1689-1695.] MEMOIRS AND LETTERS, &c. 85 purged thoroughly, whatever I had to bear, and to have the money reimbursed afterwards; if the Almighty would but enable me. Thus but he says, "when I considered a little, my I wrestled for several years, and durst not understanding was fully satisfied that it was believe that I gained any effectual victory; the mind and cause of God, that this testimoand as the baptism of Christ by his Spirit had ny against tithes in this dispensation should begun to operate in me, to bring a death unto be borne, and that what suffering soever sin and the lusts of the flesh, that through might attend our faithfulness to him, he could faith and diligent attendance to his power I readily make up, and I then believed he might live to him in newness of life, 1 had would; and so, on the other hand, that he some hope that the fan in his hand would could soon blast and consume any seeming thoroughly purge me, which was the very advantages that might be hoped for by giving earnest cry and longing of my soul. But the way to selfish reasoning, or shrinking from winnowing, refining work of the spirit of the faithful and reverent bearing of that tesjudgment, and of burning, now kindled to timony." take away my dross, was so heavy upon me After being imprisoned for conscience' sake that I was often tempted to conclude that I for about six months, his father was releaswas forsaken of mercy, and that judgment ed, but did not long survive his liberation; he and darkness were to be my portion..... departed this life on the 6th of seventh month, ..... a resolution in a degree of living faith, 1695. "This," says his son, "increased my was firmly fixed in my heart, to endeavour to exercise in divers respects, but as I endeavlie and to wait as at the Almighty's footstool, oured to seek the favour and counsel of the .......... and as this desire after divine favour Most High God, he was pleased to remember and mercy, and devotedness of heart, to lean me with merciful help many ways." Yet towards and wait for his arising, was of his many were the baptisms and deep conflicts of own begetting, so he was graciously pleased soul through which he had to pass; at times to stay my mind in humble resignation, until much sorrow and distress was his portion; at he brought forth judgment unto victory by other seasons, he says, the Lord "was pleased degrees, and caused the Sun of righteous- to deal gently with me, mixing mercy with ness at times to arise upon me with healing judgment, and filling my soul again and again in his wings; yet he often saw meet to hide with reverent hope, as well as humble supplihis face from me again, and to strip me, not cation that he would thoroughly purge me, only of any sense of his favour, but even and spare nothing alive in me that was offenof hope of obtaining a place among the sive to him. Thus was my heart often exerredeemed. At this time, the Scripture which cised both by night and by day, often, likewise, saith, It is good to hope and quietly wait, to see when about my business; and sometimes the the salvation of God in the land of the living, brightness of the salvation of God, and the and some other like sentences, were brought to enlargings of his love, were so abundant in my remembrance, accompanied with glimpses my soul, that I could scarcely (nor did I of heavenly goodness, which graciously helped always) keep from falling down upon the to stay me in some patient hope under the ground to adore and worship his glorious heavenly refining hand ........ the blessed pre-presence. And at some times, I apprehended sence of the Saviour of the world, which at it might be required of me to open my mouth times filled and overshadowed my soul in my for the Lord in the congregation, which was thus following him, though mourning, is never exceedingly humbling to me." to be forgotten by me. This was about the seventeenth year of my age." When he was about eighteen years old, his father was prosecuted on account of his Christian testimony against the payment of tithes, and carried away from his family to prison at York, about fifty miles distant from his own dwelling. John being the eldest then living, the care of the (three) younger children, and of the business and servants, devolved upon him: this, with his father's imprisonment at such a distance, and in a poor state of health, brought him into much anxiety and concern of mind. One, coming to see him, urged him strongly to give him liberty to agree with his father's prosecutor, and thus procure his discharge from prison, Abiding thus, "with some patient hope under the heavenly refining hand," John Fothergill became fitted and prepared for service in the Lord's cause, and in the twenty-first year of his age he came forth as a minister of the Gospel, and continued a diligent and faithful labourer therein to the end of a long life. He did not enter upon this important work until very close and strict examination had convinced him, that the call to this service was from the only true and right source, and great was his fear lest he should be too forward, or proceed without right authority. On this important subject he has left the following instructive remarks: "I am not without fear that such a due waiting for, and distinct certainty of, the im- to endeavour to avoid errors on either hand, A few months after his journey into Scotland, he visited several parts of Yorkshire, and the county of Durham. Of this visit he thus writes :-" Though this labour was like a fire to the house of Esau, and, therefore, unpleasant to some; yet the inward and living among the people were relieved and made glad in the Lord, whose favour and peace often filled my heart with awful reverence towards him, with strong desires purely to know, and to be helped to do his will faithfully.' Having thus given up in obedience to the Divine command, he was engaged in the exercise of his gift, visiting sometimes one neighbouring meeting and sometimes another; yet still was he closely tried, and many hidden sorrows were his portion under the weight of the refining season, through which he had to pass, but a degree of living hope was often revived in his mind, "that in time he might, through humble attention and godly care, be set more at liberty in the freedom of a son." Great was his care and anxiety diligently to wait for the distinct openings of the light of life, and that all his proceedings might be in obedience to it. About this time, several in the northern parts, whither he had been led in gospel labour, were convinced and gathered into a knowledge of the truth, of whom some be His next service from home was an extensive visit to Friends in the western counties, and the city of London, where he remained several weeks. From thence he went into Cornwall, and on his return attended the yearly meeting at Bristol; he also visited all the meetings in Wales, and returned home through Cheshire and Lancashire. In the year 1701, he visited Scotland a second time, passing through Cumberland to Edinburgh, and so to the north of Scotland; visiting the meetings everywhere in those parts, and returned to Glasgow. In many places he was truly comforted with Friends: "They were encouraged and glad in a loving sense of the continued fatherly regard and extendings of the love of God toward them in that nation, amongst a hard, self-conceited, In the twenty-second year of his age he and, in some places, an envious people." In felt a concern of mind to pay a religious visit Edinburgh and Glasgow a rude spirit prevailto Friends in Scotland, which he accomplished ed, causing them to disturb Friends in almost to the satisfaction of his friends, and returned all their meetings, sometimes throwing stones, with peace. About this time he believed it &c.; some with all the noise they could, right to dispose of his business and to let his "endeavoured to drown the voice of any who land, that he might be more at liberty; yet, were concerned to minister publicly. Yet, at whilst careful not to be so involved in tempo- times, the power and authority of Truth arose ral concerns "as to hinder him from true over those wicked endeavours, and the evil inward retiring often to feel the life of truth, spirit was overborne and weighed down, and for the daily support of his soul;" yet he some of the worst would go away, and others also thought it right not to be without suitable lend some attention to the testimony of truth; outward employment, as therein "there appear- and Friends were the more edified, and their ed," he says, "both then and since, a danger faith and hope in God strengthened. of being tempted to be easily drawn abroad, Glasgow, when I was there on a first-day of before or without that distinct requiring of the week, the people had very much disturbed truth both to go and return, in which only us in meeting, in their usual manner, and the ministers of Christ move in true safety, and to right edification, and be in danger of missing, or losing, the knowledge of the pure requirings of the everlasting High Priest; and so make way for formality, a barren ministry, and unprofitable labour." So careful was he At followed Friends along a large open street, some shouting and scorning, others throwing stones and dirt. The people who were gathered in great numbers about their doors, and saw what passed, seemed rather to be pleased with the abusive behaviour of the mob towards us, esteemed for her piety and worth. The following letter, addressed to her during his absence, presents a beautiful expression of affection proceeding from the surest source, and based upon the safest foundation-a true love and unity in the fear of God. than to offer any discouragement to them: truth. She was herself at times engaged in whereupon, a soldier, an Englishman, began the ministry, and was greatly beloved and to cry aloud three times, as if he had some public proclamation to make; and when he had thus gained attention, he called aloud again: Behold the godly town of Glasgow, how they entertain strangers!' and repeated it three several times. This reproof made the people so ashamed, that they mostly took to their houses, and got out of sight; and the more grown up people retiring, the rest soon left us, and went off likewise. I heard, when I was at this place some years after, that the people had never offered the like disturbance again to Friends, either in their meetings or in the streets." From Glasgow he went into Ireland, and paid a very general visit to Friends there. At Dublin, he says,-"I met with our ancient and honourable friend William Edmundson, whom I had a great desire to see, having a deep and reverent value for him." He thus concludes the account of this journey:-"With the love of my friends, and an humble and thankful heart before the Lord of all true help, I took leave of Friends at Cork, and went over to Minehead, in Somersetshire, having something remaining towards a few places thereaway, and about Bristol; and from hence came pretty directly home again, with reverent awe towards the ever blessed helper." In the following year he was engaged on religious service in the eastern and midland counties, also in the city of London. A concern had for a long time attended his mind to pay a religious visit to Friends in the several provinces of North America; and, with the unity and approbation of his friends, he and his companion, William Armistead, who was under a similar concern, embarked at London, in the second month, 1706, and at the end of ten weeks arrived safely in Maryland. After travelling diligently through those parts of America where Friends were then settled, they proceeded to the West Indies, and had religious service in Barbadoes, Antigua, and Jamaica: in the latter island there were at that time four meetings of Friends mostly kept up. Amongst the Friends of these meetings, and the inhabitants generally, they were engaged for about three months, and then embarked for England, where they were favoured to land in safety, in the first month, 1708. Previously to this visit to America, he had become acquainted with Margaret Hough, the daughter of Thomas and Ellen Hough, of Sutton, in Cheshire; of a family in good esteem, and Friends rightly concerned for the support and maintenance of the principles of JOHN FOTHERGILL TO MARGARET HOUGH. My near friend, 3rd of Twelfth month, 1706. Having thee often fresh in my remembrance, in a near and tender manner, for the truth's sake, which brought our spirits into a degree of nearness many years since, which never yet, I believe, has altogether worn away, I have in my mind to give thee a few lines with the salutation of inward love, which sometimes has comfortably spread over my heart when thinking of thee since I left my native shore; with increased well-wishing for thee, and the aboundings of immortal virtue in thy tender, often bowed heart, which I often think has more secret distress and besetment to grapple with than many are aware of, yet this I am satisfied of, that love and care from above are extended towards thee. Lean steadfastly upon that arm which has been with thee, and has fed thee, and led thee afresh to springs of water, sometimes when they have been almost hid. Dear Margaret, methinks I feel it has been something after this manner with thee, yet the Lord's tender regard has been, and is towards thee: my spirit is sweetened in its reachings forth to thee at this time, as at many others these many years, at times and seasons when we have been far absent in body. I desire a place in thy remembrance when it is well with thee. I am in an exercising country, yet have no cause to repine, because that engaging life which brought me hither, fails not, but often makes the weak strong; and I have yet some hopes to see my native land and near friends again, though I fear not so soon as I hoped for, but must leave it to the great and worthy Disposer. And, dear friend, my heart saith to thee, lean carefully upon the truth, the virtue of it, and it will keep thy mind and spirit in dominion over the clogging, loading things of this world, and be as a stay to thee in times of trial which thou meets with in divers respects. I have written larger than I did intend, because my heart is open towards thee in true love, which in a solid manner runs forth to thee in sym-, pathy with thee in various straits, and in the continuance of it doth tenderly embrace thee, and remain thy near friend and fellow- thereof, she came to be remarkably clothed traveller in many besetments. JOHN FOTHERGILL. On the 5th of the third month, 1709, JOHN FOTHERGILL and MARGARET HOUGH were united in marriage. They settled at his own house at Carr-End. * In the same year, accompanied by Gilbert Thompson, the uncle of his wife, he was engaged in an extensive religious visit to the western and southern parts of England, returning by way of London. With this exception, he remained at and about home for several years, diligently engaged in the care of his concerns, and of his increasing family; frequently visiting the meetings in the immediate neighbourhood of his residence, as well as some more distant. In the year 1719, a very close and affecting dispensation was permitted to befall him. After a happy union of ten years, during which he had indeed found in his wife a true help-meet, a tender sympathizing partaker in his exercises and labours, and a careful, watchful mother of his children, she was taken from him by death, soon after the birth of their eighth child. Of the particulars of this affecting event, and of her character and worth, an account was drawn up by her husband, of which the following is an abridgment. MARGARET FOTHERGILL was of exemplary piety and prudence, even from her tender years; and whilst very young, she not only delighted to attend Friends' meetings, but came under a concern of heart that she might become acquainted with the Lord for herself, and witness his quickening power and virtue in her own soul; which concern he was graciously pleased to regard, and visited her heart with his power and love; and as she grew up, through the pure influence with a meek and quiet spirit, and was of a grave, modest, and exemplary behaviour, and was at times concerned to exhort Friends to a close walking with, and true dependance upon God, and to beware of an unconcerned mind. After her marriage she continued in the same watchful state, a true lover of meetings, and a humble waiter for the arising of the life and truth in them, wherein alone is ability for the performance of acceptable worship. Being often very weakly, and having several young children, she was often unfit to attend meetings, but would frequently express her care that the affairs of truth might be conducted to the glory of God, and was not without hopes of living to have more ability, and to be more at liberty for these services, and to discharge herself more fully for righteousness' sake. But a few days after the birth of her eighth child, she expressed her apprehension that she should not recover, speaking with much resignation and cheerfulness, saying, "I wonder that I cannot be troubled at being likely to leave my little ones and my dear husband." These expressions much affected her husband, and she added, speaking to him-"They will be cared for, thou wilt be helped, and there is a place prepared for me. They will not be left under the care of a father, who, like too many in these days, will neglect their truest interest, but with one, who, knowing whence good comes, will seek, I trust, with proper care, to the Gracious allsufficient Helper, both for himself and for his children." She gave many exhortations to those who came to see her, to prize their time, and to make a right use of the visitation of God to them; often reviving what had been a prevalent concern in her mind, that none should content themselves with a bare going to meetings, or sit down in them, in a careless, unconcerned frame of mind, but sit as at the Lord's footstool, and wait to hear his gracious words; and said, she well remembered she had to advise Friends against an unconcerned mind, and indifferency, the last time she had any thing to say in meetings before she left her own country. And, with great weight, further said, "It is great or absolute mockery, to go and sit down before the Lord in meetings in a careless manner.” * Gilbert Thompson resided at Penketh, near Warrington, where he conducted a boarding school, which, under his care, and afterwards that of his son Gilbert, maintained, for a long period, a high, and justly deserved reputation. He was a man of great use and service in the church, and in his station as a schoolmaster, was eminently qualified for the instruction of youth, being endued with wisdom and skill to govern them by mild and gentle means. He was prosecuted for keeping a school, and suffered on this account an imprisonment in Lancaster castle. His labours in the work of the ministry were useful and edifying, being pure and unmixed with the enticing words power of truth, wherein she prayed in a very of man's wisdom. He travelled in this work humble, fervent manner for the church in through most parts of Great Britain and Ireland. general, and for her children, saying," Let He died on the 22nd of Fourth month, 1719, aged me be bowed down before the Lord, that the sixty-one years. fruit of my body may be enriched with the After this, though her weakness much prevailed, yet her strength was renewed in the of committing his children, during his absence, to the care of relations and suitable persons, obtained his close attention. same favour, love, and goodness;" and so continued praising and glorifying God, in the aboundings of his love and mercy, much to the tendering of the hearts of those about He left home in the spring of 1721, with her. Though she had a hard struggle with the full unity and approbation of his friends, death, yet its sting was taken away: she pa- and having the company of Lawrence King; tiently continued in humble acknowledgments they embarked at London, and arrived safely to the Lord for his goodness and mercy, and in York river, Virginia, in the fifth month of in praises to him, who was, she said, wor-that year. thy-worthy of praises for evermore, as long After an extensive visit in America, they as her words were intelligible; and so de- proceeded to Barbadoes, and whilst there, parted in peace, on the 16th day of the second John Fothergill wrote an Epistle to Friends month, 1719, in the forty-second year of her of Dover meeting, New England; and anage. other to the professors of truth in Antigua, Anguilla, Jamaica, or thereaway. Thus was her husband deprived of a faithful and affectionate companion, and her seven From Barbadoes they sailed for England, surviving children, of whom the eldest was where they were favoured to arrive safely, in not ten years old, of a tender and religious the fourth month, 1724, having been absent parent; but her strong desires and the secret three years. Upon landing, they proceeded exercises of her soul for their preservation to London; and to the yearly meeting, then and spiritual good, her tears and her prayers just commenced, an account was given by for these, her "little ones," were not forgotten John Fothergill of their travels, and of the before God; they were seen and remem- state of Friends in America, of which the bered by their Father in heaven;-His care following is an abridgment. and protection were extended to them, and in after years, his love and power mercifully visited their hearts; in an especial manner was this gracious visitation extended to her son Samuel, who became an eminent and favoured servant of his Lord. CHAPTER II. THE loss of his beloved wife, was to John Fothergill a great bereavement and very close trial, but he submitted with holy resignation to the Divine will, saying, in answer to a sympathizing friend, "The Lord gives, and he takes away: his will be done; he is worthy. But what if I also must be called from my little ones?" Thus alluding to a belief which he then felt, that it would be required of him, before long, again to visit North America and the West Indies. The prospect of this religious service was a great trial to him, as it is recorded that few, or perhaps none, ever exceeded him in tender, paternal care and affection for his children. Yet, when he became fully assured that the Lord required this sacrifice, he gave up freely, saying to his children, that though he had all the anxious concern of a father for them, yet he must obey the holy call of the Lord, who he believed would care for them in his ab sence.* In entering upon such an engagement, and under his circumstances, the important duty * See an affecting account of this and similar acts of tenderness and care, related by Samuel Fothergill, during his visit to Ireland, in 1762. VOL. IX.-No. 3. "We first acknowledge, in humble reverence to the Lord Almighty, that he mercifully favoured us with his love and countenance very often upon the sea, and guarded us thereon from wicked men, into whose hands some fell who were very near us. "After a moderate passage we arrived safely in Virginia, and entered upon our service, and, going towards North Carolina, had many large and open meetings, both among Friends and others. In both these provinces hear the truth declared, many of whom apwe found great willingness in the people to peared tenderly affected. There seemed to be a comfortable opening among the youth, and some growth in the elder as to religious care: Divine mercy still reaches freely towards them, and in some places there is an increase in righteousness, and truth is in good esteem; but in others, the love and friendship of the world occasions a decay. decease of many of the elders, and of the "In Maryland we found great loss, by the more zealous and concerned Friends; yet there are in several parts some who are hopeful and religiously disposed; yet a love of ease and vain liberties has prevailed, and hin is some openness among several of the neighbouring people, and a gracious extension of Divine love to them, as well as of a helpful hand in heavenly wisdom towards Friends. dered the work and honour of truth. There in many places, among people of several pro"In Pennsylvania we found an openness fessions; some were convinced of, and received, the truth in the love of it. There is a large body of religiously-minded people among 12 |