;*:••' ^ 0% 4, 3^1 COLLECTION O F TESTIMONIES CONCERNING Several Minifters of the Gospel Amongft the People called §{ U A K E R S, Deceafed : With fome of their laft Expreflions and Exhortations. LONDON: Printed and Sold by Luke Hinde, in George- Tar d, Lombard- Street. 1760. THE PREFACE. I ^ H E Yearly-meeting obferving, that in many of the Testimonies, received from the different Quarterly - meetings, much ufeful and profitable Matter was contained, tending to promote and encourage the Practice of Virtue, and of that Obedience and Self- denial, which the Gofpel of Chriffc requires of his Servants ; together with feveral fhort, but full Relations of the bright Examples, and folid and tender Expreflions of many who have had the Happinefs to finifli well, and leave behind them the beft Demonftration of their Belief of the Truth, and Excellency of the Christian Religion, by giving a clear Evidence, of its genuine Fruits and Effects, in their Lives and Converfations ; and, in the Conclufion, by being divinely favoured with an Affurance of that Life and Immortality, for which, above all, they had deiired and laboured. A 2 Under Tbe PREFACE, Under thefe Confiderations, the Yearly- meeting directed the Collecting and Printing of fuch of thefe Testimonies as were judged molt likely to be of general Benefit ; which Collection is here prefented to the Reader. But we muft acknowledge we greatly regret, frequently to find the folid and weighty Ex- pressions of out dying Friends omitted, under the Excufe of Brevity > when oftentimes they are the moil important, and would be the moil likely to be of Advantage to thofe to whom they are communicated ; but, fo it is in too many Inftances : To avoid which, in future, Friends are deflred not to be negligent at fuch Opportunities, but to make as full and authentick a Collection of the laft Words, and Death-bed Expreffions, of our worthy depart- ing Friends, as they are capable ; , as thefe are generally the moft lively and affecting, and have a ftronger Tendency to flir up the pure Mind in the confiderate Readers, and make them to defire and endeavour fo to walk, in the Counfel of God, as to obtain the like precious Experience : In order to promote which, thefe Testimonies are earneilly re- commended to the Perulal and ferious Atten- tion of Friends in general, but efpecially to the Youth of both Sexes ; for in them they may having alfo often had good Service in divers publick Meetings, on fundry Occafions A where j 6 Testimonies concerning where many People of different Profeffions were gathered. He was a very diligent At- tender of our Monthly-meetings, and very ferviceable therein in many Reflects, pro- mating Peace and Righteoufnefs j alfo a fre- quent Attender of our Quarterly-meeting, and often at the Yearly-meeting, and other Meet- ings for Truth's Service. He was a loving and kind Hufband, a gentle and prudent Matter, and a good Neighbour ; whofe Readinefs to be affifting in many Cafes, gained him a general Refpect amongft them ; a Lover of Peace, and very in ftru mental in compofing of Differences ; fo that his Removal from us feems not only to be a Lofs to the Church, but others alfo j yet his great and everlafting Gain. Some Months before his Departure, he told fome Friends, he did not expeB to continue long amongft us ; and, in the particular Meeting whereunto he belonged, he feemed in his Exercife like a Perfon hailing to be difcharged of his Day's Work j which was particularly remarked by fome. On the 8th of the FirjH; Month 1728, he was fuddenly feized with a Fever, and though the Diftemper was very violent upon him, he bore it with Chriflian Patience and Refignation. He give good Advice to young People, and others who vifited him, and often fpoke thankfully of the Goodnefs of God to him, and of the Sweetnefs of true Love, right Unity, and Brotherhood^ Publick Friends deceafed. ij Brotherhood, which he had laboured to promote, and then recommended. He appeared without any Surprife at the Approach of fo fudden a Change ; often praying for divine Help to bear and go through ; and nigh his laft Moment defired, that he might have to draw his Breath in the Senfe of Life ; which fome there prefent fully believed was mercifully granted him ; and that he is now entered into the Kingdom of Glory and Peace that never fhall have an End. He departed this Life the 14th, and was buried in Friends Burying Ground at Hard- caftle Garth the 16th of the Firft Month 1728, being attended to his Grave by many Friends and others. Aged about Fifty three Years. A Miniiter nigh Thirty Years. A c leflimo?2y from the Quarterly-meeting, held at Pardihaw-hall, for the County of Cumber- land, concerning Thomas Drewrey Senior. THOMAS DREWREY Senior, of Bolton in the County of Cumberland, was con- vinced of the Truth about the Fourteenth Year of his Age : There being but very few in thofe Days who made Profeinon thereof, he was much vilified, derided and reproached, by his Parents, Relations and others, who uied what Means they could to perfwade him not to C leave r8 Testimonies concerning leave the Way of his Anceftors ; during which Time, he underwent great Afflictions upon feveral Accounts ; yet, being fupported by the Power and Virtue of that which he profefled, he was enabled to fland through all. As he grew in Years, he grew in Strength and faving Knowledge, and by degrees came to witnefs an Improvement in that Gift the Lord had beflowed upon him, fo that in due Time he was engaged to open his Mouth in publick Testimony, and to declare unto others, what the Lord had made him an Experiencer of. His diligent and fervent Labour was, that all might be made Sharers thereof. He was not eloquent of Speech, nor accomplished with Literature, but was attended with the Life and Power of Truth, which is the Subftance of the true Miniftry : This made his Offerings beneficial and edifying to the Church. He did not travel much abroad, except fometimes into the South and Weftern Parts of England and Wales, but very diligently attended the Meetings he belonged to ; and alfo often vifited Meetings in his native County. He was a good Example in a blamelefs Life and Converfation, and a faithful Sufferer for the Teft.imony of Truth, in the Time of Perfe- ction. He had a Fine of Twenty Poundt impofed upon him for keeping a Meeting at his Houfe, and the fame being levied, made great Havock of his fmall Stock ; yet, as he often faid, he never fujf'e red Want. His Heart was Publick Friends deceafed. 19 was open to entertain Friends, and often to contribate to the Neceffity of the Poor, which he frequently advifed Friends unto, faying, the Lord loves a cheerful Giver. So being an Encourager of Good, in all refpecls, he found the Bleffing and Comfort thereof in his de- clining Days, infomuch, that when he ad- vanced in Age, and Infirmity of Body grew upon him to that degree, that he was unable to attend Meetings, he was preferved in a tender and fweet Frame of Spirit ; during which Time, the Vifits of Friends were very acceptable to him, having great Love to them for Truth's Sake, and faying, He greatly loved the Company of Friends, and hoped he jhouU die in Unity with them ; and that, as Truth had been his Choice in his Youth, it was his Support and Comfort in his old Age, or elfe his Infirmity of Body would be heavier to bear. Yet he often exprefled his Defire to be diflblved and to be at Reft, feeling nothing but Peace with God and Goodwill towards all Men. And being fenfible the Time of his Departure drew near, he was very defirous of his eldeft Son Thomas's Company, who had many folid Times of Conference with him, about Truth and the Affairs thereof j but the moil: memorable and weighty Expreffions which he uttered, near the Time of his Conclulion, were to this Ef- fed. — I have lived to a good old Age, and gone through divers Exercijes and Trials ; and, through all, the Lord hath been my Help and C 2 Support-, 20 Testimonies concerning Support j and now I have fo much Peace and Satisfaction in my inner Man, that it feems to me, if I had my Days to fpend over again, 1 could not jpend them better. After this, his Time was but fhort ; his Body weakned, and his Speech failed, fo was not well to be underftood ; and as Peace had been his Delight in his Life-time, he was favoured with a peaceable and quiet End, without either Struggle, Sigh or Groan. He departed this Life the 29th Day of the Third Month 1729, in the Ninety firft Year of his Age. A Minifter Fifty Years, or up- wards. Some Publick Friends deceafed, 21 Some Account of Sarah Brown, of Pickering, with fome of her dying Sayings, as near as can be remembered : From the Monthly- meeting of Malton in Yorkshire. SHE was carefully educated, by her Parents, in the Principles of Truth ; and, when very young, fhe fell under a Concern of Heart, that fhe might come to be acquainted with the Lord for herfelf ■; and, in order thereto, as fhe in the Time of her laft Ilnefs declared, She was made willing to Jeek out private Places, to pour forth her Supplications to the Lord ; befeeching him, to make the Way of Truth more fully known to her ; and alfo, to enable her to walk therein. Which Concern he was pleafed to regard, in his own Time, to his Praife, and to her Growth and Incouragement in the Truth ; for about the Twenty fecond Year of her Age, a Part in the Miniflry was com- mitted to her, which became a very clofe Concern upon her, being fuch a Crofs, that fhe faid, She had rather have parted with her natural Life ; but could find no Peace without anfwering the Lord's Requirings ; and therefore fhe refolved, through his divine Affiitance, to be obedient unto him, though all Sorts of People might hij's at her. C % She 22 Testimonies concerning She travelled in the Service of the Miniftry, in this and feveral neighbouring Counties, and was well received, (he being of a grave, modeft and exemplary Behaviour, as became her Vo- cation, and our holy ProfeiTion ; and the Lord was pleafed to favour her with Chriflian Courage to the laft : For in the Time of her late Ilnefs (it being a pining Diftemper) {he fignified, that [he had freely given up herfelf and all that was near to her, to the Lord ; and, in great Sweetnefs of Spirit, very frequently exprefTed her earneft Defire for the Preferva- tion of her Hujba?id a?id Children in the Truth. She often bewail'd the loofe Profeffors of our own Society, and alfo the Blindnefs and Pro- phanity of many in other Profeffions, exprefT- ing her Defire for the Good of ail People ; and faid, that fie had no Cau/e to diftru/l the Lord, for he had been wonderfully kind. And near her End (he had many lick Fits, yet often broke forth in great Sweetnefs, faying,—- Glory ke to the eternal God, whom, (he laid, floe felt to be near her in that the Time of her great sljfliBion of Body. About half an Hour before her Departure, me feemed to have an hard Struggle with Death, and fpake not much more to us ; but a few Minutes before (he drew her laft Breath, me appeared eafy, and very fweetly cried out, i — Glory be to the eternal God ! And lo long as fhe could fpeak, in Sweetnefs of Spirit gave Glory to God. And although fhe hath finimed her Publick Friends deceqfed. 23 her Courfe in this World, her Memory is fweet to us that are left behind. She died the 18th of the Fourth Month 1729, in the Thirty third Year of her Age, and was buried at Pickering aforefaid. A Teftimony from the Quarterly - meeting at Pardfhaw-hall in Cumberland, concerning Thomas Scott of Newbiggin. HE was born at Hetherjide, in the Yeaf 1678, in the faid County. His Parents were of the Church of England, in which Way he was educated ; but being at a Meet- ing of Friends, the Lord was pleafed, through the Miniftry of his Servants, to reach his Un- derflanding, fo that he was fully convinced of the Truth, and joined with Friends, took up the daily Crofs, and denied himfelf of his former Pleafures and Paftimes. He was of an innocent Behaviour, and grew in the T^uth ; and after fome Time, the Lord endued him with a Gift of the Miniftry. His Appearance was in a lowly, humble, Frame of Mind, in the Demonftration of the Spirit and Power, and attended with a fweet and hea- venly Authority, to the edifying and refreihing of the Church. He was juft upon the Workers of Iniquity, though confolating to the True-hearted. His Care of the Church C 4 was 24 Testimonies concerning was great, and the Profperity of Truth much in his View. He was well efteemed by- Friends. He viiited the Churches in divers Parts of this Nation, and alfo in North Bri- tain, where he had good Service. He was a good Example to the Youth ; a loving Huiband, and a tender affectionate Father to his Children, and often fupplicated the Lord for them. Being at a Meeting one Firft-day, he livingly preached the Gofpel ; and in his Return was taken with an Ilnefs, which in- creafed and remained upon him near three Weeks ; during which Time, he was patient and refigned to the Will of the Lord, faying, that Death was no Terror to him. He departed this Life the 8th Day of the Sixth Month 1729, in great Unity with us, and was interred in Friends Burying Ground at Hetherfide. Many Friends attended his Burial, and the Truth was powerfully de- clared, to general Satisfaction. Aged Fifty Years. A Minifter Twenty Years. A Tefiimony, Publick Friends deceafed. 25 A Teflimony from the Monthly -meeting of Pard- fhaw-hall, in the County of Cumberland, concerning Joseph Bunting. HE was born in Ireland, and defcended of honeft Parents, whofe Names were Jojeph and Jane Bunting. They brought him over with them when young, and fettled upon a Farm, within the Compafs of Allenby Meet- ing in this County, for feveral Years. He was educated in the Way of Truth, and, in his young Years, much inclined to read the holy Scriptures, and the Writings of Friends, being endued with a large natural Capacity. About the Twelfth Year of his Age, the Lord was pleafed to vifit him ; fo that he hath fince been heard to fay, He Jlmdd then have opened his Mouth in publick c te/lit?io?iy in Meet- ings ; but not giving up in Obedience, was y through the fubtil Workings of the Enemy, for a Time led away after youthful Vanities. After- wards, about the Twenty fecond Year of his Age, it pleafed the Lord to give him a fecond Vifitation, by the powerful Miniftry of our worthy Friend Mary Ellerton of lork, then in this County. Soon after, he gave up in Obe- dience to what he believed was required of him, and came forth in a publick Teftimony, in 26 Testimonies concerning in a few Words, which was attended with the Power and Authority of the Truth, and, being preferved in an humble, lowly Mind, he grew in his Gift, and became an able Minifter of the Gofpel. He vifited Friends in moft Parts of this Nation and Ireland, having good Service for the Truth, whereof many are WitnerTes. His Miniftry was found, living, clear, powerful and prevalent ; juft upon the Workers of Ini- quity, yet very tender and confolating to the leaft Child in the Truth. He was married to an honed young Woman of Allenby Meeting about two Years ago, and removed to Whitehaven, where he had good Service amongft Friends and others, who much lamented his Death. His Teftimony was very affecting to People in many Places. He was willing to fpend and be fpent for Truth's Sake. His Converfation was folid, favoury and exemplary. We cannot but lament the Lofs of fo ferviceable an Inftrument in the Hand of the Lord. Several were convinced by him and joined with Friends. He was diligent in attending Meetings when at home. In his Sicknefs he was patient, and faid, 7/ was a brave Thing to have a clear Confcience at fuch a Time. And calling his dear Wife to him, faid, He mujl leave her, and commit her into the Hands of a good Keeper -, adding, What Caufe have I to be thankful, that I have had Time to remember, and call on him who will take Publick Friends deceafed. 27 take me to himfelf. He declared often, that he was 'very eafy ; and in his Sicknefs he was at Times wonderfully drawn forth in Prayer. He departed this Life, in great Unity with Friends, the 29th Day of the Ninth Month 1729, and we believe is at Reft. He was buried, the ift Day of the Tenth Month, in Friends Burying Ground in Whitehaven, where a great many Friends and others attended, and divers living Teftimonies were born to the Truth. Aged about Thirty four. A Minifter Twelve Years. A I'eflimony from the Quarterly - meeting of Durham, concerning Elizabeth Wheatly. SH E received the Truth in her young and tender Age, in the early Breakings forth thereof, about the Year 1656. At her firft Convincement fhe met with Hardfhips from her Mother, who was a Widow, and fo fevere againft her, that (he turned her out of her Houfe to fhiftfor herfelf ; but this Suffering was made eafy in a little Space : Some Relations being convinced, one of them entertained her, at whofe Houfe fhe remained fome Years; and in this Time fhe not only became well fettled and grounded in the Truth, but was raifed up to give a frefh and lively Teflimony to others of its Goodnefs, to the Comfort of the Meet- ing 28 Testimonies concerning . ing to which {he belonged, and to the edifying of many. And being made willing to give up to what was manifested and called for at her hand to bear Teftimony unto, fhe became a very ferviceable Inftrument in the Hand of the Lord, to the comforting and ft rengthning of many, by her continued Labour of Love ; which was not only acceptable to the neigh- bouring Parts where fhe firft had her Service, but fhe was frequent in Travels, vifiting moft Counties in England, and feveral Parts of Scot- land, being zealcufly concerned for the Growth of Truth amongft the Profeffors of it, that they might arrive at the true Knowledge thereof. She was of a good Savour amongft her Neighbours and Acquaintance, and of good Service even to very old Age ; and hnifhed her Courfe in this Life in the Ninety fecond Year of her Age ; having been a Preacher of Righteoufnefs, not only in Word and Doctrine, but alfo in Life and Converfa- tion, for about Seventy Yeais. And having laid down her Head in Peace, fhe refts from her Labours, and her Works follow her. She departed this Life at bocfion, being the Place of her Abode, the 20th of the Twelfth Month 1729. The Publick Friends deceafed. 29 The Teftimony from the Quarterly - meeting of Lancafter, concerning Sarah Tomlinson. OU R Friend Sarah Tomlinfon was born in Chejlnre. She was educated by her Pa- rents in the Principles of the Church of England, her Father being a Prieft. The manner of her Convincement we cannot rightly mew, there being no Footfteps to be found amongft her Papers that give any In- formation thereof : But this we know, that upon her embracing our Principles, and join- ing in Society with us, me was turned out of her Father's Houfe j whereupon cur Friend Tabitha Ardern, of Stockport in Che/Jjire, cha- ritably took her under her Care, where me became confirmed in the Principles of Truth me had before embraced ; and in due Time it pleafed the Lord to commit to her a Gift in the Miniftry, in which (he laboured, both in the Meeting to which me belonged, and in many Parts of England and Wales. Her Mi- niftr.y was attended with Life and Power, as many have experienced to their Comfort and Refremment. She was very ferviceable in Meetings eftablimed for Church Difcipline, being peculiarly qualified for it ; charitable to the Poor, particularly when under Infirmity of Body, me having great Judgment in applying proper 30 Testimonies concerning proper Remedies for their Relief, and her Death is therefore by them much lamented. In all thefe and many other Services, fhe la- boured to the Time of her laft Ilnefs, which was a Fever. Many Friends and Neighbours who then vifited her, found her in a patient Refignation to the Lord's Will. She often exprefled her earneft Defire, that Friends might pro/per in the Truth, and live in Unity one with another ; and but a few Hours before her Departure, recommended her dear Love to all Friends, fignifying her Satisfaction in her ap- proaching DifTolution ; which was comfortable to thofe attending her ; and we have reafon to believe (he is gone to Reft. She died at her own Houfe in Warrington the 24th, and was buried the 27th of the Twelfth Month 1729, at Friends Burying Ground there, her Body being accompanied to the Grave by many Friends and Neighbours* A Teflimony Publick Friends deceafed. 3 1 A Teftimony from the Quarterly - meeting m Cumberland, concerning Henry Atkinson. HE was defcended of believing Parents, at Mojlhorn in the faid County, who died when he and their other Children were young. Hereupon this our Friend was received by a Relation, a Member of the Church of Eng- land, who educated him in that Way. He was then a fober Youth, and was bound Ap- prentice to a Taylor in Newcaflle upon Tyne. After fome Time he removed to London and fettled there, and was convinced of the Truth, and joined with Friends at London, and moftly continued there for Fourteen Years. He then returned into his native Country and fettled there, and was well efteemed by Friends ; being often melted and broken by the Power of Truth in Meetings. He came forth in a publick Teftimony, and was ferviceable therein. He was of a clean fweet Conduct, redeemed from the World, and the Spirit of it j and often bore his Teftimony, in the Authority of Truth, againft the fame. He was of a cheer- ful Temper. He vifited the Churches divers Times in North-Britain and Ireland^ and we believe had good Service. Near the latter Part of his Time, he was concern'd to vifit the South Parts of this Nation. 32 Testimonies concerning Nation. He had a Certificate from the Monthly-meeting he belonged to, and, as we understand, was enabled to accomplifh his Service ; but in his Return was taken with a- Fever and Ague at a Friend's Houfe near Banbury in Oxford/hire y where he departed this Life, about the Sixtieth Year of his Age. A Minifter Thirty Years. 'The Teflimony from the Monthly - meeting of Newcaftle, concerning Samuel Maud, late of Sunderland. WE think it our Duty, and hope it may be of Service, to recommend to Pofte- rity the good Example of this our dear deceafed Friend. He was born at Leeds in Torkjljire , his Parents being Prefyterians, he was educated in that Way till about the Eighteenth Year of his Age j at which Time he came to live with William Maud, his Uncle, at Sunderland y who was a Profeilbr of Truth in its early Breakings forth ; with whom he continued not long, before he was convinced of the fame, and made open Profeflion thereof ; demon- ftrating to the World the bleiTed Effecls of the Power of Truth, by a iober and religious Convention, in which he feemed daily to improve, until he was railed up to bear a publick Teflimony to the Light of Jefus, which Publick Friends deceafed. 3 3 which had wrought his Reformation. His Labour of Love was well accepted of by his Brethren, he appearing well qualified for the Work of the Miniftry, being lively and edify- ing in his Teftimony, found in Doctrine, and exemplary in a fteady pious Conduct. A Lover of Peace and Unity, which he not only fre- quently recommended to others, but fo fully demonftrated his own Regard to it, that in fome Contefts he meekly refigned his Right for the Sake thereof. He kept a more than ordinary Government over his own Spirit, which made the Work of the Spirit of Truth fhine forth very eminently both in his Life and Doctrine. This rendered him dear to us, and well efteemed by others. And fo feniible are we of his eminent Services, both in the Miniftry and Difcipline of the Church, that the Spirits of many are bowed down in a deep Senfe of the Lofs we fuftain by his Death. He departed this Life the 4th Dav of the Second Month 1730. Aged Sixty three. D A Teftimonj 34 Testimonies concerning A Teflimony from Carloe Monthly - meeting in Ireland, concerning George Russel. THIS our dear deceafed Friend hath been known by fome of us about Fifty five Years. He was a Man of an innocent Life and blamelefs Converfation, zealous for the Promotion of Truth, and the Difcipline of the Church j conftant in attending Half-year's, Quarterly and Province-meetings, as well as the particular Meeting to which he belonged 3 and often had a Concern upon him to advife Friends to make right Ufe of Time, that their Day's Work might be done in the Day : For that an extrcifing Time and Day of great Mor- tality was coming on, which would be a dreadjul Day to the Unfaithful and Difobedient amongfl us ; and that there would be no Safety in that Day, but in the Lord's Arm of Power -, faying, we fhould be fafe under it, and not otherwife. The Subftance of this he was frequently concerned, under great Dread and Weight, to declare amongfl; us ; and, to fome who vilited him in his Ilnefs, faid, that What he had Jo often been concerned to declare amongjl us, would come to pafs. His Appearance in Meetings was always under a reverent Awfulnefs. And as he was diligent in attending Meetings, fo was he frequently concerned to prefs Friends to vifit Publick Friends deceafed. 3 £ viiit Families within the Compafs of oar Monthly - meeting ; faying, T'he Lord often owned them in that Concern^ as there was a waiting upon him in the Service. In fuch Vifits, he at times had a clear Sight refpecting the State of Families, and would drop very fuitable Advice upon thofe Occafions. His Love was fuch to Friends and Truth, that he fullered not his outward Affairs to hinder his attending the Service of the Church, but was always ready, when of Ability, to join Friends therein, and mindful to encourage others. He was one who took the Over-fight of the Flock, not by Conftraint, but willingly ; and we have, with his Wife and Children, to whom he was a loving Hufband and tender Father, a feniible Lofs of fo worthy a Friend and Elder, who was taken from us, lively in old Age. He endured the Pain of his laft Ilnefs with great Patience, and in Spirit was attended with divine Sweetnefs, which fupported him through. He had his Requeft granted, of an eafy Pafj'age out of this Life \ and we have no Caufe to doubt he enjoys the Fruit of his Labours, and is entered into the Reft prepared for the Righteous. He departed this Life the 18th of the Sixth Month 1730. Aged about Eighty, a Minifter about Forty Years. D 2 A Teftimony $6 Testimonies concerning A Hejiimony from the Quarterly - meeting at Hurftperpoint, in the County of SufTex, con- cerning William Beard. HE was a meek, humble, innocent and inoffenfive Man, a fincere Lover of tne Truth, and of the Friends of it. He dili- gently frequented Meetings fo long as Ability of Body would permit. And as it pleafed the Lord to commit to him a Part in the Miniftry, we believe he faithfully difcharged his Duty therein. His Delivery was in Plainnefs of Speech, frequently in great Tendernefs and Brokennefs of Spirit. He feldom appeared in -many Words at a time ; yet what he de- livered, feemed always to fpring from the divine Fountain, it being attended with Life and Power, and was greatly to the comforting and Refrefhment of many. He ufed with much Earneftnefs to exhort and prefs all to Diligence in Meetings, and that none would fit down eafy under a bare Profeffion of Re- ligion, but labour and ftrive after the inward Work, that they might know Sanctifkation and Holinefs perfected in themfelves. Fie was oftentimes very fervent and powerful in Prayer. He was a good Example to others, and well efteemed by Friends and Neighbours. His Removal from us is a Lofs to our County, and Publick Friends deceafed. 37 and efpecially to the Meeting at Brighthelmfton y to which he belonged. In the time of his Ilnefs, and but a little before his Death, he did feveral times exprefs, that he enjoyed inward Peace, and that be was well fat is fie d in the Will of the Lord, whether it were to live or die. He departed this Life the 27th Day of the Seventh Month 1730, and was buried the 30th of the fame in Friends Burying Ground at Rottingdcane. Aged about Seventy three Years. 'The I'eftimony of Friends from the Moate Monthly - meeting in Ireland, concerning Elizabeth Wilson. THIS our dear Friend was born at Waterjlown, in the County of Wefl Meath, in the Year 1694 ; the Names of her Parents were "Jacob and fane Fuller, who, being honeft and religious Perfons, carefully educated their Children in the Way of Truth ; and me was dutiful to them to the End of their Days. And as me grew in Years, me had religious Inclinations, and thereby came fenfibly to know the Want of an inward Acquaintance with the Lord in Spirit, which, Education of itfelf could not give her. Thus the Lord began to prepare her, by his Word and Power D 3 in 38 Testimonies concerning in her Heart, for future Service. And her Love increafing in the pure \\Ay Fear, (he was preferved out of the Vanity and Folly, which too much abound in foine of the Youth of our Day. She loved Retirement, and often, with a tender, humble and broken Spirit, waited for a further Manifestation of the pure holy Prin- ciple of Light and Grace ; and, in thofe inward Exercifes, fhe frequently witnefled the Comfort of divine Love. When me grew to mature Age, by the Confent of her Parents, me joined in Marriage with William Waijon, a religious young Man, who lived but a fhort time with her. She remained a Widow feveral Years, in which State flie behaved well, and received a Gift in the Miniftry. She was of an innocent and fober Converfation, well beloved, both by Friends and Neighbours. In the Year 172 1 fhe married our Friend Thomas Wiljon, who frequently gave her up to anfwer fuch Services as were lequired of her ; and as fhe, by Faithfulnefs, had obtained to a good degree of Advancement in the Truth, fhe was not baity nor forward to offer her Gift, but waited in the pure Silence, to be endued with Power from on high, which is the true Qualification of all who are called into that weighty Work of the Mirultry ; whereby (lie became fkilful in dividing the Word fuitably to the States of the People. And Publick Friends deceafid. 39 And although (he feldom appeared large in Teftimony at home, the tender Frame of Spirit {he frequently fat under, in our filent Meetings, was very obfervable ^ yet when (he did appear, what {he delivered was found and weighty, often being as glad Tidings of Life and Salvation, by Jeius Chrift, to the true Mourners in Sion, and Confolation to the needy Soul : This feemed to be her particular Gift j yet, at times, the Power and Dread that (he appeared in, did flrike at the very Root and Myftery of Iniquity, that works, and too much prevails in the Children of Difobe- dience ; hating the Appearance of Evil in any, but greatly concerned that Peace and Unity might be maintained amongft Friends, and that the ancient Teftimony and Difcipline, fettled amongft us, might be kept up ; and was ferviceable therein, through her Zeal for the Profperity of Truth. She was a diligent Attender of Meetings, -when at home ; alfo our Quarterly and Na- tional Meetings, She fometimes vinted Friends, both in the North and South of this Nation ; and alfo, in Company with our dear Friend Elizabeth Peafe, vifited Friends in ScotJatid, and fome Parts of the North of England. And in the Seventh Month 1729, (he, with her dear Companion Jane Gee, having had a Concern upon their Minds for fome time to viiit Friends in Wales, and fome Parts of Enjr~ land, in full Unity they left us : And for a D 4 further 40 Testimonies concerning further Account of her Labour and Service in that Nation, we refer to the following Pofl- Jcript^ wrote by her Companion -> and have ground for Hope, that (he is entered into that Reft prepared for the Righteous. She was a Minifter about Eleven Years. A Poitfcript ly Jane Gee. he was expofed to imminent Danger, but through the Protection of Providence was preferved from bodily Harm, When at home, he was diligent and ex- emplary in attending Meetings both for Wor- ship and Difcipline. The Simplicity of the Gofpel very much appeared in his Miniftry, to the Edification of the Church, and the reaching and convincing of feveral. He was alfo zealoufly engaged in Meetings of Difci- pline, at home and abroad, for the Prefervation of Unity and good Order in the Church. Whilft Ability of Body would permit, he very much devoted himfelf to the Service of Truth ; but being apprehenfive, of late Years, that his Stay here would not be long, he feveral times very fervently cautioned and warned Friends, in their Meetings, againff Formality, and a dead empty ProfeJJion j and that in a par- ticular manner about two Weeks before his lafl Ilnefs. Upon a young Man's coming to vilit him, when under confiderable Weaknefs of Body, he expreffed himfelf to this Effect ; My Day is now almofi over, and this is thine : Give thyjelf up freely to the Service of T?~utb, and fparc Pxjblick Friends deceafed. 4^ Jpare no Pai?is to publifo the Gofpel ; we have but once a Time : 'Tis my Comjort that I have freely devoted myfelf to the divine Requirings y and 1 have great Peace now in my declining Tears. From hence 'tis evident, that the divine Power which called, brought forth and fupported him under various Exercifes in the Series of his Life, continued to uphold him near his dying Moments. About the 25th of the Firft Month 1731, he was feized with a violent Fever, and a Complication of other Difrempers, which were very ftrong upon him ; yet he bore his Pain with great Patience, intimating his Reiigna- tion to, and Contentment in the Will of God. He quietly departed this Life at his own Houfe in Crook, on the 2d Day of the Second Month 173 1, and was buried in Friends Burying Ground near his own Houfe the 5th of the fame, being accompanied by a con- siderable Number of Friends and others. In the Sixty fourth Year of his Age, having been a Minifter upwards of Forty five Years. 71 : 46 Testimonies concerning The leftimony of the Quarterly - meeting of Cumberland, concerning Thomas Wilkinson of Beckfoot. Tl H I S our ancient Friend defcended of honeft Parents, though not of our Pro- feffion, and was born in the Year 1653. They died when he was young. He was educated, by a Relation, in the Way of the Church of England y and was by Nature wild, though not guilty of grofs Evils. About the Fourteenth Year of his Age it pleafed the Lord to vifit him, and bring him under Conviction for his youthful Vanities ; which he divers times ex- preffed his Thankfulnefs for in his laft Ilnefs ; commemorating alfo, the Lord's Working upon him, and how he came to know a palling through the Miniflration of Condem- nation, which he patiently abode under, till he came to witnefs Juftification and Peace. And being fully convinced of the Way of Truth, he joined himfelf with Friends j and after fome Time, waiting in Silence with them, he received a Gift of the Miniftry, and travelled, when but young, through mod Parts of this Nation and IV ales ; and feveral times vifited Friends in Scotland and Ireland ; approving himfelf a faithful Labourer accord- ing to his Meafure, and was infirumental in turning feveral to Righteoufnefs. His Publick Friends deceafed. 47 His Miniftry was not with enticing Words of Man's Wifdom, but in the Demonftration. of the Spirit and Power : And he was endued with an excellent Gift of Prayer. And as he bore a faithful Teftimony in Word and Doc- trine, his Converfation was agreeable thereto. He alio bore a zealcus Teilimony againft Tithes ; and for Non-payment of a fmall Modus out of his Efbte of Land, he was pro- fecuted, in the Court of Exchequer, by the Farmers of Tithes ; upon which Account he fuffered Imprifonment at CarliJJe, and in the Fleet at London, iixteen Years before he was difcharged : All which Suffering he patiently bore without murmuring ; and often faid, he never enjoyed more of the Lord's Favour than in his Confinement. He paiTed through many Hardships, and greaj Exercifes, by the * Pearfons, and bore a faithful Teftimony againft them, and the Spirit they appeared in, at the Meeting to which he belonged : As his Dwelling was near the Meeting-houfe, he fuffered many Abufes bv them in their Malice and Rage ; but that which was moil afflicting, was the Danger the Meeting was in, of being laid wafte by them : Under * Tboje Pearfons were Ranters \ bitter Enemies to the Society \ frequently diflurbed their Meetings for Worjhip in an unprecedented manner, and (n Individuals with great Outrages and In . 48 Testimonies concerning Under which Affliction this our Friend flood firm, himfelf and Family being inftrumental to uphold the Meeting, and were a great Strength to Friends. In his lail Ilnefs, fome Friends fitting by him, he faid, He had 720 Trouble in his Mi fid for any Thing he had done concerning them, they being rebellious againji God and his People. He was vifited with an intermitting Fever about three Weeks ; during which Time, he was patient and fenfible, and freely religned himfelf up to the Lord's Will ; often fignify- ing, that nothing flood in his Way, and that he had the full Evidence of Joy and Peace. He gave good Advice to Friends, and to his Children and Family, deiiring, the Lord might blefs them "with the Dew of Heaven. He was of good Service in the Church. His Heart and Houfe were open to ferve* and entertain Strangers. He departed this Life the 20th of the Eighth Month 173 i, in full Unity with Friends, and was decently interred the 2 2d of the fame, in their Burying Place at Beckfoot ; his Corps being accompanied by many Friends and fober Neighbours, where divers livin? Teftimonies were born for the Truth. A^ed upwards of Seventy eight, a Miniiler about Fifty Years. A Tejlimony Publick Friends deceafed. 49 A Te/iimony from the Quarterly - meeting of Kendal in the County of Weftmorland, concerning Christopher Winn. OU R dear and worthy Friend Chrijlopher Winn was born near Sedbergh in Tork(hire 9 in the Year 1655, and educated in the Way of the Church of England. He was convinced of the bleffed Truth, about the Year 16S0, by that eminent and worthy Minifter of Chriifc Roger Haydock : For a farther Account of which, we refer to a following ihort Narrative, left by him in Manujcript. He was called to the Work of the Miniftry about the Year 1683, in which he laboured fervently and faithfully, being fuitably qualified for the fame ; and in Tefhmony would fre- quently fpeak of the Lord's gracious Dealings with his People ; exhorting Friends to a R.efignednefs of Mind to ferve him faithfully ; and even travailed in Pain, that Chrift might be formed in all. He was powerful in Prayer, and in Supplication oftentimes favoured with a near Acceis to divine Goodnefs. His gre?.t Care and Concern for the Welfare of Sicn, fully manifefled his fincere Love to Truth and the Brethren. He was diligent in attending Meetings ; a flricl Obferver of the Hour appointed : And the Care of the Church E grew 50 Testimonies concerning grew daily upon him j being concerned in a particular manner, that a godly and zealous Difcipline mould be maintained, fo that Judg- ment might be placed upon every TranfgrefTor, and the Church be made clean : And although he ufed to deal plainly with Backlliders, yet, in a truly Chriftian Spirit, entreated with fuch Meeknefs, and moving Tendernefs, as generally had a good Effect, being duly cautious of hardening or hurting any. He was full of Love, and meek in Expreflion to the Babes in Chrift. He was a Man of an innocent, inoffenfive Conduct, and cheerful in Converfation j and what rendered the fame more agreeable, pro- fitable and edifying, was his being attended with a reverential Awe in what Company foever he came, left he fhould fpeak or act any thing prejudicial to Truth : Thus perfe- vering in true Watchfulnefs, Humility and Circumspection, he adorned his holy Pro- feffion, and gained general Favour and Ac- ceptance, both amongft Friends and others. About the Beginning; of the Sixth Month 173 1, he was vifited with a Fever, of which he partly recovered ; but the Relicts thereof threw him into a gradual Decay, which in time occafioned his Death. During his laft Sicknefs, which continued feveral Months, he was frequently vifited by feveral Friends, who had great Satisfaction therein, wholfome Advice and fweet Expreifions often Publick Friend \ftd. 51 often dropping from him : Some few of which are as follow. Being one time left in the Room, a Friend going in, told him He ci alone. He anlwered, No, he bad. t be Cam* ton :':. 7 ti \ Another time being aiked, If be would ha r :e a Hit.. t f He anfwered, He ;:.; avoured with ti :f the Kingdom. At arc. me hi Wife^ who was tender over him, told him, He was - j meaning in Body*. He cheerfully an- fwered, He {boufa in a lit rick . Another time, holding up his Hand, T.-rcr to him j becaufe : be accepted in 1 Day of Account. "e, laid, I:\ : 4 to the 1 obi. re, when verv weak cf a Friend being about to take I. - m, he exprefled himfelf thus ; I 17V;;: ; --' .. _ let us n : eni. ft ; • :e Friend anlwer- ed, : : . He laid, : and be may bejai thee ; but be c Duty : Fear Lord, < -". At ai time, a Friend ailced, He: a m ed .- He anfwerc fawourt E 2 52 Testimonies concerning thereby refrefied both in Soul and Body. Another time being afked, How he was % He fpake pretty largely of the Goodnefs and Mercy of God extended to him, and the Seal and Evidence he had of eternal Salvation. And at the fame time return'd upon himfelf, and faid, though it be thus with me, the Words of the Apojlle are fit to be remembered, — Let him that thinketh he ftandeth, take heed left he fall : And added, Such a Pitch of Strength and Safety fiould not be prefumed upon j we fhould watch always. In fhort, he was a Pattern of Holinefs ; and we think it may with as much Juftice be faid of him as of moil Men, that he was an Ifraelite indeed, in whom there was no Guile. Thus this virtuous and honourable Man, having lived to a good old Age, and kept the Faith, hath therein finished his Courfe, and, we doubt not, obtained that glorious Immor- tality and Reft which is prepared for the Righteous. He departed this Life, at his Houfe near Sedbergh, on the 2 2d of the Second Month 1732. Aged Seventy feven, a Minifter Fifty Years. A fiort Publick Friends deceafed. 53 A fiort Narrative, left in Manufcript, by Christopher Winn, relating to his Convincement, &c. DURING the Time of my late Indif- pofition of Body, the gracious Deal- ings of the Almighty with my Soul have often been revived in my Mind ; as alfo, how I have anfwered the End of my Creation : And in the Courfe of my Expe- rience, I concur with the great Apoftle of the Gentiles, that The Flefi lujleth againjl the Spirit, and the Spirit againjl the FleJJj $ but Thanks be to God for his Mercy, who in a good degree hath given me, through the Help of his divine Spirit and Power, Victory over the Lufts and Inclinations of the Flefh : Therefore I cannot but earneftly recommend all, carefully to obferve what brings Pain and Uneafinefs to the Mind, and look upon it as Correction and Inftruc- tion from above ; which, if duly regarded, will bring all into a degree of the fame comfortable Experience. " I was born in the Year 1655, and edu- cated in the Way of the Church of England, fo called, and was, according to my Power and Capacity, a diligent Obferver of its Doctrine and Worfliip, till fuch time as I E 3 " found '54 Testimonies concerning C£ found a Longing of Soul for other Food, n though I knew not where to find it. I do " remember, in my young Days, fomething 11 at work in me, reproving for Sin and <£ Tranfgreffions, teaching and leading in the cc juft Man's Path. The Lord was near at whofe Promifes I have witneffed to be Tea and Amen. Bleffed be his Name for ever. " About the Year 1694, I joined dear Gilbert Tbompfon, my Wife's Brother, in the Management of his School, with whom I had true Fellowmip -, being fenfible, in our Communication, that Jefus drew near. " While I lived there, the Lord put it into my Heart to vilit Friends in Wales, fuch a Day in fuch a Month ; which if I had not anfwered, I had milled a Meeting, held only once a Month, at which was convinced a Woman of confiderable Family -, for which I humbly and thankfully blefs God through Jefus Chrift. I may alfo fay, in feveral of my Vifits to Friends in Cbejhire, Torkjhire and Cumberland, fome were con- vinced ; which I mention only to encourage Gofpel Miniflers to Obedience. *' It likewife remains with me to fignify, what the Lord put into my Heart by way of Prophecy, at a General-meeting at Gray- rigg y viz. I WILL BEND THE CEDARS, I WILL HUMBLE THE HEATHEN, AND enlarge Israel's Borders. And fervent Praver continues upon my Mind for the voung Generation amongft Friends, that the Lcrd would be pleafed to prepare them ? againfl that Day. I alio earneftly entreat " that 58 Testimonies concerning