believe, but the wind blew from that direction: it pervaded the whole ship, so that my wife, though in bed, discovered it, and thought it arose from something on board: the atmosphere seemed filled with tainted air. From this time our captain fumigated the ship daily, making free use of the chloride of lime, of which he had a plentiful supply. what could the possession of the whole world have done for us in this day of distress? The "secret tabernacle of the Most High" was the only hiding-place, the only pavillion of safety and refuge. I would gladly impart to my dear friends, a share of the marvellous lovingkindness and tender mercy, which were so graciously displayed for our relief and consolation on this memorable day; but language is utterly incapable of conveying it,-words cannot set it forth. I think that nothing short of being placed in an exactly similar situation, could make it be felt and understood to its full extent. However much it may be thought an uncharitable desire, I cannot help craving, that all my beloved friends were brought by any means, under a similar state of feeling;-not a mole-hill to rest upon, humbled in the dust. How softened every heart!-how tearful every eye!-the Lord alone exalted! This is what I want all to witness for themselves; that they may indeed witness the power of everlasting love, to comfort and strengthen their hearts; and enable them to assert, in similar language with the great Apostle of the Gentiles, and from the same heart-felt knowledge, "we The long continuance of contrary winds had hitherto tried our stock of patience rather severely; but now the time was at hand for a trial of faith, and of our resignation to that holy will, which is ever excellent, though it is beyond the reach of poor finite man to develope its ever merciful and all gracious designs. The captain had been told shortly after we sailed, that I had regularly arrived in Russia on one particular day; and he now began to talk of this in rather a sneering manner, saying, that my calculation had failed, for the ship was a long way off her port, and the wind still contrary. I told him we should be there soon enough in all probability, merely alluding to the sickness. When we had been twenty-two days from Hull, the wind changed, and once again blew a fine, fresh gale from the westward, which, in ordi-glory in tribulation." nary cases, would have brightened every countenance on board; but such was the gloomy prospect before us, that even this, so often hoped for, had no power to charm. The breeze continued through the night, and the rising sun increased its strength; and our noble vessel seemed to rush onward with more speed than we desired, except as the recollection arose of the three dear children, whom we dared now only to look forward with a very trembling hope to behold again in mutability. As the day advanced, the wind became stronger and stronger, so that by noon we were favoured to anchor safely off the entrance to the Mole of Cronstadt, amidst a crowd of shipping. Is it not worthy of something more than ordinary remark, that we should arrive on the very same day, on which I had three times before been permitted to do so-the 15th of seventh month, N. S.? To me, this had a promising and strengthening effect; it was a pleasing coincidence, bringing to remembrance many great mercies and favours in times that are past, but now signally to be commemorated with admiration, gratitude, and praise to Him, who "commandeth the morning, and causeth the day-spring to know its place." It was indeed a day of humiliation, self-abasement, and bowing down amongst all around us, producing from the hardy captain the appropriate exclamation, 'there is nothing but the Almighty for it, at any rate:' and I believe he never spoke more strictly in adherence to truth in his life; for I have made a long digression from the subject of our arriving at Cronstadt, but my heart warms with the remembrance of the sustaining evidence, with which our minds were favoured in the midst of the scene of terror that awaited us. My poor wife was greatly supported, and only in one instance expressed any thing like discouragement, and that was at the thought of my having to expose myself amongst the people on shore. But it was not a time for any one to flinch, particularly when mercifully favoured, as was my happy portion, to banish all fear, and not experience a single desire to arise, to be any where but where my lot was cast. On landing, some difficulties arose from a new law respecting passengers' luggage: the captain proposed applying to the British Consul for advice. I felt averse to this; but nothing else suggesting, it was attempted. It was soon ascertained that no person was admitted into his office; and that letters, &c., were received with a pair of tongs, for fear of infection. It seemed as if nothing was to be achieved by any contrivance of our own; but the very barrier which at first appeared insurmountable, proved to be the channel through which relief and comfort were to flow. This new law occasioned my having to go to a particular department of the Custom house, when I was accosted by a stranger with a letter in his hand, who asked if it was for me. The measure was now filled; the tide which had flowed in such an appalling current, was now at its height, and beginning to turn. ril, nor sword. Though we may indeed be The letter was in dear William's hand writing; as "killed all the day long," and "accounted and I had the joy of finding, that my children as sheep for the slaughter;" yet as we abide had wholly escaped the ravages of this awful in His fear, "watching unto prayer," "praydisease; which was considered to be at its ing always with all prayer and supplication height, just about the time of our arrival. in the Spirit," the incense will be continually burning: and "in all things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us;" to whom be the praise and the glory for ever. To R. C. I hastened on board again with my letter, and will leave thee to judge of what followed, and to partake of the joy which once more we were permitted to share together, I hope with humble gratitude. I was on shore again until late; but every thing moved tardily, and no wonder, when the judgments of the Almighty were at the very doors of most, in so striking a manner. In this small town one hundred and fifteen died that day. After another day unavoidably spent at Cronstadt, we got into the steam-boat on the 17th of seventh month, and reached the city about noon. It being first-day, it was expected that a considerable number of persons would be waiting the arrival of the steam-boat, as in former similar instances, it has sometimes been difficult to get through the crowd. But the contrast was so remarkable, that I did not suppose we had reached our proper destina. tion, as there were only three or four people belonging to the wharf to be seen, and not a single carriage standing for hire: scarcely any body was to be seen in the streets, and in some the grass was growing. We were at length favoured to reach our abode, and to find all well, to our mutual rejoicing,-such was the abundant and unmerited mercy bestowed upon us. William had anticipated our arrival, and thoughtfully got the letter conveyed only the day before, which afforded us so much relief. If it had not been for the new regulation, it is probable the letter would not have found me, as I should not have had occasion to go to the Custom-house. How admirably things are brought about, and a way made, when to finite comprehension none could be expected. Shoosharry establishment, Ninth month 22nd, 1831, O. S. In my last letter, I could give few particulars as to the number of persons that have fallen victims to this disorder, nor will the total number ever be known or made public. I have heard through a channel that cannot be doubted, that on the day we landed, eight hundred died in Petersburg. The published accounts state the total loss throughout the empire, at fifty-two thousand; and, we may be sure, that this is a very moderate calculation indeed. Through mercy, this calamity seems nearly overpast; and how should I rejoice if it was in my power to say, that the inhabitants have learned righteousness, whilst the "judgments of the Lord" have been so signally manifested in the earth. It is really astonishing what a degree of ignorance prevails, or what cause can have operated to deceive the people, many of whom at this day do not believe that such a complaint has ever existed; but suppose the mortality has been occasioned by poison administered by persons in the employ of the Poles. This delusion has itself caused a waste of human life. It would of course help to exasperate the public mind against the Poles; but this was not all, for it caused the lower orders to rise, and in their blind zeal, it is said, people were actually destroyed on suspicion of being paid agents: the doctors were implicated in this suspicion; and I believe at least one was I hope thou art at seasons favoured killed by the rabble. The fact is, the doctors sensibly to feel the presence of the ever bless- were altogether at a loss how to treat the dised Master: do not suffer thyself to be discou-ease: all their skill was baffled completely; raged, though He may seem to tarry long; and as almost every case was fatal to which but remember that "in due season we shall they were called, when this awful visitation reap, if we faint not." The path of suffering first commenced, it was considered sufficient is that which leads to blessedness and glory; proof that they were the authors of the misand it is only those who are willing to suffer chief. When we arrived, not above five out with Christ Jesus, who can expect to reign of every hundred cases recovered. Some of with Him therefore be not weary in well- these objects of suspicion were seized and doing. Let us humbly endeavour to dwell low, and abide with Him; being "buried with Him in baptism;" that so we may be among the happy number that shall rise with Him to life everlasting. I am more and more confirmed in believing, that nothing can separate us from His love; neither nakedness, nor peVOL. VII.-No. 3. searched, and compelled to swallow any article found upon them, supposed to be poison, in order to ascertain their guilt. We heard of one on whom a smelling bottle containing strong French salts was found; the test in this case, it is said, proved fatal. In another instance, the owner of a set of castors 11 was compelled to swallow the contents; but unheard-of cruelty. It really seemed as if by taking an emetic, he escaped material suf- the most trifling cause was enough to "turn fering. The rabble broke into some of the every man's hand against his fellow." I hospitals, and speedily liberated the patients: mentioned in a former letter, that no part of in one instance, they threw the doctor out of our establishment had lost a single man; but the window; he escaped being much hurt, and we afterwards lost a poor woman, who had was actually carried up stairs and thrown out been in the city, and fell ill the next day. a second time, and fell a sacrifice to their fury. Every thing in our power was done for her, The confusion was at one time so great, that but all was in vain. Two women were emsome people are said to have died of fear, and ployed to attend on her; but it was quite many fled from the neighbourhood. Others needful to look well after them: as an inshut themselves up to escape this terrible ma- stance, the poor creature had had a warm lady, but in repeated instances, those who bath, and in getting her out, her nurses pertook the greatest precautions, were the first ceived that her countenance was distorted, carried off. which so alarmed them, that they let her fall upon the floor, and ran away from her; so that it was absolutely necessary to compel them to return, and stay with her. Now, what must have been the neglected situation of thousands of these poor people, when it was with great difficulty that we could procure tolerable assistance for even one. We cannot wonder at every effort being used on the part of the government, to endeavour to check the progress of the disease; but these efforts were not always well devised or executed. The police very improperly took up every man, whom they suspected of having the complaint, and carried him off to an hospital; where, in spite of all he could say, he was immediately treated as a patient, and many such, perhaps from afterwards taking the complaint, never came out again alive. This treatment exasperated the people to such a degree, that they broke through all bounds, as they thought, in self-defence. One of our men was taken up, charged with having the disease; in vain he declared that he was in perfect health,-nothing would serve but his going to the hospital, where he was forthwith treated as a patient; but was released from his perilous situation by the multitude getting possession of the hospital, when he availed himself of the opportunity of escape, and returned to his work. With a view to prevent the contagion from spreading, the dead were hastily put into coffins, and it is very possible, that some were coffined before they were actually deceased, of course unintentionally. However, some coffins were detected with living bodies in them; so that altogether the scene of confusion scarcely ever had its parallel. The past has been a memorable year indeed; I seemed to partake pretty largely of changes, whilst hovering about my native land; and yet how much was to be passed through to complete a year, from the date of our leaving this country to its next anniversary. I have brought back with me impressions, to which my mind continually reverts, when looking at the past; impressions strongly engraven on my heart by the love, unity, and, may I not say, godly sincerity, and kindness, of many of my friends in England and Ireland. Although deprived of all these as to the outward, the remembrance of them remains sweet and precious, and I trust will lastingly endure with freshness and fragrance, and brighten the days, that I may yet have to sojourn in Mesech, and dwell in the tents of Kedar. TO FRIENDS OF YORK QUARTERLY Near Petersburg, First month 25th, 1832. Shortly after we arrived at Cronstadt, my attention was directed to a large open lighter, Under a renewed sense of the Lord's mafull of men and horses, crowded in all posi-nifold and tender mercies, which, to His praise tions. These people were in the act of flying and to His glory be it spoken, have compassed from the infection, hoping to reach the other us about "as with a shield," since we last saw side of the Gulf, and get off to the villages each other; my soul feels bound thus to reup the country. I think I never before saw such a closely stowed cargo of men and beasts, in all the course of my pilgrimage. cognize the good hand that has led us, and to Although far separated from each other as to the outward, yet such is the glorious privilege of the least living member of the true church universal, that nothing can separate, or prevent us from standing fast in the one Holy Spirit, striving together in one mind, for the faith of the gospel ;-" till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." For assuredly, my beloved friends, a day of trial is approaching, yea, hastening upon the nations, when nothing short of an individual heartfelt knowledge of Him, in whom we profess to believe, will stand unshaken by the storm. and chosen of the Lord: for had we followed the footsteps of our honourable predecessors in religious profession, who bore the burden and heat of a day of deep suffering, in the faithful support, in their original brightness, of those principles which they transmitted to us, the spiritual beauty of the gospel church might have shone forth even through us, with a splendour which the different professors of the Christian name, could neither have gainsayed nor resisted. And it is awfully impressed upon my mind, I might almost say, it is given me awfully to believe, that if the "world, and the things of the world," which "are not of the Father," had not stolen away our hearts from His love, the glad tidings of that gospel, which Great is the solicitude I feel on behalf of is indeed "the power of God unto salvation," our highly favoured religious Society, that it would, long ere this, have been proclaimed in may be preserved immoveable upon this its remote, in heathen portions of the habitable ancient and sure foundation, Jesus Christ- globe, by instruments raised up from amongst "Christ in you the hope of glory;" which us, duly prepared and clothed with the true, never did, and never will, fail those, who in baptizing authority of the Lord Jesus; whose simplicity believe, and faithfully build there- " inheritance is the heathen, and the utteron, nothing doubting. By diligently main- most parts of the earth his possession." He taining the watch in that holy light, bestowed alone can endue His messengers with "power in redeeming love on every individual of the from on high," in His name to open the eyes human race, the snares of the insidious ad- of the spiritually blind, to turn them from darkversary, although laid in the most insinuatingness to light, and from the power of Satan unto manner, will be detected and broken; the spe- God. Mark, then, the awful consequences of cious guise of a false religion itself will be penetrated. This has assuredly slain its thousands, who dazzled and distracted by creaturely activity and excitement, have thus been corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always; that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Blessed and holy injunction,-never out of season,-never more needed! our short-comings as a people; and let us tremble, lest God should visit our iniquity upon us; and the awful language should be sounded in our ears:-"The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation or people bringing forth the fruits thereof." "Watch ye, therefore," and remember, "and pray always;" for "the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God;" what then "shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" We may feel lamentably conscious of un- "Fear, and the pit, and the snare are upon worthiness, weakness, and incapacity from our thee, O! inhabitant of the earth!" from which manifold backslidings, to come up "to the help nothing but a Saviour's all-powerful arm, can of the Lord against the mighty," or to unveil extricate and deliver. All are involved in the the subtle workings of the mystery of iniquity momentous consequences; yet it is an indivito the sight of others. These feelings are pain- dual work, and admits of no delay. Then, ful; and how great is the need of circumspec- dear friends of every age and of every class, tion under them, lest, in the impatience of our let us hasten to it in earnest: let us "humble spirits, heightened as this too often is, by the ourselves under the mighty hand of God," ill-advised example and counsel of those about even to the state of little children; and turn us, we should attempt to stay the ark with un-inward to his pure unflattering witness, which sanctified and unauthorized hands; or lest we cannot deceive, or be deceived. Let us acshould countenance to our own condemnation willings and runnings, on the part of those with whom we may stand connected, which, however specious in themselves, nevertheless contribute most essentially and insidiously to promote the kingdom of anti-christ, already alas! extensive in the earth. Frequently am I brought under appalling apprehensions for us, as a people, sought out complish a diligent search, and patiently examine how far those indispensable conditions are submitted to on our part, without which none can follow the blessed Jesus. Where is that self-denial and the daily cross He enjoins? Are we denying ourselves those gratifications of time and sense, which nourish sin, and keep alive in us the evil propensities of fallen nature? Have we taken up that daily cross, and offered all to Him, "who died for us and rose eth, they may open unto him immediately;" again?" It is not giving up this or that par- even unto Him who said-" Behold I stand at ticular thing that will suffice: a full surrender the door and knock, if any man hear my of the will must be made to Him, "whose voice, and open the door, I will come in to right it is to reign." Let none plead for dis- him, and will sup with him, and he with me." obedience in what they may think little things, Then "lift up your heads, O ye gates! even on the ground of their being so. If such they lift them up ye everlasting doors! and the really are, they are the more easily parted with; King of glory shall come in. Who is this and our tenacity in wishing to reserve them, King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is assuredly indicates that they are of more im- the King of glory." portance in our practical estimation than we may be disposed to allow. Let no man deceive himself;-unqualified obedience is the necessary condition of discipleship. Without it we cannot be consistent followers of our Lord; and if not followers of Him, we cannot serve Him, be where He is, nor learn of Him that meekness and lowliness of heart, which draw down heavenly blessings and regard, and which he alone can bestow. As the sorrowful declension which has so marred the beauty of our religious Society, may be traced to departing from this heavenly indwelling principle of light, life, and love; so our restoration to primitive purity can only be effected by returning unto the Lord with full purpose of heart, in the depths of humility and self-abasement:-yea, my friends, nothing less than this will do. We must deny ourselves, take up our daily cross, and follow Him, who is "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;"-ever mighty to save, and to deliver; and who will deliver out of every distress the soul that in sincerity seeketh Him. Come brother-come sister-come all my dear friends; let no earthly consideration whatever be suffered to hinder this important work for "the night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light;" that we may no longer bring forth fruit, whereof we are ashamed,-for the end of those things is death; but that we may "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, to stand against the wiles of the devil. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Let us pray always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching thereunto, with all perseverance;" striving together in one mind for the faith of the gospel, even for that faith which worketh by love, purifieth the heart, and giveth victory over the world. Thus shall we indeed be found with "our loins girded about, and our lights burning, and we ourselves like unto men who wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knock In the love of the gospel, I remain your affectionate friend and brother, D. W. To J. H. Second month 3rd, 1832. I sincerely hope that fruit will result from the labours of the Committees [of the yearly meeting] in different parts of the country: it is high time for the Society to be roused, and awakened to a sense of its deplorable state, which appears to me, in too many instances, to be quite affecting and mournful. I have lately written a letter and forwarded it to Sheffield, for the examination of the Friends of Balby monthly meeting, addressed to Friends of York quarterly meeting. I began it with the expectation of writing to Balby monthly meeting; but I found it must have a more general circulation than the monthly meeting could give it. If it should be approved and accepted, it cannot be too widely spread; and with its present address it may probably be sent to the different monthly meetings, and from thence to the preparative meetings, which would be a great relief to me. But whichever way it may terminate, I must rejoice; for if accepted, a great weight will be removed from my shoulders; and if thought objectionable, I shall still rejoice in having endeavoured to discharge my duty; which will enable me to bear the disappointment with patience and submission. To E. B. Third month 29th, 1832. Although a very poor creature myself, and often bowed down under a weight of exercise, yet I am at times comforted to feel great love in my heart for my dear friends in England; greatly desiring that the present awful aspect of things may be an effectual means of driving every individual of us home to the precious principle of Truth, so mercifully implanted in every heart. The importance of this, as regards our own highly favoured Society as well as mankind in general, is more and more stamped upon my mind; believing that a great weight of responsibility will rest upon us, if instead of letting our light so shine, that others |