some, amongst others, continually grovelling underneath and loaded with lumber, from stupidity and. nonsense; yet, in your writings, and yours only, that pure, evangelical principle, even Truth itself, seems to be freed from lumber of every kind, and shines with uninterrupted, and continued lustre.

The same right foundation, or principle, leads me to have a little sense of your preachers, and preaching; and of the service derived from it, and intended by it. And truly, I cannot omit mentioning, that my soul has, by some of your preachers, been warmed within me, and led to see, with strong desires, the true paths of virtue, which lead to the realms of immortal bliss. Every worldly glory has been stained, as it were, within me; and my mind has, in those times, been inspired with a glorious and immortal ardour, which nothing on this side eternity would be capable of inspiring me with, or the uninspired be capable of communicating. Permit me, madam, to mention some, whose names are, I think, no doubt, immortalized in the etherial regions, and written in the Lamb's book of lifenamely; clear-reasoning and truly inspired Mr. Thompson,-solid and immortal Mr. Sharpless,irresistably eloquent Mr. Fothergill,-heaven-born Miss Payton; with whom seems to be lodged the secrets of both worlds;-and many more of less notice amongst you. From all which, I am fully convinced of the following evident truths;—that all true preaching comes from inspiration, and ought to be delivered, as St. Paul says, "as the Spirit gives utterance;"-that, without inspiration, silence is infinitely preferable;—that all preachers ought to express themselves to the hearing and understanding

of the auditory, or silence then is much preferable; for what can any one be edified, if they are not intelligibly informed, or rightly hear what is spoken? And further, I think that all God's flock and family upon earth constitute (if I may be allowed the comparison) a building; and are like polished, or dress-→ ed stones, every one intended for a place in that building, and are fit for no other than the intended place.

Now, madam, as I have given you a short history of my opinions, and the reasons of my embracing them, I must beg leave to mention one thing further, concerning yourself; and that is, your preaching: which I naturally conclude is good sense, because your writings indisputably are. But whether it is or not, I think neither I, nor any one else (particularly in Grace-church street) can tell; for we are not hearing one fourth part of what you say. And therefore (pardon my boldness) I think your silence would be much preferable, and more satisfactory. Permit me to say, that I sincerely believe you to be an Israelite indeed, in whose heart there is no guile. But I think you never was a stone, intended for so eminent and visible a place in the building; and therefore cannot help thinking that when you appear in Grace-church street meeting, you are out of your place. Your services, madam, I doubt not, are many, in a private capacity, and may be equally so, in a small auditory, where you are capable of being heard;-not disputing what you say may be just, and to the purpose; though, from those hints or scraps, which I have been capable of hearing, there has appeared too much tautology, and has been too long and tedious,

Madam, excuse my boldness, and pardon me for troubling you with this letter; and assure yourself that it is the value I have for your Society, and the pain I am under for you, and your friends, when I hear your half-heard discourses, which makes me give you the trouble of perusing this.

Excuse imperfections; and if I have been too prolix, tautological, bold, or severe, -attribute it to the abundance of my heart, which wishes well to you, and all mankind.

I am, madam, a friend to religion, virtue, and good order.

ROBERT BUTCHER.

A FAREWELL TO RACHEL WILSON, A minister of the Gospel amongst the people called Quakers. After having visited most, if not all, the widely extended colonies in North America, in the space of about one year, with such persevering constancy, and unwearied industry as is scarcely credible for a woman, she embarked on her return to her husband and family, residing at Kendal in England, in the beginning of the 11th month, 1769.

Happy the humble soul that lives to God,

Refin'd from sensual dross, pursues the way, The only blessed way,-true pleasure's roadLeading thro' time's thick night, to endless day. In humble hope, let honest hearts unite,

That the great harvest's Lord may yet endow More faithful lab'rers, with immortal might, And willing minds the Master's work to do.

Rachel, the field is wide, the harvest great,

Noble the purpose of thy embassy:
Stupid the mind that does not feel the weight,
Of potent love which operates in thee.
Wean'd from the love of life and earthly things,
Obedient to the soul-redeeming power,

Borne o'er the deep on evangelic wings,
A welcome envoy to this western shore.
The straying mind descends from barren heights,
Soft melody vibrating in the ear,

And in the lowly verdant vale delights
The gospel music of thy voice to hear.

Thus the good Shepherd tunes his rural reed,
The stragglers of his flock are gather'd near;
Charm'd with his voice they in his presence feed,
Safe from the beast of prey, and void of fear.
Cloth'd with the love that makes the lily white,
Thy fervent labours, Wilson, have been bless'd,
Or this FAREWELL had never seen the light,

Nor thus a fellow worm had thee address'd.
And is thy task fulfill'd? Must thou depart?
Go, then; and may angelic peace be thine:
Absence cannot erase thee from my heart,

For time to come, if time to come be mine. Divinely fitted for a sacred use,

As such, 'tis sure no flattery to commend, A vessel honor'd in thy master's house, As such I but salute thee, as a friend. Favor'd of God, Farewell! and to thy shore, (Bless'd with celestial calm, tho' billows foam) May gales propitious waft thee safely o'er, Endeared Rachel, to thy native home.

JOHN DRINKER.

FRIENDS' MISCELLANY.

No. 6.]

NINTH MONTH, 1833.

SOME ACCOUNT

[VOL. IV.

Of the religious people called "Nicholites." This people commenced about the middle of the eighteenth century, and were mostly confined to the state of Maryland. Joseph Nichols, the person most conspicuous as an instrument, in the convincement and gathering of this society,-was a person of strong powers of mind, and a remarkable flow of spirits, but of a limited education. He followed the occupation of husbandry, in Kent County, in the state of Delaware.

His vivacity of character, and talent to afford amusement, made his company very much sought, by many of his cotemporaries, in his particular neighbourhood. On first-days, and at other times of leisure, it is reported that those thus collected would be entertained with anecdotes of his relation, with songs, and on some occasions they would indulge in dancing and other amusements for pastime.

At length, Joseph Nichols became seriously impressed with the necessity of more sobriety and thoughtfulness; and when his neighbours would. meet, with a view to indulge in their former practices of mirth and jollity, Joseph would assume an air of more seriousness, and propose that they should endeavour to amuse themselves more rationally than they had done, and that a portion of the Scriptures should be read: to which proposals, from the respect VOL. IV.-21