2- .X7 . /t'- PRINCETON, N. J. Purchased by the Mrs. Robert Lenox Kennedy Church History Fund. BX 7795 .F67 F67 1844 Fothergill, Samuel, 1715- 1772. Memoirs of the life and g o s pel labours of Samuel t IP* Digitized by tine Internet Arcliive in 2015 littps://arcliive.org/details/memoirsoflifegosOOfotli 1 1 MEMOIES OP THE LIFE AND GOSPEL LABOURS OF SAMUEL 'rOTHERGILL, WITH i SELECTIONS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE. ALSO AN ACCOUNT OF ^ THE LIFE AND TRAVELS OF HIS FATHER, JOHN rOTHERGILL; AND NOTICES OF SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. j BY GEORGE CROSFIELD. 1 NEW-YORK: COLLINS, BROTHER & CO., 254 PEARL-STREET. \ BAK£R & CRANE, 158 PEABL-STEEET. j M DCCC XLIV. 2r ■ W - T O R K ; H. LUDWia, PRINTER, No. ;u & 73, Teuy atreet PREFACE. More than seventy years have now elapsed since the decease of Samuel Fothergill. It has often, during that period, been wished that some account of his hfe and gospel labours should be written, and that his letters should be published; that thus the example, the sentiments, and the experience of one, who, in his youth, was so remarkably visited by Divine Grace, and in more mature life was so emi- nently gifted for religious service, might not be lost, but serve for the benefit and instruction of others. It is this feeling which has led to the present publi- cation, with a desire that such may be its fruits. Doctor Fothergill contemplated the publication of such a work, and made some progress in collecting materials for it, soon after the decease of his bro- ther ; but, whether from his numerous engagements, whether from the diminished energy which is gene- rally the attendant upon advancing years, or from vi. PREFACE. whatever cause it might be, he never carried his in- tention into execution. By much the larger portion of the letters contained in the present vv^ork, have been long in the possession of my wife's family, her mother, the daughter of Joseph Fothergill, having carefully preserved them, from the time of her uncle Samuel's decease, and transmitted them to her children as a valuable record of their honourable relative. A few original docu- ments, belong-inor to some other branches of the family, also several letters and papers, long in the possession of my friend Croudson Tunstall, of Nant- wich, have been kindly supplied to me. In the present volume, the address and conclusion of the letters are, except in a few instances, left out, and in many of them the introductory sentence is also omitted, which may give them an appearance of abruptness. In order to make the account of some of the events during the life of John Fothergill more clear, the order of time is a little departed from in the narration of them, and in the arrangement of a few of the earlier letters. It will evidently appear that the letters were writ- ten in the full freedom of affectionate and famihar intercourse ; but as those who wrote, and those to PREFACE. Vll. whom they were addressed, have all long since passed away from this life, most of them without any surviving descendants, I feel a liberty to insert names, and to retain the expression of sentiments and the mention of circumstances, which otherwise it would have been proper to withhold. GEO. CROSFIELD. Liverpool, 5th Month, 20th, 1843, MEMOIRS OP THE LIFE AND GOSPEL LABOURS OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. CHAPTER I. In contemplating tlie characters and services of those chosen servants of the Lord, whom, in his Divine Providence, he does, from time to time, raise up in his church, as monu- ments of his mercy and instruments in his hand, we often feel desires raised, that some record of their labours should be preserved, and that their memories may be handed down to succeeding generations ; that thus, though being dead, they may still speak, and that their lives may tell of the goodness, and proclaim the praise of Him by whom they were so emi- nently qualified — who had called them out of darkness into his marvellous light — who had sustained them through life, and in the end mercifully granted an entrance into his ever- lasting kingdom : so fulfilling the declaration, that they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. Amongst these may be numbered John Fothergill, of Wensleydale, and his son Samuel Fothergill, of War- rington, members of the Society of Friends, and both faithful and eminently qualified ministers of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In one of those small sequestered dales which are con- tiguous to, and in some measure form branches of, the larger valley of Wensleydale, in the north-west of Yorkshire, stands Carr-End,.a respectable-looking mansion, on the banks of the 2 2 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1676 — 1691. small and quiet lake of Semer-water. Here John Fothergill Avas born, in the first month of 1676 ; and this was for many- years his residence, as it had been that of his ancestors. He was the son of Alexander and Ann Fothergill, of whom he has left this testimony. " My parents [were] not only con- " vinced of the blessed Gospel dispensation of God to mankind " in sending the Spirit of Christ to enlighten and reprove for " sin, and to lead the believers in it into truth and righteousness " as testified unto by the people called Quakers, but [they] al- " so endeavoured carefully to feel after, and live up to, the pow- " erful principle of Truth, whereby they were both instructed, " and enabled to be exemplary in life, and in a religious con- " cern to attend meetings for the worship of God, and in a hum- " ble, steady, diligent waiting upon him for the appearance of " his enlivening presence and power, to enable them to worship " acceptably. This also led them into a godly care to train up " their children in the fear of the Lord, and to take them to re- " ligious meetings, both on first-days and other days of the " week, which they seldom failed to attend ; especially my " mother, whose care herein, and her spiritual, reverent travail " of soul in meetings, (often [held] in silence) for the sacrifice " of a broken heart to be prepared in her by the Lord, had very " early a deep, affecting impression on my consideration." From a very early age, great was his care and inward fear lest he should offend the Lord. " This," he says, " with some " heavenly touches of the life of truth, enabled me to live more " self-denyingly and gravely than some others of like years, " which my mother particularly noted to herself, with some com- " fortable hope for the future." The death of his tender, careful mother, which took place in 1689, when he was about 13 years old, proved a great loss to him ; soon after this event he became for a time less watchful and less thoughtful for his soul's everlasting welfare, and the heavenly desire and looking towards God, which had previously been his care, became stifled and neglected. He ] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 3 was very young at this time, but these declensions were often a burthen to him, and occasion of much secret sorrow : strong desires after repentance ensued, and by renewed con- victions and visitations he was brought to see and consider his weakness and unfaithfulness, and to mourn over them with secret lamentation. " Yet," he says, " as I was kept for a time thus low and " watchful to this heavenly principle of Truth, which let me " see my sin and the danger of it, I was favoured with " springings of hope for mercy and salvation, and then my " cry was frequent and strong, to be purged thoroughly, " whatever I had to bear, if the Almighty would but enable " me. Thus I wrestled for several years, and durst not " believe that I gained any effectual victory ; and as the " baptism of Christ by his Spirit had begun to operate in " me, to bring a death unto sin and the lusts of the flesh, " that through faith and a diligent attendance to his power " I might live to him in newness of life, I had some hope " that the fan in his hand would thoroughly purge me, which " was the very earnest cry and longing of my soul. But the " winnowing, refining work of the spirit of judgment, and of " burning, now kindled to take away my dross, was so heavy " upon me that I was often tempted to conclude that I was " forsaken of mercy, and that judgment and darkness were " to be my portion a resolution in a degree of " living faith, was firmly fixed m my heart, to endeavour to " lie and to wait as at the Almighty's footstool and as '' this desire after Divine favour, and mercy, and devotedness " of heart, to lean towards and wait for his arising, was of ** his own begetting, so he was graciously pleased to stay " my mind in humble resignation, until he brought forth " judgment unto victory by degrees, and caused the Sun of " righteousness at times to arise upon me with healing in " his wings ; yet he often saw meet to hide his face from me " again, and to strip me, not only of any sense of his favour, 4 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1693—1696. " but even of hope of obtaining a place among the redeemed. " At this time, the Scripture which saith, ' It is good to hope " and quietly wait, to see the salvation of God in the land of " the living, and some other like sentences, were brought to " my remembrance, accompanied with glimpses of heavenly " goodness, which graciously helped to stay me in some pa- " tient hope under the heavenly refining hand the blessed " presence of the Saviour of the world, which at times filled " and overshadowed my soul in my thus following him, though " mourning, is never to be forgotten by me. This was about " the seventeenth year of my age." When he was about eighteen years old, his father was pro- secuted on account of his Christian testimony against the pay- ment of tithes, and carried away from his family to prison at York, about fifty miles distant from his own dwelling. John being the eldest then living, the care of the (three) younger children, and of the business and servants, devolved upon him : this, with his father's imprisonment at such a distance, and in a poor slate of health, brought him into much anxiety and con- cern of mind. One, coming to see him, urged him strongly to give him liberty to agree with his father's prosecutor, and thus procure his discharge from prison, and to have the money re- imbursed afterwards ; but he says, *' when I considered a little, " my understanding was fully satisfied that it was the mind and " cause of God, that this testimony against tithes in this dispen- " sation should be borne, and that what suffering soever might " attend our faithfulness to him, he could readily make up, and " I then believed he would ; and so, on the other hand, that he " could soon blast and consume any seeming advantages that " might be hoped for by giving way to selfish reasoning, or " shrinking from the faithful and reverent bearing of that " testimony." After being imprisoned for conscience' sake for about six months, his father was released, but did not long survive his liberation ; he departed this life on the 6th of the 7th month, ] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 5 1695. "This," says his son, " increased my exercise in " divers respects, but as I endeavoured to seek the favour and " counsel of the Most High God, he was pleased to remember " me with merciful help many ways." Yet many were the baptisms and deep conflicts of soul through which he had to pass ; at times, much sorrow and distress was his portion ; at other seasons, he says, the Lord " was pleased to dea^ " gently with me, mixing mercy with judgment, and filling " my soul again and again with reverent hope, as well as " humble supplication that he would thoroughly purge me, " and spare nothing alive in me that was offensive to him. " Thus was my heart often exercised both by night and by " day, often, likewise, when about my business ; and some- *' times the brightness of the salvation of God, and the enlarg- " ings of his love, were so abundant in my soul, that I could " scarcely (nor did I always) keep from falling down upon the " ground to adore and worship his glorious presence. And at " some times, I apprehended it might be required of me to " open my mouth for the Lord in the congregation, which was " exceedingly humbling to me." Abiding thus, " with some patient hope under the heavenly refining hand," John Fothergill became fitted and prepared for service in the Lord's cause, and in the twenty-first year of his age he came forth as a Minister of the Gospel, and continued a diligent and faithful labourer therein to the end of a long life. He did not enter upon this important work until very close and strict examination had convinced him, that the call to this service was from the only true and right source, and great was his fear lest he should be too forward, or proceed without right authority. On this important subject he has left the following instnictive remarks : — " I am not without fear that such a due waiting for, and " distinct certainty of, the immediate call or requirings of " the word of life, have not always been suitably practised ; 6 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1698. " and for want hereof, some have appeared as ministers " before [being] ripe, and have brought forth fruit of very " little service, if not detrimental ; because none can give " what they themselves have not : whereas, if these had " waited with proper diligence for the living word to open " and engage in the entire subjection of self, they might " have been great and good instruments, as clouds filled by the " Lord with heavenly rain. And as the divine and certain " requiring of truth is the only right entrance into the ministry, " because the Lord said, ' Some run, and I sent them not, " therefore they shall not profit the people ;' so it is only his " fresh and renewed requiring, not only opening the matter to " speak, but engaging to speak at this time, whereby the " church, or individuals, are edified, as our Father would have " his children edified." Having thus given up in obedience to the Divine command, he was engaged in the exercise of his gift, visiting sometimes one neighbouring meeting and sometimes another ; yet still was he closely tried, and many hidden sorrows were his portion under the weight of the refining season, through which he had to pass, but a degree of living hope was often revived in his mind, " that in time he might, through humble attention and " godly care, be set more at liberty in the freedom of a son." Great was his care and anxiety diligently to wait for the dis- tinct openings of the light of life, and that all his proceedings might be in obedience to it. In the twenty-second year of his age he felt a concern of mind to pay a religious visit to friends in Scotland, which he accomplished to the satisfaction of his friends, and returned with peace. About this time he believed it right to dispose of his business and to let his land, that he might be more at liberty ; yet, whilst careful not to be so involved in tem- poral concerns " as to hinder him from true inward retiring " often to feel the life of truth, for the daily support of " his soul ;" yet he also thought it right not to be without OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 7 suitable outward employment, as therein " there appeared," he says, "both then and since, a danger of being tempted to " be easily drawn abroad, before or without that distinct " requiring of truth both to go and return, in which only the " ministers of Christ move in true safety, and to right edifi- cation, and be in danger of missing, or losing, the know- " ledge of the pure requirings of the everlasting High Priest ; " and so make way for formality, a barren ministry, and " unprofitable labour." So careful was he to endeavour to avoid errors on either hand, and to be found obedient in all things. A few months after his journey into Scotland, he visited several parts of Yorkshire, and the county of Durham. Of this visit he thus writes : — " Though this labour was like a " fire to the house of Esau, and, therefore, unpleasant to " some ; yet the inward and living among the people were " relieved and made glad in the Lord, whose favour and " peace often filled my heart with awful reverence towards " him, with strong desires purely to know, and to be helped " to do his will faithfully." About this time, several in the northern parts, whither he had been led in gospel labour, were convinced and gathered into a knowledge of the truth, of whom some became valuable ministers. His next service from home was an extensive visit to Friends in the western counties, and the city of London, where he remained several weeks. From thence he went into Cornwall, and on his return attended the yearly meeting at Bristol ; he also visited all the meetings in Wales, and returned home through Cheshire and Lancashire. In the year 1701, he visited Scotland a second time, passing through Cumberland to Edinburgli, and so to the north of Scotland ; visiting the meetings everywhere in those parts, and returned to Glasgow. In many places he was truly comforted with Friends : — " They were encouraged 8 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1701. " and glad in a loving sense of the continued fatherly regard " and extendings of the love of God toward them in that " nation, amongst a hard, self-conceited, and, in some places, " an envious people." In Edinburgh and Glasgow a rude spirit prevailed, causing them to disturb Friends in almost all their meetings, sometimes throwing stones, &c. ; some with all the noise they could, " endeavoured to drown the voice of " any who were concerned to minister publicly. Yet, at " times, the power and authority of Truth arose over those " wicked endeavours, and the evil spirit was overborne " and weighed down, and some of the worst would go away, " and others lend some attention to the testimony of truth ; *' and Friends were the more edified, and their faith and " hope in God strengthened. At Glasgow, when I was " there on a first-day of the week, the people had very much ** disturbed us in meeting, in their usual manner, and followed " Friends along a large open street, some shouting and scorn- " ing, others throwing stones and dirt. The people who " were gathered in great numbers about their doors, and saw " what passed, seemed rather to be pleased with the abusive " behaviour of the mob towards us, than to offer any dis- " couragement to them : whereupon, a soldier, an Englishman, " began to cry aloud three times, as if he had some public " proclamation to make ; and when he had thus gained atten- " tion, he called aloud again : — ' Behold the godly town of " Glasgow, how they entertain strangers !' and repeated it "three several times. This reproof made the people so " ashamed, that they mostly took to their houses, and got out " of sight ; and the more grown up people retiring, the rest " soon left us, and went off likewise. I heard, when I was at " this place some years after, that the people had never offered " the like disturbance again to Friends, either in their meetings " or in the streets." From Glasgow he went into Ireland, and paid a very general visit to Friends there. At Dublin, he says, — " I met with our ■] OF SAMUEL POTHERGILL. 9 " ancient and honourable friend William Edmundson, whom I " had a great desire to see, having a deep and reverent value " for him." He thus concludes the account of this journey : — ■ " With the love of my friends, and an humble and thankful " heart before the Lord of all true help, I took leave of Friends " at Cork, and went over to Minehead, in Somersetshire, having " something remaining towards a few places there-away, and " about Bristol ; and from hence came pretty directly home " again, with reverent awe towards the ever blessed helper." In the following year he was engaged on religious service in the eastern and midland counties, also in the city of London. A concern had for a long time attended his mind to pay a reli- gious visit to Friends in the several provinces of North America ; and, with the unity and approbation of his friends, he and his companion, William Armistead, (who was under a similar con- cern,) embarked at London, in the second month, 1706, and at the end of ten weeks arrived safely in Maryland. After travelling diligently through those parts of America where Friends were then settled, they proceeded to the West Indies, and had religious service in Barbadoes, Antigua, and Jamaica : in the latter island there were at that time four meetings of Friends mostly kept up. Amongst the Friends of these meet- ings, and the inhabitants generally, they were engaged for about three months, and then embarked for England, where they were favoured to land in safety, in the first month, 1708. Previously to this visit to America, he had become acquainted with Margaret Hough, the daughter of Thomas and Ellen Hough, of Sutton, in Cheshire; of a family in good esteem, and Friends rightly concerned for the support and maintenance of the principles of truth. She was herself at times engaged in the ministry, and was greatly beloved and esteemed for her piety and worth. The following letter, addressed to her during his absence, presents a beautiful expression of affection pro- ceeding from the surest source, and based upon the safest foundation — a true love and imity in the fear of God. 3 10 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1709. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO MARGARET HOUGH. 3d of 12lh Mo., 1706. My Near Friend, Having thee often fresh in my remembrance, in a near and tender manner, for the truth's sake, which brought our spirits into a degree of nearness many years since, which never yet, I beUeve, has aUogether worn away, I have in my mind to give thee a few lines with the salutation of inward love, which sometimes has comfortably spread over my heart when thinking of thee since I left my native shore ; which increased well-wishing for thee, and the aboundings of immortal virtue m thy tender, often-bowed heart, which I often think has more secret distress and besetment to grapple with than many are aware of, yet this I am satisfied of, that love and care from above is extended towards thee ; lean steadfastly upon that arm which has been with thee, and has fed thee, and led thee afresh to springs of water, sometimes when they have been al- most hid. Dear Margaret, methinks I feel it has been some- thing after this manner with thee, yet the Lord's tender regard has been, and is towards thee : my spirit is sweetened in its Teachings forth to thee at this time, as at many others these ma- ny years, at times and seasons when we have been far absent in body. I desire a place in thy remembrance when it is well with thee. I am in an exercising country, yet have no cause to repine, because that engaging life which brought me hither, fails not, but often makes the weak strong ; and I have yet some hopes to see my native land and near friends again, though I feared not so soon as I hoped for, but must leave it to the great and worthy Disposer. And, dear friend, my heart saith to thee, lean care- fully upon the truth, the virtue of it, and it will keep thy mind and spirit in dominion over the clogging, loading things of this world, and be as a stay to thee in times of trial which thou meets with in divers respects. I have written larger than I did intend, because my heart is open towards thee in true love, which in a ^TAT. 3.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 11 solid manner runs forth to thee in sympathy withlhee in various straits, and in the continuance of it doth tenderly embrace thee, and remain thy near friend and fellow-traveller in many beset- ments, John Fothergill. On the fifth of the third month, 1709, John Fothergill and M ARGARET HouGH wcrc United in marriage. They settled at his own house at Carr-End. In the same year, accompanied by Gilbert Thompson,* the uncle of his wife, he was engaged in an extensive religious visit to the western and southern parts of England, returning by way of London. With this exception, he remained at and about home for several years, diligently engaged in the care of his concerns, and of his increasing family ; frequently visiting the meetings in the immediate neighbourhood of his residence, as well as some more distant. In the year 1719, a very close and affecting dispensation was permitted to befall him. After a happy union of ten years, during which he had indeed found in his wife a true help-meet, a tender sympatliizing partaker in his exercises and labours, and a careful, watchful mother of his children, she was taken from him by death, soon after the birth of their eighth child. Of the particulars of this affecting event, and of her character and worth, an account was drawn up by her husband, of which the following is an abridgment. * Gilbert Thompson resided at Penketh, near Warrington, where he conducted a boarding school, which, under his care, and afterwards that of his son Gilbert, maintained, for a long period, a high, and justly deserved reputation. He was a man of great use and service in the church, and in his station as a schoolmaster was eminently qualified for the instruction of youth, being endued with wisdom and skill to govern them by mild and gentle means. He was prosecuted for keeping a school, and suffered on this account an imprisonment in Lancaster castle. His labours in the work of the ministry were useful and edifying, being pure and unmixed with the enticing words of man's wisdom. He travelled in this work through most parts of Great Britain and Ireland- He died on the 22d of 4th Mo., 1719, aged 61 years. 13 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1719. Margaret Fothergill was of an exemplary piety and pru- dence, even from her lender years ; and whilst very young, she not only delighted to attend Friends' meetings, but came under a concern of heart that she might become acquainted with the Lord for herself, and witness his quickening power and virtue in her own soul ; which concern he was graciously pleased to regard, and visited her heart with his power and love ; and as she grew up, through the pure influence thereof, she came to be remarkably clothed with a meek and quiet spirit, and was of a grave, modest, and exemplary behaviour, and was at times concerned to exhort Friends to a close walking with, and true dependance upon God, and to beware of an unconcerned mind. After her marriage she continued in the same watchful state, a true lover of meetings, and a humble waiter for the arising of the life and truth in them, wherein alone is ability for the per- formance of acceptable worship. Being often very weakly, and having several young children, she was often unfit to attend meetings, but would frequently express her care that the affairs of truth might be conducted to the glory of God, and was not without hopes of living to have more ability, and to be more at liberty for these services, and to discharge herself more fully for righteousness' sake. But a few days after the birth of her eighth child, she expressed her apprehension that she should not re- cover, speaking with much resignation and cheerfulness, saying, " I wonder that I cannot be troubled at being likely to leave my " little ones, and my dear husband." These expressions much affected her husband, and she added, speaking to him — "They " will be cared for, thou wilt be helped, and there is a place " prepared for me. They will not be left under the care of a " father, who, like too many in these days, will neglect their " truest interest, but with one, who, knowing whence good " comes, will seek, I trust, with proper care, to the Gracious *' all-sufficient Helper, both for himself and for his children." She gave many exhortations to those who came to see her, to prize their time, and to make a right use of the visitation of God ^TAT. 3.] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. to ihem ; often reviving what had been a prevalent concern in her mind, that none should content themselves with a bare going to meetings, or sit down in them, in a careless, uncon- cerned frame of mind, but sit as at the Lord's footstool, and wait to hear his gracious words ; and said, she well remembered she had to advise Friends against an unconcerned mind, and indif- fercncy, the last time she had any thing to say in meetings be- fore she left her own country. And, with great weight, further said, "It is great or absolute mockery, to go and sit down before " the Lord in meetings in a careless manner." After this, though her weakness much prevailed, yet her strength was renewed in the power of truth, wherein she prayed in a very humble, fervent manner for the church in general, and for her children, saying, — " Let me be bowed down before " the Lord, that the fruit of my body may be enriched with the " same favour, love, and goodness ;" and so continued praising and glorifying God, in the aboundings of his love and mercy, much to the tendering of the hearts of those about her. Though she had a hard struggle with death, yet its sting was taken away : she patiently continued in humble acknowledgments to the Lord for his goodness and mercy, and in praises to him, who was, she said, worthy — worthy of praises for evermore, as long as her words were intelligible ; and so departed in peace, on the 16th day of the second month, 1719, in the forty-second year of her age. Thus was her husband deprived of a faithful and affectionate companion, and her seven surviving children (of whom the eldest was not ten years old) of a tender and religious parent ; but her strong desires and the secret exercises of her soul for their preservation and spiritual good, her tears and her prayers for these, her " little ones," were not forgotten before God ; — ■ they were seen and remembered by their Father in heaven ; — ■ His care and protection were extended to them, and in after years, his love and power mercifully visited their hearts ; in an especial manner was this gracious visitation extended to her son Samuel, who became an eminent and favoured servant of his Lord. CHAPTER II. The loss of his beloved wife was to John Fothergill a great bereavement and very close trial, but he submitted with holy resignation to the Divine will, saying, in answer to a sympa- thizing friend, " The Lord gives, and he takes away : his " will be done ; he is worthy. But what if I also must be " called from my little ones ?" Thus alluding to a belief which lie then felt, that it would be required of him, before long, again to visit North America and the West Indies. The prospect of this religious service was a great trial to him, as it is recorded that few, or perhaps none, ever exceeded him in tender, pater- nal care and affection for his children. Yet, when he became fully assured that the Lord required this sacrifice, he gave up freely, saying to his children, that though he had all the anxious concern of a father for them, yet he must obey the holy call of the Lord, who he believed would care for them in his absence.* In entering upon such an engagement, and under his cir- cumstances, the important duty of committing his children, during his absence, to the care of relations and suitable persons, obtained his close attention. He left home in the spring of 1721, with the full unity and approbation of his friends, and having the company of Lawrence King ; they embarked at London, and arrived safely in York river, Virginia, in the fifth month of that year. After an extensive visit in America, they proceeded to Barba- does, and whilst there, John Fothergill wrote an Epistle to Friends of Dover Meeting, New England ; and another to the professors of truth in Antigua, Anguilla, Jamaica, or there- away. * See an aflfectino: account of this and similar acts of tenderness and care, related by Samuel Fothergill, during his visit to Ireland, in 1762. ^TAT. 8.] MEMOIRS AND LETTERS, &C. 15 From Barbadoes they sailed for England, where ihey were favoured to arrive safely, in the fourth month, 1724, having been absent three years. Upon landing, they proceeded to London, and to the yearly meeting, then just commenced, an account was given by John Fothergill of their travels, and of the state of Friends in America, of which the following is an abridgment. " We first acknowledge, in humble reverence to the Lord Almighty, that he mercifully favoured us wiih his love and coun- tenance very often upon the sea, and guarded us thereon from wicked men, into whose hands some fell who were very near us. " After a moderate passage we arrived safely in Virginia, and entered upon our service, and, going towards North Carolina, had many large and open meetings, both among Friends and others. In both these provinces we found great willingness in the people to hear the truth declared, many of whom appeared tenderly affected. There seemed to be a comfortable opening among the youth, and some growth in the elder as to religious care : Divine mercy still reaches freely towards them, and in some places there is an increase in righteousness, and truth is in good esteem ; but in others, the love and friendship of the world occasions a decay. " In Maryland we found great loss, by the decease of many of the elders, and of the more zealous and concerned Friends ; yet there are in several parts some who are hopeful and reli- giously disposed ; yet a love of ease and vain liberties has pre- vailed, and hindered the work and honour of truth. There is some openness among several of the neighbouring people, and a gracious extension of Divine love to them, as well as of a help- ful hand in heavenly wisdom towards friends. " In Pennsylvania, we found an openness in many places, among people of several professions ; some were convinced of, and received the truth in the love of it. There is a large body of religiously-minded people among Friends, who arc growing up in a true care for the honour of truth ; yet these are mixed 16 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1724. with many earthly-minded, and some loose, libertine people, who occasion much exercise to the right-minded : yet the Lord's goodness and care is near and over that country, and his truth prospers in it. " In the Jerseys, Long Island, and New York States, there are a considerable number of Friends, and in some places a hopeful openness among other people. Though vain liberties in some, and too much carelessness and indulgence in others, have stained or obstructed the progress and dominion of the work and beauty of truth ; yet the visitation of heavenly love is freely extended, in order to repair and build up in righteousness. There are some honestly concerned Friends there-away, among whom we had a satisfactory labour in the fresh visitation of Di- vine power and love. " In Rhode Island, New England, &c., we had many meet- ings, and close labour, but on the whole much to our satisfac- tion. There is a considerable body of Friends, and we believe they are increasing in the knowledge of the power of truth, and in stability in righteousness and faithfulness to it, in those parts. We had many meetings amongst the neighbouring professing people, especially in the eastern parts, and several, we hope, were effectually reached by the power of truth, and received and joined in with it in humility and gladness of heart. "We laboured diligently, through the ability received, in most parts of this country, and took leave of Friends in solid hope, on account of the Lord's work, and much love and heavenly peace in ourselves, with holy thankfulness to the Lord, the great helper of all his faithful servants. " Returning thence to Pennsylvania, &c. we had some com- fortable service there-away, and Friends were encouraged and strengthened in the Lord. We sailed thence to South Caro- lina, and had meetings with the few Friends there, and among others. The Lord our God was with us to our comfort and help, though the generality of the people seemed but cold and indifferent about true religion. There are but few friends in uETAT. 9.] OF SAMDEL FOTIIERGILL. 17 these parts, and but very few who seem to love the truth in uprightness ; yet some there are who do thus love it and re- main in the simplicity : these Were very glad of our visit, and we were comforted together in the Lord. We sailed next to Barbadoes, where Friends received us with gladness, it being long since any Friends from England had visited them. We had many meetings, both among Friends and others in the island, which were to the comfort of the living amongst them ; many other people seemed glad of the visit, and behaved soberly and respectfully ; but a loose, lofl}^, and irreligious spirit has too generally prevailed, and, to a sorrowful degree, has obstructed the spreading of truth, and has brought on a decay and diminution of numbers amongst Friends ; yet there are a few, in different parts of the island, who retain their integrity to God, and love and are concerned for his honour. " The Lord was pleased to own us with his help, and wisdom to divide the word aright, in warning the unfaithful, and in encouraging and comforting the lovers of truth ; and we were made sensible that the day of love and mercy from God was yet freely extended to many in that unworthy place. " And now, feeling clear and easy, we took, our leave of Friends in love and peace, and were favoured with a good and passage to England. " To the Lord, the support, the defence, and the rich rewarder of his people and servants, in awfulness of soul be ascribed all glory and pre-eminence, with fear and praise for ever." Soon after the return of John Fothergill from America, and in the same year, (1724,) he was engaged in a religious visit in Ireland, including several parts of the nation where no Friends resided. In a letter to a friend he says — " I have travelled " very closely during a month, with great toil ; but satisfied as " much as I could wish, that I was in the Lord's counsel and work, I and three other Friends were seven days and nights, " and had meetings among other people, without coming to a 4 18 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1725. " Friend's house ; we travelled hard, having in that time rode " near three hundred miles in almost constant rain, which hurt " my health : however, the glorious name of the Lord was with " us and was magnified." During his absence in Ireland, his son William departed this life, at the age of twelve years. A peculiar sweetness of temper, often tendered and encouraged by a s>ense of Divine regard and heavenly support, enabled him to bear his painful illness with exemplary patience and resignation. Many affecting expressions he uttered during his illness, and various and frequent were the instances of his care and fear, whilst in health, not to offend the Almighty, the sweet influence of whose awful presence seemed often to be near him. The death of this promising youth, in whom indications of so much seriousness and solid piety had thus early appeared, was a great affliction to his father, who wslS, however, enabled to say, that — " being satisfied he was from him, in the counsel " and service of the Lord, he must submit all to the Divine dis- posal." At the conclusion of a visit, which about the end of this year he paid to some of the southern and western counties of Eng- land, he says — " I returned home with peace and true satisfac- " tion, through the Lord's favour, whose holy and great name "had and hath the praise, who is worthy to be feared, served; " and magnified for ever." FROM JOSEPH PIKE TO JOHN FOTHERGILL. Cork, 8th Month, 30, 1725. In that love which reaches over sea and land, do I at this time salute thee, even in that love which nehher time nor distance can ever separate or wear out. so long as we con- tinue to be, and keep, in the cementing power and life of this heavenly love. Here it is that we can truly sympathize toge- uETAT. 9.] OF SAMUEL FOTIIERGILL. 19 tlier (willi all the Lord's children) in joy or affliction, especially in thosa things that relate to the prosperity of Zion, or the con- trary ; in rejoicing when it flourishes, and mourning when we see anything that mars or stains the beauty of it ; as I can truly say I do with thee, and all those that are heartily and zealously concerned in soul — that spiritual Jerusalem may become the praise of the whole earth, and that her beauty may shine to the nations. But that which hath greatly obstructed this, at this day, hath very much proceeded from the lukewarmness, easiness, or cold- ness of too many of her watchmen, that should at first have stood in the gap, and endeavoured to make up the breaches that the enemy was making in the walls of Zion. And in a parti- cular manner b}' their not standing their ground, and joining hand in hand together to keep out that floating, high and proud spirit of undue liberty on the one hand, and a spirit of worldly, mindedness and covetousness on the other- Here I chiefly mean some of our elders, and, indeed, ministers too, who, some of them, in time past were zealously concerned to stand as watchmen upon the walls of Zion, and not only to give warning, but have themselves, for a time, helped also to keep out the enemy. But alas, for want of due watchfulness, and giving ground by little and little, another spirit has entered them, whereby they have grown indifferent, cold, and lukewarm, and have in great measure quitted their post, and their companions, and have left the burthen the greater upon their brethren that could not do the same for truth's sake. And then the load be- came too heavy for them, and they could not stop the torrent which the others had let in, while yet these easy ones stood un- concerned at the sight, and have let things go as they will for them. Surely such as these will have a dreadful account to make in the end, and far more dreadful than such as never knew the truth, or the power of it. The consideration of these things (more or less apparent in 20 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1725. most places) has often wounded my drooping spirit, even to the affecting my poor weak body. And tliis great declension is very much owing also to the want of stretching the line of jus- tice and judgment in due time upon offenders, in the way of church discipline, which was left us by our first worthy elders ; and the same spirit that led them to it in the beginning would lead us to it now, if we all were truly led by it. But oh ! these easy and careless watchmen will tell us ihey must not over- drive the flock, but must persuade and gain the lukewarm by love and softness. And by their smoothing and daubing with untempered mortar so long, and keeping off and fending the stroke of discipline from taking hold of these unruly ones, either in their families or others, (as truth would lead to,) that in the end they have grown so strong and numerous, that they are past persuading, bending, or ruling, and then, in a stout and sturdy spirit, they will tell us they will be convinced of this, that, or the other thing, (which the testimony of truth has gone out against), before they will leave it off, or do otherwise. And this has been the effect of this lukewarm, indulgent, and smooth- ing spirit ; whereas, if in the beginning the discipline of truth had been strictly kept to, I verily believe it had been quite otherwise than it is at this day in most of the churches of Christ. And, indeed, in the seeing and hearing the examples of these lukewarm elders, even for many years past, (when I was able to travel,) I have made the application to myself, with earnest desires in my soul that it might never be my own case, but that the Lord in his mercy would keep and preserve me to the end from that spirit which had prevailed upon many that I far esteemed above myself, and who had run well for a season, and for a long season too, and also were very zealous for the testimony of truth in all its branches, and yet, for want of due watchfulness, had not continued zealous to the end. For we right well know that it is holding out to the end that crowns all, ^TAT. 9.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. ^1 and gives us an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of God. And it will be our own fault if we attain not to it, for the Lord has done his part ; he has given us a measure and gift of his Holy Spirit, that will lead us to it, by which we may be pre- served to the end. But if, for want of inward watchfulness, we neglect or go from it, then the adversary gets ground, we are led astray by this enemy of souls, and at last miss the crown. And, therefore, it was that our blessed Lord, knowing the aptness of our na- tures to frailty, says to his own beloved disciples, watch and pray always, lest ye enter into temptation. This was our first parent Adam's case, though created in innocency ; for want of watchfulness, notwithstanding the Lord had given him sufficient power to keep his command, yet by not obeying it, he, there- fore, fell ; and likewise, it was for want of due watchfulness that many very great and good men of his posterity did miss their way, and displeased the Lord, as great Moses, Aaron, Da- vid, Solomon, and others, and all for want of watchfulnsss, and keeping close to the Lord their guide. And if we descend even to our own times, how many great, bright, and largely-gifted men have greatly missed their way, and others totally fallen, and all for want of keeping close to this inward guide of the Lord's holy light and Spirit. And since we have so many and great exam- ples, we may draw from them this warning to ourselves, to take diligent heed to our own standing, and keep upon our watch at all times, lest at any lime the enemy prevail upon our weak sides. But, dear friend. I don't write any of these things for thy information, who knows them, as well or better than myself, nor yet that I have any ground or cause of fear of thee, but in the flowings of the love of God in my soul, as they came into my mind, in order that it may contribute to our mutual love lo one another, and stir up our pure minds by way of remembrance. I received thy very kind and acceptable letter from thy own habitation ; giving an account, with other things, thou left this 22 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1726. nation pretty cheerful and easy, -which was a comfort to me after so long a time and labour spent therein, which I have often thought of with endeared love, in that tliou left thy out- ward concerns to freely spend thy time in the Lord's service, which 1 know was great in this nation, and the more so in thy continuance therein so long. And though nothing that the best of men can do is meritorious, yet surely the Lord will reward thee, and all those that labour and spend their time in his vine- yard. And to this I may add, in freedom, that if it stood con- sistent with the Lord's divine Providence, I should rejoice to hear thy lot was likely to be cast in this nation for the service of truth, for we really want help here, though, as to my own part, considering my age and great infirmity of body, I cannot expect to live to see the benefit of it. I find our dear friend H. Jackson is married, and I hope to a suitable companion, and with it that the good hand of Provi- dence has gone along with him therein ; for I truly love him, and desire his welfare every way. Give him and his wife my dear love, and to all those who inquire for me, both known and unknown to me, who truly love the Lord Jesus, with whom I have fellowship in the holy seed of life, all the world over, more especially those that are zealous for his name. I remain thy truly loving and affectionate Friend and brother, Joseph Pike. In the year 1726, having accomplished the several services then required of him, and finding himself at liberty to attend more to his temporal concerns, he began again to keep house ; he collected his children around him, and industriously applied himself to the care of his family and business ; yet careful diligently to attend meetings for worship and discipline, both those at home, and some more distant, as he felt himself en- gaged, and frequently the yearly meeting in London, Services ^TAT. 16.] OF SAMUEL FOTHEUGILL. 23 quite compatible willi a due attention to outward engagements, in business where a right exercise of mind is maintained ; thus fulfilling the injunction to be " fervent in spirit, diligent in busi- ness, serving the Lord." In 1727 he was married to Elizabeth Buck, of Netherdale, a Friend of a grave, becoming deportment, and of suitable age. They lived together in harmony and affection during the remain- der of his life, she surviving him about a year. Feehng an engagement to pay a religious visit to Wales and some other parts towards the south, he left home in the second month, 1732, and proceeded through Cheshire to Bala, where al this time was held the yearly-meeting for Wales ; " and great " was the concourse of people, who, in general, behaved civilly, " and were very attentive to the testimony of truth, which was " livingly declared by many Friends in the several services of " that meeting." After travelling through Wales, he proceeded to Bristol, where their yearly meeting was begun, and he says, " it pleas- " ed the Lord of all our mercies, eminently to own and help his " people, greatly to our comfort, and the exaltation of his own " testimony, which seemed to make impression on many hearts, " and the glorious name of the Lord our God was magnified." From Bristol he went through Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and to London, and after attending the yearly-meeting, returned home. Near the close of this year, Thomas Fothergill, his se- cond son, died, in the twenty-second year of his age ; of whom> his father has been frequently heard to say, that he never once dis- pleased him. And thus, as he had feared God and honoured his parents from his youth upwards, so he felt the approach of death without terror, and departed in innocency and peace. It is re- corded of him, that so manifest was the religious awe and godly fear that was upon him, both in meetings, and in his general * Benjamin Bartlett, lived at Bradford, Yorivshire, and died there, 12lh Mo. 21st, 1759, aged 82. 24 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1733. conversation, as often to impress others with a sense of it, and to excite some, wiio were less regardful of their duty, to more diligence. In the following year he was again engaged in an extensive religious visit to several of the southern and western counties of England, having the company of Benjamin Bartlett.* From Bristol they went into Devonshire and Cornwall, and returned ihrouofh several of the Midland counties. From Port Isaac he wrote the following letter : — FROM JOHN FOTHERGILL TO . " My health is sustained mercifully, and holy help afforded to live and labour in the service for which I am drawn here- away, in a manner which occasions reverent bowing of soul before the Lord, and revives my faith in his name, who hath, as it is his due, the praise of all : and though it is a time of great lowncss here-away, respecting that dominion which Christ should have in the hearts of his people ; yet the Father's love in mercy often strongly runs, and in part prevails, to the com- fort and joy of the truly inward ; and the searching, piercing la- bour, at times, makes some impression, giving to hope that it will not be quite in vain. However, the arm of the Lord is working, and helps the truly honest, whereof we have a share of rejoicing in him, and holy thankfulness for his humbling help from day to day ; and my heart is deeply reverent at this time, in mentioning Divine mercy herein. We have been thi-ough one side of Somersetshire, most of Devon, and at the Land's End, in this county ; we expect it will be near three weeks before we get through Somersetshire, from whence we propose to go homew£irds pretty readily." J. F. For a considerable time after his return from this visit, he remained at and near home ; and during this period, as well aa ^TAT. 17.] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 25 at many other times, he was often engaged in writing letters to his children and others, as well as to some meetings of Friends, earnestly exhorting them to mind the day of their visitation, and humbly and steadily to seek the Lord and his truth. The fol- lowing are some of the letters written about this time. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON JOHN. " And some tastes [thus] afforded thee in the Father's good will, he will not neglect, though he suffers a plunging into sorrow and doubt of getting rightly along to attend, in order to keep best care and pursuit necessarily vigorous, and secondary things in their places ; which is the safety, beauty, and true riches of men. For heavenly care leads to a quiet and balanced sort of living and walking here on earth ; a favour and privilege of unspeakable advantage, and which multitudes deprive them- selves of by bending their chief, and many almost their whole application to seek terrestrials, and so want the stay of all stays in needful times. Thus, near love and care in my heart ceaseth not to prompt me to desire and long for thy right improve- ment, which I am still given renewedly to hope will be granted." " My true salutation attends thee, under a continued desire that thou may est often reverently and duly keep in mind from whom all lasting good comes, and whose addition to our endeavours gives the valuable improvement ; and that labouring to walk and act in steady regard to and hope in God, will bring the most holy quiet and serenity of mind at home, and gain the most truly honourable regard abroad ; and, at the same time, help to walk safely on the sea of glass, to which this world may be well compared : wherefore, look carefully to truth, and the beauty of its simplicity, and thou wilt have to behold the reel- ing, chaffy spirit, and ways of this world, rather with an eye of scorn than love, and be thankful that thou art in measure already gathered and set above it. And it will be good to consider also, that though diligence is a great and necessary thing, and 5 26 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1734. in seeking the Divine favour the most profitable, because therein is all treasure, both for time and eternity, and there is certainly a blessing from God on the truly diligent ; yet it may likewise be necessary to remember, that " the race is not always to the swift," but patience, with the exercise of faith in the hidden arm of power, brings to see great things many ways. And thus, dear child, may the hand of the God of the living be with thee, and guide thee in his counsel, and to his praise : and this is my earnest longing for thee." J. F. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON JOHN. "Wherefore, dear son, as a wise man hath exhorted, with all thy getting, get understanding. I accordingly entreat thee to seek principally after improvement in acquaintance with the sanctifying hand, and to learn the way and the end of its turn- ing ; and also that stillness is required, when we see that no hand but the Lord's can open the way, and bring the long-for help. And yet that help and salvation is to be looked for reve- rently and hopingly ; and in so applying on our part, the Lord our gracious God doth, and will, delight to regard, and work so that his arising may fill the soul, and engage it in present glad- ness, and strengthened faith in his arm, and renewed trust yet to travel on. And thus his gracious workings bring forth praise and holy admiration to hi^ great and mighty name, wherein alone is that salvation, and those riches, that are good for all." " May the feeling knowledge hereof, and an humble hope and trust to be guided and balanced by the invisible Holy One, guard and stay thee through the unsettling struggles that may attend thee. For, betwixt the converse and pursuits of the unmortified world, however polished by human endeavours, and the earthly nature in ourselves ; with the gilded appearance of penetration, comprehensiveness of reasoning and finesse, of many ^TAT. 18.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 27 among the mora learned part of mankind, and the hllle, low, yet pure and powerful seed, which at times makes itself known indisputably, yet, hides itself again ; creatures are liable to dan- gerous tossings, and good beginnings, ideas, and desires, of God's own begetting, have unhappily miscarried ; and, instead of coming nearer the experience of salvation being as walls and bulwarks about them in a quiet habitation, too many, for want of carefully looking towards the true port, have been gradually, by one wave after another, carried off to sea again, and ship- wrecked in the loose, unbottoraed conceptions and interests of this world. Wherefore, cleave close, I pray thee, to the immov- able rock, the spiritual appearance of the Father and the Son, in whom is all might, and all sufficiency; and I fully believe he will be thy God, thy Saviour, thy Shepherd, to lead and feed thee, thy Shield, and exceeding great Reward. Amen." J. F. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON JOHN, " As my mind has been concerned in much affectionate care on thy account, and sometimes a lively hope hath affected my soul with comfort, that thou might become a man for God, and so to walk in his fear that he might be pleased, to manifest his gracious care over thee, so I am under humble and anxious desires, that thou may watch against the pollution of the lying vanities of this corrupting age, and the spirit of the world ; being well and thoroughly assured the Divine Being requires it at our hands, and is only well-pleased with those who walk uprightly before hirri, and are truly afraid of. and, therefore, steadily strive against, leaning to any thoughts or practices which are contrary to the Divine mind, cither in greater or lesser matters ; and they have the easiest work of it who are the most duly resolute in early time, and firmly stand and walk according to understanding ; whereas, bending a little here, and a little there, for which ex- 28 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS, &C. [1734. cuses will be ready at hand, but of the evil one's preparing, and yielding and leaning aside always weakens and enslaves, and renders that dwarfish which the Lord of all power would make strong, healthy, and sound, and able to walk in his way with alacrity." J. F. CHAPTER III. During tliis interval of comparative cessation from the more extended services in which, as a minister of the Gospel, John Fothergill had so often been engaged, an exercise of mind which he had felt for some years, once more to visit the churches in America, was matured, and at the close of the year 1735, being clear that the proper time was come for the performance of this important and arduous engagement, he made preparation for it, being then in the 60th year of his age, and left his wife and family in the second month, 1736, proceeding towards London, " having," he says, " many good meetings, in the sense of the " love and power of truth amongst Friends, in many places." " After some weeks' stay with Friends in London, in the " labour of the Gospel, under the merciful assistance of the " power and love of God, my spirit being clear and at libertj'-, " and a ship being ready, I went on board a vessel bound for " Philadelphia. We sailed the next day, and arrived there safe " and well on the 6th of the 6th Month, having an easy, good " passage, and more especially so, because of the favour of the " lively sense of the Divine presence being often renewed, " under which my soul humbly worshipped God, who is worthy " for ever." At the time that he embarked on this his third and last visit to America, he had five children remaining, who will be briefly mentioned here, before proceeding with the account of his son Samuel, whose life and labours form the more immediate object of this work. Alexander, his eldest son, at this time 26 years of age, was married and settled at Carr-End, which his father had relin- quished to him. He had afterwards a numerous family, and continued to reside upon the family estate until his death in 30 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1736* 1788, when it was inherited by his son William Fothergill, who also lived at Carr-End until his decease, in 1837, when the pro- perty descended to his children. John, the second surviving son, was born in 1712. After leaving school, he was placed as an apprentice at Bradford, with Benjamin Bartlelt, a Friend and surgeon there. He afterwards prosecuted the study of physic at Edinburgh, where, in 1736, he took the degree of M. D. He then passed some time at Leyden, and other places on the continent, and settled in London. Here he became justly distinguished for eminence in his profession, and as a zealous promoter of science and natural history, as well for his extensive benevolence and philanthropy, and for his great use and service as a member of the Society of Friends. Joseph, the next son, born in 1713, married Hannah Kelsall, of Warrington, where, at the time of his father's departure for America, he was settled in business, and where he continued to reside, respected and beloved, until his decease, which took place in 1761, in the 48th year of his age, leaving one son and six daughters, some of them of tender age, to lament their great loss, their mother having died a few years before. Ann Fothergill, the only daughter of her parents, was born in 1718. She was never married, but continued with her father until his decease ; she then passed a few years in the family of her brother Joseph, at Warrington. In 1750, she removed to London, to reside with her brother John, and with him she remained, his constant companion, friend, and helper, until his decease, in 1780. She survived him many years, con- tinuing to reside in London, esteemed and beloved ; and in 1802, closed a long life of usefulness and benevolence, being in the 85th year of her age, and was the last survivor of the family. Samuel Fothergill, the sixth son of John and Margaret Fothergill, was born at Carr-End, on the 9th of 9th month, 1715, O. S. He was very little more than three years old, when the death of his mother deprived him of her tender care. ^TAT. 20.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 31 Of his early youlh but little is now known. He and his bro- ther John were at school together at Briggflats, near Sedbergh ; and he also passed some time at Sutton, in Cheshire, the resi- dence of his maternal uncle, Thomas Hough, to whom, with others of his relations and friends, John Fothergill committed the care of his children, during his second visit to America, and when absent on other religious services. Of this charge a large share devolved upon Thomas Hough, who was well qualified for the trust, and discharged it faithfully. In particular, the care and education of John and Joseph had devolved much upon him, and through his means their brother Samuel was placed apprentice, as a shopkeeper, with Henry Ardern, a Friend, at Stockport. Samuel Fothergill was at this time about seventeen years of age ; he was endowed with considerable talents ; he had a strong mind, and was of an active, lively, and even volatile dis- position. These qualities caused his company to be much sought after, and early introduced him into society at Stock- port, of an injurious and hurtful character, calculated to dissi- pate and eradicate those lessons of piety and virtue which his worthy father had earnestly laboured to impress upon the minds of all his children. Yielding to the temptations to which he was thus exposed, Samuel gave way to the indulgence of his evil passions, and, with his new companions, abandoned himself to the pursuit of folly and dissipation. This downward path he continued for some time, and the state into which it brought him, as after- wards described by himself, and the view which he subsequently took of his condition at this time, is striking and affecting : — " I wandered far from the garden enclosed, and laid myself open " to the enemy of my soul : I kept the worst company, and " subjected myself to almost every temptation, broke through " the fence of the sacred enclosure, and trampled it under my " feet ; and when, for a time, I found the least inclination to do " good, evil was present with me, and I went on from one 32 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1736. " degree of iniquity to another. My wickedness so far in- " creased with my dihgence, that at length, alas ! I beheld the " strong wall broken down, the garden wall destroyed, the " mound left defenceless, and no hope left of returning peace to " my afflicted soul !" " I strayed to that degree, that my life " became a burden to me, and I wished that I had never been " born." The downward course which he thus pursued was not, how- ever, of long duration, nor was he utterly cast off nor forsaken, even in the midst of this sinful career. Many were the strivings of the Spirit of Truth with his soul, and frequent the visitations of Divine grace. He says — " He who had kindled breathings " in my soul after Him, would [even then] sometimes break in " upon me.'' And again : — " Though I had drunk up iniquity " as an ox drinketh up water, although I had exceeded all others in sin, and had long done despite to him, yet there was mercy " with him that he might be feared.'' Yet did he continue for a time to resist these offers of mercy, and to turn aside from the visitations of Divine regard, thus gra- ciously continued to him ; and many were the deep trials and conflicts through which he passed, alternately yielding and re- sisting, until at length his spiritual state and his danger were very forcibly brought before him, attended by a deep persua- sion that these offers of mercy would be no more renewed, and that if he now any longer resisted, the day of his visitation would be over, and his destruction certain and inevitable. So powerful was this impression, that it brought him into great trouble and distress, and caused renewed and very earnest prayers for help and strength ; he cried mightily for deliverance, and says — " My lips quivered, and my belly trembled, that " my soul might rest in the day of trouble." This help and this strength were mercifully granted, and he was enabled to maintain his ground : he was now twenty years of age, and the altered circumstances in which he was placed were favourable to the progress of repentance and conversion : ^TAT. 20.] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 33 he was removed from Stockport, and had found a shelter and a home in the family of his brother Joseph at Warrington ; here, and in the house of his uncle Thomas Hough, at Sutton, he had many seasons of retirement, peculiarly favourable to the present state of his mind. Tlie intended departure of his father for America, and their parting interview, were also conducive to his help. Deeply afflicting to John Fothergill was the past conduct of his son Samuel : the evil of his ways, and his grievous depar- ture from those paths of truth and virtue, in which he had, by long example and often inculcated precept, endeavoured to train all his children, caused him much sorrow and distress. He was now about to embark for a distant land, in the service and cause of his Lord and Master, and the conviction that he was leaving behind him a beloved son, for whose restoration and welfare he had often put up his prayers, and yet who had so deeply revolted from the law of God, was as the wormwood and the gall — bitter indeed to his soul. Memorable and affecting was their last interview : after once more imparting to his son deep and impressive counsel, he took his leave in these words : — '* And now, son Samuel, farewell ! — farewell — and unless it be " as a changed man, I cannot say that I have any wish ever to " see thee again." These parting expressions, this powerful appeal from a father whom, notwithstanding his disobedience, he still tenderly loved, uttered during what mig'it probably be the last time they should meet in this life, together with the awful solemnity and deep feeling with which they were accompanied, produced a strong impression upon Samuel Fothergill ; they remained as if engraven upon his heart, and assisted to confirm and strengthen him in the path of repentance and conversion upon which he had entered, and which, happily for him, he now experienced to be permanent. Thus, yielding to the powerful convictions of Divine grace, and as the Spirit that convinceth of sin, of righteousness, and 6 34 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [173G. of judgment, wrought in his heart, he came to feel the terrors of the Lord for sin, and was made wilhng to abide under his righteous judgment, because he had sinned, and so was brought into a state of deep repentance ; and as a brand plucked out of the burning, and as one awakened from the sleep of death, in due time, he witnessed a dehverance from the bondage of cor- ruption, and a being created anew unto holiness, the end whereof is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Of the many conflicts and baptisms through which he passed during this work, or of the advancement which he was enabled to make towards that thorough establishment and settlement in the truth which he was favoured afterwards so eminently to experience, no distinct or separate account is now to be found : such a record from his own pen would have been interesting and deeply instructive. Yet there is ground to believe that after a time his progress was rapid and steady. In his correspondence he was sometimes led to speak of his state, and of the dealings of the Lord with his soul, as some of the following letters show : they also contain proofs of the rejoicing which his return and conversion produced in the minds of his friends, mingled with excellent counsel and earnest solicitude for his stability and preservation. Amongst those who thus extended towards him this care, was Susanna Croudson, of Warrington ; she was an acceptable minister in the Society, of which they both were members. She was some years older than himself, and by her religious experience, and the care, advice, and judicious encouragement, which were early and frequently extended, she was made peculiarly helpful to him. He found in her a friend to whom he could unburthen his mind of a portion of its distress, and from whose sympathy and advice he often found relief, and Avilh whom, as he advanced in his spiritual path, he often took sweet counsel. Some of his feelings under the change which had been wrought in him were communicated to his friends in the follow- ing letter. ^TAT, 21.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 35 SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO THE MONTHLY MEETING. Dear Friends, It hath lain heavy upon me for some time to write a few Hnes to you upon the following subject. The Lord Jesus Christ, in his everlasting kindness, that hath long strove with my soul, has been pleased to unstop my deaf ear, that I might hear him, the shepherd of his flock, and lo open my blind eyes, and let me see my state as it really was, very desperate and very lamentable ; he has shown me the dreadful precipice I was at the brink of, and breathed into me the breath of life, in order that I might arise from the dead, and live ; he has set my sins in order before me, and shown me how far I had estranged myself from him, raising strong desires in me to return to him, the Redeemer of my soul ; the consideration of which has raised in my heart a just abhorrence of my former practices, that induces me to make this public declaration of them, which I desire to do in a few words. I know my sins are so many, and so obvious to every one, that it is impossible and needless to recount and remark upon them, for I was then in the bond of iniquity, though it has pleased the Father of Mercies to bring me since into the very gall of bitterness, and into anxiety of soul inexpressible, yea, not to be apprehended by any but those who have trod the same path, and drunk of the same cup : yet, blessed be the name of God, he who hath kindled breathings in my soul after him, would sometimes break in upon rac, and though the waves of Jordan have gone over my head, his supporting arm was underneath, that I should not be discouraged. He, in his infinite love, has given me to understand that the things which belong to my peace were not utterly hid from my eyes ; that though I had drunk up iniquity as an ox drinketh up water, although I had exceeded all others in sin, had long done despite to him, yet there was mercy with him that he might be feared. 36 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1736. Now would I address myself to the youth among you. In a certain sense of the Divine extendings of that love wherewith he hath loved us do I salute you, with sincere desires that that God which visited our fathers while aliens and strangers to him, may be our God, that we may embrace the day of our visitation, and not turn our backs upon so great a mercy as he, I am sensible, is daily extending. Oh ! I have tasted of his love ; I have had to celebrate his name ; and though unfit for the work, I cannot be easy, nor discharge my known duty, without entreating you to forsake the vanities of the world ; for the end thereof is unavoidable sorrow, and endless torment ; but happy are they who give timely application in earnestly seeking the Lord, who will (I speak from blessed experience) be found of those who earnestly and diligently seek him, for he has appeared to me (when I was afraid I was forgot) as a morning without clouds, to my exceeding great encouragement and consolation, and strengthened me in my resolution to follow him who has done so much for my soul. Bear with me yet a little, for I write not my own words ; that blessed Saviour has laid it upon me, who is willing that all should be saved and come unto him. Let him, I entreat you, have his perfect work in you ; he will wash you, or else you have no share in him. I can truly say, that during the time of my first conviction, my lips quivered and my belly trembled, that my soul might rest in the day of trouble. I choose not to write this, but I cannot be easy unless I call others to the like enjoyment. In bowels of tender love to you do I again salute you, and take my leave of you, with strong desires that you who are advanced in years, and favoured in the Lord, may remember me, when it is well with you ; and that I may be again preserved, though beset with many temp- tations on every hand. The Lord in mercy be near you, saith my soul. Farewell. Samuel Fothergill. ^TAT. 21.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 37 WILLIAM LONGMIRE TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL* Kendal, 1736. Thy very acceptable letter came safe to hand, and I am truly glad to find the happy remains of that holy visitation, which I was very sensible, when with you, was fully extended unto thee. It was no small satisfaction to peix:eive the son of so worthy a father brought to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, though by thy own will and actions far unworthy of such a favour, as also many more have been. And as I fully hope that thou hast long ere this sorrowfully seen into the follies and wild ex- travagant ways of thy youth, and bitterly mourned over him whom thou hast pierced, so, I earnestly beseech thee, keep it often in thy remembrance, frequently retire alone, and let it become still thy delight to meditate on the law of thy God. Seek always to arm thyself witli the weapons of the Christian warfare, which still are absolutely necessary to thy preservation in the way of truth, and thy complete conquest over all the force of the enemy : and O ! think not that the work is already •done; since thou hast been favoured with the glorious day of our God to break forth and dawn upon thee, to open thy understand- ing, to influence thy will, and rectify thy judgment, and fill thy whole soul with his precious goodness, he has made thy moun- tain strong, and the whole train of Christian graces have ap- peared in their own amiable beauty and proportions, and, wil- lingly attended, the enemy became baffled, and fell to a cessa- tion of arms. I am very sensible this is the respite that often the first gracious and humbling visitation of the Holy Being affords to his favoured children, to give them a full opportunity to view their own vile defilements and irregular passions, and the purity, truth, and harmony of religion, with all its attractive qualities * The letters of William Longmire are dated at Kendal, but I believe he afterwards lived at Sheepscar, near Leeds, and died there, 1st Mo. 26, 1763. G. C, 38 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1736. and perfeclions, and that the soul may be filled with an abhor- rence of the one, and tlic pleasing prospect and delight of the other. Thus as babes are we attended, taken by the hand, and gently led along ; but after all, it is expected that we grow in strength, and in the more manly exercises of the soul than our infant state will admit of, and may, perhaps, be tried again and again with those very temptations which have formerly presented ; and who knows but they may a little harden upon our hands, as we become more capable to determine our actions in favour of the Christian religion, and a truly sober and virtuous life. Enemies without may assail, and barrenness and poverty of soul within. Then, oh ! then, dear friend, patience, hope, and faith call in to thy assistance, and in the resignation be pressingly earnest with thy God to lift up his Spirit as a standard in thy heart against the enemy, and freely let him arise, and then shall the tempter, and all his pernicious means that he may make use of, flee before thee ; but yet, if this should not be in thy own wish and time, pray fall not lo murmuring and despair ; let the firs^ of these before named virtues have her perfect work. Dear friend, I heartily wish thy preservation and prosperity in the blessed truth, a joy to thy parent, a comfort to- thy bro- thers, and a blessing lo society. I am, Dear Samuel, Thy sincerely affectionate friend, WfLLIAM LoNGMIRE. DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO SUSANNA CROUDSOX. London, 12th Mo., 1736. I find by experience, that town or country is alike to me ; I am weak in the one as well as in the other, when I leave the good hand, or it leaves me to stumble and suffer for oflfences ; ^TAT- 21.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 39 I find that when a degree of that power surrounds me, nothing is too strong for me, I conquer all ; but, alas ! how few, how seldom are these seasons ! This, however, I fird, that if we do stagger, our enemy very often gives us a push ; and if we fall, he mostly tramples upon us and covers us with mire and dirt, whilst, perhaps, we think we are thrust down by another power. The time, perhaps, will come, it is our part to wait with patience till it does come, that we may be environed and folded with Divine love. Dear friend, remember that whatever can stir up the pure mind in us will be of advantage. I. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO JOHN ROUTH.* 11th of 12lh Mo,, 1736—7. I write to thee as to one who art regarded by the Al- mighty, and who hast, by regarding that visitation which I too long slighted, been preserved from the snares and temptations of the enemy, and hast, though young in years, attained to a good stature in the truth ; which, oh ! that it may be my chief care to press after, to seek for above all, is at present, and I hope will continue to be, the earnest intent of my heart ; and though I find it my place often to be brought low and very poor, as it is at present, yet I desire to wait my appointed time, un- til he please to dispel those darksome clouds, which at times bring me yet near to a melancholy, drooping state. But I desire to be entirely resigned to his will ; that he may, if he please, again and again turn his hand upon me, until he hath purged away all my dross, and made me what best pleases * John Routh resided at Manchester ; he was an elder, and for many years an active and useful member of society. He died 1st Mo. 31, 1791, aged 76. 40 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1737. him, and not myself nor others. But the Lord, who has done wonderful ihhigs for my deUverance, has mercifully regarded and reached unto me, Avhile in a state of open defiance to his tenderly striving spirit. S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERG[LL TO HIS SISTER. Warrington, 2d Mo., 9th, 1737. I could have been glad to have written a few lines to thee, but considering the distance my past behaviour had justly filaced me at in respect to my friends' and relations' favour, I was somewhat doubtful of its kind reception. But, dear sister, I have found it is the want of inward peace that is more griev- ous than the want of my friends' favour, though that be very desirable. I found, upon examining my state, that I was upon the very brink of destruction and ruin, and it pleased the Lordt o kindle in my soul earnest desires to be delivered from my dread- ful condition, which the Lord in mercy showed to me as it really was, thereby bringing me into deep and unutterable anxiety of soul, that I often was ready to conclude my transgressions were more and greater than any one's else, and my state worse than any ever were in before. O ! the anguish of that day, the weight of sorrow I daily laboured under was more than I can express, or any not acquainted with the operation of the Spirit of judgment and of burning can conceive. It is like repeating an idle story to any that are unacquainted with it, but I have a different opinion of thee, and thou hast, I hope, known a degree of the heart-cleansing power of truth) though thou hast bsen preserved from those pollutions that hin- der us from being properly acquainted with the Almighty, and finding thereby love and solid peace. But through infinite mer- cy I can now say, with a humbly thankful heart, it was a re- pentance never to be repented of ; for notwithstanding my open rebellion and defiance to the tenderly striving Spirit of grace, .ETAT. 21.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 41 that long strove with me in order for my recovery, I have in a degree, witnessed favour from the Almighty, and the knowledge of acceptance with him, which is more to me than any thing else. Great is my reason to be humbly thankful for his ma- ny mercies, which my soul desires never to be unmindful of, but, by a yet more humble walking, and closer seeking after him, seek to redeem my former misspent and lost time, by re- doubling my diligence, with humble thankfulness press after him to find my peace yet more and more confirmed, now the Lord has given me to know they are not yet hid from my eyes, but yet may be in a greater degree attained upon my humble resignation to his divine will, and proper and frequent applica- tion to him for the farther discoveries of it, and strength to perform it acceptably to him. Many yet continue to be the deep and humbling times I go through ; many the anxieties of soul I have to pass under ; yet the Lord in mercy is at times helping me over every thing that would hinder my spiritual progress, and giving to find times of refreshment in his divine presence. O ! that it may be our care, dear sister, to seek properly aftsr him, in order to find renewing of strength, and acquaintance with him, that we may thereby witness strength to withstand the enemy of our souls, in all his attempts. May it continue to be my care above all things, in true thankful- ness, to wait for his appearance, though it may be at times as a refiner with fire, and as a purifier of silver. May we suffer him to work effectually in our hearts ; great will be our sat- isfaction thereby to witness that the Lord's regard is to us, and his love is near to us. I cannot with too great earnest- ness recommend this to both our consideration and practice, as one knowing the judgment of the Lord for sin, and by his help a learning to forsake it, and following him in the ways of his requiring ; this brings a true and lasting peace. May I seek after him again and again, and enter into covenant with him ; if he will but indeed be with me in my way, and direct me aright, I will fully follow him. So marvellous and won- 7 42 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1737. derful is ihe goodness of God to my soul, 1 cannot sufficient- ly admire it, nor too often repeat it, for I am as a monument of that mercy that would have none lost, but that all should come to the saving knowledge of himself. S. F. ALICE ROUTH* TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Hawes, 3d Mo-, 1st, 1737. It was not because I feared thy not holding out to the end, made me Avrile as I did. but it was in order to encou- rage thee in thy journey through this vale of tears ; for I am sensible of the many deep plungings that those meet with, that have set their faces Zionwards. Oh, I have thought sometimes I was quite forsaken, and even left to myself ; yet, it hath pleased him in these times of afflictions to appear again, with healing virtue in his hand. Dear friend, it is my earnest desire that thou may be preserved to the end, for it was that same arm that turned thee which turned Saul, when he was going to per- secute the Church. I wish that it may have the same effect on thee as it had on Saul, for he reasoned not with flesh and blood, but was obedient to him that called. I would not have thee go into reasonings : for the enemy of our souls, when he cannot lead into those things which we have been prone to, he then begins another way ; that is, to bring us to despair of ever overcoming our enemies, because they are so numerous. But it was his arm that turned Saul, which brought salvation, and can overturn all our enemies, and bring deliverance to his afflicted seed ; for they are as the apple of his eye ; and although he may withhold his face for a time, it is in order to try our love to him, and to see whether we love him above all * Alice Routh was born at Hawes, in 1704 ; she early received a gift in the ministry, in which she continued durin^ a long life, and died at Hawes, in the fifth Month, 1791, aged 87. A minister more than 60 years. .«TAT. 21.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 43 or not, for lie will not admit of any rivals, but will have the whole heart or none. So I'nto the Lord do I conamend thee, (together with ray own soul,) who is the sure rock to flee unto, I remain, Thy sincere friend, Alice Routh. JOHN ROUTH TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Manchester, 2d Mo., 12th, 1737. And, as the operation of the power of truth is given way unto in our hearts, it will work out every thing that is of a contrary nature ; that so we may become fit taber- nacles for him, the Holy One, to dwell in, which, that it may be our chiefest care to press after, is many times the earnest breathing of my soul, notwithstanding the many buffetings, and hard exercises, that fall to my lot : for the adversary, at times, strongly suggests the need I have of a more eager pursuit after the lawful things of this life ; but I find that except the manage- ment of things temporal be kept in its proper place, we shall lose ground as to religion, and our appetite after Divine conso- lation will fail. Oh, that this may never be our case, but that we may still breathe to the Almighty for strength to undergo whatever we may be proved with, in the course of our sojourn- ing here. When I have considered how some who have known the work of truth, and have been in a great degree cleansed and enlightened, yet, for want of watchfulness, darkness has come over them again ; this has many times bowed me very low, in strong desires that I might always keep in a sense of my own nothingness and insufficiency ; and as we keep here, I am not without hope that he who was appointed to open the prison doors, will in time set us at liberty to serve him in an acceptable manner. John Rocth. 44 MEMOIRS AND LETTKRS [1737. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO JOSEPH BROWN. Warrington, 3d Mo., 9, 1737. With renewed satisfaction do I now salute thee, desir- ing our mutual welfare in the best sense, that b}' a close and diligent application we may have at times to experience a being drawn truly inward, and near to the Almighty helper and feeder of his people ; there, in a secret manner, to renew our acquaint- ance with him, and one with another, in the uniting influences of best regard ; there, surely, dear friend, stands our communion and nearest fellowship, which flows freely in our hearts one to and for another, when outwardly far separated. Thy letter was very acceptable to me, and I perused it with a good degree of pleasure, for I thought it gave me an idea of a mind steadily resolved in the pursuit of virtue, the only lasting and durable treasure, which truly makes rich, and brings no sorrow or sting with it. This we have both, I believe, fre- quently experienced to be our help and stay in times of deep and humble walkings, and low goings down, when we have been ready to say no one went so low as we ; that we had a path to tread few besides ever walked in. Then, my friend, this inward treasure has been richly manifested for the support and strengthening us yet to wrestle, in humble reverence, if happily we might at last have to say with joy — " I cried and thou heard me, O Lord, and helped me." This I know is more the concern of a remnant than every thing in the world beside, for it surely is only his appearance that can bring joy to the earnestly seeking soul. I was very glad to liear thou had so satisfactory an account to give of thy journey every way, both inwardly and outwardly. The first being chiefly to be regarded ; the welfare of the inward to be sought for in a diligent and yet fervent waiting upon the Almighty for further discoveries, and this will be more and more explained to us. O, my dear friend, here surely stands our happiness, in fulfilling ^TAT. 21.] OP SAMUEL FOTHEIIGILL. 45 and being made conformable to the will of God, our wills being entirely to be brought into subjection to the Divine will. Have not we, dear friend, in our low estate, when troubles came over tis and exercises, been like the waves of the sea ? have we not then been ready to say, any way for peace, lead me in thy own ways, and with thy help I will surely follow thee ? Let us, dear friend, not by any means fall short of true obedience, than which, I can by experience assert, there is no other way to peace. My mind is drawn out in an unexpected manner towards thee, yet with a good degree of hope that the same Eternal Being who first visited our sousl, whilst in a state of alienation from him, will, in a continued merciful regard, be near for our best help, and enable us to appear, if truly willing and obedient, in his presence, with acceptance. Now must I draw towards a conclusion, with breathings of soul for our growth in the best stale, even to a measure of the fulness of our holy head, and that our expectations may be yet more and more upon him Then shall we be often engaged to seek him, and in private to retire before him, the chief beloved of our souls. He will appear in these private oppor- tunities, to our abundant consolation and help over our enemies ; which, that it may be more and more our concern, is the desire of thy real friend in the unchangeable truth. S. F. JOHN ROUTH TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Manchester, 3d Mo., 15th, 1737. I join with thee in real belief that we shall be helped forward towards the heavenly Canaan, as we are truly resigned in heart, to be made what the Divine being would have us to be : notwithstanding the many exercises we may meet with, a great share of which (I am many tinnes ready to conclude,) fall to my lot, I fully believe, as we are concerned to press through 46 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1737. the crowd of opposition, if possible, to touch the hem of his garment, we shall witness heavenly virtue in the least touch of his love; if something of this were not witnessed, at times, what would become of us ; when we are bowed low, under a sense of our own nothingness and insufficiency, to step one step for- ward in that way, that is well pleasing in his sight. I have often remembered the great strait that Israel of old was in, when the sea was before, the inaccessible mountains on each hand, and their old oppressing enemies pursuing hard after them, from whose force they were altogether unable to defend themselves ; the command then was, stand still, and see the salvation of God : and, blessed be his name, he is still showing his salvation to his poor afflicted Israel, as they are ceasing from their own willings, and runnings, and actings, and depend- ing only upon his providential care. It is, at present, my sincere desire, that we may press forward after a close communion with him, and that our pursuit after the necessaries of this life may be bounded by his will, which, as we have an eye unto, I don't doubt but that we shall be favoured with all that is necessary for food and raiment. John Routh. ALICE ROUTH TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Hawes, 4th Mo., 8th, 1737. I would not have thee discouraged by thinking that thou art out of thy place ; for if the enemy could not lead thee into other things which would have drawn down the displeasure of thy God upon thee, he was not unlikely to put fears in thy mind that thou didst not worship aright ; it is what others have been tossed with ; but praised be the powerful name of the great being that hath not sufTered the devouring enemy to destroy his plants ; his regard is unto the workmanship of his hands, although we be tempted and tried with deep poverty ; it was the jETat. 21.] OP SAMUEL POTHERGILL. 47 lot of our dear Redeemer, but he overcame the enemy, and as we follow him we sliall be made to overcome, in liis due and appointed time. A. RoUTH. WILLIAM LONGMIRE TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Kendal, 5th Mo., 25th, 1737. Dear Samuel, I hope that good hand and power that visited thee, and made thee sensible of his will, and of the unfitness of thy own, and gave thee power in degree to deny the one and obey the other, to thy great and unspeakable joy, has not forgotten to be gracious and merciful in the time of need, but yet vouch- safes to administer of the comforts of his grace and love, to maintain and prosper thee in the heavenly truth. Let no pov- erty or barrenness of soul dismay thee ; no new or unexpected surprise, as giants in the land, ever give thee reason to call the truth of the visitation and mission in question. Many are the fears and false reasonings which at times will rush upon the soul, especially in times of weakness and want. The imagina- tion is scarce ever more at work, and more apt to create false images, than when the Divine object is partly withdrawn. And if there is not a steady bearing and holding fast our faith, and a resignation of the whole soul unto God, we shall certainly, in such seasons, be very apt to suffer loss, and abundantly weaken our own hands, and give ourselves up into the power of the enemy. Bat, dear Samuel, be thou strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, and he will strengthen thee yet more, and increase thy joy, and confirm and stablish thee in his truth. W. LoNGMIRE. 48 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1737. JOSEPH BROWN TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Broxbourne, 6th Mo. 17, 1737. I am sensible that there is nothing that unites and brings so near to one another as the love of the most holy truth ; and, as we abide in it, though we may be far separated in body, we shall be near in spirit, and witness that fellowship and holy communion that the worldly minded are ignorant of. So I sincerely desire that we may abide here ; for, sure I am, there is no other place of refuge for us poor worms to flee to. There is a remnant that can experimentally say, that it has been often inexpressible satisfaction to them, that in the Lord there is strength ; were it not so, they had fainted long ago. So, dear friend, although many are the trials and exercises that those may meet with here, as they are sincerely engaged to look over all to their unconquered captain Christ Jesus, he will keep them from fear and from falling into the snares of the wicked one. Oh, that I may keep my eye steadily to him ; that so I may be enabled to follow him in the ways of his lead- ings and requirings ; for sure I am, there is no other way to obtain true peace with him. Thou hast been often brought into my mind, with desires for thy welfare every way ; but in an especial manner in the most holy truth, which thou hast, through the love of our heavenly Father, chosen for thy portion ; and I have to believe, as thou comest to be more obedient and freely given up thereto, the Lord will enlarge thy heart, and pour down his heavenly bless- ings upon thy soul, like the former and the latter rain ; and though thou mayest meet with deep trials, and provings, and reasonings, and, as it were, the valley of the shadow of death, to pass through at times ; yet, as thou art engaged, in sincerity of heart, to look over all and through all to holy Jesus, he will pre- serve thee from the fear of evil, and from falling into the snares of the wicked one. Oh, methinks the Lord's love is .CTAT. 21.] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 49 extended towaris a young and rising generation, and if they embrace it, he will be good to ihem : and as they are truly resigned and freely given up to his Divine will, I do believe that he will raise many up from the sheep-fold, and send them to see how their brethren fare : and not only so, but will strengthen and inspirit them to go against the great Golialh, that is so much vaunting over and defying the armies of the living God ; and though there may be those that may despise, yet the just- ness of their cause shall answer for them, like poor David in innocency saying, — " Is there not a cause ? " Joseph Brown.* P. S. — I often see thy brother John, and his company is very acceptable to me ; his sweet, innocent carriage and deportment are exemplary to the youth of that great city where his lot is now cast ; I desire that many may follow his example. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER. Warrington, 6th Mo., 8th, 1737. The day after I received thine I was visited with the rheumatism, so that I have not quite, as yet, regained the useof my arms. I have had a very hard turn as I ever had in my life for violent pain outwardly, yet T never was so easy under it, having often sensibly to enjoy the Divine presence of the Physician of value, who, blessed be his name, was near to my support, in encouraging love to draw me nearer and nearer to himself, where the true and humble followers of Christ find a secure rest in all their trials and exigencies of every kind. O, dear sister, may we be of the number of those who have chosen the Lord for our portion, and his truth for the lot of our inherit- ance ; then, whenever we have to engage with sickness, or any ■ » Joseph Brown died near Hertford, 8th Mc, 20th, 1748, aged 42. 8 50 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1737. Other trial, our peace will spring up and flow like a river ; our hearts will be united in a bond of peace which nothing can disturb, and which will last beyond the grave, and this makes every thing easy, so that we shall be ready to cry out — Lead mc in thy ways, O Lord ! be thou near me, and ready for my help, and I shall not fear the number of my enemies ; if I may be favoured with thy presence, I shall not be afraid. The re- membrance of the many mercies of the Almighty, extended to my soul, enlarges my heart, and raises strong cries that I may be helped to walk in the way that is well pleasing to him, in true thankfulness of heart. S. F. DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. London, 7th Mo., 7th, 1737. The few lines which thou sent me were very accept- able, as they proceeded from a mind tinctured with good, and the openings of true fraternal love. May those dawnings yet shine brighter, may they dispel all darkness, and kindle that endearing flame, which neither length of time, nor all the ene- my's efforts, will ever be able to extinguish. In a sense of thy sufferings and trials, I salute thee ; stand fast, and immoveable ; bear with constancy the enemy's assaults ; Heaven will inspire thee at length with secret fortitude ; thy hands will be strength- ened, triumph and conquest will be known ; but may we know sufliciently the command — Steady, steady, to be adhered to. Through mercy, I am at present well ; and though often in darkness and obscurity, the fruit of repeated acts of disobe- dience, yet secret hopes are sometimes revived that I shall see better days ; I stagger and reel, but am yet in some degree upheld. Dear Joseph Brown is often inquiring after thee. He comes hither sometimes, and it is a pleasure to cultivate JETAT. 21.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 51 a friendship with sinceriljr, wherever it appears : he is at too great a distance for me to see him often ; otherwise, his inge- nuous freedom, his undesigning simpHcity and love, would in- duce me to pay him frequent visits. An acquaintance with such as these, when they stand faithful, are powerful monitors to call us to our duty, and a closer attention to that within. Of late I am favoured with the acquaintance of a friend, who, next to dear T. A., has made the most considerable progress heavenward of any that I know, nay, seems to have outstripped him; the most unheard-of oppression, by those of his own so- ciety, has buried him hitherto ; but the Omnipotent now bids him arise, and hath arisen with him. To give thee his whole history would require a book. He has been amongst Friends, about twelve or thirteen years, in the ministry about ten. Re- fined by the severest trials and hardships, his ministry is living, powerful, and efficacious ; to the most solid piety is joined an extensive knowledge of the languages and the mathematics, the product of uncommon industry and application ; his ap- pearance is rustic, but weighty and solid. I. F. SARAH ROUTH TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL.* Manchester, 11th Mo., 15th, 1737. Thy very acceptable letter was a joy and a help to me, because I am satisfied it flowed as a fresh spring, in degree, from the one fountain of all fulness and goodness, to which I beg we may ever be favoured with having free access ; and I am encouraged to hope, as we are diligently concerned to keep near, and follow on after that which * Sarah Rnuth, afterwarrls Sarah Taylor, was an eminent and deep- ly exercised minister. She died at Manchester, Sth Mo., 19th, aged 74, a minister 54 years. 52 Memoirs and letters [1737. hgth visited, and cleansed, and, in degree made us sensible of drinking, as at the living spring, w^e shall know it to flow in a more abundant manner in our hearts, to the washing away every hurtful thing, and yet comfort and encourage every thing that is good ; for, satisfied I am, the Lord will strip us of no- thing the keeping whereof would be of any real advantage to us, except it be for the trial of our faith ; and then, if we free- ly resign all, the will will be accepted for the deed. Let us, therefore, dear cousin, be encouraged to follow stead- ily on though through the deeps, and in the greatest denial of self, and most cross to our own wills ; yet so our wills may be- come subject, and his will may be done in and by us ; but this is a great attainment, and hard for us to get to, and yet I believe it is attainable. May we, therefore, press after it more and more ; and I can say, my heart s at times made glad in the remembrance of thee, and I find my s irit united unto thee, in true love, at this time ; and in that I dearly salute thee, and wish for thee, as for myself, that no storm nor cross wind may ever be able to drive us back, but, when we cannot get forward, we may be helped to stand still, that so we may indeed see the salvation of the Lord, and may have cause to acknowledge him to be our Saviour and our Redeemer indeed; and that because he lives we live also, that we may know him in us and we in him, our life being bound up and hid with Christ in God ; this is the very travail of thy real friend and relation, Sarah Routh, SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER. Warrington, 12th Mo., 16th, 1737— 8. We lately were favoured with a letter from dear father, dated Philadelphia, which was beyond expression acceptable, (however to me,) as being filled with the most ^TAT. 22.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 53 endearing and tender expressions of an afi'cctionate parent, whose soul was filled and warmed with Divine love, and in that, longs, I may even say wrestles, with the God of Heaven for a blesssing upon his children, and in the most moving and pathetic manner labours with us, his offspring, to follow holiness, and tread the ways of God's commandments ; and in tlie remem- brance of this his tender regard, and likewise some sense of the love of the Almighty Father, my soul is often drawn into deep reverence before him, craving earnestly for us, the de- scendants of one so worthy and truly honourable, that our de- sires may be above all things to follow him, even as he follows Christ; and that, as we behold an eminently supporting hand near and with him, so we, by an humble, careful walking, may know, according to our measures, the same power to preserve and uphold us in well doing, and a steady perseverance to the end, which my soul longs may be our chief care, since it must be the end which crowns all, and the Lord alone is able to pre- serve it. S. F. ALICE ROUTH TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Hawesj 2nd Mo., 24th, 1738. Do not think that thou art either forgotten of God or of thy friends, for thou art near to my life; O ! that we may so steer through this vale of tears, that when time here shall be over, we may meet in that mansion of glory that is prepared for the righteous : for many are their exercises and besetments ; they are at times even like the lone sparrow upon the house top, or the quail in the stubble field. How are we pursued by the enemy of our souls, so that I have been ready to say, — How Can I go any further? and have said with David — My way is enclosed with hewn stones, that I cannot get out. 0, let us trust in Him who multiplied the widow's oil and the little 54 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS, &C. [1738. meal in llie barrel. This halh done me good, when I have rightly considered it ; for it was a time of favour when the pro- phet came to her, and bade her first make him a cake, and then one for herself, for she thought of eating it and dying. I would not have thee be discouraged, though it may be a low time with thee ; that little will keep alive, until the pure rain be distilled again. So in that pure love that I feel to flow to thee, I bid thee farewell. Alice Routh. CHAPTER IV. John Fothergill, after landing in Philadelphia, in the 6lh month, 1736, continued diligently engaged in religious service amongst Friends and others in America. When the intelligence reached him of some reformation in his son Samuel, and that the change he so earnestly desired, and for which he had often prayed, was really begun in him, and some progress made towards a religious life, it filled his heart with gratitude and thankfulness for this his erring son ; yet hope was mingled with fear, and he rejoiced with trembling, as some of the following letters indicate. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO . (No date.) As to son Samuel, I have been almost unex- pectedly quiet in my spirit about him ; knowing, however, I had honestly discharged myself to the utmost of my understanding; yet I have heard from several of an appearance of a religious mind and application being hopeful to prevail with him to a reformation, to the comfort of those that rightly love him ; which, to be sure, is as much desired by me as is necessary, I believe, and affords some comfort to me ; but he hath mani- fested so much instability in good intents, and I do believe reso- lutions, and an aptness to show, at some times, which hath not either been in reality, or he hath not brought forth fruit agreeable to expectation, which still induceth me to a cautiousness in rejoicing ; though I believe the fan and the axe of truth are well able to cut down and purge away both sin and hurtful propen- 56 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1737. sities, and make sound ; for wliich sure experience, I, with the earnestness of a nearly affectionate father to my own flesh, and intreaty of a sincere friend, do tenderly long and advise him to a humble and steady waiting for ; that true judgment may be repeated and attended to, and so feel from time to time which will bring forth fruits of steady humility and love to in- wardness ; and yet I hope Divine good may make him a living monument of mercy, and of a right returning. 0 that this may be his experience, and gracious issue, to Heaven's glory and his salvation. Amen, Amen. I am, in love and care beyond what I can express, poor son Samuel, thy nearly well-wishing father, J. F. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON JOSEPH. Philadelphia, 9th Mo., 12th, 1737. My beloved Son Joseph, I am desirous to manifest my regardful remem- brance of thee and thy dear wife by a few hues once more, wherewith rcacheth near and true love, and strong well- wishing in every respect, which is very much in my heart for you, and chiefly that in, and through, and above all pursuits, true godliness and favour with the all-seeing and Almighty pure God may be your chiefest ; and with the most watchful diligence, and which, as you honestly and patiently seek, you will often be comforted and engaged in heart, in finding Divine regard to your souls, renewing, reverent trust in, and fear before Him, who knows and can do all things, from whose hand every good gift comes ; and I am often much satisfied that the gracious eye of this mighty Being hath been and is towards you for good, and to make you of some worth and service in that place ; wherefore, neglect not to seek the love and sense of Divine favour in jETAT. 21.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 57 your own hearts, and licavenly mercy and sanctifying life will brighten, feed, and teach you in righteousness. My love and care is pure and strong towards you, not forgetting poor Samuel, who should walk as a brand plucked (in unutterable mercy) out of the fire of destruction, which, if he retain the sense of in heart duly, every part of his conduct will be adorned with fruit which will be beautiful in the eyes of God and man, and be a living monument of the effects of Divine power as it is turned unto. Oh that thus, immortal help and gracious goodness may prevail with, sanctify, and bless you, my truly-beloved and nearly cared for children ! 9 Mo., 14. Dear Joseph — This morning thine with others is come to hand, the contents whereof enliven my hope in the God of all mercies, on your account, with reviving comfort to my careful soul for your best good ; for in my longing for you, and thee and thine in particular, I have h.ad a sure evidence of Almighty regard and desire to bless, and help you to serve him ; but am also assured that he requires that you should stand in awe before him, and seek his face and the feeling of his power, to season, govern, and redeem the mind, and beautify the conduct ; that he may delight to work for and let forth his love and fatherly goodness to you. And to be sure, what I hear, of and from Samuel, is as comfortable as can be expected to an affectionate and heretofore deeply afflicted father. Yet, I rejoice not without awe and fear, though with lively hope, as he keeps duly mindful of his imworthiness, and under watchful fear lest any thing that is for judgment should escape ; and to be duly assured of God's own putting forth from time to time ; which care brings to a careful desire after pure stillness in waiting, and so to heavenly salvation, and clear understanding of the Divine goings forth ; and I hope all-sufficient help will be with you all ; so be it. Amen. 9 J. F. 58 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1737. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO . Philadelphia, 1737. Let my heretofore strongly-pressed caution, M'hich I do not yet get clear from at all times, doubting the danger of its being not enough minded — which is to be aware of that devilish, bewitching, darkening, ruinous, enticing snare of often sipping and dabbling with strong drink, and the com- pany that loves and useth it, and seldom without unprofitable conversation, though craftily, from that twisting, serpentine, adulterating spirit of this world, frequently excused and pleaded for, under artful disguises, to deceive the unwary. There- fore look at it in time, as an enemy to body and mind, to pre- sent and future interest ; or else heaven will assuredly turn its back upon thee, and the earth will become as iron, and the bowels of thy true friends will be shut up;— and what can follow then ? I lay weight upon it, as I am sure it is an infernal, and (as much as Satan can make it) a hidden snare ; yet, I would strongly hope necessity for this may not be much ; but my love and true care is a just excuse for me herein. May the love of righteousness and best riches win and guide thy heart and views, and the God of all goodness will be thy God and sure helper to blessedness indeed. J. F. This visit to America occupied John Fothergill nearly two years. In the course of it he attended several of the yearly meetings, and says — " On the 9lh of 4th Mo., 1737, " the yearly meeting began at Portsmouth, [Rhode Island,] " and a large precious meeting it was ; I returned to New- " port, where the yearly meeting continued, and held four " days, the assembly being large and peaceable, and at " times comfortable in the arisings of the mighty power jETat. 21.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 59 " and love of God, who had the glory and the praise." " On the 24lh the yearly meeting began at Nantucket, it was " large, and conliimed four days, to true satisfaction, and the " name of the Lord was glorified." JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON JOHN. Philadelphia, 7th Mo., 1737. " As to myself, I am somewhat miraculously " supported, as a creature, and am in good health pretty gene- " rally. The yearly meeting at this place ended last night ; it " was exceedingly large, and, upon the whole, generally acknow- " ledged to have been very edifying, strongly good and helpful " divers ways, and very much to my ease and humbling glad- " ness in the Lord our God, and never failing helper; and " Friends, in general, are in a good degree of harmony. " My heart is nearly affected with the best of love towards " thee and for thee, that nothing short of rain from the Divine " presence may satisfy thee, for this is what only prepares the " most acceptable sacrifice, a hroken and contrite spirit, " wherein is true light and durable joy. Thus fai'ewell, fare- " well, saith thy nearly affectionate father, to the best of my " capacity, in every respect, which I hope thou art and often " will be sensible of. J. F. Of the conclusion of his labour in America he has left the following account: — "I had a blessed meeting with " Friends, at Pilesgrove, and the next day was at a general meeting, at Haddonfield, wherein the Lord our God " graciously owned us, and blessed our meeting ; giving us " to part one from another in a living sense of his love and " power ; and his glorious name was worshipped and " praised. I came the day following to Philadelphia, where "I stayed until the 8th of the 10th month, and had divers 60 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1733. "great and heavenly meetings ; and after a very open and solidly "edifying meeting, I took leave of friends there, in much true " love and nearness in spirit, and heavenly unity in the Lord." Soon after this he took passage for Barbadoes, and from that island he wrote to one of his sons, as follows : — Barbadoes, 11th Mo., 27th, 1738. " I was brought hither well, in 32 days from " Philadelphia, yet do not find myself free to leave the place, " yet write to inform thee, that I am thus far on my way, and " easy in the hope and sense of llie Father's favour " Probably no other [vessel] will sail for England in less than " two months, which is somewhat hard for me to think of, both " in respect to the unpleasantness of the place, from the extreme " heats, the small number of Friends, and the general remote- " ness of the inhabitants from religion Though I am " easy in resignation to all-wise disposal, and full of thankful- " ness, under the bending sense of gracious and strong extend- " ings of divine good-will to many of the remote ; and of " fatherly succouring encouragement to the few spiritually " minded here May rain from heaven bedew thy soul " and understanding, and cherish and revive the Lord's heritage " everywhere." J. F. Barbadoes, 2d Mo., 12th, 1738. " In the long absence which wisdom hath " seen good to order, I am, for that reason, humbly cheerful " in reverent hope ; and for the present we must submit to " be yet longer separated than I expected I hope " never to forget the merciful nearness and goodness of ^TAT. 22.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 61 " Truth to me here ; both in affording the renewed sense of " heavenly hfe, and in preserving my health. — I cannot well ' ' add much, nor is much more in my thoughts at present ; but " I may say that though this is a poor irreligious place, yet both " many of the people, and the few Friends here, are very loving " and respectful ; and I hope I shall leave the place with in- " ward ease to myself and reputation to truth. From thy truly " loving father, J. F. Having been engaged in the island of Barbadoes for about three months, he embarked in a vessel bound for Lancaster, and arrived there on the 1st of the 4th Month, 1738. He thus writes respecting the voyage : " We had a passage of six " weeks between land and land, but through very rough hard " weather ; but I was preserved quiet, inwardly easy, and " steady in hope. I am pretty well in health, as well as easy " and sweet in spirit ; worship and praise be to the holy author " of all good." From Lancaster he proceeded direct to his own habitation in Netherdale, Yorkshire, where he was joyfully received by his family and friends, with humble gratitude and reverence to that Divine power which had, through all, preserved and restored him to his native land. CHAPTER V. Having largely witnessed in himself llie redeeming power and efficacy of Divine grace, and known the remission of past sins, and justification by faith, through our Lord and Savioijr Jesus Christ, Samuel Fothergill, very early after his own remarkable conversion, felt powerfully called upon to commu- nicate to others the gracious dealings of the Lord with his soul ; to tell them of his feelings — of what he had so eminently known of the power and goodness of God, and to incite them also, to strive after a participation in the same blessed ex- perience. Under this Divine and powerful impulse, and having passed through a preparation for the work, he came forth in the ministry of the Gospel, exercising the gift he had therein received, in humility and much fear ; but abiding steadfast and faithful, this gift was enlarged ; his growth in the ministry was rapid, and he became an eminent and favoured servant. The precise period at which he first appeared as a minister cannot now be ascertained ; it is said to have been on the same day that his letter to the monthly meeting was read in that assembly. There are some circumstances which render it probable that it took place about the time that he attained the age of twenty-one years, being near the close of the year 1736. The present practice of the Society, of taking into distinct consideration the ministry of those friends who feel engaged so to appear in our religious meetings, was not introduced until several years after this period, and there is not any minute of Hardshaw monthly meeting distinctly recording him as a minister. The first time that his name occurs in iETAT. 22.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. G3 tlic records of that meeting, is in the fourth month of 1737, where he appears as a representative from Pcnketh preparative meeting, (of which Warrington is a branch,) and he was at the same time appointed to attend the quarterly meeting (for sufferings) at Lancaster. The first occasion upon which a certificate was granted him to travel as a minister was in the first month of 1739. He had, however, some time previously to this, visited a few meet- ings in Cheshire, along with his relation, Lawrence Callan, of Sankey. And about the same time Susanna Croudson had also been engaged, with certificate, on a religious vi sit to Friends of Bristol and that neisrhbourhood. The foUowina; let- ters relate to these engagements. SUSANNA CROUDSON TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Worcester, 6th Mo., 16, 1737. I have felt the weicrht of the burden to be very heavy upon me, and none to help, but the Great Master in his own time. I have been left to see my own poverty and weakness, and have often looked back at my coming out; yea, I have often desired in secret to know whether I should go forward or turn back, being willing to do anything, so that I might but be in my place, however foolish I might appear in the sight of men. Remember me when it is well with thee, for I have need of the help of my friends. Susanna Cro ^son. SUSANNA CROUDSON TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Bristol, 6lh Mo., 27th, 1737. Thine was very acceptable, and came in a needful time, when I was very low ; yet I have got a liule faith and strength since I last wrote to thee, and something of inward peace of mind, and a sight of my duty, and a sweet belief that I am 64 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1738. in my place, which is enough, and makes my journey as a home to me. I beheve thou hadst failh for me, when I had none for myself; but I believe I am not alone in this, for many in this day bear weights and burdens because of the careless and lukewarm ; and I believe it is good for us all to see our weak- ness sometimes, that we may know that we have no might of our own, and may be willing to seek for help, that we do not grow lukewarm. Susanna Croudson. SUSANNA CROUDSON TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL, Wan-ington, 1738. Thou art often in my thoughts, yet not with any heaviness, though I was much so when I parted with thee ; yet as soon as thou wast gone, a secret satisfaction was raised in my mind that thou wast in thy place, and belter than if thou wast at home ; and tfie same still remains with me, which pretty much makes up the loss of thy company. Now, my dear friend, however weak thou mayest seem to thyself, or whatever troublesome, discouraging thoughts may present themselves before thee, do thy endeav- our to look over them all to thy present business, for I believe thou art in thy place, and am in hopes thou wilt get to the same faith ; though 1 know many are the discou- ragements that fall in the way of poor travellers, yet I believe thou wilt be helped through, and have the return of peace. I speak in a feeling sense of the renewed good- ness near to the relief of the poor and helpless that have no might of their own ; my heart is filled with sympathising encouragement towards thee, more than I can write at this time. Susanna Croudson. ^TAT. 22.] OF SA.MUEL FOTHERGILL. 65 SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO SUSANNA CROUDSON. Middlewich, 1738. Thy letter was not only pleasing, but very encouraging and helpful, and came in a needful time, for the burden of the work seems to be still more and more weighty, and myself poor and weak ; yet as I am carefully concerned to wait for the renewinirs of help and strength, I sometimes expe- rience a gladness and satisfaction of mind that I am come out, and have made this small visit thus far, and I cannot say, (not- withstanding I am often very low and heavy,) that I have occa- sion to reflect on my leaving home in the least degree. Thou art a frequent companion of my thoughts, yet the near- est enjoyment of each other is to be known in the life, in the drawings of our souls towards God, and in a secret access to his Divine presence. Oh, I have found great occasion for fre- quent inwardness and retired breathing earnestly after the filler of the hearts of his people : my heart is open towards thee in the nearest and tenderest of affections, and therefore lets my pen run thus. Cousin Law. Callan came yesterday, and wc think to be at Nantwich to-morrow. S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO SUSANNA CROUDSON. Chester, 3d Mo. 2d, 1738. Through mercy I am well as to my health, and my mind quiet and easy in a confirmed sense that I am in the discharge of my duty, which greatly helps and encourages, in hopes that he who has made me willing to leave home, in obedience to his call, will support me to answer his requirings. I am not doubting his helping hand, knowing that he never requires anything from his children but he enables them to its performance. Peter Leadbeater went with me to Wrexham 10 66 . MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1738. on first day, when we had a satisfactory meeting : there are a very few Friends, but pretty many that are not of our name — a rehgious, quiet people. S. F. From this correspondence it will be seen that the friendship between Samuel Fothergill and Susanna Croudson still continued. It had its origin in the sympathy she manifested, and the care with which she watched over and encouraged in him the early symptoms of his repentance and desires after a religious life ; their mutual friendship grew with the growth of these feelings in his mind ; it was matured into a near and ten- der regard for each other, and on the 1st of the 6lh month, 1738, they were united in marriage. She was the daughter of William and Mary Croudson, of Warrington, Friends of good repute, and well esteemed. The union thus formed, based upon the sm.-est foundation, proved a happy one. They lived together in true harmony and religious fellowship, being helpers to each other in their various religious exercises and engagements ; she cheerfully setting him at liberty, and encouarging him in the many services to which he was so frequently called. The following letters may be suitably introduced in this place. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON SAMUEL. Netherdale, 8th Mo. 1st, 1738. I am glad to hear of your health, and also of [your] hope to live : the latter I doubt not, either with respect to here or hereafter, if honest, steady regard, in due attention for best suc- cour and light, be but»kept to with patience and content to be little ; if but renewed in life and in merciful access, and in due re- tnembrance of the child's state, and thy station is but such com- paratively ; always keeping a care distinctly to discern between what would seek something to self, and that which only seeks to jBTAT. 22.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 67 know and to do the Heavenly Father's will for his glory only Oh, that we all may purely mind this ! I have little to add further, but am earnest and tender in true longing for your right thriving and preservation in the way of wisdom in every respect, and salute you both in a sense of best love : your truly loving and careful Father, John Fothergill. DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER. London, 8th Mo., 20th, 1738. A few days ago I was plunged very low ; a view of my present situation, and the disagreeable prospect of my future circumstances, were so heavy that I knew not how to bear them ; however, they have, by degrees, abated, and now I am not sorry it was so. O, may my dependence be increased, may every scheme be destroyed, if its consequence should be to take off my regard from the Sovereign dispenser of all good. May the assistance afforded be deeply impressed on our minds, in such a manner as to produce thankful reverence and gratitude, only to be ended with our existence. I was last night at a large meeting which is held here quar- terly, under the name of the Young Folks' Evening Meeting. I was pleased to see a very numerous appearance of very prom- ising young Friends of both sexes ; several testimonies were delivered by some that have lately appeared in public : they seemed to be influenced with love and zeal ; and it afforded sat- isfaction tome when I considered that it was possible sorre of these young heroes might one day stand as bulwarks against the general corruption and degeneracy among us, in the places of their deceased worthy elders and fathers. They had to tell us that better days were coming, that mercy was afresh extended > that Zion yet should shine more brightly. O, thrice happy those who live so near the centre of peace, as to be ready, when the 68 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1738. alarm is given, to follow wherever the standard is fixed. I have sent thee a copy or two of Anthony Purver's verses, and a little book lately published by John Fry ;* the poetry is low, but the maxims deserve regard. I can only now desire this for thee and myself, that our dear father's example and precepts may insinuate themselves into our minds so far as to influence us to act, to speak, and even to think, as it becomes persons favoured in such an extraordinary manner. Dear sister, cease not to strive, though discour- agements may too much prevail ; may happiness attend thee. Farewell. I. F, PETER LEADBEATERt TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Chester, 11th Mo., 18th, 17.38. I may say thou art daily and almost hourly in my re- membrance since we parted, with ardent desires that we may be preserved faithful in answering the end of our vocation where- unto we are called, that the hope thereof may not be in vain ; therefore, let us daily eye Him who hath called us unto holiness, and will perfect the same to his praise and our everlasting com- fort, if we keep under the guidance of his Holy Spirit ; which as we co-operate with it, will complete our sanctification through- out, in body and soul, and spirit. My soul is often deeply bowed under a sense of my own weakness and inability, and am ready to fear lest one day or other I should fall by the * Of Sutton Benger, Wilts. f Peter Leadbeater was a minister, and well esteemed in his day. He is spoken of as being — " serviceable in his tender and seasonable advice : "and also being of a good capacity, and clear understanding, helpful in " the management of the discipline of the Church, an encourager of the "youth, to draw them into service in the Society." He died at Chester, on the 13th of 7th Month, 1751, aged 58 ; a minister about 43 years. I ^TAT. 23.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 69 hand of my soul's enemy, who is not wanting to use his utmost endeavours, if possible, to lay waste and destroy, by his suitable devices, that work which God in his infinite mercy hath begun ; may he be frustrated in every attempt, is what I earnestly pray for. Oh ! dear heart, when thou art divinely favoured, let me not be wholly out of thy remembrance ; as we keep near the Lord, we shall be near and dear one to another in him, and be as epistles written in one another's hearts, sympathising in one another's adversity, as well as partaking of each other's joy in prosperity. I was often truly thankful, since the last meeting we had, that my head was borne up above the waters of affliction which were ready to pass over the same ; may the same arm of power still be underneath, to support unto the end through whatever I may yet have to pass, in which I will put my confidence. 0, Lord, let me never be confounded. Thy truly sorrowful and afflicted brother and companion, Peter Leadbeater. DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO SAMUJa FOTHERGILL, London, 12th Mo., 21st, 1738. I had an entire satisfaction in reading thine, though I don't overlook a passage in this, as well as some others of thine, which insinuates that I expect rhetorical flourishes, and brilliant expressions, but it is not so. I love sincerity in the plainest dress ; I dislike affectation of any kind, when I see it, whether in myself or others ; and when, in writing to one another or speaking, we join words together with an intention of conceal- ing our real sentiments, or to give an idea of ourselves which we are not, we forsake the plain language indeed ; if this happens to have been the case in those which I have written, I acknowledge myself guilty of using a manner of speech which the Spirit of truth has declared against, and for the future will attempt to forsake and amend. I 70 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1738. Thy affectionate concern for my welfare was doubly grate- ful ; I wish I could give ihee the like satisfaction, by returning such an answer as I know would be acceptable, but alas, I cannot ; none but myself knows what I feel. I sometimes resolve with myself to abandon all my designs, and endeavour to live to none but my Creator ; and presently, my condition in this life appears in my view, and that part which regards only the present too often prevails, and here I waste and decline ; I see it, I feel it, yet I almost des- pair of ever being able to resolve on amendment. Thou knowest these bitter scenes, but hast had courage enough to give up, and become nothing for his sake. I every day see the happy consequences of such a conduct, but video meliora prohoque deteriora seqiior. Here is my condition, without disguise ; 'tis easy to say more, but thou knowest by this the rest ; but what can be said to a person, who is conscious how much it would be his interest, his eternal interest, how much it would rejoice the heart of the tenderest of fathers, to see a progress made in the internal life, how much it would also rejoice his relations, his friends, and all the good of his acquaintance, yet is cowardly enough to give up to the tempter. I often reproach myself, I can suffer it in some measure and at some times from others, knowing how much I deserve it. I am not solicitous of hiding my case from those, who, knowing the weakness of human nature, can pity the failures and lament the unhappy condition of the person. The anxious pressure I feel, perhaps, makes my expressions not guarded ; I write to a brother whose assistance I am far from rejecting ; let me hear from thee as soon as thou hast freedom. I. F. Soon after the return of John Fothergill from his last visit to America, he went to the Quarterly Meeting at York, which was large, and attended by many Friends from iETAT. 22.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 71 different parts of the nation. His company was very accepta- ble ; and the occasion was, in a peculiar degree, solemn and instructive. Here he met his son Samuel. Tradition lias handed down (and there is no other record of it) a remarkable circumstance connected with this, their first interview, since the return of the father to England. It is said that, from some accidental cir- cumstance, John Fothergill did not arrive in York until the morning of the day of the meeting, and that it was late when he entered the meeting-house : after a short period of silence he stood up, and appeared in testimony ; but after he had pro- ceeded a short time, he stopped, and informed the meeting that his way was closed ; that what he had before him was taken away, and was, he believed, given to another. He resumed his seat, and another Friend immediately rose, and taking up the subject, enlarged upon it in a weighty and impres- sive testimony, delivered with great power. It is added, that at the close of the meeting John Fothergill inquired who the Friend was that had been so remarkably engaged amongst them, and was informed that it was his own son Samuel ! Their thus meeting together, under circumstances so differ- ent to those in which their last memorable interview had taken place, previous to John Fothergill's departure from England, was peculiarly moving and affecting to them both. The son thenin a state of rebellion and alienation for good— now become " changed" indeed, and a fellow-labourer with his father in the ministry of the gospel, powerfully advocating and enforc- ing those great and solemn truths he had formerly neglected and trodden down, and engaged earnestly to beseech others to become as he had been, reconciled unto God. The good old man received his son as one restored from the spiritually dead, and wept and rejoiced over him with no common joy.* * Several different versions of this meeting between John Fothergill 72 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1739. Some time after this interview, John Fothergill was again at York, and proceeded on a religious visit to Friends in Norfolk, Suflfolk, Essex, and the city of London. Here he remained several weeks, visiting the various meetings in and about the city, much to the help and encouragement of many, and faith- fully discharging his own duly. On his return home he had several large meetings, which, though attended with deep labour, were to some advantage, and accompanied with holy help, as he humbly acknowledged. Early in the year 1739, his son Samuel communicated to the Monthly Meeting — " his intention of visiting Friends in " Wales, Bristol, and some other parts, and requesting our cer- " tificate, to signify our unity therewith ; the same is now " granted him, signed by several Friends." In returning from this service, he paid a visit to his brother in London. Soon afterwards, Susanna Fothergill and Sarah Routh, (afterwards Sarah Taylor,) of Manchester, paid a visit to " Friends in Westmoreland, Cumberland, and some parts of " Yorkshire." Several of the following letters relate to these engagements. PETER LEADBEATER TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Chester, 1739. 1 am truly glad, in humble thankfulness to the God and Father of all our mercies, to hear of thy health and welfare every way, which I pray may be continued, not only through this journey, but during the whole of thy pilgrimage through this world : strong are my desires that the Lord Almighty may go along with thee, and make thy journey prosperous and satis- factory to thyself, and serviceable to his church and people where thy lot may be cast. and his son are extant, and I have thought it best not to omit it. The account here given I believe to be the most correct. — G. C. iETAT. 23.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 73 Oh dear licart ! eye the great and good Guide, and neither run too hastily, nor yet stay behind, but mind the pointing forth of the Divine hand ; and as thou follows its direction, thou wilt yet feel the sweet incomes of Divine peace, and the love of God, to fill thy soul more and more, to the making of thy cup to over- flow, in which praises and thanksgiving will be returned to God, the father, the author, and fountain of all goodness, for ever. I am, and always was, fully satisfied that the Great Master who calleth and sendeth forth his servants into his work and service, will never leave those who truly depend on him, and have no dependance upon themselves ; though they may have often to go down into the deeps on account of the true seed, which lies very low in many places, and is oppressed, as a cart with sheaves, yet God, in his own time, will raise it into do- minion, and they who suffer with it shall reign with it in glor)^ Be not discouraged, though thou may meet with a variety of spirits to encounter ; He that was with his stripling David, will be with thee, and direct the stone to the mark ; be valiant for his name and truth, in a faithful testimony, bearing it against all false liberty, which has crept in amongst the professors of truth up anJ down in this nation. As thou discharges thy duty faithfully in God's sight, as made known unto thee, I doubt not but thou wilt return in great peace, and we shall again have to drink of the pure water of life, clear as crystal, which proceedeth from under the throne of God and the Lamb. Oh, may our souls often thirst after it, and never be satisfied with any thing short of it ! If it were not for God's mercy in opening the fresh springs thereof at times, surely we had fainted long ago ; but it is matter of encouragement to find that God has not forgotten to be gracious and merciful, at times beyond what we are capable of expressing in words, or are in the least worthy of; but in inexpressible mercy and goodness He taketh dehght in nursing up his babes and children, as a tender father : may we always lea^- ' obedience to his 11 74 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1739. Divine will in all things, in doing which we shall be his disci- ples indeed. Love, boundless love, from Him who is love altogether : in this I salute thee, and am thy sincere friend and brother, Peter Leadbeater. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS "WIFE. Carmarthen, 1 Mo., 26lh, 1739. I am, through continued mercy, very well in health, and in a good degree helped inwardly by the renewings of Di- vine health and regard, which encourages to renewed waiting upon the Divine opener. Here are but few Friends, but these are generally a living, tender people, and such as are waiting for Divine consolation. I have had several heavenly opportuni- ties amongst them ; that has given me great reason to believe I am in my place, notwithstanding deep and plunging seasons fall to our lot. We have a perfect harmony between us, and that is one great help. Believing myself in the way of my duty makes me more easy that the Everlasting Preserver will remember us in merciful regard, and will give us again to be sensible of his Divine favour together. S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Bristol, 2d Mo., 20lh, 1739. I have now been nearly two weeks by myself, in respect of the company of Gharrelt Van Hasscn ; but have at times been favoured with the Divine company of our Great High Priest and Minister. Meetings in this county (Glou- cestershire) are small, and mostly hard in the general, though there be a few really living in the particular. I many limes have lo go very low in them, and discouragement is ready ^TAT. 23.] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 75 to creep in. and sometimes ready to send m3 home again ; but now and then goodness breaks forth, as the sun in its brightness, and dispels all these dark fogs remember me ; but we never shall or can forget one another, as we keep in mind where it was we contracted a near oneness and acquain- tance one with another ; thy remembrance is near and dear to my soul — next to the spouse, the lamb's wife, nothing stands in competition with thee. S. F. DR. F0T:IELGILL to SUSANNA FOTHERGILL. London, 3rd Mo., 24th, 1739. Perhaps this may come to thy hands sooner than brother gets home ; if so, it may not be unpleasant to hear that we parted at Oxford on third day last. I have been much pleased with his conduct, as well as his company, since he came to town ; thou may be sure that my affection for him led me to observe him carefuljy, and I can only say, upon the v hole, that I, as well as us all, have fresh occasion to be thankful that Providence has placed you together. I take notice, with pleasure, of an increase in soli- dity and prudent behaviour, since I last saw him at Warring- ton ; and I doubt not but his affection will engage him to re- gard whatever thou shalt think he ought to do ; for I cannot but believe that his quick and steady progress has been, and yet will be, greatly promoted by thy watchful, affectionate con- cern for him. Gratitude, dear sister, calls for affection in re- turn, for restoring us a brother, and in part making him what he is. The sensible part of Friends here have unity with him ; the rest, who applaud or condemn, as mere fancy leads them, are not to be hearkened to. I. F. 76 MEMOIRS ANO LETTERS [1739. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Warrington, 5th Mo., 18th, 1739. Thy very acceptable letter is come to hand. I can sympathize nearly with thee and thy companion in this engage- ment and labour, having been bowed in spirit for you, in a sense of the exercise you are attended with ; but oh ! let it not sink you too low, that many are upon beds of ease in a profession) and the work goes on heavily : strong is He who is on your side, and abundantly gracious to his poor travelling seed and children, whose hearts are made sad, and not upon their own account, but because the love of others is declined, and few spirits unite and join, as shoulder to shoulder, to carry on the work ; but it is heavier upon a little remnant. But the Le- vites must enter Jordan, in this gospel day, before the rest of the people, and must abide there until the rest be got over ; therefore think it not a light thing to be bearin^r the ark of the covenant before the people ; but be humbly concerned to go forward in faithfulness, and the Lord, who said in the be- ginning, " Let there be light, and there was light," will sepa- rate and disperse the clouds, and cause light to shine, and in the fulness thereof, thou wilt know a walking with great peace and joy before thou return. Nothing, my dearest, would be more satisfactory to me than to enjoy thy company ; nevertheless, I would not stint thee in respect of time — take thine own time, and fully make thyself easy before thou return, that the answer of peace may attend thee. S. F. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON SAMUEL. Leeds, 7th Mo., 8th, 1739. Dear Samuel, Be assured, I think both carefully and affectionately often of thee and thine ; yet I more praise ^TAT. 23.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 77 that gracious power, which hath shown such mercy to us in raising thee as fronn death, and is mercifully pleased to regard thee amongst his children, for thy own salvation, and, I hope, others' good, than too much rejoice in crcalurely esteem, though I am reverently glad of thee, and have some comfortable hope that the Everlasting Father will help thee to remember his mercy to thee, so wisely, and with steady fear and care, that he may be pleased to continue his regard to, and help thee, in his fatherly goodness and living law, to live, every way, to his praise, and then it will be in a renewed sense of self-nothingness, and \\miHe must do all that is truly well done, both in, by, and for us, and must have all the glory ; so be it, saith my spirit, for ever and ever. My salutation is truly affectionate and loving to you all, my dear and loving sons and daughters, hoping as well as desiring all your health and comfort. Jno. Fotiiergill. DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO HIS BROTHER SAMUEL. London, 7th Mo., 15th, 1739. T received thy acceptable letter along with dear father's, both which came very seasonably — I was wanting to hear from you both. I wonder not at the tenderness thou expresses in thine; whilst he was liere, my heart was filled with thankfulness, not only for such a parent, but also that I could see some marks of that treasure of goodness, which it has pleased Divine love to place and treasure up in his soul. The wisdom of his conduct, his uprightness and humility, often affect me, and make we wish, " Oh, si ut alter ab illo r Well, let us incite each other to a more close regard to that power which can make us in some degree like liim ; we shall then perform the duty we owe to each other ; and may Divine goodness make us instrumental to each other's advancement in the way to perfection, by often in- chning our hearts to stir up the pure mind in each other. 78 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1740. Thou art nearer the bright day than I am — thou can act more regularly, as having more light. I wish to possess my soul in patience, and follow after the footsteps of the holy flock. I. F. Early in the year 1740, Samuel Fothergill was engaged with a certificate in a religious visit, in the north of Yorkshire and Durham. Whilst on this journey, he met, at Lancaster, with James Gough, of Ireland, in whose journal the circum- stance is thus mentioned — " Here I met with Samuel Folher- "gill, then young in the ministry, but even then appearing " with that solemnity, brightness, and gospel authority, as gave " Friends lively hopes of his proving, as he did, through the " successive stages of his life, a bright and shining light ; a " vessel of honour indeed ; of eminent service in the church of " Christ. The public service of the quarterly meeting fell to the share of us who were young, though many weighty, expe- " rienced ministers were present ; and, our good Master being " with us, it proved a refreshing, satisfactory, and edifying " meeting." SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. James Wilson's, near Sedbergh, 3d Mo., 21st, 1740. Well, dearest, let us be easy in separation, and truly given up to the disposal of the great Master ; and I hope he will bring me home in peace, when this parting must give way to, I hope, a joyful meeting. Things here afford a melancholy prospect, in respect to that life and greenness I expected to have found, though I am favoured with a very agreeable companion this week, but I fear T cannot have his company forward. It is Amos Robinson, father's late companion to London. We have had meetings appointed for every day, except 7th day. I hope, after first day, to pass away pretty quickly towards ^TAT. 24.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 7 Durham, but cannot as yet see when I may set my face towards home. Oh ! that I may be enabled, though in much weakness, to get onwards, so as to discharge my duty ; that low times of much want may not be renewed oftener than times of strength. But these meetings are suffering, bowing times. A strange deadness prevails. On first day last, had a pretty good lielpful opportunity at a general meeting ; but it is soon lost by the succesion of hard, dry seasons. Thus have I abruptly hinted at my case one way. Yet I trust in the great Helper and De- liverer of his people from under oppressions. As to my body it is through mercy very well. S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Carr-End, 3d Mo., 25th, 1740. I am through mercy very well in health, and pretty easy and quiet in mind, in a good degree of a sense of being in my place in this journey thus far. I heartily wish I may so watch as to experience renewedly the manifestations of the Divine will in respect to my duty, and suitable help to the performance thereof in an agreeable manner, to the honour of the Great Master, the edification of the church, and the peace of my own soul. Well, my dearest, remember me when it is well with thee, for I find a prospect of hard, dull, heavy work ; the seed is oppressed in many, and the well of life is oppressed with rubbish ; though here and there are fellows-labourers, joined in heart and soul for the advancement of the glorious name ; a remnant of such I met with yesterday, which helped me out of a very low place — a place of great want — and in some good degree renewed my strength. My love flows strongly towards thee — that love that absence dolh not diminish, nor separation lessen S. F. 80 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS .[1740. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Malton, 4th Mo., 20, 1740. After a fatiguing week, I now find a little opportunity to write to ihee. I have had meetings at Newcastle, Shieldf, Sunderland, Sholton, Stockton, Yarum, Yatton, (Aylon,) whence over the moors to Whitby, where, on first day, had two large and powerful meetings among that high exalted people ; but renowned be the name of the ever excellent Being, his eter- nal power was over all, to the breaking some rocky, adaman- tine hearts, and to the comforting of the true travellers. Next day I was at Castleton, which is Luke Cock's meeting. I spent an hour with that emblem of innocence, and in the after- noon rode ten miles, to the house where the ark resteth, i. e., John Richardson's, who went with me next day to Pickering, and I went back with him to his home. On the following day was at Kirby meeting, which is the meeting to which that man of God belongs- It was a very heavenly season. Oh ! let it be for ever remembered by all that partook of the benefit of it. The good man said they had always good meetings, but this was a very extraordinary one. The life of truth arose w^onderfully, and that Father in Israel, John Richardson, took me home, where we sat up until almost daylight. We then repaired to our respective lodgings ; but soon after five in the morning he came and sat by my bedside, and, though weak and very poorly, would accompany me ten miles to this place, and have here parted in mutual tenderness. My soul admires the goodness of God. His words are faith- ful, just, and true, helping through depressing and trying times in many places ; but the best are reserved, to recover my droop- ing, wounded soul ; blessing and honour be to him who lives and reigns for ever and ever. S. F. iETAT. 24.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 81 In this year, (1740,) John Fothergill, though under much bodily weakness, attended tlie yearly meeting in London, wherein, at the desire of his brethren, he gave a concise but instructive account of his late visit to America, the state of Friends, the increase of the Society in some places, and its de- clining state in others, with the causes which had most obviously contributed to produce this. He observed, that as the elders of the people were preserved in freshness and zeal, under a dili- gent care for the growth of spiritual religion, truth increased, good order was preserved, the discipline kept up, and the youth, in many places, tender and hopeful. On the contrary, where those who w"erc of the first rank, both in respect to age and situation in life, declined in their religious care ; where the spirit of this world suppressed the tender desires after riches of a durable nature ; there, weakness, disorder, and unfaithful- ness were too obvious, and a daily decay of real piety, as well as of numbers, prevailed, to the grief of tlic honest-hearted, and the loss of those who unhappily suffered this corrupting spirit to take place. He pointed out, in a clear manner, some parts where these effects appeared, and the deep sorrow which at- tended him when amongst those whose conduct occasioned these consequences. In the latter part of the year 1741, he visited Friends in several of the northern counties. The following letters were written about the time of these engagements. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON JOHN. 9th Mo., 27th, 1740. I have been, and am, through merciful favour, pre- served in usual health, and attended with best peace and com- fort in our heavenly Father's goodness, though in the manifest appearance (as I have often looked at it many months) of a severe, threatening time of distress, in divers cases, to this na- tion; and if we be notquickened and excited hereby to diligence, 12 82 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1740. in seeking to lay hold of eternal treasure, the love and favour of the blessed, infinite Rock and Fountain of all good, we shall be more inexcusable than others of mankind, who know not so well and clearly where and how to seek happiness and refuge indeed ; which I often inwardly long and breathe in spirit we may lay suitably to heart. But after this little hint of what is much with me, I shall take notice of some of thy remarks on thy late journey, (into Holland and Germany,) and first tell thee, thy account of those people called Mennonists, and Moravians, (as I suppose they call themselves,) exactly agrees with my secret and settled idea of them ; for I believe both, and the latter especially, have had, in some measure, their eyes opened, but they set man to work, to form and imitate religion, and to build, without digging properly to find the Rock ; yet many, from their pious intentions, make a show for a time, and some good may turn out of it : but it is a matter to be lamented (as I have very often thought) that there should be, as it were, an universal and continued propensity prevailing, amongst the Ger- mans especially, to run away with speculation, and thereby so many valuable springings and glimpses of the heavenly day should have yet brought forth or produced no more durable fruits, in experiencing salvation in reality. But it ever will be true, no following Christ acceptably, without submitting to the cross, which hath always seemed to me to be the place at which that country-people in particular, as almost all nations in gene- ral, have miscarried. May the plough of God lake more effectual hold amongst them, is my heart's desire. And may this consideration strengthen thee in fearing, and even loathing, a sort of living and delighting, or being at ease, in barren specu- lation, even upon best things or principles; but be still more and more animated to seek daily bread from the everlasting Father's own hand, who will hear and answer in due time the sincere and patient, though hidden cries for it ; and thereby such will grow in the living Root, and bear fruit in due season, to the Father's praise and honour. jETAT. 25.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 83 But above all, my longing is for thy spiritual access and enlargement in the heavenly pastures, under the leading and putting forth of the one heavenly Shepherd, which I still hope, as w^ell as often humbly breathe for, on thy account, being well satisfied of thy sincere desires, which, if properly retained and carefully cherished on thy part, I cannot but comfortably hope, heavenly Help will mercifully regard : so be it. Amen- J. F. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO . 9th IVIo., 6th, 1741. I cannot lose hope, nor almost full expec- tation, but that the Divine power, which can do all things, will one time or other mercifully help thee, if thou labour in watch- fulness and patience, to look to him for salvation, in true dili- gence, sincere resignation, and holy, humble trust : and that lie will refine, through various manners of dealing, and distressing dispensations, his beloved sons, whom he would make chosen vessels in his house ; and with such an eye I believe he hath looked upon thee, somewhat like as upon Jacob, when a stone was his pillow ; yet the Lord of all power and majesty was in that place, though Jacob knew it not. And so have some others been made witnesses that he in mercy and gracious goodness was even working in and near us, when sometimes the heavens seemed like brass, and the earth like iron, and fear and sorrow surrounded. Thus he hath and will winnow and refine, and will show that none else can save, and yet that he forsakes not those who would have no other God but him, the ever-living and all-powerful One, everlastingly worthy to have all our hearts, and to be trusted in, waited for, and praised for ever. A measure of his glorious love and mercy covers my heart at this time, and bows my spirit in humble worship to his most worthy name ; but I cannot express, like many others, \ S4 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1741. according to my views, and must, therefore, leave what 1 have liinted, for ihee to gather the substance as thou art capable. I am as well in health, tltrough merciful support, as I have been many years, and was favoured with help from the best hand, in the little journey through the northern counties, to as much humbling gladness in the Lord as I have almost ever known ; though we met with several afflicting cases, besides the common heaviness, or want of proper hunger, which is, more or less, almost a general hurt. — I had the good company of Michael Lightfoot most of the time. J. F, JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON SAMUEL. Darley, 10th Mo., 10th, 1741. As you, my truly beloved sons, with your dear wives, (whom I sincerely value,) are much in my remembrance in love, which begets near care and living breathing for your growth in the saving knowledge of truth, that the Father of all mercies and true good may be your shepherd, and help you to live to his praise ; as this is almost all I can do for you, and is often comfortably renewed with me, so I now and then want to let you know I have you thus and often in mind I 'am rather cheerful in my mind about thy having drawings towards London, and hope it may be made serviceable, as thou walks watchfully, and acts in humble care to be an instrument and servant directed by Christ, and rather be within than exceed. Remember thy temper is active ; keep fear, therefore, out of meetings and in meetings, for the Lord will help, and honours those who truly seek his honour, and, therefore, carefully attend upon him for food, and fresh help to do his will from day to day : thus may thou be so directed and enabled, that ancient and everlasting life may more and more be known among the people ; then will the Lord God be worshipped, and have the praise, who is worthy, worthy, worthy for evermore. jETAt. 25.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 85 I think, if thou be under no obHgation otherwise, that John Hayward would cheerfully entertain thee, and I know not of a moi'c worthy place ; but they are not great sheivers of kindness, but real, where they meet with worthy objects. My last little journey was made by truth very satisfactory, though very mipleasant circumstances are to be met with, par- ticularly in Cumberland ; yet there is a people in that county waiting for best help, and worth labouring amongst. I expect to be much about home this winter, but I grow to expect I sha.]\ see Ireland once more, but it seems not very near. I must stop my pen, though love would still run on, and I hope will often live and move towards you. I will only add now, that I hope Joseph is yet alive, and I breathe with earn- estness in the allowance of our Father's love for him and his dear wife, that they may be helped to sanctify the Lord of all power and goodness in our hearts, and carefully wait that the pure seed may not be hindered by visible things, but bear fruit to the glory of the mighty Husbandman, who surely waits to enable thereto. So fare you all well, dear children, in devoted pursuit of heart to be obedient children of the Lord God, saith your nearly loving father, John Fothergill. In 1742, after visiting Friends in Oxfordshire, he again attended the Yearly Meeting in London, wherein the same lively zeal which, under the guidance of heavenly wisdom, he had often before manifested on these solemn occasions, for the prosperity and growth of truth and righteousness, was again conspicuous. The concern of mind which he had for some time felt to visit Friends in Ireland, was now matured, and was communicated to his son in the following letter. 86 MEMOins AND LETTERS [1742. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO IIIS SON SAMUEL. London, 4lh Mo., 5lh, 1742. I have had a desire to impart some thoughts to thee relating to a visit to Friends in Ireland. I remember thou once queried of me if I had any thing of that nature before me, and though I could not say I had not, it seemed not then to be fully clear to me ; and though I had not much inclination then to inquire the reason of thy question, I was led to think thou might have found something on thy mind of that nature, which induces me now to acquaint thee that I believe such a visit is now become my duty, and also that the time draws near ; so that if it continue before me as it has done, I think to be forward about the latter part of next month, and I see not but thy company would be trul}^ easy to me, if thou apprehend such a concern to be with thee, and also ripening as to time, which I would have thee to consider ; and if so thou find it to operate, there may be the more strong ground of hope our going together may be sanctified to us and our friends. Meet me at York, with a few lines in answer hereto. J. F. Samuel Fothergill having some prospect on his own mind of a visit to Ireland, received this proposal with much satisfaction ; the offer of the company of his venerable father, and the pros- pect of travelling with him in such an engagement, were truly agreeable. But, in the exercise of that care which is so indis- pensable, to wait for the right time, as well as for the right authority, to proceed in such engagements, he believed that the proper time for him had not arrived, and, therefore, notwith- standing the strong inducements which the proposal included, he declined it ; and liis visit to Ireland did not take place until the year 1744. Some account of his father's visit will be found in the follow- ing letters. ^TAT. 26.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 87 JOHN FOTHERGILL TO . . Chester, 6lh Mo., 1742. My hands and thoughts have been busy in hastening to discharge myself of this debt to Ireland, and I now hope for a passage thither the first suitable wind. I am but in a low and heavy state of mind, and should be very doubtful of being help- ed to live and act properly, but that a grain of faith is preserv- ed, which hath heretofore often stayed my mind in patient wait- ing, till merciful supply of food, and ability to labour again, hath been experienced from the all-sufficient and only right re- lieving Hand ; and here is my centre, in reverent trust, where, as we endeavour steadily to keep, duly attending for fresh help, tliat we may be what we are, through the grace from on high, I believe we shall not be neglected or forgotten of the all-know- ing Fountain of every good thing. [DR. FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER. London, 6th Mo., 28th, 1742. > I have received a letter from dear father, from Dublin ; in it he acquainted me that he had a short and easy passage over, and was then pretty cheerful. A friend who saw him at Dublin, and is since come to London, gave me a pleasing account that his Great Master had eminently favoured him with his presence in several meetings, at which the friend was along witli him. The need there is of such labourers everywhere, makes me cheerfully resign him to so hard a service as he must undergo in that country ; but that wisdom and strength which attends him from above, I hope will support through it all, as well as direct. Oh may we, dear sister, more and more seek our father's God ! His favour to us will be all we want, and having him for our portion, nothing necessary can be withheld. I every day 88 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1742. more aflfectionately esteem the best of parents, if I grow better myself, and I cannot without tears call to mind his more than paternal concern for our welfare I have nothing so much in view as to contribute all in my power to the relief of those that want it, in the way of my profession, and to the happiness of those whom I am so nearly interested in, as my father and his beloveds. It gives me sometimes pain to think that, according to the common period, one-half of life is nearly spent, exclusive of an}^ accidental blow, and I not better provided, either for this life or another. But I hope to cherish the thought, and make it my chief endeavour, to secure the last, and be content with whatever may be mv lot as to the first. I. F. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO Mountrath, 1742. I have kept closely stirring along, and much employed, to answer the end of my coming as diligently and honestly as I know how ; which, through continued merciful help and renewed supply, hath been hitherto as well, or rather better borne, as to the body, as well as in the chief respect, than I dared to hope for, and I am thus far thankfully easy on my own part, though, through deep labour, and at times much sorrow ; yet I am glad I am here, because of the blessed favour of help to pay this visit, and also in that I am sensible of the strong extendings of gracious regard to this nation, and even that the dead may hear, and be made to live. Thine was very acceptable, being accompanied with a relish of religious as well as natural love and nearness, which both comforts at present, and increaseth reverent trust in, and regard to, the Almighty Source of all our good and true help, who hath hiddenly, yet mercifully, cared for us many ways, and requires our consideration as such, in order to encourage and instruct, in humble confidence, yet with ,ETAT. 27.] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 89 watchfulness towards him, that he may be our Shepherd through time, and his glorious name may be renowned here and for ever. Bear with me, dear son, in thus reaching towards thee in the living sense of mercy, the staying comfort whereof is highly wor- thy of our secret notice, and solid commemoration I have been round the southern parts, and am now near the middle, going northward, and hope to be at Dublin at the half- year's meeting. J. F. After his return from Ireland, John Fothergill continued much about home, visiting the neighbouring meetings as his health permitted ; this grew more precarious, and the winter proving a severe one, he was prevented from going much abroad. His care, nevertheless, for the prosperity of truth, was as fresh as it had ever been, his own inward strength being graciously renewed, as he often, with reverent thankfulness, ex- pressed ; and for the preservation of his absent family, and their increase in Divine experience and steady progi'ess in the paths of humility and dependence, his soul was often deeply engaged. JOHN FOTHERGILL TO FRANCES HENSHAW.* Darley, 1st Mo., 12th, 1743. I had thee so much in remembrance in a loving care and sympathy, that I had thought of writing to thee again •Frances Henshaw, afterwards Frances Dodshon, was born near Leek, in the year 1714. Her parents possessed a considerable estate ; she re- ctivcd an education according to her station in society, and was of K<>od understanding. About the 20th year of her age, she was con- vinced of the principles of Truth as heki by the. Society of Friends, with whom she was received into religious membership. So full and powerful was the conviction, that even in the many deeply trying sea- sons through which she had to pass during the course of her life, the 13 90 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1743. before I received thine, which may ti'uly be called a lamenta- tion, and would render thy case very lamentable, but that I am fully persuaded Almighty and merciful care and succouring regard, from the infinite Being of goodness, and mercy, is nearer and more regardful of thee, to stay and protect thee, than thou at present seems to apprehend ; which revives my hope, if thou can but labour with some diligence to be quiet and reverently resigned, and endeavor to overlook the too much leasing thyself about false accusations, by which the enemy would deject and destroy thee, I still hope, with much quietness, that the day of salvation will by little and little dawn, and light and life spring up to thee again ; for I cannot think there is so much wrath and judgment upon thee from the God of mercy as thou would, as it were, pull upon thyself in thy tender fear, and the evil disturber would work thy sinking temper in this time of trial, to fear and conclude ; this is my real and steady hope and thought about thee, though I know it is hard to be quiet and to retain any lively hope in the truly loving soul, when the Beloved hides himself indeed ; but clouds of wit- nesses bear testimony to the abundant mercy to humble seekers, and even to the loathness of Goodness to forsake poor man, but still more contrary to his gracious goodness, to cast off one that hath been and is desirous to follow him with full purpose of heart, as I believe is truly thy case ; and if thou be but kept reasonably still, and somewhat cheerful (as very much otherwise would not be of service, but might rather offend) — for in the most stillness we can get to, is help and strength from the mighty Helper experienced — foundation of these principles in her mind, as she often expressed, could never be shaken. Soon after her convincement, she was called to the work of the ministry; she laboured much in the exercise of this gift, and travelled extensively. She had to pass through many afflicliotis, both spiritually and temporally. She lived to an advanced age, and died in the 8th Month, 1793. ^TAT. 27.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 91 I say, if thou so labour to be kept, no reproach will attend it, but what will, in due tinne, by best wisdom, be removed. With respect to going to Grace Chambers' I am pleased with the invitation, and think thy being there awhile may be of ad- vantage both to thy health and otherwise, for she is good and wise company : all that I hesitate about is, lest thy being there should be a means of exposing the case, to thy future detriment, further than one could wish, because all people are not wise ; but I seem not to fear but thou may live to see clear weather, and the light of Divine life upon thee again ; but reverent still- ness in mind, as at the footstool of the great knower of all our thoughts, as well as words and actions, I cannot but beg for thee as much as ever thou canst for thyself ; and although I should be pleased to see thee, I see little probability of its be- ing useful, nor can I ride much without great difficulty ; but whether I see thee or not, my very soul steadily longs for and bears with thee, and almost believes I may live to see thee cheerful in the Lord, or, at least, that thou wilt live to be so, by the help of that eternal, most gracious Power which ever brings into a right mind : thus mayest thou be regarded and helped, and so farewell, my friend, beloved for the Father's sake. Thy sincerely affectionate friend, John Fothergill. In the spring of 1743 his health and strength were much re- duced, yet, though with some difficulty, he attended, in the 6th month, the General Meeting at Pickering, which was to him a favoured season, and he was well satisfied in having undertaken the journey. These meetings, which were held once a year, were commonly very large, and held in an open place, to which some thousands of the neighbouring people used to resort : on this occasion they behaved attentively; but they did not always comport themselves so well. 92 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS, JbC. [1743. He continued very weak during the winter of 1743, getting but little out, and scarcely able to converse with those friends who came to see him at home ; but his fervour of mind, and love towards the best things, abated not, but remained undi- minished. And, in addressing at this time one of his friends, he says, " Though I am more than a little afflicted in body, yet " I am not forsaken of the everlasting Helper In a re- " newed consideration, and in a degree of the sense of his " manifold mercies, and fatherly regard and succour hitherto, " my heart worshippeth his name, and greets thee in love and " true well-wishing." 1 CHAPTER VI. After the return of Samuel Fothergill from his visit to the north of Yorkshire, in 1740, until he went into Ireland, in the year, 1744, there is but little left on record of his services, and only few of his letters. In 1741 he attended the Yearly Meeting for the northern counties, held at Kendal, and also the Yearly Meeting in London, and in the autumn he visited some parts of Lancashire and Cumberland ; soon afterwards he had a certificate to pay a visit to some of the southern counties, and to the city of London, and spent the winter in this engagement. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Carlisle, 6th Mo., 5th, 1741. I am preserved in a good state of health, through hard labour, having had as many meetings as days, hitherto, since I came into this county, and, through the support of Providence, I am so far sustained ; and this I can with reverence and trust say, I never hitherto experienced, in my travels, the opening, sustaining goodness of the Great Master to such a degree : have this day had a large, open, and precious meeting at this place, with Friends and others from several parts of the county, (it being the time of the assizes,) for which, and manifold other mercies, ray soul ascribes glory, honour, and high praise to the Rock of our strength ; and in this holy love and life my soul salutes thee, and longs for our preservation in all lowliness and humility. I would fain return, with the sheaves of peace in my bosom, and fully clear myself before I return, which will be longer than I expected. I 94 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1744. In 1742 he was engaged with some other Friends, by appointment of the Monthl^v Meeting, in a rehgious visit to the families of Friends within that meeting. The prospect of religious duty in a visit to Ireland, which had for some time been upon his mind, had continued, and believing that the right time for the performance of it was arrived, he proposed it to the Monthly Meeting, and, with the certificate and unity of that meeting, he embarked for Dublin in the second month, 1744, and had a good passage. The following are some of the letters writteH during this visit : one of them appears to be an answer to some individual who had applied to him for spiritual counsel ; the applications of this nature which he received were frequent. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Dublin, 2d Mo., 27th, 1744. On my arrival I came up to this city about eight, and went to meeting at ten ; it was very satisfactory ; the goodness of the Great Master was evidently manifested, to the abundant encouragement of my mind; it was as a seal of my commission hither, and ver}^ much encouraged me. I would have thee be entirely easy on my account ; I hope that I am right in this concern, and that He that has called me will preserve from every danger ; sufBcient is His power to keep us both in our respective situations. The Papists here are quiet, and profess an attachment to the government, by their observing the late fast in a solemn manner. There are fourteen French ships in this harbour, all seized upon by the government ; and two at the Isle of Man. Through the mercy and kindness of the Almighty, I have my health pretty well], the closeness of the city is in- convenient, but I soon leave it. The opening, enlarging power of the gospel has not been wanting, but has flowed with renewed evidences of my being so far right. On the 18th, there was in this city the funeral of a Friend, jETAT. 28.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 95 a banker, which was attended by the greatest concourse of people I have ever seen upon the hke occasion — a strange mixture of folks — lords and Jesuits, merchants and parsons, &c. : but the mighty power of God was revealed over all : to His worthy name be the attribute of praise for ever ! On first day last, we had a large meeting in the forenoon, and near the close of that meeting, arrived our dear friend, Eliz. Shipley, and her companion, after a tedious passage of nearly five days (from Liverpool). We were five strangers, but none appeared : J. G. took up two-and-a-half hours in one sermon, the longest (but not the best) I ever heard, to the great uneasi- ness of Friends. Very great is the danger of that highly^called youth. The meetings, during the course of this National Meeting, have been attended with the evidence of Divine favour. S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO . Dublin, 2d Mo., 1744. If this letter should come to the hand of the person from whom I received one last night, know, oh, distressed soul ! I am sensibly touched with thy state, and should be thankful to be instrumental in delivering thee from the gall of bitterness thou seems at present closely beset with. I wish reflections upon the nature and necessity of solid religion had more place in the minds of our youth ; sure I am it would tend to their great and lasting good, for in it is the happiness of the reasonable soul, and in its due regard to its dictates. Oh ! that in this the day of thy visitation thou might be wise in heart, and give up to the sword that which is for the sword. If there was a willing- ness to be divested of every beloved, inconsistent with the will of Him that hath called thee, thou would experience more help, and a gradual removing of those things that interfere between thee and the joys of God's people. The sins of all mankind must come to judgment, either here or hereafter; and they are 96 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1744. happy who have their sins go beforehand to judgment, and sub- mit thereto ; in their humiHation, their judgments are taken away. I never knew right peace but in submitting to the exer- cise of the righteous judgment upon the offending part in my own soul. Now, as the mind is brought to this submission, hard things are made easy, seeming impossibihties are made possible by the power of God, and the poor soul triumphs in the power of God revealed for its health and strength ; and one thing after another is put off that hath separated from good, and the soul ariseth gradually in the image of Him who hath called it. I not only pity thee, but, in the love of our heavenly Father, my soul is baptized into a sense and feeling of thy state : 1 sympa- thize with thee, and come down as into Jordan with thee, oh poor soul ! and a living faith ariseth in my heart for thee, that, if thou be truly submissive, and attend to the word in thyself, the day will shine forth more and more to thee. Oh ! be not afraid of looking inward ; there is a merciful God there. Spread thy cause before him, and he will hear thee ; for he hath arisen for the piercing cries of the poor and distressed, and ever will arise ; and, my friend, let Divine approbation be the standard and measure of thy conduct. Alas ! what is man (whose breath is in his nostrils, here to-day and gone to-mor- row, a poor short-sighted creature,) that apprehension of cen- sures from such a creature should deter any from a religious pursuit of those things that make for his eternal happiness ; therefore, look above these considerations, consult not with flesh and blood, but freely give up to the holy visitation. Remember the footsteps of the holy Jesus and his companions, and the tri- bulaled flock of God in all ages : the difficulties in the way are for the trial of our faith, and tend to our advantage. What can the world do for thee, in that solemn period of death ? Can it give thee peace of mind ? can it deliver thee from the judg- ment of God ? No, far from it. Oh ! therefore, that thou mav be induced to submit to that work thou hast known to be begun, great is the mercy of God to penitent returning jEtat. 28.] OF SAMVEL FOTHERGILL. 97 sinners, of whose abundant mercy I am a witness. Prefer his favour, therefore, as thy chiefest joy — run thou the celestial race that is set before tlice — despise the shame, endure the cross — glorious is the recompense, and weighty is the crown — it is a prize worth contending for, and oh ! saith my soul, that thou may obtain it ; and, inasmuch as this is the day of God's renewed mercy to thee, join in with it, lest thou become a cast- off for ever, and lose that sense thou now hast on thy under- standing : I much fear thy safety, if thou submit not in this renewed reach of love ; oh that I could take thee by the hands and lead thee forward a little ! my soul is bowed on thy behalf, that thou may be blessed with a turn in thy soul to God ; I recommend thee to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in thyself ; mayst thou attend to its direction, and, with the perfection of love and resignation, wait for the manifestation and production of a holy birth in thy soul. Thus having offered, in an abrupt manner, what seemed on my mind for thee, I remain, in the sincerest manner, thy affectionate, sympathizing, and concerned Friend, S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Lisburn, 3d Ma, 9th, 1744. The day on which I wrote my last to thee, was held the concluding meeting at Dublin, to good satis- faction ; next day I went to Drogheda, twenty-two miles, and had a meeting there on first day ; ten or eleven Friends came with me from Dublin, and divers sober people of other persuasions came in, and Truth was exalted over all. I went thence to Dundalk, and next morning to Rathfriland, and had a small meeting there, and then fourteen miles to Lurgan that night, which was a hard day's work- I rested at Lurgan on the 1st, had a meeting there on the 2d, and at Moyallen on the 3d, where the neighbouring gentry came in, and several clergymen, ivfo of whom dined with me at a Friend's 14 98 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1744. house ; the Lord's power was that day magnified, glory be to his worthy name. On the 4th instant went to Ballyhagan, where was a large meeting ; returned to Lurgan, and rested there one day ; on the next, being the first of the week, went to Ballinderry in the morning, where was a mighty large meeting of Friends and others : I went back to Lurgan, where was a still larger meeting in the evening. It was a day very shaking to the body, but my soul renewed its strength, in faith and expe- rience of continued regard. The next day had a meeting at Hillsborough — few Friends, but many others, and some of the greatest rank in the neighbourhood. Yesterday I had no meet- ing, but there is one appointed for to-day. Thus far truth has favoured beyond my expectation, and as there seems a very great openness hereaway, I dare not sud- denly leave the North ; and, on the other hand, I am cautious of appointing meetings too fast. Friends here are very loving, and unfeignedly willing to do anything that lies in their power for me, and, apprehending me to be tender, [in health,] are careful to an extreme lest anything should ail me. My landlord, where I now am, a worthy, inno- cent elder, has been with me in most meetings I have had, and proposes to accompany me through the greatest part of the nation, which will be acceptable to me ; he was over with Michael Li ghtfoot ; his name, Robert Richardson. S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Charlemont, 3d Mo., 18th, 1744. My present business is to look to my concern here, and the faithful discharge of it to God, the people, and myself ; and, living praises to Him that is mindful of his ser- vants, I may say he has not hitherto failed me in this journey. We had a pretty large nieeting at Ligburn, and though ^TAT. 28.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 99 things were heavy amongst them, yet Truth rose, and we were favoured : the next day I rode twelve miles to Antrim, where we had a poor little meeting ; rode twenty-two miles to Ballinacree, where we had a hard, though pretty satisfactory meeting next morning, being the first day ; in the afternoon went to Coleraine, where was a large meeting ; many people of rank within several miles came to it, and the Lord owned us by his mighty power : may that day's favour remain always in my mind. Next day went twenty miles to Grange, where we had a poor, heavy meeting ; on the 16th to Tober- head, where we had a good meeting ; yesterday rode nineteen miles lo this place, where this day the Lord singularly owned us by his power and presence, to my great admiration and thankfulness. I know not how I may fare in the rest of my journey — I leave that ; but I may say of a truth, the evident favour and power of God's Truth has hitherto wonderfully helped me, and my health hath been, and yet is, mercifully preserved. My love to all inquiring friends in Penketh meeting, in earnest wishes for their prosperity in the glorious truth of our God. May they gather to the eternal refuge of the people of God, and therein be preserved to the end. My mind calls many of them to remembrance with gladness, and humble yet fervent breathing that they may be gathered to the glorious Shepherd, whose pastures are sufficiently capa- cious to hold thousands more than yet inhabit them ; — the foun- tain is inexpressibly open and free, and oh that there were a steady thirst after it ! My heart is renewedly touched with the love of God ; in that I am bound up with thee, and near thee, in an indissolu" ble covenant ; may our dwelling be evermore in it, so shall we be helps one to another. S. F. 100 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1744. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS WIFE. Limerick, 4th Mo., 5th, 1744. On seventh day, the 19ih ult., the Province Meeting began at Ballyhagen ; on the next day was a very large meeting there, and, what was still better, a good meeting ; the ancient testimony of light and grace opened. John Turner opened the meeting, and it concluded well ; the hearts of Friends were com- forted one in another. On the 21st, rode sixteen miles to Castleshane, and had a meet- ing there that day, very poor and small. The following day I rode to Cootehill, twelve miles ; had another small meeting there : rode the same evening to Ballyhays, six miles, where I had a small meeting on the 23d. On the 24th I rode to Castlebarr, eigh- teen miles ; had a small meeting there : thence to Moate, thirty- nine miles, and was at the meeting on first day, which was pretty large, and the same evening I went six long miles to Athlone. On second day I went ten miles to a meeting in the province of Connaught, and returned the same evening to Athlone, where I had a large meeting in the Assembly Room, to good satisfaction- Very great hath been the Lord's goodness, and emi- nent his power,'that hath often attended me in this visit. I some- times think something is to be met with that will try me tho- roughly, and oh that I may keep to the Rock of the righteous generation, who is able to preserve, and likewise sufficient, where the mind honestly rests upon him. I am glad thou art easy in mind in my absence ; the Lord of heaven and earth keep us both in the way of our duty to him, resigned and submissive. The state of the Church is very low in many parts of this kingdom, and meetings so dull and heavy that nothing but the weight of the powerful word itself, and that manifested in an extraordinary degree, can reach to them, andthis has been near from day to day. Think not that I am puffed up with the abundance of the Divine favour ; I am, through mercy, awfully humbled and ^TAT. 28.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 101 bended in mind, to acknowledge gratefully the favour of Heaven, and to consecrate the gain of all to the Lord. May reverence and fear possess my soul for ever ! DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER. London, 8th Mo., 11th, 1744. A considerable number of engagements have so taken up my time, as even to break in upon those hours which I could always wish to command for retirement, or to devote to proper thoughtfulness about things of the greatest consequence. But, alas I I have been too much robbed of this for some time past, not indeed by any particular event, but by the general avocations of business, study, and the inlerruption of company. As I have been favoured with a sight of the danger that attends such a life, I am in hopes sometimes of being strengthened to avoid them. At other times I see no v;ay to shun the precipice, but fear that one day or other I shall fall, and be lost to a sense of those blessed reproofs of instruction which yet, through mercy, at times attend me. As I can keep more in this place, dear sister, our corres- pondence will be more frequent, more truly affectionate and instructive ; for I know thy lonesome, solitary hours are not spent unprofitably ; thou art breathing after an inward acquaint- ance with thy father's God ; and as thou abides in patience, he will come in, and then the night will seem short; and it will be an additional gladness that thou didst not repine when left de- solate. Thus let it be our chiefest pleasure to incite and en- courage in each other a steady, patient attention to that sacred power which condescends to enlighten, to teach, and to enliven those who thus daily seek for the bread of life. 'Tis seldom, alas ! too seldom, that the hurry and cares of this life permit me to practise what I here recommend, with the ardour I could wish. I. F. 102 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1744. The period was now approaching when John Fothergill, having laboured faithfully and diligently in the service of his Lord and Master, was to be removed from his labours, to enjoy the reward, and to receive, as we may reverently believe, the welcome sentence of " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord !" In the year 1744, though very weak in body, he assembled once more with his friends at the Yearly Meeting in London, he atteii Jed the various sittings of that meeting, evidently under an exemplary reverent, weighty frame of mind, and his com- pany was Irul}^ acceptable and useful. During the summer of this year he removed his residence from Darley, in Netherdale, to Knaresborough. Feeling a desire to visit Friends of Bristol, and to attend the Circular Yearl}^ Meeting at Worcester, he went, by way of Cheshire and Shrewsbury, into Herefordshire, where he visited Friends generally. In the yearly meeting at Worcester, he bore a noble Chris- tian testimony to the all-sufficiency of that Power which had preserved, supported, and guided him in the way that was right, and well-plcasing in degree ; and is able and willing to do the same for all the children of men. Benjamin Holme was at this meeting, and in his journal thus makes mention of it, and also of the Yearly Meeting for Wales : " I went to the Yearly Meeting in Wales, which was held " this year at Glanneedless [Llanidloes] ; the said Yearly " Meeting was large and very peaceable, there being a great " resort of other people who were not of our Society ; our friend " Samuel Fothergill was there, and had good service for the " Truth. I was at the Yearly Meeting for the seven Western " Counties, held this year at Worcester ; our friends John Fo- " thergill and his son Samuel were there ; also Joshua Toft and " Benjamin Kill ; the meeting was large and peaceable, and " Friends were favoured therein with the enjoyment of Divine " goodness." jETAT. 28.] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 103 From Worcester Jolin Fothergill went to Bristol and Bath, visiting the various meetings of Friends, and was helped to labour faithfully, and in much plainness among tlicm. He left Bath in the beginning of the eighth month, and travelled home by easy journeys, holding meetings as oppor- tunities occurred. After his return from this journey he seldom got out, even to his own meeting, but continued visibly to decline. In a letter to his son John he mentions, that though in this journey his natural state was but feeble, and attended with divers difficulties, yet he was not doubtful but he should be assisted, in mercy and favour, to discharge himself of the debt, (which had seemed to grow and remain upon him, the way he was going,) to sucli a degree as to return in holy quiet ; and adds, " I ask no " questions farther, but to be helped to live to the ever-living " Being, the little time he may suffer me to continue on this side " the grave." JOHN FOTHERGILL TO HIS SON JOHN As I have no dependance on human assistance but from thee, nor any correspondence which aflfords me like comfort and satisfaction, I must beg thy frequent remembrance, and to hear from thee as often and freely as leisure will permit ; and be assured, my hearty, careful desires for tliee, in every true good, not only is enlivened by the strong ties of nature and affection, but are more riveted and strengthened by many a gracious spring of living goodness from the almighty Helper of his people, who have trusted in him, and feared him. Thus, dear son, farewell; farewell, saith thy affectionate father, John Fothergill. " With these affecting expressions," says Doctor Fothergill, " ended a correspondence which afforded the strongest satis- " faction that anything in this life could yield." The letter was dated the 15th of the 10th month, 1744, from which lime he gradually declined till the 13th of the following 104 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS month, when he peaceably expired, leaving to his family and friends the comfortable assurance of his being gone before, to enjoy that unmixed liappiness which is the portion of those who prefer a conscientious discharge of duty to God, their families, and the world, though attended with labour, anxious care, and solicitude, to all the false, though gilded pursuits, which the spirit of deception throws in the way of mortals. His remains were honourably interred in Friends' burial ground at Scotton, near Knaresborough, the 15tli of the 11th month, 1744; many friends attending on the solemn occasion. He was aged 69 years, and was a minister nearly 50 years. His testimonies were awakening, sound, and edifying, delivered in the demonstration of Divine authority, for he handled not the Word of God deceitfully, nor endeavoured to please men ; and as he waited to be endued with wisdom and power from on high, so was he enabled to speak to the condi- tions of the people. He was a man zealously concerned for good order and the discipline of the Church, and was remarkably qualified for the management of its affairs, being of a quick apprehension, an extensive capacity, and deep judgment, and could express him- self aptly, copiously, and strongly ; and as he dihgently attended the various meetings for discipline, so he was of peculiar service in them, approving himself a wise and able counsellor, faithful and just to God and man. His convessation was exemplary, being humble and sin- cere, doing the work of an evangelist, and giving proof of his ministry, in patience, temperance, vigilance, and fortitude; enduring afflictions, and using the things of this life with mode- ration. Several of the following letters have reference to the event of John Fothergill's decease. ^TAT. 29.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 105 ALEXANDER FOTHERGILL TO T L . Carr-End, 11th Mo., 1744. I have for some time had a desire to give thee an account of the decease of tluj friend, and uiy near and worthy father, John Fothcrgill, who departed this hfe on the morning of the 13th of this month, being the first day of the week. His natural body hath been visibly going to decay these several years, though he has been willing to show more care and attention to it of late than formerly ; the reason he gave for this was, that he might be better able to discharge some services that he seemed to have before him on Truth's account ; in the discharge whereof he frequently forgot the declining state of his body : thus cf late he hath returned home, inwardly cheerful and easy in his spirit, yet the poor outward frame reduced to the lowest ebb : then care and proper medicines were used to recruit it, which was no sooner done than it was again exposed to fresh hardships ; his love and zeal for the cause of truth and the welfare of the Church, working upon a generous mind, fully devoted to serve his God and his friends without reserve, car- ried him faster on than the body was well able to bear. In his last journey to the West of England, he wrote from Bath that he had been supported to his admiration, and had been enabled fully to discharge himself, and he thought his health had not suffered much, and that he felt as though he had nothing to do but to return home with the reward of peace in his bosom : but the season being very rainy, and he riding every day, brought on an aguish complaint, with a total loss of appe- tite, so that he was very often sick, and altogether unable to take food. I saw him twice ; he was cheerful and easy in his spirit, and not without hopes to see his friends again ; but said, if 15 106 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1745. it happen otherwise, he was content, having so laboured in the day that he was prepared for the evening; and if he should recover again, it would be no further pleasant to him than that he could be serviceable to truth. Alexander Fothergill. MA.Y DRUMMOND* TO SAMUEL AND SUSANNA FOTHERGILL, ON THE DEATH OF THEIR FATHER. Bristol, 11th Mo., 1744. Two days ago the unacceptable tidings of your worthy father's death reached me. Dead ! did I say ? No ! he is not dead ; he lived in the eternal existence, and in that has lain down a tender fabric. On his account no friend * May Drummond was of a considerable family in North Britain ; she was convinced of the truth of Friends' principles at Edinburgh, by the ministry of Thomas Story, about the year 1731, at the time that her brother was the Provost of that ciiy. He was one of the principal founders of the Royal Infirmary, and his sister was active in procuring funds from Friends in England in aid of the Institution ; the various sums contributed by several Quarterly Meetings remain recorded on a board in one of the apartments. May Drummond had much to endure from her relations and friends, who, being what were considered of genteel rank, were much grieved at her uniting herself to the despised people called Quakers, and were all against her, except a younger brother. She, nevertheless, conti- nued firm in her attachment to the principles she had embraced, and, main- taining her ground, was, in a few years, called into the ministry. In this she was much engaged for many years. She was a fluent speaker and very popular, particularly amongst those of other societies, who were much drawn to the meetings she attended : her character and the circumstances of her convincement often exciting curiosity. One well qualified to judge, says, of her ministry, in 17-'-i9, " She has some masculine, nervous e.xpres- *' sions ; her periods are mostly regular and just : did she not affect it, one " might say she was eloquent." She died at Edinburgh aliout the year 1772 ; but, during the latter years of her life, was not held in the same esti- mation that she had formerly been. ^TAT. 29.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 107 need to lament; yet nature must have an allowance, and Divine favour has indulged us so far as to give us the example, when our great Master shed tears for dead Lazarus. In )'our grief on this account I truly share ; and of the joy that you feel, from the certain knowledge which truth hath communicated to you, of your deceased parent's felicity, I taste. So many have fallen who have been raised up to be shining instruments, that it cannot fail of being an inexpressible consola- tion to you to reflect that your worthy deceased parent retained his integrity. No children had ever better example in a father, nor more seasonable admonitions ; and he, before his departure, lived to see the desire of liis soul, and the prayer he had put up for the salvation of his children answered to his wish, and all his offspring in so hopeful a way, that I make no doubt of his saying with good old Simeon, " Lord, now lettest thou thy ser- vant depart in peace ; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' May Drummond. DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER. London, 12th Mo., 2d, 1744—5. I can say nothing to thee upon the present distressing occasion but what thy own prudence will suggest to thee ; we both feel that our loss is great, yet we don't know it to the full ; our best friend, protector, and counsellor is no more ; it would be unnatural not to grieve. But still we must remember that he is only gone before to that possession where we shall at last arrive, if we tread in his steps ; to excite and encourage one another in this race, oh, may it be our constant employ. Tiirough his care, and the blessing of kind Providence upon his earnest wishes and prayers, I am at present in a way of life, that both affords me what I have occasion for, and seems not unlikely to continue so ; and whilst it is, neither be afraid of wanting thyself, nor think thou art obliged to me. In this part, while I am able, I will be a father, thy friend and brother ; I 108 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS, &C. [1745. should not say I will be these things ; it is that good hand that blesses my endeavours, for that dear good man's sake and thine. Brother Samuel lias written to me, but very short hints of every thing. Do, dear Sisier, take the first opportunity of acquaint- ing me as fully as thou canst with all that has passed since he began to decline, and if any memorable expressions dropped from him in his illness, please to let me know. I find Brother has collected most of his papers ; the rest 1 shall be glad to have, in order that, from those I have in my hands, and the rest, I may be able to finish that account which dear Father had begun, partly at my request. I. F. SAMUEL FOTKERGILL, TO HIS SISTER. Warrington, 12th Mo., 2, 1744—5. As tlie common centre of our love is now, alas ! removed, I feel the sensible transferring of it to thee. May it mutually increase between us ! I am sensible of thy lonely situation — I view it sometimes with secret and strong sympathy. I strongly hope encouraging goodness may attend thee to dissi- pate the gloominess and pain that at times must and will be about thee. Great is our loss, and great is the loss of the Cliurch ; may we, the offspring of so worthy a parent, with redoubled care look to that which made him useful and honour- able in his station. My heart is full when I consider things as they are. Dear Sister, I advise thee to endeavour much after quietness in heart and mind. I know thy prudence, and that thy cheerful countenance often covers a pained mind ; thou hast yet some left that love thee — some relations that are not a dishonour to the cause of truth our father promoted, and that are pleased to have such a relation, and would give all the evidence they could of it. S. F. 1 CHAPTER VII. I During several of the years succeeding the decease of his Father, there is but Httle left on record of the labours or cor- ' respondence of Samuel Fothergili,. Yet, neither during this period, nor in any other after he had embarked in the work, could he be numbered amongst the slothful or the indifferent. He had early attained to a high and settled standing as a minister, and his faithfulness and diligence were manifested, not only in those more extended services which he performed with the certificate of the monthly meeting, and in the regular attend- ance of, and services in, the meetings for worship and for dis- i cipline, of which he was strictly a member ; but he also very frequently visited those of the adjacent or more distant counties ; [ as the circular or local yearly meetings which were then held j in several parts of the nation — those called General Meetings, [ and the Yearly Meeting in London. His company was much ; solicited, and very often given, at funerals and on other public j occasions. The practice of attending at such limes, even at a | considerable distance, being much more common in his day , than it has become of later years. He considered it a part of his Christian duty, as a minister of the gospel, to make use of every occasion in his power to advocate and promote the cause of truth and righteousness ; ^ to this he was devoted — to this he gave up much of his time j and his substance — and to this he was ever ready to sacrifice j his ease and his strength ; great was his zeal, and it fre- i quently led him into much exertion and fatigue, whereby his bodily powers were greatly exhausted. ■> I 110 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1745. The natural energy of his character was exhibited herein, and was also developed in his ministry ; in which he was fre- quently led on in a strain of deep and fervid eloquence, accom- panied by the demonstration of power which made strong im- pressions on the minds of his hearers ; thoroughly convinced himself of the great truths he had to declare, he desired that similar conviction should be wrought in the hearts of his auditors. In 1745 he attended the Northern Yearly Meeting, held at Kendal ; also the Yearly Meeting in London. His wife had a certificate to visit Scotland, and some parts of the north of Eng- land, but on account of the political troubles which prevailed, owing to the irruption of the Scots into England, her visit was delayed until the following year. DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO JOSHUA TOFT.* London, 4th Mo., 2d, 1746. Those that are at heart concerned for the welfare of the Society, cannot but be desirous of knowing a little of what has passed amongst us upon the late solemn occasion * Joshua Toft was the intimate friend of Samuel Folliergill, and his " fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ." He had yielded in very early life to the power and influence of Truth, and was united in religious mem- bership with the Society of Friends. When in the strength of his days, and extensively engaged in a lucrative business, which promised to yield him abundance of wealth, being content with the moderate competency al- ready acquired, he, with noble resolution, declined trade, that he might more fully devote himself to his Lord and Master's service in the gospel ministry, into which he had been called about the thirty-second year of his age. In this he diligently and faithfully laboured many years, and travelled much in various parts of the nation. For more than fourteen years of the latter part of his life, he was deprived of his sight. This, with other bodily afflictions, he bore with much patience and resignation. A short time before his death, he said he had received much consolation from a most gracious 4 JETKT. 30.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Ill [the Yearly Meeting.] We should many of us have been glad to have seen thee wilh us, but as I hope that thou wast quite easy in staying away, we ought to think it was tliy place, and therefore acquiesce Thou wilt probably have heard that an address to the King was very early proposed to the meeting, and, as most of those Friends who were looked upon as capa- ble of advising were previously consulted, it was soon agreed to. I thought the proper time was elapsed ; had I been pre- sent, I believe I should have said so much ; but an address was ordered to be drawn, and after a great deal of time spent upon it, the draft was brought in, and almost unanimously agreed to.* It was presented yesterday, by several Friends, and received in a manner that left them no room to doubt of its being highly acceptable. The Duke of Grafton was ordered by the King to go out and tell the Friends, that he had not received one address that had given him more satisfaction, and that they might assure their Friends of it. There was not much business out of the ordinary course lhat presented itself, nor any occasion given for long debates. I know not whether I am in any condition to give thee an account of the other meetings : in some, things went well ; in others, not entirely to satisfaction. Sometimes too great a loose is given to words. Plain, simple truth needs little decoration ; it strikes the mind disposed to receive it to advantage more for- cibly than the greatest eloquence. A parade of words, indeed, bewitches the hearers, and makes them admire and praise, and at length puflf up the poor instrument if possible. We are all susceptible, in some degree, of these impressions, unless we are upon the strictest guard. I. F. promise extended to him, '• I have been with thee, I am with thee, and I will be with thee." He died at his house at Har-gate, near Leek, the 15th of the 8th Month, 1769, aged upwards of 80, a minister 48 years. ♦This was an address to George II., on the suppression of the rebellion of 1745. 112 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS L1746. In the year 1746, Samuel Fothergill paid a religious visit to Cumberland and Scotland ; in the following year he was engaged in a visit to Friends in Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and London : during this journey he attended the Circular Yearly Meeting held at Leominster, which he mentions in one of the following letters. His wife also visited Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. In 1748 he paid a visit to Friends in Cumberland, and also to the city of Bristol. DOCTOR FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER. 8th Mo., 23, 1746. There are times when we are drawn to retirement, and It is made beneficial to us ; we leave it with cheerfulness, and the mind is relieved and comforted. These should ever be embraced, and the disposition to improve them should be care- fully cultivated. But as nothing is so painful to ourselves, or makes us so uneasy to others, as indulging eating cares, so we should be for ever on our guard against them. I often reflect, that I know not what is best for me ; the most flattering prospects may be attended with dangers that I cannot see, and it is, therefore, in kindness that Heaven with- holds them from me. I am already too much retarded in my pursuits after what alone can make mankind truly happy ; if I have more difficulties, my progress must be still less. Thus I argue, and thus I think, when the best mind is uppermost ; but this true bias, how often is it perverted by unworthy objects! Brother Samuel wrote to me from Durham. His letter gave me great satisfaction ; it spoke his father's lan- guage in his father's spirit ; and may he ever be clothed with it ! I sate the little meeting at Knaresboro'. In the evening I went to the place where the remains of our dear father were laid, and though I could not join you in perform-i iBTAT. 32.] OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 113 ing the office of a child,* yet I feh then, what you had felt before. 1 could not have been fully satisfied with my journey without some such opportunity. I. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO LAWFORD GODFREY.+ 10th Mo., 11th, 1747. My mind was reverently humbled before the Almighty, during the course of that solemnity at Leominster, and under a lively sense of llie extensions of a regard, ancient and new, that He who is the author of our being, the author of our happiness, is not only ours who have been so eminently visited, but is the safety of an alienated world, in the reconciling and restoring it to himself. For this end we know he immediately reaches to the minds of mankind, and, having led a remnant into a living experience, through faith in his name, that he is Jehovah, great in council, and mighty in power, he hath enabled them to be co-workers together with himself, for the cultivation of their own vineyards, and, through a diversity of instruments, and variety of gifts, to be as the voice of one crying in the wilder- ness of this apostatized generation. " Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his path straight." The unity of these labour- ers, in the promotion of this glorious work, is great, and unto strangers incomprehensible ; but, being baptized by one Lord, into a most holy faith, some are builders, some hewers of stones, some diggers of them, as out of the earth, and some others more immediately bearers of burthens — each led into their respective services by the great Architect, and directed to proceed therein through the continuance of the same wisdom, • In attending at the interment. f Lavvford Godfrey resided at Exeter, and died in that city, on the 10th of the llth Month, 1747, aged 68, a minister nearly 40 years. 16 114 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1748. as fellow-servants in the cause of God. A concern for its pro- motion, and the mutual preservation one of another, strongly and frequently prevailed, and I am persuaded a sincere regard for the honour of the great Name, and travail for Zion's pros- perity, attended thy mind, and led thee, in openings of Divine council, to impart thy experience in the work of the ministry to me, that have great need of every help. I am thankful to the great Master that we have fathers, as well as instructors, in mercy continued amongst us ; such as by a long course of ex- perience have explored the great mystery of godliness and un- godliness ; watchmen that are placed upon Zion's walls, v.'hose trumpets give a certain sound. For my own part, I thank God he has not left me destitute of a humble sense of my own weak- ness, and the jeopardies that attend me, engaging according to his wisdom, by his rod and his staff, to a labour of soul to be what I ought to be, to fill my station, and stand in my lot to the end of days. There is none knows, but the Lord and my own soul, the baptisms wherewith I am at times exercised, nor the steps I have to tread. Oh, that I may be helped to take heed to the ministry of the word, that in all dispensations, to myself and others, I may fulfil it. I have had a renewed sense, often com- fortably impressed on my mind, in my late visit and travail, that the Lord would preserve through all, and keep me to the end. Though my may be through the shadow of death, I feel my safety is in an humble walking, and steady feeling after God, for renewing of bread, day after day. Sometimes his countenance is clouded, and, blessed be his name, it is at other times fairer than the children of men. I sat down with my spirit bowed in gospel fellowship with the true followers of the Lamb ; I knew not what I might offer with respect to words. May our dwelling be in that, which no language can fully express, and our correspondence, though not with the ornamental arrangement of words or expressions, tend to stir up reciprocally the pure mind. ^TAT. 33.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 115 I am, with the salutation of strongest affection, that is ever- lasting in duration, and unchangeable in its nature, Thy brother and fellow-sufferer in the patience and tribulation of Christ's kingdom, Samuel Fothergill. SAMUKL FOTHERGILL TO JOSHUA TOFT. Warrington, 6th Mo., 19, 1748. This summer I have made an excursion to Scar- borough, and amongst the meetings of Friends on the eastern shore of Yorkshire. The consciousness of an honest intention, and of room for the testimony amongst those without, together with evident tokens of the Great Master's regard, afforded, and still doth, a lively degree of satisfaction and comfort ; but to view the state of the Church in sundry places, particularly in , gives a good deal of pain : some few keep their places, but the generality are the most insensible, unfeeling people I ever was concerned amongst. The meetings there were large and peaceable, and to my satisfaction in respect to those not of our Society. I returned, by the Yearly Meeting at Pickering, which was very large, and Friends told me, the greatest they had had for some years ; but as it has overgrown its service, and many come to it for no better purpose than drunkenness and revelling, I believe this was the last tliat will be held there. Marsden Height* Meeting, I hear, was remarkably large, but I fear not altogether satisfactory. I had great hopes thou would have been there. S. F. In the year 1749, Samuel Fothergill again visited some of the midland counties, and the city of London ; he afterwards * This was one of those called General Meetings, then annually held, and of which S. Fothergill was a very frequent atlender: 116 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1750 extended his services into some parts of the south and west of England ; and was also at the Yearly Meeting for Wales, held at Haverfordwest; thence we went to Swansea, to attend the burial of his friend Benjamin Holme, who being on his way to the Yearly Meeting for Wales, was taken ill at the house of Paul Bcvan, in Swansea, and there he departed this life, on the 14th of 2d Month, 1749, aged 67 years. So early in life had he entered on the ministry, that he had been engaged in it for 53 years, and had travelled in that service when only 17 years of age, with Joseph Kirkbride and Leonard Fell. He was much devoted to the service of truth, and laboured therein almost incessantly ; and as he lived, so he died — a pattern of meekness and innocency. («See an Account of his Life and Travels. London^ 1753.) In 1750, Samuel Fothergill attended the National Meeting for Ireland, held in Dublin, and in 1752 he paid another visit to the city of Bristol. In most of these years he attended the Yearly Meeting in London. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS BROTHER JOHN. Warrington, lOth Mo., 1750. I am sorry to find thy fears respecting the improve- ment of Friends, where I have been, so justly founded ; too little proper thoughtfulness is amongst them ; large fortunes, and religious profession, the fruits of their father's industry and real experience, have had an unhappy effect upon many of them, and introduced a mixture of pride and indolence that is no-ways consistent with inward religious growth, to which the far greater part of them are no-way attentive. Notwithstanding the deplorable state of the Church there, yet the strong reaches of inward help are extended towards them ; the God of their fathers remembers his covenant made with them, and waits to bless their offspring ; by the same means, the righteous in every age have been made happy ; the undoubted sense I had given me of the merciful regard and gracious long-suffering of the God of mercy^ jETAT. 34.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Strongly comforted me; yet a proportionate fear often attended, lest disregarded visitations, and touches of inward virtue over- looked, might issue in almost total subversion of a people, with whom heavenly favour had manifestly dwelt. My soul was often strongly moved to pay them a visit for some time past, and I did not fully give up to it until the sixth day evening before I wenl ; my mind was quiet and easy, as I was resigned. I had a quick passage, though not unattended with danger. That the hairs of my head were numbered, was given me to believe, and that beyond a doubt ; I said with reverence, Good is the word of the Lord, and was as calm and quiet as at any time of my religious experience. We came safe to Dublin. The meet- ing for ministers and elders was held on 4tli day, and was very small and poor ; the meetings for worship were held in the forenoons of the two following days, and the meetings for discipline in the afternoons of the same, in which time their business was finished. Their discipline is just ; nothing inferior to ours in the north, and there are a few hands that are strong and active in it, and studious to render it effectual to answer the end of its institution. The appearance of Friends from Leinster province was con- siderable ; from the province of Ulster only four Friends ; from the province of Munster not one, which occasioned a hesitation in the opening of the meeting of business, whether they could proceed to act, as they wanted representatives from one-third of their body; but as the Munster Friends had written an account of the state of their province to the National Meeting, it was accepted, and Friends were easy to proceed. The state of the Church gave great concern to many there, and a warm, affectionate epistle was sent to the Particular Meetings, into which I threw a few things that had some weight with me. The concluding meeting for ministers and elders was held on 7th day, which was solemn and bowing ; the enlivening, encouraging Presence was richly manifested to a small handful, that seemed like the mournful prophet under the 118 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1750. juniper-tree, and like the small, very small gleaning of the vint- age. An eminent degree of the same heavenly truth attended us the next morning, at our public concluding meeting, which was extremely large, and I do not remember ever more undoubt- ed proof of merciful condescension. Many that were not of our name were there, and greatly reached — remember it, oh my soul, with due reverence and gratitude ! The afternoon was favoured with the same truth, and was a very great meeting. The funeral of Francis Russell, our father's and my former landlord, occasioned it to be an excessive crowd, though awful, and very quiet. Meetings every day, and the close, heavy air of the city, had destroyed my natural abihties ; my rest and ap- petite almost gone, I was obliged that evening to take coach and go to a Friend's country house. I returned much better next morning, attended the quarterly meeting for young people the same day, which was large and satisfactory. Next morning I set out with Samuel Watson and Robert Lecky to go into the country — to Kilconner, to see Abigail Watson, who is poorly in health, but lively in the best respects, and full of the heavenly dew of her youth. She mentioned thee often, and with great esteem, and desired her dear love to thee, and that I would let thee know a few lines from thee would revive her much. On my return to Dublin, I went to see some other sick Friends, with a mind filled with awful reverence for mercies daily renewed, and a continued sense of daily support. Spent a space of time with some Friends at John Barclay's on 3d day, in which the humbling presence united us, and strong cries ascended for mutual preservation in his fear and favour ; his canopy was over us, and he led us to his banqueting-house. Afterwards I went on board, and after forty-six hours at sea, came safe to Liverpool, on the 30th ultimo. Thus, my dear brother, I have given thee a recital (pro- bably tedious) of a few weeks' occurrences, which I hope not to forget ; I have reaped benefit myself, and I hope others likewise ; faithfulness is the way to profit, and to iETAT. 34.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 119 renew life and strength ; though wc are weak and poor, infinite strength and riches liumbles Himself to our wants, and will ever regard us with mercy, whilst we regard him with sincerity. I salute thee, and dear sister, most affectionately ; may we live to Him who hath inwardly quickened us, that the blessing of preservation may rest upon us through all the mazes of our probation, to an inheritance in everlasting quiet. I am yours, in union more near than the ties of nature, S. F. THOMAS GREER TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Dungannon, 9th Mo., 18th, 1750, Glad would I have been to have had a little conversa- tion with thee when in Dublin, at the late National Meeting ; but that not being the case, I now write, in the freedom of that love that in thy former visit to this nation nearly united my spi- rit to thee, for which I have been many times thankful to the Au- thor of my life, in that he was graciously pleased (through thy ministry) to make such an impression on my spirit as I hope will never be effaced. Oh ! may I never forget his paternal care over me, when, equipped with the wings of vanity, I was flying into folly ; even then was he pleased to speak, in a lan- guage too powerful to be gainsayed — Young man, whither goest thou ? May it indeed be engTaven as on the palms of my hands ; — this unparalleled condescension, may it ever re- new in me a humble breathing in my soul that he may be pleas- ed so to strengthen and support me through the various vicissi- tudes that attend this life, that I may be enabled to live to his honour, for which great purpose I am satisfied mankind first had and have their existence ; but alas ! how liable is depraved man to mistake the matter of greatest importance, and choose rather to live to himself, and to the gratification of a carnal, de- generate mind, than to the glory of that Being that formed him, and seeks his eternal happiness. 120 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1750. Much hath been the labour of love that has been bestowed upon this poor unthankful island, and many have been the faith- ful labourers who have been sent amongst us, both from Eng- land and other parts, for which favours all who have any degree of life cannot but be thankful ; also for its being put into thy heart to visit us at the late half-year's meeting, at this time of inward poverty and affliction of mind to some whose faces are, I trust, turned Zionwards, on account of the undue liberty tak- en by many of the youth ; and the love of the world and earlh- ly-mindedness, it is to be feared, have overtaken many, who, if they had kept their places, might have been by this time as stakes in Zion's walls. May the design of an all-wise providence, in sending thee amongst us at this time, be fully answered, by every one who has been favoured with having our conditions opened, in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power, (for certainly the Gospel trumpet hath given a certain sound,) becoming so wise as to repair to the battle Thomas Greer. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO THOMAS GREfiR. Warrington, 11th Mo., 20, 1750. 1 received in Dublin a letter from thee, which gave me satisfaction ; and I rejoice in this, that the Lord of heaven and earth is visiting by his truth and working by his power to beget into his heavenly family) and bless people with that which conveys all the happiness mankind ever did, must now, or hereafter ever can taste. Too many are insensible of it, and others too lazy to be religious as they ought ; but it is our interest to pursue our own peace, and •■ransmit to others examples, how great and excellent a thing it is to be true subjects of Christ's kingdom, and baptized into his nature, and therein to abide. Great has been his jETAT. 35.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 121 mercy, in visiting our souls with his blessed truth ; and it highly behoves us to watch with all diligence let we render it frustrate. This is our duty — to look to him daily. This comprehends all. Here is our strcuglh and safety ; other stays, or temporary lielps, will fail, and leave us destitute and inwardly lean. Oh ! therefore, remember often the dew of thy youth, the tenderness of thy heart when first met with. Cherish in thy soul the fresh instances of regard ; and be it thy care inwardly to look and live to the Lord ; so shall thy hands be made strong, and thy head kept above the waters. There is a spirit that is gone forth into the camp, and is splendidly delusive. Tt delights in good words, and feeds upon them ; it cries out, " Help, help," but principall}'' to the servant, not to the Master. This spirit leads into notions ; it snuffs up the wind, and lives in commotions itself raises ; all that are led by it are superficial and know nothing, and must lie down in sorrow. That Holy Spirit, which was and is the ground of truth for ever, (which, I trust, has reached thy heart,) is a substantial, operative principle ; its di- rections are not imaginary, nor its doctrines loose and indeter- minate ; but it is light and life to its possessors, and causes them to inherit substance ; it teaches access in heart to that God whose attributes cannot be defined fully ; but experience teaches them it is kind to men, supplying their wants, support- ing their steps, opening their understanding to those Divine truths that are higher than human wisdom can trace, and deeper than all its penetration can explore. Dear friend, let us wait for this wisdom ; let this Spirit be leaned upon above all ; this will help us to stand upright, and walk steadily in the faith de- livered to the saints ; retirement will be pleasant ; in meetings and out of meetings, the inward feeling after Divine power, to live and act to God's honour and our own preservation, will be dear and precious to us ; and He that delights to hear the language of his children will not be slack in the performance of his gracious promises. I found the free salutation of pure love in my heart towards thee ; and earnestly entreat thee to abide 17 122 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1751 ~ Steadfast in tlie truth ; feel after it ; live in it ; hope for its sal- vation, and it will never fail. I salute thee in the love and af- fection of Christ, our holy and blessed helper, and remain thy faithful friend, S. F. MARY PEISLEY* TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Paddock, lllh Mo., 28, 1750. Thy lines carry with them the reaching, convincing evi- dence of that soft, sympathetic union, to which the world are strangers : they neither know nor intermeddle with these joys, the feeling sense of which, when I received thy letter, melted my heart into tenderness, and bowed my spirit in reverence be- fore the God and Father of all mercies, to reflect that he, the high and holy One, who inhabits eternity, should condescend to the low estate of his poor unworthy handmaid, to bring her into the glorious fellowship which is with him and his dear Son, a secret union and communion with the saints in light ; that I, the least of them all, should be made a sensible partaker of these blessed privileges, and be made present in spirit with his dear servants, though absent in body. Oh ! may I, during the resi- due of my weary pilgrimage here, walk more worthy of the vocation appointed me, so that, with the Lord's chosen servants, I may finish my course with joy. It gave me concern to hear of thy indisposition, which I do not wonder at, considering thy labours amongst us ; but humbly hope thou wilt be spared, and raised up for future service, to which ma}'est thou be made truly willing in the day of God's power, thougli it must be confessed it is a dangerous and difficult time to go a warfare in ; but it is not * Mary Peisley was a well-esteemed minister. She visited America in company with Catharine Payton. She was subsequently married to Samuel Neale, and three days afterwards, viz. on the 20th of 3d Mo., 1757, sho departed this life. iETAT. 35.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 123 at our own expense, for greater is He that is in and witli us than he that is in the world. Do, dear friend, write freely ; and if thou hast observed any thing in my conduct that thou thinkest reprovable, do not spare me, for I know that I want help. Mary Peisley. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO CATHARINE PAYTON.* Warrington, 3d Mo., 1751. I received thy brother's letter, intimating thy thoughts of going over to the Half Year's Meeting, at Dublin, and I sincerely wish thee a good journey, and pray that the preserving hand may ever sustain thee, and keep thee dependent upon himself : by no other means are we likely to be kept properly ; and various humbling times attend the true faithful labour- ers in the Lord's vineyard, that keep company with the true seed, in suffering, and only reign by it ; the applause of the injudicious has hurt some, and greatly embarrassed many, in that kingdom ; and, therefore, keep thy eye single. As the Lord has given thee a good gift, and intruHled thee with several talents, thou art loudly called upon to diligent improvement, and that can only be by virtue of the renewing of strength from his hand, and holy feeding at his table ; thus thou wilt be preserved in dominion over all that which would lift up, * For many years an intimate friendship and frequent correspondence was maintained between S- Fothergill and Catharine Payton. She was the daughter of Henry and Ann Payton, of Dudley. When about twenty- two years of age, she came forth in the ministry, and in the exercise of this gift travelled much, in most parts of England and Scotland ; also in Ireland, America, and Holland. In 1772 she was married to "William Phillips, of Cornwall, and died in that county, in the 8th month, 1791, aged G8 years, a minister 4G years — Sec Memoirs of her Life- London, 1797. 124 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1752. and over that which would cast down, and the name of our jealous God will be honoured, and the gain consecrated to him. And, dear Kitty, bear thy testimony against haughtiness and luxury, by a humble, watchful conduct ; be not led by them out of the loadings of truth, in the appointment of large meet- ings in court houses, &c., for, in this respect, I am sensible there is some danger, unless, really, the very burden of the word be upon thee, and I would by no means have the faithful labourer in that ability discouraged. I would have thee to be tender in the choice of a companion ; if one fall to thy share, let her be one to help spiritually, and not to hinder thee by any disagreeable demeanour. My affection strongly attends, and craves the presence of Almighty God may be thy guard and companion ; live in it, seek after the enlargement of it, by waiting for daily sustenance from it ; and the God of my hfe keep us both chaste in our mind, to him whose we are, and ought to serve with the spirit of our minds. S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS BROTHER JOHN. Warrington, 7lh Mo., 14th, 1751. Yesterday I attended the funeral of Peter Leadbeater, of Chester, who, by a fall on third day, fractured his skull, and died next day — a man in many respects worthy and useful, and let his imperfections be buried with him. There was the greatest crowd I remember to have seen on such an occasion, and it was with difficulty we got to the burying-place, I received a crush in my breast, in the throng, I am afraid won't soon be forgotten. I join thee in thankful acknowledgments to the Author of good, for his signal favour in owning those large assemblies with his powerful truth, to the comfort of the faithful, and the exaltation of his name amongst the people. Oh ! that the sense of general and particular favours may ^TAT. 36.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 123 be often revived in our minds, that our souls may be quickened in care to walk worthy. Nothing ought to be allowed in us that leads to forget that hand that is filled with blessings, ready lo dispense them, but expects grateful returns. S. F. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO SARAH BROWN.* Warrington, 1st Mo., 20th, 1752. I doubt not but the same conveyance that brings -this, will bring some account of thy dear and worthy father, whom I saw at Liverpool, on his way to Ireland, a few weeks ago, in pretty good health, and alive and cheerful in his labour, in which he has been closely concerned, and I hope to good ser- vice in divers respects ; doubtless to his own great peace, and uniting him in heart to the faithful. In the freedom we had to each other, he imparted to me one or two of thy affectionate letters to him, which seemed to breathe strongly of the language of tender affection to him, and an awful regard to the Heavenly Father, and has been the means of thy being often in my very near remembrance, and some desire attended to send thee the salutation of true love in Christ Jesus, our holy head, in whom stands the fellowship of the family, the world over. Great has been thy advantage, dear friend, in being descended from worthy parents, who, by example and precept, have sought thy nurture and growth in the things of God ; the visitation of heavenly light and life has also been extended, and I hope in a great and good degree embraced, and has pointed out the means of help, or the terms of happiness, and inclined thy heart to seek it. Many are the besetmeiits and probations of a mind awakened to seek an inheritance among the blessed, and of various kinds they are ; but the mighty arm is revealed and made • Daugliter of William Brown, from America. 126 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1752. bare, for all those that refuse to be comforted without it. Many are the low places the righteous tread, and in the line of their experience deep answers deep ; some are brought upon us through our inadvertency and negligence ; let us then inquire the cause, and remove it ; sometimes the heavens are made like brass to us, to teach us how to want, and, like winter seasons, to strengthen our roots, that we grow not top heavy ; but in all things our Heavenly Father deals with us tenderly, and for our good. Let, therefore, thy attention be steady to him for counsel and guidance, and he will not forsake thee in the time of thy secret bewailings, but spread a table for thee in the desert. Oh ! that our youth might thus awfully bow under the opera- tion of the Lord's hand, that their minds might be subject to him, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve in the spirit of our minds. I feel in my mind the sympathy of the blessed covenant, and the spreading of the Father's wing towards thee, and crave of the Almighty One to have thee in his keeping, and of thee never to forfeit it by any means. He is all-sufficient to abide with thee continually. He is often with his people when they perceive it not : he dwells in thick darkness often, and was as certainly the mighty help of Israel, when they groaned in anguish in the land of Egypt, as when the glory of the Lord filled the temple, at the feast of dedication. I commend thee to him, seek him diligently, serve him honestly, and follow on to know his requirings, with full purpose of heart to be faithful thereto ; and no weapon formed against thee will prosper, nor any place be allotted so low in which the omnipotent arm will not sustain. S. F. JETAT. 36.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 127 SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO HIS SISTER. Warrington, 4th Mo., 20th, 1752. I often make myself a party in idea in your converse, and with pleasure I anticipate the satisfaction arising from a personal interview. Friendship, founded on its proper stable foundation, doubtless affords the most sublime sensible joy we are capable of tasting here, and is an agreeable earnest of that vmion that inseparably connects the blessed spirits above. Oh ! beloved sister, how glorious is the prospect, but how dif- ficult the means ! But no cross, no crown ; and in our Father's arm is everlasting strength. I have had much to sympathise with thee in thy present religious circumstances, and it has revived in my mind, in joyous suffering, to endeavour after a peaceable, childlike submission to the Heavenly Father's will ; to lie down at his feet, in deep, resigned silence, even from complaint, has made more for true ease, and helped to a profitable search into our- selves and Heaven's mind. I believe much deep travail attends thee, and an apprehension of being almost alone. Discourage not thyself at this, nor pain thyself unnecessarily about others ; let thine eye be in thy head and to thy Helper, and his will thy standard ; neither be dis- couraged, beloved sister, at the low times thou meets with ; for I am fully satisfied that even the strong men are often bowed down deeply ; and shall the tender plant repine at being shook by the wind? The faithfulness of unchangeable help is such, as to render us safe in his protection, while we seek to abide in it. S. F. 128 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1752. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO JOHN CHURCHMAN. Warrington, 1752. I have by no means forgotten ihee ; thou art too deeply fixed in nny mind to be easily displaced. Thy aflfec- tionate, instructive epistle from Cumberland, hath been often a means of bringing thee near to my soul, and it into a reverent search and jealous care to move right when I can move, and endeavour to stand safe at all times by standing out of my own abilities and in that which comes from God. And now, my dear friend, I must inform thee of the principal reason of my long silence, and the discontinuance of my correspondence. I have had, since my return from Nor- wich, a very baptizing lime of inward distress and want, and been brought very low in mind, even sometimes almost to ques- tion whether I had ever been right, or should ever be happy. I ever kept my complaint secret, and my mouth in the dust, under the correction of my Heavenly Father's rod ; and he sometimes revives a httle hope. In this time of solitary distress, I have observed some causes of chastisement, and hope of more sta- bility and faithfulness has attended. To sing I could not ; to complain I durst not ; to write of religious things was passing beyond the line of present experience, and that is sacrilege. I know thee so well as to be assured thou could not relish such a correspondent ; however, I have often remembered thee nearly, and my spirit being so closely touched with secret sympathy with thee, has been some evidence that my life is not altogether gone. I salute thee and Mary Peisley, when thou sees her, most affectionately, and am thy friend and companion in the tribulations, and, may God grant it, the patience of the gospel. S. F. ^TAT. 36.] OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. 129 JOHN CHURCHMAN* TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Moate, 8th Mo., 13th, 1752. When, by the secret touches of truth, we are made to feel and know each other, though to the outward entire strangers, there is a foundation of friendship laid which is not easily erased ; 'tis hereby we know ourselves to be members one of another, and cannot help at times remembering each other, in the participation of the true communion ; and the humble address of our souls is, that oui'selves and our brethren may be preserved pure, and, as w^orthy communicants, pre- sented before the holy table, cleansed from the spots of the world, and all the crooked wrinkles of self. We then have no thoughts of asking dignities for ourselves, or for one another, as to sit on the right hand or on the left, but to be preserved in innocency, and to have our names written, yea, recorded, in the Lamb's book of life ; an inheritance to such is sure in life eter- nal, if they continue faithful unto death. When we are humbled before our great Master, in a sense that his love is lengthened out to his Church and people, we are made willing to follow him in the way of our own duty whi- thersoever he leads us ; and good it is to mind our own busi- ness properly, without thinking ourselves too much alone in the work of the Lord, and others too negligent ; or inquiring too busily into the gifts of one, or be too much concerned what an- other shall do. These dispositions seemed to be gently both reprehended and instructed by our Lord, in his answers to well- » John Churchman, of East Nottingham, in Pennsylvania, a Friend well known by the published account of his life and gospel labours. In the year 1750, accompanied by William Brown, he arrived in England, on a reli- gious visit to this nation, also visiting Ireland and Holland. This occupied him nearly four years ; and in 1754 he returned to his native land. He died on the 24th of 7th Mo., 1775, aged near 70, a minister about 42 years. 18 130 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1752. meaning Martha, when she said, Bid her lhat she help me, and to Peter, on his query. What shall this man do ? But when the baptizing virtue and power of Truth oversha- dows our souls, we cannot help desiring that the people may keep their ranks, and, in sanctification of both body and spirit, stand prepared that the Lord may choose and instruct, gift and qualify, judges, counsellors, rulers, and chiefs, both in the min- istry of the Word, and in the discipline of his Church. I have been confined to my room for more than ten days, by reason of a great cold, taken, I suppose, in the north, in damp houses and cold beds, but, through the tender mercy of kind Providence, am in a fair way of recovery. The respite from travelling and immediate exercise has been as a rest to my spirit, which has been preserved, resigned, and mostly quiet. I have often sought to know mine own imperfections, and have been favoured with a sight of several things concerning myself and my brethren engaged in the work of the ministry ; methought I had a renewed glimpse of the holy attire with which the attendants at the holy altar should perpetually stand arrayed ; the vest- ments are holy, the garments clothe the spirit, and the adorning is beautiful, and never waxes old; it is girt about the loins of the new man, and loosely laid aside when immediate service seems over ; it is bound in the heart, and coupled in the soul. Oh ! let this Urim and Thummim be for ever with the Holy One, and by him renewed to his children. Dear Samuel, the near sympathy which arose at first sight, and silent salutation that made the inward birth move, has often been brought to my remembrance ; and, pursuant to the solemn covenant between us soon after our first acquaint- ance in thy brother John's little parlour, I have found a great freedom to act towards thee as an unreserved, open- hearted friend, and shall, therefore, add a little further. In a feeling sense of Divine goodness, my soul has been humbled on thy account, that the Lord, in the riches of his sure mercies, did vouchsafe to pluck thee from the fire, and .^TAT. 3C.] OP SAMtTEL POTHERGILL. 13i quench the darts that were shot at thy soul, and by hfting thine eyes to himself^ healed thy wounds, and chose thee as a vessel for his use, and for an instrument to publish his name and proclaim his light and salvation to the Gentiles; and it sprang in my heart, in much brotherly affection, to say. Prize thy privilege, mind thy calling, for it is high and holy ; watch against the world, that it do not clog thee ; with the spirit there- of be not too familiar ; there are that pretend to be children of the light, who are lying in wait to gain the friendship of those whom the Lord, by the indwelling of his word, has made as a flame against those who reside in the Mount of Esau ; and coals from their mouths have kindled in the hidden treasure of these Worldlings and libertines, and begun to burn in their hearts, and they have sought the friendship of such, and sometimes, when gained, they have valued themselves, and have smothered the fire, and continued in their corruptions. Oh ! the awful authority, the becoming sweetness, the instruc- tive mien, the beseeming gesture, with which Truth arrays her votaries, far surpassing all our modern polite and worldly gen- teel airs. With the salutation of love, thy real Friend, Jo£iN Churchman. JOHN KENDALL* TO SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. Colchester, 8th Mo. ]7lh, 1752. I am but just returned from my journey in Holland and Gerniany>, and may acquaint thee, that we had divers * The Friends who were accompanied by John Kendall, during this visit to Holland, were William Brown and Samuel Neale. John Ken- dall was a Friend well known, both as a useful member of the Socie- ty, and as a writer, having published several works. Besides the occa- sion here mentioned, he also paid four other visits to Holland on religious service. He died at Colchester in 1815, at the advanced a^e o(. 99 year!5, a minister about 67 years. 132 MEMOIRS AND LETTERS [1753. comfortable opportunities with the few Friends in those parts of the world, and had great satisfaction in our visit to them, finding a people unto whom the visitations of our heavenly Father seemed particularly extended, and such likewise as have an- swered the call, and are become as testimony-bearers for the name and truth of God ; these we hope the Lord will yet fur- ther strengthen, and qualify as instruments in his hand, to pro- mote his glorious cause ; yea, we expect the primitive lustre of our Zion shall yet in some degree be revived in that land, though certainly there is a mixture, through the unwearied adversary, who has come as in the night, and sown tares among the good seed. Our hearts were enlarged in great love at times, and a concern begotten for the growth of the true seed, and for right birth, wherein we laboured according to the ability received, and have found the answer of peace, which abundantly repays. John Kendall. SAMUEL FOTHERGILL TO JOHN CHURCHMAN. Warrington, 1753. Thine of the 14th, I this morning received, and hast- en to tell thee, I wanted much to know where thou wert, that I might send thee a short salutation of love unfeigned, which has often, and of late more dail)^, lived in and flowed forth of my heart towards thee. I received thy acceptable, profitable letter, from Moate, which I acknowledged soon after, which probably came not to thy hand ; if it did not, the loss is trivial to thee, though important to me, as it has probably deprived me of some further indication of thy regard and good desires for me. I am humbly and reverently thankful, in that I feel the unity of the brotherhood ; it is very dear to me. I am, and have been, in a low, humbling dispensation, in which that union has been almost my sole evidence and mark that I was not far out of my way. I desire to accept, at the heavenly Father's hand, ray