UNIVERSALITY of Divine grace testified to by with the missionaries, 221; sails for Tawai, 222;
the South Sea Islanders, 154.

MEMOIRS

OF

THE LIFE AND GOSPEL LABOURS

OF THE LATE

DANIEL WHEELER,

A MINISTER OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.

"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God."-PSALM xl. 2, 3.

PREFACE.

IN presenting to the public the following Memoirs, a few explanatory remarks may be requisite.

The narrative of his religious visit to the South Sea Islands, &c., has been carefully revised since its last publication, and some additional matter from the original notes has been interspersed.

been furnished by the amiable family, who were then his kind attendants.

For some years previous to the decease of For the closing years of his life, the private our honoured parent, it was evidently a mat- journal has again been quoted. The brevity ter which he had much at heart, to leave be- of the American portion of it, will perhaps hind him some narrative of his life; no doubt be regretted, though easily explained by the believing that a record, in which might be increasing age and infirmities of the writer; traced so many instances of divine mercy and but although short, it was thought to contain interposition, could not but be instructive and matter of sufficient interest to warrant its instrengthening to others. This work, how-sertion. The record of his last illness has ever, though commenced in the year 1831, was never completed; and it has been our duty to supply the deficiency from whatever The appendix will be found to contain sesources lay within our reach. From the pe- veral articles which, though not actually a riod at which the auto-biography abruptly part of the narrative, are yet interesting in terminates, to the time of his removal to connexion with it. The extracts from the Russia, the recollections of his family, and, notes of our brother Charles, written whilst in some instances, the memoranda of his in- accompanying his father amongst the islands timate friends, have furnished the only data: of the Pacific, exhibit a somewhat succinct but it must be observed, that nothing has been view of the condition of their inhabitants, and allowed a place, which could not be stated are the more worthy of notice, as their la with entire confidence; more might undoubt-mented author was not only himself well qualiedly have been given, by including incidents fied to observe, but also to estimate the evinot so distinctly remembered, and matter de-dence of others.

rived from traditional, rather than personal It will be seen, that the present work is to knowledge, which in the present instance has been carefully avoided.

Of the succeeding sixteen years, viz.: from 1817, the private correspondence of the deceased affords almost the only materials; but as this was tolerably copious, and generally written with the entire openness of friendship, it constitutes not the least valuable part of the work.

VOL. VII.-No. 1.

be regarded chiefly in the light of a compila. tion. From the nature of some of the materials, it will also be evident, that it has occasionally been as much a duty to omit, as in other instances to insert; but the reader may be assured, that the selection has been fairly and impartially made: and that whenever any alteration has been attempted, it has been merely a verbal correction, without affecting

1

the sense of the passage. It is hardly possi- flect a little on that account, I was made senble that so near a relation to the deceased sible of a divine visitation extended to me at should be an entirely impartial Editor, and if that time; disclosing, with indubitable clear. any passages should be found indebted for ness, the vanity and emptiness of every earththeir insertion rather to feeling than to judg-ly station, tarnishing the pride and glory ment, it is hoped that both the judgment and of this perishing world in my sight; and feeling of the reader will combine to induce him to make some charitable allowance.

Thus left an orphan, through the interest In 1794 or 1795, he paid a short visit to of a relative, he was entered on the King's his eldest sister residing near Sheffield, who books as midshipman at an early age: whilst was married, and had become a member of he was preparing for the service, and before the Society of Friends by convincement. He he had completed his thirteenth year, circumstances led to the breaking up of the family circle, giving rise to a long separation from his brothers and sisters, to whom he was very warmly attached.

When about sixteen years of age,' he says, Reflecting on these disasters, and the renew'having been unwell, and probably led to re-ed occurrence of wonderful preservation, so

unexpected and so undeserved, his heart was touched; he could not resolve a third time to expose his life as he had done, but determined to quit the army, so soon as he could meet with suitable employment. He communicated this resolution to his sister at Woodhouse near Sheffield, and returned thither, having given up his commission, in 1796.

His mind was now opened to embrace the principles of Friends, and he attended our meeting at Woodhouse. This excited the ridicule of some of his nearest relatives and companions, whose astonishment was great at the thorough change that soon appeared in him. The work was not suffered to be long on the wheel; the effect was decisive and permanent, affording a display of divine power, not less remarkable in this rapid conversion, than where there has been a more gradual accomplishment of its purposes.

He made an application to be admitted into membership with Friends: and after a suitable time, his request was complied with, in the second month, 1799.

It is worthy of notice, that but little, if any, instrumental means was concerned in th's remarkable change. Whilst attending the small and generally silent meetings of Woodhouse, Daniel Wheeler had felt the truth of our principles, and had yielded to the conviction. His was a stability and growth in religion of no ordinary measure. In a very few years after his convincement he was appointed an overseer, and he was indeed a bright example of zeal, sincerity, and love to his friends, in that responsible station.

teem of all with whom he had to do. Yet it was easy to see where his heart was fixed: his Bible was his favourite companion, and the few minutes that could be spared at a time amidst his daily concerns, were spent in the perusal of the inspired writings.

For some time previous to 1813, the impression had become strong upon his mind, that he would be called to advocate the cause of truth and righteousness upon the earth. Very deep were his conflicts, and very close was his application of soul to his heavenly Father for strength to perform his will; and it was his practice, when he lived in the country, to withdraw early in the morning to a small field near his house, for the purpose of religious retirement and prayer.

He was very watchful lest he should be led away from the grace vouchsafed to him; frequently refraining from conversation apparently inncocent, and in which he delighted, lest at any unguarded moment he might grieve that Holy Spirit, whom he felt to be his comforter and guide. He was recorded as an approved minister in the sixth month, 1816.

About this period our friend was made sensible that some sacrifice would be called for on his part, as an evidence of his gratitude for the unutterable mercy and great condescension of the Almighty, in having plucked him as a brand from the burning; and he saw clearly that it was indispensable for him, as much as might be, to separate himself from the world and the things of the world, by declining his prosperous trade, and retiring with his family into a smaller compass. The exAn opening to begin business in a small tent of his business was becoming a burden. way at Sheffield presenting itself, was readily He felt the force of our Lord's declaration, embraced; and in this, as in his future under-"Ye cannot serve God and mammon;" and his takings, the divine blessing appeared to attend obedience to the requirement was full and unhim, and to crown his exertions with success. reserved. Not,' said he, that I have acIn the sixth month, 1800, he was married quired a sufficiency, without doing something to Jane Brady, the daughter of Thomas and for my livelihood; far from it. I have still Rachel Brady of Thorne, in whom he found a prospect of maintaining my family comfora helpmate indeed, of sound judgment, guile- tably with care and industry, leaving the less and faithful. He remarks in a letter event to Him who knows the thoughts and written after her death, the heavenly Mas-intents of the heart. I have no desire to acter's love has never ceased to follow us through all the vicissitudes of time, during a life, not a little chequered, for a term of more than thirty-two years and a half, when He was pleased to deprive me of my greatest earthly treasure, and to take back that which He gave; but it was His own, I verily believe, even His,―the same who enabled me to say, in the moment of my greatest distress, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."

As a tradesman, he was diligent in business; he was also "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." By the strictest attention to integrity in all his dealings, he gained the es

cumulate riches for my children, the blessing seldom attends it; and the baneful effects thereof are too often visible, even in our Society.'

His mind was thus disposed to withdraw from his concerns in trade, and he was in a state of waiting preparation, when an inquiry was made, on behalf of the Emperor Alexander of Russia for a member of the Society of Friends, to superintend some works of drainage and of agriculture in the neighbourhood of Petersburg. Daniel Wheeler offered himself for the service, and finally accepted the appointment.

On the 18th of sixth month, 1818, he at- his family; nor did they omit the frequent tended the meeting at Sheffield, when he took perusal of the writings of Friends.

sing them once a year, and occasionally at other times; putting them in remembrance of the things which belonged unto their peace.

In the fourth month, 1825, our friend Daniel Wheeler was liberated by his monthly meeting to attend the yearly meeting in Dublin, and for other religious engagements in Ireland. He was also concerned in third month, 1831, to visit Friends in Devonshire and Cornwall, as well as the inhabitants of the Scilly Islands. These services appear to have been accomplished, much to the satisfaction of his friends, and to the comfort of his own mind.

an affectionate leave of Friends there. He For the distant members of his own monthtold them that nothing less than apprehended ly meeting he evinced his concern, by addres duty could have induced him to take the present step; that four years ago it was clearly intimated to him, that it would be required of him to remove into Russia; and though the prospect was very trying to the natural part, yet endeavouring to obtain resignation, he had been favoured to feel sweet peace. His mind had been deeply affected while sitting among them, in viewing the prospect before him, when he would be deprived of the precious privilege of thus assembling with his friends; that he wished none might suppose his case a hard one, for he thought that there was scarcely a person on the face of the earth, who had more largely partaken of the At the end of 1832, whilst he was confined gracious dealings and protecting care of a by indisposition at the house of a friend in merciful Providence. Twice he had been pre- Norfolk, the mournful intelligence arrived served from shipwreck, he had been favour- from Russia of the death of his beloved wife. ed to escape the devouring pestilence when This was one of the greatest trials that could numbers were falling around him; and, when have befallen him; but the Almighty hand many were destroyed by the cruel hand of was near to comfort and sustain him; and he war, his life had indeed been marvellously was mercifully strengthened to say, "The spared. And surely the Almighty Being, Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; whose arm had been so often extended for his blessed be the name of the Lord." preservation, when he was running headlong in the paths of error, had a right to dispose of the residue of his days, and was worthy of obedience.

He shortly after embarked for Petersburg, and took charge of the works committed to him. These operations appear to have been conducted successfully, much to the improvement of the extensive estates, and to the satisfaction of the parties concerned. There is also ground to hope, that his labours will at a future day prove a blessing to that empire.

A little before this he had laid before his friends at their monthly meeting in ninth month 1832, his prospect of paying a visit in gospel love to the Islands of the Pacific ocean, Van Diemen's Land, and New South Wales; in which, as well as in the quarterly meeting and the morning-meeting of ministers and elders in London, he had their full concurrence and earnest desires for his preservation.

For so very extensive a service, the neces sary arrangements occupied a considerable time; these being at length completed, he sailOn account of circumstances connected ed from the Thames the 13th of eleventh with the religious profession of the country, month, 1833. The vessel was proceeding the gospel services of our dear friend were down the English Channel, when on the 21st much circumscribed to private interviews; and they were overtaken by a heavy storm, which in the line of his religious duty, he addressed induced them to take shelter off the Isle of the English residents in that city. The uni- Wight; and from adverse winds, and other formly guarded and consistent life and conver- causes, they were not able to take their final sation, the unbending integrity which no self-departure until the 15th of third month, 1834. interest could warp,-no influence from without He had been anxious to set out, and this decould suppress, will be long had in honourable remembrance in that land, to the glory of that Lord and Master, whom diligently to serve and faithfully to obey, was more to our dear friend than the smiles of princes, or all that the world could bestow.

tention was a great exercise to his faith. Yet, prompt in his movements as our dear friend was accustomed to be, when his duty was clearly defined, his example is strikingly instructive, in the patience and the stedfast faith with which he would wait until the true light During the abode of Daniel Wheeler in so shone upon his path, as to point out not Russia, he was careful to keep up in his house only the way, but the right time to move in the regular attendance of meetings for wor- it; and closely as he had been tried on this ship, twice on first-days, and on fifth-days. occasion, he was at last permitted to see and An orderly and regular attention to the read-acknowledge, that he had not been detained ing of the Scriptures was daily observed in one day too long.