rell attended several meetings of Friends at that place; and he took particular notice of the solemnity and reverence of the Admiral's behaviour during the meetings, especially in the time of silence. One morning the Admiral came up to Samuel in the public room, before many of the nobility and gentry, and said "Mr. Fothergill, I have a very high opinion of your people's principles and prac

descended from a line that Truth has made told them that during one of his visits to honourable, and would bless you in like man- Scarborough, he observed that Admiral Tyrner. Let an early remembrance of your Creator possess your minds, and the cloud of witnesses to the glorious manifestation of Truth in the inward parts prevail with you to join their happy experience; let the peaceful, happy conclusion of your beloved sister be often remembered, and the blessed means of it, even her love to Truth, and obedience to its manifestations. This led her to fear and love God, and honour her parents; they tices, especially the inwardness and spiritumourned for her loss, but not without hope, as she entered into everlasting mansions of peace. But very different is the sorrow of religious parents which arises from undutiful conduct in children, who pierce the parents with bitter sorrow, and that exceedingly aggravated by a reflection that such conduct is offensive to a righteous, heavenly Judge, who will plead the cause of afflicted religious parents with their rebellious offspring. May other conduct from you furnish the well-grounded hope of a portion with the just of all generations.

At present I enjoy my health more uninterruptedly than for some time past; I have spent two weeks at Scarborough, to my advantage and satisfaction of mind. I propose setting out to-morrow towards the Circular yearly meeting for the seven western counties, to be held in a small town in Gloucestershire,* where are none of our Society.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.

ality of your silent worship." Samuel replied—“ Admiral, I think such a testimony from thee, as a man of war, rather extraordi nary, concerning us and our principles, which are for peace, and against all fighting." The other answered-" Sir, I am of your opinion in that particular, and fully believe that the time will come, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more: but as every dispensation of unerring wisdom must have a beginning, so this has had one amongst you, but has not yet reached us; and as to what you hold of a union and communion with the Divine Intelligence, I know, by happy experience, it is attainable in this life.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO JOHN GURNEY.

Warrington, Tenth month 11th, 1760.

A variety of engagements fill up my time; several journeys the last summer In the foregoing letter, S. Fothergill men have fallen to my lot, yet the affection I bear tions a visit of two weeks to Scarborough. to many individuals, thyself and dear wife He was accustomed to visit that place, both amongst others, remain strong, though confor the benefit to his health which he derived cealed in silence: may the holy flame of love from it, and from the stronger motive of reli- be maintained, so shall we be made precious gious duty. It was then much frequented in the sight of our heavenly Father, and dear during the season, by many of the nobility to his family. Its most certain effect is to and higher classes; amongst whom he was purify the soul; some have received its lustre, often largely engaged in the ministry, they and walked in the speculation formed from being much in the practice of coming to its light; these fail of its blessed fruits, and Friends' meetings on such occasions. In one lie down in sorrow. But when the light of of his letters from this place he says "I have been mercifully sustained by best help to labour in the gospel service, in several very large, crowded meetings, to which many people of distinction resort. This seems my principal business here, together with some more retired opportunities amongst Friends' families as occasions offer."

It was during his visit at this time that the following circumstance occurred, as was af terwards related by Samuel Fothergill himself to some Friends who accompanied him on his journey homewards from London. He

* Wootten-under-Edge, at least one hundred and fifty miles from his own habitation.

Israel becomes a fire, and his Holy One a flame, and our hearts truly subjected to its operation, our feet will be fixed steadily in the path, and our peace will flow as a river. SAMUEL FOTHergill.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS BROTHER JOHN.

Warrington, Eleventh month 12th, 1760.

The secret emotions of tender affection to thee and dear sister frequently and strongly bring you both to remembrance; and when I can, I pray for your preservation and establishment in the possession of every blessing; in particular, of hearts clothed with a holy sensibility of Divine favour, and an anxious

thirst of soul after still more and more wor-wisdom, which, at his accession to the throne thiness; for gracious remembrance in every of his royal father, he asked of God, bless needful time, for such times will come; the thee, O king, with a wise and understanding smoothest passage is often mercifully thorny; heart, and add thereto riches, honour, and and the kings and priests of God's own an- length of days." ointing, when a superficial eye views ensigns of royalty, have underneath sackcloth on their loins.

It is never better with me, than when I descend to bring up some fresh memorials from the hidden depths. Though the waves and billows may at times pass over my head, they are thy waves, oh, Father, and I will humbly look through them all towards thy holy temple.

N. B.-I believe Solomon's vision, in Gibeon, was in the twenty-third year of his age, the age of our present king. If the senti ment be too trifling, excuse me, and pass it by. S. F.

In the preceding letter, S. Fothergill mentions some remarks which he had written upon a Sermon and Address delivered at Litchfield. His remarks were afterwards pub

defence of the doctrines of the Society of Friends on the subject of Water Baptism. His opponent was Edward Owen, at that time Rector of Warrington, and in much reputation as a learned man, and as an accomplished classical scholar.

The occasion of this controversy is thus described by S. Fothergill, in the introduction to his second pamphlet :

"M. Pilkington, Prebendary of Litchfield, some time ago published a Sermon on the Nature and Necessity of Water Baptism, as an indispensable token of the Christian Covenant, &c. This he prefaced with an ‹ Address to the People called Quakers;' in which he called upon them to declare their senti ments, and pointed them out as in a state of exclusion from the covenant in Jesus Christ.

I have thrown together some sentiments and remarks, by way of reply to the Sermon lished, and led him into some controversy in and Address I mentioned to thee in my last; as soon as I can, after they are transcribed, I think to send them to thee, and refer them to thy decision, whether to destroy them, or lay them before the Morning meeting. I think I shall be easy either way, though I sometimes think something of the kind, if well done, might be useful in those parts, about Lichfield, where the Address and Sermon is spread, and where there are very few Friends. I am not fond of controversy, still less of seeing my name in print, but I was not wholly void of an apprehension of duty. The great event of the decease of the king hath manifestly proved Jacobitism to be at a low ebb; he is sincerely mourned for by many. I was considering what Friends would do on the present occasion; there seemed a duty to the Society which required instant attention, that is, to caution against the inconsistency of going into mourning. What is done in this respect I know not. I also thought the Society would consider itself obliged to address the successor. I knew not whether the Meeting for Sufferings would undertake it, or defer it to the yearly meeting; but a letter just received informs me that the Meeting for Sufferings have concluded to address the new king; in which, may best wisdom guide you. Though I cannot help you, I could almost wish to be present at your deliberations. As I was musing a little last night upon the subject, it came into my mind to offer one paragraph to thee; if the sentiment be improper, reject it, if there be any thing in it worth a thought, thou knows how to improve it, and give it a proper turn. I know thou wilt make allowance for me if a warmth of heart surpass right judgment.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.

The suggested paragraph." May He who touched the mind of youthful Solomon, at an age similar to thine, with the love of

"This induced me to throw together a few reasons for our dissent: though I enter into controversy with reluctance, I would not decline a sober discussion of the things most surely believed amongst us as a people.

"This I hope will be sufficient excuse for my remarks on the Prebendary's arguments: I did not begin the dispute, but attempted to speak our sentiments in our own language, and remove the censures he had passed upon us, as it seemed consistent with the Apostle's advice, Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.' 1 Peter iii. 15, 16.

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Respecting the temper in which I wrote, I have this evidence in my own mind, that I felt no sensation inconsistent with the angelic song, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will towards men!'

"An anonymous auxiliary to M. Pilkington, anticipates the reply with what he styles, 'a

temporary local antidote against the errors in maketh fruitful in old age, even covers with my pamphlet,'.......... and soon after a second verdure and plenty all the trees of the Lord's part is published; the author no longer conceals house, according to their degrees of growth. his name, but signs, E. Owen. This pamphlet I am thankful to cultivate my acquaintance engageth my present attention, as he calls with these signal instances of the mercy and upon me to a review of the subject with this power of Him who is the preserver of his remark, An honest man owes so much to people; these have known him throughout all his Creator, the world, and his own consci- their day, from their beginning to advanced ence, that he ought to justify or retract his years; they can commemorate his kindness opinions.' As my opinions are not taken in youth, his strength in the meridian of life, upon trust, nor merely the result of education, and his tender regard when the shadows of but arise from the evidence of what appears the evening approach. I observe with pleasure to me to be truth, I cannot recede from them thy happy experience of his regard; may it without violence to my understanding and be thy covering through the valley of the conscience. I stand open to conviction, and shadow of death; and may the Everlasting follow truth with suitable dispositions; in this Arms be open to receive thee when thy race pursuit I humby confide in success and ac- here is accomplished! I have strong hopes ceptance with an omniscient gracious Judge. that the ties of nature, the example of honourI must, therefore, either be silent, or give a able parents, their solicitude, the weight of reason of the hope that is in me: the former filial duty, the evidence of the beauty and seems a suppression of truth; the last I hope usefulness of religion, and the importance of to perform with decency and candour, it being Divine favour, will combine to excite thy chilmy principal design to vindicate the spiritual dren, for whose welfare I am anxious, to rereligion of the Holy Jesus, and a people who new their diligence and care to walk in that embrace it, though under the discouragement path, which all the generations of the righteof popular prejudice." ous have trod, in their way to glory and peace. Not all the wisdom of the world, nor the fallacious promises of its favours, are able to direct to this path; the wayfaring man, who is on his pilgrimage, in weakness, besetments, and poverty, shall not err in his seeking, though he may be accounted simple; it is better to be a fool for Christ's sake, than wise in all the wisdom of this world!

The first publication was entitled, "Remarks on an Address to the people called Quakers; and a Sermon on the nature and necessity of being admitted into Covenant with Christ by Baptism; published by Matthew Pilkington, LL. B., and Prebendary of Litchfield; in a Letter to the Author, by S. Fothergill. To which are added, a few Observations, by J. Phipps. London, 1761."

This was answered by a pamphlet, in two parts, signed E. Owen; "The necessity of Water Baptism; a Discourse occasioned by a pamphlet lately published by Mr. Samuel Fothergill, of Warrington, in defence of the Quaker notion of Baptism." Liverpool, 1761. Some time after this, S. Fothergill's second publication appeared, "A Reply to a pamphlet published, in two parts, by E. Owen, entitled, The Necessity of Water Baptism; by Samuel Fothergill." London, 1763.

Here the controversy ended. The subject was treated by S. Fothergill in a clear manner, the arguments and proofs he adduced in support of Friends' principles were close and forcible, and it was admitted, even by those who differed from him in sentiment, that he had much the best of the argument.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO ELLEN EVANS.
Warrington, Second month 6th, 1761.

I am, through mercy, preserved thus far, this winter, in a tolerably good state of health, mostly about home, and seldom idle; peace is my reward, and that is better than all the world. Dear Joseph White spent last week with us; he is well, and his Master is eminently with him; his bow abides in strength, and his hands are strong: the state of the church requires close labour, and in that is the reward of the faithful, as when they pour water out of their buckets. Farewell, dear friend; I love to hear from thee.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO ISRAEL PEMBERTON.
Warrington, Second month 21st, 1761.

I remember thee frequently, with unabated affection, and never more nearly, and with greater sympathy, than of late, when one of the bitterest cups thou ever partook of has fallen to thy lot. I cannot enlarge upon it; I trust thou hast a secret resource to apply to I am much indebted to thee for the tokens on this occasion, and may the never-failing of thy remembrance of me, which I have Helper support thee and thine, in this and lately received; there is room for renewed every other probation. How greatly necesencouragement to seek after that Hand whichsary is it for us all to wait diligently, to know

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO MARY PEMBERTON,
ON THE DEATH OF HER SON.

Warrington, Second month 20th, 1761.

fort to thee; I believe, nay, I am assured, the Invisible Stay of all ages and nations is not far off to succour thee. When the tide of maternal sorrow rises to the highest, he can command its noise to be the voice of praise, and stay the tossed soul upon himself.

I cannot add much; my feelings exceed my utterance; I know dear Israel is now thy help-meet, and sharer in affliction. May the Lord of Heaven regard you and yours, and support in the closest trial.

My wife joins with me in tender affection and sympathy.

Dear Mary, thy afflicted friend,
SAMUEL FOTHèrgill.

our minds and affections circumscribed within the holy limits, and an early government over our own spirits; thus the lamb and the lion can lie down together, and an habitation of peace and quietude is found in the mountain of God's holiness. Out of this subjec- wast and art to my soul, though I thought I I never knew until lately, how near thou tion of spirit, is ruin and contention; and ever placed thee amongst those with whom I though we may detest imbruing our hands in am not merely united, but bound up in the blood, yet we may destroy the hidden, inno- bundle of life, in such a covenant as will surcent life in ourselves or others. May every vive time, mortality, and all its troubles. The dispensation instruct us, and may we be like exquisite sympathy I feel with thee is not to the skilful, industrious bee, who gathers honey be described; all language is baffled. I can from flowers of almost every kind. I have sit down with thee in deep and solemn silence, in vain attempted to express my sympathy and mingle my tears and sorrows with thine. with thy dear wife, in a few lines I enclose; I cannot attempt to suggest motives of comI wish her every thing I could petition Heaven for, on my own account, in the day of my distress. I remember thy children very tenderly, and scarcely forbear reminding them of the striking instruction resulting to them from their dear sister, who lived beloved of God and man. Instructed by her conduct and example, the incautious youth grew up in piety and honour, learned how to live, and met the languishments of sickness and the terrors of death with holy, humble fortitude; her last days were crowned with honour, and her conclusion was glorious. Such was her happy translation to a life exempt from sorrow and danger, and for ever to drink the heavenly wine unmixed in her Father's kingdom. An early acquaintance with the Lord. of all power and goodness, who drew her by SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO ELIZABETH BAKER. the engaging virtue of his love, and taught her to love his judgments, subjected her will, Warrington, Second month 22nd, 1761. seasoned her spirit, and sanctified all to her. Among the many wishes of thy friends for An humble, submissive, meek spirit rendered thy happiness, none desires it with more sinher amiable; due regard to her parents ren-cerity than myself, though more silent about dered her acceptable, and preserved her in it than some others; and as a testimony of righteousness. She knew the sting of death my concern for thy welfare, I sit down to to be removed, and could commit her lamb-throw before thee a few hints, which may be like spirit into the hands of the Lord of per- useful to thee if attended to, even to render fection and purity. But, alas! my heart is thy life easy and happy, and thy end honourpained within me, to consider the opposite able and peaceful. conduct of one united to her in the natural alliance of a brother. I cannot pursue the subject; I need not; you, dear children, are too sensible of it to need much explanation. Think not, I beseech you, especially dear Israel the younger, that it is possible to be safe any where but under the humbling hand of God. Let all proud, exalted, unmortified flesh tremble, for confusion in various forms attends it, in its loftiest, securest state. I most sincerely salute you all, elder and younger; may the blessings of the everlasting hills, whose foundations can never be shaken, rest upon you, is the humble prayer of, dear friends,

Yours, in tenderest affection,
SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.

First and principally, thy duty to the Almighty Lord and Maker of all things, by whom, and through whom, all things visible and invisible consist; the Author of all blessings. Let him be looked to and remembered by thee in this light, and be humbly engaged to seek his favour. Let nothing impair thy love to him. He it is that can blast every pleasing prospect, can wither every hope, and also sanctify every affliction. Be not ashamed to show thy trust in him, by humbly walking

*This letter was addressed to Elizabeth Baker, on her marriage with Joshua Sibson, of Lancaster. She afterwards married Thomas Whitwell, and died at Manchester, in Third month, 1826, aged 87.

Fifth; let thy husband's relations become dear to thee; cultivate every sentiment of friendship and affection for them, especially I for his mother, with whose anxieties a son must sacredly sympathize.

Excuse, dear cousin, the freedom of these hints; they proceed not from any painful apprehension of a contrary conduct, but my affection for thee induces me to wish thou mayest be found in the way to blessing, even the blessing of Heaven above and of the earth beneath, the blessing of the ancient mountains and of the everlasting hills.