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 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
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A MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 JOHN FINCH MAESH 
 
 OF CROYDON, 
 
 WHO DIED IN THE AUTUMN OF 1873. 
 
 BY HIS DAUGHTER. 
 
 CEH 
 
 
 OBTAINABLE OF HANNAH MAESH, 32, PAEK LANE, CROYDON, 
 
 OE, 
 
 G-. & P. PITT, MITCHAM, SUEKEY. 
 
 / % 13 ) 
 

 MANCHESTER : 
 
 PRINTED BY WILLIAM IRWIN, 
 
 35, FENNELL STREET. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Having been called upon at a very unexpected season, 
 to watch beside the dying bed of my ever dearly beloved 
 father, John Finch Maesh, and while yet hoping for 
 and expecting his recovery, being struck with the im- 
 pressiveness of his words, I felt impelled (unknown 
 to him) to note them down. After his departure, I 
 conceived the idea of printing a simple account of his 
 illness and death, as the most effectual way of answering 
 the enquiries of our friends, and easing my own mind 
 of a responsibility. 
 
 Circumstances, however, combining to enable me to 
 remain a little while with my bereaved mother, she 
 gave me permission to search among his papers, where 
 I found very little left behind of an early date — but a 
 considerable amount of memorandums of later years ; 
 also some scattered copies of his letters to various 
 friends, and a packet of his letters to Richard Allen, of 
 Waterford, recently returned to my father at R. A.'s 
 request, soon after his decease. 
 
 This search commenced at the desire of the friends 
 (appointed by our monthly meeting to prepare a testi- 
 mony concerning him) that we would furnish them with 
 some account of his early life, &c. 
 
IV. 
 
 But here the query arose, whether some selection 
 from these writings should be prepared in addition to 
 the closing scene. And inwardly becoming sensible of 
 a gentle and clear pointing that a little work of this kind 
 was to devolve on me, I did not feel my way clear 
 to return to the engagements of home until it was ready 
 for the press. 
 
 And although I regret to add to the great store of 
 books already on our shelves, I believe I should fail in 
 my duty to survivors if I were to neglect thus to revive 
 his memory, — not for his sake — but for the sake of that 
 testimony to Truth which was given him when young, 
 and lived in his heart to his latest days. 
 
 And though I feel a most precious unity with his 
 spirit, I forbear to say much concerning him, preferring 
 that his heart should be unveiled by his own words. 
 
 And now, having with tears laid my little offering on 
 the altar, in much love to all, I leave this caution with 
 the reader :— It needs to be read in stillness, and with 
 the true eye opened. 
 
 Peiscilla Pitt. 
 Park Lane, Croydon, 1873. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 My Father was born in the year 1789. After receiv- 
 ing a fair education, lie was apprenticed to the linen 
 drapery with his cousin, Samuel Weetch, of Ratcliff, 
 till the age of twenty-one, when he was engaged as shop 
 assistant with Mary Liversidge and John T. Shewell, at 
 Ipswich. His last situation was with John Kitching, 
 linen draper, in Whitechapel, London, whom he ulti- 
 mately succeeded in the business in 1818. This he 
 carried on satisfactorily for ten years, with a consistent 
 plainness, closing his shop to allow of all attending their 
 mid-week meeting, and would often find customers wait- 
 ing their return. His marriage took place in the year 
 1819, to Hannah Lucas, daughter of Samuel and Ann 
 Lucas, com dealers, in Warwick-street, London, with 
 whom he had been acquainted from childhood. Of their 
 four daughters, two died in infancy, and one peacefully 
 breathed her last in the thirty- seventh year of her age. 
 In 1828, partly from delicate health, and to be more set 
 at liberty for religious service, he retired from business, 
 and the year following came to reside at this cottage in 
 Park Lane, Croydon, which he used to style " our com- 
 fortable, peaceful home." 
 
 The first record we find of his having spoken in 
 meeting was in his twenty- second year. He was acknow- 
 ledged as a minister in unity in 1818, by Devonshire 
 
VI. 
 
 House monthly meeting. His travels in the work of 
 the ministry with the unity of his monthly meeting 
 extended over a period of forty-three years, commencing 
 in 1822, during which time he visited all the meetings 
 of Friends in most of the English counties, and some 
 of them several times. Also in Guernsey and Jersey and 
 the Isle of Wight ; in Wales and Scotland ; and three times 
 paid a general visit to Friends in Ireland, viz., in 1837, 
 '56, and '65. His calling was much in the way of 
 private sittings with individuals or families, which ser- 
 vice he diligently performed in many places. Four times, 
 at least, he visited in this way the Friends near home. 
 The largest engagement of this kind was in the winter 
 of 1846-7, when he had 277 sittings alone with the 
 young men in our quarterly meeting, 66 with the young 
 women, and 229 other sittings. He not unfrequently 
 was led to hold meetings with persons not in our 
 Society where his lot was cast, and once accompanied 
 Sarah Harris, of Bradford, and Mary B. Brown, her 
 companion, to some parts of Holland and Germany. 
 There are evidences and testimonies that his labours in 
 Gospel love were acceptable, and not without fruit. 
 His ministry, like his nature, was loving and persuasive, 
 hearing a clear testimony to the spiritual and inward 
 nature of religion, and of the powerful operation and 
 working of saving grace in the secret of the heart, 
 often reminding us that it was "an individual work." 
 Perhaps on the occasion of interments, his ministry was 
 most of all impressive. It was then his exhortations 
 on the vanities of life, and the realities of death, seemed 
 to penetrate the hearts of many present, and leave 
 a savour of divine life long to be remembered. 
 
 His heart yearned over little children, that they 
 might not be hindered from coming to the Saviour by 
 
Vll. 
 
 the indifference of those around them ; and often when 
 he met with infants would instructively remark, " This 
 is what we must all come to — the state of a little 
 child." 
 
 He was remarkable in life for endeavouring to walk 
 spotless, and not join with anything that by the inward 
 light was forbidden him, and in the near approach of 
 death he was the same. 
 
 He directed that none of his money should be given 
 for the promotion of those undertakings in our Society 
 with which he had not felt unity, because they were not 
 sufficiently carried on in accordance with the principles 
 we profess, saying we could not depart from them with- 
 out going back to a lower dispensation ; and because, 
 deeply feeling the need of a daily cross to possess a 
 true religion, he believed that a superficial religion, or 
 profession only, had too much usurped its place among 
 us, and become a substitute for that vital Christianity, 
 or the life and witness of God manifest in the soul, 
 which ought to precede all our efforts for the good of 
 our fellow creatures. Otherwise he had a sympathizing 
 heart, easily moved to pity and compassion. 
 
 He often used to say, "When I was young, I felt 
 that if there was only one Quaker left, I must be that 
 one"— a feeling he retained to his end. And he 
 lamented that our early Friends' writings are so little 
 valued and read by friends at the present day. 
 
 P. Pitt. 
 
A MEMOIE 
 
 OF 
 
 JOHN FINCH MARSH 
 
 Without observing any strict rule, I thought it well to give 
 some memorandums from my father's diary, as they occur in 
 point of time ; after that his dying expressions, concluding 
 with selections from his correspondence. 
 
 FIBST— HIS DIABY. 
 
 I was born on the fourth day of third month, 1789, 
 at Chatham, in the county of Kent, and descended of 
 honest and virtuous parents. Their names were Thomas 
 and Catherine Marsh. My father was the son of Thomas 
 and Hannah Marsh, and born at Folkestone, 19th of 
 10th mo. 1748, 0. S. My mother, the daughter of 
 Peter and Mary Finch, it appears was born at Char- 
 tham, near Canterbury. 
 
 1810, 2nd mo. 24th. Emila Marsh, my brother 
 William's wife, died about ten o'clock in the evening. 
 
 1810> 3rd mo. 4th. To Batcliff meeting, morning 
 and afternoon. 
 
 1810, 3rd mo. 7th. Left Samuel Weetch. 
 
 1810, 6th mo. 4th. Uncle John Finch died. 
 
 1810, 6mo. 29th. Came to live with Mary Liver- 
 sidge and John Shewell, at Ipswich [as assistant] . 
 
10 
 
 1810, 8th mo. 12th. Attended Ipswich meeting, 
 morning and afternoon. Appeared with a few words 
 at the morning meeting. 
 
 1812. 5th mo. 19th. Left Ipswich. 
 
 1812, 7th mo. 8th. Went to Deptford [as as- 
 sistant to Joseph Shewell] . 
 
 1813, 7th mo. 5th. Left my kind and affectionate 
 friend Joseph Shewell. 
 
 1813, 8th mo. 3rd. Went to Coggeshall, and 9th 
 mo., 27th, left it. 
 
 1813, 10th mo. 21st. Went to Colchester [to 
 E. Brockway's] , and left it 3rd mo. 24th, 1814. 
 
 From 7th of 4th mo. 1814, to the 15th of 5th mo. 
 
 1814, again with my dear friend Joseph Shewell. 
 From 22nd of 8th mo. 1814, to the 26th of 2nd mo. 
 
 1815, again with my dear friend Joseph Shewell. 
 
 1814, 6th mo. 12th, 1st day. At a friend's house 
 this evening ; after supper had a religious opportunity, 
 and was enabled, I trust in an acceptable manner to 
 acknowledge the Lord, and have cause to believe it was 
 an act of obedience with which He was pleased. 
 
 22nd, 4th day. At Dover week-day meeting appeared 
 in supplication and testimony. 
 
 26th, 1st day. Attended Canterbury meeting, and 
 appeared in supplication and testimony. 
 
 30th. At a friend's house at Maidstone ; had a re- 
 ligious opportunity in supplication in the evening. 
 
 7th mo. 2nd, 1st day. Attended Rochester meeting 
 morning and evening, much to the satisfaction and com- 
 fort of my mind ; in the former was engaged in testi- 
 mony ; they were both precious meetings with me. 
 
 During the few weeks I spent in Kent, which was a 
 visit to my relations there, I was permitted to enjoy 
 frequent opportunities of religious retirement. 
 
11 
 
 Whitechapel, 10th mo., 1816. 
 
 Some account of a short visit to Southampton and 
 the Isle of Wight. 
 
 Early on 3rd day morning, 17th of 9th mo., 1816, 
 left London by coach for Southampton, and arrived 
 there about six o'clock. Lodged at the George Inn. I 
 have good reason to remember that evening, both before 
 and after retiring to bed, it being a season of divine 
 favour, my soul tasted of the goodness of the Lord, and 
 under an humbling sense thereof was sweetly bowed in 
 supplication. Slept comfortably, and awoke in the morn- 
 ing much refreshed ; walked a little before breakfast. 
 At eleven went to meeting, sat with a very small com- 
 pany, and expressed a little by way of encouragement. 
 Here I met with John Barclay, who kindly engaged to 
 meet me in the afternoon at W. W.'s, at whose house I 
 dined, to walk with me. I was pleased with his com- 
 pany, and presently found him an amiable, interesting 
 companion ; his mind evidently appears impressed with 
 much seriousness, a seriousness accompanied with a 
 solemn sweetness. I esteem it a privilege my lot was 
 cast so as to meet with him. He has been much the 
 pleasant companion of my thoughts since my return ; 
 my heart has rejoiced on his account, and been com- 
 forted in the belief that he is bowing with fear and 
 humility under the forming hand of the Lord. My heart 
 longs for his encouragement, and that he may con- 
 tinue to be preserved in a watchful, humble frame, that 
 so none of the many hindering, hurtful things that are 
 in the world may be permitted in any degree to obstruct 
 his progress in that path in which I believe the feet of 
 his mind are sweetly turned. Oh ! how delightful and 
 encouraging in passing along to meet with those young 
 in years concerned to remember their Creator in the 
 
12 
 
 days of their youth. My heart, yea all that is within 
 me, is at times made to rejoice over such as these, and 
 tenderly and affectionately desires their encouragement 
 and growth in the Truth. 
 
 May I be so preserved on the watch as to omit no 
 opportunity of doing what my hands find to do, and 
 endeavouring to encourage and strengthen the minds of 
 these preciously-visited, exercised little ones, according 
 to that ability which may be given. The mind thus 
 engaged, if careful not to move beyond present ability, 
 if careful to attend to right feeling, need not be afraid, 
 while thus preseiwed in the simplicity and humility, of 
 expressing anything that would be likely to bring forth 
 anything like unripe fruit, or an untimely birth ; but 
 would, I believe, if faithful in attending to the pointings 
 of Tfuth in the inward parts, be made instrumental in 
 different and many ways, to gather the children and 
 people — to strengthen the brethren and sisters. 
 
 We spent the remaining part of the day pleasantly ; 
 went to Netley Abbey to see those ancient and interest- 
 ing ruins ; the scenery of country and water from the 
 spot and about Southampton exceedingly beautiful. Got 
 back in the evening in time to meet our young friend 
 Edmund Janson, who had been on a visit at J. S.'s at 
 Shaftesbury, and agreeable to appointment met me here 
 in order to accompany me to the island. We supped at 
 W. W.'s. 
 
 19th. After breakfast our young friend J. B. met us 
 and accompanied us to Netley Abbey; spent the morning 
 pleasantly together, stopped at a neat, quiet house on 
 our return, and, taking a light meal, got back in time 
 for the packet, when, parting with dear J. B., went on 
 board between three and four, and after a pleasant sail 
 with agreeable company, landed at Cowes about six, 
 
13 
 
 took some tea, and walked to Newport in the dark. 
 [Here follows an account of their brief walking excur- 
 sion on the island, and of his return to Whitechapel on 
 the 23rd.] 
 
 [It is to be regretted that nothing more than a few scattered 
 memorandums can be found during the interesting period of 
 his early life, so that there appears to be no record concerning 
 the happy event of his marriage, which took place in the year 
 1819.] 
 
 1821, 12th mo. 1st. After reading the 6th chapter 
 of Daniel in the morning, this language seemed plea- 
 santly impressed on my mind — "The same Lord over 
 all is rich unto all that call upon Him." In the after- 
 noon had a short time of retirement in my chamber. 
 
 1823, 1st mo. 1st. Last evening, at the close of an 
 eventful year, my mind favoured with the overshadowing 
 of good ; and to-day the secret breathing of it hath been 
 that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my 
 heart may be more acceptable in the Divine sight for 
 the future than of late they have been. 
 
 [Near the close of a long visit to relatives at War- 
 wick, he mentions,] 
 
 1831, 11th mo. 27th. We attended Warwick meeting 
 morning and afternoon. My dear wife and self appeared 
 in testimony in the morning. In the afternoon broke 
 up meeting too soon, which was a cause of much uneasi- 
 ness to my poor mind the remainder of the evening, &c, 
 having reason to believe that my dear Hannah was not 
 quite clear of some in that little company, and came 
 away burdened. Oh ! what sorrow and regret I felt ! 
 
 1839, 2nd mo. 9th. [Being on a visit at Kochester] 
 I called on a medical man, having felt my mind secretly 
 attracted towards him in love ; I found him at home. 
 We had a sweet little time together, much to my 
 
14 
 
 satisfaction, and I trust to our mutual comfort and 
 strengthening. I believe him to be a valuable character, 
 one whose mind has often been preciously visited, humbled 
 and contrited, under a sense of the goodness and mercy 
 of the Lord towards him, and which I believe has fol- 
 lowed him from his youth up, and continues to follow 
 him. May he be preserved humble and watchful ! 
 the preciousness of the love of our Heavenly Father, 
 shed abroad in the hearts of the children of men ! 
 
 7th mo. 24th. I attended the interment of the re- 
 mains of dear Eliza Bell, at Croydon. Her dear be- 
 reaved husband seemed preserved in much calmness, 
 and was strengthened to express a few words sweetly at 
 the grave side. There were several communications in 
 the meeting, and some supplications. I am of the mind, 
 that more silence, and fewer words would have been 
 more profitable and edifying. I incline to think if there 
 was more inwardness and watchfulness, that there would 
 be less of the feeling of excitement experienced by those 
 who may at times have to minister, than it is to be 
 feared, is often the case on such occasions. 
 
 [Whilst holding a minute, liberating both my parents 
 for service in Croydon, during which time they had 
 nearly 50 sittings with Friends, also sittings in nearly 
 60 families not Friends.] 
 
 1840, 1st mo. 26th, 1st day. Very poor, and 
 stripped of the feeling of good, and of any qualification 
 or fitness for the important engagement in prospect 
 [among our neighbours] . P. B., K. B., H. D., and 
 Brother S. H. L. took tea with us, they being appointed 
 by the monthly meeting to confer with and assist us in 
 making the way for our visits. After tea we had a 
 comfortable, strengthening and encouraging time toge- 
 ther. B. B. appeared in supplication. 
 
15 
 
 27th. We took tea in company with dear M. S., who 
 had very sweetly and encouragingly to address my dear 
 wife and myself in the prospect of what was before us ; 
 it was a precious opportunity. Dear H. Dymond called 
 and spent a little time very pleasantly with us. I feel 
 much love to flow in my heart towards him, and desire 
 to have more and more of , his company, which think, I 
 may say, is always instructive to me. 
 
 28th. Eetired comfortably to rest last night, and 
 this morning my mind is favoured to feel calm and 
 quiet. 
 
 29th. In the evening commenced our visits, sitting 
 with F. and E. , a sweet and refreshing oppor- 
 tunity. 
 
 We are proceeding, I trust, safely and peacefully in 
 our engagement ; oftentimes comforted with a feeling of 
 sweet fellowship of spirit in the company of the humble 
 in heart, in our visits. And I think I may acknowledge 
 that gratitude has often been the covering of our minds 
 for the help which has from time to time been afforded 
 to our own humbling admiration, so that we are abun- 
 dantly compensated for the humiliating and proving sea- 
 sons we are often introduced into. 
 
 3rd mo. 15th, 1st day. Felt something towards an 
 individual who attended our meeting in the afternoon 
 (not in membership with us), at the close of which I 
 found it safest for me to seek an opportunity with 
 him, which I did by walking a little way with him, 
 much to the peace of my own mind, and I believe to 
 the comfort of his. He parted sweetly from me, ex- 
 pressing the desire the Lord might be with me. He 
 was at meeting also in the morning. I think his words 
 were, " The Lord be with thee." 
 
 Myself and wife attended the marriage of and 
 
16 
 
 . We dined at the house ; a large company. The 
 
 want of simplicity at the dinner table, as also in the 
 appearance of some as respects dress, was affecting 
 to witness. the sorrowful departure in this our 
 day, in so many ways, from the simplicity which the 
 Truth leads into, and would lead into, was there but 
 an individual faithfulness in yielding to the dictates 
 thereof — its pure teaching and guiding. 
 
 I attended the marriage of and , and ap- 
 peared in testimony. On going into the room after- 
 wards to speak with the bride and bridegroom, &c, I 
 was concerned to see such a display of flowers, so many 
 having a nosegay in their hands. Alas ! how many 
 deviations there are in the present day from the simpli- 
 city which the Truth would lead all into, was there but 
 a willingness to yield to its simple leadings and guid- 
 ings. No one perhaps can enjoy the sight of flowers 
 more than myself, and I believe it an allowable pleasure 
 for us all ; but the display of them on this occasion, and 
 in this way, does not feel comfortable to me, neither do 
 I think it right. Also it appears the practice of many 
 Friends now-a-days to ornament their dishes brought to 
 table, with flowers, which does not appear to me consis- 
 tent in us so to do. 
 
 1841, 7th mo. 6th. In the forenoon enjoyed a sweet 
 time in prayer in my chamber, under a renewed sense of 
 the fresh extension of my Heavenly Father's love to my 
 soul. My spirit was, I trust, bowed and contrited with 
 the feeling of gratitude and praise. 
 
 [After returning a certificate he held for visiting the 
 meetings in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derby, and Notts., 
 he wrote :] 
 
 1842, 1st mo. 20th. During this long engagement 
 it was my lot for the most part to move along in the 
 
17 
 
 feeling of much poverty, and weakness, and stripped- 
 ness ; yet I trust there were times when best help was 
 nigh to strengthen and enable me to bear a faithful 
 testimony to the Truth as it is in Jesus, — and that I 
 was mercifully preserved from doing harm to the pre- 
 cious cause. 
 
 3rd mo. 16th. Our beloved friend Sarah [Lynes] 
 Grubb departed this life at Sudbury, aged about 69 
 years. Great indeed is the loss the church has sustained 
 by the removal of this faithful servant and minister of 
 Christ. She was one eminently gifted for the work of 
 the ministry, in which she was a faithful and diligent 
 labourer from her youth up to the latest period of her 
 life. 
 
 23rd. The remains of our beloved Friend S. G-. in- 
 terred at Sudbury before meeting. It was a sweet and 
 solemn time by the grave-side, nothing expressed vocally. 
 In the meeting I ventured to bend the knee. Seven 
 Friends appeared in testimony. I believe it would have 
 been safe for me, and have tended to the peace of my 
 mind, had I simply rose towards the conclusion ; but, 
 alas ! I suffered the meeting to separate without ven- 
 turing the expression of a little; and which omission 
 occasioned me to feel sad. Ah ! how glad should I 
 have been could I but have got the same company of 
 Friends and others together again when it was too late ; 
 and how the lost opportunity was afforded for this exercise 
 of faith, even while the people were rising from their 
 seats, and leaving the meeting-house, which they did 
 in so deliberate and solid a manner. 
 
 May this circumstance, or omission, prove a lesson of 
 lasting instruction to me, — and may I yet be favoured to 
 experience a moving along in more simplicity and faith, 
 and in singleness of eye. 
 
18 
 
 1847, 10th mo. 20th. I have been seriously unwell, 
 and confined to my bed about a week. I am now 
 favoured to be nicely recovered, and nearly regained my 
 usual health and strength, and trust that my heart is 
 made to feel thankful to my heavenly Father for this 
 great favour, and for the sense of his goodness and. 
 mercy towards me in this time of prostration, which I 
 have to look back upon as a season of renewed favour, 
 wherein I trust I did enjoy something of the Divine 
 presence, and was bowed in spirit before the Lord under 
 a sense of my great unworthiness and unwatchfulness — 
 my many short comings and sins of omission and com- 
 mission, in which I trust near access was found in 
 prayer and praise, and renewed desires raised after a 
 closer walk with God, and that I might become 
 increasingly humble and watchful; yea, experience a 
 daily watching unto prayer. During my indisposition, 
 I had occasion to be well satisfied with the kind at- 
 tention paid me by our medical attendant, Edward 
 Westall. 
 
 21st. Our Monthly Meeting. It seemed with me to 
 remark on the necessity of witnessing the new birth ; 
 signifying that that which was necessary for one indi- 
 vidual, was needful for all to experience, viz., a true 
 and real change of heart, and conversion of soul — a 
 being born again agreeable to the doctrine of our Holy 
 Redeemer, which he taught Nicodemus. 
 
 11th mo. 8th, 2nd day Morning Meeting. My wife 
 and I attended it. Ann Tweedy, from Truro, was there, 
 and had feelingly to remark on the sorrow it had oc- 
 casioned her, since being up this way, in seeing the 
 increased departure from the simplicity in our young 
 people, bringing the matter close home to Friends filling 
 the station of Ministers and Elders ; giving suitable 
 
19 
 
 counsel, and encouraging to faithfulness in speaking in 
 love one to another, as occasion might seem to require. 
 I was glad of her communication, as also in that it 
 opened the way for my dear wife to obtain some relief 
 in a similar manner, which she was strengthened to do 
 in unison and accordance therewith. Their communi- 
 cations were, I think, a word in season, and may they 
 prove a profitable watchword. 
 
 1853, 1st mo. 30th. It is, I trust, under some feeling 
 sense of the love of our Heavenly Father shed abroad in 
 my heart, and for the nearness of access in prayer, re- 
 newedly permitted me again of late in my private retire- 
 ment, that I incline to write what my heart desires to say, 
 and I trust does say, viz., Rejoice in the Lord, my 
 soul, rejoice in him always, for He hath dealt mercifully 
 and bountifully with thee ; yea, " Bless the Lord, my 
 soul : and all that is within me, bless His holy name." 
 
 " Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every- 
 thing give thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ 
 Jesus concerning you." 
 
 Surely the Christian's life is, and ought to be, a life 
 of prayer, of thanksgiving, and of praise. A life of 
 devotedness and dedication of heart unto the Lord, at 
 all times, and in all things. A state of watchfulness is 
 a state of prayer ; herein is safety experienced. — How 
 important then is individual attention to the injunction 
 of our Holy Redeemer, to watch and pray, that we enter 
 not into temptation. " Watch and pray, that ye enter 
 not into temptation." 
 
 1853, 1st mo. The present is an awful time, calcu- 
 lated indeed to awaken and arouse to serious thoughtful- 
 ness and reflection — a season of mourning and heaviness 
 with many. The latter part of the past year, with the 
 opening of the present, has been, and is still, fraught 
 
20 
 
 with solemn and fearful events, from the very long con- 
 tinuance of much rain and consequent damp atmosphere, 
 with much illness from fever and other indisposition, the 
 town of Croydon and its neighbourhood being remark- 
 ably visited thereby, very many being ill, and many 
 removed by death. 
 
 How striking that in the short space of five weeks six 
 individuals, members of Croydon Particular Meeting, 
 should have been called upon to render up their ac- 
 counts ; and in about six weeks the remains of each 
 consigned to the silent grave. Affecting, indeed, the 
 events that have been happening about us in this time 
 of visitation with sickness and death. Fever of a typhoid 
 or a typhus kind, with diarrhoea ; and in most cases 
 that have been fatal, it seems from the first to have so 
 seized on the intellect as to afford very little if any time 
 of consciousness ; so that if preparation for the solemn 
 change was not sought after in time of health, there 
 appears to have been little or no opportunity on the sick 
 bed. Ah ! solemn events, indeed, and well it will be if 
 the inhabitants of this place and elsewhere so profit 
 thereby as to seek repentance, forsake sin, and by so 
 doing come to learn righteousness. And well will it be 
 if some of the members of our meeting, yea, all of us, 
 be afresh instructed in the way of righteousness, by 
 yielding to the humbling and contriting power of that 
 chastening Hand which has seen meet to dispense largely 
 to some of this affliction. 
 
 2nd mo. 8th. A time of precious quiet in retirement 
 this morning, and prayer. 
 
 8th mo. 10th. A. N. dined and took tea with us. 
 This dear young person, aged nearly 19 years, is 
 sweetly visited ; the love of our Heavenly Father is, I 
 believe, preciously shed abroad in his heart. May he be 
 
21 
 
 strengthened to hold on in the way cast up for him 
 to walk in, in faith and in faithfulness. 
 
 Amidst the many discouragements, there are some 
 bright spots to cheer the mourners on their way; 
 here and there a precious plant to cast the eye upon, 
 from which, too, proceeds a fragrant smell, calculated to 
 revive and animate the drooping hope ; some sweetly 
 visited minds on whom the good and tender Hand of the 
 Lord is laid, in order, if there he hut a yielding to its 
 forming and cleansing power, to fit and qualify for His 
 own work and service in His own way and time. 
 
 1854, 9th mo. 8th and 9th. Days spent much in 
 retirement, and I trust in waiting upon the Lord, 
 wherein I was engaged to pour forth my soul in prayer. 
 
 10th, 1st day. Toward the close of our evening 
 meeting I ventured in weakness and in fear to stand up, 
 and was, I think, helped in my testimony by Him who 
 " giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no 
 might he increaseth strength." William Higgins feel- 
 ingly expressed a little afterwards, and in unison with 
 my communication. 
 
 17th. Priscilla and myself by ourselves to-day, 
 wherein we were favoured to experience some precious 
 quiet. 
 
 18th. A day spent in profitable retirement, and in 
 the feeling of inward quiet. In the forenoon I trust 
 near access was granted in a time of prayer. Oh ! 
 how great the privilege of prayer, and the blessedness 
 which is known and felt when so engaged; when, in 
 private retirement waiting upon God, ability is afforded 
 in prostration of spirit to pour forth the soul unto Him, 
 in the name of His beloved Son our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 29th. Favoured this morning with the overshadowing 
 
22 
 
 of heavenly good, and my mind clothed with the 
 spirit of prayer; unworthy and undeserving do I feel 
 myself of such mercy in being thus permitted to rejoice 
 in the light of the Lord's countenance, " in whose pre- 
 sence is fulness of joy, at whose right hand there are 
 pleasures for evermore." 
 
 10th mo. 15th, 1st day. Having been looking toward 
 going to Wandsworth to-day, to sit with Friends in their 
 meeting, I left home with that intention ; but giving 
 way to unprofitable discouragement I returned back, 
 which occasioned me some feeling of regret, and by so 
 doing it is likely I deprived myself of the privilege of 
 the exercise of a little faith. 
 
 J 855, 4th mo. 13th. The thirty-sixth anniversary 
 of our marriage ; many and multiplied have been, the 
 blessings and favours received at the Lord's Hand 
 during our happy union. Under the sense thereof, our 
 hearts, I trust, have been often raised in the feeling of 
 gratitude and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, 
 whose goodness and mercy have indeed followed us all the 
 days of our lives, and whose supporting arm has been 
 near and underneath to sustain and uphold in seasons of 
 deep proving, of trial, and of conflict. Surely we have 
 renewed occasion to adopt the words of the Psalmist 
 and say, " "What shall I (we) render unto the Lord for 
 all His benefits towards me " (us). 
 
 1856, 4th mo. This day, the 13th, memorable as 
 being the thirty- seventh anniversary of our marriage. 
 Many and multiplied have been the jmercies and favours 
 continued to us and our beloved daughters since noticing 
 the 13th of 4th mo. in the past year, and renewed de- 
 sires are, I trust, raised in our hearts that the remainder 
 of our days may be devoted, as ability is afforded, and 
 the requirings may be, to the service of the precious 
 
23 
 
 cause of Truth, which hath been and still is near and 
 dear to us. As in years that are past, and in the morn- 
 ing of life, we may have been strengthened, according 
 to our measure, to sow the seed, so also now in the 
 approaching evening of our day we may not withhold 
 the hand. The watchword is important. Eccles. xi., 6. 
 
 1859, 5th mo. 28th. To be again returned to our 
 comfortable and quiet home is truly pleasant, and in 
 being so permitted, I trust our hearts are made to feel 
 thankful to our Heavenly Father for the many favours 
 partaken of during our stay in London, and in the at- 
 tendance of the Yearly Meeting ; and for the help af- 
 forded both mentally and bodily. 
 
 A stripped time with me, and many are the dis- 
 couragements of the present day. The sight and sense 
 of the low state of things amongst us as a people is 
 affecting and sorrowful; yet amidst all our.various short- 
 comings, and many and great deficiencies, &c, &c, we 
 were at times, during the sittings of this our Annual 
 Meeting, favoured with the evidence that we are not as 
 yet a forsaken people. 
 
 Discouraging as may seem the present aspect of 
 things as regards our religious Society, my faith is that 
 the Lord will preserve unto himself such a People ; that 
 there will be preserved from generation to generation 
 those who in their day will be strengthened to stand for 
 the honour of the precious cause of Truth, yea, to bear 
 a faithful testimony to the simplicity of the Truth as it 
 is in Jesus, who will be enabled to uphold those various 
 precious testimonies committed to us as a People to bear 
 before the world. 
 
 Testimonies so precious, and for which our forefathers 
 in the Truth suffered so much in a faithful supporting of 
 them. ... .., , ..... 
 
24 
 
 " Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and 
 his greatness is unsearchable." 
 
 " One generation shall praise Thy works to another, 
 and shall declare Thy mighty acts." — Ps. cxlv., y. 3. 4. 
 
 Again, sweetly is set forth the watchful care of our 
 Heavenly Father over His vineyard, — " I the Lord do 
 keep it ; I will water it every moment : lest any hurt it, 
 I will keep it night and day." — Isaiah xxvii. 3. 
 
 1864, 3rd mo. 4th. The forty-fifth anniversary of 
 our marriage. A happy union, having been, as we trust, 
 joined together in and by the Lord, blessed of Him, and 
 in and to each other. Surely we have abundant cause 
 reverently to bless and praise His holy Name for his 
 goodness and mercy which has followed us, not only 
 through this lengthened period of a happy married life, 
 but we may also say from our youth up, yea, from the 
 days of our early childhood ; so that under some sense 
 and feeling, the query may well be, not only, what shall 
 we render ? but also, what have we hitherto rendered 
 unto Him for all His benefits towards us, for all His 
 manifold gifts and blessings, both spiritual and tem- 
 poral ? Many have been the trials, conflicts, and exer- 
 cises through which we have had to pass during our 
 journeying along ; yet through all, the good and tender 
 Hand of the Lord hath been near to sustain and sup- 
 port under them, thus verifying in our experience that 
 He is indeed good, and a " stronghold in the day of 
 trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." 
 
 And how especially near is He felt to be in seasons 
 of affliction, in moments of extremity, by all them that 
 put their trust in Him. Ah ! it is then that the ever- 
 lasting Arms are felt to be underneath. 
 
 It is when the floods are permitted to lift up their 
 voice and their waves, that these are favoured to 
 
25 
 
 experience " The Lord on high to be mightier" for their 
 help and deliverance, " than the noise of many waters, 
 yea, than the mighty waves of the sea." 
 
 And ! how much, how very much, have we to be 
 thankful for, in that at our advanced period of life, so com- 
 fortable a share of health and bodily ability is granted 
 us, as also for the continued preservation of our mental 
 powers. I trust there are times when our hearts, ten- 
 dered under a sense thereof, are clothed with the feeling 
 of gratitude and thankfulness, and of praise to our Hea- 
 venly Father, |who giveth so richly to partake of His 
 many mercies and blessings. 
 
 5th mo. 1st, 1st day. In our forenoon meeting our 
 dear aged friend William Ashby was remarkably en- 
 gaged in testimony, as he is often favoured to be ; he 
 also knelt in prayer. It is instructive and encouraging 
 to witness how this beloved Friend appears to be raised 
 up and strengthened to bear a living and faithful testi- 
 mony to the Truth as it is in Jesus, as I have often 
 thought, before being gathered to his heavenly home. 
 " The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree ; he shall 
 grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted 
 in the house of the Lord shall nourish in the courts of 
 our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age ; 
 they shall be fat and flourishing." 
 
 1866, 3rd mo. 19th. [Having been] confined to the 
 bed and chamber many days, I had Alfred Carpenter, 
 our medical attendant, to see me, under whose kind, 
 judicious treatment, and with the most tender nursing 
 care of my beloved and affectionate wife, it has pleased 
 our Heavenly Father to permit me now to feel much 
 recovered. My thus being laid by, I trust has been a 
 time of some spiritual profit, some searching of heart, 
 and renewal of best strength. Among other precious 
 
26 
 
 portions brought to remembrance, that Scripture has, I 
 trust, been realised in experience, " Thou wilt keep him 
 in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because 
 he trusteth in Thee." 
 
 And how true it is, that in quietness and in confi- 
 dence the Christian's strength is renewed. Yes, in 
 proportion as the heart and mind is inwardly stayed 
 and fixed on the Lord in quietness and in confidence, 
 that a renewal of spiritual strength is experienced. 
 
 24th. Came down to breakfast, afterwards read the 
 ciii. Psalm. It is, indeed, cause of thankfulness my 
 being thus favoured with an increase of bodily strength ; 
 and that I may daily experience a renewal thereof 
 spiritually. " The Lord is good unto them that wait 
 for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him." 
 
 1866, 9th mo. 19th. I went to the Kent Quarterly 
 Meeting, held at Canterbury. 
 
 28th. We left Folkestone. We much enjoyed the 
 quiet time spent there [for change of air] , which I trust 
 was beneficial, both mentally and bodily. In attending 
 their little meeting while there, we were, I trust, helped 
 in testimony suitable to the few assembled. Also when 
 walking out, we had at times some interesting conversa- 
 tion with serious persons we occasionally met with. 
 
 1867, 4th mo. 2nd. Oh ! the preciousness of near 
 access to the throne of grace in prayer, in times of re- 
 tirement when waiting upon the Lord. Such, I trust, 
 was my favoured experience this forenoon. 
 
 4th. W. W., of Brading, in the Isle of Wight, made 
 a call on us. His spirit was felt to be sweetly re- 
 freshing. 
 
 13th. The forty-eighth anniversary of our marriage. 
 Surely there is renewed occasion, all unworthy and un- 
 deserving as we are of the many mercies and blessings 
 
27 
 
 bestowed npon us, to put up our Ebenezer, saying, 
 "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us;" and again, "What 
 shall we render ? " &c. 
 
 5th mo. 81st. The Yearly Meeting concluded. My 
 Wife and I attended most of the sittings, but were not at 
 any of the committees. The meeting was largely at- 
 tended, and notwithstanding the many weaknesses and 
 shortcomings and serious innovations, an evidence was 
 mercifully afforded that we are not a forsaken people, 
 but that our Heavenly Father is still watching over us 
 for good. Then how well it would be if as a people we 
 were so humbled under a sense of our departure in so 
 many ways from the simplicity, which the Truth as it is 
 in Jesus ever leads into, as to be able to say, " Let us 
 search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord; " 
 and also be able individually to say with the Psalmist, 
 " I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto Thy 
 testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep 
 Thy commandments." 
 
 6th mo. 5th. Some near access, I trust, in prayer, 
 in private retirement this morning ; and during the day 
 was favoured to enjoy much precious quiet. 
 
 1868, 12th mo. 14th. Oh ! the blessedness of feeling 
 daily the mind clothed with the spirit of prayer. I had 
 a sweet time on the bended knee in the forenoon. And 
 oh ! the blessedness of knowing something of what I 
 apprehend the apostle meant when he said, "Pray 
 without ceasing ; in everything give thanks, for this is 
 the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Not 
 that we were to be on the bended knee of the body from 
 morning until night, but that we should throughout the 
 day live in the spirit of prayer, in a state of watchfulness 
 unto prayer, inwardly feeling after the Divine Presence, 
 thev liftings up of the light of the Lord's countenance, 
 
28 
 
 and in earnest and secret breathings for holy help and 
 merciful preservation on every hand, and every way. 
 Ah ! such as these know something of the blessed 
 privilege of prayer, and under the constraining influences 
 of heavenly love and peace have often, and at times often 
 in the day, to bow the knee in vocal prayer, and in the 
 retirement of their chamber and elsewhere, to pour forth 
 their souls in solemn prayer and supplication to their 
 Heavenly Father, in the Name and for the sake of His 
 beloved Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 1870, 10th mo. 25th. T. F , an interesting 
 
 young man, not a member of our Society, came to tea 
 with us. "We enjoyed his company, and had some 
 serious converse together. 
 
 10th mo. 28th. Last evening finished reading the 
 memoranda left by the late I. H., including some ex- 
 tracts from the journal of her mother I. T., kindly lent 
 to us for perusal by one of the family. The reading of 
 it has been truly interesting and edifying, and my spirit 
 sweetly tendered in marking the pureness of life and 
 genuine piety, as manifested throughout ; and peaceful 
 close of each. It has, I trust, tended to lead afresh into 
 some searching of heart, giving me to feel my own 
 nothingness, unworthiness, and many shortcomings. My 
 dear wife has also shared with me in the profitable 
 reading thereof. 
 
 1871, 4th mo. 13th. To-day is the fifty-second anni- 
 versary of our marriage. Surely we have great occasion 
 afresh to commemorate the goodness and mercy of our 
 Heavenly Father extended to us during our lengthened 
 happy union, a period of time but few perhaps, com- 
 paratively speaking, are alike permitted to realise, enjoy, 
 and share together in the blessings and privileges of a 
 married life. Varied have been the trials, conflicts, and 
 
29 
 
 exercises we have been partakers of ; yet through all, 
 and under some close and heavy bereavements of be- 
 loved and precious children and grandchildren, the ever- 
 lasting Arms have been felt to be underneath for our 
 support ; yea, when the floods of affliction have lifted up 
 their voice and their waves, the Lord on high hath 
 proved Himself to be mightier for our help and deliver- 
 ance than the noise of many waters, yea, than the 
 mighty waves of the sea. So that now in our advanced 
 years we have abundant cause to put up our Ebenezer, 
 and say as heretofore, that " Hitherto the Lord hath 
 helped us." I think we may each say that from the 
 days of early childhood and youth, we have experienced 
 His love and fear to be placed in our hearts, so that He 
 who was our morning light, we reverently trust is now 
 our evening song, our joy and rejoicing. 
 
 1872, 5th mo. 11th. Thirty-four years to-day since 
 my much beloved friend John Barclay departed this life ; 
 also that much beloved friend Anna M. Thorne, of 
 America. How precious, yes always how precious, is 
 the memory of them. " The righteous shall be in ever- 
 lasting remembrance." 
 
 17th. " Blessed are they which -do hunger and thirst 
 after righteousness, for they shall be filled." 
 
 The soul that is thus quickened and made alive unto 
 God, feels the necessity of seeking day by day, and more 
 often than the day, a renewal of spiritual strength, and 
 for the fresh supply of that heavenly bread which 
 nourishes the soul up unto eternal life ; and surely that 
 day may be said to be a lost day in which something of 
 this hunger and thirst after the bread and water of life 
 is not felt and experienced, — this hunger and thirst 
 after Christ and His righteousness, and some sense and 
 feeling of His heavenly presence in the lifting up of the 
 
30 
 
 light of His countenance upon us ; and though there 
 may be and are times when for the trial of our faith and 
 exercise of patience, the bread may be given us as by 
 weight, and the water as by measure ; yet as faith and 
 patience is abode in, the needful crumb and needful 
 drop of water will not be withheld in the time of need, 
 the ancient promise being realised and experienced — 
 " Bread shall be given him ; his waters shall be sure." 
 
 12th mo. 17th. To-day's post has brought us the 
 affecting intelligence of the death of our beloved cousin 
 John Marsh, of Dorking, in the eighty-fourth year of 
 his age. 
 
 May the remembrance of his watchful, upright, and 
 consistent walk, be so teaching to survivors as to quicken 
 in them the desire to be alike strengthened by grace to 
 follow him, as we may believe he endeavoured to follow 
 Christ. 
 
 1878, 1st mo. 7th. To-day has brought us the affect- 
 ing intelligence of the death of Richard Allen, of New- 
 town, Waterford. It was my privilege, I may say our 
 privilege (my beloved wife being a sharer therein), to 
 enjoy for many years an uninterrupted and abiding 
 friendship with this* our beloved, departed friend and 
 brother in the Truth, and throughout, a lively in- 
 terest in each other's best welfare ; and epistolary cor- 
 respondence has been maintained between us, being, as 
 we were, nearly united in spirit, and in the love and 
 fellowship of the Gospel. " The memory of the just is 
 blessed." 
 
 7th mo. 3rd. Fourteen years to-day since our pre- 
 ciously beloved daughter Hannah departed this life ; 
 precious, indeed, is her memory. I trust I may say, as 
 heretofore, that, " She being dead, yet speaketh." 
 
 7th. We attended our Quarterly Meeting of ministers 
 
31 
 
 and elders. We each had something to express in the 
 meeting. 
 
 8th. I went to our Quarterly Meeting. Our dear 
 friend Mary Ann Bayes paid an acceptable visit to the 
 men's meeting of discipline. 
 
 [The diary was broken off soon after, and gives no 
 account of his last visit to the seaside, in company with 
 my dear mother and ourselves.] 
 
SOME ACCOUNT OF HIS LAST DAYS. 
 
 My Fathee appeared much benefitted by our visit to 
 Margate. During the whole five weeks of our stay he 
 was remarkably well, enjoying the fresh air and exercise 
 greatly. But soon after our return the weather be- 
 came autumnal, and in little more than a week he 
 was laid up, having appeared to take a chill, which 
 brought on congestion of the liver. He was ill about four 
 weeks. For nearly two the expectation of recovery was 
 dominant, and my beloved mother nursed him with calm 
 cheerfulness. Sweet composure reigned in the house. 
 I called in repeatedly, and observed his desire to get 
 everything worldly off his mind, that he " might have 
 nothing to think about." "You shouldn't let little 
 things trouble you ; I seem to have done with time.'' 
 He gave me a gentle hint to come as often as possible, 
 " for we do not know how it may be from one day to 
 another." " It seems hid from me whether I shall get 
 about again ; if I do, I shall be thankful ; and if not, 
 resigned." 
 
 Fourteen days before he died, I called in for an hour, 
 which seemed to comfort him. He asked me to write a 
 letter for him, and then took me quite by surprise with 
 the following words, " If I pass away all will be well 
 with me, I believe." I asked him if he felt that ? He 
 
33 
 
 replied, " Of course I do. My Heavenly Father that 
 visited me when a child is the same now. He had His 
 eye upon me in the womb ; he visited me from a child. 
 I loved and feared Him from a child. I have found I 
 have not followed cunningly devised fables, — it's the 
 Inward Saving Grace — though it has not been my way, 
 like many do, to make a great talk. I'm afraid many 
 pass away unprepared, and their relations and friends 
 think they are prepared. They must know something 
 that I have known. Sometimes in the night I felt low, 
 that I had no one to speak to, but I endeavour to bear 
 it." I asked if he was pleased to see me ? He answered, 
 "I am now, and always pleased, night or day." He 
 wondered his friends had not been to see him. I told 
 him I had not given a very bad account of him. He 
 said, "It's no use to mince the matter ; I have never 
 had such an illness before, to seem so near the close ; 
 my poor tongue," &c. I asked if he wanted to see my 
 husband, who was from home ? "Of course I do ; 
 George knows I want him to be with me at the close." 
 
 From that time I was with him night and day, with 
 little exception (notwithstanding we had obtained a 
 nurse), and the next evening my husband came, and 
 also remained until the close. We all felt it a great 
 privilege to wait on him. The calm, peaceful serenity 
 which had been his portion through life, was doubly 
 present now, and the feeling inspired in the hearts of 
 all who were with him was, oh ! that their latter end 
 might be like his ! 
 
 On hearing a letter read one day, he said, " So much 
 about outward enjoyments, and nothing about the inward 
 life; so much living in outward gratification,, feeding 
 and encouraging the earthly mind. It's one thing to 
 talk about being prepared, but another to be prepared. 
 
34 
 
 There's an inward guidance for us all ; we all know 
 when we have not done what is right, and what we ought 
 to do." " Let us try and be cheery ; we have known 
 the Truth, and we love the Truth, and we know what 
 the Truth is ; and the more we know of it, the more we 
 see the beauty and excellency of it." " How people 
 can settle down as they do in the world ! " 
 
 After the complaint seemed giving way, and his tongue 
 beginning to clear, and our drooping hopes to revive, he 
 said, " I like to look at your countenances ; it may not 
 be long we shall look upon one another. I don't think 
 you know how ill and weak I am." He wanted my hus- 
 band to sit down with me by him, and said, "I have 
 always loved quiet ; I enjoy it. I think we are alike for 
 that, George and I. It's not in the much talking. When 
 I was in the womb, the Lord had regard to me ; in my 
 cradle He was my loving Father, my loving Saviour. I 
 should wish my interment conducted in great simplicity ; 
 no show ; no brass on the coffin. I hope you will have a 
 nice opportunity after tea of waiting on the Lord ! " 
 " I have so many kind nurses ; your attention could not 
 be exceeded." 
 
 Two of his nieces coming in, he said, " I hope we 
 shall all meet one day to sing the same song. We have 
 all of us been preserved from childhood, have we not ? 
 I dare say we have all fallen short of our duty, but what 
 is past cannot be recalled, and the future is hidden from 
 us — the present time only is ours. We have all a great 
 work to do ; we must know the New Birth." My aunt, 
 E. P. C, coming in soon after, he said to her, " I never 
 could put up with anything superficial. It is an inward 
 work. I have loved the Truth from a child. I have 
 known what true Quakerism is. I have loved the Truth 
 as it is in Jesus. Mine has been a close walk with the 
 
35 
 
 Saviour. I have suffered much, according to my mea- 
 sure, at the state of our Society. There mnst be such 
 a people. It's not what we profess, it's the Principle ; 
 it's nothing outward that will do. I was recorded a 
 minister in 1818. Nearly all that knew me at that time 
 are gone. I have known in my life so very many in our 
 Society of the excellent of the earth ; yes, the excellent of 
 the earth. Many now have made mistakes of one kind or 
 another, and gone more or less into the world." "I do 
 not see how we can be right unless we dwell in love ; " 
 then quoting some texts on love, said, " How very 
 beautiful the Scriptures are ! The Spirit of the Saviour 
 is all love, gentleness, compassion. If we are on the 
 Rock we are in love, peace, gentleness, and joy in be- 
 lieving." 
 
 " Arrayed in robes of purest white 
 
 The crown immortal wears ; 
 And numbered with the saints in light, 
 
 The palm of victory bears." 
 
 " That's when we're gone." 
 
 He fondly recognised each face, saying, "What a 
 favour it is I can see so clear !" 
 
 In the evening he said, " The prophet Ezekiel, what 
 a wonderful man he was ! If ever I get at the Scrip- 
 tures again, how doubly I shall value them ! " The next 
 day, remaining in a critical state, he was cautioned not 
 to talk much. He replied, "I don't want to talk. I 
 don't want to hear what is passing. Wait and see if I 
 get better. I seem to have nothing to do with the 
 world. To know you are all near me, and caring for 
 me!" 
 
 In the afternoon, being alone with him, I heard him 
 praying in a low voice ; but not being near, could only 
 hear it in broken sentences, " how unworthy, how 
 
36 
 
 unfaithfully I have served Thee * * * all my sins 
 are forgiven through Jesus Christ * * * If it be 
 Thy will, oh ! Heavenly Father, to spare me a little 
 longer, I trust my heart * * * or be with me in the 
 last extremity and support." The next evening I heard 
 him again, and these were the words, " Thou knowest, 
 oh ! Lord, how poor and weak I am brought, but hitherto 
 Thy Hand has sustained me, and I believe the ever- 
 lasting arms will be underneath, and I believe Thou canst 
 raise me up if it be Thy will. — I thank Thee that I do 
 not suffer great pain. And to think my little grandson 
 is so kept ; dear boy, I do love him ! " 
 
 My husband's mother coming in, he said, "My dear 
 love to her ; I'm too weak to talk ; so many kind friends ! " 
 She replied, " And One kinder than all." He said, 
 " Oh ! yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes." 
 
 He said to me one day, " I don't want the meeting 
 to say anything about me ; my life has been my testi- 
 mony." 
 
 One day when the doctor was here, my father said, 
 " 1 know him well, and feel him like a brother. I be- 
 lieve he will do his best for me." The doctor answered, 
 " And you are doing the best for yourself by your quiet, 
 passive conduct." Father replied, "I always have de- 
 sired to dwell in the sweetness and gentleness of the 
 Saviour's spirit." 
 
 He said, " I think it will be a miracle if I am raised 
 up again; but miracles have not ceased. The Lord 
 could raise me up." He also said several days back, 
 that if he recovered he did not wish " there should be a 
 great deal of talk about illness, but rather dwell on the 
 mercy of recovery, and talk of better things." " I have 
 thought if my life was spared, I should like to pen a 
 little how sweetly I was visited from a child." 
 
37 
 
 In the night I was awoke by his melodious voice 
 in wrestling prayer on his own account, concluding with 
 " And oh ! that my darling boy may be kept as we de- 
 sire him to be kept while his mother is away." Soon 
 after he said, "I don't want to hear any more about 
 houses made with men's hands," referring to that ex- 
 pression in an epistle " a House in the Heavens." The 
 next morning, after giving directions about some of his 
 things, he wished to be quiet ; and then turning the 8th 
 and 9th verses of the 55th of Isaiah into a prayer, 
 offered an humble supplication for the light of the Lord's 
 countenance and presence. 
 
 He had become so weak, he often felt unable to talk ; 
 and one day said, "I don't think it likely I can be 
 raised up. I would not have you look to it." 
 
 One who came in said she hoped he had a bright 
 prospect either way ? He nodded yes, saying, " It 
 would be a sad thing if it were not so, would it not ? " 
 
 Once when we were giving him something, he said, 
 *' How everything is provided ! Even the sparrows are 
 not forgotten." 
 
 One day he said to one who was attending on him, 
 " If I get about again, I hope I should be even more 
 careful of my walk. " Set a watch, oh ! Lord, before 
 my mouth; keep the door of my lips." " Let the 
 words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be 
 acceptable in Thy sight, oh Lord, my strength and my 
 Redeemer." 
 
 About eight days before the close he began to suffer 
 with such intense exhaustion, as though he could not hold 
 out longer, and asked the doctor if it would not be better 
 to let him pass away undisturbed, desiring we might be 
 quiet, and we should see when he passed away. For 
 one day and two nights we kept much upon the watch, 
 
38 
 
 his end seemed so near ; but again he revived to our 
 great consolation for six days more. It was during this 
 two days when he could swallow nothing, except a little 
 grape juice part of the time, when his departure seemed 
 so near, that a friend came down from London to see 
 him, to whom he said, " This is a proving time ; it is 
 wonderful how I have been supported ; " and related 
 some incidents in his life, adding, " I don't want the 
 meeting to say anything about me. I have been a poor 
 unworthy servant, but I believe I often divided the word 
 aright." Another friend came in, and remarked, "It 
 is a reality." Father replied, " Yes, I have often told 
 Friends that nothing short of the reality, nothing short 
 of the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
 will do in a dying hour." 
 
 He wished his love to be given to all his relatives and 
 friends, particularly to all the friends belonging to 
 Croydon Meeting. 
 
 After the second night's anxious watching above re- 
 ferred to, he said, "I see so clear, it seems almost as if 
 I could read." He was asked if he would like to hear a 
 Psalm read ? He replied, " The Lord is my Shepherd, 
 I have not wanted; " soon after added, " If you like to 
 sit down and read a Psalm." Upon which we all sat 
 down, and the book was given to me. Father said, 
 " The floods have lifted up." While I was finding the 
 xciii, he raised his voice, and said, " The Lord on high 
 is mightier than the noise of many waters." Having 
 read that short psalm, he said, "He shall cover thee 
 with His feathers," upon which I read the xci. Then 
 he repeated the two first verses of ciii, and said, " I 
 hope you will often read the 103rd Psalm, it is bo 
 beautiful." 
 
 After this he said, " Some will be sorry at my 
 
39 
 
 removal ; but there will be other ministers raised up ; 
 there must be such a people." " God is love, and he that 
 dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him ; we 
 dwell in love, and we dwell in God." " How true it is 
 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is 
 stayed on Thee, because — because — because — he trusteth 
 in Thee." 
 
 In the afternoon my child was brought for the last 
 time to see him, and he would have the young woman 
 in to acknowledge her kind care over him in my absence. 
 Then I heard him in a sweet voice say, 
 
 " Oh ! God, Thou moves in a mysterious way, 
 Thy wonders to perform," — 
 
 I then went near, and when he saw me he said, " I 
 
 want to say, — ■ 
 
 " Thou, oh God ! moves in a mysterious way, 
 Thy wonders to perform, 
 Thou plants Thy footsteps in the sea, 
 And rides upon the storm." 
 
 I should like to say it all, but am not able." 
 
 He said he hoped dear mother would not sit down and 
 mourn, and that I should not fret, adding, " Thou wilt 
 be supported ; it will be a cause of rejoicing when I am 
 gone. I hope this will long be an open house for you 
 and your mother on first days." 
 
 Four days before the close, two of his oldest friends 
 came a long distance to visit him. To them he said, 
 "lam not altered ; I am a true Quaker, a true Friend ; 
 there must be a living people ; there must be such a 
 people. Ah ! they have slidden off the foundation, and 
 are building on the sand, and they will find it so when 
 it is too late. I have been preserved in patience. I 
 
40 
 
 have fought a good fight, according to my measure. 
 I have fought a good fight with the measure of grace 
 bestowed. I have been helped to keep the faith in Him, 
 who for the joy that was set before Him endured the 
 cross ; yes, endured the cross." 
 
 They told him he had been a father in the Truth to 
 them, and that they loved him for the Truth's sake — 
 that they met in the Truth. Father replied, " Yes, and 
 we lived in the Truth ; we walked in the Truth. Many 
 a little one in secret have I cherished ; oh ! yes, you 
 know all about me." "I feel nothing but love to all — love 
 to all. I swim in the ocean of love. The everlasting 
 Arms are underneath." 
 
 " Dear Lydia and John ! (Barclay.) I did love them 
 so dearly; they were very near and dear to me. I 
 always remember the day he died ; and precious Anna 
 Thorne died the same day. It was like mother and son 
 going to Heaven together." 
 
 They expressed the hope of seeing him again, if con- 
 sistent with the Lord's will. Father said, " Everything 
 is in that. I always desire everything, if consistent with 
 His holy will." 
 
 One of them said, " He that was thy morning light 
 is now thy evening song." Father assented to that, 
 and said, " He was my light in my childhood. I have 
 loved the Lord from a child, and my Saviour has loved 
 me — from my boyhood — all my life. A great age, in my 
 eighty-fifth year." 
 
 From that time his weakness was so very great, 
 he said but little. He, however, never once, that I 
 heard, expressed anxiety to be gone, as he had the pre- 
 vious week. Now and then humbly appealed to his 
 Heavenly Father that he knew how weak he was ; and 
 the last afternoon said he hoped patience would hold 
 
41 
 
 out; and seeing George's mother, who came to sit 
 quietly in the room, in a low voice signified his pleasure 
 "to have us all near him." 
 
 His weakness increased greatly, but he was able to 
 speak almost to the last, never losing consciousness, 
 and passed away very gently, according to his petition, 
 that the Lord would be " with him in the last extremity 
 and support ; " and truly as He was with my father, 
 He also condescended to be with us in the unspeakable 
 trial of parting with -one so dear. And sincerely do I 
 bless and praise Him for His gracious dealings with my 
 beloved parent, and for His loving-kindness in granting 
 the fervent desire of my heart, to be permitted to be 
 with him whenever his call should come. 
 
 Then let it be an incitement to us all to cleave with 
 fuller purpose of heart to the Lord, whose goodness to us 
 far exceeds our devotedness to Him, and who can fulfil 
 His promise when least expected and least deserved, 
 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with 
 thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow 
 thee ; and when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt 
 not be burned." 
 
 The interment took place the week following in the 
 Friends' burial-ground at Croydon Meeting House — 
 when a large company assembled, the weather being 
 fine, and it was a solemn and instructive occasion. 
 
 P. Pitt. 
 
42 
 
 The following unlooked-for testimony (inserted by 
 permission,) was received the day before the interment, 
 from the writer, who was unable to be present with us 
 on that occasion : — 
 
 A few words of Testimony concerning my beloved and ever 
 sympathising Friend, the late John Finch Marsh ; who died 
 at Croydon on the 7th of 10th mo., 1873 ; aged 84 years. 
 
 "And of Zion it shall be said, 
 . . " This Man was born there ; " 
 That Jerusalem which is from above 
 Was Mother unto him : 
 Whose peace he prayed for, 
 And true weal he sought, 
 From childhood to old age : 
 In labours and in love abundant. 
 A simple character, sweet, solid, and sincere ; 
 Enlarged and beautified by grace, 
 And heavenly-mindedness ; 
 Abounding in the love of God, 
 And in the Spirit of Christ Jesus, 
 His Lord and Saviour. 
 
 In joy of hope ; — blest confidence of faith ; — 
 
 Reverence, humility, and godly fear ; — 
 
 In tribulations patient, and to Truth sincere, 
 
 He lived : and so he died : 
 
 Reposing in that Name, 
 
 Than which, no other saves, — 
 
 Jesus Immanuel ! 
 
 D. P. 
 
EXTRACTS FROM SOME OF HIS LETTERS. 
 
 Ipswich, 9th Mo., 1811. 
 When made alive to a sense of that which is really- 
 good, is it not then that the Enemy of the souls' sal- 
 vation endeavours to entangle the feet of our poor 
 minds, and with his subtle persuasions deceives us, so 
 that if we are not constantly on our watch, there is great 
 danger of our slipping aside ; but if we are willing to 
 come under the forming hand of the Lord, willing to 
 be made what he would have us to be, waiting from 
 season to season to know his will concerning us, that we 
 may yield simple obedience to all his requirings made 
 known to us in the secret of the soul ; — if we are found 
 thus faithfully following on to know the Lord in the way 
 of his leadings, we shall assuredly know a being clothed 
 with the armour of his righteousness, and have for a 
 shield of defence, his salvation; thus shall we be enabled 
 to withstand the fiery darts of the wicked one, and 
 overcome him in all his assaults. 
 
 To his friend Hannah Evans. 
 
 Ipswich, 10th Mo., 1811. 
 
 Ah my dear friend, how is my heart, yea all that is 
 
 within me made to rejoice, when I see or hear of any of 
 
 my young friends shewing themselves to be the disciples 
 
44 
 
 of Christ, by taking up the cross daily and following 
 him. that the number of these may daily and hourly 
 increase, is the sincere desire of my soul. 
 
 I was delighted with that portion of thy letter where 
 thou says, "there are some in this city who have parted 
 with considerable of this world's gratifications to get on 
 in their journey." May none of us who are making a 
 profession of religion fall short of the power thereof, 
 but may we be diligent in the examining individually 
 ourselves, in order to know how the work of religion 
 goes on in our hearts ; whether the day's work keeps 
 pace with the day. Eeligion being an every day work, 
 does not, will not allow any of us to remain idle ; so that 
 if we are truly desirous of making happy progress 
 therein, we must not neglect to retire inwardly and 
 examine ourselves. I often think of these words of 
 the Psalmist, " Commune with your own heart upon 
 your bed, and be still," and wish it was more my prac- 
 tice than it is ; sensible how necessary it is for us all 
 daily to examine ourselves, — to cast up our accounts and 
 see how they stand between God and our immortal 
 souls. 
 
 To his Cousin Joseph M . 
 
 Ipswich, 12th Mo., 1811. 
 Dear Joseph, 
 
 On looking a little with an eye of concern at the 
 situation in which thou art, perhaps, unavoidably placed, 
 and considering how exposed a one it is, particularly for 
 young persons, — I have been a little thoughtful for thee, 
 with sincere desires for thy spiritual welfare, that thou 
 mayest be preserved from the many temptations that 
 may continually be presented to thee from the different 
 
45 
 
 companies thou art in ; but remember it is no sin to be 
 tempted, the sin lieth in yielding to the tempter. No 
 doubt thou feels at times the delicacy of thy situation, 
 when, after the business of the day is over, thou retires 
 to some Inn, where I expect thou generally meets with 
 other travellers, and perhaps it is customary to take 
 your refreshments together. Now it may be seldom 
 thou meets on thy journey with a traveller that is a 
 member of our society, so that being a good deal shut 
 out from the company of Friends, thou may, if not very 
 watchful, be drawn by degrees from that simplicity 
 which I trust thou desires to walk in — even that sweet 
 simplicity whieh Truth leads its followers into. Be 
 concerned then, dear cousin, continually to watch over 
 thyself, — watch over all thy thoughts, words, and actions, 
 sincerely desiring that what thou does, it may be to the 
 glory of God. Now suffer me affectionately to advise 
 thee to be particularly careful in the ordering of thy 
 conversation, loving to use plainness of speech and 
 behaviour towards all men, keeping much silence ; and 
 then I believe thou wilt be favoured more clearly to 
 behold the beauty of that simplicity, which all who walk 
 in the path and way of self-denial rejoice in. Well may 
 we rejoice in that which preserves us from following or 
 seeking after the fashions, customs, and manners of the 
 world, — well may we rejoice in those things which are 
 truly excellent and lead to peace : " The ways of the 
 Lord are ways of pleasantness, and all his paths are 
 peace." I now feel desirous of reviving in thy remem- 
 brance, the sweet counsel thou received from thy dear 
 mother, the evening previous to thy setting off on a jour- 
 ney of business into the west of England, in 1st mo., 
 1810, and may tell thee the desire of my mind then was, 
 that thou might frequently call to mind her words, in 
 
46 
 
 that exposed situation of life ; and it is now my sincere 
 desire that what I have written may prove acceptable ; 
 and should what I write in the least degree encourage 
 thee to persevere in the path of true humility, my end is 
 answered. Be concerned to dwell low, for in the valley 
 of humility there is peace and safety. 
 
 I think before I draw to a conclusion I shall feel most 
 easy to say, Be diligent in attending meetings. It may 
 so happen sometimes, when on thy journeys, that thou 
 cannot reach a meeting on first day, yet I trust thy en- 
 deavours to spend thy first days among Friends is not 
 small; but I feel desirous to say, Labour to attend meet- 
 ings often ; think it no hardship at times to ride a few 
 miles out of thy way for that purpose ; also on a week 
 day thou wilt not find thy time so spent to be lost, but 
 on the contrary, if thy endeavours are sincere, thou wilt 
 feel these seasons to be refreshing, and often cause to 
 acknowledge it was good for thee, thy being there. 
 "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall 
 strengthen thy heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." 
 
 I have not written this letter with a view to discourage 
 thee at all in thy situation, only considering it to be more 
 exposed than most, felt desirous of saying for thy en- 
 couragement thus much — Keep thy proper place, let thy 
 conduct at all times be exemplary, remembering example 
 speaks louder than words ; then I believe, dear cousin, 
 tbou wilt be of service in encouraging others to persevere 
 in the path of wisdom and virtue. "With dear love, I 
 remain thy affectionate cousin, 
 
 J. F. Marsh. 
 
47 
 
 To his cousin Hannah Morris. 
 
 I was much pleased with that part of thy letter where 
 thou reverted to those days of our childhood which we 
 were favoured to spend together, when in the simplicity 
 of our minds, which were tenderly and preciously visited 
 with the overshado wings of Divine love, we were led to 
 delight ourselves in the most profitable way of retire- 
 ment ; that of sitting together in silence, or as we used 
 to call it, and as I think it may be said, holding a 
 meeting. 
 
 Those days we spent together, and those hours thus 
 happily spent were made precious to us ; the recollection 
 of which will I think at all times prove profitable and 
 instructive to our minds. I believe had I cherished 
 more the tender impressions then made on my mind, — 
 had I been more faithful in attending to the pointings 
 of truth in my inward parts, as I grew in years, I should 
 at the present day have experienced a greater progress 
 in my spiritual journey than at this season is the case. 
 
 Deptford, 1st day evening, 6th mo. 27th, 1813. 
 
 To his friend Joseph Messer. 
 
 Colchester, 11th Mo., 1818. 
 My dear Joseph, 
 
 Thou hast been the frequent companion of my 
 thoughts by day, and at night on my bed have I remem- 
 bered thee, and am thankful in continuing to have that 
 feeling respecting thee, which when writing to thee 
 before, think I expressed it was my desire to experience 
 an increase of ; a feeling which language can but faintly 
 express, it being better felt than described in words or 
 wiiting; yet by endeavouring sometimes to express 
 
48 
 
 something of this inward feeling, it not only affords 
 relief and satisfaction to the mind or minds thus exer- 
 cised, but often is permitted to afford encouragement, 
 and prove a strength to those on whose account the 
 heart is thus feelingly engaged ; which while it breathes 
 in secret for its own preservation, a language like that 
 of David when he said, " Let the words of my mouth, 
 and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy 
 sight, Lord, my strength and my Kedeemer," it also 
 craves the preservation of others, and that the same 
 language may in sincerity be theirs, yea, the daily desire 
 of each of our hearts to be enabled so carefully to watch 
 over our thoughts, words and actions, that what we 
 think, speak, and do, may be to the glory of God. If 
 this, my beloved young friend, be our happy experience, 
 we shall exceedingly rejoice in being preserved in his fear. 
 
 How animating and encouraging is the language, 
 " Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me ; and to him that 
 ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the sal- 
 vation of God." 
 
 Let us then be encouraged to become increasingly 
 watchful and serious ; for I do believe the more this 
 becomes our experience, the more cheerful we shall feel 
 in ourselves, and liberty to be so with others ; and let 
 us not be ashamed when we do not feel at liberty for 
 conversation, to sit silently before men ; for it is some- 
 times the case when in company, we feel ourselves so 
 shut up as not to be able to enter much into conver- 
 sation ; and this may sometimes happen when we feel 
 desirous to be conversant and to appear more cheerful. 
 It may then be painful to us thus to appear, and difficult 
 to withdraw ourselves from company, yet I think it 
 profitable for us thus to feel, and that this stripped 
 state is wisely ordered, not only for our own instruction, 
 
49 
 
 but also for the instruction of others. Such is at times 
 the low stripped state of my mind, that I am more fit 
 to be in the fields, or my chamber alone, than in com- 
 pany. The words of the prophet Jeremiah have been 
 remembered by me, and think from degree of experience 
 I may speak the same language. 
 
 "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his 
 youth. He sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because 
 he hath borne it upon him. He putteth his mouth in 
 the dust, if so be there may be hope." I do not under- 
 stand this sitting alone and keeping silence, to be ex- 
 pressive of anything gloomy. No, no. But of sweet 
 profitable retirement, wherein the mind becomes more 
 and more weaned from earthly things, and inwardly 
 seeks those that are heavenly ; for nothing short of that 
 which is of a pure and heavenly nature can satisfy the 
 waiting mind. It is good for the sons and daughters 
 of men to sit much alone, keeping silence ; and for 
 some of us frequently to sit solitary in families. Now 
 my dear Joseph, to endeavour to express a little more 
 of the feeling I have had on thy account, as mentioned 
 in the early part of my letter ; what if I say it seems to 
 be accompanied with the belief that if thou faithfully 
 attend to the pointings of truth in thy inward parts, 
 minding the day of little things, of apparently small 
 requirings, if thou art willing to bow with fear and 
 humility under the forming hand of the Lord, fully 
 resigning thyself wholly to his disposal, sincerely 
 desiring to become what he would have thee to be ; if 
 thou stand faithful in all things, he would prepare and 
 qualify thee for a labourer in his vineyard, in which 
 there would be found employment for all, if there was 
 but a willingness to enter in when the invitation is 
 given ; a willingness to obey the call. Though all are 
 
50 
 
 not made use of in the same way, yet there is something 
 for each one to do ; and happy are they who humhly 
 and patiently wait to know the Master's will, and faith- 
 fully obey it. Their reward is indeed sweet peace of 
 mind. 
 
 I sincerely hope to do no harm, or hurt thee in the 
 least degree by thus writing ; but I trust thou can 
 clearly understand me, and see that I long to encourage 
 thee to be faithful in that which appears to be required 
 at thy hands, to mind and walk in that path clearly 
 marked out for thee to walk in, whether it may be in 
 a silent or a more public one. Far be it from me to 
 say anything that would tend to bring forth anything 
 like unripe fruit, or keep back that which is already ripe. 
 How different is the feeling attending the mind after 
 anything done in the will, &c, of the creature, from that 
 which is done in apprehending it to be a divine requir- 
 ing. The reward of the latter is sweet peaceful quiet 
 of mind. My mind has been at times sweetly impressed 
 and instructed with this language; ''Except the Lord 
 build the house, they labour in vain that build it : ex- 
 cept the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but 
 in vain." 
 
 To his wife, while visiting her mother at Tottenham, 
 for a few days. 
 
 142, Whitechapel, 2nd of 9th Mo., 1819. 
 My dear Hannah, 
 
 * * * * I wish thee to partake as largely of 
 the refreshing breezes, by walking out, as thy strength 
 will allow. How much I should enjoy to share them 
 with thee : even here the air is very reviving, mornings 
 and evenings cool and bracing. Dont be too anxious 
 
51 
 
 about nie, so as to interrupt any intervals of retirement, 
 or moments of peaceful quiet that may be afforded for 
 instruction, and the renewal of thy spiritual strength. 
 
 It will be comforting to thee to know that yesterday 
 was a cheering day in two senses. In the morning, 
 little or nothing to do in the shop, but my mind per- 
 mitted to enjoy a feeling of sweet quiet, free from 
 anxiety. Such seasons are indeed favoured ones, and 
 ought to be rightly valued and improved by us : — sea- 
 sons wherein the mind may be rightly encouraged, 
 strengthened, and afresh animated to hold on our way 
 in the path of required duty, and lay hold of the con- 
 soling language, " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
 whose mind is stayed on thee ; because he trusteth in 
 thee." In the afternoon and evening had a succession of 
 customers, which rendered the afternoon scene very 
 lively. 
 
 Croydon, 31st of 7th Mo., 1834. 
 My beloved daughter Hannah, 
 
 Thy recent welcome letters have been com- 
 forting and interesting to us, and much do we hope 
 thou may continue to derive benefit from the privileged 
 opportunity of being under the very kind care of thy 
 aunt E. Whitehead. It is pleasant to us to believe 
 thou art sensible of thy many advantages, and that the 
 secret desire lives in thy heart to be made thankful and 
 grateful therefor, and that there is at times (and oh ! 
 may it be daily, yea hourly) a feeling after strength and 
 ability to be a very good girl ; this is what thy beloved 
 parents so much crave for thee and thy sister, and if 
 happily with increasing days or years, this endeavour to 
 
52 
 
 be good becomes your favoured experience, and we 
 favoured to be spared to you, our hearts would from 
 time to time have abundant occasion to feel thankful 
 unto our Heavenly Father, for this His rich blessing, 
 yea, to leap within us for very joy. What a choice gift 
 to be endowed with, is a grateful spirit, a thankful, 
 humble heart and mind ; and how needful it is that we 
 watch and cherish the tender buddings thereof, espe- 
 cially in very early life, for none can be too young, or 
 begin too soon to be made sensible of how much we owe, 
 and are indebted unto Him who created us ; and to be 
 led very frequently in a similar enquiry with that of the 
 Psalmist, " What shall I render unto the Lord for all 
 his benefits towards me?" 
 
 Croydon, 23rd of 3rd Mo., 1839. 
 My beloved Priscilla, 
 
 As thy dear mother and sister will now be 
 writing, I seem to have little more to pen than the 
 insertion of my very dear love, which I do in this way, 
 hoping it may meet thee well, and comfortable and 
 happy, and in the continued endeavour to be a good 
 girl [at school] . Remember it is a favourite motto of 
 mine, " To be good is to be happy," and I trust it is 
 also of my dear P.'s, and that she does at -times strive 
 her very best to be so, and that good desires are often 
 raised in thy mind; may these be strengthened and 
 encouraged ; and in proportion, my dear girl, as thou 
 keeps near to, and makes way for, that which visits in 
 secret, reproving for that which is evil, and inclining to 
 that which is good, wilt thou come to experience pre- 
 servation on every hand, and strength to overcome and 
 
53 
 
 resist temptation, and know thy heart to be made clean, 
 and to be kept clean, by continually living in the divine 
 fear — the fear to offend thy Heavenly Father in thought, 
 word, or deed. 
 
 " Grace is a plant where'er it grows, 
 Of pure and heavenly root ; 
 But fairest in the youngest shews 
 And yields the sweetest fruit." 
 
 To a Friend. 
 
 11th Mo. 1837. 
 Thou continues to have a place in our affectionate 
 remembrance, and we trust the feeling of love and sym- 
 pathy still flows toward thee as one of the true mourners, 
 and may we not say tribulated followers of the Lamb, 
 and of which blessed company we desire to be counted 
 worthy to be numbered ; and to whom the language of 
 the dear Redeemer may be not unfrequently applicable, 
 for their encouragement and strengthening — " Fear not, 
 little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give 
 you the kingdom." Ah ! it is indeed a day and time 
 of sadness with many of us who are favoured to see and 
 feel the low state of things amongst us as a people ; 
 and how can it well be otherwise, if we are rightly led 
 into feeling and suffering for and with the suffering 
 seed : — but some might be ready to say — Why so cast 
 down ? Why go so mourning on your way ? Hope for 
 better days, for brighter times. And so I hope we do, 
 and are at times enabled to lift up our heads in hope ; 
 but we are not prepared, neither have we any desire to 
 exchange our mourning for any false joy, but rather 
 to seek for ability "in patience to possess our souls," 
 and for strength patiently to endure the exercises and 
 
54 
 
 tribulations of our day ; — not shrinking from suffering, 
 but endeavouring to be found in pure resignation, 
 standing in our right and proper allotment. 
 
 If this be the engagement of our minds, may we not 
 believe, and humbly trust, that preservation will be 
 experienced even to a hair's breadth ? What encourage- 
 ment then there is for us to continue to hold on our way, 
 nothing doubting, — endeavouring in childlike simplicity 
 to do in the present strength and ability given, what our 
 hands may find to do ; not looking out to others, but 
 simply minding and doing our own business. And now, 
 dear friend, it seems with me to say, (and as time is 
 swiftly passing away) Use all diligence in endeavouring 
 to complete the work of thy day. My wish is simply to 
 encourage thee to faithfulness in that, which to thy own 
 mind, may be made clear ; yet believing the prospect of 
 visiting Friends in Ireland has long been before thee, 
 and having myself recently returned from that land, 
 where I was over ten weeks, I think I may say that 
 there is room for such labourers as thyself, and if the 
 concern continues to rest weightily with thee, do not 
 seek to put it aside : there may be some other few debts 
 of love to be paid off in our own land, as an evening 
 sacrifice. Dear S. F., of Clonmel, united with me as 
 companion in this engagement, a very precious minded 
 young man; we were remarkably drawn towards each 
 other during our last Y. M., which he attended, though 
 we had but little of each other's company, so as to get 
 much personal acquaintance ; but a short time before 
 my leaving home, I received a letter from him, express- 
 ing his feelings as to accompanying me. We met in 
 Dublin, and parted there, and on board the packet. — I 
 believe his dedication of heart to the work was accepted 
 of the Lord, and that it will be blessed to him. We 
 
55 
 
 were at all the meetings in that nation, with the excep- 
 tion of one very small one, (Tullamore,) but we called 
 and sat a little time with two young men who reside there. 
 In passing along, many were the seasons of proving, of 
 conflict, and exercise, yet I trust we were, from time to 
 time, made sensible of the renewing and fresh extension 
 of heavenly love, and mercifully favoured to experience 
 the good Shepherd to be near to comfort, to strengthen 
 and support in the time of need. We met with great 
 kindness from friends. I am ready to think that, 
 perhaps few who have visited that nation, have left more 
 with the flowing of love and affectionate desire for their 
 present and future happiness than myself. On my 
 return home, the feeling of a peaceful poverty and 
 quietude of mind has been, and is, my favoured portion. 
 Since then, which was on the 5th of last month, I have 
 only appeared once in testimony in our own meeting — 
 my mind too, since my return, seems at times in 
 heaviness under the sense and feeling of the low state 
 of things in our own land. ! the mixture, the mixture 
 we seem to be in ! — when will this people be redeemed 
 from and out of all mixture ? I trust many more shall 
 be strengthened and enabled to bear a faithful and noble 
 testimony to the preciousness of the truth as it is in 
 Jesus. 
 
 30th of 8th Mo., 1838. 
 My beloved Friend, S. F. 
 
 Some of us have indeed sustained a great loss in the 
 removal of our late dearly beloved Friend and brother 
 in the Truth, John Barclay. I seem incapable of setting 
 forth his loss, to me, as an individual, whose sweet 
 
56 
 
 society it was my privilege richly to enjoy for many 
 years ; and by whose pious example, watchful deport- 
 ment and humble walking, my heart was often deeply 
 instructed ; perhaps I go not too far if I say, it was 
 impossible (at least one's own fault if it were so) to 
 be in his company without being instructed in someway, 
 either by his conversation or otherwise. He was one 
 with whom I had shared no common intimacy, and 
 often did we take sweet counsel together, and walk unto 
 the house of the Lord in company ; yea, and knew 
 what it was at times " to sit together in heavenly places 
 in Christ Jesus." Had I the pen of a ready writer, 
 how feelingly might I bear my testimony in writing, * 
 to the memory of this beloved brother, similar to the many 
 borne by the cotemporaries of Isaac Penington, viz., by 
 G-eorge Fox and others, as prefixed to the 1st vol. ofl.P.'s 
 works. But oh ! how is the loss made up ! how fully the 
 mind satisfied in the consoling belief " that he is well in 
 the Lord, and in peace with him through the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, — that through redeeming love and mercy he is 
 now entered into the joy of his Lord, and into his 
 Master's rest." The Church too, how great her loss 
 in this our day, by the removal, may I not say, of one 
 of her most upright pillars and brightest ornaments. 
 What I have written is by no means intended as in any 
 way to extol the creature, far otherwise, — but with 
 reference to that Power who made him what he was, 
 and which same divine Power is at work, and will con- 
 tinue to work in the hearts of Thousands. The date of 
 thy last letter is memorable as being that on which he 
 died, 11th of 5th Mo. having about three days previous 
 
 * My father did afterwards perform this, as may be seen in p. xiii. and 
 ix. of the Introduction to the " Selections from the Letters and Papers of 
 J. B." 
 
57 
 
 entered his 42nd year, near the age of the notable 
 Apologist [Robert Barclay] , who died also in the 42nd 
 year of his age. 
 
 My beloved young friend, W. H. 
 
 How tenderly do I feel for those, who in the day of the 
 Lord's power, are made willing to yield obedience to 
 his requirings — to bow the neck to the yoke of Christ, 
 deny self, take up the cross daily and follow him. And 
 how do I desire the safe progress of these, that 
 nothing may be permitted to stumble them, or induce 
 them to seek an easier way, — " For the way of right- 
 eousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no 
 death." 
 
 Warwick, 2nd of 12th Mo., 1843. 
 My beloved friend, W. M. 
 
 Although I have not earlier acknowledged thy accept- 
 able lines, dated the 8th ult., which were forwarded to 
 me here in due course, I have not felt the less interested 
 about thee, or unmindful of thy important movements in 
 prospect. It was comforting to know, and kind of thee 
 so early to inform me, that thou wast made willing to 
 spread thy concern before Friends, and that thou wast 
 so freely liberated by them, believing as I do that it is 
 a right concern, a work whereunto the Great Master 
 has called thee, and who will, I believe, as faithfulness 
 is abode in, strengthen to perform that which He may 
 require at thy hands. how great the privilege to be 
 employed in His service, and of being in any way made 
 
58 
 
 use of in the promotion of the cause of truth and 
 righteousness in the earth, and what cause of rejoicing 
 when a brother here and a brother there is raised up in 
 this our low day, who, in the day of the Lord's power, 
 are made willing and obedient in answering His call, 
 resigning their hearts to follow on to know Him in the 
 way of His leadings and requirings. then beloved 
 friend, may'st thou be strengthened to hold on thy way 
 and continue to experience that preservation and safe 
 guidance which I believe thou hast hitherto known, and 
 which will not be withheld while thou seeks to be kept 
 humble and watchful, little and lowly, having thine eye 
 single unto the Lord, and thine heart simple, trusting in 
 Him, not seeking or wanting great things for thyself, 
 but be content with such manifestation of His power 
 and strength as He may see best to furnish thee with 
 from day to day, and from hour to hour ; thus wilt thou 
 be prepared both to do and to suffer His will. 
 
 the need, the especial need there is for those who 
 go forth on the Lord's errands, to wait for clearness, to 
 know when to speak and when to keep silence, believing 
 that the service of the poor instrument is often to 
 example in silence. Ah ! this is sometimes humbling 
 to the creaturely part that would be active and doing 
 something, as well as disappointing to that in some 
 whose expectations may be much outward. But do not 
 misunderstand me, I would have none keep silence when 
 the command is to speak, neither have any to speak 
 when commanded to be silent, but would have each one 
 wait on their gift, and be careful day by day to use in 
 faith, the present offered strength, though at times it 
 may seem to be in weakness ; then I believe the strength 
 of such will be increased, for true it is that to use 
 strength is to gain strength. But why write thus to thee, 
 
59 
 
 dear William, I am not anticipating thee as one going 
 before thy guide, or running without being sent, but to 
 one young in the ministry and much favoured of the 
 Lord, much desiring in the love I have for thee, and 
 the unity I have in the exercise of thy gift, thy safety 
 and preservation every way, and that thou mayest indeed 
 be valiant for the Truth in this thy day, wholly devoted 
 and given up in heart to serve Him who in the riches 
 of His love and mercy has given thee to see and follow 
 the things that belong to thy peace, and engaged thy 
 heart to invite others in His name to come, taste and 
 see for themselves, how good He the Lord is. 
 
 Croydon, 7th of 9th Mo. 1846. 
 
 My dear Friend L.W. 
 
 I believe that in writing as well as in speaking, the 
 watch is alike needful, that our words be few. Some 
 more than others have the talent or gift this way, as well 
 as for conversation. I do not consider that I have 
 either, but for the most part feel myself to be under the 
 restraining influence in these particulars, so that oftener 
 than has been the case with me, I believe I ought to 
 have sat in company as one dumb, as it were, with silence 
 — also in writing I cannot at any time and any how take 
 the pen and converse that way. So many are the claims 
 on me, that I cannot attempt a continued correspon- 
 dence with many that I love and feel interested in, and 
 should be glad at times to salute in this way. Yet, 
 whether at home or abroad, alone or in company, I trust 
 1 am not altogether an idle spectator, or indifferent to 
 mark what is passing around me, and especially is my 
 
60 
 
 mind involved in the feeling of deep interest on account 
 of our poor Society, yet still a highly favoured and 
 interesting People, notwithstanding our degeneracy. 
 
 In the quietness of the Tent in these troublous times, 
 there seems to me peculiar safety ; not that thereby a 
 shrinking should be encouraged, from shewing ourselves 
 and openly confessing on whose side we are ; but rather 
 that in the stillness, in quietness and in confidence, a 
 renewal of strength may be experienced — that away 
 from the noise, tumult and activity of the people, we 
 may the more clearly see and know our own individual 
 state and standing, as also to have some clear sense of 
 the real state and condition of things, and distinctly 
 understand the word of command to us as individuals, 
 to do or to leave undone. In this way strength will be 
 given us for whatsoever the hand findeth to do ; yea, and 
 not only to do, but also to suffer for the precious cause 
 sake ; and patience granted to endure with meekness 
 such portion of fiery trial as may be permitted to come 
 upon us. 
 
 It seems to me especially important that those who 
 are given to see and feel deeply the state of things, that 
 they keep as it were a double watch over themselves, 
 that so they may be preserved from doing anything in 
 the haste and zeal of their own spirits, in putting forth 
 their hands in the desire to help the good cause, and 
 for the bettering of things. But rather may these seek 
 in patience to possess their souls. Then I believe 
 deliverance will be wrought for them by that same divine 
 Power which hath already overturned, and will yet over- 
 turn, overturn : and oh ! that it may continue to be so, 
 until all that may be comparable to the dross and the 
 tin, and the reprobate silver be purely purged away from 
 among this people. Ah ! then let us seek to be found 
 
61 
 
 watchful, minding the stepping stones, then shall we be 
 enabled to step more, and act as the needs be for it may 
 be seen and felt. 
 
 I think I can, dear friend, a little enter into feeling 
 with thee, and with thy dear brothers, under the varied 
 conflicts and exercises that attend your path. I believe 
 it is not all that can understand you, nor how it is that 
 you should seem to be so led in this and the other par- 
 ticular. Yet it is not for you to be perplexed in mind 
 as to what may be said and thought about you by others, 
 but your present and future duty and business is, in 
 simplicity and faith, to obey that still small voice which 
 intelligibly speaks in your hearts, saying " Follow me." 
 May you each be strengthened to obey its gentle leadings 
 and guidings in all things. 
 
 To E. M. 
 
 Tt is good to consider and feel ourselves only as day 
 labourers, — as those who must give an account for the 
 work of each day, and for the right occupation of the 
 gift of Time. Surely the due consideration of this is 
 calculated to lead to the feeling of the importance of 
 doing the day's work in the day-time, and of spending 
 each day as though it were to be our last day. So 
 should we experience a sweet and wholesome rest both to 
 mind and body, realizing spiritually and naturally the 
 scripture text, " The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, 
 whether he eat little or much." Also when the head is 
 resting on the pillow at night, how precious to feel the 
 language of the heart to be on this wise, " I will both 
 lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou Lord only 
 makest me to dwell in safety." While thus writing, I 
 
62 
 
 am sensible of many snort-comings, and far from rank- 
 ing myself among the number of the diligent labourers ; 
 yet I trust a willingness attends my mind to do that 
 little my feeble hands may find to do, and the desire to 
 be strengthened both to do and to suffer the will of our 
 Heavenly Father. We may also be instructed and 
 treasure up as a profitable watchword, the belief that 
 " They also serve who only stand and wait." 
 
 Croydon, 20th of 11th Mo., 1849. 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 Thy acceptable few lines dated the 28th ultimo, came 
 duly to hand, and very pleasant was it to my feelings to 
 be so held in affectionate remembrance. Our love is 
 mutual, and whether it be evinced more or less in the 
 way of outward communications, we shall, I trust, be as 
 epistles written in each other's hearts. We read that in 
 ancient days " They that feared the Lord spake often 
 one to another," and so it is now, that His children and 
 people who love and fear Him, and that think upon His 
 name, speak often one to the other ; and great is the 
 privilege and blessing when such are so situated and 
 circumstanced as frequently to associate together in 
 heavenly converse ; and when it is otherwise with them, 
 so as that they may seldom see each other face to face, 
 yet are they brought inwardly near, and led in spirit to 
 salute each other as fellow pilgrims in the tribulated 
 way, as disciples of the same Lord, as servants of the 
 same Master. These having enlisted under His banner, 
 the Captain of their salvation ; having given their hearts 
 to serve the Lord, are led from one degree of strength 
 to another ; yea, led on conquering and to conquer, — so 
 
that they have again and again to acknowledge and say, 
 " The right hand of the Lord is exalted, the right hand 
 of the Lord doeth valiantly." 
 
 Mayest thou my beloved brother be strengthened and 
 encouraged to hold on thy way, in that path and way 
 cast up for thee to walk in, and in which through mercy 
 thou hast been enabled to take some straight and safe 
 steps ; may nothing impede or interrupt thy progress 
 therein, nothing move thee from the stedfastness of thy 
 faith in Christ, and the simplicity of the truth as it is in him. 
 Let neither the fear, nor the praise of man be a means 
 of prevention to thy standing firm in thy allotment, and 
 filling that rank in righteousness designed for thee, — 
 being unmoveable, mayest thou according to thy measure 
 be found, always abounding in the work of the Lord. — 
 Ah ! be not afraid or ashamed to appear singular when 
 the needs be calls for it, — when it is needful to stand 
 with boldness for the cause of Truth. 
 
 Croydon, 5th of 8th Mo., 1850. 
 My beloved Friend, K. B. B. 
 
 Love is indeed the badge of discipleship, and how 
 strengthening are the words of our blessed Saviour, 
 " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, 
 if ye have love one to another." And again, the testi- 
 mony of a beloved Apostle, " We know that we have 
 passed from death unto life, because we love the 
 brethren." Ah how precious is that love which flows 
 one towards the other in the hearts of those who love 
 the Lord Jesus in sincerity. How sweet the fellowship 
 those enjoy who seek to follow Him in the regeneration, 
 and walk in newness of life ; who by obedience to the 
 
64 
 
 teachings of His grace and good Spirit, evidence that 
 they do aspire after unsullied purity of life, — these as 
 they keep near to, and follow the pure leadings of Truth, 
 are given to see eye to eye, and understand what it is 
 to walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing, — 
 these hold sweet communion in spirit together, being 
 also permitted at times to sit together as in heavenly 
 places in Christ Jesus, — then- minds thus clothed with 
 love and sweetness, they cannot well do other than 
 endeavour to encourage one another to persevere on 
 their pilgrimage journey, for out of the abundance of 
 the heart the mouth speaketh forth the praises of Him 
 who hath called, and in mercy still calls out of darkness 
 into His marvellous light ; and in the overflowing of their 
 cup, and under the constraining influence of His love, 
 are engaged to invite others to come, taste and see that 
 the Lord is good ; and as liberty is felt for it, to tell of 
 what He hath done for their souls. 
 
 Thy allusion to our outward parting when I saw thee. 
 off in the railway carriage from Croydon, was a comfort 
 to me. It was a trial to my feelings, the parting from 
 one I so dearly love, especially so, as the time of our 
 being together by ourselves was so short and limited, 
 that my heart and mind did not get that vent, did not 
 obtain that full relief desired. But the excitement, &c. 
 of attending a Yearly Meeting, does in measure deprive 
 of that quiet enjoyment of the company of one's friends, 
 and which those of one heart, and one mind, seem so 
 to require. Had time allowed us a season of quiet alone 
 before we separated, it might have afforded me some 
 relief to have bent the knee in vocal supplication and 
 thanksgiving. 
 
65 
 
 To an acknowledged Minister. 
 
 1854. 
 * * * * I think T may further say that mine eye often 
 affecteth my heart, in beholding how for the most part, the 
 children of this people turn aside, apparently slighting 
 their many privileges ; and how especially does it appear 
 amongst the children of those in the station of Minister 
 and Elder ; that when some such are liberated to travel 
 on Truth's account, I seem ready to query how 
 far their own hands are sufficiently clear of their dear 
 children, and of their houses and homes, as to go forth 
 on the solemn errand of visiting the Churches, — for surely 
 I think the hands of such must feel weakened by their 
 dear children, and in many instances by the undue and 
 unrestrained liberty they themselves allow in their 
 children and families, so as not to be prepared with that 
 honesty and acceptance to counsel others in the way of 
 the cross, the path of self-denial. I might add more, 
 but now conclude, and in that love in which I have 
 written, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 John F. Maesh. 
 
 To his Medical Attendant. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 As absence from home prevented my seeing thee when 
 thou last called, I am best satisfied to express my feel- 
 ing of thankfulness, for thy kind judicious treatment in 
 my recent indisposition, which under the Divine blessing 
 has been the means of my regaining a comfortable share 
 of bodily health and strength. 
 
 I may also say that during thy little visits at my bed- 
 side and chamber, the feeling of much brotherly love 
 
66 
 
 seemed to flow in my heart towards thee ; and in the 
 continued feeling thereof my desire is, that if consistent 
 with the will of our Heavenly Father, thy useful life 
 may be prolonged, not only for the help and relief of 
 thy fellow mortals from bodily pain, disease and suffer- 
 ing, but especially through submission to the powerful 
 operation and workings of saving grace in the secret of 
 the heart, thou mayest be made instrumental in winning 
 souls to Christ. 
 
 the sweetness and preciousness of the Saviour's love 
 shed abroad in the heart, which His believing and 
 obedient children do indeed know, yea realize in their 
 experience that in His presence is fulness of joy, and 
 with the eye of faith are given to see something of those 
 pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. 
 Then blessed and happy are all those who love His in- 
 ward appearing, and obey the teaching of His grace and 
 good Spirit in the secret of their hearts, being faithful 
 unto death. 
 
 Such as these, when their little day of twelve hours is 
 over, are by grace prepared to say, they have fought a 
 good fight, have finished their course, and kept the 
 faith ; then comes the blessed assurance of obtaining a 
 crown of righteousness, laid up for all the faithful 
 followers of the Lamb. The nearer these are brought 
 to their heavenly home, the more methinks they must 
 be clothed with a sense of their own nothingness, and 
 un worthiness, and nothing of their own to trust to, Not 
 by works of righteousness we (as men and creatures 
 have done or can do) but as saith the Apostle, " accord- 
 ing to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of re- 
 generation, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; — which 
 he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our 
 Saviour;" &c. 
 
67 
 
 In desire that the Divine blessing may rest upon thee 
 and thine. 
 
 I remain, with love affectionately, thy friend, 
 
 John F. Maesh. 
 
 To a Friend. 
 
 In again taking the pen, I seem hardly to know how 
 to begin, or how to express or convey the feeling of that 
 love which continues to flow in my heart' unabated 
 towards thee, and of which I gave thee many a proof 
 in our late journeying together in the pure feeling of it. 
 This thou well knowest, also the deep interest, and 
 tender and affectionate solicitude I have felt and still 
 feel for thy best welfare and preservation every way. 
 What more can I say than I have already said ? Were 
 I now with thee I might say the same thing again and 
 again. May what has been communicated be in remem- 
 brance for thy strengthening and encouraging, and 
 mayst thou hold on thy way, nothing doubting, and 
 continue to experience safe stepping. I believe thou 
 wilt, as thou keeps near to that Divine power which has 
 wrought so marvellously for thee. Ah ! how sweetly is 
 the forming and preparing hand of the Lord upon thee ! 
 Bow in fear and in humility under it. Oh ! the sweet 
 feeling and sense I think I have had of thy favoured 
 state and condition, and I long more than I can well 
 express, thy encouragement and steady perseverance in 
 that path and way cast up for thee to walk in ; and that 
 thou mayst be faithful every way, in every thing, and 
 every day. I long that nothing may, and I seem to 
 have the humble trust, that nothing will be permitted to 
 mar or hinder the precious work of grace from going 
 forward in thine heart. Then be humble, be watchful, 
 be simple, and it will be well with thee. 
 
68 
 
 To a young Friend. 
 
 Croydon, 13th of 6th mo., 1851. 
 Now dear R., in allusion to what thou sayest respect- 
 ing the Office of Overseer in your particular meeting, 
 how far thou hast done right in declining to accept the 
 appointment I leave to thy own feelings, trusting it was 
 not done without being duly weighed and considered on 
 thy part, — yet for the sake of the precious cause of 
 Truth, I could have been glad, and perhaps it might 
 have been well, if thou could have yielded in this 
 important matter, to the judgment of thy friends, — but 
 as I can hardly be supposed to know the peculiar 
 circumstances of your monthly meeting, it may be for 
 me to rest satisfied in the hope and trust, that for the 
 present thou may have done right, and been preserved 
 therein. But oh ! the harm that has been done, and 
 which does arise from injudicious and wrong appoint- 
 ments to different stations in the Church ! What a 
 weakness has it brought over a meeting, and what a 
 hurt to individuals, when placed by man in a station or 
 stations for which the evidence of a fitness is wanting — 
 when the evidence is wanting of such being placed there 
 by the Great Head of the Church. Therefore, how 
 important that those who are rightly qualified, gifted, 
 and fitted, should not withdraw their shoulders from 
 their appointed work, or through unprofitable diffidence 
 and discouragement shrink from any portion of service 
 that may fall to their lot. 
 
 To an elderly Friend. 1854. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 In a feeling of that love and sympathy which I trust 
 flowed in my heart toward thee when my lot was cast in 
 
69 
 
 that small island, do I afresh salute thee as one walking 
 much alone, having few about thee with whom to hold 
 spiritual intercourse — with whom to take sweet counsel, 
 and go in company to the house of prayer ; yet blessed 
 are they, who, weaned from all creaturely dependence, 
 ceasing wholly from man, put their whole trust in the 
 Lord alone, seeking daily after a closer and closer walk 
 with Him. Such as these do know something of what 
 the Psalmist meant when he said " My soul is even as 
 a weaned child." How sweet his words professing the 
 humility of his mind, " Lord my heart is not haughty, 
 nor mine eyes lofty, neither do I exercise myself in 
 great matters, or in things too high for me, &c." And 
 although such have often to feel their poverty and need, 
 yet with the same experienced servant have the inward 
 sense and feeling that " the Lord thinketh upon them." 
 Surely then it matters not how low we are brought, so 
 that we do not cast away our confidence in our low 
 seasons, nor the shield of faith as though it had not 
 been anointed ; — rather let us seek to lift up the head 
 in hope, not suffering our hands to hang down with 
 weakness and discouragement ; — but using the little 
 strength mercifully afforded from day to day, an in- 
 crease thereof will be known, and ability given to press 
 forward on our heavenly journey, even toward the mark 
 for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, 
 the author and finisher of our faith. 
 
 I think I can a little understand from the tenor of 
 thine, somewhat of thy many discouragements on account 
 of the low state of things among the few professing with 
 Friends in your little island, as also the low state of 
 things among other christian professors. Ah ! truly it 
 is a low day as regards the life of religion ; there is so 
 much that is superficial, — so much of the worldly spirit 
 
70 
 
 prevailing with all sorts of professors ; consequently, 
 comparatively but little of true spiritual mindedness to 
 be met with, that it seems difficult at times to rise above 
 the depressing and discouraging feelings that seem 
 almost ready to overwhelm. It is sad to find your 
 meeting is so much decreased, and in such a state. All 
 this I hope will not discourage thee from meeting with 
 the very few who assemble there ; no doubt it is heavy, 
 and must be so, if there be not an individual engagement 
 of heart to draw nigh in spirit unto the Lord, a wrest- 
 ling in spirit for the blessing of preservation, and for 
 watchfulness unto prayer, — a united exercise, a putting 
 as it were, shoulder to shoulder, in order to roll away 
 the stone from the well's mouth, that so there might be 
 a partaking together of the living stream, a being 
 refreshed together at the living spring. The promise 
 s and will be verified in the experience of the soul that 
 truly waiteth on the Lord, whether few or more in 
 number, that "where two or three are gathered together 
 in my name, there am I in the midst of them." 
 
 I think I can a little sympathize with the solitary few 
 up and down in their small meetings, both when in and 
 out of meeting, ready at times to query whether any 
 man careth for their soul ? Yet these, as their expecta- 
 tion is from the Lord alone, know that He not only 
 thinketh upon, but also careth for them, and in His own 
 time lifts up the light of His countenance upon them. 
 
 To 
 
 Croydon, 18th of 10th Mo., 1854. 
 
 Use strength, gain strength — seems to me a profitable 
 
 watchword, and sometimes we may be reminded that 
 
 the strength of ability often, is not fully known till 
 
71 
 
 tried. But why do I write thus, my brother? Not 
 that thou shouldst in any way be led to stir up or awake 
 thy Beloved till he please, but rather desire thou mayst 
 be preserved from suffering thy mind to sink too low, 
 so as to prevent thy doing what thy hands may find 
 to do. The watch in this particular is well for us 
 to observe. How encouraging the words "The 
 Lord preserveth the simple. I was brought low and 
 he helped me." And where much is given, much is 
 required, and where less is given, less is required. 
 
 To a friend in Ireland. 
 
 Croydon, 11th of 12th Mo., 1856. 
 I have often mentally saluted thee as a brother 
 beloved in the Lord, with best desires for thy 
 strengthening and encouraging in the way cast up 
 for thee, — that nothing may be suffered to mar the 
 good work begun in thy heart ; but that by submission 
 to the power of Divine grace, thou mayst grow therein, 
 going on from one degree of it to another, and by 
 deepening in the root of life, bring forth fruit abundantly 
 to the praise of Him who has done so much for thee. 
 Let there be no shrinking on thy part from those need- 
 ful prunings and purgings essential to a true growth, 
 remembering that He who declared himself to be the 
 true Vine, and his Father the Husbandman, also saith, 
 "Every branch in me that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, 
 that it may bring forth more fruit." Thus mayst thou 
 become fruitful in the field of offering, and joyful in the 
 house of prayer. Oh ! the baptisms needful to be 
 experienced in order to be qualified to divide the word 
 aright ; — and oh ! how great the need of simplicity, and 
 
72 
 
 a strict walking in the path of self-denial ; — therefore, 
 may nothing be counted too near or too dear to be 
 parted with, that may be called for at thy hands. Dwell 
 deep my brother, in the spirit of thy mind, and keep 
 the watch in the light, so mayst thou come to experience 
 preservation on every hand, even to the hair's breadth. 
 
 To a younger Friend. 
 
 Croydon, 8th of 8th Mo., 1857. 
 My Dear Friend, 
 
 Thy affectionate interesting letter of the 26th ult was 
 duly received, and seems to have afresh awakened in my 
 mind the feeling of tender sympathy ; as well as cal- 
 culated to strengthen the feeling I have so long had res- 
 pecting thee, and as so often expressed to thee, even 
 the sense of the preciousness of the love of our Heavenly 
 Father shed abroad in thy heart, and of His goodness 
 and mercy in visiting thy soul with the day-spring from 
 on high ; and has He not by the immediate power of 
 His Spirit convinced thee of sin ? giving thee indeed to 
 feel the truth of the Scripture, that " all have sinned 
 and come short of the glory of God ; " consequently 
 the need all have of a Saviour and Redeemer. Yes, 
 not only convinced thee of sin, but also led thee to deep 
 repentance for the same ; and to trust alone to the free 
 mercy of God in Jesus Christ for the forgivenesss of thy 
 sins. What cause then there is for thee, my brother, to 
 magnify the power of that grace by which so great a 
 change has been wrought for thee. What an unspeak- 
 able mercy to have been brought out of so great darkness 
 into the marvellous light of the Lord, — to have been 
 delivered from " an evil heart of unbelief," and in lieu 
 
73 
 
 thereof to have a heart engaged in desire to serve 
 the living God ; to have thine eye opened to see of the 
 beauty and excellency of the Truth as it is in Jesus, to 
 behold those things which make for peace, and 
 accompany life and salvation. Ah ! surely when 
 humbled under a sense of the goodness and mercy of 
 the Lord which has followed, and still follows thee, thy 
 heart must be prepared to adopt the language of the 
 Psalmist, and say, " Bless the Lord, my soul: and 
 all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless 
 the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits : 
 who forgiveth all thine iniquities : who healeth all thy 
 diseases : who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; 
 who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender 
 mercies." Well, my dear friend, I notice thy allusion to 
 the occasion of our last interview, which seems to have 
 led thee into deep thoughtfulness and profitable search- 
 ing of heart, and I am pleased with thy openness in 
 thus communicating with me, and I much hope thy 
 mind has not been discouraged from anything I said, — 
 far be it from me, on the contrary thou hast proof of 
 my much love and affectionate interest, and that my 
 heart desires thy strengthening and encouraging in the 
 way of holiness, the way cast up for thee to walk in, 
 the way of the cross, the path of self denial, the way 
 in which the righteous of all ages who have trod, have 
 found safety. Then be encouraged to hold on thy way 
 in faith, and in faithfulness, casting all thy care and 
 confidence in Him who careth for thee, and who is 
 continually watching over the workmanship of His 
 hands for good, and who, I believe, will never leave nor 
 forsake any of those who pnt their whole trust in Him. 
 The Lord has indeed done much for thy soul, and may 
 I not say given thee to feel that thou lovest much, 
 
74 
 
 and that to His grace thou art a great debtor ; then 
 keep hack no part of the price, — what He requires is 
 unreserved obedience and dedication of heart in all 
 things. May'st thou then be strengthened to honour 
 Him with the first fruits of that spiritual increase with 
 which thou mayest be favoured, so will His blessing 
 which maketh rich, and to which he addeth no sorrow, be 
 increasingly thy portion. My paper is nearly covered, 
 and as I hope before long I may be favoured with some 
 of thy company again, I may now bid thee affectionately 
 farewell, and with dear love 
 
 I remain, thy sincere Friend, 
 
 John F. Maksh. 
 
 Croydon, 21st of 12th Mo., 1858. 
 My dear friend J. T., 
 
 I could have liked earlier than this to have responded 
 to thy truly comforting and acceptable letter of the 9th 
 inst., the unexpected receipt of which, with the perusal 
 of it, had a tendering effect on my spirit, and the tear 
 seemed ready to flow in the feeling of thankfulness that 
 a beloved brother in the distance, yet brought near in 
 spirit, was so affectionately drawn forth in the expression 
 of sympathy for one who deeply feels the increased and 
 increasing low state of things in our beloved Society. 
 
 These are indeed times of sorrowful declension and 
 departure in many ways from (may we not say) the 
 simplicity of the Truth as it is in Jesus, — and falling 
 away from upholding various precious testimonies, com- 
 mitted, as I believe, to us as a people to bear in the face 
 of the nations, and before all people ; and for which our 
 forefathers in the Truth suffered so much in supporting 
 
75 
 
 of them; — and which precious testimonies, a remnant, 
 through mercy, are yet preserved in a faithful upholding 
 of them. It seems to me that the desolating effects of 
 the Conference is already felt, and if the recommendation 
 of it should be adopted by the Yearly Meeting, will be 
 yet more and more seen and felt in a lamentable degree. 
 And in the present unsettled state of things, is it likely 
 to stop there ? whilst there continues such longing for 
 change on the part of the promoters thereof. Alas ! 
 alas ! that a disposition should seem prevalent on the 
 part of some in the station of Minister, Elder, Overseer, 
 &c, to lean to, and yield to the weaknesses of the present 
 day. Oh ! that there was more of a preparedness, under 
 the humbling sense of our great degeneracy as a people, 
 to "Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a 
 solemn assembly " — to " Gather the people, sanctify the 
 congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, 
 and those that suck the breasts, &c." — (see the prophet 
 Joel.) But it' seems to me that now-a-days, we as a 
 people, in many respects, do not go the way rightly to 
 gather the children and people. But perhaps I had 
 better check the mournful strain ; we do, I expect, see 
 and feel the state of things much alike ; and while our 
 spirits may be clothed with mourning and lamentation, 
 may we each seek to be preserved from sinking too low, 
 or casting away our confidence in low seasons, or the 
 shield of faith, — lest in so doing we become weak 
 instead of being strong, and thereby prevent ourselves 
 from doing that which may be appointed for our hands 
 to do. The cause that is so near and dear to us is the 
 Lord's, and he will be mindful of and care for his little, 
 humble, lowly, dependent ones, — those who feel they 
 have no strength or might of their own, and therefore 
 are concerned to put their trust under the shadow of his 
 
76 
 
 wings, for " He giveth power to the faint ; and to them 
 that have no might he increaseth strength " — yea, these 
 are privileged to be covered with the feathers of his 
 love. How sweet is that portion, " He shall cover thee 
 with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust, 
 his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." And again, 
 how precious the words of our holy Redeemer, "Fear 
 not little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure to 
 give you the kingdom." 
 
 And with thee, dear J., do I also think the counsel 
 given by Him our blessed Saviour, peculiarly suitable 
 to some of us in the present day, "In your patience 
 possess ye your souls." How important to have daily 
 in remembrance the injunction given to " watch and 
 pray, that ye enter not into temptation." 
 
 Short Extract of a Letter to a friend. 
 
 Let each of us look to our own standing, — mind our 
 own business — our own proper calling — eyeing that 
 light which shines on our path ; — not try to meet that 
 in others which our spirits cannot unite with, — and in 
 some instances enter into things, which, however lawful 
 and good in their place, are not expedient for some of us 
 to be so busied about, and taken up with. I need not 
 particularize. Is it not to be feared that many through 
 unwatchfulness, have got out of their pathway — the path 
 cast up for them to walk in, and thereby gradually and 
 almost imperceptibly to themselves, much drawn away 
 from the inward life. In how many ways and shapes 
 is the enemy seeking to betray, beguile, lay waste, 
 devour, — and how would he scatter and divide, — but 
 what a mercy to know and believe that through the 
 
77 
 
 power of Divine grace we may receive strength to resist 
 all his fiery darts, and overcome him in all his assaults. 
 
 Croydon, 11th of 11th Mo., 1862. 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 Although words, whether written or spoken, may not 
 be needful to assure thee of my continued love, and 
 affectionate remembrance ; yet there are times when I 
 feel thee brought so near in spirit, that to have thee 
 by my side, that we might commune together on 
 heavenly things, would be sweet indeed ; but as that 
 can only be (if so permitted) occasionally, we may 
 in spirit bear each other in remembrance for good, 
 and in desire that we may be preserved on every hand, 
 and strengthened to hold on in faith and in 
 faithfulness in the way cast up for us, and for all 
 who would be followers of the Lamb, to walk in, 
 even in the way of the cross, and path of self denial, 
 following Him the Lamb of God, which taketh away the 
 sin of the world, in the regeneration and newness of 
 life. how sweet the heavenly fellowship these enjoy, 
 whether present with, or absent from each other ! 
 Surely such may understand what was said of some in 
 ancient days who feared the Lord, that they spake often 
 one to another ; and their conversation and spiritual 
 intercourse must have been acceptable in the sight 
 of Him whom they feared, as we read, " The Lord 
 hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance 
 was written before him for them that feared the Lord, 
 and that thought upon his name. And they shall be 
 mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I 
 
78 
 
 make up my jewels ; and I will spare theni, as a man 
 spareth his own son that serveth him." 
 
 that there was more of this oneness of feeling, and 
 unity of spirit, — more of this cementing influence of 
 heavenly good experienced amongst us as a people, — 
 more of seeing as it were eye to eye, — more of a 
 harmonious labouring together for the promotion of the 
 precious cause of Truth ! But I need not enlarge on 
 the mournful strain. My object in writing now seems 
 chiefly to evince afresh my feeling of sympathy for, and 
 near unity with thee, my beloved friend and brother ; 
 apprehending I am somewhat sensible of the many 
 conflicts, provings, and deep baptisms thou hast to 
 experience for the sake of the precious cause of Truth ; 
 and how, as I . believe, thou hast to suffer from being 
 straitened as it were in the exercise of that precious gift 
 in the ministry with which I believe thou art entrusted. 
 When I say straitened, I mean only on the account 
 (not otherwise) of the church not having recognised the 
 same, by recording thee as a minister, whereby thou 
 art hindered from going forth to visit the churches, to 
 which, if my feelings are right, thou hast secret drawings. 
 Now thou knowest my brother, how it is with thee in 
 this awful particular, and how far it would be well and 
 proper for thee to mention something of thy feelings to 
 some in the station of Elder ; giving them to feel the 
 weight of their responsibility and accountability. 
 
 Perhaps I need scarcely say more, thou art, I think, 
 aware how tenderly I have felt for thee, and how 
 interested I am in and for thy spiritual welfare every 
 way. " The secret of the Lord is with them that fear 
 him: and he will show them his covenant." Another 
 portion is in remembrance, and which latter I think was 
 expressed by thee some years ago in our meeting at 
 
79 
 
 Croydon, and perhaps the first time of thy appearing 
 in that way in meeting, viz, " The righteous Lordloveth 
 righteousness ; his countenance doth behold the upright." 
 
 Croydon, 16th of 2nd Mo., 1864. 
 My dear friend 
 
 Ann Alexander, 
 I have often had in remembrance a sJiort sentence of 
 that beloved departed friend Mary Alexander of Kelvedon, 
 expressed to me many years ago as she was going out of 
 a friend's house at Coggeshall, and just as she passed 
 by me near the door, viz, "I love to be loved,'' and 
 which few words seemed afresh revived on again 
 receiving some of thy messengers of love ; for truly I 
 may say I love to be loved, — that is, loved in the Truth, 
 and for my love of the Truth, as it is in Jesus ; and to 
 be had in remembrance of the faithful, and to feel the 
 unity of those whom my spirit can and does salute as 
 disciples of the same Lord, and servants of the same 
 good Master. And truly my dear friend, thou mayest 
 be saluted as of this number, for very conspicuously is 
 the badge of discipleship, love, marked or placed on 
 thee. How precious are the words of our dear Eedeemer, 
 " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, 
 if ye have love one to another." — And the Apostle John 
 speaks of the love of the brethren as a sign of life, 
 " We know that we have passed from death unto life, 
 because we love the brethren." When the soul is 
 quickened and made alive unto the Lord, precious 
 indeed is the feeling of that love which flows in the 
 heart towards others ; especially so in the feeling of 
 heavenly fellowship towards those who love our Lord 
 
80 
 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ in sincerity, evidencing their 
 love by keeping His commandments, — in obeying the 
 teachings of His grace and good Spirit in the secret of 
 the heart, — yes, loving His appearing there, and follow- 
 ing Him in the regeneration, and walking in newness of 
 life. Love and obedience He requireth, — "If ye love 
 me, keep my commandments." — Again, " By this we 
 know that we love the children of God, when we love 
 God, and keep his commandments. For this is the 
 love of God, that we keep his commandments ; and his 
 commandments are not grievous," &c. I may soon 
 conclude, yet not without some fresh remembrance of 
 memorable days and months passed under the sheltered 
 and peaceful roof of dear M. L. and J. T. S., and 
 of the strengthening and encouraging society oft times 
 privileged to enjoy of beloved friends then living ; 
 but now, long since, thro' redeeming love and mercy, as 
 we may reverently believe, sweetly gathered home to 
 their eternal rest. So that Ipswich, Woodbridge, 
 Needham, &c, are to me spots of thankful remembrance. 
 
 Croydon, 20th of 2nd Mo., 1866. 
 My dear friend R. W., 
 
 Thou hast been so much in my thoughts and affection- 
 ate remembrance since thy little visit to us, and which I 
 did regret was so short ; feeling my heart so filled with 
 love, and I trust I may say living desires for thy best 
 welfare, and safe steppings every way ; and that, that 
 eye which hath been opened in thee, giving thee to see 
 those precious things which make for peace, and accom- 
 pany life and salvation, may ever be kept single to the 
 glory of thy Heavenly Father, to the praise of thy dear 
 
81 
 
 Redeemer, — that so nothing may be suffered to obstruct 
 thy progress, (as I think I somewhat spoke of in my 
 former letter,) in that way cast up for thee to walk in, as 
 a humble follower of the meek and lowly Jesus ; who in 
 that beautiful and best of sermons on the mount, said, 
 " If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of 
 light, &c." then that thine eye may be kept siugle 
 unto Him, — thy heart fixed and stayed on Him : " Thou 
 wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed 
 on thee ; because he trusteth in thee." Has not this 
 precious portion been often realized in thy experience ? 
 And in proportion as thou art strengthened to keep the 
 watch in the light, so wilt thou be favoured to feel and 
 know, that in the Lord's presence there is fulness of 
 joy,— yea, what it is to be covered with the feathers df 
 His love, in putting thy trust under the shadow of His 
 wings. this keeping the watch in the Light, how 
 important for each one of us individually ! Herein is 
 saving preservation ; wherein we are given to see the 
 various temptations and snares of the unwearied Enemy 
 of our souls' peace, and receive strength to resist them ; 
 yea, to overcome him in all his assaults. And may we 
 not believe that he is especially busy in assailing those 
 who are really quickened and made alive in the Truth ? 
 And it matters not to him in what way he gains his end, 
 if he can but draw us off the watch, and in any way 
 obstruct that precious work of grace in the heart. We 
 read in the book of Proverbs, " Surely in vain the net 
 is spread in the sight of any bird." 
 
 But why do I thus write dear R. ? Not as though I 
 thought, or apprehended thou wast other than on the 
 watch tower ; but knowing something of the conflicting 
 state of things in our religious Society, and in spirit 
 saluting thee as one of the preciously visited children of 
 
82 
 
 our Heavenly Father, — and having had some opportunity 
 of marking thy watchful deportment, I seemed afresh 
 engaged in desire for thy preservation both on the right 
 hand, and on the left. It is profitable for us, that we 
 " study to be quiet and to do our own business," — that 
 we sit alone and keep silence, — that the eye of the mind 
 be kept inward, not outward. It is not for us to say 
 " Lord, and what shall this man do ? " but our safety 
 is in obeying the words spoken by our blessed Lord in 
 reply to one who so queried of him, " If I will that he 
 tarry till I come, what is that to thee ? Follow thou me." 
 My wife unites with me in love, in which I remain thy 
 very affectionate and interested friend, 
 
 John F. Maesh. 
 
 Probably, 1860. 
 My beloved friend R. E., 
 
 It is indeed long since evincing in this way the con- 
 tinuance of my love and affectionate remembrance of thee 
 my endeared friend and brother, and I may add, com- 
 panion in the tribulated way, — for such has been in no 
 small measure our individual experience. The cup of 
 suffering may have been as regards some things very 
 different, and had it not been that the supporting arm 
 was felt to be underneath when the floods were permitted 
 to lift up their voice and their waves, our poor souls might 
 have been overwhelmed with inward grief and sorrow ; 
 but the Lord our helper, mightier than the noise of 
 many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea, 
 hath from time to time worked deliverance for us in an 
 unexpected and unlooked for manner — so as that the 
 precious truth has been realized, " The Lord is good, a 
 stronghold." 
 
.83 
 
 Sympathy, what a precious gift ! and when rightly 
 felt, is indeed comforting and soothing ; yet after all, 
 however tenderly possessed and felt to flow one towards 
 the other, that portion in the Proverbs is realized in 
 experience, " The heart knoweth his own bitterness ; and 
 a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy." Yes and 
 how precious to know that our Heavenly Father is con- 
 tinually watching over us for good, and strengthens to 
 endure the various dealings of His good and tender hand 
 upon us — for " Like as, &c." — (See the 13th and 14th 
 verses, Psalm 103.) 
 
 8th of 12th Mo., 1871. 
 To the same. 
 
 It seems somewhat difficult to express with the pen 
 the comfort and satisfaction the perusal of thine has 
 afforded me ; for often have my thoughts been turned 
 towards thee, my beloved friend and brother, with desire 
 to know how it was faring with thee, and how far thou 
 wert strengthened in maintaining thy steadfastness in 
 the Truth, in this day of falling away in many ways 
 among us as a people ; so that my heart, yea, I may 
 say our hearts were made thankful, and to rejoice in the 
 consoling belief that through the goodness and mercy of 
 our Heavenly Father, thou hast been kept from being 
 carried away with the stream of innovation, as well as 
 what may perhaps be considered, creacurely zeal and 
 activity of the present day. 
 
 To a younger Friend. 
 
 The Christian's life is a continual warfare, — experi- 
 ence teaches this. Continual then must be the watch 
 
84 
 
 maintained, that so we do not in any degree fall away 
 backward, or give any portion of our strength to that 
 which is not of the Truth, as we through mercy have 
 received, loved and embraced it ; — that we do not 
 stumble at the cross, nor shrink back from our allotted 
 portion of trial and of suffering ; — that we do not cast 
 away our confidence in low seasons, nor in seasons of 
 spiritual desertion — nor the shield of faith ; but rather 
 let us seek to put on strength in the name of Him 
 who doeth valiantly for his little dependent ones, giving 
 them experimentally to testify that the right hand of 
 the Lord is exalted — the right hand of the Lord doeth 
 valiantly — Ah ! dear H., may the end with us be per- 
 mitted to crown all ! remembering what is written for 
 our instruction and quickening in the way and work of 
 the soul's salvation, " But he that endureth to the end 
 shall be saved." 
 
 To the same. 
 My beloved young Friend, 
 
 It is, I believe well for us frequently to recur to past 
 steppings — to have in remembrance the way by which 
 we have come — the way by which we have been brought 
 by that good Hand, which leads about and instructs, as 
 there is a yielding to its secret guidance in the way of 
 righteousness and holiness — in the way of the cross and 
 path of self-denial. — To meditate on that Arm of saving 
 power and strength, which has wrought marvellously 
 for us, and been felt to be underneath for our support 
 in the time of need, and made bare for our deliverance 
 in moments of extremity. That so the mind be kept 
 susceptible of the tender dealings of our Heavenly 
 
85 
 
 Father towards us, and we thereby, under the constrain- 
 ing of his love and power, feel our hearts engaged in 
 the breathing desire to know what we shall render unto 
 Him for all his benefits towards us. 
 
 Thy appearances [in the ministry] till latterly have 
 not seemed very frequent, — which bespeaks thy caution 
 and care in endeavouring to mind the stepping stones. 
 May this watchful care be always maintained, — then I 
 believe preservation will be experienced from going 
 before thy good Guide, as also from withholding more than 
 is meet, which tendeth to poverty. Keep to the life and 
 to the power, and heavenly anointing — and move only 
 in and under it. 
 
 To an acknowledged Minister. 
 
 The present is a day when many appear so outward, 
 and looking, it is to be feared, too much to the poor 
 ministers, that it requires great watchfulness on the part 
 of these. I would say the double watch that they keep 
 so near the pure leadings and guidings of Truth, that 
 they be not tempted to feed the people with words, out 
 of the life and power thereof, — for we do know that 
 except the Lord build the house — except he keep the 
 city— 'tis in vain. 
 
 To J. and H. May, about to emigrate. 
 
 I think a pious author somewhere says, " There is 
 that to be met with by the honest enquirer and sincere 
 seeker after the mind of Truth, that will direct even to 
 a hair's breadth." Verily, my dear cousins, do I believe 
 in this. May we ever keep near to this inward principle 
 
86 
 
 of light and life,— and then I believe we shall experience 
 right guidance in things temporal as well as in things 
 spiritual, even to a hair's breadth. 
 
 To a young Friend. 
 
 Ah ! dear Joseph, it is the little, the lowly, and 
 hidden ones, as it were, that seem to me to want to be 
 encouraged to hold on their way in faith and in faith- 
 fulness. And may we not believe, that if there be a 
 revival amongst us as a people in the spiritual life, it 
 must be thro' the faithfulness of such as these, and of 
 such as may yet be brought (by yielding their hearts to 
 the power of the Lord's Spirit which visits them) to 
 unite in membership with our beloved Society ? And 
 more than a few of the poor of this world, rich in faith. 
 And what saith the apostle James? " Hearken my 
 beloved brethren," down to " them that love him ;" — and 
 again the apostle Paul to the Corinthians, " For ye see 
 your calling brethren," down to " that no flesh should 
 glory in his presence. " 
 
 To a Friend in Ireland. 
 
 Croydon, 29th of 1st Mo., 1873. 
 
 I could have liked earlier to have acknowledged thy 
 kind few lines dated the 5th inst., informing us of 
 the decease of our long known and much beloved and 
 valued friend, Richard Allen, of Waterford. 
 
 Precious one ! his race is run, and we may believe 
 his work was done ; so that at the close of a well- spent 
 and dedicated life to the precious cause of Truth, he 
 was of the number of those servants whom the Lord 
 
87 
 
 when lie cometh to call home to their everlasting rest 
 and happiness, are found watching and waiting, having 
 their loins girt about with truth, and their lights burning. 
 How appropriate that portion in the book of Job as 
 realized in his experience, " Thou shalt come to thy 
 grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in 
 in his season. " And now, how sweet the thought, 
 
 " Arrayed in robes of purest white, 
 
 The crown immortal wears — 
 And numbered with the saints in light, 
 
 The palm of victory bears." 
 
 Thus, as thou says, " another faithful and upright 
 pillar has gone from us, in this day of shaking, scatter- 
 ing, and sifting," — yes, dear friend, this is a day of 
 shaking, scattering, and sifting— a day in which I think 
 it may be said, that the leaders of the people have caused 
 and do cause them to err ; but I need not dwell on what 
 have been and are still the sorrowful feelings of my 
 heart — on account of the low state of things as respects 
 the fallen away and downward cou'rse of our once so 
 highly favoured society ; and great is the need for those 
 who are given to see and feel things as they really are, 
 to seek after patient endurance under suffering ; 
 yea, in patience to possess their souls, remembering 
 for their encouragement that the foundation of God 
 standeth sure, having this seal, " The Lord knoweth 
 them that are his " — and they that are His, know in 
 whom they have believed, and in whom they trust ; 
 and under the shadow of His wings they are safe, yea, 
 covered with the feathers of the Saviour's love, they are 
 safe. How sweet is that portion — " He shall cover 
 thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou 
 trust, — his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." 
 
88 
 
 My thoughts are often turned towards heloved ones in 
 your land, and have also in sweet remembrance some of 
 those valued ones whose places here on earth now know 
 them no more; hut whose purified spirits, we may 
 reverently believe, thro' redeeming love and merey, are 
 now inhabitants of that city whose walls are salvation, 
 and whose gates are praise ; and where sighing, pain, 
 and sorrow is known no more. 
 
 My love and sympathy to each of E. A's nieces. 
 Please give my love also to our dear friends S. & J. N., 
 L. P., P. C, and the W. family, all of whose love and 
 sympathy I feelingly shared when in Cork. My love 
 also to others who may remember me, accepting the 
 same for thyself and family, &c. 
 
 To a Friend. 
 
 In the feeling of much love and affection, I take pen 
 to acknowledge thy very welcome letter dated 4th ult., 
 viz. 3rd mo. 4th, a memorable day with me, it being the 
 eighty-fourth anniversary of my birth, which event I 
 apprehend thou wast not aware of when taking the pen 
 to address me. To be held in remembrance by those we 
 especially love in the Truth, either on such or any other 
 day, is cheering and comforting ; — and oh ! how precious 
 is that love which these feel to flow in their hearts one 
 towards the other, whether permitted more or less 
 frequently to mingle together in person, yet often are 
 they brought near in spirit, and in the feeling of heavenly 
 fellowship, desiring each other's growth and advancement 
 in spiritual things — yea, a deepening in the root of life. 
 I do desire the strengthening and encouraging of such, 
 
89 
 
 that they may hold on their way in faith and in faithful- 
 ness, maintaining the daily watch unto prayer, that so 
 there be no giving away of strength to things which may 
 lead astray from the pure leadings of Truth as believed 
 in and professed by the true Friend. 
 
 But alas ! it is to be feared, what if I say, too obvious, 
 that very many have, as it were, set themselves to work, 
 by putting their hands to things, which, if there had 
 been a dwelling under the humbling, baptizing power of 
 Truth, they would possibly be given to see, feel and act 
 differently ; — yea, led in paths and ways not of their own 
 choosing. Far be it from me to write judgingly, — but 
 there may be some in this day of outward activity, who 
 for want of feeling more after, and patiently waiting for 
 divine guidance, are tempted to choose their own ways 
 and sacrifices. How important then for each and all to 
 have daily reference to the injunction of our blessed 
 Lord and Saviour, to watch and pray, that ye enter not 
 into temptation. 
 
LETTERS HOME WHILE TRAVELLING 
 WITH CERTIFICATE. 
 
 Ipswich, 20th of 3rd Mo., 1826. 
 My dear Hannah, 
 
 I am pleased to inform thee, am getting on comfort- 
 ahly, and am much helped from day to day, and from 
 sitting to sitting, — yes, humiliating as the work is, yet 
 how easy is the way made, — and how, when nature 
 would shrink from entering the house's and families of 
 some, are the mountains of opposition, and the hills 
 of difficulty, removed as out of the way, — and what 
 humbling, tendering seasons have some been ; that a 
 hope rests with me, amidst many discouraging feelings, 
 that I am not altogether out of my place. As regards 
 things here, the life is very low, much of the dryness 
 and barrenness to be felt. Now my dear Hannah, let 
 me say how pleased and comforted I have been with the 
 accounts thou hast sent me of thyself and thy movements ; 
 mayst thou be encouraged and strengthened to hold on 
 thy way, — cast not away thy confidence in low seasons, 
 nor thy shield as tho' it had never been anointed, but 
 cast all thy care and confidence in him who careth 
 for us, and who continues to watch over his humble, 
 dependent children for good. Ah ! then, wait low, — 
 
91 
 
 wait in the light, — watch in the light, — move in the 
 light, — then I believe thou cannot fail to do right, and 
 will thereby come to experience preservation. 
 
 While visiting all the families of Friends in Bir- 
 mingham. 
 
 12th of 10th Mo., 1838. 
 My beloved Hannah, 
 
 Thou wouldst perceive a little by my last how low and 
 discouraged my poor mind was and had been, and how 
 ready to quit the field of labour ; and truly the prospect 
 of going from house to house among Friends here, did 
 appear too great a matter for me to undertake, feeling 
 indeed my great weakness and unfitness for so important 
 and weighty an engagement, and on coming here I 
 seemed to look for a release, — yet being favoured on the 
 evening of my arrival and the next morning with such a 
 sweet feeling of peaceful quiet, and may I not say 
 resignation of mind to what might seem best, so far as 
 I might be favoured to know ; that it seemed with me in 
 this feeling to make the attempt of beginning in the sim- 
 plicity and in the little grain of faith, and to go on just 
 one day at a time, not looking too forward ; and should 
 the way seem to close, I hope timely to stop — so 
 whether it may be extended throughout, or only a visit 
 in part, I hope to be preserved, and that in the end I 
 may be favoured to feel peace. It is indeed no light 
 thing for any one to move along in this line, and in the 
 present critical juncture especially, in such a place as 
 Birmingham and elsewhere ; yet we do know that as the 
 eye is kept single and the heart simple, preservation 
 may be experienced to a hair's breadth, and that the 
 
92 
 
 hands of the little ones may be made strong, and to 
 become skilful in battle, and their fingers to fight avail- 
 ingly, and also to know, through the power of divine 
 grace, their minds to be clothed with the spirit of 
 meekness and gentleness : so that there is no need for 
 the right-minded and sincere-hearted to be overmuch 
 cast down and dismayed in these perilous times. These 
 do know the foundation to stand sure, having this seal, 
 the Lord knoweth them that are his, and they that are 
 his know in whom they believe ; and as they continue to 
 believe in him, and to trust in him with their whole 
 heart, and not to lean to their own understandings, he 
 will never leave them nor forsake them, but will from 
 time to time give them to feel that he does own them, 
 and love them, and careth for them, and covereth their 
 heads in the day of battle ; yea, keepeth them as the 
 apple of the eye, and preserveth them as in the hollow 
 of his hand. 
 
 I send this short scrap in order that thy mind may 
 be at rest as to my present engagement, and that my 
 friends also in the distance may know what I am about, 
 and with thyself, &c., think of me for good, and in desire 
 for my preservation. I hope to write again soon. I am 
 more comfortably settled in and cared for every way by 
 dear Thomas and Sarah Southall than I can now in this 
 letter tell thee. 
 
 27th of 10th Mo., 1838. 
 
 I\Iy health is remarkably well, and the kindness of 
 
 Friends to help me forward I think increases, though a 
 
 poorer one I think they could not well have amongst 
 
 them. 
 
 Thy truly loving and very affectionate husband, 
 
 J. F. Maksh. 
 
[While travelling with certificate in the North.] 
 
 Brighouse, 13th of 10th Mo., 1841. 
 My beloved Hannah, 
 
 Thou need not fear my making too great haste ; 
 hitherto I hope sufficient time has been allowed, much 
 of which between meetings has been occupied in making 
 calls on friends who may be particularly invalids, and 
 such as are prevented from now getting to Meeting ; or 
 any I may incline to see as interesting characters, — but 
 alas, as yet I seem to have met with but little that 
 tends to cheer. As regards the spiritual life, things are 
 indeed low in these parts, more so than I think I should 
 have expected to have found them ; so that I am at 
 times somewhat depressed under the sense and feeling 
 of it, both in and out of meetings, and am myself moving 
 along in much poverty and weakness. 
 
 Gainsborough, 2nd of 11th Mo., 1841. 
 Most of the Meetings I have been at latterly are 
 very small, and things do not appear to brighten as I 
 proceed. As to the life, it seems in some places almost 
 extinct, and think I may say that it is low everywhere. 
 Oh ! our poor Society, how poor, how low, how peeled 
 and stripped ; but may we not, and must we not yet hope 
 that this people will yet arise and shake themselves as 
 from the dust of the earth, and again put on, and be 
 clothed with the beautiful garments of salvation and 
 praise ? let us have faith to believe it will yet be so ; 
 how important then to be individually faithful ! 
 
94 
 
 Maris, near Doncaster, 17th of 11th Mo., 1841. 
 The Meetings on First day at Hull were, I trust, 
 solemn seasons, the sweet covering of solemn quiet 
 which seemed to prevail throughout, both while I was 
 engaged in testimony, as well as during the time of 
 silence, is precious in remembrance. 
 
 Orrell Hall, near Wigan, 29th of 11th Mo., 1841. 
 I felt it somewhat formidable travelling in the close 
 carnages, though the owners of them seemed preserved 
 in the humility, and from an appearance of greatness 
 and state. I find the state of things very low in Lan- 
 cashire, and where can we say they are not so ? But 
 it will not do to give up, but we must endure the conflict 
 and maintain the warfare. 
 
 Manchester, 17th of 12th Mo., 1841. 
 R. I. then drove me back to the Garstang Station, in 
 readiness to go forward to Lancaster ; and whilst waiting 
 for the train coming up, which was some time first, in a 
 small place, and standing by a little stove, and the few 
 who were present being rather quiet, I ventured to 
 express a little in their hearing. 
 
 Derby, 31st of 12th Mo., 1841. 
 
 I hope these few lines may not be a disappointment 
 
 to thee, but if the cause of my detention be right, it will 
 
 be rather cause of thankfulness for my preservation. 
 
95 
 
 I may now tell thee, that after a season of deep conflict, 
 I have yielded to an impression of duty, that it will be 
 safest for me to return to Monyash, and hold a public 
 meeting ; this prospect has cost me not a little. Cousin 
 R.L. has kindly endeavoured to make the way easy for me, 
 and intends driving me there tomorrow, about 25 miles, 
 and for us to return in the same way on 2nd day, and 
 on 3rd day morning I hope to be able to turn my face 
 homeward in peace, and to meet thee about tea time 
 with a bright countenance. 
 
 Woodbridge, 28th of 3rd Mo., 1843. 
 My beloved Hannah, 
 
 * * * * At Ipswich, on 1st day morning, I bent 
 the knee early in the meeting ; after which J. Price 
 stood up. I then had my opportunity of getting, I trust, 
 pretty clear of friends here, being enabled, I trust, to 
 speak to some states. I was on my feet some time. J. 
 P. then knelt down ; and after, in a few words, I bade 
 friends affectionately farewell. Many, I believe, were 
 tendered and brought down in this meeting. One friend 
 remarked to me it had been a word in season to him, — 
 another, that I had preached to him, — and another, on 
 taking leave of me at a friend's house, could scarcely do 
 so, his heart seemed so full, and the tears ready to start, 
 so that I trust it was a good meeting on the whole, and 
 that the good Master was pleased to be near to help with 
 a little help. We had dinner at R. D. A's, who also 
 remarked on the favoured time. At about a quarter 
 before two we left Ipswich for Woodbridge, having con- 
 cluded to be at their afternoon meeting, which we did 
 
96 
 
 attend, — and perhaps it was well our passing away so 
 quickly, after so favoured a time, without again getting 
 into conversation with friends. We are so kindly 
 received, I think I may say everywhere ; the hearts 
 of friends and their houses being opened to receive us. 
 Friends here seem to have set their minds on a family 
 visit, at least some of them, — but that does not appear 
 to be the thing required. 
 
 "W. F. also seemed a little to think whether I might 
 not have such a service at Norwich, — a service, I trust 
 I should not shrink from, did I apprehend myself called 
 upon to engage in. It is very comforting to have the 
 company of Wm. M. — his example is instructing; and 
 if preserved, as I trust he may and will be, in the fear 
 and humility, is likely to be a favoured instrument. 
 what cause of thankfulness that the good Hand con- 
 tinues thus to be turned on one here and on another 
 there, in this our low day. Surely we may take courage, 
 and believe it will continue to be so from generation to 
 generation yet unborn, — for I believe there must be 
 such a people, and if faithfulness is but abode in, there 
 are many hidden ones up and down, who I believe will 
 yet have to appear as the wings of a dove covered with 
 silver, and her feathers as with vellow sold. 
 
 Allendale, 24th of 3rd Mo. 1849. 
 
 We took tea in a large company at , rather 
 
 formidable to me such large companies, especially to 
 one who often seems among them as it were in the 
 foolishness. I am thankful in being able to say I have 
 now completed my visit to the meetings of Durham 
 Q. M., and have to acknowledge, I trust with reverent 
 
97 
 
 thankfulness, the help and strength thus far graciously 
 afforded, and preservation mercifully extended in the 
 midst of much poverty and weakness. 
 
 30th of 4th Mo., 1849. 
 Last evening the Public Meeting at Pardshaw Hall 
 was largely attended, — the Meeting-house large. I 
 expect about 400 were present, and one of the most 
 quiet Public Meetings I ever attended ; — the silent part of 
 it too, I am inclined to think, was the most instructive. 
 Many of the people came, I expect, for miles round, 
 that it was indeed an interesting sight. 
 
LETTERS WHILE TRAVELLING IN IRELAND. 
 
 Waterford, 21st of 8th Mo., 1837. 
 Where we go to take dinner or tea, there are mostly 
 some friends invited to meet ns, and very frequently we 
 find ourselves encircled in large companies, which at 
 times proves somewhat humiliating to my feelings, yet I 
 trust we are helped safely through them, whether by 
 sometimes giving way to the uttering of a few broken 
 sentences, or remaining silent. I seem to feel it my 
 place to labour more in a private way and individually, 
 on which occasions best help is often in a remarkable 
 manner extended, and, may I not say, to my own hum- 
 bling admiration, and, perhaps I may add, without 
 boasting, to the tendering of many. In Meetings I 
 seem mostly to speak to some one or more states, but in 
 most places the state of things is so low, that it seems 
 as if the life could not rise with power, and be in 
 dominion — that if we be rightly here, we must be willing 
 to suffer with the suffering seed. 
 
 J. F. M. 
 
 Rathangan, 25th of 7th Mo., 1837. 
 My beloved Friend 
 
 John F. Marsh. 
 The remembrance of thy little visit to us is precious ; 
 it has left a sweet savour behind, and though thy 
 
99 
 
 public labour was trying and exercising, yet I believe it 
 must be the feeling of all the living members, and it 
 was an encouraging evidence that thou wast in thy right 
 place amongst us, — and I thought 1 would just send thee 
 the language that was with me before we parted, and 
 often arose since — that of Boaz to his reapers, "May 
 the Lord be with thee," and I doubt not but he is with 
 thee. Farewell, and remember thy poor little sister in 
 the Truth. 
 
 S. K. 
 
 Waterford, 21st of 8th Mo., 1837. 
 Dear Friend 
 
 John F. Marsh. 
 I wish to tell thee that yesterday morning my mind 
 was much occupied in looking towards thy sitting 
 amongst us, and I felt comforted with these words, 
 " Thou knowest the good Hand to lean upon." And I 
 fully believe that thy silent sitting was the most in- 
 structive ministration for us, and did loudly call us 
 to look unto our own standing. Oh ! this is what we 
 each of us want to be brought unto. 
 
 Some few remarked to me yesterday that they con- 
 sidered it a favour to have had a silent meeting. Oh ! 
 mayest thou continually lean upon that good supporting 
 Hand, saith 
 
 Thy affectionate friend, 
 
 A. B. 
 
 Kilnock, 21st of 8th Mo., 1856. 
 
 Ah ! things are low indeed in most places, and 
 
 where there seems a little good at work in the hearts of 
 
100 
 
 one here and another there, there are so few compara- 
 tively prepared to strengthen and enconrage. 
 
 Waterford, 5th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
 Preservation, I trust, is mercifully granted from doing 
 harm to the precious cause. 
 
 Wexford Co., 9th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
 I am favoured to be very nicely in health, and in 
 other respects I trust I am at times much helped and 
 favoured. Things seem low in most places, but that 
 one seems prepared to find, go where we may ; but we 
 must endeavour to hope on, do our best, and leave 
 the rest. 
 
 Kilnock, 15th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
 I hope mine posted on 7th day, and finished at Bally- 
 tore, thou received yesterday. The meeting there on First- 
 day was a remarkably favoured time ; the silence at the 
 close and throughout, was so precious that one hardly 
 knew how to break it up. I was, I trust, much helped in 
 testimony. The one at Enniscorthy, also somewhat 
 memorable : indeed I might mention others, as well as 
 many precious opportunities at other times, and es- 
 pecially some more privately and individually, but I 
 must forbear entering into particulars. 
 
101 
 
 Kilnock, 18th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
 
 I am remarkably favoured with health, and in other 
 
 respects am mercifully helped from day to day. Things 
 
 are low as regards the spiritual life, I think I may say 
 
 every where. 
 
 Mount Mellick, 28th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
 Jonathan Goodbody has left me this morning, and I 
 expect he may meet me again on 4th day, perhaps for 
 two days, or so. So thou may see I am supplied with 
 helpers according to my need ; favoured also I trust in 
 realizing the gracious assurance, that, " as thy day, so 
 shall thy strength be." If spared to return to my happy 
 and comfortable home, I shall have much to say, that 
 will be interesting to thee. So far I have moved on from 
 place to place, I hope without hurrying, and much kind- 
 ness and openness is evinced towards me, which is indeed 
 cause for gratitude and thankfulness to our Heavenly 
 Father. 
 
 J. F. Maksh. 
 
 Newtown, 7th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
 My dear Friend 
 
 Hannah Marsh. 
 Thy beloved husband leaves us in good health, and I 
 trust with a peaceful mind, so far having I believe, been 
 faithful while amongst us, in handing forth from time to 
 
102 
 
 time, that which was entrusted to him by his Divine 
 Master, under whose anointing he is moving along in 
 meekness and circumspection. 
 
 Thy very affectionate Mend, 
 
 Eichaed Allen. 
 
LETTEES TO HIS FRIEND RICHARD ALLEN, 
 OF NEWTOWN, WATERFORD. 
 
 Croydon, 2nd of 11th Mo., 1847. 
 It is comforting to find that thou hast been able to 
 accomplish so peacefully thy visit to the Meetings, &c, 
 in your nation, and that thou art now about to discharge a 
 debt of love to those of thy own particular meeting and 
 neighbourhood. In thus breaking bread from house to 
 house, may strength be given to communicate faithfully 
 to the different states, that counsel designed for the 
 awakening, warning, and encouraging of the flock. Ah ! 
 it is humbling work, and not for us to choose our own 
 sacrifices and services, but in simplicity and faith to 
 follow the gentle leadings and guidings of the Good 
 Shepherd ; doing that which we believe he bids us to do, 
 leaving the effect or result to Him, who (though one 
 may plant and another water,) giveth the increase. 
 
 2nd Mo., 1859. 
 
 A few words fitly spoken are permitted to have a 
 
 secret influence and working on the mind, tending to 
 
 the awakening, encouraging, warning, &c, as the need 
 
 may be, and the effect produced thereby wisely hid from 
 
104 
 
 the instrument ; and even where it may sometimes be 
 like water spilt upon a stone, may yet be recalled to 
 memory long after, as a message ; — though at the time 
 not regarded, now through the mercy of the Lord to be 
 embraced ; perhaps arising with freshness and power in 
 a time of trial and distress, — in the hour of temptation, 
 — in a season of adversity, — or on a bed of sickness. 
 
 29th of 11th Mo., 1864. 
 
 We must believe that the great Head of the Church 
 will keep and preserve unto Himself a living people — a 
 living remnant — und that in his own way and time He 
 does, and will fit, prepare and qualify here one, and 
 there one, more conspicuously and openly than some 
 others, (who nevertheless according to their measure 
 and growth do see and feel the like,) to lift up their 
 voice like a trumpet, and show unto the people their 
 transgression, and their sins ; yea, raised up and 
 strengthened to bear a faithful and noble testimony to 
 the simplicity of the Truth as it is in Jesus. 
 
 These, so long as they are preserved in a state of 
 daily watchfulness, even unto prayer, being clothed with 
 humility, and with the sweetness and meekness of the 
 Spirit of Christ, have nothing to fear as to the outward. 
 
 12th of 5th Mo., 1866. 
 
 I scarcely need say my thoughts have turned towards 
 your Yearly Meeting, which expect is now about over. 
 
 At present have heard no particulars, yet I seem 
 prepared to think it has been as thou expresses it, " a 
 
105 
 
 time of no small exercise to the living members of the 
 Church both present and absent." Ah ! and how can 
 it be otherwise, from the very altered state of things in 
 our Society ? 
 
 Ours now is drawing very nigh, but Oh ! how dif- 
 ferent is the feeling in many respects, in looking to 
 attending it, to what it was in days and years gone by ! 
 But I may forbear dwelling further on the sorrowful, 
 It is good and profitable for us that we study to be 
 quiet, and to do our own business, yea that we mind and 
 do our Master's business ; — and again, how precious 
 is the assurance, that " In quietness and in confidence 
 shall be your strength." 
 
 1867. 
 Thy letter was truly acceptable, and comforting and 
 refreshing to my spirit, evincing thy greenness in ad- 
 vanced years, still bringing "forth fruit in old age." 
 Yes, and all by the grace of God ; and Oh ! how great 
 the blessedness of those on whom this precious grace 
 has not been bestowed in vain ; and this not of themselves, 
 or of ourselves, truly, " We are nothing, Christ is all." 
 
 " No strength of our own 
 
 Or goodness we claim, 
 Yet since we have known 
 
 The Saviour's great name, 
 In this our strong tower 
 
 For safety we hide, — 
 The Lord is our power, 
 
 The Lord will provide." 
 
106 
 
 If we are anything acceptable in the Divine sight, it 
 is all of and by grace. It is of the Lord's mercy if we 
 are preserved alive in the truth from day to day and 
 from hour to hour, experience teaching us that our 
 safety is in being continually on the watch, — watching 
 unto prayer. 
 
 Our once highly favoured Society I suppose was once 
 rightly said to be our religious Society, but perhaps 
 now it would seem more in accordance with the real 
 state of things to say, the moral and social Society of 
 Friends. But I need not dwell on the various causes 
 of defection, neither will it do to suffer the poor mind to 
 be over much cast down, but rather seek to have our 
 souls possessed in patience, waiting daily to know the 
 mind and will of our Heavenly Father concerning us 
 individually ; — doing in simplicity and faith the little or 
 more our feeble hands may find to do. He knoweth 
 the sincerity of the heart, and how dear and precious is 
 the cause of Truth to those who truly love and fear 
 Him, and these must be passive in His hand, who in 
 His own way and time can alone work for our deliverance. 
 
 Oh ! to be clothed with the meekness and gentleness 
 of Christ's Spirit ! how rich, how full the blessing ! 
 yea, to be clothed with humility, — to be of the poor in 
 spirit, — to be clothed with the spirit of watchfulness 
 unto prayer. 
 
 And Oh ! what a favour, what a mercy, notwith- 
 standing the icicle opening of the flood gates, that a 
 living remnant have been preserved from being carried 
 away with the stream of innovation. I have said the 
 few, yet I hope and trust there are more than a few up 
 and down, hidden characters, bowed in spirit, and 
 secretly mourning over the desolations that abound. 
 May all such, with ourselves, be preserved in true 
 
107 
 
 patience, trusting in that powerful Arm that alone can 
 work deliverance for His poor and afflicted people, — 
 and who while feeling their poverty and need, are given 
 to know that the Lord thinketh upon them. 
 
 Croydon, 12 of 3rd Mo., 1868. 
 My beloved friend 
 
 Kichard Allen. 
 
 Day after day, and week after week, have again been 
 suffered to pass away without acknowledging thy last 
 acceptable and precious letter dated the first day of this 
 year ; but truly beloved friend and brother thou art often 
 in my affectionate remembrance, and especially have I 
 latterly longed for ability in this way to evince the same, — 
 I cannot plead want of time as an excuse, though that in 
 different ways is pretty closely occupied ; and frequently 
 some writing devolves upon one that cannot suitably 
 be put aside, but one's poor mind is so continually 
 bowed down under a sense of the withering state of 
 things, as regards the spiritual life in our once highly 
 favoured, but now degenerate Society, that the feeling 
 of discouragement as respects any bright hope of better 
 times in the future for this people seems almost over- 
 whelming ; for we cannot shut our eyes as to what is 
 from time to time passing around us, and to the fearful 
 innovations and laying waste that has taken place. It 
 seems to me, if I may so express it, as if one plank 
 after another was giving way ; and if it really be so, 
 surely the end must be a making shipwreck of faith 
 and practice. 
 
 But precious thought, there is the good Pilot at the 
 Helm, " The Lord on high mightier than the noise of 
 
108 
 
 many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea." — 
 and blessed and praised be His holy name, His ever 
 watchful eye is upon His little, lowly, trembling ones 
 who love and fear Him, and who through His mercy 
 have been preserved from giving away their strength to 
 the many weaknesses of the present day ; these can in- 
 deed lay hold of the precious assurance, " I will never 
 leave thee, nor forsake thee," — and again, " Lo I am 
 with you alway, even unto the end of the world." . . 
 Well, my beloved friend, we do know that the same 
 Divine Power which first gathered us to be a people, is 
 the same yesterday, to day, and for ever, and that He 
 can in His own way and time yet raise up such a People 
 as we were at the beginning, who shall be prepared 
 livingly to show forth His praise, whose delight is to 
 bring the children of men out of darkness into His mar- 
 vellous Light, — yea to bear a faithful and noble testimony 
 to the simplicity of the Truth as it is in Jesus. I may 
 now express the hope that these lines may meet thee in 
 as comfortable a state of health as when thou last wrote, 
 and that thou hast been preserved from any serious cold 
 during the past winter months ; also that thou hast been 
 able to enjoy the privilege of thy regular attendance of 
 meetings, which at thy and our advanced age is indeed 
 a great blessing and privilege. I am thankful to say we 
 are favoured to be nicely in health, and I trust rightly 
 feel the great occasion we have to feel grateful and 
 thankful to our Heavenly Father for the bodily ability 
 afforded, as also the preservation of our mental powers, 
 — His mercies are indeed new every morning, and great 
 is His faithfulness. On the fourth instant I attained my 
 79th year, and when looking back to the days of my 
 early childhood and youth, I trust that through mercy I 
 may now say, He that was my morning light is now 
 
109 
 
 become my evening song, — yes, beloved friend, it is the 
 same light that shone in my heart when a little child, 
 and enlightened my path in early life, that shines there 
 now, — it changes not. The same grace then visiting, 
 and shed abroad in the heart, is the same, it changes 
 not. And how precious the belief, that thou, be- 
 loved friend and brother, canst bear the same testimony, 
 as thine being the like experience ; so then we may say, 
 individually and unitedly, that goodness and mercy have 
 followed us all the days of our life, and if through the 
 help of the holy Spirit we be strengthened to hold on 
 our way in faith, and in faithfulness to the end of our 
 day, we may humbly hope, and reverently trust that 
 through redeeming love and mercy we shall dwell in 
 the house of the Lord for ever. 
 
 W. Irwin, Printer, 35, Fennell Street, Manchester.