in Avhich the enemy has heretofore
prevailed. This ought to suggest where to set a double
watch. The Christian life is a Avarfare ; the Christian soldier
ought to be always armed, always vigilant, lest Satan get an
advantage over us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.
The state of the Church is often the subject of my medita
tions, and, I have no doubt, of thine, also. We see the in
roads made by the spirit of the world; some of our members
going into the earth, others into the air ; the trained servants
few, — the veterans removing, — the ark tottering. Is this a
time for those who love the blessed cause to be amusing,
themselves, — to be indulging even the amiable instincts of
their natures, — cultivating friendships and partialities, — in
dulging a refined taste, and doing their own works, when the
Lord has need of them ? There is nothing gloomy or mo
rose, in religion. There is room enough in its paths for all
the finest feelings of our nature to operate. But still let us
devote our best to the Great Proprietor of all, and wait to
experience those baptisms of spirit, Avhich will prepare us in
the way designed by Infinite Wisdom to promote the cause
of truth and righteousness, — to manifest our devotion to the
cause of Christ. In this way the blessing of the Highest will
rest upon us ; all lawful engagements will be sanctified ; we
shall answer the end of our creation, serve the Lord in our

206 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1836.
generation, and receive " the end of our faith, even the salva
tion of our souls." ' In haste I bid thee farewell, remaining
in the bonds, and, I ho*pe I may say, the felloAvship of the
Gospel, thy affectionate father. .
T. K. TO E. S. F.
Philadelphia, Seventh month 21st, 1836.
Dear Elizabeth :— Whatever things are honest, what
ever things are just, whatever things are pure, Avhatever
things are lovely, whatever things are of good report : if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on
these things ; and be not satisfied merely with thinking, but
let them be carried out into practice in thy life and conver
sation. * * * Thou hast, I believe, a love for Truth, —
a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to lay hold on
eternal life. May these desires, and every virtuous inclina
tion, be strengthened. One hint more : be very choice of
thy associates. Admit none to thy confidence, Avho are not,
in thy judgment, aiming at consistency of life in the Chris
tian calling. Be courteous to all, intimate with few. In
conclusion, " I commend thee to God, and to the Word of his
Grace, which is able to build thee up, and give thee an in
heritance amongst, those who are sanctified."
Thomas Kite left Philadelphia on Second-day, the 22nd of
Eighth month, with a minute of his Monthly Meeting, to at
tend Ohio Yearly Meeting. James R. Greeves was his com
panion on this journey.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Blair's Gap, on the top of the Alleghany Mountains,
Eighth month 24th, 1836.
Dear Daughter: — * * * Cousin James and I en-

1836.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 207
tered the car at Oakland Hotel about 11 o'clock, on
Second-day, and reached Columbia a little after 3 p. M.
We were soon on board the canal boat "Virginia," small in
dimensions, but very comfortable ; and passing up the canal,
proceeded by Harrisburg, which we did not reach till after
dark. In the morning we found ourselves five miles up the
Juniata. On Third-day we passed Newport, Mifflin, Lewis-
town, &c. Night closed upon us near Waynesburg. This
morning, on rising, Ave found ourselves five miles west of
Huntingdon. We reached Hollidaysburg betAveen 2 and 3
p. m., and ascended the Portage Railroad, by horse-power
and stationary engines, reaching this place by half-past 5,
Avhere we propose sleeping, and descending the mountain at
an early hour. Our accommodations have been comfortable,
and the two companies pretty well, myself excepted. * *
[The other company contained Sarah Emlen, Esther Levis,
Jesse J. Maris, Rebecca S. Leeds.] Cousin J. has been much
gratified, with fine prospects. R. S. L. the same ; nor have
the rest of us been indifferent spectators of the Creator's
Avorks, nor of the efforts of man.
T. K. TO HIS WIFE.
At Dr. Parker's, near Mt. Pleasant, Ohio,
Ninth month 5th, 1836.
Dear Wife: — I wrote to Rebecca from the summit of
the Alleghany Mountain, where we slept on Fourth-day
night. On Sixth-day Ave arrived at Pittsburg. On the same
evening J. and I started for Sewickly ; lodged at a tavern ;
and the next morning hired a conveyance, which took us to
Benjamin Gilbert's. Second-day we returned to Pittsburg.
Third-day went to Steubenville. Fourth-day to Smithfield,
to B. W. Ladd's ; and remained there until Sixth-day, Avhen

208 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1836.
we came to this place. Dr. Parker's, where we make our home,'
is pleasantly situated, about half a mile from Mount Pleasant.
At the ISelect Meeting, on Seventh-day, certificates and min
utes were produced for seven ministers, beside myself, viz. :
Elizabeth Coggeshall, Phebe Field, of Scipio, Daniel Wood,
Sarah Emlen, William Evans, William Pierson, belonging
to Indiana Yearly Meeting, and Jeremiah Hubbard. John
Meader arrived in the evening, having been unable to reach
the meeting in time. Indeed, the Ohio River being too low
at Pittsburg for steamboat navigation, and many travellers
wishing to go west, has exposed most of us to difficulty and
expense. This is a very pleasant country, so much changed since I
was here twenty-eight years ago, that I can scarcely recog
nize anything I then saw. The morning meeting at Mount
Pleasant was exceedingly large, very irregular in gathering,
and, owing to the kind of persons who attended, very un
quiet. Yet some feelings of solemnity were spread over us.
J. Hubbard and J. Meader had the public service. In the
afternoon I attended at Short Creek Meeting-house. A small
and quiet meeting, and, with the exception of a few words
near the close, held in silence. Since coming into this State,
I have mostly felt pretty well.
In the Tenth month of this year, the Monthly Meeting of
Philadelphia appointed a committee, to visit such of their
members as were not diligent in the attendance of religious
meetings. Thomas Kite was one of that committee, which
had much acceptable service. Its labors were of singular
use to some, and for a time many were stirred up to greater
zeal in assembling with their friends.

1837.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 209
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 9th, 1836.
Dear Daughter; — [After speaking of the postponement
of a visit to her, and the reason for it]. Amongst these, the
increasing indisposition and death of my friend, Othniel
Alsop, may be included. He appeared to have the prevail
ing cold, attended with difficulty of breathing, and Avas con
fined a few weeks to his house. He rapidly grew worse, and
at length his physicians believed his complicated complaints
Avere, abscess of the lungs, aneurism of the heart, dropsy of
the chest, and the same disease in the extremities. Nature
sunk under these united attacks, and he deceased yester
day, about 1 o'clock p. m. He will be much missed in his
family, and in the Northern District Monthly Meeting, as
well as more extensively in religious society.
t. k. to e. s. f.
Philadelphia, Third month 30th, 1837.
Dear Friend : — Thy letter, giving an account of the last
illness and death of my much respected and beloved friend,
Philip Price, was very acceptable. It is a privilege to be
with those who feel at such a solemn period the consolations
of the Gospel of Christ. Nature shrinks from death ; and
even to the pious it is a solemn thing. Samuel Emlen, emi
nently a disciple whom Jesus loved, said, on his approach to
the close of life, " It is a serious thing to die ; the invisible
world — how awful!" It is not principally the suffering at
tending the parting of soul and body, though that is often
hard to bear, nor the separation from all we have loved,
though that be trying to the affectionate feelings of our na
ture, but it is the thought of a state of fixedness, of appearing

210 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1837.
before that Judge,- who knoweth the secrets of all hearts ; and
who hath " set our iniquities before Him, our secret sins in
the light of his countenance." There is but one remedy —
repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
That faith which enables us to accept Him in all his offices,
— to deny ourselves,. — take up his cross and folloAv Him in
the regeneration, — submitting to those baptisms by which He
purges away our defilements, and makes us a holy people to
Himself. These are they Avho have hope in their death, be
cause they trust in Him who hath conquered death, hell and
the grave. Having witnessed such a death-bed, dear Eliza
beth, let it incite thee to count nothing too near to part with,
in order that thou mayest be prepared to finish thy course
with joy.
We have met with a loss in the decease of dear Mary
Elliott, who died on Second-day morning last, having left a
good report behind her of her faith and faithfulness. She
also enjoyed the consolations of the Gospel in her hour of
need. Uncle John Letchworth is very unwell. We fear
his departure is not far distant. Our aged friend Edward
Randolph's close is hourly looked for. Thus a stripping
time is experienced ; and we must, if our testimonies are to
be supported, look to the younger ranks for a succession of
standard bearers. May they submit to the power, that can
alone prepare for the Lord's work. * * *
At Yearly Meeting time Thomas Kite's house was gener
ally thronged with Friends ; and many religious opportuni
ties occurred at such seasons, beside instructive and animating
conversation. I find some notes of one or two such conversa
tions and religious sittings. On Seventh-day the 15th of
Fourth month, 1837, Joseph Whitall being there at dinner,

1837.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 211
was largely engaged in pleasant, sociable -conversation, all,
hoAvever, having an instructive bearing. One anecdote he
related Avas to this effect. A worthy Friend, who had
been very useful in the church and family, by giving way
to discouragement, became depressed in spirit, seemed to
lose his Christian zeal, and sunk into a state of melancholy,
out of Avhich he did not appear to seek to be rescued. One
morning he noticed one of his daughters looked unusually
sad, and he inquired of her the cause. She was evidently
embarrassed, and hesitated as if unwilling to tell him. But
on his insisting, she at length said, that in her sleep the
previous night she had dreamed that she had had an en
counter with the devil, who told her he had been trying in
vain for many years to overcome her father, but that now
he was giving way to melancholy, and he should certainly
have him. Startled as if he had suddenly found himself on
the brink of a precipice towards which he had been heed
lessly walking, the father exclaimed with aAvakened energy,
" He shall have a hard struggle then." In earnestly seeking
for strength where it alone can be found, the parent was
enabled to shake off his gloom and despondency, and again
through the mercy of a watchful Providence, to escape the
snare of the devil. Joseph also related that when a young
man, he tra\-elled in New York State in company with
Comfort Collins. She was then about 87 years old. He.
supposed that having been so long faithful, she might have
become so redeemed as to be released from temptation. She,
however, told him she found it as needful -to watch against
the attacks of the devil as at any period of her life.
In the evening of that day, Smith Upton, Sarah M. his
wife, Sarah C. Hull, Isaac Hayes, his daughter Mary, and
many other Friends, took tea with Thomas Kite. In the

212 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1837.
course of conversation, Sarah M. Upton gave a pleasant little
anecdote of Thomas Shilletoe. He was travelling, perhaps
somewhere in New York State, when a concern arose to visit
some one, but who it was he did not know. His companion
was in a hurry to be going on ; but Thomas said there was
some one confined to their chamber in that neighborhood, to
whom he must pay a visit. He added, that his companion
might go on and leave, him to attend to his apprehended
duty, and he would get along as he could. On inquiring
amongst Friends in the place, if there was any one there
of that description, they mentioned a woman Friend who had
been confined for several years to her chamber. Thomas
after a pause said, " She is the one I want to see." He was
taken to her house, and found her in her chamber, so wrapped
up as to keep the fresh air, which might be admitted through
the door, entirely from her. Close by her was a stand or
small table, on which were a variety of different kinds of
medicine, of which she was almost continually taking some,
a sup from one, and anon from another cup. Thomas Avas
soon dipped into her state, and told her, that her being con
fined there was all the work of the devil ; bid her put away
her stand, lay aside all her medicines, and arouse herself.
Pointing to the shovel and tongs in the corner, he said, " If
those are not scoured occasionally, they will become rusty ;
and thou hast become rusty ; and it is necessary thou shouldst
be scoured." So forcibly, and with such a prevailing effect,
did Thomas speak, that she was completely cured of all her
imaginary ailments. She left her chamber, rode out the
next day, and had continued in pretty good health up to
the time of the narrative.
After a time of social converse, in which several other in
teresting circumstances were related, silence fell upon the

1837.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 213
company assembled in Thomas Kite's parlor. ' Pretty soon,
in allusion to the presence of his friend and fellow-laborer in
the Gospel, Sarah M. Upton, Thomas Kite broke forth, " God
Avho comforteth those who are cast doAvn, hath comforted us
by the coming of Titus." He said he had been comforted ;
and endeavored to encourage Sarah to a faithful discharge
of every apprehended duty. He said that though she might
have come weeping, not conscious of bearing any precious
seed, yet, if faithful, she would, doubtless, return rejoicing
bearing her sheaves with her. He then addressed Sarah C.
Hull, [widow of Henry], desiring her to trust in that Arm
that had supported her in six troubles, and would not leave
her in the seventh. He believed that the Lord who had
draAvn her to Himself in early life, had fixed the bounds of
her habitation. Adding he had had great unity with her
dear husband, whose praise was in all the churches, and who
had hoav entered into everlasting rest.
After Thomas had ceased speaking, silence rested awhile
on the tendered company, until Sarah M. Upton commenced,
" I can say, it is good for us to be here. I have labored un
der many discouragements, and was almost ready to query,
Avhether it were not wrong that I had come. But- 1 can now
adopt the language, 'It is good for me that I am here.'"
She spoke briefly, encouraging all to faithfulness, that they
might be bound together in Christian fellowship.
¦
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Lynn, (Mass.,) Fifth month 13th, 1837.
Dear Susanna : — Yesterday, at an appointed meeting
held at this place, thy uncle James [Kite] accomplished his
marriage with his amiable friend [Lydia B. Rodman].
Many gaily dressed young women Avere present, attracted,

214 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1837.
no doubt, by curiosity ; but their behavior in general was
orderly. The Friends concerned spake audibly ; and the
meeting was quite as satisfactory as could reasonably be ex
pected. * * * We have been to Nahant and Salem, and
have been favored Avith fine weather whilst travelling, though
several storms have occurred whilst we were resting with our
friends. The season is cold and backward. We have seen
some very stony farms, and renewedly wondered how the
farmers continue to live ; but we have been into one farming
district where the land is good. It is Danvers, near Salem.
* * * It is now near 10 o'clack, and an easterly storm is
setting in, and the rain has just commenced. From the door
I can hear the roaring of the billows of the Atlantic, but a
little eminence intervening, prevents the ocean being seen.
Philadelphia, Fifth month 18th. After writing the above,
my pen Avas laid aside, to be resumed at my own beloved
home. On First-day Ave went to Salem, attended morning
meeting, and returned to Lynn to afternoon meeting. * *
On Second-day morning, Ave set out for Boston, so early, that
we were in time for the morning train of cars which start at
7. We arrived in Providence before 10, and had six hours
to devote .to seeing the city, visiting the Boarding School,
&c. We embarked in the steamboat " Rhode Island," join
ing the newly-married pair and Hannah Bassitt, who has
borne her sister company to her new habitation. The clouds
were gathering up for a storm, which fairly set in soon after
we passed Newport, and our large and excellent boat was
sadly tossed, affecting us with that unpleasant, but not com
monly dangerous complaint, sea-sickness. Thy mother and
I were sick, and many others of our fellow-passengers ; but
I had a pretty comfortable night's rest notwithstanding, for
when in bed, I felt pretty much free from nausea. The tern-

1837.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 215
pest and darkness caused the vessel to be several times an
chored, and protracted our voyage, so that Ave barely reached
New York in time to take the second morning boat, which
leaves at 9 o'clock. We arrived at home about 5, on Third-
day afternoon, having had cause gratefully to acknowledge
the protection of that merciful Power, without whom not a
sparrow falls to the ground. T. K. TO E. S. F.
Philadelphia, Seventh month 24th, 1837.
* * * If, however, I could say anything that would
encourage thee to hold fast what thou hast attained, and to
press forward towards greater degrees of resignation to the
Divine will, and bearing the daily cross, I Avould willingly
do it. The world, and all that engrosses the attention of the
worldly-minded, is vanity. Solid satisfaction can only be
found in a life of holiness. Be this, then, the great object in
thy view, to stand approved in the Divine sight. The friend
ship of the pious, and many social comforts, our HeaArenly
Parent affords us, are to be duly prized, and ought to be re
ceived with thankful hearts. Yet, after all, but one thing is
needful. It is so, because without it we can never enter the
pearl gates. Part with everything that obstructs thy partici-
. pation in this all-essential, ever-enduring, that so it may be
said of thee, as of one formerly, " She hath chosen that good
part, which shall never be taken from her."
T. K. TO HIS SON-IN-LAW, AARON SHARPLESS.
Dear Aaron : — We feel much obliged by thy attention
in sending us an account of thy uncle's [Benjamin Sharpless']
sickness. We wish to hear from time to time, how it fares

216 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1837.
Avith him, particularly should his disorder increase upon him.
In the present reduced state of your meeting, he Avould be
much missed, should he be taken from you, and no less so by
his own family. But we must leave all in his hands who
disposeth of us and our affairs in perfect wisdom. Happy
they who are habitually looking forward to the solemn period
of giving an account of their stewardship, and are daily pre
paring, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to give up
their accounts with joy. Tell Susan that her friend Rachel
Morris continues quite ill; she has been removed to her
mother's. Stephen is also ill at his own house.
SARAH SCULL TO THOMAS KITE.
Eighth month 10th, 1837.
Dear Friend : — Though I have been tardy in acknowl
edgment, yet I trust my heart has not been insensible of thy
kindness in forwarding the books, and especially the feeling
that prompted thy very acceptable brotherly salutation. I
was pleased to learn that a visit, so particularly grateful to
my feelings, afforded a comfortable, peaceful retrospect to
thy own mind. There was truly a precious serenity attend
ing it, and a covering not at our command. How very de
sirable, even in our intercourse with each other, to witness
something like a seal of Divine approbation. Oh ! it is an
inestimable privilege thus to mingle together, and partake
from a source whence springs some of the purest enjoyments
which await us beloAV, the comfort and benefit that flows
from true Christian fellowships through the influence of his
Spirit, Avhich unites in near feeling, the very child in experi
ence, to the strong man in Christ.
Ah ! my dear friend, I do feel Avhile I am writing, that
there is abundant cause for humble, heartfelt gratitude to the

1837.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 217
merciful Disposer of events, who, though it has pleased Him
to take away my dearest earthly treasure and delight, has not
entirely cut off the consolations which arise from Christian
friendship. It is, indeed, through his unmerited goodness,
that I am permitted to enjoy the belief, that there are those
left who care for my soul, and pray for its redemption. These
are comfortable considerations, under any circumstances, but
particularly so, when the spirit is sadly musing on the re
moval of faithful, devoted laborers, under a sense of its own
shortcomings and weakness.
I must just mention, as to one interested in the proceedings
of the Church, wherever situated, and concerning which, I
believe, we had some conversation when together, that at our
last Monthly Meeting, an appointment Avas made, if way
should open, to select from men's meeting some suitable
Friend to fill the station of elder. This, at all times, and in
all places, a very important movement, appears to me, in the
reduced state of that meeting, to involve unusually serious
and weighty deliberation. Oh, how needful is it, both for
the honor of Truth, and the spiritual advantage of the indi
vidual who may be chosen, that the minds of the committee
be clothed with heavenly wisdom.
I should be glad sometimes to have thy company at our
little meeting, but, nevertheless, desire to be content Avith the
portion afforded us, and endeavor to rest satisfied under the
comfortable persuasion, that hoAvever widely separated, there
is, or may be,. a communion of spirit, and that those qualified
to feel and pray for such as sit in lonely places, may, through
the blessing of our Holy Head and compassionate High Priest,
availingly help us. Whilst I am sensible that an individual
and living engagement of heart must be experienced, if ever
any spiritual benefit is enjoyed from assembling together for
15

218 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1837.
Divine worship, I do also earnestly cra\Te the continued in
tercession of those who travail in soul for the welfare of Zion.
In the Eleventh month, Thomas Kite paid a religious
visit to the meetings composing Cain and Western Quarterly
Meetings. Of this journey he kept a brief account.
Eleventh month 7th, Third-day. " Left home ; a very un
pleasant morning. In the course of a few hours the Avind
began to rise, causing much dust, so that it was quite trying.
I stopped at Robert Garrett's to dine ; then went to West-
town. After remaining a short time, passed on to Aaron
Sharpless's. Found them all as well as usual, unless A.
Greeves is a little weaker.
Fourth-day. I rose early, and, after breakfast, set off. over
the hills to Cain ; a delightful morning, and fine prospects.
Attended [Bradford] Monthly Meeting. In the first meet
ing the testimony was to the character of the true Church,
and its living members, from the passage in Revelations, ' I,
John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from
God, out of heaven,' &c. About forty men and lads attended ;
several Friends being absent. Dined at Richard Pirn's, and
went on to Jabez Jenkins' to .lodge.
Fifth-day. Walked to William Trimble's ; thence Avent
to Uwchlan Monthly Meeting. From the language, ' Fear
not, little flock, it is your Heavenly Father's good pleasure
to give you the kingdom,' it was endeavored to show the na
ture of Christ's kingdom, and who they are who are entitled
to that gracious declaration, with various cautions and Avarn-
ings to the Avorldly-minded, and encouragement to the mourn
ers in Zion. About twenty persons in the meeting for busi
ness. Things appear, amongst the members of this meeting,

1837.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 219
in a declining state. Dined at Mordecai Larkin's, and lodged
at Jesse Meredith's.
Sixth-day. Rose early and started for Ephraim Scarlett's
at Robeson. Attended Monthly Meeting. The subject
spoken to was, the impossibility of attaining settlement of
mind, and certainty in religion, on any other ground than
that of immediate Divine revelation, from the question of
Christ to his disciples and their answer, ' Whom do men say
that I, the son of man, am ?' &c. The danger of a formal,
lifeless, traditional profession of religion, was spoken to ; and
the language of affectionate entreaty addressed to the visited
children, encouraging them to abide under the Power that
can enable, from living experience, to sa}', ' Thou art the
Christ, the Son of the living God !' &c. Lodged at Ephraim
Scarlett's. Seventh-day. Rode to Lampeter, and put up at Hannah
Gibbons'. First-day, Eleventh month 12th, attended Lam
peter Meeting, and treated on the necessity of manifesting
in our lives and conversation, the fruits of true religion, thus
manifesting a preparation for the life to come, &c. Rode to
Ferree Brinton's, with Abraham Gibbons for pilot.
Second-day. Rode to Bart, and attended an appointed
meeting. A. G. still with us. I apprehend this to have
been the most favored meeting I have been at. The sub
jects spoken to were, the wickedness of man and the mercy
of God ; the state of man in paradise, — his apostacy, — its
sorrowful effects, — the general condition of man in a state of
alienation from God, — the means of recovery by Jesus Christ,
— the necessity of the new birth, and of leading self-denying,
holy lives ; addresses to various classes of our fellow mem
bers, with something in particular for those not of our So
ciety, divers being present who did not profess with -us

220 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1837.
Called in the afternoon to see William Kirkwood, who has
settled within the limits of this meeting. Went to Robert
Moore's to lodge. A, G. here left us, and William Baily
took charge of us. He lives at present with his son-in-law,
Robert Moore.
Third-day. Attended Sadsbury Meeting. A more labori
ous time ; yet was strengthened to advocate the cause of
Truth. Went to Isaac Phillips' to lodge, and had a com
fortable, religious opportunity with this interesting family.
Fourth-day, called pleasantly at William Coale's, on our way
to East Sadsbury Meeting. [This meeting] was to my com
fort, dear Hannah Gibbons being present, and participating
in the public labor. My concern was to open the spiritual
nature of the Gospel dispensation, and the necessity of re
newed qualification from the immediate operation of the
Holy Spirit, to discharge our varied religious obligations.
Dined at James Smith's, and came in the evening to Joshua
Edge's, at Coatesville, to lodge.
Fifth-day, to Downingtown, to Select Quarterly Meeting.
Dined and lodged at George G. Ashbridge's.
From this place T. Kite Avrote to his Avife thus :
Eleventh month 16th. I have been closely engaged, body
and mind, but have had the sympathy of some feeling, valu
able Friends, which has been consoling ; particularly Hannah
Gibbons. In company with her, I visited Charity Baldwin,
who is now confined to her chamber by indisposition, and is
in her eighty-fourth year. She is in a comfortable state of
mind. Sixth-day. At Quarterly Meeting at Cain. I suppose
the largest I have attended there since the separation.

1837.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 221
Though there are some valuable Friends, the state of things
is rather low. Went to uncle Isaac Hayes' [in East Fallow
field] to lodge.
Seventh-day, 18th. After a faA'ored opportunity with the
united families of my uncle and cousin [Isaac], in which
Isaac, Jr.'s, mother-in-law, Hannah Harlan, was present, went
to an appointed meeting. vThe meeting Avas small, and it was
a low time. I had very little to say, but a Friend from a
neighboring meeting spoke twice. Went to Samuel Swayne's
to lodge.
First-day, 19th. Had opportunities Avith Samuel Swayne's
wife and daughter, both remarkably afflicted women. Went
to London Grove Meeting. Very small. A neat, new
meeting house has been built. Took tea with Edith Edge,
and lodged at Isaac Pusey's.
Second-day, 20th. At an appointed meeting at West
Grove. More encouraging than the t\vo last. I was largely
opened, and the opportunity ended well. Went to Joshua
Sharpless'. Third-day, 21st. A favored appointed meeting at London
Britain, in which I was helped to open the ground and
nature of Christian redemption ; to treat of the mercy of the
Most High to his fallen creatures in different ages, after the
fall of our first parents ; at the deluge — when Israel was
captive in Egypt — at the birth of Christ, &c, and to speak
to various states with openness and freedom. The meeting
ended with prayer and praise. Dined at Eli Thompson's,
and lodged again at Joshua Sharpless'.
Fourth-day, 22nd. After a religious opportunity, set off'
for New Garden, to an appointed meeting, which was held to
a good degree of satisfaction. The nature of the true Church ,
and the qualification for membership, was set forth, and

222 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1837.
various states addressed. Dined at Daniel Thompson's ;
visited W. Hicks, and went to Joseph Chambers' to lodge.
Fifth-day, 23rd. After a religious opportunity, set off for
London Grove, calling at Benjamin Hoopes', whose wife is
indisposed. Had a time of retirement with her and some
other members of the family, in which the language of en
couragement was handed forth. Then proceeded to the
Select Quarterly Meeting. There met with Hannah War
rington, Jr., and company. Dined at Samuel Swayne's, and
lodge at Isaac Pusey's."
In a letter written to his Avife frbm this place, he says, " I
ought to have mentioned that William Cole joined me at
Fallowfield, and continues with me.
Sixth-day, 24th. Attended Quarterly Meeting. A favored,
solemn meeting. Awakening calls were extended to the
youth and others. Several Friends engaged in labor in the
meeting for discipline, towards the close of which prayer and
thanksgiving were offered up to the Author of all our mercies.
In the morning a religious opportunity in E. Edge's family.
I dined at Isaac Pusey's, and lodged at Thomas Lamborn's.
Walked to his married son's house in the evening, and had
a sitting. Seventh-day, 25th. After a religious opportunity in the
family where we lodged, proceeded to Thomas Jackson's,
calling at Enoch Lewis'. Walked over to T. Walker's.
Dined at T. Jackson's, went to meeting [at Okesson] at two
o'clock. It was quite a satisfactory opportunity, in which
the invitations of the Gospel were freely extended to a serious
auditory. Towards the close a solemn covering spread over
the assembly. Lodged at Evan Phillip's.
First-day, 26th. Attended Kennett Meeting. Had the
most close and alarming testimony I have delivered in the

1837.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 223
present journey. The principal Scripture passage Avas the
first Psalm, 'Blessed is the man that, walketh not in the
counsel of the ungodly,' &c. I believe I Avas helped to re
lieve myself to the satisfaction of the livingly exercised.
There appeared to be those present who have little feeling of
right exercise, Avhose lukewarmness and worldly-mindedness
make the labor hard for the burthen bearers. Dined at
Edward Temple's ; paid a hasty visit at D. Temple's, and
Avent to Aaron Sharpless' to lodge. My prospect there clos
ing ; parted Avith Wm. Coale at Kennett, who expected to
reach home to. night. He has been a kind, sympathizing
and agreeable companion." T. K. TO HIS WIFE.
Westtown School, Twelfth month 26th, 1837.
My Dear : — Thou wilt probably have heard of the decease
of our dear niece, Abigail Greeves, before this letter reaches
thee. She had been perceptibly groAving weaker for several
days, and on Seventh-day afternoon I took sister Lydia
Sharpless to see her. I returned in the morning and attended
both the meetings here ' on First-day, and went again to
Aaron's in the evening, designing to return to the school on
Second-day morning ; but our niece was so low that I did not
feel willing to leave her, and accordingly waited until the
close, which took place at twenty minutes before two, in the
afternoon. When awake, she appeared sensible to the last.
Her sufferings were great, particularly the last night but two,
I think it was, Avhen they appeared to be agonizing. She
had been, during most of the early period of her illness, much
shut up from communicating her feelings on religious sub
jects ; but towards the last, her mouth was opened, not only
in supplication at different times, but also in remarks in re-

224 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1837.
lation to her circumstances, manifesting that her dependence
Avas on the Lord alone. Perhaps two hours before her de
parture, she appeared in prayer, commending her spirit to
her Saviour's care. Nearly the last articulate words were
to this effect, " I believe I am almost gone !" At the period
when the spirit appeared to leave its clay tenement, a sweet
and heavenly solemnity seemed to spread over our minds
who were privileged to be present, and thanksgivings Avere
raised in our hearts to Him whose mercy is from everlasting
to everlasting, and his righteousness to children's children,
of those who remember his commandments to do them, in
that we could believe her immortal part was gathered to
join with the redeemed of all generations in worshipping
before the Throne of the Most High in a state of endless
felicity. May surviving relations experience renewed prepa
ration of heart for the Master's service, and through increas
ing dedication, not only serve him in their generation, but
receive at last the end of their faith and righteousness, even
the salvation of their souls. The interment is to be on Fourth-
day afternoon, at three o'clock. Such of you as may come
out in the morning car, will, I suppose, meet with a convey
ance at West Chester.

1838.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 225
CHAPTER XII.— 1838.
LETTERS —DEATH OF JOHN JUSTICE — DEATH OF BENJAMIN
KITE— MARRIAGE OF WILLIAM KITE AND MARY F. CLEM
ENT — VISIT TO CONCORD QUARTERLY MEETING — MEMO
RANDA. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Second month 11th, 1838.
Dear Daughter : — The poet Cowper, somewhere in the
" Task," has this reflection :
" Hoav various his employments, Avhom the world
Deems idle,"
and lest that portion of the world Avhich occupies a certain
farm in East Bradford, should deem me idle, and one of
them, because I have delayed my acknowledgement of the
receipt of a very kind and acceptable letter, I will endeavor
to give a small account of my employments for a portion of
the preceding two or three weeks.
It had been concluded that the scholars in our Select
School, after a careful review of their studies, should undergo
an examination in the presence of the committee. That for
the boys commenced on Fifth-day, the 25th of last month.
Our morning meeting prevented my being there, but in the
afternoon, and on Sixth-day morning, I was present. Sixth-
day afternoon I had to attend a meeting of the Overseers of
the Public Schools ; but on Seventh-day I was at the con
clusion of the examination of the boys. I was, as usual, at
three meetings on First-day ; and commenced with attendance
on the girls' examination on Second-day. It continued until
Sixth-day evening, excepting that the girls, as usual, attended

226 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1838.
our Week-day Meeting. I was there morning and afternoon,
until the conclusion, when a satisfactory religious opportunity
was had with the girls. In both schools the proficiency of
the scholars gave just pleasure to the committee. On Seventh-
day was our Select Quarterly Meeting ; and in the afternoon
" I had to prepare the business of the approaching meeting,
by digesting the ansAvers to the queries, reports on spirituous
liquors, &c. On First-day, three meetings again. On Second-
day we had a long and exercising meeting, in which we had
the company of Joseph John Gurney. On Fourth-day I was
at the Western Meeting in the morning, and at a meeting of
the committee on teachers for Westtown School, in the after
noon. On Fifth-day -I was at Abington Quarterly Meeting,
held at Germantown, where I saw Samuel Rhoads, Sarah
Emlen and Hannah Rhoads, of your Quarterly Meeting.
and Elizabeth Pitfield, of our own, besides a number of other
Friends. It was a good meeting. It is perhaps needless to
pursue the sketch further, but thou canst readily fill up these
outlines — with copying the minutes of the Quarterly Meet
ing, occupying about eight pages — purchasing goods for
Westtown -- - occasionally marketing — buying groceries — some
reading — some resting, &c, and having done so, I think thou
Avilt frame an excuse for any apparent neglect.
Joseph John is engaged in visiting the families of the
Northern District Monthly Meeting. He has paid us a short
visit, and seems affable and conversable. His voice resembles
that of Hannah C. Backhouse, who is, I believe, his first
cousin. I should take him to be six feet high, and well pro
portioned. He looks like John Bullock ; his age is about
forty-eight, and he is very gray for his time of life.
Thomas Kite, in the early part of the Third Month, this

1838.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 227
year, paid a religious visit to the meetings composing Salem
Quarterly Meeting.
In the Fifth Month he was again appointed by the Quar
terly Meeting of Philadelphia, one of a committee to visit
Muncy Monthly Meeting. Pretty soon after the Quarterly
Meeting, the committee, filling tAvo carriages, started to fulfil
their appointment ; they consisted of George Williams, Thomas
Kite, William Evans, Joseph Snowden, Sarah Hillman,
H. Regina Shober, Elizabeth C. Mason and Jane Clark.
T. K. TO HIS AVIFE.
Muncy, Fifth month 20th, 1838.
My Dear Wife: — I am comfortably seated in Mercy
Ellis' back parlor, pen in hand, prepared to communicate a
a brief account of our proceedings. We started, as thou
mayest remember on Seventh-day week [12th]. That night
we reached Pottstown. On First-day morning Wm. Evans
and company went to Exeter Meeting, exchanging Sarah
Hillman, of our band, for R. Shober, of theirs. The rest of
us attended Pottstown Meeting, which was small, but meas
urably owned by the Good Master. We dined at Sarah
Potts', and went on to John Lee's in the afternoon, rejoining
our company. One of the horses attached to Wm. EA'ans'
carriage having misbehaved on various occasions, and caused
some alarm, was here exchanged for a safer one. On Second-
day we travelled on to Orwigsburg, and lodged. On Third-
day Ave reached Catawissa. I believe it was this day, walking
up a mountain, I heard the warning of a rattlesnake, and
looking round, beheld him coiled near me. I quickly stepped
out of his way. On Fourth-day we reached David Masters',
at Fishing Creek. On Fifth-day called at Andrew Eves',
and proceeded- to their Preparative Meeting at Greenwood,

228 _ MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1838.
held in the new house, with which we were much pleased.
Here we separated for dinner, our party going to Thomas
Mendenhall's, the other to Josiah Haycock's. We went
again to A. Eves', and lodged. On Sixth-day started for
Muncy, arriving at Jacob Haines' to dinner, and proceeding
in the afternoon to Mercy Ellis' hospitable mansion. It was
settled for Wm. Evans, Joseph SnoAvden, Elizabeth C. Mason
and Regina Shober to go to the Elklands ; and they started on
Seventh-day morning, accompanied by our guide and friend,
Henry Ecroyd. We who remained, occupied the day in visit
ing some families, and in taking opportunities with some who
still hand ardent spirits to their workmen. To day we have
been at meeting here, which held until about half-past one, and
was satisfactory. We have continued also similar engagements
to those of yesterday; some of the opportunities both days being
to our comfort. We propose going to Pine Grove, to morrow,
and have a meeting with those under our name, who reside
there, and return in the evening ; when, we hope, our Friends
will have accomplished their visit to the Elklands, and meet
us. On Third-day we propose going to Fishing Creek, in
order to attend the Monthly Meeting to be held on Fourth-
day at Greenwood ; after which, our prospect is to attend
Exeter Monthly Meeting on the following week.
Amongst the families visited is that in which Elizabeth
Kately resides, who seems green and lively at the advanced
age of ninety-five, going up and down stairs without assist
ance. With love to my dear parents, to thyself and children,
I am thy truly attached husband.
Rebecca Kite, Jr., having gone to Westtown as teacher,
her father thus writes to her :

1838.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 229
Philadelphia, Sixth month 22nd, 1838.
Dear Daughter : —Thy letter, Avhich came by the stage
on Fifth-day, Avas very acceptable. It would seem by the
information contained in it, very doubtful whether our friend
Sarah Ann Dillon, will be raised from her bed of sickness.
I wished to be informed by every stage of the progress of her
illness, feeling a deep interest in her welfare, and strong de
sires that when her warfare is accomplished, she may be
found amongst those Avho not only have come out of great
tribulation, but have also washed their robes and made them
white in the blood of the Lamb.
Information has been received that our dear friend, Jacob
Green, Avas prevented from attending Dublin Yearly Meeting
by a severe illness. Of course his concern to visit this
country lies over until next year. We hear he is recovering
from his sickness. It would have been very pleasant to some
of us again to have seen him in this land ; but let us not
forget that the Lord can work without instruments Avhen He
sees meet, and can raise up helpers to the Truth from very
unexpected quarters. May we all look to Him, and cease
from a dependence on man, and keep to inward exercise, and
it may' yet please the Great Head of the Church to revive
his work in the midst of the years, and to turn our captivity
as the streams of the south.
We hear that our valued Friend, John Barclay,is deceased,
which is no doubt felt as a great loss by faithful Friends in
England. I do not seem to have much to communicate, it
being a season of depression, from various causes, with me ;
but whether mourning over my weaknesses, or lifting up my
head in hope, I can truly say, in all states, my desire for my
children is, that their inheritance may be in the everlasting
Truth, and, that having served the Lord in their generation,

230 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1838.
their portion may be forever with the ransomed and re
deemed. So wisheth, so prayeth, for thee, my dear Rebecca,
thy affectionate father.
Sixth month 19th. To the same. "I trust that thou
wilt not only be usefully employed in the school, but that the
consciousness of being for the present in thy proper place,
will produce heartfelt contentment. Thy advancement in the
way everlasting is the dearest wish I have for thee ; and I
feel a secret hope that even this all-important object may be
promoted in some degree by this little surrender of thy own
will, through the tender mercy of Him who can cause all
things to Avork together for good to them that love Him."
T. K. to e. s. f.
Philadelphia, Sixth month 23rd, 1838.
Dear Friend:— * * * My Rebecca has gone to
Westtown to fill for a short time the place of Sarah Ann
Dillon, as writing teacher. Sarah Ann is very ill, and her
recovery doubtful. Many are the admonitions Ave get, not
to postpone the great work of preparation for the life to come,
to a sick bed. I mean not to insinuate this has been her
case. I believe she was Avhen in health, a religiously inclined
young woman ; but I wish to encourage thee to act up to thy
own convictions, steadily bearing the cross, and Avaiting every
day for power from on high " to crucify the flesh with its
affections and lusts." We must be born again of incorrup
tible Seed and Word, which liveth and abideth. Short of this
there is no true settlement of mind, no true peace, no true joy,
no entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. * * * [After alluding to the post
ponement of Jacob Green's visit as already mentioned, he

1838.] memoir of thomas kite. 231
continues]. As regards himself at present, the Avill is taken
for the deed. Many Avould have rejoiced at seeing him, who
have had evidence that he is an anointed and baptizing
minister of Christ. But if our minds are happily turned to,
and centered on the great Minister of the Sanctuary, we shall
not so much regret the loss of instrumental help. The Lord
is able, from very unexpected quarters, to raise up helpers
to the Truth ; of the stones of the street to make children of
Abraham, and to cause the dust of Zion to praise Him, yea,
out of the mouths of babes and sucklings to perfect praise.
Also, we hear that John Barclay is deceased. An excel
lent Avriter, a minister of the Gospel, descended from Robert
Barclay, the Apologist. It seems natural to feel the loss of
such, in a low time ; yet Ave know the Lord remaineth the
foundation of the righteous generations. With sincere de
sires for thy preservation from evil, and for thy groAvth in
sincere heartfelt, vital religion, I remain thy friend.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Seventh month 20th, 1838.
Last First-day morning I found my mind drawn to attend
the North Meeting. Very unexpectedly I found our friend
John Justice there. I had heard a few days before that he
Avas sick and like to die ; and indeed he seemed as to his
outward man, in a very poor way. But he Avas evidently
raised up in the exercise of the Gospel Ministry, to the com
fort of some who are bound in heart to the ancient testimony
of the everlasting Truth. I think he will not continue in
this mutable state long.*
*See "The Last Days of John Justice" in " The Friend," 1838.

232 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1838.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
SeA-enth month 31st, 1838.
The funeral of our relative, Mary Phipps, took place
yesterday. There was less difficulty with the body than was
anticipated. Notwithstanding its great size and weight, it
Avas removed down stairs, without much trouble, by six men.
On Seventh-day night thy grandfather rose from his bed to
look at his watch, and being taken with a vertigo, fell against
the corner of a bureau, and hurt his knee — the neighborhood
of his hip — and one of his hands. He lies in bed, and is
unable to help himself; neither can he be moved by others
without much suffering. We hope the principal injury is a
strain, that will be relieved. I am not sure whether I men
tioned meeting our friend John Justice at the North Meeting.
I did so last First-day, two weeks. His testimony Avas re
markable, but he seemed very feeble. We hear he got home ;
was at his own meeting on the following First-day, and last
Sixth or Seventh-day departed this life, rather suddenly at
last, though he had been for some time unwell.
From T. K.'s Diary. " On the 16th of the Ninth month,
1838, my father died, having attained the age of eight3r-four
years and eight months. He resided in my family for seve
ral years previous to his death. He was confined to the
house for a few weeks, in consequence of a fall received in
his chamber ; prostration of strength ensued, and he departed
this life with little apparent bodily suffering. His love to
the Truth continued unabated to the last, and his end was
peace." Amongst T. K.'s papers the following was found.
" Last illness of Benjamin Kite. Our father deceased
Ninth month 16th, 1838, in the eighty-fifth year of his age.

1838.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 233
The failure of memory, incident to an advanced period of
life, had been for sometime perceptible in him ; and his
bodily power weakened ; yet he was generally able to attend
religious meetings. In those for discipline he continued to
take a deep interest, and especially so in our late Yearly
Meeting ; in those for worship he retained a lively frame of
spirit. At no period within our remembrance had it been
otherwise ; but we thought it remarkable, that when age had
in some measure subdued his natural powers, not the least
drowsiness on these occasions Avas apparent in him. He was
an example of a ferArent, living worshipper to the last. As
a further evidence that his religious sensibility was unim
paired, we often took notice, that in reading aloud any com
position in AA'hich the character and offices of our Holy Re
deemer were set forth in appropriate terms, he frequently
became so much affected as scarcely to be able to proceed.
He appeared to think his days' work accomplished, and to
be quietly waiting for his dismission.
On the morning of Seventh month 28th, he fell in his
chamber, and straining the muscles of one side, he was after
wards entirely confined to his bed. Loss of appetite ensued,
and weakness gradually increased.
Eighth month 11th, he remarked, "It has seemed to me
for several days, as if the Almighty Avould take me in this
Avay ; and I can say Thy will be done on earth as it is in
heaven ! That is my regular feeling.' To two of his nieces
he observed, ' I am gradually going down to the grave.'
Adverting to his close in a conversation with a grand-son, he
said, ' There is nothing in my Avay.'
On the 14th he repeated this portion of one of the Psalms,
' Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered, and let them
that hate Him flee before Him.'
16

234 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1838.
Though depression of feeling had been previously but
little perceived, yet on the 19th he said he felt tried, and
seemed to be passing through much conflict of mind. This
day he was visited by a ministering Friend, who addressed
him in the language of encouragement, reviving this portion
_of scripture, ' Though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me ; thy rod
and thy staff they comfort me.' This interview appeared to
be consoling to him. On the 24th, another Friend in the
ministry, calling on him, remarked that few had passed a
more regular and innocent life than he, but that this would
not do to depend on. When the Friend withdrew, he said :
'' Oh, no! it is all of mercy; I have nothing else to depend
upon.' He frequently repeated this, as well as other comfortable
passages of scripture, ' The Lord hear thee in the day of
trouble ; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee ; send
thee help from his sanctuary and strengthen thee out of Zion ;
the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.' On one occasion, as some
of the younger members of the family were about leaving
the house to attend a meeting for worship, he said, ' May the
God of purity be with you that go, and give you good
thoughts.' On Ninth month 11th, he said to one of his sons, ' Though
I enter the valley of the shadow of death with awe, yet it is
not with fear.' Thus, preserved in humble, patient waiting,
he gradually declined, until the 16th, when he gently passed
away, without apparent suffering, we trust, to the everlasting
inheritance."* William Kite, with the approbation of his parents, was
*See obituary in " The Friend" of this date.

1838.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 235
married on the 8th of Eleventh month, 1838, to Mary F.
Clement. In the Eleventh month, Thomas Kite attended the meet
ings of Concord Quarterly Meeting. In a letter to his wife,
dated East Bradford, Eleventh month 17th, after giving
information of meetings at Darby, Goshen, Willistown and
Birmingham, he thus concludes : " I have found occasion in
these several meetings to endeavor to advocate the cause of
Truth, and in some more private opportunities to labor as
ability has been afforded. Yet, on the whole I have been
in a rather low condition ; but am content, if I may but be
preserved in my proper allotment, doing no harm, and re
ceiving the ansAver of peace. I feel the need of watching
unto prayer, and desire that with me patience may have its
perfect work." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 28th, 1838.
Dear Daughter : — I thought I must Avrite a few hasty
lines, to express our sympathy with you in your anxious cares
about your suffering babe. We know something of parental
feelings in such a case. May you be preserved in a state of
resignation to DiA'ine disposal, and having done all you can
to alleviate its sufferings, commit the event to Him who doeth
all things well. * * * Thy uncle James seems much
better, which is quite a relief to our minds. We have had
Thomas and Elizabeth Robson to tea. He is a very pleasant
old Friend. They were yesterday at our Monthly Meeting;
and were to set off this morning for the sea shore, in pur
suance of a prospect of visiting the meetings in New Jersey.

236 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1838.
T. K. TO MARTHA JEFFERIS.
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 28th, 1838.
* * * Please give my love to cousin Ann. I cannot
put into words, nor need I, all the affectionate longings I
feel for her. She is one of the Lord's visited ones, and through
his aid has achieved some victories over the enemies of
her peace ; but more conflicts are to be known, more hardness
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ is to be endured, before
the day will be fully enjoyed, which the evangelical prophet
speaks of, and which I fully believe our heavenly Parent
designs she should experience ; " in that day shall this song
be sung in the land of Judah, we have a strong city, salvation
hath God appointed for walls and bulwarks." I desire her
encouragement. I wish her to look forward, not at the ex
ample of her fellow travellers towards the Holy City, but at
the pure and perfect example of Him who Avore the seamless
garment, and was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate
from sinners ; that so through his power strengthening her,
she may stand in her allotment, clothed with the whole armor
of light.
About the close of 1838, Thomas Kite, having made a
brief recital of the various religious engagements he had ful
filled, with minutes of his meeting, adds :
" In addition to these, I have several times been under
appointment from the Quarterly, and once from the Yearly
Meeting, to visit Monthly and Particular Meetings ; besides
which, I have often attended neighboring Quarterly, Monthly
and other Meetings, as way has opened for it. In these'
services I have had varied experiences ; sometimes wading
under deep' discouragements ; at other seasons humbly re-

1839.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 237
joicing in the renewed extendings of holy help ; for the most
part earnestly desiring to be preserved in humility, love and
the fear of the Lord. This is the feeling which at present .
covers my spirit ; and the prayer arises in the retrospect, that
I may be enabled to fill up my allotted portion of baptism
and suffering, for the sake of my dear Redeemer, as at length
to finish my course with joy, and the ministry I have received
of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.
In the year 1835 I was appointed clerk of the Quarterly
Meeting of Philadelphia, in Avhich service I yet continue.
I have endeavored, with Divine assistance, to fulfil the duties
of this station, under a sense of their Aveight and importance."

CHAPTER XIII.— 1839.

LETTERS — JONATHAN EVANS DEATH — THOMAS EVANS AP
PEARS AS A MINISTER — DIARY — THOMAS KITE, JR.,
REMOVES TO CINCINNATI  LETTERS.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Second month 8th, 1839.
Dear Rebecca : — * * A prince and a great man
has fallen this day in Israel. Jonathan Evans departed this
life this morning, in great tranquillity, in apparently the full
possession of his mental powers, and without giving evidence
of bodily suffering. Not a sigh was heard, not a muscle
observed to quiver as the spirit took its flight. At the com
mencement of his illness, which he believed would prove his
last, he underwent some conflict of mind, but it was soon

238 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. ' [1839.
over, and he felt quiet and composed, and the Everlasting
Arm seemed underneath to the last. The funeral is to be on
Second-day morning. T. K. TO AARON SHARPLESS. Second month 8th.
Dear Son : — * * * We have hac| quite a pleasant
visit from Daniel Wheeler ; he seemed quite at liberty for
social converse, and his extensive travels and remarkable life
furnished abundant topics of interest. He has had a cold
which has confined him to the house for a few days past. It
is likely Rebecca mentioned that T. and E. Robson, as well
as D. Wheeler, were at our Quarterly Meeting. It was large
and interesting. Thy mother and I hope to make you a visit
after our [next] Monthly Meeting; perhaps we may take
Chichester and Concord in our way. We quite wish to be
Avith you, but circumstances have induced us to postpone it
for the present. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Second month 16th. I was at the funeral of our Friend
Jonathan Evans, and was invited into the room where the
family were assembled, where also Ezra Comfort, Christopher
Healy, Elizabeth Pitfield and Sarah Hillman were. A very
precious solemnity prevailed, and some brief testimonies were
delivered to magnify that grace which made our departed
Friend what he was, a firm and upright pillar in the Church.
The first-named Friend particularly addressed his grand
children. At the grave his son Thomas spoke a few words.
The attendance of Friends was very large, some from the
country, and a number of those who had separated from us.
Daniel Wheeler has taken tea and spent an evening at our

1839.] memoir of thomas kite. 239
Friend's late residence, in company with a number of his
children. Our Friend Abigail Nicholson deceased on Third-
day night, and the funeral is this day. On Fourth-day
morning I went to Woodbury, to attend Salem Quarterly
Meeting. I found T. and E. Robson at Joseph Whitall's.
It was a comfortable meeting. In the meeting preceding
that for business on Fifth-day, the Wing of Ancient Good
ness was memorably spread over us. I dined at W. Tatum's ;
the cars started before I had finished [my dinner]. Being
thus left, I Avent to George Mickle's, and spent the evening
Avith some very interesting Friends. Amongst these Avere
John E. Sheppard and his sister Mary, his mother and his
cousin Richard Sheppard and his wife Amy, who is Elizabeth
Evan's sister. Mary Mickle, the wife of George, has quite
lately been acknowledged as a minister, and is a tender,
sweet-spirited Friend. She appeared in the morning [in the
ministry] amongst us, which satisfied me with my detention
for the night. I had a passage to Camden with T. War
rington, who had been at the Quarterly Meeting. * * *
From T. K.'s Diary. "Third month 5th. Calling on
Anne S., wife of Robert Pearsall, who appears to be afflicted
with pulmonary consumption, I was drawn into sympathy
Avith her, and a short testimony to Christ Jesus, the Light of
the World, and the life of men, was delivered. She was en
couraged to submit to his power, Avhich is able to prepare for
an admission to the realms of everlasting peace.
Third month 6th. Going to the residence of Elizabeth,
the widow of Thomas B., to inquire after her sister Mary,
now ill, an unexpected opportunity offered of 'entering into
sympathy with Elizabeth, and of imparting encouragement
to her, to continue her trust in the Father of the fatherless,

240 memoir OF THOMAS KITE. [1839.
and Judge of the widow. The same morning, from a secret
drawing, attended the Western Meeting, and was favored
with an opening on the passage, ' Keep thy foot when thou
goest to the house of God,' &c. ; and strength was afforded to
enlarge upon it, and afterwards to hand out consolation to
the mourners, particularly those Avho have been deprived of
their companions, and feel the sorroAvs of the widowed heart.
After meeting, accompanied by a young Friend, I visited a
daughter of affliction, to whom the consolations of the Gospel
Avere offered.
10th. In the afternoon meeting, instances of the efficacy
of living faith were adduced, as encouragement to the Lord's
tribulated children to trust in Him. The circumstance of the
famine in Samaria, and the plenty predicted by the prophet
Elisha, which so soon followed, was mentioned, as also his
preservation when the King of Syria sent a band of men to
take him ; each of these cases being spiritually applied.
11th. Visited, in company with other Friends, one of the
departments of the Select School, by appointment. A com
fortable feeling prevailed, and the dear children were spoken
to, and the language of encouragement, addressed to their
teacher. 12th. Being brought under a concern to attend the North
Meeting, I gave up to it. An opening presented on the sub
ject of the prophet's visit to the potter's house, Avith which I
stood up and was favored to speak to some states in the love
of Truth. Dear Elizabeth Pitfield afterwards was acceptably
engaged in supplication ; and it appeared to be a solemn op
portunity. Third month 13th. Believed it my duty to attend Had-
donfield Quarterly Meeting. I went to the meeting of Minis
ters and Elders this day, which was owned of our gracious

1839.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 241
Shepherd ; several Friends ministered acceptably, and it
seemed to be proper for me to bring into vieAV the character
and faithfulness of departed Avorthies, formerly members of
that meeting. A precious coArering prevailed during great
part of the meeting.
14th. At the Quarterly Meeting for business. The united
opportunity previous to entering upon the concerns of the
Society, was a favored season. The testimony I believed it
right for me to deliver, Avas on the prophecy of Jacob con
cerning the coming of Shiloh, and the gathering of the peo
ple to Him. Elizabeth Evans afterwards spoke very closely
to the present state of our Society, with a good degree of
Gospel authority. Both yesterday and to day, my dear
friends Simon Gillam and Joseph Whitall were present to
my comfort.
17th. In the afternoon meeting, being drawn into a feel
ing of compassion with the miserable, those made so by
rebellion and transgression against the light, some words
were spoken, remining such of the unfailing mercies of God
in Christ Jesus, and of our Lord's compassion of the man
leaving the ninety and nine sheep, and going into the wil
derness after the one which had gone astray, and setting
forth the compassionate regard of Him Avho came to seek
and to save that which was lost.
19th. Rebuking a friend for improper conduct, I spoke
with too great asperity, for which I was soon sorry, but not,
perhaps, sufficiently so. Lord ! put on me the armament of
a meek and quiet spirit.
20th. At the Western Meeting. Our Friend Daniel
Wheeler present, but silent. I spoke on the language of
Isaiah the prophet, personating the Lord Jesus Christ ; ' I
have trodden the Avine-press alone, and of the people there

242 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1839.
was none with me ;' in sympathy with those who are now
enduring tribulation for the Gospel's sake. Before the meet
ing closed, I was sensible of an impression pointing to vocal
prayer, but waiting for the motion to be more deeply felt,
the meeting ended. If any suffered loss by my withholding,
I regret it, but should much more regret appearing in that
solemn service without the requisite qualification.
21st. At our week-day meeting, we had the company
of Elizabeth Robson, in silence. The meeting appeared in a
good degree favored, and my mouth was opened in prayer.
In the afternoon went a few miles into the State of New
Jersey, to visit the family of my kinsman, Henry Warring
ton. 22d. In company with H. Warrington, called on a few
Friends, and visited one who was sick ; a religious oppor
tunity took place in his chamber ; his Avife and daughter, as
well as his wife's aged mother, being present, to each of whom
the language of encouragement was imparted.
23rd. Before taking leaAre of my relations, I found an
impression of duty to have the family collected. The op
portunity seemed to be solid, and divers states were spoken
to ; the dear young_ people were encouraged to bear the cross
of Christ, and to yield obedience to every manifestation of
the heavenly Father's will.
24th. First-day morning meeting. An opening on the
words of our Lord, ' My meat is to do the Avill of Him that
sent me, and to finish his work.'
Third month 30th to Fourth month 5th. At Westtown
Boarding School, attending an examination of the scholars,
and a meeting of the Committee having charge of that semi
nary. I was at three meetings occurring in course, which were
in degree favored. I had some little public labor, and some

1839.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 243
more privately with scholars towards whom my mind Avas
draAvn ; and a hope attends that it Avas not altogether in vain.
I feel a renevved belief that this institution is under the care
of our heavenly Parent, and strong desires that all who are
entrusted Avith its oversight, may act under a weighty sense
of their accountability to Him ; that thus it may be preserved
in a situation to ansAver the design of its establishment — the
preservation of the dear children from evil example, and
their groAvth in virtue and piety, as well as their instruction
in useful learning.
Fourth month 10th. The state of our religious Society,
from various causes, affords at present a sorrowful prospect.
Diversity of sentiment prevails, even on very momentous
subjects; and the fruits of love in many cases are blasted.
My present prayer is, that I may be preserved inward to the
Lord ; and that He may be pleased not only to be merciful
to the remnant of his heritage, but by his mighty power to
open the blind eyes amongst us, and restore those Avho have
in any degree lost the unity of the spirit — the bond of peace.
13th to 19th. The Yearly Meeting for Ministers and
Elders commenced the 13th, that for business the 15th. Many
Friends had looked forward to the meeting with much anx
iety, in consequence of the present state of society ; yet,
through Divine mercy, it proved, on the whole, a favored
season. A great weight of exercise attended, on many ac
counts, yet. the Lord was near his dependent children ; his
power at times was felt to be over all, and the meeting sepa
rated under a feeling sense impressed on many minds, that
God is good to Israel.
[At this Yearly Meeting the following public Friends
were present — Daniel Wheeler, Elizabeth Robson, Joseph
John Gurney, Anne Thornburgh, Joseph Edgerton, Richard

244 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1839.
H. Thomas, Elizabeth Peckham, Anne A. Jenkins, Phebe
Haines, late Cobb.J
30th. Attended Frankford Monthly Meeting. Silence
was my portion in the meeting for worship, attended with
thankfulness that I felt no desire to speak, unless divinely
required. I visited a young person in the afternoon, who
appears to be in a decline, and offered Avhat appeared to be
given me for her encouragement.
Fifth month 1st. Finding R. D. had not left the city, I
felt drawn to see her, and in a religious opportunity appre
hended myself made sensible of -her present state, and au
thorized to speak in a line of caution, counsel and encourage
ment, which seemed to be suitably received."
In this month Thomas Kite attended the Quarterly Meet
ing of Salem and Western. His daughter Rebecca being in
New England, visiting some of his friends, T. K. wrote to
her frequently. Under date of Sixth month 22nd, after
family information, &c, he concludes : —
" In conclusion, I desire, as perhaps I have written before,
thy preservation, not only from evil, but from its appearance,
that thy light may so shine through thy watchful attention
to the intimations of the Divine Will, that others may have
evidence that thou belongs to the family of Christ ; of Him
who said, ' My kingdom is not of this world ;' and who also
said, ' If any man will be my disciple, and come after me, let
him take up his cross daily, and follow me.'
Seventh month 3rd. Thy uncle James, I believe, has not
quite decided when to go to Lynn, but I presume it will be
in a few days. He will be under the necessity of making his
stay short, and I suppose thou wilt be glad of the opportunity
of returning with him. We shall rejoice to receive thee safe
after all thy journeyings, especially if we perceive that, like

1839.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 245
Paul the Apostle, every where and in all things, thou hast
been instructed, and that thou returns with the disposition
strengthened, which can say with him, ' Herein do I exercise
myself to have always a conscience void of offence, both
towards God and towards man.' * * * With a heart
full of tender greetings, and affectionate desires for thy Avel-
fare, every way, I remain thy father and friend."
On the 17th of the preceding month he Avrote to her : " I
have nothing remaining but to express the desire which often
accompanies my mind, that thou may experience preservation
from evil ; cultivate retirement of mind, and spiritual fellow
ship with the ' Friend who sticketh closer than a brother,'
that thus the present journey, notwithstanding the danger
which attends on such association with mankind, may not in
thy case produce unhappy results ; but rather beneficial
effects. * * * And that thy absence from home may
prove a time of renewal of covenant to serve the Lord, and
to dedicate to his service thy future days, that the resolution
may be written in thy heart by the finger of divine love and
mercy, to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord, being
enabled to breathe the language of adoption, ' Abba, Father !'
to take the exhortation of the Lord by his prophet, ' Wilt
thou not from this time say unto me, my Father, thou art the
guide of my youth \'t "
Thomas Kite, Jr., in the Seventh month of this year, went
to the West to establish himself in business. He had served
his apprenticeship as a machinist ; and that trade being under
temporary depression in Philadelphia, he sought an opening
Avhere the prospect seemed more encouraging.

246 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1839.
t. k. to his daughter Rebecca, then again at Westtown
as a teacher. Eighth month 19th, 1839.
I can scarcely lay down my pen without expressing some
desires which arise warm from a heart overflowing with
affection. May the Lord preserve thee, not only from evil,
but from the least appearance of it. Cultivate retirement,
and an inward acquaintance with thy Creator and Redeemer ;
and Avhen this little service at the institution is accomplished,
mayest thou be restored to us in peace, established in the
holy resolution not to live henceforth unto thyself, but unto
Him who died for thee and rose again.
Ninth month 9th. To the same. * * Thy sister had
a letter from her husband, dated at Mount Pleasant, on First-
day evening, the first inst., after attending tAvo meetings there.
In the first John Wood and Elizabeth Evans spoke remarka
bly. In the afternoon the meeting was thought to haA-e been
favored, though I forget who was stated to have ministered.
I have from other quarters heard that the Yearly Meeting
got on comfortably. On Fifth-day, Daniel Wheeler was very
remarkably engaged in testimony. * * * And now my
dear child, whilst I rejoice in believing the time approaches
when thou wilt be restored to us in peace, I feel some anxiety
that thou may not relax that holy vigilance — that state of
watching unto prayer, without which preservation Avill hardly
be witnessed. Be circumspect ; shun the appearance of swerv
ing from the line of rectitude. Rather debar thyself of
gratifications that might perhaps be lawfully' indulged, than
give occasion to critical, observers to make their unfeeling
remarks. Remember, that those in Daniel's time who sought
occasion against him were convinced they should not find it,

1839.] memoir of thomas kite. 247
" excepting concerning the law of his God." Accept these
few remarks in the love in which they are written by him
who feels himself thy affectionate father.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS.
Religious parents can have no greater consolation in regard
to their children than to knoAv of their Avalking in the Truth.
I do greatly desire this separation from us for a season may
prove a time of spiritual improvement to thee. It was Avhen
Jacob had left his father's house, on a solitary journey, he
was favored with a heavenly visitation, and entered into
covenant with his father's God. Should this be thy happy
experience, I shall not regret our temporary separation. May
the Lord bless thee, and keep thee from evil, and if it be his
blessed will, restore thee to us in peace.
Tenth month 5th. To the same. I suppose thou art now
at Richmond, attending the Yearly Meeting, and that I shall
soon have the satisfaction of receiving from thee an account
of it, as also of our particular friends Avhom thou mayest meet.
with. We had, last night a serious fire in the neighborhood
of the wharf— Chestnut Street, Water and Front Streets —
supposed to have been the greatest which ever happened in
this city. Perhaps forty houses are injure'd or destroyed. Thy
sister Rebecca is at home. * * Aaron's neighbor, Wm.
Osbourn's family have met with an affecting bereavement.
As his eldest son, David, who is married, but not commenced
house-keeping, attempted to mount his horse on Fifth-day
week, the animal started and threw him. He was much
injured, and languished until Second-day, when he died,
without its being certain that he had ever roused up to per
fect consciousness. * * Uncle John Letchworth obtained
a minute at our last Monthly Meeting-to visit the Monthly

248 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1839.
Meeting of Abington Quarterly Meeting, and accomplished
it last week. Samuel B. Morris, of Germantown, bore him
company. * * Did I mention that thy brother William
had a daughter named Esther, who will be four Aveeks old
to-morrow? Our anxiety for thy welfare every way, con
tinues ; not merely desiring thou may keep out of the way of
evil communications, but that thou may really experience a
growth in grace ; bearing the cross daily ; submitting to the
baptisms of the Holy Spirit ; having thy conversation in
heaven ; seeking first the kingdom of God and the righteous
ness thereof, and keeping the most allowable of worldly com
forts in their proper places. Thus wilt thou become increas
ingly, if our lives be spared, a comfort to thy parents, and
to other affectionate friends.
John L. Kite had been for some time practising as a phy
sician in Susquehanna County, where his children could not
haAre the benefits of mingling in social intercourse with the
members of the Society of Friends. This became a subject
of much concern to Thomas Kite, and at his suggestion his
brother removed to the city. Shortly after his arrival, seve
ral of his children were taken ill with scarlet fever, and his
third son, Alban, a "lovely youth of seventeen years of age,
sunk beneath the attack. In a letter written to an absent
member of the family, by one of his cousins, this passage
occurs : " I think I never saw a more beautiful corpse than
his was. His fine high forehead, his sweet and placid counte
nance looked so lovely, Ave could scarce resign him to the
cold earth. William and Elizabeth Evans sat with the
family. Elizabeth spoke very sweetly to the bereaved
parents, and the young relations. She thought some veere in
a peculiar manner called on to improve by the present dis-

1839.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 249
pensation. * * We had a very interesting time in the
evening. Father [T. K.] expressed his sympathy for uncle
and aunt, and his desire for the rest of us that we might walk
in the straight and narrow way. He commenced with say
ing he had been thinking of innocent Abel, whose offering
Avas accepted through faith. So it was through faith that the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit was so conspicuously
set upon him ; desiring that we might follow him as he fol
lowed Christ. T. K. TO MARTHA JEFFERIS.
Philadelphia, Eleventh month 25th, 1839.
Dear Sister : — I thought I might as well inform thee,
although probably thou hast heard it already, that our banks
generally do not consider themselves at liberty to declare
dividends during the suspension of specie payments. * *
On Fourth-day night, last, I was aroused from my first
slumber, by the ringing of our bell. On putting my head
out of the window, Joseph Edgerton answered to my call.
He and his companion, William Dewees, were at the door,
and I soon admitted them. After attending all the meetings
of New England Yearly Meeting, and some out of the Society,
he found a release from the remainder of his prospect for the
present, and a liberty to return home. He seemed very
pleasant and cheerful, and William no less so. After attend
ing our meeting on Fifth-day, they started homeward on
Sixth-day, expecting to be at their own Quarterly Meeting
to-morrow and next day.
Notwithstanding the causes of depression which abound
amongst us, I have been at a number of meetings of late,
which have been attended, in a good degree, with the sol
emnizing power of Truth. This is certainly a token for
17

250 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1839.
good ; and it is evidence that the Holy Head of his church
and people is still mindful of us. I cannot but believe that
a larger number of young Friends are disposed to take up
the cross, than has usually been found amongst, us. May
they be preserved.
Jacob Green was at Carolina Yearly Meeting. Thomas
and Elizabeth Robson have been visiting families at Lynn,
Massachusetts, and making their home at Isaac Bassett's. J.
J. Gurney was to sail on Sixth-day for the West Indies. I
understand he expects to be at our Yearly Meeting in the
Spring, and also at those of NeAV York and Rhode Island.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Twelfth month 25th, 1839.
Thou art very near to my best feelings, together with thy
beloved companion and your precious babes. I believe the
dear Master has need of thee ; need of thy services in his
church; and though nature may shrink from it, and thou
mayest count thyself unworthy, yet remember he is able to
fit and prepare for his own work, and will do it, as there is
a giving up the heart to him, and humbly abiding under the
purifying baptisms of his Holy Spirit. I want thee to be
encouraged, and also dear Aaron ; although the prospect of a
succession of upright-hearted, clean-spirited standard-bearers
in your Monthly Meeting may not be very encouraging, yet
the Lord is as able as ever He was to raise up children unto
Abraham. Then trust in Him who can cause the very dust
of Zion to arise and praise Him. * * * Jacob Green is
again in the city, attending our Monthly Meetings, which
occur this week. His prospect is to be at those of your
Quarterly Meeting in the week ensuing. There is also here,
or was yesterday, a member from Canada, his last name

1839.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 251
Knowles, accompanied by his wife, bound for Indiana, and
to visit some Indians Avest of the Mississippi. He is to be
felt, for, being lame, and having but one horse and a dearborn,
the season trying to travel, and the mountains being often
covered to a considerable depth Avith snow.

CHAPTER XIV— 1839-1840.
JOSEPH JOHN GURNEY — LETTER TO JOSEPH J. GURNEY
— LETTERS  YEARLY MEETING  LAST LETTER OF HIS
MOTHER  HER DEATH.
Joseph John Gurney, late of Norwich, England, will
long be remembered on account of the extensive distress and
disunity produced throughout the Society of Friends, by
his doctrinal writings. He was a man of intellect, highly
cultivated, and having devoted himself to literary pursuits,
he acquired facility in composition, and his style was not
without force and elegance. Having studied the doctrines
of the Christian religion as he found them unfolded in the
Scriptures of Truth, aided in his researches by the writings
of eminent biblical critics and commentators, he came to a
judgment as to what they were, and undertook to defend
them by his pen. He had read the writings of Robert Bar
clay, and other early Friends, and though his views did in
many points differ from theirs, yet he endeavored to persuade
himself and others, that he was one with them, in what he
understood to be the meaning of their " unhappy" choice of
words. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and Avas ac-

252 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
knowledged as a "minister" in it by Norwich Monthly
Meeting. Soon his activity with his tongue and pen caused
him to be considered as a prominent leader, not only in the
Society of Friends, but amongst the various benevolent
associations throughout England, and also among the de
fenders of what is called " Orthodox" doctrine against Uni-
tarianism, and other grades of infidelity.
About the close of the year 1839, or beginning of 1840,
Thomas Kite, under a sense of religious duty, addressed him
the following letter.
" I have at different times taken occasion to express to thee
my uneasiness with thy writings as containing sentiments
not in unison with the doctrines of our early Friends ; I
have thought I perceived at least a tendency towards the
same views in thy public preaching. My motive in writing
now is, to desire thee calmly to consider what has been the
effect of thy writings, and more particularly of thy present
visit, on our Society in this country. Thou found us gener
ally in unity. That unity to a great extent has been broken ;
and I believe thy coming amongst us, under the accompany
ing circumstances, has been the principal cause, and the
means of producing that extensive distress which, within the
last three years, has overspread many parts of the Society
in this land. Some members appear to have been inclined
to embrace thy views ; others consider them fraught with
danger to the best interests of the Society ; hence a conflict
of feeling has occurred, which partiality, prejudice, miscon
ception, and other causes have probably contributed to
heighten. If thou hast been the occasion of this sorrowful
state of things, might it not be best to leave us, that without
any fresh cause of uneasiness administered, we may have
leisure to feel after our situation, make explanations to each

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 253
other, and endeavor to seek for the healing balm of Gilead.
I would tenderly entreat thee to turn thy attention inward,
and humbly Avait for the discoveries of that Light Avhich
makes manifest, that thus thy own state and condition may
be discovered by thee, and through the mercy of a gracious
God, the enemy in all his transformations may be detected
and cast out, and thou, being brought to rely on Him alone
who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, may be brought
into, and preserved in fellowship with his living members.
If this should be thy happy experience, I believe secret and
open acknowledgment will be called for from thee, because
. of the offence given to many little ones who believe in the
Lord Jesus, not only as to his outward appearance, and all
that He did and suffered for us in the flesh, but also as to
his inward and spiritual appearance as the true Light which
enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, and the
only principle of Divine Life to the s.oul."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. First month 2nd, 1840.
I feel, my dear son, much for thee, separated so far from us,
and knowing how liable youth is to be tempted. The subject
has been brought home to my feelings, by the circumstance
of a Friend's son, nearly of thy own age, having disgraced
himself, and brought deep affliction on his family and friends,
by an act of immorality. I do not mention it as supposing
his will be thy unhappy condition, but as a case coming
home to my feelings, in remembering that I am a father, and
in sympathizing with a distressed parent. I cannot but
trust, that He who was my father's God, and has conde
scended to take care of me, will bless my absent son, and
preserve him in that fear which keepeth the heart clean. I

254 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
hope that every day thou mayest read a portion of the Holy
Scripture, with thy mind seriously turned to feel after that
spiritual influence which can open the meaning of the holy
penman to the understanding, and impress it on the heart ;
and also have some seasons of priArate retirement for waiting
on thy Heavenly Father for the renewal of thy strength ;
besides being diligent in assembling with thy Friends on
First and week days for the essential duty of public worship.
Thy care in these various respects and in endeavoring never
to act in contradiction to the discoveries of Divine Light in
thy own heart, will doubtless draw down the blessing of
Heaven upon thee. The warmest wish of my heart for thee
is, that thou mayest be prepared by the operation of the
Lord's holy power, to live to his honor and glory, and thy
own peace ; and live to take the place of pillars in his house
who have been removed to that heavenly habitation where
the morning stars sing together, and the sons of God forever
shout for joy.
We have had Jacob Green in the city lately. He dined
with us this day week, and had a religious opportunity in
the family afterwards, to our comfort. Cousin Edith Jefferis
has been with us very pleasantly ; and went home on Third-
day last. At our evening meeting on First-day she was
with us, and after some expressions of religious concern by
thy father, she knelt down and petitioned for spiritual bless
ings. I feel a hope she is likely to be made a pillar in the
Lord's house, if she is faithful to Divine requirings. Com
mending thee to the guidance and protection of Israel's
Shepherd, who sleepeth not by day, nor slumbereth by night,
I remain thy anxiously concerned and truly affectionate
father.

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 255
During this First month, at one of the sittings in his family,
Thomas Kite Avas led to address several of those gathered, in
a sweetly affectionate and solemn manner. He commenced
Avith addressing  ; said he thought it was a critical
time with her, and expressed the earnest desire he felt, that
she might improve by the opportunities which were pre
sented to her. Then came something for  , encouraging
her to persevere. Next Avas a- message for John L. Smith,
desiring he might seek first the kingdom of heaven, then all
things necessary Avould be added ; iirfpressing the necessity
of a complete surrender. If this^is not the case a blessing
may not accompany our labors.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS.Second month 11th, 1840.
I am not yet prepared to give a decided sentiment on the
subject of thy locating thyself at Cincinnati. * * * I
fear that Cincinnati is not so eligible as this city for foster
ing religious interests, which are of more value than temporal
ones ; besides the painful thought of having thee fixed at so
great a distance from us. I desire what may be for the best
may take place. * * * Notwithstanding the anxiety I
manifest for thy welfare, I wish not to show a want of con
fidence in thy principles or thy disposition to act in con
formity with my wishes : above all I wish not to distrust
the providential care of the Most High, who is mighty to
save, and able to redeem. If it, be his will that thou shouldst
abide for a time in a state of separation from thy immediate
connections, He can bless and sanctify this separation to thee.
He can protect his dependent, children in every state, and
preserve from every evil, and enable them to glorify Him.
Look up to Him for direction, consult his Witness in thy

256 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
heart, which is. giAren for a Counsellor and Leader ; follow its
dictates, and grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by which
the disciples of the Lord Jesus are sealed unto the day of
redemption. So shall thy life be happy, and the work of
preparation be going on for another state of being, where,
having fulfilled thy course of service to thy great Lord and
Master on earth, thou may forever enjoy the sweet society
of pure and blessed spirits in the paradise of God.
In the Second month, Thomas Kite attended Concord
Quarterly Meeting. Writing to his daughter Rebecca after
his return he said : — " Thou probably heard by cousin James,
that the two carriage loads of Philadelphians started together
on Fourth-day morning. Thos. Scattergood with his com
pany took the lead, and we quickly lost sight of them in the
fog. It was agreed that we should dine at George Allen's
at Springfield, but when we arrived there we could get no
tidings of our friends. Charles and I reached home in the
evening. I have since heard that T. S. missed his way and
went from Middletown towards Chester. On discovering his
mistake he was about to turn back, but the women [Sarah
Hillman and her companion] prevented him, finding their
minds drawn towards Chester Meeting, which they attended
and came home in the evening. I understand there Avas
cause to believe they were rightly at the meeting."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS.
Third month 25th. * * * Dr. Parrish deceased a few
days ago. He has been declining in health several months,
but was not long confined to his bed. There has been con
siderable eulogy of his character as a physician and a man,
in the public papers.

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 257
30th. Since my last date above, we have had a time of
trial in the family. Brother John's daughter Sarah's indis
position increased, the cold settled on her lungs and liver,
and on Sixth-day morning, about two o'clock, she ceased to
be an inhabitant of this world. It is a great affliction to
her parents, particularly the dear mother, to Avhoni she Avas
much of a companion. She was aged nearly thirteen years.
I think about four months had elapsed since the death of
Alban. I feel desirous that the parents may apply to the
only sure source of consolation ; and that all the connections
of the dear child may take this renewed Avarning, and seek
to be ready for an hour which we cannot tell hoAv soon may
come, when it will be said, " Give an account of thy steward
ship, for thou mayest be steward no longer."
Our minds are now looking forward to the approaching
Yearly Meeting, which commences this day three weeks. As
•usual, our feelings are of a mingled character. Whilst Ave
anticipate some pleasant emotions from meeting old and
valued friends, and near relatives, we are brought under
feelings of exercise and concern that the good cause may not
lose ground ; and prayers are raised to the Father of mercies,
that He may be pleased to be near, and comfort the hearts of
the mourners in Zion, confirm the weak, and bring home
wanderers from the path of rectitude to himself, that so his
great name, and the name of his dear Son, our holy Redeemer,
may be magnified and glorified.
P. S.— T. and E. R., who have been much of late in New
England, are expected at our Yearly Meeting ; Jacob Green
is also looked for ; he was, at last accounts, in New York
State. Mildred Ratcliffe and Benjamin Hoyle, ministers
belonging to Ohio Yearly Meeting,, are also expected ; and
uo doubt we shall have others, of Avhom we have not yet
heard.

258 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
On Seventh-day the 18th, -Christopher Healy called in the
morning at Thomas Kite's to see John Wilbur, who made
his home there. He appeared enjoyed to meet with him, and
taking him by the hand, kissed him. He said, " John and
I were members of the same meeting in early life, and we
have been drinking out of the same cup ever since." Ellen
McCarthy was present, and many other Friends. A lively
conversation ensued, at first turning on the difficulties many
had to pass through in remote places in getting to meetings.
This was particularly the case with females in low circum
stances, who had young children. Ellen spoke feelingly of
her trials in that respect, in years past, when she had gene
rally to walk tAvice a week to the meeting, several miles dis
tant from her residence, and carry a baby in her arms.
Christopher also gave his experience in the line of walking
to meeting, and carrying babies, having followed the occupa
tion pretty diligently for many years. He spoke of the
hardness of heart of some persons who were unwilling to sit
in meeting with babies, and who would condemn all mothers
to stay at home whilst the children were small, if they had
no person to leave at home with them. The conversation
then turned on the various testimonies of our Society to
plainness in dress and address. Christopher, in earnestly
setting forth the necessity of keeping to them, quoted Judge
Jay, then member of Congress — the ambassador to England
— the humble minded Christian. " I admire your Society.
The principle contains all of Christianity that I have any idea
of; but I am sorry to see that some of you are losing your
badge ; and I don't see how you can retain your principles,
and forego your little peculiarities, your marks of moderation,
self-denial, and difference from the spirit of the world. You
are lights. The Avorld should come to you ; but you are not

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 259
to go to the Avorld. You may gather them ; but they will
scatter you." Thomas Kite then quoted Samuel Neale's
account of his two visits to the Bishop of Cloghen, in the
first of which he balked his religious testimony, and Avas
treated with contempt by the Bishop, and felt reproved by
the spirit of Truth, and ashamed of his cowardice. In the
second, having spoken as a Quaker, he was treated with
great civility, and felt comfortable and happy. He thought,
hoAvever, the principle of Truth should govern throughout —
temper as well as dress — telling the following anecdote. A
Friend in plain attire, having in an excited manner, rebuked
severely a young person in gay apparel, for speaking in meet
ing in favor of the admission of a colored man into the Society
of Friends, James Simpson spoke out, " I had rather hear
truth from a lapell, than see indignation under a plain coat."
[James had previously said, as soon as the young man sat
down, " Well done, lapells."]
Christopher then mentioned that soon after he became
plain, having business with Elisha Potter, a great lawyer and
member of Congress, in company AA'ith one of his brothers, he
called upon him. Christopher found he must address this
great, man in the plain way, although it was no small trial
to do so. Elisha received him and his friendly salutations
kindly, and they transacted the business which took him
there. When it was over, Elisha, addressing the brother,
said, he perceived that Christopher was determined to keep
to the peculiarities of the Society of Friends, and he was glad
of it. He liked to see consistency. He then strongly con
demned those Quakers, who on occasion, put off their testi
monies and appear like the world ; saying, '•' There are many
that do so." His wife, who was sitting by, here interposed
and said, " You wrong the Society, Mr. Potter, by attributing

260 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
to them the conduct of such members. They are a burden
to them"." The opportunity was a very interesting one to
Christopher, and the parties all separated in friendship. In
process of years, sometime after Christopher had received a
gift in the ministry of tbe gospel, he found a concern raised
in his mind to hold a meeting in the neighborhood where
this lawyer resided. Elisha, on being informed of it, was
very active in procuring a suitable place, and in preserving
order in the company which assembled.
During the Yearly Meeting week, commencing Fourth
month 19th, this year, Thomas Kite's house was thronged
with strangers. Almost every evening a religious opportunity
was had in the family, some of which were peculiarly striking
and instructive. On First-day evening, the Westtown teachers
— the females — were gathered there ; and Thomas Kite Avas
much favored in near access to the Throne of mercy, inter
ceding that those assembled might unreservedly obey and
serve the Lord in full dedication of heart. On Fifth-day
eA'ening Benjamin Hoyle spoke in a very feeling manner to
a large company who were assembled. On Sixth-day even
ing Jacob Green Avas opened in a very lively and encourag
ing communication. He spoke of the goodness and mercy of
a gracious God, extended to all the obedient. He addressed
the young particularly, opening in the counsel of Light what
they were called to, and their services in the Gospel of Christ ;
if they closed in with the divine requirings, and bowed thereto
in perfect submission. Edith Jefferis then knelt in supplica
tion. She prayed for our dear friend Jacob, that he might
be strengthened to hand forth all the Master's counsel to
those amongst whom he was sent, and that he might be pre
served through every height and depth through which he
might be led.

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 261
During the time of answering the Queries on Third-day,
the 21st, Thomas Kite had an opportunity of relieving his
mind of a concern he had long felt on the subject of books.
He adverted to the increased necessity there Avas for Friends
to examine the publications they admitted into their houses.
Objectionable matter was issuing in great abundance from
the press, particularly in the periodicals of the day. Beside
these, there Avere many books found on the tables of Friends,
and read in their families, which, containing some excellent
sentiments, had mixed up with them in intimate connection,
views adverse to the doctrines and testimonies which, as a
religious Society, we bear to the world. He felt a concern
to caution Friends on the subject of the indiscriminate read
ing of books professedly religious.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Fifth month 2nd.
Our family are in usual health, unless it be thy grand
mother. On Third-day she had an operation performed on
her face ; the lump which she had so long borne, and Avhich
has latterly much increased in size, was then removed. Dr.
Darrach and thy uncle John were present ; the former held
the knife. The patient behaved with great firmness, and is
now doing well. I believe thou hast heard of thy sister
Susan's indisposition. She continues unwell, and may pro
bably have to lie in bed some weeks.
I suppose some of the family have written to thee about
our late Yearly Meeting. It was large and much valuable
counsel was communicated in it. We had [at our house] the
acceptable company of John Wilbur, also of George F. Reed,
classical teacher at Providence Boarding School ; who was
convinced of Friends' principles by the immediate operation

262 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
of the Holy Spirit, when he was a preacher among the Bap
tists, We found him quite intelligent and agreeable. We
had beside, thy aunt Martha, her two daughters, and son
Joshua, thy uncle and aunt Middleton, Susan Taber, (Eliza
beth's aunt,) of New Bedford, and Elizabeth S. Fell.
Our friend Daniel Wheeler arrived the early part of the
week at New York, but quite in poor health. He is so much
indisposed, that his continuance in this life is thought doubt
ful. With respect to the important subject of where thou art to
settle, I have not been able fully to make up my mind.
Outward prospects of gain ought to be subordinate to thy
best interests ; and I wish that to take place which will be
for thy good.
Before I close, I will just give thee a feAv particulars of
the proceedings of our Yearly Meeting. When we met on
Second-day morning, Jacob Green expressed hoAv comforting
to him was the aAvful silence into Avhicli Ave were drawn, and
in which the Aving of Ancient Goodness Avas felt to be extended
over us. There were many of us who would never meet again
in this capacity ; and some dear elderly Friends present, who
felt, they should be of that number. He wanted such encour
aged. He believed there was a precious seed preserved among
the ancients, the middle aged and the youth, and that better
days were at hand for this Society. By the minutes of the
Meeting for Sufferings, a sorrowful account of the slave trade
was laid before us ; it appears to be increasing in extent, and
attended with greater horrors than ever ; upwards of one
thousand per day are the victims of it ; separated from their
native land, a large portion of whom perish in the voyage to
the land of bondage. A memorial concerning our late
Friend, Jonathan Evans, was read ; by which it appeared he

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 263
was convinced by incidently looking into Penn's " No Cross,
No CroAvn," and seeing there a testimony to the Light of
Christ in men. The reading the ansAvers to the Queries,
introduced the meeting into exercise on account of the con
tinued neglect, of our members in attending religious meet
ings, it being evident that the love of other things is stealing
avpay the heart from the love of God, and that in this state
there neither can be a growth in the life and poAver of religion,
nor a right qualification to fulfil the obligations Ave all OAve
to Him, and parents owe to their offspring. A desire Avas
felt that the negligent might again be labored Avith in the
restoring love of the gospel. The introduction into Friends'
families of improper books, was also adverted to, not only the
light and frothy productions of the periodical press, but also
books on religious subjects, which contain along with much
that is excellent, sentiments at variance with our doctrines
and testimonies. We were much affected with hearing the
report of the Committee on Indian Affairs. It appears that
the plans of avaricious men to drive away those natives Avho
have been under our care, beyond the Mississippi, are likely
to take effect, in consequence of a pretended treaty obtained
by unfair means, having been lately confirmed in the Senate
of the United States, by the casting vote of the presiding
officer. The business [of the Yearly Meeting] having been
finished on Sixth-day afternoon, a solemn silence covered the
assembly, when Jacob Green broke forth Avith the voice of
thanksgiving, " Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is
good ; for his mercy endureth forever," with more to the
same effect.
In the Sixth month of this year Thomas Kite went to
Cincinnati to visit his son, and to see about establishing him

264 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
in business there. He left Philadelphia on the 15th, and
thus wrote from Pittsburg on the 19th, viz : " I arrived at
this dusky, smoky city last evening, about half1 past eight
o'clock, having been three nights and four days on my way
hither. My fellow passengers were mostly agreeable people,
and I have been but little fatigued. I put up last night at the
United States Hotel, where I am now waiting for breakfast,
intending immediately afterwards to visit the steamboats lying
at the river side, to select one out of three which advertise to
start for Cincinnati to-day. I had provided myself with
books for reading, but got very little of it attended to.
Between the striking and magnificent scenery, and the con
versation of many of my fellow passengers, I could scarcely
obtain the quiet attention to read with profit. Though it is
rather tedious to be so long on the way, yet I still give the
preference to the canal route."
" Cincinnati, Sixth month, 24th. I reached this place
last evening about dark. We had much detention, partly
'from grounding, because the river was very low, and one
night because the darkness was so great the pilot could not
see the channel. We had also to stop for wood and coal, to
deliver freight and passengers, and on several occasions to
take in a fresh supply of the latter. Several of those who
went in the canal boat to Pittsburg with me, continued in
company to this place. Two Presbyterian ministers were of
the number, who had been to the General Assembly and taken
their wives with them. * * * They were quite agreea
ble, affable men, as was also an elder of the same society Avho
came on board at Wheeling, and had been on the same
errand. Five days and a little more than a half, was occu
pied in the passage down the river and the numerous deten
tions. The weather was warm, yet we had mostly an agree-

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 265
able breeze. I was much occupied with looking at the banks
of the river, which have suffered much from an unusually
high freshet this season, and in noticing the various towns
which are scattered on either side of it. * * * The city
is certainly a pleasant one for situation and general appear
ance ; and is surrounded by handsome eminences, on which
are a number of good looking country-seats. The prospect
into Kentucky, Avhich seems close at hand, (the river being
low is sometimes not seen,) is very fine, two handsome
villages, one on each side of the Licking, being situated
directly opposite this place. When near the Ohio, the long
paved slope doAvn to the water, presents a singular spectacle.
Low as the Avater is, the bank is crowded with steamboats,
taking in or delivering freight. Some coming-to, from be
low, or from above ; others giving notice of their intended
departure ; whilst many people are running to and fro.
As it presents so much activity now, I can readily imagine,
that Avhen business is brisk, it must present a scene of great
bustle. I was in the market this morning. Some kinds of
provision were plenty, — beef for instance, and some good-
looking mutton ; but I was disappointed in finding things
higher in price, and less neatly put up than I expected. In
some instances the warm, soft butter, was ladled out of a pot
and weighed in scales. Fruit was scarce. A few water
melons from New Orleans were to be seen ; some Morella
cherries, a few raspberries, very poor currants and about a
quart of gooseberries, being the principal fresh fruit I saw."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS.
Philadelphia, Seventh month 14th, 1840.
I arrived in safety at home on Fourth-day afternoon last.
I suppose thou felt somewhat surprised at finding that the
18

266 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
captain of the Boston kept so nearly to his last-named houi*.
About six o'clock the boat drew off and was soon under way.
In the morning we found ourselves at Maysville. An alarm
was given that two gold watches were missing, and as two
passengers had left us at that place, it seemed to be settled
in the minds of others, that they had stolen them. But
though this unpleasant circumstance occurred, I had great
reason to be satisfied with my choice of a boat. We had a
very respectable and orderly company, no sign of a playing
card having been made use of; whilst on board "The Flying
Dutchman," we were afterwards informed, four card tables
were in use every night. The passengers of the latter boat
were discharged at Wheeling, whilst our jboat continued to
Pittsburg, where we arrived about eleven o'clock on Sixth-
day morning. I dined at Pittsburg with a friend of Rachel
Sheppard's, and took tea with R. L. At nine o'clock took
the canal boat, which was full to an unpleasant degree. In
the morning I stopped at Judge Breckenridge's, near
Tarentum, to pay his wife Caroline, a visit. She Avas from
home at a pleasant little village called Freeport, whither
I followed her, and spent an agreeable day, taking my
place in the next packet boat, by which I had my passage
in one not so much crowded. On. reaching home, I found
my family as well as usual, excepting thy dear grand
mother, whose health continues feeble. She and thy cousin
Mary Walton, who is also an invalid, are gone to Frank
ford on a visit. Very striking was the proof I received
of the. uncertainty of human life, on finding no less' than
seven of my friends had departed this life during my ab
sence. Mary Gardner, a widoAv, belonging to Evesham
Meeting ; William Needles, Elizabeth Kaighn and John
North, of the Northern District ; Elizabeth Archer, Rebecca

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 267
Peirce and Mary W. Brown, of ours. The latter, our neigh
bor, lost a darling and only daughter a few months since,
and grieved much for her. Her own illness was short.
When she died, thy aunt Mary was sent for, but as she was
absent at Ann Lowry's, thy mother went instead, and with
a relation of the deceased prepared the body for burial.
John North's case is very striking. He had just been preach
ing in the first meeting on the day of the Northern District
Monthly Meeting ; on sitting down he was perceived to be
gently falling over. On being taken up and carried into the
entry he quickly breathed his last. The meeting continued,
with scarcely any interruption, but with great solemnity,
until the time to go to business. Friends then made an
opening minute and adjourned for one week. How needful
always to live in such a state of submission to our Heavenly
Father's will, as to witness a preparation for our final change,
whether it come. early or late, gradually or suddenly.
Several friends in Cincinnati spoke to me favorably of thy
correct deportment, and particularly of thy diligence in at
tending religious meetings. This was a comfort to me, for
every degree of preservation from evil is a blessing, and
every instance of dedication is to be encouraged ; but I want
thee to press forAvard after a perfect victory over the flesh,
the world, and the devil. I long for thee, that thou mayest
obtain the testimony of Divine approbation, even as holy
Enoch, who walked Avith God and had the testimony that he
pleased God. One remark thou made and one only that I
recollect gave me uneasiness. It was what thou said in favor
of music. I think if thou should be tempted to become the
owner of a musical instrument, of any kind, or to attend at
any place where music was practised, and give way to tempta
tion, it would be to thyself a source of weakness, and to me

268 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
of sorrow, if I knew it. The consistent members of our So
ciety, have always been led by the Holy Spirit to give up
these things, when they became such, though in the days of
their ignorance of the precious Truth, they may have prac
tised them. John Thorp, a valuable minister in England,
who deceased in 1817, thus expresses himself: " When a boy
about fourteen years of age, my attachment to music and
singing was such, that when walking in the lanes and fields
in an evening, I frequently gratified myself by singing aloud,
and indulged therein even after my mind became uneasy
with the practice, until in one of my solitary evening walks,
and when in the act of singing, I heard, as it were, a voice
distinctly say, ' If thou wilt discontinue that gratification,
thou shalt be made partaker of a much more perfect har
mony.' " John Churchman says in his Journal : " I had
taken great delight from a child to play with whistles and
pipes made of the bark of small branches of trees, and of
straws of wheat and rye, but now it grieved me to observe
children to delight therein ; and I ventured to tell my mind
to some concerning these things." The same Friend says he
considered it a base consumption of precious time, which man
must be accountable for, which, if enough regarded, instead
of music, whistling, and singing many foolish and profane
songs, many would have occasion to lament and weep for
their misspent time. He cautions parents to beware of in
dulging their children in anything which may impress their
tender minds with a desire after music, &c. : and to direct
the minds of their offspring to attend to the voice of Him
who called to Samuel in the days of old, and remains to be
the same Teacher of his people in this age. I have enlarged
upon this subject, because I wish thy sentiments on all points
to be correct, knowing that sound sentiments have an im
portant bearing on sound practice.

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 269
t. k. to his daughter rebecca, then at East Bradford.
SeA-enth month 24th.
 's son H. was buried yesterday. He looked like
a strong, healthy young man. He had been rather unwell
for some Aveeks, but his last illness continued about ten days.
He Avas mostly delirious. He had one lucid interval, and
on the expressions he then made use of, hopes are entertained
of his peaceful close. Happy for surviving relatives, Avhen
they can look back after such berea\/ements, not merely on
death-bed expressions, but on a life of dedication. Thy
grandmother has gone to FalloAvfield, accompanied by thy
aunt Mary and little John. By a letter received by W. B. F.
from cousin James R. Greeves, it appears that he has Avritten
to Aaron. Of course I suppose you have the particulars of
his voyage out. [J. R. G. accompanied Jacob Green to
Ireland, where he paid a visit among his own relations.]
T.. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Seventh month 27th.
Thy grandmother's health continues poor. She went on
Fourth-day to Fallowfield, accompanied by thy aunt Mary
and John L. Kite. I do not knoAv that I have more to say
than to add thy mother's love ahd mine, and our continued
desire for thy preservation from evil, and growth in the
Truth ; that, whatever things are just, pure, lovely, and of
good report, may be meditated on by thee, and may be ex
emplified in thy life. Then will the work of righteousness
in thy experience be peace, and the effect thereof quietness
and assurance forever.
In the Eighth month, Thomas Kite attended Concord Quar
terly Meeting, visiting his relations in Chester and DelaAvare

270 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
counties, and then Bucks Quarterly Meeting. His mother,
whose health had long been declining, was now sinking fast.
She returned about the close ^of summer from Fallowfield,
desiring as she expressed it, to die at home. She had been
all her life a diligent letter-writer, and even now that death
seemed so near, and weakness was so great, she made some
efforts that way. The last attempt Avas to greet her grand
daughter Susanna and her husband ; she was not able to
finish it. We are willing to insert it as a mark of her man
ner, and the spirit in which she was waiting for her close.
It was written about the beginning of the Tenth month.
" My dear grand-children. From my sick chamber, I
might say my sick bed [I write]. I am propped up in bed
and find it hard work to breathe ; yet mostly get some relief
after waiting a time. My limbs are much swollen, and I
find much difficulty in getting to bed. Food I take in small
quantities, — a soft boiled egg for breakfast, a little thin broth
for dinner, and a few oysters for supper.
I do not expect ever to be much better, but try to endure
all with as much patience as I can, knowing that it is the
lot of all that live to take a share of suffering. I do not
think mine will be so heavy but that the Good Hand will
help me to bear it. A week or two back, I did not feel so
comfortable, — I seemed to have lost my way ; I could not
see where the good land lay. I often looked out for some
sign or token, but all seemed like the fading autumn. Then
it came into my mind, that the good land was not amongst
the briars and thorns of this world — I must look ahead!
Since then I try to be content with the share that comes to
my lot.
We hear of many sick and suffering. I expect you have
heard of the sudden death of Sarah E., and since then of her

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 271
sister. One night last, week Mary Ann Avas taken somewhat
in the same Avay, but is now better, — quite recruited.
It Avould be very pleasant to see either of you ! What a
great undertaking to scribble a little! Mary Walton is
Avith me ; our family mostly gone to meeting.
Second-day morning. I had a more comfortable night.
William smiles to see his grandmother, pen in hand. He
and his Avife are very kind in bringing me little nice tidbits,
such as they think I can eat. Indeed all are kind, and
willing to visit me and make me comfortable.''
MARY KITE TO S. SHARPLESS. Eleventh month 14th.
Thy grandmother has been much as for many weeks past,
until the last three days ; since which she has had more oppres
sion, and her limbs much more swollen, so that it is difficult
for her to move them. She does not appear to look forward
Avith dread to the future, or to anticipate the coming trial,
leaving all Avith the Good Physician, who knows what is best
for her. She sometimes says, when asked how she is, " Gradu
ally going." Sometimes she says, " It takes time for nature
to wear out." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA. Eleventh month 26th.
* * * William was kind enough to impart the con
tents of thy epistle to himself and Avife ; and cousin Edith
and Ann have entertained us with some account of your
domestic events. They are very pleasantly with us. We
had them at our Monthly Meeting to-day. Cousin Edith
was concerned to say a little in the meeting for worship. I
was yesterday at the Monthly Meeting for the Southern

272 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
District, and Lydia Deane was there, a friend whom thou
mayest have heard of as having attended the Yearly Meet
ing last spring. Her residence is in NeAV York, and she is
here with a prospect of visiting the families which compose
Orange Street Monthly Meeting. Her concern met Avith the
approbation of the meeting, and I suppose she commenced
her labors this morning. Elizabeth Evans is absent on a
similar concern for the two Monthly Meetings of Haddon-
field and Chester, (N. J.) Wm. Evans has lately returned
from a religious visit to the meetings of Purchase and West-
berry Quarterly Meetings, in the State of New York. Thus
thou mayest. perceive the Lord's servants are not wholly
unemployed. Thou hast probably heard thy mother and I
have been to Greenwich. We understood that our friends
George and Mary Mickle had such a visit in prospect, and
were willing to take us in their carriage. We accordingly
went to Woodbury [Eleventh month 6th], the Sixth-day be
fore Salem Quarterly Meeting, lodged at George's, and the
next day went to Greenwich. A very unpleasant occurrence
marked the evening of our arrival. One of our horses had
exhibited marks of indisposition before we reached Green
wich, and died about an hour after our arrival. * * On
First-day we attended Greenwich Meeting; dined at John
Sheppard's, where we made our home, and in the e\TeDing
took tea with John E. and Margaret. On Second-day our
kind friends George and Mary left us, and returned home to
be at the funeral of James Sa\inders, who died of consump
tion. We staid at Green wich until Third-day, paying some
agreeable visits, and in the afternoon accompanied John and
Mary to Mannington, near Salem, making our home at
Jonathan Freedland's, whilst we continued in that neighbor
hood. Ann Eliza Yarnall seemed truly glad to see us. I

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 273
attended Select Quarterly Meeting on Fourth-day, and both
of us that for business on the day following. We dined at
Elizabeth Miller's after the first, and Rhoda Denn's after
the second. On Fifth-day afternoon George and Mary
Mickle took us to SculltoAvn on our way home. Our visit
to A. and S. Scull Avas very agreeable. We dined Avith our
kind friends George and Mary at their farm-house near Wood
bury, and came home in the evening car. But for the loss
of the horse, our whole excursion would have been peculiarly
pleasant, as affording the opportunity of reneAving our inter
course with many Friends to whom we are closely united,
and particularly in noticing in some of them an increase of
those fruits of righteousness which are to the glory of our
Heavenly Father when brought forth in his obedient chil
dren. May such fruits abundantly appear in the case of my
dear child and her companion in life !
On the decease of his mother, Rebecca Kite, T. K. made
the folloAving memorandum : " My dear mother departed
this life Twelfth month 20th, 1840, in the seventy-sixth
year of her age. Her piety was of a cheerful character ;
although she had many trials to endure, her faith did not
fail ; and near her close she spoke of the bright pathway
before her. At another time she repeated the substance of
the Psalmist's expression ' a broken and a contrite heart, O
God, thou wilt not despise !' It was a satisfaction to me to
haAre had my parents to reside with me for several years be
fore their departure, and a great comfort to believe that,
through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, they- each found
acceptance with Him, and have been joined to the company
John saw, of whom it was said, ' These are they which have

274 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'"
T. K. TO JOSEPH EDGERTON.
Philadelphia, Twelfth month 16th, 1840.
Dear Friend, Joseph Edgerton:— I have frequently
of late remembered that I am in thy debt for a very accept
able letter dated Tenth month 29th. It not only strengthened
the feelings of brotherly affection I entertain for thee, but
communicated interesting information concerning the late
Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Indiana ; so that I ought in
common justice to endeavor to make some return, which I
shall endeavor to do by giving thee some little hint of how
we are getting along here. The Apostle James says " The
fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace," but if it be true that the tree is known by its fruit,
something of a very different nature has been sown amongst
us, and what that has been thou are well aware. But little
change has recently occurred ; yet I hope that little is favor
able, and that some Friends are less unkind in their feelings
than they were ; but there are others whose minds continue
uncomfortable. One effect of the present state of things I particularly re
gret. Most, of our elders are quite aged, and there are no
doubt gifted men and women in younger life, who might
usefully be placed in that important station, if it could be
done in the unity, of which at present there seems no cer
tainty. But the cause is the Lord's, and He can make a way
where no way appears, in his own time, and enable his de
pendent children so to wait upon Him, that patience in them
may have its perfect work. We are not, however, forsaken ;
the dear Master frequently is graciously pleased in our solemn

1840.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 275
assemblies to afford us a token for good, by the manifestation
of his immediate life-giving presence, as well as by qualify
ing his servants and handmaidens to speak well of his ex
cellent name. He has also, as I believe, been turning his
hand upon the little ones to prepare them for his own service ;
and several of these in different parts of our Yearly Meeting
have recently come forth in a public testimony to the Truth.
* * * Our friend Elizabeth Evans has gone to pay a
religious visit to the families of Haddohfield and Chester
Monthly Meetings in New Jersey. Lydia Dean, of the City
of New York, is engaged in a similar visit to the families of
the Southern District Monthly Meeting. Thomas and Eliza
beth Robson were lately heard of at Charleston, South Caro
lina John Warren and Samuel Taylor passed through this
place lately on their way to North Carolina. Our boarding
school at Westtown is largely supplied with scholars for the
present session. It has 131 boys and 121 girls. We are
favored with suitable teachers, not only as regards literary
acquirements, but, we hope, they mostly are concerned for the
religious welfare of the pupils ; and a comfortable hope is
entertained, that the institution is fulfilling what our friend
Thomas Scattergood had a prophetic foresight of, many
years ago : " This," he said, " is a plantation that the Lord
Avill water." May the Divine blessing rest upon it and upon
your similar undertaking. We are making efforts to have
our select school for boys, in this city, more thoroughly what
is desirable. That for girls, has for several years very much
answered our desires. My dear mother has for some time
been in a declining state of health. She appears to be draw
ing towards her close. I mentioned to her that I was writing
to thee, and she said, " Give my love affectionately to him,
and tell him I expect to see him no more !" She seems in a

276 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1840.
clear, calm and resigned state ; waiting for the summons that
shall call her hence. Her sufferings have been great from
a disease of the heart, combined with dropsy and erysipelas ;
but she has been mercifully preserved in patience. My wife
also desires her love, as does my sister Mary and daughter
Rebecca. Sarah Hillman, the daughter of the widow mentioned in
thy letter, was at my house yesterday. Her health is deli
cate, yet she is alive in the Truth, and at times much favored
in her public ministry. My nephew by marriage, James R.
Greeves, AA7ho accompanied our dear friend Jacob Green to
his own habitation, has returned ; and gives a pleasant ac
count of the peaceful state of his (Jacob's) mind. Yet he is
not eating the bread of idleness, having commenced a visit
to the families of six Particular Meetings, composing the
Monthly Meeting of which he is a member.
With love to dear Benjamin Hoyle, your respected com
panions, Wm. Green and his daughter, who was at our select
school, I remain in the fellowship of the Gospel, thy friend,
Thomas Kite.
The death of John Comfort is felt as a great loss, he being
in the prime of his usefulness ; also Josiah Reeve, although
he was much older. They were each substantial elders.

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 277

CHAPTER XV— 1841.
LETTERS  YEARLY MEETING — EDITH JEFFERIS RECOM
MENDED AS A MINISTER  SEVERAL LETTERS  SAMUEL
BETTLE AND NATHAN KITE VISIT OHIO AND INDIANA
— WILLIAM EVANS VISITS NORTH CAROLINA — RACHEL
C. BARTRAM'S DEATH.
Thomas Kite, Jr., haA'ing purchased a foundry and
machine shop in Cincinnati, Ohio, his father thus Avrote to
him on the occasion :
"Philadelphia, First month 12th, 1841. I have no doubt
of thy industry, frugality and attention to business, and yet
a feAV hints may not improperly be offered for thy considera
tion. In carrying on the important, business thou hast under
taken, keep such an oversight as to be acquainted with all
its parts, and particularly with the account books. How
ever trustworthy anyone may be whom thou employs, a per
sonal knowledge appears to me indispensable.
Keep a distinct cash book ; and let it be balanced at least
twice in every week ; my practice when in business was to do
it daily. Always examine whether the cash on hand corres
ponds Avith the balance.
Let no piece of Avork leave the premises without the requi
site entry having been first made. A personal inspection
Avill detect errors in quantity or price.
Avoid leaving balances due and uncollected. Sometimes
a considerable sum is absorbed in this way. My master was
accustomed to say that more money was lost from not asking
for it when it might be had, than from any other cause.
Some people feel a delicacy about asking for money due

278 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
them, that seems rather out of place. It ought always to be
understood that men are at liberty to claim what they are
justly entitled to. In making collections, be sure to call at
the time mentioned by the debtor.
A bill book should be kept, and it might be well to have
a memorandum book, containing for daily inspection, an
account of payments to be made, as well as important busi
ness to be attended to.
Make it a practice to be punctual in thy" own payments, or
if unforeseen contingencies render it impracticable, pay a part
on account, and ask as a favor an extension on the balance.
I scarcely need express my confidence, that whatever may
be thy press of business, thou wilt endeavor so to arrange it,
as not to interfere with the attendance of religious meetings ; '
but I would just hint my earnaet wish that on these occa
sions thou mayest be favored to leave the world and all its
concerns at home, and through the fresh extendings of Divine
love and mercy, be made and preserved a living worshipper.
I have no doubt thou wilt continue plain and exemplary in
thy personal appearance and language ; and I earnestly desire
that thy whole conduct .and deportment may be in corres
pondence with it. Examples of uprightness in bearing these
and the other precious testimonies committed to our forefathers,
are much needed in the present day.
TO THE SAME. Second month 8th.
John L. Smith heard to-day of the decease of his sister
Deborah, which has been looked for, for some time. There
is reason to believe she made a good end, having appeared
increasingly serious for some time. We have had a minister
ing Friend with us for some days, named Mead Atwater,

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 271)
from the neighborhood of Lockport, NeAV York, Avith Benjamin
BoAverman for companion, an Elder from near Rochester.
They seem both worthy and humble-minded men. Dost
thou remember Wm. Wetherill, the lame lad at Westtown '!
He appears to be in the last stage of consumption, and will
probably die to-night. His conduct in some respects has
been unguarded, but there is good ground to hope he has been
favored to experience repentance and a change of heart,
through redeeming love and mercy, and now seems quietly
to Avait for the great change.
One of the inmates of Thomas Kite's family thus writes to
his daughter Rebecca, under date of Second month 22nd,
1841. " John L. Smith seems to be clad with his usual cheer
fulness, nearly. Last evening, after reading, and a short
silence, thy father spoke to us, C. W. being one of the com
pany, of his young friend Deborah Smith, Avho, he felt a.
comfortable evidence, had been prepared for, and joined to
that happy number who in heaven are enjoying their Saviour's
countenance. He said that for some time before her close,
she had secretly been maintaining the warfare against the
corrupt part which could not inhabit glory. He pressed the
necessity of our making ready for the change, as she had
done, and particularly craved for her brother, that he might
be more in earnest, as we know not when the messenger
Avould arrive at our door."
T. K. TO SON THOMAS. Third month 12th.
* * * Having written so often of late, I seem to have
little more to add, excepting the expression of the warm

280 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
desire I feel for thy preservation. Many are the dangers, in
the most sheltered situations, which attend our passage
through the present world. May thy attention be kept close
to the heavenly Pilot, that so thou may avoid the rocks and
quicksands on which so many strike and perish, and at last
attain the port of everlasting peace.
During the Yearly Meeting this year, Thomas Kite mani
fested much concern in the various subjects coming before
it, speaking briefly at various times with much life and
power. On Sixth-day morning he adverted to the great
number of valuable Friends who had recently been removed
from the church militant to the church triumphant ; and
stated his belief there were several such with us, Avho would
never again assemble with their friends in this capacity. He
then expressed his concern that those upon whom the burden
was now beginning to rest, and on Avhom it would shortly
more fully devolve, might be rightly prepared to fill their
allotted stations in the church.*
T. K. TO e. s. F.
Fourth month 12th, 1841.
I received thy kind letter, but various circumstances have
hitherto prevented my making the acknowledgment; and
now I am principally induced to write to let thee know that
Ave have room for thee at our approaching Yearly Meeting.
* * *
It is natural for us to look forAvard to this interesting oc-
* Of those present, at this Yearly Meeting on the men's side, who
deceased before the next annual gathering, the following Ministers
and Elders were a part — Davis Richards, Samuel Atkinson, Thomas
Stewardson and Jesse Spencer.

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 281
casion with some degree of solicitude, and with secret desires
that the right thing may prevail, and the mourners be com
forted ; and if all who attend come with serious minds, and
are favored to keep their places, Ave may hope that the Aving
of Ancient Goodness will again be spread over us.
I Avas quite interested in thy account of Martha Smith's
expressions, and should have been glad to have heard some
further particulars. It is, indeed, a great mercy that her eyes
were so far opened as thy letter represents ; it would have
been still more agreeable to have heard of penitential ac
knowledgments. Several of the separatists have been favored
to see their error, and have of latter time returned to us, of
fering satisfactory papers of condemnation. There have
been two such cases in the Western District, one in the
Southern, one at Uwchlan, and another in Burlington Quar
terly Meeting. There is also a female in this city who has for
saken their assemblies, attends ours, and manifests a serious
mind, who has not yet made an acknowledgment.
T. K. TO MARTHA JEFFERIS. Fifth month 28th.
Dear Sister : — * * * This has been a week of con
siderable interest as regards our Monthly . Meetings. On
Third-day, Joseph Snowden was nominated to the Monthly
Meeting of which he is a member, an elder, and the meeting
united with it. Elizabeth Pitfield and Sarah Hillman were
each set at liberty to attend Rhode Island Yearly Meeting,
and Joseph Snowden to accompany them. On Fourth-day,
Hannah Allen was appointed assistant clerk of her Monthly
Meeting. The same day, at an adjournment of the Western
District Monthly Meeting, the case of Rebecca Collins was
considered, and she recommended to the Select Quarterly
19

282 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
Meeting as a minister ; and yesterday I was furnished by
our Monthly Meeting with a minute to pay a little debt of
gospel love within the limits of Baltimore Quarterly Meeting.
It has been a comfort to me that cousin Edith [Jefferis]'s
case was resulted in so satisfactory a manner* I hope, dear
child, she will be preserved in an inward attention to' the
puttings forth of the Good Shepherd, and that she may be
enabled to bear Avith patience those baptisms which the fruit-
bearing branches must partake of. I hear she is now with
thee ; if it be so, salute her in my name, as also dear Rebecca
Biddle. I hope the health of the latter is so far restored as
to permit her to fulfil her duties without oppression.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Baltimore, Sixth month 16th, 1841. * * As I suppose
thy mother to be absent from home,f I have concluded to
write a few lines to thee, informing how we have fared. We
had a pleasant passage to this place on Seventh-day [12th],
and were kindly received at Hugh Balderstoh's. On First-
day we attended meeting, morning and afternoon, and took
tea at William Proctor's. On Second-day, we went to Gun
powder, distant about eighteen miles, having a hired horse
and dearborn; the horse was lame, and travelled slowly,
otherwise our journey was agreeable. The country diversi
fied with hill and dale. We put up at Thomas Scott's, and
had an appointed meeting yesterday with Friends and others,
to pretty good satisfaction. In the afternoon returned to
this city by another and more beautiful route, calling on our
aged friend, Ann Poulteney, Avho resides a few miles out of
town, and taking tea with her and four of her daughters. In
* Becommended as a minister.
t Gone to Muncy, on appointment of the Quarterly Meeting.

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 283
the evening I met with a friend from Hopewell, with whom
I have made arrangements respecting the more distant parts
of my prospect. This afternoon the Select Quarterly Meet
ing occurs ; to-morrow that for business ; and on Sixth-day
we expect to take the railroad car for Winchester, Virginia.
I seem to have very little to say, but thought my family
would like to hear from me. I do not Avish to return before
my service is fully accomplished, but when it is, I believe I
shall endeavor to be with you speedily. With love to the
whole family, I am thy affectionate father.
In this visit he Avas accompanied by James R. Greeves.
A brief description of the close of this visit will be found in
the following letter to his daughter Susanna :
" Philadelphia, Seventh month 1 6th, 1 841 . Dear daughter.
Did it occur to thy recollection that this is thy father's birth
day ? I am now 56 years old, and have abundant cause to
acknowledge that goodness and mercy have followed me all
my life long. May my closing years, whether few or many,
be more devoted to the service of my Divine Master than
those which have passed ; and may my children be fully
given up to serve Him in their day. They will find Him,
as the faithful have ever found Him, to be the best of Masters.
Thou, my dear child, art now coming a little forAvard in his
service. May He guide thee by his counsel, preserve thee
in humility, strengthen thee to fulfil his divine will, sanctify
thee by his truth, and prepare thee for his heavenly kingdom.
I would have given thee some particulars respecting my
late visit, but supposed cousin James would do it more fully
by word of mouth, than I could by my pen. We travelled
nearly five hundred miles, and I was at meeting but seven
times, viz., twice at Baltimore, on a First-day ; at Gunpow-

284 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
der, on Third-day ; at Select Quarterly Meeting, on Fourth-
day, and the meeting for business, on Fifth-day ; at Hope
well, in Virginia, on the First-day following, and at Goose
Creek the next day. After which we returned home by way
of Baltimore, and the railroad, it being the first time I ever
passed between that city and our own by land. On the
whole, I had a comfortable hope that I was in my proper
place ; and though much weakness is apparent amongst our
Friends, yet evidence was renewedly furnished that the Lord
hath not forgotten to be gracious, but is extending his secret
calls and visitations to the different branches of our still
favored, although in the parts I have visited, greatly reduced
and scattered Society.
I was not very well whilst absent, nor for some weeks after
my return. Jesse Spencer has several times invited us to
pay his family a visit, so, in hopes it would prove beneficial
to my health, thy mother, sister Rebecca and' I, concluded
to go to Gwynedd on Fourth-day week. On Fifth-day we
attended their \veek-day meeting ; and in the evening Jesse
took us to his brother George's, at Moreland. We found the
latter' expecting to go next morning to Frankford, to attend
the funeral of Jonathan P. Knight, and Jesse and I con
cluded also to go. It was largely attended ; and Sarah Hill
man was strengthened at the grave, pertinently to address
those who were present. We returned to Moreland, took
tea at Charles Spencer's, a cousin of Jesse, where we met thy
mother and sister, and called at Samuel Spencer's (a brother
of Charles) on our way to George's, from Avhence we returned
the same evening to Jesse's. Seventh-day morning I walked
to see Phebe Roberts, Hannah Williams' married daughter,
who has, of late, appeared at times in the line of the ministry.
In the afternoon we went to her mother's, at Plymouth, where

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 285
we took tea, and returned home by the Norristown railroad,
arriving in the city before dark. I think I was benefitted
in my health by this little excursion."
During his visit in Virginia, T. Kite called at the dwell
ing of a minister, an honest, simple-hearted Friend, who lived
in great simplicity. Soon after his return he received the
following letter from his late host, viz. :
" Dear friend. — Thy little visit, to our habitation Avas so
pleasant, and has left so sweet a feeling upon our minds, that
I feel as though I cannot be satisfied without expressing it.
I am thankful thou wast not discouraged from it, as it made
our hearts glad, under a belief that the Great and Good
Master inclined thee to it. I hope thou wast favored to
reach home with the reward of peace, for having paid the
little debt which, no doubt, was due from thee to Baltimore,
and some other meetings. The church here is not in a very
flourishing state, the world having engrossed the minds of
too many of our members, who seem to forget that they owe
themselves, and all they are favored with, to the goodness
and mercy of their Heavenly Father. Oh ! when will this
strange and unnatural course of life be exchanged for one of
gratitude, of love. For myself, I trust I can say, I had
rather see the kingdom of the Holy Jesus gaining ground in
the hearts of the people, and so spreading over1 the nations of
the earth, than to enjoy all the honors and pleasures of a
transitory world. Truly the peace He bestows upon those
who humbly endeavor to follow Him, and keep his com
mandments, is superior to everything else.
Well, dear Thomas, remember me and mine before the
Father of Mercies, and pray for us, that we may be made
more and more partakers of the love of God and the com-

286 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
munion of the Holy Ghost, and continue therein to the end.
Affectionately thy friend, S. F. B."
In regard to this journey, Thomas Kite made the follow
ing short memorandum in his Diary :
" Having obtained the requisite permission of the Monthly
Meeting, in the Sixth month, 1841, I visited nearly all the
meetings composing Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, having
cousin James R. Greeves for companion. Although many
painful feelings attended, and the state of our religious So
ciety was low in most places, yet I was favored to get
through mostly to my relief. A fear, however, attended,
that in the latter part of the engagement, the desire of get
ting home was too much given way to. May it operate as a
caution on future occasions."
Thomas Kite, Jr., having paid a visit to his relatives in
Philadelphia and its neighborhood, returned home to Cincin
nati, taking Niagara in his way. Soon after his departure, ,
his father addressed to him this letter.
Philadelphia, Seventh month 19th, 1841.
Dear Son : — I cannot avoid feeling some degree of anxi
ety respecting thy homeward journey, and am looking for
ward with solicitude for a letter announcing thy arrival in
thy adopted city. I trust a merciful Providence has watched
over thee for good, and that thy Heavenly Father has pur
poses of kindness in store for thee, if thou art willing to bow
to the visitations of his Holy Spirit. The disappointments
He permits to befall us, all pleasing and all adverse allot
ments, health or sickness, poverty or riches, may be made
subservient to our best interests, if our hearts are set on Him.
All things shall Avork together for good to them that love
God. I felt an unusual solicitude whilst thou wast lately

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 287
with us, that thou may not rest satisfied short of the experi
ence of that change of heart which is described in the Scrip
tures as a neAV birth, — regeneration. In order to this, thou
must deny thyself of everything the Divine Light discovers
to be Avrong. Thou must take up thy cross daily, and en
deavor to follow the Lord Jesus in the way of his leadings.
I have great confidence in thy outward conformity to the
rules and testimonies of our Society. I am thankful I can
feel as I do in this respect, confidence in thy morals; confi
dence in thy rectitude as a man of business. But if thy
Heavenly Father should show thee that greater circumspec
tion is needful in some particulars, give heed to his Divine
intimations. With respect to the society of young persons,
I am not informed on what footing social intercourse is car
ried on in Cincinnati ; but in some places a manner prevails
that is too free, bordering on levity. There may be an op
posite extreme, of too great reserve, but it is a safer one.
Young women should be treated with great respect. I think
there has been a great improA'ement in this respect with the
younger members of our Society within my memory, — I mean
in country places. I hope it will extend to every part of it,
for sure I am, our principles lead to the adoption of whatso
ever things are pure, excellent, lovely, and of good report. I
have poured out my feelings without premeditation ; the drift
of it all is, I wish to see thee a consistent Christian, a living,
baptized member of the Church ; one that in public assem
blies, and in private retirement, has access to the Living
Fountain of pure spiritual refreshment. Be not discouraged
from persevering, if the attainment should seem difficult ;
through many tribulations the righteous enter the kingdom ;
the prize at the end of the race is worth all the sacrifices we
can make to obtain it. This is the prize — this is the promise :

288 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
eternal life, — happiness without alloy and without end ! But
let us always connect with the consideration of these impor
tant subjects, that solemn admonition, " Without holiness no
man shall see the Lord." SAME TO SAME. Eighth month 16th.
Thy travels to the Falls,, and description of it, we have
become acquainted with. Do not forget to tell us how thou
fared in getting home. Our Rebecca Walton is in expectation
of setting out to-morrow morning for Mount Pleasant. She
has for company our old friend, Jane B. Temple, &c, &c.
Thou hast, no doubt, heard of the burning of the steamboat
Erie, on the lake of the same name, with the appalling loss
of life. It has raised thankful emotions that a kind Provi
dence watched over our beloved son, and led him in
safety to his distant home. May it be increasingly thy con
cern to live to the glory of his great name ; and this can only
be done as thou art willing to bring thy outward conduct
and inward thoughts and desires to the test of that Divine
Light, wherewith thou and all men are enlightened, by its
assistance to discover what the Lord's controversy is against,
and by his Divine aid, to put it away.
Extracts from letters of T. Kite to his brother. Nathan,
whilst the latter was with Samuel Bettle attending Ohio and
Indiana Yearly Meeting.
Ninth month 5th. " Thomas B. Gould accomplished his
marriage on Third-day. The meeting was remarkably
solemn. The newly-married pair, with Thomas' sister and
Martha's mother, departed for their residence on Sixth-day.
We were last evening invited to the funeral of our cousin,

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 289
Isaac Jones, which takes place to-day at Germantown. Edith
and I are about starting to attend it."
Ninth month 12th. " Samuel Bettle, Jr., has gone with
Regina Shober to Exeter, which meeting, I believe, she
omitted on her way to Bellefonte. William Evans has found
a pair of horses, and proposes to set off next Sixth-day, after
the Meeting for Sufferings. He expects to take Goose Creek
and HopeAvell Meetings on his Avay south, * of Avhich I am
glad. Thou art aware, perhaps, that John Wilbur has had
a severe attack of pleurisy since his limb was fractured. Dost
thou remember to have heard of his daughter Foster, a min
ister ? It seems she has a son of uncommon promise, who has
lately appeared in testimony, in his thirteenth year. He
commenced with, ' This is a faithful saying, and worthy of
all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save
sinners, of whom I am chief.' "
T. K. TO MARTHA JEFFERIS. Ninth month 28th, 1841.
* * * I do not expect to attend the examination [at
Westtown], but have thought of being at the school in time
to meet the Committee on Instruction on Fifth-day evening.
Smith Upton and Sarah B. Thompson are proposing to take
each other in marriage on Fifth-day next. My wife and I
are appointed to attend on that occasion. Wm. Evans and
Jeremiah Hacker were heard from yesterday ; they had
reached Goose Creek, in Virginia, and were in comfortable
health. Ebenezer Roberts was in the city last week, attending our
Monthly Meetings. He was more extensively engaged in
ministerial labors than I have heretofore known him to be ;
* To visit the meetings of North Carolina Yearly Meeting.

290 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
his visit was acceptable, he being an honest-hearted Friend.
I note thy remarks respecting the uncertainty of thy pros
pects after thy engagements at the school shall terminate.
There is no use in straining our eyes by endeavoring to see
in the dark. Be encouraged to keep fast hold of the anchor
of faith ; wait on the Lord, and He will in his own good
time open a way. To be where He would have us to be,
and to be doing or suffering what He would have us to do or
suffer, ought to content us ; because as his will is our sancti
fication, that state of purification He designs for us, can only
be attained in the resignation of our will to his. Dear sister,
I do not write these things as new, but simply because they
arose as I was writing. I trust He who has been with thee
frofn early life, and strengthened thee to bear the burden
and heat of the day, will continue so to be to thee a Father
and a Friend, until thou hast finished thy allotted portion of
labor, and art prepared to take thy flight to the land of rest.
On the evening of Tenth month 3rd, a religious opportunity
took place in T. K.'s family, which one of those present thus
describes : " Our dear father appeared in supplication, first,
for the female head of the family,* who was soon for a season
to be separated for the service of Truth from those who are
near and dear to her ; he interceded that she might be
strengthened and supported ; that though she might go forth
weeping, she might return Avith rejoicing. Then for S. L.,
that, she might perform the duties of her responsible station.
Then for all the rest, that those Avho had entered the narrow
way might continue on ; and that judgments mixed with
mercy, might follow those Avho had not."
* Edith Kite was about starting on the Quarterly Meeting's Com
mittee to Muncy, &c.

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 291

T. K. TO HIS BROTHER NATHAN. Tenth month 14th.
Thy letter Avritten at the close of Indiana Yearly Meeting
has been duly received. * * * I cannot remember
Avhether I mentioned the death of our friend Jesse Spencer,
of dysentery ; it occurred the very day he was to have started
for Tunessasah with Robert Scotton and Joseph Elkinton.
The two latter have since started. * * * Uncle John
Letchworth has been again indisposed, but is better. My
wife, and all the Quarterly Meeting's Committee except
Phila. Pemberton and me, have gone to Muncy. * * *
Smith Upton and Sarah B. Thompson were duly married,
and we were favored with a solid good meeting. Elizabeth
Evans ministered to us.* The company was orderly. Caleb
Pierce, Sally N. Dickerson, Edith and I, were overseers.
Yardley Warner and Hannah Allen were married yesterday.
They spoke more audibly than the former couple. Indeed
I know not that I ever heard the ceremony more feelingly
pronounced. Elizabeth Evans ministered also on this occa
sion. She is to set out on her visit to the meetings of Abing-
* One of T. K.'s neices writing of this meeting to her uncle Nathan,
says : " We had a very good meeting indeed the day they were mar
ried ; very much to my satisfaction. E. Evans gave us one of her
very best sermons, commencing with, ' He that loseth his life for
my sake shall find it.' It was a very tender and affectionate appeal
to the young people present, especially to the visited of the Lord, to
be willing to lay down their life in worldly things for the sake of
their dear Lord and Saviour. Uncle Thomas appeared in supplica
tion, in the course of which he was led to petition for those who had
just covenanted together, that- they might be enabled to keep their
covenants, &c. It was a solemn time ; and the parties spake as if
they deeply felt the solemnity of it."

292 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
ton and Bucks Quarters on Second-day next. In this por
tion of her service, she is to be accompanied by Margaret
Shoemaker and Samuel B. Morris. Rebecca Hubbs passed
through the city yesterday to visit the same meetings. We
hear comfortable tidings of Wm. Evans and Jeremiah
Hacker. At the last account they had nearly reached Ten
nessee. We hear from Aaron's to-day, that Ennion Cook
has deceased ; but have received no particulars. I went to
Westtown last week to attend the Boarding School Com
mittee ; it was a comfortable meeting, but rather smaller
than usual. The examination at the close of the session was
favorably reported of. Martha Jefferis has been with us
two nights. James and Sarah Emlen have called, and divers
of the teachers [being vacation]. * * * This day at our
meeting Mary Hinsdale,* from New York, spoke to us, and
Rebecca Collins was engaged in prayer. * * * It is
pleasant to think that the time Avill soon be here when we
may expect you. * * * It is not likely we shall write
again, so with desires for thy safe return, improved in bodily
aud spiritual strength, I conclude, remaining thy affectionate
brother. T. K. TO HIS WIFE. Tenth month 15th, 1841.
* * * Wm. Kennard took tea with us on First-day,
after attending our meeting, in which he was silent. He
seems to be a solid, valuable Friend. I hear T. and E.
Robson are in town on their way to Baltimore Yearly Meet
ing. I have not seen them. Hannah Warrington, Jr., has
a minute to attend North Carolina Yearly Meeting. * * *
Nathan gives an account of Indiana Yearly Meeting. Some
*See an account of her, page 73, as Mary Boscoe.

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 293
excitement prevailed on the abolition question, arising from
a minute introduced by the Meeting for Sufferings against
opening Friends' meeting-houses for lectures ; noticing also
Joseph Sturges' letter, and Arnold Buffington's paper, and
one other. The meeting adopted the minute of advice, and
ordered it to be inserted in the printed minutes. Samuel
and Nathan are expected home about the time of our Quar
terly Meeting. * * * I am endeavoring to bear thy
absence as well as I can. The belief that thou art in the
way of thy duty in going, and the hope that I have not im
properly remained at home, serves to alleviate the ,trial of
thy absence. I desire that Ave may each be preserved in
watchfulness, and, if favored to meet again, that we may in
creasingly become each other's joy in the Lord.
T. K. TO EDITH JEFFERIS.
Philadelphia, Tenth month 25th, 1841.
Dear Cousin : — Notwithstanding way has not opened
lately to address thee by letter, thou hast lived in my remem
brance ; and I am not aware that the affectionate interest I
have long felt in thee and thy concerns, has suffered the
least abatement. I believe thou art in the school of Christ,
in which many lessons are to be learned, and some of them
humiliating and mortifying to the flesh ; but if we are at
tentive scholars, we shall be instructed even by our misses;
the corrections of our kind Master will be administered in
love, and all our varied exercises will be blessed and sancti
fied to us, and we shall more and more perceive that to act
in the meekness, simplicity and obedience of little children,
is the Avay to obtain Divine favor and approbation. We
shall also learn, that it is not needful to be much cast down,
when we fail to obtain the approval of our fellow mortals ;

294 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
yet we cannot at times but feel, particularly if anything that
seems hard to bear, comes to us from those we love. It is
evident that the Psalmist had a sore struggle on this account.
" It was not an enemy," he says, " that reproached me ; then
I could have borne it ; neither was it he that hated me that
did magnify himself against me ; then I would have hid my
self from him ; but it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide
and mine acquaintance : we took sweet counsel together,
and Avalked to the house of God in company." Many since
the days of the Psalmist have had their trials from those
they loved, and have been wounded in the house of their
friends. But it is through all, the privilege of the Lord's
children to know they have an unfailing Helper, who bindeth
up their Avounds, and causeth all things to work together for
their good. Well, Avhatever may befall thee, trust in Him,
and wait upon Him, and He will send thee help from his
sanctuary and strengthen thee out of Zion. * * *
I don't wish improperly to draw thee out, but may simply
say, that when thou feels like writing, thy communications
will be acceptable to thy affectionate uncle.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Tenth month 25th, 1841-
* * * We had John Cox, aged nearly eighty-eight, at
our meeting yesterday, who spoke on this text, " Say not thou,
the former days were better than these, for thou dost not inquire
wisely concerning this." He seemed lively and instructive.
The latest intelligence from William Evans and companion,
was contained in a letter from the latter, dated at Knoxville,
Tennessee. They have a laborious and trying service ; have

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 295
met with very bad roads, and had to leave their horses to
rest, whilst a friend furnished them with others. * * *
Third-day morning. Samuel Bettle and thy uncle Nathan
returned last evening in good health. We Avelcomed the
latter cordially. All the city Friends of the Quarterly
Meeting's committee returned last evening, excepting thy
mother. She has gone to Cerestown, accompanied by Enos
Lee, Ellen McCarty and Henry Ecroyd.
T. K. TO MARTHA JEFFERIS.
Eleventh month 8th, 1841.
* * Our aged friend, John Cox, has been paying a visit
to his daughter Susan, and has attended our meeting divers
times, and ministered to us acceptably. Considering he is
now in his eighty-eighth year, he is remarkably bright and
intelligent. H. Warrington, Jr., has gone to North Carolina
Yearly Meeting, accompanied by Lydia Stokes and Benjamin
Albertson. The meeting of business was to commence to-day.
Very favorable accounts continue to be received from Wil
liam Evans and Jeremiah Hacker. It is not likely they Avill
return home before the First month.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Eleventh month 10th, 1841.
* * I write in haste, but before I conclude, I may ex
press the earnest solicitude I feel, that wherever thou art, and
in whatever useful Avay occupied, the Divine blessing may
rest upon thee. I have not the shadow of a doubt thou art
designed to be made a vessel in the Lord's house. Submit,
then, with cheerful resignation to those dispensations which
are designed to break down thy own will, and prepare thee

296 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
for the Lord's use. Then wilt thou be able to say with the
devoted servant of the Most High, " I am crucified with
Christ ; nevertheless, I live ; yet, not I, but Christ liveth in
me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, is by faith in
the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."
SAME TO SAME. Eleventh month 12th.
* * I expect to be at the school to-morrow week, and
should be glad to see thee settled and feeling in thy proper
place by that time. Such a feeling reconciles us to trials and
privations. It is a precious promise, and one that we may
lay hold of, if conscious that amidst all our weaknesses, we
are desiring above everything else, to please our Heavenly
Father, " All things shall work together for good to them
that love God." I feel towards thee not only the flowings
of paternal affection, but something else, I humbly trust, of
gospel love, and not merely desire thy advancement hi the
best things, but have been enabled to believe that by various
dispensations of his love and mercy, thy Divine Master is
preparing thee to surrender thy own will to his blessed will,
and to give thyself up to be, or to do, whatever He may as
sign thee in his church and family. Then be thou faithful
unto death, and He will give thee a crown of life.
At our meeting yesterday, B. Wyatt Wistar and his friend
accomplished their marriage. Many spectators were present,
but it was not so much unsettled as such occasions often are.
* * Our dear friend, Sarah Hillman, was present, and
ministered suitably, to which H. L. Smith made some addi
tion. The young folks spoke distinctly, and kept to the
orthodox form, "loving and faithful."

1841.] MEMOIR^ OF THOMAS KITE. 297
When Hannah Warrington, Jr., left Philadelphia for
North Carolina, Thomas Kite addressed a brotherly saluta
tion to William Evans, and one to his companion. The one
to the latter was as follows :
" Dear friend : — I felt much unity with thee in thy giving
up to the service of accompanying our beloved friend in his
arduous engagement for Christ's sake and the Gospel's. I
intended to ha\7e called at thy house to manifest it, but was
hindered. It has rested on my mind as a debt due thee, to
make this knoAvn to thee, and therefore I take up my pen
to convey to thee some of my feelings, as thou hast many
times since leaving home been brought to my remembrance.
I have no doubt it was a close trial of thy faith to leave thy
Avife, children, and business, for so long a time ; and I have
no doubt thou dost experience other trials of thy faith, in
part on thy OAvn account, in part in sympathy with dear
William, and in a still greater degree in beholding the in
roads the enemy has made upon our Society. With regard
to thy trial in leaving home, remember, for th}' encourage
ment, the promise of the dear Master: Matt., 19 chap. 29
verse, ' And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren,
or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands,
for my name's sake, shall receiA'e an hundred fold, and shall
inherit everlasting life.' As respects the trial thou mayest
meet with, in relation to thy own state, it is said, ' All things
shall work together for good to them that fear God.' For thy
companion thou hast done much more than give a cup of
water, having, I have no doubt, beside cheerfully waiting on
him, yielded him the sympathy of thy spirit, and endeavor
ing, according to the ability received, to go down with him,
even unto the bottom of Jordan, whilst he was preparing to
bring up stones of memorial ; and, therefore, thou mayest
20

298 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
surely take hold of the comfort of our Lord's address to his
disciples, when sending them forth to preach the Gospel of
the Kingdom, ' Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to
drink in my name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say
unto you, he shall not lose his reward.' With regard to the
church, though it is painful to mark the desolations the
spirit of the world has made, yet Ave must believe the Lord
is Avatching over it for good ; ' I, the Lord, do keep' it,' &c,
and He" may, by blessing the faithful labor of devhted ser
vants, and by the immediate operation of his own blessed
Spirit, turn our captivity as the streams in the south."
WILLIAM EVANS TO T. KITE.
Eleventh month 12th, Boarding School, N. C.
Dear Friend : — It is very cordial to receive the evidences
of the remembrance of our home friends, and their affection
ate desires for our preservation every way, — among which was
thy acceptable token of brotherly regard, by B. Albertson.
We thought and spoke of our own Quarterly Meeting, at the
time we supposed it was sitting ; and I felt the trust and per
suasion that the Good Shepherd was with you ; and I know
there are not a few in our beloved city who desire the honor
of his name and the exaltation of his cause, more than any
earthly thing. These are bone of my bone ; and my secret
breathing to the Lord, while far separated, is, that we
may be more and more firmly planted in his house, and be
made instrumental in gathering the dear children to Christ,
and presenting them with increasing beauty and perfection
in Him. It is his will, I believe, that we should labor fer
vently to persuade our fellow members to lay aside every
hindering thing, and to come up nobly to the help of the
Lord against the mighty, and He will bless the sincere pray-

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 299
ers and labors of his upright and dedicated children. My
love was never stronger tOAvards my dear, faithful friends in
Philadelphia ; and it is a comfort to believe, there is a little
band who are united in the Truth and in the fellowship of
suffering, and vvho long to see the ancient standard lifted up
by a rising generation, that the Great Name may be magni
fied, and others may flock to it, and own the Truth as it is
in Jesus. We have had various fare in different places.
Thou knowest it is a pleasant thing to hand forth the conso
lations of the Gospel Avhen the spring is opened for those
who are prepared ; but to be dipped into the state of life
less outside professors, Avithout being able for a long period
to come at anything of the quickening power, is hard for us
poor creatures to endure. And Avhen this does appear, the
kind of service is often very different from what we would
make choice of. But we haA'e good cause to speak Avell of
our Lord and Master, who has many times giA'en evidence
that his sustaining hand was underneath, strengthening us
to labor in his love to draw the hearts of the people unto
Him. And when He Avithdra\vs, for the trial of our faith,
we cannot, but mourn for his return, and sometimes fear lest
Ave should noAV be left, and our emptiness be discovered by
others. We are now staying at the boarding school. A pretty
large company. Old Nathan Hunt is here ; he looks quite
patriarchal, and maintains a strong interest in the con
cerns of the Society. He is determined if in his power, no
innovation shall appear upon the simplicity of the dress and
manner of wearing the hair among his people. He called
out yesterday in the Yearly Meeting, " What a pity ; that a
child of a Friend should be going up the gallery steps with a
frock-tailed coat on !" He often refers to the Prophet Isaiah's

300 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
denunciation of many articles of dress, and says he believes
many of the present day are as opposite to the Divine Will
as these. * * * I hope a little discrimination will be
granted and continued amongst us whatever may be said of
our standard. There are, I believe, notwithstanding their
easy way, some well concerned men ; and I think their ap
pearance has generally improved since my first visit. Could
the boarding school be. rightly sustained by the members
sending their children in larger numbers, it would have a
direct beneficial influence on Society in these parts. Indeed,
it has already done good by imparting instruction to many
who would perhaps have obtained none, and it keeps the com
mittee and other members frequently employed in its concerns,
and thus their attention is necessarily drawn to the subject of
education. It would be a great loss were it permitted to go
down, and more especially as the spirit of migration has
nearly subsided, and the Yearly Meeting is believed to have
been on the increase several years. Notwithstanding sickness
has prevailed in several parts around this neighborhood, and
it was expected to be a discouragement to Friends coming to
it, yet the present Yearly Meeting is considered the largest for
many years. The conduct of the young men has been marked
with sobriety, generally keeping their places during a session
of four to four and-a-half hours, and on benches Avithout
backs. I know there are many discouraging things here ;
but are we to let our hands hang doAvn and conclude nothing
is to be done ? or is it not rather better to arouse one another
up to his portion of the labor to bring about a reformation ?
Much may be done by the willing-hearted, when they set
about in good earnest to examine in the light of Truth their
own state, and then through Divine help to build the wall
against their own houses, and encourage others to do the

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 301
sama I believe Friends have been stimulated to renewed
efforts to pay off the school debt, and it is now reduced so
that there appears very little doubt it. will be effected in the
course of the year. This Yearly Meeting has decided to
close the door against children not members ; in favor of
doing which they had the united voice of all the visitors,
Avho sat with the committee appointed to deliberate on the
matter. I cannot but hope the cause of education is gaining
sure ground in this country, and that the present meeting
will give, force to it. Jeremiah and I enjoy good health ;
and to-morrow (SeA'enth-day), expect to pursue our journey
to the meetings, commencing with Deep Run.
D. and A. Clark have received and treated us with
marked kindness ; assisted us in laying out the route. They
are Quakers of the original stamp, and are not carried off
with mere words. Love to thyself, wife and to M. and N.
Jeremiah desires me to acknowledge the receipt of thy
letter, and wishes his love communicated.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Eleventh month 23rd, 1841.
My Beloved Child : — * * * I feel very tenderly
for thee, having left thee not quite well ; and although I
have not looked for its being anything, more than a slight
indisposition, yet it will be pleasant to receive the assurance
from thy hand that so it turned out. * * * The Apostle
Paul lays great stress upon faith, as thou mayest remember.
It is a Divine gift ; yet keeping close to the little grain of
it received, endeavoring to walk by it and humbly asking
for its increase, we may become strong in it, even as Abraham
and other holy ancients did, together with many in times
nearer our own. I think it is another apostle who exhorts

302 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1841.
believers to add to their faith many excellent Christian
qualities, amongst which is patience : and if amidst the
vicissitudes of this mortal state, we are favored to keep hold
of faith, and to add thereto patience, other needful graces
Avill not be wanting ; and we shall not only be strengthened
in our endeavors to do all things to the glory of God, but
shall learn with the apostle I have first alluded to, in all
states to be content. It is a difficult lesson to learn, but to
the sincere disciple not impossible. Let us never forget who
it is that rules in heaven and amongst men — that superin
tends and orders all events — without whom not a sparrow
falls to the ground ; aud remembers the hairs of our head.
Let us endeavor to commit the keeping of our souls to Him
in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. Then all the events
of this fluctuating state will be blessed and sanctified to us,
and be made helpful in the great work of preparing us for
the coming change, Avhen this corruptible shall put on in-
corruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality ; Avhen
shall be brought to pass the saying that is Avritten, '' Death
is swallowed up in victory." The greatest foreign neAvs is
an account of the burning of the Tower of London, involving
great pecuniary loss, as well as the destruction of many
objects of historical interest." SAME TO SAME. Eleventh month 26th.
* * * Mary M. Sheppard and her brother Mark are
in the city ; he proposes returning to Greenwich to-morrow,
and leaving her here for a feAv days. She looks more umvell
than I expected to see her ; but I hear she is someAvhat im
proved this evening. Thou art aware that I feel much
interested in her, believing her to be one of the visited chil-

1841.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 303
dren of the family, for Avhose preservation and advancement
I have long travailed in spirit. It is a comfort to believe
there are many such in our day ; but Ave knoAv the enemy is
A'ery busy, endeavoring to draAV them aside from the right
Avay of the Lord, or at least hinder their advancement therein.
May the Good Shepherd care for these ; by the crook of his
love recall them, if their hearts should wander for a moment
from Him^ exercise his righteous discipline upon them, and
prepare them for his oAvn work and service, and after they
have fulfilled their course in dedication to his will, admit
them into everlasting habitations. SAME TO SAME. TAvelfth month 8th, 1841.
I arrived in safety at home about one o'clock, and found
thy aunt Mary very much improved in health ; John L.
Smith feeling better than he has for two months ; thy uncle
Nathan out as usual attending to his business. So thou
seest, things on the whole look favorable as it regards my
OAvn family ; but I found a most affecting incident had oc
curred in my absence. Our friend Rachel C. Bartram was
Avalking Avith her sister Ann Richards, and near the corner
of Fifth and Race Streets they were both run over by a horse
that had previously thrown his rider. I do not learn amidst
various statements exactly how it occurred ; but the former
was much injured, her scull being broken, and in about
twenty minutes she expired. It does not appear she was
conscious of anything after receiving the hurt. Her sister
Ann was considerably bruised, her head cut, and her arm
broken in two places ; yet she is likely to recover. It is an
other affecting instanpe of the uncertainty of life, and conveys
an admonition to su rvivors to be in a state of readiness to meet

304 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
the solemn close. I regret that the time fixed for the in
terment is Sixth-day afternoon, at the very hour when the
Boarding School Committee are to assemble. As she was a
member of it, a number of the Friends belonging to it would
have felt interested in attending her funeral. * * * On
looking back over my last visit it seems pleasant, and a hope
is felt that the committee were in the line of duty in being
at the school. My interest in the institution continues un
abated, and my sense of the Aveight of responsibility resting
on the teachers as great as ever. I do earnestly desire that
thou mayest be strengthened to discharge thy portion of the
labors and care with uprightness, and with a single eye to
the Divine glory ; seeking to the Lord every day for strength
to avoid right hand errors and left hand errors ; and to be
preserved from even the appearance of eAril. Then wilt
thou at seasons have to partake of that joy with which the
stranger does not intermeddle.

CHAPTER XVI.— 1842.

FAMILY LETTERS — DEATH OF ROBERT LETCHWORTH —
NOTES OF A FAMILY SITTING AT THOMAS KITE'S —
LETTERS. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.First month 7th, 1842.
Our cousin Robert Letchworth has been very ill ; and al
though he is thought, to be better he can scarcely be con
sidered out of danger. Thy aunt Mary is assisting in nursing

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 305
him. Our Board of Overseers [School Corporation] met
this afternoon to distribute amongst poor housekeepers the
income of a legacy of J. Jones and some other bequests. We
had about two hundred and eighty dollars, and divided it
amongst 115 persons, in proportion as we thought their
necessities required. * * * There will be some glad
hearts from this little bounty. We had at our meeting on
Fifth-day, Charles Collins, of New York, noted as a Hicksite.
He told me he had been at the North and Western Meetings
also. There was likeAvise a female preacher of the same
Society present, who is understood to be very uneasy with
the situation amongst, them ; she was silent and sat far back
in the meeting. Tell thy aunt Martha that the Daniel S.
Dean, whose decease is mentioned in the present number of
" The Friend," is the same person, noted formerly as a minis
ter, who lost his right in Society. " After remaining in that
situation for many years, he sought and obtained restoration
in advanced life ; and I believe was thought to be sincere in
his love to Friends. He was uncle to our friend Lydia Dean.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
First month 7th" 1842.
* * * E. Robson is visiting families in the Western
District Monthly Meeting. Her husband accompanies her.
William Evans and Jeremiah Hacker have returned from
their long journey, and appear to be glad to be again with
their families. It seems, from their account, that in places
where they have been, and especially so in Tennessee, Friends
live in great rusticity, their children are acquiring very
limited schooling, and their wives have to work very much ;
Jeremiah thought, in some instances, harder than slaves. It.
is to be wished some change could be produced. William

306 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842,
thinks, if the boarding school could be efficiently sustained,
and money raised to school some of the poorer children,
great good might be effected. We shall be pleased to see
cousin Edith in the city on her way to Greenwich.
It is well Ave can love the young folks so heartily ; it lightens
our labor on their behalf, and parents may laAvfully look
forward to the time when, if life be spared, their offspring
will be better able to appreciate the care and pains bestowed
upon their infant years. A mother's duties are arduous ; if
faithfully performed, it is not alone a peaceful consciousness
of Divine acceptance is her enriching portion : " She looketh
well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread
of idleness ; her_ children arise up and call her blessed."
Mayest thou be favored to imbue the minds of the tender
lambs with a love for all that is excellent, just and true ;
and in days to come, see of the travail of thy soul on their
account, and be satisfied.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
First month 17th, 1842.
Cousin Edith [Jefferis] remained with us until Sixth-day
afternoon, when I accompanied her to Woodbury. We
lodged at George Mickle's, and had Rebecca Pike and her
daughter with us in the evening. In the morning, after see
ing Edith safe in the Greenwich stage, I went to Joseph
Whitall's. He has been quite poorly, but seems a little
better ; yet on the whole is like a breaking-down man. The
Church has been so stripped of late, that it is not pleasant to
think of the removal of such a pillar.* I returned home on
* " Joseph is very much tried tbat some people who appear as
heads in our Society, should openly declare the opinion, that our
Society has very much fulfilled the design for which it was raised

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 307
Seventh-day afternoon. We hear that Abigail Richards
has been removed from amongst us. She was on a visit to
a married daughter, when she Avas taken ill, and remained
there until her decease. I suppose she was buried yesterday
at Darby. Our friend Ann, the wife of Joseph R. Jenks,
died to-day ; her disease, dropsy. So the generations of
mankind pass successively aAvay. Thrice happy are they,
who are rightly prepared for their exit. May it be increas
ingly thy concern, my dear child, to be thus prepared, by
constantly abiding under the influence of that Grace which
brings salvation ; seeking daily for ability to do thy day's
work in the daytime ; so that when the midnight cry an
nounces the coming of the Bridegroom, thou mayest not be
alarmed, nor unprepared to meet his approach Avith joy.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
First month 25th, 1842.
I have been frequently at the late residence of our late
kinsman R. Letchworth since his decease. The members of
his family seem tried, yet conscious it will not answer so to
give Avay to grief, as to incapacitate them for exertions Avhich
are needful to obtain a livelihood. Uncle John Letchworth
seems tranquilly awaiting his dismission from this scene of
trouble ; yet there is nothing in his present state to forbid
the hope on the part of his friends that he may see another
summer, and again sit with them in a religious assembly.
* * * [After mentioning the death of  , the letter
continues :] But though the Church is stripped in many
places of those who have stood as standard bearers in their
up ; and that it is not much matter how soon it goes down. Such
sentiments were delivered at a late Quarterly Meeting.'' Extract of
a letter dated First month 17th, 1842.

308 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
day, I have faith to believe others will be raised up to fill
their places, as faithfulness is kept to by the visited children;
and that the doctrines and testimonies. which were dear to
our forefathers, will not. be without defenders in our day. I
do feel anxious at times that my own children may be of
this number, and be prepared to partake of the goodness
that the. Lord will dispense to his heritage. For " the Lord
will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places. He
will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the
garden of the Lord ; joy and gladness shall be found therein,
thanksgiving and the voice of melody."
During the visit which Edith Jefferis paid in the city, to
which reference has been made in the preceding letters, several
religious opportunities occurred at places where she and her
uncle Thomas were together. One that took place at Thomas
Kite's residence, at which the members of his family were
generally present, Charles Sheppard's family, and Anna
Garrett, is thus described in a letter : —
" I came in about nine o'clock, and found them sitting in
silence. After a time Edith commenced speaking. Her
mind had been exercised on account of some one or more
present. She addressed them as being in a tried, disconsolate
state ; as having in times past acknowledged Christ before
men, but now flinching from the cross. In this connection
she commented on the weakness even of those who loved the
Lord Jesus in measure. She exhorted these individuals to
faithfulness ; declaring that if they were obedient, some of
those of Avhom they were now afraid, would have cause to
glorify God on their account ; but warned them, that for
further continued disobedience, they would experience still
greater distress and suffering of spirit than they had ever

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 309
endured. She afterwards spoke a few words, expressive of
her belief, that the Church although in a wilderness state,
was kept there in safety, and would be brought forth again
in ancient brightness, through individual faithfulness. Thy
father [T. K.] then addressed us ; exhorting to faithfulness,
without looking out at others and saying, ' What shall this
man do !' " T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. First month 29th, 1842.
* * * Very trying scenes to our men of business, and
the community generally, seem approaching. There are
those amongst us, who wish our banks broken up, and if they
succeed in their wish, we cannot foresee the whole conse
quence, though, it is evident, many whose means of living
arise from bank dividends Avill be greatly straitened, and
some perhaps may be reduced to poverty. It may be, such
a state of things may have been permitted to come upon
this land, as a chastisement for our sins. It will be Avell for
us individually to inquire in our own breasts, how far Ave
are clear. To the Christian there is a consolation in remem
bering that the Lord reigneth ; that He can rule and over
rule, so as to promote his own glory, and the good of his
dependent children. " Surely the wrath of man shall praise
thee," says the Psalmist, " and the remainder of Avrath thou
shalt restrain."
I wish not to tire thee with advice ; there is that Divine
Guide in thy own heart, placed there by thy Heavenly Pa
rent, which, if attended to, will preserve thee from evil, and
lead thee' in the way everlasting. Permit me to recommend
to thee a close attention to its pointings and its restraints,
particularly as it regards the company thou keeps, and the

310 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
books thou reads. If ever thou shouldst incline to marry,
consult this precious Guide before thy affections become en
gaged. Remember, a companion for life may influence thy
character and prospects, not for this life merely, but also for
eternity. I received a message from Margaret White the
other day, saying in substance, that she understood thou wast
diligent in attending meetings. I suppose she thought it
would be pleasant to me to hear it. I had no doubt it was
the case before I received her message, but I accepted it as a
token of her good-will and sympathy with a parent separated
from his child. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
First month 31st, 1842.
* * We understand that Elizabeth Pitfield, and her
coadjutor, Sarah Hillman, are proceeding in the weighty
service of visiting the families of their oavh Monthly Meeting.
Joseph Snowdon is their male attendant. Perhaps thy let
ters of last week informed thee, that Elizabeth Robson had
a prospect of a similar service Avithin the limits of the South
ern District Monthly Meeting, but Avay did not open in the
meeting to encourage her to proceed. * * The subject of
a new nomination of elders, Avas weightily before our late
Monthly Meeting, and a joint committee of men and women
separated to attend to the concern. I feel very solicitous
that a single eye may be kept by all the members of that
committee, and by the members at large, to the pointings of
the Great Head of the Church, that so evidence may be fur
nished Avho is gifted by Him for this responsible service. We
have just heard of the decease of our friend, George Jones,
the husband of Ann, which is said to have occurred after an
illness of only three days. * * [After referring to an ex-

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 311
isting excitement about the banks, he continues] : But there
certainly is a place of quietude under every storm, to be at
tained by the devoted Christian, whose confidence is firm in
the everlasting truth, " The Lord reigneth." * * May my
dear children, with myself, be increasingly engaged to love
and serve Him in our generation, and count nothing too dear
to be parted with to evidence our gratitude to Him Avho loved
us before we loved Him. And if the impression is made upon
the mind at times, that a full and entire surrender of our own
will yet remains to be effected in us, may Ave seek unto Him
who hath all power, for ability to be faithful unto death, the
death of the first nature, knowing the old man Avith his deeds
to be crucified and slain ; that thus AA-e may be prepared to
partake of that spiritual resurrection which those Avitness who
have been planted with their dear Redeemer in the likeness
of his sufferings and death.
When Thomas Kite resigned the printing business at the
close of 1833, into the hands of his brother Joseph, and his
son William, he had property, the income of Avhich was suffi
cient comfortably to support his family. He held some real
estate, but the bulk of his property was in bank, railroad and
canal stock. He soon found difficulties connected with his
real estate, Avhich induced him to sell it, and invest the pro
ceeds, except a portion left on mortgage, in " stock." As
the difficulties in the mercantile community consequent on
the " Avar against the banks," began more and more to be
felt, Thomas Kite perceived the value of his stocks gradually
diminishing, until, about the time the above letter's were
written, his property had been reduced to about one-third of
its value when he retired from business. Those of his friends
who had known his frugal and economical habits, now looked

312 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
for some visible token of depression or sorroAV at his great
losses, but they looked in vain. He felt, as the letters we
have just quoted testify, that " the Lord reigneth," and that
his Omnipotent Arm could and would direct all things for
the good of his dependent children, and in this belief he was
enabled in sincerity to say, " Thy will be done." He occa
sionally spoke of going into business again, but the way did
not open in his own mind for it ; and as he found by having
a few young friends boarding in his family, he could live
without reducing the principal of his stock, he Avaited in
trustful hope for better days. Time passed on ; stocks rose
in value ; banks declared dividends, and so did some of the
railroads ; and at the time of his decease, his income was
nearly as great as it had ever been, notwithstanding he had
lost several thousand dollars by the failure of debtors and
the breaking up of the United States Bank.

CHAPTER XVIL- 1842.
LETTERS — VISIT TO NOTTINGHAM QUARTERLY MEETING —
THOMAS KITE, JR.'s LONG ABSENCE FROM HOME — VISITS
BUCKS QUARTERLY MEETING.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Second month 7th, 1842. _,
* * Though I have been fatigued with a long Quar
terly Meeting, which brought on a considerable headache,
yet feeling some\vhat relieved this evening, I take my pen to
give thee some account of things that I suppose will interest

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 313
thee. First, thy little nephew [William's son Thomas] is
very poorly, and his parents seem much discouraged about
him. I know not Avhat they call the complaint, but at pres
ent he seems to be sinking under it. Thy aunt Mary has
gone to spend the night with him. There have been several
affecting instances of the uncertainty of human life amongst
our friends lately. On Fifth-day morning, about 3 o'clock,
Joseph Ely died suddenly. He was awake and conversing
with his Avife a few minutes before. She heard him take a
long breath, and he Avas at once insensible ; and before
Charles Roberts, Avho was immediately sent for [a few doors
off] could get to his house, he was dead. The afternoon of
the same day, Asa Walmsley's daughter Ann, died almost as
suddenly. She had been in poor health, was on a visit to the
city, and had just parted with a friend, who had called on
her, when she passed aAvay to another state of being. And
lastly, on Seventh-day afternoon, our friend, Peter Thomson,
was called aAvay. His health had been declining for some
weeks, but he mostly went into his office, and spent a part of
the last day in it, transacting business. I understood, that
in signing his name he remarked, that he thought it was the
last time he should do it. He walked into his chamber, and
was about to prepare to undress, Avhen he died, sitting in his
chair. Both Elizabeth and her daughter Hannah have been
unwell, and this unexpected stroke is a close trial.
SAME TO SAME. Second month 11th.
* * From the tenor of a part of thy letter, which we
received by yesterday's stage, I infer thou wilt not be sur
prised to hear of thy little nephew's decease, which took place
on Fourth-day morning, a few minutes after six o'clock..
21

314 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
* * After being laid out, in order for interment, the corpse
looked very sweet, and like one asleep ; a smile seemed set
tled on the countenance, as if he had a pleasant dream.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon * * in the
Arch street ground. * *_ Thy brother and sister seem af
fected with the loss of their little darling ; but there are so
many considerations to alleviate sorrow in the case of a child
dying in infancy, that I have no doubt they will become re
conciled to the stroke. T. K. TO REBECCA WALTON.
Mount Pleasant, Ohio, last of 2nd month, 1842.
* * * I hope when thou art joined in outward mem
bership to the Monthly Meeting of Short Creek, thou mayest
become a true burden-bearer, and be increasingly joined to
the living amongst them in Gospel fellowship, and in concern
for the advancement of the cause of Truth, and the support.
of our Christian testimonies and discipline. Also that thy
whole spirit, conduct and conversation, may evince thee to
belong to the dear Saviour, that thus, whether a long or short
life should be allotted thee, in our Heavenly Father's provi
dence, thou mayest be prepared for the everlasting inheritance.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
* * * About going to the wedding ; I leave it en
tirely to thy uncle N. S. [Superintendent at Westtown,] and
thyself to settle ; only suggesting my wish, that wherever
thou goest, thy conoern may be unabated to stand approved
in his sight, of whom it is said " The Lord is a God of knowl
edge, by Him actions are weighed."
Fourth-day noon. I heard .yesterday that Sarah Emlen

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 315
and 'cousin Edith Avere to haAre a meeting at a factory near
Leiperville this afternoon and would probably be at Chester
Meeting to-morroAv. * * * [They had a minute to ap
point meetings in their Quarter.] I notice what thou sayest
of thy spiritual state, but have little to say on that subject.
I believe thy Heavenly Father designs thee for his own use,
but many humiliating baptisms are needful to break down
thy own will, and bring all within into conformity to his.
Keep inward to Him, and He will turn his hand upon thee,
and purely purge away the dross, and take away all thy tin.
In the process of effecting this, much anguish of spirit may
be thy portion, but endeavor patiently to bear it ; meanwhile
whatever seems to be required, Avhether it be in the way of
doing or forbearing, endeavor to be an obedient child.
Whilst it is profitable to feel our weakness, yet it is not so
to plead our consciousness thereof as an excuse for dis
obedience. To sum up all in a few words, remember the
promise, " Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee
a crown of life." SAME TO SAME. Third month 23,rd, 1842.
I went on Seventh-day, in company with Mary R. Car
penter and her daughter Rachel, to the funeral of our friend
Rachel Bullock. It was largely attended, and I believe was
satisfactory. She will be much missed, not only in her
family, but in the meeting and neighborhood. She was
favored Avith a calm and composed mind near her close, and
could see nothing in her way in looking towards the ever
lasting state of happiness. Elizabeth Pitfield and Sarah
Hillman have concluded their visit, with the exception of
one family, in which there is sickness. They appear to have

316 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
been helped through their arduous service. In sitting with
Sarah yesterday, I remembered the dear Master's question to
some of his earlier laborers, and their reply, believing she
could unite with them therein ; " When I sent you forth
without purse or scrip, lacked ye anything ? and they answered,
Nothing, Lord."
The Yearly Meeting seems near at hand ; and some exer
cise begins to be felt by concerned Friends, that everything
may be conducted at that season, to the praise of the Great
Helper of his people. With the salutation of my love, and
the renewed desire that thou mayest be kept faithful to the
discoveries of the blessed Truth, and that all things may
work together for thy good, through the Divine blessing, I
conclude. About this date, T. K. received a letter from his daughter
Susanna, containing the following passages : —
"Although contented in our allotment, we cannot but feel
anxiety in regard to the disturbed state of public affairs ;
and many thoughts are sent towards my dear friends in the
city, whom I fear may be involved in difficulty ; particularly
you, my dear parents, whose days for active exertion seem
to be drawing to a close. It will seem very trying, if your
means for a comfortable subsistence should fail. It is a day
of perplexity and trouble, but perhaps for the salt's sake, a
preserving Hand may be outstretched still ; may He over
rule these troublesome times for good !"
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA. Third month 25th.
We received thy letter by David Garrett last evening. It
is always pleasant to hear from our children, and thy expres-

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 317
sion of solicitude on our account, in these remarkable times,
Avas satisfactory. Another bank has closed its doors, in
which I own a number of shares ; yet I do not feel cast
doAvn. A merciful Providence has hitherto sustained and
protected me, and I endeavor peacefully to rely upon Him,
trusting that He Avill make a Avay for me. Our men in
business find many difficulties to encounter. The banks
Avhich have resumed specie payments appear to be sustaining
themselves. So much for worldly matters. This morning
thy cousin R. Walton had a letter from thy brother Thomas,
containing the first intimations of his movements we have
had siuce he left home.* It Avas dated the twelfth of last
month on board a steamer bound doAvn the river Mississippi.
He seems to have been much interested with his voyage,
but we are anxious for later intelligence. Three of the
elders [of our Yearly Meeting] have deceased within a short
time, Margaret Shoemaker, widow of Charles, of Abington ;
Rachel Bullock, of Wilmington ; and Elizabeth Cooper,
wife of Benjamin, who was buried yesterday at Newton,
near Camden. Such removals often awaken the desire that
younger Friends might be favored to bow to the Power that,
as submitted to, " would purely purge away their dross, and
take away all their tin," and prepare them as successors in
the Church militant, to those who have finished their work,
and are safely landed in the realms of light and everlasting
peace. * * *
Extracts from T. K.'s Diary, Fifth month, 1842.
" I obtained a minute in the Fourth month to visit the
meetings composing Nottingham Quarterly Meeting. I set
off on Third-day, Fifth month 10th, and went to the house
* He had left Cincinnati to go to New Orleans to collect a debt.

318 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
of my son-in-law, Aaron Sharpless, where I lodged. The
next day attended Birmingham Meeting, where my wife's
nephew, Joshua Jefferis, was married to Rachel Hoopes.
Way opened to set forth the nature of the Gospel dispensa
tion, in contradistinction to the outward ceremonies and ob
servances of the law. I had to treat of the Lord's supper,
as being altogether inward and spiritual. I was told after
meeting, that a person was present who had joined in mem
bership Avith the Roman Catholics. In the afternoon I went
to London Britain, where my brother-in-law, Joshua Sharp
less, readily agreed to accompany me to the meetings I had
in prospect. On Fifth-day the 12th, Ave rode to the house of
Joseph Balance, Little Britain. That afternoon we attended
the Select Quarterly Meeting, which began at three o'clock.
I went home with a friend, who is a widow, and had a reli
gious opportunity with her and her two daughters. On Sixth-
day [13th], we attended the Quarterly Meeting. It is com
posed of very few members. Best Help was near, strength
ening to extend an invitation to the various classes present,
to gather to the place of waiting, that they might be favored
to experience a renewed qualification to engage in the Lord's
work. On Seventh-day morning [14th], we visited one, who
on some offence taken at members of the meeting, wholly de
clined attending it, and had resigned his right in Society.
We had an opportunity with him, in the presence of his Avife
and children, the latter being young. The same day attended
an appointed meeting at Little Britain, for the members of
that meeting — some professors with us, and a few others,
being present. The subject principally treated of was, the
doctrines of the Gospel, and the means employed by Divine
Wisdom to bring mankind to the experience of that state of
true poverty of spirit Avhich is pronounced blessed by our

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 319
Lord. After an opportunity at J. B.'s, where we had lodged,
Ave set off for Deer Creek, crossing the river Susquehanna at
ConneAvingo bridge. At Darlington we found Elisha Cook,
waiting to conduct us to his house, Avhere avc lodged. On
First-day [the 15th], we attended Deer Creek Meeting, Avhere
the doctrines of the Christian religion as held by us, were
opened to a mixed auditory. After a religious opportunity
in the family of Dr. T. Worthington, where we dined, we
set off for Nottingham, passing the river over a bridge near
Port Deposite. We lodged at William Waring 's ; and the
next day [16th] attended an appointed meeting at West
Nottingham, made up of Friends and others, wherein spirit
ual worship, and true Gospel ministry, were set forth, and
various states spoken to, principally some who were in a dis
position to put off to a more convenient season their obedience
to manifested duty. We dined at T. Levering's, and had an
opportunity in his family, his married son and Avife being
present. In the afternoon we went to see a friend, who had
indulged a spirit of hardness tOAvards some of his fellow-
members, until it had induced him very much to decline the
attendance of religious meetings. We had a heart-tendering
opportunity with him, his family being present. Among his
children is a tender-spirited, religiously-concerned daughter,
who seems likely to become a useful member of our Society.
We returned to William Waring's to lodge, and the next
morning [17th], after a parting opportunity with the family,
Ave set off homewards. We called on a family who had sepa
rated from Friends at the time of the great division ; after
leaving them, I was constrained to return and submit to have
a religious opportunity. They willingly made way for it ¦
and the way of salvation by Jesus Christ was preached to
them. Reached J. Sharpless's to dinner, and paid some

320 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
social visits in the afternoon. Had a family sitting with
Edward Sharpless and wife. Lodged at his father's. The
next day [18th] paid several visits; and on Fifth-day morn
ing [the 19th], had an opportunity with George Sharpless
and his wife, in which counsel and encouragement, were
offered to them. Then proceeded to London Grove to attend
the Western Quarterly Meeting for Ministers and Elders.
At our first sitting down it was a low, suffering season,
which continued for a time ; but a little light springing up,
strength was afforded to comfort the mourners. Our friend
Caleb Pennock, aged about ninety-one years, and green and
lively in his old age, was enabled to speak to edification, and
the meeting ended well. Diaed at Samuel Swayne's, and
lodged at Joshua B. Pusey's ; the house lately occupied by
his kinsman, Isaac Pusey, whose recent loss is severely felt
in this part of the Society. I had a religious opportunity
with the family in the morning, before proceeding to the
Quarterly Meeting [20th]. It was a time of depression in
the first meeting ; but at length an opening presented ; and
standing up with it, I was enlarged beyond expectation. I
went to Aaron Sharpless's to lodge ; and the next day [21st]
reached home, thankful for the preservations and help ex
tended to me during flhis journey."
Elizabeth C. Mason, Edith Kite, Thomas Evans and Wil
liam Hodgson, Jr., under appointment of the Quarterly
Meeting, paid a visit in this month [Fifth] to the meetings
of Muncy Monthly Meeting, and many of the families com
posing it. Whilst the committee was absent on this labor of
love, Thomas Kite thus wrote to his wife :
Fifth month 24th, 1842. * * "Elizabeth Hodgson
kindly called on me yesterday with a message from thee, re
ceived in her husband's letter, which also gave information

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 321
of the committee's attending Muncy Monthly Meeting. I
was glad to hear of your proceedings, and of thy health. I
hope Avhatever thy hands find to do, in the clear unfoldings
of Divine Wisdom, thou mayest do it with thy might, not
consulting with flesh and blood, but giving up to the heav
enly vision. I feel for you, believing the service you are
upon to be arduous and important, and much desire that by
keeping close to the safe Director and Preserver of his peo
ple, each one of you may return with the ansAver of peace.
I feel particularly for dear Elizabeth, and hope this journey
may prove strengthening to her, mentally and bodily ; and
that, henceforth she may do, as Paul says he was enabled to
do, ' forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the
mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.' " SAME TO SAME. Fifth month 27th.
I received thy acceptable letter. I am truly glad to hear
of thyself and company ; and desire the blessing of the Lord
may rest upon you and upon your labors. In my absence,
and probably before thou left home, brother Nathan wrote
to Jabez Reynolds, inquiring what he had heard of Thomas.
To-day he has an answer, by which it appears that J. R.
had a letter dated Fourth month 16th, about a month later
than we had previously been made acquainted with his pro
ceedings. He was then well, and in good spirits. A man
indebted to him, but Avithout other means of payment, pre
pared two vessels loaded with lumber, which our son accom
panied, and the proceeds of which, when sold, was to be paid
to him. He was on the Mississippi, near the mouth of the

322 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
Arkansas river. He may have written to us and his letters
miscarried. There seems no other way, than to commit him
to the protection of our Heavenly Father, whom we have
each proved to be good and gracious. * * We under
stand William Brinton', and his more aged sister Mary
Moore, deceased within two days of each other, and that
their brother Moses Brinton, who is, I think, also older than
William, was lately considered to be near the close of life.
At our Monthly Meeting on Fifth-day, we had our friend
William Evans very acceptably. He was afresh anointed to
preach the everlasting Gospel in the first meeting, and in the
second he made some suitable remarks. There was nothing
_ of a very particular character in the business of our apart
ment, and we transacted what we had to a good degree of
satisfaction. The minute of the Quarterly Meeting of Minis
ters and Elders, on the subject of the nominated elders, was
with us, and as a matter of course, placed upon record.
I have seen a copy of the charge exhibited against our
friend John Wilbur, and am surprised, not only at the course
taken, but at the grounds upon which the charge rests.
SAME TO SAME. Sixth month 3rd.
On S,econd-day I went to the Select Quarterly Meeting at
Burlington. John Cox was not well enough to be present.
I returned in the evening, and the next morning went thither
again to attend the Meeting for Business. Our aged friend
was at meeting, but did not sit to the close. The concern of
S. Craft's wife to attend Ohio and Indiana Yearly Meeting,
and some meetings within their limits, was united Avith, and
she liberated to the service. I Avas satisfied Avith being there,
believing I was in my right place. I lodged at Elizabeth

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 323
Coleman's, and came home on Fourth-day. Having draw
ings to be at Gwynned Monthly Meeting, I went thither yes
terday, accompanied by Jeremiah Hacker. Ezra Comfort
was engaged in the ministry, and I had something to com
municate. We dined at Hannah Williams's; visited E.
Comfort's in the afternoon, and came to Jeremiah Hacker's
place to lodge. On returning home this morning, I found
an invitation to the funeral of Dr. Joshua Whitall's wife. I
Avas much attached to Sarah Ann, and propose going to her
funeral, which takes place this afternoon. She died of in
flammation of the lungs, as I understand, with only three
days' illness. Another solemn warning is thus communi
cated, that we be found endeavoring to be prepared for our
final summons.
In a letter to his daughter R., of Sixth month 7th, T. K.,
speaking of his visit to Burlington Quarterly Meeting, says :
" I walked out in company with my relation, Robert
Thomas, to Hickory Grove, the late residence of the poet
Samuel Smith, but now occupied by his sister, Hannah Mott,
whose only son, Richard, being designed for a farmer, is
there engaged in learning tbat business. It is a perfect wil
derness of plants, flowers and trees, having been neglected
since the owner's death. Hannah and her son will have
employment enough in reducing it to order. * * I found
an invitation to the funeral of Doctor Whitall's wife, whom,
perhaps, thou remembers as Sarah Ann Rogers. I had a
friendship for her, believing her to be one of the travellers
towards the heavenly Jerusalem ; and being inclined to at
tend at the interment of her remains, I accompanied her
relatives [John] Mickle and Mary Whitall, with their sister
Hannah, thither. She was ill but three days, her disease,

324 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
inflammation of the lungs. The day of her death was better
to her than the day of her birth. The trials of life had. been
sanctified to her, and she found her merciful Saviour, in
whom she was early taught to believe, was able to keep that
she had committed unto Him against that day. She died
triumphing in the faith. * * * *
I have been reading a pleasant memoir of a young Friend,
Mary Ann Gilpin, who died at about twenty-five years of
age. Part of her time was occupied in teaching ; and she
seemed to dwell under a deep sense of the importance of
making right impressions on the objects of her care. I have
also the account of John Barclay, with copious extracts from
his diary and from his letters. He was a lovely character ;
and appears to have ripened fast in religious experience.
He was a minister fifteen years, and closed his earthly course
at forty-one — having been a bright example of Christian
simplicity and devotedness — a burning and a shining light.''
The anxiety of T. K. and family respecting his son Thomas,
continued to increase during the Sixth month. No informa
tion was received from him, and his friends at Cincinnati
had almost lost all expectation of ever seeing him again,
fearing he had fallen a victim to the unhealthiness of the
climate about New Orleans, or to some of the casualties so
common on the Mississippi river. The uneasiness of his
friends was, however, happily dispelled.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Seventh month 4th, 1842.
We were comforted this morning by receiving a letter
from thy brother Thomas, announcing his safe return to
Cincinnati. He speaks of having had a troublesome time,
but thinks he was as successful in the business he went on, as

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 325
could reasonably have been expected. * * * He seems
thankful that he is amongst his friends once more ; and we
feel emotions of the same character. I have written in order
to relieve thy anxiety. * * * With affectionate desires for
thy preservation from evil, and for thy growth and estab
lishment in the everlasting Truth, I remain thy father, &c.
T. K. TO SON THOMAS. Seventh month 10th, 1842.
* * * We have cause gratefully- to acknoAvledge our
Heavenly Father's care OA'er thee, and to say with the patri
arch, " It is enough ; Joseph, my son, is yet alive." May we
join thee in endeavoring to evince a proper sense of this, and
every other mercy, by striving to live more entirely to the
Lord ; and then we shall experience the truth of the declara
tion, " In all thy Ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct
thy paths." * * * Uncle John Letchworth was at our
meeting on Fifth-day and dined with us. Many of our
Friends who sympathized with us in our anxious solicitude
about thee, seem to rejoice in our glad tidings. With strong
desires for thy future welfare every Avay, but more especially
for thy grovvth in religious experience, through obedience to
the manifestations of Divine Light in thy heart, I remain
thy affectionate father.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Seventh month 19th.
A member of the Hicksite Meeting at Salem, who has for
some time been attending that of Friends, came a few weeks
ago to this city, for medical aid, being much indisposed, yet
not so as to prevent his attending our meeting, which he did
diligently until last Fifth-day, inclusive. On First-day

326 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
morning he was not well enough to go. In the evening I
was sent for to see him ; on going I found that a sudden
attack had deprived him of the power of speech, and proba
bly of consciousness. I remained with him until his close,
which took place twenty-two minutes past eight. From his
anxiety to know his salvation wrought out, his diligence at
meeting, his intention to condemn his joining with the Hick-
sites, the child-like simplicity of his mind, and the quiet he
was favored to feel near the solemn winding up, I feel a com
fortable hope that all is well with his immortal spirit. * *
Of the Quarterly Meeting, held Eighth mo. 1st, 1842, one of
the family thus writes : — " Our Quarterly Meeting was rather
remarkably comfortable for these times. Elizabeth Evans
was soon on her feet with the language, ' Let not the mighty
man glory in his might, let not the rich man,' &c, showing
that the true rejoicing of the Christian was not to be for the
increase of wealth, knowledge, power, or any earthly good ;
but in the Lord alone. She spoke of earthly possessions as
fleeting, and that the enjoyment derived from them must
fail. She had been reminded of two circumstances recorded
in Scripture ; the first of which was that of the man whose
idols of gold, and his priests on whom he. depended, had
been taken from him, ' They have taken away my gods and
my priests^ and Avhat have I more.' This man's condition
she contrasted with that of Habakkuk when he could say,
' Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall
fruit be in the vine ; the labor of the olive shall fail, and
the. fields shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from
the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall ; yet I will
rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.'
Hannah Gibbons followed in an affectionate exhortation to

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 327
the youth to be willing to take the yoke of Christ, and be
come his folloAvers. William Evans then powerfully addressed
the youth, particularly the young men, on the necessity of
bearing the cross, and becoming prepared to take the places
of those Avho had been removed, or Avere about being removed
from the Church militant. Thomas Kite addressed the aged,
exhorted to faithfulness and perseverance to the last ; men
tioning the cases of Simeon and Anna, Avho having waited
for the Lord Jesus, Avere permitted in old age to speak of
Him to all that looked for Him in Jerusalem. H. L. S.
united with the last communication, and Mercy Ellis closed
the opportunity with supplication."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Eighth month 9th, 1842.
I got home comfortably on Fourth-day evening. Finding
ourselves in time for Chester Meeting, T. E. and I stopped
there and attended it ; and afterwards dined at J. J. Maris'.
The railroad car brought me to the city in the evening. Thy
mother and I, and A. N, attended Merion Meeting on First-
day, where I saw our relation Ann Wetherill, who said she
had been at Westtown, and that thou wast in bed with an
inflamed eye. Please get some one to write us by Fifth-day's
stage, and let us know hoAv thou art. T. and E. Robson are
in the vicinity of the city, paying leave-taking visits to their
particular friends. I believe they were on First-day at
Woodbury. S. Grellet continues very ill, although his
symptoms are perhaps somewhat less alarming. My dear
child ; may every trial, bodily or mental, less or greater, be
sanctified to thee. The great business of our lives, is to
bring glory to our Creator and Redeemer, and to become
prepared by the purifying operations of the Holy Spirit, for

328 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
a blessed and happy immortality. That this may be thy
experience, is the earnest desire of thy truly affectionate
father. Extract from T. Kite's Diary. " Having for some time
felt a concern to visit the meetings of Bucks Quarterly Meet
ing, I acquainted our Monthly Meeting therewith, in the
Seventh month, and obtained a minute ofits unity. Benjamin
Albertson also had a minute to accompany me. We set off
on Third-day, Eighth month 23rd, and went to James Moon's
to lodge. The next day [24th,] we attended the Quarterly
Meeting for Ministers and Elders. The language of the
Psalmist was revived, ' In the multitude of my thoughts
within me, thy oomforts delight my soul ;' and the language
of encouragement was handed to the Lord's exercised chil
dren. Lodged at J. M.'s ; and on Fifth-day [25th,] at
tended the Quarterly Meeting for business. In the first
meeting, B. Cadwalader appeared in a short testimony, fol
lowed by my aged relative, John Letchworth : after which,
out of a state of great weakness, I was enabled to set forth
the necessity of bearing the yoke and cross of Christ. Eliza
beth Evans followed in a well adapted communication.
Towards the close of the second meeting, William Evans
Avas excellently engaged in pointing out the danger of de
generating into a form of religion, without life and power.
Lodged at Samuel Comfort's ; and on Sixth-day [26th,] Ave
had an appointed meeting at Middletown, having before
meeting paid religious visits to the families of Mercy Stack-
house and Jonathan Stackhouse, the latter not a member. In
the meeting I labored according to the ability received for
the everlasting welfare of those assembled. Here our young
friend, Mahlon Moon, joined us, having a prospect of going

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 329
with us to all the meetings, as a guide. We went to Mary
Hulme's to lodge ; and had a religious opportunity in the
family in the evening. On Seventh-day [27th,] Ave were
at an appointed meeting at Bristol. I was engaged to open
the state of man in the fall, Avith the means of his deliverance
and redemption out of it, speaking also to various states and
conditions. Dined at the widow Newbold's, AAibo is much
afflicted and nearly helpless Avith inflammatory rheumatism.
Had a sitting with her, in which the language of sympathy
and encouragement was addressed to her. Lodged at George
W. Brown's ; and on Fifth-day morning [28th,] had a re
ligious opportunity in his family and that of his father
David Brown, and made two short visits beside. Then at
tended the Falls Meeting, which was largely attended by
Friends and others. I felt a concern for various states, and
expressed as Avay opened ; and was led in a line of very
close communication to some of the youth of our own So
ciety, who are living above the cross of Christ. Dined at
B. Cadwalader's, and took tea with the wife of my dear
friend Christopher Healy, now absent in the service of the
Gospel. She has lately had pleasant intelligence from him,
and from others, of his labors amongst the Indians near
Green Bay. Lodged at James Moon's. On Second-day
[29th,] attended an appointed meeting at Wrightstown ;
calling on the way thither at John Buckman's, in whose
family we had a religious opportunity. Dined at Dr. Chap
man's ; and was drawn into silence before leaving the family,
in which I felt particularly for two of the sons in declining
health, who are both, I believe, concerned for their everlast
ing welfare. I had to address them and others present. I
rode with my aged friend, John Scholfield, as far as his house;
and on the way he pointed out the house of that worthy
22

330 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
minister of Christ, Thomas Ross. We took tea Avith my
before-mentioned friend ; and afterwards went to lodge at
the habitation of that mother in Israel, Ruth Ely, whose
company and conversation were very agreeable. On Third-
day [30th,] attended Solebury Meeting, it being the day of
their Preparative Meeting. It was rather a low time, yet I
felt an engagement to labor in weakness. Dined at Aaron
Eastburn's, and had a religious opportunity with his family,
in which my mind was particularly drawn to his wife, who
has been long confined at home, being entirely deprived of
sight. Went to Ezra Comfort, Jr.'s, to lodge ; where resides
the Avidow and tw;o daughters of my late much esteemed
friend, John Comfort. On Fourth-day morning [31st,]
had a solemn opportunity with the family, in which our
hearts were tendered and united, and the language of en
couragement was freely offered. Attended Buckingham Pre
parative Meeting. In the meeting for worship my heart
was enlarged to preach the glad tidings of the Gospel. Dined
at B. Gillingham's, and paid a family visit to two young
Friends, William Balderston and Avife ; also another to the
widow and family of his late father, John W. Balderston.
Then went to Dr. Fell's to lodge.
Fifth-day, Ninth month 1st. Went to the Preparative
Meeting at Plumsted, previous to attending which, I called
to see my aged friends Daniel Carlisle and wife. Had an
opportunity with them ; and it seems probable their time on
earth is drawing towards its close. The meeting proved a
low and exercising season ; yet I had some communication ;
and afterwards a short one on the manner of attending re
ligious meetings. In the meeting for business some remarks
Avere made to my younger brethren on the necessity of sub
mitting to the operation of that Power that would prepare

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 331
them to take the places of faithful laborers, soon to enter
their everlasting rest. Dined at John Fell's and had a
religious opportunity with his family, and several Friends
who were present, to a good degree of satisfaction, parting
under a sense of our Heavenly Father's love and goodness.
Came to James Moon's to lodge ; and the next day parting
with his son M., who had been acceptably Avith us, we re
turned home.
After remaining at home a few days, and not feeling re
leased from my concern, I again set off on Fourth-day, the
7th, to attend the Falls Monthly Meeting, and to visit a few
families. On this occasion, my nephew, James R. Greeves, bore
me company. We reached Mahlon S. Kirkbride's and lodged
there. In the morning [the 8th] we had a family sitting, in
which I had to offer encouragement to my young friend and
his wife. Afterwards had an opportunity at Daniel Burgess's
with himself, his sister, and a niece, who resides with them.
A family visit was also paid at John Price's, in which his
Avife, and several of his children Avere present. The wife is
in poor health. The eldest daughter seems to be a very
promising young woman. In the first meeting I was pros
trated before the Lord in vocal supplication. Although
some A'aluable Friends belong to this meeting, there seems to
be a want of depth and experience in managing its concerns,
and too much backwardness amongst, some of the middle-
aged, and a few younger Friends, on whom a concern rests for
the welfare of the Church. I was concerned to go into the
women's meeting, and labored to encourage them in the
Avork of reformation, so much needed in our Society ; speak
ing of the manner in which some Friends permit their child
ren to associate with light and airy young persons in large
parties, to their own serious injury, and that of others, in the

332 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
way of example. Such things, when found in the families of
active Friends, will prove as stumbling blocks in the way of
honest inquirers. Dined at Mahlon Kirkbride's, and had an
opportunity there. Went to Joseph Satterth wait's to tea,
and had an opportunity of expressing my concern for the
religious welfare of himself and family. Then to James
Moon's to lodge. Way opened in the evening for a religious
opportunity, which was relieving to my mind, having for
some time felt a close exercise of spirit on account of this
family. In the morning [the 9th] another sitting took place,
in which the solemnizing power of Truth was felt, so that I
could leave them with an easy mind. Called at Asa Walms-
ley's on my way home, and had a sitting with himself and
children, feeling sympathy Avith him under the loss of his
companion. On reaching my own habitation, I felt a degree
of thankfulness in having been enabled to accomplish this
religious engagement to my own peace of mind ; sensible at
the same time of my own great unworthiness, and desiring
that I may be strengthened to abide under the purifying
baptisms of the Holy Spirit, which can alone prepare for
future usefulness in the Church.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Ninth month 16th.
* * Thy sister Susanna has a daughter about three
weeks old, called after her own mother, Elizabeth. * * I
have been a little journey on a religious aecount ; it was to
attend the meetings of Bucks Quarterly Meeting. * * I
had to regret in some neighborhoods that the young Friends
were not consistent in their appearance ; and that too many
of them were fond of light company and conversation, which
is a sad hindrance to the growth of true religion. Yet there

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 333
are some who are bowing to the cross, and, in a few instances,
very remarkable changes have been effected by a submission
to the Gospel, Avhich is the poAver of God unto salvation to
every one that believeth. I feel solicitous that our youth may
become devoted followers of the Lord Jesus, and be prepared
to take the place of faithful laborers gone to their everlast
ing reward. Mayest thou, my dear son, bow to the appear
ance of that Divine Grace, which manifests what is evil, and
reproves for it, and as it is heeded, strengthens to come
out of everything that the Lord's controversy is against
We were not sent into the world to amuse ourselves, nor to
accumulate earthly treasures, nor to gratify our oavh wills,
nor the will of others, but to work out our own salvation with
fear and trembling, and to stand devoted to the Lord's cause
in our day and generation. Thou livest where, I fear, there
are few instances of entire dedication ; but the Lord, as thou
relies upon Him, can enable thee to become an example of
deep self-denial ; and if thou seeks first the kingdom of God,
and the righteousness thereof, He will, I doubt not, provide
things honest in the sight of men, and by his blessing, which
gives contentment in a moderate way of living, add all
things needful for thy temporal accommodation ; and pene
trate thy heart with gratitude to Him, both for outAvard and
spiritual benefits. Thou art now nearly arrived at the age
I was when my mouth was first opened as a preacher in pub
lic assemblies. It was a time of great humiliation, and ever
to be had in remembrance by me. What the Lord would
make of thee, if faithful, I cannot tell ; but I ardently desire
He may be pleased powerfully to visit thy soul with renewed
discoveries of the excellency of his everlasting Truth, —
enamour thy mind therewith, — prostrate all within thee in
resignation to his holy will, — show thee with indubitable

334 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
clearness what He would have thee to be, and to do, and give
thee from season to season, strength to perform all that He
requires. Then will thy peace flow as a river, and thy
righteousness as the waves of the sea, and thou wilt be a
preacher in life and conversation. It matters little what
station may be assigned thee in the Church. If faithful in
the lowest, it will insure the Divine approbation. " I had
rather," said the Psalmist, " be a door-keeper in the house of
my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." In one
of thy late letters thou intimates that thou hast no present
prospect of changing thy condition. I believe thou art aware
that marriage is one of the most important events of a man's
life ; and much of his comfort in this life depends upon the
choice he makes of a companion, — and it may influence his
everlasting state. * * I hope thou wilt be preserved from
choosing one whose mind is on earthly things, the decoration
of the poor body, or those things which perish with the using ;
but that thou may be directed to one who fears the Lord, has
entered into covenant with Him, upon whom He has put the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is, in his sight, of
great price. Such an one, instead of being a snare and a
hindrance, would be a helper to thee in thy Avay to the king
dom of rest and peace.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA. Ninth month 30th.
I have been to Greenwich, and had a pleasant visit. I
went on Sixth-day [23rd] to Salem in the steamboat, and
found that Richard Acton and wife were contemplating a
visit at some time to their Greenwich friends, and they con
cluded to bear me company. On Seventh-day morning
[24th] we Avent, arriving at Moses Sheppard's in time for

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 335
dinner. We took tea at John Sheppard's, separating after-
Avards, they going to Joseph Miller's, and I returning to
Moses's. The next, day Ave Avere at their meeting, and dined
at George Bacon's ; took tea again at John Sheppard's ;
visited John E. in the evening, and lodged at the father's.
On Second-day left for Salem, calling at Moses S.'s again,
and paying a visit to Joseph Miller's. Richard had some
business at Shiloh, the settlement of a religious community,
called the Seventh-day Baptists, and in consequence we Went
through that neighborhood,- which is considerably out of the
direct route to Salem. These people have a good reputation
for integrity. They have settled on poor land, which they
are improving. Keeping the Seventh, instead of the First-
day of the Aveek, as a day of cessation from business is, as
their name imports, their distinguishing peculiarity. I saw
evidence that the spirit of the world has made some inroads
upon them, as is sorrowfully the case with other societies, our
OAvn not excepted. * * I expect to attend the Examina
tion at WesttOAvn, and would gladly avail myself of the op
portunity of being so near my dear children, to pay them a
visit, and yet circumstances at this time, seem to forbid it ;
but Avhether I come frequently to see you, or other duties
prevent, I am at all times, your truly affectionate father.

336 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.

CHAPTER XVIII.— 1842.
DIARY — VISITS MUNCY AVITH QUARTERLY MEETING COM
MITTEE — CATHARINE SHEPPARD'S DEATH.
Diary continued :
"Our Quarterly Meeting having appointed me one of a
committee to aid and assist Friends of Muncy Monthly
Meeting, and several visits , having previously been made by
other members of the committee in pursuance of the object
of our appointment, way appeared to open for me to engage
in similar service, in company with Joseph Snowden, Sarah
Hillman, and Elizabeth Pierson, also members of the com
mittee. We commenced our journey on Seventh-day, Tenth
month 8th, and lodged at the house of Hannah Williams,
Plymouth. In the evening we had a religious opportunity
with the family, in which S. H. was my fellow-laborer. On
First-day morning [the 9th] we set off for PottstoAvn, and ar
rived in time for meeting, at which were six persons beside
ourselves ; yet to this little company the language of encour
agement was offered ; both S. H. and I having something to
communicate. Dined at Sarah Potts's, and went on to Exe
ter to Ellis Lee's to lodge. The next morning [10th] we all
walked to the next house, the residence of John Lee, and
had a time of retirement in his family. S. H. addressed our
aged friend and his wife appropriately, after which I was
drawn forth in supplication on their behalf, — for their child
ren, the members of that meeting, and for us who were going
forth under feelings of great weakness. Went to Maiden
Creek, to Sybilla Starr's to dinner ; and to Enos Lee's to
lodge. On Third-day [11th] AA'e pursued our journey, aud
lodged at J. Spohn's, on the summit of the Broad Mountain.

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 337
On Fourth-day evening [12th], Ave reached Andrew Eve's,
Fishing Creek, and lodged. Fifth-day [13th], attended
QreenAvood Preparative Meeting, in which labor Avas ex
tended in AA-eakness. We arrived in the evening at Mercy
Ellis's, Muncy. Sixth day [14th]. attended Muncy Prepara
tive Meeting, Avhich was held by appointment at this time
for our accommodation. The meeting was favored, Sarah
Hillman participating in the public service."
In a letter to his wife, Avritten on the 14th, T. K. says :
" I write at Henry Ecroyd's, Joseph and I having walked
here this morning, after calling at Jacob Haines's. Jacob
got home last evening. His father seems pretty Avell, except
ing a cold. He and Mercy Ellis have commenced a family
visit ; have generally visited Friends of Fishing Creek, and
propose beginning those of this meeting soon. I have been
glad to hear that these aged Friends seem bound to this ser
vice. Afternoon: The meeting is over. It was in good de
gree favored. Sarah was enabled to address various classes
in the love of the Gospel. I followed her ; and Mercy Ellis
had a short testimony. After the Preparative Meeting, Ave
had an opportunity with the Overseers, as Ave had yesterday,
at Fishing Creek. There seems a hopeful prospect at both
the meetings, that some of the young people are preparing
for usefulness ; but there are others that do not appear to
have submitted to the power of the cross."
Diary. " On Seventh-day morning [15th,J we had a re
ligious opportunity in the family of John Ecroyd — a close,
searching time. Dined at Jacob Haines', and paid a re
ligious visit in the afternoon to the widow Warner, daughter
of our late friend Elizabeth Kitely, accompanied by our
friend, Mercy Ellis: the widow Avas addressed, and also an
afflicted daughter, who had long been confined to her bed,

338 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
and appears to have lost the poAver of speech ; yet her under
standing seems clear, and she appears to be favored with
religious sensibility. On First-day morning [16th,] we paid
a religious visit to the family of John Warner, and after
wards attended Muncy Meeting, in which ability was re
newed to labor. In the afternoon went to Pine Grove, and
lodged at. Isaac Winner's. His daughter Sarah appears to
be a valuable young Friend. On Second-day [17th,] we had
an appointed meeting, in which some capacity for public
labor was granted, S. H. participating therein. The mem
bers were requested to remain together when the meeting
for Avorship closed ; and they were exhorted to be more dili
gent and faithful in the discharge of their religious duties.
On Third-day [18th,] J. S., S. H. and I, attended Muncy
Preparative Meeting for Ministers and Elders. It was a
close, searching time. In the evening, a time of silent re
tirement occurred at our friend Mercy Ellis', several Friends
being present, who had come to attend the Monthly Meeting.
On this occasion Ellen McCarthy was drawn forth in testi
mony, nor was I wholly excused. On Fourth-day [19th,] we
attended Muncy Monthly Meeting. In the first meeting
Sarah Hillman, Ellen McCarty and I, respectively appeared
in testimony, and Mercy Ellis in supplication. Notwithstand
ing there are a few valuable Friends here, the meeting appears
to be in a weak state, and there is great want of faithfulness
and consistency in maintaining our principles. In the after
noon we paid areligious visit to the family of Benjamin Evans:
it was a time of tenderness and favor. On Fifth-day [20th,]
after a solemn opportunity, in Avhich Mercy Ellis, Martha
Parker, Jacob and Rachel Haines, and several of the chil
dren of the last-named Friends were present, Ave set off for
Greenwood and lodged at David Masters'. I went alone

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 339
towards evening, and had an opportunity Avith a daughter of
David's, who married out, but is now a ipember, and seems
under much religious exercise. Sixth-day [21st,] reached J.
Spohn's tavern, on the Broad Mountain, to lodge. Seventh-
day [22nd,] to Enos Lee's. On First-day [23rd,] after a
religious opportunity, we set forward for Exeter Meeting. I
Avas silent ; but near the close Sarah Hillman aa as engaged in
vocal supplication for the reneAved extension of Divine mercy
and regard. After dinner at Daniel Lee's, Joseph Snowden
and I Avalked to Amos Lee's, and had a tendering religious
opportunity in his family. Proceeded to Pottstown , and lodged
at Sarah Potts'. In the evening a family visit was paid to Har
riet Brooks, and her daughter Rebecca J. Potts, several of the
children of the latter being present. On Second-day [the
24th,] Ave reached home. We have been favored Avith good
roads and agreeable weather. We went forth in Aveakness,
have been kept in a Ioav, dependent state, yet faA'ored at
times with reneAved ability to labor for the help of our fellow-
members ; and in returning feel the quiet assurance that we
endeavored to do what we could."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS.
Eleventh month 2nd, 1842.
[After mentioning his visit to Muncy.] The situation of
our Friends in some of the Particular Meetings was such
as to cause sorrow, and abate the satisfaction we might other-
Avise have taken in our excursion. In too many parts the
professors of Truth have imbibed the spirit of the world, and
become light and airy, or dry and formal. What can awaken
them from their supineness ? The Lord has striven with
them by his Spirit, and visited them with his judgments, and

340 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
if not reclaimed, it may be, that He will deal with them by
terrible things in righteousness. * * *
I often feel anxiety about thee, and desire for thy preserva
tion, not only from evil, but from the appearance of it.
* * * A close attention to the Heavenly Monitor within,
will restrain from all that is improper, either in kind or in
degree, and teach that " whether we eat or drink, or whatever
we do," we should be aiming " to do all to the glory of God."
Mayest thou, my beloved son, get deep enough in thy mind,
seriously to consider what in thy conduct or conversation,
falls short of the standard of purity held up by our worthy
predecessors, and their faithful successors. And even if
there should not be another young person in your city to
join thee, I want thee to endeavor to bear a firm and con
sistent testimony for our principles, in thy life and conversa
tion, and by submitting to those baptisms which cleanse in
wardly, be gradually prepared to be rightly engaged in
advocating those doctrines for which the primitive Friends
so nobly suffered.
In the Eleventh month, 1842, Thomas Kite visited Con
cord Quarterly Meeting, and his daughter at Westtown. In
the beginning of the Twelfth month he recommenced his
Diary, with the following observations :
" Some little attempt was made, in the Third and Fourth
months, 1839, towards keeping a Diary ; it has since been
suspended, excepting whilst absent from home on religious
service. I renew the effort, designing occasionally to make
an entry, which may serve to remind me of the Lord's
gracious dealings with me ; and with the desire that I may
increase in diligence and dedication to my Divine Master,

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 341
that so in the conclusion of my time here, I may be permitted
to enter his undefiled rest.
Twelfth month 4th. First-day. At morning meeting I
Avas silent. After dinner I Avent with my wife to the funeral
of Henry, son of Richard Williams, who died at Westtown,
in his fifteenth year. At the house, the goodness and mercy
of our Heavenly Father was commemorated, as manifested
even in afflictive dispensations. Sympathy with the mourners
Avas expressed ; and those present were admonished to im
prove by the present instance of mortality. At our after-
i noon meeting, encouragement Avas handed to an honest-
hearted but. deeply tried remnant. At evening meeting,
largely opened in expression upon the past and present state
of our Society, as well as its future prospects. A good degree
of solemnity seemed to attend. After meeting, I accom
panied my daughter [Rebecca] to the house of mourning, and
Avay opened to address the brothers and sisters of the deceased
youth. 5th. Second-day. I have had fresh occasion to remem
ber Paul's concern, with desire that it may always be mine :
' I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection ; lest
that by any means, when I have preached to others, I my
self should be a castaAvay.'
6th. Third-day. Attended the funeral of Rebecca, daugh
ter of William and Elizabeth Biddle. She was a scholar at
the select school, and died in the twelfth year of her age. I
sat with the family, and had to speak, commencing with the
passage, ' Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom He receiveth.' At the place of interment,
Rebecca's school-fellows were addressed, a number of them
being present.
7th. Fourth-day. Feeling drawings to attend Orange

342 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
Street Meeting, I went thither. A sweet solemnity spread
over the assembly, and I was helped to minister to various
states, to my own peace. After which E. Evans was largely
engaged in thanksgiving and supplication.
8th. Fifth-day. In our week-day meeting I was opened
on some important doctrines of the Christian faith, from
Ezekiel's vision of the holy waters, and from the pure river of
water of life, which John saw. My desire is, that I may ex
perience what I haAre borne testimony of to others.
Twelfth month 10th. Seventh-day. In conference with
a sweet-spirited friend, felt the precious cementing influence
of Gospel love. Afterwards, a season of silent waiting, and
the language of encouragement handed. I felt draAvn to go
to the girls' school in James Street ; and during the silent
pause at the close, I was prostrated in vocal prayer for the
children, and all who were then present. Afterwards had a
brief exhortation for the children.
11th. First-day. At the breakfast table access seemed
mercifully granted to the Throne of Grace, and I was enabled
to plead for forgiveness of sin, and future preservation on
behalf of my family, — a circumstance unusual with me.
Silent in the morning meeting. In the afternoon, had to
express the language of sympathy for those who are walking
in darkness, with encouragement to believe there would be
a change of dispensation. In the evening meeting, an ad
dress to parents from the words, ' Then David returned to
bless his household.' S. Hillman ministered acceptably.
13th. Third-day. I believed it right to attend the North
Meeting. A precious solemnity was felt, and I stood up with
the language of our Lord to the Avoman at Jacob's well, " If
thou hadst knoAvn the gift of God," &c, Avith caution and
encouragement. My dear friend Elizabeth Pitfield, was

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 343
afterwards drawn forth in much the same line of communica
tion. The solemnity continued afterwards in silence, and I
was comforted in being there.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Twelfth month 14th.
[After mentioning the death of H. Williams, as before
mentioned.] His mother Avas Avith him, and three of the
teachers came to the city to manifest their sympathy Avith
her, and to attend the funeral, viz., Joseph Walton, Jr.,
Abigail Williams, and thy sister Rebecca. Though thy sis
ter's visit Avas short, and the occasion sorroAvful, yet it was
pleasant to us to have her Avith us. She had the opportunity
of attending one of the evening meetings, which this Avinter
are regularly held on First-days. Our friends William Bid-
die and wife, have met with two close trials. In the first
place, their son Samuel, perhaps fourteen years old, took the
scarlet fever ; it was an aggravated case, and he survived the
attack but about one day. Three other children, all they
had, have had the same disease, and one of them, their only
daughter, aged about eleven, has also died. The parents
were strongly attached to their children, and this bereave
ment proves very afflictive. I hope it may be overruled for
their good, by loosening their affections from this world, and
settling them on that world, and the things of it, which is
everlastingly glorious. Our uncle, John LetchAvorth, is
again ill. He has passed through so many sicknesses, in
which he Avas brought very low, that it is difficult to decide,
yet one of our intimate friends thinks, this will prove his last.
It is a comfort to believe, as we do, that if it should prove so,
he is prepared. He has diligently served the best of Masters,
who now " makes his bed in sickness," and will, no doubt,

344 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
receive him to Himself when the few remaining days of his
pilgrimage are accomplished.
Extract of a letter from one of T. K.'s family : " On
Second-day morning [12th], died the oldest female member
of our meeting, Mary Coates. On Third-day night, Catha
rine Sheppard was taken Avith gout in the stomach ; suffered
extremely on Fourth-day ; towards evening was better, and
seemed to pass an easier night. Fifth-day morning, 15th,
she was taken ill with a sinking spell ; Elizabeth Pitfield
went into the room with the daughter, and by rubbing her
with camphor, she seemed to revive. She spoke to Elizabeth ;
said she was aged, and would not last long ; that she had
been looking around, and felt nothing in her way. Spoke
of her dear Redeemer. She conversed a little about John
Wilbur, showing her interest in him. Elizabeth then Avith-
drew, and Catharine appeared to doze ; she roused up, and
said, ' This seems like the sleep of death.' She then soon
expired." T. K.'s Diary, continued.
"Twelfth month 15th. Fifth-day. Attended the funeral
of our aged friend, Mary Coates, who died in her ninetieth
year. At the grave, under a sense that it was well with the
deceased, the language of our Lord was revived, ' Daughters
of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and
for your children.' My exercise of soul was for those who
remain in this mutable state, exposed to the assaults and
temptations of the enemy.
17th. Seventh-day. Visited Ann Richards and several
of her children. It was the first time of my entering the
house since the interment of her sister Rachel C. Bartram,
Avho was run over and killed by a horse about a year ago.

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 345
In a religious communication, I had to express my belief
that this awful dispensation had been permitted in mercy.
Most of the children seemed tender ; and one of them, a
grown-up daughter, appears to be under a precious visitation »
of Divine love and mercy.*
18th. First-day. In the morning meeting considerable
enlargement Avas Avitnessed in word and doctrine. The ex
perience of the Apostle Paul was brought into view, and
several states addressed. Attended the funeral of our friend
Catharine Sheppard, Avho departed this life on the 15th.
Although unAvell,-she had been at meeting on the 13th. She
occupied the station of an elder, was a woman of integrity,
and will be much missed in her Monthly Meeting. A short
testimony to the way of life and salvation, was delivered at
the grave, and the belief expressed, that though the sum
mons to our departed friend might seem to be somewhat sud
den, she was, through Divine Mercy, found with her loins
girt about and her light burning, waiting for the coming of
her Lord. Silent in the afternoon and evening meeting ; but
had particularly to address my nepheAV and nieces, who are
under my care, after our evening reading of the Scriptures.
The seed sown in Aveakness, may hereafter be raised in power,
if our heavenly Parent be pleased graciously fo extend an
aAvakening visitation. So be it, saith my soul.
19th. Second-day. Occupied a part of the morning in
visiting my afflicted friends, William and Elizabeth Biddle.
I was comforted in the belief that they have attained a good
degree of resignation respecting their late bereavement. In
the opportunity I had to encourage them to stand in dedica
tion of heart to \vhat the Lord may be pleased to call them
to. It was measurably a favored season.
* She subsequently Avas received into membership.
23

346 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1842.
20th. Third-day. Sat with Margaret and Catharine,
daughters of my late friend, Catharine Sheppard, their mar
ried sister Rebecca Warder, being also present. The over
shadowing of the Wing of Ancient Goodness was experienced.
I felt sympathy for my friends, in a sense of their and the
Church's loss, and had to hand forth the language of encour
agement. Afterwards I had a religious opportunity in the
family of our late friend Mary Coates ; her widowed daugh
ter Mary Horner, and two of her grand-daughters, being
present. 22nd. Fifth-day. Felt deeply conscious of my own de
ficiencies, and not destitute of aspirations for deliverance.
Went to meeting with no expectation of being heard ; yet
an opening presented on the spiritual nature of the baptisms
of Christ. I sat sometime under it ; and at length arose with
John the Baptist's declaration, ' There standeth one among
you whom ye know not ; He shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost, and with fire.' May I experimentally know the
cleansing operation of his power, ' whose fan is in his hand.'
In the afternoon, my wife and I went to Woodbury, princi
pally to visit our dear friend Joseph Whitall. Lodged at
George Mickle's.
23rd. Sixth-day. We went early in the morning to J.
W.'s, and found him in a very weak state of body, but lively
in spirit, and deeply interested in the cause of Truth and
righteousness. We accompanied him to the week-day meet
ing. It seemed a low time ; yet towards the close, a short
communication was delivered, on the case of Saul, who had
been ' a choice young man and goodly ;' yet by unfaithful
ness to his God he lost his favor, and at length his kingdom
and his life.
Twelfth month 25th. First-day. The morning and even-

1842.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 347
ing meetings were silent. In the afternoon meeting, Paul's
address to the Philippians Avas revived, ' I would ye should
understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto
me have fallen out rather for the furtherance of the Gospel.'
The tempted and tried were encouraged to believe this would
be their experience as they held fast their faith in the Good
Shepherd, who careth for the sheep.
26th. Second-day. Dipped into sympathy with an exer
cised friend, whom I addressed with expressions of encour
agement. 27th. Third-day. Much depressed with a sense that I
am far from being thoroughly purified. Feeling an impulse
thereto, I went to the North Meeting. A covering of so
lemnity prevailed, under Avhich access to the Throne of
Grace in vocal supplication was vouchsafed. Petitions were
presented for various classes ; and that as the Lord in his
wisdom, has removed faithful laborers, He would raise up
and qualify others to fill their places. In the evening, at
her request, I accompanied my wife to Timothy Abbott's.
Before we left his house, the company were drawn into
silence, and I Avas concerned, in vocal supplication, for a
widow present ; also for a fatherless young woman, who is,
as I apprehend, exposed to danger ; and for us all, that at
the solemn hour of death, we might be found prepared for
the mansions of rest and peace."

348 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
CHAPTER XIX.— 1843.
DIARY — LETTERS — JOHN LETCHWORTH's DEATH — EDITH
JEFFERIS' DECEASE — LETTERS — DIARY.
First month 1st, 1843. " First-day. Felt a draft to
attend the Western Meeting ; and therein was concerned
to open the doctrines of the Gospel from the testimony
of Paul, ' After that, in the wisdom of God, the world
by wisdom knew not God ; it pleased God by the fool
ishness of preaching, to save them that believe.' A good
degree of solemnity seemed to attend. The afternoon
meeting was silent. In the evening meeting I was again
engaged, commencing with nearly ' these expressions : ' It
appears that whenever reformation has commenced, how
ever glorious, in a short time an eclipse has followed ; when
ever a considerable body of believers has been gathered to
the truth as it is in Jesus, in a brief period there has been on
the part of some, a falling away from their steadfastness.
This arises from the stratagems of the old enemy, working
on the corruptions of the human heart, and seeking to pre
vent the spreading of the cause of Truth and righteousness.
Yet the Lord, whose power commences the work of reforma
tion, does not desert his own cause, but in mercy raises up
and' qualifies instruments to labor for a revival of pure reli
gion ; and the work of these has ever been to lead the people
back to first principles, and first practices.' These expres
sions were followed by references to the state of the primitive
Church, its first glory, its decline, and the labors of the apos
tles to bring the professors of the name of Christ to the ex
perience of his power. Also to the state of our Society in the
beginning ; the excellency that appeared amongst those bright

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 349
sons of the morning ; the declension of zeal Avhich followed ;
the prevalence of worldlymindedness ; the faithful men and
women since raised up ; the nature of their testimony,' &c.
Following this, Avas an address to the younger members, and
an exhortation to dwell under the power which would pre
pare them for the service of their day ; with an encouraging
prospect of the future state of the Church, after a time of
sifting and trial, through faithfulness to the visitations of the
Day-spring from on high. Calling after meeting at a Friend's
house, those present were dravvn into silence, and therein a
door of communication was opened in a line of close, plain
dealing, seasoned with Gospel love.
2nd. Second-day. At the Girls' Select School on James'
Street by appointment. Elizabeth Evans had some seasona
ble remarks to offer to the children, and I had a share in the
labor. As the Select Schools were established from a re
ligious concern for the welfare of the youth, it is much to
be desired that this ground may be steadily kept to, not only
by the teachers, but by the committee to Avhose care they
are entrusted. Then we may reasonably hope that the Di
vine blessing will rest upon them.
8th. First-day. During several of the past day's I have
been depressed ; very little sense of Divine life attending. To
day I have been somewhat revived with sensations of good. In
the morning meeting a testimony Avas delivered. The decla
ration of Paul was uttered, Avith remarks, as way ojiened ;
' Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through
our Lord Jesus Christ.' In the afternoon my dear friend,
Elizabeth C. Mason, who has long been shut up as to public
labor in this place, was opened in a lively and appropriate
testimony, to my comfort. In the evening, after several
testimonies Avere borne [by S. Bettle, H. Rhoads and E.

350 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
Pitfield,] I Avas prostrated in vocal thanksgiving and sup
plication. A remarkable solemnity covered the meeting to
its close. Afterwards in a religious opportunity in a Friend's
house some labor was extended.
11th. Fourth-day. At Orange Street Meeting, opened
on the passage, ' Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself,
O God of Israel, the Saviour.' Those, were addressed who
had experienced the hidings of the Lord's face, in consequence
of their unfaithfulness ; and those also who were walking in
darkness, and yet truly desiring to know and do the Lord's
Avill ; with counsel for each class. Elizabeth Evans had
afterwards acceptable service.
12th. Fifth-day. At Radnor Monthly Meeting. Many
young Friends were present from Haverford Boarding School,
towards whom my mind was opened in love. The nature of
the Gospel dispensation was set forth, and a testimony borne
to the Law which is written not with ink, but the spirit
of the living God ; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly
tables of the heart. Something also was addressed to the
aged. In the meeting for discipline the youth were again
spoken to." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
First month 6th, 1843.
I take a whole sheet of paper to acknowledge the receipt
of thy closely written and Avell filled epistle, but not with
any settled conclusion to write on each page. * * Thy aunt
Mary has been at Ruth Jess's nearly all the time for more
than a week. A young friend from North Carolina boarding
there, and attending medical lectures, was taken ill, and his
life was considered in danger. No marvel Avas it that thy
kind-hearted aunt was found at his bed-side ; nor that Ruth

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 351
was desirous of retaining her, as she still does, although the
youth is getting better. But he still requires good nursing,
as he is vveak. * * * I have occasionally met Avith a new
history of the Great Reformation of the Sixteenth Century,
by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne, but felt no desire to read it,
having heretofore perused divers accounts of those eventful
times ; but recently looking into it, I became interested, and
am inclined to think I shall travel through it. It is Avritten
in a lively and striking manner, and thy mother has listened
with much satisfaction to portions of Martin Luther's per
sonal history. The great Reformer, as he is styled by many,
had his mind very gradually opened to the errors of the Romish
creed ; and after all, was far short of the brightness of the
Gospel day, Avhich broke forth amongst our early Friends.
George Fox was undoubtedly the greatest of the modern
Reformers ; depending not on human learning, as the others
too often did, but on the openings of the Holy Spirit, and
exemplifying in his life a beautiful consistency Avith his doc
trines. But I must not enlarge on this subject at present.
With regard to thy future movements, whether to remain
another session at Westtown or leave at the close of this, I
wish thee to feel after the subject deliberately. I have rather
looked forward to the latter alternative ; but am willing to
sacrifice personal feelings, if the other course should appear
best. It is a precious state to have our wills brought into
subjection to the Divine will, and to have that will clearly
made known to us. I feel a hope this may be thy experience.
Thomas Kite having received a letter from his friend,
Joseph Edgerton, then travelling on a religious visit through
NeAV York Yearly Meeting, was feelingly drawn into sympa
thy with him, in the trials of spirit to which he was sub-

352 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
jected ; and soon felt an engagement of mind to salute him
with a brotherly epistle. Philadelphia, First month 11th, 1843.
Dear Friend, Joseph- Edgerton : — I duly received
thy letter dated the 28th and 30th of last month. It was
interesting to be informed of thy movements since thou left
us ; and feelings of sympathy were awakened by its perusal.
Truly it is a day in which the faithful burden-bearers have
to go, many times, mourning on their way. And yet they do
not serve a hard Master. He, for whose blessed cause they
are made willing to suffer, can and will, as they keep near
to Him, make good in their experience the ancient declara
tion, " He that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves
with him." As it is possible thou mayest not have heard
from thy family for some time, it seems as if it might be right
to. inform thee, that thy daughter, whose health was poor
when thou left, home, has since been removed from the con
flicts of time. The circumstances that attended her departure,
I am not acquainted Avith, but understand that William
Evans has been several times at thy house, and has-been in
company with thy Avife since this afflictive dispensation, and
found her calm and tranquil. These are events which call
for the exercise of resignation, particularly occurring when
we are at a distance. May the Lord enable thee to centre
in that frame of spirit which strengthened Job to say, under
his bereavement, " The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken
away, blessed be the name of the Lord." The last letter I
have heard of, received from William Evaus by his family,
was written at Salem ; he had nearly attended all the meet
ings in Ohio. Beaver and one or two others in Pennsylvania
Avould remain, and one in Virginia belonging to Redstone

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 353
Quarter. After attending these and visiting Mildred Rat-
cliffe, he proposed coming pretty directly home, where he is
expected about the 18th inst. He will then be in time to
attend our Meeting for Sufferings, Avhich stands' adjourned
to the 20th. From various sources I have learned, that his
visit has been seasonable to Friends of your Yearly Meeting ;
and though he has had his conflicts of spirit, yet I believe
he has had the evidence of being in his proper allotment.
We shall on various accounts, be glad of his return.
We have been holding an evening meeting on First-days,
at the Arch Street house this winter, for the members of the
Society in this city generally. Through the renewed ex
tensions of Divine regard, they have been generally solid
good meetings ; and I trust will have a cementing influence.
Nothing has lately occurred to produce any collision amongst
us, yet I fear there are too many who hold this modified
Quakerism, which has been the source of so much painful
exercise. No less than seven changes have been made in
our Meeting for Sufferings within the past year ; five from
death and two from resignation. Nearly or quite all the
new members are thought to be attached to our ancient
principles, which is a great favor ; it being of great import
ance that this representative body should be preserved sound
and firm. * * * [Sister Mary] as well as my wife join
me in love to thyself and companion. I am thy friend in
the Truth.
P. S. I gave thy message to Elizabeth Evans, Avho says,
" Give my love to him ; and tell him a line from him would
be acceptable to us. '
Diary continued. " 15th. First-day. Our meetings were
silent, morning and afternoon. I went to the late residence

354 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
of our friend Hannah Hollingshead, on the occasion of her
funeral, and had some service in calling the attention of
the company there assembled to the necessity of being pre
pared for the close of life, and for an admittance into that city
' which hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine
in it ; for the glory of God doth lighten it, and the Lamb is
the light thereof.' In the evening meeting [I was] opened
on the fundamental doctrine of the divinity of the Lord
Jesus Christ ; also in acknowledgment of his manhood, and
bearing testimony to Him as the Light of the world, and the
life of men. A young man, who has joined the Separatists,
afterwards appeared both in declaration and on his knees, in
a very unsatisfactory manner ; yet the meeting was pre
served in quietude, not one person in that assembly rising at
his last appearance.
16th. Second-day. Had a sitting with a young friend,
at present a member of my family ; in whom I endeavored
to stir up the pure mind by way of remembrance of the
Lord's merciful dealings with her, and encouraged her to
unreserved dedication of heart.
20th. Sixth-day. A favored time at the Meeting for
Sufferings. Friends were enabled to enter into a feeling
conference on the present state of our Society ; which resulted
in the separation of a committee to prepare an address to the
members." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. First month 21st.
Our friend William Evans is indeed again with us ; and
I was particularly glad of his company yesterday at the
Meeting for Sufferings. I there saw a number of our valua
ble country Friends, whom it is pleasant to see. Our dear

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 355
friend, Joseph Whitall, was again amongst us ; fervent in
spirit, though weak in body. He has been forty-five years
a member of that meeting. Our uncle, John LetehAvorth,
seems rather revived. * * * Our aged friend, Mary
Wistar, is also much indisposed, and is thought to be in a
critical state, so that her husband did not come to the Meet
ing for Sufferings yesterday.
My dear child, the present is a critical time in our re
ligious Society, and indeed in what is called Christendom at
large. Conflicting elements are at work. It is too copious
a theme to enter much upon, on such a piece of paper as this.
I mention it, however, to introduce my conviction that there
is great necessity for each one of us, whether young or old,
to repair to the foundation, which stands sure ; and to be
built upon it, and then all the shakings and overturniags
that are in the world cannot move us from our steadfastness.
" Watch and pray," said our Divine Master, " that ye enter
not into temptation." And when we consider the prize of our
high calling, how willing ought we to be to bear the cross, to
crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts, and to do or
suffer the will of God, which is experienced by the faithful
to be their sanctification. Mayest thou, then, be of the wise
number to whom the promise belongs, " Blessed are all they
who do his commandments, that they may have a right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the
city." Remember me affectionately to A. Williams and
Martha Barton, and tell them I desire their encouragement
in the tribulated path which leads to everlasting life.
Diary. " First month 22nd. First-day. In the morning
meeting engaged on the query of the disciples, ' Lord wilt
thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel ?' The

356 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
afternoon was wholly silent. A covering of solemnity was
experienced in that held in the evening."
Extract from a letter from one of the family to Thomas
Kite, Jr.
" I thought him [T. K.] this morning eminently favored.
He began with the sixth verse of the first chapter of Acts,
' Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel ?'
and repeating the seventh and eighth verses ; ' And He said
unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons
which the Father has put in his own power. But ye shall
receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you :
and ye shall be made witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
part of the earth.' He then commented on these passages,
showing that though his disciples had been with Him, and
were witnessses of his miracles, healing the sick, curing the
lame, restoring sight to the blind, unstopping the deaf ear,
and even raising the dead, yet their views were still out
ward ; they had not fully discerned the spirituality of his
mission. They were anticipating the restoration of their
nation from under the Roman bondage to its peaceful and
happy state in the reigns of David ahd Solomon. It was
not for them to know the times and the seasons which the
Father had put in his own power ; yet He gave them in
structions how to do, ' Tarry ye in Jhe city of Jerusalem until
ye be endued with power from on high.' I wish I could
give the whole of it, with the feeling, impressive and forcible
manner in which it was spoken."
MARY KITE TO SUSANNA SHARPLESS.
Oh, it is cheering to my spirit to sit beside dear uncle's
[John Letchworth's] bed, and look at his placid, shall I say

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 357
heavenly countenance, beaming with kindness on all who
approach him. As I sat by his side he remarked, " All the
days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come."
I said to him, " I suppose thou would be glad to be released ?"
" Oh yes," he said, " but I desire to have no will in it." He
is very feeble ; and often so prostrated, that he appears
nearly gone. Many friends call to see him : indeed few are
more universally beloved than uncle John.
Diary continued. " First month 24th. Third-day. Took
tea, Avith my wife, with our aged frie'nd, Elizabeth Cleaver.
In a religious opportunity, Sarah Hillman, who Avas also
there with her mother, addressed our dear friend impres
sively. I also had a short communication.
25th. Fourth-day. At the Western Meeting I was con
cerned to revive the address of our Lord, ' Fear not, little
flock, for it is your heavenly Father's good pleasure to give
you the kingdom.' I was considerably enlarged, both to
the little flock of the Redeemer's followers, and also to others,
who have not as yet taken up his cross, which would bring
them to be of that number. I had also to bear testimony to
the nature of his kingdom. Afterwards my mouth was
opened in the solemn service of vocal supplication. At the
close of the meeting I called to see my young friend, Lloyd
Bailey, who is in declining health ; and had an opportunity
with him, his mother being present, in which they were re
spectively spoken to.
26th. Fifth-day. At our Monthly Meeting. A covering
of good in silence, and under the lively ministry of dear
Elizabeth Pitfield. The meeting for business more heavy.
I obtained the concurrence of my friends with my paying a
religious visit to the meetings within the limits of Abington

358 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
Quarterly Meeting. Was informed after meeting that our
friend, Charles Allen,. was found dead in his bed this morn
ing. He had for some time been in declining health. In the
afternoon I called at his late residence, and being invited to
see the widow, had an opportunity with her, nearly all the
children being present. My mouth was opened in testimony
from this passage of Scripture, ' Precious in the sight of the
Lord is the death of his saints.' Afterwards I was engaged
in supplication for the widow and the fatherless.
27th. Sixth-day. Calling in the evening on business at
a friend's house, I was unexpectedly brought under exercise,
and had to address him, his wife, and her sister in a line of
close counsel, in which the testimony of our Lord to the
sister of Lazarus was brought into view ; ' Mary hath chosen
that good part which shall not be taken from her.'
28th. Seventh-day. Deeply bowed under the prospect
of engaging in my religious A'isit, and the consciousness of
my own unworthiness and utter helplessness. Strong desires
arose to the Father of Mercies for the remission of sin, and
for a more thorough washing in the laver of regeneration.
29th. First-day. Commenced the visit after a restless
night, by attending Germantown Meeting ; and was helped
to speak to the people. The Prophet's testimony to the Lord's
dealings with his servant Jacob was quoted : ' He found him
in Bethel, and there He spake with us : even the Lord God
of Hosts ; the Lord is his memorial.'* All the Lord's visited
children have a Bethel, a season in which He reveals his
love to them ; and as they take hold of it, they are enabled
to enter into covenant with Him. Various incidents in the
Patriarch's life were brought into view, with applications to
the states of those assembled. Afterwards I Avas prostrated
* Hosea, xii. 4.

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 359
in vocal supplication. Returned to the city with peaceful
feelings. In our evening meeting our friend, William Evans,
recently returned from a religious visit to the meetings of
Ohio Yearly Meeting, was excellently engaged in unfolding
the practical, self-denying doctrines of the Gospel, to a large.
and attentive auditory. May his labors be fastened as a
nail in a sure place.
31st. Third-day. At Frankford Monthly Meeting held
at GermantoAvn, my mouth was opened in testimony to the
nature of the kingdom and government of the dear Son of
God ; and various classes \vere addressed. The meeting for
worship Avas favored ; and the business afterwards was trans
acted in a solid, becoming manner. Alice Knight Avas set
at liberty to visit the families of Sadsbury Monthly Meeting,
and part of those of Bradford. I was comforted in finding
this exercised Friend under this concern, and trust she will
be strengthened to fulfil it to her own peace, and the honor
of the Great Head of the Church, who not only puts his own
forth, but goes before them.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. First month 29th, 1843.
[After narrating several deaths, he adds :] Thus are our
elder and younger Friends called away ; and these and
many other instances of mortality, ought to awaken us to in
creased diligence in making our calling and election sure.
So many valuable Friends have been of latter time remoAred
from the important posts they occupied in the Church, that
desires can hardly fail to be. excited, that our dear young
Friends may effectually take up the cross, and become cruci
fied to the world and its bewitching vanities ; prepared by
the Great Head of the Church to fill the vacant places, and

360 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
to show forth out of a good conversation their works with
meekness of wisdom. Nothing in relation to thee could
gratify me more, than to know that thou hadst become, a
firm, decided, consistent, cross-bearing follower of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Diary. " Second month 2nd. Fifth-day. At Gwynedd
Monthly Meeting held at Plymouth. Enlarged in'testimony
to the relief of my own mind. The meeting for business a
low time. A religious opportunity was had at Hannah
Williams', where I dined, in which my mouth was opened in
supplication to the God and Father of all our sure mercies.
• Second month 3rd. Sixth-day. In the evening, with my
wife, visited Rebecca Allen and family. Before we left
them, after a time of silence, I had a brief testimony to de
liver. 5th. First-day. At Frankford Meeting. A covering of
good attended. I stood up with the subject of the appear
ance of Jesus to his disciples, walking on the water, whilst
they were tossed with the waves, the wind being contrary
unto them. I was considerably enlarged on that and other
topics, speaking also to various states. Returned home in
time to attend evening meeting, in which Truth did not seem
to arise into dominion, although a valuable Friend had a
short communication. Afterwards called with my wife at
Benjamin Albertson's, and divers Friends being present, we
were drawn into silence, and Phebe Roberts was engaged
in a short testimony, after which I also appeared.
6th. Second-day. At our own Quarterly Meeting. Seve
ral Friends [E. Comfort and E. Pitfield] labored pertinently
in the first meeting. That for business was not entirely satis
factory : there was much to engage its attention, preparatory

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 361
to the approaching Yearly Meeting; and perhaps it was too
much hurried.
7th. Third-day. At Abington Monthly Meeting. A
season of favor, in which I was enabled to speak to various
states, bringing into view the language of the prophet, ' Then
they that feared the Lord spake often one to another ; and a
book of remembrance was written before Him for. them that
feared the Lord, and thought upon his name. And they
shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I
make up my jeAvels ; and I will spare them, as a man spareth
his OAvn son that serveth him.' Afterwards attended the
Select Preparative Meeting, and felt sympathy for the few
who were present.
8th. Fourth-day. At our Quarterly Meeting of Minis
ters and Elders. I thought it a solid time. I was enabled
to bear testimony to the manner in which the Lord's chil
dren are enabled to rejoice in his presence : it is after en
during toils, and trials, and various conflicts, and being-
strengthened to keep the faith through all, according to the
testimony of the prophet, ' They joy before thee according to
the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the
spoil.' I was also led to speak of the duty of watchmen as
set forth by the prophet Ezekiel. In the evening, at Sarah
Churchman's, a religious opportunity occurred, in which she
and her two daughters were separately addressed. Margaret,
the youngest, seems very near, in the Truth. May she be
found faithful.
9th. Fifth-day. After lodging at Samuel B. Morris's, at
the breakfast table I had to address his son, who is but a
lad, endeavoring to encourage him to live in the fear of the
Lord. Then went to Abington Quarterly Meeting. The
Great Head of the Church was near, to our comfort, enabling
24

362 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
several servants to advocate his cause, and spreading over the
assembly a covering of solemnity. I stood up with the caution
addressed to each of the seven Churches, in the Revelations :
' He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto
the Churches.' I was led to take a view of our Society in
its early days, the chaste love and zeal of its primitive mem
bers, the degeneracy which has crept in, the goodness of our
Almighty Helper, in raising up and qualifying instruments
to recall us to first principles, with some prospects concerning
future times, and exhortations to individual faithfulness.
The business seemed to be conducted in a good degree of the
savor of Truth. On the whole, thankfulness is the covering
of my spirit for this day's favor.
Second month 10th. Sixth-day. At an 'appointed meet
ing at Abington. A low time ; yet was enabled in some de
gree to relieve my mind by addressing various states."
Extract from a letter to his daughter Rebecca :
" Second month 10th. Think seriously whether it may be
thy place to offer [as a teacher at Westtown], but say very
little about it. The opinions of thy friends may confuse thy
mind ; whilst feeling after Divine direction may rectify and
settle it. There is a right place for every one of the Lord's
children, and it is his prerogative to point it out."
Diary. " 12th. First-day. At Plymouth. I was con
cerned to open the nature of spiritual worship, from the dis
course of our Lord with the woman of Samaria at Jacob's
well. The meeting was rather heavy and laborious. Dined
at Jacob Robert's, and had a religious opportunity in his
family. Afterwards visited Josiah Albertson, confined with
a paralytic attack, and had a sitting in his chamber. Then
went to Gwynedd, and lodged at the house of Mary, the
widow of my late friend, Jesse Spencer.

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 363
13th. Second-day. Had an appointed meeting at Gwynedd,
to my comfort. The Gospel Avas preached, and towards the
close, Phebe Roberts, daughter of my friend Hannah Wil
liams, appeared in supplication. Went to George Spencer's,
at Moreland, to lodge.
14th. Third-day. At an appointed meeting at Horsham,
I was opened on the testimony and invitation addressed by
Moses to Hobab, ' We are journeying unto the place of Avhich
the Lord said : I will give it you ; come then with us, and
we will do thee good ; for the Lord hath spoken good con
cerning Israel.' I was strengthened to speak to various
states, and was afterwards engaged in prayer and thanksgiv
ing. Went to Thomas Wistar, Jr.'s, to lodge.
15th. Fourth-day. Went to Byberry week-day meeting.
A very small company attended ; yet a covering of good was
vouchsafed. I was unexpectedly opened on John's baptism,
and Christ's baptism, in Avhich I had a testimony to bear,
with reference to various states. After Avhich I was engaged
to bow my knees in vocal adoration and supplication. This
meeting, which completes my present religious concern, was
relieving to my mind ; and after dining at David Comfort's,
I returned to the city, under a thankful .feeling that Divine
aid had be,en extended throughout this journey to me, an un
worthy creature. May my future life be more entirely de
voted to the service of the Lord my God, in the Gospel of
his dear Son. My friend Jeremiah Hacker, has been accept
ably my companion in this religious engagement."
From the letters of T. K. it appears that the weather was
cold during the time he Avas performing this visit, and that
heavy snow-drifts made the travelling difficult.
Diary. "19th. First-day. In the morning meeting a
testimony was delivered on the words of our Lord to Peter,

364 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
' Simon, Simon ; behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that
he may sift you as wheat ; but I have prayed for thee, that
thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted, strengthen
the brethren.' Encouragement was offered to the tempted
and tried. The afternoon meeting was silent. In the even
ing meeting, after Elizabeth Evans had appeared in testi
mony, I was drawn forth in vocal thanksgiving and prayer.
22nd. Fourth-day. I attended the funeral of J. M.
Whitall's son, aged two years. At the house, Sarah Hillman
addressed the parents of the child, and others present; after
which I had something to communicate.
23rd. Fifth-day. Our Monthly Meeting. William Evans
was acceptably engaged in public labor, showing that where
there is faith and obedience, there will be growth.
25th. Seventh-day. Called at J. M. Whitall's, The
company present were draAvn into silence, and I was engaged
in ministering to various states. His. wife was particularly
addressed." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Second month 25th.
* * A few copies of the memorandums of Jane Bettle
having been placed in my hands for distribution, I ha\-e con
cluded to forward one to thee, supposing thou wouldst value
it as a memento of our deceased friend. Thy aunt Mary Avent
on Fifth-day morning in the stage [to Concord], to assist in
nursing cousin Edith Jefferis. * * We hear unpleasant
tidings from the West. The ultra-abolition members of In
diana Yearly Meeting have organized a separation from our
Society. Daniel Prickett and Charles Osborne are promi
nent men in this movement.

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 365
In regard to Edith Jefferis' illness, alluded to in the fore
going letter, Susanna Sharpless thus wrote, under date of
Second month 20th : " Probably you have received intelli
gence of the alarming illness of our dear cousin E. J. It is
a very affecting example of the uncertainty of life and health.
She went down to Concord on Fifth-day afternoon to help
aunt Phebe [Middleton] prepare for Quarterly Meeting. In
the afternoon she raised some blood from the lungs in small
quantities, yet enough to induce them to send early in the
morning for Dr. Marsh. He directed her to keep still in
bed, and hoped there would be no increase. About four in
the afternoon of that day (Sixth), a much larger hemorrhage
occurred. This excited a good deal of alarm in our dear
eousin, who now asked for her mother and Dr. Thomas ; but
the roads were not good, and a difficulty of sending, prevented
their getting there until ten next morning, when a great dis
charge had just occurred. Since then there has been au in
crease, attended with cough. The doctors gave strict orders
that none should see her ; they also enjoined great quietness
and composure in those necessarily in her room. Any exer
tion of her own, as turning, &C-, produces some discharge.
Her strength is greatly prostrated, and fever accompanies
the disease, — both unfavorable symptoms. Her dear mother
was calm, and met the trying dispensation in a manner that
awoke my admiration ; but she is too feeble for nursing in
such an illness as this. * * It seems as if the blow is so
great, that I cannot at all realize it. Out of my father's
household, there is no friend so near and dear to me as this
beloved cousin. From our early years we have been as
sisters, and you know of latter time how closely we have been
united in the sweet bond of Christian fellowship. To me she
has often had a word of counsel and encouragement, that has

366 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
helped me on my way. During the late pleasant visit she
paid me, she said she had had some very peculiar feelings
lately in looking to the future, and was ready to think her
days' work was nearly done. I hoped otherwise. Yet, what
dare we say ? Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right ?
He may see meet to call away those whom we deem useful
instruments in his hand, and to whom we look for help in
these days of treading dovra and of perplexity. Where shall
we see her mantle fall in our poor stripped meeting ? We
felt the influence of her spirit, there. Her dear, feeble mother,
who looked to her as the prop and stay of her declining days !
how does she call forth the sympathy of her friends !"
Diary. " Second month 26th. First-day. In the morn
ing meeting S. Bettle appeared in testimony ; after which I
was engaged in supplication. In the afternoon our aforesaid
friend again delivered a testimony, after which I had to re
vive the exhortation of the apostle : ' I beseech you, there
fore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this
world ; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and per
fect will of God.' The evening meeting was long silent, but
towards the close some labor was extended by a Friend, with,
I believe, right authority. I thought the meeting ended too
soon. Care is requisite in this respect, as well as not to con
tinue our meetings to an unseasonable length."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Second month 27th.
Very often is my mind turned towards thee Avith affection
ate desires for thy preservation from evil. I wish thee to be

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 367
cautious as to forming intimate friendships. Take no one
into thy confidence Avho does not appear to fear the Lord,
and to be aiming at a consistent life. These who take up
the cross of Christ, Avhich crucifies to the world and its spirit,
these are safe companions.
I feel no fear that thou wilt neglect the attendance of reli
gious meetings, either on First or other days ; but I wish thee
not to rest satisfied Avith merely presenting thy body at the
time and place appointed. May it be thy fervent concern to
be a living worshipper ; and this can only be attained through
the powerful operation of the quickening Spirit. Those who
live habitually in the fear of offending their Creator, ahd
take heed to their ways in their daily intercourse Avith men,
are those who are most likely to experience his blessed pre
sence and power to their comfort, Avhen assembled with their
friends to wait upon and worship Him.
Diary. " Second month 28th. Third-day. At the North
Meeting strength was again vouchsafed to preach the Gospel
of life and salvation, and to encourage my brethren and sis
ters to faithfulness.
Third month 1st. Fourth-day. At the Western Meeting,
Avhere a marriage Avas accomplished. I was concerned to men
tion the marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the miracle per
formed by the Lord Jesus, manifesting forth his glory, and
confirming the faith of his disciples. William Evans fol-
loAved in a lively and appropriate testimony ; and a friend
aftenvards appeared in supplication. It seemed to be a good
meeting. 2nd. Fifth-day. At our OAvn week-day meeting. I was
engaged on the subject of some Avho are ' ever learning, but
never able to come to the knowledge of the truth ;' showin g

368 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
that whilst any strive to comprehend the doctrines of religion
without putting in practice what they already know, they
are not in the way to become established in the Truth as it
is in Jesus. I endeavored to keep to the opening ; yet it
seemed rather a low time. ' In the afternoon I attended the
funeral of David B. Griscom, assistant teacher at our Select
School, who died after a short illness, in the nineteenth year
of his age. I sat with the near connections at the house, and
William Evans was well engaged in testimony ; after which
my knees were bent in supplication, intercession being made
for various states present. A good degree of solemnity pre
vailed." T. K. TO HIS SISTER MARY. Third month 3rd.
* * Elizabeth Pitfield and Sarah Hillman were -yester
day at Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, and met with William
Kirkwood and his companion. They expect, on First-day,
to be at Germantown Meeting, and then proceed homeward.
We hear sorrowful tidings from Cincinnati. A fire has oc
curred there, and several lives lost, amongst, which were two
of their friends, Caleb Taylor and Joseph Bonsall, son of
our late friend Isaac. With love to cousin Edith, and all
connections at Concord, I am, affectionately, thy brother.
Diary. " Third month 5th. First-day. The morning
meeting silent, excepting a few words from an aged Friend.
It seemed a solid opportunity. That in the afternoon was
silent, and a low time. In the evening, Elizabeth Evans Avas
largely engaged in a close testimony ; after which I was con
cerned to revive the expressions of the Apostle Peter, ' Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, ac-

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 369
cording to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto
a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead,' with more of the passage ; setting forth, amongst other
matters which opened to my mind, the connection of the
heavenly doctrines of the Gospel ; and the belief was ex
pressed, that the Lord was preparing, by the visitations of
his Holy Spirit, those who should bear testimony to these
doctrines. 6th. Second-day. Before leaving the breakfast table, I
had something to communicate, several of our connections
from the country being present. Then attended the Select
School for Girls, as one of the Committee on Religious In
struction, on Avhich occasion I was engaged in vocal suppli
cation. In the afternoon, in company with my wife, and
several other Friends, I attended the funeral of Samuel
Rhoads, at Darby. He was a humble, unassuming man, and ,
I believe, according to his measure, a faithful minister of
Christ. At the late dwelling of the deceased, Hannah Gib
bons was concerned to plead with some whose day's work had
not kept pace with the day. I followed, bearing testimony
to the uprightness of my deceased friend and brother, and
addressed various states ; after which, Elizabeth Evans had
a close and arousing declaration, in which some present were
.admonished to prepare for the solemn close.
Third month 7th. Third-day. From a secret impulse I
went in the evening, and had a religious opportunity with
Charles Sheppard and wife, which I thought was measurably
owned by a covering of good. I was led to speak to their
states, respectively, particularly to that of the latter, who is,
I believe, passing through deep exercises and conflicts of
spirit. May the eternal God be her refuge, and underneath
his everlasting arms.

370 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
8th. Fourth-day. Having occasion to call on Rebecca
Biddle, we were drawn into silence, and a belief was ex
pressed, that her present bodily affliction and confinement at
home, has not only been designed by her heavenly Father
for her good, but that He has already sanctified it to her.
She was encouraged to trust in Him, and yield unreserved
obedience to the requisitions of his Holy Spirit.
10th. Sixth-day. Visited Elizabeth Baily, the widowed
mother of Lloyd Baily, who deceased the 12th of last month,
in the twenty-sixth year of his age. I had« a comfortable
religious opportunity with her ; she was addressed in the love
of the Gospel, as also her eldest remaining son and only
daughter. Third month 12th. First-day. Supplicated at the break
fast table for my family. In the morning meeting, the sub
stance of the narrative contained in the sixth chapter of the
2nd Kings, concerning the Prophet Elisha, when the King
of Syria sent a great host to take him, was impressed on my
mind, and a testimony was borne. The Lord remains now,
as in that day, to be the sure refuge of his people, and is as
able to deliver them out of all their troubles. The passage
in which Paul addresses an epistle ' to the Church of the
Thessalonians, which is in God, the Father, and in the Lord
Jesus Christ,' was also adverted to, and the safety and blessed^
ness spoken of, of those who, by submission to the power of
God, are brought into this state, and are thus ' built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner-stone.' After our evening
Scripture reading, I had something to communicate to my
nieces and nephew, and also to S. L. Iu the evening meet
ing, after an excellent testimony borne by a Friend [W. E.],
and a prayer offered by another [E. P.], I was engaged in

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 371
reviving, with very little addition, the language of our Lord
to his disciples, near the time when He was to be taken from
them, as regarded his bodily appearance, ' Let not your heart
be troubled ; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my
Father's house are many mansions ; if it were not so I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I
go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and re-
ceiA'e you unto myself; that Avhere I am, there ye may be
also.' 14th. Third-day. At the North Meeting. Opened on
the subject of the transfiguration of Christ, on which a testi
mony was deliA'ered. Two communications Avhich followed
did not appear to add to the solemnity of the meeting ; but
dear E. Pitfield was afterwards enabled to preach the Gospel
to the poor in spirit. Accompanied by my wife, I attended
the funeral of Joseph Price, whose widow Margery is a mem
ber of our meeting. At the house I appeared in prayer, and
at the grave in testimony, commencing with the words of
Peter, ' Neither is there salvation in any other ; for there is
none other name whereby we must be saved ;' alluding, as he
himself explains it, to ' the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,'
' Avhich was crucified ; whom God raised from the dead.' I
Avas enabled to discharge my conscience faithfully in bearing
Avitness to the only means of redemption and salvation.
Third month 15th. Fourth-day. At Orange street meet
ing. Prostrated in supplication to the Throne of Grace.
Intercession was made for the gift of repentance, for forgive
ness of sins, and for the renewal of faith ; for ministers, that
they might be kept from falling, be strengthened to finish
the work assigned them, and be finally numbered amongst
those who have turned many to righteousness, and Avho shine
as the stars, forever and ever. Request was made that the

372 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
Lord of the harvest would be pleased to send. forth laborers
into his harvest. Other petitions were presented, and thanks
giving and praise was offered up to Him who sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb.
17th. Sixth-day. At the Meeting for Sufferings. A
solid time, in good degree favored ; a united exercise pre
vailing for the promotion of the cause of Truth."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Third month 17th.
* * We had Christopher Healy to tea last evening, and
it proved so stormy that he concluded to stay all night, which
pleased us very well. He did not leave us until near ten
o'clock, when he went to the Meeting for Sufferings. How
many smiles his liveliness called up in S. L.'s face I cannot
tell ; certainly not a few, and she seemed quite to enjoy his
company. * * Ezra Comfort dined here after meeting,
and sat with us until near four o'clock.
Diary. " 19th. First-day. A short testimony was de
livered in the afternoon meeting to the necessity of humility
and meekness, and setting forth the duty of submission to
those dispensations by which our heavenly Father, would
subdue in us all loftiness of mind, and put on us the orna
ment of a meek and quiet spirit. And those who are thus
prepared, He will guide in judgment and teach his way."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Third month 19th.
* * The sorrowful tidings respecting J. Bonsall and C.
Taylor, we had received through the public papers, yet thy
communication made us acquainted with some additional

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 373
particulars. There are two considerations present themselves
on this occasion, neither, I presume, new to thee, but I men
tion them to corroborate sentiments which, I doubt not, have
been raised in thy mind. One is, the loud call such events
make to survivors to be anxiously engaged in preparing for
another state of being, for unless an interest in Christ be se
cured by submitting to his power and bearing his cross, life
will have been lent us in vain, or only to add to our con
demnation, by bringing on ourseh'es the sentence of exclu
sion from heaven and happiness. The other consideration is,
that, the removal of useful members from the Society, neces
sarily brings an increased burden on the faithful members
who remain, and ought, therefore, to excite the younger and
less experienced ones to be willing to submit to that Power
which can alone enable them rightly to assist in supporting
the cause of Truth. It is not merely being ready to act when
called on by our friends ; but it is to submit to the restrain
ing, regulating, regenerating power of Truth, which brings
our conduct and our thoughts into right order,' and begets a
living exercise of soul for our own improvement and preser-
A'ation, in the first place, and then for the encouragement and
help of others. I hear occasionally of thy regularity in at
tending meetings, which is grateful to my paternal feelings,
but I want to encourage thee to an increase of concern to be
found amongst the living worshippers ; those who worship
God in spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence
in the flesh.
I suppose when I AA'rote by B. C, I mentioned that cousin
E. Jefferis had been affected with a hemorrhage from the
lungs. The bleeding has very much ceased, and she appears
recovering slowly. Thy aunt Mary continues with her.
Uncle John Letchworth continues feeble, and is confined to

374 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
his room. * * C, Healy lodged at our house on Fifth-
day night, and we were much interested Avith his account of
some things he saw in the West during his late journey, and
also some particulars of his early life. He is much devoted
to the service of his Divine Master. We also had on Sixth-
day the company of other valuable Friends. The wish some
times arises that our T. could enjoy with us these privileges,
yet we know, if faithful, the Lord can make up to him every
privation. Although the state of Sardis of old was very low
as to the life of religion, yet even there the Lord preserved
a remnant to himself. " Thou hast," said the faithful and
true witness, " a few names even in Sardis, which have not
defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white,
for they are worthy." How blessed a thing it is to be of
this number.
Diary. " Third month 23rd. Fifth-day. In our week
day meeting I felt an engagement to address the children
and youth, many of whom were present, on the words of the
wise king, ' He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of
his lips, the king shall be his friend.' I endeavored to dis
charge myself in faithfulness, but the power of Truth did not
apjjear to rise into much dominion. If any of the precious
lambs were benefitted, to the Lord alone be the praise ; to
me belong blushing and confusion of face. In the evening,
after spending some time in social intercourse at a Friend's
house, a season of silence ensued, and a short testimony Avas
delivered. Lord, preserve me, lest having ' preached unto
others, I myself should be a castaway.' "

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 375

T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA. Third month 24th.
r [After stating circumstances prohibiting him from paying
a visit to her, the letter continues :] I console myself Avith
the prospect of seeing thee at Yearly Meeting. We under
stand Joseph Edgerton is likely to be with us at that time.
We have only heard of one other Friend in the ministry,
that is, Zeno Carpenter, of Utica, who expects to attend the
approaching annual assembly ; yet probably we shall have
others. As the time approaches, those who are concerned
for the cause of Truth can hardly fail to feel some exercise of
mind, in desire that the right thing may prevail, and Friends
be edified and comforted. I believe such an engagement
is profitable for the older and younger branches, especially
in this day of trial, in which Ave hear sad tidings from the
east and from the west. Our friend, John Wilbur, is dis
owned, and C. Osborne has put himself at the head of a
movement which has ended in a separation from Indiana
Yearly Meeting and the establishment of " Indiana Yearly
Meeting of Anti-SlaA-ery Friends." It is probable there will
be much trouble from this source, as well as from the causes
which are in operation in New England. Meanwhile, how
ever, "the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal,
the Lord knoweth them that are his," and his faithful fol
lowers may still rely on his protecting power, for " his king
dom ruleth over all." " He can cause the wrath of man to
praise Him, and the remainder of wrath he can restrain."
Diary. " Third month 26th. First-day. In our after
noon meeting I was engaged in testimony, from the words
'of the Lord Jesus to his disciples, ' I am the true vine, and

376 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
my Father is the husbandman.' The evening meeting was
the last of this character for the present season. A stranger
present [William Kirkwood,] had a brief communication,
and another Friend [G. M. E.] appeared in prayer : after
which I stood up with the words of Christ to Nicodemus,
' As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so
must the Son of man be lifted up ; that whosoever believeth
in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life ;' direct
ing sinners to the only means of salvation, even Him who
declared himself to be the resurrection and the life. Eliza
beth Pitfield preached Christ in a living testimony, and
Elizabeth Evans was afterwards engaged in supplication. A
solemn covering attended ; and it was a good close to those
meetings, which ' fbr the past winter have been held for
Friends in the city generally. For the most part they have
been held to the honor of our Holy Head ; and to our own
edification and comfort. After meeting I went Avith my
wife, to Caleb H. Canby's : unexpectedly a silent pause took
place ; and I was drawn to speak encouragingly to a young
woman Friend from the country who has lately been mar
ried : afterwards I had also to offer counsel to the young
people of the family.
28th. Third-day. Feeling drawings to sit with a Friend
of our meeting, who has been a widow for many years, I
gave up thereto, and counsel and encouragement were im
parted. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Fourth month 1st, 1843.
I received thy letter dated 28th ult., and have reflected
on its contents, and also consulted with thy mother. We
consent to the course thou art best satisfied to take [offering

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 377
herself as a teacher at Westtown]. It will be some privation
to us, should the committee accept thy offer, which I have
communicated to the women Friends appointed on the sub
ject ; but it Avill be a comfort to believe thee to be in thy right
place ; endeavoring to be useful. My desire is, that every
day thou mayest seek, after Divine ability to discharge the
duties of the passing day, and leave the future. It seems of
little use to strain our mental vision by endeavoring to see
Avhat is before us, and which in wisdom and kindness is often
concealed from our view. The prospect of having thee with
us during vacation, is truly pleasant. Our annual assembly
is nigh at hand ; the thought awakens many reflections ; the
'deep importance of the occasion ; the desire that the right
thing may prevail ; the weak be strengthened, and the
mourners comforted ; the remembrance of dear friends Avith
whom we have mingled on similar occasions, whom we shall
see no more, because they have put off the shackels of
mortality, and entered, as we trust, into their everlasting
rest. These and other considerations, such as the swiftness of
time, &c, are salutary thoughts, which I hope may make
their due impression on my mind, and on the minds of some
who are dear to me, and particularly on thine, my precious
child, whose advancement in the way of self-denial and the
daily cross, which is the highway of holiness, I ardently
desire. Diary. " Fourth month 2nd. First-day. In the morn
ing meeting the words of our Saviour were remembered and
rehearsed, ' Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.'
The necessity of ' repentance towards God, and faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ,' were enforced, with a testimony to the
mediatorial office of Jesus, from the intercession of the dresser
25

378 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
of the vineyard, in the parable of the barren fig tree, ' Lord
let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung
it, and if it bear fruit, well ; and if not, then after that thou
shalt cut it down.' Some present were exhorted to repent
and turn to the Lord, whilst a renewed evidence of Divine
visitation is in mercy extended. In the afternoon, the young
people were addressed from the caution of the apostle, ' Be
ware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain
deceit ;' warning being extended respecting the company
they kept, and the books they read. In the evening, in an
opportunity with my family, I was concerned to approach
the Throne of Grace in vocal supplication on their behalf
and my own.
9th. First-day. I was sensible of a gentle pointing to
attend the Western Meeting. Giving up thereto, I was
enabled after a time of silence, to bear testimony to the Lord
Jesus Christ, as the Author of eternal salvation to all who
obey him ; bringing into vieAV some of the expressions of
George Fox. At our own meeting in the afternoon, the con
dition of the impotent man being before me, some words
were spoken relative thereto ; and a belief expressed, that He
whose word is with power, is willing to heal us of our spiritual
infirmities. 13th. Fifth-day. My aged relative, John LetchAvorth,
departed this life about four o'clock this morning, aged
nearly eighty-five years. His first appearances in the
ministry were about the time of my great awakening,
near forty-one years ago, and they were instrumental of good
to me. I believe he was faithful according to the gift dis
pensed to him, and that he was Divinely supported under
many trials ; so that he remained green and lively in old
age, and his end was peace.

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 379
14th. Sixth-day. I heard of the decease of our beloved
niece, Edith Jefferis. She was one who feared the Lord
from her youth, and through Divine mercy she was enabled
to follow her crucified Saviour in the narrow way which
leads to life. A gift of Gospel ministry was dispensed
to her, in which she was acceptably exercised during the
last few years of her life. In the Second month she had an
attack of hemorrhage of the lungs, and has been declining
since. She died a little after midnight this morning, aged
thirty-two years. I believe the testimony which John heard
from heaven is applicable to her ; ' Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit,
that they may rest from their labors, and their works do
follow them.'
15th. Seventh-day. Attended the first sitting of the
Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; and went with
my wife in the afternoon to Concord to attend the funeral of
our aforesaid neice.
16th. First-day. The remains of dear Edith Avere in
terred before meeting. We Avere favored with seasons of
solemnity at the house, by the grave, and when assembled
for worship. I was concerned in testimony at the former
place, also very briefly at the graveyard. In the meeting,
Sarah Emlen first broke the silence, commencing with this
passage, ' Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
his saints.' Afterwards I spoke to several states, believing
a renewed call had been extended to some who were then
present, and who were exhorted to faithfulness. After which
I was led to speak of the deceased, and to commemorate that
Grace by which she was what she was.
22nd. Seventh-day. The Yearly Meeting closed. It has
been an instructive season, many concerns relative to the wel-

380 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
fare of Society having been disposed of with much unanimity.
The Meeting for Sufferings had prepared, ' An Address to
our members,' unfolding the spiritual nature of the Gospel
dispensation, and calling upon them faithfully to support the
doctrines and testimonies which were dear to our forefathers.
It was united with, and directed to be printed. The same
body had also prepared an account, derived from authentic
sources, of the rise and progress of the concern in our Society
on behalf of the descendants of Africa, and the successive
steps by which Friends were led to clear their hands of the
evils of slavery. This document was likewise directed to be
printed. A concern on behalf of the children belonging to
the Society, led to an address to parents on their account, to
go down to the subordinate meetings and the appointment of
a committee to have charge of the subject of education. On
the occasion of the new separation within the bounds of
Indiana Yearly Meeting, suitable sentiments were addressed
to that meeting, and to all the others on this continent, and
those of London and Dublin.- The meeting separated under
a grateful sense of the Lord's unmerited goodness" to his
Church and people." T. K. TO MARTHA JEFFERIS. Fourth month 22nd.
Dear Sister : — The Yearly Meeting has closed ; we
have just dined ; our friends are scattering, and amidst the
bustle of packing up and leave-taking, I am endeavoring to
compose my mind to address a few lines to thee. It is need
less to attempt to describe my sympathy Avith thee, or the
fervency of my desire that the " Lord may hear thee in the
day of trouble, the name of the God of Jacob defend thee,
send thee help from his sanctuary, and strengthen thee out

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 381
of Zion." Thou knowest the brotherly affection I have enter
tained for thee, during many years, which is in no degree
lessened in this, the season of an additional affliction ; but I
trust He who has been with thee in former trials, will be
very near to thee in this ; and that thou wilt know his name
to be a strong tower, into which the righteous run and are
safe. We have had a good Yearly Meeting. * * * The
evidence of the Lord's gracious presence was, at times,
vouchsafed, and a comfortable solemnity crowned the close
of the last sitting.
Diary. " Fourth month 23rd. First-day. In the morn
ing meeting I spoke on Paul's thorn in the flesh ; the messen
ger of Satan to buffet him, lest he should be exalted above
measure. The afternoon meeting was silent. In the even
ing I had the satisfaction of having the company of all my
children, my youngest son being now here on a visit. After
our usual Scripture reading, in a season of retirement my
mouth was opened in thanksgiving for many mercies, and in
supplication fbr the children, and for my dear companion and
myself, as well as for the other inmates of my family who
were present. Afterwards I had some brief exhortations to
offer to divers of the company.
30th. First-day. In the afternoon meeting I was con
cerned to speak from the words of King David, ' The Lord
my God will enlighten my darkness ; for by thee I have run
through a troop ; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.'
Fifth month 1st. Second-day. At our Quarterly Meet
ing. On first sitting down a degre% of solemnity was attend
ant. Impressions were received concerning several valuable
members of this meeting, of late removed from amongst us,

382 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
and an evidence seemed to attend that they had finished their
courses with joy. I stood up with the passage, ' Your fathers,
where are they ? and the prophets, do they live forever V I
was enabled to relieve my mind towards several classes, par
ticularly the youth.
3rd. Fourth-day. At the Western Meeting. After long
sitting in silence, I arose with some impressions towards the
people, and was enabled to deliver what was before me, to a
good degree of satisfaction.
5th. Sixth-day. At Germantown. I called to see the
children of the late Jane B. Haines, who deceased the 26th
of last month, after a few hours' illness. I had a sitting with
these young people, now deprived of their last parent, and
was engaged to counsel them, and other near connections Avho
were present, in the love of the Gospel ; the opportunity be
ing to my own peace. Afterwards I went to see my friend
Alfred Cope, whose wife Hannah died on the 19th of last month,
leaving bimwith three small children. I felt tender sympa
thy with my bereaved friend, and way opened for a religious
opportunity with him and his late wife's mother.
7th. First-day. At morning meeting I w'as engaged in
communication on the parable of the householder who went
out at various periods of the day to hire laborers into his
vineyard. JOSEPH EDGERTON TO T. K.
Near Bamesville, Belmont Co., Ohio,
Fifth month 9th, 1843.
* * I may inform thee, that through the mercy of a
gracious Providence, I wiis favored to arrive at my own home
on Second-day evening, the first of the month. I found my
family well, excepting our eldest daughter Eunice, and little

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 383
Isaac. * * Our meeting was a joyful one ; and mutual
thanksgiving to the Great Preserver of men for his providen
tial care over us, through many conflicts and dangers, both
within and without. May my soul forever commemorate his
marvellous loving kindness, and return to Him' the most full
and unreserved obedience the remainder of my days. Truly
it was all of mercy, that the poor, unworthy, unprofitable
servant, Avas led on, supported and qualified, step after step,
for the allotted portion of service. Most fully do I feel that
this precious treasure is held in earthen vessels, and, there
fore, no marvel if these vessels should have to experience
many baptismal washings, that the treasure may appear in
its virgin purity, to the honor of the great Giver, and to the
present and everlasting peace ofits poor, unworthy occupant.
I often feel for myself, as well as for my dear friends, whom
our blessed and holy Head hath by his quickening poAver,
qualified to speak well of his excellent name, being fully
confirmed that it is only as we keep Ioav and humble, deep
and fervent in spirit, as in the days of our espousals, that, we
can be preserved alive in the e,ver blessed Truth, and enabled
to occupy in that single-hearted dedication which will meet
with acceptance, when the Chief Shepherd shall appear. I,
indeed, am one of the least of the family, not worthy of the
least of the Lord's mercies, yet my spirit is united to the liv
ing in our Israel, who are not only waiting for the consola
tion thereof, but who also are Avilling, as' Divine ability is
vouchsafed, to contend for the faith once delivered to the
saints, and to come up faithfully in every part of the testi
monies which our Holy Head laid on our forefathers to bear
as a seal of allegiance to Him. I do believe there is cause
for encouragement, even in the midst of the general mass of
weakness that is to be seen, that for his own seeds' sake He

384 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
will arise, furnishing Zion with a new, sharp threshing in
strument, having teeth, whereby to. thresh the mountains and
hills of opposition, and so make a way for his own blessed
cause, which is dignified with immortality, and in the end
will be crowned with eternal life.
Our dear friend, Benjamin Hoyle, is set at liberty by his
Monthly Meeting to attend the Yearly Meeting of New Eng
land, Avhich I feel with. I hope if Avay should open for such
an act of dedication, he will be supported and strengthened
by Him who will be head over all things to his Church.
Much do I feel for the ark of the testimony, and have thought
that as the living members keep in fervent exercise of spirit,
prayer will be offered up, which will ascend as the smoke of
sweet incense, and will conduce to the enlargement of the op
pressed seed, in the day when He who hath all poAver in
heaven and in earth, shall arise for the avenging thereof.
My health is much improved, and I never was more pleas
antly at home, enjoying a peaceful poverty.
Diary. Fifth month 9th to J£th. From Third to Sixth-day
I Avas engaged in going to, attending, and returning from Salem
Quarterly Meeting. I had some service in the Meeting for
Ministers and Elders, and also in the meeting for worship,
preceding that for discipline, to a good degree of satisfaction.
I had likewise some more private labor. I enjoyed feelings
of precious fellowship with some dear friends, to whom I have
long been closely united, amongst whom was my valued, aged
brother Joseph Whitall, who has long stood as an upright
pillar in the house of the Lord.
14th to 17th. First-day afternoon I left home to attend
Concord Quarterly Meeting. The Meeting of Ministers and
Elders on Second-day was a season of favor, the tendering

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 385
influence of hea\Tenly good being felt. I had some labor
amongst my dear friends. On Third-day the meeting did
not seem so solemn as on some former occasions at the
same place. Returning homeAvard, I lodged at the house
of Jane Garrett, Avidow of Nathan, and in the morning had
a religious opportunity with the family, and several friends
who were visitors, much to my satisfaction, access to the
Fountain of Divine Grace being vouchsafed in supplication,
and several states spoken to. Afterwards I visited two
Friends, who are indisposed, at their respective habitations.
Dined at EdAvard Garrett's, and returned home on Fourth-
day afternoon.
18th. Fifth-day. I stood up in our week-day meeting
with the exhortation of the apostle, ' Examine yourselves
whether ye be in the faith ; prove your ownselves. KnoAv
ye not your ownselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,
except ye be reprobates ?' I was enlarged beyond expecta
tion ; and feel a degree of assurance, that the opportunity
was not without profit to some.
21st. First-day. At our morning meeting we had the
company of Elizabeth Evans, Avho had acceptable service in
testimony and supplication."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Fifth month 23rd.
I returned home comfortably from Concord. On my way
I lodged at Jane Garrett's ; visited several invalids ; and had
in several places the company of Thomazine Valentine, a
young woman of DowningtOAvn, plain in appearance, and
serious in her deportment, whom I have not before met with.
She is, I believe, a great-grand-daughter of that eminent
minister, Robert Valentine.

386 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
I incline strongly to the opinion, dear daughter, that thou
art in thy proper sphere of action, at least for the present.
That thought reconciles me to the temporary separation.
What is before us must be left. It is noways inconsistent
with the idea that thou art in thy allotment of duty, that
thou hast many trials and exercises, but rather confirmatory
thereof. Give my love to A. Williams, and accept the same
for thyself. I hope you may be bound together in the in
creasing bonds of a truly religious friendship.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS.
Philadelphia, Fifth month 23rd.
Although we have it not directly from thyself, yet by
another channel we have information of thy safe arrival at
thy distant home. It is pleasant to find, that through the
superintending care of Him, who cares for the sparrows, and
numbers the hairs of our heads, thou art again in the place
.which seems thy allotted sphere of action. May it increas
ingly be thy concern to live answerable to his unmerited
mercy, so as to become by thy obedience to Divine requir
ings, and the steadiness of thy deportment, as a Avay:mark to
others, and, as the Redeemer's faithful followers always are,
as the salt of the earth. TO THE SAME. Fifth month 25th.
* * Towards the latter part of the time thou Avast Avith
us, thou seemed to have so many things to do, and to think
of, that I omitted a few hints I would gladly have given thee,
in all a father's tenderness and love.
Thou knowest my wish that thou shouldst keep to the
simplicity of dress in Avhich thou wast brought up. even as

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 387
regards outer garments and those for occasional use. The
plain language I have no reason to believe thou ever departs
from ; and it is a comfort for me to believe, that the views
of thy parents have much influence Avith thee. I did give thee
a hint respecting female society. I much desire that all in
tercourse between young men and young Avomen in our
Society, may be of a strictly refined character, and that a
holy aAve of offending their Great Creator, might go with
them into all social meetings. The last thing I propose to
mention, is the most important of all ; mayest thou never
rest satisfied until thou hast the certain assurance from
heart-felt experience, that the great work of regeneration is
in progress ; that the Lord is carrying on in thee the work
of redemption from all evil. However painful the cross,
yet once thoroughly submitted to, it opens the way to joys
more pure than earth can give. " The Kingdom of God"—
the kingdom which our holy Redeemer sets up in the hearts
of his obedient followers, " is righteousness, peace and joy in
the Holy Ghost."
I write rather hastily, expecting to set off in the morning
for New York Yearly Meeting. William Evans is going in
company, as well as Samuel Cope, of Chester County. The
latter also intends attending Rhode Island Yearly Meeting.

388 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
CHAPTER XX— 1843.
ATTENDS NEW YORK YEARLY MEETING — DIARY AND
LETTERS.
Thomas Kite was liberated by his Monthly Meeting,
held Fifth month 25th, 1843, to attend the Yearly Meeting
of New York.
Diary. " Fifth month 26th. Sixth-day. Having had
drawings to attend the Yearly Meeting of New York, I set
out, and had the company of my beloved friend, William
Evans, who, as well as myself, had obtained a minute for
that purpose.
27th. Seventh-day. In the Meeting for Ministers and
Elders I had some service. Our friend Samuel Cope, from
our Yearly Meeting, was well engaged in testimony.
28th. First-day. Attended the morning meeting in the
upper room. It appeared to me to be an open, favored' time.
After I had spoken on the parable of the husbandman who
went out at successive- periods to hire laborers into his vine
yard, and had been enlarged to various states, William
Evans followed in a lively and powerful testimony. The
afternoon meeting in the basement proved a heavy time."
t. k. to his wife.
New York, Fifth month 28th.
We arrived at this place towards evening on Sixth-day,
and found our friends John Wood and William Birdsall
waiting on the wharf. Samuel Cope and Moses Baily went
home Avith the latter, and William Evans and I are accom
modated at the house of the former. Benjamin Bowerman
is our fellow-lodger, and Prince Gardner, of Nantucket, be-

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 389
sides a number of other Friends. On Seventh-day the Select
Meeting had two sittings. The morning one was a favored
time ; the afternoon more trying. We attended the Meeting
for Sufferings in the evening. This morning I called at J.
A.'s to deliver the children's letters ; afterwards we went to
meeting, which proved a favored one ; our friend William
Evans was raised up in a powerful testimony to the everlast
ing Gospel. The afternoon meeting was not so lively.
Friends hold two meetings at the same time in the same
house. One in the principal room and one in the basement.
The Avomen hold their Yearly Meeting in the large apart
ment — the men below. John Meader is here with a minute.
We dined on Seventh-day at William Birdsall's ; took tea
at Thomas Buckley's to be with Smith and Sarah B. Upton.
Second-day morning. Yesterday dined at William F.
Mott's, and took tea with Elizabeth Coggeshall. From
present appearances the Yearly Meeting is not likely to be
quite as large as usual. I think no less than sixteen repre
sentatives to the Select Meeting were absent ; for very few
of whom any reasons were offered. I met with many Friends
of my acquaintance, and inquiries for thee are often made.

T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
New York, Fifth month 29th.
* * * William Evans and I are pleasantly accommo
dated at the house of John Wood ; not our old friend of
that name, but our valuable friend in the ministry. * *
I do not think the young women in general, appear so plain
as with us, and yet I have met with some who seem promising.
A' young woman puts up here, who has come nearly five
hundred miles to attend Yearly Meeting. She has appeared

390 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
in the ministry. I think there are more of this description
within the bounds of this meeting than Avith us. May they
all be preserved in the right line.
* * * Please give my love to thy uncle Nathan Sharp
less and aunt Lydia, thy cousin Joseph Walton and Abby
Williams. Tell her not to be discouraged because of the
difficulties the Christian traveller has to meet with ; for the
Captain of our salvation was never foiled in battle, and re
mains to be near to his sincere followers ; and in his own
time, as faith and faithfulness are kept to, He will give them
the -victory.
Farewell, dear child ; be humble, circumspect, and keep
inward to the Lord, and He will preserve thee, and thou
wilt experience a growth in grace, and a qualification to
discharge acceptably as in his sight, all the important duties
devolving on thee. The trials of time will be sanctified to
thee, and conduce, through the mercy of the Lord, and the
accompanying baptism of his Holy Spirit, to thy preparation
for the state of endless happiness in the kingdom of our
Father. Diary. " Sixth month 3rd. Seventh-day. Returned
home. The Yearly Meeting closed yesterday. It was a
season of suffering to the upright in heart. Creaturely
activity, and a want of proper weight, Avere obvious in many ;
and a painful sense of unsoundness pervaded the minds of a
remnant. Yet there Avere some times of favor ; and the
conclusions come to appeared to be safe and proper. During
the various sittings I endeavored, as way opened, to discharge
my duty honestly ; and William Evans and I were concerned
to vist the womens' meeting in company ; and were enabled
to relieve our minds to a good degree of satisfaction. On

1843.] memoir of thomas kite. 391
returning, I felt peace in the belief, that I had been in the
Avay of Divine appointment. Our friend Samuel Cope,
proved himself, on various occasions, a Avorkman that needeth
not to be ashamed ; and at the close of the last sitting, he
had a powerful testimony to bear, Avhich I hope will be
fastened on some minds as a nail in a sure place.
4th. First-day. ¦ I was engaged in vocal labor in our
morning meeting on the passage, ' These are they Avhich
came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes
and made them Avhite in the blood of the Lamb.' "
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. ,
Philadelphia, Sixth month oth.
* * * \ye jjjgt with many interesting Friends, [at
NeAV York,] and amongst these a number of seriously dis
posed young persons, some of whom have appeared in the
ministry. Their manner of conducting the concerns of the
Society is different from ours. There is with them more
freedom of discussion and diffuse remark. I like our own
way the best. It seems to me that skilful, tender fathers
and mothers in the Truth might find appropriate business in
caring for and watching over the youthful preachers, and
some other ardent juvenile personages, who seem to have
plenty of zeal, which is not always according to true knowl
edge. A strong anti-slavery feeling prevails in many sections
of New York Yearly Meeting. * * *
nathan kite to thomas kite, received by the latter in
New York. Philadelphia, Fifth month 31st.
* * * The committee from Virginia arrived on Seventh-
day afternoon. They were kindly entertained at the house

392 memoir of thomas kite. [1843.
of N. CrenshaAv ; and perhaps have returned rather improved
in health. The committees of the different Yearly Meetings
united in proposing that Virginia Yearly Meeting should be
laid down ; that its Quarterly Meetings should be suspended ;
and that a Half Year's Meeting should be substituted there
for ; that this should be attached to Baltimore Yearly Meet
ing ; that, nevertheless, it should have a Meeting for Suffer
ings of its own, authorized to act on behalf of the colored
people, and in all intercourse with the Legislature of Virginia.
These propositions were fully united with by the Yearly
Meeting ; and it has adjourned to the usual time next year,
to receive from Baltimore Yearly Meeting information,
Avhether it is willing to accept them.
David Cope thinks their First-day morning meeting,
owing to the unsettlement that prevailed, was very unsatis
factory, notwithstanding an abundant supply of ministry.
David was much interested in the proceedings of the Meet
ing for Sufferings, and its care over the rights of the colored
people. Some remarkable instances of this care he related.
Micajah Bates was clerk of the Men's Yearly Meeting, and
the wife of Micaj ah Crew of the women's.
N. Crenshaw was acknowledged a minister by the Quar
terly Meeting preceding the Yearly Meeting. From the
reports it appeared that the number of members belonging
to the Yearly Meeting was about three hundred, of which
there were only eighty adult persons. Sarah Hillman men
tions one plain little girl of about sixteen who Avas appointed
on the Epistles, and on the committee of conference. * *
At parting after the close of the meeting much affectionate
feeling was manifested tOAvards the committee; and many
children clung round them in tears. * * * By informa
tion from Indiana it appears that Charles Osborne is travelling

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 393
about visiting the meetings that have separated, endeavoring
to strengthen the hands of the members, and prevent them
from returning to the Society.
In one of Rebecca's letters she expresses a desire to this
effect, that " you ministers from this Yearly Meeting, may
speak the truth Avithout fear ; and may be enabled to exhibit
the meekness and gentleness of Christ, whilst honestly labor
ing to perform the allotted portion of labor." This is a
wish in Avhich your friends at home can all join. Be ye
clothed Avith the armor of Light, the blessed Spirit of the
Saviour, and then never flinch from your posts, but in true-
hearted faithfulness, stand valiantly by that banner which
he hath given, " that it might be displayed because of the
Truth." It is probable by the time this letter reaches thee, that
thyself and William Evans will have principally fulfilled
the service assigned you ; but Samuel Cope, with New Eng
land before him, will have great need of a large supply of
faith and patience.
t. k. to r. w. at Blockley, [afterwards R. W. Kite].
Sixth month 6th.
I feel a word of encouragement arise for thee. Paul says,
" We know that all things Avork together for good to them
that love 'God." Believing thee to have become, through
Divine grace, a partaker of this love, I feel the comfortable
hope, as thou keeps near thy Divine Lord and Master, He
will keep thee ; and cause every trial, every disappointment,
yea, and every temptation also, to work together for thy
good. " Tribulation," says the same apostle in another
place, " worketh patience, and patience experience, and ex
perience hope ; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the
26

394 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost
Avhich is given unto us."
Diary. " Sixth month 8th. Fifth-day. I attended Rad
nor Monthly Meeting, and stood up in the first meeting in
much weakness. I was unexpectedly enlarged, particularly
tOAvards the scholars of Haverford School, who were, I be
lieve, mostly in attendance.
10th. Seventh-day. I paid a religious visit to my com
fort to an interesting young Friend. May she be strengthened
fully to take up the cross, and follow her Divine Master.
11th. First-day. In the morning I found an enlarge
ment to stand up with the expressions of the apostle, ' The
Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.'
In the course of the communication I was drawn forth par
ticularly to the aged, and had to repeat David's prayer, ' Now
also, when I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me
not, until I have showed thy strength to this generation, and
thy power to every one that is to come.'
13th. Third-day. I went to Wilmington, and returned
in the evening. Way opened for some religious service.
Visiting a Friend who had been confined about a year
with the palsy, I had to address her in the language of en
couragement, as likewise her husband, mentioning to him the
language of the apostle, ' We were as sheep going astray,
but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of our
souls,' which I believed was his situation. Afterwards I had
an opportunity with my esteemed friend Elizabeth Stroud,
I believe to our mutual comfort.
14th. Fourth-day. I attended the Orange street meet-

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 395
ing, and had something to communicate ; after which Eliza
beth Evans was draAvn out in supplication.
15th. Fifth-day. Towards the close of our week-day
meeting 1 was strengthened to approach the Throne of
Grace in vocal prayer. Petitions were offered for various
states; for our religious Society, for the professors of the
Christian name at large, and also for the heathen."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Sixth month 16th.
[After mentioning a visit of his wife to New Jersey, and
her attending Haddonfield Quarter, he continues] : They
had a good time at the Quarterly Meeting. Christopher
Healy, Elizabeth Pitfield, and Sarah Emlen, I believe,
ministered respectively. Sarah Hillman Avas also there. The
first-named Friend has been holding a number of meetings
amongst those not of our Society, on the other side of the
Delaware. He particularly wishes the most degraded classes
invited; not, however, excluded those of greater respecta
bility. This is the day of our Meeting for Sufferings, and
many valuable Friends have been in the city.
Diary. " Sixth month 18th. First-day. A day of exer
cise and labor. In the morning meeting I Avas enlarged in
testimony to the Lord's goodness and power in all ages, com
mencing with two Scripture passages, concerning an antedi
luvian saint, ' Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for
God took him.' ' By faith Enoch was translated, that he
should not see death ; and was not found, because God had
translated him ; for before his translation he had this testi
mony : that he pleased God.' I was enabled to relieve my
mind to a good degree of satisfaction. In the afternoon

396 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
meeting I had a short communication to make, on the words
of the prophet, ' Verily, thou art a God that hidest thyself,
O God of Israel, the Saviour !' I had to offer encourage
ment to the sincere-hearted, who are at present shut out from
a sensible enjoyment of Divine good. Among the promises
quoted for this purpose was that of the Psalmist : ' The needy
shall not alway be forgotten ; the expectation of the poor
shall not perish forever.' After the meeting I attended the
funeral of James Cresson ; and at the grave had a testimony
to bear to the necessity of being prepared for death ; which
was followed by a separatist, endeavoring to invalidate some
points of doctrine which I had advanced, and to insinuate
the views of that people against the divinity of the Lord
Jesus. It was truly painful to hear.-
19th. Second-day. Called on R. Biddle. I was dipped
into sympathy with her, and had to counsel her to keep
faithful to Divine manifestations. Afterwards I visited my
long-acquainted friend, E. C. Mason, and was led renewedly
to feel for her, and to offer her the word of encouragement.
May she be kept in the line of simple, unreserved obedience
to her Lord's commands.
21st. At the Monthly Meeting for the Western District.
I stood up with the words of the unfaithful steward, on which
I had, as way opened, considerable to say : ' I cannot dig ; to
beg I am ashamed.' I endeavored to encourage those pre
sent to engage in spiritual labor, and also in petitioning for
mercy and grace to help in time of need. I Avas wholly silent
in the meeting for discipline.
24th. Seventh-day. Poverty has of late been my portion,
accompanied with the sense of the need of further purifica
tion than I have yet experienced. May I be kept inward to
the Lord, minding carefully to observe Divine direction. In

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 397
every season of trial and temptation, may I witness the holy
preserving fear of the Lord, keeping under my body, and
bringing it into subjection, lest that by any means, Avhen I have
preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. In the
afternoon I attended the funeral of Elizabeth Williams, a
young Friend, aged about twenty-one years. I had some
service, both in her late residence and in the burying-ground.
I have very often been engaged in admonishing others to
endeavor to be prepared for the solemn change, and may I
never relax in the concern that this may be my own happy
experience. 25th. First-day. We had at our meeting, both in the
morning and afternoon, the company of our friend Benjamin
Hoyle, of Ohio, Avho ministered acceptably. In the evening,
after our usual family reading, I had a communication to
make, addressed to a tried state."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Sixth month 27th.
I have several times turned my attention towards continuing
my advices, according to thy request, but for the present, way
does not seem to open to do so ; this is the less material, as
thou hast, through Divine faA7or, an infallible Director in
thy own breast. If thou avoids all that it shows thee is
wrong, and does all it points out as right, thou wilt indeed
do well. But if through human infirmity thou falls short,
be Avilling to come under judgment ; be willing to feel thy
Divine Master come in with his whip of small cords, to cor
rect in mercy, and to turn all out of the temple of thy heart
that his controversy is with. Zion is redeemed through judg
ment, and all her converts by righteousness.

398 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
I find it of little use to form plans ; but I wish to see thee
whenever I can feel at liberty to come to the school.
Diary. " Sixth month 29th. Fifth-day. At our Monthly
Meeting I felt poor and depressed. In the afternoon I at
tended the funeral of Elizabeth Mason, eldest daughter of
the late Samuel Mason, at Germantown. Our friend Alice
Knight, had a lively testimony at the house, in which she
expressed the belief that the departed was at rest. I found
it my place to follow her, in an exhortation to some who were
present. Seventh month 2nd. First-day. I attended Gerfiiantown
Meeting in the morning, and was enabled to preach the Gos
pel to the relief of my own mind ; after which my beloved
friend, Elizabeth C. Mason, was favored in bearing testimony
to the one everlasting Foundation. It Avas to me a comfort
able meeting, and I desire to be duly thankful for the un
merited mercy. I returned to the city to our afternoon
meeting. 9th. First-day. In the afternoon meeting, the language
of the apostle was remembered, ' If there be first a willing
mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not
according to that he hath not ;' on which I was drawn forth
in a brief communication.
10th. Second-day. I received a visit from Needham T.
Perkins, a serious young Friend from North Carolina. I
had a religious opportunity with him, and the counsel im
parted appeared to make a suitable impression on his mind.
11th. Third-day. Attended the North Meeting. I sat
in great weakness and poverty, but was somewhat relieved
under the lively ministry of my friend William Evans.
12th. Fourth-day. At the Western Meeting I was favored

1843.] ^ MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 399
in testimony on the case of Esau, who for one morsel of meat,
sold his birth-right. Counsel and caution were imparted.
14th. Sixth-day. I went to Haddonfield to attend the
funeral of my friend Elizabeth Edwards, who in a private
station, was an exemplary member of our Society. At the
grave I was enabled to preach the Gospel from the words of
our Lord to his disciples, ' Let not your hearts be troubled ;
ye believe in God, believe also in me,' with more of the pas
sage. A good degree of solemnity seemed to attend.
16th. First-day. I felt a concern to attend the morning
meeting at Newton, and the afternoon meeting at Haddon
field. At the first I had an open time in testimony. The
subject principally treated of was, ' that Ave must through
much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.' The af
ternoon meeting Avas less lively ; yet way opened to speak of
the last passover which our Lord partook of with his disciples
before He suffered,— the nature of typical ordinances,— their
abolition, and the glorious realities which they prefigured.
Testimony was borne to the true supper of the Lord, and his
own emphatic declaration was stated, ' Except ye eat the
flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life
in you.'
18th. Third-day. I attended the North Meeting, and was
opened in testimony on the excellency of living faith, ' the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen.' 19th. Fourth-day. I visited William Smith, son of the
late Thomas, who seems to be near his close, and to be in a
calm, resigned state of mind. Aftenvards I had an oppor
tunity with one who has lately been received into member
ship Avith Friends.
20th. Fifth-day. ' Our week-day meeting was small, by

400 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
reason of the absence of many of our members from the city.
Elizabeth C. Mason was well engaged in testimony from the
words of our Lord, ' This is life eternal, that they might
know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou
hast sent.' Near the close I had a short communication,
commencing with the passage, ' Ye are not your own, for ye
are bought with a price ; therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God's.' " '
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Seventh month 21st.
* * We do not hear when the English Friends are
coming. I was told yesterday that two of them, John Pease
and Isabel Carson were at York Quarterly Meeting the lat
ter part of last month, and took leaATe of the Friends present ;
so it seems likely they may be here before long. * * I
do earnestly desire thy encouragement steadily to persevere
in the straight and narrow way. Very hard it is to submit
to the baptisms which reduce our own wills into subjection
to the Divine Will ; but the blessed result is well worth all
the suffering it costs us. " Be thou faithful unto death ;"
this is the command, and the promise, " and I will give thee
a crown of life."
Again remember me affectionately to A. Williams ; tell
her it. is nothing new for the disciples of Christ to have many
afflictions in their passage to the land where sorrow is un
known. Tell her, although she already knows it, yet to stir
up the pure mind by way of remembrance, that the doctrine
preached by Paul and Barnabas, as at Lystra, Iconium, and
Antioch, is the doctrine Avhich is according to the truth of
the Gospel ; it is recorded of them, that in those places they
confirmed the souls of the disciples, " exhorting them to con-

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 401
tinue in the faith, and that we must through much tribula
tion enter into the kingdom of God."
Diary. " Seventh month 25th. Third-day. At the North
ern District Monthly Meeting. - In the meeting for worship
I had to offer solemn warning and encouragement to different
states, from the declaration of Christ, ' That servant which
knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did
according to his will, shall be beaten Avith many stripes. But
he that knew not, and did commit things Avorthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes : for unto Avhomsoever much
is given, of him shall be much required ; and to whom men
have committed much, of him they will ask the more.' In
the meeting for business, my dear friend Sarah Hillman ob
tained a certificate to attend Ohio Yearly Meeting, some
meetings belonging to it, and a feAV within the compass of
Baltimore Yearly Meeting."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Seventh month 27th.
* * I often feel desirous, and perhaps I often express it,
that Friends of Cincinnati may increase in the life of true
religion, so as to set a consistent example to those not of us ;
and also that they may be prepared to hold all their meet
ings — those for worship and those for discipline — with weight
and dignity ; that nothing may be done in a barren form, or
in creaturely activity ; but that coming under and abiding
under the cross of Christ, and waiting for the qualification
which He gives, all may be done to the glory of the Great
Head of the Church, the edification of the members, and the
promotion of the cause of Truth in the earth.

402 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
Diary. " Seventh month 30th. First-day. At Westtown
Boarding School. In the morning meeting I was exercised
on behalf of the children, the teachers, and other caretakers ;
and addressed the various classes at some length. In the
afternoon meeting I was drawn out in vocal supplication.
Way opened for an opportunity with the three female assist
ants, who appeared tender. May they be faithful to the
Heavenly Guide. T. K. TO HIS WIFE.
Upper Darby, Seventh month 31st.-
I had quite a comfortable ride to the Paoli tavern, on
Seventh-day morning. A bright little school-girl sat near
me, Avith whom I had some interesting conversation. She
was but nine years old, yet seemed sensible, well informed,
and religiously disposed. * * I had felt my mind turned
towards the Monthly Meeting of Darby, which occurs to
morrow. On mentioning it to brother N. Sharpless, he seemed
quite willing to apcompany me; so about four o'clock, or a
little before, we set off. The rain had .laid the dust, and the
road by Bishop's mill was not much muddy, so we had a nice
ride to Jane Garrett's, where we now are. * * *
May the Shepherd of Israel be near thee, strengthening
thee in 'the resolution to live more entirely to himself, during
the future days allotted thee, be they many or feAv, so that
when the end of thy race here shall arrive, it may be the
commencement of that state of never-ending felicity, reserved
for the faithful followers of the Lamb in his everlasting
kingdom. Diary. "Eighth month 1st. Third-day. At the [Darby]
Monthly Meeting. I was opened in the first meeting on the

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. - 403
nature of the Church of Christ, bringing into view his decla
ration to Peter on his acknowledgment, ' Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God ;' ' Blessed art thou Simon Bar-jona ;
for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my
Father which is in Heaven. And I say unto thee, Thou art
Peter ; and upon this rock I will build my church ; and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it.' Returned to West-
toAA'n in the afternoon.
'2nd. Fourth-day. Under an impression of duty I had
an opportunity with the female teachers ; then went to Bir
mingham Monthly Meeting. In the first meeting I had a
short communication. Went after the meeting to my son-
in-law's, where I had the agreeable company of my two
daughters and other relatives and friends."
Of this meeting, one who was present Avrote : " His Gospel
labor was acceptable this day, to many of us. He had a
word of encouragement to hand forth to those who were
willing to become disciples of their dear Lord and Master.
I think it was a comfortable meeting."
Diary. " Eighth month 3rd. Fifth-day. I went to
Concord. In the afternoon visited Rebecca, widow of Samuel
Trimble, and had a religious opportunity in the family, en
couraging the bereaved mother and her children to trust in
Him of whom it is declared, ' A Father of the fatherless,
and a Judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.'
4th. Sixth-day. At Concord Monthly Meeting, and was
again engaged in testimony. Returned to the city in the
evening. 7th. Second-day. At Quarterly Meeting. Sarah Hill-
man's prospect received the necessary sanction, and she was
set at liberty- to pursue it. May Israel's Shepherd go with
her and preserve her!

404 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
10th. Fifth-day. At our week-day meeting, I had to
revive a part of one of the blessings pronounced by Moses,
when he blessed the children of Israel before his death : ' And
of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with
thy Holy One, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with
whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah.' I offered
encouragement to some who had been called to the work of
the Lord, who had proved him as at Massah, and had striven
with him as at the waters of Meribah."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Eighth month 11th.
* * * It is probable that B. H. Warder and his sister-
in-law, Margaret Sheppard, will accompany Sarah Hillman
to Ohio. It is understood that the expected English Friends
have taken passage in the steamer Hibernia for Boston, which
will be looked for from the 16th to the 20th of this month.
* * * With fresh desires for thy preservation in the
narrow path, the end whereof is everlasting life, I bid thee
affectionately farewell.
Diary. "Eighth month 13th. First-day. I was engaged
publicly to speak of the sufferings and death of the Lord
Jesus Christ ; and being dipped into sympathy with those
who are endeavoring to follow Him in the regeneration, I
had to offer such encouragement. Afterwards I ventured to
bow the knee in vocal supplication and thanksgiving. Our
afternoon meeting'was silent.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Eighth month 19th.
I do not wish to weary thee on the subject whieh is nearest

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 405
my heart in relation to thee ; but I can hardly let any letter
escape me without adverting to it. . I am not without my
wishes for such a share of temporal prosperity for thee as
thy Heavenly Father may see meet to grant ; but far more
ardent are my desires for thy spiritual and everlasting well-
being. Oh ! that thou may be increasingly devoted to thy
Creator and Redeemer ; that thou mayest be a consistent
Friend ; a crucified and quickened Christian ; dead to the
world, but made and kept alive unto God through Christ
Jesus ; prepared to be a spiritual worshipper of Him who is
a spirit, and to be a preacher of righteousness in life and
conversation. Such are greatly needed in our Society, in
almost every part of it ; and I apprehend, especially so in
the place where thy lot is cast. Perhaps, through the faith
fulness of individuals to the visitations of Divine grace,
Avhich appear to all, the Lord in mercy may grant you a
revival of zeal and earnestness for his cause, and unite the
hearts of some amongst us to labor for a thorough reforma
tion, and to endeavor in the ability received to promote
family discipline, and the discipline of the Church.
Diary. " Eighth month 20th. First-day. After several
days of tossing and conflict, wherein I felt oppressed under
the prevalence of the earthly nature, in our morning meeting
I felt somewhat relieved ; and an opening for service pre
senting, I was strengthened once more to proclaim the way
of life and salvation.
23rd. Fourth-day. I felt drawn to attend the Monthly
Meeting for the Southern District ; and was engaged to ap
pear in testimony, commencing Avith the words of the prophet
Isaiah : ' In that day shall this song be sung in the land of
Judah ; we have a strong city, salvation Avill God appoint

406 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
for walls and bulwarks.' My friend William Evans ob
tained a minute to attend Indiana Yearly Meeting.
24th. Fifth-day. Our Monthly Meeting. My mind has
been exercised of late with a concern to attend the approach
ing Yearly Meeting to be held in Indiana. After feeling
in [a good degree resigned thereto, it seemed to be'very much
withdrawn ; within a few days, hoAvever, it has revived ;
and under some feeling, as I believe, of that Power which
subjects the ereaturely will, I opened it to my friends, and
obtained their concurrence. I now feel a state of peaceful
poverty." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Philadelphia, Eighth month 25th.
* * * The English women Friends arrived in this
city yesterday. Isabel Casson is a comely, fleshly person,
apparently about sixty-five years old. Rachel Priestman is
small, of slender proportions, and is no doubt much younger.
Thy mother and I saAv them. They seemed affable; and
hardly able to realize that in a few days they had made so
great a change. They met Jacob Green in Liverpool on
his way to Scotland.
Diary. " Eighth month 27th, First-day. At our morn
ing meeting I was concerned to revive the Psalmist's decla
ration : ' The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ;
a good understanding have all they that do his command
ments ;' on which I was considerably enlarged in addressing
various states. In the afternoon meeting an opening pre
sented from the book of Psalms ; from which I had to offer
the consolations of the Gospel to some tribulated minds, it
being the folloAving : ' How amiable are thy tabernacles, 0

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 407
Lord of Hosts ! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth, for the
courts of the Lord ; my heart and my flesh crieth out for
the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found a house, and
the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
even thine altars, O Lord of Hosts, my king and my God.
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : they will be still
praising thee.'
Ninth month 3rd. First-day. At morning meeting, the
command given to Moses when he was about to make the
tabernacle, was revived : ' See that thou make all things
according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.' "
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Philadelphia, Ninth month 4th.
My prospect is to attend the Meeting for Sufferings next
Sixth-day week, and set off for Indiana the same afternoon,
by way of Baltimore, Wheeling and Cincinnati. If the river
Ohio is too low for steamboats, I may be under the necessity
of taking the stage at Wheeling, and proceed directly to
Richmond. My intention is to try and find time to come
out and bid thee farewell before I go ; perhaps on Seventh-
day next. If I fail, it will not be for want of inclination.
Hoav long the journey will occupy me, I do not know ; but
suppose it may take about four weeks. * * *
Diary. " Ninth month 5th. Third-day. At the North
Meeting I bent my knees in vocal supplication to the Most
High. At this meeting my young friends Clarkson Sheppard
and Anne Garrett took each other in marriage.
- 6th. Fourth-day. At the Western Meeting. I was en
gaged in testimony on the subject of worship. The circum
stance of the two men who went up into the temple to pray,

408 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican, was introduced.
Various states were addressed.
7th. Fifth-day. At our week-day meeting a short com
munication was made, respecting the Avoman who had an
alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on
the Saviour's head as He sat at meat.
10th. First-day. In the afternoon meeting a testimony
was delivered on the declaration of the apostle : ' Without
controversy great is the mystery of godliness : God was
manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received
up into glory.' "
Isabel Casson and Rachel Priestman had appointed a
meeting, to be held in the Mulberry Street house, on Ninth
month 10th. Thomas Kite in a letter to his daughter
Rebecca, dated the 11th, thus speaks of it: "The meeting
for the market people, butchers, hucksters, &c, was held on
First-day evening. It was not very large. The people, be
haved well. Rachel Priestman had all the public service.
She spoke twice by way of testimony, and appeared in sup
plication. She and Isabel have gone, to Jersey to attend
Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting, and some meetings within
its limits."
Diary. " Ninth month 12th. Third-day. At the North
Meeting, I was opened on the subject of the prophet Jeremiah's
visit to the potter's house, when he saw, ' and behold, he
wrought a Avork on the wheels : and the vessel that he made
of clay was marred in the hands of the potter ; so he made
it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make
it.' I had to express a belief, that a renewed visitation has
been extended to some who had been as vessels marred upon
the wheels, and also to caution others upon whom the Lord's'

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 409
hand is turned to form them into vessels for his use. I like-
Avise had comfort to offer to those who love the Lord, but
are Avalking in darkness. Afterwards William Evans minis
tered to the afflicted children of our Heavenly Father's
family."

CHAPTER XXL— 1843-1844.
ATTENDS INDIANA YEARLY MEETING — LETTERS — ILLNESS
OF DAUGHTER, SUSANNA SHARPLESS — SARAH EMLEN TO
THOMAS KITE — DEATH OF SUSANNA SHARPLESS — SARAH
EMLEN TO THOMAS KITE.
On Sixth-day afternoon, the 15th of the Ninth month,
Thomas Kite left Philadelphia in the four o'clock boat for
Baltimore on his way to Indiana Yearly Meeting, having a
minute from his Monthly and a certificate from his Quarterly
Meeting. His friends William Evans and Henry Cope
Avere in company. They reached Baltimore early next morn
ing, and took the rail road cars for Cumberland. In a letter
describing this journey he says : " A most remarkable freshet.
Avas in the Potomac, and I expect much damage has been
done by it. People were passing aboqt in boats or flats in
the street, and we had to pass over a temporary scaffold
to get to the house where we dined." Owing to fogs in the
Ohio river, the travellers did not reach Cincinnati until
Fifth-day morning. They were in season to attend the usual
Aveek-day meeting there, which was a laborious time. T. K.
says : " William Evans had very close and suitable service ;
and after him, something fell to my lot." " Our kind young .
27

410 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
friend, James Taylor, took us in the afternoon to Harrison
Alderson's to tea. His place is three and a-half miles from
the city, and is a most beautiful spot. If he can but feel satis
fied that he is in his proper place, he will, no doubt, be well
suited. His wife is quite contented, so far as appears." " We
returned in the morning to the city ; visited our aged friend
Ann Shipley, with whom and her daughter we had a satis
factory religious opportunity. They are both in improving
health." " In the afternoon we went to see Ann Townsend,
the Friend whom Thomas [Kite, Jr.,] has mentioned as ap
pearing acceptably in the ministry. She has been recently
recommended. We had a religious opportunity with her, I
believe, to her comfort, in which William was opened in
structively to speak to her situation."
Extract from Diary. " We arrived at Richmond, Indiana,
on Seventh-day evening, and the next morning went sixteen
miles to Milton to meeting. It proved a low, heavy time,
yet William was enabled to labor amongst Friends with
pertinency. We returned to Richmond in the evening.
Second-day, the 25th, we attended the Meeting for Suffer
ings ; Third-day the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders ;
Fourth-day a large puSlic meeting for worship, in which
both William and I appeared in testimony, and it seemed in
a good degree a favored season ; Fifth-day, the 28th, the
meeting for business opened, and was continued on Sixth
and Seventh-days. On First-day, Tenth month 1st, two
large meetings for worship were held. I had the principal
service in the morning, and William in the afternoon ; and
I trust we Avere favored to preach the everlasting Gospel in
a degree pf its own demonstration. The business was con
tinued on Second and Third-days, on the last of which it
concluded; a season of precious solemnity being vouchsafed.

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 411
Besides the meetings mentioned, we attended various other
sittings of the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, the
Meeting for Sufferings, committees on Indian affairs, and on
the concerns of the people of color, and had some service in
private. The sittings were often long and fatiguing to the
body, but the comfortable feeling attended, that we were in
our proper places in being with our Friends, Avho have been
brought under great exercise in consequence of the secession
of some of their members, who have set up and held what they
call ' The Indiana Yearly Meeting of Anti-Slavery Friends ;'
an event deeply to be regretted, and Avhich calls for patience
and forbearance, as well as Christian firmness, on the part
of those who remain. On Fourth-day William and Henry
set off from Richmond to attend a few meetings not far dis
tant, and I, accompanied by my son, went into Ohio to visit
my kinswoman, Rebecca, the wife of Abel Thomas. We
passed through Springboro' and Waynes ville to Lebanon,
where she resides."
On Fifth-day evening on their way to Lebanon, Thomas
Kite and son reached the house of Thomas Evans, of Waynes-
ville, where they lodged. Of this Friend's house T. K. in a
letter says : " He occupies the brow of a lofty hill, overlook
ing the Little Miami River, which is here, a beautiful stream,
with a range of hills on each side and narrow strips of bottom
land between it and the hills."
Thomas Kite reached Cincinnati early on Seventh-day
morning, where in the evening he was joined by his friends
William Evans and Henry Cope. His Diary continues :
" On First-day, the 8th of the present month, we attended
the meeting in that city. The public labor in the ministry
devolved on William Evans, yet I was engaged in supplica
tion. The members were invited to come together in the

412 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
afternoon, when William was again introduced into exercise,
and much close searching and pertinent counsel was ad
ministered. On Second-day morning we had a favored re
ligious opportunity in the family of our aged friend, Ann
Shipley ; after which taking leave of our friends, we went
on board a steamboat bound for Wheeling, and returned
homeward by the same route we took in going out, and were
favored to arrive in safety, at three o'clock in the morning
of Seventh-day, the 14th of Tenth month, having been absent
about twenty-eight and a-half days. I travelled in this
journey 1778 miles, and was permitted to feel much tran
quillity of mind in the retrospect."
In a letter written whilst in Cincinnati, he thus speaks :
" I have been unwell ever since I arrived in Ohio, during
the time of the Yearly Meeting, — ever since, and suppose I
shall be so until I leave this region. It is probably in part
owing to the Avater, which out of this city is limestone. Here
they drink the water of the river. I do not regret, however,
having come on this journey. I have felt as if I have been
in my proper place. There is much to deplore in the situa
tion of our Society in this wide-spread region, and many
trials seem in store for the faithful members ; yet merciful,
loving kindness was near, at times, during their Annual
Assembly, and best help seemed offered to them. One cause
of sorrow to me, is the departure of the youth in appearance
and manners from consistency with our profession. It seems
more remarkably so with the females. Parents I should
think, must be, in some measure to blame. Indeed, family
discipline seems to be at a low ebb. Yet there are very
large numbers of plain Friends of middle age, and elder,
who seem concerned for the cause of Truth. Deeply experi
enced fathers and mothers seem very few indeed. Yet there

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 413
are preserved a few judicious elderly Friends upon Avhom a
living concern seems to rest for Truth's prosperity. The
great amount of business to be done in a limited time, causes
it to be hurried in the Yearly Meeting in a manner not
pleasant to us, and Avhich has a tendency to abate the solemnity
of such occasions. * * * Your family letter was very
pleasant except the part which announced dear aunt Sarah's
death.* But. I trust her end was peace."
Diary. "Tenth month 18th. First-day. In the after
noon meeting a testimony was delivered concerning the
faith of Abraham."
Extract of a letter to his daughter Susanna, dated Tenth
month 27th : " After the Yearly Meeting was over, thy
brother Thomas accompanied me into Ohio, to seek for our
cousin, Rebecca Thomas, Avhom we found at Lebanon. Her
children were with her, but her husband was absent. Neither
she nor I were at that time aware of her mother's decease.
This excursion gave me the opportunity of seeing a considera
ble part of the celebrated Miami country, as I passed through
Springboro, Waynesville, &c. It is very rich land, and
some of it quite beautiful, undulating like the hills of Chester
county, but with less elevation. Other parts are very flat,
and I should suppose not so healthy. The water in Indiana
and Ohio where I have visited, is limestone, and appears to
disagree with me. The fruits in general were fine, apples
and pears particularly so, free from blemishes, of a large size
and finely flavored. The peaches are not superior to our
own. The Yearly Meeting was very large, and much
unanimity prevailed on all subjects excepting the boarding
* Sarah Hayes, a valuable elder of Fallowfield Monthly Meeting,
and sister of T. K.'s mother. Her death occurred Ninth month 16th,
1843.

414 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
school. On education some diversity of opinion exists. Those
Avho have separated are not much missed out of the meeting ;
yet it is a source of deep regret, that such a movement has
taken place, and that Charles Osborne, a man once so favored,
should be a leader in it. I did not see him. * * *
Circumstanced as the Society is in Cincinnati, with a strong
worldly bias, and few substantial Friends, the younger part
are under many difficulties with respect to a firm and upright
support of our testimonies. I do earnestly desire thy brother
may become one of a band, who may stand in that place for
the cause and testimony of Truth."
During the Tenth month, Rebecca Kite spent a short time
during her Westtown vacation at her father's house. Almost
immediately after her return to the school, her father thus
addressed her : "Philadelphia, Tenth month 28th, 1843.
My Dear Rebecca :— Thou wilt probably feel some sur
prise at seeing my well-known hand-writing so soon after
parting with me. The fact is, that various things were press
ing on my mind, and my attention was so engrossed, that I
hardly feel as if I had taken leave of thee. So thou mayest
consider this letter as my farewell at the termination of thy
semi-annual visit to thy father's house. I need not say, be
cause I believe thou feels it, that thy presence beneath our
roof was truly grateful to me, and thy departure left a void
which, though natural, is still painful. This was alleviated
by the reflection that, for the present, thy proper sphere of
action is elsewhere. I fully believe thou art usefully en
gaged in thy station, and art desiring to become increasingly
so. I am persuaded if thy eye be single to Divine direction,
thou wilt be enabled to discharge the responsibilities which
rest upon thee, to the advantage of the dear children, and

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 415
to thy own furtherance in the way cast up for the redeemed
of the Lord to walk in. A gracious God condescended to visit.
thy mind in early life with the convictions of his Holy Spirit,
and to enlighten thee to perceive the transcendent beauty
and excellency of a life devoted to the pursuit of durable
riches and righteousness. I believe thou often mourns over
thyself, that thou hast not made more advances in the Avay
of holiness ; but, my dear child, I wish thy encouragement.
To see wherein Ave have fallen short, is a great favor ; to
feel that we have no might of our own, is not less so. Wait
then on Him who giveth power to the faint, and thou wilt
find by blessed experience, that to those who have no might
He increaseth strength. Be. encouraged then, to make use
of the ability which the Lord alone gives, and He will enable
thee to overcome temptation, to resist evil, to submit to those
baptisms which purify the heart. He will, I believe, show
thee Avith increasing clearness, in his own time, in what He
designs thou shouldst promote his blessed cause in the earth ;
and with the discovery, the poAver to comply with his will,
will be offered. If obedient to his requirings, thou wilt feel
the truth of the declaration of the faithful and true Witness,
' Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may
have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through
the gates into the city.'
In the warmth of natural affection, as well as of religious
desire for thy growth in the Truth, I bid thee farewell, and
am thy sympathizing father, Thomas Kite.
Diary. " Tenth Month 29th. First-day. In the morn
ing meeting, Uzzah's attempt to steady the ark was brought '
before me, and a testimony delivered on that and other sub
jects. A good degree of solemnity seemed to attend.

»

416 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
30th. Second-day. Went to Woodbury to visit my
esteemed friend, Joseph Whitall, and wife. I found that
the Select Preparative Meeting was to be held next morn
ing, and attended it, to my comfort, as also the Monthly
Meeting, which was held afterwards. In the meeting for
worship, preceding the latter, I was enabled to preach the
Gospel, commencing with the words of our Saviour to Nico
demus, ' The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest
the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh and
av hither it goeth ; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.'
Eleventh month 1st. Fourth-day. Went with my Avife
to Germantown, to attend the funeral of my aged relative,
Lydia Jones. At the ground I had a short testimony to de
liver in much weakness. The inward feeling of corruption
has of late much attended me, and the need of forgiveness,
together with the washing of regeneration and the renewing
of the Holy Ghost.
2nd. Fifth-day. A large assembly at our week.-day meet
ing, by reason of a marriage. Best help was near, quieting
and settling the minds of many ; so that unexpectedly we had
a good meeting, and testimony was borne to the sufficiency
of the immediate teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ by his
Spirit. 9th. Fifth-day. My wife being under appointment, and
I invited to attend the marriage of Lloyd Balderston and
Catharine Canby, we were present on the occasion. The
deportment of my young friends, and their manner of speak
ing, were satisfactory. We had a religious opportunity in
the evening, in which something Avas communicated. The
glorious condition of the redeemed, who have been prepared
to stand before the Throne, and to sing the new song, was
the principal theme."

1843. J MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 417

T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Eleventh month 6th.
This has been the day of our Quarterly Meeting ; of course
a day of exercise and anxiety to me. I understand the wo
men had a trying time. We had also one rather of suffer
ing. But it is nothing new for those Avho are honestly en
deavoring to fill up the measure of duty to. have to partake
of sufferings. If we can but be favored to bear it in a proper
spirit, it will assuredly be sanctified to us, and tend to our
advancement towards that kingdom where sorrow and suffer
ing are no more experienced. TO THE SAME. Eleventh month 18th.
The occurrences at Westtown strikingly illustrate the un
certainty of temporal things ; the school opened under favor
able auspices and looked smiling ; in a few days, indisposi
tion was common with teachers and scholars, and since, a few
cases of a dreadful disease [scarlet fever] has appeared. But
however changeable the events which happened in our lot,
the Lord reigneth, and in his boundless goodness He can
bless every dispensation to his dear children, and will do it,
as He is rightly sought unto. That this may be the effect of
my dear daughter's share of the present affliction, and of all
others, is the desire of her affectionate father.
Diary. " Eleventh month 21st. I attended the North
Meeting from a secret impulse. It proved through Divine
favor a comfortable time. I stood up and recited the Apos
tle Peter's petition for the believers, as contained in his first
general epistle, ' The God of all grace, who hath called us

418 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have
suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle
you ; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.
Amen.' I had an open and relieving time in testimony, and
was followed by Elizabeth Pitfield in a lively communica
tion, after which Sarah Hillman was solemnly engaged in
supplication. 25th. Seventh-day. This day I was remarkably engaged
in private labor, having had four religious opportunities, two
with individuals, one with a Friend and his wife, and the
other with a mother and her daughter, all to good satisfac
tion, being enabled to enter into sympathy with deeply-tried
minds, and strengthened to offer them encouragement, as well
as to extend counsel to others.
26th. First-day. The morning meeting Avas silent. In
the afternoon I had a testimony to bear, reviving this pas
sage from Ecclesiasticus, ' My son, if thou come to serve the
Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation.' The discouraged
were addressed, and various promises revived of a consoling
character. The evening meeting was large, and William
Evans ministered therein acceptably.
28th. Third-day. At Frankford Monthly Meeting. I
was drawn forth in supplication.
Twelfth month 3rd. First-day. I was engaged in testi
mony in the morning and again in the afternoon, on each
occasion to the relief of my mind. My concern of the morn
ing was of a more general nature ; in the afternoon a tried
and afflicted state was much before me ; such were encour
aged to trust in the Lord ; and the passage from one of the
Apochryphal books was rehearsed, ' Look at the generations
of old, and see, did ever any trust in the Lord and Avas con
founded ? or did any abide in his fear and was forsaken ? or

1843.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 419
whom did He ever despise that called upon Him ?' In the
evening our friend, John Pease, ministered to a very large
and, apparently, a very attentive auditory."
In writing to his son in Cincinnati, a few days previous to
the last date, Thomas Kite thus unfolds the earnest concern
that dwelt upon his mind :
" If anything interesting should occur in your Monthly
Meeting, please let me know of it. I feel much solicitude
for Friends of your city, that they may be sound in principle,
consistent in practice, and witness a growth ih vital religion.
For none of them am I more concerned than for thee, my
beloved son. Mayest thou be strengthened to bear the cross
of Christ faithfully, and follow the Captain of salvation in
the way of his own blessed leadings. Then, I am satisfied,
He would guide thee by his counsel even in the things of
this life, but eminently so as regards those things Avhich per:
tain to the spiritual life. Though eternal life be the great
promise of the Gospel, yet temporal blessings are not ex
cluded. ' Seek ye first the kingdom of Heaven and the
righteousness thereof' said our Holy Redeemer, ' and all
these things,' alluding to what we need for the comfort and
support of our bodies, ' shall be added unto you.' "
Diary. "Twelfth month 6th. Fourth-day. Much de
pressed under a sense of my unworthiness ; nevertheless feel
ing a gentle drawing to attend the meeting for the Southern
District, I went to it, and was somewhat refreshed. A cir
cumstance related in chapter 13th of the second book of
Kings, was brought before me, 'And Elisha died, and they
buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the
land at the coming in of the year ; and it came to pass, as
they were burying a man, that behold, they spied a band of
men ; and they cast the man in the sepulchre of Elisha ; and

420 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1843.
when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha,
he revived, and stood up on his feet.' A communication was
delivered on the subject, with some enlargement of heart, and
to a degree of comfort. Our friend, Lydia Dean, afterwards
ministered acceptably.
24th. First-day. Since the last record I have been oc
casionally engaged in small religious services, but there has
not been an openness to note them down. My prevailing
feelings have been those of depression, under a deep con
sciousness of having fallen short, and a conviction of the
need of experiencing the further operation of the baptism
which cleanses. This day, however, I appeared in testimony
in our morning meeting, commencing with the words of the
apostle, ' There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people of
God.' " T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Twelfth month 22nd, 1843.
My Dear Daughter : — By a letter from thy sister to her
aunt Mary, we have heard to-day of the sickness of thy little
Elizabeth. We sympathize with thee in this renewed call
upon thy maternal solicitude, but hope thou Avilt be strength
ened to confide in the goodness and superintending care of
thy heavenly Parent. How many are the anxieties and
troubles through which we have to pass, and yet how consol
ing to believe that they all are designed to Avork together for
our good. " These light, afflictions, which are but for a mo
ment, shall work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory." Such is the testimony of that dignified
apostle, who had learned in whatever state he was, " there-
Avith to be content," and who exhorted others "to rejoice
evermore, and in everything give thanks." This is what I

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 421
believe my dear Susanna is aiming at ; yet it is sometimes
difficult to come to, but through Divine aid, not unattainable.
How striking is the trust and confidence displayed by the
prophet, when he said, " Although the fig tree shall not blos
som, neither shall fruit be in the vine : the labor of the olive
shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat ; the flock shall
be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the
stall ; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of
my salvation."
Diary. "Twelfth month 27th. Fourth-day. At the
Western Meeting I was enabled to approach the Throne of
Grace in vocal supplication.
30th. Seventh-day. Attended the funeral of Amy, a
daughter of my friends, B. and A. Albertson, who died of
scarlet fever, aged three and a half years. In the evening
my wife and I were with the family, and an opportunity of
religious retirement occurred, in which I had service, both
in ministry and prayer.
31st. First-day. I was silent at the three meetings. In
the evening my wife and I sat awhile with our friends, Joseph
and Hannah Snowdon, whose daughter Jane died in the
morning of scarlet*fever. I had to address the bereaved pa
rents with words of comfort.
First month 1st, 1844. Second-day. I attended the funeral
of the dear child mentioned above. Sitting Avith the parents
and a few friends, preparatory to removing the body, a sweet
solemnity prevailed, and our friend, Elizabeth Evans, minis
tered acceptably ; after wbich I revived the case of the disci
ples, when they were assembled, the doors being shut, for fear
of the Jews. It is recorded, ' that then came Jesus and stood
in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you ; and

422 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
when He had so said, He showed them his hands and his
side.' 2nd. Third-day. At the North Meeting, where was a
marriage. I had to speak of the calling of Nathanael. After
wards our friend, Samuel Bettle, appeared in testimony. It
seemed a favored meeting."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
First month 5th, 1844.
There are many cases of scarlet fever in the city, I believe,
as well as in the country. On Seventh-day last I was at the
funeral of little Amy Albertson ; on Second-day that of Jane
Snowdon ; on Fourth-day, that of a child of Levi B. Stokes,
each having died with that disease. T. F. Scattergood's
daughter is low with it, and B. A.'s son Charles, has been
taken sick. Samuel Leeds' wife died a few nights since ; she
had a cold, but her removal was sudden and unexpected.
Many are the warnings the living have, and yet too few seem
to take it to heart. A preparation for the everlasting king
dom of righteousness and peace is the one thing needful, yet
how many are passing along without earnestly seeking it!
Mayest thou and I, my daughter, be of the number of the
wise in heart, Avho are taking the counsel of Him who is the
way, the truth, and the life, as well as the Light of men.
" Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon
you ; for he that Avalketh in darkness knoweth not Avhither
he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that
ye may be the children of the light."
I have been pleasantly engaged to-day. John Jones' legacy
was divided amongst the members of the school corporation,
to distribute to necessitous individuals. I obtained some for

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 423
thy aunt Mary's friend, A. D., for Susan R., E. H., thy grand
mother's acquaintance, R. Y., and divers others.
TO THE SAME. First month 13th.
I take a small piece of paper because I have little to say,
yet was unwilling to permit the stage to depart without some
testimonial of my regard. My desire for thee, as for myself
is, that as we groAV in years, Ave may experience a greater
willingness to bear the cross of our Holy Redeemer, and be
come qualified by experience to say, with a devoted follower
of the Lord Jesus, " I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless
I live ; yet, not I, but, Christ liveth in me ; and the life which
I noAV live in the flesh, is by faith in the Son of man, who
loved me, and gave himself for me."
Diary. Same date. "Seventh-day. For many days past,
I have felt, to my humiliation, the prevalence of the carnal
mind ; but this day I have, through mercy, been reneAved
Avith some sensations of the Divine life, so that I was enabled
in some degree, to enter into sympathy with, and minister to,
a friend, Avho hath many temptations and trials to endure.
14th. First-day. I Avas once more enabled to bear a pub
lic testimony in our morning meeting, in sympathy with some
sincere-hearted travellers, who are under discouragement, be
cause of the withdrawing of the light of their dear Master's
countenance. I commenced with the words of our Lord,
' Can the children of the bride-chamber fast, while the bride
groom is with them ? the days will come when the bridegroom
shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in
those days.' Silence was my lot in the other meetings, and
aspirations arose in them to the Fountain of Purity, that I

424 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
may be washed and purified, and made meet for the inheri
tance of the saints in light.
16th. Third-day. My friend, Samuel Spencer, has come
to town for medical advice, and is very ill. Calling at the
house where he is confined, I was invited to see him. He
seemed clear in his mind. I apprehended the time of his
dismissal from this state of being was near, and felt, and had
to express my trust, that all would be well ; ' not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but of his mercy He saveth
us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the
Holy Ghost.'
19th. Sixth-day. I was permitted to dip into feeling
Avith an exercised traveller towards the city of God, and to
hand forth a word of encouragement.
20th. Seventh-day. This morning I met with two dear
friends, who had been. passing through deep conflict of spirit,
of which I was renewedly made sensible, and to whom way
opened to minister.
22nd. Second-day. I went to Moreland, and attended
the funeral of Samuel Spencer, who deceased the night of
the 19th inst. His death is a great loss to the meeting he
belonged to, as well as to his near connections. A sweet
feeling of the blessedness of the everlasting rest of the right
eous attended ; and a firm belief that he had been through
redeeming love and mercy, prepared to ente*r into it. I had
to express the substance of these feelings, as did also our
friend, Alice Knight.
26th. Sixth-day. A day of deep depression and mental
conflict; yet, calling on business at a friend's house in the
evening, my mind became tranquillized, and I was enabled to
minister, to my comfort, to some present, who were no
strangers to hidden exercises and baptisms unto death.

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 425
28th. First-day. The states were respectively addressed
of such as such as think themselves rich whilst they are poor,
being destitute of the true riches ; and of such as feel them-
seh'es poor, yet being the Lord's poor, and trusting in Him,
may be considered to be rich in faith, and heirs of the king
dom which He hath promised to them that love Him."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Second month 3rd.
* * * In conclusion, the desire again arises that thou
may give thyself without reserve to the Lord. " Ye are not
your own, but are bought with a price ; wherefore glorify
God with your bodies and with your spirits which are his."
Salute in my name dear Abby Williams ; tell her that " all
things shall work together for good to them that love God ;"
and " He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Diary. " Second month 15th. Fifth-day. During the
interval since the last record, I have passed through some
seasons of deep depression. In our mid-week meeting on
the 8th inst., I was raised up to minister, which afforded a
peaceful feeling to my mind. Again I was permitted to
sympathize with the mourners on First-day afternoon the
11th, and have of late had some service in private opportuni
ties. In our meeting to-day I arose with a sweet impression,
and was helped to open doctrine and counsel from the words
of the apostle, ' I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present, your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service ; and
be ye not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed in
the spirit of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good
and acceptable and perfect will of God concerning you.' "
28

426 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
Second month. On the morning of one of the First-days of
the week this month, (probably the 11th,) Thomas Kite was
led sweetly to address his family. He said he remembered
that the Saviour said to his disciples, "Ye are the Light of the
world ;" and again He said, " I am the Light of the Avorld."
He then expressed his earnest desire that those present might
so partake of the Light of the Saviour, as to shine in their
respective places, and be as lights in the world.
On the 18th he wrote to a young friend ; " The work of
the soul's redemption is a great work ; and many conflicts
of spirit, we must all pass through in whom this work is
going on. If the Great Master has any special service for
thee in his Church, beyond being a preacher of righteous
ness in life and conversation, which every follower of Christ
is called to, He will not fail to manifest it to thee, and in
his own time endue with strength and clearness for his own
work. Be thou faithful in a little, and He will make thee
ruler over more."
Diary. Second month 22nd. Fifth-day. " Having for
a considerable time felt drawings to visit Friends of Salem
Quarterly Meeting in their different meetings, I obtained a
minute for that purpose from our Monthly Meeting held
this day. Dougan and Asenath Clark were with us, being
about to embark for Great Britain on a religious visit.
25th. First-day. In the afternoon I was drawn into
sympathy with the afflicted of various classes. I was en
gaged in communication, beginning with the words of our
Lord, ' Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be com
forted.' 26th. Second-day. My brother James and his wife hav
ing heard this day of the death of their daughter Eliza, aged
a few months, at the house of her uncle, Samuel Boyce, in

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 427
Lynn, Massachusetts, my wife and I went to visit them in
the evening. A religious opportunity occurred, in which I
Avas concerned to address them on the afflicting occasion.
Third month 1st. Sixth-day. Set out on my visit to the
meetings of Salem Quarter, accompanied by my kinsman
James R. Greeves, Lodged at George Mickle's, near Wood
bury. Previous to leaving the family, the next morning,
(2nd,) a religious opportunity took place, in which I was
concerned to address the heads of the family and the chil
dren. Dear Mary 'Mickle expressed a few words at the
close. Went to Greenwich, and lodged at cousin Moses
Sheppard's. 3rd. First-day. At Greenwich Meeting I was helped to
relieve my mind towards various states ; close things Avere
said to some, and consolation offered to others. Dined with
my aged friend, John Sheppard. He and his daughter Mary,
accompanied us to his son Clarkson's to tea. An opportunity
of religious retirement took place in the evening, and I had
to address an individual present from the words of Christ to
Nathanael, 'Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast
under the fig tree, I saw thee.' Mary Sheppard had a short.
communication. 6th. Fourth-day. After a sitting in the family where Ave
lodged, in Avhich ability Avas granted to address the heads of
it, we went to Salem Meeting. Here I was again enabled to
preach the Gospel of Christ, and to divide the Word to vari
ous states ; leaving the meeting-house in peace. Went to the
house of Hope, the widow of Paul Scull, who has lately de
parted this life.
7th. Fifth-day. Again this morning, the widow, her
only son, her married daughter* and son-in-law, being to
gether, I had to address the three last in Gospel love. Went

428 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
to Pilesgrove Meeting, and had cause to acknowledge the re
newed extension of Divine regard in qualifying to plead with
the people. Returned to the widow's to dine. When about
leaving the house, the covering of silence oA'erspread us, un
der which my mouth was opened in prayer for the various
members of the family, that the afflictive dispensation of late
meted out, might be blessed to them. Went to my beloved
aged friend, Joseph Whitall's, to lodge.
8th. Sixth-day. At Woodbury Meeting. I had an open
time in communication, commencing with the language of
the Most High by the Psalmist, ' Gather my saints together
unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacri
fice.' In the afternoon returned home in a state of peaceful
poverty." In reference to this visit, he writes to his daughter Rebecca :
" On the whole, I feel glad I have been out, and that this
debt of Gospel love has been paid."
Diary. " Third month 10th. First-day. Our morning
meeting seemed favored. It was mostly held in silence, yet
towards the close, I was engaged in the solemn service of
supplication. The afternoon meeting seemed to me a low
time. S. Biddle appeared in the evening, and Elizabeth
Evans was engaged in prayer.
13th. Fourth-day. Feeling a draft thereto, I attended
the meeting for the Southern District. The prophet Ezekiel's
vision of the holy Avaters being before me, something was
spoken relative thereto, and also on other subjects Avhich pre
sented. I felt calm and peaceful after the meeting, which I
esteem a renewed instance of merciful regard from Him
whom, however unworthy I am, I desire to serve in the Gos
pel of his Son. •
14th. Fifth-day. Openings attended at our week-day

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 429
meeting concerning John's baptism and that of Christ; they
were both spoken to ; and those addressed who are now under
the administration of the latter, feeling it operating upon
their pride, impurity, earthly affections, and whatever in
them the Lord's controversy is against. These were coun
selled patiently to endure until the Heavenly Refiner has
done his office, and the soul is prepared rightly to rejoice.
The same day a friend whom I much love, spoke to me in
cautiously in commendation of my service, which introduced
me into exercise and fear : ' Lord preserve me in self-abased-
ness before thee ; and grant that all I do may be with a sin
gle eye to thy glory.'
17th. First-day. In the morning I attended the North
Meeting from a secret impulse, and was silent therein. In
the afternoon, at our own meeting, labored a little to encour
age the ' prisoners of hope.' In the evening I had a testi
mony to bear to the nature of spiritual worship ; after which
Hannah Gibbons and Samuel Cope were engaged in Gospel
communications. I belieA-e the meeting closed too soon.
20th. Fourth-day. The remains of Deborah Hutton,
daughter of Richard and Ann Wetherall, were interred yes
terday in the burying-ground belonging to Friends of Chester
Meeting (Pennsylvania). Way did not open for my atten
dance ; but to-day I went to that meeting, and there met
Avith the husband, parents, and other relations of the deceased ;
and we were favored Avith a solemn season, in which ability
Avas furnished to preach the Gospel of life and salvation, and
to comfort the mourners.
21st. Fifth-day. Unexpectedly it seemed to be my duty
to sit with Friends of Newtown Meeting ; accordingly I went
thither. It proved a low time, yet some capacity seemed
furnished, to set forth the necessity of our experiencing re-

430 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
generation, and also that there is a ' needs be' for the afflic
tions which our merciful Father permits to befall us.
Fourth month 1st. Second-day. I went to the funeral of
Rest, the wife of my brother-in-law, Benjamin Cope. During
the opportunity before the removal of the corpse, it appeared
to be my place to bend the knee in vocal supplication. At
the grave Sarah Emlen addressed an individual present in a
very close manner, yet under the influence of Gospel love.
4th. Fifth-day. At Westtown. In the morning meet
ing Sarah Emlen commenced the vocal service, followed by
William Scattergood and William Evans, after which I had
a communication from the-Scripture passage, ' He that being
often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be de
stroyed, and that without remedy.' Some who had often
been reproved, both immediately and instrumentally, were
reasoned with ; and others who had entered into covenant
with the Lord, were encouraged. The examination closed in
the evening.
7th. First-day. I had a testimony to bear in the after
noon meeting, and in the evening [had] a private opportu
nity with a valuable young friend.
8th. Second-day. "Much oppressed with the prevalence
of the earthly nature. Our Preparative Meeting of Ministers
and Elders was to me a Ioav time.
9th. Third-day. Felt somewhat relieved of the deep de
pression I have labored under for several days, and my mind
was turned to the North Meeting. After our friend, John
Pease, had appeared in testimony, I had to speak of the ex
cellency of that living faith which is the substance of things
hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, by which the
holy ancients obtained a good report. The subject was illus
trated by bringing into view the case of the prophet Elisha,

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 431
when the King of Syria sent an army to apprehend him.
The meeting seemed to be in a good degree favored.
B. HOYLE TO T. K.
Mount Pleasant, Fourth month 20th, 1844.
Dear Friend : — Feeling under obligation for thy two last
acceptable communications, and also, I trust, an inclination
to salute thee under feelings of brotherly love, I cannot easily
let the present opportunity of conveyance pass without drop
ping thee a feAV lines. I noticed in thy last an intimation
not to remain in any present engagement,* to the hindrance
of more important concerns. For this token of the kind re
membrance of my distant friend, I hope to feel gratitude to
that Almighty Caretaker, who at times puts into the hearts
of fellow-travellers to remember one another for good. I de
sire to be continued in thy remembrance. I have had, if I
may be permitted to unbosom my feelings, some descendings
into low places for several months past, yet not without an
evidence now and then afforded, that I am under the pro
tecting care of the Shepherd of Israel. Believing that these
dispensations are profitable, I dare not wish for it to be other-
Avise ordered, but am bound to acknowledge that, ' Good is
the Lord, and worthy to be praised.' ' His will is our sancti
fication ;' and that work is completed in us as we are found
doing it, or suffering it to be done in us. May the Lord
enable us more fully to drink of the cup that He drank of,
and to be baptized Avith the baptism that He was baptized
with ; for hereby are we kept in our proper allotments.
Your annual assembly is perhaps by this time over. Has
the ministry been of that description which tends to bring
* Superintendent of Mount Pleasant Boarding School.

432 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
under the cross of Christ ? The accounts from your side lat
terly have been, so far as I have seen them, favorable, and
heartily do I wish it may prove so. I am not without fears
that there may be that among us, which may be likened to
' Avine mixed withi water.' Unless the Blessed Head of the
Church interposes for his cause' sake and for his honor's sake,
there may be those liberated by some of the Yearly Meetings,
even to cross the sea, whom He has not sent. These cannot
profit the people at all, but must add affliction to the true
burden-bearers where they may travel. These remarks do
not apply to any such cases that may have been before your
Yearly Meeting ; but surely there is a want, of true discern
ing in some directions.
Fifth month 13th. Sixth-day. Our Yearly Meeting has
been held, which was upon the whole a favored season ; the
Meeting for Ministers and Elders particularly so. Our
friend, Sarah Emlen, was set at liberty to visit the churches
in Great Britain and Ireland. We had the company of
John Pease, Isabel Casson, and Rachel Priestman, the latter
of whom obtained a returning certificate. Yesterday in our
Monthly Meeting I was drawn forth in vocal supplication,
and had afterwards a short communication. Isabel Casson
and Rachel Priestman appeared in testimony."
During the spring of this year symptoms of a pulmonary
affection appeared in Susanna Sharpless.
Fifth month 5th, her sister Rebecca writing of her then
condition, says : " Dear uncle [N. K.,J I cannot but feel sad
when I call to mind the suffering, emaciated frame of a sister
so tenderly beloved, and feel that ere long she may be taken
from us. She is very sensible of her situation, and is, I be
lieve, desiring to be prepared either for life or death. She

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 433
told me she had not asked to be restored, though she felt
keenly the prospect of parting from her husband and children.
May we all seek for resignation to the Divine will, and un-
murmuringly drink of Avhatever cup He may see meet to
hand us."
On the 11th the doctor said she seemed better. There
was more to hope but much to fear. The invalid that day,
after a hard spell of coughing, (alluding to the idea of some
that the fine summer weather would improve her health),
said, " It Avill take more than pure air to cure that cough."
About, the middle of the Fifth month, Thomas Kite visited
his sick daughter, and attended Cain Quarterly Meeting.
Fifth month 24th he writes to his daughter Rebecca:
" I propose sending this letter by a young Friend of Ohio.,
and a member of Indiana Yearly Meeting, who is about to
become a scholar at Westtown. Her mother spoke to W.
E. and me at Richmond last fall concerning her, and has
since by letter commended her to our care. She seems amia
ble and intelligent, and I Avish thee to pay some attention to
her as a stranger. I should think her health would be bene
fitted by frequent walking. Above the desire I feel for her
improvement in useful knowledge, the prevalent one is, that
religious impressions may be deepened, and she favored to
return to her friends a decided lover of the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, which crucifies the world with every evil affec
tion. We feel anxiously solicitous respecting thy dear sister.
When we consider what she has been, and is to us, and what
she is to her dear husband and children, it is natural that we
should feel. I have not, however, yet given up all hope that
she may be restored to us for a season, but I wish to endeavor
to stand resigned to the dispensations of our heavenly Father,

434 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
fully believing the Judge of all the earth will do right, and
that. He can make up to bereaved ones every loss, sanctify
every affliction, and prepare his children to join the innumer
able company, who had not only " come out of great tribula
tion," but also " washed their robes and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb."
Our friend, Lydia Dean, seems gradually declining. I
have been to see her several times since her confinement to
her room.
Thy mother and I haA'e just returned from Sarah E. Cres-
son's, whither we went to say farewell to Sarah Emlen.* A
time of religious retirement took place, in Avhich some pre
cious feelings were experienced, and some expressions of
sympathy with our dear friend, and also with her companion
Avho remained at home.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Fifth month 27th, 1844.
My Dear Son : — Thy sister Rebecca's letter has, no doubt,
apprised thee of our dear Susan's illness. It will be eight
Aveeks to-morroAV since she was taken sick. She was at the
time, as Avell as her husband, under appointment to attend
the Yearly Meeting, and we were anticipating the satisfaction
of haATing them in the city, but it was otherwise ordered ; and
we have had a time of great anxiety. The disease was at
first a catarrh fever, afterwards it turned to bronchitis, at
tended with severe cough and other distressing symptoms.
However desirous thy mother was of paying thee her long
talked of visit, of course she could not positively decide on
anything Avhilst thy sister remained in this critical state, and
* About to embark to Europe on a religious visit.

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 435
for that reason Ave have forborne writing until some change
should take place.
Thy uncle Nathan and thy mother returned from East
Bradford last evening, and report the dear invalid better, so
that the prospect hoav is, should she continue so, for thy mother
to be at Pittsburg in time to take the steamer Majestic on
Seventh-day the 29th of the Sixth month. But as Susan is
still very weak, and a relapse may take place, I wish thee
not to be too sanguine in expecting thy mother, and endeavor
to bear it Avith fortitude shouldst thou meet with a disappoint
ment. TO THE SAME. Fifth month 29th.
Cousin Rebecca Haverstick's funeral was largely attended,
and was a solemn time. A testimony was delivered at the
house, in which the confidence was expressed that she had
kno\vn the washing of regeneration, and was safely landed
in the realms of bliss. R. Collins appeared in prayer. At
the grave Sarah Hillman had a testimony to bear, commenc
ing with, " They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any
more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat, for
the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed
them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water ;
and God himself shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
It seemed to be her belief that our kinswoman had been ad
mitted to participate in the blessedness enjoyed by the re
deemed. It seems as if I could scarcely let any letter depart without
the expression of the wish, that, with respect to thee, lies
nearest to my heart, which is, that as thou art growing in
years, thou mayest be growing in grace ; not only avoiding

436 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
the very appearance of evil, but that, cheerfully taking up
the cross of Christ, the dear Redeemer, thou mayest be found
following Him in the regeneration. In our dear cousin's
case we see how uncertain is time ; may it be increasingly
thy concern to be found ready when the call is issued, "Stew
ard, give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be
no longer steward." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Fifth month 31st, 1844.
The accounts we receive of thy sister's state in various
Avays, seem rather more encouraging. I am aware, however,
that she remains much indisposed. There is sympathy due
to her and her valuable companion, as well as to other dear
friends. I feel for thee, my dear daughter; between thy
school duties and thy natural desire to be with thy sister, I
suppose thou hast some struggles. However, by this time
thou hast learned that many trying things have to be borne
in our journey through life. I observed in one of thy letters
a remark, to the effect, that thou hadst. been enabled to attend
with cheerfulness to thy classes. I am glad of it, and hope
thou wilt continue, whilst Westtown remains to be thy pro
per place, to discharge thy engagements there with fidelity.
Catharine W. Morris is quite unwell, also Rebecca Fohvell ;
the latter, it is thought, can. hardly recover. Our aged
friend, Gulielma Widdifield, is confined to the house with
indisposition, and Jane Peirce was absent from Monthly
Meeting yesterday, from the same cause.
We have had an intimation that Joseph Edgerton will
probably soon be here, having in view to attend some meet
ings within the limits of our Yearly Meeting, and also to be

1 844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 437
at that held for New England. The latter part of his pros
pect I should think would not be very pleasant to him.
In the beginning of the Sixth month, Thomas Kite, whose
heart was closely drawn towards his suffering daughter, paid
her another visit. He found her not quite so well as she
had previously been, the effect, it was thought, of damp and
rainy weather.
Oh the 10th, Rebecca Kite writing of her sister says : " The
doctor thinks her disease has now assumed a decidedly con
sumptive form, and notwithstanding an increase of strength,
he does not feel at all encouraged. I have watched her now
week after week, and my mind but strengthens in the belief,
that ere very long we will haATe to part with one whose uniform
kindness and loveliness has closely entwined her round our
hearts. On Seventh-day she said, alluding to the time when
I should no longer have a sister, ' I could remember how
much we had loved each other and had enjoyed being to
gether.' She had not indulged herself with thinking that
we should recognize our friends in another world ; she thought
that would be a matter of little moment if she could only be
found worthy to obtain the lowest seat in the Heavenly
Kingdom." T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Sixth month 18th.
Thy mother and I are much obliged to thee for keeping
us informed of the state of thy sister ; her situation, we are
aware, is critical, and we cannot calculate on her being
raised again to health, unless such should be His determina
tion to whom all things are possible. Great as will be the
trial to myself, and to others of my family, to part with this

438 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
long-cherished and beloved member of our circle, it will no
doubt be more keenly felt by her beloved partner. To him
and the children the loss will be great. May our merciful
Father in Heaven strengthen and comfort him, and care for
them. Ever since I saw thee last, I have felt at times some solici
tude on account of thy health. I wish thou wouldst make
an effort to regain thy former habits of walking, particularly
in the morning, even if thou hast to omit some sewing and
some writing to obtain the time to accomplish it. * * *
Sixth month 21st. Susanna Sharpless was a little stronger,
but had a suffering day. She said she did not think herself
any better. The disease was a flattering one, and she thought
the many changes were calculated to unsettle the mind. A
Friend (J. E.) who at this time visited her, remarked after
ward her " bright and cheerful countenance" and " the gather
ing of solemnity" which was at times upon it. He thought
we need not say of such as she was, " they would be blest,
they were blest already." T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Sixth month 25th.
I received a letter from thee a few days ago, in which
thou speaks of thy mother's proposed visit. She came home
from Aaron's on First-day evening, and left thy sister in a
declining way, so much so that she cannot feel easy to leaA'e
home, for fear she should be called away in her absence.
Since I last Avrote to thee Susanna's disease has assumed a
more marked character of pulmonary consumption. No
calculation can be made as to how long she may last. It
is np doubt a great trial to thy mother to give up her pro
posed visit, and it will be so to thee to be disappointed. To

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 439
you both and to us all, it will be a severe affliction to part
with our loA'ed and cherished one, whose amiable qualities,
and faithful performance of her duties, as Avife, mother, child
and sister, have won our affection in no ordinary degree. It
has seemed her great object to make those around her com
fortable ; and she appeared to be prepared for greater useful
ness in the Church. But we are poor judges of what is best.
" Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right ?" was the
question of faithful Abraham. No doubt He will ; and
however we may feel, it is our duty to submit, and look to
the Lord alone for consolation, who in his own time, if Ave
jmurmur not, will comfort all that mourn. * * *
With renewed desires for thy preservation in the fear of
the Lord, in bearing thy daily cross, and in obedience to
all the dictates of the Holy Spirit, I am thy affectionate
father. A black boy, twelve years old, who died some time since,
1 think of consumption, said near his close, " God is my
Creator, Christ is my Redeemer, the Holy Spirit is my
Sanctifier, and Heaven is my home."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Seventh month 6th.
* * * There are many circumstances in the present
day of a serious aspect, and many exercises for the Christian
traveller to pass through. The old, as well as the young,
have their conflicts, and there is but one Power can sustain
and preserve any of us. To a single attention to Him who
is given as a Leader and Commander to his people, I would
recommend my dear children with a wish to be their com
panion in this necessary concern. I am thy sympathizing
and affectionate father.

440 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Seventh month loth.
As I have heard of a private conveyance for a letter, I avail
myself of it to give thee further information respecting thy
sister Susanna. Her disease seems to be gradually making
its progress, and although we sometimes hear that she seems
more comfortable, yet on the whole she is Aveaker, and wear
ing away. Thy mother and I expect to go to Aaron's to
morrow, to remain for some time. We have no fixed plan,
but must be governed by circumstances. * * * No
doubt thou hast heard greatly exaggerated reports of the
late riots. The reality was truly sorrowful, not only from
the loss of life, but from the disposition of resistance to the
lawful authorities manifested. Many causes have contributed
to bring about this jtate of things amongst a portion of our
community. Religious and political animosity had a share,
and injudicious publications, particularly in the penny papers, .
have kept up an almost constant irritation. Some of the
editors have been called to account. Many companies of
country volunteers are here on military duty, to their own
inconvenience, and to the detriment of their farms and
families. I am as fully convinced as ever of the propriety
of peace principles, and desire all our members may not only
keep out of the spirit of Avar, but be preserved from that
agitation of mind which results from unprofitable discussions
of the aspect of affairs. Were we truly living under the
gOArernnient of the Prince of Peace, our example would be
of importance Avherever we might live, and our spirits would
affoi d a practical illustration of the nature of his kingdom.

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 441
SAME TO SAME. Seventh month 31st.
Dear Susanna keeps very much indisposed. Thy mother
and I spent about a week at Aaron's. She was in a state of
much suffering. We left to attend our own Monthly Meet
ing, intending to return after the Quarterly Meeting. We
hear she has been somewhat easier since our return, although
there is no change that is likely to be permanent. The
doctor gives no expectation of her recovery. Thy sister
Rebecca has been frequently to see her, and through the
kindness of the superintendent and her fellow teachers, she
' has been permitted to remain with the dear sufferer about
tAvo weeks. T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER SUSANNA.
Eighth month 2nd, 1844.
My Dear Daughter : — I have not written to thee lately,
but it has not proceeded from any diminution of affection.
On the contrary thou wast never more dear to me than now,
when thou art under the discipline of affliction, which sooner
or later in one form or another, all the Lord's children have
to partake of. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son and daughter whom He receiveth."
I believe thou art disposed to say, " It is the Lord, let Him
do what seemeth Him good ;" and yet nature is weak ; and
fears at times may arise whether thou wilt be able to endure
protracted suffering with entire patience and resignation.
Ah ! my dear child, our compassionate Father knoweth our
frame, and will not mingle more bitter ingredients in the
cup of sorroAV, than He sees to be best. Meanwhile He con
descends to let his suffering children remember that, his
29

442 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
name is Love, and that mercy is his attribute, and that his
promises are all yea and amen forever. His promises are of
strength and support equal to the trials of our day, and of
an everlasting day of rest and comfort when the afflictions
of time have passed away. The language of my heart is,
" The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble, the name of the
God of Jacob defend thee ; send thee help from his sanctuary,
and strengthen thee out of Zion ;" giving thee to experience
the faith of the Psalmist, " Blessed is he that considereth the
poor, the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The
Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing ; thou
wilt make all his bed in his sickness." Then trust in Him
with all thy heart, and I believe He will be near, giving
thee to see the greatness of his salvation, and that it is all of
mere mercy ; '' Not by works of righteousness whieh we have
done, but of his mercy He saves us, by the washing of re
generation and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." * * *
t. k. to his daughter Rebecca. (Same date.)
Having written to thy sister, I seem to have little at
present to say to thee. I understand thou expects in a few
days to return to thy duties at the school. I have left this
subject to thy OAvn feelings, but as thou hast come to this
conclusion, it will not perhaps be improper to say, I am
satisfied with it. When there, endeavor as much as possible
to give thy mind to the service of each day, without un
profitable anticipations. I trust the time thou hast past with
thy suffering sister has not been without its lessons of profit
to thee ; and I feel an earnest desire that every trial may be
blessed and sanctified to thee, producing greater degrees of
humility, tenderness and love ; and that thy determination

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 443
to devote thyself to the Lord and his cause, may be
strengthened through the renewings of holy help.
We sometimes notice Avhat we deem to be inconsistencies
in those whom Ave nevertheless believe to be on the Lord's
side. It is seldom of advantage to the young to speak of
these things to others. Let them take warning as regards
themselves, and remember that none are safe unless the holy
Avatch is maintained.
On the 8th of Eighth month, Thomas Kite attended
Abington Quarterly Meeting. Joseph Edgerton was first
opened in Gospel poAver and authority, and having closed
his communication, T K. soon rose. He said although
we did not believe it to be right to eulogize the dead, for
their own sake, yet the apostle exhorted the believers to
" Remember them that have the rule over you, who have
spoken unto you the Avord of God ; whose faith folloAV,
considering the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ,
the same yesterday, to-day and forever." He added we
were both allowed and recommended to have the righteous
in remembrance, and he had been afresh reminded of a dear
departed sister of that Quarterly Meeting who had lately
been removed from among them by death, whose life, con
versation, and labors, many of the present company had
witnessed, and whose faith had been of that kind Ayhich
was worthy of being followed. He stated his belief that
there were some present for Avhom this dear friend had been
exercised, that they might be turned from the error of their
ways, but who had not yielded to the reproofs of instruction.
To these she, as it was said of righteous Abel, " being dead
yet speaketh."*
* Alice Knight who had deceased.

444 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
During the Eighth month, Thomas Kite spent, some time
with his declining daughter. On the 26th after his return
he thus concludes a letter to his daughter R. : " With affec
tionate desires for thy preservation in the path of rectitude,
in humility, watchfulness, and filial fear of offending thy
Heavenly Father, either in thought, word or deed, I remain
thy anxiously concerned parent."
same to same.
Eighth month 30th.
At our Monthly Meeting yesterday we had the company
of Hannah Warrington, who has been visiting some of the
meetings of our Quarterly Meeting with a minute. She
had a good communication to deliver on the parable of the
talents, and on that of the wise and foolish virgins, calcu
lated to promote self-examination as to whether we were
rightly using the gifts and talents dispensed to us, and were
thus preparing to have oil in our vessels, with our lamps, at
the period when the solemn sound should be heard, " Behold
the Bridegroom cometh," &c. Thy mother thought she
had acceptable service in the last meeting. William Evans
was also at the first meeting, and had a powerful testimony,
setting forth the nature and ground of true unity, beginning '
with the Psalmist's declaration, ' How good and how
pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in
unity,' with more of the passage. Our men's meeting was
comfortable, much unity of feeling prevailing in relation to
the business which came before us, of which we had a con
siderable amount, so that we did not get released until near
two o'clock.

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 445

T. K. TO ANX ELIZA YARNALL. Eighth month 31st.
Dear Cousin. My daughter Susan mentioned to me that
she thought the volume of " Memorials," recently prepared,
would be acceptable to thee. I therefore present thee with
a copy, Avhich accompanies this letter. When we read of
the self-denying lives and happy deaths of the servants of
Christ, it has an animating and encouraging effect, and
under the Divine blessing, sometimes renews in our hearts,
fervent desires to follow them as they followed Christ. I feel
a wish that this may be the case with thee in seriously pe
rusing this little work, in which is contained excellent
testimonies to the power and efficacy of the Grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ. I have no doubt thou hast for years felt
the stirrings of the Holy Spirit, and I believe thou art sensible
the Lord is calling thee to walk in the narrow way which
leads to life ; let nothing discourage thee, my dear cousin,
from surrendering thyself without reserve, to be what the
Lord would have thee to be. Sometimes when young per
sons seriously disposed, see those who make profession of
being religious, acting inconsistently with such a profession,
it has a tendency to produce reasonings of an unfavorable
character, and the enemy takes advantage of the miscar
riages of others to stumble those and turn their feet out of
the way. But we are to leave others to the Lord (unless
when it is our duty in meekness to plead with them), and to
let their faults prove warnings to us. The call of the Lord
to his visited children is, to come out of all that defiles, all
that stands opposed to purity and holiness, and on the terms
of obedience to his call, He will make them his adopted
children ; " Come out from among them and be ye separate;

446 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and
will be a Father unto you ; and ye shall be my sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." I am thy affectionate
and sympathizing friend and cousin, Thomas Kite.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER R.
Ninth month 2nd.
There is no situation or station exempt from trial and
temptation. Hence the necessity of individually attending
to our Lord's command ; " What I say unto you I say unto
all, Watch." As we are rightly careful in this respect, we
shall see our weakness and various deficiencies, the sense
whereof should lead to secret prayer for deliverance from
evil, and that having put our hands to the plough, we may not
look back, and grow more indifferent about the things which
accompany salvation, than we were in former years. If
thus watching unto prayer, we shall experience an increasing
fervency of spirit. But we may take up no rest short of
the true rest, nor ever be contented short of the living
experience which Paul so forcibly describes as his own ; " I
am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live ; yet not I but
Christ liveth in me ; and the life which I uoav live in the
flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me,
and gave himself for me." May this be increasingly the
case with my beloved daughter, that thus amidst the trials
and afflictions of the present life, she may be preparing for
another state of being, where the ransomed and redeemed
of our God, " shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat, but the
Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them,
and lead them to living fountains of Avater, and God shall
wipe away all tears from their eyes ; and there shall be no

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 447
more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain ; for the former things are passed away."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Ninth month 5th.
By thy mother's letter I suppose thou hast information
of thy sister's continued indisposition, and that there remains
no probability of her recovery. * * * There seems no
doubt with us that her end will be peace.
I often feel solicitous, for the younger members of your
Monthly Meeting, that there may be a greater consistency
amongst them with our profession. It is hard to the strong
will of man to be subject to the cross ; but unless this be
faithfully borne it is vain to expect firm and upright sup
porters of our testimonies. May good Joshua's resolution
be thine, " As for me, I will serve the Lord." Let every
thing else give way to the resolution to live for the cause of
Truth. Study to be quiet, and do thy own business ; the
first and most important part is to work out thy soul's
salvation with fear and trembling. Then wilt thou be
prepared rightly to discharge every relative duty, and to
fulfil such services in the church as may be consistent with
thy age and experience, ever remembering that godliness is
profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life
that now is, and of that Avhich is to come. I have no doubt
Truth would lead to a stricter administration of the dis
cipline than is common in some parts. But the men to
enforce this must be clean handed.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER R.
Ninth month 6th.
[After a little geueral information he concludes a short

448 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
note thus:] I cannot think of anything more, necessary to
tell thee at .present. So with desires for thy stability,
watchfulness and increasing dedication to the cross, even
until thy own will shall be crucified and slain, I remain
thy affectionate father.
Ninth month 9th, T. K. attended Haddonfield Monthly
Meeting. On the 10th, writing to his daughter Rebecca,
he says :
" We hear more unpleasant tidings from New England.
There have been some operations commenced in another
Monthly Meeting of Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting, which,
if we are rightly informed, are of an arbitrary character.
The prospect of what the issue may be seems gloomy and
discouraging. Yet everything of this kind, or any trials
nearer home, should incite us to individual faithfulness; for
whatever may be permitted to befall any of the children of
men, the sentence of the wise man will stand good, ' Surely I
know that it shall be well with them that fear God ; that fear
before Him.'." SARAH EMLEN TO T. K.
Belfast, Ninth month 15th, 1844.
My beloved friend, Thomas Kite, has very many times
been the companion of my mind since being in this land ;
and I should have been glad to have known of this opportu
nity earlier, that I might have written thee to say, how glad
I was of, and how much good thy kind and welcome letter
did me, which was handed me after we had been out at sea
a week. Indeed, it caused tears of gratitude to Aoav, that I
had been so kindly remembered.
'Tis now after ten o'clock, and after the labor of attending,

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 449
two large meetings in this place, (which, I think I may say
were overspread as with Emanuel's Aving), feeling spent, and
as if my little store Avas nearly exhausted, I am too poor to
have anything worth thy notice. But thou art my interested
friend, and will understand me, when I say, that I have been
many times a Avonder to myself, so marvellously has the Lord
made my way Avhere there seemed to be no way ; so that my
heart hath often been attuned, both secretly and openly,
with living praises. May all the praise and all the honor
ever be ascribed to the " Lion of the tribe of Judah." Please
give my dear love to thy E., sister Mary, Rebecca, William
and wife, &c. Ah ! dear Aaron ! how often have I thought
of him. How is it ? Is dear Susan with you yet ? or has she
taken her flight to join the saints above ? How incompre
hensible are the ways of Providence !
A letter addressed to the care of Isaac Hadwin, of Liver
pool, would find thy friend, Sarah Emlen.
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Ninth month 16th.
We are about in usual health, excepting thy sister Susanna,
who gradually declines. Her limbs now swell towards night,
but the swelling abates by morning. Water also appears to
accumulate on her chest. She seems to be supported under
her sufferings, and her reliance is evidently on her Creator
and Redeemer. It is quite uncertain how long she may yet
have to struggle with her afflictions. * * *
On the 16th, Susanna Sharpless became alarmingly op
pressed, and in the belief that her end could not be very dis
tant, asked for her husband and then for her children. When
they came, she affectionately bade them farewell, and ad
dressed some sweet, parting counsel to two of the children.

450 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
She expressed that she felt peace. After a time she alluded
to her sister, then attending to her duties at Westtown. Un
derstanding that she desired to see her before the close, a
messenger was sent after her. During this day (2nd), it
seemed as if the struggle would suddenly end, and death
must come, she suffered such intense agony. Towards night,
however, she revived, and was easier. Observing this, she
remarked, " What a disappointment." That evening she
said, " I am ready to query : why are his chariot wheels so
long in coming?" On Third-day, the 17th, she lay gasping
for breath, and though apparently in the perfect possession
of her senses, spoke little ; yet, during the afternoon, she at
one time exclaimed, " It is written ; suddenly, — in a moment,
— in the twinkling of an eye, we shall be changed ! Oh !
that the change would come to me !" She was very anxious
to be gone, but, as her aunt P. wrote, " is a pattern of quiet
submission." During Fourth-day night the period came for her release.
A letter announcing the event to her connections in Phila
delphia, (written on Fifth-day), says: "Since Second-day
morning she Avas almost in a constant struggle for breath.
Several times they thought her going. Last night, waking-
out of sleep, she seemed very feeble, and sat up in bed for a
time. They noticed a rattling in her throat, and cousin
Aaron was called. In a few minutes she passed away, very
calmly and quietly."
The following account was penned by one present at the
close and funeral :
" It was my privilege to witness the closing scene, and it
was the first time I had ever been present on such an occa
sion. Half propped up in bed, she gently dreAV her breath
at short intervals, until all ceased. A solemn silence pre-

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 451
vailed over the room, which was ere long broken by the voice
of supplication, returning thanks to God that He had taken
unto himself our beloved friend and relative.
Surely there is cause for thankfulness and rejoicing, and
however deeply we may feel our loss, when, as in this case,
Ave have reaspn to believe that those who have been removed
from us had through mercy experienced their natural affec
tions and propensities regulated by the standard of the cross,
their sins forgiven, and an entrance administered unto them
into the celestial city.
Her funeral, which took place on Sixth-day, the 20th of
the month, was attended by many of those who had been at
tached to her during life, by the ties of affection and relation
ship. Her father spoke [in the ministry], and appeared in
supplication in the room where the family were collected to
gether ; and the tender feeling which^prevailed was very
precious. At the grave also his mouth was opened to express
his own resignation, and his sense of her worth, and to bear
testimony, that by the grace of God, she was what she was.
The sentences which follow, are believed to be nearly as
they were uttered :
" ' There is now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit; for the lawof the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath
made me free from the law of sin and death.'
'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth ;
yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ;
and their works do follow them.' Some experience their
sins to go beforehand to judgment, and some they follow
after. What a blessed thing to know, a going beforehand to
judgment ! That this was the experience of this, my first
born and precious child, I am thankfully made to believe.

452 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
By one stroke how many tender ties have been severed.
An obedient child, — a loving and faithful wife, — a tender
and watchful mother, — has been removed.
By the grace of God she was what she was ; and it may be
for the encouragement of some present, that my voice is heard
this day. May you be enabled to give up all and follow
Christ. I am enabled to say,. ' The LDrd gave and the Lord
hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord !' "
The following notice appeared in "The Friend:"
" Died, Ninth month 19th, at the residence of her husband,
in East Bradford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, in the 36th
year of her age, Susanna, wife of Aaron Sharpless; a mem
ber of Birmingham Monthly Meeting. During her last ill
ness, which was of many months' duration, she was enabled
to bear her acute sufferings with patience and resignation to
her heavenly Father's will. Having from an early period of
her sickness been persuaded that it would terminate in death,
she was quietly yet earnestly engaged that her concerns, out-
Avardly and inwardly, might be' found in order. She ap
peared as a servant watching for her Lord, not knowing the
moment of his coming, but yet rejoicing in the belief that He
would not tarry, but through redeeming love and mercy,
Avould gather her into his mansions of rest."
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Ninth month 27th.
A notice of dear Susan's death is in " The Friend." It
seems to me to be cautiously written, and I hope will not
give uneasiness. Much more might have been said with
truth, but this -will give a hint to her distant friends of the
composed and resigned state of her mind. It was written by
thy uncle N. When anything is said, either in brief notices

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 453
or longer memorials, of the pious life, or happy death of a
Christian, the object ought to be to magnify Divine Grace,
and to afford encouragement to survivors to submit to the
Power which can alone prepare for an admittance into the
realms of bliss.
On a calm review of all the circumstances attending thy
sister's last illness, notwithstanding we must keenly feel her
loss, I think we have great cause of thankfulness. No doubt
she suffered greatly ; but her pains and sorrows were sancti
fied, and the everlasting Arm was underneath ; and they
may have been permitted in part, to make those who were
united to her by the tenderest ties, more willingly resign her
to Divine disposal, fully believing, as they did, that her re
lease from the pains of an afflicted tabernacle, would be suc
ceeded by an entrance into never-ending happiness. Her
memory will be precious to us ; for her agreeable natural
qualities being refined and sanctified by religion, made her
truly lovely. She seemed, according to her measure and op
portunities, to be living up to the exhortation of the apostle,
" To do good and to communicate forget not, for with such
sacrifices God is Avell pleased." But I must check myself.
By the grace of our Holy Redeemer, she was what she was,
and the praise is due to Him who loved her, and washed her
from her sins in his own blood, and prepared her for a man
sion of glory in his Father's house. May we follow in the
way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in ; and
being strengthened to fight the good fight, and to keep the
faith, may we be permitted in the Lord's time to follow her
to the regions of light and everlasting joy.

454 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.

T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Ninth month 29th.
Thy brother William wrote announcing the death of thy
sister. Thy mother and I were not with her at the time, not
supposing it would take place so soon, and I having very
particular engagements in the city about the time it occurred.
We had both been considerably with her. From an early
part of her sickness she believed she should not recover. The
thought of parting Avith her husband and children Avas trying
to nature, especially the former, considering that his own
nearest kindred had been removed. She felt much sympathy
for him. But she Avas soon favored with resignation to her
heavenly Father's will ; and not only was earnestly engaged
that the work of her soul's salvation might be fully accom
plished, but was concerned that her outward affairs should
be satisfactorily arranged, being carried into different apart
ments, examining her clothing and that of her family, put
ting things in order, and giving directions concerning some
articles she wished presented to individuals of her acquain
tance when she was gone as memorials of her affection. She
even gave directions respecting the manner in which she
wished the funeral to be conducted. A short account for
family use Avill probably be drawn up, mentioning some
things, Avhich she expressed at various times. I just hint for
the present at a few of them, as I have received them from
thy aunt Mary, who continued with her to the last. One
evening she remarked, 'What a poor creature I am; not
worth all the trouble I occasion.' She then said she had been
comforted with the communication of dear Joseph Edgerton,
in her chamber a feAv days before ; and how truly she felt
herself ' a poor creature,' as he expressed it. But she could

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 455
say she loved the-Truth, and desired to do nothing against
it, adding, ' How consoling the language, that ' he believed
the angel of the Lord's presence Avould attend, and convey
me safely through the dark valley.' She several times quoted
the language of Job, ' All the days of my appointed time will
I wait until my change come.' At one time she remarked
nearly in this wise, ' I often have sweet, comfortable times in
the night. When I awakened last night, I had such a feel
ing as I never before experienced, hoAv full and sufficient the
sacrifice of our Saviour Avas for us.' Her sufferings were very
great throughout most of her illness, which had a tendency
to make her family more willing to part with her, that she
might be released from so much pain. She. received a letter,
I believe, from her cousin, Anne S., Avhich expressed sympa
thy with her, and offered encouragement. On hearing it, she
said, 'I hope it is so, that He is near to me; though at times
He hides his face, and I feel very much alone ; yet sometimes
in the midst of severe suffering, I feel that He is love.' She
afterwards observed, ' I have not as clear an evidence as I
desire of acceptance, but I am favored at times with his pre
sence ; and many times in the day my thoughts are turned
towards my heavenly Father.' She also alluded in a feeling
manner to the gradual weaning from all earthly things her
mind had experienced. The same day she said to William,
' Dear brother, my days seem numbered, and my life draw
ing to a close.' She was gradually and sweetly prepared for
the solemn change. On Fifth-day morning, about ten min
utes before four o'clock, a gentle and peaceful dismission was
granted her. Of her last expressions, only 'the words, " Lord
Jesus," could be distinguished. A solemn feeling covered
the minds of those present at the time of her release. At the
time of her interment, we had a favored season, the evidence

456 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
being granted that her immortal part was safely landed in
the realms of everlasting bliss. On the whole, although
sensible of the great loss we have sustained, there is much
cause for thankfulness, and to adopt the sentiment of Job,
" The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the
name of the Lord !"
May we be concerned, my dear son, to give all diligence
to make our calling and election sure, that so we may have
the assurance that our names are written in the Lamb's book
of life. The fashion ' of this world passeth away ; eternal
things are those which should engage, our most serious atten
tion. If the soul is lost, all that is worth living for is lost ;
if immortal life is but gained, it matters little, comparatively,
what else is lost.
To a friend of the family, residing at a distance, who on
hearing of the illness of Susanna Sharpless, had written a
sympathizing letter to the family, Thomas Kite thus replied :
" Tenth month 18th. Thou wast truly informed as to the
situation of our beloved daughter. Her three children had
the scarlet fever last winter, and Aaron was also unwell. The
care and fatigue of nursing had an unfavorable effect on her
health. In the Third month a catarrh fever commenced, in
flammation of the mucous membrane followed, and finally,
consumption. Her life closed on the 19th of last month. She
was early satisfied what the result would be, and. with great
composure, prepared for the event, arranging her domestic
affairs with admirable presence of mind, and superintending
her household long after her debility was so great as to pre
vent her walking. She was no less earnestly engaged with
respect to her soul's welfare ; and He whom she had long
loved, and desired to serve, her gracious Lord and Saviour,

1844.] • MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 457
condescended to give her a comfortable and sustaining hope,
that in the end all Avould be well. She appeared to feel
much more for her husband than for herself; her children,
also, had large claims on her sympathy. She imparted her
dying counsel to the two eldest in simple language ; gave ad
vice to other members of her family ; had many seasons of
sweet intercourse Avith Christian friends ; often was draAvn
forth in prayer and praise, and after enduring severe bodily
affliction, under AA'hich she was mercifully sustained, she was
at length released, leaving us the consoling evidence, that
her robes having been washed and made white in the blood
of the Lamb, her ransomed and redeemed spirit has been per
mitted to join the multitude which no man can number, who
stand before the throne with palms in their hands. We feel
sensibly her loss, but endeavor to be resigned ; and Aaron is
strengthened to support this afflictive bereavement with pro
per submission to his heavenly Father's will. Sister Mary
Avent soon after Yearly Meeting, and continued with Susan
to the close. We expect her home next week."
During the time that Rebecca Kite was in Philadelphia
during che Westtown vacation this month, a circumstance
occurred which she thus narrates : " The last Fourth-day
evening I was at home, all our uncles, aunts and cousins, who
could come, were collected at our house, and some account of
dear sister was read. After the reading, father spoke very
sweetly from the text, ' Behold how good and how pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.' He alluded
to the love which united us as a family, and then very feel
ingly to our recent bereavement, saying, ' My dear friends, I
have every proof which my heart could desire, that the
change was a happy one to the dear deceased.' "
In the same letter addressed to her brother Thomas, she
30

458 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. • [1844.
says : " Hast thou ever looked back over those who have
been taken from us, and felt thankful in believing that so
many of them were prepared for the final change. Our
eminently gifted grandmother [Edith Sharpless] we never
knew, and our worthy grandfather [Joshua Sharpless] had so
far passed his prime, that we could not appreciate the vigor
of his early days, when he stood a valiant soldier in the fore
most ranks of the Church militant. We can remember,
however, the sweet spirit of his second partner, whom we
dearly loved. Our uncle Isaac [Sharrfless] also was a de
voted Christian. We can remember the noble and generous
spirit of our paternal grandfather [B. Kite] and his strong
love for the cause of Truth,, even though the decay of nature
had somewhat impaired his intellectual powers. In heavenly
things there was no decay ; he was green in old age, and
with his loins girded was found waiting when his Master
sent the gentle summons to ' enter into the joy of his Lord.'
His tenderly beloved partner did not long survive him.
Through the course of a long life she had sought to promote
the comfort of others — was a frequent visitor in the abodes
of sickness and poverty ; has faithfully performed the duties
of a wife and mother ; had the comfort of seeing her sons
and daughters useful in the Church ; saw even the third
generation springing up around her, when she too, having
followed and faithfully eyed the ' bright star' which she
spoke of near her close, found it to lead her to a happy home.
Very near her end, she dreamed her husband, arrayed in
white, had come to take her to the mansion prepared for her.
Though her dying agonies were hard to witness, the end was
peace. Our cousins whom we loved as sisters [Abby Greeves]
and [Edith Sharpless], our dear brother, and now our most
tenderly loved and cherished sister, have one by one been

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 459
summoned by the messenger on the pale horse, and we trust
have all been ready."
Tenth month. In a letter from Rebecca Kite to her
brother Thomas, is some further information relative to
Thomas Kite's movements this week. Of the Fifth-day, at
Westtown, she says : " Our dear father was at meeting, and
spoke very interestingly. * * Information having been
received of the death of our uncle, Isaac Hayes, father went
[to Fallowfield] on Seventh-day afternoon. The next morn
ing, before light, brother Aaron, aunt Mary, cousin Joseph
and myself, were on our way to the same place. We saw the
placid remains of our venerable uncle, and learned that his
end Avas peace and joy. Father's voice was heard both in the
dwelling house and in the meeting."
T. K. TO HIS SON THOMAS. Tenth month 29th.
I do not wish to fill my letters with repetitions of religious
counsels, the same in substance as I have often given, yet I
know not how peacefully to lay aside my pen without ad
verting to the most important of all subjects. It may suffice
for the present to say, that my feelings towards thee are set
forth in the language wherewith Aaron and his sons were
commanded to bless the children of Israel : " The Lord bless
thee and keep thee ; the Lord make his face to shine upon
thee and be gracious unto thee ; the Lord lift up his counte
nance upqn thee and give thee peace."
T. K. TO THE SAME. Eleventh month 6th.
I have been sorry to see so much excitement about the
presidential election and * * * hope that men's minds

460 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
will soon settle down, and be at liberty to attend more closely
to those concerns which are not' bounded by time, but reach
forward into eternity, even the concerns of the immortal soul.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA.
Eleventh month 22nd.
I had occasion to call last evening at William Evan's, and
there found Elizabeth Pitfield, Elizabeth Pearson, Joseph
Snowdon, Charles Williams and others. The covering of
silent solemnity was spread over us, and Elizabeth Pitfield
addressed William on the subject of his prospect of religious
service,* offering sympathetic encouragement. After her,
Elizabeth Evans offered comfort to those assembled in a
general way ; then William followed, and alluding to the
difficulties in the Society, had counsel to impart to the elder
portion of the company present. The last-named Friend
and his conpanion, Joseph Elkinton, expect to leave home
on their northern tour on Second-day. I am reminded that
Joseph and his wife took tea at my house on First-day even
ing last, also Henrietta Woodward, James R. Greeves and
E. G. Taber. * * *
An affecting circumstance took place early in this week.
John Bacon, son of John, (of Bacon's neck,) near Greenwich,
N. J., Avas going on a visit to a relation at Plymouth ; as he was
passing near a limestone quarry, on his way from the railroad
depot to his destination, at the moment the workmen were
blasting a rock, a fragment of it struck him on .the head.
He Avas much injured, has been insensible up to the last ac
count we have heard, and he is not expected to recover. It
will be a great affliction to his parents and to the family.
* *** ****
* Visit to Western New York and Canada.

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 461

SARAH EMLEN TO THOMAS KITE.
Exeter, Eng., Twelfth month 1st, 1844.
My Beloved Friend : — Thy very acceptable letter
reached me at Bristol, the 12th of last month, just four weeks
from its date. While I sympathize with thee in the priva
tion of so valued and worthy a child, nevertheless, I do be
lieve, that on her account, we may rejoice. I can readily con
ceive the pangs it must have cost her natural affections to be
severed from her nearest earthly ties. The struggle must
have been great. But oh ! what a mercy to experience the
work of redemption and sanctification to be accomplished, so
that she could calmly and resignedly look on death, waiting
" all the days of her appointed time," till He should come
who rideth upon the wings of the wind, to bear her precious
spirit through the dark valley to the mansions of eternal
light and never-ending blessedness. Doubtless, she is now
numbered with that innumerable company who stand before
the throne of God and of the Lamb, where his servants shall
serve Him and see his face ; and his name is upon their fore
heads. " There shall be no night there, and they need no
candle, neither light of the sun ; for the Lord God giveth
them light, and they shall reign forever and ever." I feel
her loss, both in the Church and as a neighbor to my child,
who felt her as a sister. When thou goest into the neighbor
hood, please give my dear love to Aaron, and tell him I often
think of him ; and do try to spare, a few moments for poor
C. and M., and remember them for good. They, doubtless,
have heard the voice of the blessed Shepherd, and oh ! that
they could be persuaded to follow Him. Nothing in this
life could so rejoice my heart, as to see my precious offspring
meekly and sweetly bending to the yoke of Christ. I am

462 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.
sometimes ready to cry out : what more shall I do for my
children than to bear them with my tears upon my heart be
fore the throne of Grace ? They are naturally amiable and
lovely ; but I long to see them newly-born babes in Christ, and
not ashamed or afraid to confess Him before men. Thy ac
count of my dear James, and of the children waiting on their
friends, with cheerfulness and alacrity, during committee
time, was pleasant. * * *
It is now more than five weeks since I Avas favored to ac
complish my mission through Ireland, and came over to
Liverpool, with my little sheaf, but without daring to set it
up, because I still felt the sentence of death. Whilst I
was waiting to see what might, in the ordering of a kind
Providence, turn up, in the way of a companion, Dugan and
Asenath Clark, very unexpectedly and unthought of, came.
I remembered Naomi and Ruth. Indeed, we all wept.
While Asenath and I were more weak, being privileged,
Dugan turned his back to hide his tears. Ah, indeed, it is
sweet, when we are strangers in a strange land, to meet with
our dear countrymen and women. Now it seemed that help.
had been sent, and that it might be right for me to be banded
with them. After comparing our feelings and prospects, we
thought it best to consult the Select members of Liverpool
Meeting, about the propriety of such a move ; and they unit
ing with it, and giving us as much encouragement as we
could ask, we set out on the railway, the 16th of Tenth month,
for Colebrookdale, and reached the house of Bernard Dick
inson that evening, a distance of one hundred and twenty
miles. We had an appointed meeting the next evening,
which was large and very quiet, and favored, I thought, with
a little of the precious ointment. We then set out for South
Wales ; had a long journey over the " barren mountains and

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 463
desolate hills," and saAV plenty of heath. How justly, I
thought, might those who put their trust in the arm of flesh,
be compared to this dry heath, that knoweth not when good
cometh. The mountains of Wales are quite a curiosity to the eye of
an American. Not a tree nor a shrub to be seen ; all look
as clean as though they had been mown with a scythe. A
few cows here and there, and some sheep, were all that Ave
saAV grazing on them, for hundreds of acres. The road over
the great hills was excellent. To us who had been accustomed
to much more uneven ways, it was a subject of inquiry, why
they hooked on another pair of horses ? We wondered at be
ing told, " to drag you up the hills," when Ave thought the
road was so fine. We visited the feAV scattered ones of the
tribes in that country, Pales and Hay, and so on to Neath,
in Glamorganshire. From thence we had a long tAvo days'
journey to Milford, on the sea, Avhere are but two or three
members of our Society. We felf well reAvarded for our
journey, and thought a little Benjamin was there,— a seed of
the living faith, that seemed crying for help. Our public
meetings were large and favored, and the poor people, or
the " common people," did appear to rejoice as the dry and
thirsty ground rejoices at the sound of rain. Many of them
could understand but very little English, and others that
could, would ask, " Won't you come again ?" and " You must
come again." When they were reminded that if they had
received any good, they must give the honor and praise to
the great Head of the Church, and not to his poor servants,
they with tears and sobs would exclaim, " Yes ! Yes ! Yes !"
and it was really affecting and humbling to see them crowd
ing round our carriage. Dugan said, " Well, I never saw
the like."

464 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1844.

CHAPTER XXII.— 1844-1845.
LETTERS — THOMAS KITE'S LAST JOURNEY — DEBORAH WELSH
— THOMAS KITE'S ILLNESS AND DEATH.
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Twelfth month 3rd.
Last Seventh-day my mind seemed to be turned towards
Frankford, and accordingly I went thither in the evening
stage. * * In the morning I rode to meeting, which was
thought to be about as large as it commonly is, notwith
standing the rain. Within a few months I had been twice
before at this meeting, and each time silent as to ministerial
labor; but now my way was open to communicate more
largely than is common with me. * * I took tea at
home and went to the evening meeting, where I heard the
same passage of Scripture commented on that I had spoken
of in the morning, viz., that wherein we are told that Paul
before Felix reasoned concerning righteousness, temperance,
and judgment to come.
Thomas Kite attended Haddonfield Monthly Meeting,
Chester Monthly and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings, held
on the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of the month. The Quar
terly Meeting was held at Moorestown. In the meeting for
worship, on Fifth-day, he was favored in solemn supplication.
In this little town he had an opportunity of visiting some of
his relations, and many friends in the neighborhood of Had
donfield, Moorestown and Westfield, who little thought that
this was the last time they should see their much loved
brother in the faith and patience of Jesus Christ.

1844.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 465
T. K. TO HIS DAUGHTER REBECCA. Twelfth month 16th.
We hear that thy young friend, Mary Moore, has termi
nated her course on earth ; we knoAv not many particulars,
but have been informed that she Avas married only about a
month before her close. She had been long engaged, and it
was thought desirable that the marriage should take effect,
although at the time it Avas expected she could not long sur
vive. I think her husband Avas a student of medicine. * *
Our friend, Mary Wistar, departed this life during last night.
She was yesterday about as well as she had been of late, but
seemed someAvhat restless at going to bed. About one she
was taken ill, and soon expired. * * Continue carefully
to attend to the preservation- of thy health, but, above all, of
thy peace of mind. This last can only be experienced by
Avatching unto prayer, and yielding obedience to the restrain
ing influence of Divine grace, as well as the clear presenta
tions of duty.
At the evening meeting on First-day, Twelfth month 22nd,
Thomas Kite was opened in the ministry Avith living authority,
and in an impressive manner. His text was : " There was
silence in heaven for the space of half an hour." In connec
tion with this, he quoted the passage, " The Lord is in his holy
temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him." In the
course of his communication, he said that " Although a living
Gospel ministry was a great blessing to the Church, yet to
know the Lord to be in his holy temple, and keeping silence
before him, was Avorship."
The religiously-guarded education of the children of
Friends, had long been a subject of deep interest to the
Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia. It had in 1845 appointed

466 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1845.
a Committee on Education, and of that committee Thomas
Kite was an interested and working member. Being with
several others appointed by the committee to visit Friends
in Cain Quarterly Meeting, in order to stir them up to greater
carefulness in the proper education and training of the chil
dren, he left home on Seventh-day, the 4th of First moDth,
1845, to fulfil that duty.
On First-day, the 5th, he was at the morning meeting at
West Chester. On the Fourth-day of the previous week, S.
C. had attended Birmingham Monthly Meeting, held in that
borough, and had been opened on the text, " Quench not the
Spirit, despise not prophesying. Prove all things ; hold fast
that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly : and I pray
God your whole spirit, and soul and body, be preserved
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faith
ful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." After speak
ing in a very interesting manner on these beautiful exhorta
tions of the apostle, S. seemed rather abruptly to conclude.
Thomas Kite's daughter, Rebecca, in writing to her father
before the close of the week, mentioned this communication ;
but when about to tell the text, she desisted from a sudden
impression that it would not be best. On First-day, Thomas
Kite was led largely to comment on the same passage, not
knowing until afterwards, of the coincidence. His nephew,
Joseph Walton, Jr., after the meeting, took him to Westtown,
Avhere, in the afternoon, he was again clothed with Gospel
power to preach glad tidings to those assembled. He com
mented with great sweetness on the blessings pronounced by
our Saviour when on the Mount, and closed his communica
tion with an earnest query to some present, whether their
days' work was keeping pace with the day.

1845.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 467
That e\-ening he suffered much from pain in the head,
which he supposed was neuralgia, yet he was cheerful and
pleasant in conversation. On Second-day morning the 6th,
he went to his son-in-law, Aaron Sharpless's, who was to ac
company him to the meetings of Cain, being also a member
of the committee. That afternoon they rode to the house of
Isaac Phillips, at Sadsbury, where they met William Hodgson,
Jr., under like appointment with them. At that hospitable
house Thomas Kite felt at ease, and seemed to enjoy being
there. In the evening, solemn silence covered the little com
pany, and he was again drawn forth in testimony, particu
larly addressing the daughter. That night was a stormy
one, and snoAv fell to the depth of several inches. The next
day (7th of the month), they were at Sadsbury Monthly
Meeting, and in the Meeting for Worship he Avas engaged
for some time in testimony. At the close of the meeting for
business, the committee had an opportunity of unfolding to
a number of the members of that meeting nominated to hear
them, the nature of the concern of the Yearly Meeting and
the best way of co-operating therewith. In this conference
Thomas Kite manifested the warm interest he took in the
subject. The committee dined with Joseph Cooper, and then came
to the dwelling of William Forsythe, near Cain Meeting
house, where Bradford Monthly Meeting was to be held that
day. The pain in Thomas Kite's face continued, and this
evening seemed so about one of his teeth, as to induce him to
attribute it to some defect in that organ. At Bradford
Monthly Meeting, he was again largely engaged in a living,
baptizing ministry. At the close of the meeting a conference
was held with some of the members, similar to the one at
Sadsbury, and suitable counsel and advice was given them.

468 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1845.
After dining with Davis Hoopes, the committee took Ann
E., the Avife of Jacob Edge, into their carriage and went into
DowningtoAvn to visit E. Valentine, her mother. They sat
down with the pious mother and her daughters, and the
current of Gospel love svveetly flowed amongst them. Thomas
Kite was enabled with strength and authority to hold forth
the language of encouragement to the ancient Friend to hold
on her Avay, and an invitation as well as encouragement was
extended to the daughters. It was a heart-tendering oppor
tunity, in which the little company were melted to tears, and
proved to the visitor as well as the visited, a brook by the
way. Lodging that night at W. Trimble's, in the morning
he called to see William Harry and family, not far from
Uwchlan Meeting-house. Fifth-day the 9th, they attended
Uwchlan Monthly Meeting, where Thomas Kite was much
enlarged, and spoke with more than usual force and authority.
After the second meeting, and the administering advice on
education, the committee went to the house of Mary Butler,
where they dined. Immediately after this meal, they started
for Robeson, having a son of their late kind entertainer for
guide. The road was difficult and rough and the pilot not
acquainted with it ; so that it was after night before they
reached the house of James Scarlet. The pain in Thomas
Kite's face still continued, and it was probably increased by
the exposure to which he was necessarily subjected. The
next day was Robeson Monthly Meeting, which was a small
gathering, but five women present. Although there were
rather more men, yet several of them had not the ap
pearance of Friends. One of the committee thus described
the meeting : " I was prepared to believe the outward ap
pearance was a fair representation of the hearts of those
assembled, and the thought passed through my mind, 'Avhat

1845.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 469
can be said here, all seems so dead ?' Whilst such thoughts
[engaged] my mind, Thomas Kite rose to his feet, and was
largely and powerfully engaged in testimony, so that at the
conclusion I could acknowledge that he had been strengthened
like the good scribe, to bring forth out of the treasury things
new and old."
After dining with James Scarlet, the Friends returned to
Mary Butler's to lodge, where on the following morning,
Seventh-day the 11th, they had a religious opportunity. In
this, Thomas Kite was much drawn to a little grand-daughter
of their hostess, and also to her youngest son, who was about
being placed out as an apprentice. At the railroad the
Friends parted, Thomas Kite and W. H, Jr., returned by
that route to Philadelphia, whilst A. S. proceeded home in
his carriage.
Of this journey Aaron Sharpless says: " I have often looked
back upon this little journey with satisfaction ; and the im
pression on my mind relative to dear father's services is, that
he was peculiarly favored, and that his gift shone with unusual
brilliancy. Perhaps having recently partaken of the cup of
affliction, my heart Avas a little softened, and therefore more
susceptible of feeling."
When Thomas Kite reached his own dwelling he was
much unwell, the pains in his face continued, and he seemed
somewhat worn and wearied ; yet the next day he attended
the three meetings held in the Arch Street House. On
Second and Third-days he paid several visits, in some of
Avhich he was engaged in the ministry. In one of these
visits he spoke of his last journey, and said that Avhilst en
gaged in it, much service and exercise had fallen to his lot,
and this not merely in relation to the matter on which he
had been appointed. He said that in most of the families

470 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1845.
and meetings the committee had visited he had had religious
service. He added, it felt trying to him to be so frequently
engaged in the line of the ministry, but he could see no way,
except in yielding himself to Divine requiring. " And now,"
he added, " I have come home poor, and stripped, and empty."
He expressed this with great seriousness and deep feeling.
After a time he said with solemnity, that his mind had re
curred to what the apostle says, " Let a man so account of
us as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of
God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found
faithful," and also, " As every man has received the gift, even
so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the
manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak
as the oracles of God. If any man minister let him do it as
of the ability which God giveth : that God in all things
may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion forever and ever." He then expressed his
belief that it Avas necessary for all Avho were called to that
great work, deeply and seriously to consider the important
meaning of these passages.
On Third-day he called to see Deborah Welsh, a poor
cripple, who for many years had suffered much acute pain,
and who for some time had been entirely confined to her bed*
* Deborah Welsh Avas naturally of a docile and amiable disposi
tion ; and having very early in life submitted to the heart-tendering
and heart-changing influences of her heavenly Father's love, she was
enabled to enter into covenant with Him, and through his blessed
power, she was supported through a life of great and varied suffer
ing, in a remarkable degree of patient, and even cheerful resignation,
to the end of her days.
Her parents were Methodists, and when quite a, child, she also
joined that Society. So far as could be perceived by those around
her, her mind was kept so steadfast, as to be preserved from delight-

1845.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 471
After sitting by her in silence awhile, he addressed her in
nearly the folloAving words :
" The very hairs of thy head are all numbered. I am well
ing in the vanities and allurements of the world. Her very recrea
tions in childhood seemed in good degree seasoned with salt. At a
very early age, it was her desire — repeatedly expressed to her mother
— that her clothing should not be made after the tasty fashion, nor
of such gay material as her sisters and companions wore, saying it
was painful to her to wear such. She Avas also known frequently to
expostulate with her fellow-members, mueh older than herself, be
cause of the inconsistency of their appearance Avith the profession
they made of being the folloAvers of the meek and lowly Jesus. This
concern never left her, and she endeavored to be found faithful to
her duty therein, pleading for that simplicity and sobriety in dress
and deportment which becomes the followers of Christ. After the
fifteenth year of her life, she never knew a day's exemption from
bodily suffering ; and she was very often incapable of any active ex
ertion. During the intervals between the paroxysms of acute pain,
she was ever busy, doing what she could towards maintaining her
self ; her father being by rheumatism very much disabled from labor
ing for the support of his family. After her thirtieth year, she was
entirely confined to her bed, on which, for nine years afterwards, she
endured sufferings which may safely be called agonizing. During
this period she never once stood upon her feet ; and during much of
the time she was unable to use her needle or her pen, two employ
ments much prized by her, and which had yielded her much pleasure.
About twelve years before her deafti, her mind began to turn towards
Friends, and she was evidently pleased with the visits of such mem
bers of our Society as called upon her. It is believed that their pecu
liar doctrines at that time formed no part of her conversation with
them, yet she was evidently drawing nearer them in feeling ; and she
afterwards spoke of the satisfaction she had experienced in silent
communion of spirit with some of them. As she patiently abode un
der the operation of that Word of prophecy, which was leading her
in a way she had not fully known, she in time felt a freedom to in
quire concerning the doctrines and Christian practices of Friends.

472 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1845.
assured that nothing will be permitted to assail thee, but
what is intended for thy good. I have at all times felt a ten
der regard for, and sympathy with thee, during thy long
affliction. Recently I have felt more peculiarly so, believing
that thou hast considered thy bodily infirmities of little ac
count, or as nothing in comparison to the mental, yea spirit
ual anguish, which thou hast endured. Do not think there
She read " Barclay's Apology," and found that, with two or three
exceptions, she had herself been brought into the same views whieh
she found there so ably advocated. Those points in which she did
not as yet see with Friends, she did not make subjects of discussion,
but quietly pondered them in her heart until, in the Lord's time, she
was enabled fully to unite with them. She now believed it right to
sever the connection which had long subsisted between the Metho
dist Society and herself, and, therefore, applied for a certificate of
dismissal from the congregation of which she was a member. This
certificate was granted her, yet not before her loving classmates had
earnestly labored to persuade her to continue her connection with
them. Her mind was now turned towards a union in membership
with the Society of Friends. She prepared an application to them,
but it was never carried to the Monthly Meeting of the Society, on
the ground that there was no human probability that she would ever
be able to meet with them. This was a great trial to her, but sup
ported by the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a consciousness
of having endeavored to act in his fear, and according to his will,
she endeavored to bear all her portion of affliction without repining.
She lived several years after this, cheered by the sympathy of a few
valued friends, who watched over her with tenderness and care,
seeking to administer, as they were able, to her comfort and support.
Thus sustained by the Master, — consoled by his disciples, she patiently
completed her measure of suffering ; and on the. twenty-first day of
the Fifth month, 1850, she was released from her earthly afflictions.
She was in the fortieth year of her age. Twenty-five long years had
been passed in bodily agony ; but Avhat mattered it then ? The rest
which remains for the people of God, opened before her, and an
eternity of blessedness.

1845.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 473
is anything strange in the fiery trial Avhich is noAV proving
thee. Our dear Lord and Saviour permits it all for thy re
finement. Rejoice then, inasmuch as thou art thus made a
partaker of his sufferings, that Avhen his glory shall be re
vealed, thou also mayest be a partaker with Him in joy un
speakable. Although that He requires of thee may be as
dear to thee as thy right eye, pluck it out ; or as thy right
hand, cut it off; so that thou mayest be able to say from the
very bottom of thy heart, ' Not my will, but thine, be done.'
If thou art faithful and obedient to thy Master's requisitions,
thou wilt finally be found among those which have come
out of great tribulation, and have Avashed their robes and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb ; therefore are
they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night
in his temple ; and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell
among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any
more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat ; for
the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed
them, and lead them unto living fountains of waters, and
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
On this afternoon he attended the Select School Committee
fbr the last time. On Fourth-day it was evident that the
disease had made great progress, and he was not out of his
chamber that day. By the next morning his upper lip was
much enlarged, and the disease about the head had put on an
erysipelatous form ; some fever and violent suffering attended.
The symptoms after this grew more and more discouraging ;
the pain continued in the head ; and by First-day evening
the swelled cheek opened and began to discharge pus in small
quantities. During this day he asked his sister M., if she
thought this sickness was to be the winding up of all things
with him ? adding, " It is hidden from me." She replied,
31

474 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1845.
" We hope to retain thee many years with us." On this he
said, " Jesse Kersey Avas very ill when he was about fifty
years of age, and if he had died then, it might have been said
of him, as it was of Samuel, ' All Israel mourned for him.' "
" We would rather part with thee," said his sister, — " than I
should live to dishonor the Truth," he added, finishing her
intended remark.
On Second-day, the 20th, when his brother N. returned
from their Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders, he
inquired about the meeting, evincing his continued interest
in everything which concerned the religious Society of
Friends. That evening his brother John, who was his phy
sician, wishing to have a consultation respecting him, brought
Dr. Charles Evans to see him. On Third-day, the 21st, he
said to his sister M., " We have been a favored family, and
are all living except one sister, Sarah, and she died in in
nocency. Our dpar parents, we believe, were prepared to
go, and my Elizabeth, and Joshua and Susanna."
On Fourth-day, the 22nd, addressing the same sister, he
said, ' This is not a time for much conversation, but I have
many thoughts on my sick bed. I love to have thee sit by
me, and have remembered the language of Thomas Scatter
good to George Dillwyn, " that when they were boys, and
went in to swim, and were under deep waters, they could feel
each other when they could not speak." After a time, he
said, "Light is sweet; and a pleasant thing is it to behold
the sun." When Richard Jordan was on his death-bed, he
said, he " had lived through one storm in the Society, and if
it was his Master's will, he Avas willing to live through
another." Although it was evident that he did not clearly see that
his sickness was to close his life, yet he was very anxious

1845.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 475
that all his temporal concerns should be settled ; and was
uneasy till his brother N. had, attended to a trifling matter,
Avhich ' would leave everything in comfortable order. For
months before the time, he had been engaged in closing un
settled accounts ; he had made a new will, and so arranged
his affairs, that there were no debts to pay, and no difficul
ties of any kind to trouble his executors. He felt no evi
dence that he should die at this time, but he had no assur
ance that he should recover ; andr feeling the possibility, if
not probability, of his decease, he said to his wife, " If this
should prove ,my last sickness, I wish to be buried in a plain
walnut coffin, and laid in the Arch street ground."
As he lay patiently suffering, many sweet passages of
Scripture passed through his mind, and furnished him with
subjects for thought. At times he would repeat a text. One
morning he broke out Avith a clear voice, as if he was deeply
entering into the spirit of the passage, "Thine are we,
David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse."
The disease had now in measure left his head, and had
seated itself in one lung ; and on Seventh-day morning, the
25th, he was much oppressed in breathing. His niece, Mary
H. Walton came that morning to see him, and as she sat by
his side, his lips were opened to minister encouragement and
counsel to her. In this communication he pressed on her
the necessity of walking " in the old-fashioned way of the
cross." Soon afterwards E. C. M. and R. S. came in. They sat
by his side in silence for a time, and then he said, " Notwith
standing there are many deep baptisms and trials to be en
dured, in order that the work of cleansing may be thoroughly
wrought iu us, yet it is a consolation to believe, that there
are some who are bound together in the covenant of love

476 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1845.
and life, — who are made willing to suffer with Christ, — to be
made -conformable to his death, that they may be partakers
of his resurrection." " Friends, I have but little to express,
for I am very weak."
When the friends retired, the doctor came in, and taking
the patient by the hand, immediately perceived by the flut
tering pulse, that the hour of death was fast approaching.
Of this he informed the family, and William, who was an in
valid, Avas sent for. About noon, his son-in-law, A. S., came,
and was received by him in a warmly affectionate manner.
It was thought best to inform him that his friends deemed
his close near ; and his brother, the physician, said, taking
him by the hand, " Dear brother, dost thou know that thy
labor is nearly OArer, and that thou art going home ?" He
replied, " Not certainly." The doctor added, " It has been
in mercy hid from thee ; but it is plain to us." He paused a
moment, and then said with remarkable composure, " Well."
After a short time he inquired, " How long will I probably
continue ?" He was informed that it was uncertain, but that
it could not be long.
His wife said, " We all know it will be a blessed change to
thee, for thou hast been diligently and faithfully engaged in
thy Master's service." To this he replied with emphasis,
" Don't place it on that ground. It is not by works of
righteousness that we have done, but according to his mercy
He saveth us, by the washing of regeneration and the re
newing of the Holy Ghost, which is shed on us abundantly
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. I have no confidence in
any outward performance whatever ; but now at the final
conclusion and winding up of my life, I wish for myself, and
for all of us, that Ave may place our whole confidence in the
mercy of God, and thus be prepared for an admittance within

1845.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 477
the pearl gates, there to join the blessed company, whom no
man can number." During the course of the afternoon, he
many times repeated the text, " Not by works of righteous
ness which we have done," adding each time a feAv comments.
Several times he quoted the saying of a worthy minister,
Samuel Emlen, " The soul is a serious thing ; mind, you that
hear me, it is a serious thing to die. The invisible world, —
how awful!"
At one time, after a period of solemn silence, he said, Avith
reverent acquiescence to the Divine will, " The working out
our soul's salvation is an important Avork. If it should please
my heavenly Father to take me within a few hours, his blessed
and holy will be done."
He inquired who were in the room. On being informed
that his wife and children, with the exception of one, and
that his brothers and sisters, with some of their children, Avere
there, he said that it was a great satisfaction to him to have
them around him.
From time to time, as he lay growing weaker and weaker,
he gave utterance to the exercise and thoughts of his heart.
"What a blessing, at the end and Avinding up of all things,
to feel an evidence of the sustaining presence round about.
It is an unspeakable favor to know our sins to go beforehand
to judgment."
After a time of silence, he called John L. Smith to his
side, and said, " Tell Rachel R. Sheppard that I am probably
dying, or near it, and if she inclines to come, she may."
This friend accordingly came ; at first he seemed to take
but little notice, but after a time, gazing earnestly at her, he
said, " I have not much to communicate, and particularly to
thee, dear R., because the work is going on, and that is the
greatest of all concerns." He then raised his voice, and with

478 MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. [1845.
great solemnity, added, " It is of great importance, — of the
highest importance, — to be altogether given up to the will of
the Lord ; altogether given up. I desire not to draw your
attention, or fix my own on anything outward. May we live
in the fear of the Lord, and then He will give us his favor.
I have remembered the language of one, upon a similar occa
sion, ' It is a serious thing to die ; the invisible world, — how
awful !' I wish to be preserved in this feeling to the very
last, — to the close of all things."
R. Allen and her daughter Elizabeth came into the room
He said to the mother, " It is probable I shall not see the light
of another day." When they were retiring, he addressed the
daughter, "Keep fast hold of the arm of thy dear Saviour.
It matters not what are the trials and sufferings we meet with
in this life, if they are but sanctified, they will prepare us for
a crown of righteousness."
The dear sufferer now said, " I expect Samuel Bettle would
wish to see me once more." Some one at this went for S.,
who immediately came. The only words he addressed to the
visitor were these, " This is a serious moment, Samuel."
The doctor inquired, " Don't thou feel very composed ?"
He replied, " I feel quiet.; very composed, is a strong term."
" I wish to encourage the faint-hearted among you ; those
that are fearing and trembling, and feel themselves of no ac
count. The Lord's power is sufficient. Oh, trust in the
Lord, and don't be afraid. We must all give an account of
ourselves for ourselves."
Frequently alluding to his temporal, as well as spiritual
affairs, he said, " they were all settled."
The weakness of death now came on him, and he lay dur
ing the evening supported by two of his brothers, in apparent
unconsciousness of the things around. A few words escaped *

1845.] MEMOIR OF THOMAS KITE. 479
his lips, which seemed to be, " Spiritual rest," — " Going to
the heavenly Jerusalem." Soon afterwards, with no appa
rent pain, or bodily struggle, the immortal spirit was released
from its corruptible companion.
Many bereaved ones were there ; yet in the holy quiet
which coA'ered those assembled, and in tbe inward assurance
of the holy translation which the husband, the brother, the
father, the uncle had experienced, a degree of resignation was
felt, and a desire to acquiesce in the Divine will, was ex
perienced.