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seasons of deep exercise made a way when there appeared no way, and directed their steps to the exaltation of his great name. I wish his mercies may be remembered, and his wisdom and counsel sought in future steps.

man, one of the privateer's crew, who had been quarrelling and swearing much, called upon God to damn his soul! And though I used much entreaty with him and the other to cease, it was a considerable time before they could be prevailed with. This young "9th; First-day was at the two meetings at man, within half an hour afterwards, fell from Dover, which some Friends from Folkstone the fore-top-mast yard upon the bow of the attended. The Lord's merciful regard was vessel, and thence into the water, and was vouchsafed in both meetings, and the tender supposed to be killed by striking on the bow. impressions of Truth had some place in the I endeavoured to impress them with serious-minds of many, both of the youth and more ness after this sorrowful event; but so vain advanced. and ungodly were these miserable people, that they only jested and made ridicule of this man's death. So much wickedness as we saw and heard whilst these men were on board, and since being in Dunkirk, I never knew. They appeared ripe for every evil act, and boasted in their impiety. I mourned on behalf of so many likely young men giving themselves up to so much baseness, and becoming so hardened in sin.

"Second month 3d; I have endeavoured to look inward, and to wait for the directions of the great Master, but no service has yet been pointed out. We have been viewed by many, and I believe seriously. Last evening we spent some time acceptably with three sober persons. I did hope to find some religiously disposed people among the many English, &c., resident here; but the world is sought after, and the privateers being generally in port, the town is crowded with a set of the most profane men I ever was among; which grieved us much; but the Lord in mercy has supported hitherto, who can make hard things easy, and sweeten every bitter cup.

"4th; We left this wicked place, noted for privateers, who are now stopped from proceeding out of port, on account of preliminaries for peace being signed. We took coach, and reached Calais that evening.

"7th; Sailed about four o'clock in the morning, and after a boisterous passage, arrived before three o'clock at Dover, and went to the house of our friend Richard Low, where we were kindly received. In the evening we had a comfortable religious opportunity with several Friends at his house, in which my mind was much contrited, under a sense of the Lord's goodness in bringing us safe among our beloved friends.

"10th; I visited eight families of Friends, being the whole number in Dover; it appeared to me that a renewed visitation was extended to many, and I was comforted in this discharge of duty. In the afternoon set out for Folkstone, and in the evening had a large meeting with Friends and the people of the town, who behaved with much solidity; and Truth favouring, it was very satisfactory. I had religious opportunities in three families this evening, my mind being concerned for the beloved youth, and engaged in much love to them. Many of them were tendered.

"11th; Visited two Friends under bodily infirmity, and then attended the monthly meeting at Folkstone. Afterwards parted with Friends under a sense of Divine love and favour, and proceeded to Ashford.”

After having meetings at Ashford, Canterbury, Margate, &c.,

"16th; Was at two meetings at Canterbury, both favoured opportunities. The people behaved solidly, and the doctrine of truth ap peared to have place in many minds. Visited three families in the evening. My mind was thoughtful respecting Deal, and I proposed the matter to Friends; who encouraging a visit there, notice was agreed to be sent.

"17th; Set out early for Deal, accompanied by divers Friends of Canterbury. Some of the town's people attended the meeting, who behaved soberly; counsel and doctrine were opened to them; and my mind was relieved and favoured with quiet for yielding to this duty. Then returned to Canterbury.

"18th; After a religious opportunity in a Friend's family, in which the tendering goodness of the Lord was felt, we took carriage and reached Rochester, and were kindly re"8th; My mind has been for some days ceived by our friend William Horsenail, who, attended with an anxious concern that my with many others, several of whom were formdear friends in America, and particularly in erly shipwrights, and laboured in the king's my beloved city, may be kept humble, steady dock-yard, near this place, had been convinced and watchful. Notwithstanding there may be of the truth. My heart could but commemoa prospect of an accommodation between the rate and acknowledge the goodness of God, powers at war, yet some close exercises may in preserving us to this day under his favour. attend our religious Society. The Lord hathable notice. been with them in wisdom and counsel, in

VOL. VI.-No. 8.

66

Fourth-day, 19th; Attended the meeting

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at Rochester; said to be the largest in this county, though thirty years past it was so reduced that there was but one Friend. It was a comfortable refreshing time. Feeling a draught still towards the people, I appointed a meeting to be held in the evening; and notice being sent to the dock-yard at Chatham, the house was filled, and it was a good meeting; praised be the Lord!

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Fifth-day, not finding my mind thoroughly easy, I staid the mid-week meeting this morning; and Friends being select, except one woman, it was a relieving comfortable time to Here William Dillwyn met us, and we set out for Gravesend, and went to the house of a Friend, a shipwright, who has much business. The honest labour exercised towards him on account of his business, yielded me peace, and I believe was not unkindly taken by him.

"Sixth-day, reached our friend Joseph Row's house, in London, between one and two o'clock. My mind was covered with awfulness in entering this great city.

"First-day, 23d; Attended the meeting at Grace-church street in the morning, and at Devonshire house in the afternoon, which were large and solid, though the latter was silent, except a few observations I had to make. Many Friends collecting at Joseph Row's, we had a weighty opportunity, though under a sense of poverty.

"Second-day, attended the morning meeting of ministers and elders; and I was enabled to be faithful, in plain dealing, which I believe was received in love. Many have need to come more into a right example of plainness and self-denial. Met with Christiana Hustler and Hannah Wigham, they being engaged in the weighty service of visiting families in part of this populous city; a laborious work indeed.

"First-day, third month 2nd; Attended the meeting at Devonshire house, which was large and divinely favoured; the goodness of God being manifested, in renewedly extending his gracious call, to awaken a people who have too generally lived in forgetfulness of the manifold mercies dispensed to them.

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Second-day, attended the morning meeting; where was a large appearance of men and women Friends. The Lord opened counsel through many concurrent testimonies, in plain dealing with ministers and elders, and it was an edifying time.

"Fourth-day, attended the meeting at Gracechurch street; small as usual on the men's side. The world takes up the time and attention of many, and diverts from better prospects. It was a solid meeting, and good flowed to the youth.

"24th; Attended the quarterly meeting at Hertford. The business was conducted under a good degree of solidity. Yet for the want of a living zealous care to purge the camp, dimness and weakness prevail. There were some close remarks made, especially on the subject of tithes, many being suffered to remain members, who pay them, and so trample upon the testimony of truth held forth by our worthy predecessors, who suffered deeply for conscientiously refusing to comply with such antichristian demands. I had to express my belief, that truth and righteousness would not spread and flourish, until the Society was purged of such unfaithful members. Having experienced much poverty of spirit since I left London, and not being able to see my way until returning from meeting, and the path then appearing most clear to go towards Norwich, I parted with my dear friends, with whom I had travelled from family to family in London, in much unity, in visiting the seed there.

"First-day, third month 30th; At meeting at Norwich, I had to remark to Friends my concern of mind, at their negligence respect. ing the time appointed for gathering; meetings being often much hurt by the late coming of many who live at a distance, and do not leave home until the time they should be at meeting.

"Fifth-day, at meeting at Wymondham, attended by Friends from several places, and some of the sober neighbours; yet it was heavy and laborious. Next day returned to Norwich; thence to Yarmouth, Long Stratton, Diss, Brandon, Bury and Bardwell; a small meeting, there being only two men, one woman, two boys and two girls, besides the Friend who went as guide to us. Thence to Needham and Sudbury, and had a meeting there, to which came many people; and I hope some profitable impressions were made.

"26th; We are now in the county of Essex. The meetings in Suffolk and Norfolk are generally very small, and some not likely to be maintained long, unless there be a revival. The spirit of the world and an eager desire after its gains, pleasures and friendships, have been exceedingly baneful. The Lord having blessed in basket and in store, many who were useful in their day, their success in gaining much wealth, hath been, for want of due reflection, a means of raising the minds of many of their descendants above the pure witness; these have rejected the cross, and been carried away and lost to the Society; which is indeed sorrowful; for great favours call for great gratitude, and this is manifested by humility and faithfulness.

"First-day, attended two meetings at Saffron Walden, where the state of religion is at

a low ebb. I hope I may be enabled to keep the word of the Lord's patience;' but it is a stripping time, and I am led into suffering with the seed.

"For some weeks after I landed in England, my mind was seldom free from a sense of good; but dry seasons have attended since; yet I believe I am in my place, and have no room to murmur, for the dispensations of Divine Providence are in unerring wisdom.

"Second-day, to Bishop Stortford, where the monthly meeting for Hertford was held, and in the evening I joined three Friends in a religious visit to four families. Seventh-day, I saw the house and residence of the wicked Bishop Bonner; a Friend has since lived in it, and the monthly meeting was sometime past held there.

but it makes some stir and noise, and may
tend to open the eyes of some. It seems that
but few know the iniquity of the trade.
"Fifth-day, proceeded to Cirencester, and
had a meeting there; and on seventh-day ar-
rived at Bristol.

"First-day, fifth month 18th; Was at three large meetings in Bristol, which were favoured. On second-day morning a meeting for ministers and elders; and in the afternoon one was held for those who usually frequent our religious meetings; in which our friend Robert Valentine, laboured zealously in much plain dealing. He and myself went to a widow Friend's house, where we had a favoured opportunity with some youth and others. Third and fourth-days, meetings were held; which many teachers of different societies attended. "Fifth month 12th; This morning we set There were several appearances in the minisout towards Bristol; refreshed at Dunstable; try, but our friend Catherine Philips had the and hearing there were a few under the name most extensive service, in a clear line of docof Friends, I went to see them, and had a trine, and the people were attentive. These little counsel to drop at each house; then pro- meetings being well over, and favoured with ceeded to Tring, and found some tender spirit- the overshadowing wing of Divine love, is ed Friends: thence to Aylesbury and Witney. cause of thankfulness and reverent acknow"14th; The meetings we have been at have ledgment to the great Shepherd, who is still been generally small, with respect to Friends; manifesting that he is willing to be gracious, those not of our Society, in most places, man- and gather into his fold the scattered of the ifest a willingness to attend; but their views flock. There was a large appearance of the and expectations are much outward. Were beloved youth, to whom a fresh visitation is the professors of the blessed truth more gene- extended; and some, I hope, will submit thererally redeemed from the spirit and friendship to and become useful. But it is very sorrowof the world, and did they live and appear ful to observe some meetings in this land wholly more conformable to their profession, light dropped, and others in a declining way. Many would spread and truth prosper more. But are willing to come to our meetings, but when the eager pursuit after earthly treasure, and they consider the doctrine preached, and look employing in schemes of trade and business, at the example of many of the professors of talents, which, if sanctified by an humble sub- the truth, it is to be feared they stumble. But mission to the Truth, might be greatly useful the foundation stands sure, and the Lord still in removing burdens and scattering the dark- knows who are his. ness which now prevails, is cause of sorrow. "Third-day was the quarterly meeting for Much labour is wanting in this land, and some Gloucestershire, held at Frenchay, and divers mourn the fewness of rightly exercised ser- Friends coming from Bristol, the house was vants. So much barrenness prevails, that I crowded. The business being entered upon, sometimes think it scarcely quits cost to travel. it appeared that great weakness prevailed; but "The consideration of what step will be the use of a committee to visit the monthly advisable to take, to expose to the public, or meetings, to join in strengthening the hands those in power, the evils of the African slave of concerned Friends in the maintenance of trade, is likely to come before the yearly meet- our religious testimonies and discipline, being ing from the meeting for sufferings. A shock-pointed out, the meeting went into a nominaing case lately appeared: William Dillwyn tion. This meeting held upwards of seven writes me, that one hundred and thirty-three hours. In the evening I had a pretty seasonpoor creatures were lately thrown overboard able opportunity with some, who are wide alive, from a ship bound from Africa to the West Indies, more with a view to make a good voyage, as they term it, than from necessity. The negroes were weakly, and not likely to sell for much, and so to recover insurance, they made a plea of necessity. The insurance, as I am informed, was recovered,

from the simplicity which Truth leads into.

"28th; Feeling some exercise therefor to attend me, I thought it best, as the present time only is ours, to return to Bristol, to spend a few days more; though I was not idle when there. But I have private employ, which my companion, William Mathews, does

not seem led into. So I returned with my kind friend John Lury, and two other Friends, and was openly received."

Sixth to second-day, visited divers families, and attended several meetings.

prospect is gloomy; yet it is evident that the glory is not wholly departed from Israel; but a living concern is still maintained.

"17th; Rose early, took coach and came to Wellingborough, in company with our dear friends Esther Tuke and Benjamin Middleton.

"Sixth-day, the 20th; Was at the quarterly meeting at Leicester, in which it was evident that the life of religion was very low, few being livingly concerned for the exercise of our Christian discipline. Had a comfortable opportunity with some young people, and then proceeded for Nottingham, several Friends being in company.

"Sixth month 2nd; Went to the meeting of the overseers, and in the afternoon to the adjournment of the men's meeting, which held from three o'clock until half past eight. There are some well concerned Friends here; but they are kept under by a lofty overruling spirit, that is not properly baptized, but suffers the will and wisdom of man to prevail and act in the church; and sorrowful it is, that a carnal worldly spirit, that is not subject to "First-day, the 22nd; Went to the general the Truth nor the cross, has spread and meeting at Warnsworth, and sorrowful it was caused desolation. There are many tender to find that religion is at a low ebb in a place youth in this city who might be brought for- where once it greatly flourished; many have ward, if there were more of the leading mem-inherited the estates, but not the virtues and bers who preferred the cause of Truth to ali godly zeal of their forefathers. worldly considerations, and lived under the spiritual baptism. Third-day, I left Bristol and reached Melksham, and on sixth-day arrived in London.

"7th; Though absent in body, my heart yearns for my brethren at home, with desires for their preservation and advancement in the Truth. I am very sensible that a field of labour will open, to guard Friends and keep them from stepping into schemes of trade and unprofitable worldly cares. It will indeed be sorrowful, if any who have been brought to see the vanity of the world and its friendships, and had their prospects towards enduring good, should lose the sense thereof, and run with a giddy multitude into the pursuit of earthly treasure. In obtaining this they may be greatly disappointed, and may lose the enjoyment of that favour which is better than life.

"Second-day, attended the monthly meeting at Leeds. The meeting for business was large and measurably favoured; and on thirdday, coming to York, attended the meeting for ministers and elders, which was large and solid. On fourth-day was held the quarterly meeting, and in the evening a large favoured meeting for worship, to which came many of the town's people. On fifth-day, about eight o'clock, a committee met, appointed by the quarter, to visit the monthly and preparative meetings; in which several weighty matters were opened, tending to stir up and encourage Friends to labour for the good of the body.

"Friends at the quarterly meeting were reminded of the exercise of that pious man, John Woolman, who laid down his life in this place, respecting the poor black people; and they were desired, in the recess of parliament, to use their influence with such of its mem"16th; The yearly meeting closed about bers as they were acquainted with, to induce nine o'clock, P. M., and I was thankful that it them to think seriously on this subject, and ended so well; being on the whole a good labour to check the slave trade. There was meeting. And though there were some who a large appearance of solid, weighty Friends, intruded by worldly wisdom, and gave unea- and many promising young people, which siness to the truly exercised, yet the strength tended to give a comfortable hope. There of such is much broken, and truth and its are some in most places who are preserved testimony gain ground. There were at this under a sense of truth, and concerned for its meeting many well concerned Friends and prosperity. With respect to the petition lately hopeful youth. A petition to the parliament, presented to parliament, against the slave to prevent, if possible, the poor negroes being trade, Edmund Burke told Richard Shacklebrought from their country, was approved of, ton, he was sorry that he was not present, as and signed by about three hundred in the he could have spoken his abhorrence of this meeting. It was presented in parliament the detestable traffic. And another distinguished next day, favourably received and read. The member called upon a Friend, and expressed yearly meeting appointed a committee to visit Norwich, Bristol, Northumberland, Staffordshire and Wiltshire, to promote their joining with adjacent counties, as quarterly meetings, some of them being reduced. Meetings in many places are small and weak, so that the

his hearty willingness to afford any assistance he could in this matter. So that there is more encouragement than was expected. These accounts I expect, will be cordial to dear Anthony Benezet [of Philadelphia,] and many others. I much desire that my dear friends on that side,

may keep steadily on their watch, and being my steppings, I was not accused of wilful

persons

truly faithful to the openings of Divine counsel. Many deep exercises may be their portion. "There is a ranting spirit in some in this land, who give Friends trouble. Thirteen have lately been disowned, who were concerned in ships carrying guns, which has alarmed many; some of whom manifest an Ishmaelitish spirit; so that such as are engaged for truth's testimony everywhere, meet with their trials.

"Seventh-day, sixth month 27th; This morning had a solid parting opportunity with our dear friends William Tuke and wife, at whose house we had been kindly entertained at York, and proceeded to Darlington.

"First-day, was at two meetings there, and on second-day went to Durham. In the evening was a meeting for ministers and elders, which was small and dull. Some religious service opened, upon hearing the answers to the queries; which, though close, appeared well accepted. Here we met with our friend John Stevenson, who some years past visited Friends in America. Third-day the quarterly meeting opened by a meeting for worship, which was large. It was sorrowful here, as well as at other places, to observe the deviation of some who make profession with us, from that plainness and simplicity which Truth leads into. Many have multiplied their outward store, and the youth have soared above the pure witness and despised the cross. In the meeting for business, many seasonable remarks were made, to excite to a more attentive care and concern to put the discipline in practice, and I believe some honest Friends were strengthened.

"Sixth-day was the quarterly meeting for Westmoreland; in the evening a public meeting for worship, both low and exercising seasons; neither of us had anything to offer.

"Seventh-day, went to see several Friends, and laboured to attend to the opening of truth, but I was so bound as in fetters, that I had little to communicate.

"First-day, seventh month 6th; I was at two meetings in Kendal; and on second-day at the general meeting at Preston Patrick, to which many came from Kendal and other places. It was a season of deep exercise to me. On third-day morning was a meeting for ministers and elders, for Lancaster monthly meeting; then the monthly meeting for business; and in the evening a meeting for ministers and elders for the quarter. And on fourth-day was the quarterly meeting. All these meetings were scasons of exercise; my mind, both in and out of meetings, being deeply proved, yet kept in a good degree of patience and resignation. On duly ponder

omissions or commissions; and believed I was dipped into a sympathy with the pure seed, which lies oppressed in the hearts of many.

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Fifth-day, not being fully easy to leave Lancaster, I attended their mid-week meeting, in which I found my mind more at liberty. Spent part of the remainder of the day in visits, to my relief and satisfaction, among some who had deviated widely from the simplicity of the truth.

66

"Sixth-day, my companion having set forward for Liverpool yesterday, I took coach this morning in company with Richard Shackleton, and arrived at Liverpool in the evening. First-day, the 13th; Was at two meetings there, in which counsel was opened to divers states. This meeting is much increased since I was here, thirty years ago; but flocking to places of trade, and getting money, being the great objects of many, and the improvement of the spiritual gift not being properly attended to, it is not to be admired at, that the life of religion is low and the seed oppressed. However, there are some valuable hopeful Friends here. I believe a concern for better times grows, and a gracious visitation is renewed to many, which, if attended to, will qualify to bring forth acceptable fruits. It would grieve our dear friend Anthony Benezet, were he here, to see with what earnestness and diligence, numbers of vessels are fitting out for Africa. The great profits made last year, have stimulated many.

"Fourth-day, the 16th; I was yesterday at the monthly meeting of Hardshaw, held at Warrington, being that from whence my grandfather went. I felt more interested in it, as having sprung out of it, from my forefathers; and was pleased to find that the discipline appeared to be conducted with more regularity and zeal, than in most I have been at in this nation.

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Sixth-day, 18th; About two o'clock set sail in the brig Dublin, captain Sergeson, and on second-day following, in the afternoon, we landed safe at Dublin; being mercifully preserved in our passage, though our vessel struck on a place called the Kish, on the evening of first-day, the weather being very foggy. On this sand bank, in the third month last, an East Indiaman struck and sunk, and all on board perished; so that we have cause to be humbly thankful we were guided safely. I went to the house where I formerly quartered, and was kindly received by William Taylor and his mother.

"Third-day, attended the meeting at Meath street, at which were mostly young people; good was felt therein. The rest of the week

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