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TESTIMONY

Concerning HENRY CLIFFTON, late of Kingwood, New Jersey.

Henry Cliffton, son of Henry and Hannah Cliffton, was born in Philadelphia, 2nd month 11th, 1753, where he resided, until the age of twenty years.He then left the city in the employ of his uncle John Drinker, (with whom he served his apprenticeship to the hatter's trade) and went to Kingwood, New Jersey, where he spent the remainder of his days; continuing to reside in the same house which he first entered, then in the occupation of Isaac Hornor; whose sister, Amy Hornor, he afterwards married, and purchased the property. His wife, with whom he lived in much harmony, deceased in 1807, and he survived her almost twentythree years.

Henry Cliffton filled the station of an elder honorably, in Kingwood monthly meeting a great number of years. Through life, he was a bright example of justice, temperance, and moderation, in all things; gentle, and unassuming in his manners-ever careful to avoid a spirit of detraction,-speaking in the expressive language of conduct; follow me, as I endeavour to follow Christ.

He was a lover of faithful friends; especially such as were travelling for the promotion of truth and righteousness. The company of these, either at his own house, which was ever open to receive them, or abroad, was highly prized, and valued. Nor was his love and good will confined to any particular class; his benevolence and kindness extendVOL. IV.-7

ed to all,-whom he was ever ready to oblige. As a husband, parent, brother, and friend, he was affectionate, attentive, sincere; and much respected by his neighbours. As he delighted to live in peace and quietness himself, so he could not unite with the spirit of strife and contention in others; being of a meek, and humble mind, his heart was enlarged in that pure love, which produces harmony and peace in society.

Although he was chosen to fill very important stations in the church, yet such was his humility, that he never appeared to wish to press his views and sentiments on any;-but after modestly proposing them to his friends, he quietly submitted to their decision. Nor did this manifestation of condescension and submission lessen his usefulness, or his standing in society; on the contrary, it raised him in the esteem and unity of his friends.

He was taken ill the 23d of the 7th mo. 1830, with a bilious complaint, and wholly confined to his bed. Although the first attack was so light as to produce a hope in his family of speedy restoration;" but at the commencement, he said, he felt as if his day's work was done. He appeared to be deeply exercised in spirit-and several times expressed, -that as respected himself, he would prefer a release; yet concluded it would be a great trial to his family, if he should be taken from them. Although generally favoured with good health, and an active. disposition,-yet, during his illness, he was preserved in much patience, quietness and composure -without a murmur, as though indeed, (as he expressed,) his work was done; sometimes saying"patience and resignation are two great attain

ments." The sweetness of his countenance and manners, might well be compared to a little child, such as those of whom Christ said, "suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

For about four weeks of the latter part of his time he lay in great weakness of body, but his mind was retired from the world and the things of it; and being supported in calmness and resignation to the divine will, he appeared to be quietly and sweetly passing away to his everlasting rest. Though he was not able to converse much; yet, throughout the whole of his sickness, he retained his faculties with little exception, and was capable of directing for himself, what he wished to have done, saying the last week, he did not expect to continue many days longer.

On the morning of the 26th of 9th mo. his difficulty of breathing increased, which soon changed, to a quiet, calm state, in which he lay with his eyes raised to heaven, with a very easy, placid countenance; appearing sensible of his situation, and the great change about taking place. His breath then became shorter, and as it ceased, he quietly and calmly closed his eyes in peace, in the seventyeighth year of his age.

Thus appeared to be fulfilled in him, that portion of Scripture where it is said, "The Lord will strengthen him on the bed of languishing; thou will make all his bed in his sickness."

Much more might be said of his uprightness of character in carefully endeavoring to practice all the Christian virtues; but this short testimony appears due to his memory, for the encouragement of survivors, that they, beholding the peaceful end of

the righteous, may be animated carefully to seek for, and pursue the paths of peace and truth.

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

JOURNAL

Of William Blakey, late of Middletown, Bucks county, containing some Account of his Religious Exercises, Observations, and Travels.

In the latter end of the year 1775, and near the thirty-seventh year of my age, I was under many doubts and fears. This had been the case with me in some measure, from my childhood. At times I was under apprehensions of duty, which I too much neglected; sometimes concluding I was under a delusion, and at other times thinking I would comply with every requisition; sometimes too high, and then so low that I thought I should never rise again. The latter end of the 12th month, I had thoughts of attending the monthly meetings in Philadelphia; but was in my old doubting way; and one morning, as I was taking my children to school, I was thoughtful in regard to my future well being; when we got there, it came into my mind to go in and sit down with the scholars. I did so, and found some reading to the master, in the Bible. When they had done, the master bid them take notice, and he read that chapter where Samuel was sent on a message from the Lord to Saul, on account of his disobeying the command respecting the Amalekites. When he read that part where it is said, "obedience is better than sacrifice, and to obey the voice of the Lord,

than the fat of rams, "it struck me to the heart. I believed it was too much my case; that I had given up only in part; and it came heavy on my mind to go to Philadelphia. I accordingly set out the 28th of 12th mo. in company with my esteemed friend, Wm. Richardson, Attended their week-day meeting at the great house, at which was Ann Jessup, who was on a religious visit to these parts, from Carolina. Went to Reuben Haines's to lodge, where a concern attended me, about bearing the Carolina friends company to some meetings in Chester county. Next day attended the city monthly meeting. I was still under an exercise concerning bearing the friends company, which grew weighty on my mind. The following morning, my earnest supplication to the Father of all good was, that I might be rightly directed. William Richardson encouraged me to proceed. So I laid my prospects before the friend whom I proposed to accompany, to which she agreed.

After visiting the alms house, and attending three meetings on the first day of the week; on secondday, the 1st of 1st month, 1776, in company with Ann Jessup, Samuel Smith and other Friends, rode to Merion meeting. Next day at Haverford, and on fourth-day at Darby. After which lodged at Ann Yarnall's, widow of Mordecai. In the night I was unwell, and being under considerable exercise. of mind, the deep pressure of body and spirit brought me very low, and it came before me to look at my past life, and seriously to reflect on my conduct. The view was awful; and amongst other things was brought to my remembrance, the stupid condition I had experienced for a long season: and it was now

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