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My lot hath been often among the and as, in the allotment of his wisdom, he empty vessels, in which allotment I wish a wise hath seen meet to prove you deeply, may resignation, to guard me against impatience wisdom and knowledge be the stability of and insensibility. I have had several letters your times. The establishment of a Meeting from my friends on your side of the water, for Sufferings was by many amongst you which give me an account of things amongst little thought of, as you sat under your own you. I hope the trials permitted to attend you vine and fig-tree; many of you have rejoiced will tend to the help of many, though I believe in the flowings of worldly abundance, and them very severe and pinching. The desola- not sung to the springing well of God's saltions on your frontiers are very distressing, vation, and it is consistent with his righte but the difference in Friends' judgment, the ousness to vary his voice, and teach them by disunion within the gates of our Zion, affords the things they suffer, what is due to his arm, more cause of mourning. I am glad to hear and the weakness of our own. SAMUEL FOTHhergill. mutual condescension prevails amongst you, that ancient signal of best fellowship.

THOMAS GREER

*

TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Dungannon, Ninth month 9th, 1757.

I nearly sympathize with the living amongst you in this time of deep probation. O, that you may all stand fast, and quit yourselves I have often thought of thee of late, and I like men, for that testimony and faith once delivered, and now revived, to the saints. In think, alway attended with strong desires that this heavenly brotherhood I feel myself in thou might be sent to visit us in this nation, spirit present with you in your land; not as which may truly be said to languish as to the having left aught undone which duty required, life of religion, but am afraid to expect such but in the sweet participation of the hope, a thing suddenly, when I consider the weight patience, and tribulation of the Gospel and that lies on thy shoulders in your own land, kingdom of Jesus our Lord. And if the a painful sense of which I have more than church go into the wilderness, her place is once felt, and in my small measure, have symprepared of God, whose eye looks towards, pathized with thee and some others therein; inand his arm sustains, every part of his exten-deed, if I have felt right, the number of those The who are rightly baptized into the state of the sive family, both in heaven and earth. mourning of his heritage is as audible to his church is few with you, as well as here, ear, as hosannas of the fixed inhabitants of considering the number of professors; yea, and of those who lay claim to something of his holy mountain. sacred embassy to the people. But, alas, many of them are too superficial to feel the states, and much less capable effectually to prescribe for the recovery from those things which weaken and afflict the body. It is indeed a cause of sorrow to behold the leanness and dryness that has overtaken many; and when a comparison is made between the present state of the church, and that healthful, active, green, For my own part, I am very much like a fruit-bearing condition, which dignified our disbanded soldier, or, I hope, more of an in-worthy predecessors, at, and after the breakvalid, yet in some little pay, and commanded ing forth of truth amongst them, the declento do duty in a particular spot of ground; and sion from the life of religion, simplicity of the let my Master's good pleasure be done, and gospel, and nobility of mind, is very appaThe making of such a comparison let him send by whom he will, if I may but rent. know my name is upon his roll, it is enough doth often affect my heart with pain, and strong for me. We have lately had the company of are my desires that the few faithful, to whom a great stranger; my brother John spent a it hath been given to see into the depths of few weeks at Scarborough, and returned this Satan, may yet wax more mighty, in the way to London: his company was acceptable wisdom and power of the Highest. as a brother and as a friend. I hope it may contribute to his health, and the relaxation of his mind from a cumber, in which it is very difficult for the plant of renown to flourish.

For our part, we seem (I mean the Society) to live in great union, but I fear the unity of the one ever blessed Spirit is not the source, but rather an agreement to let things go as they may or will, without much care about them; and if any are zealous for the testimony, rather to single them out as turners of the world upside down, and troublers of the church's quiet.

I feel that I am exceedingly near you at this time in my spirit. I think your yearly meeting at Philadelphia begins this day; may the God and Father of sure mercies preside;

Dear Samuel, I am afraid to enlarge, not only as considering to whom I am writing, but also that it may not be lawful at all times to speak or write what we see or feel; but having often, as at present, felt the free circulation of

*Thomas Greer died in 1803, a minister upwards of fifty years.

that unity of spirit which the Father of lights England, and but that I had some hope that hath vouchsafed to give to his children, as a it might some time be rendered serviceable bond of holy fellowship-by which, though dis- to some of them, would have rendered our persed in different lands, we are bound in one stay much more disagreeable. I know not bundle of love, and notwithstanding far absent but this little trial at the close of our jourin body, yet present in spirit, being as epistles ney might be profitable for us all, as it might in each other's hearts-I thought I would ven- further instruct us in the necessary lesson ture to give thee these few lines. of patience, wherein I found I had need to be better learned.

THOMAS GREER.

CATHARINE PAYTON TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.
Kelvedon, Ninth month 10th, 1757.

My dear companion, Sophia Hume, left me this afternoon, being gone to London. CATHARINE PAYTON.

I should some days ago have made thee a sharer of the satisfaction I felt on my re- JAMES PEMBERTON TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. turn to my native land, resulting both from a Philadelphia, Ninth month 15th, 1757. sense of having been absent therefrom in the wise appointment of Heaven, and the graPublic affairs on this Continent are cious, supporting, preserving hand of the Most remarkable for the confusion which attends High having been with me, for which my them. None of the attempts in a military way soul bows in thankfulness, and I hope I may have answered the expectations of the people, say, all within me worships His holy name, but, on the contrary, every thing they have with desires to be devoted to his service yet prepared to do hath contributed to strengththrough the residue of my life; but that this en the French. I do not incline to be partidispensation of life and peace was very quick-cular, further than to remark, that in proporly succeeded by its contrary, wherein I could tion to the increase of these tumults, so, in not determine to address thee, rather choosing some measure, advance the trials and probato commit the keeping of my soul to God, tions of our poor Society. And, amidst all than to my fellow-servants. He no doubt, in the gloomy prospects, I am at times led to the wise appointment of his providence, per- conclude none occasions more sorrowful remits and appoints these alternations of light flections, than the present state of the church, and darkness, as preservatives to his people. many of whose members, by a long enjoy. I am now, through mercy, a little relieved, ment of ease and tranquillity, have become and I hope settled in my former service of too insensible of the dignity of our calling, ministering principally to the members of our and in this day of trial start aside; which own Society, which, being very different to affords occasion to look back, and consider that wherein I had been engaged on the other the close engagements and labours of the side of the water, it is no wonder that I must Lord's servants, who have been sent amongst be immediately stripped of the clothes I then us, to warn, and caution, and proclaim the wore, and be clothed with a new suit, which necessity of being roused from the lethargy I was ready to think, when first put on, were which hath prevailed, in order to prepare for the plainest I ever wore, yet I hope suitable such a time of trial as hath overtaken us; to the occasion and time wherein I am ap- and happy would it have been, if more regard pointed to serve in the Lord's house, which had been paid to such messages. The testiappears to me to be a time wherein the people mony of the Prince of Peace would be less are not to be delighted with eloquent oratory, violated than hath been too visibly the case but instructed by plain, simple truths, suited lately, by evasions and temporising, of which to their states, in which ministration I ardent- there have been painful instances on a late ly desire we may both grow. Doubtless I wanted to be washed, as well as to change my garments, having been long amongst men of unsanctified spirits, although perhaps not such as are looked upon by the world as the worst sort: but I have found by experience that it is exceedingly difficult to converse much with those whose desires are not subject to the yoke of Christ, without contracting a tincture of that infectious lightness which appears in the whole course of their conduct.

We were eight days wind-bound at Helvoetsluys, during which time we were in company with several who came in the same packet to

occasion in the Jerseys, where the day of trial hath been more closely manifested than at any time during the late agitations; the unfaithfulness of some hath contributed to the burdens of the few who were concerned to stand their ground.

Amidst the present calamitous circumstances, it affords cause of thankfulness that the extendings of Divine regard are so signally manifested towards us, by the continuance of the messengers of the gospel, sent to labour amongst us; we have now six European Friends in these parts, the company of all of whom we expect at our approaching yearly

meeting. John Hunt hath spent most part of the summer in this province, where his ministry, and other Christian endeavours, have been attended with evidences of divine favour. Our Meeting for Sufferings hath met pretty diligently since its establishment, and a variety of occurrences have presented; in the transaction whereof I hope nothing hath been done to the disadvantage of the cause of Truth.

I cannot but acknowledge how much I am obliged to thee for thy kind letter, which I shall endeavour duly to regard. It gives me some satisfaction to be so far noticed by the Lord's servants, and I am frequently desirous of so conducting as to be preserved at least from injuring the testimony, or of administering uneasiness to them.

I am, with much regard and affection, thy loving friend, JAMES PEMBERTON.

SAMUEL EMLEN TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.

Bristol, Ninth month 26th, 1757. Thy affectionate lines I esteem an additional confirmation of the continuance of that

sight of the ministry, and to caution privately where occasion might offer; I believe the meeting was upon the whole satisfactory, both to those of our Society and others. The people will be glad of future opportunities of this kind.

Be assured I am not insensible of my own condition, and of the need I have to be watched over as a child, and I think greater poverty and weakness seem to be my daily experience; that this dispensation may be patiently (not with supineness and indolence,) acquiesced in, that the will of the Highest may be thoroughly done, in and by me, is my earnest desire. I have been often brought to more than willingness to be what the Lord would have me to be, but under the operation of his hand there is need of patience, which, if he graciously furnish, it will be sufficient. SAMUEL EMLEN, JUN.

ANTHONY BENEZET TO SAMUEL
FOTHERGILL.

Philadelphia, Tenth month 1st, 1757. Nothing but the deepest sense of inward poverty could have so long prevented my writing to thee, my dear and near friend. But thus it hath been, that I have not dared to meddle with religious things; when I have done it, especially in writing, it has been with rebuke, and now I am at a loss what to add. That my love is as entire to thee as so low a creature is capable of, is fixed and certain. But what shall I say? O my leanness, my

friendship, wherein, so long as I am divinely assisted to be steadfast in the pursuit of true peace, I shall always have cause to rejoice. Sure I am, that notwithstanding the ties of nature in external affinity are strong, there seems to me to be in the Truth connexions much more firm, by which the really living in the body, whereof Christ Jesus is the holy head, are united one to another. As we are humbly and reverently engaged to keep in this unity, no greater joy will be experienced by any one of us than a confirmed sense of the for his philanthropy, and as an early and strenuincreasing strength in ourselves and fellow-ous opposer of the Slave trade, little need be members, and the advancement of each individual in Divine favour.

* Of this virtuous, humble man, so well known

said here. He was born at St. Quintin in France, 1713. He was of a respectable family; his father, Thy remark, that "to move in the line of a wealthy man, was a Protestant, and, along with Divine appointment, is our strength and safe- many others, was obliged, by the persecutions ty," is, I doubt not, the language of well-which followed the revocation of the Edict of grounded experience, and I trust will be at times profitably suggested to me when doubts and wavering surround my weak mind.

Nantes, to seek a shelter in a foreign land; he

accordingly removed with his family to London, and afterwards to Philadelphia. His son Anthony joined the Society of Friends about the fourteenth The Western yearly meeting, held at Mil-year of his age, and for the greater part of his verton, was, in several of its sittings, greatly life pursued the useful occupation of a schoolmasovershadowed with the life-giving presence A competent judge has pronounced him and power of the Most High, to his own glo-vocates which the cause of the oppressed Afri"one of the most zealous, vigilant, and active adry, and the comfort of many, who I believe cans ever had."

ter.

and eminently devoted to the service of his fellow creatures, he died, aged seventy-one years, on the 3rd of fifth month, 1784.

have returned to their own habitations with After a life spent in endeavouring to serve God, peace and gladness. Isaac Sharpless, Edmund Peckover, Samuel Hopwood, John Fry, William Cookworthy, and six or eight other ministers were there; the service of the meeting was pretty much on the first two; there was a little company met early on the first- in Philadelphia. Several hundred black people day morning preceding the meeting, and six attended to testify their regard for this friend of or seven elders were desired to have the over-their oppressed race, and of mankind at large.

At his interment the greatest concourse of persons, of all ranks and professions, was present, that had ever been witnessed on such an occasion

leanness it is beyond expression, and so at sometimes heretofore, from an intimation sensibly felt by me, that I dare not as it were which he had received from the Proprietary, extend any further, lest I should defile God's that it was offensive to the Ministry in Engjewels. Though a beggar may have a pro- land. Our sense of duty in this affair, at this spect of the order and beauty of God's house, critical conjuncture, is too deeply impressed and can even at a distance see, and appre- to be rubbed out by repulses, or disdainful hend he can distinguish the furniture of it, flouts, arising from misconstructions of our yet shall he presume, while clothed in rags, intentions, which are pretty liberally beto enter therein ? Will he not defile the stowed on us at present; but our proceedings, same, and be the greater object of scorn, in- manifesting the sincerity of our intentions, stead of pity? Perhaps a time may come when they come to appear in public view, may when a washing and pulling off the filthy set things in another light." rags of nature may be known, and a better clothing experienced.

Thus we see how that which lets will let, until it is taken out of the way; but, surely,

Thus far I have written, and that not with-if Friends keep their places in the Truth, out a rebuke, but could not longer delay expressing my sincere love to thee, dear friend. Why is it so with me?-if thou hast any comfort or counsel to communicate, do it I beseech thee. May the God of all consolation be with thee. From thy afflicted friend, ANTHONY BENEZET.

ABRAHAM FARRINGTON TO SAMUEL AND
SUSANNA FOTHERGILL.

York, Tenth month 1st, 1757.

there is no sword formed against it which will prosper, and every tongue rising against its judgment, will be condemned. And I am persuaded that stillness and patience, when we have done our duty honestly, are safest to abide in; and it will be seen that the Lord will make a way for his Truth and people, and their enemies will fall.

I came almost directly from the Northern dales to this place.

Let us not forget the rock, nor the hole of the pit from whence we were dug: it is a This may just inform you that I yet live, rugged place to get to and from-I left it too although my suffering at times is consider- soon. If I should have my age renewed, able, both in head and heart. Indeed, such and wings as an eagle, or as a giant refreshed is the state of the church in general, that I with wine from the true Vine; or, in thy think I am called to suffer with it, both in language, warmed with fire from above; or, body and mind-the whole head is sick, and if my Master would give the signal, and the whole heart faint. The mystery as array me with his own livery, I would venwell as the misery is, that so few lay it to ture his pay. This, with dear love, from heart, or seek relief. To have the earth your poor old friend, cleave under us, or the sea overflowing us, would cause great lamentation and outcry; yet to see the world, earth and sea, swallowing up almost whole counties, in a religious. sense, and we at ease, and thinking all is well, is surprising.

Thy letters were to my comfort-as a glass wherein we sometimes see one another-so excellent is this kind of correspondence to distant friends; sometimes like apples of gold in pictures of silver-pictures set up in our best room, i. e. the heart-or as nails in a sure place or as goads, to prick one another forward, or to keep back; for poor oxen, old oxen, with a load, go heavily and dully up hill, and sometimes run too fast down. These epistles renew the epistles formerly written in our hearts; such have been thy kind letters with divers others from worthy friends. I received one from John Pemberton, and one from John Churchman, who says, "We are now going to an Indian treaty, to be held at Easton, in Bucks county, though we have been repeatedly informed by the governor that it was his desire we should not attend, as we had done

ABRAHAM FArrington.

SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER.

Warrington, Tenth month 3rd, 1757.

I am poor, very poor: I have a fund of affection and tenderness, but even that is at times almost inaccessible, and then how can I bring it forth? I may claim thy affectionate sympathy, and perhaps, if at any painful hour the like may attend thee, it may suggest relief, in that thou art not alone. The alternations of light and darkness are necessarily appointed; in the first creation of this world, night intervened betwixt the days; if so, in the days of purity and innocence, what may not be expected, when transgression and of fences have brought an interruption of order and harmony? Nay, if the Almighty Former have renewed into newness of nature, the day and the night remain in Divine wisdom, in the necessary variety of the new creation, that each may show forth their wonders, and speak his praise who ordained them. Thus, beloved sister, friend, and fellow traveller to

wards the mountain where the Lord rests, having finished his work to perfection, we may learn to rejoice in tribulation, sustained by a lively hope that neither heights nor depths, things past, present, nor to come, shall separate us from that love which is stronger than death, though the trials thereof may be manifold.

off, but that he may be graciously pleased yet to make choice of them, though it may be in the furnace of affliction.

This is designed to go by our valuable friend Thomas Gawthorp, whose visit has been very acceptable and serviceable, I believe in general, and in a particular manner to myself, having his company in the house at a time I am relievingly sensible of best when nearly tried; my only daughter being help and strength renewed to act and live to visited with a dangerous illness, which reduced my own peace, and the advantage of others; her so low, that for many days I despaired as a person, embarrassed in a dark wilder- of her recovery, and she herself did not exness, without a path or light, beholds with pect it. Though she had been a hopeful child, joy the return of day, and the prospect of the it was to her a season of deep probation, and dwellings of men, so hath my exercised spirit, a winnowing time, in which the Lord was after a painful, yet profitable baptism, again pleased to manifest to her the emptiness of beheld His face in the Light, and found my-every temporal enjoyment without that of his self amongst his shepherds' tents; may the gain and glory be ascribed where it is ever due. I am, in the bonds of sincerest affection, thy loving brother,

SAMUEL FOThergill.

MARY PEMBERTON TO SUSANNA FOTHERGILL.

Philadelphia, Tenth month 13th, 1757.

Divine presence, for which she was in great distress; and as it hath pleased him to raise her, even from the brink of the grave, I hope, and earnestly desire, it may prove a lasting, profitable visitation to her. She, with the rest of our children, retain an affectionate remembrance of thy dear husband, and entertain, at times, a pleasing prospect of once more seeing him in Philadelphia, at which many beside them would rejoice.

MARY PEMBERTON.

JOHN CHURCHMAN TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.
East Nottingham, Tenth month 15th, 1757.

I think that this yearly meeting, during the time of our sitting on the affairs of the Society, was as much favoured as any meeting I was ever in; which is, indeed, great cause of solemn thankfulness. We had the company of many of our youth, who sat with a reverent attention, and some spoke to the business to my admiration; so that, notwithstanding all our troubles, which are many, I dare not yet conclude that the Lord intends to destroy us, but rather to instruct by a rod of correction.

I am at times mercifully favoured with a degree of that united love, which in its Divine nature and efficacy cements the hearts of its true votaries, and makes them dear to each other, though personally unacquainted. It is in this sort that thou, my friend, hast been often brought to my mind, as well as a near remembrance of the deep travail and unwearied labour of thy dear husband in the glorious work of the gospel, in which my spirit hath frequently been greatly refreshed under a variety of exercises and close baptisms. And I doubt not but many besides myself do both now, and will hereafter, reap the advantage of excellent fruits produced by his ministry, as well as that of divers others of our valuable friends, eminently gifted and qualified and sent to us in an acceptable time, which to me seems an evident demonstration of heaven- Dear Samuel, as to myself, I dare not say ly regard, and that the everlasting Arm of much, being never more sensible that of mySufficiency is still stretched forth to gather a self I am weakness altogether. I have known people, whose progenitors were not only bless- few times of greater purgation than of late, ed with the dew of heaven, but also with the which has made way for a greater degree of fatness of the earth. Outward peace and tran-purity for a time, and the text says- -The quillity filled their borders, and the sound of pure in heart shall see God; and, indeed, it war they were strangers to; but, alas! the is only in a state of purity that the Lord rescene is greatly changed, and I believe many veals his secrets, and opens those things of the offspring of those worthies, who are entered into their heavenly mansions, have too lightly esteemed their fathers' God, and ........... In many places there is a young the Rock of their salvation. Nevertheless, generation coming up, who will take the burthere is yet a number whose trust and confi- then willingly upon them, not of constraint, dence is in him alone, and these at times are but of a ready mind, and the work will prosfavoured with the spirit of intercession, that per in their hands, though at present they the descendants of his people may not be cast may be reproached by such Sauls, who, at VOL. IX.-No. 6. 27

which to the world and its spirit have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

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