"Ninth month 23d; Our yearly meeting labour to have the eye single, and to be truly began and continued until the 29th. It was devoted in heart. I spread my concern before a season of favour, and held in solemn quiet, the meeting; much sympathy with me was great peace and brotherly love. The city, expressed, and my certificate endorsed. My during this time was quiet; but the last day mind was favoured with a solid covering, and there was a stir made, and it appeared as I was very desirous that the meeting might though evil was designed against Friends. not give way through a regard for me, but The effigy of Arnold was carted about with that a single eye might be kept, as the matter men on horseback, and a great rabble follow-was deeply interesting to Friends, as well as ing. They advanced towards Friends' meet- to myself. ing house in Pine street; but on the way, it is said, hearing that the meeting was broken up, they turned down Spruce street. Having occasion after meeting, to pass along Front street and by the coffee-house, where a number of people were collected, some of them appeared very wrathful, and cursed us as we passed, Henry Drinker being with me. But the Lord, whose interpositions in many instances have been marvellous, disappointed the evil designs of bad men, which might have been manifested, had not the meeting concluded.

"Having felt of late an increasing concern to cross the great deep on a visit to my friends in Europe, though I had been for some days very poor and low in mind, and did not know that I should have life and strength to open it to Friends, yet at our monthly meeting on the 29th of twelfth month, some time after the business was entered upon, I felt as though it would be safest for me to make the attempt, and was strengthened to do it in a solid manner; beginning with the words of Christ; 'He that seeketh to save his life, shall lose it; but he that layeth down his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.' A solemnity spread over the meeting, and after a time of solid waiting, several expressed their unity, and a committee was appointed to prepare a certificate. This was what I scarcely looked for, considering the smallness of my gift, but the Lord is able to prepare the way for his own work.

"21st; Having been thoughtful about some Friends at Deer creek, accompanied by David Sands, Samuel Emlen, jr., and some others, I set out; and on fifth-day attended the meeting there, which was an exercising, suffering time. Here are divers valuable Friends, but much oppressed with a wrong spirit, which is prevalent in some there.

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•Third month 15th; Feeling some engage. ment of mind to attend the quarterly meeting at Warrington, on the west side of the Susquehanna, I set out; and on the 16th called at Lancaster, to see our friends Moses Roberts and John Hughes, who have been prisoners upwards of eleven months, without conviction or trial. They were supported in patience.

"On the 17th I crossed the river Susquehanna, and attended the quarterly meeting at Warrington on second-day; where William Mathews laid before his brethren, his concern for visiting Friends in Europe. I reached home on fifth-day evening, having cause to be humbly thankful to the Father of mercies.”

CHAPTER II.

Second visit to Europe-Travels in England and Ireland.

"Having had the concurrence and unity of the monthly, quarterly, and yearly meetings of Friends, to which I belonged, in the religious exercise of mind, which the Lord, as I apprehended, begot in me, to resign to his will in visiting my friends in Europe; I used "Second month 3d, 1781; Jacob Lindley, diligent endeavours to settle my worldly conwho lately returned from Carolina, relates cerns; in which I reverently acknowledge that some Friends, about ten in number, were the Lord made way for me; and in the fourth forced by the soldiery along with them, when month, 1782, it appeared to me best to join about to combat the British army in that our dear friend William Mathews, under a country; and when they approached, and like religious engagement. At our quarterly were likely to fire at each other, these Friends, meeting of ministers and elders, held on the who refused to bear arms, were put in the 4th of fifth month, I was free to let my dear front, both parties being near, with their guns friends know, that the time for me to leave presented. One of the Friends desired his them appeared near; which quickened my brethren to do as he should, and he fell flat attention to do everything that appeared neto the ground, as did the rest. A fire imme-cessary, previous thereto. This kept me budiately ensued, and the Americans were routed sily engaged, visiting divers Friends; with and many slain near these Friends, yet they escaped. I thought this worthy of notice. "5th; At our quarterly meeting I had to remark to Friends the necessity there was to

some of whom I had seasonable opportunities, in which the softening virtue of Truth prevailed, and I hope, made profitable impressions.

not make the consent of human authority a condition of my obedience to Divine requiring; yet am willing, by thus making my case known to you, to remove all occasion of misapprehension or misrepresentation. And recommending you with myself to God, and to the word of his grace nigh in the heart, that by atten tion and obedience thereto, we may experience peace in our minds here, and happiness hereafter,

"Second-day, sixth month 10th, 1782; Many and not interrupted in their religious endeaFriends came to take their leave of me in muchvours for the promotion of piety, virtue and affection, and we had some solid opportunities godly living. Under this consideration, and in retirement that evening and next morning. not from a disposition to give offence, I dare My heart was humbled under a sense of the love, sympathy and concern for me, begotten in the hearts of my dear friends and some others. Having parted with them and my tenderly beloved wife, accompanied by my dear brother James, &c., I set out to overtake William Mathews, who was then visiting meetings in Bucks county. Previous to his leaving the city, viz: on the 23d of fifth month, I went with him, my brother James, and some other Friends, to William Moore, president, whom we acquainted with our religious prospect. He appeared tender and concerned for us, and particularly so for me, as we had been acquainted from school boys, and the penalty of the laws was great, for departing without consent. We informed him that we did not mean purposely to displease, but apprehended that to those who had nothing in view but an honest discharge of duty in the sight of God, and the promotion of piety and virtue, no difficulties should be given. After this we sent something of like import to the council; as follows, viz:

"To the president and council:

"I remain your real friend,

"JOHN PEMBerton.

"Philadelphia, Fifth month 30th, 1782."

"Sixth month 12th; I desire to be kept humble, patient and resigned. Poverty attends me, yet as we passed from house to house in our journey, I had to break bread spiritually.

"13th; I overtook William Mathews at Hardwick, in New-Jersey, and was most easy to continue there until first-day. On seventhday we joined Friends in drawing up a representation of the sufferings to which they were liable, by an oppressive law made some years before. The meeting at Hardwick was large, and divers appeared hopeful; yet, alas! the life of religion is low; but Truth helped to labour in the honest discharge of duty. We went thence to Paulin's kiln, and had a meeting there.

Having, by the constraining power of God's love influencing my spirit, been at times engaged to call sinners to repentance and amendment of life, and to publish the glad tidings of peace, life and salvation, through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour; and find- 18th; Very hot weather. We were much ing my mind drawn by the same Divine spent in riding about forty miles to New-Cornpower and love, to visit my brethren in reli- wall, in New-York. On the 20th we reached gious profession in Europe, as the Lord may New-Marlborough, and the next day attended open my way; I have, agreeable to the regu-monthly meeting there. Thence we took meetlar, decent, and orderly way, used in our reli-ings at Crum Elbow and the Creek, meetings gious Society, solidly opened my concern to settled within a few years, and large. Friends here, who, after deliberate and weighty consideration, have signified their sympathy, unity and concurrence with this religious engagement, by their certificates; leaving me to the Lord and the guidance of his holy Spirit. And believing the time to be come for me to move forward, and leave my native country, my near connexions, and whatever is dear to me in this life, I inform you hereof: and do declare, that I have no sinister view or worldly concern to promote; but singly the honest and upright discharge of a duty, laid and enjoined on me, as I believe, by that Almighty and holy Being who formed us for his glory, and hath a right to our service, to be obeyed and followed in all things; for therein consists our peace and happiness here and forever. And believing the gospel of Christ to be free, the true ministers thereof ought to be free also,

Second-day, 24th; We had a large meeting at the Nine-partners; thence to Oswego, Apoughquague, Oblong and Amawalk; many professors and a plain people, but the life of religion at a low ebb. At Oblong we met with J. Eldridge, who appeared to be in a very ranting spirit, and seemed to value himself upon a certificate he had from New-England. I told him I hoped he would not represent that he had one from Friends in unity. It is right to be tender towards the man, yet necessary to set him in his proper place. I urged his speedy return home, and not to impose upon Friends in his way, by appearing in meetings, which he did at Oblong the day before we reached there.

"While we were at Amawalk, five young men came boldly into the room in which we were sitting at a Friend's house, three of them

armed. I thought as I quietly sat, I felt the perturbation of mind they were in; and apprehended, as I afterwards understood was the case, that they were going out to seek prey, being such who made a spoil of all they could take or meet with, without respect to party. I was affected under a consideration of their situation and evil life. They were going towards the part we intended for next day.

"First-day, sixth month 30th; We set out early, and passed through a country formerly well settled, but now much deserted; so that rubbish was growing over fields cultivated in past years, and grass in them and along the way side, which would have afforded much hay; the sight of which was affecting. We passed through without hindrance, though we saw some military men on the way, who had just returned from lying in the woods through fear of their enemies. Alas! how are some who profess the Christian name misled, and how will they risk health and life for false honour!

had not the Lord left unto us a seed, we might have been as Sodom and like unto Gomorrah.' But many are at ease, and an inward fervent labour is much wanting.

"Seventh month 9th; We crossed to Long island, and the next day were at a large meeting at Westbury.

"28th; We have attended divers meetings on the island, and yesterday the quarterly meeting ended here. There are many valuable Friends, but it has been a baptizing time to me and my companion. Yet, through favour, my mind has been preserved quiet, and in a good degree resigned, knowing that those who are admitted to be glorified, must be willing to suffer where the great Master suffers. I cannot forget my dear friends in Philadel phia, whose labour is great. So will the reward of the truly diligent and faithful be, who care more to be exercised in the Lord's work and service, than in their own, and to have their eye in their Head, and to be preserved single. This will give us to see things, which by many may be overlooked. Indeed it is a great attainment to keep self under, and a steady watchfulness is necessary.

"The yearly meeting here appointed thirtyseven Friends, and directed the two quarterly meetings to appoint so many in each, that the number altogether might not be less than fifty, to compose a meeting for sufferings.

"On first-day we were at Shapaqua meeting; then to Purchase, Mamaroneck and Westchester. These meetings were low exercising seasons; and my mind was greatly stripped, not being able to see my way clearly; yet I was engaged in some labour, in each meeting. After this we proceeded to New-York; the country from Amawalk hither, the way we came, being much deserted, except by Friends, who mostly kept their habitations. Though many of them were robbed and spoiled, and some had met with much personal abuse, yet the Lord had been gracious; and none appeared to want the necessaries of life, though they lived and fared differently from what they once had done. It would have been comfortable to find that these "Sixth-day, the meeting for sufferings met; sufferings had had a more profitable effect, that part appointed by the quarterly meeting, and that the professors of the blessed truth and those of the yearly meeting, who reside had become more truly alive in their profes- on the main; and during our sitting, a numsion. There is, however, a precious seed in ber of armed men rode up to the meeting most places, and some promising youth; but in the general, life is much wanting.

"In New-York, accompanied by dear David Sands, I visited several families; and on firstday we were at two meetings, both large. But, alas! a worldly spirit is prevalent, and the desire of gain has captivated many.

"Third-day, the 31st; My mind being drawn to attend the quarterly meeting at the Purchase, on the main, I crossed the ferry at Whitestone, and next morning went to the quarterly meeting for ministers and elders, where many solid valuable Friends met. The meeting was owned, and my spirit measurably comforted.

house. They appeared noisy and rough, so that there was room to think they designed mischief; but finding the quarterly meeting had ended, they seemed disappointed. They came, as was supposed, with intent to take Friends' horses; but few being there, and these mostly mean, after some time they rode "I have abundant need of the prayers of off. Several Friends, in coming to this meetthe faithful, for I am proved, and expect to being, were much beaten and abused, and upin deaths oft;' but I labour to keep the word wards of twenty horses were taken, some by of the Lord's patience, and however simple, the British, some by the continental party, to be faithful; and my mind has been mostly and others by persons who live between the quiet, and steadily desirous to move as Divine lines, under no rule. My mare was stolen in Wisdom may direct. As we have passed the night. Friends appeared very patient along, the state of religion has been very under their trials, though some were a great low, yet in every place the Lord has a pre-distance from their homes. The losing of cious seed, a concerned few. And indeed, my mare I blame myself for, as a secret un

easiness attended my mind, and a gentle hint to keep her up that night, which I spoke of, but did not sufficiently urge.

"Third-day, I came by water to New-York. On fourth-day was the monthly meeting there, which did not end till the next day. Here, as well as in other places, there is need of the revival of more deep religious concern, for a qualification to labour rightly in the cause of Truth.

meetings, and met with an open reception. My mind hath been much with my friends in Philadelphia, in deep sympathy, and humble inward prayer that the Lord's arm might be revealed, and that the machinations of seducers and evil men may be frustrated.

"Fourth-day, eleventh month 6th, was the monthly meeting at New-York, at which David Sands and myself mentioned a desire to visit some of the families of Friends, and some who have dispersed in this season of difficulty; which being concurred with, we visited sixteen families this week, in which Truth favoured with counsel, to our own peace and the comfort of the visited.

"Eighth month 25th; We have spent about a week with our dear friend David Sands, who is seeking opportunities among the people of Long island, not in religious society with us; and has had eight meetings among such. There was an openness to promote "16th; This week we visited thirty famimeetings, and to receive the doctrine of truth. lies; four young men fled from their friends, "30th; We parted with him yesterday, in one of the families. The Lord continued about fifty miles eastward of this place, West- to favour with wisdom and strength. bury. He appears better fitted than most I "23d; Visited this week, twenty-seven famihave known for this weighty engagement. lies, spending a considerable time in one famiHis open, easy, and innocent way, has greatly, at two separate opportunities, where there place, as well as his ministry. It was with is a painful division. Had a comfortable opmuch reluctance he parted with us, and a portunity at Lindley Murray's: he and his trial to me to leave him. But considering the wife are tender hopeful Friends. season advanced, I thought prudence directed our drawing nearer to the place of embarkation, if the way should open.

"Twelfth month 5th; Went on board a boat and arrived at Staten island, in order to visit the dispersed of our religious Society there, and on the 10th returned to New-York again, having had seven appointed meetings on the island, besides private labours.

"31st; There does not appear a likelihood of a a passage soon offering. We went to look at several vessels, previous to the 14th instant, but the way did not seem open to me. In the "There was great openness among the right time it may; which I desire to be helped people. The meetings were solid and weighpatiently to wait for, and to move, or not to ty, and such an awful silence prevailed, as is move, as the Lord shall see meet. It is a rarely felt in our religious meetings. Our great thing to be enabled truly to say, 'Not dear friend David Sands, laboured much, and my will, but thine, O Lord, be done.' My many hearts were tendered. No Friend, exstrength and experience are far less than they cept our worthy deceased friend, Abraham might have been, had the early visitation of Farrington, had before had a religious meetDivine love been faithfully attended to, a wil-ing there, that can be remembered. The peolingness wrought to become a fool for Christ's sake, and fleshly reasonings not suffered so much to prevail as they did for many years. I am concerned that the youth of the present day may bow under the Divine yoke, and willingly learn of Him who is meek and low of heart.

"First-day, ninth month 1st; Went to Westbury meeting, and in the afternoon had a large meeting with the black people, held in said meeting house. They behaved well.

"11th; It remains uncertain when a fleet may sail; though some men-of-war, it is said, are likely to depart hence, when private ships also may sail; but these are either prizes, or fitted in a warlike manner, neither of which would be easy to me.

"Tenth month 2nd; At Westbury, met with our friend David Sands, on his return from a laborious visit to the people in the east part of Long island; where he had above seventy

ple lived for some years without a priest, and having experienced many trials, and not being bound to any set form, appeared more open to receive the impressions and doctrine of truth. I believe we went in an acceptable time to those who were formerly members, and are now dispersed, and to the inhabitants generally.

"It looks likely I may soon leave my beloved native shore, and be tossed on the wide ocean, proceeding to new baptisms and trials. Oh, that I may be kept faithful. I find sorrowfully, that I have yet to struggle hard with a cowardly disposition, which at times prevails. I feel my own weakness and disqualification for so weighty an embassy; but the Lord hath hitherto furnished, and helped beyond my desert or expectation. I have him only to depend upon, and wish I may be kept simple, faithful, and resigned to be any thing or nothing, as he may see meet.

It is

a great trial to nature, to become mean and little.

"21st; About two o'clock, taking a solemn leave, went on board the ship New-York, with my companion William Mathews: she is much crowded with passengers, who are respectful to us; but their company will be trying, as there appear few who have much sense of religion. The Lord hath hitherto helped, and kept me in a state of resignation; and I can say, with one of old, I desire neither poverty nor riches, but that he may feed me with food convenient for me.

"24th; We are now under way, with a fair wind. I continue favoured with a quiet mind and humble trust.

"First month 12th and 13th, 1783; Wet and stormy; so that we went with bare poles and the dead lights all in.

"24th; Between six and seven o'clock, P. M., we saw a light, supposed to be the light-house on one of the Scilly islands. We have great cause to be humbly thankful to the Preserver of men, in thus far being gracious to us, though unworthy, and the time of many on board has been badly spent.

ning a great risk, to send them from the ship, as the sea was high. They left only two hands and a boy on board belonging to the vessel, and that night the ship and the privateer being separated, the people put on board to govern the ship, proved very unskilful: they appeared afraid most of the time. The passengers generally remained on board, but our captors were assured we would not attempt to hurt them. I may acknowledge, to the praise of the Lord's name, that my mind was preserved in great stillness and resignation. Indeed, good is the Lord and abundant is the advantage of an humble trust in him, who can cre ate a calm in the midst of tumult. Divers of our passengers were in great fear and agitation.

"Third-day, came in sight of Calais, and a boat coming on fourth-day morning, took some of our passengers and part of their goods, but they were long in getting to shore, and suffered much with cold and wet. The vessel was ordered to Dunkirk; and the captain of the privateer being now on board, we sailed towards this place. But it was difficult to keep a sufficient number on deck to work "First-day, 26th; This day we saw land, the vessel, they being very busy in plundering having had a fine run all night. Our passen- the passengers' trunks, &c.; so that before gers were much rejoiced; but my mind was at- we reached Dunkirk, there was scarcely a tended with heaviness, having been impress- box or trunk unopened, except mine and my ed with a belief the night preceding, that we companion's, which they promised should not should be taken, but was willing to shake it off. be molested. On fifth-day the captain went Before night the joy of many was turned into ashore, and sent a vessel off for the remain. sadness. We saw a vessel for some hours der of the passengers, &c.; but the wind making towards us. While she was a con- being high, after she got to the vessel the siderable distance off, I did not like her; but rope broke and she swung off, and did not the captain thought it was an English cutter, again reach us till evening. We went on coming to impress men; when she came along-board her about seven o'clock, with our side, too late we were convinced to the con- trunks, and most of the goods of the passentrary. The people on board her fired a num-gers who had landed at Calais, which the ber of small arms, and then hoisted their boat people took as plunder. We were in this in order to come on board; which, in their boat, rolling all night, and had but little rest, return, was stove and lost, and several of our which, with losing rest the two preceding seamen narrowly escaped. They then de- nights, made it trying; but the Lord sustained manded our boat, and were in much hurry us. We landed between eight and nine in for it, as we were within about two leagues the morning, and being hurried from the boat, of an English fleet of thirty-two sail. They were taken to the house of one of the priva crowded much sail through fear of being pur- teer's men, where we were refreshed. I lost sued, and it was a tossing, stormy night. But my bed, some clothing, and my saddle-bags. myself and William Mathews being in our This afternoon we were guided to a house to apartment, kept quiet, and saw but little of lodge; where we continued all the time we the hurry when the men first entered the ship. were in Dunkirk, much exercised with the They were very furious, and it was a favour filthy conversation of the privateer's men, no lives were lost by violence, for some who frequented the house. Several of them threatened much. Andrew Peterson, one of lodged in the room with us, which was exthe best of our hands, was lost when the boat ceedingly trying. A sorrowful event occurred was stove, and one of their hands also, as on fourth-day evening, while on board, among they told us. Captain Grant and one of our this wicked crew, whose evil conversation we passengers were sent on board the privateer, could not avoid, and on whom reproof made besides our seamen; and more were ordered, little impression; a jest being often made of but secreted themselves. Indeed it was run-every thing serious. A stout, hearty young