m^ PRINCETON, N. J. / j z^/Vv:,' .7 .^..Cr.s?-' Shelf.. A^nmber I '^^// ? f^oh -^c .J rOfL 6'^^^?;?, wasc?/^^, whofeGen*4.4i Offering and Perfon the Lord accepted, and had ^"^^- "* RefpeSt unto. There were alfo Jbme others,'^' in the fucceeding Generations before the Flood, as Enoch ^ who walked with God in well-pleafing'^YiQh.ii, and Noah^ a Preacher of Righteoufnef; although the Ungodly World in General rebePd againil it, to their Deftru^tion and Overthrow^ After the Deluge, the Holy Patriarchs, Abra- Heb. u. ham^ Ifaac^ Jacob^ Jofephj and others, by Faith ^' ^^ ^°* in this Holy Seed were fancftfed^ obtained a good Report^ and wrought Righteoufnefs in their Gene- rations^ before the Law was given forth from Mount Sinai, And even in the time of the Law, Righteous Men and Prophets had Faith there- A in. "*ii r-^^ PREFACE. in, being infpired and a^ied thereby ; yet many of the Jervs^ who had the Law, and were zeal- ous in the outward Performances thereof, not having a due Regard to the Seed or Word nigh Vent. 30. m their Hearts (recommended by Mofes) which ^4- would have inwardly j'anBified them, and made their Hearts contrite before the Lord^ they rebel- Neh.9. led againft him, vfho gave them of his good S ft- ^^'^^' rit to inftruB them) and though zealous for the Ceremonies of the LaWj yet rejefting their im^ mcDiate ^OnitOJ, they neglefted the weightier matters of the LaWj and leaned upon outward Oh- fer vat ions ; wherefore their Offerings^ Sacrifices^ Ih'ui. II* Sabbaths^ Set Feafls, and Solemn JffemblieSy al- ^^ '^' though required and appointed in that Difpenfa- tion, became loathfome^ and an Abomination to the Lord \ but fuch who in Uprightnefs of Heart Mai.3. i.'obferved the Law, were acceped of God, yet ^'* looked for a more gloriom Difpenfation to corne. The vifible Difpenfations of God to Men^ Heb. 1. 1. have been various, as by Angels^ the Law from Mount Sinliiy the Minitlry of the Prophets^ and ^obn the Baptift, fent in the Spirit and Power of , Mat. 3. 1, Elias^ to prepare the Way of the Lord : All which ^'^* Difpenfations, had a Glory in them for their Time ; though but preparative for One more 2 Col*. 3. Glorious yet to be reveaPd. Then, in the Ftdnefi **• of Timc^ Chrijl'Jefm^ the Seed of theWoman^ the MeJJiah and Ho-pe of Ifracl^ was manifefted in Mat. 13. the Flefli, whofe Day, many Prophets and i7- Ricrhteous Men defir'd to fee, and could not, 13. * * only by Faith at a Diftance, by reafon of Death. Mat. 4. 17 Now was Salvation brought nigh^ the Kjngdom of Heaven at Hand, and the Glad Tidings of the Go/^el . The ERE FACE. lii Gofpel PreachM to the Seed of Abraham^ the GLo- ^^"^^ 4- ry of former Difpenfations began to wax dim/ ' to fuch as beheld Hu Glory^ that excelled, even the Glory of the only begotten of the Father^ full ^/johni.14 Grace and Truth ; yet many of the^ "Jews could not feeitfo, nor underltand his Voice, Preach- ing the K^indom of God in Parables, and uttering ^^^^* ^B- things, that had been kept jecret, from the Founda- tion of the World; or be;ieve on him, concern- ing whom, Mofes in the Law and the Prophets did write ; but defpis^d and rejected him, altho' the mighty Works, and great Miracles which he John 10* wrought amongft them, by the Power of his f^-^'5'57»38 ther, declared him to be the Son of God. Howbeit, the moft gloriotis Go\f el-Day^ was not ^^t fully reveaPdy at leafl: with refped to the Gentiles, whilft our Saviour was in the prepar'd ^^^^* i5« Body, fent only to the Houfe of Ifrael, in the ^"^^ Form of a Servant, to fulfil the Law and Pro- ^^t:- 15- phets, and things that were written concerning ^'''^ * him ; but after he had done that VVork, which the Father had given him to do, in that Holy Body, and ^niffPd the fame, by the Offering upiohnu29 of himfelf unto God, as a La?nb without Spot, a 1 Pet. i. Propitiation for the Sins of the whole World, roje [[j^^^ ^^ again from the Dead, appear'^d to confirm his Difci- 14. pies, and afcended into Glory, at the Right Hand ^/jviark i(5. his Father : Then an open Door was fet, before ^9. both ^^^-ue^iand Gentiles, by Jefus Chrift, who Mat. 27, had confecrated a new and living Way through ^'j^^ ^^ the Vail, that is to fay, his Flelh, and uboltjlfd ^g^ 20. the Old Covenant, Sacrifices, Ceremonies, and ^oi- 2- \ Hand-writing of Ordinances, taking it out of the ^^' *^' \ A 2 way^ iv Jbe PREFACE. Uoay^ and nailing it to his Crofs^ and openly tri- umphed over Principalities and Powers, Now the Old Covenant was to paf? awajy and the New Covenant to be eflabli(h'*d^ arid the Priefi^ Heb.6. Ijqq^ changed, by the great High-Prieft without and 20. g|^^ ^^j higher than the Heavens; made not after the Law of a carnal Commandment^ but by Pfal. 1 10. the Power of an endlef Life^ a Priefi for every "^^ after the Order of Melchifedeck^ and the Law now ifai. 2. 3. to go forth of Sion^ from the great Law-giver, i^om. 8. 2* and written in the Hearty even the haw of the Spi- rit of Life in Chrift Jefus^ that fets free from the Joel 2. 28. Law of Sin and Death. Now was the Spirit pour- ed forth from on high^ in a more plentiful manner upon Mankind, than in former Difpenfations,. Aas2.4, and eminently on Believers \ whereby many ^7» ^^- ^vere (qualified and anointed^ both of fews and 2 Cor. 6. Gentiles^ ^sPrie/ls and Mintfiers of the Lord^ to I Pet. 2. attend at his Holy Altar, in his Temple not made with Handsy and to offer up Spiritual Sacrifices^ acceptable to God by Jefus Chrift. And the Holy Apoflles commiffion'd and endued with Power Mat. 28. fom on High^ were to Teach all Nations^ Baptiz- ^9y'^o. ^-^^ ^^^^^^ ^^|.Q ffj^ Name of the Father ^ and of the Sonj and of the Holy Ghofty having Affurance from Chrirt, of his being with them to the End of Time. And by their Miniftry, and others whom the Lord fent forth, many were converted to Gody iGor. i2.and added to the Churchy both of JewSy Greeks y ^3- and other Nations, being all baptiz.'^d by oneSpi- rity into one Bodyy Oi' Churchy "which was glorious Rev. 12. jj^ that Day, as a Woman cloatPd with the Suny I. and 5. i^^^y^^ ^Ijq Moon under her Feety and upon her Head a Crown of Tvelve StarSy and fl]e brought forth a Man- r;6^ PREFACE. V Man-ChUdy VjhovJ^.s to Rule all Nations^ but he "i was caught up unto Gody and to his Throne^ from the great Red Dragonj that fought to devour him, as foon as he was Born. ThQn the Woman^ ov true Churchy left her ^'//?- ble Glory^ and fled into the Wildernef^ (or obfcure I Place) from the Face of the Serpent y into a Place prepared of God, where flie was nourifhed for a Timey Times y and half a Time^ or a Thoujand Two Hundred and Threefcore Days (which, in a Frof he- tick Senfe, is taken to be fo many Tears :) And though thQ Dragon fought to drowntliQ JVomanyhy'^Gv, 12. calling Waters out of his Mouth as a Flood after her, yet the Earth helped her, and fwallowed them up ; but a third Part of the Stars of Hea- veny or fuch as had fhin'd as Stars in the Churchy were drawn to the Earth by the Dragon^s Tail. And there was a great falling away from the Faith 2 Theff. 2, of Jefusy as had been fore-feen, and prophefied o^^^r^^ by the Holy Apoftles of the Lamb ; the Light of 1. 4/ Sion was ecltpfedy and much 'vailedy or with-drawn'^ Pet. 2. for a Seafon ; and a general Apoflacy came over Profeffed Chrifliansy the Smoke of the BottomUfi^cy, 9. 2. P/> arofe, which darkned Sun and ^/> ; and out^""' of the Smoke came Locufls upon the EarthyWhkh tormented Men. And the Dragon was wroth with the Womany and made War with the Rem- nant of her Seedy that kept the Commandments of Gody and had the Tefiimony of Jefus ChriJ? : And he gave unto the monftrous Beafly that arofe up out of the Sea (or raging Heathen World) his Pow- Rev. 13, ery and his Seaty and great Author ityy who opened ^* ^"^ ^' his Mouth in Blajphemy againjt Gody His Taherna- clcy and them that dwell in Heavrn j and thofe that A J dwelt vi Ti>^ PREFACE. • ' — — ~^ — ' 1 — I 111 dwelt on the Ear^h worfhipM him, whofe Names were not written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Rev. 13, Next arofe out of the Earth (a Tlace more [eu ii»^^' tied than the Sea) a Beajt with two Homs like J a Lamh^ but fpake as a Dragon^ and exercifed j§ the Power of the frfi Bereft ; caufing an Image ^l/f\P^ be made to him, unto which he had Power to ^ : T give Life^ fo as to Sfeak^ and caufe as many as would not worfhip the Image^ to be KJlPd, : And both Small and Greaty Rich and Poory Free and I Bondy to receive a Mark in their Right Hand^ or \ in thdr Foreheads ; and that no Man might Buy ' or Sell, fave he that had the Mark, or the Name of the Beajly or the Number of his Name. Notey this Beaji appears in Shew fomewhat Chri- Jiiariy and under pretence of the hamh^s Authority (though acted by the Dragon^ s Power ^ derived from the firfi Beaft) compelleth Men to comply with fuch CraDitiong and Ceremoniejet (for chrifUnn Du- ties) as refemble the Cujhrns of the l^t^ti^^tt? ^V^ their Idolatrous JVorJhipj and Superjiitton ', for deny- ing of whichy and tejitfying againft the jame^ ?nany Faithful Followers of Jefus fuffered ^attptllOm, 4S their Predeceffors had done before^ under ttje Hea- then Power, or Firft Beaft. Rev. 17. Now Myfiery 'B A BTLON^ the great ^ the 3* ^<^' Mother of Harlots^ and Abominations of the Earthy was exalted and Sat on the Beafl with Ten Horns ^ 8cc. as Queen and Bride^ pretending to be the true Churchy and Spoufe of Chrifiy deckM with Goldy Precious Stones y and Pearlsy having in her Hand a Golden Cup ful] of Abominationsy and Filthtne^of her Fornications y being drunk with the Blood of the Saints and Martyrs of Jefus. And all Nations drank of The PREFACE. vii of the Wwe of her Formcatio'/Jj and the Kjngs of the Earth committed Fornication with her \ and the Mer- chants of the Earth waxed Rich through the Abun- dance of her Delicacies: But fhe fhall fall, and be- come an Habitation of Devils^ and the Hold of e- ^- 1^- very foul Sprit ^ and Cage of every unclean and hat e^ ful Bird. And the Lord is calling His People out of her, that they be not Partakers of her Sins, and that they receive not of her Plagues^ which fliall come in one Day, Deaths and Mourning, and K2:- mine ; and fhe Ihall be utterly burnt with Fire ; for ftrong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And her Merchants fhall ftand afar off, for the Fear of her Torment^ weeping and wailing. And as a Mill- fione caft into the Sea, fo with Violence fhall that great City Babylon be thrown down. And now the Man-Child^ the Lord from Hea- venj is again revealed itl many of his Saints ; who by the Breath of his Mouthy and Brightnefs of his i ThefT. Coming, fhall deftroy the Man of Sin^ that hath sl^o 12, wrought with all Deceivablenefs of Unrighteouf nefs, by Signs and lying Wonders (in them that pe- ' rifh.) And the True Church is returning out of Cant. 8. 5 the Wildernefs, leaning on her Beloved; and fhall again appear in her Comelinefs and Beauty, as a Rev. 21. Bride adornM for her Husband : To her Light fhalll^^^l^^^^ the Gentiles come, and Kjngs to the BrightneJ> of her 2. ^c Rtfing \ for the Glory of the Lord fliall arife upon her, and his Light Ihine therein for ever. The Glorious Prophecies of the Holy Prophets, and Ser- vants of the Lord, concerning the latter Days, muft be fulfilled. The IQiowledge of the Lord [ball^^f^]y fill the Earthy as the Waters cover the Sea. The A-- 60. 5. hundame of the Sea (or Multitudes of People) A 4 M viii The PREFACE. Hab. 2. jfjaU be converted to Sion, the Nations (ball flow to- gether to the Goodnefs of the Lord^ and be gather- ed to Jerufalem^ that is from above, to wor- irai.2. 2, fhip the Great King, the Lord of Hofls^ upon iifc.4. i.'^^^ ^^b ^^iountain^ that fhall be eftabliflied on ^c, the tof of the Mountains^ and exalted above the Hills^ and no Hurt or Deftruclion fhall be there. The Lamb fhall lead his People, and feed them in the Fajiures of Life^ and bring them ^Y'Jj^^to living Fountains of Water, The Heir of Beh. I. 2, all Things fhall inherit his Righty and pojfefs the 'i' ^0^*1^^ Gates of his Enemies y rvho in due time fhall all he fut under his Feet^ He (hall judge among the Na- tionSy and rebuke many People. Thej fhall beat their Swords into Flow-fljareSy and Spears into Pru- Ifai. 9. 6, ning-hooksy and com^ under the peaceable Govern- ^' rnent of the Lamb, For he is K i N g of K i n g s, Rev. 19. and Lord of Lords, and of the Increaje of ^^' his Government and Peace there fhall be no End. And bleffed be the Lord, many in this Day have in meafurc witnefled the fulfilling of ma- 1 John -5. ny of thefe Prophecies (as they relate to Parti- ^^* culars) and do know, that the Son of God is ^(p/^^j who hath given them an Underftanding, whereby they know him that is True^ and that they are in Htm thnt is True^ even Jefus Chrijl^ the True God and Eternal Life ; in whom all the Promifes of God are and ifhall be fulfilled in their Seafon. Rev. H. And now the, Glorious Gofpel is again preach- 6. to 12. gj^ ^^^ 2Ln(\ to thern that dwell upon the Earthy that all may Fear God^ and give Glory to his Name\ and Woffijip hin}, who made Heaven and Earthy the Seas and Fountains of Water ; and no longer worlhip The PREFACE. ix worfhip the Beaft, or his Image ; or receive his Mark, left they be caft into the Lake that burns with Fire for ever. For the Hour of God's Judgments are come, both upon the Beaft, and them that worfhip him; and jH/iRom.!: Wrath is revealed from Heaven^ again ft allUnrigh-^ * teoufnefs a?id Ungodlinej^of M^;^, who hold a Proftt fion of the Truth, or Chriftian Religion, in an Unrighteous Converfation. For the Night of »3-i2. Afojiacy is far fpent (in thefe Northern Iflands efpecially) and the Day of the Lord at Hand, the grois Darknefs, wiiich hath cover'd the Heart$ of naany, is in a great meafure <5(/^^/V,Eph. ^. 8. and the True Light again (hineth^ that makes ^5* manifeft, and difcovers whatlbever is Reprova- ble m Religious Matters and Converfation, in which Light, all the Nations of them that are faved muft walk. And the Lord hath endued many with Pow- er from on High, and fent them forth, as he did his MelTengers formerly, to direB zvAttirn Peoples Minds from Darknefs to Light ^ ?ind from Ad:s 20. Satan^s Poiver to Godj that they may receive For- 32- givenefs of Sins^ and an Inheritance amongfi them that are fanUified by Faith in Chriji Jefus ; and many have received the glad Tidings of Peace and Salvation, that have been freely preached to them, by the Lord's Minifters, in the Au- thority of the Spirit and Power of God, in this mighty Day of the Lord which is again r^-2Thefl; vealed^ wherein he is come nigh to Judgment, 2. 3» 4, that the Prince of this World may be caft out^"^^^* of the Temple, in which he had exalted him- felf. and been worfhipped as God. Thei(,^/;p-R^v.i2* dom The PREFACE. Ifaj. 32. 1, dom of God is come^ and coming more and more ; J^/"^' • and the Power of his Chrift exalting (in the Hearts of many) whofe Right it is to Reign ; and Pfal. 74. though the Devil and his Angels war againft ^^* Him, and for a Seafon be fuffer'd to prevail in Rev. 17. dark Places of the Earth, fo as to deftroy the Bo- ^^20, ,0. dies of fome of the Followers of Chrift ; yet the Lamb and his followers fhall have the Vi- Luke 9. aor^, and the Devil and his Angels muft be 5^* caft into the Lake that burns for ever. Not with ftanding the Lamb's Warfare is not for the DefiruEtion of Mens Lives (but of Sin^ 2 Cor. 10. the Works of the Devil in Men) and the Wea- *' ^* pons of his Followers, are not Carnal^ but migh" ty through God^ to the pilling down of firong Holdj cajiing down Imaginations^ and every high thing that exalteth it felf again fi the Kjiowledge of Godj and bringing into Captivity every Thought ■ %cv.2.27 to the Obedience of Chriji : Howbeit the Lamby who is alfo the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah, hath I 5« ')^ Power to Rule the Nations with a Rod of Iron', therefore bleflFed are they, that abide with and follow the Lamb through Tribulations, ia Faith and Patience, until they overcome, and have their Garments wafhed and 'made white . |.i4.^r. in His Blood. For they fliall Reign with Him ! ' for ever : Of which Number, we have caufe to believe, this Worthy Servant of the Lord William Edmundson, Author of the enfuing Journal, was one, concerning whon^ now foUoweth a Brief Account, or Recital of the Lord's Dealings with him in his Conver- fion, Call into the Miniftry, and of his Faith- ful Labours aqd Sufferings, in and for the Gof- pel TZ?^ PREFACE. xi pel of Chrift ; of all which thou mayfl: find a large Account and Confirmation, in the follow- ing Sheets, both from himfelf, and many faith- ful Witnefles. And as for an Account of his Birth and Parentage, I refer to the Beginning of his Journal. He was early vifited, with the In-fliinings of the Glorious Light of this Gofpel Day in his own Heart, whereby his State was often openM to him ; though for a Time did not underftand what it was (that fo enlightned him) and being left an Orphan when Young, and thereby exposM to Hardfhip; after he grew up he went into the Army, and conti- nued a Soldier fome time under the Parlia- ment, in the late Civil Wars in Englafid and Scotland ; but being religioufly inclined, grew weary of that manner of Life ; fo delivered up his Charge, and returning towards his Native Place, in England^ having been before con- trafted to a young Woman in T)erhy(hirey he married her, and foon after came into the Na- tion of Ireland^ with an Intention to Settle and Trade ; but was under inward AffliQion upon his Soul's Account; yet in a little tinie went again to England to buy more Goods, and be- ing in the Northern Part amongft his Relations, having an Inclination in his Mind, he went with two of them to a Meeting of the People called (Quakers where, by the Miniftry of fome of the faid People, both he and the faid two Relations were convinced of the way of Life, and his Underftanding being o- penM by the Truth, he then perceiv'd, that it was xii The PREFACE. was the Lord by his Holy Spirit, who had been at work in his Heart from his Youth up : Wherefore he gave up to its Manifeftations in him, and loved the Lord's Judgments (be- caufe of Sin) until he was purified, and pre- pared thereby to be a Partaker of Mercy, and a chofen Veffel for the Lord's Service. So returning again to Ireland.^ and being made willing to bear the Crofs of Chrift, he foon met with various Tryals for the Truth's fake, and had the greater Exercife, becaufe there was not then any of the People called Q^u a- K E R s in that Nation, to have Converfation with, yet his Behaviour and Deportment fo reach'd both his Wife and Brother, that they were foon convinced of the Truth, and willing to meet with him in his own Houfe, to wor- fhip God in Spirit, though in outward Silence, having Refrefhing Seafons together in the Pre- fence of the Lord ; and in a little time four more joyn'd with them : About which time "John Ttffi/7j a Servant of the Lord, came over from Englandy who was a Strength and Com- fort to Friends, feveral were convinced, and added to their Number. Alfo the Lord was pleas'd to open the Mouth of our faid Friend W. E. in the Teftimony of Je- fus ; and being faithful, it pleafed God to enlarge his Gift for the Miniftry, fo that he became an able Minifier of Cbrijl Jefus^ skilful in dividing the Word of Rigbteoufnejs'j Vlain and Powerful in Preaching ; Sound in Doctrine^ and profound in the Myfteries of Gody which were largely communi- cated to him, and as a faithful Steward and good Scribe The PREFACE. xiii Scribe injiructedinto fhelCwgdom^hc^hy Direftion of his Lord and Md.AQV^l?rougk out of his Treaj'tiry things new and old^ fuitable to the Service requi- red of him, for the Glory of God and Good of Souls^ being willing to Jpend and hcfpent in doing the Will of Him that callM him, not counting his Life dear to him, that he might finifh the Service and Charge committed to his Truft with Joy : but being fenfible of the Lord's Call there- unto, gave up cheerfully to follow the Lamb thro* many Tribulations, which attended for his Te- Jlimonfs fake. He preach'd the Gofpel of Chriji freely, not on- ly in this Nation, in which he lived and fuffer'd Perfecution early in rough Times, being often imprifonM in diversPl^ces ; once about Fourteen Weeks in a clofe na^|p)ungeon amongft Felons and Malefactors, wnfre he was almoft ftifled, frequently ftock'd 5 reviPd, abusM and his Goods made Havock of by Covetous Men ; but he alfo went many times into England^ labouring in the Work of the Gofpel in divers Parts, and three times into the Iflands, or EngliJJj Planta- tions in JMERIC Jy going the Warfare at his own Coft, that the Gofpel might not be chargeable, and endured Hard{l:iip, as a good Soldier of the Lamh^ approving himfelf as a Faithful Minifler of thrifts in much Patience in Affliftions ; in Neceflities ; in Diftreffes for the Gofpel's fake ; in Watchings ; in Faftings ; in Wearinefs and Painfulnefs : by Purenefs ; by Knowledge, and by the Power of God in his Miniftry, of which he had many Seals in this Nation and England^ and in the Iflands of A-- ME RICA, XIV The PREFACE. MERIC Jy whom he had been inftr^umental in Converting to God. He was in Journeyings often, in Perils by Sea and Land, and in the Wildernefs, both by Wild Beafts and Bloody Men, in the Time of the Indian Wars in JMERIC Jy and by Robbers, or Rapparees^ in this Nation (in Time of the late Calamity) who burnt his Houfe, and carried him away, M'ith his two Sons, al- moft naked in the Winter Seafon to kill them, but after much hard Ufage feveral Days, were all three by the good Providence of God de- livered out of their Hands. This our ancient Friend had alfo Exercife and and Grief bf FALSE BRETHREN, that oppofed the Tellimony given him of the Lord, to bear for His Name, and was not without Affliftion from fome of his own OfF- fpring ; yet out of all the Lord delivered and preferv'd him Faithful to a good Old Age, through Good Report and Evil Report : So that near the Conclufion of his Time he could fay, The Lord was his Song and his Strength. And truly he was ftrong and couragious in the Lor£s Work and Service^ even after a Decay came upon the outward Man, by reafon of Age and Infirmities, -being found and clear in his Underftanding to the laft. As he had an excellent Gift for the Minijlry^ he was alfo endued with a Urge Underftanding and Gift for Government^ and Religion's Difci- fline in the Church of C h r i s t, and having a discerning Spirit^ flood firm in his Zeal againft thofe things that oppofed the good and comely Order, 7he PREFACE. xv Order, into which the Lord had gathered his People, and fuch as under fair Pretence would open a Gap for falfe Liberty. The Care of the Churches was upon him, efpecially in this Na- tion, where he lived and laboured many Years, both in DoBrine and Difcipline ; and as an Elder that ruled well, was efteemed highly by the Faithful, for his Work's fake. Temperate he was in Eating and Drinking ; decent and plain in Apparel; in Difcourfe rveightjy being moftly concerning the Things of God, tending to In- ftrufbion and Edification ; his Countenance and Deportment manly and grave^ expreffing a No- ble and Religious Difpofition of Mind ; a lov- ing Husband ; a careful and tender Father ; a frm Friend and kind Neighbour ; given to Hofpi- tality ; and though it was often his Lot to be feparated from thofe near Enjoyments, as IVife and Children for the GofpePs fake, yet he or- dered his Affairs with Difcretion, that there might be no Want in his Family, either of commendable Employment or Neceflaries ; but his greater Concern and Labour was for the Publick Good of the Churches, and promoting the Government of Chrifi Jefus therein, for which he was zealous to the End, as appears by divers Expreflions from him a little before his Departure, fome of which follow as a Supple- ment to the enfuing Journal, And when upoa due Confideration with Reflection on paftTime, he was perfwaded that his Days Work was done^ he humbly defired, in Submiilion to the Will of God, to he dijfolved and be with Chrift^ to relirfrom his Labour^ and Jffli^ion of Body that attend-i xvi The PREFACE, attended, which in th^ Lord's Time was grant- ed him. Now, Reader, to conclude concerning this our well-beloved Friend and Elder, who by Faith hath obtained a good Report^ and whofe Memorial is and fliall be bleffed amongft the Righteous, I refei thee to a ferious Perufal of his following JOURNAL, and thofe refii- 7/ionies given forth by faithful Friends and Bre* thren concerning him, with fincere Defire that the Blefling of God may fo attend thy Read* ing, as to excite thee to a faithful Improve- ment of thy Time and Gift of Grace, beftowed on thee through Chrifi Jefm^ that thy latter End may be Peace^ and thy future State^ Eternal Happinefs: fo in Chriftian Love remains thy well-wi(hing Friend, John Stoddart* DUBLIN, the^6th of the Eighth Month, 1714. The XVll The TESTIMONY of the Pr^- vincial <%arterly Meeting for UlJleTj held in Lurgan the fifth of the Se- venth Month^ 17*9- Concerning our Ancient and worthy Friend William Edmundfonj Deceased* THERE feems to be a Duty on us, to caft in a Mite into the Treafury, by way of TeftimonjT ^//i Commemoration, of the many laborinr^ and eminent Services^ that thh our dear hriend William Edmundfon had amongft //y, for the Honour of the great Lord of the Harvejf, in which he wa4 a faith- ful and valiant Labourer^ and an Inftrument in the Lord's Hand, to the Convincing and Gathering many to the Lord.both by Dodrine and Difcipline, in which he was unwearied, undaunted, and often eminentlj attended with great Power from on High, which gave Life and Authority to the imprejfmg his lefti- mony upon the Minds of Friends s and many have of- ten been affeBed and comforted therewith, Hk Services andVifits in our Northern ?arts^ du- ring the Continuation of the Ability of his natural Body, were frequent and alfo edifying^ in that his chief Concern and Labour was, that Friends might keep faithful to the Teffwiony of Truths that they had receivd, and walk in the fame, and a great Care and Concern was often upon him, exhorting Friends to beware, and have a Care of the great Concerns of the World, taking too much Impreffion upoa their Minds,which fhould be atter the l^ox^.Andojten reminded Friends of the Apojile Johns Advice, Love not the W^orld, neither the Things that are in the 1 Johns; y^otlA^&cAs alfo was very often concern d to mention M« mft of the f.^tb Chapter of the ferft to Timothy, B for Ulfter Province-Meeting Tefiimony for Confirmation of the BoElrine^ that he had to de» liver^ which doubtlefs woi^ and is agreeable to the holy Sayings and PraEiices of our Blejfed Saviour and hh Holy Apoftles^ and faithful Followers^ r^ho have laid down their Heads in Peace with him. That as it is the incumbent Duty of all Mankind to glorifie Gody being the End of their Creation 5 fo Uis apparent^ that the Accomplifi^ment thereof conjifts in chiefly minding things pertaining to the Kingdom of Chrift, and which was the chief End, Aim, Labour, Concern, Pains and Care of this our dear Friend^ through many Countries, as well in America, as Europe. We have reajon to believe, that he had great Love to tis in this Province, being the fir ft Part in this Nation, in which he labour d after his Convincement -, and was Inftru- mental in fettling fever a I Meetings -, and the firft Meeting of Friends in this Nation, (fome of us heard him fay,) was in Lurgan. For a more particular Account of his Services we refer /^ Z?/j J O U R N A L, as being moft certain, and proper to be taken from his own Mouth, For which Reafon, we think it not expedient to mention the Par- ticulars of his worthy Labours in this Place, but fball fpeakfo?nething further of his Salifications. He was a Man gifted for DoSrine, and above many for Bif- cipline ^ a Reprover of Evil-doers, and an Encou- rager of thofe who did w^'l, yet with great Care 5 fo as that none might be lifted up thereby : He was gifted with a Spirit of Difcerning, and readily faw the Danger feme were in, by falling from Truths and by his being found in the Faith, valiant to con- tend for it, and quick in apprehending thofe things, that appeared to the Breach of Unity and Fellowfhip in the Churches, did timely labour to prevent iS^/?^- ration and Cont r over fie s^ and fo was an Inftrument of keeping the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace, in Points of Faith and Principle, as the fame are tefiified to in the Holy Scriptures -, he was a Confirmer of the Doubtful,and a Sympathizer with the Concerning W. Edmundsok. the Mournful ^ endued with Chriftian as well as hu- mane Courage, like a Prince in I/rael 5 fo that he feared not to Encounter with thofe who f^emed Mighty, efpecially, when the Teftimonv of Truth was by them violated. And notwitbftanding his great Courage as aMan,yet when it fell to his Lot to fuiFer by Imprifonment or otherwifefor his Chriftian Teftimony, he was cloathM with a Lamb-like and meek Spirit^ he was an EMINENT APOSTLE and ABLE MINISTER of the Gofpel of Life and Salvation, having an extraordinary Gift int opening and applying the typical Part of the Law to theSubftance in the Gofpel 5 a FAITHFUL ELDER, whofe Lamp fhin'd Bright, and there- fore was by us efteem'd to be worthy of double Honour i and although thofe, who loved undue Liberty, might account him as a hurthenfomc Stone ^^ yet he paft through many Exercifes on their Ac- count, which the Lord grant they may lay to Heart, before the Day of their Vifitation be over. Much more might he /aid on his Behalf on many Accounts of hk FAITHFULNESS, WATC H- FULNESS, LABOURS, DILIGENCE j//i C A R E /> the Service of God and Churches of Chrift 5 but fhall conclude^ firmly believing that th^ Lord hof taken him to himf elf in a good Old Age, like a Shock of Corn in its Seafon, whofe Memory ii fweet unto thofe who yet fu wive \ and we pray^ that it may pleafe the Almighty, to raife up others to fupply his Place and Service in the Churches of Chrift, Signed by Order, in Behalf of the faid Meeting, by Robert Hoope. Alexander Seaton. »^ The Leinjier Province-Meeting Teflimony The TESTIMONY of Friends of Leinjier Province^ concerning WilliamEd- M u N D s o N. ^T/f/^ beifig under a deep Senje of the wonderful fy loving Kindnefs of God to Mankind in every Jge and Generation^ but efpeciaU) in that he hath been pie as'' d in th^s latter Age of the Worlds after a lofig^ tedious and dark Night of Apoftacy, to caufe the Light of his Son Chrifi Jefus, fo clearly and emi- ne?2tly to Jl)ine forth, to the expelling the thick Cloud of Darknefs, that had long been over the Underfland- ings of People, and caufe his Everlafting Gofpel to be preachM again in the Purity thereof-^ and the true Faith once delivered to the Saints, to be again pro- fefs^d and enjoy d^ as Partakers of fuch Mercies and Privi ledges : We are under deep Obligations to walk humbly and reverently before the Lord, and to return ttnto hiiJi Praife, Glory and Honour-^ who^ zmth his dear Son our BleJJed Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift, ji worthy thereof for ever. Among the many faithful Labourers In the Vine- ydrd oj the Lord^our dear and ancient Fj7V/?J,Winiam Edinundfon, decea^'d^ defervcsJo be reinembred^ ef- penally by i/s of this Province^ where for many Tears, the Place oj his Re fide nee hath been, concerning whofc Faitlifulnefs and eminent Services for GOD and h^ people ^ and Endeavours for Propagation of the BleffcdTruih ^ j Teflimony lives in our Hearts, and 7?:uch might be fpoken, but ifs not our Intention to at ir lb lite any thing to the Creature^ that belongs to the Concerning W. E d m u n d s o n. the great CREATOR, GOD Blejjed for ever^ Amen. Jhii our ancient Friend^ woi by the Lord endued with a large and good Underflanding ; fo that in his Teftimony, he woi many times wonderfully opend into the divine Myjieries of God'^s Heavenly King- dom^ and mould /peak excellently of TAon^ the Beauty and Glory thereof:, as alfo of the Myjieriom Work- ings of Satan : For he was early convinced of God's blejjed Truth, when deep Try ({Is and Exercifes attend- ed on each Hand , but he coming into deep Humility^ and relying alone upon the Arm of the Lord for Help and Deliverance, was thereby preferved and kept pure and ftedfajl in his Love to him^ through all thofe Difficulties and Hardffoips that attended-^ fo that in the Hand of the Lord, he was made Infiru7?iental to convince many of the Way of Life and Salvation ^ and bring them into Obedience to the Precepts of ^ChviR Jefus. So that by his^ with the Labours of other faith- ful Servants^ whom the Lord commkffiond, and jent into this Ifland^ in the Work of the Miniftry, Meet- ings were fetled, and many joy nd with Friends^ be- ing weary of the dead lifelefs Vrofeffion and outward Performances they had been under ^ wherein they had found no fpiritual Comfort or Refrefhment to their Souls, After Meetings were fetled in many Places^ and the Lord had been plcas'd to Gift and ^alifie fe- veral (in thh Nation) to Preach the Gofpel, who were more concern d for the Promotion of Truth and Right eoufnefs in the Earth -^ and that the great Work of Reformation, which the Lord had begun, might be carried on and prof per ^ than for any iioorldly Con- cern whatever. It pleas'd the Lord to fend forth thk our ancient Friend into the Nation of England ^ a^ alfo into the IJIands and Engliili Plantations in Ame- rica, jeveral times^ where he faithfully laboured, and had eminent Service^ many being convinced of the Bleffed Truth by him, and others confirrnd therein •, B 3 his Leinjier Province-Meeting Teflimony his Concern and Labour, was Great and Fervent^ that all thoje^ whom the Lord had been gracinujly pleased to jhetch forth a Hand of Love unto^ and convince of his blejfed Truth, might walk in faith- ful Obedience thereunto, adorning the fame by huinble blamelefs and felf-denying Converfations. The great Lord of the Harvefi^ who had called him to labour in his Work and Service, and to whom he gave up in Obedience, and was devoted toferve, gave hi?n a clear Sight of the great Neceffity of a diligent Care amongft Friends, that fuch, who profefs'd the bleffed Truth, and walk'd diforderly and loofe in their Converfations,fhould be feafonably dealt with, and the Evil and Danger thereof plainly laid be fore them, and in the Love of God admonifh'd to Amendment of Life : but if fuch Advice and Ad- monition were flighted and rejeded, and thofe things perfifted in, that brought Scandal and Re- proach upon the bleffed Truth, then for the clear- ing of Truth and it's faithful Followers, to teftifie againfl: thofe obftinate Offenders, and their Adions, as fuch, whom we had not Unity with ^ as alfo, that a due Chrijiian Care might be taken to relieve the Neceilities of the Poor. And that all Friends, concerned in that holy Ordinance of MARRIAGE fhould feek to know, and duly regard the Mind and Will of G O D therein, more than Worldly Ri- ches or Earthly Ends, often zealoufly exhorting Friends thereto, as well as to proceed orderly with Refped to Parents, Guardians, Juftice and Equity on all Accounts. And when it pleas'" d the Lord^ to concern his faith- ful Servant George Fox, to Jet up and eflablifh Men and Jfomehs Meetings, to take care of thofe things, our dear Friend William Edmundfon rejoyc^d there- at, and gladly clos'd therewith : So that Monthly and Provincial, ^s aljo National Half-Tearly Meetings were appointed in this Nation, and have been kept up to this Day, which have been of great and god Service Concerning W.Edmund son.' Service for the Ends before mentiorCdy many having reap i great Benefit and Advantage thereby ^ and have caufe to blefs the Lord for the fame. Our fatd Friend was a diligent Attender of fuch Meetings^ (as well as thofe more particularly appoint- ed for performing Divine Worfhip to Almighty God J and was greatly concern dy that none might be admit- ted Members ihereof but fuch, who were of clean and orderly Converfations, walking as Examples to the Flock, having a Concern upon their Minds, for the Promotion of Truth and Righteoufnefs in the Earth. He many times had good Service in fuch Meetings^ by being clearly opend^ (in the Word of Life) to declare the Salifications neceffary to fit Members for fuch Meetings and Services, beginning at thofe , whom the Lord put his Spirit upon, to ajfift Mofes, who ^txt s^eu featf tiB ^oD, antJ Ba- ting COUrtOUfntfS •, and would go through the Lam and Prophetsy the holy Doffrines delivered by Chrift, when in the blejjed and prepared Body, as alfo the Bifcipline and Order in the Primitive Churchy before the Apojlacy entred^ and the glorious Fromifes how it fhould be in the latter Days in the Church, coming up out of the Wildernefs ^ which we being now in Mea- fure Witneffes of. Oh ! the great Dread and fear we ought to be under , and Concern to walk worthy of fo great Favours and Mercies, As the Lord v^as pleas' d to gift him for the Mini- fry, fo that he could fpeak a Word in Seafon to the States and Conditions of People •, he was alfo gracioufly pleas' d to pour forth the Spirit of Prayer and Suppli- cation upon him in an eminent Manner $ fo that his Appearance, when in the Performance of that Part of divine Worfhip, was in that Dread and Awfulnefs upon his Spirit, that it had a great Reach and ImpreiFion upon the Spirits of Friends; caw fing many times great Tendernefs to come over the Meeting •, fo that the Hearts of the Senfihle being greatly comforted and refrefhed, were inwardly fiUd B 4 '^^ii^^ Leinjler Province^Meeting Teflimony --■-■■■ ■ — I whh Joy and divine Praijes to^ the moft High, from whom all our Mercies both Spiritual and Temporal do proceed. He was greatly concern d for Feace and Unity in the Church ^ and that thofe things, that tended to break the fame, might be kept out-^ 7nuch might be f aid concerning him and his Faithfulnefs to God and Con- cern for Truth, and the Promotion thereof ^ as alfo for the Good and Benefit of GOD's People, but fhall refer to his own Journal, and other Tejlimonies that way be given concerning him, fo fhall conclude zvith fervent Prayer to the Lord, that he will be pleased to raife up. Gift, and ^alifie many mors for the car- rying on the glorious Work of Reformation^ that he hath begun to the Praife of hps own great Name, who is worthy for ever Given forth at our Province Mens'Meeting for Leinfter, held at Catherlough, f/;^ JSighteenth of the Second Month, 1 7 1 5 , Sign'd by Order, in Behalf of the faid Meeting, by John Pirn. Nicholas Gribbell The Concerning W. Edmundson. The TESTIMONY of M^^/^r Province-Meeting concerning JViU Jiam Rdmundjon. AS to our dear Friend and Elder Brother in the Lord, W'dUafn Edmund/on, who is removed from us, and hath finilli'd his Courfe in a good Old Age, and no doubt, is entred into his Manfion of Reft and Peace, with the Lord for ever, out of the Reach of tht Wicked, and the Troubles which do attend this outward Life ^ as well as the AiTaultsof the Enemy of all our Happinefs, whilft in it ; He was furely^ one of the Larnos Ifarriours and true Followers^ and approvd himjelf fo, as zvell as a good Vattern and Example to thofe he left behind him. As concerning his Convincement, and receiving the bleffed Truth, by whofe Miniftry or Means it was, with the Time when^ or where^ as alfo his coining forth in a publick Teftimony, and his great Sufferings by Imprifonment many times, wuth other hard and cruel Ufages divers ways 5 we leave the Particulars of thofe things to his own Journal and our Brethren^ the Elders of the Province- Meetings of XJlfter and Leinfier ^ in which Provinces, he had been a Dweller ever fince his fetling in Ireland^ being above Fifty Years ; knowing, that the Friends of thofe Parts are the moft capable of be- ing particular therein. Notwithftanding which, if fome, who by Duty and Gratitude have been obli- ged to commemorate thofe worthy of double Ho- nour, we think it no lefs our Concern, to give in this Ihort Tejlimdny with our Brethren concerning him, viz. That from the firft Knowledge of him in this Province, which fome yet remember, and which was pretty early after Truth was Preach'd by the People Munjler Province-Meeting Teflimony People call'd QUAKER S in this Nation ; he came into Munfler with a publicfc Teftimony, vifiting Friends 5 wherein alfo he ^.^'^tzxeA fervently Zealous for Truth and the Promotion of it, and having ob- tained Mercy to be Faithful, the Lord rewarded his Faithfulnefs, by the encreafing of his Gift in a large Meafure, whereby he received Power, and be- came fitted to be an able Minifter of the Go/pel^ and an Infirument in the Hani of the Lord, for the turning^ many to Right eoufnefs. And many, and often were his Vifits in the Lord's Work and Service, not only through this Province and Nation of Ireland^ but alfo into England-^ befides his great Labours and hard Travels beyond Seas, in feveral Voyages through the American Churches, in which he had very great Service for the Lord, not only in the iVork of the Miniftry, but alfo hy encountring Truth's Adversaries, Priefis and People in publick AfTem- blies, and other times concern'd againft bad, loofe and libertine People in divers Places, who made a Profeffion of Truth, but not dwelling under the Crofs and Toke of Chrijl^ were as the Vnfavoury Salt to the People of the World ^ and a Grief and Bur^ then to faithful Friends. In which Services the Lord's Power eminently attended him, to the making him as a aSlaU of JSrafjJ to the confuting of Truth's Adverfaries, as well as a Help in time of need, for reftoring and helping of others. For indeed the Lord had qualified him in both Refpedls, and had endued him with a very large Underftanding, in the things appertaining to his Kingdom. Sound he was in Dodrine and in Judgment , plain in Preach- ing, and free from Affectation: In Apparel and Gefture grave ^ in his Deportment, Manly j of few Words, till a juft Occalion offer'd ^ and very exem- plary in Life and Converfation •, very much might be truly faid of this Man of God, which we omit for Brevity's fake, and becaufe we believe others will be more large. But in a Word, may fay, He voas Concerning W.Edmundson. xxvii was freely given up^ and devoted to the Service of the Lord, and great was his Care and Concern for the whole Flock of God in general^ that they might grow in his Truth, and in particular woi^ made a BleJJing in the Hand of the Lord to this Nation^ a Man of a Jhoufand for promoting Virtue in the many Branches thereof, a^ well as a fharp Injirument for threfhing and cutting down that which was Evily and hurtful in the Churches, The laft Vifit he made into this Province, was in the Year, 171 1, being then in much Weaknefs of Body, yet fervent in Spirit ^ and his Miniftry as lively and acceptable as ever 5 and fo took his leave of Friends in Ahnfler^ where he came in more than ordinary Tendernefs and Brokennefs of Spirit; after which, he vifited us no more, but grew weaker and more feeble, till his Diffolution, which was in the Year, 1 7 1 2. May the great Lord of the Haryejf^ raije up more fuch Labourers in his Vineyard, ii the J)efire of our Souls, Signed by Order, in behalf of the faid Meeting, by Waterford, the Second of the TbomctS JVight. Ninth Month, ^ni. J,J,^h Tike. The xxviii Mountmelich Meeting Teflimony The TESTIMONY of Friends of Mountmelick Monthly-Meetings concerning our dear and ancient Friend 5 William Edmmdfon. Whom the Lord hath been pleas'^d to re^ move from m by Death ; and though it be our Lofs^ isoe believe it u his zreat Gain. l Perform- ance thereof. He travel'd in this Nation, in rough and hard Times, as alfo in England \ and went early over to AMERICA^ ^nd in thofe Iflands where he came, was very ferviceable in convincing many, and fet- ling Meetings both for the Worfhip of God and Church-Dijcipline, not fparing Himfelf or his Sub- ftance, to perform the Lord's Work unto which he was called for the Good of Souls : He was a iXWt ^m\}tt of tfie ?10JD •, fijarp in Reproof to obftinate Sinners, yet tender in Advice to the Penitent • found in^ Judgment ^ and had an Awe over the Wicked^ Light and Airy 5 but an Encourager of Welldoers , he was Excellent in his Gift to divide his Miniftry, according to the States and Conditions of People (to whom he was concerned) not miffing Points aimed at on Truth's Account, the Lord having gi- ven him a clear Difcerning of what was /i?;^ Truth, and what againfl it, C 3 He xxxviii The Chtldrens Tejlimony He bad an excellent Gift in Prayer, and was often graciouflv anfwer'd by the Lord, nothing feemed niore joyful to him, than the Profperity of Truth, or more afflidting than it's being oppofed by a- con- trary Spirit : He was a careful Father over us his Children, hoxh m Advice y Reprocf a.ndCorre^2on^ as Need requir'd, as well as in providing things needful for his Family ♦, but above all, he fought our Growth and Settlement in the Truth (in which he lived, and was a prudent and- good Example to us all to follow, both in Words and Anions) yet notwitii- ftanding, he met with Afflidion from fome of his Children, who, difregarding his Example and zea- lous Concern for their Good, forfook their Educa- tion in feveral Refpeds, which was often a great Grief to him. Much more mifht be faid, but Ihall leave it, knowing there will be other Teftimonies ^and altho' the Lofs of fuch a Father is not ^eafily forgotten by any well minded Children, yet we believe that our great Lofs is his great Gain : For as he lived in the Truth, he was fenfibly preferved in a difcernable Concern for the Propagation thereof to his lafl: Moment. He departed this Life the Thirty Firfl: Day of the Sixth Month, 1712, being in the Eighty Fifth Year of his Age ^ and was accompanied to his Burial, by Friends from feveral Parts, and other Neighbours ♦, and was decently interred in Friends Burying Place at Tine el near Roffenallis the fourth Day of the feventh Month following. Tryal Edmundfon. Abigail Edmundfon. Mary Fayle. Eleazar Sheldon, Sufanna Sheldon. A Concerning W. Edmundson, A TESTIMONY lives in my Heart, to give to the Memory of my True and Worthy Friend , William Edmundson* HE was a Man, with whom I have had fome Acquaintance above Thirty Years, but more intimate and nearly acquainted with, about Fifteen Years lafl: paft, it having been my Lot to be often with him in Travel and Labour in the Service of the GOSPEL, both in England and Ireland j fome- times amongft Friends, and fometimes in Places where none were, who bore the Name of QUAKERS 5 and in all Places where we traveled, his Service for God was great, to the flopping the Mouths of Gain- fa3''ers, and convincing many of the Way of Truths by directing and turning Peoples Minds from Dark- nefs to Lights and from the Power of Satan^ to GOD ,, ib that many became the SEALS of his MINISTRT, which he delivered in great Plain- nefs, not in U^ords, which Mans iV'ifdom teacheth^ but in Demonftration of the Spirit and of Power. And in his Travels he was very careful not to make the Gofpel chargeable ^ and had a great Zeal againft the Hireling Teachers, who fought for their Gain from their Quarter, and look'd after the Fleece, more than the Flock. And for his Teftimony againft fuch, he oft went through great Sufferings, both in Body and Goods ^ as the Book of Sufferings, and his following Journal fhow. As to his Travels in AMERICA, I fhall not fay much, leaving it to them that were more ac- quainted with his Service there, and his own Ac- count thereof in the enfuing Pages •, though I have heard him fay. That he went through great Exerci- C 4 fe^ George Brooke his Tefiimony. Jes amongft them both in Body ^7;?^ Spirit ^ there art- fing 7nany vain and. unrulyTalkers amongft them, who gave great Trouble to the Churches, and it fell to his Lot often to deal withfuch : For indeed he was a Man fitttd for fuch Service, beyond any other that ever I was acquainted with •, and great was his Care to have fuch made manifeft, and a Stop put to them, that they might proceed no further,where- ever he met with them ^ but efpecially that fuch might be kept out of Mens- Meetings, Vox he was careful,that the Authority of Truth in Men and WomensMeet- ings^ might be kept up, where the Lord's Bufinefs was, and ismanaged, that the Members thereof might be FAITHFUL MEN and F J IT HFUL WO- MEN, fearing GOD and hating Covet oufnejs^ that fo true Judgment and Juftice might be maintain'd and kept up in all thefe Meetings, without Refpedt of Perfons \ and Judgment plac'd on all Unruly and Diforderly Perfons, that ^oGOD^s Houfe might be kept clean, which Holinefs becomes for ever. He was not one who fought after POPULA- RIT2] but was rather fliy, not intimate with any, he had not Tryal and true Knowledge of, nor wil- ling to lay Hands fuddenjy on any ^ but of thofe he had a Tryal and found Faithful, he was a great Encourager in the Lord's Service-, and I have oft heard him fay, It woi great Satisfa^ion to him, to fee Friends come up in their Service the Lord had fitted them for •, and great was hps Concern to Jiir up thofe the Lord had gifted to anfwer their refpe&ive Servi- ces, by doing their Bays Work in their Day, while Abiliiy of Body and Undcrflanding was continued. Wherein he was an excellent Pattern to US ALL,in that he fpared not himfelf, while his Abilities were continued to him, but even to Old Age did per- foim Service and Travels beyond the ordinary Courfe of Nature, in wliich he would often fay. The LORD was his SONG and his ST RE NG TH.who had carried him through many and various Exercifes and Concerning W. E d m u n d s o n, xli arid Perils of divers Sorts : But the great eft Tryals he met with, were FALSE BRETHREN, who oppofed the good Order of Truth, which the LORD has eftabliih'd amongft us, whofe Oppofltions, both private and more publick, he like a Rock, immove- ably withftood, and as a fixed Star in the Firma- ment of G OD's Power did remain, holding his In- tegrity to the laft. He was one, that ixuly fympathized with his fuf- fering Brethren and Sifters, not fparing himfelf to obtain their Relief and Enlargement, when clofe confined in Prifon for their teflimony againft the tiircrtng Teachers, and the great Oppreffion of Tythcs (which came in with the Apoftacy amongft the Chriftians, and will go out again with the Down- fal of the Whore and Falfe Prophets) by applying himfelf to the Perfons concerned, and fometimes to the CHIEF GOVERNOURS: For he was a Man of an undaunted Spirit, Grave, Meek, free from AiFedation in Speech and Carriage, and there- fore fit to ftand before PRINCES, and in fuch Services, he was often very fucce.fsful ^ the X 022 D opening a Way, and profpering his Endeavours. The Gain of all, he was ready to confecrate to the LO R D^ and not to any Abilities of his own, whe- ther Natural or Acquired, having a large Share of the Former, though he had not much of the Latter ; being a Man of no great Learning, as to the out- ward, yet had the Tongae of the Learned, fo as to fpeak a Word in Seafon to the Conditions and Ca- pacities of moft : For he was Sound and Profound in the Myfteries of Life and Salvation. This Eminent Elder and Overfeer in the Houfe of GODy was One of, if not, the firft Inftrument in the Hand of G D, in this Generation, to publifh, bis everlafting Truth through this Benighted I/Iand,i.e,\teUnd» and diredt the Inhabitants thereof to the marvelous and inftiining Light of Jef//^ Chrift, the Glorious Sun of Righteoufnefs. In the Difcharge of his Ser- vice George Rooke hu Tejlimony vice in the Minijiry^^ he perfever'd with fuch Con- ftancy, Faith and Fidelity, that it pleas'd his great LORD to beftow on him, as an additional Favour, a large Underftanding in the right Ground of Go- vernment and Difc'ipl'ine in the Churchy in which he earneftly laboured for Univerfal Love^ Unity and good Order, in and through all the Churches of CHRIST, preferring the Honour of Cr D, before all things elfe^ and many times things would open in him to Admiration, {hewing to Rich Men, and the eager Getters of this World, the Danger they were in of hurting themfelves, by hindring their Growth in the Truth. Nay ! I cannot fet forth half the Service he had amongft us 5 but this I am fure of, the Churches of this Nation will have a great Lofs iif him : For indeed the Care of the Churches was daily upon him, and too Few there are to ftand in the Gap againft Iniquity, or that will expofe them- felves, as he did, in dealing plainly with every one, not letting Sin pafs unreprov'd, nor Faults un- told, fharply reproving ohftinate Offenders, but mildly admonifhing the Senfible and Penitent. A MAN OF TRUTH indeed, who fometimes did tell us, He was glad, when he looked back, and conji* dered how he had /pent his Time, fince the Bay it pleafed the LORD to lay his Hand upon him, and call him into the Miniftry -, and by a careful Search could not find, that he was behind with his Dafs Work. When he was taken Sick, he fent for me, before tny Return from the Tearly- Meeting at L O NDON -^ and the next Day after I came Home, I went to fee him, and found him very Weak, but very Senfible, and he freely imparted his Mind to me in feveral things, and particularly about the Regulation of Men and Womens-Meetings, of which Regulation, faid he, There is ab/olute Need, and that he believed^ fome would come to fee the Necefftty thereof^ more than they had ever yet. Concerning WEdmundson. xliii I ftaid with him about four or five Da7s,in which time, I obferved nothing proceed out of his Mouth, fave what ftill fhow'd his Concern for Truth, and the good Order of it ^ and when I went to take leave of him, he faid, Jf^e have had many good Meet^ ings together^ 1 believe we Jhall meet in Heaven. And this he fpoke very tenderly \ in a few Days after which, he departed this Life in a good Old Age and full of Days, being aged near Eighty five Years, and a Minijier Fifty feven Years ^ and I doubt not, but he hath obtain'd a Reward of durable Ri- ches, a Crown of Righteoufnefs, and his Memorial is blelTed, for he was a Father in I/rael in his Day. Furthermore, though this our Friend was a Man oppreft, afflicted and troubled in his Life time, yet now he is removed to where the Voice of the Op' prejjor is no more heard, but the Jf^icked ceaje from Troubling., and the Weary are at Reft from their La- boursy and their Works do follow •, receiving the Re- ward of Peace, and Sentence of well done faithful and good Servant, enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord : Which that we may all fo labour for, as that we may be counted worthy of, with this our aged Friend at laft, Is the fincere Defire and Travel of, READER, Thy FRIEND, Who wiflieth the W E L FARE of all Men, both here and hereafter. George Roohe. Thomas Wilfon his Teflimony I have a SHORT TESTIMONY .to give in, to the Life and Memory of my Ancient and Dear Friend^' Wiliiam Edmundjon^ deceasM. T ^H E fir/t time I came into this Nation of Ireland, he was in Prifon in Maryborough- Goal J where my Companion and I went to fee him^ he fate down with us to wait upon the Lord in Silence^ and in a little time began to fpeak to us in the Openings of Truth ^ in which he declared the Myjteries of Chriff^s Kjngdomj direBing us to an inward Stilnefs and Quietnefs of Mind ; and fpoke of the Humility of the Lord's Prophet, I Kings when there was a ruihing Wind, Earth-quake 19. 9 to and Fire, wherein the Lord was not; but the ^^* Prophets Head being cover'd with his Mantle, until it was calm ; (in the Calm) the Voice of the Lord was known, as a ftill fmall Voice, and faid^ This is an excellent Paffage for you young Men to obferve, for fome have gone out from their Gifts in thefe Rufhings. And much more to that EjfeBj which was very juitahle to the prefent Exercife of my Mind ; / then being Toung^ and in great Poverty of Spirit^ and afraid of the Wiles and Transformations of Satan, /^/ he jhould betray my Under ft anding^which I believe this MAN O F G O D had a true Sence of Since which it hath been my Lotj to follow him in his Service for Truth in many Places^ efpe daily in AMERICA, and I may fafely fay^ that I al- ways found his Services were very great, and that he left a fweet Savour behind him. I Concerning W. E d m u n d s o n. / was alfo with him in the Time of his Ihefs^ whereof he, died, under which, lie lay in an hea- venly and fweet Frame of Spirit, and feem-d defirous, if it were his heavenly Father's Will to be removed out of this World. And one time ffeaking of his Natural Faculties, how they faiPd him, fo that he was not capable of doing Service^ as heretofore he had been, I told him, I did be- lieve, that he had done his DayVwork in his Day, and that it would be well with him. I alfo deftred, if he had any thing by way of Coun- fel and Advice to leave to thofe that might re- main, he would communicate it to us. Jnd after a time of filent Waiting, he was enabled to fit up, and [peak what was in his Mind ; the Sub^ fiance whereof was to this Effect, That the Lord had a great Work to do in the Earth, though many did not fee it ; and that he would work a great Regulation and Reformation amongft many ; and that his glorious Day, which was broken forth, would rife higher and higher up- on his People. It was a bowing, melting Seafon, ending in Prayer and Supplication to the Lord, who I am fatisfied, hath taken his Spirit to himfelf, to inherit Everlajling Reji, Thomas Wilfon, The James Dickinfon hts'TejUmony The TESTIMONY of fames "Dichn- fon^ concerning WtUtam Edmundfon. J Have in my Heart a Teftimony, to owe tg the Lord^s Power manifejied through his Ser- vant William Edmundfon, who was called into the Work of the Miniftry of the Goffel^ and la* hour^d in it many Tears^ The Lord raifed him uf^ ' and ?nade him as a BATTLE- AX in his Hand, and a ROD to correB ftubborn Children^ and as x!?;^ H A M M E R to beat down that which was wrong y he was a Terror to Evil-doers^ and both loved and efteemed by the Sincere-hearted ; becaufe of his Faithfulnefs and Integrity/^ that Trujl and Charge the Lord had committed to him, 1 believe he loved all Men^ yet feared no Man jo^ as to give Truth's Caufe away ; many deep Ex- ercifes he went through^ and Perils by Sea and Land, for the difcharging himfelf of that Concern which was laid upon him^ which he did in great Boldnefs and Sincerity* He was made to rebuke Deceit^ and place Judgment upon ity where he met with it. The Lord who called him^ Jlood by him^ and guided him by his Wijdom, He was Zjalous againfi all Pride and Superfluity, and hammer'^d it down^ not [paring the Guilty ; yet one who loved Decency and Cleannefs, knowing Truth led to it. He was made ufe of to rebuke many filthy and unruly Spirits j both in Europe and America, efpe* daily the Ranters in New England, who were Filthy, Brutifh and Beaftly, under Pretence of Sanctity Concerning W. Edmundson^ xlvii Sanctity arid Holinefs. He had a hard Van of the Work committed to his Share (yet the Lord fur» nijhed him throughly for it) and was bent in his Mind to get it done while he had time^ labouring to fiir uf ally to make ufe of Time while they had it. The Lord rdifed him uf^ and made him what he waSy that was Goody and hath Taken him to Him- felf who is able by his great Power to raife up other Sy to carry on his great Work of Reformation in the Earthy to his own Glory ^ and Marias Salva- tion. I defire the Lord may bow all by his Power into faithful Obedience to him^ even unto Death^ that he may give them a Crown of Life. James Dickinfon. Be thou Faithful unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life, Rev. 2, 10. • The John Boufted his Tejlimony The TESTIMONY of fohn Boufted, concerning JVtUiam Edmundjon. ^yf T Acquaimance with him for many Tears was J, fJL fuch that I loved him dearly, and honoured him truly, as one that ruled well in the Church of Chrift, worthy of double Honour for his Service fake, he was endued with a large Gift for the M I N ISTR Y, and preach'd the Ever- lafting Gofpel freely, as an UnDaulttell V^tCCi^ riOUr of tl^e KLamb, bold in Afferting, and va- liant in Suffering for the Teftimony committed to his Truft, and Skilful in his Miniftry to di- vide the Word aright, clear fighted, and deejS in divine Things ; and greatly Inftrumental in gathering many to the Truth, and in fettling of Meetings in divers Places, and zealoufly con- cernM for the promoting of Christian DifctfUne^ in the gathered Churches, that all might be preferv'd in the comely Order of the Gofpel ; and efpecially that his Brethren in the Miniftry, and other gifted Elders for Government in the Church, might walk circumfpe6i:ly without Blame or Rebuke. In all thhigs adorning the Gofpel of Jefus Qhrjjl as good EXAMPLES to the Flock. Some were pleas'^ d t(^ call him the GREAT HAMMER of Ireland, hecaufe of his power- ful Miniftry ; for having known the W ORD of the Lord J as an Hammer and a Fire to break and dijjhhe his own Hearty which no doubt had been hard^ Concerning W". Edmundson. hard^ when concerned in outward War^ (of which fee a further Account in his following Journal; he hj the fame WORD of God j was made as an Ham- mer, fharp Inftrument and Ax in the Hand of the Lord^ whereby many were broken and cut to the Heart : Yea ! fo77ie^ like the tall Cedars and ftrong Oaks, were hewn down by the Power of the WORD that dwelt in him \ he was as a FLAME again ij; Evil^ and Inftrument al in turning many to Right eoufnefs. . I can but hint a little of the Servi* ces of this Good Man, and Worthy Elder in the Church of Chri/l^ but fljall refer to other Teflimo- nieSy that may be given of hi?n by fuch as are more capable thereof^ and to the Journal of his Travels for a further Account concerning him ; who having done a good T>afs Workj hath received his R E- W A R D, and enter'^d into the Reft prepared for him, and for all them that love and fear the Lord. May it pleafe the Lord of the Harveft, to raife up other faithful Labourers therein, for the Harveft is great, and fuch La- bourers but a few. John Boufted. D Ghriftopher Winn his Teflimony A BRIEF TESTIMONY con- cerning my dear deceased Friend^ William Edmundfon. ^flJE was a Man^ whom I fo dearly and tenderly JL JL lov^dy for thofe Virtues that dwelt in him^that few of our Ancients were a more frequent Epi/lle in m^ Remembrance^ than he, The Vounda- tion of %k.;hich Lrve^. was the Rock of A^es, that had made htm jo ^er^vtceahle in his now Ifrael^ whom he hath brought out of Captivity, and chofen to he his People through Christ Jesus, to expe- rienie his Reign and Kjngdom : By whom alfo this my entirely beloved Friend was fanciifed, and made Inflrumental ; "Xeii^ a Co-worker amongjl many Bre- threnj to jhew to Mankind the Way to Salvation, And ^verily (to ?ne) being Dead, he fpeaketh. His Valour for Truth, Nobility before its Ens^ mies \, his godly and holy Zeal again jl Impiety and feigned Holinejsy his incejfant Labours and Tra- vels both by Sea and Land, to gather /c? C H R i s T, and that the Churches gathered, might he rooted and grounded in him, Ccnfrms me that he was ^ M A n OF Go D, and faithfully ferved him in his time. 1 may fay (^becaufe I believe it) the Lord fpoke by him, and his Word was in his Mouth ; indeed to me, he feenPd to be as a Boanerges, or Son of Thunder ; his Miniftry was fo powerful in the Demonflration of the Spirit : furthermore, his pious and fervent 'L^2X to plant a helpful Dif- cipiine among the Churches^ both in his own and other - Concerning W Edmund son. 4i other Nations^ much mamfejled his Love to God and his People ; and that ^^,? A n o i n T t N G d.weU in him^ Dominion and Praife to God the San- ftifier. Amen, I further tefttfe with the Apo(lle Peter, that no Man can do the Work of God, nor fpeak as his Oracle, but as he doth it by the Ability God giveth, being only as a Steward of the mani- fold Grace, that G o d in all things may be glorified, through Jesus Christ. In which Ability it was evident^ this my honoured friend mi- ntfired to the Saints^ of which I (with many more weightier Brethren) am a Witnejs^ and incline to coinmemorate a particular Injiance^ viz. At Hart- fhaw in Lancalliire (where I was prefent) the Lord made ufe of him as his Trumpet, to give a certain Sound to Admiration ; then expr effing that, that Morning the Word of the Lord burned in him as a Fire ; by which Word, not only the tender-hearted were quickned, but the Neg- ligent and Obdurate, awakened to profitable ConfiJerations of their milTpent Time : Alfo a ftgnal Token of his Love to his Country- Men^ did Uppear by his prudent Actings to obtain a Meeting in his deceafed Father"^ s Houfe, zvhere (that 1 know of) was never any kept before that time^ viz. near Kirby-Stephen in Weftmorland, which Meeting was obtairPd and held by himfelfy and ivas of a good Report and Service in the Country, And Friends in thefe Farts fmce that time having often had Meet- ings (at the above mentioned Kirby) God has been fleafedtoblefsthatgoodUndertaktng^ begun by our deceafed Friend William Edmunfon, with that happy Succefsp that fome ha've been there convinced D 2 and Chriftopher Winn his Tejlimony^ Sec. a^d turned to hlm^ the Almighty Lord, our Shield a^d Sanftuary ; twto whom jhall Renown he gi- ven^ Prayings that he may he pleafed to Order (by his Wifdom) our Converfation aright ; that we may honour him in our Earthly Tabernacles, and that he may raife up many fuch, to bear the Ark of the Teftimony before the Brethren, as our ancient deceafed Friends have done, not loving their Lives unto Death for Jefus fake. So to God the Father, with his Son Jefm Chrifi, he afcrihed Praije and Glory, World without End. Chriftopher Winn. From Sedhergh mTorkfljire ia GREAT-BRITAIN, the Nineteenth of the Se- cond Month, 1 7 14. Benjamin Concerning W. E d m u n d s o n. Hi? Benjamin Holmes^ his Testimony concerning that Honourable Servant of Chrift) Willi am Rdmundjon. /^UR Dear Friend^ whom it hath pleafed God t» 1/ remove from us^ was a very heavenly minded Man, and one that was deeply concQxn A. for the Glory of GOD, and the Good of Souls : He was an able Minifter ^/ the Go/pel, and laboured abundantly therein, and hi^ Labours were made very effe[lual to many. The Care of the Churches was much upon him, and he was greatly concern d^ that Sion might arife and Ihake her felf from the Dufl: of the Earth, and put on her Beautiful Garments, that fo ihe might lliine forth in her Glory and Beauty. I am inwardly thankful unto the Lord for raifing of him up, and that he was pleafed fo long to prolong his Days, for the Benefit of his Church and People: For through his Faithfulnefs, he was made a great Blef- fing to the Church of Chrift in many RefpeEts, and I believe, that Children jitt unborn fhall be made to blefs God upon his Account, It is matter of great Re^ joycing to me and many more \ that cls the Lord made him jo eminently ferviceable in his Handjje was pre- ferved in Faithfulnefs unto the End of his Days, ■ In a Letter I had from him fome time before his Departure, he fignified that he was well in the Lord Jefus Chrift, by whom his inward Man woi re- newed Day by Day, and that the LORD was his SONG and his STRENGTH. Thi^ this good Man, after he had pajjed through many and variom 'Exercifes, which he met with upon the Account of that Holy Teflimony, the Lord had called him to bear, was made to rejoyce and triumph in him, in whom he had believed. The Removal of this Faithful Elder, with fome other Faithful WitneiTes of late, is no fmall Lnfs to the Church Benjamin Holmes his T'efUmony Church ofChrift, Oh! that the Sen fe thereof may have a very deep Impreifion upon all our Hearts^ that me way inwardly wreftle with the Lord^to raije up many faithful Labourers in their ftead. And now^ dear Friends ! Tou whff are h'ought to he acquainted with that divine Power, by which many of our worthy Friends, that are taken from us^ were Jo excellently qualified and fitted for the W'ork unto which they^ were caWd ; there are STRONG DE- SIRES in my Soul, that you may wait ia deep Humility of Soul, to feel the fame divine Power to fit and qualifie you, that fo ye may come up in their Places, who have faithiuHy ferved the Lord in their Generation. ^nd^ as many of you know^ that thk TRUE P RO P H E T ^/ //?^ LORD prophefied before the late Troubles^ that God would dung the, Earth with the CarcafTes of Men, which ha^ fince been fulfilled -^ So I would like wife put you in Mind, how he hath pro- phefied fince the late Wars of another diftreffing Time, that is like to come, if the People be not humbled, which Prophecy^ I believe in the Lord's time will be fulfilled, if not prevented by Repent ance.There- fore prepare to meet your GOD, O Ifrael ! and fee that ye abide in your Tents, left through your going out into thofe things, which provoke the Lord to An- ger, ye be cut off with the Wicked, Oh I That we, that the Lord in loving Kindnefs and Mercy has been gracioirfly pleafed to vifit, may be lo ])refer- ved in Faithfulnefs unto the End, that in the wind- ing up of our time here, we may have a Part in that Kingdom of Reft and Joy, into which this cur dear deceaftd Friend is already entred, Is the fincere Defire of your Friend, Benjamin Holme. Irom Lifmovne, in th€ County of Weftmeath, in I R E L A N I), tkei<^tbof the 2d Month, 171 ^» Concerning W. E d m u n d s o n. W A Short TESTIMONY concerning WilliamEd- MUNDSON. ^rjAving a Concern u^on my Sfirity to write a JL J. few Lines coricerning that Ancient^ Honour^ able mid. faithful Elder ^ William Edmund- * {o]\. I tejlifie^ he wa^s a Man that I dear I] loved and honoured in the Truthj furely he was Worthy^ being Faithful \ a valiant Man for the Lord he was in his Daj^ even One of the Valiants of Ifrael, and that in the fir ft Rank, that would not turn his Back on Truth'* s Enemies ; he was Manly ^ of a good Prefence^ hut would often be tend.er^d and bro~ ke'n in Spirit^ even as a Child ^jj^en Truth fuflPer'd, he fufFer'd ; when, it rejoycW, he rejoyc'd ; he was pleafant in Converjation^ but of an awful Presence \ his Countenance grave and folid, that it; both admini fired Reproof and Con' fort ; his Minifiry powerful and fearching, in Prayer fervent, pro- found and prevailing, Jo that many times he made the Drooping and Heavy-hearted to rejoyce. His Care for the Church was very great y and af^ ter the late TrorMes^ he had a more than ordinary (Concern for the jetling of Friends^ and that they might be near Meetings ; hut his great Concern was^ that Friends might be preferved out of the too eager Purfuit after the Riches of this World ; which Concern^ expojed him to the Cenfure oj juchy 06 did not well confider their own Good^ and was fomewhat the Caufe of his meeting with great and hard Exercifes. Tet through all^ the Lord fiood by and William Sandwith his T'ejiimony and preferred him to the End of his Days^ a faith- ful Teftimony-bearer for the Truths he was made a BleJJing to Friends in this Nation^ on fever al Ac- counts. H3 would often fay^ " That the Love and " too eager Purfuit of Riches and Greatnefs of " this World, was the chief Engine the Enemy " of Truth had to hurt us, as a People, and of- *^ ten warned Friends to be aware of it ; And through Mercy many do reap the Benefit of his Fa- therly Carey and tender Advice^ for the Good (f .a/L His Concern was great^ that Love and Unity might be preferved in the Church, and all things kept out, that might have a Tendency to lay wafte, or hurt the Profperity thereof : So having ferv'^d his Generation in Faithfulnefsj and attained to a good Old Age J is gathered to his Reft^ far above the Reach of his B^rfecutors^ for he had fuffer'^d much on Tiuth's Account, and (as he would often fay') to keep his Teftimony clear in all the Bran- ches thereof William Sandwith. Ballynacariick, the fourth of tl:e Jhiri Month, 171 4. A Journal A JOURNAL OF THE LIFE O F William "EJmundJon, SECT. I. Giving an Account of his Birth^ Parentage^ Trade^ Marriage and Convincement^ 8cc. IWas Born at Little-Mufgrot'e in Wefimorland^ 16 2j. in the North of England^ in the Year, 1627. ^^'Wi my Father and Mother's Names were "John i-i":eMur, and Grace Edmundfon, My Father was well weftmor- accounted of amongft Men who knew him, and S/.f Religious in what he knew. I was the youngeft ^^^^'^ Child of ^ix my Parents had, my Mother died when I was about four Years Old, my Father al- fo when I was about Eight Years Old : we were left to the Care of my Uncle, my Mother'^s Bro- ther, who ufed us hardly ; and my Brothers and Siiters left him, but I ftaid^ with him feveral Years, being young. My eldeft Brother, who E was William Edmundso>* 1640. was Heir to theEftatemy Father left, when he \y\^\J came to the Age of Twenty One Years, with my eldeft Sifter's Husband, went to Law with my Uncle about our Portions, and other Injuries a}id Wrongs: And they fpent much Money. In thofe Times I went thro' many Hardfhips and Exercifes of divers kiads ; after fome time York, fpent^ I was bound Apprentice in Tork to the Trade of a Carf enter and Joyner^ where I lived fome Years : In which time the Lord began to work in the Hearts af many People in that City, Great open- fo that grcat Opcniugs in the Things of God were cerning the both in Prcachcrs and Hearers. Then the Lord t'Jdcvnolgfi began to vific me with his Judgments, and to fet reopie. y^y siris before me : many times I was under great Exercifes concerning my Salvation^ alfo a- bout Ele^ion and Reprobatio/?. So many things wrought mightily in my Mind about Religion, . that I was often brought very low in my Spirit, and at publick Worfhip in the Steeple-Houfe, at times,the Lord's Judgments would feize upon me heavily ; one time, in the publick Worfhip, the Hand of the Lord was fo upon me, that I flied fuch Abundance of Tears with weeping and be- wailing my wretched State, that the Prieft and Congregation took notice of me, but none did direct me aright to the Fbjfician that could heal my wounded Spirit. * Tnrua' About this tim^c I went into the Parlia ment's mcnvs AT- ^^-j^,y^ .^^^ t\\txQ contiuucd part of the War be- twixt the King and Parliament; and when that Scotland, ^^'^s over I went into Scotland under Oliver Crom- well in the Year 1650. and the Lord began afrefh with me, and many times His heavy Judgments would His fOURMJL, would feizeupon me, and bring me low in a Con- .1650. fideration of the State of Life I Jived in, and o^^^rO what the End \vould be ; and foitietimes his Mer- cies would fpring in my Heart to my great Re- frefliment, and caufe Tears of Joy and Gladnefs ; but I knew not the fecret Hand that was dealing with me, neither met I with any that did in- form me, altho' in the Army we had many high HighPro^ ProfefTors of Religion. And fometimes when l^R^nghlin had been on Service moft of the Day, and lying f^^^^'"^ down in my Tent at Night, then would arife in my Mind the eminent Bangers I had palled that Day, and the narrow Efcapes my Life had, and what would have become of my Soul, if I had fallen in that Uncertainty of my future Happi- nefs, with Refplutions to turn to the Lord by Repentance and Amendment of Life ; but when Adion prefented, which I was aftive in at that time, I got over it again m my Vanity. In the Year 165 1, the Scotch Army marched i^^jij iov England^ we followed ^and engaged them 2Lt The scotch Worce^er^ and overthrew'their Army ; after the^^7yT" Fight 1 was troubled in Mind for my Vanity, for ^^J^^J^J^^"^^ the Lord preferved my Life ftill ; but I fled from-^f vorcef^ Judgment, and made rtierry over God's Witnefs^^* in my Confcience, which teftified againil: rne. From thence we were commanded to the IJle fj/nieofMan, Man^ which was delivered to us, and in Two Weeks time returned to England^ and Quartered in T)erby(hire at Chefierfieldy and Towns therea- Derbyfhire, bout: at which time the common Difcourfe ofg;?"''^'''^' all forts of People was of the Quakers^ and vslvi- various Re- oils Reports were of them ; the Priefts every q^A^L"'' where were angry agarnft them, and the bafer E ^' fort William Edmund son 1 6 5.1. fort of People fpared not to tell ftrange Stories ^■^'^'^'^'''^^ of them: but the more I heard of them, the more I lovM them, yet had not the Opportunity to fpeak with any of them. chcfterficid. One Market-day at Chejterfield^ I was in a Ta- vern with others of my Companions, and Two Women of the People called fakers fpoke of the things of God to the People in the Market ; I did not hear of them until they were gone, but the A Tried Prieft of the Town, and feveral with him, abufed ^h^AbufiL ^^^^"^ • when they had done, they came to the Behaviour Tavem, into the Room where I and my Com- men. panions were, it being a large Dining-Room, where the Prieft boafted of what he had done to the two Women, thinking we would praife him, but I lov'd to hear of the Women, and hated his Behaviour towards them. A young Man a Merchant, then prefent (who frequented my Company, and would often fpeak of the faid People (called Quakers) and fay their Principles was the TrutJj) hearing the Prieft boaft of his abufive Behaviour to the faid two Women, anfwered and faid. It was a poor Victory he had got- ten over two poor Women ; at which the Prieft was very angry, and began to ftorm: my Spirit rofe againft him, I ftarted up from my Seat, and ask- ed the Prieft, and them with him, If they came to quarrel? faying, if they did, they fhould have e- nough: but the Prieft anfwered, No^ -not with you Sir. I bid them leave the Room, which tliey prefently did ; but thefe things came clofe to me, and the more I heard of this People, the better I lovM them, and earneft Defires fprung afrefh, that the Lord would Ihew me the way of Truth, After m JOURNAL 5 After fome time fpent in divers Exercifes, we 1652. marched again for Scotland^ at which time I had o^^v^ a Charge of fome Men for Recruiting other Com- ^"^^"'^ panics then in Scotland^ I marched them with our Regiment, and delivered up my Charge in Scotland^ then left the Army, and came back for England^ vifited my Relations in the North, from thence rode into Derbyjhire^ and married a young Derbyfiiire. Woman, unto whom I was contrafted before.w^ef^'^*"^* After fome time! was about to fettle in 'Derbj^ JhiremtiiQ way of Shopkeeping, at which time my Brother, who was a Soldier in Ireland^ came into England to fee his Relations, who highly com- mending Ireland^ perfwaded me to go live there, which I,with my Wife, concluded to do. The Troop my faid .Brother ferved in Qiiartered near Waterford^ we propofed to our felves to fettle a waterfgrd. Trade of Merchandize in Waterfordj and to live at a Place two Miles from it, where we could pafs and repafs in our Boat ; promifing great Matters to our felves, and Religion befides : So with this Refult, when my faid Brother return- ed, I fent with him a little Parcel of Merchant- Goods, and not long after I, my Wife and Ser- vant went for Ireland^ with a larger Qiiantity of Merchant-Goods, we came through IVejimorlandmiivco:- to take leave of our Relations, and, fome of them '^"'^' went with us to Whitehaven^ wliere we took whiteiiav^n Shipping, and Landed at Dublin. Dublin. Now were all our great Promifes come to no- thing, and the Lord, who had been often ftriving with me both in Mercy and Judgment, had o- ther Service for me, which I knew not of, and was a meer Stranger unto. For at Dublin I ex- E J pefted William Edmundson 165^. pefted that my Brother had made fome Prepa- V'W? pa rations for us and our Trade; but inftead thereof, the Troop and he with it were Marched into the North : I wrote to him, and gave him an Account that we were Landed ; in the mean time I was ftrongly importuned to fettle in Dub-^ Iwj Trading being then very brisk, and Houfes on eafie Terms, it being not long after the Plague ; but I was prevented by a fecret Hand that I did not then know, which preferv'd me from the Deceitfulnefs of Riches, which accord- ing to all Probability I had been laden with, as with thick Clay, and thereby been hindered from the Lord's Service, as fome others are. When my Brother had received my Letter, he came to Dublw^ with Horfes to take us into the Antrim. North to Antrim^ where their Troop was to Quarter ; there I took a Houfe, and my Brother dwelt with me : the Officers of the Troop were very kind, they would have had me rid in the Troop, and receive conftant Pay, yet might fol- low my own Bufinefs, and be Duty-free ; for they would procure an Order on their own Account, none being then admitted into Troops without. the General's Order : but I refufed, and Would not accept of their kind Offers; for my Inclina- tions were after Religion, and my Confcience be- gan to be awakned by the Lord's Hand of Judg- ment mixed with Mercy, which preferved me. I foon fold thofe Goods I brought over, and forthwith went for England, to buy more ; then v^'olJ^- ^0"^^"g i^to the North of England amongft my pF.^j.N. Relations, at which timt George Fox 2ind James Najlor were in that Country, James Najlor hav- ing m fOUR^NJL. ing a Meeting about three Miles from where I 165 j. was, I went to it with my Eldefl: Brother Tho- ^^'^W r/jos, and another Kinfman, having an earneft De- fire to have Converfe with fome of that People, retaining a Love, and believing well of them from the firft hearing the Report of th jm, and I was glad of this Opportunity : and were all three Convinced of the Lord's blcfled ^ Truth; for*w.E. ^ni God's Wicnefs in our Hearts anfwered to th^TJloZ Truth of what was fpoken, and the Lord's for-ZTr'^f^f mer Dealings with me came frefli into my Re- membrance. Then I knew it was the liord's Hand that had been ilriving with me for a long time. This was in the Year 165 j. Then began my Underftanding to be opened, and many Scriptures were brought to my Re- membrance, which I had often read, yet under- ftood them not ; but now being turned to a Mea- flire of the Lord's Spirit manifefted in my Heart, which often had reproved me for Evil in my Ig- norance ; I knew it was the Truth wliich led into all Truth, agreeable with the Holy Scrip- tures of the Law^ and Prophets, Chrift and his Apoftles, and I thought all that heard it declar'd muft needs needs own it, it was fo plain to me. A few Days after I was thus far convinced of the blefled Truth, the Lord's Power feized upon me through his Spirit, whereby I was brought under great Exercifes of Mind and Spirit; yea, all my Parts came under this Exercife, for the Lord's Hand was mighty upon me, in Judgments mixed with Mercies ; fo that my former Ways were hedged up : But I loved the Lord's Judgments, for I knew I had finned againft him, and muft E 4 be 8 William Edmundson 1653. be purged through Judgment. And thp' under V/V\^' this Exercife of Confcience towards God, yet I carrickfer- did Hiy Bufinefs in EnglanJi^ and Shipped my gjs.rBci- Q^^^^ i-Q 5g Landed ^xCarrickfeYgus or Belfafi. Self-reafon inp, at the SC4. SECT. II. Reciting fever al difficult Exercifes he went through both Inwardly and Outwardly, betwixt hi^ Con- vincement^ and the Setting tdf a Publick Meet- ing at Lurgan. WHilft I was at Sea, Self reafon'd ftrongly to fave the Duty of my Goods, for I had an Opportunity to do it, the Troop my Brother belonged to Quartering at C^m>X/6'r^//j and 'BeU fafij who would have -helped me Night or Day, but I durft not do it, my Confcience being a- wakened to plead for Truth, Juftice and Equity • yet there was a great Conteft betwixt Confcience and Self, and in this Conflict many Scriptures fu/lcZT'^ were opened in my Underftanding, That Duties ougkt to be and Cufloms oiight to be f aid ; and tho' Self ftrug- ^'^'^^ led hard for Ma fiery, yet at lafl: was overthrown, and the Judgment of Truth prevailed. carrfckfer- I landed at Carrickfcrgus^ there a Trooper rea- g"^- dily lent me his Horfe, and I rode that Evening Antrim, homc to Antrim^ wliere my Wife hVed ; when I came to the Door, my Brother came forth to faluteme with hisufual Complements; but the Lord's Power feiz'd upon me at that Intent, he wasftruck, amaz'd, went in and fate down fi- lent. I was much broken in the Power of the Lord before them, and my Brother rarade no Op- pofitio% Ws JOURNAL. pofition, but received the Truth and joined 165J. with it. L/''V"Vl I returned to Carrickfergus to bring my Goods carrickf<»- afliore, but the Officers required an Oath to the^""'* Truth of my Bills of Parcels, and (not fuffering them to come afliore without it) would have feizedupon my Goods. I told them, 1 could not Swear ^ it rvas contrary to ChriJFs Command^ which feemed a ftrange thing to them, having not met with the like before ; but the Lord's Truth and Teftimony was precious to me, and afrer fomc time, with much Difficulty, I got an Order to bring my Goods to the Cuflom-Houfe : My De- portment to the Officers and others herein, was a Wonder to them, and caufed much Difcourfe, ifumour^ and various Rumours to be fpread of the^/^-(J^'4uaker«» kersy and of me in particular. After I came home with my Goods, the Lord's Hand v/as heavy upon me Day and Night, fo that I Travelled under a great War and Conflifh betwixt Flefh and Spirit, and was much caft down with Sorrow and Trouble of Mind ; but none there underftood the Caufe of my Sorrow and Trouble, or gave a Word of Comfort to eafe me ; I would have gone far for the Company of an Experienc'd Friend. My Sleep departed from me^ and many times in the Night in great trouble of Mind, crying and weeping I wifh'd for Day, and when Day came, my Sorrows re- maining, I wifliM again for Night. In this reft- lefs. State I had none that had trod this Path to Converfe with ; fo that the Rumour of my Con- dition fpread abroad amongft the ProfeiTors: many would come to Gaze upon^ me, jangle and contend lo William Edmundson ■ " ''' ■ '''>■■ ' ' ' 1653. contend againft Truth, and fome would fay, / L/V"^ was bjwitclPd ; Others, / was going Mad. So Talk and Rumour concerning me Ipread a great way amorigft People. Major Bouf. Afaout this time one Miles Bousfield^ came from B^giandr England to Ireland^ at whofe Houfe George Fox had been : he had been in fome Degree convinc- ed of the Truth, and came away upon it ; he was a great Talker of Religion, but an Enemy and a Stranger to the Crofs of Chrift, who hear- ing of me, and of the Exercife I was in, came to fee me ; I was not at home when he came, but he talked to my Wife, and fpake well of the Quakers and their Principles, feeming to be mighty glad, that he had found fuch a Compa- nion as I was in this Nation, and the Comfort we fhould have of one another. When I came home, my Wife told me of his being there, and the Difcourfe he had with her, which J was glad to hear of, and foon took my Horfe and rode Twelve Miles to fee him, and ftaid with him all Night ; he talked Abundance of Religion^ and of the Inward Work of God in Man by his Spirit^ and fpoke well of George Fox and James Naylor^ and of their Doftrine, which I liked well ; but faid, he knew thofe things before he fazv or heard them : and fpake much of his Knowledge of God and Chrift. I fate in filence with Attention to hear him ; for I was caft down poor and low in my Spirit, yet glad that I had met with fuch a knowing Man in the Things of God, and his Work in Man by his Spirit, to ad- vife me in my great Troubles of a wounded Spi- rit ; So Jie advifed me to_ be cheerfu[ and tnerry^ and, Hu JOURNAL. II and not to look atthofe inward Troubles^ that bo\v*d 165 j. me down ; which was the Enemfs Work to lead me UJ into Defpairj and defiroy me^ by jrvallowing me up in much Trouble ; and as it was plainly mamfejt^ that God had a hove for me^ to make me a chojen Vejfel of Mercy ^ he would love me to the end ; and nothing in me could hinder his Love, or fruflrate his WtlL ThisDoftrine healed me without the Crofs of Chrift, or Self-denial ; which anfwered my Will and Carnal Defires ; for I lovM the Truth which I was convinced of, and would have had it to- gether, with my Carnalities, Flelhly Liberties, Worldly Pleafures and Profits ; fo when the Lord's Power would rife to bow me down under his Crofs, I would reafon againft it with thofe Arguments afore-mentioned,- and thereby would get from under Judgment : but this Eafe and fleight Healing lafted only about a Week : tor the Lord would not leave me fo, praifed be his Name for ever, whofe merciful Hand preferved me, and Power took frefli hold of my Heart and Inward Parts, which bowed me under his Judg- ments, and opened the Eye of my Underftand- ing, plainly fhewing me, there was that alive in me that muft be Crucified, which oppofed the Will of God. Then I faw where "Bousfield was, and all of his ^^^^ ^^"^ Spirit, and the Wounds of my reftlefs ?i^mtjieight'cure were opened wider than before, and Major '"'^'^' Bousfield\ fleight Cure was all marr'd, and the falfe rell he fet me in taken away, I having none how to truft unto, but the Lord for Council and Intbrmation, whofe Care was greatly manixcit- ''■- ■ ' ~ - ed II William Edmundson ed for my Prefervation, Redemption and lafor- U'^nT^ mation, through many Temptations and deep Affliftions that did attend me many ways, with manyOppofers and Contenders. I w^as weak, but the Lord's Strength was perfed in Weaknefs, and his Spirit and Power encreafed in me thro' Obedience to the Crofs of Chrift, wherein I was daily exerciled, and thereby grew into Acquain- tance with the Lord's Work, to niake me a Vef- fel for his Purpofe. yi.^.remo- In the Spring following, I removed with my ^'^ti^^/*'^ family i}:om Antrim^ to live in the County of Ardtpagh. Jrdmagh^ there took a Houfe and Gracing for my Cattle, and kept a Shop of ibme Mer- chant-Goods, where 1 became the Talk and Ga- zing-ftock of, and to the People; Profeffors watched me narrowly to get Occafion againft me, and the Principles of Truth I profefFed, but the Lord ftrengthned me in my Watch over my Words and Deeds, fo cut off Occafion from therfi that fought Occafion againfl: the Truth and me. Tuin In thofe Days to ufe the true, plain and pro- Ifenfiie^t^'oV^'^ Spccch, as T^^^ and Thou to a fingle Perfon, feopie. and keeping on the Hat^ were ftrange things to People, and few could fuffer them to be ufed on Occafion ; but would refleO: in Abufive Words, and fometimes ufe Blows, or throw Stones. The keeping to one Price in felling of Goods, and to ridin un-tht firft Asking wichout Abatement, was a great Sg"t- Stumbling-block to moft Sorts of People, and ryofenfive.Yx\2iAQ, theui ftand at a Diftance from buying for fometime, until they faw further into the Ju- ftice of the manner thereof. All things were rough and rugged in the World, and the Crofs of His JOURNAL. i^ of Chrift was Foolilhnefs, and a Stumbling- Block to them. t/YN^ My Exercifes and Tryak both withm and without were many, and of divers Sorts, beyond what I can exprefs, The Lord's Judgments clave clofe to me ; I was made to love them, and willing to wait upon the Lord in the ways thereof: Sometimes when the Lord's Hand would be eafie with me, I would be afraid left he fliould withdraw his Hand ; then my Defires were to the Lord not to flacken his Hand, but to fearch me throughly ; for his Judgments were become fweet to my Tafte, which he many times mixed with Springs of Mercy, to my Joy and Comfort ; and Bufinefs in the Affairs of the mrMy Af World became a Trouble to me, though there t'"''^;'' . were Preientations and Opportunities to get^. e. Riches, either by Trading, taking Land by Leafe, Mortgage or Purchafe, which I was able to have done. My Brother being Convinced of the Truth, ^^^ethg fen as before, my Wife, he and I met together gTnr^"'' twice a Week at my Houfe ; in a while after Four more were Convinced, and then we were Seven that met together to wait upon God, and to worfiiip Him in Spirit and Truth. The Lord's Mercy and Goodnefs were often ex- tended to us to our Comfort, and Confirmation in the Appearance of his bleifed Truth received in our Hearts. SECT, 14 William EdmunUson SECT. III. Ofhisfrjl Fuhlick Miniflry^ hu Viftt to G. Fox h England, the Settling a Meeting in Dublin, his Imprifonment at Ardmagh, ani Dispute with a Prieft and, a Jjiftice of the County^ kd 1655. QlOmetime after this, John Tiffin was moved ^■-^"'"^^'^ [^ of the Lord to come into /rJ/:?W in Truth's lam^'e ll^" Servicc ; he came to my Houfe, abode a while, Ireland, g^j f^tc With US in ouf Meeting, fometimes fpeaking a few Words, which were edifying : then began a Concern to come upon me to tra- vel with him to fome Places, tho' he had but few Words, yet very Serviceable. Our going a- broad to Fairs and Places of Goncourfe of Peo- ple put many to enquire into the Quakers Prin- ciples and Religion ; and fometimes we had Dif- courfes. with Profeffors, but People in general were very fhy and fearful of us, left they fhould be deceived : for the Priefts perfwaded the Peo- ple againft us, by telling them Stories and Lies, which the Priefts in England had forged and fent abroad y too many to mention here, neither is it needful, being Printed in feveral Books, with Friends Anfwers to them. At this time but few would lodge us in their jBcifaft. Houfes : at 'belfaft (that Town of great Profef- fion) there was but one of all the Inns and Publick Houfes that would lodge any of our Friends, which was one Widow Partridge wha kept a Publick Houfe, and received us very kindly; there John Tiffin lodg'd, often endea- vouring to get an Entrance for Truth in that Tow% His JOURNAL. 15 Town, but they refifted, fhutting their Ears, 1655. Doors and Hearts againft it. K^^^r\J Near this Town there dwelt one Laythes^ who promifed to let us meet in his Houfe, and the Day was appointed ; accordingly we came there, that is, John Tiffin^ my Brother and I, but when we came, the Man was gone from Home, as they faid ; we fuppofed on purpofe, that we might not meet at liis Houfe : his Wife was a proud Woman, and would not fuffer us to meet there. So there were a little from that Houfe in the great Road, ThrQe Lanes-Ends a Meetint that met, there we three fate down and kept Laml&nds. our Meeting. People came about us, we were a Wonder to them, and fomcthing was fpokea to dired their Minds to God's Spirit in their own Hearts. Thefe Exercifes, though in much Weakncfsand Fear, fpread the Name and Fame of Truth, and the Minds of many honeft Peo- ple began to enquire after it; and to fee the Reports which the Prieftshad told them of us, were falfe, which made them more defirous to hear us, and fome were added to our Meeting at Lurgaf)^ then kept at my Houfe. Soon after. John Tiffin went for England^ but w. cs /frjf^ our Meeting encreafed, and fometimes the Lord's **'"'^''^- Power and Spirit would move in me, to fpeak fome few Words in Meetings ; which I did ia -? Fear, being under a great Concern, left a wrong Spirit fhould get Entrance, and deceive me in the Likenefs of an Angel of Light ; for I was fenfible of my own Weaknefs. Now feveral gathered to our Meeting, and were Convinced and received the Truth : So we got Meetings in fevcral i4 William Edmundson 1655. feveral Places, there being a great Opennefs a- ^-^^VNI mongft People. About this time I had fome Drawings on my Spirit, to go for England and to fee George Foxy whom I had not yet feen. So I went over, and t/i>!fftfC.F. met with him at Badgley ia Leice/l-erjhire^ where Leicdkr- ''* there was a great Meeting of Friends from fe- ftiire. veral Places. When the Meeting ended I went to George Fox^ and he took Notice of me ; we went into the Orchard, and kneeling down he prayed : the Lord's Heavenly Power and Pre- fenc€ was there ; he was tender over me. I told him whA*e I lived, of feveral being Con- vinced in Ireland^ of the Opennefs amongft Peo- ple, in the North of that Nation, to hear the Truth declared, and of the want of Miniftring - Friends in the GofodI there: he wrote the fol- lowing Epiftle^ia Friends, which he fent with me; viz. Friends, IA^ that which Convincedjou^ xvaitj that you may have that removed you are convinced of^ and all wy dear Friends^ dwell in the Life^ and Love^ and Power J and Wifdom of God^ in Unity one with an- other ^ and wtth God ; and the Peace and Wijdom of God fill all your Hearts^ that nothing may rule in you hut the Ltfe^ which jlands in the Lord God. G. R He bid me, when I came to Ireland^ to go B.BurroughtQ Edward Burrouoh and brands HonviHj for they Riiu were come mto the South ot tiut Kinglom m the m JOURNAL. 17 the Service of Truth. So, when I had been at 1655. Swarthmore^ and fome other Places in England^ L/'VvJ to vifit Friends, I returned to Ireland., and read tlie aforegoing Epiftle to Friends in the Meet- ing ; there the Power of the Lord feized on us, whereby we were mightily fhaken and broken into JTears and Weeping, Now the Priefts and ProfelTors in the South of Ireland.^ were fo envi- ous againft Truth, that they got an Order from e.b.i^'fh, Henry Cromwell^ then Lord Deputy of Ireland^ to ^out'^'L- banifh Edward Burrough and Francis Horvgill out ^^"^* of the Nation, and a Guard of Soldiers were ordered to conduQ: them from Place to Place, till they were ShipM off: but the Guards were lov- ing to them, and fuffered them to have Meet- ings where they came ; fo that feveral received ^^^^.^ ^ the Truth, and fmall Meetings were fettled in f^ttiU at divers Places, particularly one in T>ublin. ^"^'*°* About this time Richard Clayton was moved of Richard the Lord to come for Ireland ^ in the Service of^^*^^°"' the Gofpel, he came by the Lord's Direftions ftrait to my Houfe, as he himfelf told me, and ftaid with us fome Meetings ; then was moved of the Lord to travel to Colerain and Londonderry ; co'eram. I alfo was moved to go with him. He publiih- 5°"/°"" ed the Day of the Lord in Colerain in the Street, ''''^' warning all to Repent : we put up feveral little Papers, which we had written, m feveral Places, one we put on the Worfliip-Houfe Door ; but the Profeflbrs were highly offended, took and banifhed us over the Water, giving Charge that no Boat fhould bring us back. So we tra- vePd the Road t(yN2s&'S>Londonderr]^ lodging that iobdoodcrri Night in a Cabin m the Mountains \ the next F Day 1 8 William Edmund son 1655. Day we came to Londonderry (we travelled ^yy^^ on Foot) and got two Meetings there, where feveral received the Truth : the Governor was at One Meeting, where he was convinced, con- feffing it to be Truth that we declared, and whilft we ftaid he was very loving. strabane.^ Tlicn We travelled to Strabane^ Clough^^ 0- omalh?' ^^ghj and Six Miles crofs to Dungannon^ fo to ffior'T"* ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^ County of Ardmngh ; feveral ho- neft tender hearted People lived there-abouts, who had a Defire to hear Friends. We came Margery to a Widow-Woman's Houfe, one Margery At- Atkinfon.. i^i^^Q^^ a tender honeft Woman, whofe Houfe I had been at before : fhe was ConvincM of the Truth, and received us lovingly. So we had a Meeting there ; the tender People thereabouts generally came to Meeting, moft of them re- ceived the Truth in the Love of it in much Tendernefs ; for they were waiting for it. We fettled a Meeting there, which became large. Richard Now Richard Clayton went for England^ and cjayton re- about this time there were Two Women Friends from Londonj Anne Gould and '[Julian Wafiwood^ iinne Gould wlio Came to Dublin^ and travelPd to London- waftS ^^^7, having fome Drawings to that Place ; af* came into tcr fomc Scrvicc done for the Lord there, they travePd to Colerainy fo through the Scotch Coun- ciough. try, to a Place called Cloughj all on Foot in Winter time, wading Rivers and dirty miry Ways : fo that Anne Gould^ being a tender Wo- man, was muchfpent, and ftaid at C^/^/g/?; the Enemy perfwading her, That God had forfaken her^ and that {he was there to be d^royed : So that fhe fell into Defpair j but I kaew nothing of them. At His fOURJSTJL. 19 At this time my Brother and I were at a Fair 1655. in Jrnrim^ being late there, we propofed to ^^^Wl lodge that Night at Glenavy^ fix Miles on our way homeward. Before we got to Gle^a^y^ Icienavy. was under a great Exercife of Spirit, and the Word of the Lord came unto me, Thar my Shop ivas in danger to he rohb'^d that Night ; I told my Brother of it : fo we concluded to travel home, and went about a Mile beyond Glenavy ; but my Spirit was ftill under a great Exercife, the Word of the Lord moving me to turn back to- wards C lough; whereupon I was brought under cbugh. a great Exercife betwixt thefe two Motions, To travel backj and my Service urjknown ; and my Shop on the other hand in Dang^ to he robbed^ which brought me into a great Streight, for fear of a wrong Spirit. I cry'd to the Lord in much Tendernefs of Heart and Spirit, and his Word anfwered me. That which drew, me hack fhould preferve my Shop \ fo we went back to Glenavy oicnavy. and lodged there, that Night I flept little, be- caufe of many Doubts about the Concern : on the other hand Idurft not difobey, for I knew the Terrors of God for Difobedience. The next Morning my Brother went Home, but I rode back to Antrim^ that Day towards Antrim. Evening I came to Qlough^ took up my Lodging ciough. at an Inn, the Country being generally Scotch People and Frefbyterians : when I came into the Anne couid Houfe I found Anne Gould in Defpair, and Julian ^^"^^'"^' Wafiwood with her, but when they knew who I was, and heard my Name, (for they had heard of me before) the poor difconfolated Woman revived for Joy and Gladnefs, and got up, for fhe F 2 wai» 20 William Edmundsoj^ 1655. was In Bed overwhclmM under Trouble of ^^'"^^ Mind. I faw then my Service of coming there, was fopher fake : fo when we came to Difcourfe of Matters, I told them, How I rvas brought there by the good Hand of God, led a^s an Horje by the Bridle^ to the "Place where they were ; they therefore greatly rejoyced and praifed God, the tender Woman was help'd over her Trouble, and fhe faw it was a Tryal of great Tempta- tions file had Iain under. cankkfer- They had a Mind to go to Carrickfer^us^ fo to Dub'in. i^y Houfe, and to Dublin to take Shipping for England ; but neither of them would undertake to ride fingle ; therefore I was forcM the next Day to carry them behind me, firft one and then the other ; when we came in very foul Way, I fet them both on Horfeback, and waded my felf through Dirt and Mire in my Boots, holding them both on Horfeback with my Hands ; we came to Conyers that Night and lodged there, carrkkfcr- the ncxt Day I got them toCarrickfergm^ there ^*''* leaving them, rode home and fent my Brother and two Horfes, to bring them to my Houfe. When I came home, I ^iquired about my Shop, whether it had been in Danger of Rob- bing ? They told me, the Night I was under that Exercife about it, the Shop-Window was broken down, and fell with fuch Violence on the Counter, that it awaken'd our People, and the Thieves were affrighted and ran away. So I was confirmed it was the Word of the Lord that faid, That which drew me baci: fbouldprejerve m) Shop^ and I was greatly ftrengthned in the Word of Life, to obey the Lord in what he re quired His fOURNJL ai quired of me ; for I was much afraid left at any 1655. time my Underftanding fliould be betrayed by ^>'^r>J a wrong Spirit, not fearing the Lofs of Goods nor Sufferings for Truth, its Teftimony being more to me than all other things. When thefe Two Women had ilaid fometime at my Houfe,^^^^ ^^^^^ and vifited Friends, my Brother fet them on wafiWoS" Horfeback to Dnhlirij fo they went for England. ''^"'''''^' At this time I travelled in Truth's Service, for the Lord had given me a Teftimony for his Truth, in Meetings and Publick Places, fome- times at Worfliip Houfes, where I met with rough Ufage, but Truth gainM ground, many received it and came to Meetings, we having Meetings in feveral Places, and in fome Places got Meetings fettled for the Worfliip of God. About this time I was put in Prifon at Jrdmagh w.e. im- for the Teftimony of Truth, before the Com- Trdm";!'' mon Goal was repaired, fo I was Prifoner in a little Room in the Goaler's Houfe ; tho' I was weak and contemptible in my own Eyes, yet the Lord \yas vv^ith me, his Power and Dread was my Strength and Refuge ; I was a Terror to the Goaler and his Wife, for if I had come out of my Room where the Goaler was, he would have hung down his Head, not looking me in the Face : his Wife would fometimes be tor= mented and cry out, for my Prefence was a Torment to her, though I faid nothing. At this time there came a Presbyterta?^ Mini- fter out of Scotland^ pretending to Vifit the Churches, there was in his Company one Colo - c^j/. Kcpr. TiQlKjn ; this Prieft came to the Coaler's Houfe to lodge, for he kept a Publick-Houfe. 'Twas F 3 ou ai William Edmundson 1655. on a Seventh Day of the Week he came ; I was ^-"^^V^^ then fallen Sick, and in Bed, that Prieft lodg'd in the next Room, fo that I could hear what they faid. Towards Evening many Freshjteri- ans came to Vifit their Minifter, and he read a Chapter and expounded it unto them, fung a Pfalm, and Prayed ; after which they left him that Night. coL Kerr'i The ncxt Morning early, being the firft Day Kn;t Came into the Prieft's Room, and asked him, What was the Meaning of the Afofile ]ohn^ s fpealang fo much of abiding in Chrijl? and further ask'd. How wemufl abide in Chriji ? But the Prieft did not anfwer him, there- fore he was under Trouble and Diffatisfaftion. At this the Lord moved me to rife, put on my Cloaths, and fpeak to the Prieft as he went to his Worfhip, for they pafled by the Door of my Room. So I arofe and put on my Cloaths, the Lord's Power ftrengthning me : many of the chief of the Preft?jteri^*V^^in the Night, and was convinced, being tender, received the Truth, and came to Meetings. peiturbct. About this time we had a Meeting at Beltur- betj and the Lord's Power .ai>d Prefence was with us ; but the Provoft of the Town was an envious Man, who came with fome rude People, broke up our Meeting, and took us to Prifon, |?oth Men and Women. We were all Night in a very cold place, the Women were mightily pinchM with cold, it being Froft and Snow. The next Morning he fet all the other Friends at Li- llf'v^t berty, but me he put in the Stocks in the Mar- fnto the ket-place, and People gatherM about me, where *^^^^ ^* I had an Opportunity to preach the Truth to them, which they heard with Sobernefs, were. tender, and reflefted much upon the Provoft for abufing us. * Robert Wardell then (being but a Boy) told the Provoft, be had fet a better Man than himfelf in the Stocks^ and there uoas a time whenfuch as he durfi not have medled with me : wherefore the Provoft fie put^^ifb took him, and fet himin the&pcksby me; but int^the^ his Father foon heard of it, and threatned the stocks, Provoft with the Law ; for lie was then Mafter of the Store (there being a Garrifon of Soldiers there) fo that Robert Wardell was foon taken out of the Stocks, who being convinc'd, kept to Truth and with Friends, afterwards became a Serviceable Man for Truth, and a Preacher of it. The People were much dilTatisfy'd with the Provoft ; fo he fent his Officer to let me loofe, who openM the Stocks, and bid me take out my Leg^ for I might go mj way : I told him, I had been m JOUR.NAL. 29 heengrofly abufedj and tnade 'a pMick Sfe^acls ta the People^ as though I had done fome great Offence j *^^f^ but was not conviUed of the "Breach of any Law ; y^;^^^/,f^l fo let the Vrovojl come himfelf and take me out^ for out of the he put me in. The Provoft came and open'd the \mtL p?i Stocks, bidding nie take out my Leg^ I told him,;"^^^';^^^'^;, No^for he had made me a Spectacle to the People j and '"- I knew no Law that I had broken ; hut let him take out my Leg that put it in : upon which he open'd the Stocks with one Hand, and took my Leg out with the other. His Name w^as Richard JVeft. At this time, Oliver Cromwell had put forth a oiiver Declaration, That fuch fhould be protected in their "^^l^^^J'^^^ Religion^ as owned God the Creator of all things^ Declaration and Chrifl Jefus the Saviour of Man^ and the Scrip- Reiiiioru tures^ and feveral other things mentioned there- in. So the Governor of that Garrifon, with the Officers and chief Men in the Town, and abun- dance of People with them (that filled the Court Houfe) would try us by the Declaration, wlie- ther we and our Religion were under Oltver^s Protection, (or not) the Provoft was there, and By which I was fent for $n. The Clerk of the Garrifon '^'y^'^ (who was then a Baptifl:, but afterwards a Friend) read the Declaration, and I was calPd to aafwer to the Particulars. I anfwered them fo, that the Governor and they with him gave their Judgment, That JVe were under Protection^ and our Religion was to be Protected. Then I call'd aloud, that 7% nwuld bear Wit* nefsj how long we had been imprijon^d illegally ^ and 'that I fate in the Market-Place in the Stocks wrong- fully ^ and that the Law provided Reparation in fuch Cafes : feveral of the Chief cf them ofFer'd to be 30 William Edmundson be Evidence, if we would take the Advantage ^>''VN^ of the Law againft the Provofl: : he was quite dafh't and look'd very pale. The Governor came from his Seat, and took me by the Hand, The Gfiver. faying, He was jorry that I and my Friends were Jo fh/2uf[^^ ^^/'//e'^ ; and did ajfure me he had no Hand in it. I done to asked him, Who he was ? he faid, He was the Go- vernor of that Garrifon. I ask'd him. Where he had been thofe two DaySy that he did not appear with hii Band of Soldiers to appeafe the Uproar ? For I had read in the Scriptures, that at Jerufalem, when there zvas an Uproar on the like Account, the Go- vernor came mth a Band of Soldiers, and refcued Paul from them, and appeafed the Uproar ; and was it ?iot a Shame for him j that a Hc^Lthcn/houldota- do him whoprofef^d to he a Chriftian. He was a Baptifi, and fo were feveral who were in Autho- rity thereabouts. My Spirit was born up in the Power of the Lord, as upon the Wings of an Eagle that Day ; Truth's Teftimony was o- ver all their Heads, and my Heart was filPd with Joy and Praifes to the Lord ; many were convinc'd that Day, and fevera:! of them receiv- ed the Truth, and abode in it. There was one William Parker, a Preacher a-- mongft the Baptifts, who had opposed me ftrong- ]y at a Court a little before this; his Wife was a Friend, convinc'd in England, and flie was a Prifoner with us: They liv'd then in the Coun- try, and his Wife not coming home, in the Morning he came to look for her, and finding me fitting in the Stocks in the cold Winter, in the open Market-place, he was fmitten to the Heart. After I had done with them all I was^ ais m fOURNAL. 51 at Liberty, and came to Friends with my Heart full of Joy, the faid Parker was with Friends, ly^/^^ fo I asked him. What he thought of his Brethren^ Afterv^ards to fujfer w to he thns ufed^ arid they chief in Com- ^°''y^^^'<^^ mand in that Place. He anfvvcr'd with Tears in his Eyes, He was ajhani'd of them^ that had been fo long fr of effing and fighting for Confcience^ now to ftiffer Confcience to he trodden in the Dirt. He went to them no more, but came to our Meetings, taking up the Crofs of Chrift : he became an honeft, zealous Man for Truth, hav- ing a publick Teftimony in Meetings, and died in the true Faith which Jefus is the Author of. There was alfo one William Morris^ an Elder ^^^^.j^o^m amonsft the Baptifts in great Repute, Captain /^"^ *^^"^ of a Company, Juftice ot the Peace, Commif- ker hfeth fionerof the Revenues, Chief Treafurer in thattl2'"' Quarter ; alfo Chief Governor of three Garri- fons, to whom the News of this Days Work was foon carryM ; whereat he was much troub- led in Mind, and told the MelTenger, who was ; a Juftice of Peace, It was a Shame for them tofuffer us to he fo ahufedy faying. The Time would come that they would he glad to fjelter under our Winos^ The Rumour foon went amongft the Baptiftsy \ and alfo to the Court at Dublin^ that Captaia Morris was turnM Quaker : whereupon he was removed with his Company Southward. Not long after he was fent for to Dublin^ to appear / before the General and Chief Officers, many of / whom were Baptifts. He was examined about his being turn'd Quaker ^ which he did not deny, I but confefs'd-Qur Faith and Principles, and at that time was difcharg'd from his Command, becaufe^ '/ 5^ William Edmundsjon becaufe he was a Quaker ; he was a worthy wife ^''^'"^Man, had a Teftimony m our Meetings-, and died in the Faith of Jefu^. I was at Dublin at that time when they took his Command from him. He would often fay, That I was a great Help and Strength to him in the Truth, Friends Now our Mcetings increafed, a'nd our SufFer- ^nd Safer- ^^gs alfo increafcd ; but Friends being innocent, m^Joth were careful to keep up Truth's Teftimony encreafe. p^^£^^^J]y ^^^ faithfully : fo that Truth gain'd ground. Now our Landlord} Kjmpflon would not confirm our Leafes according to Covenant, but would impofe feveral things upon us, which Friends would not fubmit unto : fo that feveral Friends left his Lands, and removed with their Families towards Mountmelick ; but fome abode there longer, and kept up a Meeting for Divine Worfliip, twice in the Week. SECT. V. Of his hard Imprifonment at Cavain in a najiy Dungeon, His Speech in Publick Court^ Re^ leafe, and Removal afterwards to RoiTenallis. I Was then kept clofe Prifoner In C^T'^;;-Goal for the Teftimony of Truth, m a nafty Dun- geon amongft Thieves and Robbers, where we eafed our felves in one End of the Dungeon, and the Excrements were very noifom, the Dun- geon being arched over Head ; In the Day wc had the Benefit to look out through an Iron Grate \ but at Night the Door was clofe fliut, and then we were as if we had been ia an Oven. In? m JOURNAL. 35 Im the Day the Prifoners would beg Turf, and at Niglit, when the Door was clofe fhut, they C/^ro would kindle a Fire, which filled the Dungeon 0 anfwer'd with a loud Voice and faid, I am a Vrifoner^ and 'have been a clofe Prifoner fourteen Weeksj for my Religion and Faith towards God^ and I want Jufiice, and to he tried by the Law now EJlablifhed ; for I know no Law that I have broken : And I am one who have ventnr'^d my Life to eflablijh the Government as it now Jlands ; and own the Go- vernment and the Laws. But the Judge was difturb'd, and cried out to the Goaler to take me away. So the Goaler came, and I cryM a- loud to the People, to take Notice and bear Wit- w. e. ov?ns nefs^ I own^d Government and wholefom Laws, ^^d^°^'27fom de fired Jtdflice accordingly j but could not have it.J-dws, So he took me away, butprefently onewasfent to bid him not put me in the Dungeon. Now I was very eafit in my Spirit, and much com- forted in the Lord, for his Power was with me ; fome fober ProfelTors came to me and faid, They were very glady and wellfatisfed with what I faid of our owning the Government and Lazfvs^ for they had heard other things concerning us. This wrought .mightily in the Minds of People, and Truth got ground: And the next DayT was turned out of Prifon without any Trial. Now the moft of the Land we had ef i^np- Kempaon flon was recovered from him by Law, by one i^fj. ^'^ Cozby ; fo that we fent our Cattle to graze near Rojfenallisj and being now at Liberty, I Rofienaiiis, went there to live with my Family ; the Friends that removed having fettled thereabouts, where we kept a Meeting twice in the Week for tlit G 2 Worfhip 36 WiLjLi AM Edmund SON Worfliipof God, and we alfo got Meetings in yv^ feveral other Places to fpread Truth. SECT. VI. Of feveral Minijlring Friends from England. His Jmprifonment at ^Londonderry. His deef Ex- ercife on the Account of fome loofe Profeffors of Truth, Of the general Perfecution then raging agamfl Friends ; and how injlrumental he rvas in allaying that Storm, A Bout this time feveral Friends in the Mi- niftry came from England^ labouring in rhomasLoethe Gofpel of Chrift Jefus, viz. Thomas Loe^ jiZlohl'nJohn Burnyeatj Robert Lodge j and feveral Others, lojge, ^c.^^^ many wereturn'd to the Lord, and to the Knowledge of his Way of Life and Peace. I often travelled into the North in the Service of ravan, Bel- Truth, viz, tO Cavun^ Belturbety Newtown^ 0- l'nn]om3ioh,rnagh^ Strahane^ Londonderry ^ and thofe Parts, and went through many Hard (hips and Dangers, being often in Prifon ; yet the Lord's powerful Arm prelerved me, and carried me through them all, praifed be his Name ! At Strabane^ where I had been often and Imprifoned, were leveral convinced and a Meeting fettled ; ajfo at Londonderry feveral were Convinced of the Truth. One time I travePd from Strdbane into the County of Dunnegall^ which is moftly inhabited ^,^ with Scotch People, being Prefhyterians ; I was mo- }-^rchaf- ved to ride from Houfe to Houfe, and ftill ask'd, 'L^'to^Jf there were any that feared God I They looked ' ftrangely ."^trahane,. His fOURNAL 57 ftrangely at me, and wondred I fhould ask fuch a Quefti'on of fuch Religious People. • I came to '-/^v'N:? one HOufe and calfd, and the Mafter of the Houfe came out : lask'd him, If there were any that feared God there ? He faid, He hofd fo. I told him, I wasjeeking a People that feared God : he faid, it was a good Errand) and ask'd, where I drvelty al^dmy Name^ I told him ; hfe faid, he was an Edmundfon ; and bid me alight and. come into his Houfe. I ask'd him, If he would let me have a Meeting in his Houfe ^ and tell his Neighbours and triends of it? He faid, That he perceived I was a Quaker, and he durjl not do ^ for their Minijier 'was much fet againfl the Qua- kers, and himfelf was an Elder of their Church : And after fome Difcourfe of Religion, we parted lovingly, and I travelled on, and that Night lay at an Ale-Houfe. The next Day I came to Londonderry ;^ it wasiondon- Market-Day, and there were Stage-players and ^^^'^° Rope Dancers in the Maxket-Place, and Abun- dance of People gathier'd : The Lord's Spirit fiird my Heart, his Power ftruck at them, and his Word was (harp. So I flood in the Market- ikc Day o^ Place, and proclaim'd the Day of the Lord ^--'procYolLd ^ mongftthem, and warnM them all to Repent :^^^ ^^ the Dread of the Almighty came over th^m^^a stage"!' and they were as People amazed. Whea I found my Spirit a little eafed, I walked along the Street, and the People flock'd about me, I found my Spirit drawn forth towards them. I flood ftill and declarM Truth to them, direO:- mg them to the Light of Chri(i in their own Hearts : and they were very fober and attentive^ G J but 58 Wl JL L I AM EdMUNDSON but the Stage-Players were fore vexed, that the ^-"^^^^^^^ People left uiem, and followed me : whereupon' they got the Mayor to fend two Officers to take me to Prifon : fo they came arid took me ; but the fober People were angry that Stage-Players fliould be fuffered, and a Man that declared a- gainft Wickednefs and V.anity, and taught the ^^ ^^. things of Cod, muft not befuffered, but haled LoSerr ^^ ^^^^0^* Tlie Officcrs made Excufe, faying, They were commanded^ and mufi obey. So they took me to Prifon : the Goaler put me in a Room that had a Window facing the Market-Place, wliere I had a full fight of the People; and my mart being filPd with the Word of Life and. Teftimony of Jefus, I thruft my Arm out atl' the Window, and wavM it, till fome of them efpying, came near, and others followed apace ;i ♦• fo that prefently I had moft of the People from- the Stage-Players, which vexed them much: then they got the Mayor to caufe the Goaler to keep me clofe; fo he bolted me, and lockM my Leg to a Place where he ufed to faften Con- demned Perfons. There I fate and lay in much Peace of Confcience, and fweet Union with the Spirit of Truth. As I fate in a heavenly Ex- ercife, I heard the People (liout and fay, The Man had broke hii Back. It was the Man Danc- ing on a Rope, which broke, or gave way, fo that he fell on the Pavement, and was fore hurt.^ Many ProfelTors came into Prifon to fee me, and* I had much Difcourfe with them, and good Ser- \ace for Truth. After a few Days, being fet at Liberty, I tra- velled through the North, vifiting Friends at their their Meetings, where were alfo federal other Friends in the Miniftry, labouring in the GofpeL u^v'^nJ Many People were ConvincVl, and Meetings increafed mightily ; yet fome who w^re Con- vinced, and profefs'd Truth in Words; did not walk anfwerable in theif ' Cbnverfations, but were carelefs and loofe from under the Crofs of^'^'^V^ ^ Chrift, both in Words and Deeds, which gaveci-VftV Occafion to Our Adverfaries to reproach us, and^* ^ fpeak Evil of the way of Truth, 'anfd"was a Stumbling-block to others, in whom were Delires after the Knowledge of God and tte Way of Life. The Concern of this came weightily up- AdeepEz- on me, and funk my Spirit intoadeepExercife^'"'^'^^/^'^'^ for Truth, which was difcernable in my Face ^ ' ' ^ and Body to thafe that knew me, and I was* made a Thredaing Inftrument in the Hand of the Lord, to threfh flharply, reprove and rebuke ^^ fuchas walk'd loofely in- the Liberty of their Wills and Flefh, and held the ProfeiTion of Truth in Unrighteoufnefs ; 1 could not get from under this Burthen, till it pleafed God to fend his Ser- vant George Fox to fet up Me^ and JVo7ne/7s Meet- ' ings^ and then I was eas'd r of which hereafter. Now was Kin§^ Charles coming in, and thefe 1661. Nations were in Heaps of Confufion, and ran upon us, as if they would have deftroyed us at once,^ or fwallowM us up, breaking up our Meetings, taking us up in Highways, and hal- ing us toPrifon ; fo that it was a general Im-^ ^^^^^^ prifonment of Friends in this Nation. I was rm%"fin- Prifoner at Maryborough, with many movcFriendlat^ JFriends, yet the Lord fupported and bore up our ^^J^^^''' Spirits- above Sufferings and M^ns Cruelties. So G 4 that 40 William Edmundson that Friends were frefh and lively in the Lord's xy^^/^ Goodnefs and Covenant of U^h and Ufej con- tented in the Will of God ; for we had many heavenly Bleffed Meetings in Prifonji and the Lord's Prefence with us, to our great Comfort and Confoktion in Him, who wrought Liberty for us in his own time. After things were a little fettled, and Peoples Minds began to cool, I found fomething upon my Spirit to make Application to the Govern- ment for Friends Liberty. I got kave for my felf of the Sheriif for about Twenty Days ; fo went toT)uhlin and Petition'd the Lords- Juftices, orrir "Ld ^^^ ^^^^ "^Q^Q the Earls of Orrery and Mounts Mountrath yath^ and Sir Morris Euflace^ Chancellor, that ^c«*^"' Friends in the Nation might be fet at Liberty : I was clofe exercifed in that Service, but the H Lord's Power gave me Courage, open'd my way to proceed and gave fuccefs to it ; fo that I w.E. ob- got an Order for Friends Liberty throughout the 'orZ'/or Nation, tho' they were full of Bufinefs, and A- Friends Li- bundaucc of People of all forts attending. We » got feveral Copies of our Order Sign'd by the Lords-Juftices, and fent them to the Sheriffs of the feveral Counties where Friends were in Prifon. Hevmeth Soon after I vifited Friends Meetings through Friends thc Nation, and enquired if the Order was o- %Tict tl bey'd by the feveral Sheriffs, and we were fweet- iy comforted in the Lord, and one in another. In about fix Weeks time I perforiu'd this Service, return d and found Friends in our County kept in Prifon : fo I went to Maryborough^ where the)^ were. It was in the time of tlie Quarter-Sef- fion% His journal: \i fions, and I took an Opportunity tofpeak to the Juftices and High Sheriff, to know the Reafon, <^^v>o why the Government's Order for Friends Li- ^^'f^^^^ de- berty was not ohey'd ; the Sheriff faid, Ip wds'pr^/oVfor for Fees J and tbeyfhotdd pay j heir Fees^ or lie there ^'^'' • and rot: but the Juftices fympathized with Friends, for our Innocent Sufferings had gained much on Peoples Minds* So I d.efired the Ju- ftices to give me a Certificate, what Friends were detained in Prifon for, which accordingly they did, and three of them Signed it. I rode ftraight to DtMin, and found Johnlf^^^^' Burnjeat and Robert Lodge in Prifon, taken at the ^Q^«^" Meeting the Day before.- I went early in thewl''" Morning to the Mayor, and got their Liberty, and then went to the Earl oi MountrathW^odg- rhe Eari of ing : for when I was at Dublin before, the Lord ^ThTsin gave me a Place in his Heart, which he retain- *''^''*^"^'* ed to his Death ; alfo his Son after hinn was at ways kind, and ready to do Friends Good upon Occafion. When I came to the Earl's Lodging, he was in his Coach going to Council ; he faw me coming, and ftopM his Coach : I told him my Bufinefs, and gave him the Juftices Certifi- cate. He bid me follow him to the Council- Ctember ; and that Forenoon he got me a full Order to the Sheriff, to kt Friends at Liberty, without Paying Fees to any Perfon or Perfons, frunds as^ they would anfwer the contrary. I hafted T.^.^'m,^''' with the Order and gave it to the Sheriff, who immediately fet Friends at Liberty, but was very angry at me, calling me Devil^ and many bad Names : but Friends were much confirmed in 4^ William Bdmundson 1665. in the Lord, who wrought their Liberty be- ^^'V^ yond ExpeOiation. We were Imprifoned feveral times, and the Lord made way fcr our Liberty, but Sheriffs and Clerks of the Crgwn would take our Goods for Fees ; the Sheriff Thomas Viggot of Diffart took from me at one time, on that Account, four large Cows, worth Twelve or Thirteen Pounds, and a great deal of Cows and other Goods from Friends, but' it was obferv'd, his Subftance ' wafted after. Now the BiJIjops being fettled, tliePriefts were very fierce upon us for Tythes, their Mainten- ance and Church-Dues, as they calPd them ; and fummoned us to the Bifhop's-Court, and Excommunicated moft of the Men-Friends of our Meeting, and took them by a Writ to Pri- fon. I was Excommunicated with the reft, but was abroad in Truth's Service, when they were taken. When I came Home the Officers met me (for I did not fhunthem) but they would not take me to Prifon, for they faid, They had too many in Prifon already^ who were^ kept from their Labours and Families ; yet Friends were eafie in their Spirits, being given up to fuffer for the Teftimony of Truth, and in the Prifon tvery one fettled to one Employment or other. SECT, Bis JOVRMAL. SEC T. VII. Of the Government^ and Chancellor BoyPi- Clemen- cy towards friends^ upon W. E'i- Petitwninf^them ag-ainft G. ClaphamV Cruelty^ then Priefl of Mountmelick. Of his Prophetuk Warning to the Inhabitants of Londonderry ; and Confe- rence afterwards with the Bijhop and A'layor of that Place^ and of the fettling Meetings for' Dif cipline in Ireland, by G. F. in 1669. I Having my Liberty, found a Concern on my Mind, to folicit the Goverument againft the Priefts Fiercenefs and Cruelty ; for George Clap- George ham^ PritHo? Mountmelick, endeavourM to pre- ^|.^.p^^^i vent the Millers Grinding our Corn for our Fa- Mountm- milies, or any tofpeakor trad^ with us, or any FrLX'''' of our Families : He w^atch'd the Market and Friends Shops, and thofe he faw, or knew to deal with Friends, he fent the Apparitor to Sum- Nion them to the Billiop's Court ; fo forc'd them to pay him aitd the Apparitor Money to get freed from that Trouble, they being afraid of the Biflaop's Court, it bore fuch a great Name. This Frieft told his Hearers, That if they met any of m in the High-way^ they fljoiild fmm us as they would jhun the Plague ; and if they mv'd 'us anything, they^need not pay it \ or // they knock'' d us on the Head, the Law would bear them out. At which the People were mightily troubled, and r/;. i.,;/? m geileral their Love declined from the Prieft, ^^'ffrj'';^ and drew towards Friends; they ;tvould offer ^'•^^«^^^^'' their Servants to carry our Corn to the Mill, that: 44^ WitLiAM Edmundson i66$. that we might get Bread for our Families, or ^>V^ any other Kindnefs they could do for us. I drew up a great deal of his grofs Proceed- ings, and got many Hands to them of his own People, who- had been abufed ; fowenttoP/z^- //;; and Petitioned the Government, who with the Primate took notice of it, and the Privy- Council refented it, being contrary to all Law and Rule : fo fent an Order for the Priefl: and Apparitor to. appear before the Council; they came and were flharply reproved, and had been Frimaie punifh'd, fov the Primate faid, He would make csuor^'loyi them Examples^ but that I told him, We dejired -^^y kind, ^ffji^g y^^f fo Iq quiet^ and live feaceahly in our Callings^ and that they would defift from their Cru- elty ; the Primate, who was alfo Chancellor,' faid. If they did not deftjl^ do but write to him, and he would make them Examples to the Nation, So I forgave them, and let alT fall. This gain- ed much on the Mind^ of many Chief Men in Authority. pri.;? Clap. Now this Prieft was very angry againft me, ' am mrfr^. although I had forgiven him, as aforefaid (be- ^^' ' ' ing very greedy and covetous) one time he took my Neighbour's Horfe and Carr, came to my Houfe and loaded and carried away a great deal of'Cheefe; alfo at that time took away much Goods, Corn, and wearing Cloaths'from Friends of our Meeting, for fome Church-Dues, as. he faid ; and I being at a Meeting in Mountmelickj as I ufed to be wheit at Home, he being a Ju- ftice of the Peace, fent a Conftable to apprehend me, and made a Mittimus to fend me to Mary- h-ou^h GoaL but the Earl of Mountrath fuper- ^ ' feded b m fOUKNAU 45 feded his Warrant, and fet me at Liberty till 1665. the Affizes. v./'VVJ When the Affizes came, he flood by me a- ^an of gaifift the faid Prieft, who had drawn up two^^^^*^*'^ Indiftments againft me; and when they camew.^^**- into Court, four Lawyers one after another &cu?. pleaded for me, though I knew nothing of them ^^""^ or gave them any Fee ; but the Lord gave us place in the Hearts of People, and their Bowels yerned towards us, fo that as I pafTed through them in the Court-Houfe, they would fay. The Lord hleji you^ William, the Lord help you^ Wil- liam. The Indiftment was qualli^d, and the Prieft hifb'd at by the Court to his Shame ; the Judge alfo turnM againft him: feveral Friends came a great way to fee and hear the Tryal, and greatl)^ rejoycM in the Lord,>^WI frefliing Time, for the Glory of the Lord did fhine amongft us. There were in the Miniftry George Gregfton and I. The Priefl: of the Town kept his Worfliip in the Seffion-Houfe, and it being under one Roof with the Goal, we could hear him at his Worfhip ; likewife he and his People could hear us at ours; and the Lovdh prien con- Power fo confounded him, that he could not(f"^^^ '" get on m his Devotion, but left the Place, and"''"- came no more to Worfliip there while we were Prifoners : the Lord's Power, Truth and Tefti- mony were over them all, everlafting Praifes to his great Name ! Another time I was moved of the Lord to go w.n.ismo' from my own Houfe to Londonderry^ to warn T'^iM'' ^^ , r» 1 T 1 1 1 t • cy Londonder- tnem to Repent ^ or the Lord would bring a Scourge ^^^^ to warn over them : fo in Obedience to the Lord I went,ft7Jc^f^' and when I came there it happened to be a Day of Humiliation (as they calPd it) being at the time the Plague was in London. They were gone to their Worfliip at the Cathedral, and I was movM of the Lord to go there. When I came at the Door, the Man that us'd to ring the Bells met me, and took me by the Hand, and led me near the Pulpit, where the Bifliop was Preaching ; he thought he had got a Presbyte- rian Convert, and did ^t take otF my Hat, till he faw the People gaze at me, which he obfer- ving, took my Hat off, and laid it by. I flood there till the Bifhop had done Preaching, the Peoples Eyes were upon me, and I fpoke what the Lord gave me to fay, warning them to Re- fenty 4S William Edmundso N 1665. fent^ or the Lord nwuld bring a Scourge over them j 0'V>^ and Scale their Walls without a Ladder : the Bi- fliop caird to the Mayor and Officers to take n)e away, but the Dread of the Lord's Power was over them, they all fateftill, anddidnot moleft me. When I had delivered the Lord's Meflfage, I went towards the Door, where the Man that led me in met me, and took me by the Hand, having my Hat in his other Hand ; fo led me to the Door, put my Hat on my Head, and bid God fpeed me well. I went to my Lodging, which was a publick Houfe, kept by John Gtbfon^ he and his Wife were convinced of the Truth ; there I was mo- w.E. xrnv- vcd to writc a Paper to the Bifhop and Magi- 'fthelT^^^^^^^'^ and the next Day I went to the Bifhop's fljopand Houfe with it, he liv'd in the City ; I knocked Magifirates ^^ ^^^ Doop, and thc Man who led me in and out of the Worfhip-Houfe the Day before, op- ened the Door, and made his Apology, That he did me no harm at the Church : I told Jhim, he did tveSy and ask'd him for the Bifhop ; lie faid, h was gone to Dinner ^ and a great man) Gentlemen with him ; for it mas a great Meeting of them ; and he told me, It rvould he better to come when they had din^d, I went back to niy Lodging, and in a little rr^nt wiffc] time came again, and tj^yliaving then din'd, I Vshlp' fent ^y Paper to them, and they fent a Prieft to call me up ; and as I was going up the Stairs the Word of the Lord faid unto me, I will make thee as a Wall of Braf: There was the Bifhop, the Governor, the Mayor, feveral Juflices, Priefts, and divers others, in a great Dining- Room ; Hk journal: 49 Room; the Bifhop fate with his Hat on, and 1665.- the reft all ftood bare-headed. When I came''^''^^'^ into the Room, the Bifhop rofe up from his Seat, put oft^ his Hat, and met me with feveral low Bows ; but I was as a Wall of Braji^ and ftood in the Power of the Lord, that was with me, which fmote him ; then he fate down, and told me. That what I [aid at their Worjhip the T) ay before was true^ and he preach"^ d the jamej and pointed to two of the Priefts, faying. The) frezch^d the fame j therefore there was no need of we„ I told him, The more Preachers of Truth the better^ and there was need enough ; and he being Btfhop there^ ought to encourage me ; he fa id, he muji know what I came to the City for^ and who feni me^ and bid the Mayor examine me : So the Mayor rhemjhop came from among the reft, and asked me, ^^here y^^ij^'^'j^^^ I dwelt? I told him in the Queens-County \ \\QtoE>:amine asked, what Trade 1 was? I told him J Plow'Jas^at!^^ man ; he ask'd my Bufinefs there^ and who fent me ? ^^/^""''^^ I told him. The Lord "Jefu^s Chrijl fent me^ to warn them to repent^ or he would lafh the?n with his 'Judg' ments. As I declared this, the Lord's Power reach'd him, and he could not refrain from Tears, being a tender-fpirited Man, lo he went back behind the reft. The Bifhop feeing this, was amaz'd, and bid J^^ fj^^^f^ two of his Waiting-Men take me into the But- '""''^' ' tery, and make me eat and drkk : fo they took me by the Arms down the Stairs, and bid me go into the Buttery to eat and drink; I told them, 7 would not eat or drink there ; but they urged me, faying, / heard their Lord command them to make me eat and drinks I asked them^ H if 50 WllLI AM EdMUNDSON 1665. if they were Chrifiians at that Houfe? They faid, ^>^V>iJ fes ; then faid I, Let your Yea he Yea, and your Nay he Nay, /(?r ^te is Chrijl'^s Command ; 7 JQ/W, 1 will not eat or drink here^ and you take no notice of it^ being accuJlonPd to break your Yea and Nay : So they flood filent, and let me go, for the Lord's Power artoniflfd them, and was over them all. I went to my Lodging, and was mov'd of the w.E. xcrh Lord to write a Paper, and put it on the Gates ^tharaper Q^^l^^Ql^y, and to declarc the Lord's Melll^.o-e fets It upon 1 r n 1 • 1 T tP the Gates, through the Streets; accordmgly I wrote a Pa- per that Evening, and was moved in the Morn- ing, firft to go to the Mayor ; fo went to his Houfe, and told him the MelTage I had to the City ; he faid, The "BijJjop had chid him the Day before J hecaufe he did not fend me to Prifon ; but he. did not intend to do it^ fo long as the Law would bear him harmleff^ and rvifj^d he had me living by him^ I fhould foon have another to help to fappfej^ Wickednef: So I went from the Mayor, and be- 7he Lord's ginning near Water-Gate^ I founded the Lord's %^arlin[ to Meffage through the Streets ; it was dreadful to London- ^hc Peoplc, and feveral ran as before naked Swords. As I came near tl>e Main Guard, a Soldier being at the Door, mocked, but in the Dread of the Lord's Power I look'd in at the Guard-Houfe Door, and cried, Soldiers! All Re- pent : the Soldiers on the Guard were fmitten, as Men affrighted, for the Power of the Lord was mighty, in which I perform'd this Service ; and when I had done, I put a Paper on the Gates, as the Lord moved me. Being clear, I left the City, and vifited Friends Meetings in the North, Hk fOURMJL. 51 and they admir'd the Lord's Good nefs that car- ryM me through that Service without a Prifon. O'^V^J ^The fame Day I left Londonderry ^ the Bifhop took his Journey towards Dublin^ and, as I was inform'dby thofe who faid they heard him, he g. wild 5/- preached a Sermon before the Lord Lieutenant, dondefryr* and Government, againft the Quakers^ compar- ing us to Kiprah^ Dathan and Abiram^ urging them with many Arguments to fupprefs us ; but he was taken fick m the Worfhip-Houfe, carried to his Lodging, and died, having preach'd his laft Sermon againft the Lord's People and Ser- vants, who truly fear Him. The People of Londonderry afterwards remem- bred thefe Warnings, and fpoke of them in their great Diftrefs in the laft Seige, when Thoufands died miferably for want of Bread, and through other Miferies, The Lord having fcaled their Walls neabove^ mthout a Ladder^ yet fuffer'd not their Enemies ^tntfZ^ixTd to get the City with Force of Arms, or Scaling- Ladders. And thus the War;iing before given them was fulfilled. In the Year 1669, George Fox came into Ire- 1669. landy and feveral Friends in the Miniftry with him ; he fettled Men and Womens-Meetings a- mongft Friends throughout the Nation, i. e. That pj^^^J^^ss^ faithful Men and Women (hould take care in the timefatud Government of Church- Affairs^ a?nongfl our own Society y which were and are of great Service, I was much eas'd by it (as I told George Fox at that time) for I had a great Concern in thofe things, which had lain heavy upon my Spirit for feveral Years before ; this gave every faithful Friend a fhare of the Burthen. I travel'd with C F. from w. c rra-^ H 2 Place G, p. 5^ William Edmundson I-/-VV' Place to Place in the feveral Provinces. When he had anfwerM his Service here, and was gone for England^ I laboured amongft Friends in this Na- tion, both in Doftrine and Church-Difcipline, the Lord having given me an Underftanding in the Government of his Church, and his heaven- ly Power attending, wliich enabled mc to go through, and carried me over all Oppofition. SECT. Vlll. Of his "variom Travels^ Perils and ExercifeSj both by Sea and hand in America, whither he went in the Service of the Gofpel in 1671. And cf the Vifion he had in his Return^ concerning an approaching Scarcity for two Tears j though then a Time of Plentj, 1671. XN the Year 1671, I had Movings upon my ^ Spirit to travel to the Wefl-Indies^ which u'nds'tovi fit thing had remaii^^'d with me for fome time be- S'weft'" foi'e • So I went to the Half- Years-Meeting at indies. Dublin in the Third Month, where I acquainted Friends with my intended Journey, who had Unity therewith, and the Lord's Prefence and Power appeared mightily amongft us, to our great Comfort, Confirmation and Satisfaction, When the Service of the Meeting was over, I parted there with my Wife and Friends in much Tendernefs, under a heavenly Senfe of the Lord's Prefence ; fo took Shipping, and landed near Liverpool. Liverpool^ from thence travcPd to London^ and \ZX: c^^^G tihere upon the firft Day of the Yearly- Meeting. Meeting, and abode until the Meeting was over. lalfo Ek JOURNAL 5^ lalfoftaid fome Weeks after vifiting Friends in 1671. their Meetings. Ky^^c^ Now feveral Friends in the Miniftry were w. e. mth there, ready to go to the Weft-Indies in Truth's ffe^rTi/t-? Service, viz. George FoXy Thomas BriggSj John^"^^^^^^" Stubbsy ^ames LancafteVj Robert Widders^ and fe- veral Others ; we went together in one Veffel bound for Jamaica^ but intended to touch at Bar- hadoes. We had many precious comfortable Meetings aboard the Ship, but in our Voyage were chafed by a Pyrate, a Sallyman^ which ifi a Moon-fliine-Night came up with us, and was ready to board us, but imrnediately a Cloud co- ne lord verM us, and a frefh Gale of Wind out of the f,^^;,7/;j, ^ Cloud carry'd us clear away. Thus the Lord saHyman. eminently fevM us out of their Hands, ^ we were * For a afterwards certainly informed who he was. ^ZunLfth^ Several of us landed in "Barbadoes. in the J^''>^«^' ^^^ Eighth Month, 1671, and James Lama ft er^ John nai, pt. 2. Cartwright and George Pattifon went in the Ship Ts\, ^ °' to Jamaica, At Barbadees we had great Service for the Lord and the Good of People, many were convinced and turn'd to the Lord, and brought into the way of Life and Peace. After we had laboured there fometime in tlie Service of Truth, Thomas Briggs my Fellow- Traveller and I, were moved of the Lord to vifit the Leeward-Jftandsy and Coll. Morris in cou. Mom's. 'Barbadoes would go with us : So we took Ship- ping, and in four Days landed in Antego^ where we had great Meetings, and many were Coa-Manyco^- vinc'd and turned to the Lord; feveral JufticeslXgl''' of the Peace, Officers and Chief Men came to Meetings, and confefs'd to the Truth, which H 5 we 54- William Ei)MUNDsoN 1 67 1, we declared in the Power of God. This foon ^^^'"V'^^ went abroad and alarm'd the other iflands. When we were clear to lt3.VQ J^tego, we found cou\en. ^^^ Spirits drawn to vifit the Ifland o^Nevls^ and throp, and Col. Wcnthrof (who had been Governor of An- ^ctZdtbe tego^ being convinced, he and his Family re- Truth. ceiv'd the Truth, we had feyeral large heavenly Meetings in his Houfe) would go with us to Nevisy and having a Veffel of his own, fhipped us in it, with himfelf, Col Morris^ their Wait- Antego. ingmen and Seamen. So we fet Sail from An- tego^ and in th»> way we touchM at a httle If- Earbada. land calPd Barbada^ where we made a little Stay, and had fome Service for Truth. Nevis. Then we faiPd to Nevis^ and when we came w.E.««rf.r near the Ifland, I was under great Exercife of frdfe^ut Spirit) for I found fomething working againft ^ea, US, and the Teftimony we had to bear for God. I told the two Colonels, That there was fome- thing working againft us, and defirM them as fooQ as we drop'd Anchor, immediately to go in their Boat, and not to ftay Dreffing and Trim- ming themfelves, as they and fuch Perfons ufe to do : fo would they only be taken notice of as being great Perfons: and perhaps we might come privately after them, and get fome Service for Truth ambngft the People in the Ifland, be- fore we were taken much notice of; but they thought their great Name would have gone over all Oppofition. Thcycafi So when they came to Anchor, they went to trim and drefs themfelves as ufually : this took up fome time. I was under a Weight of Trouble ^ and when they were ready to go on Shore Aiichou Hk JOURNAL. 55 Shore, a Marftal came aboard, with Orders 167 1. from the Governor, That none ftould come a- ^^/^^^^ fliore, until he knew whence the Veffel came, and who were in her. Then we were all ftaid aboard the VefTel, and a MefTenger fent to the Governor, who prefently fent an OiEcer and Soldiers aboard, with ftri£t Command, Thdit None ter- none of us fliould go a-fhore, or any come from T/lw^ ' Shore to fpeak with us, upon Penalty of a great Fine; but the Officer and Soldiers were very kind, and fuffer'd feveral Friends to come a- board to vifit us. There were feveral honeft tender Friends in that Ifland, who were joyful at our coming to vifit them ; they ventured their Fines, and came aboard to us, and we were refrefh'd together in the Lord Jefus. The Governor fent for theMafter of the VefTel, who was no Friend, and bound him in a Bond rheMafler of One Thoufand Pounds Sterl. to carry us back 1000 i!Vt to Antego : but there came on Board us one "'''^^' Col. Sfapleto^j who was Governor of Mountfer- c^«- ^^^pie- rat^ and feveral Men of Account with him. l^nor^or' told them it was very hard Ufage, that we be- ^^'''''^''''^ ing Englifh Men, and coming fo far as we had done to vifit our Country-men, could not be ad- mitted to come on Ihore, to refrelli our felves, w^ithin King Charleses Dominions, after fuch a long Voyage : Col. Stafeton faid, It was rniey huty faid he, we hear that fmce your Coming to the Carribbee-Iflands, there are Seven Hundred of our Re^.^md Militia turned Quakers; and the Qu^kQYS m/l not ^If^^^l'f fighty and we have need of Men to foht^ beino tum^d (^>a- furround^d with Enemies^ and that is the very H 4 Reafon^ 56 William Edmundson 1 67 1. Reafor?^ why Governour Wheeler will not fuffer ^>y^^'<^ you to come a Jhore. So by the Order of the Governor we were carried back to Antego^ where we were received with Gladnefs, and had great Service, many of Many flock all forts flockM to Mcctings, and generally con- to Meetings ^^i^^,^ to the Truth. When our Spirits were clear of the Service in that Ifland, we returned to Barbadoes. And my Companion Thomas Briggs being ta- ken very fick, Col. Wenthrop took us to Barbadoes in his own Veffel, and went along with us, he having receiv'd the Truth in the Love of it, Barbadoes. When we came to barbadoes Friends were glad, and G. F. was there in the Lord's Service. We had many large precious Meetings, the Lord's Power arid Prefence accompanied his Teftimony and Work committed unto us ; and many were brought into the Way of Life and Peace with God. When- we were clear in our Service, we took Jamaica. ft^Ppi^g for ^amaicci^ viz. George Fox^ Robert Wtdders^ Solomon Eccles^ Elizabeth Hooton and I, being about ten Days at Sea, we landed at Port- rort^Rojrai, Rojdl iu 'Jamaica. We traveled much in that Ifland, and had good Service in gathering Peo- ple to the Lord JefusChrift, and fettling Meet- ings amongftthem. James Lancajier znd I, tra- D:aboic. vePd over that call'd Motint-Diabolo^ to the North-fide of theliland, where the People re- ceived us gladly, and came to Meetings, feveral v/ere convinced and received the Truth ; we fettled a Meeting there for the Worfhip of God, After Ws JOURNAL. 57 After fome time of Labour in the Gofpel of Chrift, having finilVd our Service in that Ifland, ^^'VX; we committed them to the Lord's Keeping, and took Shipping for Maryland ; but Eliz^abetb Hoo- e izabeth ton died in 'Jamaica^ being an ancient Woman, j^j^a^afcaf We left Solomon Eccles there in Truth's Service, the reft of us ftiippM with G. F. for Maryland. We had great Exercife and Perils in this Voy- GreatPenis age, in the Gulf of Florida^ being fore diftrefs'd ^/ F^onda,- with contrary Wind ^nd tempeftuous Weather, that lay heavy upon us feveral Days and x\^ights: we were alfo much bruifed and tired ; but the Lord had Mercy upon us, who commands the Winds, and lofty Waves of the Sea to he fiill^ and they obey him, Alfo by the. Lord's providential Hand we efcap'd an eminent Danger of being taken by a Privateer. At length we got with- in the Cape of Virginia^ and up the great Bay ca\>e of of Chefeapeak^ to the Mouth of the Fottuxon- ^^'"S'"'^- River in Maryland^ where we anchor'd ; but a KT' violent Storm arifing we could not get a-fliore Maryland, for fome Days, though our Provifion and Water were fpent. When ilie Storm ceas'd, Friends hearing of us, came in a Boat and fetcli'd us a-fliore. Here we met with "JohnBurnyeat ready to take j^hn Bum. fliipping for England. We had feveral large y^at. heavenly Meetings, and the Lord's Power and Prefence with us, to our great Comfort : then we travel'd feverally in our Services, as the Lord order'd us ; George Fox, John Burnjeaty and fe- veral other Friends accompanying them, travel- led to New-England. I took Boat, and went to Nfew-Eng- prginiay where things were much out of Order ; 1^1)^;^^^^ but 5^ William Edmundson but the Lord's Power and Teftimony went over ^^'^V^^ all. When I had gotten feveral powerful Meet- ings amongft them, and their Minds a little metinifoT {ttxk,^^ fo that Truth had got fome hold, I ap- pitudtheu pointed a Mens-Meeting for the fettling of thera in the Way of Trutli's Difcipline. Afterwards, it being upon me, I travePd to Toczro'mz.Carolwa^ and two Friends accompanied me, it te^Travei. being all Wildernefs, and no Englijh Inhabitants or Pad-ways, but fome mark'd Trees to guide People : the firft Days Journey we did pretty well, and lay that Night in the Woods, as we often ufed to do in thofe Parts. The next Day being wet Weather we were forely foyl'd in Swamps and Rivers, and one of the two that were with me for a Guide, was at a ftand to know which way the Place lay we were to go unto : I perceiving he was at a Lofs, turn'd my w.E. leadsyimd to tlic Lord, and as he led me, I led the ^throui^an Way. So wc travePd in many Difficulties until fS-r ^bout Sun-fet ; then they told me. They could^ travel no further \ for they both fainted, being weak-fpirited Men : I bid them ftay there, and kindle a Fire, and I would ride a little farther, for I faw a bright Horrizon appear through the Woods, which Travellers take as a Mark of fome Plantation ; fo rode on to it, and found it was only tall Timber Trees without Under- wood : But I perceived a fmall Path, which I followM till it was yery dark, and rain'd vio- lently ; then I alighted and fet my Back to a w.E.wfe'dTree, till the Rain abated: but it being dark, au mht ^^^ ^i^Q Woods thick, I walk'd all Night be- Trce>. tween two Trees ; and though very weary, I durft His JOURNAL. 59 durft not lie down on the Ground, for niy Cloaths were wet to my Skin. I had eaten little or no- ^^"VV^ thing that Day, neither had I any thing to re- frefli me but the Lord. In the Morning I re- turned to feek my two Companions, and found them lying by a great Fire of Wood ; I told them how I had far'd ; he that fhould have been the Guide, would have perfwaded me, that we were gone paft the Place where we intended ; but my Mind drew to the Path which I had found the Night before : So I led the Way, and that Path brought us to the Place where we in- Henry Phii- tended, 'viz. He?jrj Philllps'sUou^Qby Memarle^^^^^^^^ River. He and his Wife had been convinced of the Truth in New-England^ and came there to live, who having not feen a Friend for feven Years before, they v/ept for Joy to fee us ; yet it being on a Firft Day Morning when we got there, al- though I was weary and faint, and my Cloaths all wet, I defired them to fend to the People there -away to come to a Meeting about the middle of the Day, and I would lie down upon a Bed, and if I llept too long, that they fhould awake me. Now about the Hour appointed many People came, but they had little or no Religion, for they came and fate down in the Meeting fmoking their Pipes ; but in a little time the Lord's Teftimony arofe in the Authori- ty of his Power, and their Hearts being reached with it, feveral of them were tendered and re- ceived the Teftimony. After Meeting they de- firM me to ftay with them^ and let them have more Meetings. " '~' " '^ • One 6o William Edmundson One Tems^ a Juftice of the Peace, and his Wife ^-'^'"^'^^ were at the Meeting, who receivM the Truth Temr^nd with Gladnefs, and defired to have the next Znc^dofihe Meeting at their Houfe, about three Miles off, Tvel^ai^'i' ^^ ^^^ Other fide of the Water ; fo we had a Zrsfoon Meeting there the next Day, and a blelTed ''^^''' Meeting it was ; for feveral were tendered with a Senfe of the Power of God, receivM the Truth and abode in it. I could rtay no longer with them at that time, Virginia, for I had appointed a Mens-Meeting in Virginia^ the fifth Day of that Week, things being much out of Order amongfl: them ; fo I took my leave of them in the Love of God, and began my Journey the Third Day Morning with my two Fellow-Travellers. I had rode but a few Miles litl'giZt before I was feiz'd with grievous Gripes, and a lUnejs of Weaknefs in my Bowels, occafion'd by the great Surfeit I got with thole Hardfliips in coming tliither ; my Water ran from me as it came, for I coukl not hold it : I rode in great Pain that Day, and at Night lay in the Wildernefs.^ Soon after we alighted off our Horfes ; my two Fel- low-Travellers, that fhould have helpM me, fell fick and fainted : So I was forced to rife, kindle a Fire and fodder the Horfes. After fome time they recoverM from their fainty Fit ; the Lord was merciful, and bore up my Spirit that Night, AMens the next Day we got to V^irginia to the Mens- virgfm/ "^ Meeting, and the Lord's Power was with us, and Friends received Truth's Difcipline in the Love of it, as formerly they had received the Doflrine of Truth, for which they were great Sufferers in the Spoiling of their Goods, the Go^ Hk fOURNJL. 6i Governor being a very peevidi Men, and much 1672. fet againft Truth and Friends. {./^Y^sJ Now Friends defired to have another Mens- Meeting before I left thofe Parts ; fo we appoin- ted another, and the Time and Place mention- ed. In the mean time I travePd to feveral Places in that Country, and had comfortable Meetings with Friends, and travePd Thirty Miles above James-Town , to a Place called Green-SpringSy£f^et^ where were feveral convinced People, and a*""^'' Meeting had been fettled there, but was loft, the People being ftumbled in their Minds, and fcatterM by the Evil Example of one Thomas rhoma. Newhoufe^ who had been a Preacher amongft ^rJ^pTflL. them, and went from Truth into the Filth and Uncleannefs of the World. Then I got them together, and fettled a Meeting ; they were glad thereof and much comforted, as Sheep that had been aftray, and returned again to the Shep- herd, Chrift Jefus : So I left them tender and loving. As I returned, I had fomething upon me to vifit the Governor, Sir Wtlltam Barclay^ and tow.E. w/?:: fpeak with him about Friends Sufferings . Scr I^^^^fva^ went about fix Miles out of my Way to fpeak s^"'^- with him, accompanied with William G^met^ an honeil ancient Friend. I told the Governor, that I came from Irda^dy where his Brother was Lord Lieutenant, who was kind to our Friends ; and if he had any Service for me to !iis Brother, I would willingly do it : And as his Brother was kind to our Friends in IrcUwd^ I hop'd he would be fo to our Friends in J'iygmia. He was very peevifh and brittle, and I could faften 67 William EoMUNDsoisr faften nothing upon him with all the foft Argii- ^/\'^^ ments I could ufe ; fo when I had done my En^ deavours and was clear, I left him. fK/}ice Ta- I Came that Night to Juftice Tdver?7erh Houfe, l7d7reJfrai his Wife w^as a Friend, and he loving to Friends, Mi/es^ to a ^]-^g ^q^^ Q^y y^^g ^hc Mcns-Mceting at William Wright'^s Houfe, the Juftice and his Wife went to the Meeting, about eight or nine Miles, and > there were feveral other Perfons of Note came MaprGene.to thc Mccting, particularly Richard Bemet^ '"'/'^T^alias^ Major General Bennet and Colonel Teve. ana Couonel 7 > ._,.,/- Teve, ^c. with otlicrs, and a great m'any^ Friends; fome fn^^^'^' came a great way to that Meeting, and a blef- fed heavenlyMeeting it was ; many were ten-, derM by the Lord's Power, and the Witnefs of. God reached, which anfwerM to the Truth of the Lord's Teftimony, that was declared to them in his Power. We had firil a Meeting for the Worfhipof God, then Friends drew into a large Upper Room to the Mens-Meeting, where I was with them in fettling the Affairs of the ^orhc.^z.rf.Xhurch. Juftice Taverner's Wife came to me,^ mtd!^''' and told nle,' Ih^it the Major General^ Col.Teve, and others^ were helow^ fi^'^^^g ^^ [f^^^ ^^'^^^^ ^^^ ? fo I went down to them : tliey were courteous,- and faid they only ftaidtofeeme, and acknow- ledged what I had fpoken in the Meeting was^ Truth. I told them the Reafon of our Friends The End ./drawiug apart from them was, To lay down a Meetings 1/^^/;^^ fo Provide for our poor Widows and Fa- therlefs Children 'y to take Care that no Dijoraers rvere committed in our Society ; and that All lived orderly^ according to what they profefs'd : Alfo in- formed ttiem, That in England and other Places^ ws m journal: s^ we bad jtich Meetings fettled for that Service \ the Major General reply'd, He was glad to bear tbere was fuch Care and Order amongft us ; and xvifo^d it bad been fo witb others : He further faid, He was a Man of great EJiate^ and many of our l^/^^'^f/// Friends were mean Men^ therefore be de fired to con- g^nerom tribute with them ^ He likewife askM me, Hoinf^ I was treated by the Governor^ he having heard that I was with him ; I told him, That he was brittle andpeevifh^ and I cvuld get nothing faflned on him. He ask'd me, If the Governour called me Dog, Rogue, &c. ^ I faid, A^Oy he did not call me fo. Then laid he, you took him in his hefi Hu- mour^ they being his ufuat Terms when he is angrjj for he is an Enemy to every Appearance of Good., 'They were tender and loving, fo we parted, the Major General defiring to fee me at his Houfe, which I was willing to do, and accordingly went. He was a brave, folid, wife Man, xq- Major Gene- ceived the Truth, and died in the fame, leaving rLJi^JL two Friends his Executors. dLTtheth Now, when I had been fome time with Friends in Vtrgimay and had many fweet Ser- viceable Meetings amongit them, and things fomewhat fettled, I found my Spirit clear of that Service, fo took Boat and went back to Maryland^ where I ftaid feveral Meetings, theM^-and, Lord's Power and Prefence accompanying, that made hard things eafie. When I was clear there, I took Palfage by Sea, and about ten Days after landed fafb at New~Torky w^herc no New. York, Friends lived. John Evans of Jamaica being in my Company at that time, we lodged at a Dutch Womans Houfe, who kept an Inn: and I was moved 64- William Edmundson moved of the Lord to get a Meeting in that ' .^^''^o Town, for there had not been one there before ; Itltn'^at ^^ ^ fpoke to the Woman of the Houfe to let us New-Y?riw havc a Meeting, who was very willing, and let us have a large Dining-Room ; alfo furnifh- ed it with Seats. We gave notice thereof, and had a brave large Meeting, fome of the Chief OiRcers, Magistrates and leading Men of the Town were at it; very attentive they were, the Lord's Power being over them all : Several of them appear'd very loving after the Meeting.- The Woman of the Houfe and her Daughter, be- ing Widows, both wept when we went away* Long liiaud. From thence I went to Long-lfland^ where were many honeft tender Friends, and having feveral Meetings with them there, we were well refreflh'd and comforted together in the shelter- Lord. From thence I went to Shelter-IJIandj I-**'* 4 where I met with George Fox again, and feveral Friends with him, coming from New-England and going to Virginia. I told him of my Tra- vels and Service for the Lord, at the hearing of which he was glad, and we praifed the Lord for his Goodnefs : I told him that I was much prefl: in Spirit to haften for Ireland ; he told me That Friends tn New-England had heard of me, and they expected I would njifit them^ and bejjdes^ tbeTajfage of Ships from thoje Parts were flop* d^ hy reafon of Wars between Holland and England. I told him, I believed I fliould not wait long ^^ p, ,,^. for a Paffage (for the Lord prefl: me) for Ire- ^^""fT/Jl '^'^^' ^^^ ^ believed there was need of my Ser- i«d. ' '' vice there. So after being two or three Days together at Shelter-ljlandy we took leave one of Hk JOURNAL 65 of another, and parted in the fweet Love of God. o^ro After fome Days Travel by Narraganj'et^ and Narraganiet thofe Parts, I came to^ Khode-lfland^ where liiiand!* met with Jobn^urnyeat^ John Stubbs and John lohn^um- Cartmightj there one Roger Willums an old Prieft s7ubb>'ltd and an Enemy to lYuth, had put forth Fourteen J.'J.^^h^'*"* Propofitions (as he called them) which he would Ro|er*wii- maintain againfl: any of the Quakers^ that came Tml^!''^^^' from OU England,^ and challenged a Difpute of feven of them at Newport in Rhode-JJIand, and the other feven at Providence. * I join'd with Friends in anfwering this Chal- lenge, at the Time and Place appointed for the Difpute, which was to be in Friends Meeting- Houfe at ISlew-port ; thither a great Concourfe of w. e. kfc. People of all Sorts gathered. When thofe Pro- t';(l"pr/.;? pofitions(as he call'd them) came to be difcourf- JJ'^JJ'.p'^^^f^^ ed of, they were all but Slanders, and Accufa- tions againft the Quakers ; the bitter old Man could make nothing out, but on the contrary they were turn'd back upon himfelf : he was Bafled, and the People faw his Weaknefs, Folly, and Envy againlt the Truth and Friends. There were many prejudiced Baptifts would fain have helpVl the Old Prieil againft* Friends ; but they durlt not undertake his Charge agkinft us, for they faw it was falfe and weak. So the Teftimony of Truth in the Power of God was fet over all his falfe Charges, to the great Satif faftion of the People. * - When this Meeting was ended, which lafted three Days, John Stuhbs and I went to Provi'^^^^-.\^.^j.^^ demey accompanied with jnanv Friends, to hear I ' the /^ 66 William Edmundson the other feven Propofitions, which lafted one ^^y^V^^ Day. Johfi Bur?jjeat and ^ohn Cartwright going another way in Truth's Service. Now at Pro- 'viaence there was a very great Gathering of Peo- ple, both Frefbyteriaris^ Baftifts and Ranters. Roger Williams being there, I flood up and told him in Pubh'ck, l¥e had fpent Jo many Days at Newport, where he could, make nothing out agree-- able to his Challenge ; but on the contrary manifefi- ed his Clamour^ rajh and falje Accusations^ which he could not prove againfl us ; that I was not wiU ling to fpend much time in hearing his Clamour and falje JccufationSj having other Service for the Lord, therefore would only fpend that Day, So he went vrhfi wii- on, as he had done at Newport in Rhode-I/land. fhXlf'ln- We anfwered to all his Charges againft Friends, ^difpti7d^ and difprov'd them. Now the old prejudiced Man was filenc'd ; then the ProfefTors defired to know our Belief, PVhat the Soul of Man was ynade of f I told them, I believed what the Scriptures faid^ that when God made Man^ He breathed into Man the Breath oj" Life J and he became a living Soul \ and that it was fufficient for ?ne to know Chri(l feju-s who red.eemed my Soul : but if any of them^ that were great Pro^ feffors and old DifputantSj would undertake tofljewj what God made the Soul of Man of he might. Then one that was an ancient leading Man a- mongil: them, faid, He would not meddle with it : Aftervoards tlils cndcd the Difputc. Hien we had a feafon- ^larldtt' ^t)'^ Opportunity to open many things to the -Things of People, appertaining to the Kingdom of God,- plc'pW ' and Way of Eternal Life and Salvation. The Meeting concluded in Prayer to Almighty God,- the His fOURNJL. the People went away fatisfied and loving. Next Day we had a Meeting at Warwick, not many ^^'VX^ Miles from thence ; to which moft of thofe Warwick. People came, and the Lord's Power and Prefence was largely manifefted ; and after the Meeting the People were very loving, like Friends. From thence Jofm Stuhbs went to Narragan- Narraganfc$ fet to meet JohnBidrnyeat^ and I went to K/?(?^^- Rhode* IJland by Boat, and ftaid fome Meetings there ^"^"^• with Friends, and was well refrefh'cf together with then;i in the Lord. From thence to Sand- Sandwich. wicbj and had a good Meeting with Friends, and another dX-Scituate ; fo to "Bofion, and had scituate. one Meeting there, where was a Shipr^ady to^"""^"' fail for Ireland ; and being prefs'd in Spirit to > haften over, I went aboard, and that Day we fet Sail. The Mafter of the Ship was kind, and Thomas E<5i when I would have a Meeting, if I told him of ;7^ ^e,"* ft, he 'would go upon the Deck, and call all the People, and ftay until I ended the Meeting : His Name was Thomas Edwards^ a New-England Man. Jn three Weeks time we madeLand in Ireland^ ^a readier Paflagefeldom known) when we came up with the Land of Ireland the Wind turn'd North Eaft, and a great Storm arofe, which clearM our Way from Pyrates, there being then three 'Dutch Privateers, that watch'd the Har- bours of Cc^ryt-, Kjnfale 2ind Toughal. This Storm- took them from the Shore to the Southward ; fo the next Day we got into Toughalj before v/. e, land-^ they return'd to their Port. There being two'ghau ^''''" Guns on Board our Ship, when we came into tiie Harbour, the Seamen would have fired I z thiem,' 68 William Edmundson them, as their Cuftom is ; but the Mafter would cy'VN^not fuffer them, faying, They were blindy that could not Jec, it was not Guns that delivered them from their 'Enemies ; and that he believed in his Conjcicnce^ it was for my fake they were prejerv'^d y and if I would go back with him ?c? New- England, he would give me my Paffage free, I told him, There isras an Hundred Founds T'ine^ on any Mafter of a Ship thatfljould bring a Quaker to New-Eng- land ; he* faid, He would venture that^ if I would go with him : He was really convinced of the TheMajj.r Truth, and made fenfible that the Lord's Power tJfibhc'/ ^^^^s with me • for after I landed, and the Ship ^'''/T/';%^^'^^ ufiladen, as they were going to take in KrrA^'!^freni Loading, the Privateer cam€ a-gain, and took it between Cork and Toughaly for which he paid the Ranfom of two Hundred Pounds. Whilft I was at Sea in that Voyage, as I lay w.E'i vifi- retired in my Cabbin, an heavenly Vifion came ZploacLgOVtv my Senfes, and in it appeared Two v.ry Scarcity, p^^y Jljavour'^d CowSj that arofe under my Plough- B^am^ as I was holding my Plough ; whereupon . I fate up in my Cabbin, and confider'd the mat- ter: then tht Word of the Lord came to me> and fiicl, The two Cows are two Tears ^ for there fhall ho two very dear Tears ^ and inajmnch as the Co'jcs arofe under the Plough-Beamy they fhall fall on Corn and Cattle \ which came to pafs in a very little time, in the time of great Plenty, contrary to Mens Reafon, Cattle died abun- dantly, and the Price of Corn rofe to an extra- ordmary Height, fo that many were famifli'd for lack of Bread \ and fevcral Families that had liv'd plentifully, were forced to go a Begging, their H/i JOURNAL. 69 their Corn being fpent and Cattle dead : feveral Families that were alliamed to beg, fhipM them- ^^^^''^ feh^es for Servants to the Wejl-b/diesy to get Food ; and many in this Nation wo.uid gladly have wrought for Meat, and could not get Em- ployment. ^ When I landed, I went to Cork to the Pro- ^;;;.;;^"^j vince- Meeting, which was at hand; and pre-cork." fently found there was caufe for my Spirit to be prefs'd, to haften over for the Prefervation of the Church's Peace, fome ; being gone into the loofe foolifh Imaginations ..of Muggleton^ and o- thers, both out of England 2.'c\^ of this Nation, into Loofenefs, and the Liberty of their Wills and carnal AffeQ:ions, from the Crofs of Chrin:, som? loofe and Self-denial, which causM great Trouble ^rj^^;;"-^-^;^ and Difference amongft Friends, both at (>>//(•, ^'^^^^^' Dublin^ and federal other Places. We had mucli Exercife before we got things brought into Or- der, and fettled; but the Lord's Power was with us, and went over all, and the Lord ftill gave an Underftanding to place Judgment v?. the right Line ; Praifes to his Name for ever ! Now honeft tender Friends, who kept their Ha- bitation in the Truth, were very glad of my coming in fuch a time of need. So I labourM with them in this Nation, both in the Miniilry and Church-Government, according to the A- .bility and Gift that Chrift gave me. I 5 SECT, ^ lo William Edmundson '^^^^ SECT. IX. Of his Difficult Voyage to the Weft-Indies again, /^ 1 6 7 5 . His public k Difpute with Prieji Ram- fey, in the Prefence of about three Thoufand. Of his^ manifold Perils and Services in North- Arnerica, both in the Ijlands and Continent, by Sea and Land, until his Return in 1677. 1675. A Bout the Year 1675, T was mov'd of the ToLZ' k^^y'^l^' ^P S^ ^^ ^^^ Weft-Indies again in cgain. li'utlis Service, and after fome fmall time, many Friends being acquainted with it, and having Unity therewith, my Wife alfo being willing to give me up: I enquired for Shipping toEarbadoes, and heard of a Ship at Cork bound Hu^rLd ^Y ""' ''''^ ^^'''''^ ^^^^' ^ Friend, being Mer- /^r^Barba. cliant and Part Owner ; who alfo went in it himfelf I had an Account near the time when they would be ready to fail, and accordingly went to Cork, my Wife accompanying me thi- ther, and feveral Friends of our Meeting • when we came to Cork, I agreed with the faid Edward Hunt for my PalTage. My Wife and Friends that went back, took theirleaveof mein much Tendernefs and Brokennefs of Spirit, in the ILove of God, in which we gave up one another into His Heavenly Will to be difpos'd of A few Days after we faiPd fl'om Cork Har^ bour, and things were well, the Lord's Good- nefs being enjoy^ at Sea, as well as at Land; but before we made our Voyage we fell Ihort SSfrXl?^ ^^'^^'^ ^^ Water, and went to Allowance jkortatsea.m the hot Qimate. We had Six Horfes on Board, Hts JOUHNJL. Board, belonging to the Merchant, and their Hay was fpent : fo were forc'd to fliave Deal O^'W) Boards, and pull the Straw out of the Mens Cabbins, to mix with the Sha^vings to give the Horfes to eat, and gave them Bisket ; fo pre- fer vVI tlieir Lives until they got alliore. In the Latitude of Barbadoes^ we met with a Ship from Guinea^ bound for Barbadoss with three Hun- dred Negroes ; we defired the Mafter to let us have a Barrel of Water, but he told us. He would not let tis have a Barrel of Water ^ for a Barrel of Silver ; for he hadbeeu at Allo'^ance many JVeeks, and zvas afraid of Want, The Day we efpied Barbadoes^ we had fcarce half a Barrel of Water left : In about eight Weeks we made our Voyage, and landed well in Barbadoesy where w. s. /and. Friends received me gladly; and I had a large bad^,.^^" and open Door amongfl: the People in the La- bour of the Gofpel : for Peoples lofty Spirits Lofty spt- were down, by reafon of a very extraordinary ^^^ttl'l'^^/ Storm, called a Hurricane^ which had done A-^"^"^""*^- bundance of Damage in the Illand, killM many People, and deftroy'd many brave Buildings,* Ships and fmall Veffels. At this time were great Reforting to Me'et-crc'^.^Af^.^*- ings, fo that they were very full. I travelled!^;"'.'. through all Parts of thelfland, and had Meet- ^'■''''^• ings: many were convincM and received the Truth,and Friends Hearts were moreopen'd and enlarged in the Love of God, both to receive Truth^s Docirine and Difcipline: fo that I had very good Service, both in publick Meetings for the Worfhip of God, -and Men and Womens Meet- ings about Church-Affairs; as alfo Neoroes Meetings m I 4 Meetings'""""' ^7^ Willi AM Edmund son Meetings in Families, and feveral Meetings i^y^v*^ were fettled on fuch Accounts, the Lord being with me, who gave me Wifdoni and Under- ftanding in the managing of thofe Affairs, and the Lord's Power attended his Work, and bleft ctnd profper'd it mightily •, fo that things relat- ing to Trutlfs Affairs, both as to Doftrine and Difcipline, were fettled to great Satisfaftion. Tohia^Frycr At this time there was one Tobias Fryer^ a Man g-e^fi!^ of great Subilance, Repute, and of Authority in yute. - Commiilion of the Peace ; his Wire was a Friend, and had lain long fick, fl^e had a great Defire to fee me, and fent to me twice ; but I being clofely imploy'd in the Lord's Service, fent her Word, to ask her Husband leave to have a Meet- ing there, and I and fome other Friends would come and vifit her ; flie did fo, and her Husband granted it. So on the Day appointed I went, and many Friends and others came there ; it was a very throng'd Meeting, and the Parifli rr/v/? R2:r.-Prieft, ouc Rnmfcy^ was there, and Ju- )^v;'^;;f ftice yryer got him fcated in the midft of the hio-»n. ^Throng of Friends. After fomp time I Hood up to fpeak of the Things of God, and the Divine Myfteries of Chriit's Kingdorq, \yhofe heavenly Doftrine was clearly openVl, and preach'd by the Divine Operation of liis Holy Spirit, to the great Satif- faftion of the Meeting and ComFort of Friends, fo that many oF them after the Meeting, ex- prefs'd their Gladnefs and Satisfaction ; only the Priell was uneaiie, yet could make no Op- pofition, for the Lord's Power was over him, and chainM him down, though he was a very bad m JOURNAL. ■ 75 bad Man : but the Teftimony of Truth, in the Demonftration of the Spirit and Power of the W>0 Lord, being fet over him, made him fret : lie alfo came to Bridge-Town^ and brought many rude People to our Meeting there ; which was very large and full : He there abufed Friends in foul Language, C2i\[ing\xs Hereticks^ Blafphemers'^^^''^^*' and Traitors^ and challenged a Difpute with mtydij}urbi\he to prove his Charge, which he faid he would ^^^/^f;, do from our own Books. So after we got things ''""f'^^ *. ^ a little quiet; we broke up the Meeting, and^.E. at my Lodging I wrote a i^w Lines to him, after this nianner; Prieft Ramsey, FOrajmuch as thou in publick hajl char£d our Society with Herefie, Blafphemy and Trea- fon 5 and that thou would'*]} prove this Charge jrom our own BookSy and on that Account hafi challenged me to a fublick Difpute^ I am willing^ with the Lor£s Jffiftancej to give thee a Meeting in Det fence of our Faith and Doflrine. W. E. When thefe came to his Hand, he feemed to«r^,„w.H.^ cool in his hot Challenge, faying, He had not af'f^^' . -r> / r n • r J ^ r r- Challenge^ convenient ylacey fit for Juch a Concourfe of Peo- the faid pley as would come to the Difpute'^ and bejidesy he JZlZiK would frft have an Hour'^s Difcourfe with me in private. To which I replied again in Writing, That for private Difcourfe with him^ Iwas not wili- ling^ but in publick ; Sid if he could proctire leave of Juflice Fryer, to meet at his Houfe where )ve did before^ 1 would co?ne to him in his own Parifljy otherwije 74- William Edmundso N 1675. otherrvife I would get le0ve of Col. Linn, to meet ^y^Y^ at his Houfe. Whilit I was writing this, Co\. Linn came to fee me, and I told him what I was writing, he faid. All his Houfe was at my Service ; and. if that were too little^ he had Convenience of Trees about his Houfe ^ ani could make Shades for Thoufands of Atiafi eon- People. So I fent my Letter to the Prieft ; and f^ts^omeet j^g f^^^ {^jg Anfwer, That he would come to CoL Linn'^s fuch a Day. It foon fpread abroad, fo that moft of Friends in the Ifland came there, and Abundance of suppofed to People ; it was thought there were above three loo^ii'^L Thoufand : there came federal Juftices of the Difpute, Peace, and others of Account. We met out of Doors under Shades ; when the Meeting was fettled, I propos'd, That both Parties jhould be limitted to an Hour'^s Time in Queftions and An- fwers, and not to exceed at any Time ; and that both Parties Jhould prove their Jffertions by the Holy Scriptures^ or elfe to be void : This wa$ affented to, but not obferv'd by the Prieft; for inftead' of proving his former Charge againft Friends, Frivy? Ram. he went out into Railing and Slandering feveral ^y/^''^ ^' Friends, fometimes againft us all in general; fri"nds. fo manifefted his Folly to the Sight of the Peo- ple. Friends were cool in their Minds, and, as we had an Opportunity, did open things to the People concerning our Faith and Principles ; and having a Bible, fhew'd them Scriptures for them : fo that there was a general Satisfaction amongft them concerning* us, and it was of great Service for Truth, This His JOURMAU 75^ This Prieft Ramjey had been a Frier, and went 1675. out of England for Mifdemeanors, as after did <^^\r^ appear by a Certificate under the Hand and Seal Hadbeen a of the Earl of Rochefier^ occafion'd by a Slander ^"''• caft upon a Friend in England^ whieh he faid there in publick he had from the faid Earl, who was a near Kinfman to the Friend accufed. Af- ter the Meeting Prieft Kam[ey went to the Go- vernor, Sir "Jonathan Atkins^ and made a great Complaint agajnft me. That I was a 'Jefuit come And incenf^ put of Ireland^ pretending to be ^. Quaker, ^ndv^rnor a'' to make the Negroes Chriftians; but would ff^^^J; make them Rebels, and rife and cut their &cf ^"'^' Throats :^ upon which the Governor was about to fend his Warrant to apprehend me : I heard of it, and went to him before the Warrant came, one Robert Dree, a Friend, went along with me. When we came to the Governor, and he knew my Name, and who I was, he faid, He had heard of me, and would take a Course with me ; ufing many rough Words, and threatning high- ly what he would do to me : and he fent his Man for the Marfhal, who liv'd a Mile from thence ; but before the Marfhal came, we had much Difcourfe, and amongft other things he told me. He was informed, That I was making the Negroes Chriftians , and would make them Rebel, and cut thctr Throats, I told him, It was a good w. e. r^^. Work, to bring them^o the Kjioidedge of God and^thtS^t Chrifi Jefus, and to believe in Him that died for '''^' t\)em, and for all Men \ and that that would keep them from Rebelling, or Cutting any Man^s Throat : hut if they did rebel, and cut their Throats, as he faid^ it would be through their own Doings, irt keeping 76 William Edmundson 1675. keeping them in Jgnoranpey and under OppreJJion^ Ky^^/"^ oiving them Liberty to he common with Women (like Beafis) and on the other hand ftarve them for want of Meat nnd Cloaths convenient : fo giving them Liberty in thajt which God rejlrain'^d^ and refirain^ ing them in that which God allowed and afforded to all Men, which was Meat and Cloatks. After fome time he grew very moderate. The Marlhal came, and ask'd him, What his Tleafure was ? He anfwer'd. He thought to have committed me to Frijon^ but his Mind was alter'^d j and asked me, If I would appear before the Coun- cil the next Day ? I told him, I would^ if he com- w. E. as manded me 'j bo. faid, he did command me^ and fp %"l,ZTbt difmifsM me for that time. ^lext Day I came ^^uncu^ to the Council-Houfe,aHd many eminent Friends of the Ifland came with me. I was calPd into the Council-Chamber, and Friends ftaid with- out : there were the Governor, and moft of the Chief Men of the Uland ; aifo the envious Prieft rriefl^im' Ramfey was there, ftrongly accufing Friends of ^2'cufalfon Her e fie ^ Blafphemy and Treafon^ and would prove againfi us, i^ Qm- Qj? £^yyard Burrouoih\ Book. The Book brought him . ,_, -re ^ t^ ' t ' r • 1 ' into Dif- was m Town, I lent a Friend tor it, who ^"^'^ brought it to the Governor : the Prieft ^tew'd and turn'd it,- but could not find any thing to prove his Charge. Jhe Governor checkM him, and feveral of the Council frown'd on him : then tlie Prieft went on hia^ Knees, and asked TheGoveY' thcm Forgivcncfs ; And from that time theGo- f^w. e!'^ vernor was kind to me. I laboured in Truth's Service in the Ifland about five Months, and had great Service for the Lord \ many received the Truth, and things were His JOURNAL, 77 were well among Friends, and in good Order. 1675. So being clear of the Service there^ and having ^^^'VN^ Drawings on my Spirit to New-England ; I took Kew-Eng. PafTage for Rhode-Ifland in a Yatch, th^.t'Jofefht^^^c, Brjary a Friend, was Mafter of : when they ^^'*°'^' were near ready to fail, I went and took leave of the Governor, and he was very kind and friendly. The Day we fail'd, many Friends came to Bridge-Townj to take their Leave ; and we parted in the Love of God, and fv/eet Unity of his bleffed Spirit, in much Tendernefs. Thomas Redman^ a Friend and Dodor, went with me. We had a good comfortable PaiTage, and came well to Rbodj^'Ifland in about three Weeks. At that time New-England was- at Wars with the Indians^ except the Colony of Rhode-I/lapjd^ the Governor of it being a Friend, yet the In- dians burnt feveral Towns out of the Ifland, and kilPd feveral People that belonged to the Government ; but by the Lord's Providential Hand, were not fuffer'd to come into the Ifland. The IndUns prevailed mightily, burnt many Af^n>r(?»«i confiderablo Towns, kilPd and murtherM Peo-*;;;/^:,! pie daily :Tt wa,^ a perilous Time, and the f^^^^f^^-^ ^^^ Ways infefted with Murtherers, the Indians ly- ° ing hidden in Bufhes, Ihot Men down as they travePd, before they faw them ; and many were murther'd after that manner. Wlien I had (laid fome Meetings with Friends ,^ in Rhode-lflandy it was with me to travel Eaft- ward towards Pifcattawajy to vifit Friends there under Diftrefs, by reafon of the War, though •all look'd upon it dangerous Travelling ; how- ever I committed my Life to God that gave it, and 7^ William Edmundson and took my Journey : one Friend ventured to ^>^^V"^ go with me, to guide rne through the Woods to Sandwich. Siwdmch^ and by the Lord's good Hand we got fafe there. Friends were glad of my coming, for there was an holieft tender People there, that loved the Lord and his Truth. I ftaid with them two Meetings, and we were well refrefh- ed in the Lord, and m one another. I traveled seffenafe. from thcuce to' Seffenafe^ and had a Meeting Bofton. there; from thence to"B^/(9;iJ alone, being Thir- ty Miles, and ftaid one Meeting: then went sa[em. to Salem, and fo to Fifcattawaj-River, vifiting nicattaway ^^[^^^^^ ^^^ haviug Meetings at feveral Places. Great iiiandl came to Great-Iflandy and ftaid a Meeting or two with Friends there, and we were well re- frefhed together in the Lord. Then leaving my Horfe there, I went in a sha'^i^^n ^^^^ ^^ Nichols Shapley\ a Ma-n of Note in hple/}^ """ that Country (he and his Wife were both honeft ^'^^"'^' Friends) from thence over the River feveral Miles, where there were many honeft Friends,^ and had a Meeting with them on a Firft Day of the Week ; it was a very large and precious- Meeting : many came from fir to it, and blefs'd the Lord for that comfortable Opportunity. Af- ter the Meeting I took leave of Friends in the Love of God, and went back to Nicholas Sbaf- lefsy ftaid there two or three Days, and had a Meeting there ; many Friends and others came to it, a good Meeting it was, who had alfo a. Mens-Meeting about Church-Affairs. AcejTation Now about thls time, there was a CelTation; of the ^arof the War with the hididns on that River, and' Sans/ ^ ^"* one Evening, whilft I was 2Lt Nicholas Shapley\ rhere^ His JOURNAL. 79 there came is fourteen lufty Indian Men, with their Heads trimmed, and Faces painted for^>W^ War ; they look'd fierce, I fate down with them in the Hall, and would have difcourfed with them familiarly, for fome of them fpoke broken Englifh ; but they were churlifh, and their Coun- tenances Bloody : So I left them, and told the Friend, If aw they intended Mif chief in their Hearts^ hut the Lord chained them ; and they went away in the Night, without doing of us any Harm. Next Day I was to go to Great-IJland^ and increat-ifland the Morning Nicholas Shapley told me, That he v/as informed, the Indians intended to make a New Infurreflion ; So I went by Water to Great'IJlandy as I intended, and had a heavenly Meeting with Friends before Parting : So I left them tender, in a Senfe of- the Love of God. After I left them, the Indians rofe in Arms and murthered about Seventy Chriflians, as the Poft brought News, but I did not hear of one Friend murther'd that Night. I came back to Sale?n^ and had feveral Meet- saiem, ings in that Quarter, in fome Places where none had been before. I had two Meetings at Marble- ^^^ j^^^. Heady many reforted to them, feveral were con- '^^s^^f vinc'd and receiv'd the Truth ; Peoples Minds '^^* were dov/n, becaufe of the Indian Wars that prevaiPd mightily upon them. I travel'd in many Places as with my Life in my Hand, leaving all to the Lord that rules in Heaven and Earth. I heard of fome tender Peo- ple at a Place csiihd Readings fo I and five or ^f Reading fix Friends more, went there to an ancient ^"d^Tw/- Man's Houfe, whole Name was Gould; hisfj^"'^^'" Houfe Mar- Head. 8o W I L L I A M E D'm U N D S O N ~ Hoafe was a Gar rifon, for at that time moil cf t were fatisfied with the Talk of Chriji and the Scrip- tares ; and We could not he fatisfied without the Sure J Intvardy Divine Kjiowledge of Go d and Christ, and the Enjoyments of thoje Comforts the Scriptures declar'^d ofj which true Bel/evers en- jofd in the primitive Times, The Old Man re- ply'd with Tears, Thofe were the Things he want- ed. He would not let us go until we had eaten fome Viftuali with him, though at that time Provifions were fcarce, beeaufe of the great De- ftruftionby the Wars. Thus leaving them lo- ving and tender, when we parted the Old Man The aged wept, got me in his Arms, and faid, he doubted ^^"^^/l*""^ he Jhould never fee me again. I went from thence to B(9^/?^;?, and had Meet- Bofton. ings there, and in feveral Places in that Qiiarter, having great Exercife with fome who profefs'd Truth, and liv'd not in it ; which did much Hurt, and hindred the Lord's Work. When I was clear of thofe Parts, I went back to P^hode- K Ifland 8i WilliamEdmundson IJland by Sea, in a little Bark belonging to Ed- ^^^"""^^^^^ ivard Wharton^ a Friend, who lived at Salem ; T^hode- in feme few Days we landed at Rhode-ljland^ iiiand. where great Troubles attended Friends by Rea- fon of the Wars, which lay very heavy on Places belonging to that Quarter without the rheTndiansl{\'a,nd^ thc Indians killing and burning all before burnXc them ; and the People, who were not Friends, were outrageous to fight : but the Governor be- ^^Ixv Go ^^'S ^ Friend, (one Walter Clark) could not give vernlr he're CommilTions to kill and deftroy Men. Friends t'^^f^S. ^^^^^ gl^d of my coming, and it pleas'd God that it was to good Purpofe in feveral Refpefts ; the Faithful and Honeft-hearted amongft Friends were much helpM and lirengthned by my being there. I {laid fome time amongft them, and had many bleffed and heavenly Meetings to worfhip God , alfo Mens-Meetings for Church Affairs. Whilft I ftaid at Rhode-Ifland^, the Heat of the fl^'^^Indian War abated, for King Fhiiltp, the Chief f f^i'^'- in that War of the JrJdans^ waskill'd, and his. 1 f.'>l;W. Parry dellroy'dand fubdued ; prefently a Sick- nefs came, which proved mortal and took many awaj.', few Families in the Ifland but loft fome in two or three Days Sicknefs. Many Friends died, yet I conftantly vifited fick Families of Friends, although the Smell of the Sicknefs was loathfom, and many times I could feel all the Parts of my Body as it were loaden with it, fb tliat I would fay to fick Families, It was much^ I ~ is did not carry their Sicknefs away^ 1 was fo loaden 'on!'' thersmth. After lometime it feized on me with fuch His JOURMJL. 8^ fuch Violence, that I was forcM to keep my Bed 1675. ^t Walter Nervberrfs m New-Fort. iy^sTSj Then fome loofe Spirits, that I had dealt with for their Loofenefs, were glad, and thought their Curb and Reins were taken off; but the Lord heaPd and raisM me up, fo that in about Ten Pays time I was able to appear in Publick Meet- ings, and altho' my Body was thin and weak by reafon of Travels and Troubles with wrong Spirits, loofe Livers and falfe Brethren, yet the Lord's Power carried over all. When I had ftaid fome time labouring in thofe Parts, and was clear of that Service, I was drawn towards New-Torkj and James Fletcher being here in the Service of Truth, would go with me. So we took our leave of Friends in the Love of God, and took fhipping at Rhode-I/land for Nerv-Tork. Rhode-idand Now whilft we were on Board the Sloop, it N^^^v-York. came much upon me to go to New-Hertford^ a New-Hert- Chief Town in Conne[iicut-Colony^ which lay a- connedicut- bout Fifty Miles in the Country, through a great ^''•°"^' Wildernefs, and very dangerous to travel^ the ^^"^f^j^*« Indians being in Arms, haunting thofe Parts, and '^'''" ''^' killing many Chriftians : fo it look'd frightful, that I, who was a Stranger in the Country, Ihould undertake fuch a Journey in thofe peril- ous Times ; but the Service came clofe upon me, and I was under great Exercife of Mind about it, yet faid nothing of it to any Man for fome Days. We were fore tofs'd at Sea, forward and back- ward, by contrary Winds and bad Weather, yet :got once on fhore in Shelter-Ifland^ and went to Nathaniel Nathafiiel Sylvefier's, a Friend, who dwelt there, ^^^^^l'" where we had a Meeting; after which theioand, K 2 Wind William Edmundson 1675. Wind and Weather feeming to favour us, we- O'-'Vx; went aboard again, and fet on our Voyage, but in the Night it was exceeding ftormy, and we were in great Danger of being cafi: away ; yet by the Lord's Providence efcaped, but were . New LoHdon driven back to New-London : and the Wind con- tinuing againft us we ftaid there three Days, and endeavoured to get a Meeting, but the People being rigid Frejbjterians^ would not fuffer us to have one. We heard of fome' Tiapifls^ five Miles from thence, who kept the Seventh Day as a Sahbathy w.E. and I had fomething upon me to vifit them ; fo James fo,t B^l Fletcher 2iV\6. another friendly Man who came from uii^M^t: Old E?7gland^ who lived near A'Vh^'-L^W^;?, went '"^'' ^* with me. It was on a Seventh Day of the Week when we came there, they were met together with their Servants and Negroes^ keeping that Day, fitting in Silence : when we came in they Sabbatarian fccmM to bc difturb'd ; but I fpoke gently to Eaptifh. xh^i^^ ^YiA faid. We came not to dtfiurb them., but hearing they were a People that diffet'^d tn Religion fran -the ^Generality af People in that Country ^ we came to^ "vifit them ; and if they had Religion that wa^ good^ to get {loaYe \vith them. So the Mafter of the Houfe bid us fit down ; we fate a pretty while in Silence, and my Heart was filPd with tlie Word of Life, yet I was afraid to raife their Spirits, left thereby I ftould lofe my Service ; for I felt there were Defires in them after the Know- w.E. pro- ledge of God ; fo I began my Service by way of pofeth 2ue- Q^^jlj^.^ and queried, If they alloiv'd to ask Que- (iiOM con- f*?s. J , > 1 ^ ;• n. / • ~ 1 * I l" cerningthe Jtions of om andtuer'about Reltgton f wliicli tiiey gatbath. ^lYented to. I ask'd them, JVhy they kept that Vay His fOURNAL. 85 Day as a Sabbath? Theyfaid, h was jlricily com- 1675, manded in the Old Tefi anient. I ask'd. If we were ^ V V obliged to keep all the Lazv of Mofes ? They faid, Noj but ^ Keeping of the Sabbath fecrrid to he more required than the rejl of the Law^ for the Priefls often blamed the Jews for breaking the Sab-- hath^ more than any other Part of the Law, I told thjsm, They were under a Miftake^ for they might find that our Saviour Jefu^ Chrifl^ when He rvas in ^^^^- '^ the Flefhy did many things which the Jews account^ ed a Breach of the Sabbath ; as Healing People on the Sabbath-Day^ travelling with his Dtfciples^ who plucked Ears of Corn \ and doing many things on the Sabbath J with which the Jews were highly offended. So I opened many Scriptures to them, fhewing, That Chrift had ended the Law of the Old Co- venant, and was the Kef of his People, and that all muft know Reft, Qiiietnefs and JPeace in Him. Then they ask'd me about Water-Baptifm and Breaking of Bread^ and we had much Difcourfe concerning it. They were very, moderate and ready in the Scriptures: I fhew'd them, That John bap- John, who had the Ordinance of Water-Baptifm^ iv.neT, but faidy He baptized with Water, but Chrift (hould bap- "^^^ tiz,e them with Fire and the Holy Ghoft ; and thai, ^^oft and His muft decreafe, and Chrift^s muft increafe. And Mat'rh. 3,. now hy our Account it was drawing toivards Seven- ]oi,^\ teen Hundred Tears, which w^s fufficient Time to 3°^ ^^' wear unt(Kan End that which decreas'^d, and Eftah- lifh that which increased. And tt was a Material Que ft ion to fuch a^ heldWater-Baptifm to be tn force, to (hew, How far it ivas decreas'^d,- and when it • would be at an Endj and Chrijrs-B^iptifm increas'*d K 5 / ■' td 86 William Edmundson 1675. to PerfeBion^ and efiablijh'^d according to John'j ^-^"'^r^Tefiimony: But as for me ^ I believed j That]ohn^s IVater-Baptifm was ended long ago, and Chri/t^s €fiahli(h^d : And that there was but on^Faith and !?V: ^: ^^^ BaPtifm^ as the Jpojile witneffed to the Ephe- subftanceofn^nSy and I ofend to thenty That Chrtfi was the tifZt-' Subjlance of all thofe Things, and his Body the frSif^^^^^^^f ^^fi ^^^^^ ^^ ^^ft ^1^ f^^d ufon. They uft " were all quiet, and I declared to them in the O- joiui^.35. penings of Life, the way of Truth; and when clear, concluded in fervent Prayer to God ; and they were very tender and loving : fo we parted* The next Day, being the Firft Day of the Week, we appointed a Meeting near New-Lon^ don, at a Friendly Man's Houfe who was with us ; to which feveral of the Bapifis came, and many other fober People. The Lord's Power and Prefence was with us ; but the Conftable and other OiBcers came with arm'dMen, and forcibly broke up our Meeting, haling and abu- fing us very much ; but the fober People were offended at them. That Evening we weigh'd Anchor, and fet fail, the Wind feeming fomething fair for us ; but it ftill remained with me to go to New-Hert- ford^ yet it feemed hard to give up, to be expos'd to fuch Perils as feem'd to attend that Journey ; but I kept it fecret, thinking that the Lord might take it off me. We had failed but about three Leagues when the Wind came ftrong a- ^r g. ,, head of us ; that Night we had a Storm, and Z^^'^l^^ were glad to get an Harbour, where we lay fome f^rdTr'' ^^y^' ^^^ Wind blowing ftiff againlt us. And ing \7i tT the Hand of the Lord came heavy upon me, pref- His fOU-R^NAL. 87 fing me to go to New-Hertford ; fo I gave up to 1675. the Will of God, whether to live or die. Then '^y^^^ I told the Company, That I tvas the Caufe^ why they were jo crofs d and detained in their Voyage. And I fhew'd them, How the Lord had required me to go to New-Hertford, and the Jour ney feeming peril- ous j I had delayed ; hut now mujt go^ in Submiffion to the Will of God^ whether I lived or died. The Ownel' of the Sloop wept, and the reft were amazM and tender. Then James Fletcher would go with me : fo we went on Shore, and bought each of us an Horfe, and the next Morning took leave of our Sloop* Company ; then went on our Journey without any Guide, except the Lord, and traveled thro' a great Wildernefs, which held us moft of that Day's Journey. We traveled hard, and by the Lord's gracious Affiftance got that Night with- in four Miles of New-Hertford^ where we lodg'd at an Ordinary^ and the People were civil. I got up next Morning very early, it being the Firft Day of the Week, and went to Hertford on ^'-^^.^^r" Foot, leaving my Horfe at the Ordinary^ and Herttbrd. defir'd James Fletcher to ftay there, till he faw the Iltue of my Service, for I expected at leaft a Prifon at Hertford. So getting there pretty foon in the Morning, the Town was about two Miles long ; and I was moved to go to their Worfhip. I came to one great Meeting-Houfe, but the Prieft and People were not come to their Worfhip, it being early ; and my Spirit was fhut up from that Place. Then I was brought under great Exercife oif^^-^f^'J/"^ Mindj fearing That the Lord was angry with me^ Lord *m, K 4 and^l^Q^iay. 88 Willi AM Edmundson /:ir?d rejecled my Service^ for my Delay under this yy^^'^ Exercife. I went on forward about Half a Mile, fo came near to another great Meeting-Houfe, and I found Opennefs in my Spirit to go thither, I was glad of the Lord^s Countenance, tho' the People were not come yet to their Worfhip. There was a brave River, where they built many Ships, about a Qiiarter of a Mile diftant ; thither I went, and fate down, until I faw Peo- ple go to their Worfhip : when they were ga- thered I went therCj and ftood in the Worflaip- Houfe, near the Prieft, until he had done his ' Service, thenlfpoke what the Lord gave me: They were moderate and quiet, and tlie Prieft and Magiftrates went away, but many of the People ftaid, and I had good Service among them : when I had clear'd my Confcience we parted, and I went again towards the River-fide. As I was going a Man calPd me to come to his Houfeand dine with him: I ftood a little and look'd at him, his Spirit feem'd to be deceitful, I ask'd him, If he nwuld take Money for hi6 Vi- [i^ids? he fa id, No\ then I told him, / ^otdd not eat with him. So I went to the River-fide a- gain, and fate down, though I had not eaten any thing that Day. After ibme time the Bells rung for their After- noon Worfliip, and I was moved to go to the w.E.g^.tb other Worfhip-Houfe afore mentioned, from Xi^-hoHfc' which m the Morning my Spirit was Ihut up. So I went there, and the Prieft and People were gathered, having a Guard of Firelocks, for fear of tlie hdi'Ws coming upon them ; whilft at their Worlhip I went in^ and founded an Alarm in m fOURNJL. 89 in the Dread of the Lord's Power, and they were ftartled, yet were kept down by the Lord's ^^""^"^ Power, in which I declared the way of Salva- tion unto them a pretty while ; but after fome time, by the Perfwafions of the Prieft, the Offi- cers haled me out of the Worfhip-Houfe, and Henhahd hurt my Arm fo that it bled ; then they took mr%ipf me to the Guard of Firelocks upon a Hill. tu^Arm'^ And though it was a very piercing cold Day, ^«'■^ ^«- and I ftill Falling, my Body alfo thin, by reafon of the Sicknefs I had in Rhode-Jfland not long be- fore, and other Exercifes which I travelled thro^ yet the Lord's Power fupported me, fo that the Officer, who had me in Charge, firft complain- ed of the Sharpnefs of the Weather, and ask'd me How I could endure the Cold^ for he was very cold ? I told him. It was the Entertainment^ that \ their great Profeffors of Religion in New-England '^^"f afforded a Stranger, and yet profefs'^d the Scriptures to he their Rule, which commanded to entertain Strangers \ and he fides they had drawn my Blood : So Tfhew'd him my Arm that was hurt; he feemed to be troubled, and excufed their Magi- ft rates, I told him, The Magijirates and Priejls mujl anfiver for it to the Lord, for they rvere the Caufe of it : then he took me to an Inn, and pre- fently the Room was fill'd with Profeffors : much Difcourfe we had, and the Lord ftrengthned me, w.e. had and by his Spirit brought many Scriptures to r^rrfiif/fe my Remembrance.; fo that Truth's Teftimony ^''^'^'''^* was over them. As one Company went away another came. When they were foil'd, a Preacher amongft tliQ Baptifis took up the Argument againft Truth, charging ery hard Entertain- 90 WiLtiAM Edmunds ON charging Friends with holding a great Error, C^VX? ^which was) That every Man had a Measure of the Sprit of Chrifi ; and would know, If I held the fame Error f I told him. That ivas no Error ^ for the Scriptures rvitneffed to it plentifully* He laid, He denied^ that the World had received a Meafure of the Spirit^ hut Believers had received it. I told MmifejiA' him that the Apoftle faid, A Manifefiation of the %kif tm^P^^^^ '^^^ ^^"^^^ ^^ ^befp one to profit withal. to Be/ievers He faid, That wos meant to Ct)Ct^ OUP of the Be- ZVid%. lievers. I told him, Chrifi had enlightned ebetp^ one that came into the World^ with the Light of his Spirit : He faid. That was tbzt^ WC of the Believers that came into the World: and as I John, 1. 9, brought him Scriptures, he ftill applied them to lo'ifj^^' the Believers, faying, There was the Ground of our Errorj in applying that to Z\Xi'^ !^&tf > which properly belonged to Believers. Then the Lord by his good Spirit brought to my Mind the Pro- mile of our Saviour, (when he told hisDifciples of his going away) Th it he would fend theCom- fortery the Spirit of Truthy that fhould convince the World of Sin^ arid fhould guide his Dijciples into all Truth : Thus the fame Spirit of Truth^ that leads Believers into all Truth j convinces the World of Sin, So thou mufi grant y that all have received it^ or elfe [hew from the Scriptures a ^ClPCt Number of Believers ; and be fides themy a }]0OJ^II) of Belie- vers that hath the Spirit^ alfo another D^O^lD of Unbeliever Sy that hath no Meafure of the Spirit to One Rogers convtnce them of Sin, Here the Lord's Tefti- F^ltl mony came over him, fo that he was ftop'd, and Qsnfuted. niany fober ProfefTors, who ftaid to fee the End, acquiefc\l therewith, and faid, Indeed^ Mr. Ro- gers^' His yoVRNAL. 91 gers, the Man is in the right , for you mufijind a / Select Number of Believer s^ he fides a World that *-/VVi hath a Meafure of the Spirit, that convinces them of Sin^ and a World that hath not the Spirit , fo not convinced of Sin : this you mufl do, or grant the Argument. He was filent, and the People generally fatisfied in that matter, their Under- rfo.z/«rf.r. (landings being open'd ; fo they took their leave 'iTotlemt of me very lovingly, it being late in the Night. ^p^«'^' When they vi^ere gone, I defired the Woman of the Houfe to boil me a little Milk, for that Day I had not eaten. The Baptift Rogers (a- forefaid) lodg'd there that Night, but liv'd Fifty Miles off, and was Paftor to thofe Seventh-Day-- Sabbath People^ that I had been with above a Week before near New-London. The People of this Houfe where we lodged being Trefbyterians, I caird the Baptiji from them into another Room : he told me where he liv'd, and what People he was Paftor to. I told him, I was with his Hearers, and they were loving and tender. He alfo acquainted me, he was fum- mon'd to Hertford^ to appear before the AfTem- bly that then fate, who had taken away his ri;.Baptui Wife from him, whom he had married fome J^f^'^Xn Years ago, before he was of the Perfwafion that^^''^^''^' he now was of. And fince he became a Baptij% her Father, being an Elder of the Prefbyterians^ was fet violently againft him, and endeavoured to divorce his Daughter from him (though he had two Children by her) for fome ill FaQ: he had committed before he was her Husband, and whilft he was one of their Church ; whereof, under Sorrow and Trouble of Mind, he had ac- quainted 9^ William Edmund SON quainted her, and flhe had divulged the fame to v/N'^XJ her Father ; for which, hefaid, they had taken away his Wife. I ask'd, How he could jom with thzm in oppofmg ?ne \ and at fuch a time when I was hut One^ being a Stranger^ 'and they Ahtindame in Of position ? Alfo, Whether it was not tinmatily to do (o ? But it being. late, I defir'd fome further Difcourfe with him in the Morning, which he stiTented to ; but although I was up before the Sun roft, he was gone away before. I fent to the Officer, that had the Charge of me the Day before, to know, if he had any w.E. dif- further to do with me, who faid, I might go from'his when and where I pleas'd. So I paid the Peo- confinement. pic ioY my Niglits Lodging, and being clear of the Service there, I went towards the Place where I left James Fletcher and our Horfes ; in the mean time James Fletcher came another way to look for me * thus we mifs'd of one another. When became to Hertford^ he heard by feveral where I was gone, and fo came back, and told me. That I had Jet all the Town a Talking of Religion, The next Morning ^ve took our Journey to- ;.ong.inand. wards Long-lfumd^ and in three Days came there, ^vhere Friends received us gladly ; but were much troubled in their Meetings with feveral who were gone from Truth, and turn'd Ranters^ Ranters I. c. Men and Women who would come into Friends Fiends Meetings^ Singing and Trancing in a rude manner j ^eeth^s. which v/as a great Exercife to Friends. We ftaid in that Parr amongft Friends for fome time, and had large and precious Meetings at feveral Places • many of thofc Ranters came to Meet- ingsy Hk JOURNJL, 95 ' ' ' ' ' '* 9 ings, yet the Lord's Power was over them in his Teftimony, and chain'd them down : fome ^^'VNJ of them were reachM with it, and brought back to the Truth, to own Condemnation tor their running out into Liberty and Wickednefs. When we were clear of that Qiiarter, we took Boat to Eaji-Jerfeyj and came to Shrewf-^-^^J^^^^y- burj^ where we ftaid fome Meetings, and were ^^'^'^'^"'^' refre(hM with Friends in the Lord ; from thence went to Middletown^ and had a Meeting there, Middietown. at Richard Hartshorn\ which was full and large ; Richard to which there came feveral of thofe People, "^"'^°'"' that were tainted with the Ranting Spirit. One Edward Tarff came into the Meeting with his ^^"'- T^rff Face black'd, and faid. It was his JuftificationpofeTvJ.T and Sanciification ; alfo fung and danc'd, and came to me, where I was fitting waiting on the Lord, and call'd me Old rotten Priefi, faying, 7 had lojl the Power of God ; but the Lord's Power filPd my Heart, and his WV^ was powerful and fharp in my Heart and Tongue, I told him, He was mad^ and that made hi?nfret \ he faid, / Ijedy for he was moved of the Lord^ to co?ne in that manner to reprove me. I look'd on him in the Authority of the Lord's Power, and told him, / challen^d him^ and his God that fent him^ to look w. e. chai- me in the Face one Hour^ or half an Hour \ but J^^g"'^^^^ he was fmitten, and could not look me in the ^ Renter ^^ Face, fo went out. The Lord's Power andtZFa^e'" Senfe of it was over the Meeting, in which I flood up, and appealed to the reft. Whether this was not the fame Rower of Godj in which I came '4^amongft them at the firft^ unto which thej were di- rected and turned^ when they rvere convinced of the Truth^ 94- William Edmundson Truths fhewing them, How they (i. e. the Ranters) ^"^""^^"^ went from it^ancl were bewitch'* d bj a transforrn^d Sp- A heavenly Yti ^tnto firong Delufwns. It was a bleffed heavenly Meeting, ]\^Q^f^^g^ Peopk werc tender and loving^ and Friends comforted and glad of that bleffed Opportunity. Next Morning we took our Journey through the Wildernefs towards Maryland^ to crofs the River at Delaware-Falls. Richard Hartshorn and Eliaktm War dell would go a Days Journey with us; we hired an Indian to guide us, but he took us wrong, and left us in the Woods : when An Indian it was late we alighted, put our Horfes to Grafs, |"lir'''"and kindled a Fire by a little Brook, conveni- ent for Water to drink : fo lay down till Morn- ing, but were at a great Lofs concerning the way, being all Strangers in the Wildernefs. Richard Hartshorn advifed to go to Rarington^ River,, about Ten Miles back, as was fuppofed, to find out a fmall Landing Place from New-Tork^ from whence there was a fmall Path that led to Delaware-Falls. So we rode back, and infome time found the Landing Place and little Path ; then the two Friends committed us to the Lord's Guidance, and went back. We travePd that Day, and faw no tame Crea-^ ture, at Night we kindled a Fire in the Wilder-* nefs, and lay by it, as we ufed to do in fuch Journies ; next Day about Nine in the Morn- ing, by the good Hand of God, we came Pe^awarc- wcU to the Falls^ and by his Providence found ^''^'* there an Indian Man, a Woman and Boy i.e. sh'Us with a Canoo : So we hired him for fome Warn- In'^aCX-fampei^,, to help us over in the Canoo: we fwam •^.t/ our Horfes, and though the River was broad, yet m fOURNAL. 95 yet got well over ; and, by the Diredions we received from Friends, travelM towards Dela- '-^""V^vJ ware Town along the VVeH Side of the River : Delaware. when we had rode fome Miles, we baited our "^^^ Horfes, and refrefh'd our felves with fuch Pro- vifions as we had, for as yet we were not come to any Inhabitants. Here came up to us a Fm-- land Man well bors'd, who could fpeak Englifhy he foon perceived what we were, and gave us an Account of feveral Friends, his Houfe was a Finland as far as we could ride that Day ^ he took us^^"/;/f^^ there, and lodgM us kindly. Next Morning, being Firft Day of the Week, we went to Uplands^ where were a few Friends uplands. met at Robert Wade'^s Houfe, and we were glad a Meeting of one another, and comforted in the Lord, wato^'"" After Meeting we took Boat and went to Salem «^«/>- about Thirty Miles, there lived John Fennick,].Tenmck a and feveral Families of Friends from England^ ^i!I{J,£'"^ we order'd our Horfes to meet us at Delaware Town by Land ; fo we got Friends together at Salem, and had a Meeting : after which we j Meeting had the Hearing of feveral Differences, and en- ""* ^*''"'- deavourM to make Peace among them. Next Day we went by Boat, accompanied by feveral Friends, to Delaware Town, and there Delaware- met with our Horfes according to Appointment, but of a long time could get no Lodging for our felves, or them; the Inhabitants being moft of of them Dutch and Finns, and addifted to Drunkennefs. That Place was then under the Government of New-Tor k, and is now called Pennjj/hanla, there was a Deputy-Governor in it ; fo when we could not get a Lodging, I went^**^ ^ to 96 William Edmundson to the Governor, and told him, We were Travel- ^^/^Y"^ lerSj and had Money to fay for what we calPd for^ hut could not get Lodging for our Money. He was very courteous, and went with us to an Ordi- nary, and commanded the Man to provide us Lodging (which was both mean and dear) but the Governor fent his Man to tell me, that what I wanted, fend to him for and I fhould have iM. w. E. goeth The next Morning we took our Journey to- M^ryilnd. wards Maryland^^ accompanied with Robert Wade and another Friend : we travelled hard and late saxifrax- a|- Night, fo camc to William Sotaherbfs at Saxi- frax' River. From thence we went amongft Friends on the Eaftern Shore in Maryland, where v/e had many precious heavenly Meetings with Friends and others, for the Worlliip of God, and Men and Womens Meetings to order the Af- fairs of the Church. A bleffed time we had to- gether, to our mutual Comfort. After fome well-fpent Time there in Truth's Great Bay Scrvicc, I had Drawings to go over the great p{ak!''^''' Bay of Chefeapeak, to the Weftern Shore to vifit Samuel Friends, and Samuel Groom of London, Mafter S^M.V of a Ship being there, fent his Boat and two of his Men to take me over; that Night one of the Men was under much Trouble of Spirit, but w.E./^«d- we landed well early next Morning at the Cliffs, aifst' I had many good Meetings on that Side of the Bay, and good Service feveral ways, for there were fome tpoublefom Spirits gone out from Truth, that were a great Exercife to honeft true- hearted Friends, the Lord gave me Ability and, Undcrftanding to deal with tl>em, and to fet Truth and its Teftimony oyer them, to the Joy and Satisfaction of Friends. After H^ fOURNAL 97 ^- - -I ■ After fome time fpent there, I went to the Eaftern Shore again, and had many precious ^y^r^ Meetings with Friend .-> then took my Leave in the Love of God, in order to go down the great Bay of Anamejfy^ to vifit Friends there, accom- Anamefly, panied with James Fletcher y and three other Friends to manage the Boat ; but meeting with very foul Weather, and contrary Winds, we were forc'd to put aflhore in an Illand, and piich the Boat, having Sails fpread for our Covering, we lay there all Night. Next Day, the Weather being very foul with . Sleet and Snow and the Wind againfl: us, we iiood oyer the Bay to" Pottuxon-River^ and came 5^^^^^'/°"'"' -, to Benjamin Lawrence''^ Houfe, who received us a ^eettr,^] kindly; we had a good Meeting there. After uifrenlS^ which, the Wind turning fome what fair, wt^"^^' took Boat and went on our Journey ; but it was very cold foul Weather, Sleet and Snow, and we were all that Day and moft of the Night eVe we got to the Place intended, which we obtained with much Difficulty. When we came on Shore, I could neither go nor ftand, but as two bore me up one by each Arm, I had fuch violent Pains and Weaknefs in my Back and Loins with piercing Cold. We ftaid there two Meetings, and foon after they took me to the Boat in order to go to Virgwia^^ for I could not go alone without help; we put into the great Bay oi Chejeapeakj and as wQB^of .7 crofsM the Mouth of Tork River a Storm took us, ^rk-R^' and the Wind cameagainft us, fo that we were hard put to it to efcape the Breakers ; yet the Lord's eminent Hand faved our Lives, L Wor^ 98 William Edmundson Word went to Friends in Maryland^ that we ^>^V^^were drown'd", but we got to a little Creek in a fmall Ifland uninhabited, and were forc'd to ftay there three Nights, the Wind being againft us, alfo the Weather foul and ftormy with Raiii, Sleet and Snow : we had no Shelter but the open Skies, and the wet Ground to lie on, this aug- mented my Cold and Pain, .but the Lord boiis- up my Spirit, and enabled me to endure it, as in m.any other Afflictions. As foon as a Seafon of Wind and Weather prefented, we took Boat and iet on our Journey, fo came to a Branch of E%abeth^ Elizaheth-Rive^y to one Teafs^s Houfe, where' I ^'''^* had been before ; be and his Family w^ere con- vincM of Truth. We came there in the Night, a little before Day, and hecaufed aServant to open the Door, they took me out of the Boat, and led me into the Houfe, for I was- not able to go alone, fo fet me in a Chair ; but prefently my Spirit was uneafie, and greatly difquieted, being fenfible things were wrong in that Houfe. In the Morn- ing the People got up, then it appear^ plainly ««f Yeats that they were gone from»Truth. After I had fruJjT difcoursM with them concerning their Running tf''^'.^^ out, and had admonifli'd them, my Spirit be- ing very uneafie ujnder that Roof, I defired our Company to help me into the Boat, which they E'iza^h did: fo we went to EUz^abeah Houtland\ 2ihont Houttoi. three or four Leagues off; there I ftaid fomc Days, and had Meetings, and then Jawes Flet- cher left me. In a few Days I grew pretty well, that I could Travel, and had many preci- ous Meetings with Friends, both for the Wor- £hip W^ JOURNJL. 99 niip of God, and the Affairs of Truth relating to Gofpcl-Oe^er. There was indeed need e- t>^\r>o nough of Help, c^, ^^^^ ^^^^.^ ^^^I^ out of Order, and many unruiy ^^-..i,^ j.^ ^^^i ^i^]^^ I had good Service and Succefs, loi -^tip-^v^.a blefs'd his Work in my Hand. But the Country was in great Trouble, and dangerous travelling in fome Places, the Indians being ar War with the Chriftians, and the geTkeT// Governor, Sir William Berkeley and CoL "hacon at ^«^ ^'^k^^l fierce War one againft another ; fo that the war Jlh Country was involved in Trouble (only Friends ^''^^''^''''*' flood Neuter) and my being there was not in vain on that Account. I travePd from Place to Place for a pretty time, then came Frigats from England w'ith Soldiers, to appeafe the Difference between the Governor and Col. Bacon. Col. "Bacon died, and feveral of his Party v/ere ex- ecuted, others fined in great Sums ; but Friends were highly commended for keeping clear. Now I was moved of the Lord to go to Caro- linay and it was perilous Travelling, for. the D^„^,r-c«f Indians were not yet fubdued, butdid Mifchief^^^^^'^^'^^^^^^^^ and murthered feveral ; the Place they haunted much was in that Wildernefs betwixt Virginia and Carolina^ fcarce any durft travel that way unarmM : So Friends endeavoured to diffwade me from going, telling of feveral that were murther'd. I confiderM, that if I fliould fall by the Hands of thofe Murtherers, many tlnereby^ would take Occafion to fpeak againft Truth and Friends : fo I delayed fome time, thinking the Lord might remove it from me, but it remained ftill with me. In the mean time I appointed a L 2 Meeting loo WiLtlAM EdmUNDSON Meeting on the Nbrth Side of ^amp<'*<^River^ t>^/X^ where none had been, and t-l--*^ came fcveral jamcs»s. priends a great w^j^ ^o •''- ^^ Boats, there came ^"'^^* ^\Cr^ *-^« ATir^auvv Houtlan£s Eldeft Son, with whom I walkM near two Miles the Night be- fore the Meeting, advifing him of fome Difor- dersin the Familj^, and fo we parted ; he, with fome Friends, went to one Houfe to lodge, and I, with fome other Friends, went to the Houfe where the Meeting was to be the next Day, but before Morning a Meffenger came to tell me, The Toung ISIan was dead. ivord of the It was a great Surprizal to us : then the Word j^fd^o ^£ ^j^^ j^^^g came to me, faying, All Lives are in my Hand^ and if thou goeli not to Carolina, thy Life is as this Toung Man^s • hut if thou goefl^ I will give thee thy Life for a Prey. So after the Meeting, we put his Body in a Coffin, and car- ried him in a Boat to his Mother, to biiry him. The next Day I made ready for my Journey, but none durft venture to go with me, fave one ancient Man, a Friend. We took our Journey through the Wildernefs, and in two Days came jame6 Hall well to Carolina^ firft to fames HalPs Houfe, who {XV^c^'V^enc from Ireland to Virginia with his Family : Vnmedilteiy^^'^'^ Wifc died there, and he had married the rccovertth, Widow PhUUps at Carolina J and fo lived there ; but he had not heard that I was in thofe Farts of the World. When I came into the Houfe, I faw only a Woman Servant ; I ask'd for her Mafter, fine faid, He was feck. I ask'd for her Millreft, flie faid, y?;^ was gone abroad: Ibid her lliew me the Room where her Mafter lay ; fo I went into the Room, where he was laid on- the m fOURNAL. loi the Bed, fickof an Ague, with his Face to the Wall : I calPd hin^ by his Name, and faid no ^-^'VNI more ; he turnM himfelf, and look'd earneftly at me a pretty time, and was amaz'd ; at laflt he ask'd, If thatims^ iWi^im'i I faid, Tes. He faid, tie was affrighted^ for he thought it had been my Spirit ; fo he prefentiy got up, the Ague left him, and did not return: hetravePd with me the next Day, and kept me company whilft I ftaid in that Part. On the firfl: Day following, they appointed a Meeting on the other Side of Alhemarle-River^^^^^^'^^^^ where the Man and Woman had been convinced when I was there formerly ; but when we came the Man told us his Wife was jujl a dying, and it would not be convenient at that time to have the Meeting there : So we orderM the Meeting to be about a Mile from thence, at one Tems^s Houfe, a Juftice of the Peace, who (with his Wife) was convinc'd and received the Truth when I was in that Country before. There we had a full precious Meeting, but after we were gone from the Houfe where the Dying Woman lay, flie came to her Senfes, and her Husband told her of the Meeting, and of me, flbefaid, She remem-A iung ber'd me well, and the Words that I fpoke when I^ZTrr was there fever al Tears before, werefrefh in her Me- w- ^'^ -''> morj, as if {he heard me ffeak themjufl then ; and faid, It had been happy for her that Day, if (he had lived accordingly. She died before our Meeting was done, fo that I could not fpeak with her. I had feveral precious Meetings in that Colony, and feveral turn'd to the Lord ; People were tender and loving, there was no room for the L 3 Priefts^ I02 William Edmhndson Priefts, (/. e. Hirelings) for Friends were finely ^y^f^ fettled, and I left things well amongft them. When I was clear of that Service, we returned to Virginia fafe under the Lord's Protedlion: PraifestoHis Name for evermore! Now after fome Meetings in feveral Places, and fettling of Things amongft Friends, I was TeJettto ^^"^'^* ^f ^^^^^ Country, and it was with me to therecLriy. go for England^ to be at the Yearly-Meeting SoS? ""^ at London ; there being then a Brijtol Ship in Eliz,abeth'Riverj in which I had my Paflage ; he that was Merchant and DoQior of the Ship, was a Friend, and a good -Companion in the Voyage: when tke Ship was ready, many "^ Friends wCBt-a board with me, whef*e we part- ed in the Love of God» Meetwtison lu our Voyage wc had feveral Meetings on ihi'pf^^' Board theVeffel, and when wc came between Ne-iV-found'Larjd and Ireland^ we met with fierce foutherly Winds, which drove us far Northward, and for many Days we lay under muchStrefsof Weather; then' finding a Con- cern upon my Mind, I calPd the Matter and Company down into the Cabbin, where I ^^d^ prayM fervently to the Lord with them, near hearetb the t\\Q ConQ\\ji{^\on whcrcof he that was at the Z^^pllpfe, Helm, callM to hand the Sails, for the Wind was turnM : then were all glad, and the Wea- ther coming fair, we fl:ood away to the South- ward, and after a few Days Sail we got in Sight of Ireland^ haying but a fmall Breeze of Wind, we flood along the Irijb Coaft, becaufe T^Hc-'and ,3fr England being then at W^ar with France j the Fraac^''- MafteF and Merchant of the Ship thought it ■'''■■■' ^ not His yOUR^NAL. loj npt fafe to keep out at Sea, fo concluded to put into Cork Harbour, until the Wind canie fair to ^^r^ take us quickly over the Channel for England. . The Merchant, the Mate and I, pu'rpofed, when we came to Anchor, to go afhore at Cork^ I having a Defire to fee Friends there, and they being kind Men, were willing to have gone with me ; but the Matter perceiving our Inten- tions, when we came to the Mouth of Cork Harbour, tack't about the Ship, and ftood tojobncragg Sea out of meer Croflhefs, being a very perverfe ^fsZpfa drunken Man; his Name was John Craggy he^J^^f'-^^' told us. He knerv our Deftgn^ and would crojs it : but it fell upon himfelf, for he after coming a- lliore, was turnM out of the Mailer's Place, and the Mate put in. When we came to Brifiol^ I ftaid fome Meet-Briftoi. ings there, and was well refreili'd in the Lord Jefus with honeft Friends, though I was a Stran- ger to them before, only they had heard of me. Then I went towards London to the Yearly- 5^^^^/>- Meeting, many Friends from Bri(lol and fevea'aUondDnf ''^ Parts*)? the Country were in Company; the Firft Day's Journey we came to Marlhorot^ghyU^s\\s<> and Friends there having ; heard of me, were'"''"^^'^ defirous to have an Evening Meeting, to which I confented ; and a fweet, heavenly, comfort- able Meeting it was : after which, they defired me to give them another Meeting as I came back, to which I alTented, Now it came upon me that Evening, to be at Reading Meeting, which was to be on the Readings Morrow, at the fecond Hour in the Afternoon, ^^'^*^«' and was Thirty Miles off: fo I told Friends, I \a 4 mail: 104. William Edmundson ^ muft leave them, and be gone towards Reading '^^'^"^^'^^ by the Sun-rifing next Morning, to be there at the Meeting, and defired that one Friend might go with me, becaufe I was a Stranger to the way ; but they were not willing that I flhould leave them, fo concluded to be ready to travel with me next Morning at Sun-rifing; which they did : and though we had feveral Women Reading, in Company, we got to Reading to the Meet- ing, which was very large, there being many Friends froni divers Parts, and the Lord's Power mightily appeared therein. I was furnifhed m the Word of Life, to declare the Myfteries of God's Kingdom, as alfo to lay open theMyfl:eryof Iniquity, and honeft Friends were tendered and refrelli'd ; yet niany feparate Spirits being in that Meeting, they hardned themfelves againft theTeitimony of Truth, as at other times. london. The next Day we came to Lor?don^ where I met with many ancient Friends and Brethren, and we were fweetly comforted in the Lord, and glad to fee one another. I was at many publick Meetings for the Worihip of Go9, and Mens-Meetings with Elders and Brethren for managing Truth's Affairs. ^.^.eihout Now, having been about two Years away in wir.lNhe Lord's Service, from my Wife and Family ^o.^v'/'" 2.nd Friends in Ireland. I left London in Com- pany with feveral Friends of 'Brijlol and others, fo purpofed to take Shipping at Brijlol (or Ireland-^ Moved to re> hut aftcr I had gone Seventeen Miles on the S r^ ^' way, r found Drawings from the Lord to re- !:°^^°^: turn to Londo>t again, to" be at a Meeting ap- pointed there the next Day for Truth's Affairs : m fOURNJL. 105 foin Obedience to the Lord I went back, and 1677. was at the Meeting, where Friends were under OOTVJ a clofe Exercife, occafion'd by a feparate Spirit, which had prevaiPd, and led out feme froni the Truth and Unity with faithtui Friends, into a Flefliily Liberty from under the Crofs of Chrifl and Self denial. I was exercifed with Friends in this matter, and in the Dread of the Lord's Power mov'd, to bear a Teftimony againft that ^ f^Pfr".^' leparating Spirit ; alio Elders and Brethren, in Pfiified a- a Senfe of the living Power of God then ^vQ-^udJ!dlf fent with us, judg'd and condemned it, and 2iJ^ulfuT^ Paper was given forth from the Meepng to Brethren, that Effe£l figned by many. Being clear, I took my Leave of G. F. and Friends, and proceeded again on my Journey to Readin'^W We were confinM f rifcr^ers about Twenty Many good, Wecks, and Jiad many precious good Meetings, ,^f/;f/J" having the Benefit of Friends Company, who came to fee us from moft Parts of the Nation ; few Days pafs'd, but we had the Company of honeft hearted Friends from one Place or other. When the LoM's Time was con^e, he made A my 0- way for our Liberty (in manner following.) The l'rfetd?Re- Lord of Elji beiug then our Landlord, was con? '^^/"^- cernM for us, becaufe of our Sufferings, and en- deayourM with the Bifhop for our Liberty, who ordered us to come to the Court at Kjldare : accordingly we came, and there was the Bifhop, and about Ten or Twelve Priefls, the Lord of Ely and his Steward, with feveral other Perfons of Account in the World, and a great Concourfe of People ; one Dean Sing was Chancellor of the Court, 'John Bur ny eat and Anthony Sharp accom- panied me to the Court, yet went not in, but ftood at the Door, where they • — ^— I III a— M^ I . - I II , 1 - 1682. then, and fo broke up the Court. Our Difcourfe ^^V^ held full three Hours, m a quiet manner* with- out any other Bufinefs : when we came out to Friends, who.ltood at the Court-Door, Joh/t Burnyeat faid, He iz^a^ never better [at is fie d. with a Da/s Work in all his Life^ the Tefiimony of Truth being fo over them.- The next Court we appeared, as order'd, and the Bifhop then would abfolve us ; but I told him, / could> not come under any of their Ceremo- -nies^ and we had much Difcourfe about ft ; at laft he bid God make us good Chriflians^ and wrote to the Sheriff to difcharge us from Prifon, F»/w^/«/- which was readily done. This Suffering and S-'^J' Tad Conference through the LordV Bleiffing had a i/ffT^ ^^" good Effea : for fince that time, both the Bf- ihop and Officers of that Court have been kind to Friends, and particularly to meo 16S5. Now in the Year 1685. I was moved of the ^ • E- *^ Lord to vifit Friends in the Carribbce-ljlands and JntFrLdsJamaica: fo after acquainting feveral Friends, ribb^rS'* and they having Unity with me in my Concern, lands. ^|(q j^y ^yifg being willing to give me up in tlie Service of Truth, as at other Times, I heard of a Ship at Cork bound for Barbadoes, of Robert which Robert Scottin^ a Friend from London^ was ^9^ip-Mctfler Maftcr, wlio was glad of my Company; v/hen I receivM Account the Ship w^as near ready to fail, I took leave of my Wife and Children, com- mitting all tij^God, then took my Journey, ac- conjpanied with feveral Friends to Corky where I tool^ Paffage in the faid Ship. When Frfends that accompanied me thither had Itaid feme Days, we parted ia the tender Love of God, ■and H/5 fOVRNAL, III and in the fweet Unity and Comfort of his Spi- i68 j. rit. In a few Days after we went to Sea, the W\^ Wind being fair, but foon after a great Storm arofe, which coatinued with us two Weeks; arid the Tackling of our Rudder was broke, and % ^ ^^^''^ could not be mended for many Weeks : fo we 'i^Jdcfls were hard put to it to fail without a Rudder •, ^[''^'''' but the Lord favoured us with a Wind, and we got well to Bdrbadoes in about two Months. As foon as we cam^ to Anchor, feveral Friends came aboard, and were glad of my Coming, I went on Shore with them, and laboured in t\\^ ne lands ^,t /Service of Truth, / having Meetings in eve- ^J^'^'^^'^^^" ry Qiiarter, of .the Ifland, both for the Worfhip Meetings m of God, and Difcipline, to fettle things t\\2Lt7e7ifihl' [.were unfettled, and reftifie things amifs, as ^^'"'^' much as in mB lay. Friends were generally dib- ^jeft to Gal pel-Order^ and Truths Governments r ' -After I had been labouring there fome Months , it was with me to go to the Leeward-lflands* SoLeg^..^,. . Ralph Freti^ell, and fome other Friends, then i^^^nd.. going to' Pemtjylvama^ took me on Board their Veilel, and put me on Shore in Antego^ and foAntego.- went on their Voyage ; but I ftaid there foqie time, and had many Meetings both for Doftrine and Dillipline, where there was great need of • Lahourers. And when clear, I took Paffage from thence to Ncvts.^ where were honeft tender Nevis. Friends, and we were well refrelh'd in the Lurd, and in one another. I had many fweet cosnfortable Meetings with them, to which al- fo raany People came, amongft whom were fe- veral Juiiicesof the Peace, who were tendered ■ ai!.u confefs'd to Truth. The iii William Edmundso:^ 1685. The Chief Judge of the Ifland, Simmons^ KjTsr^ and his Wife were both convinced, and came tJO feveral Meetings ■ the Report- of which Went abroad, and the General, one Stafieton^ feemM to be ojfFended, and thfeatned to banffh me out of the Illand ; but Judge Sim?nons told him, They had reafon to hlefs God for my coming there^ which had brought a Ulefjing to their I (land : for before I came ^ they had not had a plentiful Sea^- fon of Rain for three Tears fajt \ and fince my com- ing they had been plentifully repleni/h'^d with Raifi^ the Effect whereof wa^ like to bring them much In^ creafe. So I ftaid until I was clear of that Ser- vice, and left Friends tender and loving. 4atego. Then I took Paffage back for Antego^ but by contrary Winds^ Was put into Mountferrat^ and ftaid there fome Days, then came to Antego^ and ftaid there fome Meetings ; and, taking leave ^rbadoe* of Friends, took Paffage for Barbadoesy and in- four or five Days lalndcd there. I was kindly received by Friends, who were glad of my com- ing back, to give them another Vifit. When 1 had ftaid feveral Meetings, and was oft^n re- frefh'd together with Fri;ends-; I took Paffage Henry Cwr- to Jamaica^' accom^panied with Henry Currier : pS/.f \v!k when we went away, many Friends from feve- Krijgetown. ral Parts of the Ifland came to 'Bridge-Town^ where we took Shipping, and there parted from us in the tender Love of God, and Unity of his bleffed Spi-it. In about two Weeks time we landed 2it Port- Frft-Roya! ^^oyal in Jamc-aca, -^n J me to John Wtllmot''s ''"•^'';^'"'''Houfe to lodge; aft^r- iu. n^ a Meeting there,= we travePd to m*anv Pait:, of the Ifland, and had His JOURNAL 115 had many Meetiags for the Worfhip of God ; 168 j. alfo Men and Womens Meetings about Church ^^'•'^rN^ Affairs, for the fettling of triends in Gofpel- Order, and there were things hard to get thro', fo that my Spirit was bowed down in Suffering with the Seed of God, and under this Trouble of •Mind and Spirit, the Strength of my Body taiPd for fome time ; but the Lord by his Spirit and Power ftrengthned and raifed me up again. Then we travePd much, and had many Meetings in divers Places of thelfland, and went thro' feveral Hardfliips and Exercifes of various Kinds. After fome Months Service in thofe Parts, He?7ry Cur- Tier went from? thence to Bermudas, and fo tOBermudai Barhadoes ; but I ftaid, being not yet clear, and Barbadoes. had many Meetings both for the Worfhip of God, and Men and Womens Meetings for fet- tling the Affairs of the Church in Gofpel-Order, in which Service the Lord flood by me, and help'd me to go on in his Work through if rong Oppofitions, the Word of his Teftimony being over Oppofers, whereby honeft-hearted Friends, who loved the Truth and Government thereof, were greatly flrengthned and comforted. I had good Service there for the Lord feveral ways, , for about kvm Months Space. Being clear of that Service,- I took Paffagew.E. «^. for /r^/^;^^ina Veffel bound for Cork, whereof IXd? JohnBenford was Malfer, . when we were ready to fail, feveral honeft Friends went aboard, and took their Leave of me in tender Love, fo we fet Sail, and in about feven Weeks time, landed well at Corky^, and the Province Meeting being at hand, which was then appointed at Umericky M iwent 114 WilliamEdmundson 1683. I went there accompanied with many Friends \y^r^ from Cork^ and thofe Parts. Here my Wife and feveral Friends from Leinfier met me ; we were joyful in the Lord, and glad to fee one another. S E C T. XI. After his Return from Km^xicdi^ he faithfully fub- lifjed in many Meetings a Remarkable Prophecy of the late Troubles. Alfo of his feveral pru- dent and juccefsful Applications to the Go v e r n- M E N T for the Relief of dijlrejfed Proteftants, till 1690. X^T O W King James II. being newly conrie to ^^ the Crown, Peoples Minds were not fet- tled under the Government, and fome Officers did fhew thcmfelves bufie in difturbing our Meetings, and at that time committed me and feveral other Friends to the Marjhalfea ; but we were foon released, and kept our Meeting the Time appointed for that Service, and the Lord's Prefence being with us. Friends were well re- freflied and comforted therein, and in one an- other. When the Service of that Meeting was over, I went with my Wife and Friends from Lime- rick to m*y own Houfe, and, as way open'd, vi- fited Friends in the North, and other Places, duly attending publick Meetings both for Wor- fhip and DifcipHne : Then a weighty Senfe came upon my Spirit, of Great Exerctfe and Try- als approaching^ rvhich would try us all^ and tlxtt the Lord rvouldfpread the CarcafTes of Men on the Earthy m JOURNJL. 115 Edfth^ as Dung. So in the Spirit andPoifoer of 1685. th^ Lord^ I faithfully and plainly warned Friends ^>^«^"VJ and others of it in many publick Meetings in divers ^'^f'J^^^ Places J and often^ in the Lord'^s Movings^ advifed approaphing Friends to lejfen their Concerns in the IVorld^ and "^ "^^'^^^ he ready to receive the Lord in his judgment s^ that 'were at hand^ and to jlee unto Him for Succour^ that they might have a Place of Safety in Hi?fi* The like Doftrine, Admonition and Exhorta- tion often, and in many Places, I was moved of the Lord to publifh. So I am a Witnels, that His Care is for and over His People, that they be not flirprifed, but might make ready againft the Day of Tryal : And in a fliort time Trou- ble came on apace* The Earl ofTyrconnel^ then Lord Deputy odre- Eari of ., land^ armM the Irijh^ and dilarn^M moft of the^jr"TJ Englijh ; fo that great Fear came upon the Trote- ]jll^^^1%y jtants^ moft of the Great Leading Men, and ma-EogHi, ny others, left their Places and Subflance, and. went for England^ others of them got into Gar- rifons, and thofe that ftaid in their Dwellings lay open to Spoil, An open War Toon broke out, and Abundance of the Iri[h (who went in Bands but were not of the Army) called Raparees^ plun- RapareeV der'd and fpoiPd many of the Englifh ProteJlantSy^^"''^'^' alfo many of the Army, that were under Com- mand in Troops and Companies, were very a- bufive, being countenanced by their OiBcers; fo that the Proteftants were under great Diftrei's protefiants^, many ways, though the Government gave forth ^ffrefs!''*' feveral Proclamations againit fuch Abufes. And we being Sharers with many other Pro- tejlants in thefe Sufferings, a Concern came up- M z 6h- Il6 WiLI-lAM EDMtJNDSON 1685. on my Mind to appeal to the Government, tQ ^.y'^V^^ redrels Abiifes committed in the Country, by Z^Mwap' fome of the Army, particularly one Troop at p,ai to the Uountmelick^ who' were very abufive, concern- fcreafeof mg whom I pctitioncd the Duke ot Tyrcorinely Fnends. ^^j^^ licard my Complaint, and for Example to the reft cafheer'd the Qiiarter-Mafter, and or- dered two of the Troopers, who had done A- B^remov bufcs, to be calhecr'd, and alfo fent to Goal, the Mau^tme-''' Troop to bc immediately removM to another ick ssiartef piacc. This eas'd our Quarter for a little time. " ^'^^ ' Now the Qiiarter-Mafter was very fubmif- five, and defired me to folicit the Duke to re- ftore him to his Place ; which I did, and the Duke granted it. This gain'd much upon ma- ny of them, and I gain'd Acquaintance at Court : but things grew worfe and worfe. After this 5iv Maurice a Party of Sir Af^«w^£///^7^€'sTroop came our Euftace. j^Qad, and did great Abufes to feveral Pr^/^^/- €ints in Mountmelickj and thereabout. Some of .5m* cf fois them came to my Houfe, and were very rude, VtuZrJo takir?g me by the Hair of my Head, and haling me ^*^» about the Tard amongfi their Horfes Feetj without the leaft Provocation ; [oine of them rvith Clubj^ and others with coclc^d Pijlols^ fwearing they would kilt me \ which my Wife hearing, came out fore a- mazed and affrighted, dcfiring them. To take all we had^ andfave my Life. Then they left me,- and turn'd after her, fwearing and calling bad Names; and fliot fe^^eral times at myMaftiff"- Dog, that was chain'd, and fo rode away hke mad Men, abufing and beating all the Englifh they met with ; fome they almoft kilPd : and in Mountmdick there was a 2reat Scufflle (and ^ like His fOURNAL. 117 like to have been worfe than it was) betwixt them and fome Englijhy whom they abiifed. '^-^^'"v? News went thither that I was kilPd, fo th^y a Repn concluded a Maflkcre was intended, believing f^^^^ ^"ff I would give them no Occafion. This alarm'd '^'J^f j% and affrighted the Protejtants in our Parts, {om^ fn^^ts the ran into Woods and Boggs, to hide themfelves. ^"°'^^* The next Morning I went to Mountmelick^ where feveral E^glifh Protejlants. expi^fs'd their Gladnefs to fee me alive. Our chief Men of the Englijh there, that were not fled, were Ju- ftice Warnford.^ Hofton Harris^ &c. I went to >^j^^ them, they were glad to fee me, but concluded rf«dHopton this was a Fore-runner of a Maffacre. I told ^^'tt'^ them, / was of another Mind ; for it rather ap- ^^^^Jl,^, pear'^d to be a Contrivance^ to alarm and ^^ffvight fome Times, all the Englifh, to make them run for England, ' that they might have the Country^ and all -we had to themj elves : And that 1 believed they intended no Maffacre ; for if they had^ they would not have given us this Alarm. And if they would rnanage this matter rvell^ it might make full Proofs for all the Englifli in Ireland to know^ whether tbey intended a Majfacre or noty I advifed to take full Exdmi- w.e. ad- nations of the AbufeSy and fend fome Men to Dub- Examinati- lin with them^ and petition the Govern?nent ; and '^'^^^§f by this we fhould all know^ what they intended to do. They affented thereto, and lik'd it well ; but fa id. That at thistime^ unlefs I uould go and' undertake it^ none elfe durfi, I confider'd the matter, and underftood well the Undertaking was the Hazard of a Man's Life ; yet perceiving it might be the Saving of many, I took Courage, and my Life was not much to me for the Good M 5 of Ii8 William EpM^NpsoN of my Countrymen ; fo I told them, If Hopton O^/^V? Harris and George Wheatlj would go with me, I would undertake it. They were two noted Men in the Town, that had been abufed by w.E. x^ith that Party ; when they confidered the matter, G.* w. Vo- they were willing to go : Then the Juftice took feive/for' Ex^minations of the Abufcs done, and the next ^coml^^''^ Day \ye took our Journey to Dublh^ but not the ufgal Road? left wc (liould have been way- laid. ^Srd chief When we came to '^Duhlin^ I went to the Lord l^a^'l No- cj^j^^^ j^^j^^ i\ugenr, who was ft ill my Friend Friend "^ •»«. .i» it i W. E. ^^ I acquainted him with the whole matter ; he feem'd to take little Notice of any Abufes, but M'hatthey had done to me, and promised to be at the Caftle fuch an Hour, and he would affift in€-4o come to the Speech of the Duke of Tyr- fonncL So I and the other two went to the Ciift^e, where Judge Nugent C2imQ^ as he pro- mifed, and presently I was calPd into the Duke's Clofcr, but the other two were not fuffer'd to go in. I told the Duke of the Abufes done tq me, and what Troop they belonged to ; he look'd with a four Countenance, and faid httle w. E. in- to it. Then I fpoke of the grofs Abufes done ^DukeV^'^^ my Neighbours, and particularly to thofe grofsAbufcs two Men that came with me, who were ftand- PrmdUnt iug without ; but I was ftop'd, and bid to /peak ■Neighbours. ^^ ^^^^, ^^.,,^^ H,fib;el}, fo dihiiifs'd. I weut out to my t\\ o Neighbours, and told them, I well per- cet-ved they f/nendet no Ma^acre^ but to affright the reft of the Froteflants out of Ireland ; how- ever I would piofecute this matter to the End, perceiving that they would not hear them, yet Idefired HU ^OUR,N'JL. 119 I defired their Company, and they were wil- ling to be with me. WX^ We went then to Col. RuJJel, who was thenct^/.Rudei. Colonel of the Regiment thofe Troopers be- longed to, and told him of the Abufes done, and how the Englifly were affrighted ; he feem'd to be much concerned, and faid, If fuch were not made an Example, it was time for every one to look to himfelfy but be would go to the 'Duke^ and lay it ho?ne to him. (This Col. Rujfel went foon after for England) We went to the Lord Granard^ who was then Lidutenant-General, ^;^f;^/^^^;^ and acquainted him, what an Affright the Coun- Lord cra- try was in upon this Occafion, He was much "^^./^^j"^ concerned and dejefted in his Mind, and faid, He ff"^^^'^« ^/ /^ ] /^ Iff 11 the Country, was General, and no General ; hut he would go to the T)uke, and lay it clofe to him. We were alfo i^riMount- withthe Lord Mountpy, and feveral other Per- l?roteftants fons of Note of the Froteftants. thtnlf!''^ So the Noife thereof fpread, and the Duke fent that Evening, and faid, We had made a great Noife in the City, and would know. If %ve had Witneffes rea^ dy : I faid, M^e could have an Hundred, and more if need were. So he ordered us to be at the Lord Chief Juftice Nugenth next Morning at Eight a Clock; alfo the Captain and Troopers were ordered to be there, to have the matter examined. We came at the Hour appointed, the Captain, Sir Maurice Eujiace, and the Troopers were there, and ex- amined, but all denied the Fad ; then Judge Nugent ask'd me. If I knew any of them, that did abufe me, I challenged one, and he confef- fed ; then the Officer, who was with the Party, \vas put to difcover the reft, which he did : fo M 4 ^ they I20 Willi AM Edmundson they were difarm'd, and fen t to the Goai at ^y^^>/^^^ Maryborough. Then the two Neighbours, that TwoToop- were with me, fpeaking of the Abules done to Z'dfn"'l1, them, the Judge checked them, for making fome ^^a'u^foTa fi^^ll R^fift^^i^^ i^ their own Defence at Mount- bufing, 7he melick. Now having feen what they aimM at, 1^--^^-- we went home. Thofe Troopers^ that were committed, came foon after to Mountmeiick (by the ShtrifF and Jaylor's Leave) one of them came to my Houfe, A Trooper to ask me Forgivenefs, and faid, They would make t^te!uf{7 '^'^ '^'l^^i^ Sail sf a ion 1 fleas' d. llien I went to ^i;f'/'^ i^^//;^^.^/^//<;;^ where the reft were, both the A- witha Caw bufers and Abufed, and difcourfed privately ^-'' with juftice Warnford^ (hewing hitn,^ We had got all we were like to ha^Oe • for rve farv how thirigs wrought J and it was beji to for give them ^ for o- thenvife we Jhould get nothing hut their Hatred^ and perhaps a worje Mifchief than we had gotten al- ready. Some were againft it, but I went out to the Soldiers, and told them, I hoped this would be a Warni?ig to thcm^ to be civil for the future ; and fo forgave them, what they had done to me, wiiliing them to fatisfie the reft whom they had abufed. They beg'd of me to write with them to the Lord Chief Juftice Nugent^ to give them their Horfes and Arms, for they bought them ; which I did, and they were very thankful, and promasM to be kind to my Friends w/here-ever the Troop- they met with them : they had their Horfes and ^nc^' Arms reftor'd. Soon after this fame Troop Yejjond ■ came into our Quarter, to take Horfes and Arms U1'^'^'^ took Friends Horfes, as well as others. Now Tryals and great Exercifes encreas'd daily, and moft of the Eminent Leading Men of the Engli(h Protejlants were gone, and thofe who itaid were difcouragM to appear to the Government, for the Prefervation of the Coun- try. So things look'd with a Face of Ruin and Timeshoi?d Deilrruaion ; and through a Sight and Senfe of ^'''"'"'• it, a Concern came upon me to appeal to the Go- w. e. ap- vernment in Behalf of the Protefiam, and inf^foLrn- particular for Friends. I was often at Dublin^'^^ulkfoi and us'd what Intereft I had gotten with the Government, for the publick Good. Now the Irijh Army were marching to the North againfl: the Protejlants there in Arms, and I Vv^as much concerned with fome Friends in Dublin^ to ufe all our Intereft with the Chief Officers, to fpare and be kind to our Friends in the North, for they were not in Arms ; and many of them proinifed they would, and performed their Pro- mifesc Now Calamity increaftd, the Raparees on one c^iamhy hand, plunderM and fpoiFd many of the EnglifJj, '"'''^^'^^ and on the other hand the Army marching and quartering, took what they pleas'd from us; and our Families were their Servants, to make what we had ready for them : and it look'd like a fuddain Famine, there was fuch great Deltru- nhfy toh^ ftion. Now I confider'd the way to prolong "" ^''""''^' Time, that the Ef^gl/fi might eat part of thciV own, was to get a Guard of Ir/fh Soldiers in that Quarter^ which lay open to all Mifchicf. So I went iia William Epmundson 1689. "wtnttoDMw^ and got an Order from the Duke ^"^""^^"^ oi Tyrcon-fiel,, for one Captain Francis Dunn^ and r^rt-DunB hiS Company, to rtay with us, and proteft that vfheil^to Quarter againft Thieves^ Raparees^ and other imf "" Violences. This put a little ftop to Plundering in our Quarter, which forely vex'd Plunderer^ and Thieves : then fonne evil-minded Officers got this Captain T)unn removed, and he vy^ent on his March near Fourty Miles ; but King James being then come into the Nation, another Friend and I procured his Order to bring him Trotefiants back again ; yet they were not quiet until he weft7afito^^'^^ again removed, then the Protefiants with ^'^'^'fc- us, wentfaft to wreck in their Subftance. w.E, much In thofe Times I was much at Dublw^ apply^ %liyt!glo ^"g ^0 ^^^^ Government in Behalf of the Country, the oovern^^ for thc Lord had given Friends Favour with Zl'f of thl the Government, and they would hear my Com- country. pj^int, and gave forth feveral Orders to Magi- Itrates and Officers of the Army, to fupprefs Px^fareesj and reflrain tlieir Abufes, and they ftood a little in Awe of me, for they knew I had an Intereft with the Government. w.E. ^c- I was fometimes with Kingjames, and told ijZ'ume^ him of the Calamity Ae Protefimts were under tuToflh'e i^ the Country, and he would hear me quietly, rrortftanis. fQ^^ ^he Lord made way in their Hearts for us, againft fuch a Time of great Exercife and Try- al, and I had a Concern upon me to make ufe cbhfof the of it for the Publick Good, the Chief of the ^mJ^e Englijh Proteftants being gone, who might have .gr^hngaad, appeared tQ the Government for the Safety of thq Country, ^ E C T. Bk fOURMAL: la^ SECT. XII. t^v%i Of his frequent expofwg hi6 own Life to fave his Neighbour's^ and /landing his Ground in thofe -perilous Times^ ^till his Houfe was jet on Firey Him f elf and trvo Sons led away to be murther^d by the Irifh Raparces ; yet by Divine Provi* dence were deliver'^d out of their Hands. • About the Tear J 1690. He^ with many more^ faw the fulfilling of his Prophecy^ mentioned in the laji Sefltion. N0\¥ was Wickednefs let loofe, and got an 1689. _ Head ; fo that by Violence and Cruelty moil: of our Prate flant Neighbours were forcM ^^r^^r^/ pro. from their Dwellings, and feverai Families came HfuesJ^h to my Houfe, until every Room was full ; alfo^^^^jj^^^^l moft of their Cattle, that were left, they /« hopes' 0/ brought to my Land, thinking themfelves and ^''^'^^' Goods fafer there than elfe-where. Now were 1690. we under great Exercife and Danger, not only of loofing our Goods, but our Lives. At the Boyne Fight j the Iriflj Army being m irife beaten, many of them fled our Road, and plun- f^^/'^^^^'' ^ derM many in our Parts ; they plunder'* d my Houfe J^f ^;^'^'""' feverai times over^ and we were in great jeopardy houfe of of our Lives \ they were wicked and Woody ;^'^* fo the Family were forc'd to go out of the way, and my Wife defir'd me to go afide, left they ihould kill me, for fhe would venture her own w. e. c^w/^ Life to fave mine; but I could not do it, tho' ';;^'„^'y-^^^^, they lliould be permitted to kill me: Yet tht to fave^is Lord's fecret Hand reftrain'd them, and pre- fer v'd our Lives. They took all our Houfhold ^^f^^ ■f'flj ' ' ' CjOOUS they lik'd. 114- William Edmundson 1690. Goods they could find and lik'd, and all our ^-W^^ Horfes that were left. Now was Violence let loofe, and no Government to make Addrefs to. The Englijh Army did not come near us for fome time, and, to look outwardly, we were expofed to the WiUs of cruel blood-thirfty Men. So I fent to the Chief of the Iriflj near to us, who ftaid at home, and they came to me ; I told them, They rnight confider^ we had liv^d as peaceable Neighbour s^ and I wijh'^d rve might do fo Jlill\ and though at frefent the Englifh in this Neighbourhood lie open to the Spoil of their Counr trymen^ yet they might eaftly apprehend it would Engiifli At- coms to their Turn ; for the Englifli Army being ^tbeFilid.^'^^J^^''^ /V/ the Fieldj would foon advance^ and- then they might expeU the fame Measure from them^ as the Englifli now recdv^d from their Countrymen. Wherefore I ad vis'd, r-6^^ they would ufe their utmojl Endeavours^ to keep off their Countrymen ^ from ff oiling the Englifli of that little which they had lefty and widen the Englifll Army advanc'^d to uSy we would ufe our Endeavours and Inter ejl to do the like for them. They feem'd to accept the Propofal gladly, and promifed with many Oaths to perform it' to the utmoft of their Power ; but did not : for there were few Nights pafs'd, rbf-EciRiift but fome of our Englifll Neighbours were robb'd '"'wound- or wounded ; and when I told them of their Promifes, they would pretend Ignorance in the matter. Now the Englijh that remained near us, were forced to flee into the Parifh- Worfhip-Houfe at Rolfenallis (a little from my Houfe) for Safety. When the Englijh and Scotch came into thofe Parts, 'end ted. Ws JOURNJL, 135 Parts, they plundered the Irtflj-^ but King [[1^/7- 1690. Ham put forth a Proclamation, That all the Irifh, ^^^""^^--J and others^ who would live feaceably at home ^fljordd k. wiillam not he molefted. Notwithftanding which, there 7//w came two Captains, wath about three Hundred ^''^• Soldiers, and drove away about five Hundred Head of Cattle and Horfes, alfo took away Pri- foners. One William During (who had been a Captain in the former Wars) and two of his Sons, one of whom they ftripM out of his Cloaths, in order to hang him, having Sufpici- on that he was a Raparee ; then the Dunns fent for me in hafte, and acquainted me therew^ith : I took Horfe and rode after tlie Parties as fwift as w. e. fou I could, having regard to my Promife of Neigh- ^^^^^^-^ bourhood ; when the Irifl:> Neighbours fa w me *f^f^ <^f ride after them, many followed in Expeftation'"'^'' " to get their Cattle and People released, I rode four Miles before I overtook theoj, when I came near, the two Captains perceiving who it was (for they knew me before) made a Halt and met me. I reafon'd the matter with them, and told them of the King's Proclama- tion, and how, it would not he the Soldiers, but they who commanded^ that mujt aniwer the Injur) done ; and that it was a Reflection upon the Kjng*s. Promife^ as alfo a great Reflection on the Englifli Nation, So with much Difcourfe and Argn- ments to this Purpofe, the two Captains feem'd willing to releafe all, if the Soldiers could be prevailed upon. I rode with them to the Head of the Party, but they were very angry, awd would needs have kilFd the Irtfly that followed for their Cattle ; whereupon I quitted my Horfc and ia6 William Edmltndson 1690. and venturM my Life amongd the rude Sol- v^^nT^ diers to fave the /rz/Z?, and with much ado, I, w. E. ven- with thc Captaitts Afliftance, got them mode- ^Lifeto^fave^^^^^^ on Condition to gtvc them a fmall Part the iriih. of the Cattle, to releafe the reft. Then I mounted my Horfe, and fought out the Man whom they had ftrip'd for Hanging ; when I found him, I threw him my Riding- Coat to put on, and defired one of the Captains to alTift me, in finding of him that had taken his Cloaths : when we had found him, I rea- fonM the matter with the Captains and Soldiers, telling them, It was unmanly^ and not like a Sol- dier ^ to JlriP Men in that manner \ for I had been a Soldier ?ny felf and would have [corned fuch a hafe Aciion^ besides it mioht be a Frefident to the IriQi to Jfrip the EngUfh. Many fuch Argu- ments I ufed, which at laft prevaiPd : fo that the Captain made the Soldier put off theManV capt. will Cloaths, and give them to him again. I alfo "h^tlo Sens, got both the Father and his Sons released, with meny by all their Cattle, and a great Part of the others. Meant of ^^^\ frequently, when the EngliJJj Soldiers took away the Irijh Peoples Cattle, I perfwaded them to give fome of them again, or bought them for a fmall matter with my own Money, and gave them to the Owners ; alfo let their Horfes graze on my Land, to fave them from the Plunderers. Now the Englifh Army fettled in their Win- ter-Quarters, and the Raparees increasM their Number ; moft Part of the Iriffj run out, and our Quarter lay open to them : They burn'd many brave Houfes, and fome Towns; alfo ^ kiird m JOURNAL. lay kilFd feveral Proteflams^ and all was full of 1690. Trouble \ yet^ through the wonderful Mercies ^^^^^"^ of God, we kept our Meetings conflantlyjand en- Meetings joy'd them peaceably,but in travelling to and fro, ^^'Z/tT^J-f were many times in Danger of our Lives by the ^^1^°^ Rapareesy yet the Lord preferv'd us wonderfully, fo that I do not know of above four Friends in this whole Nation, that were kilPd by violent Hands all the time of this great Calamity. Now the Time of our Half-Tears National Hait-Year- Meeting at Dublin^ approached, beginning the ^^^^^ '' Eighth Day of the Ninth Month, 1690. to which I went as ufually : we had a heavenly bleffed powerful Meeting, and Friends w^ere more than ordinary, glad one of another in the Lord. Jefus, who had preferv'd us alive, thro' fo many Dangers, to fee one anothers Faces a- gain. In the Time of the Meeting Tidings were . brought me. That the Raparees- had taken about Tiventy of my Cowsj hut that none of my Tamil) were hurt. At which I was well fatisfied, for then All were in Danger of their Lives, that favM any Cattle about us, and liv'd out of Garrifons. When the Service of the Meeting was over, I returned home, and found my Wife and Family well ; which was great Satisfaftion : but Spoil and Cruelty increased, and imminent spou and ' Dangers were plain in my View ; yet I durft ^,7^,^55 J'J' not Remove, for I knew it would difcourage/J^^^^^^^j Friends, and the Erjgli[h about us, and perhaps c^ntry. '^ caufe them to flee from their Habitations, and fo be exposM to want many NecelTaries; for they took Notice of me, and many of them thouglit they were faferfor my ftayiog in my Place. 1^8 William Edmundson 1690. Place. I alfo believed, that one Hair of my Head ^^^^'^^ jhould not fall "without Goa^s Providence, Now, on the three and Twentieth Day of the Ninth Month, before mentioned, I went to Col. Biarly^ then Governor of Mountmelick^ and w.E. in- told him, That if he did not ufe fome ffeedy means * ^Governor^of ^^ ju^cour our QuarteT^ it would he to his great Da- Mountme- ma^e^ for I exps5fed every ISH^ht that my Houfe careof that would be humt \ a?id tj [gave way^ all the bng- Quaneu jjf]^ thereabout would flee : fo the Raparees /^/^/^^ burn and deflroy all the Forage there : And urg'd him totakefome way to fuccour us, informing him how he might eafily do it; yet he took little Notice of it, for that fame Night fome Hundreds of Rapa^jees befet my Houfe, and I with my Family being afleep, they fired feveral Shots in at the Windows, which were heard at Moantmelickj being two Miles off; whereupon feveral went to the Governor, Col. Biarly^ and denrect a Party of Men to relieve me, which he would not grant them ; then a certain Lieu- tenant (as they faid) went to him, and defired a Party of Men, faying, I was an ho?7efi Man^ and he would relieve me^ or loje his Life : but Biarly anfwer'd, He would hang that Man^ that j^fRai^a- would go out of the Garrifon. So the Raparees fo%%^ufe fet Fire to my Houfe, and I ftaid therein until ^f w. E. imuch of it was burned. When we could ftay no longer for the Fire, I made Conditions with them, then open'd the Doors, and went out : but they foon broke their Conditions, for though they had bound them- felves with many Oath , they took what Plun- der they could get trom the Fire; which being very His fOURNJL 139 very fierce, deftroyM the greateft Part. One 1690. lufty Mare was burnt to Death in the Stable^ t>^v>J and two more they got out of the Fire, forely one Mare fcorchM; they took my Wife's uppermoft G^v-^YalUVnd riient, and fo left her, but me and my twojf^^'^'^^^ Sons they took away Prifoiiers, bare-Ieg'd and bare-headed, and not ihudh better than naked ; but one of them (at my Requeft) lent me an old Blanket of my own to lap about me ; they took away all my Cattle, (left not one) then they took me and my two Sons that Night thro* rough Places, Bulhes, Mire and Water to the Knees in cold Weather, w^hen our bare Feet and Legs were forely hurt, and bruis'd with the Buflies, Gravel and Stones. The next Morning they took us to a Wood,' and held a Council upon us ; who concluded to hang my two Sons, and fhootme, becaufethey, faid, / was a /hut Man. I told them, many of them knew me^ and, my two Sons alfo ; and I chal- lenged them all to prove, That either /, or my Sons^ had wronged any of their Country-Folks one Farthing all theje times of Trotible ; hut on the contrary^ had jav^d them what I could ; fometimes with the Hazard of ?ny Life among ji the Englifh Soldiers. Several of them made anfwer, and faid. They knew I was an honejl Man. Then I told them, if I died^ they were my Wit mjfes I was Innocent y and God would revenge my Blood. They The Rapa- wondered at my Boldnefs, and indeed my Life was mnk the two little to me^ for I defir'^d to die^ if it were the WiH^^'^^^^ of God. Then they hood-wink'd my Sons to ^^'i^'*^^'^^. hang them, and two Firelocks prepared to ihootandpr!par-,. me- they came to hood- wink me alfo j but itt'^o'''' i^o William Edmundson 1690- told them, Thej need not ,^ for I could look them in ^-^^V^' the FareSy and was not afraid to die. Now came itp one Lieutenant H^/Zf/^;^ Dunn^ who was well acquainted with me and my two Sons ; he was Son to old Capt. Dunn^ whom I had got released, together with his Cattle from the Englifh Soldiers, atid Brother to him whom they had ftrip'd in order to be hang'd, whom I got releasM alfo, as aforefaid : and he who com- manded this villanous Party that burnt my Houfe, with feveral others whom I had done Kindnefs for, were prefent ; fo this Lieutenant Dunn^ expefting to get Preferment for what he By Gcdu had done, wovld take us to Athlcne^ Twenty rb'i/r/'/ Miles from that Place. Thu5 the Lord inter- h'-'^'oTots E^-^? ^^^ would not fuffer them to take our arepreferv'LivcSy liaviug a furtliCF Purpofc of Service for ''' me The faid T>ann kept us three Nights by the Way at a Cabbin, cold and hungry, fo that rhey. they themfelves wonder'd how I could endure it ; but I told them. They had taken and dejhofd my VtHualsj and the Lord had taken away my Jpe- tite^ fo I was fitted for it. As we went to Jth- ' lone^ we met Lieutenant Richard Dunn^ and one — Poor his Brother-in-Law,» who rail'd againft us ; but I told him, he fbould not rati at m^ for we were Prijoners^ and a right Soldier would not The irijh rail at a Prijoner. They laid, they were going to ftt1-« Mount^ bi^rn Mountmelick, as alfo the reji of the Country mehck, ^e. ^^^^ unbumt. I told them, there were many ho* nefi People there^ and faid, God help them. After fome otjier Difcourfe they left us. As His fOURMJL. 151 As we went through Ragban^ there came forth 1 690. of a Cabbin an ancient Irifh Man, who look'd '^>^w; on me with a forrowful Countenance, as tho' he pitied me, I lookM on him, and ask'd him. If he could grue ?ne a Piece of Breads for I knevo my Sons were very hungry ? The Man anfwer"^d, and fa id, He would give me a Piece of Bread ^ if he bought it with Gold^ for he hetiev'*d I was one that did not ufe to beg my Bread : So he went into ^« ancient the Cabbin, and fetch'd as Courfe a Piece o£ghethiv:E, Bread (I thought) as ever I faw, and' faid, fc^.S^f 7vas forry he had nothing to give me to eat voith it ; ^"^ ^ ^'^^^* but I told him, It was very acceptable^ and gave it to the Lads. That Night we got Straw to lodge on, fo refted well, and the next Day came to Athlone \ we were no fooner got into the great Street, but it was filPd with a Crowd of Rabble and Soldiers, and the High Sheriff of^fAthions that County in the mid'ft of them, calling us^.^'^^^^^^^_ Traytorsj Rebels^ and fuch like Names, that iOiers and was much they did not ftab us, with t\\Qiv veryinfJ^ Bayonets and Skeins, through the Sheriff' 's ani-'^"^* mating and encouraging them : but in the in- terim a genteel proper Man crowded through them, and came clofe to me, and calling me MaHer Edmundfon-, ask'd me. How I did ? I an- fwer'd, faying. Thou feefi how I do ; but I know not thee. He anfwer'd, and faid, / know you to be an honefl Man^ and fpoke aloud to the Sheriff and the reft, faying, I have known htm above vaieotioc Twenty Tears (and I know him) to be an hone ft Man. "J^po'^ m h jay you all what you will of himo J. nis made tnem tenant fa- all quiet: thus the Lord provided Succour forir^^^'if us, from their own People, in the time of e-^'^^/'^- N 2 minent ip William Edmundson minent Danger. Then they took us to the '"^''*^^^^^ Main Guard, where the Rabble throngM in upon us ; but this Man came there, and brought me a Naggin of Brandy, and told them, They He nifodc- did not know me^ fo well as he did ; alfo acquaint- T/'^:m ^d me what William Dunn^ who brought me fTiifhTm ^here, had informed againft me. llien I told again "»-|^|^ the whole Paflage, and hefaid, If that was ally he would not have me deny any thing. I an- fwer'd himy I had done nothing that I need deny. This Man's Name was Valentine Toole^ a Lieutenant, I heard he was reprov'd for being fo kind to me, and durft come no more to fee me. In fome little time we were taken to the Ca- ftle, where the Governor, Col. Grace^ and the ir. E. ap' Council of Chief Officers were met. I came ffoe G^''^^ with my old Blanket lap'd about me, the Go- "J^^jj^^^/*: vernor ask'd. Where I lived? and What was my dithn which Name? I told him, 7i£;<:7jc?/^ William Edmund- 7o1L%Son : He flood up, with Tears in his Eyes, and ration. f^id, he wos foYTy to fee me there in that Condition ; for he knew me well, having been fomctimes at my Houfe. Then the Governor askM the Lieutenant, that brought us there, What he had to fay againft me? And he accufed me of feveral things falfly, and I having free Liberty to an- fwer to every particular, did it fo, that the Council of Officers were well fatisfied, and the TheVeuten. Govcmor fpofcc roughly to the Lieutenant, and frvlfe'ct' 2skM him. What he brought tis there for? He *trnou anfwer'd (with this Excufe, viz^ That the Ra- parees voere about to hang us^ and he brought us there to fave our Lives. The Governor faid. If he bad them there^ he rvould hang them. And lo he m fOURNAL. 1^3 he committed us to the Cuftody of Captain Francis Dunn^ and foon after fcnt us' a Loaf of '^-^^^'^^ Bread, a Piece of Beef, a Bottle of Drink and Govtmor Twenty Shillings of Brafs Money; but we could ^^^f '* get no Straw to lie upon, but lay upon the bare Floor, which was very cold and hard ; we wanting Cloaths, and x^ Strength was much fpent, therefore was not likely to continue long, if the Lord had not provided Succour for me. Now 'John Clibborn^ a Friend, lived Six Miles John ciib- from Atblone, for mod Friends in thofe PartsKX^ were forc'd away^ .except he and fome of Ws^^/^^^J; Family, who hearing of me, came to JMon^ •, h;^ Necejmy when he fa%v me in that mean Condition, he cried out, wringing his Hands, and told them, That they had taken Prifoner as honejl a Man as trode on the Earth. After fome time^ he went home to fetch us fome Meat, for he had little Cloaths left for himfelf, having been forcly plundered and fpoiPd. Now moft of the Field The Fieid Officers and Captains knew me, I having been ff"J4^" often at Duhlln with the Government, when ^^^^^'>^^^> King "James was there, and they would difcourfe familiarly with me. One time I ask'd them, What they had againU me ? And what I had done^ that they kept me Frlfoner in that fad Condition^ and not hying me to a Tryal ? Col. Moore anfwer- ing, laid. They had nothing again (t me for any neyconfint thing I had done ^ .and he believe d^ I was a "^^uYor^Johg honejl Man ; but they underfiood I was a witty injury, but Many and capable to do them an Injury^ and that ue "thenof was the Reajon they kept me. I told them, That was poor Jujlice^ to pumjh a Man for what he was sapqkle to do^ and not for what he had done. The N I next 154- WilliamEdmundson next Day John Clihborn came again, and brought ^-^^""^r^ fome Victuals, but we could get no Straw yet w-E.^ri^j-to lie upon. I was much fpent, and my Spirit converfa-^ gricved with their wicked Company, fo that / ^ivickL!^'^ ^^fiy^^ rather to die c^uietlyin a Dungeon^ than to he amongji them. ■ I fent John^CUhhorntD the Governor, to defire him, that I might come upon my Tryal, or be removed into the Dungeon. The Governor fa id, He wa4 firry for me^ for I was an hone ft Man-) and there were none minje Enemies^ but the Dunns, who were all Rogues ; and he durfi not re- leafe ?nej for there were many Eyes over him^ he- caufe he was kind to the Englifh ; hut to fend me to the Dungeon^ he could not find in his Heart to do it. The Town was fo throng'd of People, that there was no Room to be had that I could be eafie in; he was in .a Streight, ^nd knew On 5^cur/v>not what to do with me. So John Clihborn re- aibtom quefted, to let me go with him to his Houfe at the vi.^,i6per']yioat^ and he would eng^ ape his '[Body^ and all that mined to go. jjr j^ *-^T ^ home with he had^ J or my true Imfrijonment^ and to come ^^'"' when he fent for me alive or dead : So the Go- vernor was content, and let us go with him. Thus the Lord provided Succour for me in a Time of great Diilrefs. When 1 was there, with much Difficulty, I got a few Lines writ and fent to my Wife, that flie might know we were alive, and where we were ; which was great Satisfatlion to her and Friends : for many V^ere under great Trouble of Mind, and it was a Tryal on moil: of Friends in our Country. The Mofi of the^^g^^i^^ fl^d to Garrifons/and moft of the Irijl^ rces/^^' " One m ^OURNJL. 1^5 One of my Sons, that was with me, had a Tan-Yard, well jftockM with Hides and Lea- O-^ro ther, and about a Week after our Houfe was burnt, my Wife went to fetch them ofF, and feveral Engliflj Neighbours, with Horfes and Carrs, went to help her; but whilfl: they were loading the Leather, &c. Lieutenant Richard Dunn^ and his Brother-in-Law — Poor (whom I had met in going to Athlone^ and who raiPd at me, as aforefaid) together with aMultitudis of Rafarees^ came upon them ; fo they were forc'd to run for their Lives, and leave the Horfes and Carrs, the Leather and Hides, &c, which the Raparees took and carried away : but my Wife not being able to out-run them, they took and ftripM her naked, being cold Weather, w.E^smfe in the Beginning of the Tenth Month, alias, j^''^.^/^**^^ ■ December'^ who being ancient, and going two ^^'*^^^''* Miles naked, got a Surfeit of Cold, which con- tinued with her until Hie died, (being about feven Months after) The next Morning a fmall Party of Englijh Soldiers fell upon that great Comany of Raparees^ and kilPd the laid Lieut. Richird Dunriy alfo his Brother-in-Law — Popr^ and a great many more of them: fo were they prevented from burning Mountmdick^ as he and others had threatned to do. Now, while I was with ^ohn Clihhorn nt the Moat^ many of the Irifh came daily to get what they could ; there came alfo Col. Tiourk^ with coi. Bourk about three Hundred Firelocks, as a Frontier, ^',^^/,^J'^ to intercept the EngUjh Soldiers: he was very loving to me, and> promifed, that when ks got to Athlone, I Jhould have mj Liber ty^ for that be he- N 4 lieved 156 Willi AM Edmundson lieved I was an honeft Man. So in a little time ^^/y>^' he and his Party went thither ; and with his w. E. and Afliftance the Governor fet me at Liberty, ha- ■^t^i'r^yi^g fet my two Sons at Liberty three or four ty- Pays before, who were gone to their Mother. So being at Liberty, I got to Streams-Town^ which was the next Engltjh Garrifon, though it was difficult and dangerous travelling, becaufe of the Raparees^ there being now little but Kil- ling and Deftrudion on both Sides. Here I met with my Son Samuel ^ who, notwithftanding he had left the Frofeffion of Truth, and caft off his Education therein, yet was concernM for me in strcams-^ this great Tryal : he came to that Place, being utmofiFfon-t^^ utmoft Froutier Garrifon of the Englifhy to tierGarrh ^fe his bcft Eudcavours for my Liberty. E^giiaf ^ From Streams-Town I went to MuUingar^ which \yas a great Garrifon of £;^^///Z?, where the Offi- cers and Soldiers were very kind to me, and expreft their great Gladnefs for my fafe coming ofip, though many of them had never feen me before, but had heard of me, and of my ill U- fage, for the Noife of it went far, and feveral had Sworn, That if they had kilPd me and mj Sms^ they would have ktlPd all the Irifll they met with. So from Mullingar I came to Jane Bar- croft\ near Edenderrj, and from thence to Mount(^el(ck to my Wife, where many were gkd to fee me again. We fliifted for Houfe- room as well a:^ we could, the Town being throrig'd with Soldiers, and Families drove fi*om Many die ^^cir FJabltiations in the Country; many of jforwantof^riiQjji djed for waut of Corweniqncies a|id Ne- ^t'-^-'^'ceffaries/topcether'w Grief for theivLoffeSo m fOURNJL. 157 Nowv the Irijh prey'd much abroad in the Country, and deftroy'd it; lb that the Englifh^^y^^^^ Army march'd out to drive them back over the rb^ /^i/^ Shannon^ and they burnt much of the Country, {'^^>^^''« that harbourM them on this Side. At this time' ' ''""^^* alfo Major General Kjrk, with Part of the Ar-M^j.rG...- niy, came to Mountmeluk^ with Intention to'^ctne't'/^^ fettle Garrifons in convenient Places, to fave the Mountmc- Country ; fome informed him of Rojfenallis^ to ^ ' be a fit Place for a Garrifon, telling him of me, and how I had been us'd there by the Irijh. He fent for me, and commanded me to go with him to Rojfemllis^ and fhew him the Place ; fo (being commanded) I went with him. Md^ny Irifb liv'd there and thereabout, under the Englijh Protetlion, who fuppofing that I had occafion'd their coming to make a Garrifon there, were very angry with me, becaufe thisneinjh, would hinder them from harbouring their Kin-^^^^.*^ dred and Country-men, who were Rafarees^ as they had frequently done before: wherefore they got eight or nine bloody Raparees^ to lie in Ambufli between Mountmelick and RojfemllM in order to kill me, &c. as hereafter may appear. For Young John Mac Lijha (who had betray'd my Wife into an Ambufh before) together with Dennis Dunn^ came to Mountmelick in Pretence of great Friend fhip, defiring me to go to Roffen- ney/eek alli^j and fpeak with the Officers in the Garrifon, ^^j^^^^^^"«f and it would be better for the Dwellers t;here;t"V/^7^* but as the Lord would have it, I did not go that luuh^i^;^ Pay. Two Days after they camQ to nje again l\'J^''"''^. with the farne Pretence^ faying alfo, That the ^oldiejs were fulling down my Out-Houjes^ which ■■ ' • ' were 1^8 William Edmundson were left unhurnt ; and ufing many Argt»ients, o^,r>Jin fliew of Kindnefs and Friendfhip, to per- fwadc me to go to Roffemllis^ but^I was reftrain- ed by a fecret Hand, that kf^ew their evU Defign^ and would not fujfer me to fall into their Snare. Howbeit next Morning, James Dobfon^ with his James Dob- Son and Gouzen coming that w"ay, they fhot ^Z'^ouin his Son dead. in the Place, himfelf and Cou- tfotlnii*'^ zen they took to the Woods, and barbaroufly murder'd them. That Night the Iri/Jj Papifls Inhabitants generally ran to the Raparees. Thus the Lord prefervM my Life from the Hands of cruel and blood-thirfty Men. Now as foon as the Ways were open'd to tra- w.E. w/F^iVel, I went into the North to vifit Friends, ffeiNOTtt and fome Friends accompanied me. As we went by T)tmdalk^ where the Armies had been . one againft the other ; there were many Bones and Tufts of green Grafs that had grown from the Carcajfes of Men, as if it had been from Heaps of Dung: then I told Friends who were with me, Tou may remember ^ that I declar'^d it in fuhlick in the Word of Truth many Tears paft^ and many times in divers Places^ That the Lord would Sees the dung the Earth with the Carcaffes of Men^ and f f llt% ^ould fpread them as Dung upon the Face of the , carcaffes of £arth \ and now you fee it here fulfilled^ In that fcmotL Journey I had many fweet comfortable Meet- ings in the North, Friends Hearts were glad,' and we were greatly refrefh'd in the Lord Je- fus, and in one another. When clear of that Service J I came to Mountmelich SECT. His JOURNAL. 159 SECT. XIII. t^/^Y*^ After the Troubles^ W. E. in 1691. goes from the National- Meeting at Dublin to the Yearly- Meeting at London, then vifits Friends in England ; in which Time his Wife died, Jf- ter his Return to Ireland, he repairs the Ruins of his Houfe' near Ko^Qil^iWiSy and fettles there again ; then vifits jeveral Meetings in Ireland, reviving good Order and Difcifline in the Churches of Chrijt. NOT long after, I with my Wife went to 16 ()i. my Son-in-Law William Fajle\ who lived near Dublin. Our National Half-,Year-Meeting approaching, w^e kept it at Dublin at its ufual Time, to which I went, and the Lord's Pre- fence appeared mightily amongft us, the Hearts of Friends were tender before him : it was a blelfed Seafon, Friends being greatly bow'd in ^^.^^^^ Thankfulnefs, under a weighty Senfe and Con- bow^dm fideration of the providential Hand of God^ne/Tto'^tbe which had prefervM us through .fo many Jj^^/^J/;,^ Difficulties and Dangers in this Time of S^^^^ fj'fj^^' Calamity. We made Enquiry into the Suffer- kef "' ings and Loffes fuftain'd by Friends in the fe- veral Provinces, in the Time of the War, and took Care, that poor Friends every-where in care taken this Nation fhould fpeedily be fupplied with^^^^^ necefTary Food and Rayment, until we could further affifl: them, as need might require, in order to their Livelihood, and convenient Set- tlement near Meetings for the Worfhip of God, and Benefit of them and their Families. Alfo, a FoOTo i^-o William Edmundson 1691. a weighty Concern was upon Friends for the ^-O^^^^ Settling of Godly Difcipline in the Church, and many fuitable things wereopen'dj and commu- nicated in the Love and Wifdom of God, tend- ing to the Promotion of Truth, and its holy heavenly Order and Government amongft us; alfo divers Teftimonies in the Power of the Ho- ly Spirit, confirming us in our faid Chrillian Frhndsin Carc aud Concern. And Friends Spirits were pfJrT(\ihJQdi to the Will of God, giving Him th^ ^'^* Glory, who is worthy for ever. Now I found a weighty Concern upon my Spirit, to go from thence to London to the Year- ly-Meeting of Friends, and after the Service of our HalfvYear Meeting at Dublin was over, I took my l>eave of Friends, alfo of my Wife and feveral of our Children who were there, being under a Senfe of Sorrow when I parted with them, as if we jjjould not all fee one another again. Many Friends went on Shipboard with me, and there in tender Love we parted. Thomas Winfloe went with me for England, (and fo to London) We landed at Liverpool, and vifited Friends about Bickerflaff-^ fo proceeded forward, having fome Meetings by the way, and were at Twiy- London at the Yearly-Meeting, where many LOTdo?. "** Elders and Brethren were glad to fee me. I was at feveral publick Meetings for the Wor- fhip of God, and at the Mens-Meetings for Church-Difcipline. When the Service of the Meeting was over, I took leave of Friends and Large and travePd Northward, having feveral large an4 Tvhdt-' good Meetings ia divers Countiesp vers Coui}" "' ties, I came I came to Tork to their Quarterly-Meeting, 1691. which was a very great Meeting of Friends ^-/'V^vj' from divers Places, and had good Service there, York Quar- forthe Lord's Power and Prefence were with •ngy^'*^' us, to our great Comfoit and Confirmation in his Work and Service. I met there with a Letter, that gave me an Account of my Wife being Sick, and Sorrow feizM me, as fenfible of her Death \ fo I hafted as much as the Service of Truth would allow, towards the Sea-fide ; but had feveral Meetings in the way, particu- larly at Durhtim^ Sunderla^id^ -R^^? Barnard^ Cafile, Camfgillj Kjndal^ Swarthwore, Hawk/heady Fardfey-Cragg^ and near White-Haven. As foon as I could get a Paffage, I took Ship- ping at White-Haven^ and landed at DtMin^ but my Wife was dead fometime before I got over, ^.£»,f^//> She died five Miles from Dublin^ at my Son-in- ^'j^^^^^ Law William Fajleh Houfe, in the Prefence of ** her Children, and was decently buried in Friends Burying-Place in Duhliny accompanied to her Grave with many Friends and others. .After I landed, I went to my Son Fajle\ and found him and his Wife lying fick, neither ofw. f. and them fenfible, and as to Appearance hardly like ^j!^';^''^"^;^ to recover; but flaying fome time there, it>^Xibr^' pleafed the Lord that they recovered. I was at "" feveral Meetings thereabout, and at Duhliny for many Friends lived there-away at that time, who were forc'd from their Habitations in the Country. Then ^ I went to Mountwelick, and vifited Friends in thofe Parts, that were not gone from™*^"*^' their Habitations, and foto my Ruinated Place near covers Mount' 14^ William Edmund son near Rojfenalli^^ where I made fome Reparation V^v'^of Building for ray felf, and youngeft Son Tr;/^/ ^f Rofien- to dwell In, all the rell of my Children having ^i!" hufon left me, being moft of them married ; fo I was ^'■J^^y^^^'^ frequently with Friends at Meetings, both for the Worfhip of God, and Men and Womens Meetings tor other Services relating to Church Difcipline and Gofpel Order. When the Country was a little quiet from w.E. w./?^j^^"»e War, I travePd into Mtmfter and Uljlerj be- ^rifidsin fjjgg vifiting Friends in thofe Provinces, I had Murder, large and ferviceable Meetings ac divers Places, where Meetings were not then fettled, namely, Belturbet^ IniskillWj Lo}7(ionderry^ Coleraw^ Kjl" ray^ Dawjons-Bridge^ Magharafeltj &c. and re- turned through the Meetings of Friends into Linfler. Now a weighty Concern came upon me more vv.E. y?/Viand more, to warn and ftir up Friends all over ToTeaUnd thc Nation, to be concerned and diligent, in a ■D//'>"c^'« eircumfpeft Zeal, for promoting Truth in all the JVork of , ^ . f 1 1 • 1 r^ i tthe lord. _ its Rights, and the righteous Government and comely Order thereof: many Things and Ways the Lord open'd in my Underftanding, to fhew Friends how they might yet be more fervice- able for God and his Truth in their Day ; and moft of Friends received the Lord's Teftimony, and became concernM. So the Faithful fet to work for God, in divers Farts of the Nation, The Lord and many large Accounts were given to our FaLfJi in National Meetings, That they found the Lord wjs their ron- xiHth them^ and opened Things to them morey %7nou7, "^ than before thej were fo concern* dy giving Wijdom and His fOURNAL. 143 and Under fianding to manage Matters which came before them^ relating to Truth and friends ; The ^^^'''W^ Lord^s Power being O'uer ally blejfed he his Name for ever ! SECT. XIV. In 1694. W. E. goes to the Yearly-Meeting at London, having divers comfortable Meetings in fever al Shires in England, and in fever al Counties in Ireland, after his Return thither. Alfo his Conference with Dean Reader concern- tng Tythes, &c. NOW, in the Year, 1694. it was with me x6qA. to go Vd London to the Yearly-Meeting ; ^^'^^j^^^^ ' fo I went firft to Dublin to our Natii^nd Half- Half- Years- Year Meeting, where were Friends from every dS? ^^ Province, and many things were under our Confideration, for promoting the Kingdom of Christ Jefm and his Righteous Government, as alfo for the Prefervation of Friends, both out^ of the Spots, Cumber, and furfeiting Cares of the World and Things of it. The Lord's glo- rious Power was with us, owning our Service and Concern for his Honour, and the Glory of his great Name, who gave the Faithful Spirit and Underftanding, that none could gainfay ; greatly bleffing his Work in. our Hands, and The lord us in the handling of it faithfully with Dili-ti^/^^^ sence, prefer rms it before our Selves or Earthly hands of the 9>_ ? r D J faithful, Concerns. When the Service of that Meeting was over, w.e. jhip^ f^took Shipping for London^ being accompanied J'J^*'^^; with 144' William EiiilitfNDsON 1694. with about Twelve Friends that went with me O^/NJ thither to the Yearly-Meeting; alfo many Friends went a Shipboard with us, and there took Leave, the Wind favoured to carry us by the French Privateers that were then in the Channel, and things were order'd for our Safety, fo that we took notice of the Providential Hand Keflbn. ^f God therein. We landed at Nejfon ; fome of Liverpool. US wcnt to Ltvevfoolj and were with Friends BickeritafF. about Bic^erfiaf^ at their Monthly-Meeting for Bufinefs, from thence we went to Warrington^ and near to it met with the reft of our Com- pany, and went together towards London^ the Yearly-Meeting there being at hand. A Meeting Near Ridgley we had a Meeting at an Inn' near Rrdg-^ ^^ere wc lay, and there were many People at it : we came to London the Day before the Year- ly Meeting begun, where many Elders and faithful Brethren were glad of our coming. So I ftaid in London about two Weeks, and duly attended Publick Meetings for the Worfhip of God, and Mens-Meetings for Truth's Affairs. When the Service of that Meeting was over, I travePd northward, accompanied with John w.i.hath pij^^ and had many large and comfortable "^ndloZ^' Meetings in divers Places, Friends Hearts were MlfnU gl^d, and well refrefhM in that Vifit ; for the Lord's Power and wonted Goodnefs accompa- nied us. Some of the particular Places where we had Meetings, were in Bedfordfljire^ Hert- ford^ Leicefier^ Dunnington^ Nottinghamj Manf- fieldy Chejierfieldj Stockport and Manche^er^ there John Pirn left me, and went towards Chejiery in- tending for Ireland. Now His fOtJRNjL 145 Now being mov'd of the Lord to turn to- 1694. wards Tork^ I fent to Roger Haydock^ who came ' ^'^'VX^ to me; at Manchefier^ and went with me to Tork. Roger Hay As we went we had a Meeting at Leeds^ which ^^Er''^' was full and large, where the Lord's heavenly ^^^^^[j^;'^ Prefence was with us, and Friends Hearts com- forted therein. From thence we went toTork^^oxv^^^- aad it was Men-Friends Quarterly Meetings but kglr^^'^*^' Women-Friends Tearly-Meeting^ and there were feveral Hundreds of Friends from divers Partsy and the Lord was with us, many faithful Friends were glad of our Company. There Thomas Trafford met me, and when the Thoma^^ Service of that Meeting was over, we went to^/^\^°;^ a Meeting near HalUfax^ from thence Roger mbvi,E, Haydock went homewards to Lancafhire^ Qut Thomas Trafford travePd with me : we had many ^^W/igA- large powerful Meetings at TSradforth^ Roidan^ YJf^ ^''^^ Hardcajilegarth J Maffam^ Richmond^ Swadeli^ Wentz>erdale near Skipton^ and Edge-erjd Meet- ing ; fo to Manchejler and into Chejhire^ and had feveral Meetings of good Service, then went into Lancdjhire to Hartfljaw to therr Monthly Meeting, which was large and powerful, there I met with Leonard Fell \ we were glad to fee w. e. meeu one another, and true-hearted Friends were nil fS* slad of that Vifit. Thomas Trafford and I went back toChefhirey and fo through M^ales to Holy- chtihirc. heady and ftaid there about a Week for a Paf. "^^y^^^^- fage, then took Shipping for Jr^'/^W, and landed at the Hill of Hoathy fo came to Dublin. I ftaid the Firft Day Meeting there, and then came to my Son-in-Law, WtUhm iayUhj and O jfrorn 14-6 William Edmundson 1694* from thence to Mountmelicky where Friends re- 0^^>OceivM me gladly. I attended Meetings for the Worfhip of God, as they fell in Courfe, and was with Friends in managing Church-Affairs, both in Monthly, Six- Weeks, Quarterly and Half- Yearly Meet- ings, and as the Service of Truth encreasM, the Increafes of God were multiplied in our Hearts, and gave us Abilities to perform it to his Glory, our great Comfort and Satisfaction. From our HaT-Year Half-Ycar Meeting at Dublin^ in the Ninth Dubin^"^ Month, 1694. I went to vifit Friends infeve- M^e^tingi j,^} Counties, and had Meetings, as at Wicklon\ M.TX dl^^YS ' "^ placet. Joh^ lVickhjm\ Ifrael Webflerh^ Shellaly^ Caflle- ^ermot Province Meeting, and at Waterford^ Clonmel^ Kjlcommon and Cafljell^ there feveral of our* Friends met me, and accompanied me homewards. The firft Day of the Second Month, 1695. I took my Journey towards the Norths to vifit Friends, and had a comfortable Meeting near A good Caflle-Jordan^ many Friends of our Monthly Jjf^fcfttie. Meeting being with me there. When the Meet- jordaii. ing was ended we parted in the tender Love of God. I went on my Journey towards the Norths accompanied with my Son in-Law WtUam Fayle and John Barcroft ; the next Day we came to A Meeting Old C^jlU^ a.ud uaid a Meeting there; feveral c^itt Friends came to it from other Places, it being their Men and Womens Meeting Day, for or- dciingof Cnurch-Aifairs. The next Day we liad a Meeting Fifteen Miles from thence, near BiUyhayc. BalljhajjSy where were many Friends, and we were Hk fOVRMJL. 147 .were well refreflh'd, the Lord's Prefence and 1695. Goodnefs being with us. ^ s>'^v'^>0 The next Day we traveled about Thirty Miles into the County of Ardmagh^ and the Day fol- ^^^^^^ °f lowing being Firft Day of the Week, we were ' "''^'* at the Meeting at Ballybagan^ at which were Baiiyhagaa. many Friends : we were greatly comforted to- gether, and glad to fee one another. From thence we went beyond Charle?nount to vifitcharie- Friends, and had a comfortable Meeting with "'°""^' them, then came back to Ballyhagan to their Fifth Day Meeting, and ftaid there until the a province Pr^w/r^ Meeting, it being their Quarterly Meet- ^^^[[^^g^Jy ing both for the Worfhipof God, and ordering of Church-Affairs, which held part of three Days, and was very large ; fo tliat fome Friends fa id. They never f aw the like there iefare. And Friends were well refiKfli'd, for the Glory of the Lord fhineA amongft us, his Power was 0- ver all, and his Seed in Dominion. I was help- ful there to Friends, in the ordering and ma- naging of Truth's Affairs in the Church, and they were willing and glad to be advis'd, for Friends wh- that the Lord Jefus, who calPd me into the '/;//V!"E'i Miniftry, gave me a Meafure of Underftand- ^^«'''^^* ing in the Ground of Church-Government^ Difci- fline and Gofpel-Order. The Meeting ended, and Friends and^ Brethren parted in great Love, Union, and Comfort of the Ix)rd's Ho- ly Spirit. Now the Prieft of that Parifh, one Dean Rea- g'^^^^^^^^ der^ had cited feveral Friends to the 'Bifhofs- rriendfto Court for fmall Tythes ; but had a Defire to '^'J^^f fpeak with two or three Friends, and hearing of :^'»^^^^ O 2 me^ ^ ' 14.8 William Edmundson 1695. rne, had a Mind to fpeak with me in particular : ^^O/"^ fo the Morning after our Meeting was over, it being the Second Day of the Week, three o- ther Friends, with me, went to his Houfe, where he was ready to receive us: we dif- courfed of Things very moderately, and at large, Thetarpcffov foHie Hours, about Tythes and Minifiers tl^tb^' Maintenance \ his great and chief Plea was the for^'thiT^^^^ c?/ the Landy and the Government^ that gave it them ; ^nd when he had us'd all his Argu- ments to ftrengthen his Plea, and I believe, faw they were all fully anfwer'd, he let his Argu- ment fall : then I told him, that I had one thing moretooifer to him, which was a Law, and a great One ; which if he would do, i be- lieved it would end the Difference, and that was, To do as he would be done unto^ which is the Royal Law (^f ChIiist. So we left him moderate and loving, parting friendly, John Rob- • That Day we came to "^ehn Robfonh^ and from L^rean thencc to a Mecring at Lurgan^ where were many honefl hearted Friends, and the Lord's Power and Prefence was with us, to our great Comfort and Satisfaction. Next Day we were i-ifirgarvy. at LifnegdYvy Meeting, where were many ho- neft tender Friends, and we were refrefh'd in the Lord, aad glad to fee one another. From laiiiaderry. thcncc Vv^c camc to B':llindei^y^ and ftaid their Firit Day Meeting, which was full and com- fortable : then to Grange^ and refted one Day with '\famcs Grcenzz'ood^ I being unwell. So we Toberhead. wcnt to a Meeting m^av Toherheadj and feveral Friends from Grange accompanied us. On the ruoc!audy. Day following we were at a Meeting at Dun- claudy^ His JOURNAL. 149 claudy^ then return^ back again xo Grange^ and 1695. ftaid the Firft Day Meeting there, for the Wor- ^^^'''x; fhip of God, and alfo the Men and Womens oraogc Meetings for the keeping of good Order in the Church, and had good Service for the Lord and his Truth on feveral Accounts. Honeft hearted Friends were glad of my Company and Ser- vice ;^ fo we parted well fatisfied, and comfort- ed with the Lord's Goodnefs. From thence we went to Lurgan to their ^rgan Fourth Day Meeting, which was farge and full ^^^""s- with Friends and other People, there being a mngs r^- Marriage accomplifhM in the Meeting riiatj^i;;,^.;^. Day, I fpoke of feveral things relating to that^^^^'^^'^*> Ordinance of Marriage, as the Lord by his Power and Spirit open'd my Underftanding, and gave me Ability : it was a heavenly power- ful Meeting. From thence we went to a Meeting the next Day at Hilshoroughy TLCCom- a Meeting panied widvmany Friends, and had a comfort- roughl'^'^ able Meeting, the Myfteries of the Kingdom of God were opened, in the Demonftration of the Spirit and Power of the Lord Jefus Chrift, his Teftimony reach'd the Hearts of the Hearers, and God's Witnefs feaPd to the Truth of what was declared. We rode that Night five Miles to TobLts Courtnefsy and the next Day to Lurgan^ where ^ /^^^ ^«d William Broxvnlow and miliam WtlUamfon came^S^^f to meet me, and to take their Leave of me, be- ^"'san- ing both ancient Friends : we Itaid the Fird Day Meeting, which was very large and full, - many Friends of other Jtleetings came thither^ and the Lord anfwer'd theirLabour and good De- O J fires 150 William Edmundson 1695. fires, in Blefling our Meeting with the Open- ^>^V^^ ings and Overflowings of his Word of Life ; it was an Opportunity of Confolation and Sweet- nefs : after which Meeting we took Leave one of another, in the Love of God and Comfort of his Holy Spirit, Next Morning we took our Journey towards The Third Duhlw^ to Quv T\mdy[.OVit]\ Nat ioml Half -Tear s jcaLuett- Meethg^ 1^95- in Company with Friends from jr^atDuh- the Nor fh^ who went up to it, where was a great Appearance of Friends from feveral Parts of the Nation ; and the Lord's Power was with us, in the managing of Truth's Affairs, both in Doftrine and Difciphne, the Meeting held moft of three Days, then Friends parted in the Peace of God. From thence I went in the Company of many Friends, both of Lemfier and Munfler^ to our Province Provincc Meeting at Cafiledermotj where things cmtitv'^ (relating to a Holy Difcipline) were managed in mot. the Wiidom of God, and the Lord was with us as formerly, in fuch Opportumties and Services The lord ivhich he fanciifies to his People, and furnijljeth his ^Ithcffts ^-'^■^^'^^t:s mth Spiritual Gifts to perform, as Ocea^ fuitabie to fion requires, and according to the Service of the \eJ was with us, which makes way through all, and gave us Satisfaftion and Comfort in our Journey, BlefTed be the Lord for ever. Now our Quarterly Meeting for the Province Quarterly of Leinjier was at hand, to be held at Caftle- uiS dermot^ thither I went, accompanied with fe- veral Friends, and we had good Service, the Lord's Prefence being with us, both in our Meetings to worfhip Him, and in Meetings for Church-Difciplmey in which Friends were clofely concerned in the Affairs of Truth, and to pro- mote Gofpel'Order in the Churches. This Meet- ing held part of three Days, when the Service of it was over, I came Home in Company of many Friends ; The next Morning I rode to Maryborough to fpeak with the Lord Chief Ju- ftice Pj;?5, about fome Horfes taken from fome of our Friends. Soon after this was our Monthly Meeting at Monthly Mountmelkk^ wlych I attended, and when the ^oZ^q- Service of it was over, I went to my Son-in- ''^''•' Law William Fayle'^s, and vifited fome there- about, and from thence to a Meeting at Ede^- derrj^ then to Ifaac Fuller'^Sy and fo to Joh^ Clth- horrPs^ vifiting many Friends Families up and down in that Quarter, giving Advice and Ad- monition as Occafion required ; alfo ftaid their Firft Day Meeting at the Moat ; and being there prefs'd in Spirit under a Senfe of fome Mifcarriage, I clear'd my Confcience thereof in the Teftimony of Jefus. The next Morn- ing, '5^ Willia m Edmundson M"ti^« , Soon after was our Provme Meeting for o.ft,.ac. W«- at Caftleder>not, which held molt of hree Days for the Worfhip of God, and order- ing Church Affairs. I was there with the El- ders and Brethren, and the Lord's Power and Mnce mightily appear'd with and amongft us to give us Wifdom and Underftanding, tl, fo a clofe Concern came upon us, rofearinar. rowly mo matters relating to Friends, and in par- Z^tT^f.^''^ '.'/y out a covetous Sfmt after the Rtches and Great Things of this World from a- mongft otiY Society, as knowing that it furfeits and corrupts the Mind, and darkens the Undelflandtng 7 !Tl,' "^ /"-^'^^/V/. (Ajid through the Lord's Mercy and Goodnefs there appeared a Loncarrence with the Concern in moft of Friends^ When the Service of that Meeting was over we parted in much Satisfaftion and Comfort of Spirit: So I return'd in the Company of many S''".ft' a"^^ ''•'"^ ^? ™y «^" Houfe. Our Monthly Meeting being the Week following, which I alfo attended. ^' SECT, m fOURJStJL. i$7 SECT. XVI. t^vx; //? 1696. W. E. writes to Friends at London, being unable to go thither \ Fifits Ulfter Pro- vincej and deliberates about Marrying again : Jlfo hath hard Exercife by a Selfjlj Worldly Spirfty the Danger whereof he lively defer ibes b) an apt Parable. A Bout three Weeks after was our National 1696. Half-Tears Meeting at Dublin^ which be- National gan the eighth Day of the Third Month, i6c)6.^lZra^ and continued about four Days for the Worfhip ^"^^^''• of God and Church Affairs ; many good and needful Things were there difcours'd of, and alTented to in Peace and Unity, the Lord's blefled Power and Prefence being with us to our great Comfort, making hard things eafie. At this Meeting 1 receivM Letters from di- vers Brethren in England^ earneftly defiring, that I would be at London the next Yearly- Meeting ; for that the Publick Service of Truth required it : but I was not able to anfwer their Defire, becaufe of Weaknefs. So I wrote, and fent a Letter with George Rooke and Nicholas Gribbkj who intended to go over to that Meet- ing, When the Service of this our Meeting was ovc^r, I came home, accompanied with many Friends, but was weak of Body.^ .The Firft Day following was our Monthly Meeting, and the next Firft Day after was our Province p^^incc- fJuarterl) Meeting, both at Mountwelick^ toJJ"""^''* which many came trom feveral Parts, and hea- iick?"°*" venly govxi Meetings we had, both for the Wor^ ihip ,58 William Edmundson 1696. fhipof God, and managing of Church-AfFairs, ^lOTV the Lord afTifting and enduing us with Wifdom, the Teftimony of Truth was over all, I had Ability given me from the Lord to anfwer what he I'equired of me, before which my na- tural Strength was faint and weak. Then I continued about Home for a while, keeping to our ufual Meetings, and when I ManftcrPr^.grew wcll and able to Travel, I went to Mun- 'f^^'fi{^.fieY?rovinceyi^t\^^^ with Friends, '"^^- this Meeting was at Clonmel^ in the Fifth Month, 1696^ and held two Days for the Wor- Ihip of God, and managing Affairs of the Church, and there were many Friends from feveral Parts. In this Journey I had feveral ^^ff/«5i tfr Meetings, as at Mountrath^ Kjiockballjmagher, Sat' Waterford, Wexford, and the Monthly Meeting inagher,iirc. ^|. Ballhaber^j/y which was full and large, and the Lord's Power and Prefence accompanied, and gave Ability in all Meetings and Services, many Hearts were tendred and comforted. I had alfo a Meeting at Ifrael Webflerhj and one at Shellalj^ then come to Caftledermot to our Pfovinoe Province Meeting, where was a great Appear- Meeting ^# aucc of Fricnds from feveral Parts, and many c^(Uder. p^jgj^j^ j^ j.j^g Miniftry both of England and this Nation. This Meeting held part of three Pays, for the Worfhip of God and Churcb-Dijci^ fline^ and the Lord's Power and glorious Pre- fence \^as mighty amongft us, ftrengthning our Hands in his Work, to our great Comfort and SatisfaQion, both immediately and through his Servants. When the Meeting was over, we parted in the Love of God, the Teftimony of ^ Truth . H^ JOURNAL. 159 Truth being in Dominion. So I returned to 1696. my Houfe in the Company of Friends, on the ^^''v^^^^ Seventeenth Day of the Sixth Month, 1696. Soon after which, I took a Journey into the Province of Ulfier to vifit Friends, accompanied w. e. vifin with Jofhua Nonhall, and fome others: wCuiftefm- went to^Dublin^ and ftaid there two Meetings »""^^- upon the Firft Day, from thence Roger Roberts and Thomas Jfhton accompanied us into the North ; we had a Meeting at Drogheda^ and the next Day came to Ballyhagan^ to the Province * Meeting, which held Part of three Days, and a great Affembly of Friends there was, the Lord's Power and Prefence being with us to our great Comfort and Confirmation. The Service of this Meeting being over, the two Friends from Dublin^ aforefaid, returned Home, and I with the reft of my Company went over the River B^nd^ and had many heavenly com- ^j/^^r Band, fortable Meetings at feveral Places, as at Lur'1!f"l^'"^ // I r r /^ o T meetings gan^ Billtnderry^ Ltjnegarvy^ Graj^ge^occ. In our ^hereimMy, Return we had a precious Meeting with Friends at Lurgm before parting, in which we were comforted and refrefh'd together, to our great Satisfaftion. From thence we took our Journey towards Leinfter^ accompanied with fome Friends of JJlJler about Foiirty Miles, and had a Meeting with Friends near Balljhayesj after which the Baiiyhayes. faid Friends, who accompanied us, returned Home. We travePd next Day to OW-C^//^,oiacaft!c and had a Meeting with Friends there, and the Day following into Lf//;/^r Province, and v^s at Friends MeetLig at Edenderry the next Day, Ed^dcrry. and l6o WitLIAM EdMUNDSON 1696. and on the Day following at Balljcane yLQttmg V/^VX^near Gejjjel^ fo return'd Home. I had good Baiiycane, Sefvice for the Lord his Truth and People in ^^* this Journey through his Afliftance, who gave me Strength and Ability every way ; bleffed be his Name for ever ! On the Firft Day following I went to vifit Mountrath. Fricnds in their Meeting at Moumrath^ arid re- turning Home, abode thereaway for fome time, frequenting our own Meetings both Weekly and Monthly as they came in Courfe ; fo went to our Quarterly- Quarterly Meeting at Cafiledermot^ which held o(Sr^^ two Days, and the Lord's comfortable Prefence ®''^' being with us, in a Senfe whereof the Affairs of Truth were managed in Peace and Concord. From thence I went to Dublin in the Company Haif-Year- of fcvcral Fricnds, t6 our National Half- Years DuWnf'' Meeting, which begun the Eighth Day of the Ninth Month, 1696. and held by Adjournment four Days ; the Lord's glorious Prefence great- ly appeared both in Meetings for the Worfhip of Him, and thofe for managing of Church- Jfairsy which wei'e gone through in Peace and Unity, to our great Satisfaction and Comfort. After the Service of the Meeting was over, I took my Leave of Friends and Brethren in the Overflowings of the Love of God ; fo part- ed and went homeward, accompanied witlife- veral Friends Now Deep of Winter coming on,* and being unable to travel and labour in Truth's Service, as formerly I had done,I ftaid for fome time about Home, attending Meetings as they fell in Courfe, both Six-fVeeks^ Monthly, and Weekljy for the Worlhip of God, and Ser- vicer m JOVRNJL i6i vices relating to Truth, &c. So the Lord's 16960 Work went on and Truth prevail'd ; which is ^-/^'^v; Caufe of great Gladnefs of Heirt. About this time it came into my Mind to marry, yet I was not h'afty to proceed ; but w.E.tfc/fti* many weighty things relating to that Affair ^/gX'^ came under my Confideration, and though it would often prefent in my Underftanding, yet I fought the Lord's Counfel, and quietly waited to know his Mind therein, until I had his gra- cious Anfwer, (in the clear Openings of his Light fhining in my Heart) then finding my way clear T acquainted the Perfon towards whom my Mind was drawn in that RefpeQ:, uiz. Mary^ the Widow of Jo(Jma Strangman^ about the Age of Fourty nine Years, whom I had ground to believe would be a Comfort to me, and helpful ill my Family, being a Woman of a good tJn- derftanding, and one whofear'd the Lord. After fome time of Confideration, (he confent* ed thereto, provided that bilr Children and Friends were fatisfied therewith : I alfo acquain- ted her, That if the Lord gave me Health and Ability, I muft firft go for England,^ to perform fome Service for the Lord there, which had been before me for fome time, which fhe was well fatisfied with, being willing to ftay the Lord's time ; then I abode fome Weeks at Home, being unwell, through Surfeit of Colds in my Travels, but our Quarterly Meeting for Leinfier Province being at Cajiledermot^ where Elders and Friends in the Miniftry us'd to meet, and to make En- quiry, Whether thofe of our Society wdlk^d imfwer-' dhlj to their Holy ProfeJJton^ in hlamelc^ Lives P ♦ ani i6i William Edmundso>i 1696. anci Conversations^ &c* In which Service the ^^/^^r^ Lord's Power and divine Prefence had often been plentifully manifefted amongll: us. I had a great Defire to go to this Meeting, tho' unwel in Body ; fo in Faith of the Lord's Ability I fet forward, and rode to Jth (Four- teen Miles) in fome Pain, and the next Morning Leinfter got to Cajlledermct^ to the Meeting of Elders j^Tf/S^^and Brethren m the Miniftry, where an Ac- caftieder- couHt was givcn from each Meeting in our Pro- vince of the State of Things amongft Friendsv My Spirit was under a great Exercife {or Truth^s Tejlimonyj and the Labours of concerned Elders that were like to come under a U^orldly Selfijh Spirit^ wherefore I, with fome other Elders and Bre- thren, laboured hard againft it, and the Meet- ing was adjourn'd until the next Day. I fpent that Night in fome Trouble of Mind The Meiting fovtho Teftimonv of Truth, and befought the ^ilf%. Lord for his Affiilance, the next Morning early cult. -^ve met again, and the Lord's Power broke through all Oppofition, his Teftimony came 0- ver all, and things, return'd into tlieir right Channel to our great Comfort. Here (accord- ing to Order eftabhih'd amongft us) I acquaint- ed the Elders with my Purpofe of going for PVales and Englandy (towards the Spring) to perform fome Service in Truth's Tcftimony, that was before me, and they fcem'd to be well fatisfied therewith. Then Things being concluded amongft the Elders, we all v/ent into the publick Meeting.- for the Worftip of God, where in the Spirit and Power of the Lord "Jefus I bore a Teftimo- Hk JOURNAL. 165 ny, and by a T arable warned Friends of the My- 1696. Jiery of Safari^ tn his working with Man^ by draw- '.^^'VVJ ing his Mind into the Things of this World^ com far- a ? arable in^it to the Root of a Tree, that (hoots dowmvard^'^^f'^^y too deep into the Ground^ from the very Heart of the fruitful m XV^^, and caufes the Growth of much Wood and Things. high Branches J but brings forth little O' no fruits From which was open'd, in the Doftrine of the Kingdom, the Danger of Riches, and great Concerns of the Things of this Wlorld. Friends Underftandings were opbn'd, the Witneft of God reached, and many tendered in their Spi- rits. This Meeting Held by Adjournment three Days, in which the Lord renewM my Strength, and I was glad that I was there for the Ser- vice fake. When it was over, I returned Home. This was in the End of the Eleventh Month, 1696. SECT. XVII. In 1697. He goes over to the Xt^Lvly Meetings at London, Wales, Briitol and Colchefter, vifits feveral Meetings through England and Wales for about Seven Months ; then after his Return- he folemmz.es his Marriage with M. Strangman in Mount melick. SOON after this I went to the M?e2/^, and was 1697V at their Meeting on Firft Day, and ftaid a Af^^twgl until Third Day, there being a Marriage, and "''''' ^°''' many People at it, both Friends and others, where I had good Service for Truth j and the P 2 ^ next 164. William Edmundson 1697. next Day went Home, and on the Firft Day ^>*V"^ following was at our Monthly Meeting in Mou^t- Monthly melick^ where I acquainted Friends in the Mens X^^mt- Meeting of my Intention of going for Er^glarfcL ^^^' Ihortiy in Truth's Service, and defirM their C^r/z/ff^^^ according to the Order eftablilh'd a- mongft us, w^hich accordingly was given, teinftcf Our Province Meeting for Leinjier was alfo ^tiZt'lat ^t Mofmmdtckj the Fourteenth Day of the firil: ^^^', M<^^th, 1697'. and lafted two Days in the Wor- (hip of God and Church-Affairs^ being a power- ful and confolating Meeting, many Friends were there from feveral Quarters, and we took leave one of another in the fweet tender Love of God. On the Sixteenth Day of the faid Month, I took leave of my Family, (who were forrowful to part with me) and came to Dublin the Eigh- rferf^M^f^-teenth Day of the fame, there I ftaid three Dubiil^ Meetings in Dubli//^ the lad was a miglity powerful Meeting, and Things declared and open'd in the Power of God, not to be for- gotten. After the faid Meeting, that Evening being the three and Twentieth l>iy of the firft Month afbrefaid, I went on Board the Mary Yatch bound for Holyhead in Wales^ many Friends went to the Water-fide with mc, where we took leave one of another in t!ie tender Love of God ; but three Friends were w^illing to bear me Company in the Lord's Service, viz. Roger Ro- bsrts^ George Rooke, and Joh^i Bar croft : That Night we lay at Anchor m Dublin Harbom-y the w.E. lands Hcxt Moming fet Sail and landed at Holyhead a- Hk JOURNAL. 165 bout Noon the Day following, being the Twen- 1697. ty fifth of the Month aforefaid. Ky^V^\J The next Day we took our Journey ; and that Night lodged at Bangor^ we hired a Guide over Bangor, the Mountains, and came to Clanrouft about the middle of the next Day, being the Seventh Day of the Week, and Twenty feventh of the Month, where we met with a Youth, a Shopkeeper, a Friend's Son, Jofepb El/u, who much defired we would have a Meeting there, it beine^ Place where no Meeting of Friends was f^ffied ; fo finding Freedom and Willingnefs thereunto, we got a Meeting at the Ian where we lodged -^^^^'^^J^^"^ and although the Parifli-Prieft endeavoured all *°^°" ' he could to hinder it, yet many People came z;^- to and about the Houfe within liearing, and the DoQrine of the Kingdom of Chrift was preach- ed in the Demonftration of the Spirit and Power of God : So the Lord's Power and Authority went over them, and kept them quiet ; fome were reach'd with the Teftimony of Truth. After the Meeting was over, it being Firft Day of the Week, David Jof^es^ a Friend, came David jonci there to meet u<, we went that Night Home'g'/' ^'^' with him (about Eleven Miles) and refted the next Day, where we had a Meeting on the Day following, and were refreOiM in the Lord, and in one another ; then we went to a Meet- ing near Dolgelle^ at the Houfe of Lewis OawrPs^^oVze^e. and from thence to Dolobran^ to Charles Lloyd'^s Doiobran. Houfe, and had two Meetings there. From thence to Glanedlas in the Company of feveral Yearly Friends of thofe Parts, to the Tearlj Meeting for %'tl^af Wdesy which held two Days for the JVorJ]j:p (?/Giinedi*s, P 3 God 1 66 William Edmunpson 1^97. God and Church-Affairs. I had good Service for C^'V^^' the Lord and the Good of his People, the Lord's mighty Power broke forth amongft us, which brought many under his heavenly Teftimony ; fo that many bore Witnefs to the Truth, of what was offerM in the Word of Life relating to Church-Government amongft Friends. When the Service of the Meeting was over^ jTaverford- George Rooke went into South Wales in Company slluth wales with Fiiends to Haverford-Wefl^ and I, with Roger ^^erts and John Barcroft, came to Roger ^^Te"/ ^^^ feveral Stations and Services in the Church of Chrift ; and the Lord's eminent glorious Power ' went over all, whereby many Hearts were made glad, and thankful to the Lord for that Vifit and Service. So in the Sweetnefs of the Love of God, and bright glorious Shining of his Power, I took my Leave of Friends, and, with my three Companions from Ireland^ went to Milfom^ William Venn and feveral other? fet us A goon on our Way fome Miles, we had a Meeting at Sm? '' Milfom on a Firfl: Day, to which many came from feveral Places, and the heavenly Doftrine of Truth was preachM to them, in the Demon- ftration of the Spirit and Power of Chrift. The tvco Meet Hcxt Day we went to Chiffenhamy and had two chipp^'enham Meetings there, and good Service for the Lord on^^r Cain, and his Truth. From thence to Caln^ and had a Meeting there, to which came' feveral Sepa- rates^ and the Lord's Power m his Teftimony went over all. After the Meeting was over we rode to A Meeting MarWorot^ghj and the next Morning Friends boroighl coming together, fate down to wait on the Lord, and were comforted in one another, then parted in the Love of God and Senfe of his Goodnefs. After which we rode that Day to Newbury. Newbury^ frome thence to Or;, accompanied with Gerjhon Boat and James Hutchinfon^ and join'd with Friends in ufing our Endeavours with the Members of Parliament, to flop the Priefts Proceedings, and in order thereto we drew up in Writing our Objeftions,^^^^^^^^''^^ and orderM them to be Printed, in Readinefs tO'";"^'^"^ give in to the Parliament, when the Priefts Bills ^^'^'^'^• came into the Houfe : we likewife went to one of the Lords Juftices, the Lord of Galwnjj and and acquainted him how thofe Bills^ if they paf- fed into Acts^ would dejlroy the Fruits of our La- hours : Alfo gave him a Paper, that he might fee what the Priefls and their Servants had take?ifom us without thoje Laws ; voherehy he might judge ^ what they would do if thofe ^ills faffed into Laws, We did the like to the Chancellor, and feveral of tlic Parliament Men, who feemM to be cour- necoverr,^ teous and concerned for us. Having put things SVcf '* in as good Order as well could be, to anfwer ^"'"'^''' our Oppofers, (the Parliament alfo adjourning for one Week) I left Dublin and came to Mount- melicky accompanied with two Friends. Soon after was our if^Z/T^-jr^ Meeting in Hair-Year*- Dublwj and I went thither accompanied with^^^'^S'" feveral Friends, where, with other fincere Bre- thren, 176 William Edmundson 1697. thren, we were under an Exercife for. the Pro- ^'^^^'^'^ motion of Truth y and removing of thofe Things j which hinder the Frofperity thereof. Alfo a Mi- nute was fent from that Meeting to the feveral Provinces, advifing Friends to zk:atch again (I fuch hurtful Things. After the Meeting \vas over, I went Home to my Houfe, and was very unwel w.E.a«wf/for fome time, partly by Cold, and partly by ^%imf!^' Occafion of the Exercife I had been under for Truth's fake \ but tlie Lord's Power carried me over and heat'd me. Now Friends having had my Intentions of Marriage with Af.:7rj 5rrj;7gw/i;^ under their Con- fideration for fome time, in Men and Womens Meetings, and Enquiry being made, and all Things clear ; alfo publick Notice given of the Time and Place, upon the FirlT:_,Day of the Tenth Month, and Fourth of the Week, 1697. before a publick AlTembly in our ufual Meeting- Houfe at Mountmelick^ We took each other m Marriage : in which weighty Affair the Lord's- heivenly Frcfence accompanied us, to our great Comfort and Confirmation ^ and many in that Meeting being fenfible thereof, Were refredi'd in their Spirits ; alfo feveral Teftimonics born to the Lord's Goodnefs, which attended us in that Ordinance, everlafting Praife to his worthy Name for ever, Amen, Now I continued fome few Weeks at my own Houfe, keeping to our Meetings as they fell in Courfe, until our Province Quarterlj Meeting^ at Cafileder?noty where I was under fome Exercife, but the Lord's Power and heavenly Teflimony prevail'd, and the Service of Truth went on, fO' Ris JOURNAL 177 fo that we had a comfortable heavenly Meeting, 1698. and Friends were refrefhM in the Lord. When ^-'^"^^'^^ the Service of that Meeting was over, which held part of three Days in the Worfhip of God and publick Service in Truth's Affairs, I went Home, in Company with feveral Friends, and duly attended the Service of our Meetings, as appointed, and the Lord blefs'd his Work, and his concern'd Servants therein, although a World* ly felfifh Sfirit in fome ftrugled hard, yet the Lord crown'd his Teftimony with Dominion, his heavenly Power and Prefence appeared with us and for us, againft that Spirit, which fo pre- dominated in fome. SECT. XVIII. In 1698. He vifits Friends in the North of Ire- land. His wife Counfel in a difficult Strait at the Province Meeting. In 1699. His Vifit to Ulfter, and fome Fart of Connaught. At Rapho and Sligo the Friejls made fome Oppo- fition. He fettles a Meeting at H. Hamil- ton'i", and joins with friends in their Provin^ cial Vifit* AT our Allowing National Meeting at Dub- lin in the third Month, 1698. feveral Te- ftimonies were born in Publick, againft that Worldly Earthly Spirit^ by approved Brethren a seijijh both of England and this Nation, in the Demon- f^^aj^nl ftration of the Spirit and Power of God, which was glorious amongft us there, as at other Meet- ings upon Truth's Service. So returning home Q, after mot. 178 William Edmundsok 1698. after the Service was over, I kept to Meetings ^-^.""^ about us, and was at our next Province Meet- Province ing at Cafiledcrmoty where the Lord's fweet com- caftieder.''^ fortablc Prcfence was with us, and Matters re- lating to Church Order and Difciptme were clofe- ly proceeded on with Unity and Love, to the great Satisfaction of faithful concernM Friends. When the Service of this Meeting was over, which lafted part of three Days, I returned home in the Company of Friends, and kept to Meetings about us, and to the Service of them as ufual. w.E.b'c. . In the Sixth Month, 1698. I travelled into IftbeNonhthQ Norths accompauied with fome Friends, and was at the Province Meeting at Lurgan^ which held part of tliree Days in Truth's Service, and the Lord's Power was mightily manifefted a- monglt us to our great Comfort ; then I with fome Friends travelled together, and vifited moft Meetings in that Part of Ulfier^ then came up Dublin^' ^^ the Country to DMm^ and had three Meetings wickiow. there : fo to the County of Wtcklow (accompa- nied with feveral Friends from Dublin) and had two Meetings in that County, and one in the Wexford. County of Wexford^ fo came to Leinfler Pro- Mectiagat viucc Mccting 2it Cajlledermot^ which held part ^mou"^^^' of three Days, and a great Appearance of Friends, where the heavenly glorious Prefence of the Lord was amongft us, and things relat- ing to Church Government clofely difcourfed of, for the Honour of God, and good of his People ; Heip^ht of the World and Things of tt in f articular were hindereth undev our Consideration^ as they had been often VrTpeniy^ before, vi:z.. The Riches^ Height^ Bnerj and 'De^ light His JOURNAL. 179 liaht thereof^ which too much prevailed to the Da- 1698. mage of manj^ and Hinder ance of Trmh^s Profpe- ^^''V^-^ r/ty; as alfo to the Grief and Wounding of the Hearts of true J pncere^ jelf-denying Friends j ivho loved the Truth more than alL After much Difcourfe how to ftop the Stream thereof, that it might not prevail over our So- ciety, it appeared difficult to, accomplifh, and the Way intricate, how to deal with fuch, to iring them into the ^Bounds -of Chrifiian Modera- tiony to ufe the^ Creatures in their proper Places and Services^ for which they were created and given of God to Men J (and avoid Covetoujnefsoj So the Way not opening with Clearnefs to proceed, I defired Friends to adjourn the Meeting, v/hich^ was done, and the Friends of the faid Meeting met together again, with many ancient concern- ed Women. I defired we might bejlill^ and wait ne Lord, is: on the Lordj that He ?mght open our Hearts^ and ^°pl[ ^^^^^^ ffjew us how to proceed in this weighty Matter, Ac- ^^1"'^^^ ^^ cordingly Friends were all ftill and quiet, and Matters, the Lord filPd our Hearts with his holy Spirit and ancient Goodnefs ; fo that the Meeting was coverM with the Glory of the Lord^ that fliin- ed amongft us, then A Way open'd in his Divine Lighty how to proceed in the prejent Jffair^ and Things were ojfer'^d ' to the Meeting in that Matter^ which anfwer'^d the Witnefs of God in all their Hearts J fo that there was an Agreement to ohferve the fame^ and many Tefimonies horn to TrutlPs Limits J and againjl the Covetous Worldly Spirit. So Friends parted in much Gladnefs, and with great Satisfaftion. Q, 2 When i8o William Edmund son 1698. When the Service of the Meeting was over, ly^/'^^'l went Home the next Day with my Wife, keeping to our Meetings as ufually, until the Nintli Month, and then rode to Edenderry^ and was at Friends Meeting there, and from thence vinthMonth to Dul?Uf2y in company with many Friends go- ^c^nno^Z ing to our Half- Years Meeting, which held DubJn. ^j^^.^g j^^yg j^ ^j^g mrjhtp of God and Church- Affair 5 \ divers Friends were there from feveral Parts of the Nation, and Things were carried on in QuietneCs, though there was an oppofiie Spirit to Truth's Teftimony that did appear, yet the Lord's Power, which was with us, was over it, and Friends kept in the Wifdom of God. When the Service of that Meeting was over, I took my Journey homeward in the Company of feveral Friends. Now cold Winter Weather being come, and I not able to endure Hardfliip, to travel in Truth's Service as formerly, being ancient, I kept to Meetings as they fell in Courfe ; our Province Provincc Meeting for Leinfler being at the Moaty LeTn{te?{ri went thither in Company of feveral Friends, theM.o^u and we had a comfortable Meeting, feveral Friends in the Miniftry from England were there, and had a time to clear themfelves in their Service, whereby Friends and others were edified. When the Service of the Meeting was over, I went home again in the Company of many Friends ; and fometime after, finding my Body able^to ride Ihort Journics, and having Clearnefs in my Spirit, I went to 'birry to A good vifit Friends, and had a good frefli Meeting Birr. UICIC. The His JOURNAL. i8i The Week following I went to the Moat^ ac- 1699, companied with John Pirn and Gerfljon Boat^ and ^^OTsJ was at their Meeting on Firft Day, which was Moat, full, and the Lord's good Prefence with us ; Things relating to Truth's Teftimony were largely open'd in the Demonftration of the Spii- rit and Power of Chrift, Friends were well re- freflu'd in the Lord, and in one another ; fo I took leave of Friends there, and came Home,^ Now not being able to endure Hardftip in Travel, I ftaid about Home, keeping to our ufual Meetings, as they fell in Courfe until the Third Month. Then I rode to Dtiblin to our mrdMonth National Half-Years Meeting, which held part HauTJars-- of four Days, and a great Appearance of Friend s^^^j|;;f ""^ from feveral Parts was there, and the heavenly glorious Prefence and Power of the Lord Jefus was with us, both in Meetings for Divine Worfhip, and thofe for the Service of Truth in Church- Affairs^ many things relating thereto were clofely managed in the Wifdom of God, in great Unity, Peace and Concord. When the Service of that Meeting was over, finding my Strength of Body much decay'd, I returned Home again in the Company of Friends. The Week following I rode to Cafiledermotj'^^^^r to our Quarterly Meeting for the Province oic^imW Leinflerj which held part of Three Days, and'" ' the Lord's wonted Goodnefs was plentifully with us to our great Comfort and Satisfaftion, and Truth's Affairs clofely manag'd in much Unity, We parted in a Senfe of the Lord's Goodnefs, and I return'd home in the Company of Friendsj and attended our Meetings as uiual, raor. iSi William Edmundson 1699. until the Sixth Month ; then finding my Health ^'^'^ and Strength increafe, I went a Journey to- New-GardenAvards the Novth^ and took iSfeji-Garden and Dublin. D//^//> Meetings in my way, a^id, the Lord's Power mightily accompanied liis^'Teftimony. w. E. and George Rooke went .with me from j3/^^/iJ;^ to the to the North i^orpf)^ ^iM vcx tw,o DaV s' \ve came to Lurgan. 'ZtZ' Ne-xt Day;rc)'^«^r^^/M^^^^ Meeting near Ballmde-nj^ which continued part of three Days^ for the Wyrfbip^ ofQod'^nd C////rr/^- Alfairs. When the Service of the Meeting was over, we went Baiiyhagan. to L//r^^y/; Meeting, and then to Balljhag^an raou-ir Meeting,- and fo to 'the Meeting beyond Charle- Toberhead. ^fr^Q^^r^j^^ ^fid Toberhead. Meeting near Salter's Towriy where many Friends met iis, alfo many other People came, and a heavenly Meeting it coieTan ^'^'^^* Then we went to Grange \ thence to Co- Dunc.andy. lerai^^ and" fo to/ Du;iicbudy Meeting, in all- which Meetings with. Friends, ^ the mighty'- Power' of the Lord did accompany us in liis Word and Teftimoil'Vv to the Comfort, and Coxifir'' rnation of faithftih Xnends^ and ? lacing of ^juda^ Tnent oh^ the UnfaithfuL Now having lb far gone through Friends Meetings, we entred on the Mountains in the County of Londonderrj^ and pungivm. liad a Meeting at Dungivin on a Firft Day, to which came many People, feveral Perfons of Account; and all feem'd to be well fatisfied with^what was declared in the Authority of the Lord's Spirit and-Power, wluch reacliM his Witnefs in their H&ts. Then kciving Londonderry about two Miles on Rapho. the Right Hand, we came to Rapho^ in the County of Df/nnegaly the Bifliop's Place^ where we His fOU'R.MAL. 185 welodgM at ^tahn^ and endeavoured to get a 1699/ Meeting there, but none durft let us have a^^^^V^^ Houfe to meet in, for Fear of the Bifl:iop,' tho' feveral would fain have had a Meeting to hear us : fo the next Morning we appointed a Meet- a Afeehgm ing in the Market-Place, to begin at the Ninth '^^ M^r^" Hour, and went there accordingly, where fe-''^'''''* veral came ; and while my Fellow-Labourer was declaring Truth to the People, two Priefts came with a Conftable, and laid Hands on him, fay- ing, He was the Kjng^s Prifonerj and mufl ao f^<:onfiah!e with him, the Prieft brawPd and ragM ; then'^Ia^.^R^""' ftood up by the Market-Crofi, and defired them to he civil and quiet^ and hear what we had to fay ; then if any Magi fir ate had any thing to quef- tion us of, xve would go to him ; but the Prieft rag'd, and was fo full of Wrath that he trem- 7^^ Pr/vy? bled: They would know. What we were 1 whence Zf^fi "" we came f and, why we came there ? I askM if they ^'■'^"^'• imre Magijlrates ? And they faid, A^^. Then I told them, We were the Kjn^s Subjects, and In- hahiters in the Nation a^s well as they ; ' 4 to have it at the Fifth Hour that Evening, and ^/nTat^t^^^' ^ f^ll? powerful, heavenly Meeting we had, ^""' many People of Account were there, and the powerful Teltimony of the Word of Life went over them all. The next Day we had a Meeting two Miles from thence, to which feveral came, and defired to have another Meeting ; but we could not Trt>a atvi ftay then, having before appointed a Meeting at therkenny, ^^v/^^^^^^^^^ ^^ j^^gij^ ^^ the Firft Hour that Af. ternoon, where fome Convinced People, feat- ter'd in that Country, met us, they having No- tice of our Coming ; and we had a good open Meeting in the Under-Sheriff'^s Barn, who kept the chief Inn in that Town : we lodged there that Night, the next Morning it was with me to have another Meeting, which accordingly we had, and it was a comfortable confirming Meeting. We advifed thofe few convincM People in that Quarter, to meet together at Hugh HamiU tonh Houfe, to wait on the Lord ; which they affented to. And being clear of our Service in thofe Parts, William Whitefide^ Jacob Marjhd and Bartholomew Garnet^ who had been with us at divers Meetings, and helpful to us in that rough Country, returned home ; but I with my Companions, George Rooke^ Abel Strettell^ Ri- chard Guy and Henry Ridgway^ took our Journey towards Canmught^ and in a little more than *" ■ ' ' two m fOURMAL: 185 two Days Travel came to Sligo^ upon a Seventh 1699. Day of the Week. And the High-SherifF of ^^''VN; the County, and a Juftice of the Peace living in the Town, we acquainted them; as alfothe Provoft of the Town, that we intended to have a Meeting there next Day, they were very ci- vil, and granted us the Market-Houfe to meet a Meethg in : there was a great Concourfe of People, and hJuwrr the Things of God's Kingdom were largely de- ^^ ^^'s°* clar'd in the Demonftration of the Spirit and Power of Chr/fi: The next Day we had a Meeting at Kjlloony^ Six Miles from thence ; but a Mening the Prieft of the Parifh was angry, and got a"' ^'""^^^ Warrant from a Juftice of the Peace to break uf our Meetings and. to fet us in the Stocks for an Hour ; the Conftable came to execute it, but the Lord's Power prevented them, and therein we kept our Meeting, though the Prieft was in the next Room j and after the Meeting he was the vruji moderate. aftemard. It moderated* Then we v/ent back to SligOj having ap- pointed another Meeting there, to be on the Day following, a Merchant in the Town having a large empty Houfe, was fo kind and friendly as to let us meet therein ; where we had an hea- venly glorious Meeting, for Chrift's Teftimony funk into many of their Spirits. There were feveral eminent People at it, one Juftice of the Peace, and two Juftices Wives ; feme came to us after the Meeting, and exprefs'd their Satif- faftion. When the Meeting was over, we rode to Kjlloony^ and lodg'd there that Night, the next Day being very ftormy we came to Car- fickdrumrcosk^ and at our Inn v/here v/e lodg'dj there i86 William Edmundson 1699. there being a good convenient Room for a Meet- ^•^^"^^^ ing, I askM the Wonaan of the Houfe, If we might have a Meeting there that 'Evening ? flie gave Li- berty, and Notice was given for a Meeting to begin at the Fifth Hour, many came to it, and tSm^'^Ir ^^ ^^^ ^ powerful opening Meeting, the People Kiiioony. ' fecm'd to be well fatisfied, and worthy of the Opportunity. The next Day we travelM hard to get to Lang- ford in time, to get a Meeting, there ; but we found the Peoples Hearts fliut up, therefore had not one ; but we lodged there that Night, and Provmce thcn camc to the Moat to our Province Meeting, tbe'^02ii. being the Twenty third Day of the feventh Month, 1699. where we met with many Friends Brethren and Elders, they being upon the Ser- vice of vifiting Friends in the Province, and I being one appointed by the Meeting to join in that Service ; we concluded to meet in Dubliny the Tenth Day of the following Eighth Month. So I returned home with Friends, having had my Health and Strength very well, to perform my Service for the Lord in tlie foregoing Jour- ney ; and the Lord's bleffed Power was mighty with us, that went over all, everlafting Praife to his great and glorious Name, Amen. w. E, ^ent Then according to Agreement I went to Dub- K fr^^'"^ ^^^5 ^^ join vifiting Friends in that Service : as I proceed on a ^^Qx\i^ jxiy Horfe thrcw mc, and I was forely vtfit^'oT bruifed, but John Pirn and my Son-in-Law ^''''"^'' William Fayle being with me, helpM me up, and ftaid me with their Hands, until I recovered Strength to fit on Horfeback. I rode in great Pain to 'Dublin^ yet join'd there with the reft of Friends Hk fOURM'JL. 187 Friends appointed for the Service aforefaid, 16990 where we made/r/// E^cfraryof Men and Women vy^VNJ Ir tends J andjtich in general as frequented our re- ligious Meetings^ how they walked in the Truth in their Places and, St at ions ^ according to Gofpel Order^ that their Lights might fhine before Men in a good and righteous Cvnverfation^ to^ the Glory, of God^ ^}ho had called and gathered: us to he a People* We had feveral Meetings on the Hke Account ^.v^y^/ in that City, and fpent three Days in fuch Ser- duKV'* vice to good Purpofe, the Lord's Power and^''^^^^^'""^ heavenly Prefence being with us, which crown- ed our Labours, andl made them acceptable. And when clear, we went from thence in Peace and Comfort of the Lord's good Spirit, and that Day came to W/'H-foije; Twenty fourwickw. Miles ; but 1 rode in great Pain of the Hurt I got by the Fall off my Horfe, yet the Lord's Goodnefs help'd me through. We had three Meetings with Friends in that County, upon the like Enquiry as at Dublin, Then we went to the County or Wexford^ and had two Meet- wexford. ings with Friends there on the hke Account : then to the County of Catherlough^ and' had catheriough two Meetings with Friends upon the fame Oc- cafion ; in all which Meetings we had good Sa- tisfaction in our Labours of Love for the Ho- nour of God, and Good of one another. Now our Service being over in this Vifit, we return- ed Home, and the Week following the Quarterly Quarterly Province-Meeting for L^/;i?/6'r being appointed j^^^^^^^^^^^^^ at Catheriough. I rode thither, where was a catheiiough very great Appearance of Friends from feveral PartSj and a great Concourfe of other People: the i88 William Edmundson 1699. the Meeting held part of three Days for the fy^^r^C fVor/hip of God ^nd Church- Jf airs ; it was a powerful heavenly Meeting, the Lord's Power was over all, and his Witnefs was reached in many Hearts, to their great Satisfadion and Comfort. Here we made our Return to the Mens- Meeting of our Service in the Vifit before- mention'd, which feem'd to be fatisfadory After this Meeting ended I returned Home, and kept to our ufual Meetings • alfo vifited Friends B^l^lTrf f Mountrath, and went to the Burial of Eliza- Elizabeth oeth Smith near Edenderry, havins good Service Sr; at the Grave-Tard in the Teftimon| of Truth many Friends and others being there • After t":"'"' T^''^^ ^ ^^"""^^ ^^^ Meeting of Friends at Eden- Bauynoiert. ^^''Di ^nd then Came to Ballynolert, and ftaid one ,?2-"-. Meeting there; fo came with Robert Hoove and JohnBarcroft to our Meeting at Momtmelick, ^;«4«^"VTr^'™?A^'^^''.'^^"' *° t'^^ ^"^fy where rte Moat, vve had feveral Meetings, and the Lord's Power and Goodnefs was with us, in which we were well refrefh'd together. After which I return'd Home, and kept to our Meetings as they came in Courfe, until the latter End of the Second Month, 1700, SECT. m journal: 189 SECT. XIX. ^^ In 1700. He vifits Munfter, tvhere he rvas much afflicted in T^odj, After his Recovery and Re- turn^ He^ G. R. and J. F. went towards Connaught. At Ayres-Court all three were pit in the Stocks. At Abby-Boyl they had a good Meeting in the Streets^ &c. They writ to the Bijhop of Clougher, and return through feveral Meetings in Ulfter and Leinfter. AT which time, I went towards Munfier to vifit Friends, and was at a Meeting at Mountrath^ and one at Knockhallymagher^ and fo MoantraA. went to Limerick^ accompanied with Friends, and ^^^^^' ftaid there three Meetings ; we were well re- Limerkk frefh'd in the Lord : And then rode to CharlevilychirianL and ftaid one Meeting, from thence to Cork^co:k. and were there with Friends at feveral Meetings, it being the Time of their Provincial Meeting, the Lord's heavenly Prefence was with us. Here I was taken with a great Pain in my right Side, yet the Lord's Pov/er enabled me to anfwer the Service of that Meeting ; when it was over we parted in the fweet Love of God, and Comfort of his Holy Spirit. I rode in much Pain that Day (accompanied with feveral Friends) to C/^/^^Ainey; Ifaac Fuller'^Sy and there parted in the fweet Peace and Unity of the Lord's bleffed Spirit, that ac- - companied us in our Travel and Service, and was Motith and Wijdom to us in every Place where we came, fo that Gainfayers could not oppofe, and many confelTed to the- Truth of the Teftimony we bore for God, and his dear Son our Lord Jefus Chrift, everlafting Praife to his great Name, Amen. Then George Rooke and Roger Roberts went home to Dublin^ Thomas Winfloe to Rirr^ and I to my own Houfe, accompanied with ^o^ua Beale 3.nd Richard Guy^ the Eighteenth Day of the feventh Month, 1700. In a fliort time after our Provincial Quarterly qn?»rteriy. Meeting was at Catherlough, and my Mind was caSJgh inclined to be there ; fo I went in Faith of the Lord's Power, tho' in much Pain, and the Lord help'd me, fo that I perform'd that Journey. When the Service of the Meeting was over, I R 5 re- 198; William Edmundson ■ • ■ ' I J700. retum'd Home in the Company of feveral --VN; Friends. Soon after that GeorgI RookellSc homDublw, to our Monthly Meeting at Mount- melfck ; after which we travel'd together in the ^Z^Z:p''^'S"''^y ^""^ County of Tipperary, vifiting fy .of Tip- iQme Meetings ; and alfo went to Clonmel to the muXp„ Province Meeting for Af«»/^r, which held two .>n.ci».%=' fo** ^^^ Worfhip of God and Church Dif- ml. ciplme. When the Service of that Meeting was over, ^e rode towards Dul>lm in Company of feveral Friend?; of Muffler, and in three Days sot ^"'rtL ^}f^'^^H "^^' Day the National Half -Tears Duff*' Meeting began, and many Friends from feveral • Partsof the Nation came to it, which held four Days m Doftrine and Church Difcipline, and there I met with fome Exercife ; but the Lord's Power carried me through it, as at other times, and we had a good heavenly Meeting, and whenever parted in the Love of God and Comfort of his blefTed Spirit; fo I returned Home in the Company of feveral Friends. ' . i^?^^ Eight or Ten Days after I was drawn 7Jnf" •" T^r^}P S° ^S''" to ^*^^'^» which accord. cuijiin. ingly I did, accompanied with my Son TryaL and my Son-in-Law M'tfliam Fayle, where I found Service for Truth's Teftimony, that required my being there at that time : fenfible boneft- hearted Friends were glad of my Coming. I ftaid four Meetings in Dublin, and the Lord's Power m his Teftimony was over oppofite Spi- 1?^^'-^ ''"t ■ ^'^ J°hn Beck, tvho had profejPd Truth, ■•and, was eone from Friends for a Wife, together WHb his faid Wife;, both then appearing in ourfub^ liek His fOUR^MAL. 199 lick Meeting for the WorjJjip of God^ in a bitter 1701. and ennjiom Sfiritj rvith railing Accusations againft ^-^^V>0 Friendsy were publickly detected^ and their Folly rnanifefledy and Friends were refrejh^d and com- forted. So being clear, I returned homewards with my faid two Sons, and fome other Friends. That Day I came to my Son-in-Law William Fayle% and next Day to Balljnolerty where I Baiiyaoiert. ftaid a Meeting with Friends, then came home and kept to our own Meetings, as they came in Courfe, it being Winter-Seafon, and old Age weakening my Ability. In the Twelfth Month our Province Meeting falling in Courfe to be Ldnfter at the Moaty I rode thither in the Company of j^7,^;>g%^ feveral Friends. The Meeting held part of two ^^^ ^'^^f- Days : it was an heavenly comfortable Meeting, Friends were fweetly refrefli'd, and parted in the Senfe of God's Love upon their Hearts and Spirits. Then I came Home in the Company of feve- ral Friends, and kept to Meetings near hand, as they came in Courfe, being not well that Win- ter ; yet felt a Concern upon my Spirit to vifit fome Places in the North of England. So on the Sixth Day of the Third Month following, in the Year, 1701. I went from my Houfe, tho' not in Health, and in two Days came to Dublin very weary ; next Day the Service of our Half-year. A^^//^W Meeting begun, and a great Appear- DuWn?*' anee of Elders and Friends was there from feve- ral Parts of the Nation, and the Lord's mighty Power was with us, to our great Comfort and Sa- tisfaction, which made me eafie over myllnefs. The Service of this Meeting lalled Part of Six' ' Days. R 4 SECT. 200 Willi AM Edmundson c^^ SECT. XVI. h 1 701. He vifits the North of England, in a- bout two Months Time returns^ and, writes to R. T. an excellent dijfrvafive Letter againji the too eager Furfuit after the Gain, Pleafure, and Great Things of this Life, F Inding my felf ftronger and better la Health, through the Lord's Power which \v,^.goes heaPd me, I laid my Intention of going for f^i^m'^^, England before the Elders and Brethren, who gave their free Confent, George Rooke^ Thomas Fearce and Jacob Fuller accompanied me for England^ intending to go to London to the Year- ly Meeting, We took Shipping at Dublin^ on the Sixteenth Day of the Month aforefaid, and many Friends accompanied us to the Water- Side, where we parted in a fweet tender Frame, and Comfort of God's Love. We had an eafie fmooth Paaage, and in about Thirty two Hours landed at Nejfon^ from thence we rode to Che^ A Meeting jlevy and being at Friends Meeting there, I felt rf^uufi.r. fQixiething of Oppofition, which after the Meet- ing appeared in a high floating Spirit of one, who could not bear Reproof, and who after- wards for Diforders was deny'd by Friends. From thence we rode to John Merrick\ it was a very wet Day, and I got a great Cold ; Middievvich. from thence we went to Middlewich in Che/hire^ to Friends Meeting there, it being Firft Day of the Week and Eighteenth of the Third Month w.E. ;5M- aforefaid. In theiatter End of the Meeting I %n^ ""'^^ was feiz.'d with great Ilnefs, and Pain over my Body, His JOURNAL. aoi — ^-.— — — ^ Body, and was forc'd to ftay at the Houfe of 1701. our Friend William Handcock five Days, where ^-OPO they were very kind and tender to me. Here by a mutual Confent George Rooke and Jacoh Fuller went on their Journey towards London^ to the Yearly Meeting, and Thomas Fierce ftaid. I was not able to travel with them, and befides was ftop'd in my Spirit from going to Londorj. "When I was able I went Northwards, as the Way moft clearly open'd to me, accompanied with Thomas Pierce, We came to Penketh inpenkethw Lancafhire, and were at Friends Meeting there ^^""^'*' on Firft Day, where the Lord enabled me to open many Myfteries of Chrift's Kingdom and Government, in the Demonftration of the Spi- rit and Power of God, who gave me Strength over my Weaknefs, and we were well refreflfd in the Lord ; and alfo many Friends came to fee me, and we were glad of each other. From thence we went to Joh^ Hajdock\ and john Hay. ftaid there two Nights, where unexpe£ledly we ^"^^^ met with Joh^ "Boufled, Robert Atkin[on^ Peter Fearon, and fev^eral others, going to the Yearly Meeting at London : we were glad and com- forted to fee one another ; but they feem'd to be much concern'd and troubled, that they could not have my Company to London, Thomas Pierce and I rode to Lancafter^ and ftaid there Lancafter* one Night, and had a Meeting with Friends ; alfo vifited Friends in Prifon in the Caftle for not paying Tythes to the Priejls. Next Day we rode to Swarthmore to fee Margaret Fox, who swarthmor^ who was then weak in Body. We loi William Edmundson 1 701. We abode there three Nights, and were at ^^^w; their Meeting on Firft Day, and the Lord's Power was with us to our great Comfort, then we rode to KjnM^ and feveral Friends of Swarthmore went with us. The next Day we Cimfgiii. rode to Camfgill^ and ftaid at Thomas Cams three Nights, and were with them at their Meeting. Monthly From thence we went toKjndalj to the Month- KendaL ''* Ij Meeting of Men and Women, for Bufinefs in Church'JffairSy and many things were large- ly open'd to them on that Account, which feemM to be great Satisfaftion and Comfort to many. Then we rode Home with^f^/;// Tileaklwgj and nifljHdaic. next Morning into Riffindale^ accompanied with many Friends, where we had a large Meeting out of Doors, many came to it both Friends and others from feveral Places, being on a Firft Day of the Week, and the Lord mightily ftrengthned me, to declare the Word of Life^ which reached many Hearts; then we rode sejjgbw g^^-back to^^^^^c^ General Meeting, where many ing. Friends came, both of Torkfbire^ Lancajhire and Wejimorlafjd^ and a powerful heavenly Meeting it was ; many Hearts were tendered and weigh- ty Things in the Lord's Power were opened, re- lating both to Docirine and Gofpel Order; the Lord having ftrengthned and heaPd me of my 'K^'^y-ste- Ilnefs. From thence we went to Kjrbj'Stefheriy Litde-Muf- where I met with Lancelot Lanca[ier my old Ac- ^'°'''^' quaintance of Uttle-Mufgrovey the Place where I was born. Iliad aDefire to have a Meeting there, and ask'd him, If be could accommodate us with a place His fOURNAL. aog Tlace to meet in^ who cheerfully replied he 1701. would do it : Then I rode in Company with L/W> Thomas Pterce to Little-Mufgrove, where the Peo- ple lliewM their Gladnefs to fee me ; and I gave them Notice of having a Meeting there on the Firfl: Day following, there having not been a Meeting there of the People called fakers : they feem'd very willing and ready to further the fame V fo we rode on to Jfplehy^ and lodg'd Appleby, that Night at the Coaler's, who kept an Inn, Two Friends being Prifoners there for fome Priefts Demands. The next Day we rode to Strickland-Head^ and had a Meeting there with ^<^cWand- Friends, here Anthony Robinfon came to us, new- ly come from Ireland, Next Day we came to Little-Mufgrove^ where Littic-Muf< my old Neighbour Lancelot Lane ajler^ his Wife^'^"^^* and Children received us with great Expreffion of Love and Kindnefs. We lodgM there that Night, and the next Day had a great Meeting in a large Barn : many came to it from feveral Towns and Places thereabout, and xhQ Doctrine of Chrijl'^s I{ingdom was largely and powerfully declared, the People feemM to be well fatisfied, and exprefs'd the fame after the Meeting, with Words of great Kindnefs: their Hearts were open for more Meetings, but that Evening we rode to Blerv-grafi on Stainmoor^ fome of niyB;g^.grjl^^ Kinsfolk rode with us, and we lodged at a Kinfwoman's Houfe, who was glad to fee me, and defirous to have a Meeting at her Houfe« The next Day I rode to Cudderfion in Torkjhire, cudderftoa ' accompanied with Thom^ts Fierce and Jnthony''^^^^^^^^^^ Robinfon^ and on the Day following was at ^ - Friends ab4- William Edmundson 1 701. Friends Meeting at Lartintoj^^vjht^Q things were O^'W^ opened in the Teftimony of Truth for Friends lartinton. Benefit, and we parted in a Senfe of the great Love of God. After the Meeting we rode to Rayby. Rayby^ accompanied with feveral Friends, there I lodgM at Jane Vickridge^s Houfe, and ftaid a Meeting there with Friends, to which feveral, that beiongM to other Meetings, came, and we were well refrefh'd in the Lord, and in one an- , other. The next Morning we parted in a fweet Senfe of the Love of God, and that Day rode Durham, to Durham^ and lodgM at an Inn. New^aftic. The Day following went to Nerv-Cafile, and next Day, being the Firft Day of the Week, we were at two Meetings there, the Teftimony of Truth in the Lord's Power was delivered fuitable to the States and Conditions of the Peo- sundcriand. pie : And on the Day following rode to Sunder^ landy and ftaid one Meeting there with Friends. After the Meeting we rode to John HalPsy and Stockton, next Day he went witli us to Stockton^ and on^ the Day following we had a frefli comfortable* Meeting there. Next Day we rode to Darling- tony m the Company of feveral Friends, and the Day following, being Firft Day of the Week, we had two Meetings with Friends to our mutual Comfort. The next Morning early we took our Jour- ney towards Tork, and Robert Trueman^ at whofe Houfe we lodg'd in Darlington y went with us yorkQnar- thithcr, and ftaid the Quarterly Meeting there, ter y Meet- ^^ Q2imQ m two Days there, and on the next Morning the Quarterly Meeting begun, it be- ing the Second Day of the Fifth Month, 1701* The m fOURNAU 205 The faid Meeting was very large, and held 1701. two Days. Here we met with George Rooke v-^'VvJ. and Jacob Fuller, our Fellow-Travellers out of Ireland, and were glad of one another. When the Service of this Meeting was over, we rode to Neshorough, to wit, George Rooke, Thomas ^ Meeting Fierce and I, in Company of many Friends : r1,ugh?n^fo^ there we had a Meeting in the Talbooth (or Taibooth, Market-Houfe) and many of the Town's People came to it ; the Doftrine of Chrifi^s Kjngdom and Myfiery of Faith were largely open'd, and things well : fo we parted in Peace. After this Meeting we rode to Stuhbin, costubbin. John Dodgens, and fo to Majfam to Friends Maflkm. Meeting there, which was full, it being on a Firft Day of the Week. The next Day wetra- vePd to Bainbrig, William Clayton and John Bins accompanied us thither; fo taking leave re- turned Home : but we rode on our Way to Haws J and lodg'd at a Friend's Houfe. The Haws. next Day we came to Mailer flang, and lodg'd Maiicrftang. at my Couzen Thomas Qleasbfs : and on the Day following to Kjrby'Stefhen, to a Meeting that Kirby.ste. we had appointed before, which we kept in a^^*"' large Barn belonging to the Inn ; many People came, and the Teftimony of Truth was over all, feveral feem'd to be reach'd, and we were well fatisfied in our Labour of Love. When this Meeting was over, and People gone, our Company ftaid that Night at the Inn, viz. George Rooke, Thomas Tearce and my felf ; the next Morning we rode to Crosby-Garret, and crosby that Day had a fatisfa£lory Meeting there with^*"*^ fober People in a Barn, belonging to an Ale- Houfe; :m io€ WiXLiAM Edmundson 1701. Hoiife; and they feem'd to be afFefted, and iy^V^^ well fatisfied with what was declared. That jrough. Day after the Meeting we rode to Brought under Stainmoovj and lodging that Night at an Inn, we had a Meeting there next Day in a Barn ; feveral People came thither, who heard the Word declared, and were quiet; butfeem'd to l)e a harder People than they atC^^i?^^ tlie Day before. #.ewgfars. After this Meeting ended, we rode to Blew-: grajs on Stainmoor^ and there had a very throng'd Meeting ; and it being on a Firft Day of the Week, many came to it; where the VoBrine of Chrifs KJngdom^ Mjfi^^y Pf Faith^ and Way. cf Salvation was largely open'd to them, and many feem'd to be affefted with what was de- clared, and were tender, friendly and lovingo After this Meeting we parted in Peace, Love creatMuf- and Tendcrncfs ; fo rode to Great-Mufgrovey in ^- ^* Company wiili feveral Friends, having appoint- ed a Meeting there that Afternoon, on^Tbomas Waller having promifed me his Barn to meet in ; but the Prieft heard of it, and fent his Wardens to charge him, That he fiould not let us meet there : So we had the Meeting on a Gree?2 in the mid-, die of the Town ; the People came to it^ and were very fober and folid, parting lovingly like Friends. Now, being clear of that Quarter, we took leave of Friends ' there with us, and Warecap. rode to Warecap^ and lodg'd at an Inn:. Here Thomas Pierce was taken ill, and we ftaid fome Part of the next Day ; but he being willing to \ remove from thence, we took Horfe and rode to strfchnd- Strickland-HeaL and the next Day to' Gt^orge ""'''] Beliefs. ' The - m fOURNAt. ao7 The Day following we went to Friends Meet- lyoi. ing nt2iV Wtlliam Greermfs -^ after the Meeting ^^''^^'^Ni Thomas Pierce and I rode to Margaret Fawceis 2iX.^ Meeting Elkjlony William Greemp accompanied us ; and cree^p')!' the next Day we were at Friends Meeting at^^^^"^"' Pardfey-cragg ] and on the Day following at pardPey. Friends Meeting at Broughtofj. Friends had ap- g^^f -^^^^ pointed a Meeting for us at Boulton on the Firft Bouiwn. Day following, George Rooke was gone before to fee his Relations, and to give Notice of the faid Meeting, which was large and full, many came to it both Friends and others ; and it was a glorious Meeting : after which George Rooke and I went to Thomas Drurf% and the reft of our Company towards Cockermoutk The next Day we went to Broughton again, Broughtoik where Friends had appointed a Meeting for as many Friends in the County as were willing to come, and had a Conct^rn for Church-Dijctpline and Gofpel'Order^ both Men and Women, they being defirous to have an Opportunity with us before we left the Nation. So Notice was gi- ven to Friends Meetings through the County, and many concerned Friends came, both Men and Women, and the Lord's ancient Goodnefs was with us in that Meeting, where many things relating tO Church-T)ijctpli?je and Gojpel- Order were clofely fpoken to, and we were com- JB forted together ; io parted ia the Love of God jj^H and Tendernefs of Spirit. ^Ml That Day after the Meeting we rode tOw. e. mh Whitehaven^ in order to take Shipping for JV^-J^y^J> landy and feveral Friends went with us thither ; whitchave. the next Morning we IhippM our Horfcs, and^''''"^*""** near ao8 William Edmundson 17^1. near the middle of the Day we went aboard, t/VN^ and put to Sea ; but the Wind being contrary, were near four Days and three Nights at Sea : then arrived fafe at Dublin on the Twenty fixth Day of the Fifth Month, 1701. it being the feventh Day of the Week. The next Day I Two Meet' ftaid at Dublin two Meetings, and that Evening &S! feveral Friends, who heard of our Landing, C2imQ X,oT)ublinivomWicklow^ where they had been at the Province Meeting. The next Morning 1 left Dublin^ in the Com- w.K.rf- pany of feveral Friends, and that Day came Zmefaund Home to my Houfe, and found Things well, things weu. Bleffed be the Lord for his Mercies and Good- nefs. Soon after I, with my Wife, went to fee iaUynokrt. our Relations at Balljnolert^ in the County of JQldarcy and ftaid one Meeting with them, and fo returned home •, then went to a Meeting at Baiiyboy. Ballyboyy to which many good-like, fober People came, and the Lord's Power was with us, in which the Gojpel was preach'd, and the Peo- ple feem'd to be well fatisfied. From thence iirr. we went to B/?t, and had a Meeting there ; and then rode Home, accompanied with fome Friends, where I wrote a Letter in the Open- ings of Truth y direfted to Robert Trueman at Darlington in B/Jhoprick, as an Admonition to , him and otiiers ; as folio weth, viz. My His fOURNAL 209 170I. My Friend, R.T. t^v^ TH E Remembrance of thee and thj tender a Letter Wtfe^ in true and tender hove causes thefe t7"k. t.- few Lines J chiefly to renew thy Memory^ ^^ p-^fr^^'^^odAdlke the Contents of thy own Letter^ written to me'^ndcauUon. jome time ago^ to give me an Account of the Eafe and Peace thou foundji in thy Practice in Things ^ relating to the following Subject of the Lawful Things of this World ; and thou knot^Jt what my friendly Admonition in the hove of Truth waSj when I farted with thee in York ; that thou might jt perform in Deeds^ what thou hadjt [aid in Words. And now^ Dear Robert, / know that the Eager- nefs after the lawful Things of this World, at this time hinders ?nany Friends Growth in the pre- cious Truth^ and their Service to it in their Day^ though othervoife of great Parts and Abilities to do much Service? for Truth on many Accounts^ as In^ Jiruments in the Hand of God^ but cannot ferve God J as they ought to do^ and as the Day requires, neither f leaf e the Captain of otir Spiritual Warfare^ as good Soldiers ; if we involve and load our felves with the Things of this World ; and this is the great tailurey and Stumbling -''Block at this Dayy and two many of ouv Society are hurt thereby,, who have in meafure efcafd the Unclean, Unjuft and Unlawful Things of this^W^rld, and wa\Vd their Garments from the Spots thereof \ jo bear the Name of VirginSy and now fit down in the Dufi^ in the Lawful Things of this World, without a ^ . due Confideration and true Regard of the right Ufe and Service of them in the Creation^ and to S ths :^io William Edmundson 1 701. the Bounds and Limits of Truths in the Getting ^^^'"^ and Ufmg of them, in their Places and Services ; fo as the foolijh Virgins want the Oyl, that would^ mdke their Lamps burn with holy fragrant Smelly according to T)ivine Kjiowledge, for the Promotion of the Lord'^s Bleffed Truth on all Accounts ; and would make their Lights fhinej in which the Ser- 'vice of the Day is clearly jeen, and the Glory of the Lord riftng more and more, to dif cover all things that are offenftve and ?nujl he cajl out. And on this Account great Danger doth appear, that ?nany, as the Foolijh Virgins, will he (Jjut out of the Bride- groonPs Chamber, when thofe that are ready, who have fl^aken themf elves from the Dufl, and put on the beautiful Garments, who have Oyl in theiy Lamps, and do rife in the Brightnefs of this glo- riom Day of the Lord, having their Affections jet on Things that are above, where Chrifl is, and not on Things that be upon the Earth, enter with Chrijl into the Wedding Chamber, Notv, my Friend, I rvould not burthen thee with Words, but the Bowels of true Love are open to thee and thine, and I certainly know, the Enemy of Mankind is working in a myjlerious Way, to overthrow many that have had their Faces Sion-wards, now to look hack to the G3.in, Profit ^W Pleafure in thofe Things that are foon gone, and a little of them will ferve in their right Ufe with a contented Mind : fo can do no lefs but give Notice of it, that thou and others may efcape his Snares, and cafi ojf thofe Burthens in this eafie Gofp el-Sabbath-Day, and cheerfully run the Race tn the Service of God and their Genera-- tion, according to Ability and Gift in Station and Place. J could, His fOURNJL. aii I could fay much on this Suhjeffy but [hall cut lyoQ- (hort^ and leave the IJ[ue to the Lord^ who is t^^^N^ railing his Holy Seed, that will bruife the Head of the Serpent, in this his Enter frize and evil Purpofe, as well as in other Things^ that he hath made Head in^ to hinder the Lord'^s People in their Progrefs towards his Holy Rejl^ that God hath pre- pared for them that love him. Though many have fallen jh or t of that Re si in fuch Times of Tempta- tion : And it is to be doubted^ too ma-njy and fome of the Stars of this Day^ may fall in this Tempta- tion^ and Prefentation of the gloriom Things of this World that perijh ; So conclude^ with Bowels of true Love to thee^ and thy well meaning tender Wife. And further to let you knoiv^ that after our parting from York, we had Service in that Coun- ty^ and in Weftmorland and in Cumberland, both with Friends and others in feveral Places^ which I hope will not always lie buried^ or return empty without fome Fruits to the Praife of God^ and Profit of Men. And when we were clear of that Service^ we jfjip'^d at Whitehaven for Ire- land, and after four Days at Sea^ landed fafe and well at Dublin ; and in the main things are well with Friends in this Nation^ and a right Concern on many for Truth'^s Profperity in its holy comely Order and Difcipline \ which the Lord makes to pro/per in the Hands of his faithful Servants^ to the great Satisfiffion and Comfort of many. And here is great Opennefs in many Places^ and little or no Oppofition. The Remembrance of my Love is to honeji Friends at Ray by, who are concerned for Good Order in the Church of Chrift ; to Jane Yickers, and the reft^ and to her Friends '^t S 2 Stockton^ aia William Edmundson 1701. Stockton, where 1 lod£d^ and to John Hal], ani ^^^"^^'^ to all fticb as afore-rmemiorPd^ as tf 1 iiam* d them \ for I know there are a few Names in that County that have a true Regard to God^s Honour, and would have things well in his Houfe -^ but fee that many Things want Re for mingy which is their Trouble ^ and with fuch my Spirit travels.. And when thoti feeji Wiliiam Ellis, tell him^ That his ancient friend in the Love of Truth advijes him to take heedj that the Topping Spirit after the Thinrrs afore-mentionedy do not hurt him at unawares: tvhich is my beji Love to him. William Edmundfon. SECT. XXL Hevifus Ulfter, and fever al Places in Connaught, where none of our M^^^ings had been. Is ob-^ Jirucfed at Abby-boyl by the Burgo-Majler. IcinHcf OU R next Quarterly Provincial Meeting being at Catherlough^ I went there : the CateTpugh Service of that Meeting 'held part of three Days, for the Worfljip of Gody and Ordering Affairs in the Church of Chrift, When that Ser- vice was over I went home, and that Week ,j^ took my Journey to the Province of Ulfler, and connaughN fo ^^^0 Connaught in the Service of Truth, ac- companied with Jo^jua "Beale and Richard Guy ; that Day we rpde to Ifaac Fuller^ aqd the next Day Jonathan Robinfon went with us; we alfo diet with George Rooke by Appointment, and the Day Eu JOURNAL. ^n t)ay following, being Firft Day of the Week, 1701. we had a full and fatisfa£tory Meeting at Abby^ ^^yy^ laryy where no Meeting of our Society had Abbyiary. been, many good-like People came to it, the Lord's Power was with us, in which the My- fteries of his Kingdom were preached, and the Way of Life and Salvation opened* The People were very attentive and tender. After the Meeting we rode that Evening to Cai'^^y and the next Day beyond 'Ba/Ijh/ryesy and Eaiiyhaycs; had a Meeting with Friends there, and there- about. Several People came to it, and many weighty Gofpel Truths were delivered, fuitable to the Peoples Condition, and the Service of the Day; next Day we rode to BtiHybagan^ in the raiyhagnh. County of Jrd.magh^ and h^d a comfortable Meeting there with Friends ; after v/hich we rode to Joh;^ RobinforPs^ and the next Day to Richard Boyes\ in the County of Antrim^ Vv^here the Quarterly Meeting for Ulfrer begun thatuider Dayj and held part of three Days for the Wor- MeetlngL Ihipof God and Difcipline of his Church, the^^^^^"' mighty Power of God was with his Teftimony, which broke through all, and wrought into a tender SubmifTion thereto. Then we went back to Lurgan^ and had aturgiin. large Meeting of Friends and others, where many precious Things relating to ChrijVs King- dom and Government^ were largely open'd in the Power of Truth, fuitable to the States and Conditions of the. People. The next Day we went to Grange^ and on the Day following had Grange. a Meeting there with Friends, and we were refrefhed together in the Lord. The next Day S J to William Edmundson 1 70 1, to Dundaudyj and had a Meeting there: And ^-^''"v^^ next Morning we rode through the Mount- DungiviH. tains to Dungiviny and had a Meeting there that Day. coierain. On the Day following we came to Colerahy and the next Day, being firft Day of the Week , we had a full Meeting there, where the Word of Truth was powerfully preach'd, and God's Witnefs reachM in many Confciences, fo that many Hearts were comforted and refreftiM. stn-ibanc. The next Day we got to Strabane in the County of Londonderry^ being Thirty four Miles ; we went out before Day, and travePd hard, it be- ing a rainy Day. And on the Day following camefio. we rode to Cafllef.n^ in the County of Dun-negaly and had a frefli Meeting there, where none had been before : the People were attentive and fober. New-Town- Thc ucxt Dciy we came to Nerv-Town-Stewart^ and had a throng'd Meeting there ; and on the Day following we trayePd through the Moun- tains, a rough aad bad Road, and lodged that Night at Fetticoe in the County of Farmannaghy expecting to get a Meeting there, but were difappointed, and had poorpntertainment. On the next Day we rode to Balleekj and it being a fore llormy Day, of exceeding high Wind and Hail in our Faces, and bad way, both we and our Horfcs were forely foiled, and I got an ill Cold ; yet in the Evening we had a fatif- faclory Meeting, that helpM us, and repaired our hard Days Work. Several both Proteflants and Pafijls were there, aifo a Papifi Prieft^ and Truth's Teftimony was over them all, without Op. Fetticoe. Ballcel m JOU^NJK ,21^ Oppofition, to our Comfort and Satisfaftion. 1701; The next Day we rode to Balljfljanmn in the ^^'"^^-^ County of Dunnegal^ and on the Day following Baiiyftian. being Firft 'Day of the Week, had two Meet-"°"*^ ings, the People of the Town were very atten- tive and fober, although in thefe two Places laft mentioned, no Meetings of our Society had been before. Then we went to Sligo^ and siigo. lodged two Nights, and had a^ full Meeting there: From thence to Abhy-bojl in the County ^iAbby-. of Rofcommon, and would have had a Meeting ^7^^^,^: there, but the Burgo-Mafter (one Wtlkins) would ^^^^^^^'•«' not fuffer us, and hinder'd the People; where- Xn«g. fore I told him. That we were the Servants of the Living Godj and came to warn the People to Repentance ; and inafmuch as he ohflruBed our Service^ I charged the Sins of the People upon him^ whereat he trembled : fo I left him. We rode to Carrickdnmroosk^ where fome of J^[^^'J;-^ ^ our Company fought for a convenient Place to '""''°°' ' have a Meeting, and the Steward to Sir George St. George had granted to let us have the Seffion Houfe to meet in ; but afterwards the Prieft of the Town with two more dilTwaded him from it : fo that when we went to the SeiTion Houfe, and many People gathered to have a Meeting, the Steward told Friends, he could not let us have it. Then returning to the Inn where we lodged, the fober People went along with us very friendly; where the Woman of the Inn willingly granted us a large Dining-Room to meet in, and we had a fweet comfortable Meeting, l\\Q Myfieries of Chnji's K^jngdomwere freeiy declared^' and the Way of Life and Salva- ST 4; m^ Willi AM Edmundson 1701. tion largely and plainly opened, and the Hearts ^''''V^^' of the People open and tender. The next Morning we rofe early, and travelling hard, we got to Jacob Fuller's about two Hours with- in Night, I was very weary : but refted there the next Day. On the Day following, being Firft Day of the Week, we went forth early in the Morning accompanied with feveral Friends, and rode to Kioa«h, Kf^'-^ghj and had a Meeting there that Day, where none had been before ; fo came back a- gain that Night to Jacob Fuller\ and on the Third Day had a Meeting there with Friends, on Fourth Day one at the Moat^ on Fifth Day one at Ufmotneyj and on the Sixth Day went again tothtMoat^ where I met my Wife and L«mfter fcvcral Fricnds, who came to the Province ^MulT^at Meeting, which bco;un there the next Day, the Moat. ^^\^^^^ tlj^ Service of that Meeting was over, I went Home with my Wife, in the Company of feveral Friends, and kept to Meetings as they came in Courfc* SEC T. XXII. W. E, goes /(?//;^ Half- Years Meeting ^/f Dublin, is noyninated to 00 over to London ; but betm weakly J and unable to ferform that Journej^ he writes an Efifile to Friends. National IN the Ninth Month following, our National Meeting was at Dublin^ Beginning the Dublin: Eighth Day of the faid Month, as ufual : fo f went there, where was a large Appearance of Friends Hk JOUR.NJL. ai7 Friends, from feveral Parts of the Nation, and 1701. great Numbers of others throngM to our Meet- ^^'^VN; ings for the Worfhip of God, and much Service there was, which lafted Part of four Days, and was carried on in Peace anc^ Concord, in the Wifdom of God, which was with Brethren and Elders, in managing the Affairs of Truth in Meetings, both for 'Docirine and Church T)ifci- />//;?(?, which ended in great Peace -to the Praife of God and Comfort of Friends. Now, when tlie Service of this great Meet- ing was over, I returnM home. Winter being come, and my Old Age not able to endure much Cold, or hard Travel, I attended the Service of Meetings near home, and in the Tenth Month our Province Six Weeks Meeting ietfift«. being at Lambs-Toz^^n in the County of ^^^^^ord^^^^j^^^ ^ I had fome Drawings upon my Spirit thither, iamb- to which I went, and had good Service there ^'^'^' on fevera! Accounts, the Lord's Goodnefs being with us, which crown\l our Service with Sue- cefs and great Comfort. When that Service was over, I rode home in the Company of '^o- fljidaBsale and Richard Guj. Not long after this, there came a Letter from one of our Correfpondentsat L^/;^tw, fignifying that Friends there, were foliciting the ParhV ment, to get Amendment of the A£l of the Solen^ra Affirmation^ fo called, and that fome Friends out of Ireland were defired to go over to afTift in that Service according to Agreement formerly at the Yearly Meeting at London, and I being one nominated \.y when Oppor^ tunity offer'^d. So after the Service of that Meet- ing v\^as over, having been at fome very full Meetings, and preached the Doftrine of the Kingdom of Chriif, in the Dcmonftration of the Spirit and Power of God, to the Comfort and Satisfadion of many Hearts and Souls in that City. Being clear of that Service, we determined to leave London-^ many worthy w.r. ^-.'.i Brethren came to take their Leave of us, and we parted in the fweet, comfortable, melting Power of the Lord Jcfus Chrifl-^ whicli feals us in the Covenant of Light and Life, then took Horfe, feveral of the Brethren of the City ac- companying us fome Miles. S ) we came to Chejler^ and finding an Em- bargo on Shipping there, rode on to Holyhead^ (iiaving one Meeting with Friends at Harding m Hn journal: 211 in Wales by the way) whilft we were dXHolj' 1702. headj Thomas Wilfo'/^^ J^fiph Fike and Samuel '^^^^T^^ Randall^ whom we had left behind at Lo?ido?i^ Harding « came up to ns, and after ftaying there one ^^^'''' Night, about the Tenth Hour of the Evening next Day we fet fail in the Packet Boat for Ire- Lv7d, and about the Tenth Hour in the Evening following, came to Anchor in the Bay of Duh^^ lirj ; fo that as we went together, we all re- turn'd over together, and landed fafe and well, Bleffed be the Name of the Lord for all his Mercies ! I ftaid in Dublin the Firft Days Meeting, and Dubim. on Second Day went homeward, accompanied by fome Friends. Soon after our Province Meeting for Leinfier W2iS at the Moat^ and Iiemfter went thither in^ the Company of fome Friends. McTthr^ When the Service of that Meeting was over/'''' ^°"- which held two Days, I returned Home, and foon after was taken with a great Ilnefs over all my Body, occafioned by a violent Pain in my Head, which kept me at Home foiir or five Weeks: Then our Province Meeting be- ing at Caft-ledermot^ the Twentieth Day of theGamed:r- Seventh Month, 1702. I being fomewhat re- "''''• coverM of my Ilnefs, went to the Meeting. When the Service of that Meeting was over, finding my felf able to travel, I rode to Dub- linj and ftaid one Meeting there ; then took a w. e. and Journey into the North, accompanied \vith^eUogether George Rooke^ and we had many full and pre- '^^"^^jf^ cious Meetings in divers Places, both with Friends and others in feveral Counties, and the Lord's Power and Wifdom were mightily with us. ai2 William Edmunpson 1702. us, to divide the HV^ according to the Conditions L/^V^^ and States of the People ; alfo his Power heal'd me of my Ilnefs, fo that I was well and ftrong to anfwer the Lord's Service : And having tra- vel'd therein about three Hundred Miles in a- bout five Weeks Space, I returnM Home. Before I took that Journey Friends School- Ma fter, who taught their Children at Mount- melick^ had been cited feveral times to the BiHiop's Court, and run to, or near an Excom- munication for teaching School without the Bi- fhop's Licence, and I having fome yicquaint- ance with the Bifliop, wrote the following Let- ter, and fent it to him, viz. May it pleafe the "BifJjop. w. E'i Let' ^ I ^ HIS comes <:w <^;^ Addrefs in the Behalf %)jhlp fn JL ^f ^ Friend ef mine^ who teaches otir Chit- behalf^ cf ciren at Mountmelick, for ivhichy and no other schooi'Ma- Caufe of Offence^ fome Perfons have frefented him /';? /^^ BifhopV Court, which maj be juppofed was done out of Prejudice or Self-lntereft ; for * he is a c[uiet harmlefs Englifh-Man, capable to inftru[i Children in Learning and Sobriety. Now we un- der ft and^ that the Officers of the j aid Court are fro- ceeding again fi him to an Excommunication : ja the IJJue mujl be a Prijon^ if not prevented by thee. Be plea fed to hear a few Sentences^ though in a plain Dref^j yet true in themfelves. We are Chrifiansj and hold the Faith and Docfrine as delivered by our Saviour Chrift Jefus and his Apoftles, before the Apoftacy and Falling a- way fier m JOURNAL. 215 wa/, according as it is left on Record in Holy 1702. Scriptures, and we are confciencious in our^^'VNJ Duty, as much as in us lies, to educate 2inA care taken train up our Children accordingly. ^outcmiren Now Exferieme hath taught U4^ that in lending Children to fuch Schools^ whsre Books are t aught ^ filed with Idle Stories, Lying Wonders^ Fop- peries and Invented Ceremonies, beftdes Evil Converfation, both in Words and A£tions, too much countenanced^ if not encouraged by too many School-Maflers and Mijlrejjes, Childiflj Nature in Touth is pone to lifien thereto^ rather than to Things that tend to Virtue and Sobriety, and be-^ i^g grafted in their Minds when Toung^ grow up with them^ andfo ohfiruci better Things^ that tend to Godlinefs and their Salvation. Now^ this is our Cafe plain and fimple^ which I defire thou in Mod.eration may confider^ and let it ^e defiret . have thy favourable Confiruciion^ and that we are^favolrlbie Proteftants, according to the Faith and Dodrine ^^"^''"^''"* /> the Reformation from Popery and Apoftacy, the Truth whereof hath been tried on many Accounts and Qccafions^ that have hapned fince the Lord ga-- ther'^d us to be a People^ and the fame hath turned to an Account of Credit to otir Proteftant Pro- ' feffion. And further^ in the late Calamities in this Nation^ we fuffer'^d with the Proteftants of the Church of England, fo termed, Andfome of us can fay ^ when there was but a Step betwixt tis and Death^ and the hordes Hand of Providence inter- poPd^ and re ft rained cruel vile Men, We have not fought any Reparation for our Sufferings ; but as we are defirey that as we are Proteftants, and have fuf- H^'l^^y^f^jg fer'^d with you^ we may now^ in Time of Peace ^ peaceably^ Uv e Government 2^4- William Edmundson 1702. live quietly under you in our lawful Callin'rSy to L/^V^^ maintain our families according to a good Conic i-^ ence towards God and all Men. And now the Lord being highly provoPd by Wick^ ednejs of all Sort s^ I f^Jy If he in Juftice lliould again bring his Scourge and overflowing Tem- peft over this Nation, we muft fufFer with the Proteftants ; for we can flee to no People, but to them : So what you do again ft us^ ycu do a- gainji your j elves ^ and full the Houfe down with your own Hands^ contracting Trouble toyour felves^ by troubling us : For if you excommunicate m^ and throw us into Prifon upon the Account of our Confciences, you mujl releaje us again^ or if we die tn Prifon upon the Account of a Tender Con- .cacfc 45 M- Science, it vnll be charged to the Account of him or confcitnce- ^hcm^ that are the Cauje of it ; and I am fure it ^a%T^for ^ ^^^ Principle of the Right Church of Old Eng- thefame, land, that are not out -by a (fed with Self -Inter ej'y not to imprijon People upon Confcience Account^ and much lefs a Man for teaching Children to read the Holy Scriptures, and Good Books tending to Virtue. I have a Secret Belief^ That thou hajl no De- light or Inclination^ that People fljould be cajl into Prifon on juch AccouvtSj which makes me the more Willing to let thee know the Proceedings of thy Of^ ficers in Court again ft our faid Friend^ de firing thee to read thisj and fo leave it to thy Difcretion^ and the Ijfue to the Lord. POST- m youRMJL 02 POSTSCRIPT. "-^ A Worthy Saying of "Bffbop Boyle (called Pri- Remhdeth mate of Ireland) agawfi CoTitvo\tv^\^and%'^^l^Z^, Strife among Chriftians, (in thefe Words ) '^ H^di-^hy sayingu " ven is a quiet Place, there no Quarrels are, ^' and Religion is a Holy and Peaceable Thing, " which excites to Piety and Charity ; but not ^' to Strife and Debates. And that Noble and Worthy Frince^ King WILLIAM,' in his Speech to the Varliarnant^ " That Differences of " Names amongft Proteftants might be taken " away, and no other Diftinftion of Religion " amongft his Subjeds, but Protejtants and « Pafip. SEC T. XXIV. In 1703. He goes over to /-^^ Yearly Meeting at London ^jf;;3 Briftol, viftting many Counties in England, is at the Quarterly Meetings at Lincoln and York. After his Return^ he vifm Friends in the Province of Munfter. NOW, foon after my Journey out of the 170J, North, aforefaid, » our Provincial Qu^^-^°J-"^" terly Meeting was at Mountmelicky which held""^'' ' Part of three Days, and the Lord's heavenly Prefence was with us in his Service, to our great Comfort : And in the Week following was our National Half- Years Meeting at D«^-DubiiQi //>, as ufual, where the Lord's Power and Pre- T fence aa6 William Edmundson 1705. fence accompanied us in a glorious Manner; a ^^y^^^^^^ bleffed comfortable and ferviceable Meeting it was, and Church- Affairs therein were managed in Peace and Concord. After the Service of the Meeting was over, which held moft of four Days, I return'd Home in the Company of fome Friends, and continued keeping to Meet- ings there-a-way, not being able to travel much in cold Winter, by reafon of Old Age. LcJndcf After a while the Quarterly Meeting for Lei^- Quarteriy- Jl^jr ProvJrice being at Cajlledermotj I went thi- ciSV ther, in Company of many Friends. The Ser- ""^^^ vice of that Meeting held Part of three Days, it was a comfortable Meeting, both in the Wor- fhip of God and for Difcipline, which was clofely manag'd in fweet Unity and Concord. From thence I returned Home with my Wife and feveral Friends. Our next Meeting for catheriough Leinjler Province was at Catherlough^ and I went to it ; which Meeting held moft of two Days in Worfhip and Difcipline to good ^atisfadion. Amongfl other things relating to Truth and Church. Affairs^ fome Friends were appointed by the National Half- Years Meeting at Dublin in the laft. Ninth Month, 1702. to be at the Yearly Meeting in London this Year, 170^. I being one of that Number, we concluded to be at Duhlin the Twenty Sixth Day of the Firft Montli,- in order to take Shipping for England^ on Account of that Service, &c. and having Intention of vifiting feveral other Meetings of Friends in divers Parts of Englarid^ our Month- ly Meeting having Unity with my Concern, gave His JOURNJL. 227 gave me their Certificate aQcordingly,as a Mem- 170J. ber thereof, as is ufual in fuch Cafes. --^/XJ On the Twenty fifth Day of the Firft Month, w u.m- 170J. I fet forward from my own Houfe, part-Loifdon. ing with my Wife in tender Love and P^e fig- nation to the Will of God : fo wxnt to Dublin, and there met with fome of thofe Friends ap- pointed to go with me for England-^ we ftaid H'jr?^?"^^^^ two Meetings in Duhlir?^ and took Shipping Duh':nf!,ad there on the Firft Day of the Second Month, i.-'^p.^J^f 'viz,. George Rooke^ John lVatfo?7y Thomas pLrc^^ John Hoope and my felf, many Friends accom- panying us to the Wacer-Side, where we had a fweet comfortable Meeting in the Overflov/ings of the Love of God, which feaPd to us, that his Goodnefs would go with us ; fo parting with Friends that returned, we fliip'd in the Packet-Boat bound to Nejfon^ and came to An- chor in Cheficr Water next Day, and on ^^'^^]l'/^^'[lff fame Day I and George Rooke went to Liverpool^mter.^^ the next Day to Penketh, and ftaid a Meeting ^^'"'p^^' there, which was large, it being upon a Firlt Day of the Week. Here the relt of our Com- pany came to us, and we went to Franley inFraaiey. Chejhire^ to a Monthly Meeting of Friends, and next Day to Morley to another Monthly Meet- Moreiy. ing, having good Service for the Lord in thefe Meetings, and Friends were comforted. From thence we came to New-town^ where Friends Nev/-town. defired to have a Meeting with us before we left that County, which we accordingly had to good Satisfaction and Comfort in the Lord, and in one another : That Night we came to John ikfcrmFsHoufe inthcForeftj George Rooke andFotcft, T 3 L aaS William Edmundson ^^^IMMM^i^— M^^^— 111. I, 1705. I, ftaid there the next Day, but Thomas Pierce Ky^^T^^ndJohn Hoope rode to Nantwich^ to appoint a Mantwich. Meeting there on the Day following; to which we went, and People came in, fo that we wanted room, it being on a Firft Day of the Week. woivcr- From thence we went to Wolverhampton^ fo snaXid^'e. ^^ ^^ Sturhridgey to Budely^ to Draitwich^ and Buddy.. * to Worcefier^ having a Meeting at each Place, worcTc?: and ftaid at Worcejier until the Firft Day of the Week, having two Meetings more, which were ' large, and Friends well comforted in the Lord, whofe Prefence was with us in a plentiful man- Tewbbury. ner. The next Day we went to Tewkshury^ and ftaid a Meeting there with Friends: the Day Giouccftsr. following to Gloucester^ and had a Meeting Naiifworth. there ; and fo to Nail/worthy and was there with Friends at their Meeting, here we met with Jojejph Pike come from Cork in Ireland^ in- tending to Brijloly fo we went together, and the fame Day was at Friends Meeting in Brijlol^ it being their Meeting Day, and tarried in that Yearly Citv five Days, being the Time of their Yearly Mefting at y.,^ '' ' j ^ x V Bnftoi. Meeting, and a very great Appearance of Friends from divers Parts. We were at feveral heavenly Meetings, and had good Service for the Lord and his People, the Lord's Power be- being mightily manifcfted with us in his Work. When the Service of that Yearly Meeting was over, we took leave and parted in the melt- ing Power and tender Love of God : fo left Bnftol the Twenty ninth Day of the fecond Month, viz. George Rooke^ Thomas Pierce^ John Tidbury. Hoope and I, and came to Tidbury^ where we had Hi^ JOURNAL. ^19 had a Meeting, and the next Day to Sudbury ; 170?. from thence to Cirencejler^ and had two Meet- ^>^"^'^■^ ings there, being on aFirftDayof ^'^^ Week jsudbury^^^^ thence to Char low ^ and had a comfortable cSowr Meeting there with Friends: From thence to AbingtOfiy and had a Meeting there ; and on thcAbington. next Day were at Friends Meeting at R^^^/^^, Reading, where we ftaid the Firft Day following, having two Meetings more, which were of Service - and Comfort to true hearted Friends. From thence we went to Wwdfor^ and had a Meeting windr»r. there with Friends. On the Thirteenth Day of the Third Month, 1703. we came to London to the Yearly Meeting, yearly - many Friends from moft Counties were there, J^^^^^j^';^^ ^' and we were at many ferviceable Meetings for the Worfhip of God and Truth's Affairs relat- ing to Gofpel-Order \ and the eminent Hand of the Lord was with us, to direft in Matters of Church Difcipline. When the Service of the faid Yearly Meeting was over, I ftaid in London^ in Truth's Service, until the Twenty Seventh Day of the Third Month aforefaid, then took leave of Friends and Brethren in the tender w.e.^^*^»''^ Love of God, and went in Company of //df^r^°°''"' Alexander and Thomas Pierce to Hertford ; Seve- ral Brethren of London accompanying us on our Way ; the next Day we had a full Meeting at Hertford with Friends and others. nertforJ. On the Day following we went to Ives^ and xvcs. on the next Day, being Firft Day of the Week, had a large Meeting there at Friends Meeting • Houfp, where the Dodrine of Chrift's King- dom was powerfully preach'd, Friends comfort- T 3 ed ^^o William Edmundson Deepin Bourn. I7o^^ed and Wwll rctreih'd. The next Day we went - CO :bia>xfj-d in Lmcolnfhire, and were at Friends stampford. Meeting there ; and on the Day following to KingVGia i. to Samuel Everet'sKouk, and had a Meeting there; after the Meeting we went to ^'ne"t"'.f'!''''^j«^;'''' ^"f^ the next Day to Lmcoh,, to Mefu.g ^t friends Qiiarterly Meeting there, which held cZbo- Part of two Days. When the Service of that rough. Meeting was over, we went to Gainsborough, and next Day had a Meeting there ; the Day Br.gg. foliovvmg to Briga, and next Day had a large Meeting there with Friends, it being Firft Day Epworfn. of the Wcck ; and fo to Epworth in the lile o[ Exham, and had a Meeting there with Friends. "" Thorn. After Meeting we went to Tbor>7, and next sc%- Day to Selhy, fo iiad a Meeting there ; the Day following to Tork, to their County Quarterly S''« Mfeting, where was a great Appearance of vork. l^riend-;, and our Service well accepted. When the Service of this Meeting was over, Ifaac Alexmdsr my Fellow-Labourer in the Gofpel "of Chrift from LorJon hither went homewards, and we parted in the Love of Chrift, in which we we traveled together. Then I and Thomas lyoj..^^ Fierce went to Weatherby^ in the Company of v>^VN^ feveral Friends, and that Day had a Meeting wcatherby. there with Friends : after the Meeting we went to Leeds) and next Day to Hallifaxy accom- ^^^^ff^^^^ panied with Jaron Atkinjon^ J^^Mh Baynes^ and fome other Friends ; on the Day following, be- ing the Firft Day of the Week, we had a full Meeting there. The next Day, I and Thomas Fierce took our Journey towards Wefi-Chefier^ and that Day came to John MerricPs in the Foreft, and nextX^^"^J«f- Day to Cbefter^ and fo on to Ne^on^ to look forchefter. Shipping for Ireland ; and not finding Conveni- ^^^°"' ency there, went to Holyhead^ where we fliip'd Hoiy-head. our Horfes m the Facket-Boat^ and that Even- ing fet Sail, having a rough Night at Sea, but through the Lord's Mercy came well into D//^- ^"'^•'"' Itn Harbour the next Morning, being Firft Day of the Week ; but we got not aHiore with our Horfes till near Night. I was weary and fore with hard Travel and Labour, fo refted HDuh- lin one Day, and on the Day following went homeward, accompanied by feveral Friends of Dublin Part of the Way. And on the Thir- tieth Day of the Fourth Month, 1703. .came to my own Houfe, where through the Lord's Mercies I found things well, bleffed be his Name! This Journey was above Six Hundred Miles, befides croffing the Sea. Soon after I came Home, our (Quarterly ojurteriy Meeting was at Cajiledermot^ and I went there SSV' in Company of feveral >Friends, where was a °*°^' great Appearance of Friends from divers Parts, T 4 and a^^ Willi AM Edmundson J 70 J, and good Service, a Concern being upon many L/^V^ for Truth's Profperity, and good Order in the Church of Chrifl. This Meeting held Part of thr^^e Days ; when it was over I went Home, and kept to Meetings as they fell in Courfe. Athy. Our n^xt Province Meeting was at Jthj, and I went to it in the Company of fome Friends, when the Service was over, I returned Home, w. E. and Soon after I took a Journey to vifit Friends ^'WZ^' in the Province of Munller. with Georg^e Rooke my Companion and Fellow-Labourer m the Gofpel ; and having fome Meetings in our Way Province wc camc to Cork^ and were at their Province cork!"^ ''^ Meeting there, where were many Friends. And abiding there fome Days, we had feveral good Meetings, in which Friends were well refrefli'd in the Lord ; and we parted in the charievii. Lovc of God I fo took our Journty to Char lev il J Limerick, whcrc wc lodgcd that Night, and had a Meet- ing ; and on the next Day we rode to Lime- rickj and had feveral Meetings there with Friends, from thence we went to B/Vr, and fo to my Houfe. Lcinftcr Our ProviHce Meeting for Leinjler being ^MeeZl ^t that Week at Mounmelick, I was there with Moiint- many Friends from other Parts, and fome from England. About this Time the Parliament fate at Dublin^ and the BiQiops and Priefts having drawn up Heads of a Bill for their furore eafie Recovery of Tythes^ &c. they labour- ed'withboth Houfes, LORDS and COM- MONS, to get the Bill pafs'd into an ACT, which, if granted, was like to prove ruinous to Friends, &c. But through the Lord's Mer- cy mot. His JOURNAL. 235 ■ II ■ ■ -— B^ II II i n ——— I 11^— — ^^1» cy and Care over us, who gave us Favour in 170J. the Hearts of our Superiors, upon diligent Ap- '>>'^/>^ plication of Friends to the Parliament, and a biu for fliewing our Reafons againft PafTing the faid Jj>^^^ ***" Bill ; they, inTendernefs to us and others v/hom it might affeft, laid it afide. Now I was unable to ride, by Ocafion of a Fall, but in fome time after being recovered, I went to our Province Meeting at Cafiledermot^ ProWocc where was a great Appearance of Friends ofScdfc^ feveral Counties, and the Lord's good Prefence with us, and the Affairs of the Church were clofely managed in the Wifdom and Authority of the bleffed Truth, to the great Comfort of concerned Friends and Brethren. There were two Friends from England with us, the Service of that Meeting held Part of three Days m the Worfhip oif God and Difcipline of the Church. When the Meeting was over, I return- ed to my own Dwelling in the Company of fe- veral Friends, cold Weather coming on, toge- ther with Old Age, my decaying Body would not admit me to travel long Journies : fo I kept to Meetings near Home as they fell in Courfe. SECT- 334 William Edmundson ^y^^ SECT. XXV. Iff 1 704. He, according to his ufual Cuflom^ vifits Friends in their National and Proximial Meet- ings, afterwards in his Sickness is re^tgrPd to the Will of God, And gives a Summary of his Lifey Faith, and Tractice, &C. I704, T^ ^^^ Third Month, 1704. the National Nitionai ' X Meeting of Friends being then at Dublin, Meeting at as ufual, I Went thither in the Company of ^"^*"* fome Friends, and attended the Service of that Meeting, which held three Days in the Wor- Jhip of Almighty God, and for promoting Truth and Righteoufnefs amongft us : Com- fortable Accounts were given from other Meet- ings of the Godly Care that was on Friends in their feveral Meetings and Quarters, for the Honour of the bleffed Truth, as alfo the Good and Prefervation one of another ; and though Eyercire fomc occafional Exercife hapned, yet the Lord's K?>tf Power went over it, and our conclufive Meet- ^condudllh^ ing was full, wherein large and heavenly Tefti- to good sa- monies were born in the Demonltration of the tisfasion. gpj^j^ ^^j Power of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift, to the great Comfort and Refrefl^ment of Friends, in a Senfe of which we returned to our feveral Places of Abode. Munfter Some timc after I went to Munfter Province Province Meeting at Clonniel, which held mod: of two cioum^/^ Days, and was a refrefhing comfortable Meet- ing, in the heavenly Openings of the Teftimony of Jefus, and in our parting one from another, in Tendernefs of Heart and Bowels of Love we His journal: 255 we fweetly enjoy 'd the Lord's Goodnefs^ to our 1704. great Comfort and Satisfaction : So 1 went l/'VV^ Home in Company of fome Friends, and kept to ^adjacent Meetings as they came in Courfe, being unable to take long Journies, by reafon of Weaknefs, and Pain over my whole Body. Yet L^/>?/?^r P/^z//>^^ Quarterly Meeting be-Leinfter ing near at Mountmelick^ I got to it, tho' under ^;/,^f ^3^; Afflidion of Body, and the Lord enabled mc ^^ouat-* '' to anfwer what 'Service he required of me."'^^'*^^' The Meeting held Part of three Days in Wor- fhip and Dijciplme^ in both which, through the Lord's Afliftance by his Divine Spirit and Pow- er, I bore a Faithful Tejlimony for the Lord and. w. e ^o his blejfed Truth ; fo that if it were the lafi timef^lftn'The the Lord would give me to appear in^ publick Te- ^''.'^'^ ^^' ftimonj^ I found my felf clear. """'^* After the Meeting I returned Home, but my Ilnefs increased, fo that my whole Body was under great Affliftion and Pain, even nigh un- «^ " to Death, no Place could give me Eafe, manyfr/t'«fa Friends and Elders came daily to fee me; iom^ rffj,%^/l from far : In whofe Vifits I was comforted, and by their fervent Prayers, through the tender Mercy of God, the Violence of the raging Di- ftemper fomewhat abated, and v/as brought within Compafs of my weak Abilities to bear. Alfo Thomas Pierce from Limerick^ carefully ap- plied Things for my Eafe in this Time of Ex- tremity, as heretofore he had done upon the like Occafions, having accompanied me feveral times in Travel, in the Lord's Service, both in this Nation and England, NOW 356 William Edmundson 1704- "VJOWj ^^ the Eighth Month, in the Year, ^^^^"'^'^^^ l\l 1704' ^^^ ^^ the Seventy Seventh Year of my Age, being under much Affliftion and Herefigns Wcaknefs of Body, I was refigned unto the muof^God^^^^^^ Will of the Lord: Yet were it his time tb^ viumi would gladly have been dilTolved, and at Eafe, ved. ' where the Weary are at Resf^ and the Wicked ceaje Job 3. 17. from Troubling. For I was not afraid of Death or the Grave, but could fay through the tender xcor. 15. Mercy of God, Deaths where is thy Sttng? '^' Grave^ where is thy ViEtory ? Through (tedfasi Faith Trofeiftth and Hope in my Lord and Saviour J ejus ChriH^ Faith in ^vho jufjer'^d for me^ and whom T^eath or the Grave cbrifi^ &c. could not hold ; but rofe again j and af fears before the Father for me^ as Advocate^ Mediator and In- ter ceeder ; who in my youthful Days was pleafed to vifit me with the Appearance of his Holy Spirit, to turn me from the Evil of my Ways, making me fenfible of his Judgments and Mer- cies, calling me by his Grace to a Reformation, Hf h^th the and alfo put me into his Service of the Miniftra- Ifriood tion of the Word of Life, and Doftrine of his Cffnfcience. Kiugdom, cndovviug me with a Talent of his Holy Spirit of Underftanding in Doctrine and Difcipline for the Benefit of his Church, in which I have laboured for the Space of above Fifty Years, according to my Strength and A- bility, through many Troubles, deep Exercifes and Perils of divers kinds, met with by Sea and Land^ which fell to my Lot in my Line of the Lord's Service, both in the Wtldemef^ by Rob- bers and blood-thirfiy Murtherers^ by open Op- fofers and Enemies to Truth ; and woril of all by Falfe Brethren under the fame Profeffion. Thefe ational Year- m journal: 2^7 Thefe things and many other great Exercifes 1704. and Straits, the Lord's Arm and gracious Pro- ^^'VX; vidence have ftill preferved me through, and fupported me over in tlie Faith that gives Vic- ^nd viaory tory, having blefled his Work and given the fL'xprrf.'* Teftimony of his Truth Dominion to this pre- fent Time. Now it pleafcd the Lord to give me Eafe from my violent Pain, after a confiderable time of Affliaion, and the National Half-^^J° Year Meeting of Friends being at hand atMeenng'it Dublm^ as ufual, I found fome Drawing in ^" **°* Spirit to go to it, though my Body was Weak, and according to Appearance unfit to take a Journey : So I went in Faith, knowing that the Lord's Strength had carryM me through great Weaknefs, deep Exerciles, and fore Af- flidions, on many Accounts, in his Service, and according to Faith in him. Strength was given me to perform that Service, to the Sa- tisfaftion and Comfort of many Friends. Af- ter the Meeting was over, which lield three Days, I returned Home, in the Company of feveral Friends. Soon after, Leinfter Qtiarterly Meeting be- idnfter ' g^n^t Cat her loi^ghy I went to it, and the Lord's ^eeti^^^r Power was with us in an Eminent manner, to^^^"^°"si3 Friends Comfort and Encouragement in the Service of Truth. After the Meeting, which held part of three Days in tlijs Worfhip of God and Church-Affairs, was over, I return'd Home, and kept to Meetings as they came in courfe^ both Weekly and Monthly. In ^^^ William Edmundson 1704. In the beginning of the firft Month follow- t^'^^v^^ing, I had drawings in my Spirit to go to Dub- Fr'i^nd^'' lin^ which I did, and was with Friends about %Lt!g.af'^ Week, and at three Publick Meetings for DubiiQ„ |.[^2 Worfliip of God, as alfo at their Mens Meeting ibr Church- Affairs, and the Lord was pleafed to till my Heart with his Word and Teftimony, as at other times, and to»open ma- ny divine Myrteries, which I publifhed in the Demonftration of the Spirit and Power of the Lord Jefus^ in the Publick Meeting, as he was pleas'd to give me Ability and Utterance ; in the Conclufion of the Teftimony, in the frefli Opening of Life, I told the Auditory, that in the lafl Calamity over this Nation^ that City felt little of it J but heard the Report , and had not prized the Lord'^s Mercies Jo^ as to walk worthy of them in that great Prejeruationj And now, d Rod of I was to tell them, the Lord had a Rod in flora ^'*f^'"ned f^^ ^^^ Inhabitants of that City: (to zz^it Dublin) upon the In- and I deftredj in SubmiJJion to the Will of Gody Dub\\a%7 that it might not be Juch as would break them to their ingra- p^^^^t ^^^ ^/^ fh^^/^ re?nernber. that I had told them of tt. Another Day I was iitting in a Friend's Houfe in that City, with feveral El- ders and Brethren, and it fpning afrelli in my Heart, to fay to them, That the Lord wotdd make this Earneftnefs d?/ getting the Riches of this JVorldy in the end unto ?nanyy with whom he hath long flriven^ and often faithfully warrPd of the Danger thereof -^ that they might be weaned from the fame^ even as the FleJJj^ that God gave to the Bfea 1} Jews in the Wilder nefs^ when they flighted the n^r&C' ^^^^'^ ^^^^^1^ /^^ g^'^^ ^^^^^ fi'^^ Heaven f and luft^ ed ed after the Flefi-Pots, Onions and Garlicky in 1704. Egypt. W^^ SECT. XXVI. In 1705. He vifits the Province of Ulfler, accom-^ fanied with G. Rooke ; And in 1706, federal Places^ where People were defirom to hear the Teftimony of Truth : Meets with Abufe at RoC» creagh : Vifits Leinfter Province Meetings and the Count') of Tipperary, in company with Thomas Wilfon. SOME time after I left Duhlin^ and re- iyo<. turnM Home, it pleas'd the Lord to heal me fo that I was very healthy, only weak of Body hy reafon of Old Age and Hardfhips, that I had endured in my Travels. I kept to ' Meetings near us, and was at Dublin at the National National Meeting in the Third Month, i7o5.Dub!inf''- From thence T went to the Province Meeting ^^'"^.^^ 2XWicklow^ for Leinjiery and returned to Dub-^^ethgat lin again, where 1 ftaid one Meeting, after ^'^^°^' which I rode to James J/hton\ (about Eight James A(i^ Miles) who was lying Sick, and we had a*" comfortable Meeting there, the Lord's Power and Spirit being with us, feveral Friends from Dublin were at that Meeting, we were well refrefhed in the Lord ; and from thence I went Home, in company of Richard Eves. And in the Sixth Month following I had fomc drawings in my Spirit to vifit Friends Meetings in the North of Ireland j fo in Faith, that the Lord ton. 240 WiLtlAM EdMUNDSOIST 1705. Lord would give me Strength to perform it, ^-'^^^'' I took my Journey, and George Rooke frorri w.E. and T)t4bLtn mct mc at John Banroft\ ] we travePd "* lit^tbf together in the Service of Truth, and went to' miv''-^ro. ^'^^ Province Meeting for Ulfier^ in the Coun- vin.eMeet- ty of Afdmagb^ which held part of three Days Ardmagh. in the Worffiip of God and Church-Difcipline, and had good Service for the Lord and his People; we vifited Friends Meetings through that Province to Colerain^ and had large and good Meetings, and many heavenly Myfteries were open'd, in the Life and Power of the Gof- pel of Chrift Jefus to Friends, and others that came to Meetings, to hear the Way of Truth declared. I was made ftrong in the Lord's Power to perform that Service, Elders and Brethren were glad of the Vifit, and Friends well comforted. When we had performed that Service, we re- Navtn. turned homeward, and came toNavan^ where we lodged at an Inn, and purpofed the next Morning to have parted in the Love of God, in which we travePd together in the Lord's Service ; but I being taken very ill that Night, my Companion would not leave me, until I was fomething eafier. Then we rode together about two Miles on my Way homewards, where we met with John BarcYoft and Eleazar Sheldon coming to meet us, they having heard of our returning that Way ; fo when we came to a Road that turn'd to Duhliny we took leave of George Rooke, who went Home, and I, with the other Friends, rode to John Barcroft\ and lodged there that Night, His JOURMJL C541 Night, and the next Day to my Son-in-Law 1705. Eleazar SheldorPs^ and on the Day following ^'^"v'N^ came to my own Houfe, the Lord having ena- bled me by his mighty Power, that was with us in this Service, to perform this Journey of about three Hundred Miles in Old Age, Ever- lafting Praife to his great Name, Amer?. Then I frequented Meetings near home^ Weekly and Monthly, as they fell in Courfe, and Leinfler Province Quarterly Meeting being Ldnfier ^.tCafiledermoty I went to it, and had good Ser- ^X^fi^r^t vice for the bleffed Truth, in the Opei.iiigs olr^^j];^^'^- the Spirit of Life in Chrift Jefus and Power of God ; the Service of that Meeting held part of three Days, as ufual ; and when it was 0- ver, I went Home, and foon after to Dublw^ to our National Half- Years Meeting, where v/ereHa^f- rears Friends from feveral Parts of the Nation, and Meetings? Accounts given to the Meeting of the Projpsrity ^"^''"* of Truth y and Prefervation of Friends therein^ and Matters relating to Gojpel Order in the Church of Chrijly being clojely dij'courfed in feveral need-- ful Points. I was brought under great Exercife of Spirit, by reafon of Oppofers ; but the Lord's Power went over all Oppofition, in which I was comforted, and praifed God, who is blef- fed for ever. When the Service of that Meet- ing was over, I returned home in company with fome Friends. Now Winter coming on, and my old decayM Body not able to indure Cold and Hardfliip in Travel, I kept to Meetings near Home, until ^^.^^^^^ the Spring following, then Leinfier Province r^t /nee Meeting being at tatherlough^ I went there, cathcrLugh U and a^i William Edmundson 1706. and ftaid the Service of that Meeting, fo re- ^>''V\; turn'd Home, and fix Weeks after was our mou^''" Quarterly Meeting for Lemfier, at Cajiledermoty m the Second Month, 1706. and I went thi- ther, where was a great Appearance of Friends, from feveral Parts of the Province, and Ac- counts were given of the Care of Elders and concerned Friends, in every Monthly Meeting in the Province; that all, who frequented our Religious Affemblies, and profeffed the Truth, might walk orderly in all Refpefts, as opennefiin becomcth truc Chriftiaus ; alfo Accounts were fe/^ ^he given of great Opennsfs and Defires in many Peo- J tared f^' pl^ ^^ ^^"^^ Meetings^ to hear Truth^s Tejiimony declared in [ever at Places^ where our friends had no Meetings: Wherefore Friends and ^rethren^ rvho had ftiblick Tejlirnonies in the Mtnijiry of the Goj^elj were encouraged to vifit fuch Places^ that thoje good Defires in People might he anfwered. V/hen the Service of that Meeting was over, I returned Home in the Company of George Rooke^ we having determined to go and vifit a Quarter, where People were defirous to hear the Teltimony of Truth declared, and after Moontme- fl:aying one Meeting with Friends at Mountme- Mountrath. Uckj wc wcnt to Mountrathj and had a Meeting Knockbaiiy- thcrc witli Friends, and from thence to Kjiock- "^ ballymagher^ and had one there; then proceed- ed on our Journey from amongft Friends, and Rofcreagh. camc to Rojcreaghy where the People were wil- ling and ready to let us have a convenient _^j^ Place to meet in, and many came to the Meet- M^d^'L- ing ; but 'Dornimck Mead, an Arch-Deacon, (fo frlel. called) and Juftice of the Peace in that Quar- ter, His fOURMJL. 245 ter, was enraged againll us, and very abufive, 1706. not only with his Tongue, but alfo with his ^>^\r^. Hands ; yet Friends Patience and wife Conduft in the Authority of the bleiled Truth, prevaiPd over him ; fo that we got two Meetings, for piiblifhing the Gofpel of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift, which were to our Satisfaftion. The next Day, being firft Day of the Week, we had a Meeting fome Miles from thence, where a noted Man in that Quarter, was ^^^ ^^^fjn^f. willing to let us meet in his Houfe, and a of a noted great Gathering of gobd-like People came to hear Truth declared ; on the Day follow- ing we had another Meeting fome Miles di- rtant from thence, and feveral fober People came to it, who were attentive to hear the free Gofpel preached, and feem'd to be well fa- tisfied with what they heard declar'd. From thence we went to B/rr, and ftaid a Meeting Birr, there with Friends, and afterwards came to my Houfe in the Company of fome Friends ; in all thefe Meetings the Lord's good Spirit and Power ftrengthned and gave us Wifdom to divide the Gofpel, and open the Myfteries of the Kingdom of Chrift, to the Underftand- ings of the People. The next Day being our Meeting Day at Mottntmeltck^ George Rooke ftaid with us thato.R->*^ , Meeting, and then we parted in the Love of^"""''^^"'"'* God ; he went to T)ublm to his Family, and our National Half- Year Meeting beginning at Dublin the eighth Day of the Third Month fol- lowing, I took my Journey thither in the Com- pany of my Wire, and feveral others, where U 2 was ^4-4- William Edmundson 1706. was a great Appearance of Friends from feve- 'v^vv^ ral Parts of the Nation, and good Accounts Account of brought of Friends Godly Care for the Prejerva- 7Irefrom t^^^ ^f ^^^ dnother in GoJ^el Order, the Lord'*s feverai mightj Poivef vp^s with m to our great Comfort and Rejrejhment, whofe good Spirit gave us Wifdom and Utterance both in Dodrine and Difcipline. The Service of this Meeting held three Days in the publick Worship of God and Church Affairs ; when it was over, I returned Home with my Wife and Friends. froTjincz After this, our Province Six Weeks Meeting Jfc^Moat."^ being at the Moat^ I found a Concern to go thi- ther, where was a large Appearance of Friends and others, and the Lord's refrefliing Goodnefs was with us, to our great Comfort and En- couragement in this Religious Duty and Service, which lield part of two Days in publick Wor- {hip and Difcipline ; when it was over, I went Home, and kept to Meetings as ufual, and foon Knockbaiiy after wcnt to Knockballyrrmgher in the County of ^omty'of Tipper ary, and was at the Burial of a Daughter Tipperary. ^£ "^amcs Hutchinfon^ who had lain lingring ve- ry long, and many Friends and others came thi- ther to her Burial, where I had good Service a- mong them in the Teftimony of the Gofpel of the Kingdom of Jefus Chrift, fo returned home in the Company of my Wife and other Friends. Province Somc timc after our Province Meeting for Mhy!"^ "^ Ldnfier being by Appointment at Athy, I went thither, and when tlie Service of that Meeting was over, returnM homeward with my Wife, Moat. and foon after I viuted Friends at the Moat and ther^-a-way, and had four comfortable Meet- ings. His J'OURNAL. 245 ings. From thence I rode to Thomas Wil[on\ 1706. and ftaid two Nights, and had a large Meeting '^^Q^ at Edcndsrry with Friends, the Lord's BlefTed wifon'.. Power being with us, and enlarging our Hearts in the Myftery of the DoSrine of his Kingdom to our Comfort : From thence I went to Ba/Ij^o- BiWynoicrt, lerty and had a Meeting with Friends there^ and then returned to my own Houfe. Soon after this I went to our Quarterly Pro- ^[^^/f^^^^^^ vince Meeting 2itCdJlledermotj which held partcaftiedcV'' of three Days, and when the Service thereof "'°'- was over, I took a Journey to the Counties of Wicklow and Wexford^ and had a Meeting at w^ckw. '[Ba!Ij?7acla(hj and another at Wicklow. From Baiiyn°adaa2. thence I went to William Eves\ where George Rooke came to me from Dublin^ and the next Day, being Firft Day of the Week, we were with Friends at their Monthly Meeting at JB^//y-E3ii;cane. cane^ and the Lord's Power and Prefence with us to Friends Comfort and Refrelliment. From thence we went to Clones^ and had a Meeting c:ones, there, and next Day to Ifrael Webfier\ and had a Meeting there ; and the Day following x,oTho' mas Stephens's^ and had a Meeting in Friends Meeting-Houfe there; from thtncQ 10 Emij cor- phy^ and lodged at Jacob Lary\ and the next Day to Lambs-Town, where we had a full Meet- ^^;;.^;- ing ; after which we returned to Ennijcorphj, Ennfcorphy and the next Day went to John Fredh and had a large Meeting in a Barn, it being on Firft Day of the Week. That Evening we went to Robert Lackefs^l^^^^,^ Ten long Miles, where we had a Powerful Meeting, the High Sheriff of the County and U J feveral William Edmundson 1706. feveral others being there, who afterwards ex- ^^^W^ prefled their Satisfaftion concerning the Truth of the Doftrine there declared, in the Demon- ftration of the Spirit and Power of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift. From thence we Athy. went to Jphj^ and had a Meeting there the next Day, after which we parted, the Lord having enabled me to perform this Travel and Service, by the Affiftance of his wonted Goodnefs, in the Eightieth Year of my Age, Praifes to his great Name for ever and ever, Jme^. National Now the Timc of our National Meeting at Dublin? "^^ Dublin^ as ufual, being at hand, I went thither, where the Lord's Power was plentifully mani- fefted in our Meetings, both for the publick Worjhip of God and thofe for Difcifline^ and keeping up of good Order in the Church of Chrill. Many heavenly Myfteries of Faith were opened in the Spirit and Power of the Lord Jefus Chrift; alfo the Affairs of Truth be- ing managed with Peace and Concord, in the Senfi; and Guidance of the Holy Spirit of Truth, Friends and Brethren were fweetly comforted and edified in the Love of God : fo parting ^therein we returned to our feveral Ha- bitations, Praifes to the Lord for ever ! Who enabled me to hold out this Journey and Ser- vice, and is a prefent Help to them that fear him. Now cold Winter coming on, and my decay- ing Body not able to endure much Harddiip, I Moimtme- kept to our ufual Meetings at Mountmelick^ Weekly and Monthly ; and in the Firft Month, the Seafon being temperate, I rode to Dunlavin^ and His fOUZNJL. 247 and had a large Meeting there, to which many 1707. good-like fober People came. From thence I ^•'^v^ went to CaBledermot^^ to our Quarterly Meet- ^^^^ffl^ ing for LeinHer Province, where many Friends iM^Lt met, and were well refrefhed in the Lord Je-^oT''^'" fus Chrift, the Service of that Meeting held Part of three Days, and the Week following Thomas Wilfon met me at Birr by Appointment, Birr, we ftaid one Meeting there with Friends, and then went to the County of Ttpperary^ ^^''^^^^xSa''^. feveral fober People were defirous to hear Truth declared, and willing to let us meet at their Houfes; we had two Meetings with them, and then came to James Hutchinjon^s^ where we had a large Meeting, it being on a Firft Day. From thence we went to Mountrath^ and ftaid a Mountratk, Meeting there, and fo returned Home. Soon after which our Province Meeting being at -^-^,7,'"„^g^, %, I went thither, and after the Service of theAthy. Meeting was over, returned to my Dwelling. SECT. XXVII. fo 1707. Friends Care over W. Ws jV/fe in her Sicknef^ was extraordinary : He^ and G. Rooke vifit mofi of the Three Provinces of Ulfter, Leinfter, and Munfter. NO W, our National Half Years Meeting "f'^^ears at Dublin drawing nigh, I went tliitlicrSi"! ^'^ in Company of my Wife and Friends, where was a great Appearance of Friends, from feve- ral Parts of the Nation, and Accounts were gi- ven of Truth's Profptrity, and of Friends Care U 4 in William Edmundson 1707. in every Province, for the Welfare of the ^^""V"^ Churches; the Lord's ancient Goodnefs was with us, and his Holy Spirit gave Ability in his Service, both in DoBnne and Difcipline ; but Tov^JTr ^^ ^P^^^ "^^^ deeply affecfed with Sorrow^ in that the Lcfs of moji of our Elders were taken away from tis^ rvho Company'* ^4^'^ ^^ attend the Service of fuch Meetings. This Meeting held part of four Days, when it was over, we returned home in the Company of Friends, I being much difabled in Body by a great Cold, and Old Age, alfo my tender Wife was taken fick on the Road ; yet the Lord ena- bled us to get Home, Everlafting Praifes to his great Name for all his manifold Mercies ! When I had refted two or three Days, I was pretty v/ell again ; but my Wife's Ilnels increaf- ed upon her, fo that fhe took her Bed, and lay very fick near three Months, being brought lb weak, and worn away, that fhe could not turn or help her felf, but as (he was help'd ; many Friends came to vifit her from divers Places, and fevcral Women Friends of Monritmelick were very kind and careful of her, two of them at a time attending her Day and Night, for the moft part, when, according to Appearance, there was little likelihood of her Recovery. Yet I often prayed earnertly and fervently to the Lord, that He would he fleas'^ d to heal^ and rejlore her to ?ne^ as an Help-meet in my Old Age ; and he was gracioufly pleas'd toanfwer my Petition, as he had at many other times in great Streights, and raif- ed her from her great Weaknefs, Bleffed he his rvorthy Name for evermore! Now when llie was a little recovered; I went to the Moat^ and vifited Friends His fOURNJL. 249 Friends Meetings there-a-way , fo returned 1707. Home, and found my Wife much recovered. c/^v^*0 Soon after, Leinfter Quarterly Meeting being leiniier at Caftledermot^ I went thither in the Company ^^^-Jg^^; of feveral Friends, and fome were there from caftieder- each Monthly Meeting in the Province, who"*°" brought Accounts of the State of each Meeting, and how the Teftimony of Truth w^as kept up, the Service of that Meeting held part of three Days ; when it was over, I went, with my Fel- low-Labourer George Rooke^ to Joh^ WaiforPs^ and the next Day to Wat erf or d^ and on the Day waterford. following had a Meeting there wath Friends, and others that came to it, and had good Ser- vice for Truth. Next Day we rode to Clonmelj in the Com-cionmei. pany of feveral Friends, and on the Day follow- ing had a Meeting there with Friends, in their Meeting-Houfe: After which we went to Kjiock- Knockgraf- graffen^ and lodged at Veter Cook^s Houfe, and ^°* next Morning to Tipperary^ and had a Meeting Tipperary, there that Day, to which feveral fober People came, and were very attentive, to what was declared in the Spirit and Power of our Lord Je- fus Chrift, and went away well fatisfied ; alfo Friends were well refrelhed in the Lord. The next Day we went to Limerick^ and on Limerick, the Day following, being Firft-Day of the Week, had two Meetings in Friends Meeting- Houfe there, and next Third Day we had a Meeting at Six Miles-Bridge^ in the County ofsixMiies- Clarey which was large, many Men of Account fhrfe'yum- came to it. Three Jufiues of the Peace^ one was^'^/^^^^f^^ the Prieft of that Parifh, and all very fober and >^riJUf fte atten- ^50 William Edmundson 1707. attentive to hear Truth declared, and the Gof- t^^VNJ pel was preached to them in the Demonftration of the Spirit and Power of God, and many deep Myfteries of the Kingdom of Chrift Jefus were opened, which feem'd to have Imprellion on many of them. After the Meeting was over, we went to the Jnn^ where we had left our Horfes, and the a- n^priefti^forefaidPrieft, who was a Juftice of the Peace, "^F^i^ndV came thither to us and very courteoufly offer'd his Kindnefs, in what he could do ; thence we came back to Limerick^ and that Evening had a Meeting with Friends at Thomas P careers Birr. Houfe^ and from thence to B/Vr, and on the Day following was at Friends Meeting there, fo lodged that Night at Thomas JVwJloe\ and the next Day came to my own Houfe, where I parted with George Rooke^ who went to his Houfe and Family in DtMw. Now I kept to Meetings about home, and in a fhort time it was in my Mind to vifit Friends in the Province of UlfteVy and to get Meetings leinftcr at fomc Placcs where no Friends dwelt ; fo Let?2- Mee'ting^t ft^^ Proviuce Meeting being at the Moat^ I went tbetA^t thither, and Itaid the Service of that Meeting, and when it was over, I took my Journey to the Norths with my aforefaid Companion George Rookey and feveral other Friends ; we rode that Fiaagh. Day to Finogh^ in the County of Cavan^ and had a Meeting in the Evening at the Inn where we lodged, there having not been a Meeting of our Society in that Town before ; feveral Peo- ple came to the Meeting, where Truth was de- clared to them, and they were Sober ; next Morn- His JOURNAL. 351 Morning we rode to Cavan^ and vifited fome 1707. Friends who were then Priibners there for their ^^^v%J Teftimony againft Tythes. vn^ndxVxi- The Day following we were with Friends at q^vLI their Meeting beyond BaHyhayes^ and after the Eaiiyiiay«: Meeting we went to Coot-Hill^ having fent fome coot-Hiii. Friends before to Clownes^ to get a Place for aciownei. Meeting, and bring us Word, which they did ; fo we had a Meeting with Friends at Coot-Hilly and the next Day went to Clowrjes^ where we had a full Meeting, and the Gofpel of Chrift: was PreachM to them, all being quiet. After the Meeting we rode to Monaghan^ and that E- Monaghaa. vening had a Meeting in a large Dining-Room, at the Inn where we lodged. Now the Father and Uncle of that Pricft, who had caft thofe Friends into Prifon at Cavarij living near our Road, we went thither the next Day and difcours'd them, endeavouring to pre- vail for our Friends Liberty, but we got little Entrance \ fo left them, and came that Night to Ballyhagan^ where we had a large and full Baiiykagaa. Meeting on the Firft Day of the Week, and the Lord's Power and comfortable Prefence was with us, to great Satisfaftion. Next Day we were at a full and comfortable Meeting beyond Charlemount^ and then went to charie- Toberhead^ in the County of Londonderry^ and roberhcad. had a Meeting there, to which Friends came from other Meetings, and were well refrefliM in the Lord Jefus Chrilt. After that Meeting we went to Grange^ in the County of J;^/^r/>/, ^""^c and ftaid a Meeting there with Friends, and from thence to the Town of Antrim^ and had Antrim. one 255 William Edmundson 1707. one there; after which we went to Richard ty^^"^^ Boye\ in the Company of many Friends. The Province Meeting for Uljter began there on the next Day, and held part of two Days in Worship and Difcipline ; from thence we went to Lurgan^ and fo to Monallen^ and had a Meet- ing there, where moft of Antient Friends came, and were well refrefh'd in the Lord, and in one another. After this Meeting we went to fee ArchihaU Bell^ he being very Old and Feeble, and having walk'd in the Truth many Years ; we lodged at his Houfe one Night, and the next Day went to the Meeting at Richard Boye\ and fo to Lisburn^ and were with Friends at their Meeting there. After the Meeting wc went to Hilshoroughj and next Day had a Meeting there, in all thefe Meetings the Teftimony of Truth was largely declared, and many deep Myfteries in the DoQrine of Chrift's Kingdom were open- ed, in the Demonftrationof the Spii it and Pow- er of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chriil. After this Meeting we went to Tobias Court- nefs^ and lodged there one Night, and on the next Day went to Lurgan^ where we had a very large and full Meeting of Friends, and other People. On the Day following, being the Firlt Day of the Week, the Lord's Power was migh- tily with us, and many heavenly Myfteries were opened in th^ Doctrine of the Everlafting Gofpelof Chrift Jefus, to the tendring and re- frefhing of many Hearts and Souls, and to the breaking down the ftrong Holds of the Man of Sin. Now when this great Meeting was over, >ve had gone through our intended Service in the m JOURNAL, 055 the Province of Ulfier^ except the Vifiting of 1707. one fmall Meeting, which lay fome Miles re-^^'VV) mote, and I being much fpent, and having alfo got cold, was willing to reft one Day, be- fore Itook my Journey to Dublin^ fo my Com- panion George Rooke anfwer'd the Service of that Meeting, and by Appointment I met him at NewYj^ where we had the Company of manyw.E.. ^na honeft tender Friends, that were going to D^I-^/Sew^'ry? lie to our National Half- Years Meeting, which was then at hand. The next Day we all went to Garlands-Town to lodge that Night, and had a Meeting there ^n£t;enw^ that Evening, the Inn-keeper being very cour-^^rtnl$/* teous and willing to let us have Room to meet"^°^"' in. The next Day we went to Droghedaj where orogheda, feveral Friends from Dublin met us, and that Day had a Meeting there, where the Teftimony of Truth was fet over the Unfaithfulnef^ of fome Inhabitants in that Toivr?^ who profejjed the blcffed fpotlefs Trtith» SECT. XXVIII. In feveral Meetings^ both National and Provin" cialy He rvas earneft to have Marriage, which is God^s Ordinance^ both begun and accom"^ flifb^d in God'^s CounfsL TH E next Day we all went to Dublin, ^^^SSrs? on the Day following, being the Seventh Meeting a$ Day of the Week, and Eighth Day of the """^^'"^ Ninth Month, 1707. our National Half- Years Meet- ^54- William Edmundson 1707. Meeting began, and many Friends were there ^-'''"V^ from feveral Parts of the Nation ; aho Accounts were given of the Affairs of Truth, and Con- cern of Friends for its Profperity. The Service of the Meeting held Part of four Days, in the fuhlick Worjhip of God and Meetings for Church Dijcifline. When it was over I returned Home Quarterly. iH Company of feveral Friends ; and the Quar- Mount"^ ^^ ^^'^ly Meeting for Leinfier Province being fhort- weiick. ly after at Mountmeikk^ Accounts were brought from the feveral Monthly Meetings in the Pro- vince, how Church-Diictfline was kept up, and a holy and zealous Concern was on Friends, That Marriage^ vohich is GocPs Holy Ordiyiancey might ha proceeded in and performed according to God^sjom- His Holy Will J that ^f herein his Jojning might be m^ndedin known^ JO that thofey who give and take in Mar- Marriage, yiagey may do it in GodiS fear and Counfel^ and not for Riches and worldly Endsy for that is contrary to the Ordinance of God in Marriage ^ which is Honourable in it felf being uncorrupted ; and Truth mujl and wiU regulate the Violation thereof. Some time after this Meeting, the aforefaid Marriagd Conccm of Marriage was clofely fpoken to in cw/.jC our Monthly Meeting for Church Affairs at Mountmelick ; and our Six Weeks Meeting for Province Leinflsr Province being appointed to be at Jihy^ Meeting at . -^ r. • • 1 1 j ^ 'rl Athy. It was upon my Spnit to be there, and to viht fome Meetings of Friends there-a-way, and tho' it was cold Winter, the Days fhort, foul Weather, the Ways very deep, and my Body aged, yet I doubted not of the Lord^s JJJiJiancey to give Ability to perform as well this Service^ as He had at many other times^ in great Difficulties and Hts JOURNAL. 255 and Dangers. So in the Faith of Jefus I went 1707. thither, where was a pretty large Appearance ^OTV^ of weighty Friends and Elders, and after fome time in worfhipping of God, we went to our Service in Church Affairs, Men and Women a- part, in the Senfe of the Lord's Goodnefs. Se- veral Matters relating to Gofpel Order and Dif- cipline in the Church of Jefus Chrift, were clofely difcourfed,and there being feveral Couple who prefented themfelves at that Meeting, de- . daring their Intentions of Marriage with each* other, it gave fome Occafion for a large Difcourfe of that Great Ordinance of Marriage, as it was infiituted by God ; and a weighty Concern was uvon my Spirit J to prefs all Friends concerned in that Cafe of Giving and Taking in Marriage, to do^^-^^j,^^, it in the Lord^s Way^ as he inflituted it in the "Be- '^^ ^^^ '"''"- ginning^ when he created Man^ and then Woman Carriage. to he an Help-meet^ and brought her to him^ and joined them together as Alan an d Wife : That fo all Friends concerted in that Matter^ jhould be careful to act therein in the Counsel of Gody from the Be- ginning to the Accomplifhment thereof^ and Marry in the Lord \ which Marriage is honour able^ tlie 'Bed undefiPd, When the Service of this Meeting was over, which held Part of two Days, I went in Truth's Service, as it open'd on my Spirit, in a Senfe of the Lord's Drawings, and had a Meeting at John Watfon% and another at New-Gar den^ and john Wat^ the Lord's Goodnefs was sreatly with me, who S"''v »^ mightily itrengthned me both m the Inner and Outward Man ; fo that the Teftimony of the bleffed Truth was held forth, and the Dodrine of 1^6 William Edmundson 1707. of theGofpel divided, in the Wifdom and Au- ^^'^v^'^ thority of the Spirit and Power of the Lord Jefus Chrift, to the great Comfort of true- hearted Friends. When this Service was over, I went to my own Dwelling in Peace and Sa- tisfaQion in the Lord. I attended Meetings quarterly- ^^^^ Homc Until our ncxt Provincial Quar- Meeting at tcrly Mccting, which was at Cajlledermotj and mou ^^ in the Lord's Drawings upon my Spirit to that Service, I went there in the Faith of Jefus w. E. reii- Chrift, that He rvould flrengthen both my outward L^rdfirA'^'^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^j to perform the "Journey and Ser- biiityinhis vtce tvh'ich he required^ as he had often done to my great Encouragement^ through ?nany Difficulties and Weakneji\ accordingly the Lord ftrengthned me with his Power and good Spirit, to ftand in his Teftimony over all that which was contrary to the Government of Chrift in his Church. And the Service of that Meeting was carried on and performed in a good Authority of the Lord's Power and ancient Goodnefs. When the Ser- vice of that Meeting was over, I returned Home, attending the Meetings, as ufual. Trovince And our next Six Weeks Meeting for Leinjter otheJfoJ'gh Province being appointed at Catherlough^ I went to it, where many Friends of the Province met to worlhip God, and perform Service in the Church of Chrift. When the Meeting was over I went Home ; and I ftill found that the Lord renewed my Strength and Ability beyond the Ordinary Courfe of Nature, Everlafting Praife to his great Name ! Mceting^^'^ The next Quarterly Meeting for the Province Mouotme- ^f Uwlhr was at Mountmelicky where the Lord's m JOURNAL '^^j Lord's Power did eminently appear, for the 1708. maintaining tlie Teftimony of his bleifed Truth v/V>J both in DoSrine and Difcipline. When the Service of this Meeting was over, I went in the Company of feveral Friends to d Dublin^ to our National Half Years Meeting, Haif-Yeirs 1 which was then at hand, being in the Third Meeting 4/ * Month, 1708. and, through the Lord's great Goodnefs and Mercy to me, was enabled to hold out the Service of that great Meeting, which held from the Eighth to the Twelfth Day of the Month ; and when it was over, I returned to my Dwelling, and attended Meet- ings there-a-way. Our next Six Weeks Meeting being appoint- ed at Ballycane in the County of Wicklow^ I had fome Drawings on my Spirit to be there, and . trufting in the Lord for Ability, took my Jour- ney to New-Garden in the t^ounty of Cathcr-^^-^^-o^'' loughj and was with Friends at their Meeting. After which I went to DimiinHn^ where I had ^""'^vin, appointed a Meeting, George Rooke from Duh- lin met me there, arid we had a full and fa- tisfaftory Meeting of Friends and fober People. After which we went to Thomas Dm kefs, and next Day to Ballycane in the County of Wicklow^ where the Province Meeting besan the Day„, ^, toliowmg, which held Part of two Days, andMeenngr^^^- a great Appearance of Friends and fober Peo- Baiyunt!^ ple»was there. When the Service of the Meet- ing was over, I went homewards^ and next Day at Evening got to my own Houfe very weary, having got a great Cold^ yet kept to Meetings about Home. X SECX William Edmundson ^.^r^ SECT. XXIX. I^ 1708. a^d 171. 1. He xifited Munfter, a^d attended both Monthly^ Provincial, and Natio- nal Meetings in hU Old Jge^ to the Joy and Re- jrefhment of faithful Friends, And /;? 1 7 1 2. at the National Meeting in Dublin, folemnly took his laft leave of Friends ; after which he fell Sick^ and in three Months time Diedy Aged near Eighty five. F 'Inding my Ability renewing, and Draw- ings upon my Spirit to vifit fome Parts of the Province of Munjler^ our Quarterly Meet- ing being at hand, by Appointment at Ca/lUder- mot^ I took that in my Way towards Munjler^ and ftaid the Service thereof, where I met with George Rooke^ who went with me that Journey in the Lord's Service. After the Meeting we watcrford. wcnt that Evcuing to John IVatfon'^s^ and the next Day to IVaterford^ and on the Day follow- c.onmd. ing had a Meeting there, and next Day to Clon- rnelj where we h.ad a Meeting with Friends on the Day following. From thence we went to Jofhua Fenne/l% and had a Meeting there with Friend?, {0 to Tippe- rary^ and had a Meeting there in the Market- Hoafey where came a great Concourfe of Friends Limerick, and Other People. From thence we went to L/- msrickj and had a Meeting with Friends tlftre, Six Miles- and the Day following had a Meeting at Six- Bridge. Miles-Bridge^ in the County of Clare, Co came limerick., back to Limericky. and ftaid another Meeting there witli Friends, and on the Day following we Wi fOURNJL. 259 we went to Silver-Mines^ and that Evening had 1708. a Meeting; at the Inn where we lodged, to'^>^"v>J which many People came, and were attentive to hear the Doftrine of ChriiVs Kingdom, that was preached to them in the Spirit and Power of the Lord Jefus Chrift. The next Day we went to Birr^ accompa- Birr. nyM with Thomas Tearce and George Peaje^ and on the Day following, being Firft Day of the Week, we had two Meetings there with Friends, and the next Day George Rooke and I went to 'Jojeph Robinfori^Sy in the County of l^Veft^ Meathj and on the Day following had a Meeting with Friends at iVaUers-Torvn ; next Day one at waUerj. the Moaty and the Day following one at Lij77/oi- I'laat, ney \ in all which Meetings the Lord's Spirit and "-'^'^^'^^'y- Power were with us, and his Goodnefs upheld us in the Teftimony of his BleiTed Truth, the Gofpel of his Kingdom being rightly divi- ded, and Friends refreflied in the Lord Jefus Chrift. Here I and my Companion parted, and each of us returned Home : This was in the Sixth Month, 1708. I kept to Meetings near home, until our Half- Half Years- Years Meeting at Dublin^ which begun the^^'^^/^f^ Eighth Day of the Ninth Month ; I went thi- ther, where many Friends appeared from feve- ral Parts of the Nation, and an Account of the Affairs of Truth and Welfare of the Churches were given. Here I met with fome Exercife, but the Lord's Power went over it, Bleffed be his great Name, who ftands by, and owns his Teftimony. Now, when the Service of this Meeting was over, I returned home in Compa- X 2 ny a6o William Edmundson 1709. ny of feveral Friends, and my old decayed Bo- i/V^ dy was weary with Riding; fo I tarried near Home, and frequented both Weekly, Monthly, and Six Weeks Meetings. SrlTir. I alfo was enabled to go to the following Half- /A,,t,ng a Yfars Meeting at "Dublin, which begun the Eighth Day of the Third Month, 1709. Af- ter the Service of that Meeting was over, which held feveral Days, as ufual, I returned homewards, in the Company of Friends. Some time after, havi g Drawings upon my j.ioat, Spirit to vifit Friends about the Moatj I went thitlier, accompany'd with jofhua Strangman^ and was at Friends Meeting dt the Moat^ and WalterS'Town ; where we were well refrefh'd in the Lord Jefus Chrift ; fo I returned Home. Quarterly- Soon after the Quarterly Meeting being at caftieder-''^ Cafi-ledermoty I went to it, where was a large mot. Appearance of Friends from feveral Parts of thr Province, and the Lord's mighty Power was with us, in the Service of that Meeting, both in the publick Worfhip of God^ and in Meet- ings of Dijciplincy for promoting Gofpel Order amongft us, and many things relating thereto, were clofely difcourfed, in a weighty Senfe of God's Goodnefs on the Spirits of fenfible Elders and Brethren, to our great Comfort in the Lord Jefus Chriil. W^hen the Service of the Meeting was over, I went Home, and was at Meetings as ufnally, and Ibme Weeks after, the Provwce Meeting Limerick, for Mu7ifter being appointed at Limerick^ 1 hav- ing fomt;thing upon my Spirit to be there, took my Journey, accompanied with Ralph Stephen- fon His yOURMAL. a6i fon and my Son Tryal^ from my Houfe to Btrr^ 1709. and ilaid a Meeting there with Friends ; but p-j;^''"^ Ralph Stephanjon returnM Home. On the Day Munftcr following r went to Limerick^ accompanied Meeting at with T^homas Wtnjloe and my Son Tryal-, we^'""'"'^' were at the Province Meeting there, which held part of two Days, and when my Service was over, I went back to Birr^ and fo home to my Houfe ; the Lord ftrengthned me mightily in the Performance of this Journey and Service, Everlafting Praifes to his great Name. • Now I kept to Meetings near home, until ^-^^^^""^l^^^ bout the time of our A^^/^/^W Half- Years Meet- Af^,f/„g^"i ing, which begun at Dublin the Eighth Day of ^^^^^^"* the Ninth Month ; thither I went in Company of Richard Eves^ firft to Athy^ to our Province Meeting, which was there at that time, and after the Service of the Meeting was over, we went to Dublin^ and on the Day following our National Meeting begun, v/here was a great Appearance of Friends from feveral Places, and Accounts were brought of the Affairs of Truth in the particular Meetings of Friends. The Service of this Meeting held Part of four Days in the Worfhif of God and Church Ajfairs ; when it was over, I returned Home. Soon after, our Provincial Quarterly Meet- oyarteiriy. ing was at Caflledermot^ and I went thither in cameder~''j the Company of Richard Eves ; the Service of "^°^- this Meeting held Part of three Days in the Worfhtp of God and Dfcipline of the Churchy and the fweet and comfortable Prefence of the Lord Jefus Chrift was with us, to Friends great Com- X 3 fort a6i Wilx^iamEdmundson 1710. fort and Refrefhment ; when the Service of the i/A/^ - Meeting was over, I went Home. National In the Third Month, lyio. T went to our Sn? "^ National Meeting at Duhlwj and a great Ap- pearance of Friends, from feveral Parts of the Nation, was there, alfo Accounts given of the Affairs of Truth, and Friends Concern in each Province for its Profperity ; when the Service of that Meeting was over, which lield feveral Days, for the publick WorJJjip of God and Church Jparsy I went Home: And foon after, our Quarterly Province Meeting being again at Cafiledermot^ I went thither, and ftaid the Ser- vice thereof, which was weighty ; when it was over, I returned Home, the Lord hitherto re- newing my Strength in his Service, both in the inward and outward Man. Province Qur uext Six-Wccks Meeting for Leinjler Baiiycane. Province being appointed at B^ll}ca?je^ in the County of Wzcklow^ I found fome Drawings upon my Spirit to be there, and accordingly went, though feeble in Body ; next Morn- ing, after the Meeting was ended, I took my Journey homewards, in Company of Friends, and through the Lord's Mercy, got well Home. Mf!t7n^^Z ^^^"^ ^^^^"^ ^^^^ ^^^^' National Half- Years Meet- Dubiin. ing at Dublin^ and I found the Lord's Draw- ings frefli upon my Spirit to be there, though I was very feeble and weak in Body ; for the Lord's gracious Promife was to me, that I ftjould not want Strength and Ability. I went thither, where I had good Service for the Lord and the TeJftimony of his BlefTed Truth, the Lord wonderfully Jlrer^gthning me over Old Age and, other other Ir^firmities^ fo that the journey wa^s made 1 7 1 1 . eafie. When the Service of this great Meet- O'^Y^^J ing was over^ I went home, in Company of Friends. Soon after this our Qiiarterly Meeting for Qiiarteriy- Leinfter being appointed at Cafiledermot^ l^av-Sef ^^ ing fome Drawings upon my Spirit, I went^aUeder- thither; and afterwards I went to our enfuing National Half- Years Meeting at Dublir?^ in National both which, the Lord Itrengthned me mighti-Dubjnf''* ly in the Service of his Bleffed Truth, in Do- ftrine and Church Difcipline, and the Power of the Lord, in his Teftimony, was over all. When the Service of thefe large and heavenly Meetings was over, I went Home, in the Com- pany of fome Friends. Now finding my felf unable to endure long Journeys, 7 was content to rejl in the Will of God^ who had lengthned my Time to Old Age^ and done great things for me^ to uohoje Great and Worthy Name he 'Traife^ Glory and Honour^ for Ever and Evermore, So liaving refted fome time, and kept to Meetings near home, finding my Ability Some- thing ftrong again, and my Mind drawn forth to vifit Friends Meetings in the Province of Manfler^ I fet forward in the Seventh Month following, accompanied with Richard Guy and Jojhua Strangman^ and came to ii/rr, where we Birr, jiad a Meeting with Friends, and next Day to htmertck^ and had a Meeting there withLimerict. Friends, and on the Day follov/ing, 'Jo'floua Strangman returnM home ; but I, with P.ichard Gujj went to Charlevily and there had a Meet- charievii. ing with Friends. On the next Day to Cork^ cork, X 4 and William Edmundson 171 J. and there had two large Meetings on the Firft ^-^'VVJ Day of the Week. From thence we went to Bindon. Bandon^ and had a Meeting there with Friends, fo returned to Cork ; and from thence in Com- voughai. pany of feveral Friends we came to Toughal the next Day, and had a Meeting there. Friends in thofe Places fliew'd great Expreflions of Glad- nefs, to fee me once more am.ongft them, and we were fweetly refrefhM in the Lord Jefus Chrift, and in one another: for the Lord's re- frefhing Goodnefs went along in that Vifit, and I had many fweet comfortable Opportunities with Friends, who came to fee me, befides publick Meetings. Now at Toughal we parted with Friends in the tend ring Power of the Lord Jefus Chrift, who filled our Hearts with his Goodnefs, and I KiVommon- .^yj^h Richard Guy went to Kjlcommonheg (fome Friends of Toughal accompanying us over the Mountains) and we had a Meeting at "Jofhua FennePs Houfe with Friends of that Quarter; Then' we went to James RuJfePs Houfe, about ripperary. thfce Alilcs ffOm the Town of Tipper ary^ and had a Meeting there with Friends of that Part, here George Rooke from Dublin met me, and wc cionmei= rodc to Clonmel^ and had a Meeting there with Friends, to wliich came feveral Friends, who were going to Munfier Province Meeting at yvatcrford. Waterford. From thence we went in Company with them, and alighted at Carrick at an Inn, to refrefli our feives and Horfes : foon after which I was taken with a violent Griping, exceffive Vomiting and Shaking of my whole Body, fo that it fliook the Bis JOURNAL. 265 the Bed I lay upon, and I was not fit to travel 171 1. that Day nor the next : Thomas Pierce and Ri- ^-''''W chard Guy, both skilful in Phyfick, ftaid with me, and after two Days Reft, I found my felf much eafier ; then confidering the matter, and finding Freedom in my Spirit, I returned home- ward, accompanied with my two Friends a- forefaid, at Ballinakil Thomas Pierce left me, and went homeward, and Richard Guy accompanied Return^ me to my own Dwelling. This Journey was «^'"^- above two Hundred Miles, and I then about Eighty three Years of Age. After this, when I had refted fome time at Home, and kept to our Meetings for the Wor- fhip of God, I found my Body fomething frefh, and able to travel fome fhort Journies in Truth's Service, and Leinfter Province Meeting being p,,,j,,, at Cajlledermot, I went thither. When the Ser- ^^^{f^f^f vice of the Meeting was over, which held part mot, of three Days, I returned to my Houfe and Fa- mily, and about a Week after our National Half-Years Meeting was at Dublin, in the Ninth Month ; and I went thither in Company of fome Friends, and was enabled to anfwer the Service required of me in that great Meeting, which held feveral Days, the Lord's Power be- ing eminently manifefted, for the Carrying on his great Work of a Compleat Reformation ifi the Church of Chrifij and maintaining of his Tefti- mony both in Doctrine and Dijcipline. When that Meeting's Service was over, I return'd to my Houfe, and kept to our Meetings, as ufually I had done, but found my Body grow weaker and WlXLIAM EdMUNDSON 171 2. and weaker in divers Refpeds, yet my Under- t>^WJ ftanding found. Half-year- Our ncxt National Half- Years Meeting being pS"' at Duhlinj as ufual, beginning the Eighth Day of the Third Month, 1712. I found fome Draw- ings upon my Spirit to be there, and in the Faith of the Lord Jefus ChrilT: I went to that Meeting, where there was a great Appearance of Friends, and the Service of Truth carried on in great Peace and Concord, the Lord's blefled Powder enabled me to perform my Part of the Service committed to me in that Meeting, both in Doftrine and Difcipline, to his Praife and my Comfort. Here I took my Leave of Friends y never expeciing to fee their F^ces anj more in that Place. When the Service of that great Meet- ing was over, which held about three Days, in the Worlliip of God and Church Difcipline, I went to my own Houfe, in Company of my Son Trj-il Edmundfm and Richard EveSj and found m.y Body could not endure to travel, be- ing now near Eighty Five Years Old. SECT. m JOURNAL. 367 1712. SECT. XXX. SUPPLEMENT, Containing fever al weighty Exprefftons of William Edmundfon on hu Death-Bed. with a brief Account of his Death and Burial. THIS worthy Elder after his Return Home, as abovefaid^ attended Meetings there-a-way, whilft of Ability of Body, alfo read over his Journal, and other Papers, and on the Day before he took his Bed, was at a Bu- rial near his own Dwelling, at Friends Bury- ing-Place in Tineel^ where he bore a living Te- ftimony to Friends and Neighbours prefent, ad- vifing all to make ready forfuch a Time as thatj viz. T)eath^ &c. and exhorting Young People to he- ware of Pride and Height : which Teftimony, though fhort, was very reaching, a good Power attending, and concluded in fweet and fervent Prayer to the Lord. Next Day, being the fecond of the Sixth Month, a few Hours after he had finiflied the Reading of his Writings for Truth'^s Service^ he took his Bed of the Ilnefs whereof he died, and having his Will alter'd according to his Mind, he fa id, He was willing to die^ and well fat ts fed to ^68 William Edmundson 171 2. to go out of phis trouhlefom World^ for hts Days ^^r^rsJlVork was fimjh'd. On the fourth of the faid Month he faid to Friends prefent, I fnd my Legs fail md^ and its tediom to die upward^ defying the Lord would make his Paffage eafie. And requefting Friends, that his \yill might be performed, and the Subftance of his Journal no way alterM ; Jnd I deftre^ be^n'^l^f-^ faid he, // any Friend have a ^ Paper that I wrote laid, could to the *Bi(hop^ (of Kildare) fhewinz my Reafons Mtbe found, r 1 ■ ^ 1 -r-t r ■ r ^ 1 n r but thofehejor Leavmg their Lhurch^ it may be taken Care of, makJhtme-^^^fi"'^^^'^^ Other Papers ; particularly thofe^ that I ^iateiy foi'^ wrote in Jamaica. And foon after faid, Lord Je- piement. fus Chrijly ^hOH great phyfician^ look upon me^ wh0 canU cure me^ I had rather Die than Live. And that Night being very ill, and full of Pain, he was defirous to go to Bed, which was prepar- ed for him, and when help'd towards it, he kneeled down on the Bed-Side, and was enabled in the midil: of his Extremity, to call upon God, to the Comfort and Satisfaftion of Friends prefent, befeechiag the Lord, to abate in fome meafure the Bitterne^ of the Pain that lay on him, which in a great Degree was anfwer'd, for tho' he got little Sleep that Night, yet lay for tlie moll Part pretty eafie and quiet ; towards Morning being in a very tender Frame of Spi- rit, he was truly thankful to God for his Mercy and Goodnefs, and did blefs, praife and mag- nifie His great Name , for the fame, defiring thofe prefent to praife the Lord alfo on his Behalf. Ou Ws fOURMJU 269 On the fifth Day of the faid Month, there 171 2. being fome Friends in the Room, fitting quiet- ^-'"Vv/ ly by him, he defired their Prayers for him, for he was weak, and not able to ui^dergo much : foon after which he got a little Sleep, and when he awoke, ask'd, were Friends gone? He was ask'd how he did ? he faid, very weak. Then befought the Lord to this EfFed, iorget not thy wonted Mercies^ hut mitigate theje PainSj if it be thy Willj and [land not at a Distance in this Time of Need : / ^ray thee^ Lord^ Touchy one Touch with thy Finger^ and cure alL And a little after orderM where his Grave fliould be made, and gave necelTary Advice and Charge to his Children* On the fixth Day of the faid Month, he ex- prefl: to fome Friends his Concern and Trou- ble of Mind, becaufe of Fride and Height that young People were gone intOy far wide from the Flu- mility and Flainnefs that Truth led Friends into in the Begin77ing\ and faid. One tXJMPLES another therein. And his Spirit feem'd burthen- ed under a Senfe thereof. At Night when he went to Bed, he renewed his Supplication to the Lord, not to forget his wonted Kjndnef to- rvards him^ 8cc. On the feventh Inftant he faid to his Wife, 7 am now clear of the World and the Things of it* And to Friends, who came to vifit him that Afternoon, he faid, Friends^ you would do well to retire to the Lord. And after a time of filent Waiting, he prayed fervently unto God to their great Comfort, and tho' the Pains and Extre- mity 070 William Edmundson 1712. mityof his Dillemper were great, yet he bore ^>^VX; it patiently ; and divers Friends from feveral Farts coming to fee him, he frequently declared his zealous Concern for Truth's Profperity, and Promotion of its Government in the Churches of Chrift, that not only thofe who were pecu- liarly concerned as Elders in the Difcipline and Overfight of the Church, fliould be fuch as were rightly qualified and gifted for that Ser- vice, s^en of Crutl), fearing dSot) an!) Ijating CobCtOUfnetlSi, but alfo that all who were ad- mitted into a clofe Communion, as Members of Men and Womens- Meetings, (hould be fub- je£l to Truth, and walk agreeable thereto in the whole Courfe of their Converfation. And when fuch came to vifit him, who had not been fubjefl: to thofe wholefom Rules, eftablifli- ed in the Church for good Order and Difci- pline, he did not fpare to admonifh and reprove them in the Authority of Truth, and for their Good. * On the Tenth Inftant at Night, be being in a heavenly Frame and Concern of Mind, dif- cernabletothofeby him, hefpakethus, Heaven and Earthy Sea and dry Landj and all Things Jlja/l he jh:iken ; nothing mufl fland^ bat what is accord- ing to the Will of God : jo look to it Friends. And fome time after faid to this Efteft, Hie here un- der Pain, and would jain be removed'^ but I am like one that furj'ues Deaths and it fees jrom rne^ although I fee not wherefore mj 1 ime fhould be frolong^dy my natural Parts being decayed \ neither fee I any thing I have left undone^ which the Lord re^tiirei m JOURNAL. 271 required of me^ when I had Strength and Ahilitj^ 171 2. or that the Lord chargeth me with any Negle^ or ^^^^^^ Tranfgrejfion. On the Eighteenth, as he lay, he fpake thus to iome preient, / have fomethtng to fay to you^ if yoti have Ears to hear it^ The ^pitlt Of 33a- nitp i^ let loofe^ the Lord [offers tt^ and it^s like to n'iake a Separation. At another time, he faid to fome intimate Friends prefent, There are Zivonderful Things to be done^ the Lord hath a mighty Work to do^ that niuji be gone thro ttgh^ and there be few that fee through it. Several other weighty ExprelTions drop'd from the Mouth of our laid Dear and Ancient Friend in the Time of his Sicknefs, fome of which are inferted in the Teftimonies given forth by Friends, who vifited him near his End, and were Eye and Ear-Witneffes thereof. To conclude, though it may befuppofed di- vers of the Author's laft Sayings were not com- mitted to Writing, which, if remembred, might have been vv^orthy thereof; yet what is here collefted may demonftrate his Zeal for the Glo- ry of God and Welfare of Sion to' his latter End ; who, after about one Months Sicknefs and Pain of Body, fomewhat fliarp to bear at times, having Run the Race with Patience^ and kept the Faithj Departed this Life in fweet Peace with the Lord, in Unity with his Bre- thren, and Good- Will to all Men, the Thirty Firft Day of the Sixth Month, 1712. being near Eighty Five Years Old, and was Buried the Fourth Day of the Seventh Month follow- ing? iy^ WiLtlAM Et)MUNDSON 171 2. ing, in Friends Burying-Place at Tineel^ near t^OTv^his own late Dwelling-Place, being accompani- ed to the Grave by many Friends and others from feveral Parts, where divers Teftimonies were born from a lively Senfe of his manifold Services, Perils and Labours of Love, both in this Nation and Iflands abroad ; after which his Body was decently interred, but his Memorial lives amongfi the Righteom. THE THE Spittles and^apets! O F William "Edmund/on. An ETISTLE to Friends^ ^written in Jamaica, Dear Fr i en ds^ AS You have received and believ'd in the ^^7^^' precious Truth, fo live and walk in it to God's Glory, and walk upright in the Freedom and Liberty of the Truth and Gofpel of Peace, in which you wilt have Peace with God ; and go not back into the Liberty of the World, for that will bring you into Bondage, and the old Leaven will fteat ia by little and littley that leavens into the Love of the. World, and draws from the Love of God, and hinders the Incomes ^j;j^^^' of his Love in your Hearts and Souls,- sind drapes frot^' dfaws the Mind into great incuigi^ances andG//"^' AfFeftions into things below, to mind Earthly Things more than Heavenly Things, and be- c<)tms a Yok« of Bondage, and wilt make yoii ¥ Wok 2 74. The EPISTLES, IsV. 1671. look down into the Earth, and keep you from ^^''VVJ looking up to the Lord, who faith, Look unto mc. In the hea- Aud fo all ftand faft- and firm in the Freedom venjy image ^^^ Libertv of thc bleifed Truth: let none dom. 4ofe -the lae^vejalyi Image, J^ft. the Earth and earirhly Image, fteal in^ancF;coii^ ov6r a?gain ; and as the Grave fwallow up, and Hke Thorns choak all that which is good, and fo ftain and fpoil the Beauty and Comelinefs, which you have jn the. Eye.rlafiing Truth. '' Friend^, I fay, in the Nime'of, the Lord Je- fus, Shake your j elves from the Duf}^ and from the £^rjtj&^ as being quickned ajad.raifed from the Grave, and from the Earth by the Spirit and Power of the Lord, and fow not among Thorns, but plow up the Fallow-Ground, and keep a diligent Hand at the Plow, that as the Ax hath cut down the Branches, fo the Plow might tear up the Roots, that the Roots of Corrup- covetouf- tion and Earthly-mindednefs and Covetoufnefs, -'^ -' ^^'^vhich is the Root of all Evil, and the Root of Bitternefs be not left unrooted out through Negleft; and fo thofe old Roots fprout and fpring up again, arid run over and choak the Good, and make the Field, Garden and Planta- tion unfruitful to God. Muft not his People be as a fruitful Field, and as a pleafant Garden to bririg forth much Fruit, to be a fweet Smell and a fweet Savour ? And fo, allFriends, fee that your Fields, Gardens and Plantations be kept clean, and the Roots hack'd up as well as the Branches ; that you may flourifli in the New Covenant, as the Field of the Lord, and as his Garden, give a fweet SmclLand Savour of Life unto nefs Root, 0/WlLLIAM EdmUNDSON. 1']^ unto Life, and of Death unto Death; and as 1671. his fruitful Plantation, bring forth much Fruit ^^^V^^ to his Praife and Glory, who is the chief Plan- Good Fruits ter and chief Workman, that he may delight^''*''''* to dwell in his Field and Plantation, and to walk in his Garden, and to water it in due Sea- fon, and not have caufe to rejeQ: or call out any, as a withered and unfruitful Branch, through Unworthinefs. Let all walk worthy of God's Love, Vifita- tion and Mercies every way, and take heed of turning again untofuch things, as Truth judg- ed, led out of, and caufed us to deny at the firft^ in Trading and otherwife : For Truth changes Tmh doth not : Therefore keep the firft Love and Princi-"'^'''^''^'* pies, fpotlels and blamelefs in the Sight of God and Man, and remember that the Children of Ifraely whom God took by the Hand to bring them from the Bondage of j€gyptj and to give them the Land of Promife, how many of the firft Generation fell, and came n:tort by looking back through Unbelief, and temptingand griev- ing the Lord in the Day and Time of their Tryal. Alfo Lot'^s Wife, who looked back, was Lofi mfr fet for an Exampk : And are not we a kind of'*" £^'""^''* Firft Fruits, and a Generation whom God hath vifited, and taken by the Hand to redeem from the Earth, and from the World, after a long Night of Apoftacy and Falling away ? So all take heed and be eircumfpefl: ; for there is much upon my Spirit concerning thefe Things, hard to be utter'dj.and harder to be born by fome- See that none leave either Hoof or . . Y 2 Horne 276 The EPISTLES, feV. 1 67 1. Horn itijEgypr^ for then the Mind will be to- ^y^y^ wards it. Therefore all arife, and come forth with the Seed Royal, that all we have may be in the Mrve have Hand of the Lord, as an Offering and Sacrifice p/r!tt77a' to him, which is but a reafonable Service : For the Lord, ^g a^.g {3^. Stewards of what we have, and muftgive an Account to God ; wherefore take heed of being link'd and married to your Shops, and Trades or Merchandize, whereby you are incumbred, let and hindred from coming to Meeting, ferving the Lord and doing his Work, as though your Work and Bufmels muft be done Firft, and the Lord's the laft. Would not you blame and be angry with your Servants, that would prefer and do their own Work and Bufinefs before yours, and be fo incumbred and bufie therein, that your Bufinefs is neglefted ? Be ye therefore careful that the Lord's Bufi- And ku nefs be firlldone, and his Truth and Concerns /!i''j'/./vr^ thereof preferred before all, that you may re- ouroxn. ceive an Anfwer from the Lord of Well done Good and faithful Servants. For if any be link- ed and married to the World, and to the Earth, their Shops, Merchandize or Trading, and have their DeHghts there: How then are they God's Freemen and Chrift's Spoufe, married to him ? Muit not they, who are married to Chrift, be freed from the World and from the Earth through the Crofs of Clirill, the Power of God, and walk as Freemen, having the Earth under them, and not over them ? iht-xr^-x Be ye therefore good Merchant-Men, prize rca^rr""^ the precious Truth, the precious Pearl, and the Pre- 0/WlLLIAM EdMUNDSON. ^77 Preferment of it above all, that the Love of 1671. the World and of the Earth enter not, and ^-'''VNJ work as the Old Leaven, by which the Streams of God's free Love in your Hearts may be rtop'd. All prize the Love of God, and walk worthy of it, who as a tender Father gave his Son for us, even the Son of his Love, whom cod^s love he hath made Heir of all Things, that we ^^ *^ ^'■'^*'* 1 11* ITT* n in gtvtng through him may be Heirs of an Everlafting^^^^^- Inheritance, and not go after other Lovers, or have the Heart carried away with them, that will not ftand in ftead, nor can fave in the needful Time, Jamaica, the 2\th of the Twelfth Month, 1671. Wiliiam Edmundjon, Tart of a LETJ ER to his TVife. I Have had feveral Meetings here with Friends, and the Lord's heavenly l^efence with us, and many well refrefhed. I defire that all may be careful of God's Honour, and the Fame of his bleffed Truth, (which is more than all) that Occafion be not given, whereby Truth may be evil fpoken of My Love is to all our Children, with thee ; and my Defire and Charge to them is, To fear Gody love his Truth and People^ and love one another \ live in Peace^ and walk foberly to ally for the Fear of God will' keeif their Hearts cUan^ and by it they mil learn Y 5 Wtfdom 278 The EPISTLES, is^c. "^ Wifdom towards God and Men^ which rvill adorn ^^^^^^^^ and co?nmend them before Me??^ and in the End produce both Peace and Comfort. My dear and true Love is to thee, as a true and faithful Huf- band, which thou mayft alTure thy felf of, where-ever I am, or however I may be difpofed of, and my tender Love is to all honeft hearted FriendS; as if I named them, and reft Thy Loving Husband, William Edmundfon. Of W I L L I A M EpfMU N D SO N. 2 79 L E T T E R E X A M I N A T I O N, TO ALL Who have alTumed the Place of Shepherds^ Herds-Men^ and Overfeers of the Flocks of People of all Sorts, in Chrijlendom) to fee if your Accounts be ready, and what Order the Flocks be in ; with a few Lines of Good News to the feveral Flocks. IVo he to the Shepherds that feed themfdves, JhouJd not the Sheph:rds feed the Flocks ? Te eai the fat, ayid ye cJoath vnththe Wool ; ye Hit them that are fed ; but ye feed not the Floch. The difeafed hive je not ftrergthned, yuixherhave ye healed that which was fuk '^ 'neither have ye bound up that which was broken ; neither have ye brsufht hxck th.it which was driven away ; neither have ye fou^'ht that which was loft. But with forc^ and Cruelty have ye ruled them, and they were fcattered, EzJk. ch, xxxiv. ver. 2, 3, 4, 5. Therefore I come againfi the Shepherds, faith the Lord : I will require my Sheep at their Bands : And caufe them to ceafe from feeding the Sheep ; yieitherjhall the Shepherds feed themfelves any more ; 'jor I will deliver my Sheep from their Mouths, that they may not be Meat for them, Hzek. ch. xxxiv. ver. 10. C OME all you (that have affumed the 1672 Title of) Shepherds^ Overfeers^ and He) men of the Flocks of People, of all forts in Chri- ftendom, you have had the Overfight, Herding ajjfl Ordering of the Multitudes of People for Y 4 along /^V^O a8o ne EPISTLES, te-c. 1672. a long time ; and the Lord hath been as a Man l-^VN^ in a far Country ; hut norp he is coming to call you to ^tit.2i.ii. Account^ and will require the Flocks at your Hands, the time is near, that you muft give account of your Charge ; and receive a Re- compence of Reward from him, according to your Deeds. This is a Warning to you all, to have your Accounts ready, and fee that the Flocks be in good Order, and that nothing be wanting ; for you will not have any to meddle with the Floc{cs but your felves, therefore at your Hands the Lord will require them. Have you kept a diligent Watch Night and Day, with carefulnefs for their Souls ? Have Geo. 31. 40. your Locks been wet with the Dew, and the %luwLh}ii2im of your Heads with the Frofts, to pre- ExlmpS's!'^ ferve their Feet in the way of Peace, from the Devourer, and out of all filthy unclean Ways ? Have you been as good Exarnples before the fe- veral Flocks in all things, walking before them as good Patterns ? rccr.ri.i. Have ye led them to the Paftures of Life, and fed them in due Seafon ? Or have ye not playM the Carelefs Idle Shepherds, fitting in your fat Places^ and lying upon your Jofi Pillows at Eafe, feeding with the Fat, and fporting your felves in your Day and Time, whilft the feveral poor Flocks go aftray in the By-Paths, . and are fcattered in the barren Wildemef, as Sheep wanting a Shepherd, and as a People without their Guide, where their poor Souls are ftarved ^r want of the Bread of Life? Have ye led the 0/ William Edmundson. 281 the feveral Flocks to the Fountain of living 1672. Mercies and Well-Spring of Life, where they ^^^^^rsj might drif>k freely, without Money, and thereby be refrelhed, and all become Fruitful and none Barren, as the Flocks in Solomon's Song ; or are chap. gdo?n. Have you Shepherds and HerdJ-men (fo called) of all Sorts, lookM carefully to the fever-al Flocks, to keep thcra from the Spots of the World ? Or are they not run all over from Head to Tail with a Scab, as a Leprofie ? And have not you play'd the lazy Shepherds, that look no better to the FlodjLS? Or the Sophiiters, whohavefaid, that youWave the Care and Cure of Souls, and that ^ you are the Phjficians^ and yet your Flocks (as you call them) fall into fuch grofs Difeafes and Uncleannefs? Are not you the carelefs Shepherds^ Mark 5. 2^. and Phjfictans oi no Value? Would not you :, blame and be angry with t\\Q Herdfmen o{ your I Flocks, and require your Flocks at their Hands, 1^ or throw them into Frifon, till they made Sa- I tisfaflion, if they dealt fo badly with you, con- • cerning your Flocks and Herds? And will not^ the 0/ William Edmundson. aSg the Lord do fo by you ? Is it not reafonable, juft 1672. and equal, that he requite the Flocks at your^^^v^ Hands ? For you have been well paid for the looking to them, as you very well know, and the Nations can witnefs. _ . , , ^ Have you kept one certain Voice; As the J"!]'^ '"^ '■ good Shevherd doth, that the Sheep might hear hii Voice and come together, and not ftray or ftragcrle, and fall into Pits ? Or have not your FwVf intfc^^^^^\ ^"^^'^^f*^ our Unity ftands with the Father boiy%irtt. and his dear Son, and one with anothen My earned Defires are to the Lord, that in it you may all be kept to the Lord faithful in all things, without Spot or Blemifh ; and that Truth may be lov'd and prefer'd before all, in you all, and by you all in all things. And though it be my Lot, to be as one feparated and taken from tL'^t,- ^ whicli 0/ William Edmundson. 189 which may be as dear and near to me as other 1675^ Men, and be as one caft out from the Enjoy- ^■^'"^'^^ ment of Wife, Children, or other Benefits and Comforts in this Life, as the Off-fcouring and Forfaken, liable to what may happen, Good Report or Evil Report, Received or Rejefted, Plenty or Want, Liberty or Bonds, Safety or Perils by Sea and Land, Life or Death, to take my Lot, as it may fall by Night or Day^ in Houfe or Wildernefs, amongft Friends or Ene- mies, as it may fall with me^ I muft be content, for the GofpePs fake, a T)ifpen[ation of it heim rhro^ Aga- , T,r m i • i ^1 aions he given to me J and a Necejjity latd upon me to f reach hoks to the it ; for rvhich fake my Life is not dear to me : Jo ^fl^[%^i that I may Jinrpj the Work committed to my Trufi^ (with Joy) and in the Endfiand in my Lot amongfi the Jufiijied* Now my Friends ! The Confideration of what you enjoy, will it not provoke you to Love and good Works, to be diligent in the Lord's Bufinefs, and prefer it before all your own : for you are Partakers with me of the fame Riches? of God's Love, which is to conftrain us all to neMerciei love him. So confider the Benefits that you en- UgfiJ'to. joy, and let them be as Obligations upon you, to^'""''^^""" ferve the Lord and his Truth in Faithfulnefs in your Places, and one another with fervent and unfeigned Love, and not flight Matters where Truth is concerned; but keep in all things fweet and clean, appertaining to, your pure RELIGION, which in its felf is unfpottedo For you know chat Truth is pure, innocent and- peaceable, 2.ndHoUnef becomes the Houfe of God^vt^\.^7,.'o. ^ho loves Holinefs^ but hates Uncleannefsp and"^^' ''^^ 290 The EPISTLES, h'c 1675. will not dwell with the Unclean. So dwell in ^^''^^'^^^ the Love of God, and in the Peace of our He exhorts Pfince of Pcacc, and be at Peace one with an- F.icT '"^ other, that the Love of God in Chrifl: may dwell in you, and abound amongft you. By this all dear Friends in that Part may know, that I am very well and have had good Service for the Lord in thislfland, and the Lord is with his Teftimony, and blelTeth and pro- fpers his Work; Many are convinced, and Meetings fo full that the Meeting-Houfes can- Biack« con- not coutain the People. Many of the Blacks are convinc'd, and feveral of them confefs to Truth, and things here are peaceable, and in as good James Fict- Order as Can Well be expefled at prefent. James tompZin. Fletcher and Companion came here about a Month after me, and this Day took Shipping for the Leeward'Ijla^dsj and intend to go to Bd-r- muda^ ^2ind fo to New Engl ar?d,\ am ready to leave thislfland the firft Opportunity for Rhode-ljland or New-Tor k J which I expeft may be about two Weeks hence. dock "^^' '^^^^^ Hajdock landed here two Days ago from • * Ne]V'¥.nglnnd^ and is well, and that Country is much diftrelTed by the Indian Wars; they had v^^n^n'b ^ n"^^rp i^^S'^t this Winter, in which, they fay, $he Indians, the E/'/gl/jh wcrc beaten, and loft above three Hundred Men, fix or feven Captains flain, and many OiBcers. They of Bofion have fent out frefh Men, and 'tis fuppofed have fought again by this time ; great Fears furprize the People,: and their Hearts fail them, that they want G«J/7/o//«. Courage when they fhould look their Enemies Tw^ '"^ in the Pace : th^gtah of the Blood of the Imiocti'^t jhed: 0/ William Edmundson. 291 jheci by them lies tifon them^ and the Lord hath 1675- given them Blood to drmk. It's faid, that feveral o^"V\J of their Priefts in Bofton-QoXovi^ had a Meeting to enquire of the Lord, what the Reafon is that he is departed from them, and goes not forth with their Armies; and their Return is for many Caufes, but this the chief, viz. Suffering the Q^U A K E R S Meetings amongft them. Thus Perfecution makes Men blind, that they run perfecuthn headlong to their own Deftruftion ; but many*'/^"^'^''° of the People are diflatisfied, and believe it is The KJlling and Perfecuting of the Quakers, that: is the Catife of their Diflrefs ; and they are di- ftrafted and eonfusM amongft themfelves, with Fears on every Side, and great Jealoufies, that all the Indians in thofe Parts of America^ will be in Arms this next Summer. So it is like to be troublefome and perilous Travelling, but the Lord can prefer ve and de- liver out of all, into whofe Will I am given up, w. E./^re- whether it be to fuffer for his Name, or to Vivt^tvmV/God or die for his Truth, His Will be done; and iZVJi'thl^ hope my Life will not be dear to me to part with if He fee it good, and I do not doubt but He will give me Strength, in the inward Man, to bear what the outward Man may fufFer for his glorious Gofpel. And thefe Tidings do not af- fright or amaze me, for the Glory of the Re- compence of Reward to the Faithful is before me, and doth out-ballance all Fears. Your Prayers to the Lord on my Behalf, may h.d^ Defiretb' me in my various Tryals and Exercifes, who T/^^.n /^r defiresto be in your daily Remembrance, even^""* . a/ you' are in mine,' never to be forgotten, for ^ Z 2 my 291 Tk EPISTLES, bV. 1675. my Spirit is with you, and the Overflowing of v^^v^VJ the Love of Chrirt in my Heart dearly falutes you all, and as we live in this, we fhall never die ; but fliall meet again, if not in this Life, yet in the Life to come,. Finally, Dear Friends, I cannot but put you all in mind, to walk as Freemen in the Truth, and in the Liberty of the Gofpel, and be not too careful, or too bufie, or incumbred with the Things of this Life ; but that you may be ready for Sufferings, which may attend that Nation before many be aware, that we Advifeth t&^^y all be ready, as Chrift's Freemen, to drink cbr^?/'*' that Cup wliich the Lord ispleafed to put into Freemen, Qur Hands, for the Tryal of our Faith, which is more precious than Gold. So my dear and true Love is with you all, in the Power of an endlefs Life, wherein I am Your Friend and Brother, William Edmtmdfon. Charles-Town i^ Nevis, the Tenth of the Second Month^ 1684. Mj dear Wife, 1684. 'THHIS is to let thee know (in part) of my j|^ Fare in this my Travel, I landed in Bar- rarbadocs. tadocs in Eiglit Weeks and four Days after I left Ireland^ and abode there about Six Weeks, where I had much Service for the Lord, which was . well accepted with Friends : And failing from thence to Jntego, we were in danger of SKip-^^ wrelk/^ 0/ William Edmundson. 29^ wreck, our Ship being twice ftruck on Rocks, 171 1. and afterwards run upon a Shoal, our Mafter ^>"^v"^ and Company not being acquainted with that Coaft ; yet through the Lord's Mercy and Help we got fafe off, and landed well. I was very fickly and weak in Body, whilil: I was in that Ifland, and my Spirit opprefsM with wrong Things there, fothat I was bow'd down in Bo- dy and Mind, yet I kept Meetings, And after nine Days abode there faiPd to thisllland, and Nevis. have had feveral Meetings, and feveral People of Account refort to Meetings here, and are very tender and loving. I am now very well, bleffed be the Lord, and intend, if the Lord will, when clear in this Ifland, tofail to ^/?;^^<:', and fo as Opportunity prefents to Bmbadoes^-^'^^'^'^^^^^ and when clear there, I know nothing at prefent but may return to thee in Ireland^ if the Lord permit, which I know will be welcome News to thee, t wrote to thee from "Barbado^s^ foon after I landed there, and fent it by a Friend, a Mafter of a Ship, by the Way of Lo/idor>^ which I hope came fafe to thy Hand, but this I fend by one of Liverpool. My tender and true Love is to all Friends, as if I named them, and to our Children, and my Prayers to the Lord are for them Day and Night, and for you all, Thatjou may he frelerved^ and voalk blamelefi iyi the Lord'^s T/uthj to his Horjour and our mut:Ml Comfort. So my Dear, my true and faithful Love is with thee, and Idefirethee, be tender of God's Ho- nour and Truth's Fame : fo reft, Thy Faithful Husband, William Edmtwdjon, 294- The EPISTLES, is/c, 1684. i^'v^^ Antego, the -^dof theThirdMonth^iSZif. T My Dear Wife, 'HE true and tender Love, which in Duty I owe unto thee, is an Engagement upon me to write to thee by every Opportunity that prefents, that thou mayft partly know of my Fare in my Travels through many and deep Nevis. Exercifes. I have been 2it Nevis and Mountfer- rat J and now returned to this Ifland, and am very well, bleffed be the Lord, who gives me Strength and Ability to perform his Service committed to my Charge, even beyond Expe- ftation. I purpofe in the Will of God to take Earbadoes. the firft Opportunity for Barbadoes^ and when clear there, I find nothing at prefent but I may return for Ireland^ but mull abide in the Will of God, which I ftill hope thou wilt fubmit un- to, whether in Returning or Travelling further, Life or Death. My trueDefires and Prayers to the Lord Night and Day is for thee and thine, that Te may be preferved blamelef in his blejfed Truth J to God'^s Honour and our mutual Comfort. I fhall not enlarge now, having given thee an Account in two before this, one foon after my handing, in Bar badoes J fent by a Friend by the Way of London^ which I hope is come to thy Hand before now; and another I wrote from iWevis by a Liverpool M?m^ who promifed to fend it fafe, as direiled. I received not one Line fl'om thee fince I parted from thee, nor Rciard from any in Ireland^ fave Richard Pearce^ tho' ^*'^"^' many Ships have been from Ireland to tl^^fe Pari£» 0/ William Edmundson. 095 Parts, and I muchdefired to hear of thy Wei- 1684. fare every way, and of the Welfare of our Fa-O^'^O mily and Friends, for my tender and true Love is with thee and our Children, Thy Faithful and Loving Husband, WtUiam Edmundfon. Barbadoes, the fourth Day of the Fourth Months 1684. Dear Wife, MY dear, tender and true Love is to thee, which thou mayft affure thy felf of, is true and faithful in all Places, and neither Time nor Diftance, Profperity nor Affliction can wear out ; for my Heart is with thee in fincere Love as it ought to be, and my Defires to the Lord Day and Night are for thee, that thou ?na.yfi be freferved hlamelefi in his blejfed Truthy rvhieh in Meafure thou knowefi^ the Encreafe whereof I much defire to jind^ which at my Return would be great Joy and Comfort to me. My Dear, I hope thou doft, and wilt endeavour thy felf with all Godly Endeavours, to live and walk in the Courfe of thy Converfation, blamelefs in the Sight of God and Men, as becomes the blelTed Truth and Gofpel of the Dear Son of God, which we profefs, and for which in Meafure I :.m feu in Defence, through Good Report and Evil Re- po^ : Therefore fulfil my Defire, and it will Z 4 greatly 396 The EPISTLES, isTc. 1684. greatly add to my Comfort, and increafe my iy^^V^' Joy in the Lord Jefus, which is defired above and before all other vifible Things, by me thy Faithful and Careful Husband. I have given thee an Account of my Fare in three feveral Letters before this, and now by this thou mayft know, I have been fome confiderable time at the Leeward Iflandsj viz. Antego^ Nevis and Mountferrat^ and being clear there, am now re- turned to this Ifland, and my coming to thefe Parts was in a needful and acceptable Time, and not in vain, as many can and do bear Wit- nefs ; the Lord's Goodnefs is along with me in his bleffed Service : for which not only I, but many others blefs and praife the Lord, whofe Care is over his People. I find the longer I ftay, the more is the Service, and truly the Lord hath and doth give me Ability of Body be- yond Expectation. Everlafting Praife to His Name for ever, I receivM no Letter from thee fince I left thee, I would gladly have come over in this Ship, that goes to Liverpool^ which would have been a convenient PafTage for me ; but I find the Ser- vice of this Ifland is upon me, and cannot be clear of it as yet. I know nothing at prefent, but when I am clear here 1 may return to Ire- la^dj but murt fabmit to the Will of God, which I hope thou canft fubmit unto, in giving me up, as hitherto thou haft done, whether in Travelling further or Returning. My tender Fatherly Love is to our Children, with conti- nual Care and fervent Defires for fijeir Prefer- %>ation out of the Evil of the fVorld, Snares off^e Pevfi 0/ William Edmundson. 097 Devil and Lufis of the Fleflj, which drorvn ungodly 1684. Men m Verditton^ which if they turn afide into, ^^^^v^^ will wound my Heart, Mind and Spirit, and heap Loads of Sorrow, Grief and Affliftion up- on my Head : but if they fear God, and love Truth with all their Hearts, and the Bent of their Inclinations be to Virtue, Juftice and Righteoufnefs, as good Examples, which be- come Children of a careful and religious Fa- ther, then they will make glad my Heart, Mind and Spirit, more than the Encreafe of all the l^qhes of the World. And this is according to the Truth of my Heart, the Lord knows, that fearcheth all Hearts. My dear Love is to all Friends, as if I named them, defiring they may be preferved blamelefs in the bleited Truth ; which, through the Mercies and Love of God, they have received and believed in ; and that tlie Propagation of it may be preferred before all in their Minds, Hearts and AfFeft ions, is the real Defire and Breathing to God on their Be- half, of me their Ancient and True Friend, who cannot forget them when before the Lord. My Dear, Once more my Love is mentioned to thee, and I hope yet, in the Lord's Tinie, to fee thee again to our Comfort, and remain, Thy True and Faithful Husband, WtUlam Ed?nundfon. J Barba- The EPISTLES, }3c. Barbadoes, the Twelfth Day of the Fifth Month y 1684. "Dear Wife, IN my laft to thee, I gave thee fome Encou- ragement to expeft my Return to thee from this Ifland ; but finding a Concern to go to Ja- maica, I cannot be clear to return in Peace with- out performing of it, and I hope" thou art made willing to give me up to the Will of God, what ever it be in Life or Death, yet I think it fit, and true Love leads me thereunto, to give th^ an Account of Faffages, and how I fpend n^ Time. I wrote to thee and to Anthony Sharp foon after I landed here, Ifent it by a Friend, Mafter of a Ship, by the way of London, I a- bode after in this Illand about five Weeks, then fail'd to the Leeward ] flan As, viz. Ant ego, Nevis and Motintferrat, and laboured in Truth's Ser- vice about tenWeeks,and returned to this Ifland, having had good Service for the Lord and his People all this time, and well accepted of, which I hope will not prove Fruitlefs ; the Lord's bleffed Prefence and Power is with me, to mine and many others great Satisfadion and Refrefh- ment. Everlafting Praifes to His Name for ever. Through the tender Mercies and endlefs Love of God, I am able in Body to labour beyond Expeftation, the Lord is worth) to he Jerved ivith the Abilities he gives. I do puipofe in the Will of God for Jamaica, the firlt Opportunity of a Paffage. And now, dear Wife, I earneftly beg and defire above all earthly things, that Thou and our Children may be preferved from the ^ Cor- \ 0/ William Edmundson. 299 ^ Corruptions and Evils of the World, in a blame- 1684. lefs Converfation, as becomes the Truth, which <>^V>0 you know in Part : and as your whole Inclina- tions, fervent Defires, ardent Affedion and Re- verence are to Virtue, and an Abhorrence of every Vice, no doubt the Lord will encreafe your Knowledge and Faith in his Son, and mul- tiply His Grace and Truth in you, and put of his good Spirit upon you. by which you will be made a good Savour in your Places both to God and Men, and cut off Occafion from fuch, as watch with an evil Eye for your Halting, to make it a Cloak for their unjuftifiable Doings, and to reproach me upon Occafion. Now my earneft Defires and Prayers to God, through the Spirit of his Son, are Day and Night for your Preservation from all the Evils of the World^ and Corruptions of the FlefrJy with the Lujls thereof: and that you may he enrich'* d with the Encreafe of of Gody through the hleffed Spirit of His Son^ to His Honour and your Co?nfort both here and here- .after ; which wil\ be more Joy and Gladnefs to me^ than the Encreaje of all the Riches in the World. So the God and Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, preferve you blamelefs, and caufe his Face to lliine upon you, that in His Light you may flbine to His Glory and Honour, to whom all is due for ever. Amen. My dear and true Love is with thee, and to our Children, and to all dear Friends, as if I named them. IVtUicim Edmundfon. ^^ For 500 The EPISTLES, he. For all Friends that know the Heavenly Gift of Chrilt Jefus, from the Apojtles to the hindermofi of the Flock of Chrijly that they negleci not the Service of their 'T>ajj according to Proportion of Abilities and Gifts, and more ejpecially thofe gifted for Doftrine and Government. J694. ^^Hrist Jesus, the Promifed Seed, that ^y^^'T^ V^ bruifes the Serpent'^s Head^ of whom the Gen. 3. 15. -j^^^ ^^^ Prophets gave Teftimony, according Heb. 10. 5» to the Promife of the Father, came in due time, in that prepared Body, to do the Will of God for Man's Redemption, which when he \t\2,%. ^^^^ finiflied, and tafted Death for us, heafcend- icor.'i2.k.ed up on High, and gave Gifts to Men, and pe- culiar Gifts to Believers; to fome Jpo/lles, to fome TrophetSy aud to fome Evangeli[ls^ Pajhrs and Teachers^ Difcerners of Sprits^ Help-meets in Government^ and feveral other Gifts gave he to Heb. 12.2. his gathered Flock that beheved in him, for the edifying and building them up in the precious Faith, which he is Author ot^ that they may come to the perfeft Knowledge of God and Chrift, in the Meafure and Stature of the Ful- nefs in him, and be eftablidied in him the Head and Foundation, and grow up in him in all Vir- tue and Godlinefs, in Gofpel Order. Now, every one thus gifted by Chrift Jefus, . is to wait on their Gift, and attend their Service in the Miniflration thereof, according to Pro- portion of Grace and Faith given. Whether Prophecying^ Mini firings Teachings or Exhorting all to wait on thm Service \ and he that Ruleth /^\ be ^ 0/ William Et)MiTND$ON. 301 he diligent^ and Speakers to perform it as the Or a- 1694. cles of God ; and thm to adminifter one to another ^>^V\> as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of God^^^^;^'^'^' and keep in the Bounds and Line of their own^'pet.4. 10. Meafure and Gift of Chrift, not going beyond it into another Man's Line, and be found in 2 Tim. 2.4- Faith and Doclrine, and not to be intangled or^"" ^*^'^^' cumbered with the Affairs of this Life, nor choak'd or furfeited with the Riches of this World, or laden, as with thick Clay to hinder their following of Chrift the Captain, that hath called and gifted for his Work and Service in his Vine- Yard, to labour in the Gofpel, and leave all for it, that it might be perform'd and finifli'd according to the Will of God, underch.14,27, the daily Crofs and Self-denial; and not to be^*^' at Eafe in the Flefh, World or Will, or own Time and Place in Trading, Dealing, and get- ting Riches ; but diligently attend their Service and Gift, and keep the 'body in SubjeBiony leafl icor. 9.27 Preaching to others^ they become CaJt-awaySj and to take heed to themfelves^ and to the Flock of Chrijly Aas2 Aa 2 Lord 3oS The EPISTLES, loV. 1695. Lord wanted Information ; fuch want the Di- v>^^/"^Wine Underftanding, and go from the Bounds I COM4, and Limits of the Spirit, and Will of God, 1 Sam. 13. like that forcM Offering of King Saul, which "' '^* Samuel calPd Foolilh, and the ftrange Fire and forced Offering, offer what comes to Hand, 1rai.50.11. and laviili all out, as if there were no Trea- fury to hold the Lord's Treafures, that may open and prefent to View at Times, for their own Benefit ; fo fuch in the End, coming to Poverty and Want, fit down in the dry and barren Ground: Wherefore all are to know their Treafury, and treafure up the Lord's O- Mat. 12. 35. p-nings, and try the Spirit by which they Offer, Rev. 3. 18. that they may know the Lord's try'd Gold, and not mix it with Drofs or Tin, and know his Stamp, Heavenly Image and Superfcription ; and not Counterfeit, Warte, or Laviili it out, but mind the Lord's Directions, who will call all to an Account, and give to every one accord- ing to their Deeds, a-zid all the Churches fijall kmiVj Chap. 2. 23./^^/- he jearchcs the Heart and tries the Rei/js. As under the Old Covenant, there was the Lord's Fire, that was to burn continually on Lcvir.fa jefted, and is a Grief, Burthen and Trouble /^rm«c^ to fenfible weighty Friends, who fit in a divine "^^''''^^"^' Senfe of the Teachings and Movings of the Lord's good Spirit, in which they have Salt to Savour withal, though the affeftionate Part in fome, who are not fo fettled in that Divine Senfe, as to diftinguiiTi between Spirit and Spirit, is raifed with the FlaOies of this wrong Heat and long Repetitions, which ^^S>^^^^^ ^^^!d"iea7' the trouble of the Faithful and Senfible, who is a noubie are concerned for the Good and Prefervation ^^-j^^t/. of All. We Read that the Priefts of Baal in their Offerings, were Earnejt^ Hot and Fierce^ and cut themfelves, making long Repetitions jrom^^^^^^^- Morning until Evenings Jo kept the People in Ex- peBation to [mall Purpose ; but Eliyih having re- paired the Lord's Altar, and prepared his Of- fering, in a few fenfible Words (pertinent to the Matter and Service of the Day and Time) prayed thus, in the Spirit and Power of God, Lord God t?/ Abraham, Ifaac, and of irrael,ver. 3^,37, let it he known this Day^ that Thou art God in ^ ' Ifrael, and that I am thy Servant j and that I have done all thefe Things at thy Word. Hear me^ LORD! hear me, that this . People may know, that thou art the Lord God, and that Thou hafl turned their Hearts back again ; which the Lord heard and anfwered. So here a Few fenfible Words, with a good Underftandiag, A a 3 perti- 5IO The EPISTLES, be. 1605. pertinent to the Matter (without needlefs Re- t/'VN; petitions) were prevalent with God. And our Saviour Chrift Jefn^Sj when he taught his Difciples to Pray, bad them, mt be hke the H)>pocrUes, or Heathen^ who ufed many Repetitions^ and thought to he heard for their much Mat. 6. 7, 8. Speaking. Therefore, faith he, Be not ye like un- to them^ for your Father knoweth what things you fr'ay^rtorM"^^ ^^^^ ^/j ^^^fore je osk him. And the Pray- blnfiv?^'''^^ which he Taught, is full of Matter to the Purpofe, though comprehended in few Words, and all his Difciples and Apoitles are to learn of Him, and obferve His Diredions, and not the Manner or Cuftoms of the Heathen and Hypocrites, in this weighty matter of Ap- proaching nigh unto God with Offerings, in Prayer and Supplication. Our Saviour alfo left us a good Example, written for our Learning, when he was un- der the Senfe of drinking that Cup of Suffer- ings for the Sins of all Mankind, and to offer to God that Great Offering for their Ranfom, Tou^'e.- ^^^ played in thefe Words, my Father, // thou ample u be he willw^, remove this Cup from me. never the^ minded in j r> ^ • ,.^^. n i , . / -^i * i . rrayer. leji not mj H ///, hut thine be done. And m giv- ,iukc22.4i,i^g Thanks in thefe Words, I thank thee, Fa- Mar.ii.25.//,^^/ ic^yd, of Heaven and Earth, becaufe thou hajl hid thefe Things from the Wife and Prudent, and hafi revealed them unto Babes, even fo Fa- ther, for fo it feemed good in thy Sight, And how many more Examples in the Scriptures are on this Account, full and pertinent to the Matter, comprehended in few Words, and not Ijke the Heathen in Tedious Repetitions, who think. 0/ William Edmundson. 311 think to be heard for their much Speaking. 1695. Therefore all who approach unto God with ^^'^^'^^ their Offerings, are to be watchful and careful, ^^ f^' ft* both PVhat and How they offer under this Ad- IZl^aL miniftration of the Spirit, and Difpenfation offZl^ldf' the New Covenant. I have travePd under a deep Senfe and Con- cern in this Matter for fome time. JVtUiam Edmundfon. The Twelfth oj ths Firfi Month, 1695. * Weft-Chefter the Twelfth of the Fifth Momh^ '^^91* Son Tr y al, I Received thine at Liverpool^ with one by 1^97. Order from the Monthly Meeting, and am* heartily glad to hear that things are well with you, and I Pray God continue them fo, with the Increafe of his Goodnefs : For no Worldly things would be fo pleafing to me, as your Prefervation from the Corruptions that are in the World, which the Fear of God, and Love to his Bleffed Truth, preferves out F^arof goa of, which, if thou and the reft take good heed /r^^TeJrei unto, will add to my Comfort, and if it^^^^^'^' ftould be otherwife it will add to my Trou- ble, and heap Sorrow upon my Head. And therefore I defire, that you may all be care- , Aa 4 ' ful The EPISTLES, JsTc. 1697. ful in the Condufl: of your Converfation for ^-^.Tv; God's Giory, your own Good and Credit, and my Comfort. I am very well, confidering my Old Age, and my Travels and Labours in the Lord's Service, which hitherto, the Lord hath given me Strength and Ability to perform, I hope to his Honour, and the Good of many. And now there is fome Service before me in three or four Counties in thefe Northern Parts, which I am now entring upon, refign'd to the Will of God, whether to Live or Die. G^-orge Rook ^ my Companion, who hath hi- therto been very fervi:eable and helpful, is ^low leaving me and coming to Ireland^ with Jmos StrettU^ the firft fair Wind; fo that I am left alone now, but hope the Lord will not leave me, who hath been with me hither- to, and blefsM and profperM his Work and Service, giving Strength and Ability beyond the ordinary Courfe of Nature, "blejfed be his ^amc for ever. And now, my Son, it will be Gladnels to me, that thou (liew thy felf a Man for Truth, in all thy Concerns, and if thou truly fear God, thou wilt learn Wifdom, which will give thee Credit and Favour with the Lord and and his People. i^tgreeieth Remcmber my tender Fatherly Love to ** ^*- "^'"* thy Brothers and Sifters, and to Grand-Chil- dren, defiling they may all do well, and fo walk, that no occafion may be given by any pf them agaiaft the Lord's bleffed Truth, or a Defamation upon themfelvesp Vox m e^'ery OfWlLLIAMEoMUNDSON. ^12 thi//g, xvherew any Sin agatnfi Gody and dijhonour 1697. him^ they dif credit and dijhonour themfehes : hut ^^V>0 all that honour the Lord in the Courfe of their Con- sin di/ho- njerfationsj He honour s^ and will ho?2our with many ^^°^^^^^' Favours. This being what offers at prefent from a Tender careful Father, William Edmundfon. Mj Love to all honeB Friends^ as if ?iarrPd, York, the Seventh of the Sixth Month^ ^^91 • Son Tryal, THIS may let th'^c and the refi: know, who defire to h^^ar of my Welfare, that thro' thw Mercies of the Lord I am well, and fenfible of his renewini^ my Strength every way, to per- form his Service required of me, whi.h I hope will be to his Praife and the Good of many when I am gone. My chief Care is, 7^y /■ / may do ?ny 'Days M^ork in Time according to hii IVilly firft in general, and fecondly in particular, for my Children and Otf-fpringof my Fjmily ; tOHfsc^r. t. be clear of all Mens Blood in the 0)v of Ac-*'^''^'"''^ [ count, my S;jrvice is more than orduary in fc-Biood. veral Things, and Strength and Abi i>y given accordingly. The Lord is great, aiid grv^cly to gH The EPISTLES, }3c. 1697. to bereverencM and fear'd, His Wifdom is in- ly^/^<> finite J and the Ways of his 'Judgments unfearchahle. The UTd>s My Soul and Spirit in the Senfe of his Wonders, Tud'Cnts ^^ ^'^^ Depths of Exercife, admires his infinite are Vn'^ Goodnefs, and praifes his Holy Name. fearchable, ^^ j ^^^^^ -^ ^^^ j^j^ ^^ ^.j^^^^ Mj Children Fo/lj is as a Weapon in the Hand of Evil Doers, a- gainft the Lord^s Work tn my Hands ; but the Lord who knows my Heart's Integrity and Innocen- cy, he out-ballances all Oppofition with his ir- refiftable Power, and crowns his Teftimony with Dominion over all Gain-fa yers, blelTed be his Name : yet it is a Grief and fore Trouble w. E. is to be wounded with an Arrow that ffrungfroni Zuh'^hi ^y ^^^^ Loins, prepared through m^ Childrens Folly cbiidrens f^y Want of the Fecir of Gody and Reverence to ^ ^' fuch a Father, whom the Lord hath endued with many Favours. It ought to feize all your Hearts and break them in a deep Senfe of bitter Sor- row, and be a Warning to all of you, that are innocent, to be watchful over your own Ways in Godly Fear, that you fall not into the like Temptations, which difbonour God, and are a Blot and Stain to their Name and Fame, who fall into them, not eafily to be done away out of the Memory of God and Men. J good Name nt tenderly defervedly loft, is hard to regain: Therefore thou advifetbthe^^ Jqj^ y^'ixh tlie reft that are innocent, fear Innocent to J \ . , . _^ , , * 1 • r fear the thc Lord, love his Truth, take Advice ot ap- ^'''^' proved Elders, which may be for your Pre- fervation in Credit with God and good Men, and Experience fliews, that They who honour the Lord, He doth honour them, I was at Liverpool and Chefiery thinking to come over with George Rooke e 0/ William Edmundson. 515 Rooke^ but was not clear of this Service, which 1697. I am upon, and muft not leave it till perform^. ^>^V'\^ ed. I received thy Letter there, with that by Order of the Monthly Meeting, both kindly ac- cepted : And I earnellly defire, thou wilt be careful on thy Part in the Fear and Wifdom of God, to perform what thou haft written, that I may have Comfort of thee : For nothing in the World is fo pleafant to me, as My Children ^^ ^reat doing wellj walking in the hle^ed Truth > I ^^'^'^^^^'^iTbeto had many large and full Meetings {x^ixz^Gsorgefeehischu^ Rooke left me, as in ChefJjire^ Lam a fh ire and thus tbJ" Truth. far in Torkfljire ; many Friends came far to Meet- ings, and the Lord's Power anfwerM their Ex- peftation, and many honeft Hearts are thankful and glad of this Labour of Love. I came this Day to this City, and intend to ftay their Meet- York, ing to morrow, being Firft Day, and then as the Lord enables, to go towards 'Burlington^ ^^^\:,r^tQn. Scarborough and Whitby \ and when clear there, ^^^[^^''^"S^ through Bi[ljoprick and Wefirnorland into Ctim- berlandy and if the Lord lengthen my time, then to fee you again. I know not yet whether to {hip 3.1 Liverpool^ or go by Land to Fort-Patrick in Scotland. I hope in the Lord's Strength to be in Cmnberland in three Weeks from this Date. Remember my dear and true Love to Elders and honeft Friendsof our Monthly Meeting, as if I named them one by one, and t charge thee He mueth to give them a true Copy of this, and let them Z'L^acopy read it in the Mens Meeting, and it lliall be a^{/^'^^'^- Witnefs for me, it I fhould not fee your Faces again. And The EPISTLES, l^c. 1697. And now my Son, my Prayers are for thee, 0'^^r^J and my Care is for thy Well-doing, that thy Behaviour in all things may give thee Credit, and me Comfort. Shew thy j elf a Mm m all Concerns^ and. dci in all things as in the Sight of Gody who orders all things for the hejl^ for them that Year Him^ and casi themfelves upon His Or^ dering^ Providential Power, that rules all things. ''Tis jafe to keep there out of all Self Will and Hafie. ^ J Villi am Edmund jon. A POSTSCRIPT. To an EPISTLE from Leinfter Province Meetinz^ AT the firft when the Lord calPd and ga- thered us to be a People, and open'd the Eyes of our Under (landings, then we faw the exceeding Sinfulnefs of Sin, and the Wickednefs that was m the World ; and a perfefl: Abhor- rence was fix'd in our Hearts againft all t\\Q Wicked, Unjufi, Fain, Ungodly, Unlawful Part of the World in all Refpeflts. And we faw the goodly and moll glorious lawful Things of the World were abufed and mifufed. And that many 0/ William Edmundson^ 517 many Snares and Temptations lay in them, with 1698. Troubles and Dangers of divers Kinds, which ^-^^^^^^^^ we felt the Load of, and that we could not carry them, and run the Race the Lord had fet be- fore us, fo cheerfully as to win the Prize of our Salvation : wherefore our Care was to caft off this great Load and Burthen, viz. Great and Gainful Ways of getting Rtches^ and to lefjen our ^eif denial Concerns therein^ that we might be ready to zn-flJcttlflfs fwerChriil Jefus our Captain, who had caird^""^^* us to follow him in a fpiritual Warfare, under the Difcipline of his daily Crofs and Self denial ; then the Things of this World were of fmall Value with us, fo that we might win Chrift, and the Goodliejl Things thereof were not near us, fo that we might be near the Lord : for rhe Lor£s Truth out-ha/lanc'^d all the World ^ even the moft glorious Part of it. Then Great Trading was a Burthen^ and Great Concerns a Great Trouble^ all needlefs Things, Fine Houfes^ Rich Furniture, and Gaudy Apparel j was an Eye-fore ; our Eye being fingle to the Lord, and the Infliining of his Light in our Hearts, that gave us the Sight of the Know- ledge of the Glory of G::d, which fo affefted our Minds, that it ftainM the Glory of all earth- ly Things, and they bore no Mallery with us, either in Dwelling, Eating, Drinking, Buying, Selling, Marrying, or Giving in Marriage, the LORD was the OBJECT of our Eye, , and we all humble and low before him. Self of j fmall Repute ; Minifttrs and Elders in all fucli MkifieA Cafes M^alking as good Examples^ tliat the Flock e^1I/S might I 3i8 The EPISTLES, to'c 1698. might follow their Footfleps, as they followed ^./VX^Chrift, in the Daily Crofs and Self denial, in their Dwellings, Callings, Eating, Drinking, Buying, Selling, Marrying and giving in Mar- riage. And this anfwer'd the Lord and his Wit- nefs in all Confciences, and gave us great Cre- dit amongft Men, But as our Number increased, it happened that fuch a Spirit came in amongft us, as was amongft the Jews^ when they came up out of jEgypt, this began to look back into the World, and traded with the Credit which was not of its own Purchafing, ftriving to be great in the Riches and Poffeffions of this World, then Great Fair 'Buildings in City and Country, Fine and Fajhionable Furniture^ and Apparel fuitable, Daiyi' tj and Voluptuous Provifwn, Rich Matches in Mar- riage, and Excefjive^ Cuflomarj^ Uncomely Smoak- ing of Tobacco came into Praftife, under Colour of lawful and ferviceahle^ far wide from the Footfteps of the Minifters and Elders whom the Lord raifed up, and fent forth into his Work and Service at the Beginning ; and far fhort of the Example that our Lord and Mafter Chrift I Jefus left us, when he was tempted in the Wil- • dernefs with the Kingdoms of the World, and the Glory of them which he defpifed. And Mofcs^ who refufed the Crown of jFgypt^ and to be called the Son of Pharaoh'^s Daughter, rather chufing Affliction with the Lord's People, having a Regard to the Recompence of Re- ward. And the Holy Apoftle writes to the Church of Chrilt^ both Fathers, Young-men and 0/ Willi AM Edmundson. 519 and Children, advifing againft the Love of the 1698. World, and the Fafhions thereof, which are ^v^'V^o working, as the old Leaven at this very time, i john.2.t5 to corrupt the Heritage of God, and to fill it^XC^/ with Briars, Thorns, Thirties, Tares and tht^^'^^'^^ Grapes of the Earth, to make the Lord rejeQ: '^cld^Vue' it and lay it wafte. But the Lord of all our"^''^'* Mercies, whofe Eye hath been over us for good fince he gathered us to be a People, and entred into Covenant with us, according to his ancient Promife, is lifting up his Spirit, as a Standard againft the Invafion of this Enemy, and raifing up his living Word and Teftimony ij^the Hearts of many, to ftand in and fence uB the Gap, which this Floating, High, Worldly, Libertine Spirit hath made, that leads from the Footfteps of them that follow Chrift, as at firft, and know him to bound them with his Bounds, and not In their own Will and Time, lay hold on Pre- fentations and Opportunities to get Riches, which many have had, and refus'd for Truth's fake, and the Lord hath accepted thereof as an Offering, and rewarded them with great Com- ' fort, to the Praife of his great Name. William Edmundfon» A N The EPISTLES, }^c. A N E V I S T L E To Friends in Barb a does. My Dear friends. YO U are in my Memory in the ancient Love of God, in which I vifited you, and laboured in your Ifland, and thole Parts of the World, to gather the Bleffed Unchangeable Truth, and to fettle and confirm you in it, ac- cording to the Ability and Gift of God given to me, and miniilred to you in the Demonftra- tion of the Spirit and Power of Chriil, in wliich the Myfteries of Faith and Difcipline of the Gofpel were unfolded to you, for your Settle- ment under Chrift's Government in the New Covenant, and to know the Bounds and Liber- ty of it, that you might walk in it in all things to the Praife and Honour of God, who call'd and gatherM you to be a People, and not turn into the Elements of the World, nor be en- tangled, neither carried away after the Luft of the Eye, Luft of the Flefli or Pride of Life; but walk in the Liberty and Bounds of the New Covenant, as Lights in the World : for God hath fet Limits for his People in his New Co^ vcnant, as He fet Bounds for the outward Jews m the Old Covenant, which tliey were to ob^ fcrvc and do, yet did not- but took Liberty beyond 0/WlLLIAM EdmUNDSON. ^ai beyond the Bounds of that Covenant, and were cut ofF, though they were the Natural Branches. ^>'^v^Vl And now all inward Jews that are circumcifed rh.^ jews with the Spirit of Chrift, are to know the U'cZlffo"f berty of the Gofpel of Chrift, and Bounds off^'^"^'" t-he New Covenant, and obferve them in slU^^^- '* Things; that their Doiogs may^ be to the Praife'^' ^''' and Honour of God, whether in Eating, Drink- ing, Buying, Selling, Marrying or Giving in Marriage, drc. and aot take Liberty to them- felves in their unfubjefted Wills, to fatisfie their Carnal Minds, Vanities and Pleafures ; and fo break God's New Covenant, as the Natural Jews did the Old Covenant. Such fruitlefs Branches will wither, and be cut off from God's People,and be ranked and number'd with Jdam in the Fall, who brake God's Covenant in Crea-^-^ mu pro^ tion, by going beyond the Bounds that God ^^£fj;t fet him, and was drove out of the Garden oi^;^^^^''^ God into the Earth : So all that go into Fleihly «^^'^'''^■ Liberty, out of the Crofs of Chrift and Self- denial, go into the Earth, Pleafures and Delights of it, and are dead whilfi they live. i rim. 5, mtua(. as Co-workers together in his Vineyard, that all things may be kept clean and fweet, and e- very Weed and Seed that God hath not fown or planted, may be pluckM up and rooted out of His Garden, which is to bring forth good The lordu and pleafant Fruit to his Honour, that He may huclrd^n ^^'^^ Pleafure to walk, dwell, fup and make are to be ^is Abode with you, and in you, to your mutual '^'''"' Comfort* And if it fhould be my Lot in my Old Age to fee you again, I might be comfort- ed in your Faithfulnefs, and Growth in the bleiTed Truth, and a Godly Concern fix'd in your Minds, for the Promotion of the Go- He gives tf vernment of it both in Doftrine and Difcipline. couf/cln- And as to Affairs in this Nation, we are very cerningthis p^^f^Q^yy ^^^ fy^itlj profvers^ Frle/ids in good £- Jreemy and a godly Loncern comes upon many rnends^ to he devoted with their whole Abilities to ferve the Lordy ;vho gives them Wifdom and Under jiand- ing in the Management of Truth'^s AJfairs^ for the Good of all : and the Lord blefjeth their Endeavours^ fo that in His Spirit and Power j which is flrong and mighty with us^ the Authority of Truth in Church Government ts over all Gainfayersj and the clofe Order of the Go/pel over all looje libertine Spirits and Earthly Worldlings y and Truth prevails to the great Satisfaciwn of all the ftncerely Con- cerned j and to the Pra/fj and Honour of GO D^ Amen. The Parliament is now fitting in Dubliny where I, with feveral Friends, have, and do attend^ 0/WlLLIAM EdmUNDSON. ^l^ attend, and they are very loving and kind to us^ ready to do us goody and to eafe us in what they^^^^'^^^"^^ reafonably can^ and have a Regard to us in AdiS ^"^^ Pariia- they pafs : The Lord is to be admired in the Care bers tender he' takes of his People who trujl in Rimy and cafl^°^'''''^'' their Care upon Himy and feek His Honour before all private Interefi ; fuch the Lord is honouring^ Everlafting Praifes to his Name ! So my fincere Love, in the unchangeable Truth, is to you all, and my Prayers to God for you. WiUicim Rdmundfon. CONCERNING Men and Womens Meetings. Dear Friends, Brethren and Sifters, IN a ferious and weighty Confideration of the 1 70S. great and weighty Service of our Men and Men and Womens Meetings, to order and manage Mat- j^"'?^"/, ters relating to Gofpel Order in the Church off^^^^i&^^y Chrifiy to the Honour of God, and his blefled ^^''^'''''* Unchangeable Truth, made manifeft to us, that we may be preferved faithful therein, and our Lights may fliine in the comely Order thereof, by the good Fruits brought forth in and a-Matf.$.r4. mongft us, the Lord's peculiar People in this ^5, i^.' Bb 2 Gene- 3H The EPISTLES, ^c. 1708. Generation, as good Examples to others, and t-/^^^ Lights ill the World. I fay, all Men and Wo- tuke 12.35. m^ns Meetings had need to have a fpecial god- ccn.i8. ip.jy Care, to fee that all our Society keep within Bounds of Truth in the Way of the Lord, to do Jujlice and ^udgment^ as the Children and Houjhold of Abraham, that thcTromife of God's Blejjings to Abraham and hu Seed may reft u{* on ti^<. My Friends, It is no fmall Charge, that the Lord commits to the Care of the aforefaid viz. fdr?^/ Meetings: The Care of his Flocks j the Freferva- ^andVnfer-twn of the TeJUmony of Truthy and the Honour TmZfreA f^^^ G^^^^ ^^^^ Worthy Name: So that it is of fl/;ntf/;y,&c.abfolute Neccflity, for all the Members, both Male and Female, to know their Eleflion, and in what it ftands, and in what Authority they fit in thofe Meetings : For the Service thereof, muft be performed in the Wifdom and Counfel of the Lord Jefus Chrifl", and in the Authority of his BlelTcd Spirit and Power. M known ■^^^' the Things of God knoweth no Man \ hut the byhi/spi,itSpir/t of Gody in which the Eleftion ftands, and icor.2.ii.^[^j.^ is that whicli fits and abilitates for the Lord's Service in His Churchy as he hath ap- pointed every one to His Service and Office : And we know that our Men a-^d Womens Meet" ings for the Lord^s Service in his Churchy were ordained of Godj and fettled amo'ngji us in the Authority and by the Jjji fiance of his hleffed Spi- rit and Power J and committed to the Trujl and Muti.gstoCare of FAITHFUL Men and FAITH- %eTcwer"F U L Women, to keep them up in the Spirit and 9f Gvd. Power 0/WlLLIAM EdMUNDSON. 515 Foiver of Gody in which they were fet up. Tefti- monies whereof, may be feen in many com- '-^^^^"^ fortable Epiftles written to Men and \VomensExod.13. 9 Meetings ; for all the Members to keep their Poffeflion in the Spirit and Power of the Lord Jefus Chrift. This is, and was the Lord's Way in the Set- ling of his Church and People under his Go- vernment : For when the Lord's ancient People came out of Mgyft by an high Hand, the Lord gave them Laws and Statutes to keep and do, and appointed them Elders, as Judges and Over- feers, to fee that they kept the Lord's Way, which he prefcribed, and to do Juftice and Judgment, as Abraham commanded his Houf- hold after him. And thofe Elders and Overfeers Eideu in • were of God's appointing, and known to the cfc«,{-rifr* People to be Men qualiHed for the Service ; f^l'il^j!"/ fuch unto whom the Lord gave of his good t^iresthn. Spirit, which open'd their Underftandings, tOi^"""!;!^' make a true Lifpeftion into Matters that came before them, to do Juftice and Judgment, ac- cording to the Rule of the Law of God. And when fuch Elders or Overfeers ruled, as were thus rightly elefted, and walk'd by the Rule of the Lord's good Spirit, they were aBlefTingto the People, and the Lord was' with them : But when others came to fit in the AlTemblies, as Elders, Overfeers and Judges, not appointed of the Lord, neither guided by His Spirit, What Calamity then came upon Jbraham'^'S Houfhold ? Like- 306 The EPISTLES, ^c' Likewife in the Primitive Times, when many <>'^V\? in divers Places, both of Jews and Gentiles^ were gathered to the Faith in Christ Jesus, and the Churches or Meetings eftablifhed: then And Over- faithful Men who were qualified for that Ser- chrlfitn^' vice, were appointed as Elders or Overfeers by ^4plrcbltion ^^^^ Approbatiou of the Holy Ghoft, to take the If the holy Overfight of the Flock of Chrijl^ to fee that all ^''^' who profefs'd Faith in Chrtji, (hould walk in His Doftrine, as it was firft delivered by ChriH and his Holy Apoftles, and to fee that the Te- ftimony of Jefus was kept in all its Branches, Aasi4.23. that the comely Order of the Gofpel might be ch! 20 1^8^' fhew'd forth in them to Unbelievers, as Lights I et.5. 1, in the World, that fuch, who could not be won by Word and Doftrine, the Witnefsof God in them might be reachM by the juft and good Ex- amples in all Things of the Churches of Chrijl in the feveral Quarters. And thofe qualified Elders and Paftors, whom the Holy Ghoft made whowere Ovcrfecrs in the Churches, were to feed them Flock of ' in due Seafon, not of Conftraint, but of a wil- ^'^' ling Mind, neither for felfjh Gain^ but for TrudPs fake ; neither as Lord?s over GocCs Heritage^ but Examples to the Flock^ and to do Juflice and Judgment without Fartialitj^ hdng faithful Men fanftified with Truth, fealbn'd with the Grace of God, and fpiritualiz'd with a good Under- ftanding in Church Affairs^ relating to Gofpel Difcipltne^ having their Senfes well exercifed in the Law of God, to know what was for Truth, and what was againft Truth, and accordingly to fuffer nothing to be ufliefd into the Church 0/ William Edmund.son. 317 of Cbrift^ that was againfl: Truth ; but as D^or- . keepers m the Lord's Houfe, to ftand in and for C/v^^ Truth's Teftimony, againft every thing th2itttevu would leffen the Credit thereof. S/t^^ But when the Faith of Jefus was departed chJlh. from, and Self-Inter efl got into the Churches^jnl'i^'J' then this Godly Care and Holy Difcipline went g;^^;>.^^^^ to decay, 2ind Earthly Wifdom^ Carnal Reafoni^jg^^asnegiea- Worldly Policy^ Riches^ Greatnefi and Literal kixs 20, 2^, Learning fway'd the Counfels in Church Jjfairs.l%\^^^,i^ And now the Lord is Raifino; up thofe Ruins ^^ 3- and putting his Church m its ancient Order, in 2, 3. fettling thofe Meetings of Faithful Members, to be kept up in the Authority of his Spirit and Power, wherein neither Riches nor Policy muft^^.^^^^ rule: but in all fuchMeetino;s about the Lord's ^^^^^f "f Bufinefs, the Lord mud be Chairman, Ruler //c> ;««/? and Judge, whofe good Spirit of Heavenly 'S^ i('7hurcV^ dom and Divine Counfel muft rule in the Hearts'^'^'"^^- of his People, who fit with him in that weighty Service of Church Governrne?n ; for it is in the Gift of the Lord's good Spirit, the Ability o„, ^^y;;^^ rtands to perform that Service as well as Do- '^^ /^'j^ ^'^^ ftrine: if any undertake it otherwife, they* mifs their Way, mar the Work, and inftead of being Help-meets in Government, do many times caufe Trouble in the Church. This from Your Ancient Friend and Brother, William Edmundjon, FINIS. THE CONTENT S Of the Introduction. W Herein are certain TESTIMONIES of Friends to the Memory of the Author of the freceeding JOURNAL, William Edmund fon. Page The Preface^ by John Stoddart. — — - i r rUlfter ivii The Vrovince Meeting for < Leinfter — xx cMunfter xxv The Monthly Meeting in Mountmelick xxviii ^ Samuel Waldenfeild > SJohn Feild r Five Friends in LoNDoN,«<'Henry Gouldney P52 JJohn Whiting — ^ C James Hofkins — -^ Hk Wife Mary Edmundfon xxiv jJ ^ rTryal Edmundfon ■\ Cj ^Abigail Edmundfonr His Children *^Mary Fayle > 57 Eleazer Sheldon L C4J O O H Sufanna Sheldon George Rooke • xxxix Thomas Wilfon • xliv James Dickenfon — — xlvi John Boufted — • — xlviii Chriftopher Winn — ^ 1 Benjamin Holmes — • liii William Sand with \v THE THE I N D E X, Containing the Mames c>/Perfons and Places^ mention d, in the Author'' s Journal oj hk T'ravels and Labours on Truth'i* Ac- count in Ireland, }3c. and beyond the Seas. ABby-boyl, Page 193,215 Abbylary, P. 213 Abbington, P. 229 AcridgeV John, 172 Albemarle i(/i/er, P. 59,101 Alexander Ifaac, P. 229,230 America^ 'P^'jo, 107, 114,291 Jfiamejjy-'B^iY, P. 97 Antego, P. 54, 55? 5^> ^^h 112, 2y2, 293, 296, 298 Antrim, P. 6, 8, 19, 196, 251 Appleby, P. 203 Ardmagh, P. 12, 21, 46, 147, 213, 240 Afhton James, P. 239 ' John, P. 191 -Thomas, P. 159 ' Athlone, P. 26, 130, 131,133,13$ Athy, P. 162,232,244,246,247, 254, 261 Atkins Jonathan, P. 75 Atkinfon Aaron, P. 231 Margery, P. 18 Robert, P. 201 Augher, P. i9'5 Ay res CoL P. 192 Ayres-Court in Connxugk^ P. 191, 192 B B Aeon Co/. P. 99 Badgeley in Leicejierjlnre, P. 16, 17 Bainbrigg, P. 205 Baker Richard, P. 169 Balleek, P. 194, 214 Ballinaberny, P. i^^S Ballinderry, P. 148, 159, 182 Ballyboy, P. 191, 208 Ballycane, P. 160, 245, 257, 262 Ballyhagan, P. 147, 159, 174, 182, 196,213, 251 Ballyhayes, P. 14^,159,19^,213, 251 Ballynaclafh, P. 245 Ballynakil, P. 265 Ballynalee, P. 197 Ball yna floe, P. 193 Ballynolert, P. 152,188,199,208, 245 Ballyfhannon, P. 215 Band I^ver^ P* 159 Bandon, P. 264 Bangor, P. 165 Bangs Benjamin, P. 171 Barbaday P. 54 B^rbadoes, P. 53, 56,70, 71, no, III, 112, 113, 288, 292, 294, 295, 320 Barclay William, (7over;70r, P. 61, 99 Barcroft Jane, P. 736, 153 John, P. 146, 164, 166, 167, 169, 188, 240 Barnard Cajfley P. 141 Barns William, P. 171 Baynes Jofeph, P*. 231 Beale The INDEX. Fell Leonard', P. US Fennell Tohn, P. io5. 1S9 Jodiua, P. 258. 264 Fennick John, P. 95 Finagh, P. 27.250 Fins, P. 9^ Fletcher James, P. S3. 84. S7. 92. 97. 98. 290 fjoridx Gulph, P. 57 . Foreft, P. 227. 231 Fox George, P. 6. 10. 16. 39. 51. 53. 56. 57.64.105 Margaret, P. 201 fraKce, P. 102 Franley, P. 171.227 Fretwel Ralph, P. iii Fryer Tobus, a^ujlicey P. 72. 73 Fuller Ifaac, P. 155. i97' 212 » Jacob, P. 192. 200. 201. 205.216 G GAinsborough, P. 230 Galw^y Lord, P 175 Garlands-Town, P. 253 Garnet Bartholomew, P. 184 Garret William, P. 61 George St. George sir, P. 2 1 5 Gibfonjohn, P. 48 GisboroLigh, P. 173 Glanedlas, P. 165 Glenavy, P. 19 Glouccjier, P. 167- 228 Gould Anne, P. 18. 19 Gould , P. 79 Grace Co/. P. 132 Granard Lordy P. 119 Granard, P. 196 Grange, P. 148. i59- 1^2. 196. 213. 251 Gratton John, P. 171 Great lOand, P. 78- 79 Greenup William, P. 207 Green Springs in Virginia, P. 61 Greenwood James, P. 14^ Gregfton George, P. 47 Gribbell Nicholas, P. 157 Groom Samuel, P. 96 Guinea, P. 71 Guy Richard, P. iS4' ipT- 212. 217. 263. 265 H HAll James, P. 100 Hall John, P.204. 2i2 Hallifax, P. 145. 230 Hamilton Hugh, P. 184 Handcock William, P. 201 Hardcaftle-garth, P. 145 Harding in Wales, P. 221 Harris Hopton, P. 117. 118 Hartford- weft in America, P. 105 Hartfhaw, P. 145 Hartlhorn Richard, P. 93.94 Haverford-weft, P. 166 Hawkfhead, P. 141 Haws, P. 205 Haydockjohn, P, 201.290 Robert, P. 171 Roger, P. 145 Henry VIII. Kj,'''g, P. 109 Hertford, P. 144. 229 High Wickham, P. 169 Hilsborough, 149, 252 Hill of Hoath, P. 145 HoUani, P. 64 Holyhead, P. 145. 164. 221. 231 Hoope John, P. 227. 228 Robert, P. 188 Hooten Elizabeth, P. 56. 57 Houtland's Elizabeth, P. 98. 100 Howgill Francis, P. 17 Hughs Roger, P. 166 Hunt Edward, P. 70 Hutchiafon James, P. 175, ipo. 244. 247 T JAckfon Robert, P. 107 'Jamaica, P. 53. 56. 57. 63. no. 112. 268. 173. 277. 288. 298 ^ames II. i^ng, P. 114. 122.133 James -Town, P. 61 James I{ivcr, P. ico ferfey Eift, P. 93 Iniskillin, P. 142 Inman Jofeph, P. 173 Jones David, P, 165 Jordan, 169 Ireby, P. 170 Ireland, P. 5. 10. 1 4' 16. 17- $!• 61. 64-67. 75. 100. 102.104.1c5. 113. The INDEX. 113. 115. 139. U3.U4.i<^^'^^9' 175.174.203. 205. 207.1l1.2ii. 215.228. 231.295. 194' ^9*^ Ireton, P. i7i Ives, P. 170.229 Ivefon Henry, P. i74 K KEmpftonCo/. P. 25.52.5$ Kendal, 14T. 173. 202 Kerr Co/. P. 21. 22 Kirk Major General, P. i57 Kilcommon, 146. 164 Kildare, P. 108.108.268 Killoony, P. 185. i85 Kilmore, P. 18 Kil ray, P. 142 Kinagh, 216 i(^i?;gV County, P. 198- Kings-Clift, P. 230 Kings-Road, P. 10 > Kinfale, P. 67 Kirby-Steven, 202.- 20 S Knockballymagher, P. 158. 242.244 Knock-gratFen, P. 154. 249 189. L Ackey Robeirt, P. 245 Lambs-town, P. 217. 24? 171. 172. Id, La7U'ajlnre, P. 145. 202.21$ Lancafter, P. 201 Lancafter James, P. $6 '- Lancelot, P. 205 Lartinton, P. 204 Lary Jacob, P. 245 Lawrence Benjamin, P. 97 LaytheS) P. IS Leeds, P. 145. 231 Zc'c-w^r.-/ Iflands, P, 5 5>m 296. 298 Leicefter, P. 144 Leinfter Province, P. 26. 1 1 4. 1 5o. 151. I5<^. 159.161.164.178.180. i8i. 187. 221.226. 252. 31^ Lempfter, P. 166 Limerick, P. 114.154.189.252. 249. 250. 258.261, 263 Lincoln, P. 230 290. Lincohjjhire, P. 230 Linn CoL P. 74 Lisburn, P. 252 Lifmoiney, P. 197. ^^^* ^')9 Lifnegarvy, P. 148.159-174 Litherkenny, P. 184 Liverpool, P. 52. 140. 144. 171. 217, 293.296.311. 315 Lloyd Charles, P. 165 •James, P. 107 Lobthorp, P. 2>o Lodge Robert, P. 36.41 London, P. 18. 47. 52. 101. 10% IC4.105. 110. 139. 140.143. 144. I 57. 169. 200. 20l.2l8.220.ll I. 226.229. 293 Londonderry, P. 17. 56. 37* 47* 50.51. 142. 182.214 Longford, P. 186. 196 Long Ifland, P. 64. 92. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, P. 46! Loe Thomas, P. 36 Lmdy-ldi^j P. 10? Lurgan, P. 13. 148. 149. i)9. 174- 178. 182. 196. 213. 252. M MAc-Llfha John, P. i57 Magharafelt, P. 141 Mallerftang, P. 205 Man Ifle, P. 3 Manchefter, P. 144.145 Mansfield, P. 144. 171 Marblehead, P. 79 Marlborough, P. 10;. 105. 168 .Marfhall Jacob, P. 184 Maryborough, P. 39. 40. 44. 120. 155 Maryland, P. 5 7. 63. 94- 96. 98 MaiTam, P. 145. 205 Mead Dominick, P. 242 Merrick John, P. 171.200.227,231 Mevii. vide Kevis* Middietown, P. 9; Middlewich, P. 171. ^^zo Miller Michael, P. 172 Milfom, P. 168 Mims, P. 220, Moat, P. 13$. 150.15^. 15$. l6^« 1 ' 180. The INDEX. i8o. i86. i88. 197. 199. 216. 221. 244, 250. 2S9. 260 Monaghan, P. 251 >lonallen, P. 252 Money-goff, P. 17S iWoMTzt/err^zt, P. 5 $, 1 12.294.296.298 Mont joy Lord, P. 119 Moor Col, P. 1 5 ^ Moor William, P. 34 Morley, P. 227 Morris CoL P. 5^ 54 Moffen in JT^/ej, P. 219 Mountmelick, P. U. 4?. 44. 106. 116. 117. 120.155. 137. 138. 141. 146.152.154. 15s. 157.163. 164. 174. 176, 188. 197. 198.222.225. 232. 235. 242. 243. 246.254.256 "Mountrath Earl. P. 40. 41. 45 Mountrath, P. 150. 158. 160. 175. 188.242.247 IVluggleton, P. 69 Mullingar, P. 27. 1^6 Mu (grove Great, P. 206 Mufgrove Little, P. 202 Mu-fifter, P. 142. 150. 1 5 1. 1 54.1 58. 189. 198.218.232.234.258.263 N NAilfworth, P. 167. 228 Nantwich, P. 228 Narraganfety P. 65.67 Navan, 1?. 240 Naylor James, P. 6. 10. 33 Nesborough, P. 205 Neffon, P. 144. 200. 227. 231 Nevis, P. 54. 111. 293. 296. 298 Newberry Walter, P. 83 Newbury, P. 168 New-Caftle, P. 204 New-EngUni, P. 57.59.64.67. 77.89.290 New-found' Ld)td, P. I02 New-Garden, P. 182. 255. 257 Newhoufe, Thomas, P. 61 New-Hartford, P. 8^87. 92 Nerv London, P. 84. 86 Newport in I^:ode'Jjli»dy P. 6$. 66 Newry, P. 253 Newtown Stewart, P. 36.214.227 New-Tor ky P. ^3. 64. 83.94. 95.29^ 'orth o( Engla-fldy P. 6, 144. 199. 200.311. North of Ireland, P. 6. 36. 38. 50* 114.T21.138. 146. 150. 159.178. 182. 221. 225. 239. 250 Northall Jofliua, P. 154. 159 North amp to-^jh ire, P. 230 Norwich, P. 170 Nottingham, P. 144. 170 Nugent, Ld, Ch. fuftice, P.i 18.126 O OLd'Caftle, P. 146. 159 Omagh, P. 18. 36 Ore, P. 168 Orrery Earl, P. 40 Owens Lewis, P. i6j P PArdfev-cragg, P. 141. 173.207 Parker William, P. 30 Partridge [r/ioTO, P. 14 Pattifon George, P. ^3 Pearce Richard, P. 294 Thomas, P. 190.200.201. 203. 205. 206. 207. 227. 228.229* 231. 235.250. 259 Peafe George, P. 259 Penn William, P. 168 Penketh, P. 172. 201 rerwfyJva-fiia, P. 95. HI Petticoe, P. 194. 214 Philips Henry, P. 59 Philips ^^iiorp, P. 100 Philip Kjng, P. 82 Piggot Thomas of Dijfart, P. 42 Pikejofeph, P. 221*228 Pirn John, P. 144. 152. 181. 189 Pine Lord Ch. fujiice, P. 15$ Pifcattarvay, P. 78 Pomfret, P. 172 Poor, ■' P. i;o Port-Patrick, 174. 315 Port- Royal in Jamaica, P. 5<^. 113 Pottuxon-River in MiryUnd, 57.97 Powell ^iiflice, P. 24 Providence, P. 65. 66 C/UEEN's-County, P. 49 ^^ R RAghan, P. 131 Ramfey, P. 170 Ramfey PrUft, P. 7c. 73. 75. 76 Randall Samuel, P. 221 Rapho, P. 182 Rar- The INDEX, Raringten l^iver, P. 94 Raby, P. 141. 17;. 204.211 Reader X>ej«, P. 143. 147 Reading, P. 79. 104. 105. 168. 229 Redman Thomas, P. 77 J{hode Illand, P. 65. 67. 77. 82. 83. 89. 290 Richmond, P. 145 Ridgley, P. 144 Ridgway Henry, P. 184 RifTmdale, P. 202 Roberts Roger, P. 159. 164. 166. 169, 191. 196.197 Robinfon Anthony, P. 205 ■■ Jonathan, 212 ■ John, P. 215 Jofeph, 259 Robfon John, P. 148 Rochefter Earl, P. 7 $ Rogers, P. 90.91 Roidan, P. 145 Rooke George, P. IS 7. 164. 166. 169. 171. 182. 184.191.192. 194. 196. 197. 198. 200. 201.205. 207. 2lt. 221. 227. 228. 2^2. 240.242. 249. 250.25^.259. 264.^512.315 Ps^ofcommon, P. 215 Rofcreagh, P. 242 Rofs, P. 167 Roffenallis, P. 26. 55. 124. 137. 1^8. 159. 142. 174 RuiTell Coh P. 119 ■ James, P. 264 Rutlidge John, P. 174 S SAlem, P: 78. 79. 82. 95 Salters-town, P. 182 Sandwich, P. 67. 78 Sankey, P. 171 Sxxifrax River, P. 96 Scarborough, P. 172. 515 Scituate, P. 67 Scotr in Robert, P. no Scetlii7tLl, P. 2. 5. 21. 175 Sedgber, P. 17^.202 Seffenafe, P. 78 Selby, P. 172. 250 Shannon /^"ver, P. 1^7 ^'' Shapley Nicholas, P. 78. 79 J Sharp Anthony, 108.298 . Sheldon Eleazar, 240 shelter Illand, P. 64. 85 Shillaly, P. 146*158 Shrewsbury, P. 95 Silver-Mines, P. 259 Simmons ^udge, P. 112 Sing or Synge Dea?:, P. 108 Six-Miles-Bridge, P. 249. 258 Skipton, P. 145 Siigo, P. 185. 194.215 Smith Elizabeth, P. 188 Southerby William, P. 96 Stainmoor, P. 175. 203. 206 Stampford, P. 250 Stapleton Co/. P. 55. 112 Starkey Nicholas, P. 26 Steeton, P, 172 Stephens Thomas, P. 245 Stephenfon Ralph, P. 261 Stockport, 144. 171 Stockton, P. 175. 204 Strabane, P. 18. 56.2x4 Strangmanjofhua, P. 161.260.26? ■ Mary, P. 161. 174,176 Samuel, P. 152 StreamVtown, P. 156 Strettell Abel, P. 184 Amos, P. ^1: Strickland-head, P. 203.206 Stubbin, P. 205 Stubbs John, P. 53. 65,67 Sturbridge, P. 228 Sudbury, P. 229 Sunderland, P. 141, oqa Swadell, P. 145 Swarthmore, P. i4r,20T Sylvefter Nathaniel, P. 83 TAlbooth, P. 205 TarlF Edward, P. 9] Taverner ^ufliccy P. 62 Terns ^iijlice^ P. 60. loi Tenby, P. 105 Teve Col. P. 62 Tewlfbury, P. 228 Thorn, P. 230 Thurles, P. 189 lid bury, P. 228 Tiffin John, P. 14 Tineel, P. 272 ' ftp- The INDEX. Tipperarj County, P. 198.245.247 249.258. 264 Toberhead, 148. 182. i9<5- 2$i Tool Lieutenant y P. 152 Townfon Timothy, P. 166. 167 Trafford Thomas, P. 145 Triftiny, P. 197 Trueman Robert, P. 204. 208 Tuckwith, P. 172 Tupton, P. 171 'TyrconneW Early P. n^ ■ V like J P. 116. 118. 119.122 VIckers Jane, P. 211 Vickridge Jane, P. 204 Virginia Cz^Cy P. 57.-60.61.65. ■Land, P. 64. 97. ^g, 100. 102 Vlfler, P. 142. 159. 178. 213.218. 240. 250.252. Uplands, P. 95 W WAddington, P. 250 Wade Robert, P. 95.96. Waldenfeild Samuel, P. 169. 170 IVdleSy P. 145. 162. 163. 164. 165. 219. 221 Waller Thomas, P. 206 Walters-town, P. 259. 260 Wardel Eliakim, P. 94 Wardel Robert, P. 28 Warecap, P. 206 Warnford ^iiflicey P. 117. 120 Warrington, P. 144 Warwick in America, P. 67 Warwickpnrey P. 167 Waftwood Julian, P. 18 Waterford, P. 146. 154. 158.249. 25S. 2^4 VVatfon John, P. 227. 249.255.258 Weatherby, P. 251 Webfter Ifrael, P. 146. 158. 245 Wenthrop Col, P. 54. 56 Wentzerdab, P. 14$ Weft Richard, P. 28 Weftchefter, P. 251.^1 Weft- Indies, P. 52. 55. 69. 70 Weft-Meath, P.259 WeftmorJandy P. i. 5.202. 211. 21 5 Wexford, P. 1 58.178.187.217.245 Wharton Edward, P. 82 Wheatley George, P. 118 Wheeler Go-jernor, P. 56. Whitby, P. 17^. 515 Whitehaven, P. 5. T41. 207 Whitefide John, P. 196 • William, P. 184 Wickham John, P. 146 Wicklow, P. 146, 178, 187, 2c8, 259,245,257,262 Widders Robert, P. 55, 56 Wilkins, P. 215 mUiam III. l^ingy P. 125, 225 William Roger, P. 6$, 66 Williamfon William, P. 149 Willmot John, P. 112 Willoughby, P. 2;o Wilfon Thomas, P. 221, 245, 247 Wind for, P. 229 Winflue Thomas, P. 140, 152, 196, 197,250,261 vv olverhampton, P. 228 Worcefter, P. 5. 228 Wright William, P. 62 YEats, P. 98 TorkyT. 2y 141, 14^, 172,204, 211,250,513 Tork River, P. 97 Torkjlnrey P. 172, 2o2, 205, 315 Youghal, P. 67, 154,264 Of the JOUR- The CONTENTS. Of the JOURNAL. I. O E C T I O N, Giving an Account of hU Birth, Fxremage^ ^ Irads, Marriage ani Convincement, &c. Page i SECT. II. J^eciting feveral difficult Exercifes he vfsnt through both Inwardly ani Outwardly, betwixt his Convincementy and. tbefetting up apublick Meeting at Lurgan. p. 8 SECT. III. Of hisfrd publick Miniftry, HU Vifit to G. F. ir% England. 7he fetling a Meeting in Dublin. His Imprifonment at Ardmagh, and Difpute roith a Prieft and a fuftice of ths County y &c. p. I4■ S E C T. IV. Of his leaving Shop-keeping, to take a Farm in tho County of Cavan. Friends Sufferings encreafed. He was put in the Stocks at Bdturbet. His Difcourfe with the Governor y &c, A Baptift Preacher ani Captain Morris both convinced* p. 25^ S E C T. V. Of his hard Imprifonment at Cavan in a nafty Dun- geon. His Speech in publick Court, Meleafe and J^moval after- wards to Roffenallis. p. 32 SECT. VI. of feveral Miniftring Friends from England. Hif Imprifonment at Londonderry. Hif deep Exercife on Account ef fome loofe Profeffors of truth. Of the general Perfecution then raging againji Friends, and how Inftrumental he wns in allaying that Storm. p. 36 SECT. VII. Of the Government, and Chancellor Boyle'i C/e- mency towards Friends upon W. E's Petitioning them againji G. Clapham'i Cruelty, then Priefi ef Mountmelick. Of his prophetick Warning to the Inhabitants oj Londonderry, and Con- ference afterwards with the Bifhop and Mayor of thxt Phce, and of the fetling Meetings for Difcipline in Ireland, by G. F. in the Tear, 1669. p. 43 SECT. VIII. Of his various travels. Perils and Exercifes both by Sea and Land in America, whither he went in the Service of thi^ Gofpel in 167 1. And of the Vifionhe had in his E^mrn, concern- ing an approaching Scarcity for two tears, though then a time of Plenty. p. 52 SECT. IX. Of his difficult Voyage- to the Weft-Indies 4^^/« in 167'^* His publick Difpute wich Pr(>/^ Ram fey, in the Pre fence of about three thoufand. Of his raxnifold Perils and Services in ^ North-America, both in the Iflmds and Continent by Sea and Land, until his E^turn in 1677. P* 70 SECT. X; of the jufl "judgment of God upon G. Clapham ths aforefaid cruel Priefl: In 1682. W. E. wis excommunicated, and had a publick Conference with the Bifoop, in his Court, about tythes, Gofpel-Minidersy Worjhip, &:c. And of his third Voyage to America/?/ 1683. p. 107 Cc SECT. Tk CONTENTS. SECT. XI. After his Return from America, he faithfully pub- lijhei in many Meetings a remarkable Prophefie of the late Trou- bles, Alfo of his feveral prudent and Juccefsful Applications to the Government, for the Relief of diflrejfei Proteftants, tiU 1690. P»ii4 SECT. XII. of hU frequent expofing his orvn Life to fave hi* Neighbours^ and (landing his Ground in thofe perilom Times, tiUhii Houfe wa/sfet on Fire^ himfelf and two Sons led away to be irm.rder'd by t^elrifh }(aparees, yet by Divine Providence were de- livered out of their hands, aboiu the Tear 1690. He with many wore, faw the fulfilling of his Fropbefie mentioned in the laft Se^ion. P- 123 SECT. XIII. After the Troubles, W. E. in 1691. goes from the National Meeting ^t Dublin, to the Yearly M^eting^ at London, then vifns Friends in England, .in which lime his Wife died. Af- ter his l{eturn to Ireland, he repairs the R^ins of his Houfe near Roffenallis, and fettles there again. Then vi fits feveral Meetings . in Ireland, reviving good Order and DifcipUne in the Churches of Chrift, P' 139 SECT. XIV. In 1694. W. E. goes to tk Yfrarly Meeting at London, having divers comfortable M^etins^s in feveral Shires in England, and in feveral Counties in Ireland, after his I^turn thither. Alfo his Conference with Dean Reader, concerning Tythes, &c. p. 143 SECT. XV. In 169*;. W. E. with feveral others^ did prefent to thi Legiilature the Cafe of friends : He vijits yim\?iex- Province, an i attends National ^/7^ Provincial M^ftiwgi, in which were given feafonable Admonitions againft Covetoulhels and great Things of this World, P* 151 SECT. XYI. In 1696. W. E. writes to Friends it London, being unable to go thither, Vifns Ulfter Province, and deliberates about marrying again. Aifo hath hard Exercife by afelfijl) Worldly Spi- rit ; the Danger whereof, he lively defcribes by an apt Parable, p.157 S E C T. XVTI. In 1697. He goes over to the Yearly Meetings at London, Wales, BriftoUwi Colchefter, vi fits feveral Meetings t/jroM^^ England and \Vz\ts for about feven Months', then after his F^etum, he Jokmiiics hts Marriage with M. Strangman in Tvlountmelick. p. 163 SECT. XVIII. In 169S. He vifns Friends in the North of Ire- land. His wife Counfcl in a difficult Strait at the Province-Meet- ing. Id 1699. His Vifit to Ulfter and fonie part of Connaught, at Rapho and Sligo, the Prieftsmade fome Oppofition, He fttks a Mcetivg at H. Hamilton V, and )oyns with Friends in their Pro- vincial Vifi'.. p. 177 SECT. XIX. In 1 70c. He vifns Munfter, where he was much af'^ fli-li'd in Body, After hin Recovery and I^turn, he, Q. K, and J Fi went I I 7he CONTENTS. v!>ent towards Connaught. At Ayres-Court, all Three were put in Stocks. At Abby-boyl,tibe>' had. x good Meeting in the Streets,kc» They write to the Bipop of Clougher, ani return through fever al ' Meetings in Ulfter and Leinfter. p» 189 SECT. XX. In 1 701. He vifits the North of England. In about two Months time, returns^ and writes to R. T. a Dijfwafive Let-' ter againji the too eager Turfuit after the Gain, Pleafure, ani gxezt Things of this Life. p. 200 SB C T. XXI. He vifits ^ Ulfter ^wi feveral Places in Connaught, where none of our Meetings had been. Is obfiru£ied at Abby-boyl by the Burgo-Mafter. p. 21 a SECT. XXII. W. E. is nominated to go over to London, but hit Body being unable to perform that journey, he writes an Epiflle to Friends there. p. 216 6E C T. XXIII. In 1702. He goes over to t^e Yearly Meeting a^ London ; after his l{eturn,he in Company with G. R. i^z/tf j> Ulfter» then writes to the Bijhop of Kildare, in behalf of Friends SchooU mafter at MountmeWck, ■■ - . P«2i9 S-E C T. XXIV. In 1703. He goes over to the Yearly Meeting at London and Briftol, vifiting many Counties in England. Is at the Qvi^xtQ^Vj Meetings at Lincoln and York, After his J^turn^ he vifits Friends in Munfter, p. 22$ SECT. XXV. In 1704. He, according to hu ufual Cuftomy vifits . Friends in their National and Provincial Meetings, afterwards in hi4 Sicknefs is refignd to the Will of God, and gives a Summary of his Life J Faith and Fraitice^ &c. p. 234. SECT. XXVI. In 1705. He vifits the Province of Ulfter, accom- panied with G. Rooke ; and in 1706, feveral Places^ where Peo* pie were defiroM to hear the Teftimony of Truth. Meets with Op- pofition at Rofcreagh. Vifits Leinfter Province-Meeting, and ths County of Tipperary, in Company with Thomas Wilfon. p. 239 SECT. XXVII. In 1707, Friends Care over W. E's Wife, in her Sicknefs, was extraordinary. He and G. Kooke, vifit moft of the three Provinces of Ulfter, Leinfter and Munfter. p. 247 SECT. XXVIII. In feveral Meetings, both National and Pro- vincial, he WAS earneff to have Marriage, which is God^s Ordinance^ both begun a?id accornplifhed in God's CounfeU P* 253 S E C T^ XXJX. In 1708, and ijii,he vifited Munfter, and attend' ed i>otiE) Monthly, Provincial and l