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be, did we dig deep enough; our lights would shine before men; we should be as the salt of the earth. How many, who have begun well, have had their garments defiled with the world, and are become like the salt that has lost its savour; they are as dead weights in our assemblies, so that the living are scarcely able to bear the dead. O, Friends, keep to the Truth, for it shall rise above the heads of gainsayers.'

"At another time, 'I could not be more at home anywhere, it revives me to see the children about me. I tell you, young people, the hardest thing I ever found in my passage was, when I was right to keep so. O, the desire I felt to get here! the love I feel for you is like the love of Jonathan and David, it extends over sea and land. It is like the precious ointment, so that some can say with one formerly, Neither heights nor depths, principalities nor powers, things present or to come, shall ever separate us from it.

"The least star casteth a lustre, as the glorious luminaries in the outward creation; so that we may say, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord, God Almighty, just and true are all thy ways, thou King of saints.'

"Again; Commune with thine own heart, and be still; this is doing business :-O, how precious Truth is! it may employ us on the highway, and in our outward engagementsdear friends, let us prize it.'

"To the physician; The outward man grows weaker, yet inward support waxeth stronger and stronger.'

"The same day he said, 'It is a great favour to have a brook by the way-O, I see my way over all! it is like a foretaste of what is to come: blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; when he breaks in upon us, it is like balm-there is balm in Gilead-there are many not willing to go to the house of mourn ing, but there is occasion for it; it being high time to repair the breaches.

"I have thought for many weeks past, the curtain was nearly drawn; there seemed but few sands left in the glass; and yet I sometimes feel such a travail for Zion's prosperity, and the enlargement of her borders, that I am ready to think the day's work is not yet done; and at other times I feel so feeble and weak, that all seems nearly over: the event I cannot tell, but am favoured to be resigned.'

selling their birth-right. Be not ashamed of the cross, dear friends, deny Him not before men.'

Again; Beware of lawful things; these lawful things are the strongest baits satan ever laid for our Society. O, these lawful things, they have hurt many. What a testimony would it be, if Friends were to shut up their shops on week-days, to go to meeting; which ought to be the main concern; though many consider worldly things as such. When we have done all we can, we are but as unprofitable servants; we can add nothing to Him, who is the fountain of goodness! O, that ocean of ancient goodness, I seem at times, as if I was swallowed up in it-I have cause to be thankful that I am favoured with a resigned mind, and have no will, either to live or to die-O Father, receive me into thy bosom.'

"At another time; O, my heart is knit to you, my friends, and to the seed which is in bondage in many hearts; and though you may have to go with it into the wilderness, yet be not discouraged.'

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Feeling himself easier and his mind favoured, he said, 'O, when He puts in his hand as at the hole of the door, how does it smell of sweet myrrh-I hope I am not insensible from whence my help comes. He sometimes hides himself as behind the curtain; yet we must not awake or disturb our beloved, until he please.'

"To a Friend; Keep to thy gift, and look to the Giver, and have no confidence in the flesh.' On the general state of mankind, he said thus; O how has my mind been oppressed in observing that profaneness which abounds amongst the people, many of whom draw iniquity as with cords of vanity, and sin as with a cart rope. Yet I have this satisfaction, that I have not failed to reprove many of those I have seen in this state, and have often advised inn-keepers and others, to discourage all kinds of wickedness in their houses: my advice hath been generally received without gainsaying, and I have comfort in the discharge of this duty.' Sympathizing with faithful Friends, he remarked, Where there are a few faithful labourers, the work falls heavy upon them; we cannot expect to rise high when the seed lies low.'

"Under much bodily affliction, he said, How can one die better than in the Lord's "At another time; Think nothing too near service? for he has been indeed, a wonderful or too dear to part with, dear young people, counsellor. He has many times opened a to purchase the truth: your parents cannot way, when I could see no way; he will never give it you, though they may give you all leave nor forsake those who trust in him.' they can; it is the Lord's prerogative. I have thought it was a great favour to have an education in the truth; but I have been grieved to see many born in the Society, like Esau,

Again; 'It is a trying time, and yet I believe I have a well grounded hope of having done my duty. I feel no condemnation. 0, dear friends, what a favour indeed, that we have

an unction from above! keep to the truth and its testimonies.'

"At another time; 'It will not do for any to rest contented with having known the Lord in days past, and years that are over and gone; we must follow on to know him; a supply of daily food is requisite; and if there is not a hunger and thirst after righteousness, we may be sure the mind is distempered; but O, how have I been pained to see and feel many of the professors of the truth going after the world and its spirit; who instead of being way-marks, are as stumbling-blocks to honest inquirers-the state of these is lamentable. I have been comforted in the prospect of a rising generation, if they are not hurt by those who ought to be helpers, loving the present world.

"I have in my time met with many cross winds and boisterous waves, but have been preserved in a care to keep near to the point that guides to the harbour of rest. For these fifty years I have been endeavouring to fight the good fight of faith. O, dearest Father, not my will, but thine be done-O, when will the curtain be drawn? that this mortal may put on immortality and eternal life, which will, I do believe, be my happy portion.' To some Friends about to take leave of him, let your lights shine wherever you are-I have not much to say, but there is a great deal comprised in this."

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"To some young people; You are in health; prize it, and make a good use of time; for to the most diligent, such a time as this will prove very trying.'

"He would often, in thankful commemoration of the goodness of God to him, break forth in these words: What shall I render unto thee, O Lord, for all thy benefits!'

"A few days before his decease, on a Friend returning from meeting, he said he had been favoured with such a calm, that he hoped he should have passed away. And a day or two before he died, he broke forth in these words: O joy! joy! joy!' Again; O death where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory? the sting of death is sin. I see no cloud in my way, I die in peace with all men.'

John Pemberton thus proceeds:

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"28th; Attended the monthly meeting at Thirsk, which was pretty large, and there I mentioned to Friends my thoughts of a meeting with the inhabitants of Buroughbridge; and my dear friend Robert Proud offering to accompany me, we returned in the evening to his house at Carleton-miniot.

"Fourth-day, went to Buroughbridge and Boswell Middleton, and having procured the

town-hall, we had a large meeting, and upon the whole tolerably favoured. Sixth-day, to Burrowby, thence to North Allerton, and on seventh-day, to Osmotherly, and had a meeting in Friends' meeting house. My dear friend Robert Proud was favoured, but to me it was a poor low time. This hath been my state for some time past, being much proved in mind. Here I parted with Robert Proud, and with Isaac Taylor proceeded to Bilsdale, over a hilly road, the weather cold, and considerable snow on the ground.

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First-day, third month 5th, went to Bilsdale meeting under great lowness and discouragement. The meeting was full, many not in profession with us attending. The people were directed not to place their dependence on man, but upon the teachings of God's spirit. Third-day, attended the monthly meeting at Scarborough. The meeting for worship was low, yet some instruction opened, in the complaint uttered respecting Ephraim and Judah, that their goodness was like unto the morning cloud and early dew, which soon passeth away; and those not in profession with us were exhorted to put their trust in God, and not in man.

"Fourth month 2nd, at Ayton. I have been diligently engaged in Yorkshire, having had many large meetings, and also visited about seventy families at Scarborough and Whitby. It is wonderful that so much openness should be in many places, where there are few right examples. At the last mentioned place there is a very sorrowful departure. Almost throughout this land there appears a willingness to hear the testimony of truth declared; and I hope a gathering day will come; though a day of trial may first take place, to shake the earthly hearts of the people, and discover the rottenness of others. Many lamentable things happen among us-sorrowful failures, by grasping after the world, and not being limited by the pure truth. One lately, which makes and will make as great a noise as any that of later time has happened amongst us. I was uneasy when at the Friend's house, and took divers opportunities to speak to him, but did not expect things were as they now appear.

"I evidently see that in the path I tread, great watchfulness is needful, among a people accustomed to be fed with words. I endeav our to keep in the simplicity, and am mostly clothed with deep poverty,-a poor creature, and often ready to be dismayed."

During the remainder of this month he was diligently occupied in various parts of the counties of Durham and Northumberland, being deeply proved in mind under an apprehension of not being clear of Scotland. ́ ́He

re-entered that nation near Kelso, on the 29th of fourth month, and reached Edinburgh two days afterwards.

About this time, having heard with much sorrow of the disreputable failure of one, at whose house he had formerly been entertained, he wrote to a friend of that neighbourhood; and his feelings on the occasion may be gathered from the following extract;

"Sunderland, Fourth month 22nd, 1786.

"Dear friend, D. S., "The disreputable and unjust conduct of I am persuaded, must give thee and every sensible judicious Friend much pain. not only unjust in betraying the confidence placed in him, and making use of the property of others without their knowledge or consent; but very inconsistent with the holy, pure principle we profess, which leads to selfdenial; and those whose minds are bounded by this principle, do experience it to limit, respecting worldly pursuits: though, lamentable it is, that many among us are burying their talents in the earth, and eagerly grasping after worldly treasure. The Lord, in great wisdom, sometimes sees meet to blast the expectation of these, that others may be warned to guard against the snares of the world and an ambitious craving mind. Religion leads to a proper industry; but it teaches to avoid surfeiting cares, and that our chief concern be to lay up treasure in heaven-to seek above all, the peace and favour of God; which must be by loving him with all our heart, and being faithful to the manifestations of his light, grace and truth.

not thought sufficient, please to add, and I will repay thee.

"Thy affectionate friend,

"JOHN PEMBERTON."

The amount thus directed to be paid to the assignee, was seven pounds ten shillings.

"Fifth month 10th; What is called a yearly meeting was held here [Edinburgh] last week, which however is no meeting of record, though they have long corresponded with the yearly meeting in London. The few Friends in Scotland, being now convinced that they are incapable of maintaining a yearly meeting with propriety, have agreed to request the yearly meeting of London to take their circumstances into close consideration; and have proposed that the whole Society in that part might be considered as one quarterly meeting, to be held, however, half-yearly.

"31st; at Old Meldrum. I came yesterday from Aberdeen, where we had been to attend their meetings on first-day, and meeting for discipline, at which there were two notifications of marriage, which I suppose has not been the case at any meeting there for a long time. I am through mercy pretty well, considering the trial of mind that has attended on thinking of again going to remote places. Alexander Cruickshank of this place, who was with me last year, is going, and Isaac Taylor of Yorkshire, besides Thomas Cash. I desire to do no more than may be evidently required, and if I move under right direction, the great Master is able to support and preserve.

"I left Old Meldrum, and went to Chapel Siggot, and finding most ease in appointing a meeting, notice was spread and we had a pretty satisfactory meeting in a barn.

"When I was at N, and lodged at -'s, I was often uneasy, and at divers times "First-day, sixth month 4th, at Auch Medspoke to him respecting the multiplicity of his den. Notice having been spread yesterday, engagements, urging him to bring his affairs and the Methodist meeting house being prointo a narrower compass: though I did not ap-cured, we had two very large favoured meetprehend he was so variously engaged, or in so deplorable a condition. But, as it proves, that while at his house, both before I entered Scotland, and since my return, I was entertained at the cost of others, and not eating his bread; I am most free, to calculate, as nearly as I well can, what it might amount to, and request thou wouldst present the sum to the assignee, to be joined to what may otherwise arise towards paying his creditors. Thou knowest that we, as a religious society, have always pleaded for just dealing, equity, and truth. And as I came from my native land under a sense of duty to Almighty God, and from love to mankind, to promote, as the Lord might see meet to enable me, righteousness and truth in the earth, so I wish to manifest, by my conduct, in all respects, that I am sincere. If this is town, Banff, Campbell-town, Fort George, VOL. VI.-No. 9.

ings, particularly the last, in which the testimony of truth was in a good degree exalted, and the hearts of many tendered. A gaily dressed young woman, who was at the meetings here, wrote a letter to us expressive of her gratitude and satisfaction with those opportunities. I afterwards had some of her company. She was solid, and her mind tender. When I passed this place before, I was under deep exercise of mind on account of the people in that neighbourhood; but for want of proper resolution passed away, and suffered much, and met with discouragements, when I proposed returning. The meetings now being large and favoured gave me case.”

After this they had meetings at Gordon

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Cromartie, Golspie, &c., and on the 16th of ing up of the meeting and recommended the eighth month, being at Caldwell near Kirk-counsel that had been delivered, to the notice wall, he thus writes: and practice of the people, saying it was gos pel truth.

"I have entered the Orkneys, and have been much employed since, in passing from from isle to isle. Since the last of the fifth month, I have been exposed to many provings inwardly and outwardly; but have been hitherto mercifully supported, and have experienced much kindness, particularly in the Orkney Islands. I have visited eleven called the Northern islands, and an island called Stroma, in Pentland Firth; also two others which I was at last year. It is very evident that visit left profitable impressions, and made the way much more easy for us now. The meetings have been generally very large and quiet, and most of them favoured seasons, in which the minds of many were much tendered; often from two to five hundred were present. On those eleven islands we had twenty-six meetings. It was mostly rough weather, through the seventh month, and we were detained on Westra about a week. How soon I may be released I know not, but desire to be favoured to see clearly the right season to depart. It is a great favour, under religious concerns, to see the time for moving from home, and to attend to it; and I believe it is equally important to determine the right time for leaving the countries visited. There may be danger through fear to overstay, as well as through fear to return too soon. May the Lord guide by his counsel, and direct my steps aright. To dwell in a state of deep humility and watchfulness, as well as faithfulness, is abundantly needful. I dwell under the daily cross, and little but conflict and provings are allotted me; yet the Lord has condescended to furnish for his own work beyond expectation. "On first-day evening, the 13th instant, we had a large meeting at Kirkwall, held in their cathedral. My kind landlord, William Lindsay, thinks there were more than fifteen hundred present. Many say they have seldom seen it so crowded. They are generally a moral sober people. Though I have passed over many waters, I have rarely heard an oath or ill expression from any. The books spread, I believe have been useful, and have removed prejudices. The winters being long and the days short, many read much; the writings of Mosheim and others respecting Friends, had hurt some; but what they have seen since has set many to rights.

"On third-day, the 15th, I was most easy, though in a low state of mind from various causes, to appoint a meeting at Orphir; we went, and many assembled in the kirk, so called; but the meeting was mostly dull. After this meeting Thomas Cash concluded to go to some of the other islands which I had visited last year, so we parted for a season, Joseph Taylor and myself returning to Caldwell.

“Ninth month 30th; Set out for Græmeshall, where I was kindly received by P. Græme, and as it was very stormy during this and the next day, we continued at Græmeshall. The wind was so high, accompanied at times with rain, that much corn was damaged, being cut off at the ears by the violence of the wind. Being desirous of proceeding for England, on se cond-day, a sloop being just ready to sail for Stronsay, with a fair wind, we were prevailed upon to embark in her, and sailed several hours; but the wind proving high and contrary, we were obliged to return to Holm sound, having been on board from half past eight, A. M., to near ten o'clock at night. Next morning we hired horses for Kirkwall, and there took boat for Shapinshay, and were received kindly by Alexander Pitcairn.

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Fifth-day, had a meeting at Lapniss, held in a barn, or store-house, and though the morning was rainy, it was large; but the life and comfortable spring of religion were much wanting. Spent the evening with some satisfaction in opening the order of our discipline.

"Third-day, the 12th; The wind was high and the water rough-a boat arrived at Burwick from Caithness; but the skipper expressing doubts of his being able to get over, we declined embarking, and staid at the ferry all night. A Methodist minister came over in this boat, the first of these people that has visited Orkney.

"Fourth-day, the wind still boisterous; continuing so the two following days, for the most part, so that we could not cross the Firth. On seventh-day, the morning proved more favourable, and a boat coming from Caithness, we embraced the opportunity of returning with her, and were about two hours and a half on our passage. We soon after took horse and reached the widow Sinclair's, at Brabster Dorner, in the evening.

"The next day went to a parish called St. "First-day, ninth month 17th; Through Andrews, and had a large meeting, which fear of offence, by travelling on this day, we was measurably favoured. The minister, continued at the widow Sinclair's, and had a John Scolley, an aged man, who had offered little sitting with her and her children after his worship-house, stood up before the break-breakfast. In the afternoon I was visited by

Alexander Sangstre, a man who seems convinced of our religious principles.

"Sixth-day, proceeded to Tain, and in crossing the ferry near Lord Ankerville's, we met him; and he pressing us to dine with him, we complied, and our visit was taken kindly. "Third-day, 26th; This morning we crossed to Fort George. It snowed much last night, and the hills were very white this morning. After dinner we had to ride in a heavy storm of sleet and snow to Billeward, where we were well entertained at a good inn.

vour, for it remains a great trial to tread the path in which I have been so long exercised. I have at times been too resolute to turn aside, for which I have suffered; but rich in mercy is the great I AM,' with whom we have to do; or my portion would have been among the miserable. It requires great watchfulness, humility and abasedness, to keep duly under the subjecting power and at all times faithful. I often fail and am brought weeping to the cross, and to beg the great Master's mercy. He hath indeed been long suffering, but I often fear I shall never learn wisdom. May my friends be helped to pray for my preservation and steady perseverance in the straight and mortifying path.

"First-day, tenth month 8th; Had a large satisfactory meeting in the town-hall at Jedburgh, and had very different treatment from what dear Samuel Bownas met with when he visited that place. Several magistrates attended the meeting, and one of the bailies sent for me in the evening, and I went and spent some time at his house. He and his wife seemed to have a regard for Friends.

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Third-day, we heard of Ann Jessup and her companion Hannah Stephenson, having appointed a meeting at Solport, to which we went. The meeting was low, and these two Friends wholly silent. We dined and proceeded to Sikeside, and had a meeting at Kirk Levington, which was wholly silent. A young man afterwards remarked, that they had not been used to silent meetings, a person then present preaching at all their meetings. We were glad we kept our places.

"We came the Highland road, through a rough country; but great pains having been taken, this road is better and shorter than the coast road, with good entertainment. We had a meeting on seventh-day at Dunkeld, held in a large loft or drying room, belonging to a manufactory. Many people attended, and it was a more favoured time than I expected. It is likely no Friend ever attempted a meeting here before. The meeting was at first fixed to be held in a large room not fully finished, in the inn where we lodged; the bailie of the town, the landlady and others, approving thereof. But after notice had been given to divers of the inhabitants, one Captain Dick, a military officer, came into the town and forbade the use of the room. On which I had discourse with him; but he said he did not want it consecrated, and that it was built to dance in and accommodate genteel company. I told him I was sorry that any one who professed the Christian name should prefer vanity to seriousness and religion; and that I had been through much of Scotland and England, and scarcely met with the like; "Seventh-day, rising early we had a reand was sorry that on my going out of Scot-ligious opportunity in a family, and then went land, where we had met with great civility, I to Kirkbride. By the time we got there we should have such an account to give respect- were wet. The meeting was small, and reliing his conduct. And in another opportunity gion here is very low. Some few of the neighafter meeting, I told him that it was the senti- bours not professing with us came in, and one ment of the ancient reformers, that as many afterwards said, "if they had had a candle and paces as a man took in a dance, so many could see the inside of those called Quakers, paces he took towards hell, remarking that he they could not have more plainly told their might think this harsh, but it was their senti-state." ment. He said, he then had taken many steps towards hell. He was a vain man, but I spoke pretty closely to him.

"After dinner we proceeded to Perth, and on first-day afternoon had a large, crowded meeting in the council, or court-house, which was in a good degree favoured. When I saw the crowd and considered my own feebleness, my mind was much sunk; but I was graciously helped, and hope no dishonour arose to the good cause.

We dined at J. S's, but he was too busy, as he thought, to get to meeting. We then proceeded to Wigton, and on entering the town, there was a great uproar, and the streets were much crowded with people, who had been spectators to the wicked and inhuman practice of baiting a bull. The poor creature seemed much abused, which sorrowfully affected my mind, in considering how opposite such cruelty is to the disposition which the gospel of Christ inculcates.

"Fourth-day, went to Gilfoot, and attended "Second-day, reached Edinburgh in the the monthly meeting. The season of retireevening much wearied. If the Lord see meet ment and public worship was one of much to employ me now among Friends, or grant a poverty and deep exercise; but the Lord farelease to return home, I shall esteem it a favoured with some strength towards the close.

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