centricities and some singularities in his character is admitted, yet through and over all these, the purity and originality of his mind was often displayed in a remarkable manner; evincing, with clear demonstration, that the cause of Truth and righteousness, was dear to his heart. The instructive application of his parables, similes, and metaphors, drawn from common occurrences, from natural things, and familiar objects, was peculiarly impressive. It is thought many of these original comparisons, might yet be prevented from passing into oblivion, if now committed to writing, for the benefit of the present and succeeding generations.

The object of this Note is to encourage the gathering up of such other fragments concerning James Simpson, as may be interesting or useful to survivors.

A BRIEF MEMORIAL

Of the monthly meeting of New York, concerning Ann Byrd; with some extracts from her memorandums.

In our present memorial, we have not to record the account of one, who had attained to advanced age; but we have to advert to a character, perhaps not less animating, that of one, who, though comparatively young in years, was rich in faith, and who was mercifully enabled to lead, in a good degree, "an unspotted life."

Ann Byrd was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Byrd, of New York, and was born on the 3rd of the 11th month, 1798. Her parents were engaged to imbue her mind with the love of piety, and they had the satisfaction of finding, that their solicitude was abundantly rewarded by her own clear perception of the superior importance of religious engagements.

From her childhood, she manifested a lively and tender sensibility; and although, as she grew in

years, she made considerable advancement in literary and scientific pursuits, yet she early evinced, that her affections were chiefly placed on things of an eternal nature, and that her principal concern was to gain the favour of Him, with whom are "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

In her retired moments, it appears that, from her earliest youth, she was almost in the daily practice of recording her religious exercises and impressions. The following are extracts from her memorandums; and we think they will be deemed instructive evidences of the pure and pious frame of her mind. The first extract, which we have selected, was written about the seventeenth year of her age.

"3rd month 2nd, 1816. O holy Father, may I, with humble gratitude and reverent awe, acknowledge thy infinite goodness towards me, during the short period of my existence. Thou permitted me early to see the happiness thy dedicated children enjoy; and when the gilded allurements of this world were presented to me, thou wast pleased, in condescending mercy, to stain them in my view; and I was proved by temptations more singularly trying, when my situation seemed as in a deserted wilderness; and from my comfortless mental habitation, I was led to query, where shall I find consolation? Yet even here, thy goodness upheld me, and bade my wandering feet stand still, that I might know thee to be my God. And Oh! this day thou hast permitted me to see the purifying nature of those trials; to taste the delights of thy banquetting house, and to say, O Lord, it is enough.

May I rejoice evermore in all the turnings of thy holy hand upon me; pray without ceasing for thy

direction, in the various vicissitudes of life; and in all thy dispensations, continually give thanks.

7th month 29th, 1817. Suffer me once more, O holy Father, to offer my all to thee. Thou hast graciously been pleased, at times, to direct my youthful heart, and hast declared thyself still to be found by those that seek thee. Grant, O dearest Lord, among the multitude of thy blessings, a knowledge of myself. Enlighten my understanding, that I may see my imperfections and infirmities, as beheld by thee; and grant, if it please thee, strength to correct them.

Is it not thy presence that now surrounds me? What is this ecstatic feeling, but heaven itself? Whence proceeds this angelic anthem, that echoes within me, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will to men." Be still, all ye powers from without, and interrupt not this holy serenity.

3rd month 12th, 1818. O bountiful Father, daily am I a partaker of thy goodness. Let me not be unmindful of the obligations I am under for thy manifold mercies; but may I endeavour, by acting conformably to thy will, to shew forth thy praise. May humility and industry attend me. Suffer not,

O holy Father, any thing in me that displeaseth thee, to pass unpunished; and in the hour of temptation, be thou my protector. Enable me, by thy holy spirit, to persuade some of my younger friends, who have strayed far from thy enclosures, to return, as the prodigal, unto thee. There are many of that class, who in their hearts love thee; but not being firm enough to resist the torrent of temptation that is bearing upon them, openly, in their conduct, VOL. IV.-20

deny thy name. To these, O holy Father, let me be an instrument of use. Enable me to assure them of the beauty there is in holiness; and of the permanent felicity attendant on piety. May they be convinced, that one hour in thy presence is better than a thousand elsewhere. And Oh! dearest Lord, be thou my counsellor and director. I have enlisted in thy warfare; invest me with the armour of righteousness; and enable me to destroy my spiritual enemies. Let me not act in my own will, or according to my own inclination; but when thy commands are given, may thy servant be in readiness to obey them.

8th month 14th, 1822. O dearest Father, the time that is passed in waiting upon thee, is by far the most delightful of my life. I long for the moments to arrive, when earthly cares allow me to enter my closet, my retired apartment, where I may hold communion with thee.

Thou knowest that I desire to serve thee above

all. Thou knowest, O dearest Father, that I desire to hold nothing so dear, but at thy call, I may part with it.

10th month 7th. O dearest Father, the world cannot satisfy the desires of my immortal spirit. I have in measure partaken of its pleasures, and have found them vain; but there is an eternal substance, a soul-sustaining joy, which thou art pleased to grant unto thy children that seek thee with their whole heart. Assist me, if it please thee, in performing the solemn resolution I have made this morning; which is, never to pass a single day, that may yet be granted me in this land of probation, without waiting in silence for thy divine instruction.

12th month 15th. I thank thee, O dearest Father, for arresting my attention in the morning of my day, before my affections have become deeply entangled with the things of this life.

After the delightful intercourse my soul at seasons enjoys with thee, the most interesting conversation of the world is a burden to me; I am weary with hearing it."

Having herself experienced the delight of living under the Divine Law, she felt an earnest desire that others also should be brought under the same blessed influence; and, about the twenty-fifth year of her age, she was constrained to appear in public ministry. Her communications were short, but they were solemn and impressive; and the meekness and humility, which clothed her spirit in this important service, were acceptably evident to her

friends.

We continue our extracts from her writings after this period.

"5th month 11th, 1824. Oh! that I may learn obedience, by the things that I suffer, and be made perfect through suffering. I fervently desire that thine eye, O Lord, may not pity, nor thine hand spare, until all in me that offends, is removed. I ask not a mitigation of suffering, for I have known. its cleansing effect; and, among the multitude of thy mercies, have I numbered a quick perception of my own errors. Be pleased, O dearest Father, to show me these in their darkest hue, that I may see the sinfulness of sin in every shape, and under every transformation.

5th month 7th, 1825. I have this day revived a