dantly descended, and I think this hath been the case of this county in a remarkable degree. I mean not the favours conveyed through the channel of my labours, but the many heavenly visitations immediately, and through others. The secret love of the world hath prevailed to weaken many hands the Lord would have made strong for himself; whereby the testimony is deserted and the cords slackened, immoral practices connived at, and very few, scarcely any, who dare stand in the gap. Many think better of us than we merit, and some think I may be strengthened much by a worthy assistant, who seems, at London, clothed with zeal, but is at home my greatest burden. May our minds, dear friend, cleave to the Preserver of men, that thereby strength may be renewed simply to suffer, and simply to stand in the counsel of God; then how, where, and what we are, will be perfectly right. The Lord direct thy steps in wisdom, prudence and zeal. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.

so happy as to be completely his workmanship, which is beautiful, and the praise of the whole earth. I feel so great occasion for a jealousy over myself, and am so often humbled by one thorn or another, that I may, perhaps, from that feeling, be giving away my own bread to one that has less need of it than myself. But my soul is humbled within me, to crave inward establishment in the holy, hidden life of the Lamb, and that thence the complete similitude of the King's sons may be our happy experience. My situation is such as to exclude boasting and guard against despondency; and though I pass through various dispensations, their end I consider is one, and that is good, though the path to it may at times lie through the shadow of death; yet this evidence I have, and I hope never to lose, my daily desire and prayer is, in the language of the psalmist, "Let my heart be sound in thy statutes." As to the state of the church, I cannot say much; I think she is going into the wilderness, to the place her husband hath prepared for her there; she is seldom visible

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO ISRAEL PEMBERTON. about the dwellings of her nominal professors;

Warrington, Eleventh month 13th, 1759.

many make use of her name for fraudulent purposes and lucrative views, the filthy lucre of pre-eminence. I know them by this mark

they aspire to be great, and not, by becoming little, and the servants of all, patient toward all men. They say they are zealous, some think them so, but where the eye is not single, no zeal can be there that is of the right sort.

I

Though neither my inclination nor capacity allow my engagements to be in some respects so arduous as thine, yet they are as many and as laborious as my strength of body and mind are equal to, and frequently so encumbering as to prevent my conversing with such Friends as the warmth of an affectionate heart would frequently recall to my near remem- My business is not much in public affairs. brance. Thyself and dear wife, from the Our nation is intoxicated with success. motives of gratitude, union of spirit, and sim- cannot rejoice with their joy. Methinks there ilarity of sentiment, are often present with is yet behind the veil something to teach us me, and that friendship is not at all impaired righteousness. The commotions of this prewhich united us when together, and I hope, sent day have not that instructive effect on according to your Indian phrase, "The chain the people. May the great Lord of heaven may be often brightened." And, dear Israel, and earth magnify his own name and arm. thou well knowest what it is that unites to all I believe He will do it, and that the day is the living, and preserves in the unity of the near at hand, that he will work his wonderone Spirit, even that leaven of the kingdom, ful work. Oh that our names may be writwhich, by a silent, solemn, and efficacious ten in his book, enrolled in his army; so shall energy, begets into the Divine nature, and the strength of salvation and protection be makes the whole lump congenial with itself our portion. Dear friend, all other vision is and with the family. It is uniform in its ope- a dream, and all labour fruitless or worse, ration, ever productive of one glorious end, that hath not some tendency to promote this though the objects on which it operates may establishment. We are hastening fast through be various. It animates the gloomy, regu- the scenes of time, and everlasting certainty lates the unstable, and causes the volatility of is at hand. Oh, therefore, let our fervour be the more vivacious to subside, and directs directed to that substance the wise of all ages them to, and in, their respective services. have chosen, and leave the bustles of obstructWhen I see the different tempers of men, Iing things, to sit at the feet of the Prince of am confirmed in a strong assurance that in Peace.

wisdom the Lord hath made them all, and My love is to thy dear spouse; I love the that in the abundance of his mercy and truth remembrance of her: I wish I were rich in he would direct them to his glory, and sanc-spiritual wealth, I would freely communicate tify to his use and our comfort. May we be some to her if I could, though she knows the VOL. IX.-No. 6. 29

way to the place where all treasure is hid, and also who enables to partake thereof. I have every branch of thy family fresh in my affectionate regard, and salute them with unfeigned love; may the riches of all the righteous generations become their inheritance for ever. I by no means forget poor afflicted Mary Jordan; she has the just sympathy of my heart that feels for her, and what is infinitely better, the tender mercy of our Father who is in heaven, an appellation given to him from the heights and from the depths. Various are the snares attendant on unguarded health; the steps of youth are in slippery places; our stay is momentary, and more safe in the house of mourning than in the house of mirth.

As to my situation, it hath either been a scene of labour abroad, or sickness at home: I have been on the brink of the grave twice last winter. This, seems to promise better health, and, perhaps, a quiet rest at home. However it be, I am content, in humble confidence in the sure Helper of all who love and fear him. I will conclude with the assurance of sincere affection for you all, in that which remains through all the changes of time. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO JOHN PEMBERTON.
Warrington, Twelfth month 2nd, 1759.

may be the introduction to greater winnowing and exercise; but the Lamb and his followers will be finally victorious. May the righteous seed therefore be patient, and hope to the end, for faithful is He who hath called into this day of buffeting.

Our worthy friend Joseph White is about Durham. His service is not merely very acceptable, but solidly beneficial; I have known none more eminently favoured with the wisdom and authority of Truth. His health is not fully confirmed, though he is able to travel diligently.

Farewell, my dear friend; may the hand which hath supported in many concealed and obvious trials, and encouraged to hope in his salvation, be reverently waited for. If we, on our part, remember and follow as we ought, our Rock will not sell us, nor ever fail; the Lord our righteousness will make way for us, and exalt our drooping heads in his own time. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.

CHAPTER X.

THE firm belief of SAMUEL FOTHERGILL in the great doctrines of the Christian religion, as held by the religious Society of which he was a member, and his entire conviction of the truth and propriety of the various testimonies of the Society, and of their accordance with the doctrines and precepts of the The emotions of pure friendship, which New Testament, were not in him the result often warm my mind towards thee, render of education or tradition. He had diligently thy welfare and prosperity most desirable, examined for himself the grounds upon which and fill my mind with unfeigned sympathy in they rested; for this examination, and the which I tenderly salute thee. From thine of thorough conviction which it produced upon 23rd of eighth month, I find those evidences his mind, he was well enabled, through the of life which are incontestible, even want and grace and aid of the Holy Spirit, to recomanxiety; I wish they may ever continue di-mend and to explain these principles, to advorected towards the everlasting Supplier, who cate them as occasions arose, and to defend will in his own time lead to Rehoboth, where them when questioned or attacked. all sufficiency reveals itself to the humble, This full acquaintance with the principles sincere soul. It is infinitely preferable to of the Society, and his well-known ability to that state of death, and consequently insensi- explain and enforce them, together with the bility, which many rejoice in as their princi-eminent station which he occupied as a minpal good. We are under the continual notice ister, caused frequent applications to be made of a merciful Father, who sees and pities us; to him for advice and assistance; it introduced when our backslidings correct us, he mitigates him into much correspondence, and an exthe severity due, and turns even our weak-tended care over many parts of the Society. nesses into the means of renewing strength, For several years before his visit to Ameand renews great occasion to hope all things rica, and ever after his return, he was a conshall work together for good. I often consi- stant attender, (when health permitted) of the der the situation of your province in this sift- yearly meeting in London, and, with his broing day, in which a separation is made be- ther John, took a deep interest, and no incontween the true-hearted followers of Christ, siderable share, in the transactions of, and though in the way of the cross, and those various important concerns which came bewhose building is upon the sand, in the spirit fore that assembly. Several of the printed and temper of an unstable world. The suf- epistles during this period contain strong evifering of the true seed is great, and the worm-dence, in their language and style, that porwood bitter. These things are permitted, and tions of them were of his composition. From

saves, and of which the holy Jesus was and is the minister, I persuade myself thou wouldest have acted a different part."

.......

the records of the yearly meeting in 1753, it appears that he then proposed the establishment of a yearly meeting of ministers and elders, and several minutes occur on the sub"I suppose thy remark on S. C.* ject. The proposal made by our friend being an enemy to the religion of his country, Samuel Fothergill respecting the establish- is a reflection on our Society. I trust we are ment of a yearly meeting of ministers and not enemies to true religion, which avails beelders, being reconsidered, was referred to fore God the Father. It is true, we think the consideration of the committee for draw differently from some others respecting it, being up the epistle. ............ John Fry, from lieving its chief emolument is sanctity of heart the committee appointed to consider the pro-and the favour of God, and not lucrative adposal made by Samuel Fothergill with respect vantages. We have reason to believe there to the holding a general meeting for ministers and elders annually in this city, brought in a report, in which they say, That having solidly considered the proposition, it is their sense and judgment that it may contribute to the advantage of the Society to have such a meeting of ministers and elders established. The report was read and considered, and on the following day it was agreed that it should remain solidly on Friends' minds, and in the year following it was deliberately considered and concluded. The regulations proposed, and then agreed upon, for the said meeting, are nearly the same as at the present time.

In the same year, 1753, it is recorded that Samuel Fothergill brought in from the committee an epistle, to be sent in MS. to the several quarterly meetings; the epistle is fraught with excellent counsel.

Of the character adverted to in a preceding paragraph, are several of the following letters. In the beginning of 1760, he was engaged in some correspondence with R. Selby, the clergyman of a neighbouring parish (Budworth.) The daughter of a Friend near that place had been married before this individual, and, previously to the ceremony of the marriage, he had insisted upon her submitting to the rite of water baptism. The marriage was one of peculiar aggravation and distress to her parents, who were treated with much unkindness by the clergyman; they applied for counsel and consolation to Samuel Fothergill, and the following extracts are from some of his letters to R. Selby on the occasion.

yet remain men who suppose gain is godliness, and are more concerned to advocate their claims by temporal motives, than by the love of Christ; and from such we turn away." In reply to some harsh and unjust expressions of his correspondent respecting himself, Samuel Fothergill writes thus:

"I am very free to tell thee I make not merchandise of religion: I amuse not the people with the false traffic of unfelt truths. I confess some of the earlier scenes of my life were passed in folly, vanity, and infidelity; but having found mercy with God, through Jesus Christ, and knowing the terrors of the Lord for sin, I endeavour to persuade others to be reconciled unto God, by forsaking every evil way, and turning to him in faith and prayer, with their whole hearts. This is the end of my labour, and its whole intention; for this I am willing to spend and to be spent, without any fee or reward from men. The Lord judge between me and thee in this matter."

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO R. OLIVER.†

Warrington, 1760.

My friend, Abraham Rawlinson, some time ago, gave me thine, dated 11th of April, which brought thy Commissary's remarks on the suffering case of the Websters, which Abraham Rawlinson had, at my request, put into thy hands some time since. A tedious indisposition, and a necessary inquiry into the truth of the Commissary's aspersions, have "I am convinced, by the testimony of the prevented my earlier attempt to suggest a few Holy Scriptures, that the sprinkling of water sentiments to thy consideration, on account of upon the face of either adults or infants hath thy Commissary's letter: I hope for thy can. no warrantry therein: it is neither the bap-dour in doing it now. tism of John, nor of our blessed Redeemer; Much might be said to his "concurrence ..... but having no ground in Holy Writ, in opinion, that every civil government ought nor example nor precept therein, corroborat-highly to discourage every excuse and preing thy practice, and it appearing foreign to tence which are alleged to be founded on the nature of the religion of the Holy Jesus, I disclaim it, as being one of the inventions of men apostatized from the power and purity of the gospel. Had thy mind been happily subjected to the purifying effects of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the baptism that now

*The father of the young woman.

+ Probably Robert Oliver, who was vicar of the parish of Warton, near Lancaster, from 1734 to 1775. I have not been able to collect any further particulars of the case named in this letter.-G. C.

principles of conscience, for a premeditated which tithes belonged, have, without any disobedience to the laws of their country;" temporal consideration dismembered them as also to his charge of the most "perverse from their estates, and in the strongest manobstinacy." May I not query whether this ner conveyed them to the land owners from is not a full justification of all the high dis- whose estate they arose, being as consciencouragements the primitive church suffered tiously concerned against receiving as paying from Jewish and Gentile governments, and them; but never before heard of their suing those inflicted on the reformers from Popery, for them. I procured an inquiry to be made the founders of the Church of England? The into this matter, and were I disposed to give hierarchy of those days called their invinci- thy Commissary as hard words as he uses ble constancy, "the most perverse obstinacy." for Webster's conscientious dissent, I might Hath not this been the language of a perse- keenly recriminate-but I spare him. Two cuting spirit, from the time of the accusation Papists commenced such a suit, but that two of our Saviour by the chief priests; both Jews Quakers did, I call upon him to prove. I and Gentiles, and those worst of Gentiles, have copies of two certificates, one from the persecutors professing the religion of the plaintiff's solicitor, and one from the defendPrince of peace and love, and counteracting ant's proctor, as my vouchers; the originals it to the utmost of their power by acts of are in my hands. May I not call in question cruelty and injustice? I apprehend the case thy Commissary's claim to the epithets of in question is a proof of this unchristian dis-"good and worthy," who can thus take up position, and that it is in the first instance and make a false report, and impose upon illegal and unjust, and that no law of our thee with it. country subjects us to pay wages to a parish I am much mistaken in the judgment I clerk; and I am ready to put it to the issue have formed of my friend Oliver, if these reof common law. Perhaps this might be marks are in his sight insignificant. I canknown to the prosecutor, and thence he was not think thy nature unfeeling, and am perinduced to put them into the Ecclesiastical suaded religion would improve every sentiment Court, where they might be harassed and of sympathy with distress, especially where lurched into a contempt, and subjected to unjustly procured and unmerited. I, thereevery hardship a court hateful to God and fore appeal to the man, to the Christian, for man hath power to inflict. Their being sued redress, which I hope is in thy power to prothere was for an illegal and unjust demand, cure. For though we fear no spiritual damand every act of that court was, and is, ac- ages from excommunication, as now prosticumulated injustice. We have no reason to tuted, we know there are temporal ones which hope for any compliment to our religious do affect the already injured, oppressed parscruples from chancellors and registrars. We ties. I am thy real friend and well wisher, have read of such officers and their conduct, SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. in Queen Mary's days, and we apprehend succeeding times have only varied the object, not the nature of the people's zeal. I freely own we are entirely at ease with respect to any spiritual disadvantage accruing to us from excommunication. The Judge of the whole universe is not at the beck of any mercenary officer, whether civil or ecclesiastical, to execute his sentence of injustice and oppression, at the price of his own attributes of love and compassion. Nay, indeed, whilst such instruments of cruelty are found in the habitations of Simeon and Levi, may not thinking men say with old Jacob, "Oh my soul! come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united."

I was astonished at the account he gave me of two Quakers being lessees of wool and lambs, and suing as appellants, because the appellees had not made a sufficient tender, &c. I have heard of many instances, and known some, where Quakers being possessed of estates by inheritance or purchase, to

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER.

Warrington, Third month 23rd, 1760. I am favoured with pretty good health, a blessing greatly to be prized, and in other respects quiet and content; I do not abound, nor am I wholly destitute; I have more than I have merited, and if I be stript, I acquiesce with His will, whom I think I can call my Father who is in heaven.

The revolving year brings nigh a season I look at with the alternate sensations of pleasure and sorrow, as these result from meeting with similar spirits, and being renewedly baptized with them for ourselves, for the living and the dead. It is pleasing beyond expres sion to renew a personal converse with those who are dear to me from every tie; and to see a brother and sister in the strongest union, conveys a pleasure which, like the connexion, is deeper than nature.

Yesterday, I received an invitation from Jonathan Laycock, of Halifax, to the burial

of his wife. To which an apprehension of duty obliges me to submit, though I confess not without reluctance. But I only ask to be right, and leave the what and the where. I expect little more rest. Our northern yearly meeting, that for Wales, and London, are coming fast on; I am thankful for the present share of ability, which I hope will continue proportioned to the labour of the day.

Our worthy ancient friends, Grace Chambers* and Lydia Lancaster, are about to set out on a long journey; I expect them here next week, and they intend for the Welsh yearly meeting, Bristol, Bath, and London. Full of days and full of virtue, their spirits are refined, by long experience, into a meetness for the holy inheritance.

SAMUEL FOThergill.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO MARY PEMBERTON.
Warrington, Fourth month 7th, 1760.

tion, when the mind is loosened from lower connexions, and reaching onwards to the immutable union and inseparable fellowship of the Lord's family. I was much comforted to observe in thine the happy, blessed end dear Mary was favoured with. I trust the remembrance of it will often solace her parents, and may it be memorably instructive to her surviving brothers and sisters, who know not how soon they must close their eyes to all visible things. Then, O then, a religious, watchful life, spent in the Divine fear, will appear as it really is, an absolutely necessary preparation to what, in a solemn hour, is eligible to all—even a happy conclusion. I nearly and affectionate. ly sympathize with thee, in the various exercising steps thou hast assigned thee to tread. I doubt not but the present afflictions will work for thee a more exceeding weight of glory; and such times of favour will be renewed, as to enable thee to rejoice in tribulation. May the ancient Helper of his humble children the way to true peace; that, in the obedience graciously support thee, and lead forward in of faith, thou mayest be established, and all things work together under divine direction. for thy comfort in hope.

I was favoured with thine, and must acknowledge it was acceptable, though it brought me the tidings of thy daughter'st departure out of this troublesome world; and I doubt not but thy mind will be so favoured with that calm acquiescence with the present dispensation, as to be enabled to say, It is the Lord's doing, and let him work as it pleaseth him. It is a debt we must all pay, and we ought not to repine at the hour of our summons. Indeed, when the race is shortened, and a quicker transition to eternal peace is granted than through the long, laborious scenes of sorrow allotted to many, it may be consider-gathering up her valuable fragments.* ed and prized as a mercy, and doubtless will be so in the cool moments of sedate medita

* Grace Chambers was born at Monkheselden, in the county of Durham; and about the year 1713, on being married, she removed to near Kendal. She was of strict, exemplary life and conversation, remarkable for her great plainness and simplicity of apparel, manners, and deportment, as well as for openness and generosity to her friends, and hospitality to all, especially to the poor. She had free access to many families of distinction, to whom her affectionate visits were acceptable, and of service. She possessed considerable skill in surgery, and in administering relief in many disorders; and this she did without fee or reward, and devoted much of her time to visiting the sick and those in affliction, to whom she was very helpful. As a minister, she was strong and lively in her testimonies, even when bodily ability had much abated. She finished a well spent life, at her own house at Sedgwick, near Kendal, in ninth month, 1762, aged eighty-five years; being favoured at last with a comfortable evidence of gracious acceptance.

+ Mary Jordan.

great advantage and necessity of early piety, I am about preparing a few instances of the great advantage and necessity of early piety, intending to print them, with some little introI think thy testimony concerning thy dear duction, believing they may be of some use. usefulness of such a performance; and I bedaughter will greatly add to the value and lieve thou wilt not have any objection to my

state of health. I have been much about I am, through mercy, in a pretty good home this winter, not wholely useless, nor idle; as the summer advances, it seems likely I may be more abroad, though I have no clear perception of any long journey. The visitation of the Shepherd of Israel seems extending itself, and in some places, with a blessed prevalence to the scattered sheep amongst us, bringing some near who have been afar off, as well as bringing here and there one to the saving knowledge of his own Truth. May his work prosper, and the place of his feet become more and more glorious.

Our worthy ancient friends, Grace Chambers, in her eighty-fourth year, and Lydia Lancaster, in her seventy-seventh, were lately with us, on a religious visit; they bent their course towards Bristol and some adjacent places, and thence to London. They are as

* What progress was made by S. Fothergill in this collection does not now appear. He did not publish any such work, and no remains of it were found after his decease.