II

7

ACQUIRED BY EXCHANGE

MEMORIALS

OF

REBECCA JONES.

COMPILED BY

WILLIAM J. ALLINSON.

PHILADELPHIA :
HENKY LONG8TRETH.
347 Market Street
LONDON:
CHARLES GILPIN.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by
WILLIAM J. ALLINSON,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania.

Stereotyped at Mogridge's Foundry.
Printed by Smith & Peters.

J 1X3 (

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

1739 — 1762. Introductory remarks. Her own account of her convince-
ment and early life. Letter from C. Peyton. She attends Yearly
Meeting through ignorance of its select character. Is invited to
meetings for discipline. Appears as a minister. Is acknowledged as
such. Her mother's death. Is joined in the school by Hannah Cath-
rall. Makes several visits from home. Death of Daniel Stanton.
Further particulars of her early history. Interview with the Eng
lish Friends. ..... page 1

CHAPTER II.
1763 — 1783. Her character as a teacher. Anecdotes of John Riddle
and children. Rules of the school. Letters to various persons. Let
ter from Elizabeth Smith and sketch of her life. John Woolman to
E.Smith. House in Drinker's Alley. Anecdote of John Woolman.
Poetry by John Drinker. Opens her prospect for England. - - 21
CHAPTER m.
1784. Credentials for England. Embarcation. Anecdotes of S. Emlen,
George Dillwyn, &c. Letter from Capt. Truxton. Reaches Liver
pool, London. C. Hustler joins her. Letter to H. Cathrall. Estab
lishment of Women's Yearly Meeting. Extracts from a curious
Letter. ... ... 43
CHAPTER IV.
1784 — 1785. Contrast by Enoch Lewis between the state of our Soci
ety in R. J.'s day and in our own. She attends London Yearly Meet
ing and enters on her travels northward. Letter to and from various
friends. Dream respecting John Reynell and its realization. Family
visit at Bradford, Returns to London. Requests a meeting with her
American fellow laborers. Anniversary of her arrival inadvertently
kept. ....... 67

ii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
1785—1788. Gives up for Ireland. Various letters. Lands at Dublin
where she visits families. Message from Captain Truxton. Family
visits at Ballitoreand Catlids. Remarkable anecdote of George Dill-
wyn. S. Grubb arrives. Visits families at Lisburn. Completes her
labors in Ireland and returns to England. Sickness,' death and funeral
of Thos. Ross. Labors in Wales. Family visit at York and at Leeds.
Cetificate of Ireland Half Year's Meeting. Attends London Yearly
Meeting. W. Mathews' testimony of the growth of her gift. Illness
of C. Hustler and of S. Grubb. Visits families at Sheffield, Warns-
worth, and High Wycombe. H. Cathrall's integrity in returning 50/.
Certificate of London Yearly Meeting. Concern on account of Afri
cans. Attends London Yearly Meeting. Preparations to embark.
Parting scenes. Tabular notes. - •. - 105
CHAPTER VI.
1788. Return voyage. Letters written on board the Pigou. Lands at
Salem. Attends Woodbury Meeting, and proceeds to Philadelphia. 149
CHAPTER VII.
1788—1790. Attends closing sittings of Yearly Meeting and returns
her certificates. Diary letter to J. P. Letter from S. Grubb. Pre
sent from pupils of Clonmell school. Parts with H. Cathrall and
takes lodgings with James Goram. Letter to J. Williams. Visits
the Yearly Meetings on Long Island and on Rhode Island. Letter to
Dr. Cathrall and to other Friends. Sickness. Journey to Maryland. 171
CHAPTER Vin.
1791. Decease of John Hustler and of Sarah R. Grubb. Letters.
Visits Long Island, &c. - . . 18q
CHAPTER IX.
Yellow Fever of '93. Death and character of Margaret Haines. Let
ter to her children. R. J. is ill with the fever. T. Scattergood's
visits and notes. Assiduous attentions of Dr. Cathrall. Letters Fam
ily visit. '- . . S05
CHAPTER X.
1794—1799. A young friend joins her family. R. J-'s last letter to V
Take. N. Wain's prospect for England. Visit in N. Jersev Letter
from S. Harrison. Death and character of Catherine Phillips At

CONTENTS. in
tends New York Yearly Meeting. Letters. Establishment of West
Town School and of Indian Committee. Letter from W. Savery.
R. J. delivers his message in Monthly Meeting. Fever of '97. R. J.,
goes to Edgely. Death of Thamazin Clifford. Returns to Brook's
Court. - 218

CHAPTER XI.
1798 — 1799. Description and character of Rebecca Jones. She sends
for T. Harrison to rescue a captured Negress. Shipwreck and ar
rival of Mary Prior. S. Grellet acknowledged as a minister, 1798.
Visits Rahway, &c. Attends Burlington Quarterly Meeting. Let
ters to and from Jane Snowdon. Goes to Edgely. Letters to Martha
Allinson, &c. Change in time of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. 240
CHAPTER XII.
1799. Religious visit to New England, accompanied by Jane Snow
don. Character of Sarah Cresson and R. A. Rutter. Prophetic
warning. Letters. Family visits, &c. Returns. Goes to Edge
ly." Interview with a Welsh convert. Arrival of S. Harrison and
J. Hall. Incident in North Meeting. ... 259
CHAPTER. XIII.
1799 — 1801. Death of S. Emlen, senior, and his presentiment of it.
Notice of S. Emlen, junior, and wife. Gervase Johnson. Letters.
Stop in her mind against recruiting her shop. Death of J. Hartley
and the intimation thereof afforded to her. Reflections on the source
of such intimations. Rich Cheese. H. Barnard. - 276
CHAPTER XIV.
1802—1804. Arrival of S. Stevenson and M. Jeffries, and death of the
former. Lettters. Death of Hannah Price. Wm. Jackson. Re
tires to Edgely. Letters to James Allinson, Arrival of George
Dillwyn. Returns to Brook's Court. Whale. R. J. and S. Smith
in sympathy with Friends in England. - - 293
CHAPTER XV.
1804. Death of Wm. Savery. Jacob Beck's lines on the occasion.
Letters and notes. New Year's reflections 1805. Ann Alexander.
Yearly Meeting. M. Routh sails for England. Letter to M. R.
Dorothy Ripley. Death of B. Cathrall and wife, and Rachel Col
lins. Yellow Fever. Goes to Darby. Interesting letter to Mary
Sevan. Returns to the Court. - - 309

iv CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVI.
1805—1813. Letter to M. Jeffries. Marriage of James and B. Allin
son. Letters to them. Eclipse and note by E. Lewis respecting it.
Death of H. Cathrall. Painful circumstances. Letters. Goes to
New York. Returns. Death of John Teas. Yearly Meeting.
Death of K. Howell, James Simpson, C. Hustler and James Allinson.
Letter to S. Hustler. Death of R. Wright. Mentions Susanna
Home. - - - 324
CHAPTER XVIi:
1813—1817. Typus Fever. Prayer. Green Street Meeting. Attends'
Twelfth Street Meeting. Is at North Meeting for the last time.
Death of T. Scattergood and message to Susanna Home. Letter to
Sarah Hustler. Intimation respecting S. Home's arrival in England,
Warning to a Minister. Her last letter to S. Hustler. Bernice Al-
linson's account of R. J.'s death. Reflections by Enoch Lewis.
John Cox. Passages from her Will, and concluding Remarks. 344

MEMORIALS OF
REBECCA JONES.

CHAPTER I.
1739—1762.
Introductory remarks — Her own account of her convincement and early
life — Letter from C. Peyton — She attends Yearly Meeting through
ignorance of its select character — Is invited to meetings for discipline
— Appears as a minister — Is acknowledged as such — Her mother's
death — Is joined in the school by Hannah Cathrall — Makes several
visits from home — Death of Daniel Stanton — Further particulars of
her early history — Interview with the English Friends.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
Truly was it said by Solomon, " The memory of the just is
blessed." And whilst reverently bearing in mind that " none is
good save One," itisadmitte'd to be both allowable and beneficial
to commemorate his goodness by recording the examples of those
who have been clothed upon with his righteousness, and made
partakers with the saints in light. It is helpful to the pilgrim, to
contemplate the steps of those who have walked with the
Redeemer in the way cast up ; not for a servile imitation of par
ticular acts, but with a prayerful desire to bo enabled to walk
by the same spirit, to mind the same rule, and to adhere to
the same principles of eternal truth which they illustrated and
adorned. The papers of our beloved and highly gifted friend Rebecca
Jones having been placed by her sole residuary legatee in the
hands of the present Compiler, were in course of arrangement,
with a view to ultimate publication. During a delay in the com-
(1)

2 MEMORIALS OF
pilation, arising from causes not ' immediately to be obviated,
anecdotes respecting her, with a small portion' of her narrative,
found their way to the press, in connexion with some in
accuracies. This, so far at least as the portion is con
cerned, which was strictly private property, was regretted,
yet it stimulated the Compiler to furnish to Friends' Review
(a valuable Journal published in Philadelphia, and ably edited
by Enoch Lewis) copious selections from the materials in his
possession. Long after the compilation had been entered upon, the caution
prefixed to the auto-biographical sketch with which the narrative
commences, continued to operate as a bar to its publicity, on the
mind of the proprietor, of these manuscripts, by whom the
memory of Rebecca Jones is most affectionately cherished, and
her wishes and requests regarded almost as a binding law. This
feeling of reluctance, altho' not removed, has in some degree
given way to the following considerations : The wishes and views
of judicious friends ; a conviction that the request originated in
the writer's very humble estimate of herself, and in more private
reasons the force of which has been weakened by Time ; and to
the still weightier conviction, that our dear departed friend, was,
in the constrainings of that love in which she was enabled to labor
for the good of souls, led to pen this testimony to her Divine
Master's gracious dealings ; and that, however undesirable the
prospect might have been to her shrinking and sensitive mind,
it is right at this time to extend the benefits of its perusal beyond
the narrow circle within which it has been .known.
The publication above referred to, of the only part respecting
which this scrupulous delicacy was felt, has assisted in deciding
this point ; and it may be remarked that the other journals from
which selections will be made, having been presented by Rebecca.
Jones to the friend referred to, without any such restriction, the
responsibility is entirely removed from her of giving to the
public any thing that was prohibited.
The compiler himself, cherishing the most tender affection and
reverence for the memory of his venerable friend, trusts that any

REBECCA JONES. 3
incompetency or error of judgment on his part in arranging the
materials before him, may not obscure the light of her example,
or derogate from the dignity, beauty and excellence of a charac
ter, which can hardly be appreciated by those to whom she was
not personally known. He had fondly hoped to throw the task
upon a more competent hand, but it was found impossible, without
going through the whole labor of editing the work, to place the
materials intelligibly before a third person ; whilst motives of
propriety and gratitude pressed upon himself the duty of dis
charging this debt to her memory.
The size of the volume might have been lessened, by com
prising from the letters the merely narrative parts and giving
them in a condensed form, but the compiler has desired to pre
sent the matter, when practicable, in her words rather than in
his own, and it has been moreover his settled conviction, that
these choice and instructive specimens of the epistolary style,
would be both pleasant and profitable to the serious reader. He
has in his possession a rich collection of letters to and from R.
Jones, and while he regrets his inability to obtain many others,
of especial value, which were sent on her decease to the families
of her correspondents, he feels bound to acknowledge his indebt
edness to several friends, in England and elsewhere, for the kind
loan of interesting letters.* The extent of her correspondence
was truly astonishing, and it would, if collected, of itself form a
larger work than is here presented.
In deviating from the routine of a merely religious work, in
the introduction of some sprightly, but, we trust never trifling .
passages and anecdotes, it has been the object and hope of the
compiler, by adding to its attractiveness to the general reader, to
extend its usefulness. He feels convinced moreover (indeed he
has received reiterated assurance of this) that all minutiae con
cerning R. Jones will interest those who vividly remember her.
In hastening to share these interesting relics, with those of her
former friends who may very soon be permitted to follow her, he
* Particular acknowledgment is due to the representatives of C.
Hustler, and E. Tuke, to James P. Parke, and to some others.

4 MEMORIALS OF
is influenced also by the hope that others, in contemplating the
course, and perusing the experiences of this dignified handmaid
of the Lord, may be stimulated to seek in faith of Him by whom
alone any can come unto the Father* ability to walk in the same
strait but Heaven-illumined path ; knowing that the principles of
Truth which she found to be so precious, have not been subject
to fluctuation,- and that the crown of glory, which, we humbly
trust, has been assigned to her, is reserved for all those, in every
age, who love the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ.

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL.
It is on my mind to leave a short account of my convince-
ment, and the Lord's gracious dealings with me, a poor un
worthy creature even of the least of his mercies and of his
Truth, for the perusal of some of my best and most intimate
friends, and I desire that to such only it may be shown, and that
it may not be made any further public.
"Begin not to say within yourselves* we have Abraham to our Father:
for I say unto you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto
Abraham." — Luke, iii. 8.
" Give us help from trouble, for vain is the help of man."
I was born in Philadelphia in the 7th month, 8th day, 1739.
My parents' names were William and Mary Jones. My father
leaving the city when I was an infant,* the care of my education
and that of my brother, who was nine years older than myself,
devolved on my mother, who, by hard labor, keeping a school,
brought us up reputably, gave us sufficient learning, and educated
us in the way of the Church of England.
Before I was twelve years of age, I often solicited my mother
William Jones was a. coaster — was much absent, and died from
home. Rebecca did not remember him. \ '

REBECCA JONES. 5
for liberty to go with some of the neighbors' children, who were
Friends, to their meetings, with which she often complied, say
ing that I was but a child, and not capable of determining in
matters of a religious nature, which, indeed, was really so ; yet
I have abundant reason to believe that something of a Divine
nature was then secretly at work in my tender mind, though I
knew not by what name to call it, which, had I given way to it,
would have preserved me, though but a child, from many things
into which I afterwards fell, to the wounding of my poor soul,
and making hard work in the cleansing, purifying day, that
afterwards powerfully overtook me, and from which I could by
no means escape. My mother would frequently say, "What
do you go to meeting for V I being light and airy, would reply,
"I don't know — but I believe they are a good people, and I like
their way, for there is not so much rising up and sitting down
among them as at church." And blessed be the God of my life,
who thus gradually and secretly drew my mind towards this
people — not only to go to their meetings — but I loved even the
sight of an honest Friend. Yet I was at times under the influ
ence of another spirit ; for, though I loved this people, and very
early saw a beautiful order and becoming deportment in their
meetings, I could not give up my days to lead such a life of
self-denial as the Divine Instructor in my own breast at times
directed me to. But I loved vanity and folly, and to keep un
profitable company, by which I was led into many evils, and
quenched the blessed spirit from time to time — yet not wholly,
for oftentimes in the midst of my career, I was favored with its
secret smitings, and from which it was impossible to flee : and
frequently, when in bed, or alone, my heart was made uneasy
for the multitude of my transgressions, so that I often promised
to amend, for I greatly feared to die. But Alas ! though I made
covenant, I soon forgot it, and returned to the same things for
which I had been reproved, and thus added sin to rebellion for
some time.
Yet I kept close to meetings, both first and week days, when
I could get away without my mother's knowledge, though I knew

g MEMORIALS OF
not why I went, for I liked not their way of preaching, but was
always best pleased with silent meetings.
In the year 1754, and in the 16th year of my age, there came
from old England on a religious visit to the churches of Christ in
America, Catharine Peyton, in company with Mary Piesly, from
Ireland. I was at divers meetings in this city with the aforesaid
Friend, and heard divers testimonies which she bore, with which
I was much pleased ; but like many others, I only heard, and
sought not to learn the way to salvation in sincerity. But, for
ever blessed and praised be the great Minister of all ministers,
and Bishop of souls, who in his abundant compassion to a poor
creature in the very road that leads to the chambers of death,
was graciously pleased through his handmaid to set my state
and condition open before me, and who enabled her, in one of
our first-day evening meetings, to speak so pertinently to my
situation, in showing the consequences of trifling with Divine
conviction, and proclaiming God's love through Christ to all re
turning sinners, that I cried out in the bitterness of my heart,
" Lord, what wilt thou have me do to be saved V And so
effectually was my heart reached, that I was made willing to for
sake everything here to obtain peace; yea, my natural life Would
not have been too great an offering, if it had been required, that
I might have inherited eternal salvation.
Oh, the many days of sorrow and nights of deep distress that
I passed through ; how frequently did I cry out, " Lord, save
me or I perish !" I almost despaired of finding mercy, for sin
not only appeared exceeding sinful, but my soul's enemy almost
persuaded me that my sins were of so deep a dye, and so often
repeated, that I had neglected the day of my visitation, and that,
though I might, like Esau, seek the blessing with tears, I should
not obtain it.
But, forever magnified be the kindness and goodness of the
Lord my God, the everlasting Father, he left me not here, though
I was in the situation described by the Prophet. I was greatly
polluted — lay wallowing in the filthiness of the flesh, without
any succor from temporal connections, and a stranger to the

REBECCA JONES. 7
Lord's family — " Not washed at all, nor salted at all, but cast
out as in an open field, void of any enclosure ; none eye pitied
me, to do any of these things to me." When the sure Helper
passed by, he beheld me in my deplorable situation, cast his
mantle of Divine love over me, and with a most powerful voice
said, LIVE — yea, he' said unto me — LIVE.
I was again encouraged by the renewal of divine favor to
enter into solemn covenant with that gracious Being against
whom I had so highly rebelled, and whom I had so justly. of
fended ; and fervent were the breathings of my soul, that I
might be enabled to stick close to the terms made in this the
day of my humiliation.
My love to this instrument in the Lord's hand was very great ;
and on a certain time, being reduced very low in my mind, under
the consideration of my many and deep transgressions, I took
up my pen and opened a little of my condition to her, though I
was afraid to sign my name to it. I watched an opportunity
and slipped it into her hand, just as she was going into meeting,
and in two days after received, per the hands of one of her
friends, the following answer, which, as it had a blessed effect in
encouraging my mind reverently to confide in the Lord's infinite
mercy, I here transcribe at large. Peradventure it may revive
the hope of some afflicted soul.
" Philadelphia, ith mo. 1st, 1755.
Dear Child, — I have carefully read thy letter, and, from a
tenderness of spirit which I feel towards thee, conceive much
hope that thou wilt do well, if thou keep to that Power which
has visited thee. Which, as it has already appeared as a light
to convince thee of sin, will, if thou wilt suffer it, destroy it in
thy heart. Which dispensation being already begun, is the rea
son of that anguish of spirit which thou feelest, which will lessen
gradually, as thou art assisted to overcome.
" And be not too much discouraged, neither at what thou hast
committed against the Lord, nor at what thou mayest have to
suffer for him ; for though thy sins may have been as scarlet, he
is able and willing to make thy heart as snow, upon thy sincere

8 MEMORIALS OF
repentance and humble walking in His fear, and also to give thee
strength to do whatsoever he commands thee.
" If thou art willing and obedient for the future, thou shalt eat
the good of the land in the Lord's time, and, as thou hast already
been instructed that ' thou shalt only receive consolation as thou
art fit for it,' wait patiently, and let the administration of con
demnation be perfected, — so shall the administration of Light and
Peace be more clear and strong : which will assuredly come upon
thee, if thou abidest faithful to that Power which has visited thee.
" Thou desiredst me to explain some portions of scripture to
thee, which I had to mention, which I am willing to do as far as
the mentioning of them concerns thy state : which I believe was
to awake watchfulness and care over thy conduct, that thy soul
may bring forth the fruits of purity and love to God, which will
be manifested only by thy obedience, and that thou may not rest
in anything short of the knowledge of His Power, revealed in thy
heart as a refiner and teacher, nor place thy happiness in any
thing short of his salvation.
" I go out of town to-morrow, and not knowing thy name by
thy letter, know not how to get to speak to thee ; and have there
fore committed the care of this to A. Benezet,* who, I believe,
will use his utmost endeavors to convey it to thee.
"Farewell ; and may the Lord continue to bless thee. I con
clude, in much haste, thy sympathizing friend, Catharine Peyton.
" P. S. I had rather thou kept this to thyself; and be sure,
be careful how thou tellest thy condition to such who have no
knowledge of it."
On the receipt and reading of this letter my heart was melted
into great tenderness before the Lord, and my mind pncouraged.
to trust in his boundless mercy, thus extended to me, a poor, un
worthy creature. My resolutions were daily strengthened, in
remembering that " at what time soever the wicked turneth from
* This letter was not forwarded to her by Anthony Benezet, but by
another friend, as will be explained in the next chapter.

REBECCA JONES. 9
his wickedness, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall
save his soul alive."
I now attended meetings constantly, though I suffered some
hard things on that account. I rejoiced when meeting day came ;
yea, the evening before meeting day my mind seemed under the
preparing power, for the solemn performance of Divine worship ;
of the necessity whereof I was now fully convinced, as also of
my unfitness therefor without the renewal and daily influence of
the blessed Spirit. The heart-tendering power of Truth in a
very singular manner attended, insomuch that if I was not in the
enjoyment thereof, my meeting seemed in vain. I frequently
compared my situation about this time with that of the children
of solid Friends, many of whom, I perceived, walked widely from
their holy profession. I thought if I had been favored with priv
ileges like those which many of them enjoyed, I had not had so
much work for repentance. Oh, that they did but see and rightly
understand the manifold obligations they are under to the Ever
lasting Father, and also to their pious parents. Oh, the un
speakable advantage of an early education in virtue and the fear
of the Lord ! Certainly in the great day of decision it will but add
to the weight in the scale against those who pursue lying vani
ties, forsake their own mercies, and rebelliously turn their backs
on the admonitions, counsel and instruction of tender, pious,
heart-aching parents ! I esteemed myself as a branch broken
off from the wild olive, and grafted into the good olive tree, and
was secretly instructed that I stood by faith, and that the good
ness of God would be toward me while I continued in his fear :
otherwise I should be cut off. I often fervently desired that
those who had erred and strayed among the youth (whom I com
pared to the natural branches of the good olive tree) might be
grafted in again — " for God is able to graft them in again." " Be
not high-minded, but fear," was the solemn admonition frequently
sounded in the ears of my soul.
It is not in my mind to particularize everything that fell to
my lot, not only frorn some in near connection with me, but also
from my former acquaintance, to whom I now seemed estranged ;

10 MEMORIALS OF
and many were their bitter invectives and hard speeches liber
ally thrown out against me. Yet thus far I may say of a truth,
greater was that power which had visited me, and was in a de
gree in me, than these mine enemies that were in and of the
world. To the praise of my gracious Benefactor be it spoken,
the more I suffered in thus turning my back on all those things
which in time past I so greatly delighted in, the more my strength
increased, and my resolutions were confirmed to serve the Lord
the little time that remained to me in this life, which I then often
thought would not be long.
In the Spring of the year 1756, my aforesaid friend, C. Pey
ton, embarked with her before-named companion, M. Piesley,
Samuel Fothergill, (who had also performed a religious visit to
Friends on this continent,) Samuel Emlen, of this city, &c, and
set sail for Europe. Soon after their departure I found an indif
ference towards meetings gradually coming on, and the enemy
of my soul's happiness sorely buffeted me. ' He suggested to me
that my repentance was vain, (it was not godly) my tears were
insincere, and that I was most certainly under a great delusion.
And the Lord, my only Helper in this night of probation, saw
meet in his wisdom, for the trial of my faith, to hide his face
from me. Thus spake the deceiver: " Why art thou thus?
surely if thou wert the visited of God, he would not have left
thee thus poor, stripped and helpless. Thou art not on the right
foundation ; for if the Lord had been at all with thee, he would
have remained with thee for ever." Oh the grief and distress
of my poor soul! The Divine presence was withdrawn, and I
had no friend on earth to speak to, nor. any to whom I could
make my complaint. Yet I was favored under all, with strength
to pray that I might be favored to see clearly from whence this
distress and doubting arose. And, blessed be the God of my life,
who, though I thought him far off, was near, and had only with
drawn as behind the curtain ; he heard and graciously answered
in the needful hour. I resolved if I perished to perish at his feet.
And thus spake my only friend and alone helper : " I will tho
roughly purge thy dross, and take away all thy tin." My soul

REBECCA JONES. H
replied, amen, so be it, blessed Lord ! Here I could feelingly
say as did David : " I know, oh Lord, that thy judgments are
right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted" me !" Hope re
vived as an helmet of salvation ; I saw mine accuser and he fled !
Oh, my soul, forget not thou the loving kindness of thy God,
who thus graciously appeared for thy help; not only when the
floods of the ungodly made thee afraid, but when in close com
bat with the Prince of the power of the air, the Lord's arm
brought salvation, and his right arm got the victory.
My love again was renewed for the Lord's people ; and, al
though through much difficulty and strong opposition, I attended
meetings, both first and week days, and should have rejoiced had
I been worthy to sit in meetings for discipline, a privilege not
yet granted me ; I frequently went to monthly and quarterly
meetings and staid the first sitting, but withdrew when Friends
entered on business. I knew I had no right to stay longer —
besides, in one of the yearly meetings for business I was desired
to withdraw by a friend whom I afterwards dearly loved ;* and
though I left the meeting under much distress, (being at that
time very low in mind,) yet no hardness got in, blessed be the
Lord ; my love rather increased, not only to this mother in Is
rael, but to the whole flock; and I admired the care used to
keep such meetings quite select : I saw that it was necessary to
do so, and never after attempted to stay till I was invited by some
who I thought tenderly loved me, and were authorized to do
it. And here I would mention the observation I made of some
of our youth after I was favored to sit in meetings for business.
I frequently looked at them with love and tenderness, but ad-
* Daring the Yearly Meeting of 1755, K. J. went to one of the sittings,
not being aware that our order required such meetings to be select. —
Finding her accustomed seat occupied, she went up stairs, but seeing
so many plain Friends, she felt uneasy, and as if she had no business
there : which feeling was increased as she noticed a whispering near
the clerk's table. Catharine Kallender, leaving her seat, went up stairs
and sat by her ; and seeing R. about to rise, she laid her hand upon her
kindly, and presently they both went out, when Catharine informed her
that those meetings were exclusively for members, but that she believed
the time was not distant when it would be proper for her to attend
them.

12 MEMORIALS OF
mired to see so little sense appear among them of the nature and
design of such meetings. I found that many attended through curi
osity, and some from other motives: but very few whose shoulders
were preparing for the burden of exercise that lay weightily on
divers mothers in the family, who were far advanced in years,
and in all probability would ere long finish their course. I mourn
ed at the prospect of a succession, and wished that the spirit of Eli
jah might rest on Elisha. At these seasons I often felt a holy zeal
to cover my spirit, and an engagement sometimes attended that
the Lord's work might go on and prosper. But, in that weak
state, I concluded, that if the youth would not come up to the help
of the Lord, (I mean children of believing parents,) the cause
would drop. Yet I was sometimes favored to understand the Lord's
proclamation, " I will work, and who shall let it." Very fre
quently I was seized with an apprehension that, if I was faithful
to the manifestations of Divine grace, the baptizing influences
thereof would be witnessed for the cleansing, purifying, and pre
paring my spirit, rightly to engage in the Lord's work : at which
my heart trembled within me, and I very much feared I should
push Uzzah like. And, though in meetings both for worship
and discipline, my duty was often pointed out to me, yet, the fear
of marring the Lord's work, a sense of my own weakness, the
situation in which I was placed in the world, the prospect of
much suffering awaiting me, but, above all, a sense of the purity
and , stability necessary for those who fight the Lord's battles,
and a sight of my own state and lonesome condition in the fam
ily ; I say all these things mightily humbled me, and reduced
me to the brink of the grave. I went alone — I kept silence  I
refrained from my natural food, and my sleep departed from me.
" I was stricked of God and afflicted." In this situation I at
tempted several times to break my mind to some Friends by writ
ing, and to let them know how it was with me — but was al
ways stopped from doing so; and once, when I went to the
house of an honest-hearted, faithful servant of the Lord, with an
intention to open my case to him, the ear of my soul was sa
luted with this prohibition : "See thou doit not — the work is the

REBECCA JONES. 13
Lord's." My mind was fervent with the Lord, (than whom none
else knew my condition,) that he would be pleased to favor me
with the distinct sight and knowledge of his will, that I might
not be deceived by the enemy of my soul — whom I had before
seen in some of his artful transformations — but that light might
so attend as that I might make no mistake in darkness. I car
ried my burden from one month to another, and from meeting
to meeting, until the 7th month 9th, 1758, in an evening meet
ing, finding no excuse would longer do, and that faithfulness
was required, after William Prickett had finished a lively testi
mony, in which he expressed much sympathy and had great en
couragement for some who were under preparation for the Lord's
service, I stood up in great fear and trembling, and expressed a
few sentences very brokenly. I returned home with the prom
ised reward of peace, which I had long sought in vain, but, now
that I had given up to the Lord's will, was favored to obtain it.
This was my first public appearance, and I greatly desired as a
sign, that if I was yet mistaken, I might be visited and advised
by some Friends. But as I met with no opposition from Friends,
and as, contrariwise, some spake encouragingly to me, I found
need to watch myself with a jealous eye, and was fervent in spirit
that I might be preserved in true humility and Divine fear, the
only safe situation for a gospel minister.
And now I found it my place to make a stand against some
things in some of my near relatives, with which before I had no
unity. And, blessed be God, my best friend, I was helped to
overcome both in myself and others, some inconsistencies which
I plainly saw Truth disallowed of.
Hitherto I had met with much opposition in attending meet
ings ; but the Lord plead my cause, and inclined the heart of my
dear mother toward me, so that she not only gave me liberty in
that respect, but was very affectionate, both to me and to Friends
when they came to our house ; and she continued so till her
decease. For which my soul was made humbly thankful, and
it was no small confirmation to me that the Lord was on my
2

14 MEMORIALS OF
side. " What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits !"
was the honest language of my mind.
In the year 1760, I had the privilege granted me to sit in the
meeting of ministers and elders, of which I thought myself very
unworthy; and I attended the first meeting of this sort under
strong apprehensions of my own weakness, and the necessity of
laboring after true humility.
In the spring of the year 1761, my dear mother began to
decline very fast in her health, and could scarcely keep about
house. She grew weaker and weaker, insomuch that she needed
constant attendance all the summer. I had a large school on
my hands to take care of, (the only means for our subsistence,)
and her to nurse both night and day, till the 9th month, when
she grew so ill that I was obliged to break up the school. I also
was much reduced, in my health, and, by such constant exercise,
both of body and mind, received a weakness that I fear I shall
never be rid of.
She deceased near the end of the 9th month, 1761. And
here I am free to add that she was a woman of good natural
understanding — of a noble disposition — had many good quali
ties — lived a peaceable life among her neighbors — and, I have
good ground to believe, was under a religious exercise of mind
for many months before her decease. She was favored with an
easy passage, for which during her illness she often prayed, as
a sign of acceptance with the Lord ; and was buried in the
burial ground of the Church of England, (so called,) among
whom she always made profession.
In her illness she desired to see Daniel Stanton. He came,
and had a heart-tendering time in supplication, particularly on
her account, (whom he had known from a young woman,) that
she might be favored with patience, and might obtain mercy
with the Lord. After which she seemed easy, and said he was
a servant of the living God.
Now I was in a strait : for I had often thought that if it should
please Providence to remove my mother, I wbuld think of some
other way than keeping school for a livelihood. But as our

REBECCA JONES. 15
Yearly Meeting was coming on, I concluded to leave it till that
was over, and in waiting to know what was best, I seemed easy
to continue in the same way, as being what I was most used to :
and a suitable friend offering, made it the easier. This was
Hannah Cathrall, a religious, prudent young woman, who joined
me in the business. I esteemed this a favor from kind Provi
dence, for I was now grown so weakly that I could not have
undertaken it alone, and she was of an affectionate disposition
towards me. We soon had a large school, and were blest with
a sufficiency to live comfortably. I had been very little abroad,
not only because I was confined by business, but I was under
great discouragement in my own mind, on account of my weak
ness both of body and mind. But whenever my aforesaid com
panion apprehended I was under any engagement of that sort,
she always encouraged me, and did all in her power to make
things as easy as she could, for which I feel grateful acknow
ledgments and esteem for her. In 1762, I went in company with
E. Smith of Burlington, and some other friends, to the General
Meeting held at Shrewsbury ; and after that, at different times,
with Esther White, Mary Evans, Hannah Harrison, &c, several
little turns, to some Quarterly, Monthly, and particular meetings,
within the compass of our Yearly Meeting.
In 1769, I found a draught of love in my mind towards the
Yearly Meeting on Long Island, and obtained leave of our
second day morning meeting of ministers and elders. I made
preparation and was in readiness ; but, when the time came, my
mind was so beclouded and distressed that I was glad to give it
up. The cause afterward appeared very plain to me, and I was
made thankful for the secret intelligence afforded from on high.
In 1770, the engagement for that meeting was renewed, and
my friend Hannah Foster, of Evesham, having sent me word
that she intended going there, I gave up, and though much dis
couraged, being poorly in my health, and not used to ride on
horseback, yet I was favored to hold it pretty well as far as Rail
way, where my kind friends, Joseph Shotwell and wife, provided
a chair for my accommodation, and went with us to Flushing.

lg MEMORIALS OF
I was much assisted in this journey, or I could not have held
out, for I was not only indisposed in body, but my mind was
very low, insomuch that I apprehended I should not live to re
turn, and accordingly settled my outward affairs and took a
very solemn leave of my dear companion, who was also fearful
on my account. However, the Lord was near — blessed be his
name — and made the weak strong. We were mutually com
forted together at that meeting, and I returned home better every
way ; for which I bow before the Almighty, and acknowledge
that nothing is impossible with him. Praised and magnified be
his great name, both now and forever !
Soon after my return my mind was bowed very low, by reason
that a beloved friend and father in the truth, Daniel Stanton,
was taken from works to rewards. He had been eminently
favored in his public appearances for many months before, inso-
- much that many Friends were apprehensive of what he some
times expressed as his belief, " that he had not many days
longer to labor among us." This was a great stripping to the
church, and a near trial to many individuals, and the loss was
not likely to be soon made up. Such was the prospect of things
among us. Yet there were still left some honest laborers, and a
remnant clothed with the same spirit of true zeal, which was the
covering of this great and good man, who deceased the 28th of
6th month, 1770, in the 62d year of his age, and who had dis
interestedly labored among us upwards of 40 years  approving
himself called of God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed
rightly dividing the word to every class in the family. " Pre-
cious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
[Here ends the autobiographical sketch which she probably
designed resuming.]

The mother of Rebecca Jones, as has been mentioned in the
preceding memoir, kept a school for small children. She had
subjected herself to many privations, in order that she mi^ht

REBECCA JONES.

17

give Rebecca a good education, being ambitious to make her a
teacher of the first standing in Philadelphia. As this precious
young person yielded obedience to the Divine Monitor, she found
herself restricted in various ways, and restrained from indulging
in and teaching to others, the lighter and merely ornamental
branches, as dancing and music, and ornamental needle-work.
This, being a blight to her mother's fond and ambitious pros
pects, introduced Rebecca into severe trials and close provings
of her faith, from the treatment which she experienced from her
parent, who now opposed her attending the meetings of Friends.
Her conflict of soul became so great that she did not hold inter
course with any one, and the Bible to her was a sealed book, so
that she did not dare to resort to it for consolation.
Let no one suppose, however, that she at any time under
valued the sacred volume, (in the perusal of which she was dili
gent through life, and earnest in enforcing the duty upon others,)
although at the time of which we write, instrumental means were
withheld ; she being, under the immediate power of the great
Teacher of his people, preparing for a service, the true qualifi
cation for which must be directly received from and renewed by
the alone unfailing Source of help.
She went to meeting when she could get away, although she
knew that unkindness awaited her on her return. On one occa
sion, coming down stairs with her bonnet and cloak on, her
mother took hold of the latter to detain her. She untied the
string and walked out, leaving her mother in silent astonishment ;
but she felt condemnation and could not enjoy her meeting. Her
mother, however, never again attempted to detain her by force.
During this state of things, her brother Daniel, who was nine
years her senior, and who resided in Mount Holly, made them a
visit, and their mother poured out to him her troubles and mor
tification on Rebecca's account, representing how much mdney
she had spent upon her education, which was now, in her esti
mation, all wasted, and expressing her desponding feelings
relative to their being able to obtain a maintenance. He
enquired whether she was not dutiful and kind to her, and obe-
2*

18 MEMORIALS OF
dient in everything except what she apprehended to be connected
with her religious duty. The mother replied that she had never
been so kind and dutiful, and that she was only disobedient in
relation to things with which she professed to be uneasy on
religious grounds. " Then, mother," replied he, " let her alone—
if it is of herself it will soon come to nought, but if it is of the
Lord, all that you can do will not prevent it."*
It was about this time that she placed in the hands of Catha
rine Peyton (afterwards Phillips) the letter to which reference is
made in her own narrative, page 7. It will be noticed that
Catharine in her reply proposes to entrust it to the care of
Anthony Benezet. But, having written her answer, she read
Rebecca's letter to Daniel Trotter, who was a near neighbor to
Mary Jones, and had been her fellow passenger in a voyage
from the West Indies. " I do not know," said Daniel, " who it
can be, without it's that wild Becky Jones, who has got to com-
Ktg to meeting and sits by black Rose." This Rose was a
goodly colored woman, who sat on a bench near the door, and
Rebecca in her humility, occupied the vacant seat beside her.
He was so assured of the correctness of his surmise, that he un
dertook to deliver Catharine's letter. One afternoon, at the
close of school, Rebecca was sitting with her mother at the door,
and seeing D. Trotter approach, she was much agitated lest he,
being a Friend, should be unkindly treated on her account. He,
however, frankly addressed Mary Jones, and conversed pleasantly
about their voyage, taking no notice of Rebecca, till, as he was
going, he shook hands with her, leaving the letter in her hand.
She kept it for two days before she had any opportunity to read
it in private, and then ripped a seam in her skirt, and concealed
the letter in the quilting, as her pockets, drawers, &c, were
frequently searched.
Being selected as bridesmaid by her friend Hannah Zane at
the time of her nuptials with John Pemberton, the bride offered
to present to her a dress of rich silk, (then a very costly arti-
tThis brother died 10th mo., 1771 — aged 40 years.

REBECCA JONES. 19
cle,) with which R. J. was pleased at the moment — but her
mind became uneasy, and soon settled in the conviction that her
safety consisted in being content with mean things. During her
whole life, she never wore a silk dress — though she had no dis
position to judge the liberty of others in this respect, or to fix
upon them her individual scruple. Thus early humbling herself,
she became meet for the exaltation and dignity designed for her
by her gracious Master, and. although, during a large portion of
her life, she was treated by " the household of faith" with a
degree of consideration and deference which very few could
receive without injury, instead of being thereby puffed up and
lifted from the foundation, she seemed to be the more deepened in
the conviction that the Lord is everything, and that she was
nothing, and from time to time, (to use her own expression) to
" centre in my old position as an unprofitable servant."
The English Friends to whom reference has been made,
after an absence from the city, returned to attend the
Yearly Meeting; and being at the house of Catharine
Kallender, in Front street, nearly opposite the end of the
alley in which Rebecca lived, they expressed a desire to
have her company, and C. Kallender's daughter Hannah, who
had been Mary Jones' pupil, (and intimate with Rebecca until
she withdrew from all companionship,) was sent to invite her.
Hannah walked backward and forward across the end of the
alley, occasionally beckoning to Rebecca, who sat by the
window. R. J. at length asked her mother's permission to join
her young friend, which was rather ungraciously given. Han
nah then told her that the English Friends wished her to take
tea with them. She was now in a strait, whether to avail her
self of the liberty already given, or to risk a refusal from her
mother. But, feeling best satisfied to act in deference to parental
authority, she asked leave to take tea at their neighbor's. Re
becca was emaciated from the trials and conflicts through which
it had been her lot to pass, being, to quote her own touching
description already given, " stricken of God and afflicted :" and
her mother, who possibly already began to relent, gave permis-

20 MEMORIALS OF
sion. She went, but, considering herself unworthy and insig
nificant, she felt as though it were intrusive to place herself in.
the company of such worthies. She was, however, well repaid
by the comfort and consolation which she derived from those
dear friends, with whom she had not before spoken. It is not
known that she ever related the above circumstances more than
once, when with much feeling, in the latter part of her life, she
communicated them to one who had for many years been to her
as a daughter, saying, that she could not write a full account
of her earlier days without speaking of her mother as a child
ought not to speak of a parent. Many years, however, having
now elapsed, and" the reasons for privacy being lessened by
time, it is believed that a condensed statement of these facts, in
connection with some selections from her notes and corres
pondence, may tend to the comfort and edification of some sin
cere minds, and that in this view they ought not longer to be
suppressed. The difficulty with her parent did not entirely cease, till, in
1760, the church had acknowledged her gift in the ministry
of the Word : when a committee of two men and two women was
appointed to acquaint her with the conclusion to which her
friends had come. These Friends hesitated about going to Re
becca's residence, and thought of communicating with her by
letter: — but solidly considering the subject, they were most
easy to go in person, and share with her whatever was to be
borne on the occasion. The interview was in the presence
of Mary Jones, an,d, after a time of social intercourse, a season
of silence ensued, in which the object of the visit was stated.
After their departure, her mother said to her — "Your friends
have done all that they can for you— they have placed you
upon the pinnacle; now take heed to your steps, for if you fall
great indeed will be the fall." From this time they lived har'
moniously ; her mother became reconciled to her being a Friend
and her natural disposition seemed softened. The school in.
creased, and afforded them a comfortable maintenance; and
after the decease of her mother, she entered into the business

REBECCA JONES. 21
of teaching more extensively, in connection with Hannah
Cathrall, the latter attending to the sewing department in a
separate room.

CHAPTER II.
1762—1783.
Her character as a teacher — Anecdotes ot John Riddle and children —
Rules of the school — Letters to various persons — Letter from Eliza
beth Smith and sketch of her life — John Woolman to E. Smith —
House in Drinker's Alley — Anecdote of John Woolman — Poetry by
John Drinker — Opens her prospect for England.
It might be laid down as an axiom, that none but a philan
thropist is fit for the office of a teacher. Its responsibilities
would be poorly wielded by him who should perform the task
solely as a mode of acquiring the means of subsistence. R. J.
had remarkable qualifications for imparting knowledge, for
training the youthful mind, developing its powers, alluring it
into the paths of true pleasantness and peace, and superintending
the progress of a " religious, guarded education." Having, as we
have seen in the commencement of her career, made covenant
by sacrifice, she was not likely to be guided in her vocation by
mercenary motives ; on the contrary, she performed the service
with good will and in singleness of heart, " as to the Lord and
not to men." She was moreover possessed of a commanding
dignity, and a facility for enforcing salutary discipline, which
enabled her to illustrate the Apostle's injunction to Timothy,
" let no man despise thee." Thus she was eminently successful
as a preceptor, obtaining a hold not only upon the affections and
respect of her pupils, but also upon the confidence of their
parents ; so that she was often applied to by some of these to
aid them with advice in important movements in life, in framing
their wills, and in various ways. In such cases, though diffident
of her own powers, she was a kind, ready and wise counsellor.

22 MEMORIALS ¦ OF
Among her pupils were the daughters of John Riddle, a Dutch
tailor, who, during the Revolution, worked for the British
officers. Two of them Polly and Rose, having completed their
education,* the eldest, who wrote an elegant hand, was his book-
keeper. When he wished to place his youngest child under her
care, she objected, on account of some scruples relative to the
mode of payment. The exact nature of these scruples, we can
not with absolute certainty explain, but his funds came from the
officers,— and the following note by the Editor of Friend's
Review, will suffice to give the general reader a sufficient in
sight. "It is not easy at the present day to appreciate the
difficulty to which Friends were exposed, during the revolution
ary contest. No inconsiderable portion of the circulating
medium consisted of bills of credit, issued for the express pur
pose of meeting the expenses of the war. The paymerlts of the
British officers, were indeed, made in solid coin ; but, under the
circumstances of the time, it is not strange that Rebecca Jones
should hesitate, on religious or prudential grounds, at receiving
a pupil whose education was to be paid for out of money sent to
this country to aid in the prosecution of the then existing war."
One evening, whilst R. J. was enjoying the company of her
friend Sarah Wistar, John Riddle came in to plead his cause,
and strongly depicted the benefits his elder girls had derived.
" Dere is mine Polly, dat you did lam to write and to cypher.
I did send home General Howe's clothes mit de bill, — and
when he come to pay it he say, " Why Johnny, did you write
dis?" — (holding the bill in his hand.) I say, no, it is mine
Polly's writing. "Your Polly!" say he — "Where did she
lam to write so goot?" and I say, why she larnt of Becky
Jones. "Who is Becky Jones?" — say he — Why dont you
know Becky Jones the Quaker Preacher ? — I told him she had

* When application was first made for these elder children, the
school was full, but so earnest was the father that he procured desks
for them and brought them to the school room, — and thus obtained ad
mission. Is not his zeal for the right education of his children worthy
of imitation 1

REBECCA JONES. 23
never gone to any other school, &c. Thus he went on to show
his estimate of the value of her instructions, — and, being fully
informed of R. J.'s objections, he said that she might, in
payment, take from his shop any thing that she wanted, and
give her friends orders upon him. "Oh, you must take mine
Sally" — he continued — " mine Sally wont give you mooch
trouble — mine Sally is a goot gal — she shtole her Daddy's
hearts." R. J.'s guest joined in urging his suit, offering to aid
in taking out the debt. Some of the articles thus taken out, are
before us as we write.
The child was admitted into the school. She was so small
that her teacher placed a stool upon the bench to enable her to
reach the desk. She proved to be a very good child.
Before leaving, John took from his ample pocket a blank copy
book. " I wants you to write mine will in dis." Rebecca
sought to excuse herself, lest some difficulty should result from
her ignorance of legal forms and technicalities. " Oh, I dont mean
what I shall do with mine money — but dat mine children shall
be goot to dere mammy, and give her every ting dat she want.
I want them to remember when I'm dead and gone — dat she's
been a good mammy to them — You knows how to say it, petter
as I can tell you." R. J. wrote for him, to his full satisfaction,
on a loose paper, a letter of paternal advice to his children.
This whole family, parents and children, died in the fever
of 1793. Sally, (then a religious minded young woman,) was
the last survivor. During the illness of the family, a colored
man went daily as messenger between her and a friend similarly
circumstanced, bearing notes in which they exchanged accounts
of the progress of, disease in their respective houses. These
billets sometimes consisted of but a single line, and sometimes
expanded with a highly interesting interchange of their religious
feelings and experience, and most plaintive references to neigh
boring families, and to their own loved and lost ones, whom
they could not bury out of their sight. Her friend also' died in
the fever of the same year.
The following rules for the observance of her pupils in school

££ MEMORIALS OF
and elsewhere, were conspicuously placed in R. J.'s school
room ; and whilst they may fail to interest some readers who
have not been similarly engaged, they will probably commend
themselves to a sufficient number to warrant their introduction.
The mind of the candid reader will be carried back to the time
in which they were written ; and whilst it would be unreasonable
to expect to see them, in every respect, such as would now be
framed, it will be well, in judging of them, to reflect what
dignified characters were trained under their strict admin
istration. Rules of conduct for girls at school, fyc.
1st. Never absent yourselves from school, unless good reasons can
be assigned, to the satisfaction of your mistress.
2d. Be always silent at your business, so that your voices shall not
be heard, unless when you are saying your lessons, or speaking to
your mistress ; hold no discourse with your schoolmates during the
hours of business, without your mistress's permission, unless to ask
something relating to your learning, which must be done in a low
voice. 3d. Make all your speeches to your mistress with due respect, ob
serving cheerfully to perform her directions with dispatch, according
to your ability. If a stranger should speak to you, give a modest and
ready answer standing up and turning your faces towards them respect
fully, taking your seats again, and silently apply to your business.
4th. Behave yourselves always in an humble, obliging manner to
your schoolmates, never provoking one another, contending or com
plaining about frivolous matters, but courteously use the word please,
or some soft and obliging expression, when you ask anything one of
the other; and observe to make some grateful return for any little
kindness received, never returning injuries, but learning to forgive,
showing by an exemplary deportment how all ought to behave.
5th. Never tell a lie knowingly, nor use the name of God irreverently,
or in yain; mock not the aged, blind, lame, deformed, idiots. Play not
in the streets, or ever for gain ; throw no sticks, stones, dirt, snow
balls, or anything at any person; revile none, utter no indecent ex
pression, and return no affront to any you may meet -with, but accord
ing to the best of your knowledge, demean yourselves in a modest,
civil, complaisant manner to all.

REBECCA JONES. 25
6th. Let your language be the plain language, and spoken with pro
priety everywhere.
7th. Be not forward to divulge anything past in school, nor jeer
those who have been corrected, lest it should happen to be your own
case.
At Home.
8th. Before you rise from your beds, observe to offer a mental peti
tion to Divine Providence for protection from evil and danger the
following day, not omitting at the same time a grateful acknowledgment
for the benefit of your rest: observe also the same reverence at lying
down, returning humble thanks for preservation through the various
incidents of the day.
9th. Observe to use a cheerful and ready compliance to all your
parents' commands, with becoming resignation to their will — never
addressing or approaching them without honor and respect ; neither
be loud in voice or laughter in their company, or before any of your
superiors, nor forward to talk in their presence ; yet always returning
ready and modest answers to their questions : never intrude yourselves
upon them when alone, or with company ; if you are necessitated to
speak with them, appear with good manners, and be sure to whisper,
and withdraw unless desired to stay.
10th. Make all your addresses to your brothers and sisters with
humility and good manners, using the word Please, &c. ; and in like
manner to the meanest servant, that your good example may induce
them so to behave to you. ..
If you are necessarily where the servants are, give no ear to their
jesting or idle talk, much less join with them, but always choose the
company of such whose conversation is most improving in the best
things. At Table.
11th. Be not forward to sit down at table before the rest have taken
their places, especially your elders or superiors ; when seated, be not
eager to fall to your victuals like the brute animals, but first observe
a solemn retirement of mind to the Supreme Giver of them. Be not
talkative or offer to carve, or ask for yourselves, but wait till yon are
served. Find no fault with your food, or its dressing ; but sit upright
and soberly with silent attention, ready to answer any questions that
may be asked of you ; having eaten moderately, rise from table with
out noise, moving away your seats ; withdraw if strangers be present,
unless desired to stay. 3

26 MEMORIALS OF
At places for Worship.
12th. When you attend meetings for Divine worship, observe to be
present at the times appointed precisely, entering the place soberly
and without noise in walking or otherwise, so as not to disturb the
meditations of those that are met ; when seated, make no disagreeable
scraping or rubbing of your feet against the floor or seat, nor use any
unbecoming gestures or motions with any part of your bodies to dis
turb or offend any person, by biting your nails, pinching your fingers,
lolling, stretching, yawning, spitting, staring about, or by any other
means, but sit attentively and erect in a decent composure of body and
mind, secretly desiring to be favored by our Heavenly Father with a
proper disposition of mind to offer to him spiritual and acceptable
worship, and to be enabled to practice what good advice you may
hear, giving diligent attention thereto, that your behavior may not
only be grateful to that Divine Being that made you, but also well
pleasing to your parents and friends ; when the meeting breaks up,
rise not in a hurry, nor be impatient to be gone, but rather think it a
favor to be admitted upon such solemn occasions to sit with your
elder Friends, respectfully noticing them as you pass along, showing
no haste to leave their company.
t In the absence of a regular diary of this portion of her life,
it is not easy to supply the deficiency, but little of her early
correspondence being accessible. The following letter, written
at the age of twenty, evinces that even then she was " instant in
season," under the Divine anointing, in obeying the injunction,
given- to Peter, " when thou art converted, strengthen thy breth
ren."
R. J. to Benjamin Swett, and Samuel Sansom.
Philadelphia, 8th mo. 10th, 1759.
Respected Friends,— It has been upon my mind ever since
I heard of your intentions for England, in a great deal of good
will, with desires for ypur welfare every way, to communicate
in a few lines what I think quite necessary to observe. I have
remarked some young men on their return from abroad, seem,
as it were, swallowed up with the prospect of those transient,'
glaring views, which may have been presented to their minds
relating to visibles : which disposition I would have you guard

EBECCA JONES. 27
against, and bear in mind that you are of the youth of Philadel
phia, many of whom are greatly beloved by their Maker as well
as Friends. I wish that you may not only gain experience in
worldly things, but that you may know the Stay of youth and
the Staff of old age near your spirit in all company and places,
whereby you may witness experimentally a growth in grace
and in the saving knowledge of God our Saviour, and may
adorn our holy profession by a circumspect, steady conduct,
not only amongst the faithful, but amongst whomsoever your
lots may be cast ; and may know the Reprover, Refiner, Sane
tifier and Comforter, (which is no other than the Spirit of
Christ,) to operate effectually in your hearts, making you ves
sels of honor to his praise. This is the sincere desire of your
friend,

Elizabeth Smith to R. Jones.
Burlington, 23d of 4th mo., 1759.
Dear Friend Rebecca Jones. — As thy letter did not seem
to require an immediate answer, I thought best to defer it till a
suitable time and opportunity offered to acquaint thee that I re
ceived it as a testimony of thy regard and a demonstration of
love to the blessed truth, which I believe thou hast been favored
in measure to know the revelation of — even of that Divine arm
of everlasting Love and Power which has been the strength and
support of the upright in heart, through every age of the world ;
notwithstanding Infinite Wisdom has seen meet to try and
nearly to prove his faithful children many ways : sometimes by
suffering them to be surrounded with humbling fear and many
deep baptisms on divers accounts, which certainly is in order to
wear our affections from too great dependence on a love to
things here below, and to keep us in a state of continual depend.
ence on himself — who alone is worthy to be trusted in, and
steadily followed through every dispensation of his Providence.

28 MEMORIALS OF
My friend, I heartily join thee in desiring a resigned heart,
being fully convinced that it is not for want of sufficient help
from Him in whom all power is, that some of the professors of
Christianity stumble, and even fall, and many turn aside and
are offended, because of sufferings. No, it is undoubtedly for
want oftiaving the will of the creature subjected to Him whose
will is to sanctify and redeem mankind to himself. And surely
they will be blessed with an everlasting blessing, who are not
offended in Him who has given Himself a ransom for all that
receive him. And may thou and I be so favored as to have '
strength afforded so to follow on in the path of the just, as to
have the happy experience made our own of its growing
brighter and brighter unto the perfect, day, is the sincere desire
of my mind, with which I conclude, Thy assured friend,
Elizabeth Smith.
The writer of the foregoing letter was sister to Samuel Smith
the historian — and between her and R. Jones a close fellowship
existed, until the decease of the former, which occurred in me
ridian life. We have already seen that they were banded in
religious service in the year 1762.
She died in Burlington, 10th mo. 2d. 1772, aged about 48
years, and on her death bed warned R. Jones to be faithful and
to place her trust in him who can safely keep his children by
sea and by land. She was, from a chiW, of unusual steadiness
and composure of deportment and character, and being early en
trusted with the care of her widowed father and his family, her
faithfulness not only won his confidence and love, but was also,
it is believed, attended with the divine blessing. She was of
sympathetic heart, much given to works of charity. She bore
a clear testimony to the value of the Holy Scriptures and'
against the fashionable publications of her times. Early called
to the work of the ministry she travelled considerably in Truth's
service, and having long apprehended herself bound to cross the
Atlantic, she at length spread fier concern before the church and
received its sanction — but was soon seized with the disorder

REBECCA JONES. 29
which terminated her earthly pilgrimage, and introduced her, as
we doubt not, and as she expressed when dying, " into joy un.
speakable and full of glory."
During her illness having mentally queried, " Why am I so
afflicted ?" her spiritual ear was saluted with this answer : " My
beloved Son, who never offended me, drank of the cup before
thee." — " And thus," said she, in speaking of it, " I am helped
along with one kind hint after another." In a solemn prayer
to the Almighty for his support, when about to undergo a painful
operation, she reverently closed with the following words :
" Thou art the God of my life, who has kept me, and fed me
all my life long. Be now near and support by thy presence,
and if it is thy will to put an end to my being here, I submit.
Be graciously pleased to give me rest in thy mansion, with thy
dear Son the lamb immaculate, forever and ever 1" A distin
guished cotemporary said of her, " She lived and died unmarried,
a pattern of modest virtue."
There is, we apprehend, a lesson to be derived from the pe
rusal of the following singularly characteristic epistle, which we
introduce in the present connection. It brings to mind the
humbling caution, " let him that is without sin cast the first
stone ;" and it shows us that those who approach most nearly
to the blameless Exampler, are the most tender in extending
admonition, or even rebuke. Upon few have the limitations of
Truth been placed with greater strictness than upon John
Woolman. Few perhaps, if any, have been more faithfully
observant of them than he. Few have turned inward upon
themselves a severer scrutiny, or have turned upon others a
milder and more loving eye. Unreserved in his dedication to
manifested duty, he was filled with that fervent charity which
thinketh no evil, and doth not behave itself unseemly. He
.walked by that Spirit which James Naylor felt in dying,
which, " as it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in
thought to any other." And when, in the Divine illumination
with which he was eminently favored, it was given him to see
that if by the example of any, others were' " in danger of being

30 MEMORIALS OF
diverted from close attention to the, light of life," instead of
passing prompt judgment upon them, it was his concern in the
love of Him by whom his own goings had been established, to
remind such that there were lessons for them and him yet to
learn ; remembering that " Christ of old time taught the people
as they were able to bear it," — and having " regard to the state
of their minds." He could thus, in marking his friend and
younger sister's indulgence in some things against which he felt
that the Truth must testify, perceive also that the Lord had in
great measure, weaned her mind from all these things ; and he
could publicly manifest christian unity, with " a reserve" which
he communicated to her alone, in that perfect love which casteth
out fear.
To our mind, this letter touchingly depicts the writer as
faithfully attentive to his Master's interests,_and full of kindness
also to his fellow servants.
John Woolman to Elizabeth Smith.
Beloved Sister, — I have often had a tender feeling with
thee in thy outward afflictions, and I trust, in some measure,
with thee in thy inward exercises. I believe our afflictions are
often permitted by our heavenly Father for our more full and
perfect refining.
The Truth, my dear sister, hath been precious in thy si'oht,
and I trust remains to be to thee as precious as ever.
In the pure and undefiled way, that which is not of the
Father, but of the world, is purged out.
Christ of old time taught the people as they were able to bear
it, and I believe, my dear friend, there are lessons for thee and
me yet to learn. Friends from the country and in the city are
often at thy house, and when they behold amongst thy furni
ture some things which are, not agreeable to the purify of Truth
the minds of some, I believe at times, are in danger of being
diverted from so close an attention to the Light of life as is
necessary for us.
I believe, my dear friend, the Loed hath weaned thy mind

REBECCA JONES. 32
in a great measure, from all these things, and when I signed
thy certificate, expressing thee to be exemplary, I had regard to
the state of thy mind as it appeared to me ; but many times
since I signed it, I felt a desire to open to thee a reserve which
I then, and since often felt, as to the exemplariness of those
things amongst thy furniture which are against the purity of
our principles.
I trust the Great Feiend and Helper is near thee, in whose
* love I remain thy friend,
John Woolman.
28th da., 4th mo., 1772.
I desired my wife to keep this letter for thee when she might
see thee.

R. J. to C. Peyton.*
My dear and much esteemed friend, C Peyton, — Feeling the
arising of divine help and consolation in my soul, after a time
of deep wading and travail in spirit before the Lord, I with a
grateful sense of the salvation of a gracious God, and the tender
care thou expressed for my welfare in thy last letter to AyB.,
have set pen to paper just to acquaint thee that I am alive, and,
blessed be the God of my life, I feel an increasing love for
Truth, for the further I see and witness of the workings and
power of it, the more I rejoice in Christ Jesus that I have been
counted worthy to have a sense of it. Lord grant, saith my
soul, that the visitation may be extended to thousands more,
even of them who at present seem dead in sins and trespasses,
(as I was when at first reached,) to the awakening, quickening,
and raising from a state of death and separation from God, to a
state of favor and acceptance with Him.
My dear friend, the loye I bear thee causes me to use great
* C. Peyton married in 1772. Of course this letter which is without
date, was written before that time. It is in the juvenile hand of R. J.,
and the date, it is supposed, should be 1759. If so, she was then about
20 years of age.

32 MEMORIALS OF
freedom. I desire if thou find aught to write, thou mayst send
it, for in a spiritual relation, I can, in a feeling sense, call thee
my beloved parent in Christ, through whom I received the first
awakening stroke. Oh may I evervbear in mind the mercy and
loving kindness of God to my soul : for a sense thereof has
many times sweetened and made easy that which to the creaturely
part was hard and bitter.
I would not burden thee with many words, but draw quickly
to a conclusion, for I trust thou canst feel (though at a distance •
in body) the circulation of that spring of love and life that ce
ments the whole flock and family the World over. Our youth
here seem wonderfully favored, and many will, I hope, be made
useful in the Lord's time, and qualified to fill up the places of
those who have faithfully served Him in their day, when they
shall be called from works to rewards.
Friends here, in genera], are in pretty good health. If thou
shouldst meet with Joseph White, please to remember my love
to him, and tell him, I heard a few days ago that his family
were well, and the young man, Benjamin Hinton, who had ap.
peared at the Falls Meeting, seems to grow, and promisingly ap.
pears a well concerned minister." * * * * *
In a copy of the epistle from the Yearly Meeting of Women
Friends of Philadelphia, held Ninth month, 1755, to the corres
ponding body of London, preserved by R. Jones, we note the
following paragraphs, which are interesting in the present con-
nection. as C. Phillips had been made to her the instrument of
much good, (It is regretted that we have not been able to find
their correspondence.)
« We have to inform you that this, our annual assembly, hath been
large and attended with the continuation of heavenly and merciful
regard, graciously manifested for our help and encouragement, both
immediately and instrumental^.; having been favored at these oppor
tunities with the company of our worthy .and well esteemed friends
from Europe, Jonah Thomson, Joshua Dixon, Samuel Fothergill, Mary
Peisly, and Catharine Peyton, whose solid and edifying labors of love
in the gospel of Christ, we have good grounds to believe, have been
made effectual to the awakening of some, and we trust will be blest, by

REBECCA JONES. 33
Him who gives the increase, to the bringing them into a nearer ac
quaintance with the one Shepherd of Israel, under whose teachings
they may be favored to find true rest to their souls."
" The reports from some quarters further signify that a religious visit
to Friends, families amongst them, has lately been performed to good
satisfaction, in which weighty service Friends of this city are now en
gaged, and so far as they have proceeded, have met with satisfaction,
having therein been favored with renewings of strength from the
Divine hand, and also with the acceptable company and solidly helpful
labors of our well beloved friends Mary Peisly and Catharine Peyton.''
As she was early associated in religious service with Rachel
Wilson, the following testimony of the same meeting, given in like
manner in 1769, having been preserved by R, J., may here be
inserted. " We have been favored with the company of our well esteemed
friend Rachel Wilson, from Europe, whose unwearied labors in the ser
vice of the gospel on this continent, have, we trust, proved effectual, thro'
the divine blessing, not only to the removing of prejudices, and making
room in the minds of the people for the admission of those important
truths relative to life and salvation, but have'. likewise tended to the
building up and edifying of the body in love ; that praises may as
cend to Him, who is over all worthy forever."

R. J. to M. Rickey.
Philadelphia. 1759.
Respected Friend, — It appears to me plainly, that the query
proposed to thee is not applicable, because they that pretend to
no supernatural wisdom make no pretensions to religion, and so
differ little from the animal part of creation ; although a measure
of the same grace and good spirit of God is giveri to them
whereby they may know the mind of heaven concerning them,
if they hinder not its work in their hearts by suffering the lust
of the flesh and of the eye, and the pride of life, to crowd in and
fill up the heart. But we, who profess to be led and guided by
the spirit of Truth, and are sensible that we have a monitor
within that will not only dictate to us our duties, but if we ask
in faith, nothing doubting, will also give ability to perform that

34 MEMORIALS OF
which it makes known to be consistent with the will of Provi
dence, — I say, we, who are making such a profession as this,
are not only " to expect such guidance," but it is our indispen
sable duty to seek to him for counsel and direction, if we expect
from him a blessing. But they who are regardless of their
future welfare, who mind only earthly things, set their affections
only on visible objects that are fading and transitory, they look
no further, and if they accomplish their desires by having a
companion to assist in this life, that they may live comfortably
here, they think that they need look no further. But they who
are favored with a prospect of a future state, and compare this
little span of time here, with that immense ocean of eternity,
are satisfied that their chief interest lies in making preparation
for it, seeing that our time here, when compared with eternity,
is but as a drop to a fountain. But at the same time, my friend,
I would remark, that if we only pretend to be actuated by
that grand and noble principle of Truth, — if we are only satis
fying ourselves with a name to Christianity, and at the same
time are destitute of the life and power of religion, we are mock
ing God, and deceiving our own poor souls. And such as these
are, I fear, in a worse state than those who openly rebel and
manifest that they are children of the world, and so enemies to
the Cross ; because they are true to their king, though he be an
enemy to the kingdom of love and light. But these who are in
the service of the devil, and yet pretend loyalty to God, are de
ceivers in his sight, and he beholds them with derision. In
short, love begets love, and where 'tis from a motive of love that
is pure, and the person's expressions agreeing with Truth (for
out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,) when
we see that they are founded upon the sure immovable founda
tion, we need not fear adversity, neither shall we in prosperity
be lifted up. ,
It is religion only that beautifies, and where that is wanting
(I don't mean a name only,) the distinction between a reprobate
and a Christian is also wanting. I hope with thee, that thou
mayst with sincerity, seek wisdom and counsel of God and

REBECCA JONES. 35
then, if it is with sincerity, he will hear and answer thy request.
It is my prayer that thou mayst be favored with the knowledge
of the truth as it is in Jesus, for I am of the faith that our God
will raise up from amongst the youth of this generation, faithful
men and true hearted women that need not be ashamed, some
laboring in a private and some in a public manner, for the ex
altation of the blessed Truth, if they stifle not that which will
burn up all the chaffy part, and purify the heart thorpughly, and
make them fit vessels to contain the precious treasures of
the heavenly gifts. May we be of this happy number, that we
may know the purging power of Truth, to do away all
that which is of an unsanctified, unholy, impure nature, that
being quickened by the life of religion, we may be able to glorify
God in our day, age and generation, and that,whether single or
married, living or dying, we may have the evidence in ourselves
that we are his, — is what I earnestly desire. R. J.
An ancient mansion stands No. 8, Drinker's alley, Philadel
phia. Its kitchen window, which opens to the westward, afford
ed, at the time of which we write, a cheerful prospect of .a
pleasant garden, the site of which is now occupied by a smith's
shop. On a pane of said window may be read the name of
Mary Jones, and of three others of the same sirname, inscribed,
probably, with a diamond. Here dwelt the mother of R. Jones ;
here Rebecca and her friend, H. Cathrall, succeeded her in her
school, which was continued in this place till the departure of
the former for Great Britain. An intimacy subsisted between R.
Jones and John Woolman, and she sometimes spent the princi
pal part of the summer vacation at his house. We have lying
before us several specimens of his more careful penmanship, in
writing copies performed by him to be imitated by the pupils of
his friend, and which were used in her school, of which he was
an occasional visitor.
" Knowledge shall be promoted by frequent exercise."
" Happy hours are quickly followed by amazing vexations."
" Just be thy thought and every word sincere,

35 MEMORIALS OF
And know no wish but what the world may hear."
" If thou knowest Christ, thou needst know little more—
If not, all's lost that thou hast known before."
" Censure none rashly ; Nature's apt to halt ;
Look inward ; He's unborn that has no fault."
On the night succeeding the Select Quarterly Meeting-day, in
the Second month, probably about the year 1762, a great fall
of snow occurred, which was next morning piled by an eddy
half way up the door and window of our friends in Drinker's
alley, who were apprehensive that they might not be able to
make their way through the snow drifts to Quarterly Meeting.
R. Jones opened the door to sweep the snow from the step, and
found to her surprise, the pavement cleared, and.a path made
down the alley to Front street. Whilst she was preparing the
morning repast, John Woolman entered, saying that he thought
he had earned his breakfast. Having spent the previous night
at Reuben Haines', in High Street near Fourth, he arose early,
and remembering the lone sisters in their need, and ever ready
for an appropriate labor of love, however humble, he took with
him from his lodgings, a snow shovel, proceeded (wading through
the deep snow from Second street downwards,) and cleared a
path from R. Jones' to the Bank Meeting, in Front near Mulberry
street. After breakfast he made a passage to Second street for
the benefit of the scholars.
A letter from John Woolman to R. Jones, dated Mount Holly
4Mo. 20th, 1772, contains as is supposed, a reference to this
visit, and concludes with commending her " to Him who is a
Father, a Counsellor and Safe Protector to his family,
through the various difficulties which attend them in this world."
" 8Mo. 20th. 1772. " This day our beloved friend Sarah
Morris laid her concern to visit friends in Europe before our
Second day morning meeting for its consideration. She ex
pressed her feeling with much weight and brokenness, and inform
ed that she had had a distant prospect of that service for many
years, but that since the decease of her dear mother it had been near
er and now was very weighty upon her. Friends expressed much

REBECCA JONES. 37
sympathy and unity with her ; and next fourth day she intends
for Burlington, there to confer with our dear friend Elizabeth
Smith, who is under the like concern."
By the following minute of Burlington Quarterly Meeting,
held at Chesterfield 5Mo. 25th, 1772, it is inferred that our
friend was at the time of its date engaged in religious service
abroad with a certificate. " We were now favored with the
company of our esteemed friends Rebecca Jones and Joyce
Benezet, to our satisfaction and comfort."
The following Address by John Drinker to Rebecca Jones and Han
nah Cathrall, 3d month 1783, is inserted, not on account of its metrical
garb, but for the excellence of the sentiments, and as a memento of the
the writer. '
THE CHRISTIAN QUAKER IN ABSTRACT.
Inscribed to the Virgin Sisters.
Wayward th' affections of the human heart ;
Deceitful maze — perplexing labyrinth !
Its secret errors who can understand 1
Who (1) loose the seals, and ope the conscious book,
Where (2) hidden things of darkness are reveal'd !
Who there the mystic character can read 1
The (3) dread hand writing who decypher there ?
The coward fears to enter this profound !
The" humbly honest dares himself to know ;
Dares to pervade these deeps, and pass the vale
Of death — for death must be subdued, ere life
Rise in dominion ! Not by human strength
Is victory acquired ; but faith in Him
Wlio leads death captive — lo ! the (4) Shibboleth, :
Distinguishing professing infidels
From true believers — (5) " Who will save his life,
Must lose it ;" but who willingly resigns,
(6) " Shall save it," and the gloomy veil of night
ri) Rev. v. 1, 2. (2) 1 Cor. iv. 5. (3) Dan. v. 5.
(4) Judges xii. 6. (5) Matt. x. 39. (6) Matt. x. 39.
4

38

MEMORIALS OF
That (7) overspread the temple, shall be rent ;
The quicken'd mind shall issue from its (8) grave,
And know (9) " the resurrection unto life !"
(10) O ye of little faith ! ye slow of heart,
Reluctant still to understand the Truth,
The Spirit's breathing language to the Church ;
Why will ye doubt 1— (11) " Ye gates lift up your heads !"
Be lifted up ye everlasting doors !
And let the King of Glory enter in ;
And sway his (12) righteous scepter— know ye not
Your proper dignity, ye sons of men ? .
Be still, and know, that •' if not reprobates,
(13,) Heaven's kingdom is within you"— there enthron'd
In light, the mighty (14) " Heir of all things" sits!
Dispelling darkness — (15) " old things done away,
All things are new ; new heavens and new earth,
In which dwell righteousness," and peace and joy,
Blest harmony of happy polity !
Than which (16) " no other name," no other power
Can yield secure felicity to man.
Infallibly sufficient to its end,
(17) Above all principalities and powers,
In heaven and earth, this power is over all.
v O Fox ! by strong philanthropy impell'd,
To leave thy fleecy care, and as a crook
Of the good shepherd, to collect the strays,
The hungry wanderers o'er the barren hills
Of dry profession and of wither'd forms ;
To feed within the heavenly Pastor's care,
Increasing strength on pastures ever green :
How wast thou arm'd with all-subduing love,
To brave the savage, persecuting wolf;
Deep learn'd, unletter'd, much enduring George ! -
(7) Matt xxvii. 51. (8) Matt, xxvii. 53. (9) John v. 29
(10) Matt. vi. 30. (11) Ps. xxiv. 7. (12) Heb i. 8.
(13) 2 Cor. xiii. 5. (14) Heb. i. 2. (15) 2 Cor. xv 17
(16) Acts iv. 12. (17) Eph. i. 21. Peter iii. 13."

REBECCA JONES. 39
Oft I remember thy triumphant song !
" God's power is over all," — soul gladd'ning truth !
True fortitude's firm base, whose high import,
In holy, humble confidence possess' d,
Transcends all else which human intellect
Can compass of sublime intelligence.
Few men who reason, but in words allow
One all-creating cause, omniscient,
/ One omnipresent Lord, omnipotent !
And yet, how few sincerely thus believe ;
Sincerely seek to know his sovereign rule.
Commanding silent reverence, awful dread !
Subduing all things in them to himself!
Most will acknowledge, this the only ground
Of true religion — this, in theory,
Perhaps, can finite wisdom comprehend ;
Yet will that wisdom, through attachment strong,
To earth's low joys, perversely still reject,
Truth's life-renewing, efficacious power :
And hence (18) " not many rich, not many wise,"
" Not many mighty," number'd are with those,
Who (19) through great tribulation brought, have known
A new creation in them ; known their robes
Wash'd from polluting stain, cleansed in the stream
Of the new covenant of love and life !
Who feed (20) on hidden manna, (21) not sustain'd
By outward bread alone ; whose life is hid
From the gross view of reasoning power in man ;
Which /sits exalted in the scorner's seat,
Fancying the way of these is (22) Foolishness ;
Nor can that (23) vulture's eye e'er penetrate,
Into the wisdom, and the blessedness,
In which those meek of heart pavilion'd are,
Their way (24) a mystery, from ages hid ;
(18) 1 Cor. i. 26. (19) Rev. viii. 14. (20) Rev. ii. 17.
(21) Deu. viii. 3. (22) 1 Cor. i. 18. (23) Job xzvlu- 7>
(34) Col. i. 26.

40 MEMORIALS OF
Although a shining light ! a way untrod,
(25) By rav'ning beast of prey, or lion's whelp,
Or reptile venomous — pure wisdom's way !
That wisdom which proud men call foolishness :
Not knowing in themselves that appetite
Which (26) hungers for the life of righteousness :
That living thirst that ever longs to taste
' The (27) sincere milk of the immortal Word !
By which the worlds were made ; in whom is life,
Which life remains to be (28) " the light of men."
O ! (29) "full of grace and truth," in thee alone,
The adoption is ; the reconciling power,
Uniting man to God — (30) '• Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth, as done \a heaven :
Thine is the power," O teach my heart to feel
The force of this great truth 1 — feel ! thence to arise
The voice of melody (31) " spring up O well !
" And we will sing to thee" the anthem high,
' God's Power is over all."
R. J. to Elizabeth Robinson, (then in England.)
Philadelphia, 6th mo. 25, 1775.
My beloved Friend, — As thou hast been so particularly near
my spirit to-day, I thought this evening, while my dear Hannah
is at meeting, I would stain a little more paper in writing to
thee. I wrote thee by Capt. Falconer, the next week after thou
embarked, which I hope will be soon received if it has not been
already. And now I may tell thee that our dear friend, S.
Morris, is so much relieved (though not well,) that she was at
Germantown Meeting last First day, and this morning at our
great house, in both which she kept her seat and preached the
gospel. My dear Hannah appeared in public ministry this day
two weeks, while I was at Salem attending the Yearly and
(25) Job xxviii. 7. (26) Matt. v. 6. (27) 1 Peter ii »
(28) John i. 4. (29) .John i. 14. (30) Matt. vi. 10~"
(31) Numb. xxi. 17.

REBECCA JONES. 41
Quarterly Meetings there. I took Woodbury, Pilesgrove and
Alloways creek in my way. Wm. Brown, Isaac Andrews, and
Grace Fisher, had good service there [at Salem,] and poor I, -as
usual, in such large meetings, was favored to keep pretty still
all but one day.
We this day visited Samuel Smith and wife. Since the
morning meeting, S. Emlen told me he was much with the dear
Friends at London, and he fixed thee at Devonshire House, M.
Leaver at the Peel, and Robert at Gracious Street. He almost
set me a longing to be with you.
*********
I wish I was able to give thee a cheering account of matters
here, but that I cannot. Oh for the testimony, hpw it is tram
pled upon by many in profession with us ! Last First day
morning a Friend, by name Martha Harris, (whom thou must
have known,) began at Pine street, then went to G. House, and
lastly at Bank, with the same message to all. She left her
bonnet at the door, walked up the meeting house through all the
upper and lower galleries, then very gradually through the pas
sages, under them, and then turned about to the meeting and
said with an audible voice— " Dear Friends, look to the God
of Heaven and of the whole earth, for he is about to search his
camp — this is truth and no lie," — after which she withdrew,
and went home to North Wales, without attending any other
meeting. She appeared to me to be under a very great exer
cise, and I was not uneasy with it, though many others were
much so. Neither did I find that her singular appearance did
in the least disturb or unsettle any of the meetings. I am sure
it did not ours.
*********
I am in hopes we are not all mistaken in supposing you now
in London. If not, I am much out in my prospects, thinking
you all there the 1st inst.
Now methinks I should be sorry to tire thee, but thou know-
est I did not use to be tired of being with thee, and this a little
supplies the place of conversation. Allow me to say, my heart

42 MEMORIALS OF
loves thee, and fervently wishes thou mayst be preserved faith
ful to the end of thy days. I am encouraged in my present
state of great weakness and poverty, in the remembrance of thy
unreserved dedication to the Master's counsel. Dear friend,
have me in thy remembrance, for indeed I am a poor, feeble
child, and sometimes doubt ever being otherwise; yet, if I know
my own heart, I wish to be what the gracious, compassionate
Father of the family intends, whatever conflicts and difficulties
may attend.
My spirit salutes thee in true gospel fellowship, and bids thee
farewell in the Lord.

Respecting this friend, R. J. has left the following brief
note :
" 1773, 9th mo.— Robert Walker and Elizabeth Robinson,
arrived from Yorkshire; both faithful laborers in the Lord's
work, and delivered many warnings in this land. Sailed, from
Chester in the 4lh month, 1775."
Of a visit performed in 1779, within the limits of Baltimore,
and probably also of Virginia Yearly Meeting, little is known
beyond what is contained in the following letter.

R. Jones to Warner Mifflin.
Philadelphia, 8th mo., 1779.
Esteemed Friend, Warner Mifflin,— Although I was
somewhat disappointed on the return of my dear companion
from your Quarter, she informing me thou had not found time
to write to me, I feel the prevalence of that disposition ever
worthy of aspiring after, « do as thou wouldst be done by," and
therefore —
I may inform thee respecting myself, (R. Chambers, I sup
pose, has given thee her account,) that after thou left us we
were poor and quiet some days, and after attending Fairfax and
Goose Creek Preparative Meetings, and the Monthly Meeting

REBECCA JONES. 43
at Fairfax, were in the resignation to go forward, if best, and in
order thereunto, accompanied by Jos. Janney, Mahlon and his sis
ter Mary, we the next First day got as far as South Fork, attended
that meeting, which was a time of deep exercise, and went five
miles further on our way to John Gibson's (his wife Ruth in a
poor way, and glad to see us,) where we lodged. In the morn
ing, my very enfeebled state, both of body and mind, together with
the deep and singular provings and exercises I had undergone
in this journey, so discouraged me, that upon Rebecca's saying
she thought of setting her face homewards, I at once submitted
to her prospect, not daring to proceed on my own concern
barely ; and here I think we missed it, for I now believe if we
had kept more in patience, and clave close to the great Master,
we might, at least, have returned with as much, if not a greater
share of peace. As to the propriety of your all leaving us in
that wilderness, I leave it; if you have settled it with your
Master, I dare not judge. Warner, I am a poor, feeble, totter
ing child, and am thankful at times that I see myself so ; and
this sense, though it does sometimes prevail to the retarding of
my own steps, yet is, I believe, intended1 in mercy to keep my
feet from sliding. Oh, the necessity of dwelling deep ! ever
watchful on the pointings of that hand that doeth all things
well ; for want of which my own hand hath sometimes lifted
itself up, and in so doing, I have not failed to make work for
repentance. I concur in thy sense of things in those parts as
expressed in thy letter to my H. C. ; but must tell thee the field
of painful labor -yet remains open, and many hands may also
lighten the work there, as well as in other places. We took
some meetings on our return, such as Monomy, Bush Creek,
Pipe Creek, Monallen, and Huntington, and left all the rest for
another time, or other hands. I am often encouraged in re
membering the apostle's declaration, " If there be first in you a
willing mind, a man is accepted according to that which he
hath, and not according to that which he hath not." So that
to be entirely willing, or in other words, unreservedly dedicated
to the Lord's serving, is the sure prelude to his blessed favor

44 MEMORIALS OF
and acceptance; this I am laboring according to my little
measure for, and sometimes think I feel pretty near it, when,
may-be, in the instant moment of struggling, the poor unmor-
tified creature shrinks, draws its neck from the yoke, and its
shoulder from the burthen, and then it is all to do over again
with renewed exercise and increasing labor. It may be that
this is only my case. However, I do breathe for strength to
follow on, and if I cannot keep company with the foremost, I
hope I may come up in the rear, so as that I may not be left
quite behind.
Give my love to thy spouse, and to Daniel and his wife, in
which my companion unites, and also in the expression of care
for Daniel and his amiable Deborah, that they may not only see
and approve that which is excellent, but with heart and hand
join in with the tender visitation of love and mercy, so as they
may, by the sanctifying operation of truth, be made what the
Lord would have them be, not serving themselves, but him who
died for them, and who has bought them with no less a price
than his own blood. Stupendous thought ! Matchless love and
mercy ! which we can never too much adore, nor will the
greatest returns in our power to make, be adequate to such infi
nite loving-kindness." * * * R. J.

David Sands to R. Jones and H. Cathrall.
New Cornwall, 10th of 9th mo. 1781.
Dear Friends, — We read, as from the lips of our blessed
Lord, that blessed are the poor in spirit. I have viewed you
as a part of this number, who have your way through much
poverty, and at times great tribulation, in which situation I can
at present sympathise with you in some measure, I having been
for some time past in rather a low spot ; having had several
poor turns as to my health, and I think I find myself under
more weakness of body since I left Philadelphia than ever be
fore ; having been much of the time hardly able to sit a long

REBECCA JONES. 45
meeting ; . . . and under these trials my mind seems to
be stayed on the Lord, in hope that if it is his will that this
earthern tabernacle should be dissolved, I shall, through the
merits and mediation of a Redeemer, gain an admittance into
those joys that are unspeakable and full of glory. I have had
to remember you in much affection and nearness, and the many
useful little hints you occasionally dropped in my hearing, as
also the letters I received from you at the Western Quarter, and
esteem your cares and kindness as the truest tokens of real
friendship. I believe I should have written to you before now
if I had been at home ; . . . but I thought at this time,
duty and inclination joined in strengthening my hands to take
up the pen and endeavour to make some small retaliation* for
the favors and kindness received ; and withal, in hopes of draw
ing some small bill on one or both of your pens, as I shall, I
believe, always be glad of a line from you whenever freedom
and opportunity will admit, and shall endeavour to make the
best remittance I am capable of, which is but small. I have
looked at your situation as a life of care, and much exercise in
your outward employment, as well as in your more public, and,
what if I also say private labors ; still I do believe it is by
direction of best wisdom, and in providential care for the help
and welfare of Friends in the city, both parents and children.
Though I believe this favor, like many others, is too lightly
thought of by some, yet I believe there is a remnant preserved
in a living sense thereof, unto whom you are often made very
near. And I have sometimes thought there is abundant cause
for the honest hearted to be encouraged in hope, that though
Israel be not gathered according to their desire, yet they are
still glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and their God will be
their strength. But notwithstanding what I have said, I don't
mean to confine your labors within the walls of the city ; be-

*The sense in which this word is now generally used of reluming
injury for injury, appears to be a modern application, Its original
meaning is a return of like for like. — En. Fbiekds Review.

46 MEMORIALS OF
Iievihg that if I have to accuse you of any neglect of duty, it is
in not being more given up to visit the more remote parts of the
family. Arid I may say, I have sometimes thought there ap-
peared too many buts and ifs, and these I have feared were
sometimes too much given way to, to the hindrance of some
services that might prove advantageous to yourselves, and shall
I say, to many of the sheep and lambs that the Master has
ordered to be fed, I shall leave you to find or judge by whom.
Thus my dear friends and sisters, I shall conclude with desire
for your prosperity every way, and remain your truly loving
and affectionate friend, David Sands.

R. J. to Edward Cathrall.
Philadelphia, 1th mo. 25th, 1782.-
Dear Edward, — Since thou left thy father's house my mind
has many times turned towards thee, sincerely desiring that
thou mayst not only witness preservation from every temptation
that may present to draw thee still further from the path of in
nocence, but that by a steady adherence to the quick and power
ful Word in the secret of "thy own mind, thou mayst be brought
into an acquaintance with a' state of true inward stillness, in
which thou mayst be favored to understand the things that
belong to thy soul's peace — which is of the greatest consequence
both to the aged and to the youth ; especially when we consider
that our stay in this world is very uncertain, and that, after we
have done with things below, we must appear before a righteous
tribunal, there to give an account of the deeds done in the body,
whether good or evil. How careful then ought we to be in our
steppings through time ; how watchful should be our words and
actions ! Retirement of mind is such an excellent situation
(I have found it so,) that I cannot but recommend it to thee.
Mayst thou often retire alone, and rather choose to be so than
in such company as may have a tendency to do thee hurt.
Young people who are inexperienced, are often drawn into

REBECCA JONES. 47
things highly improper, if not offensive, in the sight of heaven,
for want of keeping on their guard in this very spot : whereas,
if they did but love silence, and to hearken to the monitions of
Divine grace in their own hearts, they would grow up in good
liking, yea, in favor with God and man. My heart prays for
thy preservation, and that thou mayst, now in a state of separa
tion from all thy tender connections, be met with 1 by Him who
is willing to do them good, and who is waiting to be gracious
to the descendants of those who have loved and served Him, as
thy grand parents did.
Keep this letter to thyself, and read it over leisurely, it is the
language of one of thy best friends.

^fe^l

5th mo., 5th, 1783, R. J. notes. — " I awoke this morning
with the following passage : " Ye have not chosen me, but I
have chosen you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and
that your fruit should remain." Oh, my soul, treasure up and
improve under the present favor. " 16th — This day Samuel
Emlen opened a concern for visiting England the fifth time."
On the 6th of 7th mo., having attended three meetings under
great exercise and conflict, she records a petition to be preserved
from murmuring, and helped to redeem Time. 10th mo., 27th,
she opened to the 2d day morning meeting, and 11th mo., 24th,
to her Monthly meeting, the prospect of the important and ex
tensive service, upon which she was soon to enter ; and under
the last 'date, she remarks, "Divine help was near, and our
spirits were baptized together under its blessed influence." 29th,
she notes, "10^ o'clock — a still, clear sky — an awful shock of
an earthquake."

48 MEMORIALS OF

CHAPTER III,.
1784.
Credentials for England — Embarcation — Anecdotes of S. Emlen, Geo.
Dillwyn, &c. — Letter from Capt. Truxton — Reaches Liverpool, Lon
don— C. Hustler joins her — Letter to H. Cathrall — Establishment of
Women's Yearly Meeting — Extract from a Curious Letter.
Having long felt an engagement to make a religious visit
beyond the Atlantic, a certificate was granted her by Philadelphia
Monthly Meeting for the Northern District, on the 27th of 1st mo.,
1784, addressed " To our friends and brethren in Great Britain
and elsewhere in Europe." In this document, her friends say,
" We find our minds nearly united to her, in Christian fellow
ship and sympathy ,— she being one whose life and conversation
becomes our Christian profession, and her ministry sound and
edifying." This certificate was signed by 112 Friends, only
one of whom, a woman Friend, aged nearly 90 years, a former
pupil of R. J., is now living. An endorsement from the Quar-
.terly Meeting held the 2d of the Second month, expressed " a
prevailing sense of near union and sympathy with our beloved
sister in her religious exercise, under which she has secretly
labored several years, which lately reviving with increasing
weight, she hath now solidly communicated to us." The fol
lowing certificate was granted by the Select Yearly Meeting,
held by adjournments from the 27th of 3d month, to the 30th
of the same, inclusive.
To our Brethren and Sisters in Great Britain, Ireland, and
elsewhere in Europe.
Dew Friends:— We salute you in a thankful sense of the continued
love of Christ, through the efficacy whereof faithful servants are
drawn forth to labour in his Church ; and commend um0 you Rebecca
Jones, our much esteemed sister, who has, with the approbation of the

REBECCA JONES.

49

Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, as expressed in their certificate, now
spread before us an exercise that has for some years attended her mind,
religiously to visit you, which has brought a solemn weight over this
assembly, uniting us with her concern, and giving us an evidence of
duty to resign her to the Lord's will and guidance in her procedure on
this weighty undertaking. Greatly desiring that the protecting pro
vidence of the Almighty may preserve her by sea and land, and that by
humbly continuing under his holy anointing, she may be daily quali
fied to perform the work whereunto he appoints her, to the honor of
Truth, her own peace, and the comfort of the faithful among you, to
whose tender sympathy and Christian fellowship we affectionately
recommend her, and remain your loving friends. [Signed by 130
Friends.] These testimonials, given forth by the church, are well cal
culated to introduce her to the confidence of those who cannot
recall her memory ; whilst those who knew her, and in whose
hearts an indelible memorial lives, may perhaps, in the perusal
of them, find themselves in the midst of thronging remem
brances of the palmy days of our Society. May such Friends,
the venerable relics of the race
" Who danced our infancy upon their knee,"
be favoured with a Pisgah view of the day, when He-, whose
presidency was then so eminently felt, shall restore judges and
counsellors, and qualify his servants to build again the waste
places. From the diary of Katharine Howell we extract the follow
ing passages :
" 4th mo. 20th, 1784. — Went down to see my valued friend;
R. Jones, before her departure. A great number of friends
came, and we had a favored time. Rebecca Jones and W.
Savery spoke excellently."
" 21st. — Mary Smith took a seat with my husband and self,
and left the city with the intention of accompanying our be
loved friends to the ship.. Phebe Pemberton, Mary Pleasants,
Rebecca Jones and Hannah Cathrall, Thomas Ross, John Par-
rish, wife, and sister Patience Marshall, and Mary Compton,
joined us at the ferry ; S. Smith, Mehetabel Jenkins, David Ba-
5

50 MEMORIALS OF
con and daughter, Joseph Jenks and wife, having crossed be-
fore us. Mary Armitt, Elizabeth Foulke, Anne and Susanna
Dillwyn, Rumford Dawes, and Nancy Emlen, soon overtook
us on our arrival at Chester, where we dined, and where we
found Margaret Haines and son, and Sally Greenleaf. Richard
Vaux and Elizabeth Roberts, Samuel Elam and Hester Fisher,
came in soon after, and James Bringhurst drove Samuel Emlen
and John Cox. H. Drinker and son, and Samuel Emlen, Jr.,
came on horseback, and I believe we had been there more thart
an hour, when George, Dillwyn and wife, Margaret Morris and
son, Henry Hull and Patty Moore, driven by Richard Wells,
arrived. Reached Wilmington after 5 o'clock, and were taken
by our kind neighbor, Rumford Dawes, to his brother Harvey's,
where a good cup of tea proved grateful to many.' At 6 o'clock
there was an evening meeting appointed.
" First day, 4th mo. 25th. — We crossed the ferry about 8,
A. M., after a very pleasant ride to New Castle, had a sitting
with our dear friends in a public house, after which there was
liberty given, and a meeting held in the Court House. After
dinner we took an affectionate leave of each other, and our
friends Vent on board of the ship Commerce, Captain Truxton,
about 4 o'clock."
Relative to her embarkation, we find the following note in
R. J.'s sea journal :
" Embarked at Newcastle on board the ship Commerce, Capt.
Thomas Truxton, commander, the 25th of the 4th mo., 1784,
in company with my valued friends, Thomas Ross,* Samuel
*The following incident respecting Thomas Ross, was mentioned in
my hearing, long after his death, by a friend who was personally ac
quainted with him. y
While his mind was under exercise with the prospect of a visit to
Europe, but before he had given up to the service, he was one day
thrown from his horse, and his foot being fixed in the stirrup, he was
dragged some distance, probably a very short one, in that perilous sit
uation. His mind recurring to this engagement, as one from which
he was improperly shrinking, he breathed forth a petition: "Lord
spare my life and I'll go ;" when some of the fixtures giving way, he
was instantly released. — [Editor of Friends' Review.

REBECCA JONES. 51
Emlen and son Samuel, George and Sarah Dillwyn, and Me,
hetabel Jenkins, all intending for Great Britain." She also pre
served the names of the cabin and steerage passengers, ship's
hands and common men, her interest extending to all ranks and
conditions of men, desiring the welfare of all, and being more
than willing to be made helpful to any.
Succeeding this catalogue of names, we find the following
passage :
" Having for many years had a prospect of duty to pay a re
ligious visit to Friends in Great Britain, under which my heart
was often bowed within me, secretly desiring that if it was in.
deed the Lord's requiring, my will might be brought into a per
fect state of resignation to his holy will; at length my mind was
fully given up, trusting in a gracious promise which I was fa
vored with from the source of all true blessedness and com
fort, with this charge, ' Look not out, and all things ne
cessary shall be furnished.' In the regular precious order of
truth, I laid the /same before my dear friends, who in sympathy
and unity therewith, signified their concurrence in the Monthly,
Quarterly, and General Spring Meetings. And though! was
favored as it passed from stage to stage, so that my mind was
preserved entirely clear of doubting, yet it was my constant de
sire, (the which I each time told my friends feelingly,) ' that the
Divine will only might be done.' The before-named friends,
under the like exercise, being all set at liberty, and the afore
said ship offering, we felt easy to take our passage therein, in a
humble depending frame of mind, believing that if it was the
Lord's will, we might reach the next Yearly Meeting at
London." An incident connected with their embarkation is worthy of
recital, as illustrative of the benefit which the true disciple may
receive from an entire dependence upon the all-sufficient Teach
er. Two ships were in readiness to sail for London. One was
a large merchant vessel ; the other, a smaller one, had been
built for a privateer, and was especially adapted for fast sailing.

52 MEMORIALS OF
Rebecca and her associates in the proposed voyage, visited the
two ships, to decide between them ; and went first on board the
larger one, which had been preferred by many of their friends.
They seated themselves in the cabiri, and Samuel Emlen first
broke the silence by saying " Death and darkness !" A simi
lar feeling of uneasiness in reference to this vessel pervaded the
minds of the others. On taking their seats in the smaller ship,
a clear evidence was vouchsafed them, that it would be right for
them to take their passages in her — which they did according
ly, and in due time the reader will have occasion to remember
that there is a " Wisdom profitable to direct," which was re
markably confirmed in the experience of our friends.
The next day after they found themselves out at sea, their
rough Captain (subsequently Commodore Truxton,) opened a
locker and threw in a pack of cards, saying " lie there — you '11
see daylight no more — in compliment to these Friends." And
at the table he took up his glass of beer, saying, " Here's hoping
that we friends may reach London timely for the Yearly Meet
ing !" — which, it will be remembered, had been their desire,
though from the shortness of the time it was not confidently ex
pected for them.
After clearing the capes of Delaware and discharging the
Pilot, Truxton joined our friends in the cabin, and having ob
tained their assent to some pertinent remarks upon the mutual*
benefit which persons confined within such narrow limits would
derive from making themselves agreeable to each other, he ob
served that there was one thing they could do which would very
much displease him. They of course desired to be apprised of
his meaning. " It is," said he, " for you to know that there is
anything in my power which will contribute to your comfort,
and not to ask for it."
The kind disposition thus indicated, was continued by him
through the voyage, and his high estimate of the qualities of R.
Jones was frequently evinced. As an illustration of this we may
be allowed to quote a rather extravagant speech which he made

REBECCA JONES. 53
at a London Coffee House soon after their arrival in speaking
of her to his brother captains and merchants — " that he had
brought over an Amercan Quaker lady who possessed mo;e
sense than both Houses of Parliament."
One day R. Jones going upon deck, saw George Dillwyn
seated in pensive mood upon the chicken coop (which on ship
board is ordinarily fitted for a seat.) He said to her, " Rebecca,
canst thou keep a secret?" To which she replied, that she was
not in the habit of prying into other people's secrets, but that
she could keep them when entrusted to her. " Well, then,"
said he, " I think we shall see land next First day." They
were soon joined by all their companions except Thomas Ross,
who was confined in his cabin (as will hereafter appear) by a
hurt. R. J. remembering the lonely situation of the latter,
went to sit with him. He accosted her in the same words,
querying if she could keep a secret ; to which she repeated her
former reply. He then expressed the same prospect, that they
should, see land next First day. On First day morning (5th mo.
22d, 1784,) George rose very early, and, standing on the quarter
deck with his arms folded behind him, he called out with a firm
voice, " land ahead !" The Captain being still in his berth,
hastened up in alarm, and asked who had called "land ahead."
George, calmly retaining his position, in a few minutes repeated
his call. The captain immediately ordered to the mast-head a
man who was noted for distant sight, to keep a look out. When
after the lapse of ten or fifteen minutes, no sign of land could
be discovered, the Captain -sharply rebuked G. D. for the false
alarm, which might, he said, have led toi serious consequences.
George stood unmoved, and called, in a firm tone, and louder
than before, "land ahead!" The puzzled Captain ordered the
lead to be thrown, but, before this could be done, the sentinel
called out, " ahoy, land ahead !" The lead was then thrown,
and, in reference to it, the compiler turning for confirmation to
Captain Truxton's sea journal, finds the following note :
" Sunday, 23d May. At six o'clock sounded, got 42 fathoms
water—shells and rotten brown stones— at seven made the land
*5

54 MEMORIALS OF
—take it for the start— bearing E. N. E.; nine leagues distant.
Latitude observed 49° 45' North." -
Rebecca preserved some of the shells and sand taken at this
place, a portion of which is still kept.
We will anticipate the course of the narrative to say, that
they landed at Gravesend on Sixth day, the 28th of Fifth month,
after a passage of thirty days, reaching London about four
o'clock P. M. ; this being the day prior to the select Yearly
Meeting. Two weeks afterwards, the ship to which their at
tention had first been turned, was tawed in, on her beam ends,
the keel being out of the water, the ballast and whole cargo
having shifted in a storm so that they were unable to right her.
They had taken a different course from the one pursued by the
" Commerce," and experienced danger and distress, so that all
hope of reaching their port at one time vanished. A female
passenger afterwards gave R. J. a moving account of their pas
sage, and mentioned that when, (every light in the cabin being
out,) the water made its way in the cabin and into the state
room, she lay in her berth expecting death as inevitable, and
reached down her hand to feel the water as it rose ; and that
while her soul's concerns were uppermost, and her heart was
engaged in fervent prayer, the only temporal desire she allowed
herself to cherish, was, that she might not struggle long in the
water. We now insert some extracts from her own notes of the
voyage. "We left Philadelphia, Fourth month 24th; upwards of sixty
Friends with us. Dined at Chester, then proceed to Wilming.
ton ; had a meeting, which was large, and favored with con-
firming evidence that the Lord is good to those that fear him,
to the souls of those who in sincerity seek and serve him.
25th. First day.— Proceeded to Newcastle where the ship
lay ; had a meeting in the Court House with the inhabitants, to
satisfaction; after which we dined, and after an affectionate
leave of our dear friends, went in a yawl to the ship, which
was ready for our reception, Our dear friends S. Hopkins

REBECCA JONES. 55
Samuel Smith, John Parrish, wife and son, S. Pleasants and
wife, Phebe Pemberton, Ann Dillwyn* and Ann Emlen, Jr.,
accompanied us on board, about four o'clock, where we felt easy
and resigned, trusting in that gracious Providence who is able
to protect and preserve us by sea and by land. After adjusting
our little conveniences, &c, we retired to rest, which was much
interrupted. However, I got some sleep, and felt refreshed, and
comforted in the hope that the Lord was with us.
26th. Second day. — About seven A. M., the wind having
sprungup, and fair, we reached the capes, which is near 100
miles, by one o'clock, P. M., when the ship hove to for the
Pilot, who left us about two o'clock.
28th. Fourth day. — Extremely sick. G. M. and self taking
little nourishment, yet quiet in spirit, looking to the Lord. ¦ -
2Qth. Fifth day — Had a poor night; high wind kept us
rolling about. Three of our hogs washed overboard, and
several poultry drowned^-but the dead lights having been put
up in the afternoon, the cabin was mostly dry. As I lay roll
ing about, the sea being very rough, my mind was turned toward
the Lord, and this petition revived with life and sweetness :
" Let not the water-flood overflow me, neither let the deep swal
low me up." And my trust and confidence were renewed in
the all-sufficient Helper of his people. This day we passed
through the gulf stream of Florida, and left Cape Henry to the
windward. 30th. Sixth day. — -G. D., M. J., and myself continue very
sick, but the weather clearing up, and a pretty good breeze from
W. and shifting to N. W., we ran along finely. I came upon
deck about one P. M., and was revived with the air, and took a
little nourishment — so I sat on the floor of the deck to make this
memorandum — retired to rest under a humbling sense of the
Lord's continued care and regard towards his poor servants,
who have left all to follow his leadings.
5th. mo. 1st. Seventh day. — Very sick — yet quiet in mind —
trusting in the Lord. * Afterwards wife of John Cox.

56 MEMORIALS OF
2d. First day.— Our Captain having been informed last eve
ning that we thought it right for our little band to retire and
wait upon the Lord, under the persuasion of his providential
care, and in acknowledgment of our dependence upon him for a
blessing, he readily consented, and appeared willing the steerage
passengers miglit have the privilege of sitting with us, if they
chose it. But the wind springing up freshly, and increasing
with rain, we sat down alone. Melting goodness was near our
spirits. T. Ross, and S. Emlen, had some encouraging hints,
and we were comforted as well as bowed together , in spirit.
The Lord's great name be praised !
3d, 4th, and 5th.— The wind being fair, we sailed from eight
to ten knots. We came in sight of the banks of Newfound
land. 6th. Fifth day. — A calm, and a pleasing calm of soul. May
gratitude be the covering of my spirit, under a renewed sense
of the deep obligations I am under to the great Shepherd of
Israel, who has not only favored my poor soul with the know
ledge of his will respecting me, but, oh ! blessed be his power,
has furnished with strength sufficient hitherto to comply with
his heavenly requirings. And I feel at this instant renewed
desires, that I may be kept humbly dependent on Him alone,
who is strength in weakness, and riches in poverty. Hitherto
all the company in the cabin have conducted in great harmony,
each being willing to assist the other in little kindnesses, and
our mutual friend, nurse, and helper, Sarah Dillwyn, has been
particularly attentive to our various wants. I esteem myself
under great obligations to her ; may her labor be acceptable,
and rewarded by the great Master, who has promised that they
who give a ' cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, shall
receive a disciple's reward.' And in the course of this voyage,
Wm. Ludlam (one of the passengers — an obliging, sensible well
behaved man) having a stone bruise on his heel, and S. Emlen,
and T. Ross, having, by the motion of the ship, slipped and hurt
themselves, S. D. has had to dress and tend the wounds of them all.
I was favored with a quiet good night, more so than any pre-

REBECCA JONES.

57

vious, and was in my sleep in company with my dear friends at
Philadelphia, in the enjoyment of sweet unity and fellowship, es
pecially my dear H. C, for whose welfare is my soul anxiously
solicitous, that she, with myself, may be kept near the Lord, wait
ing steadily on him for help and direction in the most needful
time, and that we may be supported, encouraged, and helped,
under the present trial, and stand so unreservedly dedicated to
the Lord's will and requirings, that the hands of our arms may
be made strong for labor in the heavenly vineyard, in the day
time. 8th. Seventh day. — Had a good night. Awoke about mid
night, in the enjoyment of divine love and sweetness on my
heart in a superior degree — lying peacefully with my mind
turned towards Him who has, I do believe, required this sacri
fice at my hands, and whom I do acknowledge worthy to be
served, honored and obeyed, now and forever. In the morning
sea-sickness came on again, that G. D., M. J. and myself were
renewedly tried.
A small bird called a curlew plover, supposed to come from
the banks of Newfoundland, lit on one of the ship's yards, was
taken by one of the hands, and brought into the cabin. It is
about the size of a pigeon, with a small bill like a snipe. It
being a stranger, and, to us Americans; a curiosity, our captain
has ordered a box for its accommodation, S. D. wishing to carry
it to England. My mind was this evening poor, but quiet. Re
tired early to bed.
9th. First day morning. — Awoke refreshed, both in body
and spirit. Sick for a short space, but, getting better, was
favored to sit in the cabin, where a meeting was held, the Cap
tain, cabin passengers, most of the steerage passengers, and as
many of the seamen as could be spared from working the ship,
attended, and behaved well. It was a solid, good opportunity,
and, I trust, was owned by the Great Commander of the seas.
D., S. E. and M. J., each appeared lively in the exercise of

t*

their gifts. A light head wind.

10th. Second day. — Awoke with these expressions, " Con-

58 MEMORIALS OF
fide in his mercy, and adore his power." Was sick at first
rising, but grew better. Spent great part of this day upon
deck, in sweet fellowship with our little band. Little wind, and
that ahead.
11th. Third day. — Less sick to-day. A fine wind. In the
evening, my mind was drawn into secret retirement, in which
my soul was bowed in humble prostration and worship to the
God of my life, who hath done great things for me, a poor, un
worthy creature. Rain m the night, with thunder and lightning.
12^. Fourth day. — Could have slept this morning, but felt
much sympathy with M. J., knowing by experience how dis
pirited they feel who are very sea sick. I called the steward,
and gave orders for some gruel, which was salutary, and she
seemed better after it. Our worthy friend, T. Ross, this day,^
by a lee lurch of the ship, fell in the cabin, and wounded one
of his legs badly, which was timely attended to. It was a
favor that he was not more hurt. I retired to rest under a
thankful sense of Divine mercy, and fresh breathings of soul
after the renewal of love and favor.
ISth. Fifth day. — Awoke sweetly refreshed ; arose humbled
in a view of my own weakriess. Felt drooping this day, but
quiet in mind.
14th. Sixth day. — Better this morning. Admired the kind
ness of Divine Providence towards us in this our floating in-
closure on the great deep. Blessed be His great name whose
care is over his poor servants, fulfilling his gracious promise,
who hath said, " I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." We
had a sweet, refreshing season this morning in our cabin, select
from the other passengers, which is an additional favor. It
appears, from the Captain's account, that, by 12 o'clock this
day, we have, in 24 hours, sailed 228 miles. He, with Wm.
L. and R. Ely,* &c, are preparing fishing tackle to catch
mackerel. May our rejoicing be in fear, depending only on the divine
•Richa'rd Ely. an affable, courteous man, was our fellow passenger.

REBECCA JONES.

59

protecting arm of the Almighty, without whose permission not
a hair of our heads will be allowed to perish.
15th. Seventh day. — A fine fair wind, and such pleasant
weather, that our Captain tells us that we might go to sea for 20
years, and not have such another day, for our ship is steady
enough to sew and write pleasantly, though going so rapidly,
that in the last 24 hours we have sailed 240 miles.
16th. First day. — The wind unfavorable. I was not so well
to-day. We sat down quietly in the morning, but had not so
general an opportunity as on last First day. Spent the latter
part of this day alone in our state room, my heart being turned
towards the Lord, and my confidence renewed in his sufficiency
and strength, for the fully supplying of our various needs.
17th. Second day. — Rose refreshed in body, yet low in mind,
though not discouraged : much desiring to be rightly directed in
my future movements, particularly in the place suitable for me
to take up my abode whilst in the great city towards which we
are approaching ; and that I may be kept humble, little and low
in that .simplicity which my heart has been long convinced is
designed for my safety, and has ever been the prelude of true
peace. Oh that wisdom and knowledge may be the stability of
our times ! Then may we hope the Divine strength will be our
salvation and rejoicing."
To this note is appended, in the hand writing of George Dill
wyn, these words : " Amen, saith G. D."
The following instance of the signal care of Divine Provi
dence is worthy of record. Samuel Emlen, Jr., had just moved
from his seat directly under the sky-light in the cabin, when
one of the sheep on deck fell through the glass into the cabin.
Without doubt, if S. had been in the spot where he had been
sitting, without his hat, the particles of glass, with the weight
of the falling animal on his bare head, must have greatly
wounded him, if not taken his life. May a grateful sense of the
distinguished Mercy, be so impressive on his young and tender
mind, as to excite this query in sincerity i " What shall I render
to thee, oh Lord, for all thy benefits ?"

60 MEMORIALS OF
18th. First day. — Not so well this day. Still under an ex
ercise on my own account, that the Lord, my alone Helper,
may condescend to favor me with the distinct knowledge of his
will, that I may not determine in the uncertainty, nor mistake
his counsel. Spoke a brig from Amsterdam, bound to New
York. 19th. Fourth day. — The wind favourable. Several of
us employed in writing, hoping for an opportunity to convey
some intelligence to our dear friends whom we have left behind,
towards whom my mind has been often turned in near affection
and for whose preservation and stability in righteousness have
my prayers ascended as for my own. It looks probable we
may reach the Yearly Meeting of London, where I expect
fresh exercise, and oh ! may I be kept humble and low with
the pure seed ; though in a state of deep suffering. Last even
ing I had some serious conversation with our Captain, during
which he was attentive and solid ; at the conclusion of which
he acknowledged my kind intentions, and said he believed I
was concerned for his and others' good — and behaved affection
ately. 21st. Sixth day. — Awoke with these expressions : " He will
be a strength to the poor— a strength to the needy in his distress,
a covert from' the storm, when the blast of the terrible ones is
as a storm against the wall." Spent much of this day in
inward retirement, humbly trusting in the Lord, my sure,
unfailing friend, to whom I desire to look in simplicity, as a
little child, for further direction and help, knowing 'it is not in
man who walketh to direct his own steps.'
23d> First day.— Held our Meeting this day in the cabin.
It was a favoured, comfortable season."
On this day fthe 23rd) the Captain, who had conceived a high
respect for our friend, whieh he afterward repeatedly evinced,
presented, her with a copy of his sea journal, in his own wri
ting, with the following letter written upon the first page.

REBECCA JONES. 61
" On board the Commerce, in the English Channel, May 23rd, 1784.
" Madam, — Our passage, in all probability, being now nearly at an
end, give me leave to present you a copy of my journal, which con
tains all the observations that were essentially necessary for our guide
and direction across the Atlantic Ocean ; which, with the help of
Divine Providence, we have passed over, without the smallest acci
dent whatever ; and have, thanks be to Heaven, arrived on our
desired coast, where I hope, in a few days, to see you safely landed,
and to congratulate thereon. For it is with heart-felt pleasure and
satisfaction to myself, that I can with truth say, that I never had so
instructive and pleasing a female companion at sea as yourself.
And in short, I cannot say less for all the rest of the Friends.
"This small token of my esteem I present you, that you may at any
future time refresh your memory with the different occurrences that
have turned up from time to time during the passage, respecting the
ship, winds and weather.
" That you may enjoy your health, and be the instrument of enlight
ening the minds of many in this eastern world (as I am satisfied that
is your errand,) and return safely back to your connexions and friends
in America, rewarded by heaven for your labors, is the sincere wish
of your friend, Thomas Trdxton.
To Rebecca Jokes.''
The Journal thus commences :
" A Journal,, by God's permission, on board the ship Commerce,
from Philadelphia to London. Commencing April the 26th, 1784, and
kept by Thomas Truxton, Commander of said snip."
24th. Second day. — As we were advancing up the British
Channel, and although delighted with the fine prospect of the
land, of White Rocks, Isle of Weight, &c, (G. D. and self
being on deck and counting the shipping around us, 30 in all,
which was a feast to the eye,) yet my mind was low, stripped
and fearful, lest I should not keep near enough to that Power
which alone has preserved andean preserve, under and through
all the dispensations of his Providence, to his own praise.
May I be favoured not only to get deep enough, but to keep
deep and humble with the pure seed, in mine own bosom and
6

62 MEMORIALS Of
the bosoms of the faithful amongst whom my lot may be cast.
28th. Sixth day. — Being favoured to reach Gravesend
early this morning, we prepared to go on shore, which we did.
Our Captain left the ship first, in order to prepare a dinner and
carriages for us, and had all ready when we arrived. Having
dined, we started, our Captain with T. Ross and S, E., jr., in
one post chaise, S. E., sen., and M. J., in another, and G. Dillwyn
and wife and myself, in a third, and reached London about
4 o'clock. During the ride up, though there was much to en
tertain the eye and delight the senses, yet my heart was humbled
and bowed in contrition, under a sense of the Lord's goodness
and mercy, in having conducted a poor handmaiden over the
mighty ocean in safety, and above all, in the sustaining sense
of his power and presence, which had attended me, to bear up
in the time of conflict and exercise. For all which my heart
is prostrate before Him, and returns the feeble' attribute of
thanksgiving and praise for all his mercies : acknowledging that
He is worthy now and forever more. Amen."
Before her departure from Philadelphia, Arthur Howell, in
bidding her adieu, placed in her hand a sealed note to be read
at sea ; which contained a short, but full, expression of his
sympathy and unity with her in her prospect, and concluded
with quoting from Isaiah 49 : 23—" Kings shall be thy nursing
fathers and queens thy nursing mothers." She afterwards
mentioned that on first meeting with Christiana Hustler,
(who was her first companion in England, and travelled much
with her,) at Jos. Gurney Bevan's, the passage occurred to her—
" Kings shall be thy nursing fathers and queens thy nursing
mothers." Although their home was together, at the house of
J. G. B., nothing passed between them during the time of
Yearly Meeting, relative to their being associated ; but when
John and Christiana Hustler were preparing to return to their
home in Yorkshire, C. told her husband that she believed he
would have to return alone— that she was not acquainted with
Rebecca Jones' views relative to a-companion, but she felt very
much bound to her, and felt that she must make an offer of

REBECCA JONES. 63
herself. Being encouraged to attend to her feelings, she went
to R. J's room, where they had a conference, which resulted in
a mutual conviction that they were designed to be banded toge
ther as companions in religious exercise. In a letter written
immediately after her arrival in London, she says, " Christiana
Hustler is in her person very much like my H. Cathrall ; about
50 years of age, has a lively gift in the ministry — an agreeable
nice, very nice person, and indeed in general, the English wo
men make a very neat appearance, and carry their age remark
ably well." On 5th day, 6 mo. 3rd, she writes to H. Cathrall.
*********
" As I know thou art fond of particular accounts, I have
risen early before the family. My mind is turned towards thee,
expecting to be so engaged when I leave this City, that I may
not write so much : though I intend to omit no opportunity.
I spent the evening before last with Catherine Phillips, and she
with her husband supped with us the last evening. I have al
ready informed thee, she looks much as when with us. Her
husband appears an elderly person, is a sensible man, and
agreeable. Joseph Gurney Bevan, my kind landlord, is a solid friend,
and his wife a lively, agreeable, very nice woman. She does a
little in our way. He is an apothecary. They have no children.
#*****#*#-
They are very kind and attentive to us, and I believe it right
we are here. John Eliot, with whom T. Ross, R. N., S. Em
len, S. N., and many others lodge, is a solid substantial Friend,
and his wife a fine person. She made me think of her mother,
M. Weston. They lived in a spacious complete house. Wm.
Dillwyn lives elegantly. His wife very much like Ruth Rich
ardson. Lydia Hawkesworth, whom I shall call C. Phillips' Aid de
Camp, is a fine, agreeable person/ And Esther Tuke is a sort
of Princess. Samuel Neale looks much as he used to, only a
little older. In a large company he said to me, " Thou and I

64 MEMORIALS OF
are sisters"— I replied, " Why not brethren" ? upon whicW he
discovered his blunder, and many smiles ensued.
There is (however low things are in this nation, respecting
the discipline) a living, deep, clear ministry ; and remarkably
so on the women's side. Dear Catherine Phillips labours inde-
fatigably ; seldom does she sit a meeting "through in silence ;
and in many of them has exceeded any time I remember her in
America. She is greatly improved in humility, tenderness and
sympathy. She has shown much love to us poor little Ameri
cans, and has told me she does not expect to be continued
much longer in mutability. Hannah Wigham is a solid, agree
able friend. Also, Martha Routh, Mary Proud, and Mary
Prior, — these are all from Yorkshire, and lively ministers.
Thou wouldst love them all as I do. Alice Rigg, an enterpri
sing skilful workwoman, is from the same place. She plead nobly
before the men's meeting. Mary Leaver looks* much as she
did ; enquired kindly after Friends in America. She and E.
Gibson desired love to thee."
It appears that prior to this time, the queries were not an
swered by the Women's Yearly Meeting of London. Thirty-
one years previous, a proposition was made for the establish
ment of a regular Women's Yearly Meeting. Tho' united with
by many friends, it was then postponed, as was also the case
when revived some years afterward ; one friend remarking,
" I see it but not now— I behold it but not nigh." A commu
nication from R. J., enforcing the propriety of it, had such
place as to induce the action which is recorded in the following
minute of Women's Yearly Meeting, bearing date the 5th of
Sixth month, 1784.
"It coming weightily under the consideration of this Meeting, the
great loss it sustains for want of its being regularly constituted a
Meeting for Discipline, the following Friends are desired to lay the con
cern before our men Friends now sitting, and bring in a report to our
next adjournment,-viz : Esther Tuke, Elizabeth Gibson, Alice Rigg
Christiana Hustler, Mercy Ransom, Martha Routh, Tabitha Middleton'

REBECCA JONES. 65
Susannah Row, and Sarah Corbyn, in which service the company of
the women Friends from America would be truly acceptable."*
This dignified deputation, leaving their own meeting still in
session, proceeded to that of the men, some of whom were un
prepared for the proposition. A part of the discussion which
ensued, is too familiar to our readers to need insertion here. One
Friend expressed the sentiment that it would be preposterous to
have a body with two heads, to which R. J. responded that there
was but one head to the body which is the church, and that in
Christ Jesus male and female are one. A note in H. Cathrall's
hand} says : " My R. Jones informs me that Alice Rigg plead
nobly in the men's meeting, and M. Routh silenced David Bar
clay. I perceive by a letter to J. P., he surrendered very un
willingly." This deliberation resulted in the issuing of an epistle setting
forth the rise and use of the Discipline, and encouraging women
Friends to attend to theft- share of it. In alluding to this mea
sure, Catharine Phillips remarks : " As mothers of children, and
mistresses of families, they have an extensive service to attend
to, and ought to be concerned, so to discipline their families, as
to be able to answer the several queries relative to their situa
tion." Samuel Neale, in reference to the proposition as opened by
these women friends, says : — " The evidence of Truth strongly
impressed the minds of those present with a sense of their con
cern being right, and Friends concurred so heartily with them,
that a minute was made to that purpose at the next sitting of
the meeting ; and a copy of the said minute was handed to the
women friends by a deputation from the men's meeting. Robert
Valentine, William Tuke and I were the deputies. We had a
good time among them, and left them in sweet peace."
* The ministering Friends from America in attendance at this meet
ing, were Robert Valentine, William Matthews, Nicholas Wain, Samuel
Emlen, Thomas Ross, George Dillwyn, Rebecca Wright, Patience Bray-
ton, Mehetabel Jenkins, and Rebecca Jones. There were several other
-messengers from America at that time in Great Britain, who were not
at the Yearly Meeting. 6*

66 MEMORIALS OF
The following is the minute of the men's meeting in the case,
bearing the same date with the women's minute.
" This meeting, after a solid and deliberate consideration of the pro
position brought in from the Meeting of Women Friends, held annu
ally in this city, agrees that the said Meeting be at liberty to correspond
in writing with the Quarterly Meetings of Women Friends ; to receive
accounts from them, and issue such advice, as in the wisdom of Truth,
from time td time, may appear necessary, and conducive to their mutual
edification. For this purpose it will be expedient that the said meeting
be a meeting of record, and be denominated the Yearly Meeting of
Women Friends, held in London ; yet such meeting is not to be so far
considered a meeting of Discipline, as to make rules, nor yet alter the
present queries, without the concurrence of this meeting."
Our readers will be amused with an extract from a letter writ
ten the 10th of the same month, by one of those who dissented
from the above conclusion, but who evinced commendable candor,
in admitting that he had been actuated by prejudice, and that he
had received a salutary lesson of condescension.
After bearing his testimony to the value of the " instrumental
help," and expressing his sentiment that the Yearly Meeting had
been " much favored every way," he adds — " The most remark
able occurrence this time was, that the women have obtained a
point which they have long thirsted after— that is, a Yearly
Meeting, regularly established by representatives from the Quar
terly meetings. So thou may, at some future meeting, be a
member of this female Parliament, who, if they take it into their
heads, may recollect that they may, like Solomon's crown be
placed above the head (as  told the audience at a wed
ding.) I was no favorer of this measure, well knowing that Power
is a dangerous tool in some hands, who, if one gives them an
inch, may take an ell. And so strong was my prejudice against
it, that, .though most of the solid part of the men (and all the
women to be sure) seemed, to favor it under a right influence,
yet I felt it not. Thus I have however obtained a teachable les
son of the strength and danger of prejudice, as well as to learn

REBECCA JONES. 67
condescension to such as are entitled to it : — for to set my own
judgment and feeling in opposition to my superior, would be a
presumption that I should not pardon myself for."

CHAPTER IV-
1784—1785.
Contrast by Enoch Lewis between the state of our Society in R. J.'s
day and in our own. She attends London Yearly Meeting and en
ters on her travels northward — Letter to and from various friends —
Dream respecting John Reynell and its realization — Family visit
at Bradford — Returns to London — Requests a meeting with her
American fellow laborers — Anniversary of her arrival inadvertently
kept. Her memoranda of the time spent in Great Britain and Ire
land, (every day of which is noted,) are, in some particulars,
curious and minute, and doubtless were designed to assist her
memory in the preparation of an auto-biographical memoir, to
which task, though her humility shrunk from it, she at times
felt her mind drawn. They do not, however, assume the form
of a regular religious diary, and afford very little aid to the
present compilation. In a neat and compact form, we find ta
bles of the meetings of that nation, lists of the ministers, and of
all the Friends residing in the different places visited, with
other minutiae. The deficiency in the diary is in a great mea
sure supplied by her letters, and would be wholly so could we
have access to all that were written. A mere narrative of her
journeyings might be comprised from these, but to divest it of
the portions which are only appropriate to the epistolary style,
would deprive the general reader of much that might prove in
structive, and lessen the interest of these memoirs to the numer
ous class of individuals to whom her memory is still fresh. The
compiler moreover is desirous of presenting the subject in her
words, rather than in his own.

68 MEMORIALS OF
We offer no apology for inserting the following interesting ob
servations, which form part of an editorial in Friends Review,
and which were written in especial reference to this portion of
our narrative, the able and venerable editor being one who well
knows the things whereof he writes.
" The memorials of Rebecca Jones, and especially the part which
has recently appeared in the Review, must recall to the memory of such
Friends as, like the Editor, have nearly reached the western verge of
life, the condition of our religious society at the time when R. Jones'
visit to England was performed, We find by the narrative before us,
that no fewer than five Friends in the ministry, who were engaged in the
love of the gospel to visit the churches on the other side of the Atlantic,
were passengers in the Commerce. Of these, four were members of
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, residing in or near this city. At the same
time we find that two Philadelphia Friends were there, John Pemberton
and Nicholas Wain, travelling in religious service in England or Ire
land. Thus it appears that at least six eminent ministers, all residing
within a few miles of Philadelphia, were then engaged on a mission of
love to the British Islands. Simultaneously with these visits, or shortly
afterwards, a number of European Friends traversed the parts of the
United States where members of the society were located. This inter
change of gospel messengers was then going on between the people
of two nations, whom their respective governments had, a short time
before, placed, as far as governments could place them, in the attitude
of enemies. The epistolary correspondence which was maintained
between our Yearly Meeting and that of London, and the mutual visits
which were paid by ministers and others immediately after the revolu-
lutionary contest, may be considered as conclusive evidence that the
storms of that turbulent period' had no power to estrange the minds of
Friends, on different sides of the ocean, from each other, or to interrupt
the harmony which, as professors of the same faith, and advocates of
the same cause, they had always maintained.
Whether the same cordiality of religious fellowship is experienced
in our day, is a question which very naturally presents to the reflective
mind, but which we shall not answer, either positively or negatively.
Of one thing we may speak without hesitation. The reciprocation of
gospel messengers has very visibly declined since the period in ques
tion ; and the number of those, on both sides of the Atlantic who are
clothed with the gifts of apostleship appears greatly reduced. A com
parison of the society at these different periods, forcibly revives the
inquiry, "Your fathers, where are theyl and the prophets, do they

REBECCA JONES. 69
live forever?" and upon whom has their mantle fallen? Has our
religious society retained its position in the van of civilization and re
form, or has it fallen behind? These questions we leave to be answered
as the judgment and observation of our readers shall suggest-"
After having attended twenty meetings in London, (including
the Yearly Meeting,) our friend on the 12th of 6th month, ac
companied by Christiana Hustler, T. Corbyn, and Adey Bel
lamy, went to Colchester Quarterly Meeting, taking her abode
at John Kendall's. After this, and a meeting at Manningtree,
the following letter was written at Dykes Alexander's, to her old
friend John Pemberton, then in Ireland.
R. Jones to John Pemberton.
Needham, in Suffolk, 6tfi mo. 17th, 1784.
Esteemed friend, — I was much disappointed, among others, in
not meeting with thee at London. I suppose by the return of
S. Neale and J. Gough, thou hast been furnished with a partic
ular account of the Yearly Meeting, and, among other things,
what is concluded upon respecting the Women's Meeting. I de
sired S. F. to send thee a copy of the minute on that head. My
heart was made thankful in that the women's application car
ried the weighty evidence of Truth with it, and that men Friends
were made so feelingly sensible thereof, that they yielded as
brethren. I have no doubt that my arrival in this land is a matter of as
tonishment to thee, as well as to many .more, who do know
what a poor feeble creature I am. But, having resigned my
life and all into the Lord's hand, I have witnessed preservation
over the mighty deep (our passage being four weeks from land
to land, without any storm, in an easy ship, with an obliging,
kind Captain,) and was kept quiet in mind during the voyage,
trusting in the Providence of the Almighty, who has been rich
in mercy towards me, an unworthy servant. Blessed be his
great name !
During my stay in London, which was two weeks, my path
was in the way of silent tribulation, and at times very low,

70 MEMORIALS OF
yet content to suffer with the seed, remembering that declare-
tion, "Where I am there shall my servant be." And now,
having attended the Quarterly Meeting at Colchester, and pro
ceeding towards Woodbridge and Norwich Quarterlies, I don't
see how I may be directed afterwards, whether to proceed into
Yorkshire before the cold weather or not. I see very little at a
time ; thou knowest it used to be so. with me, and I am as poor
a thing as at any time heretofore when abroad. But my earn
est prayer is that I may be kept in childlike simplicity, and in
an humble, watchful frame of mind ; and indeed the little op
portunity I have had among Friends here, has furnished me al
ready with a prospect of the need of steady circumspection and
holy fear, to step along rightly and safely amongst the wise and
great in this world. I can say of a truth I am willing to ap
pear as a fool in their eyes ; if but favored with the great Mas
ter's presence, it is enough.
Thou hast my true sympathy in thy particular allotment,
and a degree of faith springs in my heart, that thou wilt, ere
long, see thy way out of Irejand, and, I hope, be fraught with
sheaves of solid peace and satisfaction of mind. And if, in di
vine direction, we should fall in with each other, it would be to
me truly comfortable. But I dare not desire anything of that
sort, only that, however little my appearance among the tribes,
and feeble my endeavours towards the promotion of the great
cause, I may be preserved from bringing any sort of blemish
thereon — for it is in my view precious beyond all things.
P. Brayton and M. Jenkins have gone towards Yorkshire —
N. W. is there, I left the other Americans at London ; C.
Hustler being my companion, and Ralph Bainbridge, of Dur
ham, with us.
Thy dear spouse has opened her heart and house to my dear
H. C, who will, for a time, abide with her.
My H. C. could not yield with perfect resignation and clear
ness to a prospect under which she had laboured for some time
of accompanying me ; it was too great an indulgence ; we were
not to be gratified ; and whether she may feel it again revived,

REBECCA JONES 71
I cannot tell ; but of this I am fully convinced, that her jdesire
of soul is to do right, and I trust, if she sees her way, and is
helped along, she will be of service amongst Women Friends in
this nation, who are in want of suitable help in the discipline,
and thou knowest she is peculiarly gifted therefor.
I feel the precious unity whilst I am writing, and in it can
freely subscribe myself thy poor little affectionate friend and
sister, R. J.
R. J. to Henry Drinker.
Leiston Abbey, about 17 miles IV. E of Woodbridge, ~)
6th mo. 23d, 1784. $
Yesterday, after the Quarterly Meeting at Woodbridge, being
low, poor and disconsolate, I received a few lines from my good
neighbour, brother and friend. H. D., which, being the first in
telligence from my beloved native land, did revive me. The re
moval of that little valiant man, A. Benezet, will be a sensible
chasm. But I remember from whence he derived his qualifica
tions, and that the Divine fountain is inexhaustible. I feel, as
I should do, on the occasion, and for dear Joyce, who is not far
from the same peaceful mansion. It is truly comfortable to
hear that I have. a place in the affections of thy family. May'
they increase in every durably good. I note thy kind desire
for my " growth in faith, strength, and love which casteth out
all slavish fear," and I add to the necessary train, humility and
childlike simplicity. .
My situation whilst on the voyage and in London, will, I ex
pect, be imparted in that freedom which subsists between H. C.
and thee.. I left that city on the 12th, having worthy Christi
ana Hustler my companion. She has felt for me. T. Corby n
went with us to Colchester — attended that Quarterly Meeting —
took a few [Manningtree, Needham and Ipswich,] in the way to
that at Woodbridge. That being over, we are now on our way
to Norwich Quarterly Meeting ; -after which I hope to wait for
right direction. Thou knowest I am a little one, and such dont
see far at a time. What a favor that it is so !
Dear Henry, dont forget thy feeble sister. My heart is earn-

72 MEMORIALS OF
estly desirous that I may be kept where only true safety is
known, and I have felt very peaceful while sitting and looking
like a fool amongst the great, wise and good. Several feeling
Friends have been helpful in sympathy. I have admired at it,
as my case has been quietly concealed within ; but the heaven
ly fellowship enters deeper than words, and in it I have found
comfort and sweetness.
R. Valentine had a certificate signed for returning.
On comparing the date of thy note with the memorandums
made at sea, I find by my note of the 16th, that thy pen was
under right direction. So be encouraged in future to do " what
thy hand finds to do." I feel as I approach Norwich, much in
the same situation as when drawing near London, and feel as
willing to appear like a fool; so that I may be kept in my
place, is my earnest desire.
Norwich, 7th mo. 1st.*— The Quarterly Meeting here, ended
yesterday.. Wm. Matthews and E. Gibson, with divers others
from a distance, attended, and though in many instances there
is abundant cause of lamentation and mourning, yet the pre-
cious visitation of divine love was remarkably extended to the
young people, many of whom were bowed under it. My heart
was secretly comforted and raised in hope, that some of them will
be preserved under it, and be made useful vessels in the family.
Many of the youth here and in London are wide in their ap
pearance from the ancient standard of plainness ; but there is a
tender part in them, so very susceptible, that 'tis beautiful to be
hold, and what I have often wished was the case with the gay
and thoughtless among that class in my native city more gener
ally. Upon the whole, it may be said with thankfulness, there
is yet a solid number in this place, who are, under the present
low state of things, much depressed. Among whom are partic
ularly, worthy Edward Gurney and sister Mary, &c.
As to future movements, I rather think my face will in a few
days be turned towards Yorkshire.
*At the house of John Gnrney, father of J. J. G., E. Fry, &c.

REBECCA JONES. 73
N. Wain, P. Brayton, and M. Jenkins, are now in York
shire. T. Ross and S. Emlen are in London, detained by
Thomas's indisposition and bad leg, he having hurt it on ship
board. I am afraid it will be tedious, if not worse.* G. D.
yet in London. R. W. with a friend from Manchester has
gone that way, and dear J. Pemberton is yet in the gloomy
confines of Ireland. I should rejoice in his release therefrom.
Salute me to thy household, and to all other my dear friends
who are too numerous to name particularly. May the Lord be
near you, and keep me truly dependent on Him, is the prayer
of thy obliged friend and sister.

R. J. to Hannah Pemberton.
Norwich, 1 'th mo. 1st.
I have been kept in the patience, and can, of a truth, say,
the Lord hath been very gracious to me, a poor, unworthy
creature, both by sea and land. And* it is the prayer of my
heart, that I may be kept humbly dependent upon Him alone,
without whose renewed aid nothing can be availingly done in
this day of grievous revolt and deep backsliding. Yet there
is a comfortable prospect among the youth here, which will, I
trust, as they keep under the sweet visitation with which they
have been favoured, make some of them honourable, as, in the
beginning, our forefathers were.

From R. J. to John Pemberton.
Thorn, the edge of Yorkshire, at N. Dearman's, 1th mo. 22d,
1784. Much esteemed friend, — Thy truly acceptable salutation of
the 28th of last month, I received at Lynn, the 11th of this, and
at a time that rendered its contents the more valuable, as my
mind was very weak and low. I am truly thankful that I am
•It proved the cause of his death. 7

74 MEMORIALS OF
yet counted worthy of a place in thy affectionate remembrance,
whose brotherly sympathy I much desire may be continued.
R. Valentine with S. Fisher, I expect, sailed on the 16th in
the Commerce, Capt. Truxton, who, I hope, will be as kind
to them as he was to us, for he behaved to us with great cour
tesy' and respect. I understand N. W. and M. Jenkins are gone
into Scotland. The latter I expect, intends for Ireland. I
have had no late account from T. Ross, whose leg was badly hurt
at London. G. Dillwyn and S. Emlen were also there. R
Wright is still with M. Routh, in the midland counties, and P.
Brayton, I hear, is gone back to Lonuon.
I note the account of thy situation. I feel deeply with thee
under it, and trust in the Lord's time thou'lt be released ; still
having a hope it will not be long before thou art set at liberty
to come into this nation again, where, if I am favored to meet
thee, I shall rejoice.
Hitherto, since I left London, I have been helped with a little
strength from day to day to step along in the line of duty, and
as thou observes respecting thyself—" trust the good cause has
not been dishonored," and am sincerely desirous that I may
be kept truly dependent on the all sufficient Helper of his people
in childlike simplicity and humility. Great need I find to be
watchful, lest by a conformity to some customs which have
crept in amongst this people, strength should be given to that
part which stands opposed to the plain self-denying path into
whdch our worthy predecessors were divinely drawn and ena
bled to walk. My mind is often led to admire why so many
servants from a distance should be employed in this part of the
vineyard, and as often I am led to believe 'tis for some good and
valuable purpose. Oh that nothing may be suffered to lay
waste the service intended, but that we may all steadily eye the
great Shepherd, and that he may be graciously pleased to furnish
with strength and wisdom in/all our movements to the praise of
His worthy name, and the real benefit of the churches, is the
humble prayer of thy truly affectionate friend and sister. R. J.

REBECCA JONES. 75
26th. *P. S. — T. Ross has gone for Bristol in order for Ire
land. S. Nottingham is now in London. I have heard of the
death of Thomas Millhouse. Since writing the above, George
Dillwyn and S. Emlen are gone for Holland. I am now at
Ackworth much tried, and in poor trim every way ; yet my
mind has been for some time and remains so feelingly dipped
into sympathy with thee in thy present and late particular ex
ercise, that 1 have often been on the inquiry, and am now in-
formedf that thou hast been led in so singular a line, that must
have been deeply trying, I know, to thee. May the Lord, dear
John, be with thee, and furnish with best wisdom in all thy move
ments, (which, I have no doubt, has hitherto been the case,) and,
if it be His will, give thee a release in mercy, with the income
of solid peace. My heart again salutes thee and bids farewell. R. J.

R. J. to H. Cathrall.
Undercliff, near Bradford, Yorkshire,
8th mo, 6th, 1784.
Sitting quietly in my chamber this morning thinking about
thee, Sally, the eldest daughter of my truly kind friend and fel
low helper, C. Hustler, came up with thy salutation of the 4th
* At Thomas Proctor's, Selby.
•(¦John Pemberton, while on this visit, as well as at some other times,
found his mind engaged in a manner which has not been common of
latter times, with ministers of our Religious Society. He was not only
engaged in the appointment of meetings where no Friends resided, and
where meetings of Friends had not been previously held, and in visit
ing the prisoners confined in the jails ; but he apprehended himself
called to walk through the streets of Londonderry, and preach repent
ance to the people there. To this concern he at length gave up, after
a long and painful struggle. It is probable that this singular engage
ment was one of those to which R. Jones alluded in the letter before us.
It was much to the credit of the people of Londonderry that no insult
was offered to our Friend while employed in-this remarkable mission.
Exercises of a similar kind are several times noted in the early history
of the Society ; but the conduct of the populace was often very differ
ent from that which J. Pemberton experienced. — Editor of Friends' Re-

76 MEMORIALS OF
of last month, which, with three others received, I enter No. 4,
and wish thou wouldst in future number them, as I should then
know how many are written ; and as mine are all numbered, I
wish to know whether all have come to hand.
I find by thy last that thou art comfortably accommodated at
H. P.'s, for which I am thankful ; but thou art still in an exer
cised path. May Divine wisdom be thy safe director, counsellor
and strength. I have no doubt that as thou and I stand resigned
in our wills to the Lord, who has been so rich in mercy .towards
us, we shall find grace to help in time of need.
I have from time to time given thee a particular account of
my steppings in this land, which have been in great weakness
and fear, deeply bowed under a sense of the present state of so
ciety, and of my inequality to the necessary labor of the day :
yet often confirmed in hope that it is the line of duty, and I am
therefore desirous to be kept in a steady trust and dependence on
him, who, as I do believe, has required this sacrifice at my
hands, and whom my spirit feelingly acknowledges to be worthy
to ie served, loved and obeyed.
I have been this week at John Hustler's, resting and refitting,
and his amiable spouse appears willing to bear me company a
while longer, which I esteem a favor. We have been much
united in spirit and labor. We have now meetings laid out in
the west riding of Yorkshire, in order to be at some of the twelve
Monthly Meetings which constitute this Quarterly Meeting which
falls out the beginning of next month, and after that may per
haps proceed towards New Castle ; but I see my way so gradu
ally, that I hardly dare say where next; only may tell thee that
I am desirous of falling in with Monthly and Quarterly Meet
ings, which will, I expect, make more riding. And as to some
places, it will be impracticable in a chaise ; don't know how I
shall be able to bear trotting on horseback. As yet, I am fa
vored with C. H.'s chaise, which has conveyed us above five
hundred miles.
In my last I gave thee an account of the Americans as far as
I knew, and have not heard since about them.

REBECCA JONES. 77-
My love to thy connexions is not lessened — tell them so —
and persuade dear R. for me, that she will feel more true sat
isfaction in conforming to the blessed witness in her own mind,
than in any gratification that can possibly arise from the induf-
gence of a vain and airy appearance in her future arduous move
ments. I have the same desire on account of J. He does know
better ; but oh this conformity to the spirit and fashions of a de
generate age, how it does fetter the hearts of the beloved youth !
May their bonds be burst asunder by the Power of Truth, and
they he brought under its humbling operation ! Dear, very dear
love to all my friends as if named ; mine to thee is not to be
conveyed by pen and ink : feel me therefore in that which has
kept and will for ever keep us near in Spirit, as we abide with
it, and under its influence.
********

To Hannah Pemberton, (wife of John Pemberton, then in
England.)
Undercliff, 8th mo 6th, 1784.
Dear Friend, — * * * I expect thou wilt often hear of
thy precious J. P. who was well, and fervently engaged in his
good Master's service. May he be sustained, for the harvest is
truly great, and faithful laborers but few ; and thou wilt also
have thy reward, if thou art as careful in the line of improve
ment. And when you are favored to meet again, may you be
each other's joy and comfort in the Lord. As to this climate,
very few days but have borne a fire morning and evening, and
I am at times pinched with cold. If there happens a moderate
day, the people here complain of oppressive heat. * *
The easy mode of travelling with which I have been favored,
calls for thankfulness. Love to all thine' and thy husband's re
lations, also to E. Clark, R. Jackson, Phebe and Oranock,* and
accept a large share thyself from thy loving friend, R. J
* John and Hannah Pemberton's black man.
7 *

78 MEMORIALS OF
The following letter to a young physicsin, then prosecuting his
studies in England, and who afterwards became eminent and
honorable in his profession, is not only interesting as reviving
his memory j but may also be serviceable to other travellers in
pursuit of knowledge. Our readers will scarcely need to be in
formed of the realization of the desire expressed in the closing
sentence.

To Caspar Wistar, M. D.
Undercliff, 8th mo. 9th, 1784.
As in all probability I may not have an opportunity of seeing
thee again for some time, (if at all in England, or ever,) and
feeling an earnest desire of heart for thy preservation from the
many dangerous snares so peculiarly awaiting thy present ex
posed situation, and that thou mayest be so happily conducted
in the line of true rectitude, in thy general conduct, as well as
for thy better improvement in that which is really valuable, and
suiting the dignity of a candidate for an eternally enriching prize;
I thought that consistently with my duty, I could not forbear
apprising thee of the necessity of endeavoring carefully, in the
course of thy travels, and especially when among " men of cor
rupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith," to maintain the
watch, lest whilst thou art making an improvement in matters
relating to thy medical knowledge, the better part in thee should
receive essential damage, and which would be prevented by a
steady resolution uniformly to maintain the noble character of a
Quaker, despising the shame, which thou in moments of weak
ness mayest conclude consequent thereon. Hereby not only
solid satisfaction of mind would be witnessed, which is more truly
desirable than the approbation or applause of the gay and irre
ligious part of mankind can possibly furnish, but even the de
served esteem of the judicious, wise and good. I consider thee
as a fellow citizen whom I have known from an infant • as the
son of a pious mother, who, as well as thy father, was anxiously

REBECCA JONES. 79
concerned for thy welfare, both as a man and a Christian ; and as
a youth inexperienced, and in thy present situation much exposed
to numberless temptations. All these considerations, dear Caspar,
induce me thus, in much affection, to intreat thee steadily to ad
here to the blessed principle of divine grace, to the monition
whereof, I trust thou art no stranger. Suffer its restraining in
fluence to have due place in thy heart, and be not ashamed of
its tendering effects : and then instead of falling a prey to that
spirit of dissipation and licentiousness which has captivated and
drawn so many from the simplicity of the truth, thou wilt rise
superior to all the attempts of the power of darkness, and be
enabled to resist even the " appearance of evil." I mean not to
suggest from any observations I have made, that thou art more
in danger than other young travellers, nor has any part of thy
conduct been represented as exceptionable ; far otherwise ; I
rather hope that there has of later time, and especially when
under difficulties arising from bodily weakness, etc., been a de
sire possessed by thee to improve in things of greatest moment ;
and am therefore the more concerned on thy account that these
good desires may be cherished, and that, under the conduct of
the holy fear of the Lord, thy future steppings may be ordered in
His wisdom ; that thy days here, whether few or many, may be
spent in such manner as that thy life may be truly honorable,
and thy close peaceful and happy.
Accept this salutation as the fruit of love from thy cordial
friend, R. J.

R. Jones to James Pemberton.
"' Ayton, in Yorkshire, 9th mo. 16th, 1784.
Esteemed Friend, — My sympathy with thy beloved brother
John is such, that I have often been on the enquiry respecting
him, as I was greatly disappointed in not seeing him on my first
landing, and knowing thy concern must be great on his account,

80 MEMORIALS OF
I seem disposed this evening (though fatigued) to begin some ac
count in this way, and to let thee know that from good informa
tion I have reason to believe he is in the way of his duty, and
greatly owned and supported under the uncommon exercises that
have fallen to his lot, and that he is favored with a steady, wor
thy ministering friend, Thomas Cash, of Cheshire, for a com
panion. This Friend went into Ireland the last spring with Isaac
Gray, of Hitchin, who died very suddenly at Tober Head, after
which T. C. joined dear John, and having the like draught among
the people at large, they appear suitably yoked. He still con
tinues in that nation, quietly resigned to the Lord's will, and has
great place and acceptance generally. I have no doubt that he
is under best care and direction, and will be helped along, and
released when his service in that nation is over.
And now I may inform thee how I have been engaged since
my landing in this nation. I left London 6th mo. 12th, in com
pany with Christiana Hustler, of Yorkshire, who being at the
Yearly Meeting, lodged at Joseph Gurney Bevan's, which was
also* my quarters : and she having felt her mind engaged on my
account, has continued with me ever since^ visiting most of the
meetings in Norfolk, Lincolnshire, part of Essex, and Suffolk,
and now in this county, most of which we have gone through,
expecting to be aMhe Quarterly Meeting in York the last two
days in this month, after which I cannot say, as I see but little
at a time, and continue 'among the little ones. My mind seems
turned towards the Monthly Meetings, but they lie so widely that
it occasions more riding and industry necessary ; but being ac
commodated with John Hustler's horse and chaise, and his
spouse being an excellent pilot, we have steered in safety thus
far, through hills, moors, and variety that is to be met with in
this mountainous part of the world called Yorkshire, and am
often bowed in humble thankfulness to the Almighty, who, bless.
ed be His great name, hath been rich in mercy and kindness to
me, a poor, unworthy creature ; and my dear friend and true
helpmeet, before named, being willing to take me under her truly
motherly wing, is not one of the least of the favors for which J

REBECCA JONES. 81
have to be thankful. This is increased by the sense of gospel
unity which is felt mutually in our religious labors as we pass
from place to place, finding the state of thing* in most places to
be exceedingly low, especially in the Meetings for Discipline
amongst women Friends, though there is an honest number who
are bewailing the present sorrowful declension, and these are a
little comforted in the prospect of some relief; but alas ! unless
the Lord is pleased to help, in vain is the help of man. At times
I have felt a secret hope that there is a reviving, and that the
Most High will yet show himself strong in behalf of the sorrow
ful few who have indeed hung their harps as upon the willows.
There is a precious visitation of divine love extended to the
youth, and many of them are under the humbling, forming hand,
who, if they abide patiently under the holy fan and fire, will be
made in the Lord s time useful and honorable in their genera
tion, for the rebuilding of the walls of our Zion, that are in many
places so sadly broken down; and repairing the breaches that
are so conspicuous.
Though I feel my own great weakness, yet am I sustained
mercifully in assurance that this sacrifice was called for at my
hands by Him who has an undoubted right to my all, and who,
my soul can say, has been all things to me that I have stood in
need of. And as thou knowest I have not attained to great
things, I may inform thee I have nothing in desire more than
the exaltation of the pure testimony, however the creature may
be abased, which has frequently been my experience, being
often deeply dipped under a sense of the greatness of the work,
and the feebleness of the instrument engaged therein, insomuch
that I have cried out, " who is sufficient for these things ?"
My fellow laborers from America, are, I believe, all well, and
scattered up and down in this nation of Ireland. N. W., by his
increase of flesh, looked finely at' the Yearly Meeting. I have
not seen him nor any of the others since, except W. M., who is
now in Scotland.
Have been twice at Friends' boarding school at Ackworth,
which is- a fine institution, and a blessing to the youth. Up-

82 MEMORIALS OF
wards of 300 are now there under the tuition of pious mistresses
especially, (I say mistresses, because my concern was more
towards the females ; I hope the masters are, several of them,
religiously engaged,) and proposals are on foot for another
boarding school for girls only, intended for the accommodation
of 40 or 50 girls, to be established at York, under the particular
inspection of Esther Tuke, who is truly a mother in Israel ; and
seems to think, though her constitution has had several alarm
ing shocks of late, that her time will be prolonged till the school
is established ; and I am inclined to think it will be of great use
and benefit to the female part of society. Indeed, in a general
way, Friends here seem more attentive to their daughters' educa
tion than in some parts of our country. They are mostly good
pen-women, and read with propriety. * * *
I am ready to conclude, from a dream lately had of John
Reynell, that he is either gone, or near going to the house ap
pointed for all living. I hope the continuance of kind notice and
regard from thee and other Friends to my dear partner, for
whom I have felt deeply. May best wisdom be her counsellor
and sure friend. * * *
Thou mayest, with my love, inform S. Wain that her husband
is acceptably among Friends here in the way of his duty ; the
like, I hope, may be said of all the others. * * * I hope
dear R. V. is by this time arrived, with S. F. and S. G., and
should like to hear how they made out with our Captain, who,
on our account, deserves the esteem of our Friends ; Robert has
left a good savor on the minds of Friends here. Oh, I am
afraid of none of my fellow servants, but on my own account,
I am in great fear, lest I fail in fulfilling the gracious intention
of Him who, in the riches of his mercy, visited my soul in early
life, and called by his grace into an acquaintance with himself
by the working of His mighty power in my heart, and changing
it, both in desire and affection, so that, as a brand plucked from
the burning, have I been rescued from impending ruin, and now
engaged for the good of others !, that they may come, taste, and
see for themselves that the Lord is good. These considerations

REBECCA JONES. 83
are to me very humbling, and lead fervently to breathe after
continued preservation, that I may, indeed, so run as to obtain,
so fight as to gain the prize which is reserved for the end of
this arduous race, and is often animatingly in my view, being
feelingly convinced that " of ourselves we can do nothing," and
I therefore desire that my dependence may be only on Him who
can support, direct, and help in every time of need.
Yesterday I was at Whitby Meeting — the place where so
many friends were disowned on account of their being concerned
in vessels carrying guns-^and I understand that one of them is
already reinstated, and that two others have offered an acknow
ledgment, which is before Scarborough Monthly Meeting. One
of the number chose to accompany us to the next meeting at
Castleton, and, as it was his desire, we did not forbid it, having'
other Friends with us.
*****
I am looking forward to the approaching Yearly Meeting at
Philadelphia. May you be remembered, strengthened and com
forted together. * * *
Helmsley, 25th. — I remember this day begins the Yearly
Meeting, and though I believe I am where I ought to be, yet if
I might spend about ten days now with you, it would be truly
comfortable. This is not to be ; but my mind is, and will be
with you, and is strongly desirous that the Master of our as
semblies may favor with his blessed presence, and be your
counsellor, wisdom and stability.
Farewell, says thy tried friend, R. J.
The dream referred to in the preceding letter, was in sub
stance that Samuel Coates had brought to her from John Rey
nell, a plate of soup. She told her dream to Esther Tuke, and
next day a letter arrived from S. C, written in his capacity of
Executor to J. R., enclosing a legacy of 501. " Dear Rebecca,"
said Esther, " that is the plate of soup." The removal of this
valued friend is thus referred to, in a letter to R. J. from Catha
rine Howell, dated Edgely, 9th mo., 11th 1784.

84 MEMORIALS OF
" In the death of that worthy elder, John Reynell, our So
ciety has sustained a loss, and the poor have lost a kind friend,
he having for the last twenty years allotted one-third of his ex
penditures for their relief; and now at the close, he has left one
thousand pounds, to be handed them, in sums of 51. each. Also
the following legacies, as a token of his regard." * * *
James Pemberton, writing to R. J. the ensuing 2d mo., says :
" Thy apprehensions respecting our friend John Reynell, ap
pear to have been right. At the time thou intimatest, he was
confined to his chamber, if not, just departed. He was in his
sickness favored with a composed state of mind, without much
bodily-pain; John deceased the 3d of 9th mo., in the morning,
and was buried the next day, leaving a fair character for integ
rity and stability through life. His judgment and experience
which were valuable, are also missed among us, particularly in
the Southern District Meeting. Thou hast, doubtless, been in
formed of the token he left of his regard to thyself and divers
others !"
From the residence of Wm. Tuke, at York, she writes, 9th
mo. 29th, 1784, to John Pemberton.
" Beloved Friend, — Thou art so much the companion of
my thoughts, and with so much real sympathy under thy varied
exercises, that I believe it will tend to my own relief at least to
salute thee again by a few lines, though I have no account
whether my last reached thee or not. With my dear friend, C.
Hustler, we have visited most of the meetings in Norfolk and
Lincolnshire, and have been, for.spme time, engaged in this
country ; and having felt a draught particularly to the Monthly
and Preparative Meetings, has occasioned more riding and in
dustry, so that we have had little rest. Being accommodated
with J. Hustler's chaise, has made it more easy, which* with
many other favors, is cause, of thankfulness to Him who has
not failed nor forsaken in the time of deepest exercise and trial ;
for indeed, my dear friend, I may say of a truth, the path
allotted me in this land, is one of tribulation, and my constant
breathing is for preservation in the path, that by no part of my

REBECCA JONES. 85
conduct, nor yet through impatience under suffering, the gra
cious design of infinite wisdom towards me, a poor, unworthy
creature, may be frustrated, nor any dishonor brought on the
blessed and noble cause of Truth. Truly there is little room
for any other than the language of deep bemoaning ; the glory
of many in this land has become dimmed and changed. Oh !
how has my heart mourned in remembering that in this part of
the world, where the glorious light of the gospel so eminently
broke forth, and where so many were gathered from shadows
and forms, to the living substance and power of Truth, under a
full persuasion that the Seed of • Life reigned and was in do
minion, there should be such falling away among the descen
dants of the great and good, that in most of the places I have
visited, there is but little left but the form. The love of the
world, and a conformity to its customs and friendship, has cap
tivated many of all ranks ; the sense whereof leads me some
times to believe that " the Lord will visit for these things, and
be avenged on such a nation as this." Yet there is an honest
and tried number, up and down, who have a just perception
and a clear discerning, and who are engaged for the restoration
of these captives, that there may be a revival of ancient zeal
and simplicity ; and a precious visitation is extended to the
rising youth, and those in the middle rank, many of whom will,
I hope, be brought forward in the Lord's time as workmen and
women that will not need to be ashamed ; provided they keep
patiently under the holy forming hand of divine power, which,
through adorable mercy, is not yet wholly withdrawn from his
heritage. I did not intend to say so much in this line, but there
are very few to whom I can disclose my present feelings, except
C. Hustler, who is a true sympathizing friend, and is willing to
continue a little longer with me."
By no means strange was this language of bemoaning, in
reference to the inhabitants of the nation where G. Fox and his
associates so nobly testified to the dominion of the seed, and to
the Power which is over all, and which must eventually subdue
all things unto itself. In what land, indeed, might not the plain-
.8

86 MEMORIALS OF
tive query be raised, " The Fathers, where are they ?"— in view
of the degeneracy of descendants of godly parents, and of the
worldliness of communities, in the midst of whom the Truth has
been preached in its simplicity and purity. Feelings, such as
those above recorded, will often be experienced by the divinely
commissioned messengers of the eternal word, and they were,
in after years, renewed to R. J. in various parts of her own
land. In every country, indeed, and in all time, the children
of those who have been conspicuously employed in the spread
of the Redeemer's kingdom, have, in common with all others,
abundant need of watchfulness and humility, and can only be
come their worthy successors as their eyes are fixed upon the
same unerring Leader, and, as renouncing self, they take up
their cross daily, following him in the way, and yielding to the
baptism, wherewith he was baptized. The reader can rejoice,
however, that in respect to many of those for whom our friend
was thus exercised, she lived to see the travail of her soul, and
to be satisfied in the realization of the hope blended with faith,
which she repeatedly expressed. " I love Yorkshire," she
subsequently writes, " many Friends in it are near to my very
life ;" and she proceeds to declare her belief, that " some of the
present generation there will be preserved, and in the right time
show themselves 'to Israel, equipped with the holy armor on the
right hand and on the left."
Omitting some passages of less general interest, we now re
sume her letter to J. P.
" I know thy situation in Ireland must have been truly in the
cross to thy nature, but my mind has been settled in a full per
suasion that thou art not following cunningly devised fables, and
often hearing that thou art mercifully sustained, is cause of re
joicing to one who, according to my measure, have often been
engaged for thy increase in strength and dedication, as well as
my own. May the lord be near thee, thy bow and battle axe,
and enable thee to finish the work which in His counsel opens
to thy view, that thy crown may be weighty and eternal. And
oh ! may I have a place in thy brotherly remembrance, for thou

REBECCA JONES.

87

knowest what a weakling I am; yet I dare not but acknowledge
that the Lord has not been wanting, nor do I distrust the suffi
ciency of his power for the accomplishment of his own purposes ;
but weakness and diffidence still attend.
After this Quarterly Meeting is over, it looks as if we might
endeavor for that at New Castle, for the county of Durham, and
some meetings thereabouts. # * *
Our Yearly Meeting is now sitting. May they be strength
ened and comforted togethei. I hope dear R. V. is safely ar
rived, and I hear Zachariah Dicks and Ann Jessop are coming
in the fall as additional ambassadors to these partSL Surely
something more than common is intended by all these. John
Parrish and James Cresson have laid before their Monthly Meet
ings a concern to visit Barbadoes. S. Hopkins, Thomas
Scattergood, and John Haughton, &c, have been to the Year
ly Meetings eastward.
I ank with endeared sisterly affection and sympathy, thy poor
little friend,

4^^

The following instructive epistle may be perused with benefit
by parents, and by all who are engaged in the training of youth :
To E. Alexander.
Conwood, Northumberland, 10th mo. 19th, 1784.
Dear friend, — Having thee, with thy sister Mary, often in
my affectionate remembrance since we parted at Norwich, and
feeling it in a stronger degree this morning, I am willing, by a
few lines, to let thee know the continuance of my prospect con
cerning thee, if by any means I may encourage thy steady
attention and obedience to that good hand which has tenderly
visited thy mind, and given thee to see both the emptiness of
all temporal pleasure, and the beauty, permanency, and excel-

88 MEMORIALS OF
lence of the divine principle of truth ; unto which, let me press
thy steady and uniform adherence, " esteeming the reproaches
of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt." I
know that the enemy of all righteousness is endeavouring by vari
ous means to divert the minds of those who are newly awa ken-
ed to seek an inheritance in divine favor ; and therefore was
the injunction of the great Master so repeatedly to his disciples —
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation ;" and for
want of this, many who were " beloved of God, and called to be
saints," have stumbled on the very threshold of the " narrow
way," and so made no advances in the path of self-denial.
Mayst thou therefore be made sensible (after having " seen and
approved those things which are excellent,") of the necessity of
yielding obedience to every discovery of the divine will, and by
an increasing dedication of heart thereunto, be strengthened in
thy arduous station of a mother, bringing up thy tender offspring
under the conduct of holy fear, and in a suitable contempt of
the vanity and' folly of this delusive world ; leading them by
example in the way of the cross, and in an appearance consis
tent with the pure principle of truth which we profess, endea
vouring, as far as thy influence extends, both to advise and re
strain them in their tender years, and to make them acquainted
with the nature and effects of divine grace in the heart, accord
ing to that ability with which thou mayst be furnished from
time to time. I am the more anxious on this head, because I
believe that unfaithfulness in many parents of the present age
has not only proved a great loss to their children, but has been
productive of increasing difficulties to their tender minds in the
day of their visitation, by the open door that has been made
for them into the vanity and foolish customs of the degenerate
days in which we live : so that if thou art wise herein, thou
wilt not only be « wise for thyself," and grow » strong in faith
and good works," but wise for them who are not arrived to an
age to be wise on their own account ; and what is of infi
nitely more value than every other consideration, have the "an
swer of a good conscience" towards the everlasting Father, who

REBECCA JONES. gg
has visited thee with the knowledge of himself, with gracious in
tentions to establish thee before him for ever. Please communi
cate the contents to thy beloved spouse ; he is equally interested
in all the foregoing, and in my sincere desire for his welfare :
also thy sister Mary. May she never lose the precious tender
ing she was under when we were together. My dear love is to
them, thy father and self. My companion C. H., whose com
pany I am still favored with, and Wm. Matthews, being present,
unite in the salutation.
My aforesaid friend and self have been steadily engaged since
we parted with you, and having taken meetings through most
of Norfolk, Lincoln, York, and Durhamshires, and this county,
are about to enter Cumberland, where to receive a few lines
from thee and dear M., will be truly acceptable to thy sincere
and well-wishing friend,

We pass over the detail of attendance of meetings in England
and in Scotland, in which service, though supplied from day to
day with strength sufficient for each emergency, she was intro
duced into feelings of weakness. " Indeed," she says, " no one
was ever sent abroad who had more need of the prayers of the
faithful." In this sense of poverty, she found safety in resort
ing to the Christian's strong tower, and supplicated that what
ever sufferings might be allowed her, she might be kept from
doing any thing that could injure the blessed cause of Truth.
The following letter from her faithful friend, Sarah Grubb,
(Sarah R. Grubb, as she sometimes signed her name by way of
necessary distinction,) developes in an interesting manner her
secret preparation for extensive and weighty religious service.
It may here be remarked, that the letters of S. Grubb, from
which it is proposed to make selections, were not in the posses
sion of the Friends who prepared her journal, but were so
valued by R. Jones, that she transcribed them in a book now
in the compiler's possession. The intrinsic value of these letters,
will, it is trusted, compensate for the space they may occupy.
8*

90 MEMORIALS OF
Sarah Grubb to R. Jones,
York, 1st mo. 9th, 1785.
About two weeks ago, being in a distressed, tossed situation
of mind, respecting the unsettled prospect of our future residence,
and finding no clear opening of what might prove our lot, either
in this land or in Ireland, and but little ability to trust and leave
the disposal to the Lord, I seemed ready to sink under the pres.
sure of increasing anxiety, especially one day as I sat in meet
ing, when through deep, dark proving, I got low enough to
accept any pointings for peace ; my mind was on a sudden
calmed, and a secret language seemed applied to me, " Thou
shalt not settle, I have other service for thee." On which I was
deeply humbled ; and then I thought I perceived an opening
about the ensuing Third month to accompany my esteemed friend
R. Jones, to — I know not where. A' degree of sweet peace and
serenity mercifully succeeded, and all that was within me ac
knowledged, " good is the Lord." My mind being thus stayed
as to my past troubles, I endeavored almost continually to ob
scure the view I had had, either by making to myself new
objects, or reasoning against this, till I came to the Quarterly
Meeting, when it forcible presented itself again, and urged me
to seek a conference with you.
**********
The idea of being instrumental to part companions, whose
union and service have not been small to one another, was to me
so irksome and delicate a point, that I concluded, that whatever
was the consequence, I would conceal my feelings, not having
so much as hinted them to any one but my husband after his
return. But after I got here, the matter still • remaining, and
considering you as mothers, and myself a child, in these char
acters, I saw nothing to fear (either to you or myself) from this
simple communication. As I believe it posssible for very distant
services,to be brought so near us (in order to subject our minds)
as that we may widely mistake the time for the accomplishment

REBECCA JONES. gj
of them, if we run after the vision when it would withdraw and
leave us. And if in this, or other respects, I am erring, your
superior experience and present sense divinely afforded, may,
instead of hurting me, prove of lasting benefit. Wherefore I
leave it."

* *

In a letter addressed to Esther Tuke, R. J., after speaking
affectionately of S. Grubb, says : " I have received her loving,
modest and prudent offer to help a poor creature, a little one :
which with thine of a chaise, &c, makes me feel very humble
that such way should be made for me in the hearts of those who
love the cause of Truth in sincerity. Indeed, I have admired
at it, knowing my little feeble estate, and thinking that by this
time you must know it pretty well." The following, from the
same letter, we quote as bearing upon the present subject : —
" Thou canst not think how much good thou hast done me by
thy several free hints, especially thy reviving the charge ' whom
the Lord hath joined, let not man put asunder.' And as I be
lieve it was the Master's will that C. Hustler and R. Jones should
be joined so far, so I am comforted in the belief that nothing of
an inferior nature has attempted to separate. By this thou will
understand how kindly we take both thy letters to us, and dear
S. Grubb's. Oh what, an unspeakable privilege they enjoy,
whose foundation is on that Rock, against which, as thou wisely
observest, ' the gates of hell cannot prevail.' These are not
disposed to misconstrue the fruits of love and freedom, but
wisely to improve thereby ; which is, my dear friend my desire."

S. Grubb to R. J.
Foster, 1st mo. 11th, 1785.
Beloved Friend, — I am obliged by thy favor in so early
replying to mine from York, and particularly for thy affection
ate freedom contained therein. The suspense was short and

92 MEMORIALS OF
easy. Feeling but little anxiety how my prospects might termi-
nate, if my resignation to them and their inherent trials was all
that was required', I gratefully accept the gracious design, and
thankfully acknowledge its early completion. If I was wrong,
being conscious of having no end in view, but the secret appro
bation of Truth, I trust that a future impartiality to myself will
enable to discover where the error lay. If I was right, I am
contented to rest my cause in that good hand, which by ways
and means inscrutable to us, can effect its own unerring purposes.
In short, when I had read thy letter, I considered the lilies, and
remembered the gospel injunction — " Take no thought for the
morrow," which the activity of self, and the perplexing inquisi-
tiveness T)f my disposition, often, very often, prevent my com
pliance with. But I humbly crave the continuance of the pre
sent covering of my mind on this subject, and that you may
simply proceed in your arduous journey in the pure openings of
Truth upon your own minds, uninfluenced by any thing inferior
thereto. For did you know to the full the feelings of my heart
towards you, you would be completely convinced, as I trust you
are in a good degree, that was it in my power I should dread to
move a finger to bring about too early a separation of compan
ions united in the holy covenant, believing the command appli
cable to these — " Whom God hath joined, let no man (as man)
put asunder." *****
I hope thou wilt be instrumental in supporting the drooping
spirits of our beloved C. Hustler, with whose hidden sorrows my
mind has often been led hiddenly and deeply to sympathize.
* * * * #
Various are the ingredients, wisely and evilly, cast into the
cup of human life, and great is our natural antipathy to some
of them. What is tolerable to one, is almost intolerable to
another. So various are likewise our palates for interior food,
and so hard to learn is that capital lesson " to endure all things "
and quietly to depend upon the everlasting arm of power which
changeth not, nor forsaketh the poorest of the flock who trust in

REBECCA JONES. go
his strength. Oh the need there is in this day often to repair to
the just balance, and when weighed, steadily to dwell as at the
centre of the beam,, lest we should be unprofitably tossed up and
down by the sleight of men, and prevented of that quiet habita
tion divinely appointed for the refuge and sanctuary of the faith
ful in their tribulated pilgrimage.
* * * * #¦ * * *
I marvel not, dear friend, from my small experience, at the
often tried situation of thy mind. The Seed, if it be visited in
many places, must be sought for in prison houses, in mangers
and deserts, and sometimes lamented for in a language similar
to Mary's — " They have taken away my Lord, and I know not
where they have laid him." And when the deep exercise and
travail of spirit of the faithful laborers are blessed with a degree
of success, in how abject a state is the pure life found ! What
need is there for such as minister to it, to be baptized into its
sufferings, and content therewith as acceptably to clothe its
nakedness, relieve its hunger, and visit its imprisoned state.
Notwithstanding the impoverished situation of these, their deep
self-abasement and fear respecting the uselessness of their ser
vices, yet undoubtedly they are held in everlasting remembrance,
and, in the more triumphant state of the seed, we see even here,
these are admitted to near access through the gracious invitation
— " Come ye blessed of my Father."
* ' * * * * * *
I remember to have heard that S. Fothergill, in the last jour
ney he took, was often so exceedingly stripped and tried, par
ticularly after his public appearance, that the unity or approba
tion of the least child in the family would have revived him ;
and this led him to acknowledge that he was never more weak
and apt to doubt the rectitude of his ministry. Yet a friend of
much religious worth and spiritual discerning, who was often
with him, told me that it was never more pure and baptizing.
But I am grieved ivith myself for writing thus to an old
soldier, instructed in all the righteousness of both law and gos
pel. I had more need get to some Gamaliel and sit at their feet
awhile, or, what would be still better, place myself as Mary

94 MEMORIALS OF
did, that by similar teaching I may be rightly instructed, and
enabled to keep my own standing, which appears to be in slip
pery places.
I might say much to thee respecting the proved situation fre
quently portioned as my spiritual meat, which, though unpleasant
to flesh and blood, is, nevertheless, when the mind is truly hum
bled, experienced to be substantial food ; and by these things
our life is preserved, as, through subjection of soul, the sancti
fying power of Truth is not obstructed. When there is the
least certain evidence that I am at all engaged in the good fight,
and have not forsaken the faith, I am then encouraged to look
with a degree of confidence to Divine Help for my future step-
pings ; and, in order to run so as to obtain, to endeavor to' run
with patience.
We have not yet come to any conclusion respecting our future
settlement. It is indeed by getting deep enough that we can be
rightly directed.

Thomas Ross to R. J.
Ballitore, 1st. mo. 25th 1785.
Dear Rebecca, — Thou hast been of late brought up in my
mind in great nearness of affection, in that love which distance
doth not rase out ; so that I find a freedom to visit thee with a
few lines, to inform thee that I have been favored to visit
Friends' meetings generally through this nation, and have been
enabled, by that good hand which I believe hath sent me forth
to labor in his vineyard, to clear myself in warning the rebel-
lious to return ; as also to encourage the youth to give up with
out reserve, that so they might come to fill up the seats of those
worthies who are removed, and to be made useful in their day,
to the promoting of the great cause on earth. Dear Rebecca,
I think I know thou art a woman who travails in the deep I
travail with thee in my measure, for I think I may let thee know
that I have been led along in a low. way, and often baptized for

REBECCA JONES. 95
the dead, and yet have been preserved to cast my care upon
him that can raise the dead. Dear R., thou hast been as
an epistle written in my heart, and, in a fresh revival of the pre
cious unity which subsisted betwixt us when at home, I have a
hope that if we keep to our first love, we shall come to know
an increase, and that will be more than the increase of corn,
wine, or oil. And now I may let thee know that I am as a
blank, but cannot see my way out of this nation. Yet I trust
he who hath hitherto helped me, in his own time will open the
way for me. Dear R. thou knows, and I know that unity
which spreads over sea and land, a measure of which I have
felt at times, that has brought not only thee, but all my brethren
and sisters from America, fresh up in my mind, with strong de
sires that we might all be preserved little and low, and that we
might be preserved chaste in our love to him who is the bride
groom of souls. Then he will take care of us, that we need not
be anxious when we are going from one meeting to another,
what we may have to say, but to keep to our gifts, and look to
the Giver ; not to lean to our own understanding, for if we do, ,
we shall greatly fail instead of bringing honor to his great
name who hath called us forth, we shall bring death on our
selves, and not administer life to the people, for life answers
life, as face answers face in a glass, and there is nothing that
can draw to him, but what proceeds from him. The province-
meeting is to be next Seventh day at Castle Dermot, which I
propose to attend, after which I have a view of going to Mbate,
where our friend Jno. Pemberton is, to see him : he has been
confined there some weeks with a cancerous wart on his hand,
under the care of a man skillful in such cases. He is otherwise
pretty well in health. Though he suffered considerable pain,
he has been preserved in patience and resignation. Mehetabel
Jenkins has had the small-pox at Samuel Neale's in Cork, and
is finely recruited. I should have wrote before now, only I am
such a poor scribe, but now have an opportunity of writing by
a female hand (one- who a little like thee, has a ready hand
with her pen.) I salute thee in near affection, with desires that

96 MEMORIALS OF
thou mayst bear up in thy mind, remembering that he who is
the great helper is said to have been a .man of sorrows and ac
quainted with grief. My dear love to Rebecca Wright, Patience
Brayton, Wm. Matthews, Saml. Emlen, Geo. Dillwyn and in
particular Nicholas Wain, Geo. Dillwyn's wife, and brother's
family, John Elliot and family, Saml. Emlen, Jr., and all other
enquiring friends. Richard Shackleton and family join in the
above salutation, also to thy dear companion C. Hustler.
Farewell, I remain thy brother in tribulation, Thomas Ross.

R* Jones to John Pemberton.
Appleby, {Westmoreland^ 2d mo. 2d, 1785.
Beloved friend, — Yesterday, on my dear companion C. H.
and self coming to Penrith, (where this day sat their Monthly
Meeting,) I received thy affectionate letter, dated the 14th of
last month at Moate, by which we were somewhat relieved from
that anxiety and concern we have felt on account of thy dis
eased hand. It was cause of rejoicing to my poor mind, that I
am still counted worthy of the near sympathy of the faithful
servants in the heavenly family. Thy situation of mind is tru
ly a desirable one; for to be "preserved in a good degree of
resignation in hope that divine help and favor will be contin
ued," is a distinguished favor from the Father of mercies. I
have a letter from my H. C, who mentions thy brother James
being on the recovery ; that Thomas Wharton, Samuel Rhoads,
A. Pemberton's son Israel, and Martha Noble, are released from
the troubles of this life ; that our other friends are pretty well,
except Samuel Noble, who has had another stroke of the palsy,
by which he is quite speechless, but sensible, and in a sweet
frame of mind. I am rejoiced to hear of dear M. Jenkins's re-
covery. She is an innocent, humble handmaid. I am able
still to please thee with the tidings of my dear C. Hustler con
tinuing with me, and hope I shall yet be indulged with her mo-

REBECCA JONES. 97
therly assistance, if in the, Lord's will. I expect Wm. Mat
thews is now in London; he often, while we were together, ex
pressed his deep sympathy with thee, as do many other dear
Friends. R. Wright and companion, got well out of Scotland,
and are under the Master's direction and help. They, with N.
Wain, W. Matthews, and myself, were at Leeds Quarterly
Meeting, and mutually comforted in the fresh sense of true unity.
It was a large, favored meeting. I rejoice in thy account of
dear T. Ross, and hope that he will be kept by the power of
God unto the end. Perhaps he may find his mind engaged to
bear up thy hand, which, if, he should, will, I have no doubt, be
acceptable to thee. I had not been able for some time to find
out where dear P. Brayton was, but I find, by a few lines from
George Dillwyn, (since the date of thine,) that she has gone to
wards Bristol and Wales. George Dillwyn and S. Emlen,
have been usefully engaged in visiting families in London. The
first seemed low, but in the quiet.
My dear friend may find from my frequent epistles, that thou
art often in my remembrance, and however poor and weak I see
myself, yet I am nearly united in spirit to my fellow laborers,
who are more strongly qualified for useful, lively service in the
family. I would have thee give my love to such friends thou
mayest fall in with, who may enquire after the weakest of the
flock now abroad on Truth's service. Don't forget me, for I am
at times so amazed and fearful, that but for the renewed con
firming evidence that did attend my own mind, and the minds of
my dear brethren and sisters, before I left the American shore,
being at times livingly renewed, I should indeed faint by the
way. The greatness of the work, and the insufficiency of my
feeble endeavors towards its furtherance, are to my mind very
humbling and awful ; yet I am at times enabled to say, by a
degree of comfortable experience, the Lord is good, and worthy
to be feared, served and obeyed, in his own way, and accord
ing to his appointment. * * * *

98 MEMORIALS OF
James Pemberton to R. Jonks.
Philadelphia, 23d of 2d mo., 1785.
Dear friend, — Notwithstanding my silence, I may venture to
class myself with the foremost of thy iriends here for remem
brance of thee, believing no day has passed since thy departure,
and thou unthought of by me with sincere desires, however fee
ble, for thy preservation, and that fortitude and strength may be
thy experience in each day's service appointed ; and " lo, I am
with you always," is an unfailing promise from all-sufficient
wisdom, not intended only for those to whom it was immediate
ly spoken, but all others of his devoted servants. It has been
an occasion of thankfuL-gladness, that thou art furnished with a
companion in whom I am persuaded thou hast found the benefit
of " an harmonious laborer for Truth's honor," as we have often
heard queried. She was amiable in my view in her youth at
Friend Weston's, and being since dignified with a commission
from the highest authority, for publishing the glad tidings of
Peace, I think myself authorized by the precept of an eminent
minister, to hold her in double esteem for the work's sake.
**#***#
I expect thy beloved H. C. gives thee a minute relation of oc
currences among us as they fall out, so that were I to particularize,
it might be a repetition only ; nor can I convey thee a comforta
ble account of the state of society being advanced for the bet
ter since thy leaving. The spirit of the world, in its allure
ments to trade and commerce, has captivated too many, to the
hindrance of their spiritual progress, and to the manifest injury
of some in their temporal concerns ; yet there remain a number
engaged for thegeperal welfare. Our meetings are greatly in
creased in number by the removal of many from the country,
without addition to our real best strength. The evening meet
ings or First day continue to be often crowded, and much at
tended by other professors ; the labor in them rests for the most.
part upon W. Savery, Jr., and Daniel" Offley. Daniel Burns

REBECCA JONES. 99
has lately become a citizen in the southern district, and takes
his share with them. Thy Hannah is mostly a silent hearer,
yet now and then, chiefly on Fifth days, gives proof of the validi
ty of her call to the sacred office and improvement therein.
*******
Sarah Harrison, Jas. Simpson, (from Bucks,) accompanied by
I. Zane and M. England, are now employed in visiting families
within our district. * * * *
Thy account of thy visit to Ackworth, is very agreeable.
Whilst that school is maintained on its original intention, I ex
pect it will prove of great use; but it too frequently has hap
pened that good institutions have been perverted, which, I hope,
will not be the case in that,, and the judicious guard it is placed
under, will be its preservation. * * *
With cordial love, thy affectionate friend, J. P.
On the 21st of Second month, she reached the hospitable
abode of J. and C. Hustler, Undercliff, near Bradford, from
whence she visited the families at Bradford, which service occu
pied her till the 20th of the next month.
A letter from S. Grubb to R. J., dated Third month 18th,
contains, among much that is replete with instruction, the fol
lowing paragraph, which, though not necessary to our narra
tive, appears so calculated to be of substantial benefit to some
readers, that we fear to omit it. " There is so little in me that
is comfortable, much less desirable even to myself, that I am
ready to ' say to corruption, thou art my father, to the worm,
thou art my mother and sister ; ' and were it not for the break
ings in of immortality in the depth of this abasedness, which
(though soon taken up again,) leaves a renewal of strength be
hind it, how abject would my state be ! Were there not some
thing which no outward gratification can satisfy, my husband
and my situation in most respects might soon fix my mind in a
sort of earthly, paradise, and centre my enjoyments in what the
world calls good, and what, under the blessing which makes
truly rich, is really so. Thy kindness and my feelings have

100 MEMORIALS OF
urged me to write ; an employment from which I am often led,
believing that if it is my lot, to make a safe progress, I must learn
more and more to salute but few by the way. There is an airy,
unconverted mind, very prevalent among the professors ot
Truth, and may it not sorrowfully be said amongst some of the
fore rank of the people ; which is naturally seeking^ to attract us
from the Rock of our strength, and though it is attended with a
specious appearance of loving the Truth, and a readiness to say,
' blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord,' (and there
is something in me that loves to be courteous to these, rather
than abide in the cross,) yet in those humbling abasing seasons
wherein no human consolation can avail, except what is felt in
the deep utterance of united spiritual exercise, I find not such
to lie my fellow-helpers in the Lord ; and I have clearly discov
ered, that to support an unrequired familiarity with them, is to
be in great danger of hurting myself, and if it should be grate
ful to any such, will rather strengthen their contentment in their
present state, than turn them from the sandy to the true founda
tion. Thus, my dear friend, has a line sometimes opened to
the view of my mind, which being opposite to my natural dis
position, brings with it its trials, a daily call for circumspection,
and a daily condemnation for want of it, and a willingness to
tread, according to my measure, the suffering path of the great
and holy Pattern, who, though he ate with publicans and sin
ners when salvation was sent to their houses, yet in no wise
countenanced or approved those who boasted of being Abra
ham's children, but were under the power of the seducer. *
* * To be sensible of our own infirmities, and therefore to
be chaste to the Bridegroom of souls, when he is pleased to
withdraw the sensible enjoyment of help, and discoveries of his
putting forth, is a desirable situation for the mind to centre in, as
it preserves us from joining with those spirits and things,
either in ourselves or others, which we have once seen to be
in the degeneracy from the pure life; and enables to possess
the vessel in sanctification and honor."
R. J. arrived in London the 10th of Fifth month, taking her

REBECCA JONES. 101
abode at Plough Court, (a locality familiar to the readers of W.
Allen's life,) and remained in and near that metropolis till Sixth
month 3d. During this time she experienced various interests
and exercises.. Meanwhile, she had parted with Christiana
Hustler, her true yoke fellow, in whose absence she " felt like
a lonely dove without its mate ;" and she says, in a note to her
about this time, " a living hope springs up just now, that as
thou wast the first, so thou wilt be the last companion in this
land ;" a hope which, as will hereafter be seen, was literally
realized. The following note to John Pemberton, written in London
some time in this month, might excite a desire to know some
thing respecting its result, but we cannot doubt that such a band
of disciples, reverently meeting together in the name of the
Lord, would experience Him to be in the midst of them, reali
zing his ancient promises.
Beloved friend, — My mind has been thoughtful this morning
on my own account, and feeling much love and sympathy with
my fellow-laborers from our land, I was willing to propose, if it
meet thy approbation, with the rest, that we might all meet at
some suitable time and place, and sit down quietly together,
not knowing what may arise for our mutual confirmation and
benefit. I am thy poor, tried friend,
6th day morning, nine o'clock

4fei

Whether there was a connection between the above note, and
the meeting referred to as follows, in a letter to C. Hustler, it is
not easy to determine, though it was probably not the case.
" My soul salutes thee under the precious uniting sense of the
love of our heavenly Father, which so abundantly flows towards
thee, that words would fail me in attempting to convey my feel
ings. The salutation which I am now about handing to thyself,
can be done in no other language, if I am honest, than to say,
I love thee as my own soul. Remember what I have often re-
9*

102 MEMORIALS OF
minded thee of — ' Having loved his own, he loved them unto
the end,'' and as he is humbly confided in, and depended upon
by these, he hath determined 'none shall be able to pluck them
out of His hand.' On Seventh day, (Fifth month, 28th,)
we all dined at Samuel Hoare's, at Newington, that is to say,
all our little band of seven that came over sea together, — was
it not worthy of thankful commemoration? Without adverting
to the circumstance till we all got there, we found it was just
one year to a day, nay about the same hour of the day, that
we landed at Gravesend. Our hearts were sweetly melted to
gether when I mentioned it; we were made thankfully to
acknowledge that we had ' lacked nothing,' and we could
unitedly set up our Ebenezer."
Referring in her diary to this gathering, she says — " we had
to offer humble thanks for the Lord's mercies, since that time
many ways extended."

R. J. to Sarah Hustler.
London, 5th mo. 20th, 1785.
Dear Sarah Hustler, — Thy dear mother, my precious
companion, being gone to meeting, and I not quite well in my
chamber, having thee with the rest of her beloved offspring often
in my near remembrance, it seems as if I may tell thee, if thou
art willing to be instructed by the divine Monitor within, which
is the only true teacher, there will be little occasion for any of
the Lord's servants, either to be grieved with any thing in or
upon thee, or to fear thy coming forward answerable to the
merciful intention of infinite goodness towards thee ; who having
drawn thy worthy mother out of the vanities of this world, call.
ed her by His grace, and established her among his humble
children, and engaged her mind on thy account ; will bring thee
also into the same comfortable experience in thyself; why then
should any little matter, things that thy own good sense and
better judgment allow to be very little things, impede thy ad.

REBECCA JONES. 103
vancement towards an establishment in the Lord's favor ? Is
there any thing too great or too valuable to be parted with for
the sake of that unshaken peace, which all these outward things
united cannot furnish 1 Be obedient, then, my dear ; give up
every thing, however pleasing, when the divine requisition is,
" give up," that so thou mayest be enabled to step forward in
beauty and strength, when the further call is heard — " Keep not
back." O my heart is and has often been exercised on thy ac
count, and on account of thy dear brother William, lest for
want of an early conformity to divine manifestation, you should
go wider and wider into the paths of defection ; and in so doing
render yourselves unworthy of a place in that succession which
will be filled up in the Lord's family, whether they who are first
indulged with the heavenly offer are willing or not ; for he has
determined that " his table shall be filled," and many from the
highways and hedges are already brought in to sit down amongst
his faithful children, delighting in the lifting up of his glorious
countenance, rendering him the acceptable fruits of obedience
and love in their season. And dear children, I am persuaded
this is the season, the blessed season, for you to begin, by bow
ing under the cross of Christ, conforming to its humbling, re
straining effects and with a noble and righteous firmness, dis
daining to be brought under the power of the foolish customs
and fashions of this degenerate and deluded age ; for if you
honor the Lord in heart and conduct, you will not only rise
superior to them all, but, what is infinitely better, will be honor
ed by Him, who hath promised to do it for such.
And as dear William is more in the way of temptation in
divers respects, being often in an exposed situation, arising from
the necessary business in which he is engaged, I wish him to be
on his watch, and not give way to the subtile whisperings of the
adversary, who may attempt to persuade him, that to keep in a
plain, humble appearance, is unmanly, and that the road to pre
ferment, riches and honor, is pleasant, and may be safely pur
sued in the time of youth. But that by an inward attention to
• the inspeaking voice of divine wisdom, he may understand its

104 MEMORIALS OF
intelligent indisputable language — " By humility and the fear of
the Lord, are riches, honor, and life," and wisely prefer it.
Thus, dear children, is my heart co'ncerned for you — receive it
as the fruit of love — feeling you near as if you were my kins
folk according to the flesh ; yea more near than some of these ;
and under this concern I do entreat you, " Be wise for your
selves/' remembering that " the wise shall inherit true glory,
when shame shall be the promotion of fools ;" hereby you will
be good examples to the younger children, beloved by those who
love what is only lovely, and " Make glad your father, and give
your mother joy."
R. Jones having written to S. Grubb, proposing that they
should be associated in a visit to Ireland, S. G. being at the time
from home on religious service, writes on the 31st of Fifth month,
and, after expressing her apprehension that she should be most
easy to lay the subject before her friends on her return, adds —
" It has ever been a great trial to me to avow a concern to any
religious service, and to act in obedience thereto most humiliating.
I seldom attempt it as long as a stone is left unturned, in en
deavoring to put it by, so that I hope my dear friend will have a
little compassion on my doubts and hesitations ; for the more I
see myself, the greater need I find that all my prospects and
feelings should be weighed in the just balance of the sanctuary,
time after time, to prove whether they increase or decrease, in
pure strength. I feel near sympathy with thee, my beloved
friend, especially in parting with a humble-minded sympathetic
companion, whose trial and loss, will, I trust, with thine, be re
paired by the Comforter from the Father."
S. Grubb in allusion to the desolating effects of unfaithfulness
among some among whom her lot was at this time cast, says — .
" May I ever remember, in prospects so distressing, the instruct
ive conduct of the archangel, who brought no railing acqusation,
but wisely left the work to that Hand which can do all things,
with or without us."

REBECCA JONES. 105
CHAPTER V.
1785—1788.
Gives up for Ireland— Various letters — Lands at Dublin where she
visits families — Message from Captain Truxton — Family visits, at
at Ballitore and Catleds. Remarkable anecdote of Geo. Dillwyn —
S. Grubb arrives — Visits families at Lisburn — Completes her labors
in Ireland and returns to England — Sickness, death and funeral of
Thomas Ross — Labors in Wales — Family visit at York and at Leeds
— Certificate of Ireland Half Year's Meeting — Attends London Yearly
Meeting — W. Mathews' testimony of the growth in her gift — Illness
of C. Hustler and of S. Grubb — Visits families at Sheffield, Warns-
worth, and High Wycombe — H. Cathrall's integrity in returning 507.
— Certificate of London Yearly Meeting — Concern on account of
Africans — Attends London Yearly Meeting — Preparations to embark
Parting scenes — Tabular notes.
Her proposed mission to Ireland, closing from her view, R.
J. made preparation for going into Sussex, and she esteemed it
a favor that her friend, Deborah Townsend, obtained on the 31st
the consent of Peel Monthly Meeting, to accompany her. Sixth
month 2d, she makes this brief note — " At Plough Court, in
great distress, gave up for Ireland." And on the morning of
the 3d, she writes, that after a night of deep distress, this pros
pect so clearly opened, and every thing else so closed up, that
her full resignation became absolutely necessary. " I have,
therefore," she says, " yielded to it, as the path for me to pursue,
in order to obtain that peace which no substitute, no contrivance
of the creature, no human exertion can procure, because it is
reserved for obedience only. The great lesson of self abase
ment and mortification has been singularly renewed to me, from
which, through the Divine blessing, I hope to derive lasting in
struction and benefit." On the same day she writes to C. Hust
ler — " Pray for me, that I may not be left to run at uncertainty,
for I am likely to be led in paths that I have not known. I
should be glad thou wouldst encourage dear S. Grubb to move
forward. Her Robert, I expect, will accompany her over the
water. Let her know that my heart is nearly united to her. I
now feel, in this sudden movement, the force of the expression

106 MEMORIALS OF
— " Ye are hot your own." But if I may in any sort be ac
knowledged by Him, it matters not, whether or not I am owned
by Abraham's descendants, or acknowledged by the nominal life
less professors of Israel ; those who are not doing the works of
Abraham nor of the wrestling seed. Feeling thee in the precious
heavenly fellowship to be of the seed, I freely open my heart to
thee ; thou knowest I love thee, and wish thee all " joy and peace
in believing," that thou art one of the tried chosen number who
will not be forsaken by Him unto the end, and in whom he will
yet show forth his praise. Lift up thy head in hope, and trust
in Him who is able to help thee over and through all— yea, He
will do it."
On the 4th of Sixth month, with her " face turned toward the
land she had feared, and without any certainty of a companion,''
she took her departure for Liverpool, where, on the 13th they
embarked on board the Earl of Charlemont packet for Dublin,
and landed at Rogerson's quay. Here, on the 20th, they com
menced a family visit, which was completed on the 14th of
Seventh month, comprising "in all 115 sittings, in which,
though deeply exercising, at times Truth prevailed, and we en
joyed peace, and only  and  refused a visit from us.
" I have been," she says, " without a woman friend, except
Sarah Dillwyn, who just went to keep me in countenance ;
yet the Lord hath been my helper, and I have abundant cause
to bless his name, and to rejoice (however strange it may appear
to some) that I came when I did. I have been a feeling witness
of his great mercy, and love manifested towards this people ;
they received us joyfully ; and though we have been exercised
in much plain dealing, yet the influence of best love has been
felt ; and though all are not alike sensible, yet many feeling
minds, have, I trust, been encouraged and quickened in right
prospects. I never knew S. Emlen more favored."
A letter from Capt. Truxton to Samuel Emlen, received at this
time, says. —
"Present my best compliments to Rebecca Jones, and to that worthy
old favorite of mine, Thomas Ross. May God of his infinite mercy j

REBECCA JONES. 107
and goodness, continue his blessing towards you all; and after you
are satisfied in your own minds that you have done your duty towards
Him and towards your brethren in this eastern world, that He may be
pleased to conduct you to your families, relations and friends in safety,
is my sincere wish and prayer."
The following lines addressed to her by S. Grubb, and dated
Seventh month 1st, have reference to the engagement just noticed :
" My mind sympathises with thee and thy companions in your
exercising engagement. It is a work in which, comparatively
speaking, the weather changes many times in the day. Some
times the clouds hang so low as even to baptize the inhabitants
of that climate in them, from whence there is so blessed a con
nection with the great ocean of wisdom and strength, as to ex
tend the baptism thereto. Here we find our spiritual Moses,
through whose Almighty power the clouds break, the earth is
refreshed with celestial rain, and the Sun of righteousness breaks
forth. Then they who delight in his precious influence revive in
vigor and press forward with new alacrity of soul. Thus may
your spirits be supported to persevere in the Lord's work, and to
do valiantly in restoring the ancient path of purity, simplicity
and dedication of heart."

R. J. to James Pemberton..
Dublin, 6th mo. 29th, 1785.
Esteemed Friend, — Thy truly acceptable salutations of the
23d of Second month, and 13th of last month, came duly ; the
first received at London, the other yesterday, and both were oc
casions of comfort and encouragement to my drooping mind :
having had many conflicts and exercises, through all which the
Lord has been merciful beyond what I have even dared to ex
pect, and among other favors received, having had the wing of
a valuable, experienced mother cast over me, in my beloved fel
low laborer, C. Hustler, is not one of the least. We have in
many depths (few heights) with increasing love and truest unity
been exercised together for the space of twelve months, and
found it a close trial to separate at London the week after the

108 MEMORIALS OF
England,) I view it as an additional provision by kind Provi
dence, which renews the obligation on me, to be still more hum
ble and devoted in his service. I thought it was rather confirm
ing to my mind that thou shouldst even think of my coming into
this nation, which I did not give up to without great fear and
much exercise of mind. I left London the 4th instant, and took
a few meetings in the way, in company with my dear friends S.
Emlen and son, G. Dillwyn and wife ; got to Liverpool the 11th,
and on the 13th in the packet, (a brig,) from thence crossed the
water hither, landing the 16th, not without sea sickness, as
usual, but resigned and quiet in mind.
And now I am engaged (till my companion comes) in going
with G. D. and S. E., from family to family in this city ; but
whether Samuel will make a thorough visit of the kind, is not
known ; G. D. will hardly, and I hope soon to be released ; but
thou knowest S. E. is much led in this line, and is peculiarly
gifted for it. He is at times weak and discouraged ; but on the
whole I do not think him in a much more enfeebled state than
when in Philadelphia. ******
It was cause of great joy to meet thy dear brother John at
London, and the more so to find him so easy and cheerful in
spirit, as well as that he appears improved every way, except
that he is and does look older. Whether he will cross from
Scotland, whither he has gone with Father Ross, (as Captain
Truxton used to call him,) into this nation again, is a matter, I
believe, not fully settled in his own mind. But I trust he will
be wisely and safely directed.
I note thy brotherly desire on my account with thankfulness
to Him who is so rich in mercy, and boundless in compassion
still, that he is pleased to require no mighty works at my feeble
hands, so that he should condescend to accept my little labors
of love in his cause, is humblingly marvellous in my eyes, and
must be so to others in whose hearts a place has been found for
so poor a creature. * * * *
Thou wilt doubtless hear from different hands how and where

REBECCA JONES. 109
of love in his cause, is humblingly marvellous in my eyes, and
must be so to others in whose hearts a place has been found for
so poor a creature. * * *
Thou wilt doubtless hear from different hands how and where
our American friends are. I can only say, I believe they are
all well; and I trust in the Master's appointment ; as well as that
they are much in the acceptance of Friends where they travel.
I may inform thee there is a large body of Friends in this city.
Their meeting, when fully gathered, is in number, I think, equal
to ours at the Bank, and no ministering Friend belonging to it
but one woman Friend, who has a small testimony. Many of
them appear hopeful, especially among the younger and middle
rank. My landlord and his wife, Joseph and Jane Williams,
are steady, valuable Friends. '
Please give my love to thy wife and children, to H. Pember
ton, (bid her be still resigned and patient on dear John's account ;
he is in good hands and prosperous,) to thy kinsfolk, * *
and to other dear friends in thy freedom. 'Tis cause of humble
thankfulness that I still maintain a place in the minds of my
dear friends at home. May their prayers with mine ascend for
renewed help and preservation.
* *****
Thy brother John has left a sweet savor behind him in this
land, and so have all the other Friends who have been here ;
and oh that I may be kept from doing any harm, for I do very
little good, except 'tis secretly* yet I don't murmur, but am con
tent. Thy account of dear W. Savery and D. Offley, is com
fortable. May they be preserved through all. My love to them.
Tell D. O. his letter came safe, and was acceptable. I should like
to hear from my friends often, but I feel my own unworthiness,
and knowing that others must know it, I forbear asking.
And now, desiring that I may not be forgotten, in this darkt
corner, by those who have my welfare and the welfare of the
great and good cause at heart, which is increasingly dear to me,
though a feeble servant, who can do little, very little, for its ad
vancement, I conclude, and remain thy affectionate friend.
10

HO MEMORIALS OF

To H. Drinker and wife, and M. Sandwith
Dublin, '6th mo. 30th, 1785
Much esteemed Friends and old kind neighbors, H. D. and
wife, and M. Sandwith, — I don't forget my former acquaint
ance, but often, (among many others) think of you and yours
with continued desires for your preservation, every way, that as
you with me have been made experimental witnesses of the care
and kindness of our merciful Creator, many ways vouchsafed,
we may neither distrust his continued mercy, nor withhold from
him his due, even the surrender of ourselves and all with which
he has blessed us, into his holy hand, suffering him to have his
own way and work in and upon us in time, and finally lay down
our heads in peace, in a happy and joyous eternity.
H. D.'s few lines of Third month 12th, accompanying G.
Churchman's, were truly acceptable, and more than I- expected,
considering how many are his engagements, which,. I under
stand, are not lessened. Should a suitable opportunity offer, I
. should like my dear love given to A. James and his precious
wife and their children — I have sympathized with them all — to
your connexions — to your kinsfolk the Jarvises, neighbors
Wains, Hartshornes, Howells, and to other dear friends in your
freedom. Dear S. Emlen and son, G. D. and wife, with myself, left
London the 4th inst., embarked from Liverpool the 13th, and
landed here the 16th. S. E., whose service is great in families,
with G. D., found their way opened to a visit in that line here,
and, as a feeble link in the chain, I have been united with them.
We have been engaged about ten days, and there being as large
a number as I think there is in our Bank Meeting, the weather
very trying in this crowded city, and some of the band weakly,
we dont take above six in a day, so that if the whole is gone
through, it will take me at least three weeks more to complete
it. But S. E. often talks of going back to England, and taking
ship from thence home, which, I apprehend, he will in a short

REBECCA JONES. HI
time. He is, as usual, often poorly and discouraged ; at other
times better and cheerful, but strong in his Master's service,
and is, with G. Dillwyn, greatly owned therein. Indeed, it
seems a day of precious visitation to Friends here.
******
Our friends from America are, I believe, all well in different
parts of England, and dear J. Pemberton has left an open door
in the minds of Friends and others here ; so have the other
Friends who have visited this nation. May their honest labors
be blest ! ******
"Seventh month 25th, 1785.— R. S. and wife, G. D. and
myself, engaged in a family visit to friends at Ballitore, and
Catleds. Began at Abraham Shackleton's school, amongsl
about fifty boys, mostly not members of our Society. This was
a time of great favor."
During this visit, which, by a subsequent note, we learn, con
sisted of sixteen different sittings, R. J. was introduced into
much discouragement. Her friend S. Grubb having arranged
to meet her at Dublin, found herself detained to attend the
Monthly Meeting at Warrington, and a meeting at Liverpool.
She at length embarked in the Havre packet, and had a tedious
and distressing voyage. Being compelled lo put in at the Isle
of Man, she was detained there two nights; their provisions
were entirely exhausted. Rebecca had received letters addressed
to Sarah since her embarcation, and also tidings that she had
actually sailed. Hence she was in great distress of mind, and
brought very low ; ready to conclude that if through her means
so dignified an instrument should have been lost to the church,
she must be under a delusion, and her mission a mistaken one.
On their way from Richard Shackleton's, (accompanied by his
wife,) to visit some friends in the country, R. J. was riding in
much mental depression. George Dillwyn being on horseback,
rode up to the side of the carriage and said — " Be comforted,
Rebecca, Sarah is safe on terra firma." When they had
reached the house to which they were bound, R. J. found a

112 MEMORIALS OF
Bible in the window, and opening it, her eyes rested on 1 Kings
xvii. 24. She said—" George, art thou willing to be tried by
this ?" He replied, after a solemn pause, " I am !" and she read
aloud — " Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and
that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth." It had been
their design to remain that night in the country, but in conse
quence of G. D.'s firm impression, they returned toward Balli
tore. Whilst they were on their way, in the dark of evening,
they met an Irish car, bringing S. G., who having landed, was
hastening to join them.
S. Grubb says —
"In a few days we set forward together, viz, ; G. D., R. Jones, and
myself; our prospectus comfortably corresponding one with another,
we cheerfully concurred therewith to travel in company." On the 4th
of Eighth month, returning to their lodgings after a little mission to
Christians Town, they had a solemn sitting with the family from whom
they were about to part, on which occasion R. J. was enabled (as S.
Grubb expresses) " in awful supplication to breathe for continued sur-
port, and preservation in the path of obedience, which," she adds,
'' comfortably contented our spirits together."
Next day they set forward, leaving Sarah Dillwyn at Richard
Shackleton's. On the 1st of Eighth Month, she writes from Baltimore
to Joseph Williams, who was her kind host at Dublin,
" Lam yet a very poor creature, but hope to be content, and
to feel the reward of peace in reviewing my labours in vour city.
May the professors of truth in that place be favored so to sub
mit to the divine visitation, that the scales will fall from their
eyes, and they see for themselves the necessity there is for many
to come away ' from Lebanon, from the top of Amana, from
Shenir and Hermon, from the mountains of the Leopards, and
from the Lion's den ;' that so our Heavenly Father may delight
to dwell among them, even as He did among their forefathers,
as they come into the experience of the fulfilling of his gracious
declaration, — ' This people have I formed for myself; they shall
show forth my praise."

REBECCA JONES. H3

R. J. TO C. H.

Grange, near Charlmont, 8th mo. 13th, 1785.
Dearly Beloved Friend, — So it is, whether we have any
llhing worth communicating or not, when we are brought near
to them we love, and feel in the precious covenant of life and
heavenly fellowship, we cannot forbear saluting each other ; and
this is so much my case, that I am obliged to take up the cross
to the disposition I feel, or should run thee to much unprofitable
expense. I wrote thee from Ballitore ; since then we (that is,
G. D., my companion, and self,) have taken the meetings at
Rathangan, Timahoe, Edenderry, Old Castle, Coothill, and
Castleshane ; to the four last, the inhabitants had an invitation
on G. D.'s concern, and they were held, I hope, to some profit,
the people behaving well ; and Friends being desired, at the
breaking up, to keep their seats, afforded me an opportunity for
some relief. We had a very large satisfactory opportunity at a
newly settled town called Prosperous, a few miles from Tima
hoe, (no Friends residing there,) which was held in the chamber
of a large unfinished building.
Came to Joseph Nicholson's last evening, feeling our minds
more inclined hither than to Dungamson, and are comforted in
the company of his grandfather, J. Morton, who, though labor
ing under an asthma, is " an Israelite indeed." Several young
people here appear hopeful ; after to-morrow we may move
toward Tobberhead. We have had rainy weather mostly since
leaving Ballitore, so that I am more reconciled to the old post
chaise, which G. D. and S. E. strongly urged my accepting.
My limbs are better : but I am still a very poor affair, and dont
know what will become of me in this journey ; for I feel very
little more than resignation ; and that, methinks, I hear thee say
is a favor ; I join thee ; because, whether I live through it or
not, it keeps me quiet, so that I dont look far before me, but
just live from day to day, and that more by faith than by sight.
And in some of these, my baptized moments, thou art brought
10*

114 MEMORIALS OF
so preciously near to my soul, that the enjoyment of the unity
of thy spirit, is indeed a brook by the way, wherewith I am re-
freshed and encouraged still to trust in that good hand who has
thus inclined thy heart towards a younger tried sister ; and who
will, I do believe, suffer thee and me to he tried no further than
He will enable us to bear up under, if we retain our confidence
in him to the end ; cast, therefore, my dear friend, thy care
upon him, for he careth for his depending children ; and
though, in his unsearchable wisdom, He feeds with the bread
of affliction, and dispenses the waters of bitterness, oh, they are
measured in the hollow of his holy hand, and in that unerring
wisdom are given us, for the more full effecting of His inscruta
ble designs, and our perfect sanctification thereby. I know not
why thou shouldst' be so constantly present with me ; I some
times think and believe thou art in near sympathy with my fried
situation ; at other times, that, perhaps, we are again to be
united in service ; and again, if thou shouldst have thy commis
sion extended to America, and we in the Master's appointment,
cross the great Atlantic together, it would be cause of humble
rejoicing to more than myself; but let the cause be what it may,
or ever so latent, the sensation is so sweetly comfortable ! 'tis as
a seal upon my spirit, that thou arf under the special notice and
regard of the heavenly Shepherd, whose voice is sweet, and
countenance comely as ever, and will " put His own forth, go
before them, and give unto them eternal life ; and none shall be
able to pluck them out of his holy land," nor any thing past,
present, or to come, separate them from his love and favor!
I have letters from home as late as 20th of 6th month. All
well. They have not yet heard that " my mistress is taken
from my head." When they do, they wilfbemoan me, as I do
my own situation, yet am thankful for dear S. Grubb's com
pany, who is a valuable, steady, kind friend, and has been much
favored in her service. I love her, and wish she may receive
no damage through me. * * *
Now to Him that is able to keep us through all that may be
permitted to attend, and to present us faultless before the throne

REBECCA JONES. H5
of His glory with exceeding joy, I commit and commend thee,
with my own soul, and remain with undiminished love and
well-wishing, thy poor fellow pilgrim.

4fc^

On the 25th of 8th month, our friends attended the Monthly
Meeting at Lisburn. S. Grubb says, " My dear companions*
were silently baptized under a concern to visit the families of
Friends in that place, though the time did not appear to be then
come." After visiting various other places, they returned to
Lisburn, and, 9th month 2d, commenced the visit which occu
pied about a week ; " the Minister, of ministers being near," as
S. G. remarks, " to hand forth in the needful time (often after
long suffering silence,) suitable instruction and consolation to the
visited." Shortly after this they found peace in the performance
of a family visit at Timahoe. Having been very generally
through the meetings in Ulster, they had several very large and
satisfactory meetings at different places among other professors
there and on the way, particularly Ballinacree, Ballymena,
Charlemont, Rathforland, Prosperous, Rathangan, Edenderry,
and Tullamore. Referring to these places, she writes to John
Pemberton — " An opening is made for us through thy dedica
tion, and many, both Friends and others, remember thee with
love and esteem." At Moate they met with Zachariah Dicks, from
North Carolina. " I expected," says, R. J., " G. D. and he
would have united, but when companions are rightly yoked,
great care should be exercised, lest a separation do iharm ; and
though I stood freely resigned to the thought of ourbeing left,
two poor females, to struggle alone, yet George did not see his
way clearly to join Z. D., and we parted from him in love and
tenderness* After a week spent in Dublin, under great dis
couragement, she writes from Limerick, 10th month 10th, to
John Pemberton— " I need not tell thee how, low the state of
things is in this land. The scarcity of living ministers fully
evinces it, as well as the deep feeling sense which has attended
*G. D. continued with them through their visits in Ireland.

116 MEMORIALS OF
our minds ; yet there is room to hope that some young people
will, if not turned aside by the many stumbling blocks, be
brought forward in the Lord's time. I feel for thee, dear John,
in the tried exercising path in which thou art led, but as often
as I look towards thee, the passage occurs — ' He that sbweth
plenteously shall reap abundance ;' and I trust the sweet enrich
ing crop of divine peace will be thine at last. But as for me, I
need the prayers of my friends, for I am of no service only that
I am daily led in the way of the cross, and wish to be obedient,
but have little strength. I am humbled with the kindness of
friends to so nothing a creature !"
Her services in Ireland were extensive, and from the testi
mony of her companion and others, it is evident that she gave
full proof of her ministry, and was in numerous instances made
helpful to her fellow probationers. Having taken at Dublin
their passage in a collier, bound to Whitehaven, they were de
tained by contrary winds. S. G. says, " We found it safe to
look around us, that if any little service was omitted if might
then be performed. * * * Standing in the resignation, and
not being detained of ourselves, divers opportunities for public
and private labour unexpectedly opened, generally tending to
invite the ignorant, and to encourage the sincere and drooping
minds, to a faith in the sufficiency of the gift of God in them
selves, for the sanctification of the soul, and the necessary sup
ply of every spiritual enjoyment, and qualification acceptably to
worship, which must now, as formerly, be sought for in the
beauty of holiness and in newness of life. We staid over
another First day, when my companions G. D. and R. Jones
were enabled to bring up living stones of memorial to the seal
ing, I trust, of their testimony on the spirits of many ; and my
cup of affectionate fellowship seemed to overflow in secret. The.
next day a gale rose in our favor, which we thankfully accepted,
and were gently wafted over by it in twenty-five hours."
On the 20fh of Twelfth month, our friends (including G.
Dillwyn and wife,) landed in England, and on the 27th she thus.
writes to her valued friend, Joseph Williams of Dublin.

REBECCA JONES. 117
R. Jones to Joseph Williams.
Leeds, 12th mo. 21th, 1785
Dear Joseph, — George Dillwyn having undertaken to an
nounce our safe arrival at Whitehaven, in gratitude and thank
fulness to the great Preserver of men, it was less necessary for
me to write at that time ; yet feeling increasing affection to
thee, thy family, and other dear friends in Dublin, I thought it,
would not be unacceptable, to hear again from us, and how we
are at present circumstanced. We staid meeting at Whitehaven,
and went to Graysouthern that afternoon, where G. D. finding
his way open for a visit to Cumberland, dropped anchor. Sally
will stay in the neighbourhood until the Quarterly Meeting for
that county, which is to be held at Wigton, the latter end of
this week ; after which I know not how they may be disposed,
as G. D. like myself, sees but little at a time. We parted,
under a persuasion that it was the right time and place to leave
them- My dear companion S. G. and myself, proceeded in a
post chaise by Kendal and Settle, to this place, taking Wray,
Bentham and Settle Meetings in our way, and arrived here last
evening. The weather has proved very cold, and during the
last two days much snow fell.
On taking a view of my late travels and small services in
your nation, though I do find abundant space to write, un
profitable servant, yet I feel j&£ evidence of peace, in a full per
suasion that I went, contrHed, and returned, in the right
time; and trust, the remembrance of the Lord's mercy and
goodness, as witnessed by our little band, and felt to be extend
ed towards a living, though small, remnant in different parts of
your country, will follow me all the days of my life. I feel
that thou and thy beloved valuable wife, with others, will be as
epistles in our hearts, as we in yours, under the sweet influences
of that love which many waters cannot quench. May your
dear friends, stand wholly resigned to His all-wise direction,
whose fatherly care and protection are, and will be over you

118 xMEMORIALS OF
and yours, while the .race begun is continued in. And finally
I ardently breathe for you as for myself, may we be found
in our lots in the end of days.
*******
I hear that one of the Society from Congenies, in France,
has come to London to consult with Friends, and has brought
with him a long epistle, signed by about five hundred persons,
giving a very full account of his people and their present con-
dition ; that though he has been a warrior, he appears to be
a solid, sincere-hearted, thinking man, and that he proposes
staying awhile to acquire the English language.

^&-*>

The following is extracted from a letter from J. Pemberton
to R. Jones : '
" It appears there are in two places in our land, convincements si
milar to that in France, one about 150 miles from Danby, on the bor
ders of Canada. A man who ^had^ been an officer in the army, grew
dissatisfied and uneasy in his mind, retired home, and got into the
quiet, and sat down with his family, retiring inward to wail upon God;
this drew the attention of some of his neighbours, who came and sat
down with them, but did not know there was any people whatever
that held the same principle they were led to embrace, until some who
had been in the army, and got some knowledge of Friends and their
principles, called them Quakers ; they then sought to be informed
respecting us, and meeting with R.^s apology, rejoiced to find there
was a people who professed this iSPird principle ; their number is
about 12 families who have embraced this doctrine. The other set
tlement is up the North river, on the west side of it, the number not
mentioned." At the opening of the year 1786, we find by a note, that she
was enabled to look forward with the eye of faith toward the
end of her pilgrimage through time, with something of a living
hope that, " all remembrance of the necessary proving seasons
will be lost in Divine fruition, everlasting and eternal." Tbo
notes relative to the early part of this year, afford little ma ten-

REBECCA JONES. H9
al for our present purpose, whilst they clearly indicate industry
in her religious engagements.
First month, 6th. — " My H. C. writes me — ' Society con-
cerns have greatly increased. Our Monthly Meeting (North
Meeting, Philadelphia,) has become very large ; but I may truly
adopt the Prophet's language, Our joy is not multiplied.'' She
laments the ungathered, airy situation of many of the youth, and
the unskillfulness of some Friends who have undertaken to nurse
some of the precious lambs who have been immediately called
by the heavenly shepherd's voice. She is, upon the whole, in a
bemoaning, sorrowing situation, on account of divers, yet strong
in faith, on account of her poor R. J., at which I marvel greatly."
2d Mo. 3d. She notes—" T. Ross said to me," Dear Becky, I am wait
ing for the mesenger. Oh he will be a welcome messenger to me.
Give my dear love to H. Cathrall, to H. Pemberton, and to all my dear
friends in Philadelphia. I have heard that several are coming forward
and growing in the truth, and I rejoice in it. Tell them so. Oh, I
hope that he who has been with me in six troubles will not leave mo
in the seventh, but will grant me patience till my change comes, which
will be a glorious change to me. Dear John Pemberton, I have be
lieved that thou wilt be set at liberty to go home after the next Yearly
Meeting :f and I once hoped to be thy company — but that is over, and
I shall finish my course here."

R. J. to Henry Drinker, (written at Robert Grubb's.)

R, (W

FostonJWear York, 2d mo. 8th, 1786.
Much esteemed friend, — I have abundant cause to be more
humbly thankful to the Father of mercies, than any other of
thy correspondents — not only for the innumerable favors here
tofore received, among which the enjoyment of a living union
and sensible fellowship with the members of the church mili
tant, is far from being the least in my view. And thy cordial
brotherly salutation of the 4th of Twelfth month last, which met
me here under an exercise of both faith and patience, is an occa
sion of renewed gratitude. Thy several kind and brotherly

120 MEMORIALS OF
queries were replied to by the silent tear, which afresh flows on
taking up my pen ; and often has this been my experience on
looking toward thee and thine, with some other dear friends in
our native city of Philadelphia, where, may the presence of Him
who so marvellously sustained us through a fight of afflictions
that are past, be mercifully witnessed to preside in meetings,
families, and the minds of individuals, and by his own saving
power, keep and preserve my soul with yours in a state of hu
mility, watchfulness, and dedication, to the end of the painful
race. As no impossibilities are required, I have been for sever
al weeks with my beloved friends Christiana Hustler and Sarah
Grubb, in turn, using some medicines which have had a reviv
ing effect, and have had an opportunity of frequently visiting
our beloved aged friend, Thomas Ross, who is drawing gradu
ally to " the house appointed for all living," with an unshaken
evidence (which he often expresses,) that " there is a place of
rest, prepared for him." He was much revived by thy letter to
him, and often mentions great nearness to friends in Philadel
phia. His disorder being in part dropsical, one of his legs has
burst and discharged considerably, which has afforded him some
relief, but we have no hope of his recovery. Our dear friend,
John Pemberton, is with him at the house of Lindley Murray,
one mile from the city of York, which will, I trust, prove recruit
ing to J. P., as his arduous labors have not afforded him much
time for rest. He looks well, but considerably older.
I observe with concern ithat bodjbr weakness is thy attendant :
it has often been so, and it has not checked thy best and most
worthy pursuits. Let us then, dear Henry, take courage, in
hope that " all things shall work together for good*" as we re
tain our integrity and follow on to know His blessed will con
cerning us, whose will is the sanctification of the obedient mind.
My pen can do but little towards setting forth the excellency of
his loving kindness, but my soul even now worships with pros
tration, and daily craves ability acceptably to adore his unspeak
able, unmerited and matchless mercy and goodness me-ward ;
that he should at all condescend to notice, strengthen and engage

REBECCA JONES. 121
one of the least in the family to proclaim his goodness and call
unto others to come, taste, and see for themselves, that he is good.
I am pleased with thy account of the Friends from hence.
May they be furnished with divine strength and wisdom pro
portioned to their need ; and that dear N. Wain is so favored,
is comfortable. The situation in which thou describes dear S.
Emlen to be, was much his, when in Ireland : we often mingled
our tears. I had a hope he would get safe home, but I regretted
his hasty escape ;* and though I do not wish to add to his un
easiness about it, yet I am still of the same mind, that if he
had extended his visit in Ireland to the northern parts of this
nation, his bundle of sheaves would have been increased. My
dear love is to him and his, and to the other friends above
named ; though I did expect he would have written to me, yet
I know I don't merit his notice, and therefore wish to be con
tent. But thou mayest tell him his visit will not soon be forgot
ten by his Friends in Dublin. * * *
Our i. e., G. and S. D., my companion S. Grubb and self,
leaving Ireland, &c, I expect, will be mentioned to thee by others
since which, as before said, I have been attending a little to
the body, and engaged a little among, Friends at Leeds, and a
few meetings in this county, and if no engagement at York
prevents, I hope in a week or two to more towards Cheshire,
&c, where I may probably be detained till the next Yearly
Meeting. After which, whether I may be favored with leave
* It may not be inappropriatenere to insert an extract from a sub
sequent letter from H. Drinker to Samuel Neale, dated Third month
10th, 1788 :
Our valued friend, Samuel Emlen, hath visited our dwelling twice
this day. He is, as thou must have known him, often feeble in body,
but continues to be a vessel chosen and appointed to preach the gospel
in the authority thereof — frequently animated and strengthened to the
admiration of many. Ever since his last return from your land, he
appears at times much bowed under a sense of too hasty escape, and
an apprehension that he must give up to visit some parts of Great
Britain once more." 11

122 MEMORIALS OF
to return home or not, some of our number, I expect, will.
But as I remain a poor, weak, short-sighted creature, and G.
Dillwyn says it is best not to strain our eyes in the dark, I
crave that I may be kept in that resignation in which I left
my native land — with an attentive ear, that when the sound of
the trumpet is return, it may with the same certainty and con
fidence be followed, as when the command was heard to go
forth. But the continued feeling of unprofitable servant so
accompanies all my movements, that I am at times ready to
fear on my own account, though my fellow servants, I am sen
sible, are greatly favored in their steppings. All of whom, I
believe, are well, and in acceptance and love amongst Friends.
And thou mayest tell N. Wain and R. Valentine, their labors
will long be remembered by many. Robert Grubb and wife,'
join me in love to them.
Malton, Second month 10th. — (At David Priestman's). I for
bore closing this, thinking I might have something to add
respecting dear T. Ross, but find, by a few lines received
this morning from Wm. Tuke, that I have only the account ot
his growing gradually weaker : and being easier, they have a
hope that he may pass the little time that he is continued, with
less bodily pain, though he is not likely to continue many
days. I have also a letter from our dear friend George
Dillwyn, dated the 6th inst., at Kendal, where he, with his
wife, were in usual health. He isLgoing into the dales of York
shire — mentions Patience Braytorras being there and well. I
have also tidings of dear J. Pemberton's continued health, and
that he is not easy to leave T. Ross.
With the salutation of love, I can feelingly subscribe myself
thy sincere and obliged, though poor, friend, R. Jones.
R. J. and John Pemberton were detained awhile in the neigh
borhood of York, awaiting the release of their aged honorable
friend, T. Ross. He quietly " ceased to be mortal " on the
13th of Second month, 1786, at the house of Lindley Murray,
about a mile from that city; and was interred on the 16th in

REBECCA JONES. 123
Friends' burying ground at York beside the body of his country
man and friend John Woolman, " agreeably," says R. J., "to
the good old man's desire." The time of his funeral was a fa
vored season, Rebecca Jones preached with remarkable unc
tion sk the grave, as did George Dillwyn at the meeting
house : a large audience being collected on the occasion.
On the 15th she writes — " Dear J. Pemberton's tried path has
claimed my sympathy, but he is so admirably supported,
both body and mind, that I am therefrom encouraged to believe
that all is now and will be finally well. G. D. has sometimes
made a comparison between some of us and J. P., that we
are as fishing with a crooked pin and thread, while John is cast
ing his net into the sea. Oh that his labors may successfully
'gather many to the heavenly Shepherd. In Ireland, Friends
and others loi(e to speak of him, and also of our deceased
friend, T. Ross. Indeed, they have seemed to labor more
abundantly than us all."
On the 20th of Second month, in connection with George
Dillwyn and Esther Tuke, she commenced a family visit
to Friends of York : and on the 6th of Third month with G.
D. and C. Hustler she began a similiar service at Leeds, which
latter comprised fifty-nine sittings, ending on the 22d, with three
satisfactory meetings — one with disowned persons — One with
those in a tender, seeking state, who, though not members, at
tended Friends' Meetings — and one with fifty scholars and their
teachers. The latter two, a#also the Meeting on the ensuing
Fifth day, are spoken of as crowning seasons, and an adequate
reward for their painful labors.
A note from S. Grubb, received at this time, says, " Let me
bid you go boldly on, and believe that your judgment and your
work is hid in the holy treasury."
Writing from Stockport, on the 6th of Fourth month, to
Esther Tuke, (who was stepmother to S. Grubb,) after acknow
ledging the favor of " the living loan from your family," she
thus continues :
" Now that my back is turned upon Yorkshire, I cannot say,

124 MEMORIALS OF
notwithstanding I have had close and deep baptisms to pass
through, what dear N. Wain, uttered when he , had quit your
borders, except this, which, I may say with thankfulness, that
I have been enabled to keep from complaining to mortals,
and, as dear S. F. advised, have desired " no confidant but
Eternal Help" — which help I have been made sensible is near
the true seed there, and will I believe be more signally dis
played for its support and preservation, even when it may be
more signally sought after and implored. I love Yorkshire —
many friends in it are near to my very life. I have had to be
lieve that under the precious, however painful, operation of
the holy fan and fire, some of the present rising generation
there will be preserved, and in the right time show themselves
to Israel, equipped with the holy armor on the right hand
and on the left. And I also do fully believe that a time is ap
proaching when a discrimination' will be made between the
worshippers only in the outward court, and the deeply exer
cised suppliants in the inner Temple. Of which number,
may you, my dear fellow travellers, both parents and children,
be happily found."
Being joined by S. Grubb, they visited Wales and the west
ern counties. This journey was rendered arduous ,by the rug-
gedness of the country, the road partly being " over the tops of
very high mountains :" and the scenery impressed her as ."ama
zing and awful." She speaks of meeting with honest hearted
friends in Wales, " well worth visiting, and more in the simpli
city than most other places. Great openness also among others
many of whom understand our language, and gladly accept
invitations to attend our Meetings."

R. Jones to Joseph Williams.
Bradford, Yorkshire, 3d mo. 25th, 1786.
Dear Joseph,— -Thou wilt probably be surprised to hear that
I am still in this country ; and I assure thee that my detention

REBECCA JONES. 125
has been as unexpected to myself as to any of my dear friends ;
yet having an humble hope that I have been in my right place,
thou knowest it matters little where that may be.
Thy brotherly salutation of last month reached me at York,
and was truly comfortable to my poor mind. Having just at
tended the funeral of dear T. Ross, I had an opening into some
mortifying labor before me, to which, when our worthy brother
G. D. came (who arrived in time to attend T. R.'s interment) I
soon yielded. He joined dear Esther Tuke with me in a family
visit there, and I may say that I was thankful in believing that
George also was in the way of his duty ; for besides his weighty
and acceptable service in the divers meetings we there attended,
one of which, with the inhabitants, was at the request of dear
J. Pemberton, he was much favored in the visit. (After this ser
vice was completed, we came on together to Leeds, where a con
cern of like kind came over me, and he united with my dear
friend C. Hustler and myself in a family visit there, which was
evidently owned by the putting forth and leading of the heaven
ly Shepherd. We finished on Fifth day last, having visited
about eighty families. From thence we came here, attended the
Monthly Meeting, which is large, and expect to stay their Meet
ing to-morrow, and to have a public meeting in the evening with
the town's people. The Quarterly Meeting being held next
week at York, I suspect I cannot avoid going thither, after
which I shall again hope for a release from the North. Thou
mayest judge by this how my way is hedged in, and feel a lit
tle for me in my situation. J. P. writes me from Whitley on
the 20th, that he was visiting families, and having public meet
ings thereaway. Wm. Matthews, by a letter this day from him,
has been held prisoner during the winter in London, where he
has had many large satisfactory meetings with religious profes
sors not of our Society. At the time of writing he was at Hert
ford, laid by with a rheumatic complaint in his head and face,
and was low in every way. He says that dear C. Phillips is in
a declining state of health ; that Ann Jessop had been in Corn
wall, and gets along finely, and that he Hears our dear Z. Dicks
' 11*

126 MEMORIALS OF
is mending. P. Brayton has gone towards Cumberland, and
W. J. is in Westmoreland. I suppose she with. G. D. will at
tend the Quarterly Meeting, held in about three weeks at Black
burn, in Lancashire ; where dear Sally Dillwyn, whose abode
has been for some time at Kendal, will meet her husband, and
probably proceed with him to London. Dear S. Grubb is to
join me after the Quarterly Meeting, and if her patience is suf
ficient, may perhaps set me down in London, where I shall be
rejoiced to see thee and thy dear wife— and many others of my
dear friends of your nation, whom I love, and wish well, here
and everlastingly. *****
I am obliged- by thy sundry pieces of intelligence, and hope
thou wilt continue thy truly agreeable and profitable corres
pondence, foB I can assure thee I am the same poor thing as
when under thy roof. * * * *
Farewell, dear Joseph, and be not of a doubtful mind ; for
faithful is He who has called us into His service ; and I do be
lieve He will not leave us destitute of His mercy and care while
we follow Him in the way of His requiring. Though He may
suffer us to be deeply tried, as in the depths of the wilderness,
yet He will make way for His dependent suppliant ones where
there appears to be no way. He hath promised that " The
needy shall not always be forgotten : the expectation of the poor
shall not perish forever."
I am, with unfeigned regard,
Thy affectionate friend, R. Jones.
From the residence of her valued friend Dorothy Owen,* at
Tythn Ygarreg, she writes, Fourth month, 26th,to John Pem
berton : " We came by way of Ackworth, where my dear C.
* Dorothy Owen was a lively minister, of whom R. Jones often spoke
with great affection. She used to walk from her residence in Wales
to "the Yearly Meeting in London. In a letter to R. J. in 1789 she thus
speaks of hef family :
"My mother's name was Lowry : she was daughter of Evan Ellis.
His place of abode was called, Cevercruyn. She was of the family of
Gwanes. One of the sons of her -grandfather, Griffith Ellis, went to
your parts. His name was Tudor Ellis. My father, Rowland Owen,
was of the Tythn Ygarreg family."

REBECCA JONES. 127
Hustler, receiving a hurt, I went home with her into Lancashire,
and so into Cheshire arid Shropshire, taking the Meetings in
those parts. After Shrewsbury my prospect was turned into
this principality. I have been two days coming hither over a
rough road and mountainous country. Had a comfortable meet
ing here this day, and, though divers of the Friends cannot un
derstand English, it was a tendering time. Friends from other
places met us here, because we cannot get to them on wheels.
After taking Eskirgoch, Llanidloes, Pal'esj Almally, Leominster,
and Pontypool, we are to be at Cardiff, where their Yearly
Meeting is held this year. North Wales being then gone
through, we may, should the prospect continue, visit South
Wales before the Yearly Meeting in London. Thus I am led
in a way that know not — but desire to be content and thankful,
acknowledging that the Lord has been my help and support be
yond all expectation or desert in me."

R. J. to C. Hustler.
Llanidloes, 29th of 4th mo., 1786.
My Dear Friend, — I wrote thee a few hasty lines from an
inn at Welchpool, to inform thee of my coming into this princi
pality, and to entreat thee to let me hear from thee. And now
being a little at leisure, in a kind friend's small cabin, ; though
in the chimney corner, with very little light, on my lap, and a
book for a table, have begun this, which may perhaps be
finished some future day, and some time reach thy quiet prison
— from whence I do believe " the prisoner of hope will go forth,"
and that with songs of joy and rejoicing, in the Lord's time,
which must be patiently waited for.
We had a precious meeting at Tythn Ygarreg ; many who
could not understand us, were feelingly sensible of the spreading
of Divine love over us. At Eskirgoch, in the midst of high hills
and great barren mountains, to the house where old Jno. Good-

128 MEMORIALS OF
win lived and died, came many not of our Society several miles
on foot, and were solid and attentive. The Welch people are an
industrious, hardy, plain people, and there are a few precious
Friends worth visiting. I have a secret hope that there will be
a revival in Wales, in His time, who doth all things well and
wisely. The roads are in general sound and hard ; but we
were comparatively like a ship on the ocean, continually as
cending or descending, and the steeps very great, with a deep
precipice at the side for miles together ; so that yesterday morn
ing a very high wind taking us on the tops of the mountains, the
probability of being overturned was very alarming. We had an
honest Welchman with us, who carefully led us in the steepest ;
and one hill, a mile in length, I walked down, which was great
doings for me, a poor cripple — so that I have daily need still to
say, " What shall I render to thee, O Lord, for all thy bene
fits ? " We got here last evening much fatigued, and though a
small house, a very little bed, and holes on all sides to let in
light and air, with plenty of company to keep off the lethargy,
sensible of the kindness of our friends' disposition, we were
thankful for past preservation and present favor — and are to stay
here till Second day morning.

Pales, in Radnorshire, 5th mo. 2d.
We have got thus far safely. Yesterday and to-day is held
the Quarterly Meeting at Philadelphia ; my mind has been much
with them : dost thou think that I shall ever sit with them
again ? Whether I ever do or not, there is a precious number
there, to whom my soul desires to be united now and for ever.
As we have a bit of leisure this afternoon, though the wind is high
and cold, having had both snow and hail in showers, these two
days, I would gladly undertake a walk of a couple of miles to
make thee a visit, if it could be done ; but, as it cannot be person.
ally, feel my spirit, my precious, in that which is unchangeable;
and accept the tenderest salutation I am capable of, with my desire
that grace, mercy and peace may be multiplied fo thee, that

REBECCA JONES. 129
thou mayest "Lift up thy head in hope"— for Infinite Mercy
does not forget " the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine
espousals " — and hath promised, " I will not fail thee nor for
sake thee." The present sensation is sweet — under it I renew-
edly feel an increase of Gospel union with thee, and drop my
pen, in a reverent hope that " darkness will be made light be
fore thee, and crooked things straight," through His love who is
bringing " the blind by a way that they know not, and leading
them in paths which they have not known."
4th. — Being got as far as Leominster, I now conclude, as the
post goes from hence. For these -two or three days past, much
rain falling, has made the roads deep and trying, especially in
Herefordshire, the soil being clay ; but we have made out as
well as we could. To-morrow, it is probable, we shall set off,
having fifty miles to Pontypool, where the Quarterly Meeting is
to be held on First and Second days — and next day to Cardiff,
where, oh ! if it were possible to meet thee, it would be almost too
much joy for me to behave decently under, considering where
we have been, and how I have fared every way ; but, hush !
my faithful monitor reminds me how little I deserve ; so, com
plaints of every kind aside, I wish to be more thankful.
William Young, at whose house we are, tells me his sister
Catharine Phillips is to be this week at Bristol, where she has
been advised to come, andL. Hawkesworth with her, who is al
most worn down with attending her ; and that C. P. is in a very
declining and doubtful way, not at all likely to attend the Year
ly Meeting there much less get to London. * *
' Nathan Dearman," she notes, " presented me with a walk
ing stick made of the trunk of an oak tree dug out of a morass,
at a depth of 10 feet, near Thome, and supposed to have lain
there since the flood. Many such have been found, all pointing
towards the west. The morass contains many thousands of
acres, the surface of which, nearly 10 feet deep, is turf for fuel ;
and below it are often found large Fir as well as Oak trees —
some of which have been used for timbers in houses built up-

13Q MEMORIALS OF
wards of 100 years ago, and are still sound a*id good. Where
the turf has been removed, the ground is in many places culti-
vated." The following certificate was issued by the Half Year's Meet
ing for Ireland, held in Dublin, 5th mo. 7th, 1786.
" Our esteemed friend, Rebecca Jones, having paid a religious visit
in the work of the ministry to the meetings of Friends in this nation,
and in some instances to the families ; and apprehending herself clear
of further service in that way amongst us, by a friend requested our
certificate. These may inform you that her labors of love in the gos
pel were truly acceptable, her ministry being sound and edifying, and
her life and conversation consistent therewith. And we esteem it a
gracious mark of Divine regard still extended to us, by the servants
and messengers being thus sent to labor amongst us. May the
great Master continue to strengthen and furnish her for every good
word and work, which he may yet call for at her hands in the further
course of her service in Europe ; and when this is finished conduct
her in safety to her habitation and friends, with the incomes of his
sweet peace as a reward for faithfully giving up to lab or in his vine
yard." — Signed by 144 Friends.
After the close of London Yearly Meeting, R. J., in writing to
John Pemberton, gives a beautiful instance of the tenderness
with which the assembled church could enter into sympathy
with a tribulated servant, travelling in the bond of the gospel.
" Though thou didst not fully commission me," she says, " to
apply for a certificate for thee, yet I felt a freedom to tell Friends
at the select meeting, thy wish, the expression of which brought
a solemnity over the minds of many, and led to the expression
of their near sympathy with thee in thy deep and singular ex
ercises. E. T., E. H., and J. A., severally informed the meet
ing that they had been eye-witnesses of thy dedication, and that
they believed that thy services had been of great use ih spread
ing the knowledge of our principles. The meeting desired me
to convey to thee by letter the expression of their tender sym
pathy and concern, hoping that thou mightest he favored with a
release from the very exercising path in which thou hast been led."

REBECCA JONES. 131
In the epistle of this year from the Womens' Yearly Meeting
of London, to the corresponding body of Philadelphia, the ser
vices of the women Friends from America are thus ac
knowledged. " It has been strengthening in this large assembly to have the com
pany of our beloved sisters from America, their united concern and
fervent labors for Ae furtherance of the Lord's work, will-, we trust,
be blessed to us."
She not seeing her way to request a returning certificate, was
left at liberty to obtain one (if released before next Yearly
Meeting,) from the Morning Meeting. She proceeded, accom
panied still by S. Grubb, to visit the Western Counties, being,
as she expresses, " made willing to go down into the imprisoned
state of the seed, and in deep baptisms with and for it, to feel
the supporting hand of Divine goodness."
On the 21st of Seventh month, she writes thus to Joseph
Williams : " I have had a low and weary travel since we left
London. We passed through Hampshire and some other coun
ties on our way hither, where we have found the state of the
church low indeed, as in the wilderness, — meetings very small,
and very little of that living exercise by which our ancient
friends had near access to the living fountain, drawing refresh
ment therefrom, through the precious current of light, life and
salvation. Yet we have found a few true Jews, who are mourn
ing on account of the desolation, and these have been encouraged
to step forward under all wise direction, in the work of repairing
and rebuilding the walls : and divers among the youth, appear
under lively, tender impressions, but they have few, skillful
nurses, or safe waymarks, among those who ought to lead on
;n wisdom and firmness. They have been advised to look to
the Holy Head for preservation and strength, and I do hope
that some of them will stand their ground, and in the appointed
season advance to the praise of him who hath visited their minds
with the dayspring from on high, and called them out of dark
ness into his marvellous light.
We are now drawing towards " Land's End," and expect to
return by Minehead, Bristol, &c, &c. * * *

132 MEMORIALS OF
My way at present is quite shut up from any immediate pros
pect of home ; I hope I may be kept in patience the Lord's
time, yet confess, the thought of my dear friends leaving me
behind is very discouraging. The country near the sea is so
hilly we cannot be very expeditious. * * *
I conclude with desires that thou and I may persevere in
faithfulness through all our bufferings, tossing's and afflictions,
so that we may be favored with a safe landing at last, on that
peaceful shore where all sorrow will cease, and temptations will
have an end, and where our wearied spirits will be forever
at rest."
Penryn, Seventh month 28th, she writes *to Hannah Pem
berton : " I suppose thou art a little cheered in hope bf seeing
thy beloved husband before another year. But, though he has
a certificate for returning, I would not have thee be too anxious,
but, continuing in the patience, be thankful that thou art not ex
posed to the same necessity to expose thyself to the many jeo
pardies he and others have been in, for the sake of that peace,
which, when obtained, is beyond every other enjoyment. Tell
S. Emlen, that if he should be sent hither again, I shall be care-
ful to write to him quite as often as he has done to me since
his escape. * * Farewell, dear H. ; mayest thou in the
Lord's time be favored with the company of thy dear husband
in peace, and, when these few fleeting moments are over, be re
ceived by the beloved of souls into that peace which is pure and
eternal ; which, on my own account, I often desire, finding
nothing here worth desiring to be continued for, except that the
suffering of the present day may work a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory at last."
In recording, after the lapse of more than half a century,
these aspirations after a better, an enduring and an undefiled in
heritance, the mind is brought in a degree to realize the deep
meaning, of the phrase, " these few fleeting moments," (though
our friend had yet a score of years to tarry for the coming of
her Beloved) and to rejoice, now that the lives of these valiants
of Israel are as a tale that is told, in the assurance that they

REBECCA JONES. I33
are in the fulness of bliss, having received, beyond all that they
could ask or think, the end of their faith, even the salvation of
their souls, being gathered with the just of all generations, and
beholding their Redeemer face to face,' and the glory which he
had with the Father before the worlds were made.
Pursuing her journey with her valued Sarah Grubb, she notes
respecting her, a growth in her gift, and an increased weight
and clearness in the Discipline of the Church. Her mind being
turned, with strong, natural longings towards her native
land, she admired that her way for returning did not open, and
W. Matthews being constrained to let the ship in which he had
hoped to take passage, sail from Bristol without him, he was in
company with our pilgrims at a number of meetings. Being
deeply grieved in spirit at seeing how many were minding their
own things, and how few coming forward as they ought, the
query was often raised, " Lord, what wilt thou do for thy great
name's sake?" connected with the petition that the Lord of the
vineyard would " raise up, qualify and strengthen other labo
rers, successfully to search the camp, that so every accursed
thing being removed and judged down, some of the little ones
may arise and do valiantly."
" Why," she writes to a friend, " shouldst thou be ready to
lay down thy arms and retreat from the field 1 It is a noble
cause we have embarked in,^and there is no doubt of victory
if we humbly and industriously follow our holy Captain, seeing
it is decreed that He and his followers shall have the victory.
It is a time of suffering, and I look for little else. Can we ex
pect to reign where the Master does not reign 1 Let us then
be content with the necessary portion of suffering assigned us,
and not increase it by wishing to be any thing but what He
would have us be, — because without Him we cannot be at all."
William Matthews having found it his place (being stopped
from returning to America) to join himself to the Yearly Meet
ing committee in visiting Quarterly and Monthly Meetings ; thus
refers (Twelfth Month 16th) to the services of his pilgrim sis
ter. " In most of the visits we had the company of our beloved
.12

134 MEMORIALS OF
sister, R. Jones, who was eminently furnished, not only with
gospel love and authority, but also with wisdom to point out, in
our conferences with those we visited, the way whereby the
waste places might be rebuilt. She has shown herself a work-
woman, that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word. I may say her company and fellowship have been a
strength to me whenever our lot has been cast together; and
her growth in her gift greatly increaseth, through her honest
dedication of heart to her Master's service."
Sarah Grubb left R. J. at the Circular Meeting at Gloucester
yielding her place as companion to C. Hustler. In the Eleventh
Month this valued partner was taken dangerously ill, so that
they were laid by a week at Dudley, and several weeks at Shef
field. In the prospect of C. H. being likely to be unfit for Win
ter travelling, K. J. says, " I shall be like a lonely sparrow, for
there are very few that have so feeling a mind, and such real
worth as this meek disciple." At another time she says, '• It
has pleased the Lord to knit us, as were the souls of Jonathan
and David." In this place, (as previously at Leeds, Birming
ham, and pther places,) she found grqat peace in having select
meetings with apprentices, female servants, " and those who
work day's labour." She had also one with parents and heads
of families.
After a time of painful exercise at the Quarterly Meeting at
Leeds, she left her invalid companion, C. H. at Undercliff, un
der great trial, neither feeling at liberty to separate from the
other. Joined by S. Grubb, she tore herself from C. H., es
saying to accompany H. Stevenson to Bristol. But passing to
Sheffield and Chesterfield, the prospect towards Bristol clouded,
and her distress greatly increased. Taking counsel from the un
erring source, her mind was favored with a calm, and a former
prospect of a family visit revived. Attending the Monthly Meet
ing at Warnsworth, First month 6th, 1787, Esther Brady, of
Thome, opened a like concern, greatly to Rebecca's strength
and confirmation, and on the 8th the visit was commenced at
Sheffield by the trio, R. J., S. G., and E. B. After sixty-six sit-

REBECCA JONES. I35
tings this visit closed on the 26th. During this service she ex
pressed herself" deeply concerned for the blessed cause, lest, in
this time of trial she should dishonor it :" and writing to J. P.,
she says, " I have been ready to think I might finish my course
in Yorkshire, and be laid near dear John Woolman and Thomas
Ross. * * Who is so poor as the Lord's servant, or blind as
his messenger, &c. Very soon after this her companion, S. G.,
was taken alarmingly ill, and remained so for some time. Se
cond Month 5th, S. Grubb dictated the following message : " Say
to Rebecca, my affection for her is unspeakable : also that in this
affliction I have been sorely athirst for the purest enjoyments.
As the hunted hart panteth after the water brook, so have I after
the living fountain : but my beloved has been a well shut up, a
fountain sealed." And on the 19th, being again able to take the
pen, she wrote to R. J., "The extension of infinite compassion
is marvellous in my eyes. The hand of Omnipotence invisibly
supported in the time of greatest proving and conflict, when, as
Jonah said, ' I went down to the bottom of the mountains, the
earth with her bars covered me, yea, and the sorrows of death
compassed me about.' But for this support I had irrecoverably
sunk under the sense of gloomy desertion. But I have thank
fully to commemorate, that the accuser, and even that condem
nation which I must have acknowledged my due, were merci
fully restrained." We find that on the 26th of Second Month,
R. J. commenced a family visit at Warnsworth, (consisting of
38 sittings,) accompanied by C. Hustler, Eliza Hoyland and
Philip Mayden. The work, she testifies, was singularly owned
with good — and an open door set before them. Fourth Month
8th, she commenced a visit to the families at High Wycombe.
After this she appears to have been engaged about the neighbor
hood of London, in great bodily infirmity. Croydon Meeting
being much on her mind, she was enabled to administer at that
place close warning^ and also consolation and encouragement.
After this meeting she was taken ill with fever and acute pain,
from which, being a little recovered, she was removed to London
in time to attend the Yearly Meeting. The following letter was
written about this time.

136 MEMORIALS OF

R. Jones to David Sutton.

Dear Fiend,— Om dear friend, Hannah Cathrall, of Phila
delphia, was a few years ago, presented by her relation, James
King, with the sum of fifty pounds, understanding that she had
suffered through the trials which were permitted to prevail in
America. And she, being informed of the deplorable state of
his affairs, was uneasy to retain this sum, which he, through
intended kindness, had given her ; having a tender regard for
the reputation of our religious Society, and to manifest that up
rightness which the principle we profess leads into, she has re
quested that this money might be returned to the assignee, and
that the creditors may be informed thereof.
Our said friend is rather in low circumstances, but this did
not prevail upon her to retain this money, which I have ordered
into thy hands, and desire thee to pay. I am, &c,

c0zz£t

The money above referred to, being offered to one of James
King's assignees, he refused to accept it, till the committee of
the creditors should meet. Several of the committee heing in
formed that a bill for the amount was ready for their accept
ance, they said in surprise that it was such an instance of in
tegrity and uprightness as they had never known, that " it re
flected unspeakable honor to the Society of Friends," and that
they thought the creditors would not take it. We find, at a
subsequent date, the last sentiment repeated ; but, whether the
money was at length accepted, the compiler has not been able
to ascertain. To Joseph Williams, she writes : —
" I sometimes remember the precious bedewing seasons thou
and I were favored with together when in Ireland ; and I hum
bly pray, according to my small measure, that these may often

REBECCA JONES. I37
be renewed to us, when separated in body still farther than at
present ; and that thou may not be discouraged nor faint in thy
mind, because of the great insensibility in which so many of
our fellow members are centred, but that we may run with pa
tience the race set before us, so as to obtain the glorious crown
of Eternal Life which is at the end thereof. Let us keep this
animatingly in view, and endure hardness as good soldiers ;
remembering that the Lamb and his followers will have the
Victory, however the latter may be tried from within and with
out." The following certificate was granted to her by the London
Yearly Meeting, although she notes that she had no prospect
of a time for returning to her home.
From our Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, held in London
by adjournment from the 26th of the Fifth month, to the 4th of the
Sixth month inclusive, 1787 ; to the Monthly Meeting of Friends in
Philadelphia for the Northern District, the Quarterly Meeting of the
said city, and General Meeting of Ministers and Elders for Pennsyl
vania and New Jersey :
Dear Friends, — Our beloved friend, Rebecca Jones, having in a
weighty and solid manner informed us that she apprehends her ro-
ligious service and labor among Friends in this nation is so nearly
completed, as that she may be likely to return before our next Yearly
Meeting, and proposed to this meeting's consideration the granting her
of our certificate ; these may, therefore, inform you that in the course
of her gospel labors in visiting the churches in these parts, she hath
endeavored faithfully to discharge the trust committed to her ; and in
the exercise of her gift, hath been favored with renewed ability to la
bor to the comfort and edification of Friends, and hath been particu
larly serviceable in the promotion of our Christian Discipline ; her
conduct and deportment having been becoming her station in the
Church. And this meeting, after weighty and mature deliberation,
leaves her at liberty to return to her native country, if the Lord per
mit, when she may have finished the remaining part of her service.
And, in the conclusion of this, her arduous engagement, we hope she
will be favored with the evidence of peace and divine consolation.
We salute you in the love and fellowship of the gospel, and remain
your friends, brethren and sisters.
(Signed by 204 Friends.)

138 MEMORIALS OF
About this time, she had in London eight meetings, exclu
sively for servants, apprentices and poor laborers. The whole
number thus visited was 500, " many of them evidently under
the notice of the great Master of us all."
Sixth month 2d, she writes from London to Joseph Willi
ams^ — " I have esteemed it among the Lord's mercies and fa
vors, that I have been enabled to sit most of the meetings, and
have thankfully rejoiced with my dear friends in the renewed
sense of the heavenly Father's love, which has eminently at
tended this solemn assembly in its various sittings. More
Friends have come up from the different counties and places
than have been known for many years.
With solid satisfaction, I may inform thee that the newly
established Women's Yearly Meeting here, increases in weight
and experience ; their deliberations have been profitable and
solemn, and I am strong in the faith, that men Friends will not
have cause to repent their indulgence to their sisters in this and
other instances. Very pleasant has been the sight and com
pany of so many of my friends from your nation ; and they
have had their use and service in the general muster. I hope
it will be not only an easy, but a desirable thing in future, for
surely the wages will be adequate to the toil."

From Plough Court, 1th mo,. 25th, 1787, she writes to
John Pemberton :—
" About half an hour ago, dear Patience Brayton, &c, left
us, taking an affectionate leave of dear C. H., and poor me; I
have striven for leave to go with them, but, it not being granted,
I am desirous of obtaining strength to stand fully resigned to
whatever may be permitted to attend. But this has been a bit
ter cup indeed. Our dear friends seem all sweet and easy.
They go at 6 o'clock to-morrow morning to Gravesend, to be
on board at 11." * * * * # * *
C. Hustler continuing with her, after the Yearly Meeting

REBECCA JONES. I39
they were engaged in extensive and arduous service. R. J.,
testifies concerning her, that she was eminently favored in the
exercise of her gift, " though she does not take the lead as I
would have her."
They parted for a season about the middle of Ninth month.
E. Hoyland accompanying R. J., in a pretty extensive range,
and then yielding her place to L. Hawkesworth. Our pilgrim
was not only, in the companions of her journeys, blessed with
a signal realization of Arthur Howell's prospect for her at her
embarkation, that Queens should be her nursing mothers ; but
striking coincidences in the mode of her being thus furnished,
evinced that these helpers were provided for her in the care of
Him who put her forth. Sarah R. Grubb, in referring to a
prospect, which was unexpectedly realized afterwards, of join
ing her, for a short space, in a particular service, thus instruct
ively speaks of the authority needful even to act as helpers to
others in these solemn engagements. " I am more and more
convinced, that if we are right, we are not at our own disposal,
and that even the most plausible inclinations are not in general
to be followed, without they are accompanied with some little
sense of Divine bidding to render them profitable and safe.
The protecting providence of the Father of mercies, is, indeed,
repeatedly manifested to those whose care is cast upon him, and
whose blindness is that which is peculiar to his messenger."

R. J. to C. H.
Brecknock in Wales, llmo. 8th 1787.
My last to thee from Worcester informed of jany intention to
move with my dear friend L. H. and John Dearman into this
principality. — Know then, my precious, that we left Worcester
last 2d. day morning in our own chaise, but found the road so
exceedingly bad by the rains, that had fallen, by then we got
to Bromyard, that from thence we took a chaise to Leo-

140 MEMORIALS OF
minster, and staid over Third day there, having a meeting with
them, which tended to my relief. — On 4th day, as the weather
continued unsettled, the badness of the roads, the season of the
year, and the worn down state of poor Jack, (who had enough
to do in dragging us to Broomyard,) were considerations in
ducing us to believe it might be best to leave our conveyance
at L. to be forwarded to, us at some suitable place on our return;
and go in hired carriages at least as far as to Haverford west,
and round to Swansea and Neath. — Accordingly, having our
friend W. Young with us, we left L. about eight o'clock yester
day morning, had some showers in the way to a town called
Hay, which is twenty-four miles, dined there, and came fifteen
miles from thence to this place, where at a good Inn, we have
lodged and breakfasted. But my mind was, on awaking this
morning, brought under a very close exercise, which upon keep
ing to myself as long as I could, has at length issued in a belief
that the resignation of my own will is required even in Wales,
and on mentioning to the company the prospect of a meeting
here, they have readily closed with it, and having procured the
Town Hall, notice is now spreading for its being held at eleven
o'clock. Landilavour the 9th. — The meeting yesterday was small,
yet I hope the great and good cause did not suffer. It proved
the most steadily heavy day's rain that I remember in all my
travels, yet we went in the afternoon about eleven miles to Tre-
castle, where we lodged. The wind was so exceedingly high
that I was kept awake great part of the night, not only by the
tempest, but in considering that we were now in a very moun
tainous part of the country, and no Friend within twenty miles,
and moreover that I had been the cause of my three companions
leaving their Comfortable quiet homes, exposed every day in
rain, &c, that we were altogether at expense in our journey,
&c, (a variety of such fears and doubtings as thou art no
stranger to in me.) So that my mind for a time whilst my
dear L. Hawkesworth slept beside me, very much resembled the
tempest of the night— yet towards morning, being enabled to

REBECCA JONES. 141
make my humble appeal to Him who knows the integrity of my
heart, that I had given up to what I did believe was required
of me, and that I had nothing in view besides an honest dis
charge of duty ; it pleased my great gracious and alone helper,
to-quiet every disturbing apprehension, and favor with the lift
ing up of the light of his blessed countenance, even as He in
His unutterable mercy had often condescended to do in many a
" needful time of trouble." Under the humbling sense whereof
I fell asleep, and in the morning resolved to go forward.
Haverford west, (12th,) at John Lewis's. Since writing the
foregoing we have had steady and heavy rain, yet we have been
favored through the Lord's mercy to get on to the far end of
our journey in Wales, and are better in health than could
be expected. We had a public meeting at Llandilo, there being
only four Friends there — from thence, going round to avoid
the water which by abundant rain had rendered going one way
dangerous, we reached Carmarthenen the largest town we have
been in. Here there is a Meeting House belonging to Friends.
We held a large and satisfactory meeting on 1st day morning,
after which (though the people expected another in the after
noon) we proceeded to St. Clare, and hoping we might have a
dry evening ; changed our chaise, and about forty set off for
Narberth, which was thirteen miles further. There we were
obliged to take four horses, or we could not ascend the mountain
at five miles distance. Before we sent back the two fore horses
a violent heavy rain came on, and it grew so very dark, that
by the time we had got within four miles of N. we could not
see either horses or driver — poor I. D. soaking wet behind us,
not daring to pass the chaise, lest he should be lost in the storm.
(W. Y. parted with us at C. and hoped to get home in three
days.) Thou may judge of my situation, what a tossed state I
was in! but after a sore conflict of spirit, I almost fancied myself
on the wide ocean — remembering that, in passing over that, the
" Lord on high (to his poor servants) was greater than the noise
of many waters ;" — and so I was helped into the quiet harbor
of resignation, in which I was mercifully preserved through this

142 MEMORIALS OF
close trial. We lodged at N. and next morning, having only
ten miles hither, — we got in about twelve o'clock, and, to our
surprise, as well as mutual comfort, met dear M. Ridgway and
companion, who were also very low and discouraged, having
been here waiting about two weeks for fair wind lo return
home, and failed reaching their Half Years Meeting. I am now
under renewed anxiety about poor Wm. Young, an old man,
and alone in such inclement weather returning — so that my
precious friend cannot help sympathising with me, — and the
more so when I tell thee, I am in great concern about return
ing : — the roads are so bad, and still it rains. But then I con
sider that if I had not been accommodated in a close carriage
it would have been impossible to have proceeded, yea, I doubt
whether our Jack will be equal to the load again ; and yet,
when the great expense attending the present mode of travelling
comes into view, I am ready to sink and call all in question —
thus I unbosom myself to thy feeling mind ! — I have endeavored
to stand open — yea, have desired through the several stages of
our journey, liberty to turn about, and wished for a discharge
from the prospect ; — but though I have by night and by day
thus labored, have not obtained it, and therefore hope to cast my
care upon Him whose wisdom is unsearchable and his ways are
past finding out.
Among other damage done by the late gale last 5th day
night, a Captain Blackburn, who has a wife at Whitby, supped
here in the evening, and with four of his hands went in a boat
towards his ship lying at a distance, was, with three of the
men, drowned, by the boat overturning just as he had got
near the ship, and the fourth person, is deprived of his reason
through the shock ; being saved by his foot somehow fastening
to something in the boat, so that when she turned up again, he
turned with her, this affecting circumstance has made deep im
pression on the minds of Friends here, as they valued the cap
tain, and he had just before left their company.
To-morrow is the Week Day Meeting here, where there are
only about five or six families, and no more Friends till we get

REBECCA JONES. I43
to Swansea and Neath. From thence I expect we sMllJproceed
by Pontypool, Monmouth, &c, into Gloucestershire, wfhat thou
will hardly hear from me again till we get into England, where
I shall rejoice to meet thy salutation* Salute me to all thy
kind family — accept my endeared love, and hold thyself in
readiness to come to London and see the last " of the child ;"
pray for my preservation — pity all my weakness, and believe
me to be thine in the precious bond of Gospel unity though thy
poor tried,

($Z2*L

R. Jones to Joseph Williams.
Undercliffe, 1st mo. 4th, 1788.
Belpved friend Jos. Williams, — Thou mayst perhaps
wonder to find my letter dated from this place, and truly, it is
marvellous to myself also, that having been, as I apprehended,
fully clear of the North, I should again be directed hither, ex
periencing as a truth, that " the wind bloweth where it listeth."
Having just returned from a visit to Friends in South Wales,
and expecting to go pretty directly to London, I felt a strong
draught to the Quarterly Meeting held at Leeds last week, and
being enabled to reach it timely, have been made humbly thank
ful in believing I was in my place there, and thou knowest, if
this sense does but attend the mind, it matters little where we
are. Mayest thou, dear Joseph, of whom, with thy beloved wife
and children, I have of late often thought, having now been
favored to feel thy proper place in the family, be encouraged to
fill it with dignity and firmness, and become, under the renewal
of holy anointing, " a workman that needeth not to be ashamed."
I have been for some time expecting a line from thee, but I
know my own littleness and unworthiness, and am therefore
willing just to remind thee, that I was once thy guest, and don't
forget thine and thy dear wife's kindness to me whilst with you.

144 MEMORIALS OF
It is^Hgely thou hast accounts directly from J. Pemberton,
who is |wtn Scotland ; and from G. Dillwyn, who has been
mostly in London since the Yearly Meeting.
I am, with dear love to thy household, thy assured affection
ate friend,

The next day writing to John Pemberton, she says,: "I
believe I shall spend some time in London this winter, where
dear G. Dillwyn is still a prisoner ; I trust a ' prisoner of hope.'
Whether he will be at liberty to return with me, I cannot
tell, and I desire to leave all to Him who has not failed to be
gracious to us poor Americans ; and who, I do believe, will
not fail nor forsake thee. A concern seems spreading on ac
count of the poor Africans. Many small and well written tracts
have been published and dispersed, tending to set forth the in
justice and iniquity of that trade, and the newspapers have con
tinual strokes at it, so that I hope something will be done to put
a stop to the diabolical business. The town of Manchester have
formed a committee, and passed many resolutions, and they are
opening subscriptions there and at York, and some other places,
to forward the good design. * * * I hope, my dear
friend, thou wilt not forget me when it is well with thee. Thou
knowest not how many difficulties and discouragements I wade
under, and the greatest fear of all is, that I shall dishonor the
great and good cause which is indeed dearer to me than life
itself. May the good hand be with thee in all thy goings, and
crown thy labors with peace, whatever becomes of thy poor
unworthy friend and tried little sister."
About this time she became fixed in the prospect of being at
liberty to return to America in the spring, though she began to
doubt whether she could with an easy mind depart before the
Yearly Meeting of London, which would commence on the 11th
of fifth month. Being solicitous to accomplish all the work re
quired at her hand, she used much diligence, even going from
meeting to meeting when the state of her health seemed to for-

REBECCA JONES. 145
bid the effort. She was much interested in the efforts which
now became prevalent for the abolition of the slave trade, yet
she was careful to guard Friends, in the modes of expression
adopted in petitions addressed to the great ones of the earth,
that in all . respects a pure testimony might be exalted. This
true Christian circumspection was not made a cloke for indiffer
ence, her interest in the " good cause" being in various ways
evinced. Reaching London the 4th of Second month, she sat (mostly
in silence) the meetings for worship and discipline as they came
in course, and noticing with much satisfaction an advancement
among women Friends in the work of the discipline.
Third month 10th, she writes, " I am now a prisoner in Lon
don, yet peaceful in my allotment, going almost daily to meet
ings, but not blowing my horn in them all. Our dear friends R.
and S. Grubb, and Mary Dudley, produced this day, to the Sec
ond day morning meeting, their certificates, given by Friends in
Ireland for visiting London, France and Germany, and our
brother G. Dillwyn revived his concern. The meeting freely
concurred with them all, expressed' near sympathy, and agreed
to furnish them with certificates from hence. It was a solid
time." " Shortly after this," she says, " I am waiting in the
patience, as an unprofitable servant ought, for clear direction,
and then shall not hesitate about going with the first likely op
portunity." The second sitting of the Select Yearly Meeting, held Fifth
month 12th, R. J. mentioned to Friends, the cause of her deten
tion among them, and at the next sitting, (the 15th,) a cordial
endorsement, (signed by Wm. Tuke as Clerk,) was made upon
her certificate, setting forth that her additional services had been
to the comfort and satisfaction of Friends where her lot had been
cast, and desiring for her, in her return, " the evidence and re
ward of true peace."
After the Yearly Meetingj attended by C. Hustler, she found
herself still engaged, so that she could not with a peaceful mind
take passage for Philadelphia. She went to Norwich, partly
13

146 MEMORIALS OF
to visit John Pemberton, to whom she was closely united, and
with whom she kept up a frequent correspondence. She writes
to him from London, Seventh month 1st, " I have hastened to
the city, after a large, and I trust good meeting at Haddeston
this day, in order to go on board the Pigou to-morrow, with
some friends, that if this appears, on waiting for right counsel,
to be the right time and ship, I may be accommodated with a
good berth. I have the prospect of Ann Warder, and Susan
Dillwyn's company, (Ann takes two of her children and a ser
vant,) &c, &c. Now, notwithstanding I told thee at Norwich,
that I, should fear going in the same ship with thee, unless thou
felt thyself clear to return, yet if, having had some time to de
liberate and feel for the mind of thy great Master therein, thou
art easy to come and take passage also, I then shall have fresh
cause for humble thankfulness to Him who has so marvellously
sustained us both to the present time."

R. J. to S. Hustler.
Carshalton, 8th of 1th mo. 1788.
My Dear S. H., — As the time of my departure from this
country seems to draw nigh, and as thou (with the other
branches of my worthy friends J. and C. H.'s family,) hast often
been the object of my tender solicitude, I feel disposed (as we
have a day's quiet rest here,) to give thee one more testimony
thereof in this way. Though it may probably be my last from
this shore, yet I shall, if favored to reach my own country, be
gratified, and rejoice in often interchanging these allowable
tokens of mutual affection, and hope to be punctual in my remit-
ances for every one that I shall be indulged with, by any one
of the inhabitants of that hospitable retreat called Undercliffe,
where I have been often received, kindly cared for, and tenderly
treated, far beyond my deserts. .Can I then forget those who
have, through the precious efficacy of Divine love, been made
so near to my best life, the connexions of a faithful yoke-fellow

REBECCA JONES. 147
and companion in the arduous service, through which I have
been carried to my humbling admiration, in this land ; — an help
mate specially provided by kind Providence himself? — can I
forget those who have been part of the hundred fold promised in
the gospel, to those who have forsaken all in obedience to divine
commandment 1 surely no : herein " my heart shall not reproach
me while I live." Well my dear Sally, I do also hope and de
sire that the resignation of thy worthy father, the condescension
and dedication of thy dear mother, thy sisterly kindness, and
the works of love received from the whole family, will both be
accepted and amply rewarded by Him, who declared that the
giving even of a " cup of cold water" to one of the least, should
obtain a disciple's reward. Mayest thou, therefore, become more
and more the object of Diyine care, and by an unreserved surren
der of thy all into his blessed hand, be strengthened in full obe
dience to all His requirings, that so with increasing years, thou
mayest happily experience increasing fitness to come up honor
ably in that line of service in the Lord's family, which, after
having undergone the necessary preparations therefor, His wis
dom may assign thee, and thus know His blessed will to be to thy
devoted, willing Inind, " thy meat and thy drink." This is my
fervent breathing on thy account, to almighty goodness, who
has been rich in kindness to thy soul, and has often made thy
tender mind, under the bedewings of His love, as " a well water
ed garden," wherein He has graciously sown the seed of eter
nal life, which, if full room is allowed, and it is suitably cherished, !
will spring up with increase, to the praise of His ever adorable
name, and thy enriching comfort both here and forever
I hardly know how to bid the last farewell ! but as I apprehend
it will be so, shall conclude in the fresh feeling of dear love,
craving to be had jn all your remembrance, and being thy truly.
affectionate friend, conclude such, and bid thee endearedly,
Farewell in the Lord,

148 MEMORIALS OF
As the time of her departure from England approached, many
and touching were the evidences of that Christian friendship and
true unity of spirit which cannot be weakened by separation,'
though it adds solemnity to those partings which, so far as time
is concerned, are likely to be final. Many a farewell scene was
crowned with supplication and benediction, and, on these occa
sions, the holy presence which had gone forth with her, was
thankfully felt and acknowledged. The 10th of Eighth month.
the last First-day before her embarkment, was to her and
her associates, " a day of favor." At Grace-church Street
meeting, in the morning, she took for her text the words of
David, " Give unto the Lord, oh ye mighty, give unto the Lord
glory and strength ; give unto the Lord the glory due unto his
name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." At Devon
shire house in the afternoon, she notes having an exercising time.
At 6 o'clock in the evening she had a meeting with men and
women servants.
It has been already remarked, that she was curiously minute
in some of her tabular notes. From these we find that from
the time of her embarkation in the "Commerce," to that of her ar
rival in her native land, she had travelled twenfy thousand four
hundred and ninety one miles ; had attended one thousand five
hundred and seventy eight Meetings, two hundred and seventy
five of which were those held for discipline, and in which, as
her friends in Great Britain officially testified, she was particu
larly serviceable. She also notes having had meetings with Friends
in the stations of servants and apprentices, and laboring poor
Friends, to the number of one thousand one hundred and twenty
individuals. At a time of mortal extremity five years subse
quently, this last named service afforded her a peaceful retro
spect. " Blessed is he that considereth the poor— the Lord shall
remember him in time of trouble."
On the 13th of Eighth month, the whole company of cabin
passengers who were to cross the ocean in the Pigou, together
with various friends, dined at Plough Court, with R. J.'s noble
host, Joseph Gurney Bevan, after which they went to Gravesend.

REBECCA JONES. 149
In some of her notes, made during the voyage and given in
the next chapter, will be found interesting references to her em
barkation, and to her final parting with the friends who attended
her on ship board : especially with her beloved Christiana
Hustler ; who was her first companion in England, and the last
to part from her, after the performance of every service which
the most tender affection could suggest ; and respecting whom
R. Jones repeatedly said in after years, " I have loved her as
my own soul." As a parting token, C. Hustler, when about to
be let down in a chair to the boat, took off her cloak and threw
it upon her friend — when they immediately separated, with emo
tions too deep for utterance, beyond the last farewell.
" But was it such ? It was ! Where they are gone
Adieus and farewells are a sound unknown."

CHAPTER VI.
1788.
Return Voyage — Letters written on Board the Pigou — Lands at
Salem — Attends Woodbury Meeting, and proceeds to Philadelphia.
Went on board the Pigou, the 13th of Eighth month, 1788,
at Gravesend, about 7 o'clock in the evening of the 4th day of
the week, accompanied by Joseph G. and Mary Bevan, George
and Sarah Dillwyn, my dear companion Christiana Hustler,
Mary Crowley, Thomas Crowley, John Townsend, Jr., Richard
Phillips, Anthony Wilson Birkbeck, Thomas Jefferies, &c. Had
a comfortable seasdn at the Inn previous to leaving Gravesend ;
and with the above Friends on board the ship, before my fellow
passengers came, we witnessed Divine goodness renewed to us.
About 11 o'clock came Wm. Dillwyn and wife, and divers other
Friends. [Here follows a list of all on board, commencing with
the captain, Wm, Sutton.]
r 13*

150 MEMORIALS OF
Passengers in the Cabin. — Wm. Poyntnell, Geo. Russell,
R. Jones, Ann Warder, her son John and daughter Mary, her
servant, Sarah Stewart, and Susanna Dillwyn.
Staid up till late, in order to adjust some things in my berth,
(which, through the Captain's kindness, proved a large airy one,)
and, as the wind was fair to carry us into the Downs, I got
some sleep, but was sea sick, yet I felt easy in mind, and, part
ing with my dear companion, C. Hustler, who had been to me
part of the hundred fold promised in the gospel, and my kind
landlord, J. G. Bevan, and his wife, and many others, under
the precious influence of the Father's love, the sense thereof re
mained so very comfortable, that I was enriched thereby.
14th. Our pilot left us about 2 o'clock, and the wind being
contrary, we lay at anchor, so that by the tossing of the ship I
was at times unfit for any thing but lying in bed. Yet a boat
coming to us from Deal, I wrote to my friends J. G. and M.
Bevan, to dear L. H., and to my beloved C. Hustler.
On board the Pigou, 16th of 8th month, 1788, 1 o'clock, P.
M.—My dearly beloved companion, Q. Hustler,— Rene sitting
on a hencoop, after a day and night's sickness, by reason of
head wind, which keeps us at anchor just in sight of Deal, not
knowing how long we may have to wait for a change of wind
to carry us through the Downs, and thinking that, may be, some
Friend may come and give a peep at us, from Dover or else
where—though hardly able to hold up my head, I have got ink
and paper in one hand, holding it on my knee, while I salute
my precious Chrissy once more before we lose sight of the
British shore. Feeling the same holy cementing influence, by
which we have been in the Master's appointment united, and
now under the same direction separated, I dare not distrust His
continued mercy, nor that He will fail His poor handmaidens.
My heart and eyes now fill in thus saluting thee. Mayest thou
be helped to think of thy poor R. J., now in her narrowed in-
closure, and pray for her preservation in all things. Thou
knowest I am a poor creature. I suppose thou art now on thy
way some miles from London, and dear M. C, with thee, \

REBECCA JONES. 15j
hope she will feel satisfaction in waiting upon a meek, humble
disciple, who has long accompanied a lesser disciple with whom
she has united in the great Master's service, and that she will
be instructed by thy company and conversation, even as I often
have been. I am so sick, that I cannot say all to thee and thy
family that is in my heart. Let it suffice, my precious, that I
feel thy spirit near, as in the days that are past, and what is
more to be prized, I feel the Ancient of Days is near to us both
now we are separated. Lift up thine head in hope, that thy
condescension to the poor servant, out of still greater love to thy
blessed Master, is accepted by Him, who did by His inspeaking
voice say to my soul; when it was lifted up within me on thine
and my account at Walden, " Lo ! I am with you always, even
unto the end of the world." * * *
Look towards me with sisterly kindness, for my whole heart
salutes thee in the bonds of the gospel, believing the pure union
will not be dissolved by time or distance. I am thy ever loving,
grateful, though very sick companion. R. J.
17th. Being the First of the week, I told my female com
panions that I should think it right for us to hold a meeting in
the cabin, to which they agreed, and leave being had of the
Captain, I mentioned our intention to two men who were our
fellow passengers, viz : Wm. Poyntnell, of Philadelphia, and
Geo. Russell, of Birmingham, withal saying, if they were free
to give us their company it would be acceptable, but if not, we
should take no exceptions. Accordingly, the whole of our
company in the cabin, also our captain and chief mate, sat down
together in the cabin, where condescending goodness was pleased
to own our first little meeting in our narrow inclosure. My
mouth was also opened in a short testimony to his goodness,
believing we were under his Providential care. The men
before alluded to, were very serious, and they were very civil
and attentive to us on the voyage.
18th, Second day. About 3 o'clock hoisted anchor, and got
.through the Downs well. What a mercy that my mind should

152 MEMORIALS OF
be kept in perfect peace, while the poor body is so distressed
with sickness, and the ship in a continual agitation and tossing.
Oh ! my soul, trust thou in the Lord, who by his inspeaking
voice said on my going on board this ship, " Fear not, for I am
with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God."
20th, Fourth day. Made but little way. Passed Beachy
Head. I was led to consider that having, according to the best
of my ability, waited for and desired the Lord's blessed direc
tion as to the time when, and the ship in which to embark home,
and this detention in the channel being in the ordering of that '
gracious Being to whose requirings I had endeavored to stand
faithful, was comforted in believing that I was under his mercy
and protection, so that I was hereby kept from murmuring,
gave up the idea of reaching the Yearly Meeting, and resigned
my whole body, soul and spirit, to him who knows best what is
best for his poor creatures.
21st, Fifth day. Awoke this morning in a quiet, sweet frame
of mind, feeling my dear friends and late companions C. Hustler
and L. Hawkesworth brought near to my spirit in the precious
bond of love and light in which we had often rejoiced together.
Also, found the cord of love very attractive to my beloved com
panion H. Cathrall, which was like a brook by the way, even
in this my watery peregrination. Oh thou gracious Being, be
pleased for thy great name's sake to keep us near to thyself and
to each other, to the end of our time in this world, and what
ever thou mayest see meet to deprive me of, or suffer me to be
tried with, take not thy Holy Spirit and blessed protection from
me, I humbly pray thee.
22d, Sixth day. Had a very sleepless, tossing night, so that
I could scarce keep from falling out of my bed, by reason of a
high head wind, occasioning a great swell in the sea. My mind
was, however, mercifully preserved in a steady reliance upon
that gracious Being who of old time was declared to be " mightier
than the noise of many waters." I did not rise till near noon ;
was much tried with sea sickness, so that I was not able to move
from my chair but with assistance, which Captain Sutton, John

REBECCA JONES. I53
Collett the mate, and our men in the cabin were all very willing
to render. A. Warder also was in a like situation. Before I
arose, my dear C. Hustler came sweetly into view, believing her
to be nearly if not quite arrived at her own habitation, where,
amongst her amiable family, she will be joyfully received ; where
I have at different times spent some weeks, and where I shall
often be the subject of their agreeable conversation, and have the
sympathy and prayers of the Friends with whom (next to my
beloved H. C.) I have been most nearly connected in the Father's
love of any in this world. May I be sensible enough of the fa
vor, and may the aforesaid two dear friends, and, next to them,
my beloved fellow laborer S. Grubb, and my other dear, kind,
and benevolent companion, L. Hawkesworth, with my own soul,
be kept under the precious influence of that love and life which
covered our spirits when together, and united us in travels, visit
ing the churches, and in baptisms and sufferings for the Lord's
sake ; that nothing may be allowed to separate us* from one an
other in him who went with us, a light and leader, our " Eben-
ezer," for ever worthy to be followed and obeyed. My mind is
more exercised on account of dear L. H., whom I left in Lon
don, in a declining state of health, and under much discourage
ment. Yes, it was a near thing to take my last leave of one who
had been so tender and kind beyond expression to me, from the
time of my first landing, and rendered me many kind offices to
the last. When I took from her the parting embrace, and our
tears mingled together, she said, " My dear, may the Lord's
blessing go with thee, yes, he will be with thee unto the end."
This was the day before I left London, when she gave me a
small parcel, with directions that I should not open it till I got
home, on which was written, " A few specimens for the hand of
dear R. Jones." Oh, it was like rending a part of my life to
part with her, and with my ever dear C. Hustler, which last
was on board the Pigou to which she accompanied me, staid
near three hours, helped make my bed and adjust divers things
in my berth, and was the last woman let down into the boat, by
a chair fixed on ropes. We wept upon each others neck, and

154 MEMORIALS OF
repeatedly embraced ; our feelings were too exquisite to admit of
a single word more than the mutual "farewell," and then with
difficulty we separated from each other, she to the boat for
Gravesend, and I to my berth to feel my bereaved situation,
which was more than supplied by the incomes of the Lord's
goodness; tyhose loving kindness is better than all other enjoy
ments, yea, than even life itself. And my hope was revived in
that salvation, which has been so richly manifested towards me
and the worthy companion with whom Almighty Goodness has
been pleased to favor me, in all our travels through England,
Ireland, Scotland and Wales. To him, therefore, the Holy
Shepherd of Israel, be all praise and glory given, now and for
ever, -saith my soul.
23d. Seventh-day: Had a comfortable night's sleep, for
which I was thankful ; also that I was not so sick through the
day as usual when at sea, so that I spent great part of it on
deck, the weather being fine, though the wind was still against
us, we not having got .farther than Plymouth, which seemed
trying both to our captain (who is of a kind, quiet disposition,)
and to our fellow passengers. " But I dare not murmur, believ
ing that the mighty Ruler of the seas knows best what is best
for all his depending children. This night I laid down my head
in a degree of faith that the Lord was near to us.
24th. First-day. Rose humble and grateful, for the favor of
another quiet night, and, feeling more able than usual, got into
the cabin to breakfast. At 10 o'clock we sat down and held
our little meeling\s before, under some sense of the Lord's
presence with us, and I had to mention some things concerning
inward and spiritual worship, which seemed to gain both the
attention and assent of the captain and men passengers. When
the meeting broke up they withdrew, and then we settled again,
(viz : A. Warder, S. Dillwyn, the children and myself,) and a
word of counsel and encouragement was given me, for my dear
female fellow passengers, which had an affecting tendency.
25t'h. Second-day. Was quite peaceful in mind. Our
whole cabin company behaved with great civility. Susanna

REBECCA JONES. I55
Dillwyn very sweet and agreeable in her behavior and conver
sation, so that the detention for want of fair wind, was not so
trying as it would otherwise have been. About tea time a fair
wind gradually sprung up. We got quite out of the channel,
and clear of Scilly Islands.
26th. Third-day. The wind continuing fair, we got on at
the rate of about nine knots an hour till towards evening, when
the rain ceased and the wind grew slack again. Retired to bed
under a sense of divine care, and, having awoke in the morn
ing with "Whom have I in Heaven but thee, or in all the earth
in comparison with thee," it was a good day to me. Blessed
be the Lord !
27th. Fourth-day. Awoke this morning less sick, but did
not rise till after breakfast, finding myself less able to move
about than in my former voyage, by reason of stiffness in my
joints, &c. The weather was exceedingly fine, so that my fel
low passengers were upon deck, which I also tried, but finding
it too cold, I descended, and employed my time in working,
reading, and writing. By staying below, I had a time of deep
inward retirement before the Lord, and enjoyed the unity of
His blessed Spirit, both with my near and dear friends whom I
have left in England, and increasingly so with my dear friends
in America, whom, if it be the Lord's blessed will, I hope to see
iu a few weeks in my beloved native city of Philadelphia.
Which comfort (though I anticipate it with pleasure) will, I ex
pect, be greatly alloyed by the many painful circumstances that
will occur ; for the hearing of which my mind had for some
time been preparing, by a continual sense of sadness, in appre
hension, that does attend, both by day and by night. Oh, thou
most merciful Being, who, for purposes best known to thyself,
hast been pleased to. enlist me under thy holy banner of love
and life, and hast, by a further display of thine Almighty
Power, measurably enabled me to fight against the power of
darkness ; against spiritual wickedness in high places ; grant, I
humbly pray thee, for the sake of thy blessed cause, which I
have endeavored, through holy help from thee, to advocate, (not

156 MEMORIALS OF
for any desert in me,) that nothing present or to come may be
allowed to separate me from the sensible and comfortable enjoy
ment of thy love, shed abroad in my heart, nor from the pre
cious unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace, with thy little
gathered flock and family the world over.
30th. Seventh-day. Spent the day chiefly in reading. I have
often admired not only the kindness of our captain, but the
quiet, civil, and sober conduct of the whole crew, among whom
scarcely an indecent or unsavory word was heard. This, with
the harmony subsisting in the cabin, the singing of a sweet bird
in it, and the innocent prattle of A. Warder's children, made
time pass on more agreeably. But my being less sick than in
the former voyage, and (what is the greatest of all favors) be
lieving Heavenly protection and goodness were near us, often
clothed my mind with a sense of gratitude to the great Pre
server of men, who is, both by sea and land, to his depending
children, a God near at hand, a present help in every needful
time, to whom be high and endless praises given, because he is
good, and his mercy endureth forever.
31st. First day. — At ten o'clock held our little meeting, com
posed as before: in which, feeling the spirit of prayer and sup
plication, my heart was poured forth to the Almighty, that He
might be pleased to bless our little company, and to reveal Him
self to every soul on board the ship,, and favor them with the
knowledge of His pure will, giving them hearts to fear Him and
to love His holy law written therein. After meeting, A. W., S.
D. and myself by turns read many chapters in the Scriptures.
" Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for
his wonderful works to the children of men !"
Ninth month 3d. Fourth day. — Awoke this morning re
freshed in body, and thankful for the favour of a quiet night. A
gale suddenly came on, and heavy rain, with squalls, which,
though fair, tossed us much about : during which my mind was
inwardly retired to the Lord, in humble secret intercession, that
for His mercies' sake and the sake of His blessed cause, He
would be pleased to look down upon us, and preserve us over

REBECCA JONES. I57
the mighty deep : when the assurance which was given me on
my first coming on board with my dear friends to feel after right
direction, was comfortably renewed, viz : " Fear not for I am
with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God." In about an
hour and a half the sun broke out, and the wind becoming more
steady we went on pleasantly. Oh, the unspeakable loving
kindness of the great I am !n My mind this day was variously,
and, I hope, not unprofitably engaged, taking a retrospective
view of my steppings, in the arduous service in which, during
the four years I have been separated froni my native land, I
have been steadily, and, I trust, honestly engaged. The con
sideration whereof, deeply bowed and contrited my mind, and
qualified .me afresh to admire, worship and adore that Power
which has been experienced by me, a poor weak instrument ;
and excited a renewal of my confidence in the continued mercy
of the Almighty, also raising living desires and fervent breath
ings and cries to Him, that I may be, through the blessed assist
ance of His Holy Spirit, enabled to walk with care and circum
spection', on my return to my own country, and, to the end of
this painful pilgrimage, be clothed with the garments of un
feigned humility, gratitude and fear. And now, under a pre
cious sense of the Lord having in early life plucked me as a
brand out of the fire, made me sensible of the multitude of my
sins, which for His mercies' sake He was pleased to forgive, and
to blot them out as a thick cloud ; by the spirit of deep and sore
judgment, and the spirit of burning, to cleanse and purify my
soul from the pollution of sin and iniquity, and for purposes best
known to Himself, to commission me, a poor unworthy creature,
to testify to His goodness and the sufficiency of His mighty
power : has been with me hitherto by sea and by land, provided
me with suitable companions, and every necessary and agreea
ble accommodation, and favored me, from time to time, with
fresh and sure direction as I have waited for it ; — my soul is
prostrate in great awfulness. I acknowledge myself worse than
" an unprofitable servant" — and can set up my " Ebenezer" and
say, with gratitude and thanksgiving, " Hitherto thou, Lord, hast
14

158 MEMORIALS OF
helped me !" Blessed be Thy great name, for ever and ever,
Amen !
And now, in the prospect of my returning to my beloved
friends and native country, without a home of my own, nor cer
tainty of what place will be allotted me, there is at times the
source of great anxiety. Yet I dare not distrust the care of the
heavenly Shepherd, who both knows what I want, and how to
supply with all needful things. If Thou, Lord, then wilt but
condescend to be with me in the way that I go, give me bread
to eat, and raiment to put on, and bring me again to my own
country in peace; Thou shalt indeed be my God, and I will,
according to the measure of light and strength afforded, for ever
serve and follow Thee.
" My life, if Thou preserve my life,
Thy sacrifice shall be,
And death, if death shall be my doom,
Shall join my soul to Thee !"
The remembrance of an honest, upright-hearted remnant in
the island of Great Britain, to whom I have been made near in
the fellowship of the Gospel of Peace, and in the frequent soul-
solacing seasons which we have enjoyed together under the
covering of Divine Love ; — the travail of soul I have witnessed
on account of the dearly beloved youth, in the sense of the
heavenly visitation being powerfully renewed to them, (divers
of whom are preparing for service in the Lord's house) ; — and
the strong desire that I feel, on account of my three fellow labo
rers, Geo. Dillwyn, J. Pemberton, and James Thornton, whom
I have left behind in the same field in which I have faithfully
labored ; — have fully taken possession of my thoughts this
morning. And a humble hope has been renewed, that some
good fruits, in the Lord's time, will be produced by all the
labors and pains that have been immediately and instrumentally
bestowed upon these parts of the vineyard, and that the honest
laborers will have their reward, and the gain and praise of all
be given to the great heavenly Workman, who is now and for
ever worthy.

REBECCA JONES. 159
All the night it was at times squally, so that we were, I trust,
properly thoughtful in the cabin : my mind being often lifted up
in secret intercession to the Most High.
5th. Sixth day, — I went upon deck and staid about two hours :
when our captain told me we had now made full one-third of our
passage. May not only my poor soul, but all the souls in this
ship, be fully sensible of the favor conferred, and endeavor to
walk more worthy of its continuance. When on deck I took an
opportunity with S. L., a young woman who is passenger in the
steerage, where there is' no other female, and where amongst
four men passengers, and all the ship^s crew (making twenty-
two,) she is very much exposed. I endeavored to strengthen her
mind in behaving with such a degree of propriety among them,
that nothing may be unpleasantly remembered by her after she
has gone on shore— advising her that when she cannot becom
ingly and consistently converse with them, she had better re
main quite silent if she cannot withdraw. I also inquired into
her stock of clothing, with a view of supplying her if necessary.
With all which she appeared much affected. I felt much for
her, as she appears lo be a sober girl, and in a tried situation.
May she be preserved !
7th. First day. — Rose early this morning; much refreshed,
and thankful therefor. At 10 o'clock we held our little meeting,
and, though it was a low season, yet 1 was glad that I was able
to say that the Lord was near to lis, and that we kept up our
meeting every First day, having the company of the captain and
all the cabin passengers. After meeting the captain went up to
take his observations— we staid below, and each, by turns, read
in the Bible.
11th. Fifth day.-^-My mind was comforted in believing that
in' the right and best time we shall be favored to reach my native
land and beloved city, when, though T expect to meet with re
newed and manifold exercises and trials, oh ! that I may be kepi
in the hour of temptation, by the favor of my gracious Shepherd,
that so nothing may be able to pluck. me out' of His holy hand
in time and in eternity ! Amen !

160 MEMORIALS OF
12th. Sixth day. — Rose this morning quiet and thankful in
spirit, breathing for preservation to my Almighty Helper and
sure Friend. A dead calm.
13th. Seventh day. — Awoke refreshed and humbly thankful,
but' found my berth more uncomfortably warm than I had
known it before. On deck found the awning up — all hands on
deck — some mending the sails, some repairing the rigging, and
the chief mate preparing hooks and lines for fishing off New
foundland Banks, towards which we seem approaching.
14th. First day. — On consulting together, we concluded, that
with such incessant motion and tossing of the ship, we could
not sit safely and hold our meeting at the usual time, so post
poned it, in hope that we might sit down in the afternoon. But
the same difficulty attending, and A. W. and myself being
poorly, we were engaged reading most of the day. S. Dillwyn,
while A. W. lay down, came and read to me. I was pleased
and helped with her innocent company.
15th. Second day. — Was sea-sick in the morning, as were
my two female companions. But having a fair wind, which
carried us without much motion five and six knots, we all grew
better, and were able after breakfast to do a little sewing and
writing. Walked awhile on deck, but soon retired to the cabin,
finding the sun very hot. I was awaked in the night by a
heavy gale, with lightning, which prevented my getting any more
sleep ; yet, as I lay, my mind was inwardly retired to the Lord,
and breathing to Him for preservation every way, for His
blessed cause's sake.
16th, Third day. The wind increased — had several heavy
squalls, and the sea ran very high, so that the waves seemed
like mountains rolling around us. One wave, while A. Warder
was on deck, was so near breaking over the ship, that they were
quite alarmed, and we esteemed it a great mercy that it did not
reach us. This gave the ship such a lee lurch that a large table,
with our breakfast tray, which was on it, and S. Dillwyn's box
of minerals, which was under it, all well cleated and lashed,
broke loose, and was driven with violence to leeward, where A.

REBECCA JONES. 161
W.'s dear little children, had just been sitting, and removed but
a few minutes before it happened. What a signal display of Di
vine care over innocent children ! When their mother came
down, and saw and heard the circumstance, she sat down and
wept in humble thankfulness — and well she might — for had they
been in the way they must have been hurt badly, if not killed.
Our captain informed us that we had passed the banks of New
foundland, and that he believed we were crossing the Gulf
Stream. During the course of this day, I was often led to ex
amine myself, whether in any sort I was the cause of this dis
tress ; to look back Upon my former travels, and to consider whe
ther it might not be, in some sort, preparatory to my arrival in
my native country, and to keep me watchful and careful while
on board. And, under all these considerations, as I sat holding
both with hands and feet to keep on my seat, those comfortable
expressions arose in my mind, "Behold, God is my salvation, I
will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord Jehovah is'my strength
and my song. He also is become my salvation : therefore with
joy shall ye draw water together out of the wells of salvation."
This, with the enriching assurance given me on my first coming
on board of the ship, " Fear not," &c, together with the pros
pect which my dear friends C. Hustler and M. Prior had at the
same time — that we should get safe to our desired port — tended
to settle my poor mind in humble trust in Almighty goodness and
mercy, through the present, and whatever trials might in future
attend. Went to bed about 11 o'clock, and was enabled to
commit myself, body, soul and spirit, into the hands of my " faith
ful Creator," desiring his gracious protection for myself, my
dear friends in the cabin, and all the ship's company. After
which I soon fell asleep, had a good and comfortable night, and
awoke refreshed every way. Blessed by my sure and unfailing
Friend !
17th. Fourth-day. — I retired under some apprehension of a
tossing night, and slept till about 2 o'clock, when I was awak
ened by great noise on deck, and the three usual stamps of the
men, calling " All hands ahoy ! — reef and topsails !" The
14*

162 MEMORIALS OF
wind being high and the ship laboring hard, this at first a little
alarmed me, arid raised the humble prayer, " Lord have mercy
on us !" — when presently A. Warder came to my berth, and sat
by me two hours : in which time it rained heavily, with some
lightning, and the wind, in squalls, very high. After another
heavy squall the ship was put about, by which I was turned to
leeward, and was in less danger of pitching out of my bed.

R. Jones to Esther Tuke.
On board the Pigou, on the great Atlantic, Latitude 40o 42<
9th mo. 20th, 1788.
Dearly beloved Friend, — Being often favored, whilst floating
on the mighty ocean, to feel near unity of spirit with such dear
friends in the land whence (with my natural " life for a prey,"
and a degree of that peace which exceeds description,) I have
now escaped, with whom I have enjoyed sweet fellowship, and
who are still near to my best life ; and thou, among others,
having been pleasantly brought into view this morning, I have
sat down in order to give thee some account of thy poor feeble
I have given up all thought of reaching our Yearly Meeting,
so that if more is given me than I expect, I shall give it a place
among the many marvellous displays of Almighty goodness, of
which I have been a thankful, grateful witness. But not this
mighty deep, nor length of time, will, I trust, ever erase from
my remembrance an honest, faithful-hearted remnant, a tender
visited seed, a highly favored people in that nation, whom ever
lasting loving kindness has so signally cared for, and at whose
hands He is now looking for fruits adequate to his abundant
care over them. May the upright, affectionate, disinterested
labors of the poor servants, who have been sent amongst you,
be in some degree promotive of this great end. May the hands
of the faithful among you be made strong to the removing of

REBECCA JONES. 163
every obstruction in the way of' advancement. May the dear
youth who have benn enamored with the brightness of the Di
vine power arising in their hearts, " keep humbly their solemn
feasts, and faithfully perform all their vows." May the "north,"
through the softening influence of holy animating love and life
be prevailed upon during the day of offered mercy to " give
up," and the "south," in a state of faithful obedience to the
Divine will, "keep nothing back," is my humble prayer.
Then will your light go forth with encouraging brightness, and
the clothing of Divine salvation, on all the different classes iri
the family, be conspicuously clear "as a lamp that burnetii."
Nor shall I be, I humbly hope,, deprived of the enjoyment of
the bond of christian fellowship with those who meet at the
approaching annual solemnity in Philadelphia, and at your
Quarterly one held about the same time ; but, by the great and
good Remembrancer, may I, in this my watery peregrination,
be raised as an epistle in your hearts, and feel the efficacy of the
fervent prayer of the righteous, with whom I pray that I may now
and forever be united. I know I am an "unprofitable servant," and
yet can appeal to the great Master in a degree of childlike sim
plicity, that I have endeavored to do that which was required as a
duty at my hands : and for the encouragement of other poor weak
lings I have to testify to the goodness of that hand which " put
forth :" it has gone before, made crooked things straight, and
cast up a way, even when and where to my view there has ap
peared no way. So that now, though I am going to my own
country and people, with no spoil taken, yet am I returning with
that acknowledgment made by the early publishers of the gos
pel in reply to the query, "Lacked ye anything?" and can,
with'reverence of soul, say, " Nothing, Lord." I know that it
will be still necessary for me to feel after and dwell deeply with
the heavenly gift on my return ; and oh, that under its blessed
influence, I may be favored with patience, lest, for want of this
profitable virtue, I should lose the things which have, through
holy help, been wrought, and so miss of that consummate re
ward with which we are not fully entrusted until the end of the

164 MEMORIALS OF
painful race. May this, dear Esther, be thine and my gladden
ing experience when this short fight of affliction is over, is my
fervent prayer.
I shall be much disappointed if I do not frequently hear from
the houses of York and Holdgate, To all of them is my deal-
love, and to my other dear friends in your country, as if
named. Thou knowest who they are: they are too numerous
for insertion, but not too mariy " in order one by one to rise"
in my affectionate remembrance. When you do write, mention
how " the lilies flourish, and the pomegranates bud and blos
som," and whether " the garden of nuts" has furnished any
more ripe fruits for the King's table— with whatever is interests-
ing to thee : for it will be so to me, because we are (dare I pre
sume) soldiers in tfje same army, consequently entitled to hear
of the several movements therein.

4&5«i

20th. Seventh-day. Awoke afreshed, and with an easy mind.
But soon found, on getting up, that the wind blew fresh and
quite contrary, which was a fresh trial of faith and patience,
when, on considering a little what should be the cause, and why
We have such an unfavorable prospect, my mind was silenced
from enquiry by a secret persuasion that it was all for the best,
though not for the present seen to be so. Whereupon I again
resigned to the thought of not reaching our Yearly Meeting,
which, had it been, or should it be the Lord's blessed will we
should do, would have been a comfortable circumstance. But
as I have often been fully convinced that our Almighty Shep
herd knows best what is best for his poor sheep and dependent
children, may his holy will be done in all things, saith my soul.
Ot)r captain spoke a sloop this morning from Grenada, out 18
days, bound for Newfoundland; and upon comparing the ship's
reckoning, it appeared that we were not by three degrees as for
ward in our passage as we expected. This was unpleasing tr-
ings to our company, who had fixed the 7th of next month for

REBECCA JONES. 165
getting to Philadelphia. In the evening the -wind lowered, and
it again grew calm, so that we retired early and soon went to
sleep, trusting in the Lord.
21st. First-day. About 5 o'clock, the wind for the first time
was on our stern. It blew fresh, and rained heavily. I rose
early, in hopes that we might hold our little meeting, and once
more in the cabin together wait upon the Lord. But the wind
so increased that we kept our seats with some difficulty. The
dead lights were all put in, and candles brought into the
cabin. I, however, sat down in quiet about an hour, with my
mind inwardly turned to the Lord, who is worthy to be waited
upon at all times. The ship was the whole day in a perpetual
roll, from side to side, and a day of the most heavy and steady
wind, our captain said, that he ever remembered, so that the
poor men were wet to the skin, and we could not stir at all out
of the cabin. We went, through the day, at the rate of 8 and
9 knots. The great motion, rolling, and thumping of the waves
was alarming at first, but our Captain told us we were crossing
the gulf stream, so that if the wind had taken us ahead instead
of astern, or had it been quite calm as before, we should have
been in a much worse situation. This, and his further infor
mation that this wind in Delaware bay would inevitably run us
ashore, humbled and deeply affected my mind, leading to the
renewed inquiry, "What shall I render to the Lord," &c. A.
W., having dreamed of her husband, pleased herself with the
thoughts of getting to Philadelphia in a few days more. But
having always found that I fared best when I was most fully
resigned to the Lord's will, and having been favored to come to
this desirable attainment, I did not dare to flatter myself with so
agreeable a circumstance, though fully persuaded that all things
are possible with our gracious Creator.
22d. Second-day. * * * Our company seemed highly
pleased with hopes of soon getting on shore; but, on divers ac
counts, my rejoicing is in fear. Oh, thou great Preserver of
men, condescend to fortify my mind with a reverent trust in thy
goodness»and providential care, and clothe me with humility and

166 MEMORIALS OF
watchfulness on my first meeting my beloved friends, and to the
end of my time in this uncertain, fallacious and wicked world,:
for thy mercies sake ? In the evening the wind shifted, and by
2 o'clock the wind again shifted, and blew a heavy gale directly
against us. Captain Sutton ordered all sails made snug, and
lay too about twelve hours, during all which time the dead'
lights were in, and the ship labored so much, and the sea was
so high, that it made the most awful and gloomy appearance I
ever beheld. Dear A. W., and I, not being able to keep safely
in bed, sat up till day light. W. P., being much alarmed, sat
up with us all night.*
23d. Third-day. The wind much lowered, though the sea
ran very high, and it was dangerous moving from our seats. I
staid in my berth, and, as in the night, my mind was often en
gaged in humble intercession to the Almighty for our preserva
tion, and that he would be pleased, for His great name's sake,
to have mercy upon us, and influence our Captain with wisdom,
and his men with strength in so perilous a time. About 8
o'clock, P. M., it was nearly calm, and I was told that it was
likely to remain so.
24th. Fourth-day. After a good night's rest, I arose refreshed
and thankful for the favor. This day makes just six weeks since
we came on board. Light wind, but fair. About 11 o'clock
we espied a sail, which proved to be a schooner — Juno — from
New York, laden with corn, and bound to Teneriffe. She had
been out about a week — had met with a gale of wind last First
day, when we were going before it at the rate of ten knots.
Had been under the necessity of throwing overboard 60 bushels,
and cutting in two her long boat, one-half of which she threw
overboard to lighten the ship. Her captain desired Capt. Sut-
* Sarah R. Grubb, writing, to R. J., says— "If I am not mistaken,
since thy leaving London, thou hast had thy portion of awful sensa
tions on the mighty waters. My heart was so almost continually with
thee, and so affected sometimes, as to amount to painful conflict, so
that I could hardly conclude that it originated merely in those natural,
affectionate feelings, which a separation from one so beloved occa
sioned."

REBECCA JONES. 167
ton to take a letter for him, and, to bring it to us, they imme
diately launched a small skiff with one of their hands, who, with
two oars, made his way very dexterously over the waves, and
brought the letter, returning safe again. This was a pleasing
circumstance to all our company, who were with one consent
gathered to the larboard side to look at fellow men floating, like
ourselves, on the watery element. But as I stood looking on,
and considering how we had been preserved in that very gale,
by which they had been distressed, my heart overflowed with
gratitude and thanksgiving, and mine eyes with tears, and the
more so when I adverted to what might have been the conse
quence had we been in the bay at the time. The sense of the
Lord's protecting goodness extorted from me this expression in
the hearing of all, " Thanks be to Him who is forever worthy."
This sense continued sweetly the covering of my spirit through
the day. We made some preparation towards going on shore
when it shall please the Lord so to favor us, which, when grant
ed, will, I trust, sink me in the deepest gratitude, fear, obedi
ence and love to mine Almighty Helper and Protector, all the
days of my life. In the afternoon we were easy and pleasant on
deck, and in the evening came down to writing. My heart felt
peaceful and humble, which, I pray, may be continued to me
till landing on my native shore, and forever, Amen ! Through
the night I had not a wink of sleep, yet my mind was tranquil
and easy.
[For several days they were subjected to storms and conse
quent discomfort.]

Ninth month 28th. First day.— After a good night, awoke
with the remembrance of its being the time of our Yearly Meet
ing in Philadelphia, where many worthy and dear friends are
collected, and where, had it been the Lord's good pleasure, I
should have rejoiced among them. But as it is so ordered, I
desire to be content in the enjoyment of that blessed fellowship
of spirit which cannot be quenched -by the mighty waters be-

168 MEMORIALS OF
tween us, and is the solid rejoicing of the heavenly minded
family every where. After breakfast, I informed the captain of
a wish which I felt, that if he had no objection, an invitation
might be given to the steerage passengers and to the sailors, to
sit with us at our little meeting. He readily consented, and
sent the steward to give them all notice. We sat down at ten
o'clock. Some of those invited, came and behaved soberly,
and my heart was enlarged in gospel affection towards them,
and under the influence, I trust, of the spirit of true prayer, was
enabled to intercede for our preservation, and for redemption
from all iniquity. Oh, that the request may, in adorable mercy,
be granted !  , was much affected in the meeting, and
appeared solid and thoughtful after it. * * * Our captain
sounded and found no bottom.
29th, Second day. — May I be favored with patience and re
signation in the present trying allotment, thus detained from
assembling with my dear friends in Philadelphia, at their
Yearly Meeting, because All-perfect wisdom knows best what
is best for us.
30th, Third day. — Still an unfavorable prospect. Our cap
tain found bottom in fifty fathoms water ; on hearing which,
divers of our company appeared very much elated, even to an
exstacy ; but my mind felt very much restricted from appearing
outwardly to rejoice. Soon after, the wind sprang up so fair,
that we ran into five fathoms. , Upon this, our captain, who is
prudently careful, stood to the southward. The wind increased
to a strong breeze from the N. E., so that towards evening, we
lightened sail, and about six o'clock, spied land ahead at about
six leagues distance. All things then laid snug, we lay at the
mercy of the wind and waves, which were under the direction
of the Most High, till morning.
10th month 1st, Fourth day.— Wind still the same, and the
sea running very high. About eleven o'clock we espied' a pilot
coming towards us, who proved to be Harry Fisher, a skillful
man. On his coming on board, our captain and all the ship's
company seemed relieved. He told me that he was last week

REBECCA JONES. 169
in Philadelphia, and that I was expected to the great meeting
there. He brought us a few apples and peaches, which S. D.
and I particularly enjoyed. Oh, how my soul worshipped in
deepest prostration, and craved to be kept little, low, and hum
ble in going amongst my dear friends, under the present mercy,
which is indeed marvellous in my eyes. Blessed and forever
magnified, be the name of the Most High, from this time forth
and forever more !
Last night I was comforted in remembering that, last Sixth
day night, which was a time of sore exercise in a storm of wind,
thunder, and rain, I was assured this would be the last storm ;
and that we should safely get to Philadelphia before the Yearly
Meeting ended. So that I had no creaturely fears to contend
with. But my health feels too much impaired to promise my
self much enjoyment for a time, and having no fixed horrie to
go to, feels discouraging; but I dare no more distrust Divine
care, now nor forever.
Rain came on in the evening, and it was very dark, so that
we were truly glad we had got to a safe anchorage within the
cape, as the wind blew fresh against us. — Dropped anchor at
eight o'clock, below Bombayhook, and in the cabin afterwards
our captain and pilot spent the rest of the evening with us, the
latter giving some accounts of Philadelphia.
2d, Fifth day. — A head wind, our ship could get no farther
than within five miles of Salem, and being assured that unless
the wind changed, we could not get up till first day, and being
desirous of reaching the Yearly Meeting before it ended, I con
cluded to go with our company on shore. So our kind captain
ordered the ship's yawl to be launched, and sent four of his
men, who, with the pilot, (after the latter had taken a respectful
leave of all on board,) took us on shore, to the house of a Friend
named Clement Hall, who took us in his wagon to John Red
man's in Salem, where we lodged, and found the family all_ very
kind. On Sixth-day, the 3d instant, R. J. notes — "We rose early,
and two wagons having been provided, having Emmor Baily
15

170 MEMORIALS OF
and Elgar Brown for drivers, we got on well and safely to
Woodbury, just as Friends were going to their week-day meet
ing ; whereupon I felt a draught on my mind to meet with them,
and left my companions to their liberty. They not being in
clined to go, I went alone."
Our pilgrims, halting at Woodbury, noticed a few Friends
going to meeting, and anxious as they all were to reach Phila
delphia, R. Jones could not feel at liberty to pass the first meet
ing of Friends after her arrival without attending it. Her
companions left a vehicle and driver for her, and proceeded.
Owing to the attendance at Yearly Meeting, the number of
Friends assembled was of course small, and she was only re
cognized by one person present, Margery, wife of Samuel
Mickle. Having relieved her mind, and after sitting a short
time, feeling easy to do so, she informed Friends that she
wished to attend the closing sittings of the Yearly Meeting, and
desired that the meeting might not be disturbed by her quietly
withdrawing. The Friend already referred to, followed her
out. Her carriage soon overtook the one containing her friends,
and, saluting them, she passed on before. They crossed the
Delaware in company, no time having been lost by her attend-
ing Woodbury Meeting.
" We arrived," she writes to S. Alexander, " on the 3d, just
two days before the close of our Yearly Meeting, (after a pas-
sage of seven weeks from Gravesend, but only thirty-six days
from land to land,) so that I had the satisfaction of seeing my
dear friends generally from the country, and truly our joy was
mutual : and in the assembly of the Lord's people to give Him
thanks for his mercies."

REBECCA JONES. - i7i

CHAPTER VII.
1788 to 1790.
Attends closing sittings of Yearly Meeting and returns her certificates
— Diary letter to J. P — Letter from S. Grubb — Present from pupils
of Clonmell school — Parts with H. Cathrall and takes lodgings with
James Goram — Letter lo J. Williams — Visits the Yearly Meetings
on Long Island and on Rhode Island — Letter to Dr. Cathrall and to
other Friends — Sickness — Journey to Maryland.
" On the first sight of my native city," she says, " my heart
was so affected, that I seemed near fainting ; but, after relieving
myself with many tears, I felt deeply humble and thankful,
under a sense of marvellous preservation every way expe
rienced ; but more particularly so on the mighty deep, as the
Harmony, Capt. Willett, who sailed with us from the Downs,
came into port about the same time in a wrecked condition, from
a storm which we were favored only to feel in part. We landed
at the old ferry," (this was about one o'clock,) " from whence,
taking leave of my company, I went to Johns Hopkins',* where-
I dined, and dismissed a letter to H. Pemberton to let her and
my H. C. know that I was landed. S. Emlen came in his
chaise and sent me in it to Richard Humphreys,f where my
H. C. met me. We were deeply affected on seeing each other,
and together blessed the Lord for his abundant goodness and
mercy. I was shocked in looking at her, and thought her every
way more altered than any other person. At three o'clock went
to the Women's Meeting, where a general solemnity soon over
spread us, and I was engaged publicly to return thanks to my
great and gracious Helper, Preserver, and Everlasting Friend,
the Lord Almighty, who is worthy to be served, feared and
obeyed, for ever and ever."
* Water street, between Higti and Mulberry streets.
t Next door to Market Street Meeting.

]72 MEMORIALS OF
Her arrival was known to few Friends till her appearance at
the afternoon sitting.
Soon after the meeting was settled, Rebecca appeared im
pressively in supplication, and the remarkable covering of so
lemnity was long remembered by those who were present.
" Before the meeting broke up," she notes, " I went up to John
Pemberton's, to avoid being stopped by the crowd of Friends
who were glad to see me again, and in the evening several came
to see me. I was much fatigued with this day's labor, but got
some quiet good sleep."
Next morning in the Select meeting, she returned the certifi-
cate "ranted to her by that meeting in the 3d month, 1784, with
endorsements from the Yearly Meeting held in London in the
years 1787 and 1788, and from the Half Year's Meeting for
Ireland, Fifth month 9th, 1786.
Her diary thus proceeds :
4th, Seventh day. — Rose refreshed, and with a mind deeply
bowed in gratitude to the great Preserver of men. At eight
o'clock went to the last sitting of the Select Yearly Meeting,
where I returned my certificate which they had given me, and
also delivered those given me from Ireland and England. And
though I had not much to say for myself, I was enabled openly
to declare that not only was the promise made to the early dis
ciples when sent forth, mercifully fulfilled to me in every part,
so that I could say on my return as they did, that I had lacked
nothing, but that the reward of Peace was more than adequate
to all the endeavor I had been enabled to use for the promotion
of the one great and good cause. After this meeting concluded,
I went to that for business among Women Friends, which was
large and solid. Dined with many friends at J. P.'s, and before
bed time, had an opportunity of seeing many of my dear friends
who called there.
5th, First day.— This being the first Ficst day after my landing,
I chose to go to the Bank Meeting, that being the one to which
I had always belonged. I attended both morning and aftei-
noon, and sat in silence. Dined at Henry Drinker's ; drank

REBECCA JONES. I73
tea at Wm. Compton's, and having much pain, did not go to the
evening meeting ; but after sitting an hour at Daniel Drinker's
with G. and H. Churchman, went to my lodgings.
6th, Second day. — Was at the second day Morning Meeting ;
dined at James Pemberton's, and there, and in the evening, fin
ished divers letters begun on board the Pigou, and sent them
by the  , going to Cork.
Various letters commenced on ship-board, were finished on
her arrival. In a postscript to one addressed to Jno. Pember
ton, she says, (10th mo., 6th,) " I can't help wishing it may be
thy lot to return in the Pigou, when it shall please our great
Master to set thee at liberty — till when, may patience and holy
stability be thy covering and girdle, that so thou mayest return
with a clear evidence of having " finished the work" assigned
thee, and in the right time. Which I can say with humble
thankfulness, is in some degree my experience, though I am
sensible I have not been fitted for great things, and am " an un
profitable servant." The reward of Peace is more than ade
quate to the exercise I have undergone for the sake thereof.
So, dear friend, be encouraged through all to look to that good
hand whieh has hitherto supported us, and is able to keep us to
the end. I am now quietly seated in thy front parlor, with thy
beloved wife, who is about as well as common, and received me
very kindly into her house, though she appeared not a little dis
appointed at not receiving thee also — yet she bears it with
becoming patience and resignation. We arrived at Philadelphia
last Sixth day, the 3d inst., timely for the afternoon meeting
for business. Next morning at the Select Meeting had my cer
tificates read, and at the concluding Women's Meeting after
wards. So that I was at three meetings with my beloved
friends, who were all, with me, mutually glad in seeing' each
other, under the humbling sense of the Lord's goodness in many
ways extended to me, a poor, unworthy creature. An eminent
display whereof we witnessed in a hard gale, a few days before
we reached the land ; which, though it did our ship no damage,
was very heavy upon the Harmony, Captain Willitt, who left
15*

174 MEMORIALS OF
the Downs with us, and arrived in a shattered condition soon
after us — having carried away her mizzen mast and quarter
galleries, -washed away her caboose, with two men in it, several
of her live stock, &c, and lay four hours on her beam ends,
without her dead lights in. Which, when I heard, oh, how my
heart was humbled within me in a grateful sense of Divine pre
servation over us, for which I hope to*be forever thankful.
* *- * *
I see great alteration in people and things, many look more than
four and a half "years older, and my dear H. C. is one of the
number. We have not yet got a house, but hope we shall soon.
But thy dear wife wishes us to be content with this. * *
May the God and Fathpr of all our mercies, who has thus
favored me to return in peace, be with thee in the way in which
thou goest, and in the appointed season, restore thee to thy be
loved wife and near connexions."
After her return to her native land, she accepted the hospita
lity of her friend -Hannah Pemberton, until Tenth month 22d,
when, having obtained a house, she, with her former companion
H. Cathrall, removed to it. We find her domestic accounts
and business records interspersed with memoranda, from which
occasional extracts will be given.
" Tenth month 9th. 5th day. At meeting. — Warner Mifflin,
and Ann Emlen, married. More in the simplicity, and with
less parade than 1 have ever seen on the like occasion. I fear
they will not have many followers in this city.
12th. — First day. Was at Bank Meeting twice, and in the
evening at Market-street.
13th. — Second day morning meeting. Samuel Smith open
ed a concern for England
27th. — Second day. At the select meeting, dined and drank
tea at John Warder's, where also dined Capt. Sutton, Geo.
Russell, W. Poyntell, and Susanna Dillwyn — all my fellow pas
sengers in the Pigou.
28th.— Third day. Monthly meeting at Bank. R. J. ap
peared, I gave in certificates to both meetings. S. Harrison ap7

REBECCA JONES. I75
peared in supplication. S. Emlen came into women's meet
ing. 11th mo. 1st.— Seventh day. At two meetings in the great
meeting house, in both silent.
3rd. — Second day. Our Q. Meeting. Delivered my certi
ficates in both men's and women's meeting. Adjourned at 5
o'clock, a good time.
9th — First day. At Bank meeting, twice in silence. In the
evening kneeled.
10th — Second day. Was at the select meeting. Mentioned
the black people's having leave of their masters in a morning
for attending meeting."
Eleventh month 14th, she was comforted . beyond expres
sion by the reception of a letter from her beloved Sarah R.
Grubb, the following extract from which will meet a res
ponse in the hearts of those of our readers who, being amid
'the conflicts of time, preserved in " the bond of peace," feel
that they, like these precious sisters, " stand together in the
unity," — having in themselves the evidence that they have
" passed from death unto life."

Sarah Grubb to R. J.
" I do indeed join thee in the grateful tribute of thanksgiving
and praise to our ever-living Helper, who, blessed be his name
has done, and will, my soul is renewedly and firmly persuaded,
continue to do for thee, great things ; wherein his own eternal
name will be exalted, and thy acceptance with him stand for
ever. Ah my precious friend, these truly are great things ;
not works of righteousness which the creature itself can do
— no — his mercy and his truth are marvellous in our eyes, and
that effectual washing, that fiery baptism of spirit which pre
pares instruments to convert sinners unto Him, I congratulate
thee, as my spirit did in my last, which was written before
I heard of thy safe arrival in Philadelphia, from whence thy
rejoicing salutation of 10th month 6th. reached my hands a

176 MEMORIALS OF
little before meeting time last Fifth-day. It almost unfitted me
for going, because my mind had been exceedingly tried about
thee for a little while, both by night and day, towards the latter
part of thy passage. But this meeting proved a salutary oppor
tunity for me, under the assistance then afforded, to centre down
to the root which bears the branches, whose direction is as
various as every point in the compass; — and yet they have all
the same origin, where they meet together, and flourish through
the efficacy of the one liberal source. There is a prospect now,
that the salutation of my heart will be wafted to thee, and meet thy
acceptance, in the renewings of that love which, I humbly trust
no vicissitudes or future dispensations will ever be suffered to
diminish. I value it as a gift from the hand which is full of blessings,
and wish to honor it as such. The affectionate part in us
fabricates a strong resemblance of gospel fellowship, but, had we
no stronger cement than it affords, we could not stand together
in the unity, through many of those storms and combats with
which the Christian traveller meets, from within and from
without." Our readers'are supposed to be aware that the writer of the
foregoing letter, had removed to Ireland, and taken charge of
Clonmell school. The following inscription was worked with
beautiful neatness on a sampler by the scholars, under her in
spection, and sent to America as a memento of their close
friendship and gospel unity. R. Jones had it framed and hung
in her chamber. R. J. having spent about a week in Clonmell
school, the pupils had become much attached to her, so that
the offering was one of affection on their part, and not merely
as made to their teacher's friend.
Clonmell-School to
Rebecca Jones of Philadelphia ;
On her return from a long and arduous visit to the Churches of the
People called Quakers
in Europe ;
sendeth greeting.

REBECCA JONES.
After a frequent and sympathetic conflict
with this her endeared friend,
and instructive companion ;
SARAH R. GRUBB, rejoices in HOPE,
that by the POWER OF OMNIPOTENCE,
and in the Covenant of Love and Life,
She is now restored to the bosom of the Church
in AMERICA,
and to the precious society of
her most beloved and constant friend,
in the Tribulation and Consolation op the Gospel,
Hannah Cathrall.

177

Eleventh Month, 1788.
Shortly after this, in an open conference between R. J. and
H. Cathrall, as regarded their future mode of living, the latter
announced the insufficiency of her heajth for resuming the
charge of the school, &c. " My mind," says R. J., "was much
sunk in the prospect of our separation, and my not being able
to work for my living as I used to do, nor having enough
to bear me out without labor. So we retired for the night with
heavy hearts." We may anticipate, by noting that R. J. took
lodgings with James Goram, No. 3, Watkins' Alley, on the
1st of the ensuing Fourth month, H. C. removing to the house
of her brother. R. J., under that date, notes her '• desire for
preservation under the close trial of being thus ~ separated. I
rested poorly, yet was quiet in spirit, believing that I had no
hand in our separation, and desiring patiently to wait|0he event."
Writing 11 mo. 18th. to Samuel Alexander of Needham,
having related the incidents of the voyage and their preservation
from damage in the storm, in which the Harmony which
" could not have been far distant," was shattered and almost
wrecked, she says, " For this extraordinary circumstance toge
ther with the innumerable, unmerited mercies, in which I
have been made a sharer, both in your country and my own,
my soul worships in the deepest prostration before the throne
of boundless goodness ; adopts the humble inquiry, ' What
shall I render unto thee, oh Lord, for all thy benefits?' and

178 MEMORIALS OF
desires to walk in gratitude and humility all the days of m
life." After giving information on various points, she thu
concludes : — " Thy kind epistle which reached me befoi
I embarked, I esteem as a fresh proof of thy brotherly remetr
brance, and that thou art desirous of pursuing the one thin,
needful. May thy labor be crowned with success, and thy re
signation , to the despicable epithet of fool, introduce thee wor
thily among those wise who are ' to shine as the brightness o
tfie firmament,' and as ' the stars for ever and ever.' Whei
I look towards the honest hearted living members in your land
I rejoice in feeling the current of precious unity flow even fron
this, and am still fervently engaged in spirit for the restora
tion of all the dispersed, scattered, and captivated childrei
through the various tribes in our Israel. May the Most High
hasten the day in which this great and good work will be effected
,to the praise of his own adorable Name and Power, and tha,
without instrumental help.
It was a great thing to part with my beloved friend and pre
cious companion C. Hustler, yet it was made more easy, thar
we could have expected,-— and so have other hard things thro'
the virtue of that love and life without the sensible enjoyment
of which there is nothing worth desiring to live for. Farewell
dear Samuel — " hold fast that which thou hast received — let no
man take thy crown."
. I remain in christian sympathy thy assured friend,

In accordance with the noble determination of Saul of Tarsus
that he would " make his ministry without charge," and " with
his own hands minister to his wants,"— our friend, not finding
it expedient to resume her school, commenced a shop, which
was kept in her parlor, (the articles being deposited in closets
and drawers, so as to be entirely out of sight.) She imported
gloves, shawls, kerchiefs, some articles of dry goods and
trimmings, and various articles, costly and of superior quality,

REBECCA JONES. I79
many of which could be obtained no where else in Philadelphia.
In the selection and importation, she received the willing aid of
her friends on both sides of the Atlantic ; and thus her bus
iness which was never allowed to interfere with her religious
duties and engagements, was made to her the means of " pro
viding things honest in the sight of all men."
" Twelfth month 27th. Sixth day.— Was at Philadelphia
Monthly Meeting. Job Scott and Daniel Aldrich had the chief
service. It was a good meeting. At its close I had a short
opportunity with Warner Mifflin, and desired him to let patience
have its perfect work."

R. Jones to Joseph Williams.
Philadelphia, 12th mo. 16th, 1788.
Dear friend Jos. Williams, — Before this reaches thee, thou
wilt have heard, that through the tender mercies of the Most
High, I am safely arrived in this, my native city, which I was
favored to reach two days before our Yearly Meeting ended ;
thereby having an opportunity of seeing my beloved friends
from different parts of the country. They received me cordial
ly, and we were helped together to set up our " Ebenezer " with
thanksgiving and praise to our Almighty Helper and everlasting
Friend. My beloved companion, H. C, was almost overset on
my approach to her. I was favored with a good passage on
the whole ; a very kind captain, and good company. But what
calls for the deepest thankfulness, is, that even whilst we were
much tossed with a' tempest, about a week before we arrived,
my mind was preserved under the calming influences of soul-
solacing peace, under which I met my dear friends, and, through
boundless mercy, it has been the covering of my spirit by day
and by night since.
And now, my care and desire is, that I may be preserved
from lavishing away the precious sheaf, which has been vouch-

1§0 MEMORIALS OF
safed me as a reward : a reward far beyond my deserts, and more
than adequate to my feeble endeavors in your land and in Great
Britain. Moreover, my heart breathes afteran increase of ability
to " walk humbly with my God," who hath so marvellously con-
descended to my weak and low estate, having been " a very
present help in every needful time," and having accepted the dedi
cation of my heart ih my late services, and who is now and forever
worthy to receive the praise of His own works ! May the honest
and disinterested labors of love, which have, of later time, been be
stowed by the Lord's messengers upon the different parts of his
vineyard, be productive of fruits, answerable to His gracious de
sign ! May the living members of the church in your land in
crease in the holy increase of God ! May the careless and
lukewarm professors be quickened and made alive in the day
time, and repent and dp their first works ! May the camp be
cleansed from the accursed thing ! that so Israel may no more
turn backward in the day of battle. / And mayest thou, dear Jo
seph, improve thy time and thy talent faithfully, |ind with my
poor soul, witness the answer of " well done ! " at last.
I. feel near sympathy with thee, whilst writing ; I know the
humble diffidence of thy spirit ; but be honest, be vigilant, I be
seech thee; then, the greater the cross, the weightier will thy
crown be ! Salute, for me, dear E.i Pike ; I think of her as a
mother in Israel, worthy of double honor. Let thy dear wife
and children know I remember them with a heart replenished
with love, and fervent desire for their welfare in time and in
eternity. * * * * * *
Do write to me soon, and let me hear if the " lilies grow and
the pomegranates flourish " in your nation.
I am entering into a larger field of sorrow and exercise in my
own land, where, though I find a faithful, upright.hearted num
ber, there are multitudes of a different description amongst the
professors of truth, some of whom, will assuredly be "corrected
by their own folly, and be reproved by their own backslidings,"
sooner or later. *****
In reviewing the past, with Friends in your Island and Great

REBECCA JONES. 1S1
Britain, I feel the precious unity of the one everlasting covenant,
in which I can in spirit, though absent in body, salute, sympa
thise, and rejoice with the true born children of our Heavenly
Father, and say, " Fear not little flock, it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the Kingdom! " Amongst these thou my
dear friend, with thy faithful partner hast often been brought
nearly into view, feeling tenderly solicitous for your welfare in
every way ; and I trust, though finally separated in this state of
existence, we may, through boundless goodness, meet at last
where we can unite in the ceaseless song, " Great and marvel
lous are thy works, Lord God Almighty ; just and true are thy
ways, thou King of Saints !" * * * *
Thy assured, obliged, and affectionate friend,

" 1789. Fifth month 4th. — Was at our Quarterly Meeting,
where I mentioned an exercise for going to the Y. M. of Flush
ing and Rhode Island. Friends gave leave for mentioning my
concern to the Monthly Meeting."
On the 2d of Sixth month, a certificate was granted by her
Monthly Meeting, signed by sixty-four Friends, in conformity
with the prospect above noted. Fifth month 20th, she writes :
" About this time, I suppose Friends will be going towards
the Yearly Meeting of London, where, if I had the wings of a
dove, I should be tempted to join the solemn assembly; but as
this is altogether impossible, in body, I am thankful in believing,
I shall in spirit be wafted there, to join the intercession with a
faithful number, to the Father of mercies, for His continued
help, preservation, and guidance in the weighty service of that
meeting." ******
It is interesting in this connection, to observe" the reciproca
tion of feeling on the part of her transatlantic sisters in the as
sembly to which her mind was thus turned, as expressed in the
Epistle addressed by the Women's Y. Meetingof London, Sixth
16

182 MEMORIALS OF
month, 1789, to their Friends in Philadelphia. " We rejoice,"
say they, " in the extension of Divine favor vouchsafed to you,
our beloved sisters, in your annual assembly, and that bur en
deared friend Rebecca Jones, with other gospel messengers who
lately visited this land, were conducted in the aboundings of
peace, to their native country. We are now favored with the
company of our beloved friends John Pemberton, James Thorn
ton, and George Dillwyn, with his valuable wife, whose ser
vices and gospel labors have been truly acceptable to Friends
and others, where their lot has been cast."
Of this journey to New England, neither her notes nor her
numerous letters (two excepted) have been discovered. Hence
we can give the reader no connected details. An endorsement
upon her certificate signed on behalf of N. England Y. Meeting,
states that " her Gospel labors, exemplary conduct and con
versation, have been much to our edification and comfort." And
a very full minute, of similar purport, records her attendance at
Sandwich Quarterly Meeting at Nantucket, the 30th of Sixth
and 1st of 7th months. She had a meeting with a few Indians
and Negroes onthis Island, forty-five in number, alsoonewith six
hundred young females, and one with about four hundred younor
men and lads. " Our Friends," she says, " were very indus
trious in spreading the notice, and seemed well satisfied with
them all. I have great cause to be humbly thankful that I gave
up to the pointings of the great Master, and that he was pleased
for his own Name's sake, to vouchsafe a portion of best help."
This service appears for a long time to have been in antici
pation, as in a letter to C. Hustler, dated 5th of Tenth month,
she says : " I have taken part of a house in a valuable family,
where I am well contented, but I do not expect to be allowed long
to enjoy my pleasing retirement. New England and Long Island
rise full in my view. Thou mayst recollect that I used to tell
thee those parts were yet to be visited. Well, I serve a gracious
Master, who provided all things necessary in my late journey,
and I still trust in his providential care."
Third month, 1789.— Her young friend, Dr. Isaac Cathrall,

REBECCA JONES. Ig3
(to whose skill and remarkable assiduity and tender attention,
she was, some years subsequently, as will be seen, indebted, un
der Providence, for her life,) being about to sail for the East In
dies, she addressed to him an affectionate epistle. " I wish to
suggest by these few lines," she writes, " the warm and tender
desire of my heart for thee, that, as thou hast hitherto been,
through the~tender care of the Most High (which is the arm of
salvation) preserved from falling into temptation to gross evils ;
and as thou art no stranger to the principle of Divine Grace,
thou mayst now stand upon thy guard, and acquit thyself with
such a degree of uprightness and conformity to thy profession,
to the sincere desire of thy well wishing friends, and to thy
own solid and better judgment, as that, on a serious retrospec
tion, thy own heart may not reproach thee as long as thou liv-
est. Be especially careful of thy company both on shipboard
and on shore. If thou beginnest right, it will be more easy for
thee to keep so. To find thou dost so will give me real satis
faction.' My heart loves thee, and my best wishes attend thee.
Mayst thou be favored with a desire after retirement — (on first
days thou mayst find it in thy berth) and know that power near
thee which is greater than ' the noise of many waters, yea than
the mighty waves of the sea.' Believe me when I say that if
thou seekest the Lord he will be found of thee, and will do more
for thee than all things without him."
8th Mo. 25th. — She attended Quarterly Meeting at Haddon-
field, and was largely engaged, exhorting friends to beat their
plowshares into swords, and their pruning hooks into spears,
and to make war in righteousness : — thus seeking to arouse
those who, in the spirit of this world, were taking their rest and
laying up their treasure in sublunary things. D. Offley fol
lowed in supplication.

1^4 MEMORIALS OF

R. J. to Joseph Williams.
Philadelphia, 10th mo. 21st, 1783.
Beloved Joseph, * *
Yesterday about noon arrived our dear M. Ridgway and Jane
Watson, after an easy passage without a storm, though longer
than some others, (I think ten weeks.) I had been, by a hurt
received from a fall, and an epidemic cold, confined for seven
teen days mostly to my chamber, and had that morning just
made out to crawl to our meeting, but on hearing of their arrival,
and John Pemberton (at whose house they quarter) sending his
carriage for my dear H. Cathrall and self, we went to see them,
and truly our joy and greeting were mutual. They were calm,
cheerful, and very well. O, that they may be as kindly cared
for, every way, and helped. along as I was in your land, is my
desire. I often think you have set us in America a good and
noble example, in your provision for such poor pilgrims, and I
do hope Friends here will not be deficient towards these worthy
handmaids of the Lord. • * * *
Thy last, dated 9th of Seventh month, hints the low, deserted
state of thy mind, like a pelican in the wilderness, and striving
to wear thy sackcloth covered, &c. Yet I felt, whilst reading
thy'bemoanings, my mind meet thee in thy tried steppings, and
hail thee as a fellow probationer, with affectionate breathings,
that our confidence may not be allowed to fail us in Him who hath
said, " I will not fail thee nor forsake thee." I do not marvel
that' thou and I are more deeply plunged than some others ; we
ays jealous of ourselves, and It is, good to be so; and we are, I
humbly hope, jealous of that honor, which at times we desire
may be advanced over all, however we may be thereby abased
and humbled. Ah, dear Joseph, there is plenty of company when
the triumphant song of hosannah is uttered ! but alas, very few,
who are willing to visit and abide at Calvary ! Flesh and
blood does not like it, it wants a more pleasant way. But let us
keep near to him in whom we have believed, and be willing to

REBECCA JONES. 185
visit his precious seed, though it be in prison and to death ; for
to those who herein are faithful, the promise is, " I will give thee
a crown of life."
And still, Ireland is visited and revisited by the servants!
May the labor bestowed be productive of some profitable increase.
I am glad my dear friend Samuel Smith is thy guest ; I hope he
will experience, as I did under thy roof, that the Son of Peace
dwells there ; thou mayest interrogate him as thou pleasest re
specting me and my present situation. I note thy sundry intel
ligence, and am obliged by thy continuing willing to give me a
hint of matters and things interesting amongst you.
Our dear friends who have lately visited ydur land are, I be
lieve, all well, except W. Matthews, who seems in declining
health. S. Emlen moving about as usual, and sometimes grum- '
bling at himselfYor coming home so soon. * *
*******
In the 12th month of this year she was severely ill. During
her confinement the precious reward of true peace was mercifully
continued to her, and her mind was stayed upon her never fail
ing Friend, with desires for increased purification and fitness for
the exchange of the " earthly house" for the building " not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens.
To C. Hustler she writes, 3d mo. 10th, 1790. « We have had
the company of the female Hibernians" (M. Ridgway and Jane
Watson) '' in this city since their arrival (except a small excur
sion for a few days to Burlington). They labor faithfully and
zealously for our good, in public, and privately. They have
finished an arduous and acceptable visit to the families of the
middle Monthly Meeting (about three hundred) and are nearly
thro' a like visit to Pine street Monthly Meeting. This they
expect to complete by the general spring meeting (the last 1st
day in this Month). Their services among us, (particularly in
our large first day evening meetings, composed often of more
than two thousand people) are very acceptable. Dear M. R. is
a great example as well as a great minister, and her faithful *
armorbearer Jane Watson keeps her close company. May this
16*

186 MEMORIALS OF
renewed visitation be blessed to us ! May we rightly prize it and
improve under it i else there is room to fear, that it will be an
addition to that weight of condemnation which too many of the
professors of Truth are already under. These dear women
have been divers times at my habitation, and appear pleased with
my visits to them, which are as frequent as my health and en
gagements will allow, they being near half a mile from my
house. M. R. wishes to have me with them at least every first
'lay. ' was last Second day in our Morning Meeting, so dipped into
sympathy with our two brethren now in England, especially our
dear George Dillwyn, that I told friends how I felt, and that I
did believe the language of their spirits was unto us, as formerly
uttered, " Brethren pray for us, that the word of the Lord may
have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you."- It
had a baptizing effect on the meeting, and several, after it broke
up, said they had also been in like manner in company with
those two friends.
John Pemberton is now with S. Emlen and others waiting on
Congress on behalf of the oppressed Africans."
In a letter to Mary, wife of Joseph Gurney Bevan, dated 4th
month 15th, after referring to her frequent indisposition during
the late winter, which frequently confined her for weeks at a
time, she says, " I am often with you in spirit, and strong in
desire that you may encourage each other to do all the good
you can, while your faculties are continued bright and lively. I
feel mine on the decay, and am secretly comforted in believing
that I was divinely helped to discharge, in the right time, the
very heavy debt to your land, under which I had long waded.
To the Lord alone be the praise ! His time, dear M., is the only
right time. I frequently see thy cousin Samuel Powell Grif-
fitts. He is in good repute here, both as a physician and as
a member of our society."
A visit which she paid to Maryland, of which no particulars
are preserved, is believed to have been performed in the Spring
or early in the summer of this year. The summer was chiefly

REBECCA JONES. Ig7
filled up in attending meetings near Philadelphia, as she found
herself drawn forth, different friends alternately taking her in
their carriages. At one of these meetings, on the 30th of 9th
month, she was largely engaged in enforcing the duty of fre
quently reading the holy Scriptures in families, and also of
supplying poor friends with, them. This concern, she was, on
suitable occasions, engaged to impress upon her fellow proba
tioners. And surely those who believe in the Divine origin of -
the sacred volume, and that its contents are given by " the only
wise God," for our instruction, should be careful not to be de
terred by indolence, by the cares of life, or by any subtle pre
sentation of the Tempter, from a diligent and frequent perusal
thereof.

R. Jones to Esther Tuke.
Philadelphia, 10th month 30th, 1790.
My soul bows in deep abasement, in consideration of the little
fruit as yet brought forth in my vineyard, in return to that gra
cious Being, who, to magnify his own praise, hath done mar
vellously for me, a poor, unworthy creature. My bodily health
is confirmed ; he hath made ample provision for this tabernacle ;
yea, he hath condescended to make up every deficiency for his
mercies' sake ! What then shall, or can I render. Nothing
have I of my own ! All is of and from his own inexhaustible
source, who hath determined that " no flesh shall glory in his
presence." Thou hast, doubtless, heard that I have shaken my hands
from the gain of school-keeping ; though, by the way, I may
tell thee, my present gain is not so delicious, nor do I feel so
every way complete, as when my uncontrolled sway was love,
among my numerous tribe of varied dispositions, circumstances,
and ages. But as I cannot be ground over again, nor renew my

188 MEMORIALS OF
youthful sight and other requisites for the service, I endeavor
after contentment in my present situation, and hope that I shall
wind up my accounts as to worldly matters, without even the
shadow of bankruptcy. If my more solemn and important ac
count prove as fairly stated and as fully clear, then shall I, in
an advancing awful hour, have nothing to do but to die. Oh,
may this, my dear friend, be our joyous condition at last, (what
ever shall attend us in time,) is the breathing cry of my whole
heart ! On this ground, I feel thy spirit meets me. I rejoice
in thy company, even now, 3000 miles distant. Hail, fellow-
traveller, then ! We are near the journey's end; and we have
nothing to rely upon but boundless, mercy and unfailing good
ness, of which we have often been made joint partakers, and
which will never be withheld from us, if we patiently continue
under the holy harness, and cleave steadfastly to the law and
to the testimony.
I am glad thou, wast enabled to attend your late Yearly
Meeting. I thought I felt thee and our dear C. Hustler, there,
united like old standard bearers ; for, I may tell thee, that how
ever desirous I might be, at many other times, to keep mind and
body together, I am not able to do it at the time of your general
assembly. My spirit wings its flight — I see you collectively in
Devonshire House — I run to Plough Court, Bartholomew Close,
Duke street, Lamb's Conduit street, and other places, — and sa-'
lute, first one, and then another, of those whom I dearly love.
I am refreshed with these ideal excursions, and have a senti
ment of my own about such visits, which is strengthened by thy
saying, that I was " much in thy remembrance." Thy account
of that meeting is very descriptive of our late annual solemnity,
where, to our comfort, we had dear M. Ridgway and Jane
Watson. These brave soldiers are greatly beloved and hon
ored, both by the Master and by their fellow servants. Soon
after the meeting, they went, with dear J. Pemberton, S. Emlen,
&c, into Maryland.
I am pleased to find that you are likely to have a more con
venient house for the Yearly Meeting, and that thou lovest my

REBECCA JONES. lg9
faithful brother, S. Smith. I hope he will visit both my nest
at York and at Undercliffe, else I shall call him to account. I
shall not be sorry to hear that he is obliged to visit the sprout
ing seed in Scotland. Tell him so with my love.
Dear G. and S. Dillwyn, and R. and S. Grubb, wrote to me
from Amsterdam, to my comfort. Surely their sheaves will be
very large, for they do not " sow sparingly."

CHAPTER VIII.
1791.
Decease of John Hustler and of Sarah R. Grubb  Letters— Visits
Long Island, &c.
1st Mo. 27th, 1791. She thus notices the decease of John
Hustler. — " I feel near sympathy with my dear companion and
sweet-fellow traveller, C. Hustler, on hearing of the departure
of her beloved husband. He was a man of great talents, much
tender sensibility, and of a noble spirit. He will be missed by
the public — by the church — and by his own amiable family.
We pass away, one after another, experiencing the verity of
the Divine decree, 'they shall perish '. May we who are suffered
to survive a little longer, obtain through our love and obedience
to the Holy Shepherd, that enriching confidence, which will
enable us to say, 'but thou remainest.' And when we
pass through " the valley of the shadow of death," "if favored
to feel Him near us, we shall ' fear no evil ;' but having been
guided by His counsel, be received into His glory."
On the same day, in a letter to C. Hustler, after expression
of tender sympathy, she adds — " Thou knowest, my dear C  ,
from whence soul sustaining help is derived. Thou hast often
been permitted to draw near to it, and thou art fully acquainted
with its healing virtue. Mayst thou now, under this close con-

190 MEMORIALS OF
flict, for thy own sake, and for the sake of thy dear children
and other relatives, and for an example to others when intro
duced into the like path of sorrow, be strengthened to say, thy
will be done — yea,
" Confess aloud with holy Job, and say
The Lord, who gave, hath right to take away."
A letter from George Dillwyn to R. Jones mentioning the de
cease (in her 35th year) of Sarah Grubb, (with whom he had
been associated in recent religious service on the continent) says,
" She closed the relation which she gave to the Quarterly Meeting
of Cork, of our mission to the Continent, with a declaration of
her belief that altho' we had done little, the Lord was doing
much in the Earth : concluding with these words ' My day's
work seems almost accomplished, and I shall adopt this lan
guage of scripture', Return unto thy rest, oh my soul, for the
Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.' The last expressions
she was heard to utter (a little before her exit) were those of her
dear Lord, My peace I leave with you. Thus fell a valiant in
the church militant, whose endowments arid dedication are
equalled by few of the present generation, and to whose memo
ry, I believe, as general a tribute of tears has been paid, as to
any person with whom I was ever acquainted."
In writing to C. Hustler, 4Mo. 29th, 1791, after referring to
the^ peaceful exit of John Hustler, she thus continues :
* " I trust your minds are, with mine, fully persuaded, that with
him, the end, being happy, crowned all. And this must be
cause of thanksgiving and praise to our great and gracious
helper, who, I perceive, hath also been with you, and remains
to be thy comfort and support, my ever dear friend.
" I have from many kind friends received accounts of the last
illness and death of our dear Sarah R. Grubb who also hath
left this vale of tears for an eternal resting place in the abodes
of peace and felicity. May the loss be supplied to the militant
church through the faithfulness of her visible members, is my
fervent prayer !
" I expect divers friends are' preparing to go up to the Gene-

REBECCA JONES. 191
ral Assembly, which I pray may be a ' feast of holy convoca
tion' — I hope thou wilt be strengthened to take thy proper stand
there, and ' do valiantly' — I am also preparing for a journey, to
Long island, where I expect to meet our noble warriors Mary
Ridgway and Jane Watson. Dear Samuel Emlen is now with
them at Rahway — and John Pemberton and wife also talk of
getting to the Yearly Meeting to be held next month at West-
bury. Our ancient friend Robert Willis was interred about
twelve days ago, and we have, within a few months, been strip
ped by death of divers valuable friends, both in city and country.
Thus we are all passing away, from time to an awful eternity."
In retrospect of the visit to Long Island, her prospect of
which is above alluded to, she notes, 11th Mo. 15th, "Thro'
the continuance of the heavenly Shepherd's care, I have been
helped in the performance of some religious services on Long
Island, New York, &c. and had the company of our dear Rebecca
Wright therein ; also to some meetings in New Jersey, &c. I
felt on my return the incomes of sweet pe ace, for which I desire
. to continue thankful to the great Author of all good." About
the same date she says, " I received a letter from dear Jane
Watson from New York, where she and dear Mary are engaged
in the arduous service of cross ploughing the field over which
dear Rebecca Wright and I hastened last summer : i. e. visiting
families." In this journey R. J. attended the half Year's Meet
ing and most of the meetings on Long Island, and visited all the
families of Friends in the city of New York. Arriving at her
home 6Mo. 21st, she notes her attendance of Yearly, Monthly,
Preparative and nine particular meetings, and having visited
eighty families and travelled three hundred and ten miles — " in
all which, being mercifully supported, and sensible that I am still
a poor weak creature, my soul humbly worships, and ascribes
praise and thanksgiving to the Lord God and the Lamb, now
and forever worthy — 'Amen — Amen !"
In her memoranda respecting New York Yearly Meeting, we
note, that on the 31st of 5th Mo., " was a very favored season,
and, under a weighty exercise, Friends we were named to visit

192 MEMORIALS OF
the Quarterly Meetings, and assist there in inspecting the neces
sities of the poor with respect to Bibles fyc." It appears that R.
Jones and Jane Watson went into the men's meeting with this
concern, where it was readily agreed to, and at a later sitting a
committee of men was appointed to join their sisters in this
truly christian work.
10th month 14th, she notes — "I hear that the Pigou, with
George and Sarah Dillwyn, and Samuel Smith on board, is in
the river" — and on the same day, she adds, *" Soon after penn
ing the above, our dear friends arrived. They look well every
way, being, I trust, sweet and peaceful in their spirits. We
met on the wharf ; it was a joyously melting season, and I waited
on them to their respective lodgings. Friends, generally, re
joiced to see them, and I am truly thankful to the Father of
mercies for this renewed favor, vouchsafed to them and us.
Blessed be his worthy name now and forever."
George Dillwyn, in a letter to Joseph Gurney Bevan, thus
refers to their landing, and to their reception by R. Jones, &c.
" We landed in the midst of a considerable number of our rela
tives, friends and acquaintance, who waited to receive us. The
first we discovered on the wharf, from the quarter "deck, when
wc dropped anchor, were James Pemberton and Rebecca Jones,
just coming down. Two or three days before, they had heard
of the Pigou's being in the river ; and Rebecca was prompted by
several, the day before we arrived, to go down to the wharf and
look out for us, but she felt no inclination then to comply, but,
(mark the woman !) on this day, dining at James Pemberton's,
the cloth was scarcely removed, when she exclaimed, ' Now
Phebe, let's get on our cloaks and bonnets, and set off-— we'll go
from wharf to wharf till we meet them.' And a precious meet
ing it was ! — for which the language of humble, silent praise
rose, through much tenderness of spirit, ,to the gracious Pre
server of men, the Leader forth and rereward of his people."
This interesting scene is well described by herself in the fol
lowing letters.

REBECCA JONES.

193

R. Jones to Mary Bevan.
Philadelphia, 10th month 28th, 1791.
" Our dear friends G. and S. Dillwyn, and S. Smith, landed
in this city last 6th day (the 14th inst.,) about 3 o'clock, P. M.,
amidst a great number of friends and others, on the wharf. As
it happened, my friend Phebe Pemberton and self were the only
females who knew of the ship'5* noming to an anchor timely for
going down to the wharf. Thou ,aO conceive better than I can
express, how we all felt. Tears of joy and thankfulness flowed
plenteously. I went with G. and S., first to their cousin James
Smith's, where was Susan Dillwyn. We next proceeded to
Sarah Dillwyn's sister, Margaret Morris', where they dropped
anchor, and all their connexions in the city soon collected.
The scene was sweetly affecting. Lastly, I introduced them to
the chamber of their disconsolate sister Moore, who was com
posed on the occasion. Here we all sat down in solemn silence,
and together were enabled to set up our Ebenezer in our own
land, sensible that ' the Lord had helped us.'
¦¦So, after leaving them all together, (this I thought right to do)
I proceeded to the house of my old acquaintance and neighbor,
S. Smith, where, after a dish of tea, the like experience became
ours. I asked him divers questions, the first of which (about
friends,) was after my kind friends J. G. and M. Bevan, of whom
he gave me a comforting account. The particular trials on their
passage, thou wilt, I have no doubt, have from themselves. They
look particularly well, and appear to be in possession of the re
ward for faithfulness." * * * "
11th month 3d, she writes to Esther Tuke,—
"We received our dear friends G. -and S. Dillwyn, and
S. Smith joyfully, on the 14th ultimo. Taking J. and P. Pem
berton with me, I hastened to the wharf, against which the Pigou
anchored, and we embraced each other amidst a concourse of
friends and others, in open daylight, with tears of thankful
rejoicing.

t94 MEMORIALS OF
Among all my friends who were at your Yearly Meeting, not
one thought of sending me transcripts of the memorials read
there, concerning my late dear companion Sarah R. Grubb, but
that prince of a man, Wm. Rotch. They reached my hand
in our Yearly Meeting week, and I thought myself warranted in
offering them for reading to our Women's Yearly Meeting.
That meeting appointed a committee to inspect the contents,
(which should always be done if the subject be not specially ad
dressed to them) who reported their opinion that they might be
usefully introduced ; so they were audibly and affectingly read
by my H. Cathrall, who is clerk, and had a seasoning tender
ing effect on the minds of friends who were desired .to " go and
do likewise."* I may say of a truth, " She being dead, yet
speaketh ;" and scarce a day passes but I am in secret sweet
converse and communion of souf with her sanctified and exalted
spirit. * * Her memory will long live in my heart, and
amongst " the just" will be blessed to many in different
lands, who were acquainted with her pious, upright example of
humble, unreserved dedication of body, soul and spirit to the
service of that God, whom to obey and follow in all things, was
her meat and drink — yea, her all in all, unto the end."

R. J. to C. Hustler. 11th month 15th, 1791.
* * * *
Our friends Samuel Smith and George and Sarah Dillwyn,
seem peacefully at home, and are in good health. George and
Sarah staid but a few days in the city, and then went to their
beloved retreat, Burlington. Samuel Smith being my near
*On the reading, in this meeting, of the London epistle, in which men
tion was made of the decease of Sarah Grubb, R. Jones stated that she
had in possession the memorials alluded to, and oifered them, as men
tioned above.

REBECCA JONES. I95
neighbor, we have had divers pleasant interviews, and much
agreeable conversation about thee and thine, and divers other
dear friends in your nation, and I have the satisfaction to find
that he and I harmonize in sentiment on most subjects that have
occurred. But what dost thou think of our Mary Bevan and
Deborah Townsend's comparison ? They both, by letter, ex
press their having found a striking similarity of voice, manner
and disposition in Samuel Smith to their friend R. Jones. At
which I greatly wonder — however, it is no disparagement to the
latter, and I hope S. Smith's feelings will not be hurt thereby,
for he is a brother beloved of mine.
I have a choice letter from dear Esther Tuke. She tells me
they are compiling for the press our dear S. Grubb's notes, &c,
and requests extracts from her letters lo me, in making which,
I propose, if I am spared, engaging the evenings of this winter.
Oh, what a loss to the Church, is her removal ! Yet I believe
it is in Wisdoni and mercy unutterable."
R. Jones, in compliance with the request conveyed by Esther
Tuke, made copious extracts from the numerous letters of S.
Grubb to herself, and to H. Cathrall, (which are now before the
compiler) but it seems that they were not prepared in. time to be
used in the highly interesting and instructive account which has
long been valued as among those standard works, without which
the library of a Friend would be incomplete.
The following passages from a letter to Martha Routh, bring
so vividly to remembrance, the pleasant, familiai; conversational
vein of the subject of these memoirs, that those who knew her
may almost fancy" her before them. The " English hat," a large
beaver, with its broad brim, and crown about half an inch in
height, is well remembered by the compiler. Such an appendage
to the head of one of our female ministers, would, in this day,
make quite a sensation. Philadelphia, 11th month 5th, 1791.
Beloved friend, Martha Routh, — Thy kind letter, by my old
friend and near neighbor, Samuel Smith, has laid me under suf.

196 MEMORIALS OF
ficient obligation, without the addition of a new English hat.
Why, dear woman, I can never compensate for former marks
of thy sisterly attention, and thou must needs increase the debt !
So thou must look for thy gain from the right quarter, and then
thou wilt have thy reward, with suitable interest.
Leave off complimenting my tongue and hand, I entreat thee ;
for the first never came up to thine, and the latter, through
failure of eyesight, is in danger of forgetting its old cunning, I
do assure thee. And yet, with thanks to Him who is for ever
worthy, I may say, that at times my heart is helped in the in
diting way — whether all the matter be good or only insipid, I
must leave — and in it, just now, a sisterly salutation springs,
dear Martha to thee. Having heard that thy worthy aunt, S.
T., had entered into her rest, oh that thou mayest be helped to
come up in her footsteps, and be divinely qualified to turn many
to righteousness, through the efficacy of the heavenly gift which
thou hast received, (let it turn whithersoever the great and all
wise Giver shall see meet,) that, in the evening of thy day, peace
and comfort may be thy crown of rejoicing, and thy glorious
arrangement be forever among the stars.
I often feel like a soldier put upon half pay, and not at all fit
for great exploits. And yet, the little bread and water graciously
dispensed from Royal bounty, keep the soul alive in famine, and
cut off the occasion for distrust in that mercy and goodness
which have followed me all the days of my life. May I but be
counted worthy of this provision and succor unto the end ! is all
a poor unworthy creature can or dare to ask; and if these be in
boundless mercy granted, I am, and shall be, with the depriva
tion of every temporal good, thankfully content.
It comforts me to hear thee express thyself with so much
genuine affection, concerning that beloved disciple, our dear
Christiana Hustler. Her sorrows have oft been concealed under
a meek and pleasant countenance, and I trust the holy staff will
be her support, now in her declining years
As to the accounts of your late Yearly Meeting, except what
I felt at the time it was held, I am left by all who have written

REBECCA JONES. I97
me, saying, as thou dost, that there is expectation of my being
furnished " by a more able hand." But where is it ? And yet,
thou hast done more than any other, for which I am thy obliged
friend. * *
Thou wilt like to know that Mary Ridgway and Jane Watson
are now at New York, cross-plowing that field, after thy friends,
Rebecca Wright and R. Jones. We visited all the families in
that city, last Sixth month, together, on our return from Long
Island, where we had attended that Yearly Meeting, and most
of the meetings ; and we returned home in as hot a spell of
weather as I ever remember. But we were so brisk and lively
that we walked about without our staves.
After relating an accident to R. Wright, who, she says, " after
having driven safely so many thousands of miles in Europe and
America, separated from her dear Nathan, made out to overturn
herself in a chaise, near her own home, and he with her, on
horseback" — R. J. adds : " In our late partnership journey, thou
wast frequently the subject of our conversation, in that love
which many waters cannot quench ; and if thy Master should
commission thee to this continent, whilst these two Rebeccas are
in the body, thou mayest be assured of a couple of affectionate
and well wishing Friends, to hail thee into our field of arduous
labor — the Master of which has dispensed unto us the penny,
and commanded us to " be content with our wages." * * *
My love is to thy beloved husband, who, I desire, may continue
to believe, when the voice which formerly separated unto the
Lord, Barnabas and Saul, is heard commanding the surrender
of his second self to the Lord's service, that his reward will also
be in proportion to the acquiescence of his will to the divine call,
wherever it may lead. With this desire, and with dear love, I
conclude, thy poor little affectionate sister, R. Jones.
She continued to board with James Goram till the year 1792,
when having concluded to rent a house, she went to look at one
which was to let in Brooke's court. Calling at the adjoining
house for the key, she found it to be occupied bv a woman who
17*

198 MEMORIALS OF
had been her next neighbor in Drinker's alley, but had fled with
her husband, who was in the British interest, to Canada, during
the revolutionary war. Their exclamations of surprise and
pleasure were mutual, and this decided R. J.'s choice of a resi
dence. On the decease of William Mathews, his widow communi
cated to R. J., the following message, which was taken verbatim
from his lips. She accordingly forwarded it to C. Hustler, who
had been associated with her and W. Mathews; in various jour
neys, to be used in her judgment, and especially to be commu
nicated to young Friends, to whom W. M. had been " made
more especially a minister" — a list of some of whom she fur
nished. The message is as follows :
After a time of great weakness, he said — " I wish one of you,
soon after my change, to write to R. Jones and inform her of it,
and request her to write to my friends in England, and remem
ber my very dear love to them. For to some of them I believe
this language to be proper — ' In my bonds and afflictions have
I begotten you in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Several
of them, he added, could testify that he had been made instru
mental 'in turning them from darkness to light, and from the
power of satan, to serve the living God : — that it was the Lord's
doings, and marvellous in his eyes. He also said that R. J. had
been more with him than any other fellow-laborer in that land,
and nearly united in the same exercises and afflictions, and that
he trusted their labor had been productive of the peaceable fruits
of righteousness. That his mind had for several days past been
much and remarkably in Europe, and seemed to pass along
through almost all the meetings which he attended when there ;
remembering how it was with him in most of them, — saying
that he wanted R. J. to write, and communicate to Friends there
his affectionate regard, and that he had intended to write to her
himself, but it now seemed too late."
To S. Rodman, of Nantucket, she writes, 4th month 1st,
1792 : " The paper respecting the disuse of West India produce,
has. made many converts here. Although I have not yet wholly

REBECCA JONES. igg
declined sugar, I do prefer that made from the maple, and have
procured a keg from my friend Henry Drinker, which answers
all the purposes of the other, and is clear of the diabolical trade.
At ,our spring meeting, dear Samuel Emlen and Sarah Har
rison, were set at liberty, by certificates, to visit England. May
the good hand go with, bear up, and preserve them, through
heights and depths, is my humble prayer."
To Joseph Williams she writes a few days subsequently, coin
ciding with his views respecting the disuse of West India pro
duce, and avowing her preference for maple sugar. John. Hoy-
land, in a letter dated 4th month 17th, thus intimates the exten
sion in England of a similar feeling. " I enclose a newspaper
containing the debates upon William Wilberforce's motion for
the abolition of the slave trade, if it be not too black to be read,
also a late publication respecting sugar, supposed to be written
by a Friend, upon which I desire thy sentiments. I don't know
whether I acknowledged the receipt of the dried peaches sent to
us via Undercliffe : — we have had some tarts made of them, and
find they retain their acid better than our apples. But asFriends
generally disuse sugar, pies seldom make their appearance,
and are little in demand. It seems to be apprehended that
those in that country who conceive themselves interested in the
continuance of the slave trade, will yet ' have power to 'prevent
an immediate and total abolition."

R. J. to S. H.
Philadelphia, 6th mo. 9th, 1792.
My dear S. Hustler, — Thy truly acceptable epistle of the
17th of Second month, came duly by the ship Grange, and is
now before me. Its contents are all interesting to me, as my
love and friendship to and for your whole family remain undi
minished, and will, I trust, so long as I am capable of recollec-

200 MEMORIALS OF
tion, and with a sense of that mercy and goodness which were
so signally around about the habitation of my endeared com^
panion, thy worthy mother, who is a sweet and lively epistle,
written upon the table of my heart, which I trust will never be
obliterated, whatever we may each of us have to pass through,
of an afflictive nature. Salute her for me ; tell her I was sure
from my feelings, great part of the winter and spring, that she
was in. a poor way, and if I was within a few days' ride of
your house, poorly as I have often been myself, I should have
visited, and helped thee to nurse and cherish her. A widely
extended deep is now between us as to the outward ! What a
favor it is, that we can in spirit visit and salute each other, and
as I have done this morning, say, " Be of good cheer, He that
hath called us is faithful — He hath promised to, be with his own
to the end of the world !".
I have frequent conversation with my near neighbor, S.
Smith ; that S. S. thou thinks so much resembles poor me,
though by the by i" don't think so, or else I might be proud.
We often talk about you, and his account of thee and soma
others, is what comforts me, and, in some degree, answers my
expectations. I want to write to B. S. ; she has noticed me
more in this line than any one of that house ; my love to them
all. I am sorry to learn that dear E., is so declining, but she
having been " diligent in business," whilst able, will now reap
the consolation derived from a sense of having, with great "fer
vency of spirit, served the Lord ;" which I trust is also thy be
loved mother's enriching experience in times of weakness and
bodily pain. May we all have an eye to the blessed recom
pense of reward ! and not cast away our confidence in the sure
arm of divine support in times of dejection and discouragement,
which are often my attendants, but " continue stedfast and im.
movable, always abounding in the work of the Lord"  that
when called upon to render up our accounts, we may stand ac.
quitted in His holy sight, as was the poor woman, concerning
whom her Lord and master said, " Let her alone, she hath
done what she could."

REBECCA JONES. 201
Say for me, to thy brother William, that as the eldest son of
the family, I much desire his steady example may tend to dear
John's preservation, and that they together may grow up in
their youth, " plants of renown," to the praise of the great and
good husbandman, who having in a peculiar manner watched
over, cared for, and many ways blessed you in basket and in
store, will most assuredly demand the conspicuous fruits of hu
mility, gratitude and fear before Him ; and which, if happily
found with the widow and fatherless, they may with holy con
fidence look up in future trials and difficulties, and availingly
cry, Abba Father, for " in Him the fatherless find mercy."
And now in the fresh flowing of that pure spring, which was
often encouragingly witnessed to arise for our mutual strength
and consolation, when we were together, do I salute thee, dear
child, desiring the Almighty Father, friend and helper of His
people, may keep and preserve us among His own sheep, and
finally own us as His, when done with time."

To Esther Tuke.
Eleventh month 30th, 1792.
* * * <i J believe from some peculiar sensations and late
intimations, that more are preparing for the solemn embassy
from this to your land. Why are you so slow in your remit
tances ? Surely, in due time, we are to reap from your coun
try. In the prospect whereof, I desire not to faint, whether I
may be continued to rejoice in the completion or not. * * *
I have a letter saying that Richard Reynolds and Priscilla
Gurney, have openly preached the gospel. May they prosper
in it and live of it, is my fervent desire.
In our particular meeting we have divers new appearances in
the ministry : and among them a mulatto woman, named Han
nah Burrows, who has sometimes kneeled, and the meeting has
risen. In her appearances, Friends savor the gospel."

202 MEMORIALS OF
The colored woman above referred to, continued to speak
occasionally in meetings to the satisfaction of Friends. A
Friend who knew her, and who mentions her peaceful death,
remembers T. Scattergood calling to her, in North Meeting,
" Raise thy voice, Hannah."
Fourth month 15th, 1793, in a letter to C. Hustler, she
says — " I have a prospect of again moving about in that line
of service which opens as the path of peace ,- being likely to
set off in a few weeks for Long Island and Rhode Island, and
to have Lydia Hoskins, a choice-spirited young minister, for my
companion ; also the company of my very near and faithful
friends, Samuel Smith and wife. In the ship 'George,' by which
this is intended to be sent, our dear friends, George and Sarah
Dillwyn, and my very particular friend Elizabeth Drinker,*
have taken their passage. The first two will doubtless have a
welcome reception by thee ; and the latter will be found a min
ister of the Spirit, to whom I wish that the same kind notice
which was shown to me, when I was on the like errand, may
be extended, as also to dear Sarah Harrison. Perhaps we may
not hear so frequently from each other as we have done, by
reason of age and many infirmities, as well as increasing trou
bles amongst you. Be that as it may, I deeply sympathize
with thee on many accounts ; but, if the Lord be on our side,
we need not fear what man can do. To him, therefore, — to his
blessed guidance and protection — do I commit and commend
thee and thine, my precious Chrissey, with my own poor soul :
praying that we may be helped so to steer through the troubles
of time, as that we may, of His unmerited mercy, find an ever
lasting resting place with Him, when time to us shall be no
more." The epistle of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Women
Friends, to the corresponding body in London, issued Ninth
month, 1793, thus affectionately refers to the Friends mentioned
* Elizabeth Drinker died in London, Eighth month 10th, 1794. She
was wife of that honorable elder, Daniel Drinker, and mother to our
late beloved friend, Abigail Barker.

REBECCA JONES. 203
above ; and evinces also the readiness on the part of Friends in
this country, to receive, with cordiality, for the Truth's sake,
the ministers of Christ, when sent forth as ambassadors for
him. ' Your mention of our dear friends, Samuel Emlen, Job
Scott, and Sarah Harrison's acceptable service with you, is
truly comfortable ; and we desire that they, with dear George
Dillwyn and Elizabeth Drinker, may be sustained and strength
ened to finish the work which may be assigned them, so as to
obtain the full reward of peace in the Lord's time. The Friends
mentioned in your epistle as likely to embark in Truth's ser
vice, for this country, are not yet arrived. We hope, when so
favored, they will be acceptably received, and aided as neces
sary, by such as may be continued, willing to entertain strang
ers, and to wash the disciples' feet."
The same epistle thus notices the awful scourge which will
be more particularly mentioned in the next chapter.
" Our meeting is unusually small by reason of great sickness and
contagion in this city — yet divers friends from different Quarterly
Meetings, having resigned their lives into the Lord's hand, have ven
tured in — and their countenances, with the sensible help of their
spirits, have been witnessed as balm to our minds."
Fourth month 23d, 1793. Our friend was furnished, by
Northern District Monthly Meetmg, with the following certifi
cate, addressed " To our Friends and Brethren in the govern
ments of New- York and New England."
" Our beloved sister, Rebecca Jones, having for some time been un
der a religions engagement of mind to visit the approaching Yearly
Meetings on Long Island and Rhode Island, also some other meetings
in those parts, laid her concern before this meeting, which, obtaining
our approbation and unity, we hereby certify that she is a Friend well
approved amongst us; exemplary in life and conversation, and her
ministry sound and edifying. We therefore affectionately commend
her to the care and regard of Friends where her lot may be cast, de
siring that her labors may, through the Divine blessing, prove to the
comfort and edification of the church, and her own true peace. We
salute you in gospel fellowship, and remain
(Signed by 84 Friends.) Your loving friends."

204 MEMORIALS OF
Of this visit, in which "she was accompanied by Lydia Hos-
kins, little record being found, we subjoin the testimony of the
church. The Yearly Meeting held at Westbury, declared, by its en
dorsement to her certificate, that " her gospel labors, both in
the line of the ministry and discipline, have been truly edifying
and comfortable to us." And a. similar minute of New Eng
land Yearly Meeting says — " Her company and gospel labors,
both in the line of the ministry and discipline, have been cor
dially acceptable, strengthening, and comfortable to us."
At the suggestion of R. Jones, the Women's; Yearly Meeting
held at Westbury in this year made an essay toward a corres
pondence with the Women's Y. M. of London, " which," said
they in their epistle, ", if it meet your approbation, we hope and
trust will, under the divine blessing, tend to our mutual comfort
and edification."

Newport, Rhode Island, 10th of 6th mo., 1793.
Dear Friend, H. Drinker, — * * * Through the care and
protection of kind Providence, L. Hoskins and myself have
been helped thus far in safety on our way. We arrived here,
after a 40 hours passage, — about twenty in company — in the
packet from New York, which place we left last Fifth day
morning, early — the day on which S. R. Fisher was married to
a precious girl named H. Rodman. The disappointment was
great, but the marriage was riot suspended on that account.
I expect our friend S. Smith, will give thee all the needful
intelligence about the Yearly Meeting on Long Island. His
company would have been agreeable to me here, but he was
most easy to return from New York. This I also wished for
myself, and sought for a door of escape, which, not being found,
I now humbly trust I am where I ought to be, and am in pretty
good health at the house of our friend Thomas Robinson, whose
daughter Mary is like to become " a crown" to John Mor,ton.
They have passed one meeting.

REBECCA JONES. 205
P. Yarnall and Elias Hicks, are on their way hither by land,
and expected this evening. I don't hear of any other strangers
coming to the yearly meeting.
I hear that our North Meeting have altered the hour for Meet
ing in the afternoon to the 4th, with which I unite, and should
like to hear that it has answered a good purpose. Please tell
me whether any account has reached you respecting our dear
friends in the Pigou, about whom I have been very thoughtful
during the late succession of easterly winds.
As I have not any thing very interesting to communicate —
though our sex are often charged with prolixity, — I shall not
trouble thee, as E. Tuke says, with " a lengthy speech now,"
but as I do feel very sincere esteem and love for thy dear wife,
sister and children, please let them know it. *****

CHAPTER IX.
Yellow Fever of '93 — Death and character of Margaret Haines — Letter
to her children — R. J. is ill with the fever — T. Scattergood's visits
and notes— Assiduous attentions of Dr. Cathrall — Letters — Family
visit. A number of our readers will vividly remember the malignant
fever which prevailed in, and almost depopulated Philadelphia,
in the summer and autumn of 1793. For an interesting account
of this awful visitation, we refer the reader to the Memoir of
Thomas Scattergood, Friends' Library, vol. viii., page 57. To
that interesting memoir we also refer for some letters from R. J.
to T. S., which we do not think it necessary to transcribe.
Among those to whom this fearful epidemic was made the
summons intoUfe, was R. J.'s beloved friend Margaret Haines,
an Elder of Market Street Meeting, the loss of whom was long
and extensively felt and mourned. She was no ordinary woman,
18

206 MEMORIALS OF
being possessed of singular energy and efficiency, able, as some
of her contemporaries said of her, to attend to many things at
once, and her capabilities being both sanctified and fully de
veloped by the Grace which was not bestowed upon her in
vain, she was eminently useful in her day. In a quiet unosten
tatious way, she seemed, almost as if by intuition, to discover
cases of suffering and need ; and knowing no distinction of sect
in her expansive benevolence, she was to all classes an invalua
ble friend and helper. Entering, with the sweet insinuations
of private sympathy, into the minute wants of her friends who
were less amply supplied with the good things of this life, and
particularly those whp were called to go forth in the service of
Truth, she would provide garments and other things suited to
their need, and make valuable presents with a beautiful delicacy
and privacy which did not wound those who were thus benefited.
In her capacity as a Mother in the Church she was sympathy
zing, judicious and faithful. To the diffident she administered
appropriate encouragement, and to those who needed counsel
and reproof, she extended it with a tenderness which precluded
offence, and thus she avoided plucking up the wheat together
with the tares. In her final sickness she was peaceful and trust
ful, clothed with love to all, and even amidst her suffering making
provision for the poor : and the language of David may be ap
plied to her, " Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord
shall deliver him in time of trouble." As an evidence of the
close union of spirit which subsisted between Rebecca Jones
and this honored friend, we subjoin a letter written on the morn
ing of her decease.

To Caspar and Catherine Haines.
Tenth month 3d, 1793.
To dear Caspar and , Catherine, — I awoke this morning
about half past five o'clock, under such a solemnity and sweet
ness of spirit, that it seemed almost like the end of all conflict,

REBECCA JONES. 207
and which I lay under till near seven ; then I believed all was
well over with your dear parent, my truly precious friend.
And as Rebecca Scattergood has just called to let me know that
the awful scene is closed, my feelings now are sweetly joyous on
her account ; she is blessed for ever and ever, and my sym
pathy is renewed with you, who feel like my own children.
You will, I trust, be helped now in the needful hour, and if, by
my coming down, I could render you any essential service, I
would run all risks. Don't think at all about me ; the Lord
hath helped hitherto, and I bless his ever worthy name. My
dear love salutes you and dear H. Hastings. I cannot add, my
heart is too full for utterance, more than that I am your sincerely
affectionate and sympathizing friend,

^fe^

On the 11th of Tenth month, R. Jones was seized with the
yellow fever, and for two weeks there was little prospect of her
recovery." Her illness continued for nearly two months, and it
may not be out of place to note, as an evidence of the difficulty
in obtaining aid in this contagious disease, that the wages of her
nurse was two dollars per diem. Thomas Scattergood visited
her daily, and sometimes frequently during the day ; and from
his diary we quote the following passages :
" Tenth month 23d, 1793. Called to see Rebecca Jones,
who was seized with great pain, and could hardly talk to me
through extreme suffering, though the day before she seemed
bravely. "23d. Dear Rebecca Jones appeared under much discourage
ment about getting about again ; but was in a heavenly frame
of mind, and glad to see me ; telling me that I felt like bone of
her bone. On my telling her that I had not seen but that she
might be raised up to bear testimony to the Lord's goodness and
truth, she replied — ' I am a poor atom, unworthy to be em
ployed in the Lord's work. Dear Thomas, many have, fled

208 MEMORIALS OF
from the Truth, but the Lord will meet with them. I have been
an exercised woman for thirty years past, and often grieved to
see the pride and forgetfulness of many in our Society ; the
multiplying of pleasure carriages, formal visiting, &c.' And at
another time, when with her, she said, ' there is another dispen
sation in store for this people, depend upon it,'— Repeating it
more than once—' if the people are not humbled by the pre
sent.' "
" 25th. 1 called to see dear Rebecca Jones, who lay with her
eyes almost closed ; and although I spoke to her and took her
by the hand, she answered not, which was affecting. After
meeting, I went again, and going near to the foot of the bed,
she said, - Dear Thomas, I saw thee,' alluding to the morning
visit, ' but I could not speak ; I am in waiting, there is nothing
to do.' She lifted up her hands and seemed to wish to say
more, and several times gave us a look of much sweetness and
love ; and at length, looking up again, she said, ' Go, and the
Lord go with thee.' Being with her again in the afternoon, she
said, ' Dear Thomas, if the Master renew thy commission, and
should send thee over the water, mind the time, and do not deal
it out to individuals, but spread it before thy friends, and thou
wilt find sympathizers ; and when thou gets there, remember
the poor servants in families — they are too often neglected.
The Lord dealt bountifully with me in that land, and I have
had comfortable seasons with such.' I asked her what she had
a view of in the morning, when she looked up at me and said,
go, and the Lord go with thee. She replied, ' I could not tell
thee before J. J., though I love him, but I alluded to thy going
over the great waters. The Lord has, in some instances, en
trusted me with his secrets, and I have not betrayed them.'
After some more conversation, she appearing inclined to sleep,
I left her with much sweetness, and could say in my heart, that
flesh and blood had not revealed these things unto her, but our
heavenly Father, for my confirmation and encouragement."*
* This, as we are informed in the instructive biography of T. S., was
before he had disclosed his prospect to any one.

REBECCA JONES. 209
This sickness, as it proved, was " not unto death." About
the 1st of Twelfth month, she attended meeting, and, as T
Scattergood notes, " bore testimony to the goodness and mercy
of God."*
R. Jones was so reduced in this, fever, that not only was her
life despaired of, but her decease was currently reported. There
are those who remember her name being officially announced
one morning — supposed Tenth month 25th — among the deaths
of the preceding night ; -nor is it strange that such should be the
case, as all hope was relinquished the previous evening, and the
nurse was about to remove the pillow, and lower her head, that
her close might be more speedy and more easy, when Dr. Cath
rall, her attending physician, exclaimed, " No ! No ! I can't let
fyer die !" He assumed the post and duties of a nurse, and re
mained with her all night, dropping into her mouth alternately,
water and diluted wine ; and when, in the morning, Dr. Physick
— who, besides being in consultation with Dr. Cathrall, was
greatly attached to R. J. as his mother's friend — called in, he
was amazed to find her not only living, but a little revived.
And now it pleased her Divine Master, having made; all her
bed in sickness, and filled her soul with peace and rejoicing in
the very valley of the shadow of death, to prolong her life for
his service. And as in her extremity she magnified the Lord,
so in her renovated health she recognised, in dutiful allegiance,
his perfect right to do with her as it pleased him, and praising
him upon the banks of deliverance, she reverently dedicated unto
him, as a whole burnt offering, the residue of her days.
In a brief account of this epidemic, after mentioning the death
of four thousand of the inhabitants of Philadelphia, from the
latter part of the Seventh month to the second week in the
Eleventh month, R. J. remarks, " But the visitation and awful
judgment of the Most High were singularly mixed with mercy,
* On page 61 of the Memoirs of T. Scattergood as published in
" Fbtes-ds Libbahy," may be seen a weighty epistle addressed to him
by R. J. bearing date 5th mo. 10th, 1 794, with the endorsement—" To
be opened when at sea, and recurred to in Great Britain and Ireland."
|18*

210 MEMORIALS OF
in so many instances, that no serious mind can forbear exclaim
ing, ' Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty !
Just and true are all thy ways, thou King of Saints !' " After
recording the names of one hundred and eighteen of her " near
friends and acquaintances" who died with this fever, she adds,
for many days I had no other prospect but that I should also,
by the same disease, be removed; but the Lord had mercy on
me and healed me ; blessed . forever be his adorable Name,
Mercy, Goodness and Truth."

R. J. to C. Hustler.
Philadelphia, 2d mo. 24th, 1794.
My beloved companion C. Hustler, and her dear children,
may, by this salutation of my true love, be informed that I am
still on this uncertain stage, and a monument of divine compas
sion, goodness and power. I am weak, and my eye-sight very
dim, both rendered so by my long lale sickness, called the yeL
low fever, from which I was spared, until the weather grew
cooler than it had been during the two months before, for which
I desire fo be thankful. I was not taken down till the 11th of
Tenth month last; and before I was able to go out again, the
disease, which had raged with great violence, was marvellously
checked, and the people who left the city through fear, had
mostly returned. However, it pleased the good Hand which
was stretched out over the city, and permitted upwards of four
thousand of its inhabitants, of all ranks, ages, sexes, conditions,
and denominations, among whom were seven of our select mem
bers,* and many others of my near friends, to be deposited
thereby in the silent grave. Oh, what a humbling season this
* Margaret Haines, Huson Longstreth, Daniel Offley, Samuel Lewis,
Samuel Taylor, Charles Williams, &c. In addition to these, she notes
the decease, in the fever of this year, of the following select members,
whose residence, we believe, was not in Philadelphia : Thomas Lieht-
foot, Joseph Moore, Owen Jones.

REBECCA JONES. 211
has been to many ! And how I fear that the people, concluding
that the bitterness of death is past, will, by returning to these
things which have drawn down the Lord's displeasure upon us,
furnish occasion for another and perhaps yet more heavy judg
ment, for, " verily there is a God who judgeth in the earth." To
return : let it suffice, my dear friend, to say, that I was confined
three weeks to my bed, and to the house near eight weeks ;
during which time, and when at the worst, " my soul did mag
nify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour," in
that he condescended to my low estate, and, by the incomes of
his love, sustained me ; granted to me more than I dared to peti
tion for, and was to me all things. Blessed now and forever,
be his adorable name! I refer thee to my beloved brother
Thomas Scattergood, who is bound in gospel love to visit your
land — and probably John Pemberton may be again with you —
for any particular information thou mayest wish to have, con
cerning me, as he (i. e. Thomas Scattergood) fearless of danger
from infection, was my frequent daily visitor, and was made
near to my best life; as also respecting the deplorable state of
this once joyous city during the late Visitation, for I have no
language whereby I can convey an adequate idea thereof. And
now, having been raised from the brink of the grave, I am de.
sirous to stand ready to answer all the requirings of my great
Lord and Master, who hath a right to do as he pleases, by,
with, through and upon me, and to whom I desire to be enabled
to offer the daily tribute of thanksgiving and praise, which is
his due alone, now and forever more. Thy letters per D. Dar
by, with others from thy daughter Sarah and other friends,
arrived whilst I was eonfined to my bed, and my doctor, and
those about me, detained them many days, thinking me unfit to
peruse them ; but when I grew better, they all proved cordially
acceptable to my poor mind. * * * * Present my dear fel
low laborers, now in your land, with my sincere love, and bid
them quit themselves like good soldiers : be strong, and stand
fast in the faith. He who hath appointed to them this service,
will not fail them nor forsake them. Dear Job Scott is, I hear,

212 MEMORIALS OF
happily gathered from further labor and pain. * * * * My
love to thee, my dear friend, and to all thy children, remains
unabated. I should have great joy in hearing that they were
all so listed under the heavenly banner, as that, by their con^
duct, they may evince this to be their resolution — Let others do
as they may, as for us, we will serve the Lord.
Pray for, and pity thy poor, weak and affectionate friend,

Philadelphia, 2d mo. 11th, 1794.
Dear Friend J. G. Bevan, — Thy last acceptable letter re
mains unanswered, but thou hast doubtless heard what a hum
bling season has in infinite wisdom been dispensed to the inhab
itants of this city, and that upwards of four thousand have been
through the prevalence of a malignant fever deposited in the
solemn " house appointed for all living," — that I expect thou and
other dear friends in your land, in whose debt I am in the epis
tolary line, will excuse me. I am however now disposed to let
thee know that as a monument of Divine mercy and compassion
I have been raised, amongst many others, from the brink of the
grave I O, saith my soul, that it may be to the praise of the
holy Physician ascribed I for had not he condescended to inter
pose, and by his power check the disorder, " I had gone down
to the grave also, I should have beheld man no more, &c." I
pray that I may never lose the sustaining sense of his majesty
as well as of his mercy ! both were at that time marvellously in
my view, and remain unspeakably so ; that I have no words
whereby I can convey an adequate idea of what has been my lot
during the progress of the disease, yea for many weeks before I
was taken down, and after I was brought *upon the bed of lan
guishing. Le't it therefore suffice to say, that with respect to my
self, all that I petitioned for and more than I dared to crave was
graciously granted: wherefore* and for the special blessing of a
resigned and quiet mind, I desire to be helped to live and walk

REBECCA JONES. 213
humbly, gratefully, and acceptably the few remaining days of
my pilgrimage, that when the solemn summons is indeed sealed,
I may be counted worthy of a resting place with the many near
friends who are happily gathered from all sickness, sorrow and
pain ! I wish as opportunity offers to let my dear friends who
are laboring amongst you know that I often think of them with
affection. I have just heard of the death of Job Scott, in Ire
land, with small pox, and so sweet a calm succeeded the tidings,
that I exclaimed thus : " Doubtless he is taken in great wisdom
and mercy, and I have a lively hope he is gathered in peace."
Many of his friends here and in his own country, New England,
will be much afflicted with the account. As I before desired thee
to impart this letter to G. and S. D. and S. E., I now add that my
little handmaid, Mary Brooks, died about one month before I was
taken sick. She lay but four days, and in that time slept much,
and experienced but little pain. The evening before she was
seized, she desired me to explain to her the meaning of Abba,
Father! which when I had done she replied, that is what I
thought, but I wanted to know if I was right. By her removal
I have sustained a loss, but I am resigned herein to a wise Pro
vidence who knew best when to gather her innocent soul to him
self. I could stain a deal of paper with ink and tears, if my way
opened so to do, but as little is required at my hand in this way,
I desire to close this, and with submission to the will of my heav
enly Father, who can repair all losses, and sanctify all his dis
pensations to his poor creatures, I pray to be helped to live with
out carefulness, and no longer than I may be of some use in his
Church, and amongst this people."
Her princely host and beloved friend, Joseph Gurney Bevan,
writing to her from London, Fourth month 30th, 1794, thus
tenderly and appropriately refers to the visitation of the previous
summer and autumn :
" I am rather cautious of what I say respecting the sickness
which prevailed last fall in your city, lest I should speak below
the standard of those minds who have been witnesses of the

214 MEMORIALS OF
affliction, and sharers in it ;- for in this case it may be emi
nently said, ' feeling has no fellow.' The soul -has had an
almost unaccountable knowledge of its own bitterness ; and, for
the mercy of preservation and support, has found a joy with
which the stranger cannot intermeddle. I see no solid ground
of comfort at such a time, but the blessing thou mentionest of a
resigned and quiet mind ; which, although it cannot be command
ed, is, nevertheless, sometimes afforded ; and , indeed, from the
very circumstance of being received as a gift, becomes more
precious and consoling than if it could be."
R. J. In writing, after receipt of J. G. B's letter, to Mary Bevan
thus refers to the above passage, " The remarks in Joseph's
letter respecting the late sickness and mortality in this city are
such as might be expected from a sensible feeling mind. They
obtained the full consent of my heart, and have afforded it both
comfort and instruction. Our friend S. Emlen and I have
conversed about our friends at Plow Court, and his account con
firms the persuasion of my mind, that the Shepherd of Israel is
graciously hear to you. May He be eyed and followed, in all
his leadings and directions, with that submission which becomes
the sheep of his pasture, the lambs of his fold. I rejoice in
believing that you are together stepping on in the path of holy
rectitude and increasing dedication to the service of Him who
intends, I verily think, to make you, strong for his work, yea,
pillars in his house to go no more out. I hear," she continues,
" that Joseph has quitted business. Of this I am glad — perhaps
it is in the desire I feel for his increasing usefulness in the family,
and that he may fill up his station therein with that dignity which
can look down upon the world freed from its shackles, as well
as its snares."
An impression of duty to visit, in the love of the everlasting
gospel, the families composing the Northern District Monthly
Meeting, pressing weightily upon her mind, it is thus referred
to in a letter to T. Scattergood, Fifth month 10th, 1794 — "When
thou arrivest on the British shores, remember me, and pray for
me when thou canst, for though I have been, through the Lord's

REBECCA JONES. 215
ever adorable mercy, favored to see for, and feel with thee, yet
now, under the prospect of a family visit, I am ready to sink,
and very much doubt my ability to get through to the honor of
my great and good Master, being a much poorer creature every
way than thou hast any idea of." This concern was weightily
spread before and united with, by her friends, in a monthly
meeting capacity, in the Third month, and a minute 6f Fifth
month 27th, referring to the service as having been entered upon,
and to the " propriety in enlarging the number of those who
should be encouraged to afford her their aid and company," thus
concludes — " It is therefore agreed, to mention to women Friends,
for this service, the name of Jane Snowdon,* and that such of
the overseers — both men and women — as may find themselves
at liberty therefor, should be encouraged to attend thereto. Such
an addition appearing to be agreeable to Rebecca's prospect."
In a letter to a friend, she thus refers to this engagement — " I
have been favored, beyond all expectation, to visit the families
of our Monthly Meeting — about two hundred and fifty in num
ber. It was almost my summer's work, as my bodily and
mental powers were so reduced the autumn and winter previous,
that I went on very gradually ; my friends being disposed, in
great sympathy and patience, to take my pace. Now it is got
through, my heart is solaced with the evidence of peace, and
centred in reverent acknowledgment to the great and good
Shepherd, who not only put forth, but went before,and sustained
through those unavoidable baptisms which attended from day to
day. To him be the praise of his own works — I am an un
profitable servant." To another friend she says, respecting
this visit, " I was mercifully helped through it, and though" I
began in a very enfeebled state of body, and little and low in
mind, and was obliged to stop in very wet and hot weather, yet
our elders, &c, who gave up to accompany me, held out in the
patience, and, through the Lord's -adorable goodness, I was
* This Friend was acknowledged as a minister by Philadelphia
Quarterly Meeting in the ensuing Eighth month, during the course of
this family visit.

216 MEMORIALS OF
enabled to get through, to the peace of my own mind, with the
sentence of an unprofitable servant."

R. Jones to Joseph Williams.
Philadelphia 6th mo., 1794.
Dear Friend, Joseph Williams,— Nothing but the love and
esteem I bear thee and thine, and the fear of being thought un
grateful, could induce one in my present weak state— in every
sense — to set about writing at this time. Of my late situation,
thou must have heard ; also, how we, in this city, have been
visited; and this, I should have thought, would plead for my
not having written to thee lately : but I find by a letter to
James Pemberton, that thou art for "exacting the uttermost
farthing," so I will send what I have, and thou must forgive
me the whole debt:
I hope, that by this time, my beloved brother, Thomas Scat
tergood, is arrived on the British shore, and that dear John
Pemberton will be there shortly, as he embarked about the 27th
ultimo. May they, with those before separated from us for the
gospel's sake, be helped every way to finish the work given
them to do, and in the Master's time, be restored to us, with the
wages of unshaken peace. I am, through the Lord's goodness,
so far restored in my health, as to be engaged in a family visit
here, though I get on but slowly, not daring to go out much in
wet weather ; yet trust I am in the way of my duty Godwards,
and pray that the few fleeting days that remain to me, may be
filled up with increasing dedication of heart to the service of
Him, who hath, in so marvellous a manner, raised me from the
brink of the grave, and is now and forever worthy to be obeyed
in all things. * * *
We are in expectation of shortly seeing D. Darby and R.
Young; they are on the return from their, journey southward,
where I hear they have labored faithfully, and where, I have
no doubt, they have had a pretty full share of suffering, both
of body and mind. It is likely, from accounts received, that

REBECCA JONES. 217
dear Martha Routh is on her passage hither with Wm. Rotch
and family ; but what port in America they intend for, I know
not ; New England likely, for Wm. R., belongs there.
I wish thou wouldst learn to give without expecting returns
from me ; that would be truly noble ; and tell me how R.
Grubb, M. Dudley, S. Shackleton, and E. Pim come on — how
Clonmell school flourishes, with other interesting accounts ; and
whether S. Grubb's works are reprinted, with any addition or
alteration thereof. * *
Believe me to be unchangeably thy assured friend and little
sister in the Truth,

$&£«

N. B. I omitted, in due place, to mention another ambassador,
viz., David Sands, from the government of New York, who has
obtained certificates to make a religious visit- 4o Friends in Eu
rope. He is a near friend of mine. Surely, there is still a
precious seed left in these lands, or so many would not be con
strained to visit you. May their labors be more availing than
those of some, who also have done their best. And mayest
thou, my dear friend, be encouraged to hold fast, and occupy
with the precious gift, which thou hast received ; that so the
Lord's work may prosper in thy hand, and thy evening close
with the sweet reward due to faithfulness.
The arrival of the Friends referred to in the above letter is
thus noticed in the Epistle to London from the Women's Y. M.
of Philadelphia, (1794,) the draft of which is in R. J.'s hand
writing. '' We-have had the acceptable company, and partaken of the Gospel la
bors of our endeared friends Deborah Darby and Rebecca Young, in the
several sittings of this meeting, and are also bound to give thanks to
the Father of mercies, on hearing that our dear friends Samuel Em
len, John Wigham, Martha Routh, &c, are safely arrived at Boston in
New England — so that the exclamation of the Royal Psalmist is feel
ingly adopted by some of our minds,—' How excellent is thy loving
kindness oh Lord ! — therefore the children of men put their trust un
der the shadow of thy wings." Unto whom we desire to render thanks
giving and praise, both now and forever."
19 -

218 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER TENTH.
1794.— 1799.
A young friend joins her family — R. J.'s last letter to E. Tuke.— N.
Wain's prospect for England.— Visit in N. Jersey.— Letter from S.
Harrison. — Death and character of Catherine Phillips. — Attends New
York Yearly Meeting  Letters. — Establishment of West Town
School and of Indian Committee. — Letter from W. Savery.— R. J. de
livers her message in Monthly Meeting. — Fever of '97. — R. J., goes to
Edgely. — Death of Thamazin Clifford. — Returns to Brooke's Court.
An interesting child, who had been with R. J., as a daughter,
being removed by death, the bereavement was keenly felt by
her ; so much so, that in much disconsolate feeling, not know
ing how to think of supplying her place, she lodged alone in
her rented house in Brooke's court, for six months. In the 9th
month, 1794, a young Friend (B. C.) was, as R. J., expresses
it, " providentially afforded unto me." " I am furnished," she
notes, " with another daughter, of a lovely, amiable disposition.
She often so freshly revives my late dear Mary, that the tears
flow involuntarily." Thus divinely joined together, they were
associated in sweet and uninterrupted harmony till the marriage
of the younger ; calling forth from very many visitors, in re
ligious opportunities and otherwise, allusions to Naomi and
Ruth, a comparison which was more fully justified when Ber-
nice became a widow, and, renting the house in Brooke's court,
adjoining that of R. Jones, a door was made to communicate
between their chambers. Some years previous to R. J.'s re
moval from time, some reasons rendering their residence in the
court ineligible, B. A. took a house immediately opposite to the
North Meeting, in which they dwelt together till this venerable
mother in Israel was removed to the triumphant church. This
brief notice is given in anticipation of the course of the narra
tive, the compiler being unwilling, in a biography of R. J, lo

REBECCA JONES. 219
omit recording the close union which subsisted for 22 years, and
to which, in the loose manuscripts before him, almost innume
rable references are made. A less interested compiler would
have quoted much more freely from their correspondence.
To Esther Tuke.
Philadelphia, 1st mo. 25th, 1795.
Some sketches of the late awful dispensation to the inhabi
tants of this city, and of that share therein which in perfect
wisdom was allotted me, thou hast doubtless had through divers
channels. Let it therefore, my dear friend, suffice to say, that
He who is mighty hath, in this, as well as in former seasons,
done for poor, unworthy me, great things. Under the fresh
sense whereof I feelingly acknowledge, " holy and reverend is
his name." Yea, worthy is he to be confided in and trusted to,
now and forever more, Amen.
I received some comforting information from your land, such
as I know makes thy heart glad ; because in the present day
the Lord hath given the word, and great is the company of them
that publish it — amongst the dear youth especially. For many
of them I also have travailed, according to my small measure ;
and I wish this renewed proof of the continued care of the
one great and good Shepherd, may animate his ancient devoted
servants, more fully to commit their work and ways to Him
who doeth all things well, and who, having given some of these
to see, as good old Simeon did, are ready to adopt his language,
" Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace," &c, they
having, like him, waited for the consolation of Israel.
Our own country hath not yet been cast off in anger, though
closely and heavily punished by the hand of infinite Justice.
Many of my dear cotemporaries have been gathered to their
everlasting rest, and, though too few appear to lay these things
rightly to heart, deep instruction has been sealed on the minds
of an humble remnant, and resolutions have been formed to hold

220 MEMORIALS OF
fast that which they have received from the immediate hand of
the Father of mercies, the alone fountain of all light, life and
blessedness. A hopeful succession is also furnished of rightly
anointed female ministers in this city, and several of them are
acknowledged by the Church as such. A niece* of dear S..
Harrison, gave up, at my request, to accompany me in my'late
visit to the families of our large Monthly Meeting, the sympathy
and weight of whose spirit, and the tender, patient assistance of
divers other Friends, were truly strengthening to my poor
bowed down mind. It is now, to my unspeakable comfort, as
well as great admiration, completed ; we having been at about
250 families. May the praise be given where it is only due,
by me, a poor, unprofitable servant. Our dear friends, Debo
rah Darby and Rebecca Young, are in this city, engaged in like
manner amongst the families of Pine Street Meeting. They
have general acceptance and good service amongst Friends and
others, and are, in the fulness and authority of the gospel, often
led to " other sheep which are not of this fold." May their
steady example in the service of their great Master, and their
labors under his direction and help, be productive of lasting
benefit to the visited, and tend to their own establishment in
righteousness and peace. The like ardent desire I feel on ac
count of our dear friends, J. Wigham and M. Routh. Our being
deprived of dear J. Pemberton's help and example, is sensibly
felt by many ; but the vacancy which I feel most, is that made
in the circle of my nearest fellow laborers by the absence of
dear Thomas Scattergood, with and for whom, great has been
my sympathy and unity of soul. His tender frame is so little
attended to by himself, that unless he has a feeling companion,
I shall fear that he may, like dear E. Drinker, never return to
us. But as her meat and drink was to do the Master's will, be
lieving as I do that she now reaps the reward of faithfulness—
with dear Job Scott, who quitted the field a little before her—
although I sometimes lament the loss which the churches have
* Jane Snowdon.

REBECCA JONES. 221
thereby sustained, I dare not call in question the wisdom of the
God of the whole earth, knowing that he doeth all things right.
* * * * * * *
Now in that love, which is not subject to change, do I salute
my endeared friend, greatly desiring that we may so steadily
trust in our all sufficient Helper, as that, like Mount Zion, we
may never be removed, but that, when this short fight ot
affliction shall terminate, we may, through his adorable mercy
and goodness, be counted worthy to join the song of his trium
phant church, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God and the
Lamb, worthy of all glory and praise for ever and ever.
I remain thy poor fellow pilgrim,

$&=fi

To the above letter was appended the following post
script :
" If my beloved E. Tuke is beyond the reach of this saluta
tion, I hope for some reply from survivors. May a double
portion of her dedicated disposition, rest on all her family, saith
poor R. J."
The foreboding implied in the postscript, was to Esther Tuke
blissfully realized, she having, before the reception of this letter,
put off the earthly tabernacle in which it had been her chief
concern to do the will of Him^with whom she was favored to
partake of " communion large and high." And ere R. J.'s
salutation had been wafted across the ocean, she had doubtless
been led, by Him who is in the midst of the throne, to living
fountains of waters, and had joined with the redeemed of all
generations in the holy anthem of the triumphant Church.
Speaking in a letter to C. Hustler, First month 26th, 1795,
of her daughter Sarah Hustler, subsequently an eminent min
ister of the gospel, R. J. says, " May she suffer the candle to
stand in its allotted place, that so the light of her innocent, up
right and humble example may become happily influential on
19*

222 MEMORIALS OF
the spirits and conduct of the younger children. I am rejoiced
in hearing that she has wisely submitted to the appointment of
your Monthly Meeting, and the call of- the collective body at
your last Yearly Meeting ; and trust that, as she offers herself,
willingly and devotedly, to the Lord's service, she will be
strengthened to do what her hands may find to do — so will her
peace flow as a river, and her righteousness, those successive
acts of obedience which may be required of her, follow in suc
cession as the waves of the sea." In the same letters he says,
" Samuel Emlen's son is on the eve of marriage with Susanna
Dillwyn,— they are a hopeful couple. Reay King is lately mar
ried to one of my old scholars, Anne, only child of William
Wilson, a valuable e'lderof this city->-a choice girl: and the
only daughter of my late much loved friend E. Drinker is to be
married next week, agreeably. Oh, how my feelings have been
tried on hearing of the departure of my two dear friends, Job
Scott and Elizabeth Drinker, and my beloved friends Catherine
Phillips and Deborah Townsend : but they are happily landed
on the peaceful shore. Oh that I may be favored to join their
and thy purified spirits, by and by, in incessantly celebrating the
praise of our ever adorable Helper, Father and Friend, who lives
and reigns, and is forever worthy."
Katherine Howell, in her diary, says, First month 27th,
1795 — " Our Monthly Meeting this day, was a season of great
favor to some, whose states were pertinently spoken to. After
the minute was read of R. Jones having performed the family
visit to our meeting, Deborah Darby arose, like a mother in
Israel indeed, and spoke somewhat after this manner : ' See,
Friends, how you have been favored, beyond the rich man for
merly, who requested that one might be sent from the dead to
warn his relations; but it was not granted to him. But you
have had one raised up to you again, therefore I entreat you to
gather up the fragments that nothing be lost.' "
Nicholas Wain, having obtained the united concurrence of his
friends, in his prospect of a visit to Ireland and part of England,
R. J. was solicitous that he should have the comfort of a suitable

REBECCA JONES. 223
companion ; and she notes, Fourth month 3d, " I have this eve-
ning heard that one of our most upright pillars, David Bacon,
an Elder worthy of double honor, has yielded in sympathy with
dear N. Wain, in order to accompany him over the great deep,
which must be a precious seal to N. W.'s commission. What
joy will dear S. Harrison and Thomas Scattergood feel, should
they be permitted to meet; D. B. being a father in the Truth to
both. Thomas' first wife was D. Bacon's daughter, one of my
scholars." "1795, Eighth month 15th. Being poorly in health, and
having obtained leave of my friends, my kind friend, Catherine
Haines, offering to take me into the country for the benefit of
the air ; we crossed the, Delaware about 3 P. M., in company
with several Jersey Friends, and had a pleasant ride to Wood
bury, where we staid at the house of John Tatum, during the
Quarterly Meeting there. Two meetings were held on First
day, and that for business on Second day — all large, and mea
surably owned with good. There were also from Philadelphia,
N. A. S., E. Foulke, Daniel Drinker, Margaret Elliott, &c.
The first two had acceptable service. We visited, at different
times, Sarah Whitall, Joseph and Hannah Whitall, J. Black-
well and wife, David Cooper, in a low but favorable situation,
S. Mickle and John Reeve.
19th. In the afternoon came to Haddonfield ; lodged at John
Hopkins,' and attended their Week day Meeting — an exercising
time. Martha Allinson, and three of her children, met us and
came with us to B. Swett's, from whence we had purposed to
go that afternoon home with M. Allinson, (at Cropwell,) but a
heavy rain coming on, and a strong wind blowing from the
north-east, we suffered M. A. to depart, and we being both in
firm, were most easy to abide with our kind friends, B. and M.
Swett, that night.
21st. It having rained steadily during .the night, and con
tinuing wet, we were easy to give up going to Cropwell Meeting,
hoping to get there soon."
Next day the 22d, she visited the Friend mentioned in the

224 MEMORIALS OF
succeeding note^ and participating with her hostess in true
gospel fellowship, they were enabled to
"Gird up each other for the race divine."
At the dinner table, before partaking of the repast, R. J.
commenced with" referring to " the provision which is now gra
ciously offered, to our acceptance" and spoke with a weight and
solemnity which remained, though many years of vicissitude,
impressed upon the minds of those who were gathered around
the board.
22d. "Went to Martha Allinson's, and after an open time
there, D. A. took us to Burlington, where we attended their
two meetings on the 23d, being First day. We went home
with John Cox and lodged. Next day dined at John Smith's,
and came in the evening to Burlington.
25th. Concluded to stay till to-morrow, when, if most easy
to go to Buck's Quarterly Meeting, we shall have but seven miles
to go, and John Hoskins has agreed to go, with us."
Her diary, which breaks off abruptly, was probably inter
rupted by illness. After attending Bucks and Burlington
Quarterly Meetings, and spending a short time in Bucks county,
she returned to her home Avitt an intermittent fever.
In a letter to J. G. Bevan, 5th mo. 22d, she says — " The
affecting accounts of dear John Pemberton's departure reached
us two weeks ago. His wife has kept her room ever since, and
with many others, is sorrowful indeed. On his account there is,
I trust, no cause for mourning. He was a brother beloved and
honored by me. If dear G. and S. Dillwyn are with you when
this comes to hand, tell them I continue to love them as a sister
and that I also continue in the belief that if their lives are
spared a little longer, they will return to dwell among their own
people." .In the same letter, referring to business affairs in
Philadelphia after the Yellow Fever, she says — " The spirit
for building, for purchasing and selling estates, is amazingly
great. Every article in housekeeping is so raised in price that
one might almost fancy oneself in Great Britain, and be awake
too— so that I, with others, am of the mind that the present face

REBECCA JONES. 225
of things will be changed, though the time as well as the man
ner I desire to leave." Expressing a wish to be at New Eng
land Yearly Meeting, " if it were my proper business," she
adds — " at present I have not much prospect of going from
home, and yet I hardly think I shall be allowed to stay all
summer in port. * * * I am wearing away gradually
under a load of complicated trials — some of which have been
more pinching than any preceding : so that, did not He who is
touched with a feeling of our infirmities condescend to suc
cour and sustain marvellously, I should sink below hope and
faint in this day of adversity. May all things which are per
mitted and dispensed in unerring wisdom, work together for my
increasing fitness to enter into Everlasting rest when this sore
fight of affliction is over — is my fervent prayer."

Extract from a letter from Sarah Harrison to R. J.
Leeds, 4th mo. 4th, 1796.
*****
' I do not wish to burden thee with my troubles, for I find thou
hast enough of thy own, and my feelings are awakened, and my
sympathy hath been renewed with thee, in the late fiery trial
through which thou hast had to pass, though I know not from
whence those bitter waters spring, and therefore I am a stranger
— that is, from information — to the nature of the case. But as
I was pondering it in my mind this morning, the language of
the apostle was brought, with some degree of clearness, to my
remembrance, inducing me to take up my pen, poor as I am,
just to remind thee of what he says — ' Think it not strange
concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing had happened unto you ; but rejoice, inasmuch as
ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings ;' and, indeed, it is good
for us, on such occasions, to remember who it was that suffered
so great contradiction from sinners, even from one who had
dipped in the dish with him, which we may suppose made it

226 MEMORIALS OF
harder to bear than the same treatment from a professed enemy
would have been. For, as said David, ' if it had been an enemy,
I could have borne it.' And amongst the many perils that Paul
met with by land and by sea, he looked upon them that were
brought upon him by false brethren, to be the worst. Dear
friend, if thou hast been tried with any thing similar to what 1
have hinted at, and thy soul made sorrowful by any of those
with whom thou hast heretofore taken sweet counsel, and you
have in those days gone up to the house of the Lord in com
pany, thou art to be felt for, and I do feel for thee as much as
my nature is capable of. And my desire is, that thou mayst
take that ancient advice, ' Fret not thyself because of evil doers,'
but let such be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican;
though it is reasonable to suppose that the feelings of thy mind
on such mournful occasions will produce the moving language,
' how is the shield of the mighty vilely cast away !' "
Well, what more shall I say upon an unknown subject, except
it be, fear thou not, for though thousands may fall by thy
side, and ten thousand by thy right hand, none of these things
shall come near thee, only thou shalt see them with thine eyes,
and mayest have to go heavily on thy way on their account.
But 'oh, mayest thou remember that it was those to who sighed,
and cried for wrong things, which prevailed in days of old, that
he who had the writer's ink-horn was sent to set his mark upon
them. And with him there isneither variableness nor shadow
of turning; so cast not away thy confidence, but trust in the
Lord for ever. On my own account, I have reverently to ac
knowledge, that he that is mighty hath done for me great things ;
he hath taken me as from the dung-hill, and set me among
princes. The consideration thereof hath often humbled my
mind, and leads to the enquiry, ' What shall I render unto thee
for all thy benefits !' And persuaded I am that nothing short
of the dedication of my whole heart will be accepted j and I am
very sensible, that the time is coming wherein I shall stand as
much in need of the prayers of my friends, as I have at any
time since I left home. And therefore I most sincerely desire

REBECCA JONES. 227
to be remembered by thee, and by all that desire my pre
servation." *****
In this year died Catherine Phillips (formerly Peyton) whom
R. J. called " my beloved parent in Christ, through whom
I received the first awakening stroke." The following well
condensed sketch of her life and character (taken from a manu
script copy preserved by R. J.,) being apparently not written
by a Friend, and presenting some valuable traits not fully set
forth in her printed memoir, is thought worthy of insertion.
From the Gentleman's Magazine for 1795
Died, at Redruth, county Cornwall, at an advanced age, Catherine
Phillips, one of the people called Quakers, relict of the late W. P., a
gentleman of large concerns in that mining country, and of great re
spectability, whom she married late in life. Her life and talents were too
extraordinary not to merit record. She was a native of Dudley, county
Worcester, and sister to the late James Peyton, of that place. Her
natural powers were uncommonly comprehensive ; and, just as she
arrived at the prime of life, she believed it her duty to give up all other
considerations to engage in the Gospel Ministry, among the Society in
which she was born. Her conceptions of the purity and glory of the
Gospel, and that real sanctification of heart, which it not only teaches,
but furnishes the means of effecting, were deeply engraven on a mind
devoted lo God, and filled with love towards mankind. Thus animated,
she visited the congregations of the Society throughout most parts of
England, and several times those of Ireland ; and with the concurrence
necessary by the discipline established amongst them, she visited the
Society in North America, in company with a young woman of Ireland
as extraordinary as herself; thus foregoing ease and affluence for a
very arduous and laborious service. Many who attended her ministry,
were surprised at finding such powers of unfolding the Christian doc
trine in a woman then in her youth ; and a dignified clergyman, we are
told, once said, " he wondered where she attained them." A singular
testimony to the excellence of her preaching, is given by a person of
great credibility. A gentleman went to her at Cambridge, and took two
youths, then under his care, with him, on purpose, as he said, to con
vince them of the futility of all pretensions to inspiration ; but owned
that he left the assembly with very different impressions from those
with which he entered it. She had very considerable knowledge in
medicine and botany, and published something on planting and beau-

228 MEMORIALS OF
tifying waste grounds, of which her travels and practical knowledge
rendered her a good judge. Her charity and attention to the poor were
extensive ; and she was deeply concerned for the reformation of their
morals. , With this view, she drew up an address to the gentlemen of
Cornwall, who were met a few years since on the mining concerns in
those parts ; and on the agitation of the public mind since the French
Revolution, she wrote to the miners, to convince them of their duty
and interest in " studying to be quiet and mind their own business."
This she knew would be her worthy husband's advice, had he been
living at such a time, who had great influence with them. This paper
was thought so salutary, that a neighboring magistrate had it printed
and dispersed in the country. She was an ardent well wisher to the
governors as well as governed of this realm, desiring to see that
righteousness which exalteth a nation " so to flourish as to draw down
the divine blessing on this island and its dependencies." For some
years before her decease, she was rendered a perfect cripple by a rheu
matic gout; and during the confinement which this occasioned, her
mental faculties suffered with the body, and rendered her, like some
other great minds, after a series of uncommon exertion, an object of
commiseration. From these clouds, however, she at times shone forth
' again, and wrote with precision on the subjects alluded to ; and also a
tract to show why the Society of Friends could not fully unite with the
Methodists in their missions to America and the Indies. She left also
some MS. poems. During this time she could not distend her fingers
so as to write in the usual way. To the last of her ability, she endeav
ored to devote herself to the service of mankind, and has left an exam
ple of exalted virtue, although in a line 'unusual to the generality of
her sex. Her uniform, upright conduct in her own community, gained
her great esteem; and her Christian courage to oppose licentiousness
among the gay, covetousness among the rich, and fanaticism among
the weak, rendered her one of the most useful and distinguished mem
bers of it.
From New York, where she appears to have been attend
ing the Yearly Meeting, accompanied by Catherine Haines— a
minute from, her Monthly Meeting being sent after her— she
writes, Fifth month 27th, 1796, to Henry Drinker : * *
" 'Tis expected the Yearly Meeting will close to-morrow.
It has been large, and, so far as my weak judgment goes, a
solid instructive time ; though by reason of an attack of chill
and fever, T was prevented attending on Third and Fourth days,

REBECCA JONES.

229

since which I have just made out to get to meeting, in C. Haines's
carriage, and returned immediately to my chamber at E.
Prior's, where I have all necessary attention and care. Thy
messages of love have been given to all intended, except H.
Barnard, who is also laid by through indisposition. She was,
however, at meeting this morning, and spread a concern be
fore the meeting, with which Martha Routh and myself could
not fully accord, yet in sympathy with her, and at her request,
we bore her company into the men's meeting, where it was de
cided against. I hope she will be relieved thereby.
" Thy account of the departure of our dear friends, and that
they went out on Seventh day, was gratifying to divers Friends
here, particularly J. Wigham and M. Routh. These dear friends,
with myself, have a .treat in the company of Wm. Rotch,
&c, who arrived herevon Seventh day. He looks, I think, full
as well as before he went to France, &c, only that his hair
is a little changed. If my health should be restored by the
early part of next week, I hope to turn homewards, though I
may, perhaps, stop a few days at Rahway, &c."
After referring to the removal by death of some Friends, she
continues :
" But I consider that it is but a little while that we, who are
now moving about, shall have the opportunity of evincing, to
such as are advancing on the stage of life, that we prefer the
welfare of the cause of Truth to our chief joy, and in so doing,
be ' laying up a good foundation against the time to come.'
Therefore, my humbled spirit craves that I may, in an especial
manner, cleave closely, now in my declining age, to that
good Hand which, in early life, visited and bore up my tribula-
ted soul ; which has been with me in every varied scene, and
which is still to me, however unworthy, the alone Helper — the
Physician of value — the unfailing Friend ! May the sense of
his unmerited kindness keep me through the remaining part of
my painful pilgrimage, where only, as I am abundantly
convinced, is safety, even in a state of humble watchfulness and
child-like simplicity — weaned from all creaturely dependence,
20

230 MEMORIALS OF
and fully resigned to his blessed will in all the future dispensa-
tions of his unerring Providence ; and finally, allow me just
an admittance within the gates' of that Holy City, towards which,
with longing desire, the eye of my soul has been turned since
the sixteenth year of my age ! Unite with me in desire, my
dear friend, for this ! that without seeking ' great things for
myself,' I may devote myself more faithfully as the evening
approaches, in seeking after an establishment in His favor,
which is better than life, and which, if but happily obtained,
will more than compensate for all that my poor exercised spirit
hath endured for more than forty years : being the crown that
will never fade, but abide for ever and ever.
" If I have exceeded, tell me so, and believe me to be thy
much obliged, and sincerely affectionate friend,

Fifth month 30th, in a letter to B. C, she mentions, that
although she had suffered with an attack of chill and fever, she
attended all but three or four of the sittings of the Yearly
Meeting. " We have had," she says, " a large and solid meet-
ing, and last night a parting meeting with the youth, which
was a blessed season, in which I thought of thee, with strong
desires that thy tender mind may be duly impressed with a
sense of the Lord's preserving goodness and fear, and be kept
in a watchful innocent state. Hereby will my joy be greatly
increased. John Wigham lodges at John King's, William RotCh
and his daughter Mary, at John Murray's, where are also
Martha Routh and her companion L- R- — so we are scattered
about. I hear that R. Cathrall* is going fast, so thou seest, my
dear, that the youth, as well as the aged, are called away
— that we need all endeavor to be in readiness to meet the
Lord in the way of his coming. I do not suspect thy being
in more danger than other young persons ; but as my soul is
deeply concerned for thy preservation, and as many dear friends
* Sister to Dr. Cathrall, and niece to H. C.

REBECCA JONES. 231
have taken most especial tender notice of thee, and do love thee,
and, what, is far better, I believe thy heavenly Father loves
thee, and has not been wanting in his secret and blessed in
timations to thy own mind, I do therefore earnestly entreat thee
to beg of Him for help and power, to resist all manner of temp
tations, and to walk before him in humility, innocence and
holy fear. Then will he delight to bless thee, and both inward
ly and- o»tward!y to prosper thee, and crown thy tender mind
with the incomes of his enriching peace. Farewell my dear
girl — may the Lord keep thee and me near to himself, that, if
we meet again in this world, it may be with minds suitably im
pressed with a sense of his goodness, and if, in his wisdom,
he see meet to order it otherwise, oh, that we may meet in the
mansions of rest and peace. So live in that which will help
thee to love thy poor, weak, affectionate friend,

Eleventh month 3d, 1796. In a letteu. to James, son of her
beloved Catherine Phillips, she says : " I expect thou hast ac
counts of our great works which are in contemplation,* — such
as attempting to civilize the inhabitants of the wilderness, and
*It was not without reason, that Rebecca Jones referred to the mea
sures in question as great works, then in contemplation. In the au
tumn of 1795, the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia appointed a com
mittee to endeavor to promote the civilization and improvement of the
Indians residing chiefly in the State of New York. Funds to defray
the expenses were raised by voluntary contribution, aided by a liberal
donation from Friends in England. A number of young Friends, of
both sexes, were engaged to reside for a time, among the natives in
various locations, and endeavor to instruct them in the arts of civilized
life, such as farming, domestic economy, and several of the mechanic
arts. It would exceed the limits of a note, to given even a concise
history of the operations of this committee ; but it may be stated that
the appointment is still kept up, though our valued friend Thomas
Wistar is the only one of the original number now remaining. The
care of the aborigines in various parts of our extended country, has,
since that time, engaged the attention of several other Yearly Meetings,
and the attention of the Philadelphia committee, has been, for a num
ber of Years, chiefly directed to the settlements on the Alleghany. Al-

232 MEMORIALS OF
to establish a Boarding, school after the manner of your Ack-
worth ; build a large meeting house, (after your example,) to ac
commodate both sexes at the Yearly Meeting ; admit black peo
ple into society fellowship, &c, &c. Well, my heart wishes
well to every grpat, noble, and virtuous undertaking ; but such
is my declining state of health, advanced age,, and dimness of
sight, that I have no expectation that these things will be so
perfected, as that I may adopt the language of good old Simeon
thereon ; yet am in the faith that success will attend' the endea
vors of such as have at heart the promotion of the good cause
of Truth therein."

though the progress of those people, in tfte arts of civilized life, has
not fully answered the anticipation of their- friends, their condition is
greatly' ameliorated.- Instead of the bark wigwam of that day, many
of them now occupy decent and comfortable houses, not inferior to
those inhabited by their white neighbors ; and instead of the precarious
subsistence afforded by the chase, they generally rely upon the culti
vation of the soil, and deposit the produce of their farms in barns
erected by Indian workmen. The ancient Indian costume has almost
entirely vanished, at least among the men ; and the savage practice of
cutting the margin of the-ear into the form of a ribbon, which was so
prevalent sixty years ago, has quite disappeared.
It was at the Yearly Meeting of 1794, two years prior to the dale of
this letter, that the plan of establishing a Boarding school, under the
superintendence of a committee of that meeting, was adopted. The
farm at West Town had been purchased, and preparations were mak
ing for erecting the necessary buildings ; but the school was not opened
until the spring of 1799. The important benefits which that seminary
has conferred upon our religious Society, and the stimulus which it
gave to education among Friends, are too generally known to require
particular notice ih this place.
The Admission of black people into society, to which she alludes,
may seem to imply that a rule to exclude them had previously existed.
That, it is apprehended, was not the case. But in the autumn of 1796,
a question from one of theiQuarters, whether black people might be re
ceived into membership, was submitted to the Yearly Meeting. The
doubt which gave rise to the inquiry, was probably owing to the pau
city of applicants among the colored race for admittance into mem
bership. Upon due deliberation, the Yearly Meeting adopted the just
and liberal conclusion, that" where Monthly Meetings were united in
believing that the applicants were clearly convinced o*f our religious
principles, and in a good degree subject to the Divine witness in their
own hearts, manifested by a circumspect life and conduct, said meet
ings are at liberty to receive such into membership, without respect to
nation or color." — Ed. Friends' Review.

REBECCA JONES. 233
It may be briefly noted, that R. J. was greatly interested, and
much consulted, in planning the building at West Town ; in ar
ranging the rules for the government of the school, &c. Pew
ter ware in great* varieties, having become very much obsolete,
was still stored away, and nearly useless in many families. R.
Jones interested herself in collecting articles of this kind, which
were sent to her house by wheelbarrow loads ; and these utensils,
some in their original form, and others remodeled, were placed
at the service of the institution.
We now extract some passages from a long and interesting
letter, bearing date Twelfth month 30th, 1796, addressed to her
from Amsterdam, by her friend William Savery.
" It has been a consolation to my spirit to feel thee interested
as a partner with me in my present engagement, both before
and since I left my dear native city : yet that feeling always
brings with it a sense of my own unworthiness. I love thee as
an elder sister, whose counsels, drawn from long experience,
have often been a comfort to me. Thy account of thy journey
to New York, and the movements of our brethren and sisters
to and fro in the Lord's service, was acceptable, all but that
part respecting thy being afflicted with a fever. Subsequent ac
counts give me hope that thou art recovered. Dear Rebecca,
thy pen was rightly directed, when thou wrote that it would be
a comfort to me to know that our holy Shepherd hath not forsaken
the flock at North meeting. They have been long and tenderly
endeared to me in bonds of gospel affection. My spirit often
accompanies thee when I apprehend you may be assembled.
The preciously visited young of the flock, both of that and the
other meetings in our beloved city, still lie very near to my
heart. May the good Shepherd of the , flock protect and de
fend them from all that would hinder their progress in the way
of present peace, and future glorification with him. Please con
vey my unfeigned love to as many of them as may be conve
nient. It would not comport with the bounds of a letter to par
ticularise."* * This message was communicated to the womens' Monthly Meeting.
20*

234 MEMORIALS OF
" With regard to myself, I shall, tell, as concisely as I can,
how I have fared. We had a pleasant and agreeable passage
of four weeks, after which thou mayest have heard that I
staid about seven weeks in England, and had several appointed
meetings in Liverpool, Birmingham, and London, which were
large. It appears to be a time of openness to other professors
in England. This was an unexpected service to me. I humbly
hope the cause of truth was not wounded. In the multitude of my
heavenly Father's mercies, he gave me as companions to Ger
many, my dear friends G. and S. Dillwyn, D. Sands, and our
W. Farrer and B. Johnson. This, thou mayest conceive, my
sister, had an animating tendency, and was quite unlooked for.
I could not have chosen brethren with whom, as partners, I
would venture my little stock more freely. George told me of
thy hint in a letter to him, which, he acknowledged, hit the
mark, as he had this journey on his mind before. G. and S. D.
have continued longer at Pyrmont than the rest of us ; I be
lieve rightly so. D. Sands and myself have spent about five
weeks there, first and last; were present at two of their Month
ly Meetings, which are now established in more regular form
than heretofore, and contain about sixty members, (and several
more have applied.) It would do thy heart good to be a wit
ness of the power of truth, in the simplicity of these innocent
people. As we stood round the grave of dear John Pemberton,
something solemn accompanied, with a comfortable evidence
that he was landed, through many tribulations, in the arms ot
everlasting Mercy. There is a little flock at Minden, one at
Hanover, and one near Hertford, that keep up Meetings in the
manner of Friends, and all over this country where we have
been, there are more or less pious people, — separatists from
by R.1 Jones, in a remarkably sweet and heart tendering communication.
She had risen to speak to business, but her exercise soon extended be
yond what was her prospect on rising ; and while the words flowed
from her lips like oil, her persuasive eloquence deeply affected many
hearts. She mentioned the reception of this letter, the place of its date,
djc; the writer thereof being very highly beloved by the congregation,
" There were giants in those days."

REBECCA JONES. 235
outward forms. Some are attached to the mystic writers,
(Jacob Bcehm, Lady Guion, &c.,) but appear to be honestly
enquiring for a right foundation. By these we have been re
ceived with open arms, and by the people at /large with much
civility and respect ; as well the great and officers of the army,
&c, as the poor. D. Sands and myself have been led much
in one line of service, and have been nearly united in travelling
together about one thousand miles, having our two companions,
and Lewis Seebohm as an interpreter ; for though I have some
times interpreted for my friends, as well as delivered my own
concern in meetings, yet I do not find myself perfect enough in
the German to refuse an interpreter, especially such a one as L.
S., who has a peculiar talent for it, and enters into the subject
feelingly "wi.ii us, so that I think he loses nothing. This may
be an encouragement to some of my fellow laborers who may
have a concern to visit this people, and who are unacquainted
with the German. In several places, the tender people at part
ing, expressed a hope that the Lord of the Harvest would send
more laborers among them, and I cannot doubt, that if Friends
stand open to the pointings of truth, their desire will be an
swered. • Here is a new and very extensive field opened ; the
influence of the Priests is decreasing, and the hearts of Princes
enlarging, to allow more liberty of conscience than heretofore, —
although the fruits that have yet appeared in Germany, are but
small, compared with America. The Prince of Waldeck
has been kind to the Friends of Pyrmont in several ways,
and allows them the free exercise of their worship. The
priests, however, still exact some fees, for offices which they
do not perform, as christenings, burials, &c. We have visited
Berlin, the capital of Prussia, and several other cities in that
kingdom, as Magdeburg, Brandenburg, Halberstadt, &c. &c,
in all of which are many honest enquirers after Truth ; and we
had a number of meetings with them, which were generally
solid and satisfactory. At Berlin, in particular, we had seven
or eight at our Inn, where we had four chambers — some of them
upwards of two hundred people, many of whom, though they

236 MEMORIALS OF
had never heard of Friends, were nearly united with us in our
doctrines, being taught by the great Teacher of his people.
These are of different ranks in the world, but mostly separated
from the public worships. They appeared like thirsty ground,
and received us and our testimony gladly, parted with us in the
most tender affection, and must long be remembered in near
fellowship. I do not remember at any time to have sat more
humbling and contriting meetings than those : the praise is the
Lord's." 1797. In 8th month, the Yellow Fever having again broken
out, the inhabitants, following the instinct of self-preservation,
rapidly removed from the city, and R. J.'s small household was
left quite alone in " Brook's Court." Although she was pre
served from being " afraid with amazement," she returned an
affectionate acceptance to Catharine Howell's invitation to spend
the season of the infection at her country seat at Edgely, on the
Schuylkill. The day previous to her leaving the city, she fell
down the stairs and hurt her leg severely. This hurt for a time
seemed more' painful than dangerous, and although unable to go
abroad, she received and enjoyed the society of many visitors,
and wrote many letters. With the family and guests, and ser-v
vants, she had religious opportunities, in which " the sensible
spreading of the holy canopy," was witnessed. In the exciting
state of the general mind, various and conflicting reports of the
state of the city were conveyed to her, but her abode was in the
quiet pavilion, and she remained peaceful, though by no means
insensible. Ninth month 7th, she notes, " By C. Haines, Sarah Cresson,
and Leonard Snowdon, we had more comfortable accounts of
our poor city, yet find that the fever continues. Oh Lord, be
pleased, for thy mercies' sake, once more to look down with
compassion upon us, and in thy own way and time deliver and
spare thy people, the workmanship of thy holy hand. Grant,
that now thy judgments are in our land, its inhabitants may tru
ly learn righteousness ! "
On First-day, the 10th, remembering that Catherine Phillips

REBECCA JONES. 237
went to meeting with her fractured arm in a sling, although she
was more indisposed, she went to Germantown meeting, which
was large, on account of the funeral of Jonathan Roberts. Af
ter an extensive communication from Nicholas Wain, R. J. was
engaged in the expression of a lively desire for the general in
crease of spiritual health, and submission to the Lord's will. At
the close of the meeting, she had a select opportunity with the
connexions of the deceased at the meeting house, in which she
imparted tender counsel and sympathy. This effort proved in
jurious to her health, and a violent ague was followed, by high
fever, and her wounded limb being much inflamed, mortification
ensued, and amputation was for a while anticipated. Yet, her
mind being fixed in dependence, she recorded on the ensuing
day the language of her soul, " Oh Lord my Gqd, great and
marvellous have been thy dealings with me ! My soul is led,
in the depth of abasement and humility, to bless thy ever adora
ble goodness and mercy, and renewedly to query, ' What shall
I render ! '" ¦
Ninth month 23d, she writes to her kind friend and efficient
helper, Leonard Snowdon :
" I have been much with the little company this day assem
bled. May the blessed Shepherd be with you, and crown with
his life-giving presence. I shall esteem it a favor, thy giving
me an account of what came before you, who from the country
have ventured in, with any thing that occurs, interesting to a
poor, wounded, and diseased prisoner, who knows not how the
present trial may issue. But I am endeavoring after entire re
signation to the Lord's will herein. This family are kind be
yond description; divers Friends have been to see me, and their
company, with that of dear Wm. Rotch and Martha Routh and
companion, have several times had a strengthening effect, so that
I may adopt the language of David, 'In the multitude of my
thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.' "
Under the same date she notes : " In the afternoon dear Tam-
son Clifford walked here, (two miles,) and made us an hour's
visit. She never appeared so lovely and amiable. She took a

238 MEMORIALS OF
most affectionate leave, and though C. H. offered Jier carriage,
she chose to walk, J. Hopkins and E. Howell going with her,
by whose return she sent me a present. Alas, how frail and
how short-sightetj we are ! Little did we think it would be a
final parting !" This lovely young woman had been R. J.'s pu
pil. She was taken alarmingly ill the next day, with the yel
low fever, and in a few days died, in such a condition that " they
were obliged to send to town for a rough coffin, which was put
on wheels, and brought by two men, and in the evening was
conveyed by them and two black servants, to the city, for in
terment." R. J. felt this circumstance keenly, yet, she says,
my soul rests satisfied that she is centred in the arms of ever
lasting Mercy. We sat silent and sorrowful all the evening, in
the chamber."
The following letter was written to the aged and afflicted mo
ther of the deceased.
To Anne Clifford.
Edgely, 10th mo. 2d, 1797.
My dear friend, — Such are my affectionate sympathetic
feelings with thee and thine in the present humbling and afflict
ive dispensation, and such has been the tender solicitude of my
soul on account of the dear deceased, who, (though I always
tenderly loved her,) was yet rendered in her last visit here,
more particularly near to me ; and such is my present comfort
ing persuasion that she has fallen asleep in the arms of everlast
ing Mercy, that I cannot forbear manifesting my friendship in
this way, being unfit personally to attempt seeing thee, which
would not be wanting could I even bear the ride : but the state
of my bruised limb will riot allow me to leave my chamber.
Mayest thou, my beloved friend, though bereaved of so lovely
and desirable an assistant in thy declining age, experience the
great Healer of breaches near thy drooping mind, and by the
consoling influences of his goodness, which has followed thee all
thy life long, be sustained, in the present conflict, and enabled
with his deeply tried servant Job, to bless his ever adorable

REBECCA JONES. 239
name, who hath been pleased (doubtless in unerring wisdom,)
to take away even one of his choicest temporal blessings. And
may all her tender relations look up with submission and dedi
cation of soul to the one inexhaustible Source of all that is di
vinely good. That he may be graciously pleased so to bless
and sanctify this present grievous affliction, as that they may
happily witness it to work for them " a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory," is my ardent desire.
Thy endeared friend,

4&^i

The Yearly Meeting occurring during her imprisonment at
Edgely, her counsel was sought by various friends. Martha
Routh made her several visits, in one tof which they took a
solemn and final farewell of each other.
On the 13th of 10th month, her friends were cheered by see
ing her seated by the parlor fire side. On the 22d, C. Howell
notes, " R. J. had a precious opportunity with the whole family
collected, this evening. Addressing the servants particularly,
she said, that though they might think that their advantages
were not equal to others, yet this was not the case, — that they
wer6 on a level with the King, having the same principle placed
for their guide that he had, which, when a wrong word was spo
ken, reproved therefor." To a colored man who had lived in
the family more than twenty years, she spoke encouragingly,
and was afterward fervent in supplication.
On the 26th of 10th month, having left the house but twice
since she entered it, she took leave of her kind friends at Edge
ly, reciting, as she parted, the words of Paul, "The Lord give
mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he hath oft refreshed
me, and was not ashamed of my chain ; " adding, that whether
for the accomplishment of complete sanctification, their passage
should be made rugged or smooth, it would not be long before,
if faithful, they should enter into a peaceful eternity.
Alluding shortly after, (in a letter to M. Routh,) to the miti-

240 MEMORIALS OF
gation of her lameness, she says, with that play upon words,
(pleasantly turning a trite subject into seriousness,) which char
acterized her conversational apd epistolary style, " What cause
have I to walk softly, carefully, and humbly, all my days ! I.
wish I could say," she adds, " that a desire of this sort was evi
dent in the conduct of the people at large. But alas, I fear a
greater chastisement will be found necessary, more availingly
to teach them righteousness."

CHAPTER XI.
1798—1799.
Description and character of Rebecca Jones — She sends for T. Har
rison to rescue a captured Negress — Shipwreck and arrival of Mary
Prior — S. Grellet acknowledged as a minister, 1798— Visits Rahway
&c. — Attends Burlington Quarterly Meeting — Letters to and from
Jane Snowdon — Goes to Edgely — Letters to Martha Allinson, &c. —
Change in time of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
Rebecca Jones was, in person as in mind, finely majestic. In
her earlier years, and until her embarkation for England, she
was slender, but at her return, and for the rest of her 'days, she
was much increased in size, and ' was lame from rheumatism,
which was contracted in Ireland by sleeping in damp beds. Her
manner was marked by ease and grace, and (in honor prefer
ring others to herself) the gentleness of her Master was conspic
uous in her. Yet there was without assumption on her part, a
queenly dignity, a tout ensemble of nobleness, which drew from
all the willing tribute of respect. " Here sits our Queen up
on her throne" said Thomas Scattergood, playfully, as he
entered her chamber in her declining years.* " Ah, Thomas"
* This visit of T. S. was during the week of Y. M. in 1814,- and the
Jast time he was out of his own house.

REBECCA JONES. 241
she replied, " sometimes my palace, sometimes my prison."
" Oh, it is well that thou bowed to the convictions of Truth in
thy early days," said S. Emlen (senior) as they started from her
dwelling, to walk to the Second-day morning meeting in Chest
nut street — " for thou wouldst have been a most powerful instru
ment in his Satanic Majesty's hands." And truly the qualities
which through grace enabled her so conspicuously to " adorn
the doctrine of God our Saviour," had they remained unsanc-
tified, would have rendered her influential for evil, and " inju
rious," as was Saul of Tarsus before he yielded to the heavenly
vision. She had a striking and significant way of expressing her
thoughts, which flowed from a mind of great originality and pow
er. In her ministry she was particularly clear of expletives, or
superfluous expressions, a,nd the solemnity of her manner, and
the genuineness of the gospel message which she eloquently im
parted, impressed the audience with a sense that . she was ad
dressing them under the commission of " the King immortal, in
visible," for whom she was an ambassador. At such times, an
influence accompanying the sound of her voice seemed to fill
the house, and hence an impression was produced which the
mere repetition of her words, (especially to those who did not
know her,) would fail to convey. Her religious communications,
in which she was not very frequent, were remarkably untinctur-
ed by what is significantly styled " creaturely activity ; " and
even the very young were overawed, their attention was rivet
ed, and their tender minds were enlightened. So evident was it
that the Holy Spirit spoke through her. When moved, as
mouth for the people, to address the throne of Grace, her peti
tions were indescribably solemn, and may be classed with the
" effectual fervent prayers " of the righteous, being signally
owned by the alone Author of availing prayer.
Nor was her mission confined to, the public ministry of the
Word. It was a prominent part thereof, to carry the consola
tions of the Gospel to the abodes of suffering and the chamber
of death. And, being " wise and'endued with knowledge," pos-
21

242 MEMORIALS OF
sessed of social qualities and of personal and mental traits which
could not fail to impress and influence her associates, she was
enabled (by keeping her eye upon the holy Pattern) to maintain
a godly circumspection, and to " show forth out of a good con
versation her works with meekness of wisdom."
Our portrait would be incomplete should we fail to describe
her as being " in doctrine uncorrupt." Receiving in the fullness
of his mission the Son and Sent of the Father, the Saviour of the
world, in whom, whilst yet in the form of a servant, dwelt all
the fullness of the Godhead bodily, her faith in him was com
plete and perfect, and she lived by faith. Believing with her
heart unto righteousness, and with her mouth making confession
unto salvation, and free from the tendency of narrow minds to
" hold the Truth in parts" she brought extraordinary qualifi
cations to her aid in yielding to the heavenly call to
" Negotiate between God and man
As God's ambassador, the grand concerns
Of judgment and of mercy."
She was eminent for pleading the cause of the poor, and for
acting, as we shall have occasion to notice, as an almoner to the
rich ; and to those who were in affliction, she was an unwearied
and tenderly sympathising friend. Being prepared, \sy her early
experience to appreciate the privilege of visiting those whose
goings were established in the way of life and salvation, she had
resolved, that if ever favored to have a house of her own, it
should be open to all who wished to seek the society of the seri
ous. To this she adhered. Her mansion, though small, was
freely open to all who desired her society, or who were in dis
tress of any kind, from mental or physical causes. She was
known to be confidential, and the afflicted were bold to open
freely their situation to this mother in Israel, as she might, in an
extended sense, be called. Among many instances of the con
fidence which was freely reposed in her by all classes, we may
briefly narrate the following:

REBECCA JONES. 243
At the corner of Brook's Court and Front street, dwelt a
wealthy West India family, who had two female slaves, a mother
and daughter. The mother went out to work, always paying
her master two shillings and sixpence for each day so spent, and
saving the rest, with the understanding that she might purchase
her freedom for one hundred dollars. When, by her exertions,
aided by the generosity of some of her employers, this sum had
been raised, (being willing to remain in slavery that she might
obtain the blessing of freedom for her beloved child,) she offered
to pay the money for the emancipation of her daughter Maria, a
beautiful girl, with light hair, soft blue eyes, and elegant form,
who would have passed for a white girl; but for her, two hun
dred dollars were demanded. This sum in process of time was
raised and paid, and Maria considered herself free, having only
her master's bare word for it. She continued in the family, and
was employed in needle work, which she performed with exqui
site neatness. Her master's mother being about to return to the
West Indies, Maria made some elegant dresses, with much orna
mental work, for some connexions in the islands, and having
prepared them, she was sent to the vessel to pack them care
fully away.
She went, with many fears, and misgivings, and whilst she
was in the cabin, the vessel put off from the wharf, and on her
returning upon deck she was seized, gagged, and pinioned. The
weeping mother, in an agony of suspense, dared not breathe her
apprehensions ; bul being sent to fill the tea-kettle at a pump of
soft water, which stood up the court, near Rebecca Jones' kitchen,
she cast a hurried look to see if she was observed, and slipped
into the house, where with very little preface she related what
she knew of the situation of her daughter, and the danger that
awaited her. R. J. avoided raising her expectations, but imme
diately sent our informant to Thomas Harrison, with a request
that he would come to her. She hastened upon the errand of
mercy, found him in his shop, and eagerly gave him a condensed
statement of the case. " Yes — yes" said the philanthropist, —
"tell her I'll be there directly." And starting at once, with

244 MEMORIALS OF
hasty steps, he was with R. J. before the messenger could re
turn. He instantly proceeded to the house of the master, and
opening the door of the parlor, where the family were at tea,
and placing his stalwart figure in the entrance, with his hands
on the' door posts, he asked—" Is J  1  at home ?" The
person named, being a man of courtly mariners, rose from the
table with a courteous bow, and replied, " That is my name,
sir !" " Where's Maria ?" asked Thomas, in an authoritative
tone. " It's none of your business," answered J. I., with a
greatly altered manner. " It is my business, and if thou dost
not tell me, I'll call in the constable to take thee to prison, and
keep thee there until she is given up." His wife.being alarmed
at Thomas Harrison's resolute words, called out, " Oh, don't.
take my husband to prison — Maria's on board the vessel."
" Where is the vessel ?" " At Race street wharf," she replied,
in spite of her husband's efforts to silence her, and also gave
him the name of the vessel. He hastened to the wharf, took a
boat, and was soon attempting to climb the vessel's steep sides.
The captain pointed at him a musket, but he, still clambering up,
coolly replied, "shoot if thou dar'st, thou know'st thou'lt be hang'd
for it." Reaching the deck, he took the gun from the captain
as one having authority, broke it over the railing, threw it into
the river, and hastened to the cabin, where he found poor Maria
gagged, and the saliva running down her breast — being of course
unable to swallow. The philanthropist took her to his house,
kept her till the vessel had sailed, and, when he had obtained
legal papers of manumission, she was permitted to return to
her former master, in the capacity of a servant.*
?Though Rebecca Jones sought the assistance of Thomas Harrison
as a well known advocate of the enslaved Africans, and one better
qualified than most men of that day to apply such protection to them as
the existing laws could afford, there is no reason to apprehend that she
would approve of the angry display of authority manifested in the
breaking of the gun. However offensive the conduct of the Captain.
we cannot justify this hasty act.
It may, however be observed, that if the circumstance occurred near
the time to which the course of the narrative has brought us, the par
ties concerned in the attempt at the abduction of the girl, were acting

REBECCA JONES. 245
The following entry in her "Poor Will's Pocket Almanac
for the year 1798," is the only metrical attempt by R. J. which
has come to our knowledge.
" And now begins another year .'
Lest I should fail I almost fear !
My resolutions now are good ;
But, of himself hath no man stood.
To thee, Oh Lord, my soul doth look —
All other help I have forsook,
Therefore on thee will I depend,
My sure, my everlasting Friend !"
1st Mo. 1st. 1798, 4 o'clock, P. M.
Albeit her character as a wise woman may be best sustained
in her prose, and although we admit the New Year resolutions
to be better than the poetry, we presume that our readers (most
of whom are supposed to have tried their own hand at it,) will
pardon a solitary essay at rhyming, during a life of nearly four
score years.
' " Fourth month 25th. Our monthly Meeting. Mary Prior
remarkable in intercession for her own land, that judgment may
be mixed with mercy, and that three capital crimes, the slave
trade, war, and tithes, may be removed. Also, that her beloved
nusband and children may be supported through every conflict.
A solemn and heart-tendering season."
' Fifth month 8th. M. Prior in supplication at the Youth's
meeting for her own land, for Friends there, for the King, that,
in direct violation of law. By the act of 1780, sojourners coming into
the State, for a temporary residence, and bringing slaves with them,
could not hold them longer than six months. This would seem to
have been the character of this West Indian master, and of course
Maria was, independently of the purchase, legally free. ' If the mas
ter came into the State after 1780, with a view of a permanent resi
dence, his slaves became instantly entitled to immediate freedom. And
even if the girl was legally a slave, the attempt to carry her off in that
manner, subjected both master and captain, under the law of 1788, to a
penalty of two hundred dollars. Thomas Harrison was fully acquainted
with the laws which were designed for the protection of the colored
race, and was not slow to perceive the power which the violation of
those laws had put into his hands. Hence the authority assumed at
the house of the master, and on the deck of the vessel, admits of an
easy explanation. — Ed. Frieitds' Review. 21*

246 MEMORIALS OF
evil counsellors may be removed from him, and for her husband
and children. Nicholas Wain, at the close of the meeting, in
like manner for our land and rulers, &c. Truly it was a solemn
time.". R. J. in another place notes the arrival of Mary Prior, on the
14th of Third month, after a passage of thirteen weeks, having
been shipwrecked and taken in by Capt. Macey.
The ship in which she embarked was a leaky, unseaworthy
craft, with a drunken captain. Mary Prior being the only female
on board, a young nobleman, who to this time had been irreli
gious and dissipated, attached himself to her with the tenderness
6f a son, and the effect of her religious labors for the conversion
of his soul soon became apparent. Very early in the voyage a
steady use of the pumps was found to be necessary, to which
work our friend stimulated the oft-times discouraged sailors.
When at length it was found that, with all their labors, the
water gained upon them, and the vessel continued gradually to
sink, the hands seemed determined, in utter despair, to relin
quish their efforts. The young man told M. P. that they two
should sink together, and that his only hope was in clinging to
her. She urged the men to continue their pumping for two
hours longer, — and during this interval a sail was seen. A
distress signal was fired, and when they saw the vessel bearing
toward them, they continued to fire guns in rapid succession.
The captain and sailors seemed impressed with the idea that
the presence of our friend had been the safety of them all, and
that while she remained on board they would not sink : and
when the first boat was ready for transferring them to their new
floating habitation, the captain would not allow her to enter it
insisting that she should remain on board till the last person had
left, saying : " The ship won't sink while she's on board." The
young man already referred to, took her into his arms, and
sprang into the boat. She saved nothing but what was about
her person, except a parcel which Thomas Scattergood had en.
trusted to her care for his wife. Her certificates were in her
ocket.

REBECCA /JONES. 247
/
Capt. Macey's vessel was well loaded with oil and codfish,
barely sufficient space being regained for the accommodation of
the crew. With such an addition, the room was insufficient,
and they were obliged to submit to great inconvenience, lying
on the cod fish, and wherever/ any space could be found. Every
person on board was necessarily placed at once upon short al
lowance. This state of things continued for some weeks, and
at length they arrived at Philadelphia, landing at the wharf of
Jonathan Willis, who, having heard of the approach of a vessel
consigned to him, went to meet it, and noticed, as it neared the
wharf, a plainly dressed vvoman on the deck. Being led ashore,
as soon as she set her foot on the wharf she knelt, and at once
the whole crew, by whom she was beloved and venerated, reve
rently uncovered their heads. A stranger, thinking that she had
stumbled, took hold of hir to raise her ; but the^young nobleman
repelling the attempt, said — " Touch her not." She uttered
thanksgiving to their Divine Preserver.
James Pemberton had written to invite her to his house, but
Jonathan Willis took h'er home with him to tea. Phebe Pem
berton soon came in her carriage and took her to her appointed
lodgings, where her comfort was provided for with the greatest
tenderness and delicacy.
Rebecca Jones, on/being informed that evening of her arrival,
and the attendant circumstances, was greatly affected and over
come, M. Prior beiijg her beloved friend ; and she hastened to
visit her early the, fiext morning.
On the ensuing/Fifth day, M. Prior attended Market Street
Meeting. The young nobleman, her fellow passenger, hearing
that she had gone thither, followed her. This was his first
attendance at a Friend's Meeting. She was led to elucidate im
pressively the parable of the Prodigal Son, and her testimony
being sealed up/on his mind, he supposed it to be designed by her
especially for liimself. Visiting her in the afternoon, he wept
much, and sai/d, — " Oh ! why did you expose me so, before so
many persons — Why could you not have told me all this

248 MEMORIALS OF
in private V Of course he was satisfied upon a proper ex
planation. Seventh month 16th, 1798. — In aletterto Martha Routh she
says — " Thy being so renewedly and quickly commissioned for
service in the family, is animating to me, a poor, feeble soldier.
May 'thy heart. endure and thy hands be strong.,' whatever
becomes of me, who am at times in danger of casting away
that shield which hath covered in many battles. And yet there
is occasion thankfully to rejoice in hope, that if the dear youth
who have of latter time been brought under the holy forming
hand, and have evinced on whose side they are, if these keep
steady in their love and zeal Godward, that there will be a suc
cession of standard bearers when our heads are laid low. Of
this number, I have a lively prospect concerning H. L. Fisher,*
Sally Cresson, Stephen Grellett, (he is recommended as a min
ister,) and some others in this city and county, for the preserva
tion of all whom I am tenderly solicitous. We are in daily ex
pectation of the return of Wm. Savery and S. Harrison, who
have been absent six years. The rest don't appear to be at
liberty. May the labor bestowed on your land be productive of
that increase of righteousness which, doubtless, the great Lord
'of the harvest designs ; but as for us, I fear we are too much
in Jeshurun's state."
Early in the Eighth month, 1798, R. Jones and B. C. left the
city, and pausing at Frankford to visit Nicholas Wain, proceeded
to Locust Grove, the residence of R. Hartshorne. Having at
tended Quarterly Meeting at this place, where R. J. had much
service with many young persons in private opportunities, they
went to the Quarterly meeting at Burlington, where R. J. notes,
" I met a kind, open reception."
* This friend, subsequently Hannah Logan Smith, is freshly remem
bered by many of our readers. Her husband James Smith (who was
associated with Leonard Snowdon, Thomas Stewardson, and Johns
Hopkins as executors to R. J's. last will,) was one who, by his chris
tian humility and unblemished integrity, adorned the doctrine and
confirmed the profession of Truth, and is worthy to be, held in remem..
brance.

REBECCA JONES. 249
At Burlington she writes, Eighth month 26th, to Jane Snow
don —
" The meeting this morning was very large — many of our fel
low-citizens are here. Indeed the town seems crowded, and
more came up to-day. By these we hear heavy tidings, that T.
Paxson, S. Grellet, and others, are taken down, so that my mind
is clothed with sadness on account of those who remain in the
city, and the prayer of my mind is that my beloved friends may
be supported under this great and renewed trial of faith and pa
tience. * * *
" Oh poor Philadelphia ! is the mournful musing of my spirit,
by day and by night. May its mournful inhabitants be instructed
by all with which we have met, in this and former years, and
turn to him who smiteth, so as availingly to experience our
only place of defence to be the munition of rocks, where bread/
may be given us, and our water be sure, is the petition of your
afflicted and affectionate friend and sister."
Returning to Rahway, she remained till near the time of (he
Yearly Meeting. From this place she wrote, 9th mo. 11 thy to
Leonard Snowdon : j
" As I sat yesterday in Plainfield Meeting (about five jhiles
from here) my mental visit to the small exercised remnant in
our poor city was sweetly refreshing — yea, I seemed interwoven
with them in sweet supplication Ao the Lord Almighty, that he
may be pleased, in his unmerited compassion, to keep/ you all
under his holy protecting wing tfll the present sore calamity be
overpast ; sustain you above the raging billows, guide you by
his counsel, and finally crown your conflicting minds with un
shaken peace. Perhaps I was brought near in remembrance to
some of my dear friends at the same time."
Jane Snowdon to R. Jones
Philadelphia, 9th montli 28th, 1798.
My dear friend, — I feel so much weakness and poverty that
I scarcely know how to take hold of my per/ to salute thee by
letter ; nevertheless, I apprehend I feel at times a degree of that

250 MEMORIALS OF
love by which the disciples of Christ were distinguished.; and,
under these impressions of endeared affection, I thought I. would
attempt to offer a few lines for thy perusal ; though I know not
what I shall say, but hope my pen will speak the language of a
heart which has-been of latter times often broken and contrived,
before Him who can preserve from the pestilence that walketh
in darkness, and from the destruction that wasteth at noon-day.
Was not my harp hung upon the willows, I would endeavor to
speak of his judgments and his mercies too. This is truly a
solemn time. The Lord, the judge of the whole earth, is speak
ing to the inhabitants of this place himself! Oh, that we may
learn righteousness by the things which we have suffered! If
the people should refuse his repeated visitations, and continue
to rebel against the Holy One of Israel, who could marvel if
another vial of the Lord's indignation should be poured forth on
the inhabitants of this land. My soul shrinks at the prospect,
and prays for a place of rest in the day of trouble. When we
began to be surprised with the terrors of this awful visitation of
sickness and mortality, I most ardently desired to be at liberty
to leave my habitation ; but such a thick cloud overshadowed,
that I could see no way, either to the right or to the left. When in
this situation, I often secretly compared myself to a person in
confinement under bars, locks, and bolts. My bonds were too
strong to be broken. So thou seest, my endeared friend and
mother, by what I have written, and by what thou hast heard
before, that I have been sick and in prison, having nothing to
boast of except my infirmities. Notwithstanding I felt myself
thus bound in a place of deep suffering, it was far from me to
harbor one uncharitable sentiment in regard to those who left
their dwellings ; so distant is such a thought from me, that, in
some of the most sorrowful, humiliating seasons which I have
passed through, I have been thankful in believing that many of
my nearest and dearest friends , were permitted to flee from the
sufferings which we experienced in our habitations. I desire
not to murmur, and I think I do not feel any disposition of that
kind ; neither have we any cause lo regret staying here for the

REBECCA JONES. 251
Lord hath hitherto dealt very bountifully by us. Oh that we
may be enabled forever to keep 'our confidence in the Shepherd
of Israel, and in the day of trouble endeavcfr to take refuge under
his Holy Wing, and then all will be well.
Believe me to be, as I am, thy truly affectionate friend,
Jane Snowdon.
R. J. to Jane Snowdon.
Burlington, 10th month 4th, 1798.
Dearly beloved Jane, — Thy precious letter of the 28th ultimo
would have been replied to before now, but wishing to inform
thee that I had got to Edgely, prevented an earlier answer.
However, this morning I seem disposed to acknowledge it from
hence. The favored situation of thy mind appears almost en
viable. It is what I have been laboring for on my own account,
and, according to my measure ; it seems that through the infi
nite condescension of the Shepherd of Israel, I have in degree
partaken of the like blessed experience ; so that I can in truth
say, so far from assuming the seat of judgment respecting those
who have been bound to stay in our poor, afflicted, and almost
forsaken city, my mind has been so fully yielded in sympathy
with you, and other dear friends there, that the frequent, yea the
daily breathings of my sorrowful soul have been, to the Father of
mercies, that you might be surrounded by his all-protecting arm,
and upheld thereby in every renewed baptism, both of body and
mind. So that I rejoice in finding that notwithstanding many and
great have been the provings of your faith and patience, the shout
of a King is evidently in your camp ! May this continue to be
thine and dear Leonard's experience, saith my soul. Our sev
eral dear friends, who, for the sake of supporting the precious
testimony of truth ventured their lives by going to the Yearly
Meeting, are also the objects of my near sympathy and tender
solicitude. Great must have been their conflict to become so re
signed ; and great also, I have no doubt, will be their peace,
whether in life or death. We hear often of them who are in the
disease. As to myself I may say that I came from Locust

252 MEMORIALS OF
Grove desirous of All-wise direction ; but when the time approach.
ed, my soul became ' exceeding sorrowful,' such a cloud of dark
ness arose on the prospect that I was obliged to get into the
. quiet, and pray to be preserved from tempting the Lord my God,
and in the sequel, as the meeting was adjourned, relief was af
forded, and I said in my heart, good is the word of the Lord,
worthy to be trusted in and praised now and for ever !
After seventh day please direct to Edgely, where I hope to be
in the course of next week, there to wait until it shall please the
Lord to open the way for my return to my little habitation ;
whenthisis mercifully granted, I trust, my dear friend, we shall
' be enabled mutually to set up our " Ebenezer" under the re
newed sense of the all-sustaining power and goodness of the Lord
Almighty, to whom be thanksgiving and praise, now and for ever.
Amen. Tell your dear children I love them, and think of them often.
I salute thee and dear Leonard in Gospel affection, and re
main your tribulated sister,

<|&^

As the Yearly Meeting drew near, being still undecided
whether to attend it, she again visited Burlington, making her
home with her friend Martha Allinson.
For a day or two both R. Jones and M. A. were under great
mental exercise, desiring right direction whether they should at
this solemn crisis go to the annual assembly, and not seeing
clearly any light upon their movement in the matter ; but when
at length R. J. proposed to go to Philadelphia, the language dis
tinctly presented, " Who hath required this at thy hand ?" She
informed her hostess of her conclusion to remain, and found that
she had arrived at a similar decision.
From Burlington they were taken by James Logan and his
nephew John Smith, 10th mo. 10th, to Edgely, there to remain
during the violence of the epidemic. Next day, being the Youth's
meeting at Germantown, C. Howell notes, " Dear Rebecca had

REBECCA JONES. 253
good service, dividing the Word with judgment, and with the
authority of Truth." The ensuing first day, a large assembly
being convened, divers of whom were not of our Society, R.
Jones was strengthened to speak in the demonstration of the
spirit and with power, to -the edifying of many; beautifully in
viting the youth into that strait and narrow but peaceful way, in
which she had for so many years experienced the faithfulness of
Him who had called her.
R, Jones to L. Snowdon.
Edgely Farm, 10th mo. 12th, 1798.
I wrote a few lines yesterday by Joseph, and now proceed to
fulfill a commission given me just as I left Burlington by my kind
hostess Martha Allinson, who desired me when I should write to
you to present her dear love, and in like manner did our worthy
friends S. Emlen and J. Hoskins. The family of the latter are
all in tolerable health, except the young woman who had been
nurse to S. Scattergood and family. A letter had just reached
Sarah from her dear Thomas, who appeared to be low both in
body and mind, and in bonds in the great Metropolis, not seeing
his way to return with dear Wm. Savery, yet calls himself " a
poor servant in waiting," — and " desiring that whether he may
or not be permitted to see his dear mother, wife, and children in
mutability, the will of his blessed Master may be done." I
thought this seemed like his having some sense of what was to
befall his family.

R. Jones to Martha Allinson.
Edgely Farm, 10th mo. 12th, 1798.
Dear Martha, — I had not time by return of J. S. to give
thee a line, but am now seated to inform thee that I feel quite
satisfied in leaving Burlington when I did, as the weather was
22

254 MEMORIALS OF
more favorable then than it has been since, and the Youth's
meeting for Abington Quarter was held yesterday at German-
town, which I attended. It was a solemn time though held for
the greater part in silence. Dear H. L. Fisher had a few sa
vory expressions therein. After it concluded, I found myself
surrounded with divers of my friends, (fellow citizens and others,)
and I believe we were mutually glad on seeing each other once
more in mutability. 'James Cresson, Mary England, Thos. and
Samuel Fisher and theirs, R. Buckbee, Rebecca Archer, &c,
&c. were of the number, and appeared well. * * * Tell our
worthy friend S. Emlen that there has been much inquiry after
his welfare, and that if he sees his way to Germantown, I be
lieve he will find an open door. My love to him and his pro
mising children. And when thou seest dear John Smith give
my love to him and his ; the opportunity I had with him in the
ride down is pleasantly in remembrance, and my desire is re
newed on his account, that now having put his hand to the
plough, he may neither loolcnor draw back,' but, in simple child
like obedience, yield to that blessed hand, which will lead him
about and instruct him, and, oh consoling thought ! " keep as
the apple of his eye " all his sincerely devoted children, even
when " the blast of the terrible One may be as a storm against
his wall." My love is also to dear John and Ann Cox and
theirs, A. Vaux and others in thy freedom, particularly to Land
A. Warder, John Hoskins, S. Scattergood, and all their family.
I cannot mention all that arise in view. A large share of love
and gratitude belongs to thee and thy precious flock, whose best
interest is dear to me. Salute me to worthy Jane Siddons, Ac
counts from our poor city are that though there is an evident
abatement of the disorder, yet in the last few warm days more
new cases have appeared : but that our friends were all mending.
Tell dear S. Emlen that I have just received a letter from L—
R — , who informs me that she has a letter from dear Martha
Routh (5th mo. 1st, in London) saying " the multitude, which is
very large,' have been fed with food convenient. It hath been
pleasingly affecting to behold so great a number of young girls

REBECCA JONES. 255
among them, who have not only the marks of outward care, but
whose countenances bewray them that they are learning ol
Christ to be meek and lowly in heart." She also mentions be
ing at Tottenham on 1st day, and gave an extraordinary ac
count of Sarah Lynes. Also a religious improvement in many
of our young women, and that there were at the Yearly Meet
ing, lesser and greater Prophetesses one hundred and fifty.
I am not furnished with matter for a lengthy letter — hope I
retain the humbling sense of that mercy and kindness which I
have so largely shared from the bounteous hand of our heaven
ly Father, and am renewedly desirous that through increasing
watchfulness and holy fear, I may be preserved from swerving
from his law, revealed in my poor soul with greater power, light
and certainty, than in any by-past season. Wherefore my con-
trited spirit worships before him, and humbly craves his blessed
assistance, to enable me and all his dependent children to hold
out unto the end. That so, if faithful unto death, the crown of
eternal life may become our portion for ever and ever. I am,
dear M  , thy affectionate friend,

0tZH-

Martha Allinson, in a letter to R. J., Eleventh month, 3d,
1798, says :
" Dear S. Emlen has been in to see us this morning, and on
hearing thy message of love says, "tell her the name of Re
becca Jones has been pleasant to me these forty years. Tell her
that I love her as a co-worker in the fellowship of the gospel,
which I hope will last for ever and ever."
From Edgely she writes to a friend, Eleventh month 3d :
" I do not think I shall get to my lonely dwelling in the city
till next week, when, if I am favored once more to arrive thereat,
I hope it will be under a suitable sense of the Lord's mercy and
goodness, which, having followed me all my life long, has not
withdrawn from me during the late awful visitation : and with

256 MEMORIALS OF
renewed desire to be kept low and humble in his fear the few
remaining days that I may be continued in mutability.
"Many of our friends in the city, and divers who, in support
of the precious cause of Truth, ventured in at the time of
the Yearly Meeting, are removed, — and these having been ' faith
ful unto death,' have, I doubt not, received ' a crown of life.'
But it is not for us to arraign the wisdom of him whose we are,
and who, most certainly, doeth all things well. And therefore
it becomes us to submit to all his dispensations, and pray for
strength daily to improve under them, that so, when the like
summons is sent unto us, we also may be found ready, and,
through the adorable mercy of our dear Redeemer, obtain an
admission into the joy of our Lord.
" Perhaps thou mayest have heard that Sarah Harrison,
Charity Cook and Mary Swett, have gone to Germany and the
South of France. T. Scattergood is low in London : other
friends there pretty well. By a letter this day received from
Sarah Dillwyn, she and George are well, and in London."
* # * * * # * * * #
It may interest our readers to know that during this absence
from the city the keys of her house were left with two friends,
who were authorized to take therefrom anything which could
minister to the comfort of the sick. She had a quantity of fine
bottled cider, which was much valued as a medicine for the con
valescent, and the friends, by her direction, would take a bottle
and wine-glass and go from house to house, administering
to each patient as was needed. R. J. was also diligent in
making collections of money and clothing, which she sent, from
time to time, to the city, to be judiciously expended for the benefit
of her suffering fellow-beings. She had singular penetration in
discovering cases of distress, and delicacy in affording relief.
And although her friends often placed funds in her hands, with
out asking how they were to be appropriated, (confiding in her
judgment and fidelity,) she was always careful to let.it be under
stood, when such was the case, that the money she was bestow
ing was not her own.

REBECCA JONES. 257
The following incident may serve to exemplify that sympathy
in exercise, free from all confusion which is at times experienced
by those disciples who, having their fellowship with the Father
and with the Son, are perfected in true Christian unity of the
Spirit. At a meeting during the winter of 1798-9, R. Jones
and her tenderly beloved friend Jane Snowdon kneeled simulta
neously, and R. Jones (who did not, till after the meeting, know
of the coincidence) very solemnly gave utterance to the spirit
of supplication, which arose as incense from the hearts of the
assembly ; and Jane Snowdon, remaining upon her knees, felt
herself fully relieved by the expression of the very prayer which
had been begotten in her own mind.
Eleventh month 4th, 1798. ¦ Being Firsl-day, R. J. had a
solemn parting opportunity with a miscellaneous assembly at
Germantown meeting, impressively recommending the perform
ance of the vows made in the time of distress. The next day
Katherine Howell notes : — " This morning Johns Hopkins waited
on Rebecca and Bernice to Philadelphia, they having spent just
a month very agreeably with us. And let me with heartfelt
gratitude acknowledge, that my own large family, (consisting of
twenty,) with the circle of my near connexions around me, have
been favored in a peculiar manner, while sickness, distress and
death, have visited the habitations of many in the poor deserted
city of P. : and the sincere desire of my heart is, that we may
walk humbly, and be enabled to bring forth much good fruit, to
the praise of our kind Benefactor, who, for this, and for every
other blessing which we enjoy from his bountiful hand, is indeed
worthy, now and for evermore."
" Our Yearly Meeting," R. J. writes to a transatlantic friend,
" fell in course in the Ninth month. Divers valuable friends
from different quarters ventured in, just to adjourn it. Of these,
ten took the fever, went home and departed — whose loss to the
church is great. The Yearly meeting was adjourned to the 10th
of Twelfth month, when we had the company of dear Mary
Prior and Gervase Johnston. It was large, held the week
through, and was, in all its sittings, the most weighty and solemn
22*

258 MEMORIALS OF
assembly that I ever remember to have attended." Of the
friends above mentioned, she says : " They are so clothed with
love and meekness, that all ranks of the people seem united to
them ; and truly they have my cordial fellowship and near sympa
thy, as beloved fellow disciples and servants of our blessed Master,
who will, I humbly- hope, go with them, and be their exceeding
great reward." To an English correspondent she writes:
" The consideration of the time of holding our Yearly Meeting,
which was referred to our last Yearly Meeting, was resumed. A
committee of sixty men and thirty women was appointed, who
all united in reporting that the third week in the Fourth month
was most eligible, and that our general Spring Meeting be dis
continued ; which was united with by the meeting. So that, of
course, your epistle will not be answered till that time."*
First month 9th, 1799. Referring to the prospect of more
messengers from Great Britain, she says : " Surely the great
and good Father of his family intends, by thus sending his ser
vants to and fro, that divine knowledge shall be increased. So
be it, saith my soul. As for me, my dwelling is much among
my own people. This city is a large field, and much labor,
exercise, watchings and fastings fall to the lot of those who are
travailing, for its prosperity in divine things. Oh, that I could
say that we have learned righteouness by all we have under
gone ! Then might we hope that the Lord's anger would be
appeased., and that his hand may not again in judgment visit us
for our iniquities."
* The third Second-day in the Fourth month was the time then
agreed upon for the commencement of the Yearly Meeting ; the first,
commencing at that time, being held in 1799. That meeting has regu
larly convened on the day then fixed, from that time to the present.
The General Spring Meeting to which R.Jones alluded, was a meeting
of Ministers and Elders, which the Friends in those stations, from all
branches of the Yearly Meeting, had held, up to that time, annually in
the Third month. — En. Friends' Review.

REBECCA JONES. 259
CHAPTER XII.
1799.
Religious visit to New England, accompanied by Jane Snowdon 
Character of Sarah Cresson and R. A. Rutter. — Prophetic warning. 
Letters. — Family visits &c. — Returns.— Goes to Edgely. — Interview
with a Welsh convert — Arrival of S. Harrison and J. Hall  Inci
dent in North Meeting.
On the 31st of Fifth month, 1799^ R. Jones and Jane Snow
don, having been liberated for religious service in New Eng
land, left Philadelphia ; and reaching Rahway on the 1st of
Sixth month, they attended meeting there the next morning, and
crossing the North river from Pawles' Hook, reached New York
that evening. Next afternoon they embarked on board the
packet " Eagle," for Newport, having for fellow passengers,
Joseph Whitall, Gervase Johnson, Jonathan Evans, Ruth Anna
Rutter, Sarah Cresson, Richard Mott, Abraham Barker, and
many others. After a passage of forty-nine hours, they reached
the abode of Thomas and Abigail Robinson, at Newport, on the
5th, " which," she says, " excited thankfulness in each of our
minds." The 6th, being Fifth-day, they attended meeting, where
the service devolved upon Jane Snowdon and Sarah Cresson.
" It was," says our friend, " a good meeting." " On the 7ch,"
she says, " Jonathan Evans, with R. A. Rutter, and S. Cresson,
went to Conannicut, A. Robinson with them, to attend some
meetings before the Yearly Meeting. Dear G. Johnson and
company went to Portsmouth, &c. I felt most easy to stay
here over First-day. In the evening we had a solemn oppor
tunity in the family, in which J. Snowdon appeared in suppli
cation. Being rainy, I wrote to C. Hustler and others. Seventh-
day, the 8th, towards evening, it blew a heavy storm, which
continued through the night. Oh, how kind is our blessed

260 MEMORIALS OF
Master to his poor servants in that we are not now on our
passage." In the letter to C. Hustler, she says : " I have for my com-,
panion, Jane Snowdon, a niece of dear Sarah Harrison, who is,
in her gift and manner, enough like Sarah to be her daughter.
She and her valuable husband, Leonard, are my near neighbors,
and attached to me as to a parent. They are, in short, as I
often say of a faithful friend, a living treasure unto me, for in
deed, my dear, I feel in a very stripped state now in my declin
ing years, many of my most intimate cotemporaries being re
moved from works to rewards ; and oh ! for some who have
broken the solemn ties of friendship in a way still more to be
lamented and deplored ! But on this subject I cannot proceed.
The Yearly Meeting at this place is to commence next week,
and we have, with the consent and help of our dear friends at
home, got here timely for it. In the same vessel, came with
like prospect, dear Gervase Johnson, an innocent,, humble dis
ciple, much beloved in this land, and Ruth Anna Rutter and
Sarah Cresson, from our Quarterly Meeting. The former has
an excellent gift in the ministry, has had an excellent education,
and in early life indulged much in gaiety, &c, but is now fer
vent in spirit, calling others to come, taste, and see for them
selves, how good the Lord is.* Sarah Cresson wa's for several
* It may perhaps be acceptable to some of our readers, to see a
brief notice of the worthy Friend of whom R. Jones bears the above
testimony. Ruth Anna Rutter was descended from parents of considerable
wealth, and highly respectable character, in the view of the world.
They were not in profession with Friends, and this daughter received
what was no doubt then considered a liberal education, including the
accomplishments of fashionable life. But at an early period, her mind
became deeply and solemnly impressed with considerations respecting
her future condition. The gayeties of the world soon lost their attrac
tive influence, and she became solicitors, above all other considera
tions, to seek and to purchase the pearl of great price, the favor of her
Redeemer, whatever it might cost. - Her father, though he felt and
manifested a tender attachment to her, yet not comprehending the na
ture or depth of her exercises, made her way for a time more trying
than it otherwise would have been. But the rectitude of her conduct,
her filial regard to her parents, and the steadiness with which she ad
hered to the course to which she felt herself called, at length overcame

REBECCA JONES. 261
years under my care, and I often thought she would be more
than a common member, for she more resembled a Nazarite
from her birth, than any other of my scholars. She is now
eminent in gospel service. They have certificates for more ex
tensive labor than I have any prospect of, and our coming to
gether is mutually comforting and strengthening. Besides these,
within a few years, many choice plants have been raised in and
near our city, who, if they keep near the preserving Hand, will
be blessed to the Church, when mine and other heads are laid
low ^ ^ ^
I am at times mentally visiting and conversing with my fellow
laborers now in your land. They are different in constitution
and in their gifts, — but all of them being anointed by the great
Head of the church, they will, I trust, have their own peculiar
line of service among you, and, in the Lord's time, return with
sheaves of solid peace. Of these, none are more dear to my
best life, than dear mournful Thomas Scattergood, whose re-

all opposition, and procured from her parents and connexions a de
gree of love and respect which could have been obtained in no other
way. Having passed through a series of preparatory baptisms, she came
forth acceptably in the ministry, about the twenty-second year of her
age. Among the Friends who attended the Yearly Meeting during the
prevalence of the Yellow Fever, in 1798, Hannah, the wife of Jacob
Lindley, was one. She was a valuable minister, and in almost all res-
p'ects, a very superior woman. Soon after her return from Philadel
phia, she was seized with the prevailing epidemic, and in a few days
removed from works to rewards. About two years after this event,
Jacob Lindley and Ruth Anna Rutter were united in marriage, and
she, in consequence, removed within the limits of the Western Quar
terly Meeting, where she continued to reside during the remainder of
her days, respected and beloved by those who knew her, ahd were ca
pable of appreciating her worth. Being, from early life, of a delicate
constitution, she spent the latter portion of her days chiefly at and near
home. While her strength was equal to the exertion, she continued to
attend the meeting to which she belonged, where her voice was not
unfrequently, sweetly, though feebly raised, in advocacy of the cause
to which she had dedicated the morning of her day. In the autumn
of 1810, after a decline of several months, she was quietly released
from the pains of mortality, being in the forty-third year of her age. —
Editor of Friend's Review.

262 MEMORIALS OF
turn, if it so please his blessed Master to, hasten, may have a
cheering effect on his dear and valuable wife."
We pass over the brief and cursory notes in the diary, res.
pecting the time intervening between their arrival and the Yearly
Meeting, during which our pilgrims were occupied in frequent
religious service. The testimony of the church was given in
the following minute, made on Second-day of the Yearly Meet
ing — by a subsequent one on Fourth-day, declaring their " com
pany and religious services" to have been acceptable, and by
endorsements upon their certificates.
Minute or N. E. Yeaklt Meetixg.— " Having had the acceptable
company of our beloved Friends, Rebecca Jones, Jane Snowdon, and
Sarah Cresson, from Philadelphia, and Ruth Anna Rutter, from Exeter
Monthly Meeting, Pennsylvania, at this meeting, their respective cer
tificates were read, and their gospel labors [were] to our comfort and
edification." In her diary she notes, "First-day, Sixth mo. 16th,' the
Yearly Meeting began, and was continued till Fourth-day, the
19th, when we had a parting meeting with men and women
Friends, wherein I had, in the fear of the Most High, to pro
claim a time, when
' The Lord shall roar from Zion,
And utter his voice from Jerusalem,
And the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn :
And the top of Carmel shall wither." — Amos 1 : 2.
The very year succeeding this solemn communication, symp
toms of an insubordinate spirit appeared, especially in the East
ern Quarters, and confined almost exclusively to select mem
bers, so as to induce, the appointment of a committee, in the Se
lect Yearly Meeting.* In 1801, the defection was still farther
* This was probably a verbal appointment. Committees were ap
pointed by the select Y. M. on account of difficulties in different Quar
ters, in 1804, 1809, 1816, and 1821, which last was continued, by an
nual appointments', for 'years, and about the same time and in refer
ence to the same difficulties, a committee was appointed by the general
Yearly Meeting. These appointments (although frequently repeated
from the date last mentioned to the present time) do not appear to
have ever assumed the character of a standing committee.

REBECCA JONES. 263
developed, and numbers who had been regarded as "Shepherds,"
went into manifest ranterism.f This disease was measurably
put down, and held in check, but even to those who only re
member the trials with which Friends of this Yearly Meeting
were afflicted, about the year 1821, it will not appear strange
that Rebecca Jones had to deliver the solemn warning to which
she has thus made a brief reference. Several Friends, who
were, at the time of R. J.'s visit; in good standing, became vic
tims of the fearful storm of ranterism, which carried from the
fold even some who had been commissioned to " feed the sheep."
And, although New England Friends were remarkably favored
to conduct themselves in this trial with meekness of wisdom, so
that the church, as a body, remained " stedfast, unmovable,"
yet princes, and honorable and devout men and women, were
clothed with lamentation ; and it is vividly remembered, how
signally mourning was brought into " the habitations of the
shepherds" on behalf of cherished ones who turned away from
1 the footsteps of the flock of Christ's companions."
Nantucket, Seventh mo. 10th, 1799.
Dear Friend, H. Drinker, — I believe thou knowest how to
Take large allowance for such a poor and almost worn out pil
grim, or else I should make a long apology for omitting till now
to acknowledge the receipt of thy friendly communication of the
16th ultimo, which both revived and encouraged my companion,
Jane Snowdon, who, thou knowest, is neither among the for-

f in this year a valuable minister (who in venerable age is still alive
in the Truth) being on a visit to New England, found himself religiously
drawn to visit a select member, and he delivered to him.with great plain
ness of speech, a close and searching message of warning and rebuke.
The object of his concern, laying his hand upon him in a patronizing
manner, replied, " Dear young man — be thou faithful — I desire thy en
couragement." — His visitor, looking at him with surprise, said, —
" Surelv thou hast not understood me — I have been endeavoring to con
vey to thee, that thou art one of these wolves in sheep's clothing/"
Unable to bear such plain dealing, he left the room in a passion — and
the character thus given, was, to the sorrow of his friends, but too
clearly illustrated by his subsequent career.

264 MEMORIALS OF
ward nor too confident servants. She has, however, to my
comfort, been favored to relieve, at different times, her own
mind, and to approve herself unto the church, "a workwoman
that need not be ashamed." Thou hast, I expect, through ours
to L. S., heard how we have got along to this island, where we
landed, after a passage of seven hours from Bedford, two weeks
ago, wanting a day ; and the next Seventh-day, came the other
detachment, with Jonathan Evans, viz : Richard Mott, and his
companion A. Underhill, R. Rutter, and S. Cresson ; G. John
son and Joseph Whitall with us. After attending two Monthly
Meetings, and the Quarterly Meeting, &c, our young ministers
have had two special meetings for the public, and are all gone
to another appointed at 3 o'clock this afternoon, about seven
miles on the island, amongst a number of people scattered about
there. Not feeling bound to this meeting, and not being very
well, J. S. has left me to write, at Wm. Brown's, and she, with
many Friends of the town, has gone to the meeting. We are
all, seven in number, with four of W. Rotch's children, waiting
for a fair wind to Bedford, — it is now a-head, and so it seems it
will be, according to the received opinion of Friends here, while
any thing further is to be done. So that, perhaps, after this
said meeting to-day, the work may be ended for which we were
sent hither. But I grow so old, and am, as thou knowest, so
poor a thing, that I am afraid to judge even for myself, and
more so for others. Yet the remembrance of the advice of the
Apostle, " Ye have need of patience, that after that ye have
done the will of God, ye might receive the promise," keeps me
pretty quiet, and desirous after best direction and help, without
which, indeed, " we can do nothing." I omitted mentioning
that G. Johnson and J. Whitall, left us last Fifth-day, on their
journey further eastward, and that I expect the other Friends
will go towards Salem, &c. As to us two females, we hope,
after tarrying a while at Bedford and Newport, to be at liberty
to return home. But hearing a report, which was current here
last evening, of the yellow fever having broken out again in our
poor city, has made us sad. If it should prove fatal, lamenta-

REBECCA, JONES. 265
ble indeed will our situation be, but doubtless there must be a
cause therefor, which I as an individual do most sincerely de
sire to inquire into, and to be enabled, for one, to endeavor after
its removal, that so the sorrowful effects may cease. Alas !
alas ! for our once flourishing city ; she that was once great
among the nations, and princess among the provinces ! Is she
to become a hissing, a by word, &c ? It is a subject I cannot
pursile, and therefore beg that my poor mind may be stayed
under this persuasion, that the Judge of the whole earth will do
all things right.
I have felt, though absent in body, as I ought to do in spirit,
on hearing of the departure of our friend and brother, James
Cresson. We had a sweet opportunity together the second day
before I left home, wherein my persuasion was settled that with
him all would be well ; and yet his removal will be a loss to
society, as is that of dear Joseph Delaplaine, to New York.
Thy account of West Town school is very acceptable. I lately
wrote to C. Hartshorne, and hope that she, with others there,
will not faint nor grow weary. If thou writes to her or dear
Rebecca Archer, please, with my love, tell them so. I have
since received a letter from dear T. Scattergood, dated Dover,
Second month 13th. He does not know his wife's situation;
says nothing about returning ; desires his love- to H. Drinker
and his, and M. Sandwith. He mentions a memorable oppor
tunity he has had at Foulkestone, where were several goodly
soldiers, concerning whom he makes this remark : " Oh, the
sweetness, meekness, and love, that were to be felt in their
minds,. though to appearance mighty men! Great has been the
sympathy and love that \ have felt for this class of people, and
I should not wonder if they are numbered among the first fruits
of a precious visitation, approaching towards this favored island.
The Lord in his love hasten it !"
J. Evans, R. Rutter, and S. Cresson, unite with me in love
to thee. Thine to them was encouraging. Please offer mine
to our friends J. Pemberton, M. Cresson, dear K. Howell,
and others in thy freedom. I note thy brotherly hint about
23

266 MEMORIALS OF
" nooks and corners," and hope to profit by it, but dear Henry,
thou knowest we old folks cannot see as in the days of youth,
and therefore it is a comfort that there is a lively prospect of a
succession among the dear youth. This is indeed rejoicing lo
my poor mind. May they be kept down to the immortal Root
in themselves, and preserved as fruit bearing branches in the
heavenly vine, is my prayer for them. Report says our dear
S. Emlen is coming to New York and Newport. He will be
gladly received there, but if he is long about it we may miss
his company. Our love to him.
And now, feeling the renewal of that love which in earlier
life was our encouragement, and desiring it may now, towards
the evening of our day, become our song of rejoicing, I therein
conclude, and remain thy sincerely obliged friend and sister in
the truth,

$&5«i

A letter received about this time by R. Jones and J. Snowdon,
contained a message from Samuel Emlen Sr., expressive of his
continued gospel fellowship, and of his trust that their " expe
rience of the things of God in mercy and salvation, does in
the silence of all flesh. often authorize to hear his own ancient
assertion by the Prophet, Ye are my witnesses saith the Lord,
that I am God. Thus," he continued, " qualification is derived
to publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and to tell of his own
wondrous works, which continue to be not only marvellous,
but unspeakably so, in the eyes of a humblingly baptized
remnant, who love him above all, and sincerely desire that his
ever adorable name may be magnified in them, through them,
and upon them, though themselves may be frequently abased
even as to dust and ashes."
To resume the diary ; she proceeds : — " During the holding
of the Yearly meeting, I had some private religious oppor
tunities, and close labor, and some open service. So had

REBECCA JONES. 267
dear Jane, and Gervase Johnson, the band of young ministers,
&c." On the 20th, they went with Wm. Rotch and other friends, to
Bedford. On the 22d they had a satisfactory meeting at Long
Plains, and on First-day two laborious meetings at Bedford.
Various meetings are .noted, and the several travellers appear
frequently to have diverged in various directions, and to have
occasionally rejoined each other. " Dear Jane," she notes, " is
in her place, and is helped, from time to time, in the exercise of
her gift, which makes way in the hearts of Friends. * * Dear
Joseph Whitall has a precious gift, and is much beloved by his
friends." Having attended Bedford Monthly meeting, to their
comfort, on the 26th they all went in a packet sloop to Nan
tucket, " where my old friend S. Barney was waiting to see me,
and we mingled tears of thankfulness.'' Of the Monthly Meeting
of Nantucket, and that for the Northern District of Nantucket,
she says : " both these were seasons of deep exercise and close
labor, which, however, yielded peace to my mind." R. J.'s
labors on this island were extensive, and her exercises in the
numerous meetings she attended, deep and painful.
" Seventh month 3d. — The Quarterly Meeting here ended
yesterday. It was, on the whole, a season of favor, as well as
a time of deep exercise throughout ; so that we have fresh occa
sion to ascribe greatness, with glory, to our blessed Helper and
everlasting Friend. * * I dont yet see my way for a peace
ful escape, so we must wait in the patience till we can move in
the clearness towards Bedford, and thence take a fresh look out.
It is no small matter to be brought such a distance from .home,
and it will be a comfort, if favored to get there again, to look
back without regret or condemnation."
On the 10th, of Seventh month, 1799, they all took packet,
and being driven ashore at Wood's Hole, did not reach Bedford till
next afternoon. After several meetings in the vicinity, she
mentioned to her friends on the 13th a weighty prospect of
visiting the families at Bedford, and receivedtheir sympathy and
encouragement. On the 14th, being First-day, she had the

268 MEMORIALS OF
afternoon meeting postponed to, five o'clock, for the more gene
ral gathering of the inhabitants : and next day " began the
arduous task of visiting families in Bedford," accompanied by
William Rotch and a female friend. " We set out," she writes,
" in a low, poor and abased situation of mind, and were helped
through the day by the Father of mercies." They appear to
have visited forty-eight families, and to have been occupied till
the 23d, when, she says, " we closed with a sitting with twc
schools, which were indeed crowning opportunities. Under the
humbling sense of gracious daily help vouchsafed, our minds
were enabled to ascribe the praise to our blessed Shepherd, who
is' now and forever worthy."
Having completed this service, she was careful not to leave
New Bedford prematurely, " desiring that the Lord may be
pleased to be near us in our return, even as he condescended to
conduct hither in safety." She took a solemn leave of Friends
at their meeting on Fifth-day the 25th, " under the firm belief
that if those among them who are mercifully visited, do not
progress in the Christian path, it will be owing to their not
minding the day of small things." That day occurred several
" precious oppdrtunities," and in the evening many young
Friends and others, who convened at the house of her host,
Wm. Rotch, were " encouraged to dare to stand alone in the
most important pursuit." Next morning was a " uniting melt
ing season" with many friends who thronged around her at her
lodgings, and\ taking leave of them, our friends proceeded
in W. Rotch's carriage to T. Robinson's at Newport. At this
place she was " deeply humbled" in several meetings. " Poor
Newport !" she writes, " yet a small remnant therein claim our
sympathy." Although she does not record having entered on a
regular family visit, either here or on Nantucket, yet a memo
randum, furnished by a friend, shows a list of persons visited at
each place. In the evening of Fourth-day, the 31st, under a
prospect of their sailing for home next morning, divers friends
visited them at their lodgings, and being divinely favored with
that influence, which, among Friends, is significantly called " a

REBECCA JONES. 269
covering," R. Jones was engaged in earnest solicitude that they
might " be prepared to meet, with suitable resignation, the re
maining portion of suffering, which, in divine wisdom, might be
meted out to them, in order for their increasing sanctification
and fitness for an entrance, when done with time, into the abodes
of purity and bliss." Next morning our friends felt most easv
to permit the vessel to sail without them, and again " had close
service" at meeting. Next day she notes — " We were thank
ful in being with our dear friends at Newport." On Seventh-
day, the 3d of Eighth month, after a parting religious opportu
nity, in which J Snowdon was fervent in prayer, they embarked
with Captain Bliss — but rain coming, the wind shifting, and the
sea becoming very rough, their captain had the candor to pro
pose returning, after they had, in several hours, progressed but
ten miles.
"Eighth month 4th— First day. — Attended a silent meeting in
the morning — had some service for our blessed Master in the
afternoon meeting, wherein dear Jane was marvellously helped
under a mistake of the people, who rose when she stood up ;
but, when they became seated, she was stropg in the work. At
Samuel Thurston's in the evening, a morsel of true bread was
handed and broken. On coming home, we found divers young
friends, and I had a word of counsel to administer,"
" 5th. This being our Quarterly Meeting in Philadelphia, my
mind was much with them there, and I trust that we may be
brought into their remembrance for good."
Being still detained by strong head winds, they attended the
Quarterly Meeting at Portsmouth, on the 7th and 8th, which, R.
J. notes, " was large and solemn— in which I was enabled to be
honest in a close and searching testimony, especially to the
young men, a large number of whom where there."
On the 9th, attended to the last by many friends, they went
on board " The Two Sisters," where, having dinner sent tbem
from T. Robinson's, they all partook together in love, after
which ensued a renewed and tender leave taking, and R. J.
Jinally left the New England shore, where resided many to
' 23*

270 MEMORIALS OF
whom she was bound in close affection. On the 14th, they cross
ed the North river, having the company of Stephen Grellet, to
Rahway, where they met Jonathan Evans, R. A. Rutter, and S.
Cresson, " and we were," R. J. says, " mutually glad on see
ing each other, after a separation of several weeks for the work's
sake. They proceeded homewards next morning, and we staid
to attend the Quarterly Meeting. On the 16th came dear S.
Smith, R. Wright, &c. — Oh how iron still sharpens iron! In
the select Quarterly Meeting this day, some very painful exer
cise was experienced ; the result was, that S. Smith had the
Select members for Shrewsbury together, and desired R. Wright,
J. Snowdon, and myself, might be present. He relieved his
mind.", After attending Quarterly Meeting, and the meetings on First-
day, our friends proceeded homeward, pausing at Brunswick, at
R. White's near Princeton, at Bristol, Frankford, &c, and reach
ed Philadelphia, where great alarm respecting the yellow fever
prevailed. "I was greatly fatigued," she says, " poor in health,
also in great exercise of mind on coming into our poor city ; yet
humbly thankful for Divine help and preservation, which we
had abundantly experienced in this trying journey, having tra
velled near one thousand miles, and been from home near three
months. In a sense of the Lord's goodness, we had gratefully
to acknowledge, hitherto the Lord hath helped us ! Blessed for
ever be his high and holy name I"
The fever continuing in Philadelphia, she complied, on the
23d, with an invitation to visit her friends at Edgely. To this
salubrious retreat she was followed with abundant evidences of
the love of her friends ; many thronging from the city and vi
cinity to enjoy the rich treat of her companionship. Rejoicing
with those who rejoiced, and sympathizing with the weepers,
her lively feelings alternated as her suffering friends and ac
quaintances were raised from the bed of languishing, or removal
from the mutations of time.
Being much confided in, on account of her wisdom, energy
and benevolence, she was selected by numbers as their almoner,

REBECCA JONES. 271
and about this date we perceive notes of sums lodged in her
hands by fourteen individuals " for the relief of the worthy poor."
From the fund thus created, her own contribution was not with
held. On the 25th of Eighth month, she mentions a painful season,
in service at Germantown Meeting, and Catharine Howell notes
that it was " opened by a young man ; but R. J., like a skilful
workman, waited till the,flocks were gathered before attempting
to water them. She then recommended our being quiet, and
minding our own business, and urged those to whom, at the
eleventh hour, a gracious invitation was extended, to double their
diligence." 9 Mo. 9th — 1799. " A friend informs me that he finds that
in '93 — in the date of 7th day last, there were but 18 deaths—
but by the returns made last 7th day, there were 31. So
that we cannot yet promise what progress the disease may
make after this time. Oh, tis indeed an awful time ! — May we
all so bow in this the day of renewed judgment, as renewedly
Jo experience the joyful return of the day of mercy and of
God's salvation."
On the afternoon of Ninth month 13th, she drove into the
lawn of her friend Thomas Fisher, near Germantown. A
Welchman, who was engaged in levelling the gravel way,
caught a glimpse of our friend as she alighted, and, leaning on
his spade he stood earnestly gazing at her, till satisfied at
length in his joyous recognition, he threw down his implements,
ran to her, and, taking her by both hands, exclaimed enthu
siastically, " Yes — ' tis her ! — ' tis her ! — ' tis Rebarkar Joanes !"
She shook his hand kindly, remarking, " I do not recollect
thee." "Why doosentah 1" he replied in surprise— " Thoo
and Sarah Groobb had an appointed meeting at  ,"
[a market town in Wales, not remembered.] " I thowt I
would go and hear what the Quaker woman could sah. Why,
dontah remember me^" he continued with increased earnest
ness — " Why I sot facint'a, and thoo loud at me all't time
.thoo wast preearchin ! And oh ! a brave meeting it was !"

272 MEMORIALS OF
T. Fisher, and our informant listened with much interest.
This man was a convert of Rebecca Jones, and the communi
cation referred to having reached the witness in his breast, he
had supposed himself to be as much the object of- her special
notice and observation, as he was of that Divine love which had
made her the instrument of good to his soul. Being thus
awakened; he became an attender of Friends' meetings, and
was, before leaving his own country, received into membership.
He had never seen R. J. except on the above occasion ; but,
after the interview now narrated, she frequently noticed him.
On the 15th, (First day,) T. Fisher took her to Frankford
Meeting, which she notes as " a large and solemn meeting,
many citizens attending. N. Wain much favored upon the
subject of the preparation of wills." On sixth day following,
though indisposed, she went through a storm to Germantown
Meeting. "I sat meeting with pain," she says, " yet I was glad
that I was there, having a word of encouragement to the few
who were present. Ralph Smith departed quietly this morning
at his son Benjamin's, in a good old age. He had been lately
received a member in our North Meeting ; seemed in a happy,
resigned state, and for near eighteen months was in the belief
that he should die about this time, and had told his children so.
Surely he must have been divinely favored with such an intima
tion. On the evening of this note, Rebecca Jones and her
friends at Edgely were conversing about Ralph Smith, when
some one said that this was the day which R. S. thought that
he would not survive. His presentiment being generally known
among his friends.
Her own religious communications are ( rarely mentioned in
her notes, even when she records those of other laborers ; and
we find from other sources that she was often engaged in a
remarkable manner, when from the mention of the occasion in
her diary, we might infer that her part of the work had been in
silence. During her tarriance in the neighborhood of Germantown,
she made frequent visits of sympathy to the sick, and afflicted^

REBECCA JONES. 273
in which, at times, she was enabled to communicate to them
of those unsearchable riches which alone could be of avail to
them in their extremity. Her daily entries frequently concluded
with, "Read the scriptures in the evening ;" and the frame
of her mind is instructively indicated by the following memo
randum — " Lord keep and preserve us humble and watchful,
is my constant prayer /"
At Germantown Meeting, Tenth month 6th, she was led to
speak instructively on the happy state of those who had the
Lord for their friend ; who would not forsake them in the time
of their trouble, but would be to them nearer than a brother.
On the 9th she says, " This day, and the rest of the week, I
was under deep exercise on account of a beloved sister in Ire
land." Sixth day, the 11th, "Being the anniversary of my
being taken with the yellow fever in '93, my soul was solemnly
humbled before the Lord, for his unmerited mercy under that
trial." Edgely Farm Tenth month 19th, 1799.
My beloved friend, Martha Allinson, — Many times during
my sojourning here, under fhe hospitable roof of my dear friend,
Catherine Howell, have I thought of my dear friends at Burling
ton, and reflected on the time spent with thee and thine last
year on a similar affecting occasion, with the desire to salute
thee with a few lines by way of affectionate enquiry after your
welfare, especially as frequent reports have announced the in
disposition of our valued friend and brother, S. Emlen. Be
assured that my former intentions; as well as the present sen
sation of love, are truly sincere. Please offer the salutation of
my sisterly affection to S. E. and his children, J. Hoskins and
his family, J. and A. Cox, and all thy precious flock.
My own health, since returning from New England, has
been various, yet thankfulness covers my mind to the great
Author of all good, that I have been thus kindly accommodated
and cared for, and enabled mostly to attend Germantown Meet
ing. I have now a hope, that our citizens who- have been scat-

274 MEMORIALS OF
tered abroad, may be permitted to return in safety, and, oh
saith my soul, that we, myself especially, may return with fer
vent and renewed desires, to walk more humbly in the path of
obedience to the law and commandments of Him who is indeed
justly styled " the dread of nations," and " Prince of Peace ;"
that so, further chastisement- for disobedience and ingratitude
may not become necessary.
We have cause for thankfulness that our beloved friends Sarah
Harrison and John Hall, have arrived in safety. They have
left T. S. behind in the field of deep exercise. * * *
I have made several attempts to visit Westtown School, but
as yet have not effected it ; however, I hear that they are all
pretty well. May thou and I, dear Martha, through all our
trials and conflicts, be enabled to hold out in faith and patience
unto the end, and finally obtain an admission into that rest
which is undisturbed and full of glory, is the desire of thy affec
tionate friend,

She returned, 10th Mo. 25th to her home in Brook's Court,
which was in those days characterized by neatness and beauty,
and afforded a most desirable residence. Those who do not re
member the character of this Court more than thirty years ago,
would be likely to regard as extravagant the language of those
who describe it as it really was.
The several branches of the family from whom it took its
name arid who then occupied it, were on terms of the pleasant-
est intimacy with R. J. One of these, Lydia Brook, was espe
cially beloved by her, and is remembered by the Compiler as a
lady of extraordinary loveliness. "Indeed she is a precious wo
man," said our friend. One of the few survivors of the Brook
family recently visited the Court, — and as she stood before the
house of R. J. (then in process of demolition) the dear voice of
its illustrious occupant seemed to salute her, in these lines,

REBECCA JONES. 275
which she had taught to her as she stood in infancy beside her
knee.

" Give first to God the flower of thy youth —
Take for thy guide the blessed word of Truth 
Adorn thy soul with Grace — prize Wisdom more
Than all the pearls upon the Indian shore." i
There are still many who, who in reference to the subject of
our memoir, can apply the words, " She being dead yet
speaketh." Her beloved friends Sarah Harrison and John Ha^l, haying
previously arrived from England, " the next day," she says;
" after I got home, I went down to Thomas Harrison's, where
dear Sarah received me with open arms. Language failed us
for a space, and we silently mingled tears of tender affection to
each other, and of gratitude to the Father of Mercies, in the
humbling persuasion, that during a separation of seven years, in
which time we had been closely and variously tried, we had
been upheld and sustained by the special mercy and goodness
of our holy Head and High Priest, who now on rejoining, enabled
us to set up ourEbenezer. John Hall, who, on seeing me en
ter T. Harrison's parlor, knew me instantly, felt like a beloved
brother. He staid a few weeks in our city, passing his time in
our meeting, mostly in a silent travail ; and proceeded on a
journey southward, being accommodated with Stephen Grellet a
steady voung minister, for companion. Dear S. H. appears in
possession of the blessed reward of peace."
One First-day morning, in the North Meeting, a meek spirit
ed and valuable woman Friend arose, and having stood for some
minutes, R. Jones also stood up, and remained for a short time,
solemnly silent, neither of them having observed the other, un
til R. J. commenced a very impressive and weighty discourse,
when the former instantly sat down. R. Jones knew nothing of
the circumstance till it was mentioned to her in the. evening,
when she was much affected, even to tears, fearing lest she

276 MEMORIALS OF
might have crushed or hurt a tender plant of her heavenly Fa
ther's own right hand planting. She immediately put on her
cloke and bonnet, and went to see the Friend, who informed her,
that she (R. J.) had fully expressed the exercise which had been
upon her own mind, and that she believed that the surrender of
her will, in thus standing upon her feet, had been accepted.

CHAPTER XIII.
1799.— 1801.

Death of S. Emlen, senior, and his presentiment of it — Notice of S.
Emlen, junior, and wife — Gervase Johnson — Letters — Stop in her
mind; against recruiting her shop — Death of J. Hartley and the inti
mation thereof afforded to her — Reflections on the source of such
intimations — Rich Cheese — H. Barnard.
On the 14th of Twelfth month, 1799, Samuel Emlen paid Re
becca Jones a visit, which proved to be their final interview.
Noticing an almanac for the approaching year, he took it up,
and placing it near his eye, — being, as is well remembered, very
nearsighted, — he said emphatically, — "Eighteen Hundred!
" I have said, I shall not live to see it." She replied, — "Oh
Samuel, dont say so ! " He "responded, " Rebecca — Ihave said
it — remember the agreement which we made years ago, that the
survivor should attend the other's funeral." On the following
day he was engaged in a First-day meeting in a livelytestimo-
ny, and finding himself ill he leaned, in great physical weak
ness on the rail before him and repeated with touching pathos
the following stanza from Addison —
" My life, if Thou preserv'st my life,
Thy sacrifice shall be,
And death, if death should be my doom,
Shall join my soul to thee."

REBECCA JONES. 277
The meeting broke up-^-he was taken to a neighboring house,
and, when a little revived, to his-home. The next third day he
nssembled with the Church for the last time, and preached from
the text, " This is the victory that overcometh the World  even
our faith."
Soon after this he was confined to the house with indisposi
tion, during which, with " tears of holy joy," he was enabled to
triumph through faith, and give high praises unto Him whom he
had eminently served. " The main bent of my mind," he fer
vently exclaimed, " has been to serve thee, oh God, who art glo
rious in holiness, fearful in praises. I have, I am sure, loved
godliness *and hated iniquity ; — my petitions to the throne of
Grace have been accompanied by faith." " All I want is Hea
ven ! " he said as his end drew nigh ; and having repeated part
of the Lord's prayer, he added, "Oh how precious a thing it is
to feel the Spirit itself bearing witness with our spirits, that we
are his ! " Impressed with the awfulness of the invisible world
upon which he was about to enter, he said to those around him,
" I entreat that nothing be done to me, except what I may re
quest, that my mind may not be diverted, that my whole mind
may be centred in aspiration to the throne of Grace." On the
morning of his last day of probation, about 3 o'clock, he asked
what was the hour, and being informed he said, " The conflict
will be over before five." His last, or nearly his last words,
after an apparent suspension of life, were, " I thought I was
gone — Christ Jesus receive my spirit." And thus, at 4% o'
clock on the morning of Twelfth month 30th, this remarkable
man and illustrious ambassador for Christ, quietly departed to
be with him who said, " Father, I will that those whom thou
hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold
my glory which thou hast given me."
Before day break that morning, Rebecca Jones and her B. C,
were conversing about S. Emlen, and of a singularly pleasant
dream * respecting him, when a loud knock was heard, and the
*This dream may, without attaching importance to it, interest the
reader. R. J.'s young companion, in the illusion of slumber, thought
24

278 - MEMORIALS OF
window being opened, Samuel Emlen's Roman Catholic ser
vant, Larry, called out, " My blessed master's gone to Hea
ven /" He was buried on New Year's day, 1800, his remains
being taken to the Market street House, where Nicholas Wain
and another Friend were solemnly engaged in the gospel minis
try. Rebecca Jones, although an invalid, was true to the agree
ment, which she had made with her honored friend.
Fourth month 2d, 1800, R. Jones notes in her book of busi
ness accounts, " Memorandum, that having felt a stop in my
mind against recruiting my shop, and having £200 in cash," I
placed it on interest."
She was on this day engaged in writing an order for goods
to the above amount, to be purchased for her by a sea captain
who resided next door to her, and was about to sail, intending,
as was her wont, to accompany the order with the money. She
paused, and laid down the pen, and remarked to our informant,
that she believed she had better not send. This vessel was
wrecked and lost on its return voyage. The crew were saved.
How affecting is it, and what cause of humble gratitude, to
have evidence that he who said of old, " shall I hide from AbraJ
ham that thing which I do ?'' — is still a " Wonderful Coun
sellor" to those who, walking dutifully in faith and simple obe-
dience, have become quick of apprehension, in recognizing the
still small voice. Truly is the wisdom which cometh from
above " profitable unto all things."
herself on Market street wharf, and under the necessity of going to a
ship which lay in the channel, and to which there was no access but
by a plank which was tossed about by the waves. As she clung to the
plank, expecting to be washed off and lost, she saw Samuel Emlen,
senior, coming, clothed in white flowing robes, with an indescribably
beautiful and lustrous appearance. Passing by her, he stepped light
ly along on the water to another ship, which was under full sail, going
down the stream— lie ascended the side, and the ship was immediately
out of sight, and she was left struggling. With this she awoke, and
the messenger arrived whilst this dream was the subject of con versa-
tion with R. J., both of them being impressed with the belief that he
was gone. As nearly as could be ascertained, the dream and the de
cease of S. E. were simultaneous.

REBECCA JONES. 279
By the hands of her beloved friends Samuel Smith and Rich
ard Jordan, she sent letters to several of her transatlantic friends.
To the latter she gave a general letter of introduction, and in
a letter to C. Hustler, Fifth month 23d, introducing him, she
says: " In Richard thou wilt meet simplicity, wisdom, and honesty
combined." " They are brethren," she adds, " beloved by me.
That Israelite indeed,* Gervase Johnson, who returns with them,
leaves us under the impressibn of love and unity in our minds.
, May the Shepherd of Israel go with them, strengthen them in
their labors, and bless their endeavors to the churches." * *
" Thou wouldst feel for us when the tidings reached thee of the
happy translation of our dear brother and father in the church,
Samuel Emlen, whose company is missed by none more than by
myself, as heoften visited my little habitation, and asoften confirm
ed Solomon's assertion, " as iron sharpeneth iron," &c. Being
confined with a hurt during his illness, I did not see him after
the 14th of Twelfth month, when he, being poorly, told me that
he should not live till New Year's day. And according to his
prospect he was interred on the first day of 1800. His son
Samuel and his precious wife, who reside near Burlington are
a very valuable, steady couple."
[It is a coincidence perhaps worthy of being mentioned in
this connection that this Samuel Emlen, Jr., who was a valued
and beloved Elder in the church, and a man of remarkable
' * Among the trials which this "Israelite indeed" passed through in
this country, there was one which must have deeply wounded his pa
ternal sensibility. He had a son, who had emigrated to America, and
taken up his residence in Philadelphia. Some time previous to the
arrival of the father, this son went with some other young men to the
Schuylkill, in the- vicinity of the city, to bathe. Soon after entering
into the water and before be had advanced many yards from the shore,
he was seized with the cramp and sank. AH the efforts of his com
panions, to save him, proved unavailing, and several days elapsed be
fore the body was recovered. The father, ignorant of these circum
stances, came to this city expecting to meet this long absent son : and,
if my recollection is to be relied on, he went to the place of his resi
dence immediately upon landing. There, instead of embracing the
object of his paternal affection, he met with the sorrowful tidings of
his sudden removal  Editor of Frienda\ Review.

280 MEMORIALS OF
watchfulness, had in the latter weeks of his life a presentiment
that he should not live to see the approachirig new year.' He
died in great peace in Burlington Ni J. 12th mo. 29th, 1837.
The day previous he was visited by the venerable and patri
archal John Cox, who in a solemn address to his dying1 kins-
man repeated the text " I am the Resurrection and the' life —
whoso believeth in me, though he were dead yet shall he live, —
and whoso liveth and believeth in me, shall never die," — con
necting with it the passage in Revelation, " Blessed and holy
is he who hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second
death hath no power." — These passages lived with S. E. during
his few remaining hours, and to the very last, even when the
full power of utterance had failed him, lie made repeated efforts
to quote them.
His wife Susanna Emlen (daughter of Wm. Dillwyn) to
whose singular loveliness and purity of character repeated
reference has already been made, died in Burlington 11 mo.
24th, 1819.
A valued minister who knew her well, writing soon after the
event thus commemorates her worth. " The writer has only
to regret the inadequacy of her pen to portray a character which,
whilst strictly faithful to Truth, should not be regarded by
those who were strangers to this inestimable woman as the
language of panegyric. Possessed of all mild and endearing
virtues ; gentle, benevolent, good, — she was the delight of her
friends and a treasure of inestimable worth to her husband and
relatives. The spotless purity of her mind, and the sweetness
of her whole character, appeared so entirely without alloy, that
she seemed like an inhabitant of a more blessed sphere.
" Let down in cloudy throne to do the world some good."
And a bright and beautiful example has she been to all who
have witnessed her patience and resignation under the most se
vere and protracted suffering. * She had a very solid judgment
united to great delicacy of taste — her disposition was remark
ably kind and tender, she was serious whilst cheerful and social
and heV lovely countenance beamed with soft intelligence.

REBECCA JONES. 281
But — she has gone— and her death is the withdrawing of a
most radiant and beautiful orb that gladdened and enlightened
the circle of her family and friends, yet the triumphant hope
of glory through the blessed Redeemer is felt over all."]
To her valued friend and kind Dublin host, Joseph Williams,
she writes, Fifth mo. 24th, 1800 :
" As you are like to be favored with another visit from our
beloved brother, Samuel Smith, who, with his worthy and valu
able companion, my dear friend, Richard Jordan, I . have no
doubt will be cordially received and acknowledged, as they are,
as true gospel ministers, by thee and all others who love the
Lord Jesus in sincerity, and your sweet spirited friend, Gervase
Johnson, whose innocent, watchful example will be long remem
bered by many in the land ; I am desirous to accompany them
with a few lines, to inform thee that I am still, to my own ad
miration, in the land of the living, and feel the continuance of
that same precious influence, which so nearly united our spirits
when I was a sojourner with thee, thy beloved wife and dear
children. To all of them I desire to be affectionately remem
bered, and wish, most sincerely, their preservation in every wise
and, valuable pursuit.
" Samuel Smith, thou knowest — and he being qualified, can
can give thee all needful information about thy friends in these
parts ; also particulars concerning the latter end of our dear
friend, Samuel Emlen, whose company is not missed more by
any than by myself; but as his blessed Master saw meet to
call his faithful servant home, submission to His holy will be
comes his family everywhere ; therefore, I desire to say, Amen!
Thou wilt also be able to understand how our dear S. Harrison
has been tried since her return ; she, however, is in the enjoy
ment of the reward promised to faithfulness, which appears to
be also the strengthening experience of dear S. Talbot. She,
Rebecca Wright, and Ann Jessop, were at oUr late Yearly Meet
ing, which was a solemn season. The remembrance of the
four awful visitations which this city has experienced, and the
approach of another summer, must, to every serious mind, have
24*

282 MEMORIALS OF
a humbling effect. O, that the people had truly learned right
eousness by the judgments permitted to us! then might we
hope to be spared another year.* But there is reason to fear, that
long neglected and repeated mercy, being so little laid ta heart,
further chastisement awaits us; the inhabitants of this highly
favored city. Your trials have been of a different kind, and
some of them, I have no doubt, have been magnified to us. I
hope, however, all is not as has been represented ; but be that
as it may, " the> foundation of God standeth sure, having this
seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his." My sympathy,
however, is great with thee and dear M. Ridgway; my love is
to her and her companion, J. W. In thy freedom — though I
suspect it will be a painful task — I should like to know the true
state of things, that more than enough might not be in circula
tion. * * * *
Our dear N. Wain is poorly ; William Savery, a strong man,
and D. Bacon remains an upright pillar — sound and steady;
perhaps thou hast heard of the decease of dear Patience Bray
ton ; but Mehetabel Jenkins is alive and in the truth."

* It may be interesting to some of our readers to be informed that the
yellow fever, to which R. Jones so frequently and feelingly alludes,
and which made such awful ravages in this city in the years 1793, '97,
'98, and '99, visited it again, to a considerable extent, in 1803. From
that time to the present, though isolated cases have occurred, it has not
assumed an epdemic character. It can be no disavowal of our depend
ence on Divine protection, to remark, that as far as natural causes have
contributed to this exemption from epidemic disease, the introduction
of good water, in abundance, from the river Schuylkill, must be con
sidered as one of the most efficient. Besides contributing to the clean
liness of, the city, it has greatly diminished the consumption of fer
mented liquors; and experience has sufficiently proved that alcoholic
drinks, of every description, render the human body more susceptible
of disease, and more insensible to the action of medicine, than it is
when such liquids are totally avoided. Total abstinence has been
found one of the best preventatives of cholera. So true it is, that
whatever contributes to good morals,1 is, in general, promotive also of
health. The blessing of Providence always rests on the course that
is right. — En. Fkieitds' Review.

REBECCA JONES. 283

R. J. to Martha Routh.
Philadelphia, 5th mo. 26th, 1800.
My beloved Martha Routh,- -Thy last, of Seventh month
13th, 1799, is now before me. . I had, before its receipt, con
cluded that, as so many of mine to different friends in your land
had been lost, it would be best for me to lay my pen, where my
honor had for some time been, viz., in the dust. But now, our
mutual dear friend, Samuel Smith, with Richard Jordan,, being
about to embark on a gospel errand to Ireland, and some parts of
your nation, feeling a fresh salutation flow towards thee, I am
disposed to make the present attempt. * * *
1 need not say much about S. Emlen's close, which was in
great sweetness and peace, as dear S. Smith can give thee intel
ligence of this or other circumstances. Suffice it therefore to
know, that our young ministers are, many of them, growing in
strength and beauty, particularly Sarah Cresson, H. Fisher, H.
L. Fisher, and Rebecca Archer. Our Jacob Lindley is to declare
his intentions of marriage next Fourth day with our Ruth Anna
Rutter. A like report we have of dear Rebecca Young. May
they all be favored with the conducting hand of best wisdom.
I suppose your annual solemnity is near a close. My rhind
has been so much with you, that I do hope it has been a festive
time, even if the cup of suffering has also been handed. Ours
was truly so. We had the company and large services of
diyers strangers — especially Nathan Hunt, Ann Jessop, Daniel
Haviland, and Daniel LT^an, besides R. Jordan, &c. Thy dear
R. Wright was here, and seemed of her better sort.
We are in full expectation that our absent brother, Thomas
Scattergood, will be at liberty, after your yearly Meeting, to re
turn, and, if I am in the body, I shall rejoice at seeing him.
I somehow was not capable of feeling sorrow, in hearing of
the happy translation of M. Haworth ; so many are the dangers
that beset us poor creatures on every hand, that I have learned
to adopt in sincerity, on every such removal from this militant

284 MEMORIALS OF
state, this exclamation — " Blessed are the dead," &c. We have
affecting accounts from your sister kingdom. We have enough
everywhere to convince us of the necessity of " taking heed lest
we fall," so that I sometimes tremble on my own account. My
old friend, H. Cathrall, is in an innocent childlike state of mind,
but so lame in her feet, from a paralytic affection, that it is with
difficulty she gets from one room to another. * * * *
Have me, dear Martha, in remembrance for good, for I have
many infirmities, both of flesh and spirit, to struggle with, and I
need the prayers of my friends more than ever. Do sometimes
let me hear from thee, and all about my dear friends in Eng
land — a spot pleasant to my thoughts ; yet the good land, which
is not very far off, being sometimes so animatingly in view, my
soul is enabled to look beyond the things which are seen, and
to crave that the Lord, in his infinite mercy, may, at the last,
conduct my poor soul thereinto, even in the lowest station.
Farewell, my endeared sister, for so thou art to thy poor

4fe>

R. J. to Martha Routh.
Philadelphia, 11th mo. 6th, 1800.
My dear Friend, — Thy tender greeting of Seventh month
last, came duly to hand ; the contents whereof awakened all that
is within me capable of feeling with tfcee in the depth of many
sorrows, and with Friends in your land who are concerned to
support those testimonies of divine origin which were given to
our forefathers, and are renewed to us in the present day.
Thine and other similar accounts respecting the sorrowful affair
which so exercised your Yearly Meeting, explains what was
before in circulation here. * *
What can be done, short of the Lord's doings, to bring the
party to see and escape the subtle work of the enemy, I know

REBECCA JONES. 285
not. I sincerely pray that she may be restored to the path of
sound judgment, and so remove the occasion of offence ; or I
fear the weak of the flock will be staggered, and scattered into
the wilderness thereby. But the living Foundation witt stand
sure! Happy and safe are they whose building is thereon!
Against these, we are told, " the gates of hell shall not prevail."
How different are the sensations of my mind on reading thy
account, and thy settled opinion respecting some of the younger
class ^mong you, whose solid deportment drew forth sympathy
and encouragement from their elder sisters. And it appears
from what thou sayest about meeting with our dear S. Smith
and R. Jordan, M. Stacey and Sarah Lynes, at your Quarterly
Meeting, that it was similar to what the apostle experienced at
Appii Forum; when he "thanked God, and took courage." I
remember to have seen S. Lynes at Clerkenwell school, and that
my landlord, Joseph Gurney Bevan, told me he " did believe she
would make something clever if she lived." Idon't wonder at
thy solicitude for her preservation. My spirit unites with thine
therein, that she may be kept by the power of God, by the
armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left, from
every snare, and in every hour of trial and temptation that may
assail her. I was pleased to find that she had so steady and
valuable a friend as M. Stacey with her.
Our choice plants, Hannah, wife of S. R. Fisher, Hannah L.
daughter of Thomas Fisher, Sally Cresson, &c, thrive and
bring forth pleasant fruit, as do many more, in city and country.
So that if thou shouldst be again divinely commissioned, and
sent to visit this land, thou wilt have some joy, amidst many
sorrows that will inevitably be thy portion.
Our dear S. Harrison is able to get to meetings, and amongst
her friends ; and our dear T. Scattergood feels near as ever to
the living amongst us. He gave us, last Second-day, being our
Quarterly Meeting, a lively but affecting account of his exercises ;
after which our Meeting's Memorial concerning dear S. Emlen,
was read, and being lively and very descriptive, had a remarkable
reach on the meeting, so that we broke up in tears. S. E.'s

286 MEMORIALS OF
daughter has been married to Dr. Physick, of an unexceptiona
ble character, as a man and as a physician, yet not a member
of our Society. What shall we say to such things as these, but
that alLmust purchase Truth for themselves, if they really come
into the possession of it. * * *

R. Jones to Joseph Williams.
Philadelphia,-llth mo. 6th, 1800.
Dear friend, — Joseph Williams, — Thy truly welcome epistle
of Eighth month last, I have now before me, and, fully resolved
to keep fast hold of my end of the chain, as our Indians say, sit
down in order to reply to thy sundry intelligence ; some part of
which hath clothed my mind with great sadness. The particu
lars as related by thee, have more fully explained the matter,
which had reached us before thine came to hand. It is rapidly
spreading as from Dan to Beersheba. I am not equal to any
advice in this afflicting case; but hope best wisdom may direct
whatever is done ; and that the party may have an ear to hear
" what the spirit saith unto the churches." And seeing what
poor, fallible creatures we are, oh that we may watch and pray
continually to be preserved on the one true and living founda
tion, "against which the gates of hell shall not prevail."
I am, however, truly sorry it is become so public, fearing, lest
some of the weak of the flock may be staggered, if not wholly
driven away thereby.
Your situation, before this happened, was to be lamented ; and
thou my dear friend, with all the faithful, who are endeavoring
to " hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering," have
had a bitter cup to drink. But may it be remembered, that
greater is He that is in and with his people, than he that is in
and of the world ! By this time, I hope, some of you will have
to say, in the arrival and help of dear S. Smith and R. Jordan,
" God that comforteth those that are cast down, comfcrted us

REBECCA JONES. 287
by the coming of Titus." My love to them, if they are yet in
your land, and to dear G. Johnson ; say I look towards him in
the same love by 'which we were united at Newport, Nantucket,
&c. He may have heard that his young companion, Ebenezer
Cresson, died suddenly not long since, in consequence of a hurt
on his foot, which brought on a lock-jaw, and took him away
in his innocence.
Dear S. Emlen's company and services are greatly missed,
but he had finished his work, and is, I doubt not, translated to a
better inheritance. A sweet memorial of him was read at our
late Quarterly Meeting, and a still sweeter one lives in many
of our hearts. At the same meeting, dear T. Scattergood gave
us an account of his trials, sufferings, and baptisms, which was
very affecting to the meeting in general. We rejoice in his re
lease from the field of service, and that he is evidently alive in
Truth. Phebe Speakman also looks fine and easy in spirit.
Oh, what a mercy, that the poor servants are so preserved
through what is allotted them, and favored to return with sheaves
of peace ! * * * i
We of thjs city have abundant cause to be humbly thankful
to the Father of mercies, in that he hath been pleased to spare
us this year a visitation from that dire disease, the yellow fever,
yet it has prevailed at Baltimore, Norfolk, and Providence.
We have divers promising young ministers in this city. My
prayer for them is,, that the Lord keep them humble, little, and
low. I wish my love handed to thy dear wife, &c. Ah, what
changes, divisions, and multiplications in families, have taken
place in a few years ! and what remaineth to pass through is
wisely hidden from us. I think this scrawl will convince thee,
that I am old, and almost worn out, for all thou pleasantly say-
est about old maidens.
As to my present circumstances take the following. I live in
a neat dwelling in Brook's Court, near North meeting ; keep a
little shop ; have a precious child in my B. C. I can walk about
better "than for several years past ; have a tolerable share of

288. MEMORIALS OF
health ; am favored with the company of my dear friends, and
what is still more to be prized, feel my heart at times lifted up
in gratitude and thankfulness to the Author of all good, for his
innumerable favors and mercies vouchsafed in an abundant man
ner, to me, a poor unworthy creature.
Let us pray for one another, that we may be kept steadfast
and immovable unto the erfd, and finally obtain an admission
into that city, " none of whose inhabitants can say, I am sick !"
I am, dear Joseph, with love unfeigned, thy sister in the un
changeable Truth,

4&-£i

The scepticism which prevailed in Ireland occasioned her
much concern ; the more so, as it ensnared some, of whom she
had hoped better things. "I have learned," she notes, Tenth
morith 3d, " that Truth has so far prevailed over Error, and
light over darkness, that opposition to its known principles is on
the decline. This must inevitably be the case, because, ' the
Lamb and his followers will have the victory.' "
Under the sarnie date, she says,
" I have a letter from Riehai'd Jordan, written after the last
Yearly Meeting in London. He appeared to be low and lonely,
having in prospect a visit to the continent, and, as yet, no com
panion. , I hope he is by this time favored with a yoke-fellow,
and have no doubt but his blessed Master will supply all his
needs. He is a near and dear brother in the Gospel."
On the 11th of Ninth month, 1801, died her kind and faith
ful friend James Hartley. Early one evening, during his illness,
Rebecca Jones sent to him by a neighbor a sympathetic mes
sage. Whilst sitting at her supper, at 9 o'clock that night, she
laid down her knife and fork and sat with great solemnity,
which feeling was shared by her companion, our informant.
After a little while, she said, " The conflict is over, James is
gone." About an hour afterwards the same neighbor called,
with information that he had deceased precisely at the time of,
R. J.'s impression.

REBECCA JONES. 289.
Whatever may be thought of intimations thus afforded to in
dividuals at the moment when a near friend is disrobed of mor
tality, the fact of such, and of kindred phenomena, is placed, by
reiterated occurrence, entirely beyond dispute, at least to those
who believe the testimony. There are those among our readers
who can refer to cases within their own personal knowledge.
Several instances of this spiritual communion will be found in
these memoirs, and more might have been inserted. We think
it expedient to place on record well authenticated cases of the
kind, not to encourage superstition, but as an aid to the believer,
in furnishing evidence that the Divine Spirit does at times com
municate to the human mind a knowledge of things which could
not be perceived by the natural faculties. We see no reason
for seeking to refer these spiritual phenomena to any other
source than " the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of
Prophecy." To C. Hustler she writes, Third month 12th : " It was like
marrow to my bones to hear, by a late letter from Henry Tuke,
that thou art ' strong in the best life.' It must be a great com
fort that thy dear children are settled so near to thee, and that
precious Sarah is continued a prop to thy declining years. Sa
lute each of them and theirs for me, and convey to them my
fervent desire that they may become valiant for the cause of
Truth, through an unreserved obedience to all its dictates, in
smaller as well as in greater matters ; seeing that the work of
Righteousness is peace, and the effects thereof quietness and as
surance for ever ! Your approaching Yearly Meeting will be
interesting — one subject in particular painfully so. May best
counsel be waited for and obtained I Dear Richard Jordan,
being left to serve alone in Ireland, calls forth my tender sym
pathy. My love to him and to Samuel Smith, Charity Cook,
M. Swett, David Sands, Elizabeth Coggeshall, and G. and S.
Dillwyn. Tell S. Smith his wife is accompanying John Parrish
in a family visit to our North Meeting.
" It is probable that some of our friends may clear out at
your approaching solemnity, whose return will be pleasant to

290 MEMORIALS OF,
their friends here. May their peace be sealed sure. Dear
Thomas Scattergood is a precious addition to our meeting. Our
dear Sarah Harrison often mentions thee with heartfelt affection,
and in a late conversation we were both so revived, that we
concluded that if by going 100 miles we could gain an interview
with thee, we should not hesitate an hour about the undertaking.
We are as nearly united in gospel fellowship as ever."
Referring in this letter to the approaching Yearly Meeting of
Philadelphia, she says : " I suppose thou wilt look sometimes
towards us, as I shall towards you, if continued in mutability.
And this being one of the blessed privileges enjoyed by the child
ren of the heavenly kingdom, let us prize it, be comforted in it,
and give to our great and holy Head, who presides over his
own church every where, the glory which is now and for ever
bis due.
" My Bernice," she adds, " continues an affectionate precious
companion in my solitary moments, as well as a most tender
nurse under indisposition. I number her among my comforts
in the journey through and near the end of this vale of sorrow.
"May the Shepherd of Israel protect, defend, and save you
by his own immediate power, in every time of trial and distress,
is the present breathing desire of thy sincerely affectionate
friend, old fellow traveller, and sister in the unchangeable
Truth." Fifth month 4th, she received from John Lury, of Bristol,
a present of " a very rich cheese," in which was a tin box, con
taining twenty guineas in gold, being the amount of a legacy
left to R. J. by a deceased friend.
Philadelphia, 10th month 26th, 1801.
Dearly beloved friend, S. Stephenson,— I have often thought
of writing to thee since thy arrival in our land with thy dear
companion M. Jeffries, but being in expectation of seeing thee
before this time in our city, I have put the motion by until
now — and having, in a dream last night, been with thee, and
embraced thee and M, J. in the arms of undissembled Christian

REBECCA JONES. 291
and Gospel fellowship, I have at length taken up my pen in
near and dear unity, to offer the written salutation thereof to
your acceptance. For, though by increased years since I was
a sojourner in your land, I witness an increase of bodily infir
mities, which, for the last two years, have kept me much in our
city ; I do, nevertheless, rejoice in the continued qualification
to bid good speed to all the dignified servants in our heavenly
Father's family, and crave that the arms of their hands may
indeed be made strong through the Power of the God of Jacob.
That so, in this day of deep revolt, and time of Satan's triumph
over such who have been numbered among the stars — Israel
may not be given over to reproach, nor Jerusalem become an
hissing and a desolation.
I hear that ye are given up to the service of visiting families —
a work in which thou, dear Sarah, hast had long and large ex
perience. May it be blessed to the visited in that city, where
dear R. Wright and myself were a few years ago engaged in
like manner, from house to house. Whilst sitting by my own
fireside, I can accompany you mentally, and share a part of
your exercises therein, according to my small measure, trusting
that mouth and wisdom, with every requisite supply will be
granted, and the Divine name exalted, which is now and forever
worthy. Thou art so often enquired after by friends here, that
many seem already acquainted with thee, and believe that not
withstanding things are as they are among us, thou wilt find
Fathers and Mothers, Brethren and Sisters, in the heavenly Re
lation ; unto which I know thou wisely givest preference. * *
I have no late letters from Europe, but, as I cannot hold out as
usual, in the epistolary way, I must endeavor to be content
under the ancient assertion, " He that soweth sparingly, shall
reap sparingly."
In Gospel affection, I remain thy poor, but sincerely well
wishing sister,

02"

292 MEMORIALS OF
To C. Hustler and daughter, she writes Eleventh mo. 27th,—
" My faithful, dear friend Catharine Howell's choice daughter,
Elizabeth, about the age of S. Hustler, has several times, lately,
lifted up her voice in public meetings, and is a precious, plant.
May all who have submitted to become fools for Christ's sake in
this way, follow his leadings faithfully, and serve him with their
whole hearts, is the fervent petition of my heart."
' So shall they grow to glad parental care,
And shine as warriors in defence of Truth.'
" Of Hannah Barnard's* return little has been said, so that I
In several of the preceding letters, allusion is made to the trials ex
perienced by Friends, particularly in Ireland, about this time, but the
name of H. Barnard has not been heretofore mentioned in connexion
with them, yet there can be no reasonable doubt that she was a promi
nent agent in the production of the difficulties and exercises to which
R. Jones frequently' alludes.
Hannah Barnard, who resided in the State of New York, was an ac
knowledged minister in our Society, possessed of talents considerably
above the ordinary level, with a force of imagination and power of lan
guage which were quite attractive to her youthful and inexperienced
hearers. . Yet some of the more discerning and considerate class re
garded her, as one, to use a hackneyed but expressive phrase, who was
carrying more sail than ballast. When she opened to her friends at
home, her prospect of paying a religious visit to the meetings in Eng
land and Ireland; it is understood that considerable hesitation appeared;
but she was eventually liberated by the proper meetings, and proceeded
to Europe in pursuit of her prospect. Whether she had, previously to
her embarkation, embraced opinions incompatible with those acknow
ledged and maintained by the Society, or whether she gradually fell
into them while on her journey; she at length gave such evidence of
the unsoundness of her principles, that Friends in Ireland judged it
needful that she should discontinue her ministerial labors, and" return
home. From this judgment she appealed to the Yearly Meeting of London,
where the subject underwent a careful examination. Her popular and
plausible eloquence had attached a party to her, but after a patient in
vestigation, the Yearly Meeting bore its testimony against the doctrines
which she had espoused.
She at length returned to her native land, and a complaint being laid
before the Monthly Meeting to which she belonged, she was disowned.
From this judgment she appealed to the Quarterly and Yearly Meet
ings, by which the testimony was confirmed. — Enrron Fbiends' Re
view, i
R. 1. received from Richard Jordan a curious and interesting letter
respecting H. Barn ard, ' which the compiler has not been able to find
among her papers. Writing in allegorical style, so as to be intelligible

REBECCA JONES. 293
hope she continues quietly at home. Richard and Martha Routh
are on their way to New Bedford. My B. C. is a solid; precious
companion, and as near to me as though she were mine own
daughter. Dear' Samuel Smith, William Savery, and Thomas
Scattergood, are my frequent visitors, and brethren beloved.
"Could we but have a few hours personal interview, how
pleasant would it be! But as this cannot be, let it suffice that
we often mentally visit each other, and endeavor to live and
walk in that holy fellowship, which stands ' with the Father and
with his Son, Christ Jesus,' in whom all the families of the earth
are blessed; and let us trust that, of his adorable mercy, we
shall, when this short fight of affliction is over, be united in his
heavenly kingdom, never more to part.
" My old companion, Hannah Cathrall, who lives about five
miles off, at Frankford, is on a visit to her friends in this city,
and though very lame, seems renewed in best life. She spoke
a few words in our meeting, last Third day, and will, I verily
believe, land in peace at last. What a mercy I"

CHAPTER XIV.
1802—1804.
Arrival of S. Stevenson and M. Jeffries, and death of the former — Let
ters — Death of Hannah Price — Wm. Jackson — Retires to Edgely 
Letters to James Allinson — Arrival of George Dillwyn — Returns to
Brooks' Court — Whale — R. J. and S. Smith in sympathy with Friends
in England.
In her pocket almanac for 1802, she notes, — on New Year's
day, as we suppose---" Forasmuch as the Lord in his infinite
only to those who knew something of the case, he describes the arrival
of a ship from America laden with contraband wares. A few parcels
he says were cautiously opened in England, but, there being no de
mand for them, she set sail fpr Ireland, &c. &c. The allegory was inge
niously pursued, W. J. A. :
25 »

294 MEMORIALS OF
mercy hath granted me a little longer space, oh that a wise im
provement of the present time may ensure to me, when ' time
shall be no longer,' an interest in his favor and mercy forever
and ever."
She notes the arrival Second month 9th, in Philadelphia, of
Sarah Stephenson and M. Jeffries, and mentions S. S. having,
in several meetings, " good service." " Third month 8th, S. S.
mentioned her concern to visit families in Pine street, which
they began the 9th." This Friend was taken sick the next day,
yet on the 11th she wenf Jo Germantown, and on the 31st re
turned to S. R. Fisher's, and attended Pine street meeting.
"She was taken ill, says R. J., in the middle of the week, and
quietly breathed her last on Second-day, Fourth month 26th,
about seven o'clock P. M. She was interred on Fifth-day, after
a solemn and large meeting at High street."
As intimated above, the mortal remains of this virtuous,
amiable, and devoted woman and minister of Christ, were taken
into the meeting house on High street, where, as we are in-
formed by a Friend who was present, a number of lively testi
monies were borne to her devotedness and Christian graces.
Early in the meeting her bereaved companion, Mary Jeffries,
was fervent in supplication. She commenced with the text,
"As the heavens are high above the earth, so are thy ways high
above our ways ;" — and she implored divine aid, that she might
take with resignation the cup, though comparable to the worm
wood and the gall, saying, " thou hast given me to see that it is
a sacrifice of thy own preparing, and that her peace has thereby
been sealed with thee." She evinced, by her composure, her
striving to acquiesce in the unerring will — in the evidence of which
the minds of those present were humbled. Several Friends, says
our informant, expressed their belief that she had come to this
land in the ordering of best Wisdom ; and Nicholas Wain said,
— " she was the daughter of consolation ; had a lively ingather.
ing gift, being a real comforter to those who were thirsting after
the living spring," &c. And Hannah, wife of S. R. Fisher,
spoke in a beautiful and moving strain, saying, " It is the end

REBECCA JONES. 295
that crowns all* and as I was favored to see the close of this
our beloved friend, I believe it required of me to say, that as she
lived the life of the righteous, so she continued through her
sickness, and in her death, evincing that the sting of death was
taken away, whereby she was made to triumph over death, hell,
and the grave. Oh, my beloveds, what encouragement is this
to follow her example, that by living the life of the righteous,
we may be favored to make an end like unto theirs."
The interment took place in the Fourth street grave yard.
To her friend Mary Bevan she writes 5th mo. 1st — " I by no
means wish to take thee in any " snare" other than such as
true friendship and good old fashioned love dictates, I say old
fashioned, because thou knowest there is a deal of fancy goods,
and new fashioned stuffs now a days, brought into use, and
some of them of so flimsy a texture, that they are hardly
worth the cost of trimmings and making up — that when I do
meet with what I esteem substantial I am willing to clothe
others and be clothed therewith myself — even with that
love which doth not wax old like a garment — so hold
on, dear friend, in thy epistolary visits to thepoor oldwoman, now
in her 63rd year, because she is cheered and comforted thereby.
I had heard of the removal of thy nephew R. P. B. and did
think it would be as deeply felt by thee and his worthy
grandmother as any other of his connexions, but he has happily
escaped those temptations and trials that in various shapes assail
us who remain in the field, and makes it necessary to put on,
and to keep on, the whole armor of light, in order that thro'
watchfulness and prayer we may be able to stand ! This I do
fully believe was the care and concern of thy country woman,
the late dear Sarah Stephenson of whose peaceful close in the
service of her blessed master, thou wilt hear from others,
but as I was with her at the time and a witness to her resigna
tion and patience during the conflict, I am free to inform thee
that after her visit at New York to the families of members,
and such as stand disowned, she came to this city in a very
infirm state of health, and having begun a visit to families

296 MEMORIALS OF
of Pine-street meeting, she evidently grew weaker. In th^
week of our late yearly meeting, she became so much worse,
that hope of recovery was quite lost both by herself and her
friends. She however continued till the 26th ultimo, when
she departed without sigh or groan, divers friends being pre
sent. She was interred the 29th, after a' large and favored
meeting held on the occasion, in which her companion, Mary
Jeffries was bowed in supplication, and N. Wain, S. Smith, .
M, Swett, &c, appeared in testimony, and W. S. a very closed
in prayer. From all I can gather, I find this dear friend was
settled in the belief that she should lay down her life in
America ; and she will be long remembered, even as N. Wain
testified of her in the meeting. " She was indeed a daughter of
consolation, having a sweet, precious, gathering gift." She
is now happily released from pain and suffering. Her dear
companion, who faithfully attended on her, is truly an object
of tender sympathy, being now left solitary in a strange land.
But I trust she is under gracious care. She has endeared herself,
by her humility, to. friends here. She has a lively gift in the
ministry, and will, I believe, not go unrewarded by her good
-Master, to whose dedicated servant she was sincerely attach
ed in life, and whom she forsook not in her last moments !"
I am much of thy sentiment respecting Hannah Barnard's
case. I do hope the right thing will be done and that your
women's Yearly Meeting will be owned by the presence of the
great Head of the Church, which is composed of females as
well as males, who alike have need to move under a sense of
their own weakness. But why let the tormentor Fear in thee
predominate ? Perfect love will ca!st it out. He that feareth,
saith the Apostle, is not made perfect in love. And tho' ; as,
W. Savery says, 'tis better to be dumb than to offer the sacri-
fice of fools, — yet even he often declares that obedience is better
than either a dumb or foolish sacrifice. In short, my dear
Mary, 'tis a great lesson, to become a fool ; and such we must
be before we are made truly wise. Take heed therefore to the
gift thou hast received. Do thou let it turn, and be willing to

REBECCA JONES. 297
turn with it — then whatsoever it doeth and whithersover it turn-
eth, it shall prosper. See how freely I write to thee. It is the
fruit of that love, which I felt in first entering thy house in
Plow Court — and in it I salute thee and thy beloved Joseph,
and bid you endearedly farewell, being thy affectionate fellow
disciple. Wm. Jackson, — a man of simplicity, wisdom and sin
cerity, has obtained credentials for a visit to your land."
Fifth month 8th she notes, — " Died, Hannah, wife of Philip
Price,* of whom it may be said she was among the meek and
merciful, and had marked upon her the blessing pronounced
upon the peace makers. I went with Sarah Harrison and S.
Rhoads, to her burial, at Darby, the 10th, where a solemn
meeting was held. Wm, Savery had the chief service "

R. Jones to Joseph Williams.
Philadelphia Sixth month 9th, 1802.
My dear and worthy friend, Joseph Williams, — However,
" short and scanty" in thine own view, thy letter of Fourth month,
I do assure thee, the receipt of it has given me much pleasure ;
and through all its contents were not of the most consoling kind,
thy account of your being more calm at present, affords encour
agement to hope that the late storm, in which thou, my brother,
hast been So closely tried, has nearly spent itself. Be that as
it may, I have no sort of doubt, that thou, with others who have
nobly contended for the Faith, as it is in Jesus, will by the same
faith obtain victory, according to that ancient truth, " This is
your victory, even your Faith !"
Thou wilt have heard, before this comes to hand, of the
peaceful transition of our late beloved Sarah Stephenson, from
this mortal state, to, we trust, a glorious immortality. Her
* Parents of Philip Price, once superintendent at Westtown. H.
P. was a valued Elder and Mother in Israel.

298 MEMORIALS. OF ,
chosen companion, M. Jeffries, seeing her way to return to her
own land, and leaving a sweet savor here, will be likely soon to
embark, in company with our dear friend Wm. Jackson.*
When he arrives amongst you, receive him as a brother beloved,
" if thou count me a partner."
* William Jackson, whose embarkation for Europe is here mention
ed, was one of the primitive stock of Friends to whom the character
given by our Lord to Nathaniel, " behold an Israelite indeed, in whom
is no guile," might be justly applied. His ministry was not with the
enticing words of man's wisdom, but remarkable for its weight and so
lemnity. Though well acquainted with the doctrines and principles
of the Society, as illustrated by the standard authors among us, his
knowledge of divine things was evidently drawn from a deeper spring
than books or sermons could supply. To those who had the privilege
of an acquaintance with him, and who could appreciate his worth, he
was a remarkably interesting and instructive companion; his memory
being stored with a large amount of information respecting those wor
thy members who constituted the bone and sinew of the Society during
a period a little antecedent to his own.
During the turmoils of the revolutionary war, he paid an extensive
visit to Friends an some of the Middle and Eastern States, in which he
sometimes appeared to have his life in his hand. But walking by the
faith that led him out, he was guided safely through all his difficulties
and dangers ; and after nearly two years thus employed, returned again
to his native place, in Chester county, Pennsylvania.
After the restoration of peace he performed a number of visits to the
meetings of Friends in several parts of this continent; and from the
testimonials which were received respecting these labors, it appears he
was enabled to adorn, by his own life and conversation, the doctrines
which he was concerned to preach to others.
The voyage to which R. Jones refers, terminated by his arrival at
Liverpool, in the Eighth month, 1802 ; and he spent about three years
assiduously laboring in the work of the Gospel. During this time he
appears to have attended nearly all the mee'tings of Friends in Eng
land, Ireland and Scotland, as well as some parts of Wales, and a num
ber of them several times. In the brief memorials of these visit, which
he left behind him, and which the writer of this article had the oppor
tunity of inspecting, we find him patiently travelling from day to day,
and from meeting to meeting, where the members were reduced to a
very small and feeble remnant, seeking out and laboring to strengthen
the seeking seed wherever located.
In one of his notices respecting the attendance of meetings for disci
pline, many of which fell in the course of his journey, he makes the
following impressive observations : " Oh, these meetings for discipline,
were they held and maintained in the wisdom and power of God, the
active members knowing their own wills subjected to His will, and mov
ing only as he moves them, either to speak or to be silent, what schools
of instruction would they be, both to the youth and those more ad-

REBECCA JONES. 299
I am now confined to my chamber, with rheumatism in one
knee, which is much swelled, and painful. Since coming up
stairs, I have been honored with the company of dear S. Smith,
who is my frequent visitor, S. Harrison, who looks finely, Wm.
Savery, a strong man in every way, and N. Wain, who is in
good health, and a bright example to the flock. James Pem
berton also sat an hour with me last Seventh-day. He is near
eighty, a firm pillar in the Lord's house, and his faculties, ex
cept his hearing, are, I think, as bright as ever. T. Scatter
good and D. Bacon are also in an active, lively state, and at
our late Yearly Meeting in Fourth month, we had the company
of R. Wright, S. Talbot and Phebe Speakman, with dear Mehe-
tabel Jenkins, on a visit to these parts. These were all in the
love and life of the gospel, so that there is yet cause to " thank
God and take courage," in believing that our heavenly Father
centinues his blessed promise to His humble followers — " Lo, I
am with you always, even to the end, of the world."
* * * # ""*
How fares our old friend Jane Watson now 1 I have latley
felt so much about her that I have written to her. Thine to S.
Stephenson, says, " M. Ridgway is going into the North of Eng-
vanced. I am now in the fifty-ninth year of my age, and find myself
but a learner, and in need of daily instruction."
He returned to his native land in the Autumn of 1805. The ancient
testimony of the Society, to live within the bounds of our circum
stances, and to* avoid engaging in hazardous enterprises, to the disturb
ance of our own tranquillity, and the endangering of the property of
others, lay very near to his heart ; often advising his friends, and par
ticularly those who were just setting out in life", to make their wants
few, and thus avoid the danger of being driven to doubtful or improper
expedients to supply them.
Retaining his faculties in old age without visible decay, he performed
several short journeys, in the service of Society, after he had passed
his eightieth year; but about two years before his decease, he found
the disorder coming on, which eventually terminated his pilgrimage
here. In the beginning of 1834, while in the 88th year of his age, he was
gathered as a shock of corn fully ripe, to the place of his rest, weight
ily adopting, a few days before his removal, the declaration of the
Apostle, " I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of rejoicing."— Ed. Friend's Review.

300 MEMORIALS OF
land." What a brave old soldier is she ! If thou corresponds
with dear R. Jordan, present my love to him ; also, to all my
acquaintances who have kept their habitations in the truth,
which I sincerely believe is the state of thy dear wife and self.
Accept, therefore, the cordial salutation, and offer it to thy sis
ter, and son Nathaniel, from thy old and affectionate friend,

Philadelphia, 1th mo. 8th, 1802.
Dear friend, Mary Jeffries, — As I learn that thou art still
detained at New York, I seem as if I could not remain longer
easy without giving thee a few lines to manifest afresh my sis
terly sympathy and love before thou embarkest for thy native
country, where I do hope and trust, whatever may attend, thou
wilt arrive in safety and with the sheaves of enriching peace in
thy bosom. I am, my dear, sensible that thou hast had thy
hidden- conflicts amongst us, and I have no doubt but He who
sees in secret hath been near to sustain and succor under them
all. What a blessed privilege this ! that " all the ways of a
man are before the eyes of the Lord," who understandeth every
secret sigh and silent tear of his humble dependent children.
To these He never said " seek ye my face in vain.'- So that
when restored to thy beloved relatives and friends, thou wilt have
to publish the Lord's gracious dealings, with the voice of thanks
giving, and tell of his wondrous works— "his wonders which
thou hast seen in the deep !" — and this I desire thou mayst be
encouraged to do, whenever the word of command is " Speak
to my people that they go forward." My love salutes dear W.
Jackson, a brother in the sufferings and consolations of the
Gospel ! He dwells deep, and from thence often draws sweet
counsel. May he be strengthened with holy boldness and mag
nanimity to wield the weapons of his warfare against all he
may meet with, that stands opposed to the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ — yea, against " Spiritual wickedness in high

REBECCA JONES. 301
places." — May the Shepherd of Israel be near you both in your
floating enclosure, " hold the winds in his fists," for your sakes
and often make you joyful in his House of Prayer, and then
bring into remembrance your infirm poor sister, thy affection
ate friend,

In the Eighth month, 1802, a fever broke out in her neigh
borhood, by which she notes that the inhabitants were so much
terrified that " nearly one third of them removed into the
country." On the 10th she accepted the invitation1 of her
" faithful, invariable friend," the hostess of Edgely, from whose
country seat she writes to Sarah Hustler, Ninth month 15th, —
'' Whether the people were unnecessarily alarmed, or by the
general removal, under Providence, the progress of the fever
was checked, I cannot tell, but the contagion has not spread as
in '93, '97, '98, and '99, so that there is fresh occasion for
grateful, humble thankfulness to the Father of all our mercies,
which my soul prays may be the clothing of all our spirits."
In the same letter she says : "As thou hast wisely, and I trust,
'unreservedly, yielded to the counsel and call of thy heavenly
Father, Friend and Helper, I have no doubt that, as thou art
enabled to persevere in the path of obedience to his holy will,
following the footsteps of thy pious parent, walking by the same
rule, minding the same thing to which she has from her youth
evinced that she has given the preference above every other con
sideration, thou wilt also be helped to sing of the Lord's judg
ments, and of his mercies, and adopt that ancient acknowledg
ment of pious David, ' Thou art my God, I will praise thee ;
my father's God, and I will exalt and serve thee.' * * *
" Though I am now in my sixty fourth year, and under
many infirmities, my interest in all that relates to your family
is not at all lessened, nor has my unfeigned love undergone any
alteration or diminution, since the day that my heavenly Master
26

302 MEMORIALS OF
disposed the heart of thy beloved mother to unite with my ex
ercised spirit in his service. The remembrance of some of our
descendings and ascendings together, with and for the Seed of
Life, is often sweetly and pleasantly my theme, in my solitary
and silent musings, when, in the covenant of love and life, lean
feel, her near to my spirit, and sweetly hail her ' highly favored ;'
the Lord, her sure support, being her staff, her salvation, her
evening song of rejoicing and praise. We hear that G. and S.
Dillwyn aro about to return to their native land. What a treat
I shall have thereby ! Also, that D. Sands and R. Jordan have
bespoke certificates. Samuel Smith, T. Scattergood, W. Savery,
N. Wain, S. Harrison, and the rest known to thee, are well
every way. In love inexpressible, I salute you all, and am thy
cordial friend and sister in the Truth."

In a letter to James Allinson, 10th mo. 5th, 1802, referring
to the arrival of G. and S. Dillwyn, she says, " I have great
joy in the prospect of our looking each other in the face once
more in mutability, and can now wait with patience, postponing
a visit for the present, as some rest among their tender relatives
and numerous friends must be desirable. May the great Pre
server of men, now and forever worthy, be praised ! I expect
we shall discover visible marks of age in each other, and I trust
that we shall unitedly set up bur Ebenezer together, on our own
dear native shore. I am quietly at anchor in Liberty Hall, not
having even the pleasing prospect of a quiet return to our poor city
which by accounts is far from safe — new cases occurring, and
my little habitation in the neighborhood of infection. I have
concluded to stay at Edgely till the inhabitants of our court
shall move back. T. Scattergood paid us a pleasant visit.
William Savery is well, and much engaged about the sick and
poor in his neighborhood. May the Father of mercies be
pleased in his own time to grant us a comfortable meeting in

REBECCA JONES. 303
our North Meeting House again, and the desire of my heart
whilst writing is, that I and all of us may return with spirits
clothed upon with humility, gratitude and thankfulness to the,
great and blessed Author of all good. I salute thee, dear James,
as a fellow disciple, and crave J.hy preservation and per
severance in the cause of Truth and Salvation." Referring
a few days later, in a letter to the same friend, to the arrival of
G. and S. Dillwyn, she says, " Oh how pleased I should have
been to join their party. I hope dear Susan Emlen will be re
vived by the presence of her beloved uncle and aunt, and that
you all, who are capable of feeling the bond of Christian union
and best fellowship strengthened, will be qualified to acknow
ledge that the great Head of the Church, who puts forth his
own and goes before them, is worthy to be trusted in and
blessed forever."
Writing 11th mo. 1st to Martha Routh, then at N.York,
she says : " I note with pleasure thy intention of spending some
time this winter in and near our city, where, as heretofore, I
have no doubt thou wilt find in o'pen door, and be received as
an ambassador for Christ. I do believe, my dear, notwithstand
ing thou hadst some bitter cups to drink among us, thy circum
spect walking and gospel labors will be long remembered ani-
matingly, and thy return to this city be truly acceptable to
many more than thou hast been acquainted with, besides my
self and my B. C. Probably thy tent will be pitched in the old
spot, (Samuel Fisher's) a place in which such poor old crea
tures as I, can use great freedom, and from whence the spirit
of our dear sister S. Stephenson took its flight from sorrow and
suffering. I expect thou hast heard of the return of dear G.
and S. Dillwyn, and Joseph and Beulah Sansom, and also that
dear Wm. Jackson and M. Jeffries, have been favored with a
safe though tedious passage of 38 days to Liverpool, and that
dear Richard Jordan has arrived, all which calls for our united
thankfulness to the great preserver of men.
Our devoted brethren, Wm. SaVery and Thomas Scattergood,
with dear Sarah Harrison and divers other fellow laborers, have

304 MEMORIALS OF
staid in the city through all the sickness. W. S. has been much
in it, visiting and administering to the poor of all societies, our
own especially. S. Smith and wife, with myself and many
others, have been most easy in leaving it, and have all, I be
lieve, been of more use than poor me, as I have been kept very
much confined to the poor little, flock at Germantown, where the
Lord on high has often mercifully granted the needful supplies of
heavenly bread."
She returned to her home in Brook's Court 11th mo. 5th,
and notes her thankfulness in finding the city " once more filled
with its inhabitants in their usual health ; very few, compared
with the numbers formerly taken off by this dire disease, hav
ing fallen victims under the present visitation.''
In a letter written 12th mo. 9th, to Joseph Williams of Dub
lin, she thus evinces her continued fervent love to the disciples,
and her constant desire to know how the Master's work sped in
distant parts of the vineyard.
" I wish to be affectionately remembered to thy family, and
to such of my friends in your city as keep their habitation in
the blessed Truth ; and that thou wouldst sometimes give me a
few lines with what information thou mayest judge proper ; for
poor and low and old as I am, I trust the precious cause and
testimony are as dear to me as ever, and therefore I cannot be
indifferent to the many attempts that are being made to lay them
waste, with you, and also in this land. I salute thee, dear Jo
seph, in gospel affection, and trust that thy bow may abide in
strength, and the arms of thy hands be made strong by the
hands of the mighty God of Jacob. i
" Our friend R. Jordan spent an afternoon with me lately ;
he looks well every way. So also are all our dear friends who
have visited your country. I hope innocent Joseph Cloud gets
on with you safely. I almost long for David Sands' release.
If thou seest William Jackson, who is a dear brother of mine ;
present him with my love. By a letter from dear Mary Jeff
ries, I find that she arrived safely at home, and is in the en
joyment of true peace." '"Tis pleasant," she says to the

REBECCA JONES. 3O5
same friend shortly afterward, " to converse, even in this way,
with fellow travellers, who are fast sailing towards that better
country where all sorrow, disappointment and pain will forever
cease." Early in the spring of 1803, having suffered greatly from
rheumatism and an attack of influenza, she notes, " I have
never passed such a winter as this has been — yet withal have
abundant proof that now in advanced age I am gently and ten
derly dealt with." On the same day she remarks, that if she
were fres from rheumatism, she might have something worse to
bear. To Joseph Williams she writes 3d mo. 7th, 1803, "I perceive
that a portion of sorrow and suffering is permitted, sufficient to
keep alive thy soul's desire after enjoyments pure and unchange
able. May we, dear friend, maintain the warfare, and retain
holy confidence in the unconquerable Captain of our Salvation,
whose power is not only able to change our water into wine
whilst here, but can graciously cause all things to work together
for our good, both here and for ever. * * * * Our dear
G. and S. Dillwyn have dropped anchor in the quiet port of
their dear Burlington since their return. We have exchanged
some letters, but have not, as yet, met."
In the summer of 1803, her steadfast friend, the hostess of
Edgely, — a playmate of her infancy — wrote to R. J., offering
her a home during the sickly season ; " on reading which,"
says R. J., " my heart exclaimed with the apostle, ' who shall
separate us from the love of Christ V &c. May that peace of
mind which has been attendant in all thy works and labor of
love towards the Great Master, and for the comfort of some of
the little ones be increased by thy late sisterly offer to accom
modate even poor, unworthy me, once more, in the day of
trouble. I am under depression on, divers accounts ; pray for
me when thou canst, that I may ' approve myself unto God,'
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in this as
well as other places, where I desire to be content with my allot
ment." This invitation was not accepted, as she decided to
26*

306 MEMORIALS OF
take her temporary abode in the neighborhood of Darby,
whence she writes to K. Howell, Ninth month 17th — " To re
ceive from under thy hand an acknowledgment — which my own
heart has often been sensible of on thy account — that ' the in
estimable blessing of divine aid and support' was so richly thy
experience, did, on opening the joint salutation of thyself anil
dear Elizabeth, sweetly contrite my spirit : fully believing that,
as ' Mercy and Goodness have followed us all the days of oiir
lives,' so whilst we prefer a dwelling in the Lord's house, or
service, they will be continued to us forever and ever." And
to her daughter, Elizabeth Howell, she writes on the same dale
— " Ye are as epistles written on the tablet of my heart, and, in
seasons of unmerited mercy and favor, ye are — as dear S. R.
Grubb said to me in a letter a little before her exit — ' interwoven
in my solicitude for heavenly help.'. Keep me in your remem
brance. The restoration of thy health is a fresh proof of the
fatherly care of Him who is justly styled the Lord that
healeth ; and the reward of thy late dedication will, I trust,
stimulate to an increased surrender of soul to the further re
quirings of Him, who, ' as a father pitieth his children, doth
pity those who love and fear him.' My heart inclines towards
the willing in Israel, and though I now am poor and sorrowful,
my trust is in the Lord Almighty, and my mind is stayed upon
his eternal arm of power, who, blessed be his name, hath done
great things for me, and is worthy of the obedient acknowledg
ment of my whole life."
First month 1st, 1804. " I was," she notes, " at our North
Meeting, being the beginning of another year, and was enabled
to express my thoughts thereon."
First month 15th. "First-day. — Had a good meeting this
morning. The prevalent sense of my mind is, a want of
greater fitness to fill up my measure of duty to my great Lord
and Master ; and more sanctification of body, soul and spirit,
to meet him with acceptance both here and forever."

REBECCA JONES. 3q7
," Search, Lord, and purify my heart,
And make it clean in every part,
And when 'tis clean, Lord keep it so,
For that is more than I can do."
" Third month ,17th. After performance of a church visit in
the evening, went lo J. Pemberton's to see dear Martha Routh,
who reached the city about noon. T. Scattergood came home
with me. Some of our young people went to see a whale which
was exhibited up town, about two-thirds grown, 33 feet in
length, and 18 feet in circumference."
This whale was seen floundering on the shores of the Dela
ware, by two men who were ploughing near Chester. They
loosed their oxen from the plow, and drew the whale beyond the
reach of the tide. The news soon reached Philadelphia. Tho
mas Prior purchased it at a price which the men considered
liberal, and brought it up to Kensington, where it was exhibited ;
the mouth being kept open by a tackle, and a high backed arm
chair placed within for visitors, which seat some of our gentle
readers will remember having occupied.
Third month 27th, she mentions " the passing of five cou
ples " at the Northern Monthly Meeting ; and some leaving the
meeting in an irregular manner, she suitably noticed the disor
der, " and such as staid quietly were encouraged." Martha
Routh gave in a certificate from New Bedford, and R. J. accom
panied her to the men's meeting, " where she had some lively
and edifying service." " Last Second day four weeks," she
adds, " both Samuel Smith and myself were so dipped in near
sympathy with our friends in ' England, that we were con
strained to mention it to our morning meeting of ministers and
elders ; and we are still anxious about them, under a belief
that they, with the nation, are in deep suffering.* But the
*Ido not discover any allusions from which we can certainly decide
to what circumstance she refers ; or whether there were then any unu
sual trials to which Friends in England were exposed, except such as
might be apprehended from the condition of public affairs; but as she
speaks of the nation being in suffering, we may reasonably infer that
her sensitive mind, as well as that of Samuel Smith, was deeply pain
ed with the calamities then impending over the British nation. After

308 MEMORIALS OF
Lord is able to deliver them out of all their afflictions — may it
be so, saith my poor soul."
Third month 28th. Thomas Scattergood came and gave a
more favorable account of William Savery, who, for some weeks
past, appears in declining health, and' has had a paralytic affec
tion ; also symptoms of dropsy. The prospect of losing so val
uable a member of our society, is a close trial to his near
friends." "Fourth month 14th. Seventh day.— The Yearly Meeting
of Ministers and Elders, began at 10 and again at 3 ; both were
large and solid sittings. 15th. Both our meetings were very
the English and French had passed a number of years in wasting the
strength of each other, they formed a treaty of peace in 1801. But this
short-lived pacification was broken in 1803, by the pride and ambition
of their rulers. Napoleon Buonaparte, who held the chief power in
France, had openly declared to the British minister, Whitworth, that
in case hostilities were renewed, he was determined to make a descent
in person on the English coast. Hostilities were renewed some
months before this letter was written, and numerous armaments were
stationed in the ports of the continent, which lie opposite to the island.
This circumstance naturally excited unusual alarm, and unavoidably
produced much solicitude among Friends, lest under these trying
emergencies their testimony against war should not be faithfully main
tained ; or that considerable suffering might be experienced in support
ing it.
Never since the days of William of Normandy, had the people of
England been subjected to the miseries of a hostile invasion, under a
foreign leader. And the consequences of that invasion were not for-
gotten in the time of George the Third. The injury to be apprehend'
ed in 1804, from an inundation of foreign invaders, was incomparably
greater than it could be in 1066. For the property which was liable to
be plundered or destroyed, in the beginning of the ninteenth century,
within the limits of a single parish, was probably greater than could be
found in the Island, when William landed his Norman host on the
coast of Sussex. .
To a mind like that of Rebecca Jones, the prospect of having the
fields over which she had passed a few years before with her message
of peace on earth and good will to man, overspread with the desolat
ing legions of France, and exposed to all the horrors of an invasion,
such as has turned some of the fairest portions of continental Europe
into a desert, must have been painful in the , extreme. Her pious re
flection, that the Lord was able to deliver them from all their affliction,
is fully proved by events to have been entirely just. And it was
cause of thankfulness to the great Disposer of events, that so great a
calamity was not permitted to fall on the English nation.  Editor of
Friends' Review.

REBECCA JONES. 309
large — both houses full. Second day the 16th. The Meeting for
Business commenced and ended on the 20th, about I5 o'clock.
All the meetings were large and much favored." " 24th. M.
Routh and M. Mifflin attended our Monthly Meeting. Six cou
ples passed."
About this time are noted many visits to the sick, frequently
in association with Martha Routh ; also memoranda of the death
of many of her acquaintances ; and of visits received from her
friends, the catalogue of whom presents a noble array of indi
viduals, whose qualities and Christian graces would have enno
bled any age or country. Whilst, for the sake of brevity, we
have, in omitting these, omitted a very considerable portion of
her diaries ; we have been touched in the contemplation of the
train of redeemed ones, who doubtless have " through faith, ob
tained the resurrection, and eternal holy life," and been merged
in the " innumerable company " to whom we are assured that
the subject of these memoirs has also been joined.
Richard Routh and Jesse Kersey being about to embark for
England, R. J. went with Martha Routh and several friends to
visit the, ship on the 30th of Fifth month, on which day she notes
— " John and Ann Warder, intending for Newport Y. Meeting,
kindly offered me a seat in their carriage, which, for a time,
looked pleasant ; but this prospect having clouded over, I in
formed Ann that I had quite given it up, at which she was much
affected, having been pleased with the idea of my company."

CHAPTER XV.
1804.
Death of Wm. Savery — Jacob Beck's lines on the occasion — Letters
and notes— New Year's reflections 1805— Ann Alexander— Yearly
Meeting— M. Routh sails for England— Letter lo M. R.— Dorothy
Ripley  Death of B. Cathrall and wife, and Rachel Collins — Yellow
Fever— Goes to Darby— Interesting letter to Mary Bevan— Returns
to the Court.
« Sixth month 19th, 1804.— Third-day. This morning, before

310 MEMORIALS 01
I was up, Ruth Ely sent to let me know that our endeared bro
ther, Wm. Save*, departed about six o'clock, very quietly,
though unexpectedly at the time, having rode out the day before,
and seemed rather better. But in the night the dropsical symp
toms increased, and the water rising, it is believed proved suffo
cating. His last words were "Glory to God !" His remains
were kept till 3 o'clock on Fourth-day, when, instead of taking
him to the burial ground, he was, at M. Routh's request, taken
to our North Meeting House, where M. R. had a short testimony
to his worth as a minister, fellow member, and fellow citizen,
greatly beloved for the work's sake. Elizabeth Foulke appeared
in prayer, and in a very heavy rain his body was taken to our
ground, and decently interred there.
" While the glad soul borne on some cherub's wing,
Attends the throne of her celestial King,
To claim the promised Palm in JESUS' name,
And join in worship with a serpent's flame."
" Thus it is, my cotemporaries, friends, and acquaintances,
are called hence one after another, and I, a monument of divine
mercy and compassion, am spared a little longer. May the
deep enquiry, for what end ? be constantly with me, and may
my blessed Lord and Master enable me, with increasing diligence,
to finish the work he has given me to do ; — so as that I also
may end in peace, with the like triumphant^ song of 'Glory to
God in the highest,' is my fervent prayer.
" Now this 21st of Sixth month, great and heavy rains have
fallen for three days past, without much intermission ; also much
rain in the past week. It is feared that the grain will be nearly
lost, as well as the hay, abundance of which has perished. What a
humbling prospect this affords to us poor, short-sighted mortals.
Truly we are nothing, nor can do any thing, in promoting tem
poral or spiritual good, without the Lord is pleased to bless the
work in and for us."
In Front street, opposite the end of Brook's court, stood, at
the time of which we write, Peter Brown's blacksmith shop,

REBECCA JONES. 3U
where was employed as foreman, Jacob B  k, an elderly man,
and a sober minded Methodist, who had lostTnree daughters in
the yellow fever of 1802. Wm. Savery had in this, as in many
other instances, devoted much personal attention, at the risk of
his own life. A few days after the decease of W. S. this man
went up the Court to fill his noggin at R. J.'s pump, which, on
account of the quality of the water, was resorted to by persons
from many squares distant. Seeing herseated by heropen window,
he accosted her. " May be you won't have any objections to hear
ing a hymn I've made to sing over my work ;" adding that it
helped his mind to soar, while his hands were engaged in neces
sary labor. He then proceeded to sing his verses with much
emotion, which, with no claim to poetical elegance, contained a
warm expression of regard for the virtues and value of William
Savery, clearly showing that a memorial to the worth of this
" disinterested and faithful minister of Christ," as his venerable
biographer has appropriately styled him, lived in the hearts of
others than his own people. And truly his solicitude to do good
to the bodies and souls of men, was limited by no sectarian
boundary.* Seventh month 18th. After noting a recent failure of her
health, she adds, — " Yet I have mostly attended meetings, where
once S. Starr and Thomas Scattergood were prophetic, in pros
pect of some impending calamity, for»which, may the Lord pre
pare us."
Having during a brief absence from home, attended meetings,
she notes, Tenth month 8th, " M. Routh is still in Jersey, labor
ing for the good of souls. Ann Alexander and companion, and
* Altho' this " hymn" (as he styled it) was certainly not intended to
create a smile, a sample of it may as a curiosity amuse the reader.
« Oh the nineteenth of June Eighteen hundred and four,
Was a sorrowful day to full many a score
Of the children of Adam — for on that sad day
The spirit of Savekt did thus soar away
To the regions of bliss and of endless delight,
Where Jesus doth reign and there is no night —
For he is the suit that enlightens the land,
And Savery the faithful stands at his right hand."

312 MEMORIALS OF
Joseph Bowne, reached this city the 29th ult, and left it the 6th
inst., for BaltimoTC Yearly Meeting, expecting to move towards
Carolina, &c. This morning Joseph Bowne, on his return,
called at my house. The mercy of God is indeed inexpressibly
great to us poor creatures, and humility, gratitude and fear,
ought to be our clothing, under the signal display of his kindness
in sparing us this summer from the yellow fever, about which my
fellow citizens were greatly intimidated in the time of its usual ap
proach, v May my soul forever bear in mind the Lord's goodness
to me, a poor unworthy creature, in raising me again from the
bed of languishing under that sore disease, .in the year 1793. Just
eleven years ago, wanting three days, was I seized therewith.
Oh, it is the renewed anniversary of a very solemn time to me.
Joseph Cloud, who has lately returned from Great Britain,
took a solemn farewell at our meeting yesterday morning, intend
ing to go to his native home, in North Carolina."

To Martha Allinson.
Philadelphia, 10th mo. 21th, 1804.
My dear friend, — Thy sisterly disposition to oblige a fee
ble fellow pilgrim, claims my sincere and grateful acknowledg
ment. I am deficient in my returns to thy last two very acceptable
epistles, and hope thou wilt continue to feel love enough in thy
heart, to induce thee to forgive past omissions, and to Write
freely whenever thou art, by the great and good Remembrancer,
reminded of poor me. I can assure thee that I do love all my
Burlington friends. I had your last Quarterly meeting in con
templation, but failed in that, as I have in many other instances,
when I came to put things in the right balance.
Please accept the enclosed, — they are to be valued only on ac
count of their being manufactured by the Friends, whilst prison
ers at York Castle, Great Britain, for their testimony against
tythes. I expect thou hast heard of dear A. Alexander's movements,

REBECCA JONES. 333
and that W  C  has family visiting before him, to begin
at Pine street. **
I have not forgotten any of my old fellow travellers — no not
even those who reside in and near the quiet city of Burlington.
G. and S. D., I and A. Cox, S. and S. Emlen, the Hoskinses,
the Smiths, the Morrises &c, &c. * * *
" Eleventh month 1st.— I have endeavored to look at my friend
M. Routh's proposal for me to join her proposed family visit to
our disowned members, but cannot find that it is my business,
nor that my bodily powers are equal to such an exposure, the
ensuing winter."
" 7th. Our Quarterly Meeting, held the 3d and 5th, was
large and favored. M. Routh, Martha Allinson, L. Hoskins, C.
Cook, &c. &c, attended it. On Third-day, the 6th, our week
day meeting, and a large one for the black people, which was
solemn. T. Scattergood had the service."
"10th. Great depression of both body and mind attended
me, insomuch, that at seasons. I was indeed ready to conclude
myself altogether unworthy of the notice even of my dear
friends. But I endeavored to look up to, and put my trust in
my alone Friend, Benefactor, and Saviour, whose* compassion is
unfailing, and whose mercies are new every morning. Blessed
be his holy Name — Great is his faithfulness — great his Truth!"
".First-day morning, the 11th, got to our meeting, and felt a
renewal of the spirit of prayer, which bowed both mind and
body under it."
" Twelfth month 4th. At our Monthly Meeting a solemn quiet
prevailed. Our brethren were engaged about a testimony for
our latebrotherW, Savery,of which S. Smith gave me a satisfac
tory account* On Third-day, the 11th, our meeting was a
season of great favor, through the ministry of J. Simpson and
T. Scattergood. Next day, being in company with dear Rebec-

* For this testimony of Northern District Monthly Meeting, and for
an interesting and instructive biography of Wm. Savery, compiled by
Jonathan Evans, see Friends'Library, vol. 1
27

314 MEMORIALS OF
ca Wright, she and I took sweet counsel together, and her spirit
and company were precious to me, as in former years."
" First month 1st, 1805. — Now opens another year, and that
I am spared to this time is marvellous in my eyes. O Lord my
God, be graciously pleased to look down with an eye of compas
sion upon me, now in my declining years, even as thou, in thy
adorable goodness and mercy, didst in the days of my youth,
when being but 'sixteen years of age, thy gracious visitation of
pardoning Love, Grace, and Salvation plucked my soul as a
brand from the burning, cast thy mantle of forgiveness and
mercy over me, and with a powerful voice said unto me, ' Live.'
Every part of thy blessed covenant, thou, my heavenly Father,
hast fulfilled — no part thereof hast thou broken. Thou hast
supplied me with all things necessary, so that I have not lacked
anything ! I have often broken my covenant with thee; I have
repeatedly transgressed, and thou hast abundantly pardoned.
Continue thy rod and thy staff to the end of my days here, and
oh, for thy dear son's sake, grant my poor soul an admis
sion into everlasting -rest, when it shall please thee to call me
hence, is, thou knowest, my fervent prayer this evening. Eight
o'clock." "Second month 2d. Seventh-day. — Went to our Select
Quarterly Meeting with N. Wain, in his carriage. John Letch-
worlh was received a minister, and two elders and a minister
from Muncy were accepted."
"11th. Ann Alexander had weighty service at meeting. I
stopped to hear and judge of an epistle from A. A. to the in
habitants of Charlestown." ,
R. J. being closely , united with her friend Ann , Alexander,
notes frequent attendance of meetings with her ; among others
she mentions " large and much favored meetings" held by her
appointment, for the inhabitants at large, on the 19th, 20th, and
21st of Third month. " A. A. was silent," she writes, " in
that at Pine street. George Dillwyn had been with her and her
company to Westtown school and to some meetings in Chester
county, so he staid to those three meetings, and had good ser-

REBECCA JONES. 315
vice there." Fourth month 5th, I went with A. Alexander to
the scholars meeting,* and afterwards to see all the Friends in
our almshouses."!
" Fifth month 1st. Since the last note our Yearly Meeting
has been held, and though throughout it was a low time, yet, a
good degree of weight and solemnity attended, and, I trust, some
strength and encouragement were received by the true burden
bearers. The women's meetings were held in the new house
built for that purpose, in Arch street burying ground, and was
very large. It was said by some men Friends who took the
account, that sixteen hundred were accommodated in it. G.
Dillwyn and W. C. made us a visit, and were lively in their serr
yjce. Charity Cook and Ann Alexander visited the men's meet
ing, in which the latter had a lively testimony. I was marvel
lously supported in sitting so many long meetings, and for which
I desire to be humbly thankful to my ever blessed Helper and
sure Friend. The meeting ended on Seventh-day, about 11
o'clock, but not as soon as we wished, and hoped it would.
Yesterday a meeting for other societies was held at the Arch
street house, at f^. Cook's desire, in which she and W. C. had
the service, and the people were greatly disappointed in not hav
ing A. Alexander, who has great acceptance and place with our
own and other societies. I went with A. A. to visit all the
Friends in our alms houses, and to the three schools in our
Northern house, in which she had something lively to offer."
" Fifth month 5th. A. Alexander had a large meeting for the
inhabitants of this city, in our new house on Arch street, and
was greatly favored therein, as also at our Quarterly Meeting,
which M. Routh attended in silence. On the 9th was held the
Quarterly Meeting for the black people, and was the last meet-
1
* Meetings were held for the pupils of Friends' schools at the corner
of Fourth and Chestnut streets.
+ Some readers may possibly be unaware that these houses were
provided by Friends, for the comfort and respectable residence of their
own poor, no Friend being allowed to come upon the public for main-
tenance.

316 MEMORIALS OF
ing of the sort, as Friends, upon weighty deliberation, were
united in the belief that the service of them was over, and they
have now several places for worship of their own ; of which
they were very judiciously and affectionately informed by Nicho-
oias Wain, and the meeting ended with solemnity. At this
meeting Ann Alexander was remarkably engaged in testimony."
" 8th. Although very poorly, I rose timely for going to John
Warder's, from whence Ann Alexander took her departure for
the Yearly Meeting at New York, intending from thence to take
her passage to 'Ireland. We parted in the love of our heavenly
Father, and my prayers are for her preservation every way, as
for my own soul."
" After this I went but little out except to our own meeting,
and in attending to business relative thereto, till the 25th, when
I went to James Pemberton's and took an affectionate leave of
dear Martha Routh, who about noon went on board the ship
Rose, Capt. Hathaway, bound for Liverpool. May divine Mercy
be with her, and protect and carry her in safety and peace to
her desired port, is my fervent prayer."
R. J. to Martha Routh.
Philadelphia, 5th mo. 29th, 1805.
My dearly beloved friend and sister, — Feeling my heart this
morning renewedly bound to thee in the precious fellowship of
the gospel, in the afflictions whereof I have also often been thy
companion, I have called for pen and ink, to salute thee on board
the Rose. And perhaps my salutation may soon after thy ar
rival be put into thy hand. ;
My feelings on parting with thee at J. P.'s last Seveilth-day,
amidst such a concourse of thy friends, were indescribable, fully
believing that thdugh we may never more meet in mutability, our
spirits will not be separated by either distance of time or space.
I don't dare to say that thou wilt never see America again ; that
and all future events I desire to leave to thy blessed Master, who
hath often made a way for thee, even when thou couldst see no

REBECCA JONES. 317
way. And he will not forsake thee, nor suffer thee to become
desolate, "Because he [also she] hath set his love upon me,
therefore will I deliver him ; I will set him on high, because he
hath known my name ; he shall call upon me, and I will answer
him,"&c. Read the 91st Psalm. This gracious promise, so
replete with Mercy and Goodness, springs sweetly in my re
membrance, as a portion especially designed for thy inheritance,
now, after thy retreat from our laborious field, wherein thou hast
not fainted, nor thy store-house exhausted, but to the very last
thy horn hath been so evidently replenished from the all bounte
ous fountain as that no vessel on thy departure was sent empty
away. Well, my dear friend, count it no strange thing if thy
faith and patience be again proved. Thou knowest too well the
danger of pleasant things, to look for or desire them further than
in the will of Him who doeth cdl things well, and who hath, in
the promise alluded to, given thee the fullest assurance of his
care and protection through thy painful pilgrimage — thy alpha
indeed— and will also reward thy unwearied endeavors to pro
mote his blessed cause and testimony on earth, with a peaceful
admission among his faithful servants, when thy tribulations and
labors are over — thy ever blessed omega — thy "evening song."
After meeting on First-day, I took a pensive walk to thy late
quarters, and with J. and P. Pemberton communed about thee.
* * We concluded that we loved thee quite as well as fellow
disciples ought, so that I came home fully paid for my walk.
I wanted, only I feared interrupting thy exercise, which was
to he felt, to desire thee to tell my friends in England, my dear
C. Hustler and daughter in particular, also J. and E. Bludvvick,
J. Thorp, S. Benson and children, Richard Reynolds, Deborah
Darby, and her sisters M. and Sarah, R. Young, &c. &c, that
I am fast growing old, and my sight being dim, prevents my
saluting them on paper ; but that my love continues" strong for
them, and for all who love and live near the blessed truth. * *
From Friends at New Bedford and elsewhere I have no doubt
thou wilt receive many letters ; and mine, if it get not first to
hand, may be left awhile, as from a poor old Scribe, yet no
21*

318 , MEMORIALS. OF
Pharisee, but thy sincere and unabated friend and sister in the
sufferings of the present day.
Oh do let me hear soon from thee.

0&*L

" Sixth month 27th, 1805. — Saw a paragraph taken from
a York paper, certifying that Dorothy Ripley is not a member
of the Society of Friends. Received letters from Henry Tuke,
D. Darby, R. Y. Byrd, John Waring, M. R., &c. &c, and
visits from S. Emlen, G. Dillwyn, Richard Hartshorne, John
Hoskins, and several other Friends. Answered divers Eng
lish letters."
" Seventh month 8th. Ann Alexander, S. Proctor, and John
Warder, Jr., sailed the 27th of last month, in the ship Wm.
Penn. Stephen Grellet came yesterday to see me. He is on a
visit to Friends in the compass of this Yearly Meeting. Heard
that Dorothy Ripley is holding meetings about New York, and
passes for a Friend, and that she is coming to this city. Friends
of High street, last Fifth day removed their week-day meet
ing to the new house on Arch-street. 16th. T. Scattergood
took an affectionate leave of our North Meeting. He is bound
in spirit to the boarding school at Westtown."
Her friend Benjamin Cathrall being ill, R. J. made him
many visits, and on the 22d of Seventh month she notes his
quiet departure, adding, " I always thought him more in reli
gious substance than show. I believe he. was a man of integri
ty, and that he has gone to the mansions of the blessed."
His widow's decease she also records, on the 16th of the ensu
ing month, by which event Hannah Cathrall being deprived of
her home, R. J.'s sympathies were called into exercise, until a
suitable abode was furnished for her old friend and former part
ner, then in declining health, with Hannah, widow of Isaac
Cathrall, sr. " I hope" says R. J., « she will be rewarded with
peace for so doing." "My old friend and fellow laborer,
Samuel Smith," she says, " seems declining, and the prospect

REBECCA JONES. 319
of a further stripping to our North Meeting, feels heavy to my
poor weak mind, but it is our business to learn to say in
truth, « The Lord's will be done.' "
The yellow fever broke out in the Eighth month, in South-
wark, " as low down as Christian street," and considerable
alarm was excited. R. J. had-however, previously determined,
on account of the heat, to leave the. city, and on the 22d
she and her small family went to' " Kingsess farm," near Darby.
The fever spread beyond her anticipation, and some of her,
friends died in it ; also a number of deaths occurred near her
residence. In reference to this, she says, about two months
subsequently, — " When I reflect on the awfulness of this and
former similar dispensations, my soul is humbled within me,
and a fervent prayer is raised in my soul, that I, for one, and
that all, may so humbly bow under the Lord's hand, which
has been so often stretched out in judgment, as that we may all
learn righteousness, and so, through Divine assistance, order our
conversation aright, as to bring honor and glory t<3 the Name
of the Most High, and thereby obtain eternal salvation. Even
so be it, Lord, amen !" To S. Smith, near the same date, she
remarks, " Many of the cotemporaries of my youth being by
death and otherwise, removed, I seem stript and lonely, and
feel no inclination to begin a new circle, so that with regret I
shall part with any more, of the few who remain, with Whom I
have been united in the bond of Christian fellowship, drinking
together at the one inexhaustible fountain of love and life."
She notes that New York was at the same time " largely and
mortally" affected by the same contagion, and that Rachel,
wife of Isaac Collins, is deceased with it," adding, "she was
an amiable woman, and will be greatly missed."
This lovely, accomplished and excellent woman died 9 Mo.
14th, 1805, — and her loss excited general sympathy with her
bereaved husband and her children (13 in number.) A Journal
of that day speaks of " her many virtues, her sweetness of dispo
sition, suavity of manners, and uncommonly cultivated and
well informed mind, which shone conspicuously in the best im-

320 MEMORIALS OF
proved society." George Dillwyn, in a letter to Isaac Collins,
senior, on the subject says — " I have often noticed, that such
intelligence has been preceded by an uncommon depression ot
mind,"— and describing his heaviness of heart, which had con
tinued without intermission, until the account was brought to
him, he adds — " Such intelligence, we might naturally sup
pose, was more likely to increase than abate sorrow ; but truly
it proved like rolling a stone from a well's mouth ; a tendering
joy arose, and settled in a quieting, clear persuasion (which
still survives,) that all is well and for ever well with dear
Rachel Collins."
To Mary, wife of Joseph Gurney Bevan, she writes Ninth
month 23d, as follows :
•' The reading of thy very acceptable and interesting letter
of 26th and 27th of Seventh mo., was indeed ' like cold water
to a thirsty soul,' for notwithstanding thy own account ot
thyself, thy jealousies, thy fears, my own mind was solaced
in the belief that thou art deepening in the ground of living
concern for the promoting of the one blessed cause of Truth
and Righteousness, and the preservation of our fellow disci
ples in all their united endeavors, that all may, by keeping in
their proper ranks, more safely and wisely, and the great
and blessed Head of his own church be looked to, waited reve
rently .upon, and obeyed, and honored in and over all, in
time and eternity. A concern like this, not of our own but of
the heavenly Father's begetting, if rightly cherished and
yielded to, must and will most assuredly, draw down his peculiar
notice and approbation ; be promotive of increasing labor, and
eventually crowned with the blessing of soul enriching peace.
So do be encouraged, for now is thy time, to press forward in
all things, in obedience to manifested duty. And in more im
portant service, such as our large annual assemblies, fear not to
sound the alarm in times of danger, such as the multiplying of
words without knowledge, bringing, as Esther Tuke once said,
' more stuff-than is wanted, or handing bricks when mortar is
called for,' &c, all which I have often been a pained witness of

REBECCA JONES. 321
and of latter time have had to testify against, even when, at the
same time, the language of my tongue and pen has been ' arise
and build.' So that, as that wisdom which is profitable to di
rect is waited for, and its qualifying power felt to preside in the
church, we shall all grow up together, an holy temple in the
Lord. I sometimes look mentally at your women's Yearly
Meeting — indeed always at the times when you are convened,
and as often I feel united to many of my sisters, both youth and
others, in a lively travail of spirit, that all things may ' be done
decently and in order,' and that, by each keeping rank, those
in the rear may not, through want of vigilance and dedication
in the fore front, be jostled, or kept from advancing in that rec
titude and valor so justly and emphatically described in the
words, ' an army with banners.'
" Our late Yearly Meeting was held in the new house, built
for the accommodation of women Friends, which is found con
venient, and will be more so when our brethren shall build one
for themfselves, as contemplated, on the same lot, in unison with
it. We had no European Friend but A. Alexander,* and she
a silent witness ,of our movements.
" I have transmitted to our dear G. Dillwyn, who truly is by
me a brother beloved, in as high a degree as is right to indulge,
thy salutation, and a similar one from A. Alexander, who sup
posed she was comforted by his and my mental visits to her
whilst on the ocean, and have just received a pleasant letter
from him, in which is the following paragraph :
" I have for some years past entertained dear A. A.'s idea,
of substituting mental for epistolary visits ; but alas ! it has
proved somewhat like the Welchman's cow, which he thought
might be trained to live without eating. As if to convince me
that the scheme was too refined for practice on this stage of
being, when this would-be-visiter has been seemingly reduced
by abstinence, almost to a skeleton, something like the present
supply has come to hand, and put me quite out of conceit of the
*Of course she means on the women's side.

322 MEMORIALS OF
notion. Thou, too, or I am mistaken, hast more than once
thought of compassing the same end." And so he tells me of
my declaring myself insolvent, &c, and that he supposes I got
something handsome by it, for he observed that not long after I
lived away, in as high style as before, and thus he concludes
the subject. " In short, I question if we had not as well submit
to trudge on in the common track, and not pretend to be wise
above that which is written, unless we can agree with our
younger friends, A. Alexander and M. Bevan, that they shall
continue their paper visits to us and to such as We, and accept
of mental ones in return, till they also reach their grand cli
macteric. As to,M. B-, seeing she has thought fit thus far to
tantalize me, do thou tell her that one of the ways in which
' Self-Love' may show itself, is, to excite gratitude and affection
by fair promises, and keep the contents to ourselves ; and that
if her motive for so doing turns out to be pride, thou wouldst have
her get rid of it out of hand, that this naughty inmate may no
longer hinder me from answering her spouse's letter. So far
from G.-D." * * *
In the same letter, under date of Tenth month 15th, she ac
knowledges the receipt of some books, " also the piece of which
thy J. G. B. is the author. It is so like his manner that I be
lieve I should have guessed the author, had his name not been
given. I much desire that this and all his religious endeavors
may be blessed to the help and furtherance of that good work
to which you have both put your hands. I hear that H. Bar
nard has lately published one volume containing her account of
Friends' proceedings in her case, and that she is very busy in
preparing a second.
" It seems as if my beloved C. Hustler will hardly be able
to visit your metropolis many times more. But, whether or not,
I do believe she has in great sincerity endeavored to advocate
ihe cause of Truth and Righteousness, and that her reward will
be Peacf, here and forever. I have loved her as my own soul.
" Innocent Ann Christy -must be in better health, to under
take such a journey. Edinbro, though a dark spot when I was

REBECCA JONES. 323
there, I ventured to say that if that old rotten stump * *
could be removed, I had a hope something green and clever
would have room to spring up and grow, so that I am glad of
thy account so far.
" Is Kendal's second volume of Extracts published ? I wish
to have it. Thomas Scattergood, with his wife and daughter,
are still at Wesltown, whither he has felt his mind drawn, and
where he has been nearly three months as a teacher, much to
the satisfaction of Friends.* We, however, expect that he will
shortly feel himself released. What a dear devoted servant is
that D. Darby. Nor less so her near friend R. Byrd. They
remind me of a saying of our dear N. Wain, — ' It is better to
wear away than to rust away.' H. Hull will not be likely soon
to visit you, nor do I hear of any Friend who has so weighty
a prospect at present. I say weighty, for such I found it,
and so I hope it will be felt, especially at such a time
as this, a time in which all the sympathy of feeling minds is and
must be called forth, yet not without hope that all things will
work together for good, to such as love the Lord Jesus, the
Prince of Peace, the Saviour of men, in sincerity, and unfeign-
edly endeavor and desire that his kingdom may come, and over
all be exalted, and his righteous government and peace never
come to an end.
" Thy concluding sentiment, that ' it don't seem so difficult an
attainment to rejoice when Truth is in dominion, as to suffer with
due subjection and patience when that does' not seem apparently
the case,' has done me good, and is well worth adopting and

•This expression may perhaps lead the readers of the Review to sup
pose that Thomas Scattergood was occupied in one or more of the
schools, in the capacity of a teacher. He was there very acceptably
to Friends of that place, and no doubt to the committee who had the
general oversight of the school, but his labors were devoted principally
if not exclusively, to the religious and mfcral instruction of theipupils,
and to the encouragement and support of those who were entrusted
with the immediate management of the seminary. The influence of his
example and counsel were probably felt much more, in all parts of the
institution, than it could have been, if he had been confined to the in
struction of the pupils in any of the schools^— Ed. Frieuds' Review.

324' MEMORIALS OF
bearing in remembrance, through all the ascendings and dq-
scendings of such poor pilgrims as myself,, and is also worth its
postage from your once favored isle to this land, which has
undergone changes and suffering beyond what our forefathers
ever looked for. i
" I am, dear Mary, thy sincere and affectionate friend, .

4&^

Tenth month 23d. — " This day we returned to my habitation,
in Brook's court, Where, finding that all had, with ourselves,
been under Divine protection, my soul worshipped the God and
Father of all my mercies, and craved to be kept by him unto
the end of my pilgrimage. Eleventh month 2d and 4th. Our
Quarterly Meeting was large and solemn, D. Bacon and S.
Smith absent from sickness, but Friends being generally re
turned from the Country, Were rejoiced to see each other."

CHAPTER XVI.
1805—1813.
Letter to M. Jeffries — Marriage of James and B. Allinson — Letters to
them — Eclipse; and note by E. Lewis respecting it — Death of H.
Cathrall — Painful circumstances — Letters — Goes to New York —
Returns — Death of John Teas — Yearly Meeting — Death of K.
Howell, James Simpson, C. Hustler and James Allinson. — Letter to
S. Hustler— Death of R. Wright— Mentions Susanna Home.
R. J. to Mary Jeffries.
Philadelphia, 3d mo. 1st, 1805.
Dear Mary Jeffries, * * * Increasing infirmities, with
old age coming fast upon me, have prevented my seasonable
returns to many other epistles from your* land besides thine, so

REBECCA JONES. 325
that I am thereby deprived of those frequent little " brooks by
the way," which for many years have been very refreshing
and strengthening to my poor mind ; the secret past conflicts
whereof, as also the exercises of the present time, are known
only to Him whose " eyes behold, and whose eyelids try the
children of men." I have, however, abundant cause for hum
ble thankfulness that the best life is, I trust, still preserved, so
that I can say in sincerity, " I love the brethren ;" and this
at times, my only joyous experience. Well, dear Mary, thou
art comfortably among thine own people, where, if enough at
tentive to divine counsel, thou wilt not sink into a state of inac
tivity ; remember, the time of youth is the fittest time for action
and when the query is proposed in the secret of thy mind
" whom shall we send, and who will go for us?" may the dedi
cated reply of thy heart be, " Here am I, Lord, send me." So
will thy experience in the strength of salvation be increased,
and thy day's work be going on with the day ; and finally, as
our late dear friend, Wm. Savery, has done, close thy season
of labor with "glory to God," and lay down thy head in
peace. /
By some late account from thee, it is probable thy dear father
has joined his spirit to many who are already members of the
church triumphant. "Blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord," &c, is often the language of my waiting spirit on hear
ing such tidings, because the " living who are yet alive," are so
liable to the assaults and buffetings of that Power which con
tinues to wage war against " Michael and his angels ;" but the
Lamb and his followers shall have the victory! and " this is our
victory, even our faith."
My B. C. has lately lost her dear mother at Cape May, who
left eight children ; and having expressed a desire that I might
take her daughter Elizabeth,* sh§ is added to my family,
and is No. 3 ; but I fear my being able to do justice by her,
* This young friend grew up under R. J.'s care, and remained her
constant and affectionate companion to her close.
28

326 MEMORIALS OF
only that her sister B. is very capable to instruct and edu
cate her.
To hear of my friends in your land is always gratifying,
and very much so is any account of my ever dear friend C.
Hustler and' hers. She, like myself, is bending towards our
original dust, and on her account, I have no doubt but when
called home, she will be found in a state of readiness to enter
the Bridegroom's chamber, and " for ever solace in his love."
And oh, saith my soul, that I may also be counted worthy^
of an admittance thereinto when my short span of time shall
terminate. "New Year's day, 1806. At home, and favored with a
peaceful mind. Lord, grant that I may be so sensible of the
multiplied mercies which thou hast bountifully heaped upon
me, that I may walk in fear and reverence before thee all the
days of my life, and finally die in thy favor and acceptance.
Last evening,  paid us a family visit. He was
dipped in sympathy with my aged and infirm state, and im
parted sweet counsel to my dear B-, telling her that he fully be
lieved that a singular blessing awaited her. In the close of the
opportunity my soul secretly exclaimed ; He hath crowned arid
closed the year with his goodness !
" First month, 5th. My old friend, H. Cathrall, had yester
day another stroke of palsy, which deprived hfer of the use
of her left arm and hand. I spent this afternoon with her.
She was sensible, and in a broken, contrite state of mind.
In the evening I got to a large meeting at High street, which
was a quiet, low time.
" 12th, First day. Our meeting this morning was a precious
season ; dear S. Smith ministered in great weakness. T. Scat
tergood had also good service. Prostration of body and soul
was my portion therein. In the afternoon I staid with H. Cath
rall, who grows more weak. May the Lord be pleased to make
her more easy, both here and for ever !
" 17th, H. Drinker brought me $22, for eleven poor widows."
In her diary, under date of the 22d, she notes a visit from J.

REBECCA JONES. 327
A., who opened to her his views respecting a matrimonial con
nexion with her B. C. For this the mind of R. J. was already
prepared, under a conviction that these young Friends were by
their heavenly Parent designed and fitted for each other, and
she says, " I let him know that I could have no other objection,
than the prospect of parting with her now in my declining years ;
that if they sought for best counsel, and obtained it, so as that
they might be united in the Lord's fear, I should not dare to op
pose it.' The further memoranda of R. J. on this subject,
touchingly illustrate the closeness of the union which subsisted
between this mother and her child, our aged friend disinterest
edly and nobly taking part against herself, and overcoming her
B.'s dutiful reluctance lo leave her venerable parent in her de
clining years.
It is however due from the compiler to say that the insertion
of this and other references to his beloved parent is contrary to
her request, and without her consent. He cannot join in her
humble estimate of herself, nor can he wholly disconnect her his
tory from that of one to whom she was so endeared, and to
whose comfort she was so essential — and in his,decision on this
delicate point, he has been influenced by the counsel of judicious
friends. "Fourth month, 26th. Our Yearly Meeting is just ended. By
an attack of erysipelas, I have been prevented from getting out
(save once) in the last two weeks. This, with the prospect of
my beloved child being likely, in a few weeks after her marri
age, to remove to New York, has been deeply trying ; but He
who furnished this innocent plant to me in a time of great need,
is able still to supply all my wants. On him, therefore, I de
sire to depend, and humbly crave, for her and for myself, that
we may be continued, as we have for many years been, the ob
jects of his divine compassion and care through time, and land
safe in a happy eternity. Amen, saith my soul. Many friends
have called to see me, with whom I have sweet fellowship — par
ticularly dear Martha Allinson and her children.
" 29th. At our Monthly Meeting J. and B. declared their in-

328 MEMORIALS OF
tentions in a very solemn and becoming manner. T. Scatter
good came into our meeting with James, and language of en
couragement was handed through John Parrish and others. Al
so, in the evening, at my house, T. Scattergood had a sweet tes
timony. It was a day of favor.
" Sixth month 3d. Were married at our North Meeting, James
Allinson and Bernice Chattin. They were solid and weighty in
their deportment, and a favored meeting it was, in which T.
Scattergood was engaged in testimony and supplication."
Her letters to her " children," as she called them, were now
numerous, and much more frequent, than to other correspond
ents, and were fraught with tenderest maternal feelings. From
these we shall extract sparingly. Sixth month 16th, in a letter
to them she says: — "In our meeting to-day I had silently to
worship the God of my life, to commit and commend you into the
arms of His goodness and mercy, (which have followed me all my
life long,) and to bless and praise his great and excellent name on
your account and my own. May the Lord condescend to bless
you in your new habitation, that thereby it may be, indeed, like
the house of Obededom, where hjs ark found a resting place. I
have been looking to-day at the eclipse, which led me to ex
claim with the Psalmist, " In wisdom hast thou made them all."*
* The circumstance of looking at an eclipse my appear like a very
common affair. But the eclipse on the 16th of Sixth month 1806, was
a very unusual one. It was one in which, as seen at Philadelphia,
more than eleven-twelfths of the sun's surface was covered ; and though
the day was unclouded, everything seemed to assume a sombre ap
pearance. It occurred at a season of the year when the earth was
nearly at its greatest distance from the sun, when, of course, the ap
parent diameter of that luminary was near its minimum; at the same
time the moon was not far from the point in its orbit nearest the earth,
when its apparent diameter was consequently near its maximum. In
some of the Northern States the eclipse was total, the sun being there
for a time entirely obscured. This is a phenomenon which few per
sons have the opportunity of witnessing. Dr. Halley asserts that he
could not find that a total eclipse had been visible at London between
the years 1140 and 1715. Within the last sixty years, two eclipses
have been visible at Philadelphia, in which the central parts of the sun
were obscured, leaving merely a luminous ring around the darkened
portion of the sun. At the time of a total eclipse of the sun, the plan
ets and some of the brightest fixed stars have come into view.  Ediior
Friends' Review.

REBECCA JONES. 329
Dear T. Scattergood has again gone to spend some time at
Westtown School, so that our poor North Meeting must en
deavor to be content with more silence. And yet we often have
favored seasons, and sometimes life is raised through the gos
pel. May you, with your sister M., experience the force of the
ancient assertion, ' Two are better than one, and a threefold
cord is not easily broken.' May that gracious God, who has
been with, fed and supported me all my life long, take the gov
ernment and direction ; and may your wills be so brought into
subjection to his blessed will, as that he may mercifully conde
scend to hear you when you call upon him, and answer all your
requests when, in innocence and uprightness, you intercede with
him. It is a comfort to me that dear Margaret remains, that
you may take sweet counsel together, going up to the house
of God in company. I want B. to remember that she has called
me by the endearing epithet of mother ; and come at a suitable
time to see me and others whom she has left behind, who know
how to value and love intrinsic worth. I feel as nearly for thy
present and everlasting welfare as it is possible for a mother to
feel. I think of thee when sitting at my meals — in my lonely
evening hours — in the night season, on my bed — and when as
sembled with the northern flock. May the certificate about to
be forwarded bind thee more closely to the living members of
your meeting, and settle thee down as a squared and polished
stone in that building of which Christ Jesus is the chief corner
stone, ' in whom' (saith the Apostle) ' all the building fitly
framed, &c, groweth up together an holy temple in the Lord.' "
" Seventh month 15th. In a letter' to B. A., R. J. says : —
" Dear Samuel Smith spent an hour with me yesterday. I
mourn in looking at him, so emaciated, so reduced, and so old
in appearance, that thou wouldst hardly know him ; yet full of
love and sweetness. I cannot help hoping that he may yet be
restored to labor and service among us."
Eleventh month 5th, she writes to B. A. — " Our Quarterly
Meeting was uncommonly large ; the service in both meetings
was close and sharp, both from male and female, against de-
28 *

330 MEMORIALS OF
traction and spreading of evil reports. We had dear Rebecca
Wright's company." And Twelfth month 3d, she writes to her
— " Our old and afflicted friend, H. Cathrall, has had a more
general stroke of palsy, and now lies almost lifeless. Her speech
has almost failed, so that but little has been understood, and for
the last two days and nights she only breathes. They wet her
lips, but she does not swallow. For the first eight days she
knew us all, and was full of love and sweetness, — often called
for me, and begged me not to leave her ; and told me her mind
was quite easy. Now that her speech has failed, she fixes her
eyes on me with great affection. I do fully believe she will cen
tre in eternal rest and peace. Many friends have manifested
their love by going to see her. S. Smith, R. Price, &c, spoke "
comfortably to her last First day. Oh, I do look at you with
love and sweetness, and often remember the saying, " two are
better than one," &c. May the God of all grace and consola
tion be with us, now we are separated ; even as he hath many
times when thou and I have sat by the light of the same lamp-
and hath tendered our hearts by the shedding abroad of his love,
by which we have been united in desire to fear, love and serve
him for ever and ever.
P. S. — I open my letter (Sixth day, the 5th,) to mention that
dear H. C, after laying 72 hours in an easy sleep, quite motion
less, quietly breathed her last about 9 o'clock this morning.
" I am thy unchangeably affectionate mother,

In her diary after recording the illness and death of her " old
friend and former companion H. Cathrall," with the particulars
given in the above letter, she adds—" She was interred 12th mo.
7th, many friends attending. She died aged 70 years, and near
six months, and from the sense which was afforded to my mind
I do believe has gone to rest and peace with her Maker.
Blessed be his great Name, for his mercies they endure forever."

REBECCA JONES. 33I
On the 22d, after referring to two circumstances which had
deeply afflicted her in common with all Friends, and respecting
one of which she says, " the thing that I had for many weeks
feared came upon me like an armed man," — she adds — " These
cases have raised the necessary prayer for myself and others ; —
oh Lord, in mercy look down upon us — spare thy people, and
give not thy heritage to reproach : lest the uncircumcised tri
umph, and the Philistine nature say, where now is their God.
I got to meeting in a state of great weakness yesterday morning,
where solemnity attended, tho' all our harps were on the willows
hung. Mine still is, and will long remain there, for unless the
Lord keep us, none other can. T. Scattergood had a sweet time
in supplication to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
for preservation through time, and for divine aid to journey on
in fear and trembling, &c. &c. I went pensively down to J.
Pemberton's, and staid there the rest of the day, communing
about what had happened in Israel, and we were very sad. I
also called on dear S. Smith."
" 1st mo. 1st., 1807. Dr. Physick has, buried his only son;
/ which is to them a severe trial — but I say, happy is it for those
dear lambs who are taken in their innocence from those fiery
trials, which some even in advanced age are unable to sustain
unaided by the power of our Almighty Helper."
Catherine Hartshorne in a letter to R. J., dated 1st mo. 9th,
says, " I have been often much instructed in remembering some
conversation in our parlor, between thee and my beloved mother.
Thou said that thou had a little precious stone of faith in thy
girdle — which encouraged a belief that thou wouldst be cared
for. This I fully believe, and it has proved strengthening to me
many times, in a hope that I may also be -thus favored."
Philadelphia, 1st. Mo. 23d. 1807.
My dear friend, —
Mary Allinson ;—
I have such confidence in thy friendship that though more
than a month has elapsed since the receipt of thy short kind

332 MEMORIALS OF
address, I trust when thou takes in the several events that have
occurred, and one more afflicting and awful than I believe ever
happened in our society before ;* thou will readily excuse thy
poor old friend whose harp has been ever since " hung upon the
willows," and the garment of mourning and unutterable sorrow
and astonishment has completely .covered my spirit by day and
by night. So that though I have also deeply and tenderly sym
pathized with you, I have not been able to do more. But as by
this time the melancholy tidings may have reached England, my
mind seems somewhat relieved, especially when I remember the
assertion in Holy Writ, viz : " Mercy rejoiceth against Judg
ment" — and that " secret things belong only to God," who is
the Supreme judge of all — and there I wish to leave the scene, —
and hope so to apply the instruction which it conveys as lo re
member that " he who thinketh he standeth hath need to take
heed lest he fall.
Thy dear mother has had a tedious illness, and very trying I
know it must have been — but she has been sustained by the
Great Physician. In sisterly affection salute her for me. Her
feeling sympathy I have shared in past seasons, and have en
joyed her sympathy under the late heavy and afflictive stroke.
Tfz flt sjc tF ^F 3|r
My poor afflicted old companion H. C. as I expect you have
heard, has bid adieu to mutability, after along.seriesof weak
ness and pain. I was much with her the last two weeks of her
time, and from the calm and easy state both of body and mind
in which she breathed her last, have a comfortable hope that
" her warfare was accomplished" &c. — and that her evening
closed in peace
Our dear friend S. Cresson is in a low spot, but will, I fully
believe, in the Lord's time, experience the Sun of Righteousness
*The circumstances to which she here alludes, excited at the time, an
unprecedented sensation in Philadelphia and its vicinity; and were
well calculated to impress the admonition: "Let him that thinketh he
standeth beware lest he fall." But the particulars having passed away
from the memories of most of the present generation, need not be ex
posed to those who are to come.--ED. Friends' Review.

REBECCA JONES. 333
to arise with healing in his wings." The like comfortable hope
I have for dear  • who is so low that she refuses to
be comforted. Tell thy worthy Mother that in just now look
ing towards her, I can adopt the benediction of one formerly,
" Blessed art thou among women" — because I feel that she is
under the Great .Shepherd's care, who slumbereth not by day
nor sleepeth by night, and will eventually cause the dispensations
of his Providence to work together for her good and the good of
her beloved children. * * * *
In her diary, 2 mo. 4th 1807, — still dwelling on the anguish
noted the 22d of 12th month, she says— "My mind from the
two foregoing sorrowful circumstances, is so sunk, that silence
and sorrowing seem so fastened thereon, that unless the Lord
most high (whose voice I have often experienced to be mightier
than all the noise of the boisterous waves of the billows of
affliction that have passed over my head) is pleased in mercy
to relieve »help and succor, I shall indeed sink in these deep
waters, where there is no standing — but with his blessed arm
underneath there is hope. My dear S. Cresson, who has al
ways been, in my view, a precious plant, being also in a low
dejected state of mind, is an addition of grief to my sorrow ;
and thus I exclaim, " Woe is me." Yet on the same day she
writes to her whom she addressed as her daughter a cheering
letter fraught with consolation, in which, after commemorating
the preserving power of him who sittith with the solitary in
families, she says, " Blessed be his Name, in that he still
vouchsafes to be near meinow'in my old age and under many"
infirmities, or I should fail before him. And when I consider
my great unworthiness I cannot but exclaim, Lord what am I
that thou shouldst be mindful of me a poor creature — dust and
ashes before thee !" — " Dear S. Cresson" she adds, " is a little
revived, and took part in our Quarterly Meeting on 2d day.
Our North Meeting have lately raised by collection $800. in
consideration of the severity of the season upon the poor (not
members of our Society) in our district ; with which, in wood,
warm bed clothes, &c, they have relieved many worthy char-

334 MEMORIALS OF
acters, who could not make their wants known. Thomas Scat
tergood* was at the head of the committee of distribution —
John Teas also took an active part — and I hope the blessing of
some who were ready to perish is felt by them as a sweet re
ward. It was very seasonably and judiciously done."
Referring, 4 mo. 12th, to the considerable diminution of her cir
cle of acquaintance by many recent deaths, she notes the confirma
tion of the Truth that, " One generation passeth and another gene
ration cometh," yet she says, " this consolation remains — the
Word of the Lord abideth forever, and he, our blessed Creator, in
his inscrutable wisdom, doeth all things rightly and well."
"5 Mo : 14th, Having the offer of going to N. York, in com
pany with Richard Jordan, &c, and having been for some time
inclined to visit my dear children J. and B. A. who are settled in
that city, I consented. We spent a night at Robert White's and
another at Richard Hartshorne's, and were joyfully received in
N. York on the 17th. The Yearly Meeting began the 22d and
held till the 29th : in which I had some service. I felt near
unity with many dear friends, and also with some precious
young plants, whose spirits had a sweetening effect on my poor
mind." To C. Hustler, she writes from New York, 6 mo. 4th, " I
have been in this city about three weeks, on a visit to my
* It is a pleasing circumstance to find T. Scattergood, after spending
a number of years during the prime of his life, in travelling through
Europe and America, proclaiming the glad tidings of the gospel, now
in his declining years engaged in relieving the physical wants of that
worthy class of sufferers, of whom "numbers are unquestionably fur
nished by every age and country, who being duly conscious of the
duty of providing for themselves, as long as they have the power
without pressing upon the charities of the world, are struggling with
difficulties known only to themselves and to the all penetrating eye.
If the spirit by which T. Scattergood, was actuated, both in his gospel
labors, and in his works of charity, was more generally prevalent,
there can be no doubt that many acts of unostentatious benevolence,
would be extended towards those who are on the verge of want,
but whose modesty impels them rather to suffer than to make their
necessities known. Charity is much more worthily bestowed on such
retiring characters, than upon those who shamelessly flaunt their wants
in the face of day. — Ed. Friends' Review.

REBECCA JONES. 335
daughter who was married to a choice young friend a year
ago. Oh thou knowest not what a painful thing it was when
the time of separation came ; but their union was so marked
with concurrent evidences of its rectitude, that I dared not to
lift up a finger against it. May the Lord, my gracious Helper,
bless her every way ! Whenever thy Sarah is thus taken
from thee, why then thou wilt realize my feelings. The Yearly
Meeting, held here last week, was a time of favor. I have had
an opportunity of visiting our friend Elizabeth Coggeshall in
her own habitation, where she has just arrived after an arduous
journey through our Continent, which engaged her for more
than a year, and which noble sacrifice, in leaving her husband
and three dear children,* she yesterday at the Monthly Meet
ing declared had yielded to her mind the rich reward of sweet
peace and consolation. David Sands, with his wife Clemency,
were in attendance. He is, as usual, a living example of de
dication, in fervent labor in the work of the ministry — but his
voice more weak, and utterance less clear than formerly. He
called often to see me and to chat about friends in your land : —
among others, about thee and thine. Richard Jordan, who had
been at our Yearly Meeting and now belongs to this, was my
fellow passenger in the carriage in which I came hither. He is
brother beloved." Enumerating some symptoms of failing health,
she adds — " so that I conclude that the journey, the gainful
journey, cannot be far from its end. O saith my poor soul,
that with it, all my pains and sorrows may also end. Pray for
me, dear Chrissy, that my faith and patience may not fail — for
verily both are closely tried. I am glad to hear though thou
art failing in flesh, thy exertive faculties and general health are,
considering thy years, not much impaired — and, what is pre
ferable to all these, that thou art alive in our blessed Master's
* The youngest of these children, was only about nine months old
when their dedicated mother commenced her mission of love to
Friends and others. Being in her company, when on her return, but
some time before she reached home, I heard her say she had not seen
her own dear "family for eighteen months. What a sacrifice in com
pliance with religious duty! — Editor of Friends' Review.

336 MEMORIALS OF
service, and dedicated thereto. May Grace, Mercy and Peace
from God the Father, be with us, and abound, through Jesus
Christ our Lord forever and ever, is the prayer of thy poor and
almost worn out fellow traveller,

" N.York 5th mo. 31st — 1807. The Yearly Meeting here con
cluded 6th day at noon. Upon the whole it was a solid time
throughout, though some instances of weakness were felt. R.
Jordan, D. Sands, &c, had large communications in the pub
lic meetings. I hope I had a little share."
" I staid," she notes, " with J. and B. A. till the 15th of 6th
mo : when I went with Thomas Eddy in his carriage to his
house at Elizabeth Town, where my kind friends R. and C.
Hartshorne came for me. After pausing two days with them,
and making some visits at Rahway, R. H. took me to R Whites.
Reached Burlington 6th day noon, and staid there over 1st day.
On arriving at my habitation in Brook's Court, and finding it
and all therein safe, I had abundant cause (as often before) to
be thankful and to bless the Name of the Shepherd of Israel,
whose mercies endure forever."
7th mo. 26th. " I have been twice at meeting this day, and
much comforted under the lively and consoling ministry of dear
T. Scattergood."
9th mo. 2d. " We have had a general visit of what is called
influenza — so that very few in the city or country have
escaped, though few cases have proved mortal. Some aged
persons have died with it. It has been a serious matter, and I
esteem it no less than a gentle shaking of the rod, from the
same fatherly Hand who has often visited our poor city, both in
mercy and in judgment. Oh that the inhabitants may now
learn Righteousness."

REBECCA JONES. 337

To M. Allinson.
Philadelphia, 2d mo. 1808.
Dear Mary, — Thy sisterly communication of 14th inst. is
very acceptable, though to hear of thy dear Mother's continued
indisposition calls forth my renewed sympathy, but we may
hope that as warm weather advances, like Thomas Ellwood's
Winter Tree, she " will bud again and shoot." I have been
mostly kept at home this winter by the succession of damp
weather, which was always unfriendly to my constitution, but
particularly so since the painful debilitated state of my limbs.
which are not sufficiently restored to be trusted any great
length from Brook's court. Yet I am, I hope, humbly thankful
that I have been mostly free from those rheumatic affections,
and "a desire is mostly cherished, that I may receive the pre
sent dispensation from our merciful Father, with due submission,
and become more worthy of His blessed care and protection,
who hath done for and to me great things, and who knows
best how to deal with me, a poor creature, for my good, both
here and forever. I am sorry to hear that my dear fellow pil
grims G. and S. D. are suffering under bodily infirmities. I
feel them often near to my best life, and rejoice in believing
that the ancient of days will not leave them.
By a late letter from M  R — — I learn that my venerable
friend Sarah Barney of Nantucket has closed her well spent
life. She took sisterly notice of me, a poor stripling, half a
century ago, and has been inflexible in her friendship ever since.
I have loved her spirit, and her great example, and wish to
follow it. * * * ' * *
See what a long letter I have written under perplexities, and
by lamp light— so excuse all that wants it. I have nothing
better at command just now— not even a promise to mend in
29

338 MEMORIALS OF
future, so let thy dear mother and sisters share in this and in
the salutation of dear love, from a poor old fellow soldier,

Having been engaged in deep travail and exercise in Bur
lington Meeting, as she entered the door of her friend Martha
Allinson an engaging child, (R. J.'s namesake) came running
to the door to meet her. R. J. took her in her arms, and press-
in or her to her bosom, repeated the following lines with a charm
of voice and manner which impressed the minds of those pre
sent far more than the narration can interest our readers.
'Tis this — 'tis Innocence thy bosom cheers —
This calms thy troubles, this dispels thy fears —
This spreads o'er all its beautifying rays,
Makes every object, every plaything please.
This,' while less things a guilty breast can awe,
Gives music to a key and beauty to a straw."
In the first month of the year 1809, died her valued friend
John Teas — an upright man — a self sacrificing Philanthropist
— and a sincere Friend. In the Yellow Fever, during succes
sive years, he performed those painful and hazardous services
to humanity which are likely to be owned as done unto Him
by the great Example, who " went about doing good." On
various occasions he aided R. Jones in carrying out her schemes
of benevolence. Although the state of her health at the time
scarcely warranted the effort, shewent to the funeral, and was
largely drawn forth in testimony, opening with the text, " Speak
ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her war
fare is accomplished," &c. — directing the discourse principally
to his widow, and affecting most of the company to tears.
In a letter to Wm. Rotch, 4th mo. 22d, 1811, after notino- a
confinement to her house from indisposition for near six months,
she, says, "and yet, to the praise of our ever adorable Helper,

REBECCA JONES. 339
who hath hitherto sustained and upheld ; I am at times enabled
to set up my Ebenezer. Our Yearly Meeting ended on 7th day
last. I have been enabled to attend all the sittings except four,
and may say it was throughout a solemn and very larce meet
ing. We had the company of dear Susanna Home, and of Ann
Jessop from Carolina — and several from neighboring Yearly
Meetings. The two named are going to that of New York.
Among those who were able to attend thou wilt be pleased to
hear of G. Dillwyn, S. Smith, Benj. White, Thos. Scattergood,
John Hoskins (now in his 84th year) Rebecca Wright, Leonard
and Jane Snowdon, Sally Cresson, Ann Mifflin, &c, who nobly
showed themselves alive in the best cause. Also Jacob Lindley,
who has buried his wife Ruth Anna. M. Pleasants was out
generally, and bears up admirably. My dear friend Catharine
Howell, in her 74th year, after a long illness, was a few months
since released from all sorrow and pain. Sarah Harrison is yet
with us, struggling under infirmities and manifold trials, yet often
favored to tell of the Lord's goodness. James Simpson, near
three weeks ago, after a short illness, made a peaceful and happy
close ; fully resigned, and quite sensible, telling those around'
him, " I am going." Lying down with his clothes on, and re
questing to be turned on the other side, he said, — it is done," —
and ceased breathing. His remains were interred at Frankford
amidst a large company of Friends and others. I could not but
desire, " Let me die the death of the righteous," &c.
T. Scattergood mentioned at our Monthly Meeting yesterday
his prospect of attending the Yearly Meetings at New York and
Rhode Island. Susanna Home and Mary Allinson are bound
the same way, having Caleb Shreeve (a valuable friend of our
meeting) for their charioteer. How I should rejoice to spend a
little time among you at N. Bedford — but as that is not to be
expected by me again, you must let me love you, as I do sin
cerely, and ask for the consolation of continued remembrance in
your seasons of favor."
•< I have received an account," she notes, "of the peaceful and
happy close of my truly dear friend, and companion in gospel

340 MEMORIALS OF
laborer in England, Christiana Hustler ; who, after a long illness,
in the 80th year of her age, died at her country seat at Under-
cliffe, Yorkshire, the 27th of 6th mo. 1811. ' And on the 14th
of 8th mo. dear James Allinson died at his mother's house in
Burlington, aged 33 years, leaving a precious wife and three
children to lament their irreparable loss — whom may the Lord
sustain !" <
No notes or letters bearing date in 1812 have been found. It
appears that she attended at least a portion of the Yearly Meet
ing in the 4th month, and participated in its exercises, although
in a very enfeebled state. We are informed that in one of its
sittings she was eminently favored, drawing a comparison be
tween the state of the Church Militant and that of the Church
Triumphant — expressing her belief that it was designed that there
should be a travelling towards a nearer approximation to the
latter whilst in this militant state.
Philadelphia, the 1st day of the year, 1813.
My endeared friend and sister Sarah Hustler : —
I have been so long thy debtor that I hardly know how to be
gin the excuse which is necessary for omitting to answer thy
letter of the 23d of 8th month last, and one from dear Martha
Routh, both announcing the peaceful and favored end of thy
honorable and precious mother, my truly near and dear com
panion, which deeply afflicted me, being at the time weak and
low both in body and mind. Yet after nature was a little re
lieved, my soul craved that I might also die the death of the
righteous, and my latter end be as sweet and as happy as hers.
Yes, my dear, I well know some of her hidden conflicts, and that
her soul's enemy sorely and frequently assailed her. But even
then, her head was covered in the day of battle, and for an hel
met, the hope of salvation was her and my secret rejoicing. Oh
her love to the blessed cause, and to poor me, was wonderful,
surpassing all temporal enjoyment ; — yea, we were knit as Jona
than and David— and now that a final separation has taken
place, and she happily removed from " the noise of all archers,"

REBECCA JONES. 34I
where death is swallowed up in life, and hope in everlasting en
joyment, my soul worships in reverent thankfulness, and craves,
for myself and for thee and thy dear brother, that walking
humbly by the same rule, and minding the same thing, we may
approve ourselves as followers together of the same Lord who
hath led captivity captive, and given the like precious gifts, even
to the rebellious.
My spirit, whilst my pen is in motion, salutes thee. I am
truly glad to hear of thy dedication to the service of the Most
High, and I wish thee safely and wisely to move in faithfulness
to every divine requisition, now in the time acceptable, that
when reduced, as I at present am, (being nearly helpless and
mostly confined to my chamber) thou mayest look back with
humble confidence to the voice of blessed acquittal, " Let her
alone, she hath done what she could," — which is sometimes, in
boundless mercy, vouchsafed even to me.
I am now in my 74th year, and so stiff and enfeebled, that I
get out but seldom, and only toour North Meeting, with the help
of an arm and my staff; yet in the humbling dealings of my
blessed Master with me, I am provided with the comfort of my
dear Bernice Allinson, who thou mayest remember married a
precious young man about 7 years ago. They were happy in
each other. They settled in New York, but after some years
removed to this city. He has by his death left her a widow in
deed. Finding my powers giving way, this dear child has taken
a neat house adjoining the one I live in, and a door communi
cating between our chambers, she has become my care-taker.
Thou may'st have heard of the sudden and peaceful end of
our dear friend Rebecca Wright (in her 75th year,) who after
attending our Yearly Meeting, got home, and in a few days we
received an invitation to her burial. She was an ornament and
great example in society. In the last month, Phebe, wife of
our honorable friend James Pemberton, departed this life. And
dear Sarah Harrison, after struggling with much bodily weak
ness, and heavy, very heavy trials of various kinds, was hap
pily removed a few weeks since. These, with the peaceful close
V 29*

342 MEMORIALS OF
of dear John Pemberton's widow, and the death of several young
and promising plants about the same time, together with my de
bility and varied exercises, have sunk me so low, that I was not
able to get to see any of them or their families ; but remained,
a silent and secret mourner, in my own chamber, where I now
sit thus conversing with thee.
12th. I can give thee the pleasing information of dear Su
sanna Home's safe return from a long, trying journey to the
westward — having had, throughout, for her steady companion,-
Mary Allinson of Burlington, a friend in the station of an Elder,
and to whom S. Home seems as nearly united as I was to my
beloved C. Hustler. Susanna and Mary, with T. Scattergood
(with whom they quarter,) Samuel Emlen, &c, spent last sixth
day with me in my chamber, and this day started on a visit to
Bucks Quarter. They look bravely, but I told S. Home that
her work not being done here, I dont yet see any opening for
her return to her native land. Her services and example are
truly satisfactory to us all. I hear that dear Stephen Grellet is
in like manner beloved amongst you ; and by a letter to his valua
ble wife he was at and in the neighborhood of Undercliffe ; so
thou must have been gratified, and I also am in hearing of it,
for he is a brother beloved by me for the Work's sake. If thou
hast opportunity, present him with the expression of my love.
To dear M. Routh and to dear A. Alexander I wish thee to
give the perusal of this letter, which must serve them as a proof
of my sincere and undiminished love, and that I retain my wish
to hear often from them ; for indeed, nothing but ability of sight
is wanting, to them and thyself, often. To will is present, but
how to perform I find not.
14th. I was so dim when I wrote the above, that I almost
despaired ever finishing this letter ; but I am not easy without
making another attempt. If I fail finally, I hope my dear B.
will send it to thee. Dear Samuel Smith sends his love. He,
by a late division of our large Monthly Meeting, is likely to be
come a member of the Monthly Meeting of Philadelphia, which
is painful to us both, as we have always been fellow helpers to-

REBECCA JONES. 343
gether in the Meeting for the Northern district for upwards of
three score years, and are still in the unbroken bonds of the
Gospel. And though all the three meetings have been much
stripped of valuable members, the multitude that do attend, (and
a large number of other professors) especially on first day
mornings, have induced Friends of the Middle Meeting to build
another house to the westward, which is nearly finished. And
materials are collecting for one to the northward. So that like
London, we shall abound in houses, whether they are all filled
or not.
Although it is a low time in general, yet, in acknowledgment
of the goodness and mercy of the blessed Shepherd" of Israel, I
may say, that a hopeful succession of true burden bearers is
coming forward, and a living hope is raised that the standard of
Truth and Righteousness will be supported, and the day ap
proaching spoken of by the prophet, when many shall run to and
' fro, and knowledge in divine things be increased. So be it,
saith my soul.
Dear G. and S. Dillwyn still reside at Burlington. G. is
especially strong in the exercise of his gift, and as skilful a
workman as ever.
* * * *
20th. By a letter from S. Home, she expects to finish her visit
in Bucks Quarter so as to be in this city next week, when I ap
prehend she, with T. Scattergood, will mention their prospect
of a visit to the families of Pine street Monthly Meeting. In
which case they will then have visited all the families in this
city, and very acceptably, as indeed their gospel labors have
been, here and elsewhere in our land. Our friends M. Swett,
Charity Cook, Ann Jessup, Benjamin White, Henry Hull, Wil,
liam Jackson, Richard Jordan, and Mehetabel Jenkins, who have
labored amongst you, are all living, though some are growing
infirm, and especially dear Nicholas Wain and Phebe Speak-
man, who are evidently breaking down— but none more so than
thy sincerely attached and aged sister in the fellowship of the
Gospel of peace and salvation. R- J-

344 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER XVII.
1813—1817.
Typhus Fever  .Prayer.— Green Street Meeting.— Attends Twelfth
Street Meeting.— Is' at North Meeting for the last time. — Death of T.
Scattergood and message to Susanna Home — Letter to Sarah Hust
ler  Intimation respecting S. Home's arrival in England. — Warning
to a Minister. — Her last letter to S. Hustler. — Bernice Allinson's ac
count of it. J.'s death  Reflections by Enoch Lewis. — John Cox. —
Passages from her Will, and Concluding Remarks.
In the early part of the year 1813 she was prostrated by a
typhus fever ; and although she was raised, contrary to the ex
pectations of her friends', from this protracted illness, she never
fully recovered from the effects of it. During the most critical
stage of this fever her utterance was almost wholly in prayer or
religious testimony, or exhortation. A valued friend who called
at the adjoining house to enquire concerning her health, hearing
her thus engaged, paused at the front door, and said in speaking
of it, that the strains were so angelic that he thought them the
prelude of approaching dissolution. But few of her expressions
have been preserved. On one occasion she said to those who
were in her apartment : —
" Oh draw near to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of
the God of Jacob. He>is good and worthy to lean upon-~he
is rich in mercy." And afterwards, addressing herself to the
Father of mercies, she spoke at intervals as follows :
" We are sensible of increasing weakness and debility. Grant
that thy Spirit may be near ! May thy invisible Power pre
serve thy people and thy children ! Oh, enlarge our hearts —
our souls 1***1 have been much exercised in mind for
several days past that thy servants and handmaidens may have
no dependence but on thy mercy. Oh be pleased to be near
in these times of trial. Make their wilderness to blossom as the
rose, and to flourish as thy garden of Edeu. Keep the few in
this plaee in thy fear. Bring down the lofty seats of man. Say

REBECCA JONES. 345
to the North, give up ; to the South, come forth, that judgment
may be brought unto truth — for thou canst make a little one a
great one, and a small one a strong one. None ever trusted in
the Lord in vain. Thou wilt never leave or forsake thy people,
if they do not first leave thee. Raise them, Oh "thou God of
Power, raise them as from the very stones of the street, to
praise thy great and excellent name where there will be no
more sliding, and bring them to the general assembly and church
of the first born whose names are written in Heaven. * *
" All glory be to thee Oh God, and the dear Son of thy love,
the Lamb immaculate ; not only now, but for ever and for ever
more, Amen."
During the last five years of her life she was very much con
fined to her house, and for three years mostly to her chamber,
which was often a scene both of interest and instruction to the
many who resorted thither, as well as to those whose privilege
it was daily to share her society, and to minister to her wants :
yet during this time she was a few times out of her own house,
and twice at meeting.
When the establishment of a monthly meeting in the Northern
Liberties was decided upon, and a new division of districts was
also to join many of the valuable members of the North Meeting
to the one held in Arch street, a friend came to R. J.'s chamber,
and with tears poured out her troubled feelings on the occasion,
expressing a fear that there would be only a poor handful left,
hardly sufficient for the maintainance of a Monthly Meeting.
R. J. leaned back in her easy chair, and sat silent awhile, with
an expression of holy serenity upon her countenance, which is
described as angelic. At length she said, that she had been re
curring to the time when North Meeting was established, and
she believed that a vine was planted which would not be de
stroyed ; but that although the branches might die down to the
ground, the root would be kept alive, and sprout and flourish
again. She had not been able to see the proprietyof the establish
ment of Green street meeting, and more than once said that she

346 MEMORIALS OF
felt no inclination to attend it. Toward the Western District,
however, she felt an attraction, the house on Twelfth street
having also been recently built. A friend having a desire that
she should make an effort to attend the two new meetings, es
pecially Green street, offered the use of her carriage. Early
the next First day morning she sent word that she would like to
go to the Western meeting. The husband of the friend referred
to, came with his carriage, and when they had entered the
vehicle, B. A., (her constant companion) informed him that they
wished to go to the Western meeting. He replied, " I under
stand — my wife told me." As he, continued driving to the north
ward, he made a similar reply to repeated intimations, and at
length stopped before the gate of the Green street house, having
been so impressed with the belief that this was their destination,
that he could scarcely admit a different idea when R. J., who
had sat with her eyes closed, said, " I've nothing to do with
Green street. I wish to go to the Western meeting." They
arrived late, and it was with considerable difficulty that she was
got into the meeting house, and Samuel W. Fisher, stepping
across the house, took her arm, and helped to convey her to the
head of the meeting. There were then present, Sarah Matthews,
supported by pillows, and Samuel Smith. The former was
never at meeting again ; Samuel Smith and Rebecca Jones
only once, which was, with each, at North Meeting. Samuel
Smith spoke very sweetly, and as much at length as was usual
with him. Sarah Matthews, unable to rise from her seat, was
favored to communicate a lively and instructive testimony ; and
R. Jones, (also keeping her seat — unable, through debility to
kneel,) appeared in very solemn supplication. The next, and
last time of R. J.'s being at meeting, was on a First day morn
ing, at the house on Keys' Alley, where, upon her bended knee,
she raised in a memorable manner, the voice of praise and thanks
giving, ending (as was not unusual with her,) with these words,
" To thee, and to the dear Son of thy love, be glory and honor,
now and forever more." And it is worthy of note, that- in her
addresses to the throne of Grace, she seemed never unmindful

REBECCA JONES. 347
of the Saviour's gracious words : " Whatsoever ye shall ask the
Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto ye have
asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive." " At that
day ye shall ask in my name."
It will remembered that the decease of Thomas Scattergood
took place in the year 1814, after the erection, and before the
^opening of the Green street house, and that there was an undue
anxiety among some, as to the meeting to which he should be
attached. The following is an extract from a letter which was
written at R. J.'s request, to Susanna Home, (who was T. Scat-
tergood's child in the Truth, and afterwards his intimate associ
ate in the work of the Gospel) and which being read to R. J.
previous to its being sent, received her sanction.
" During his illness, as our dear R. J. was ruminating upon
the apprehended departure from this earthly tabernacle, of her
beloved friend T. S., the passage of Scripture came before her
which speaks of Michael the Arch-angel, who, contending with
Satan, and disputing about the dead body of Moses, which had
been, through Divine interference, taken away, brought against
him no railing accusation, but said, " The Lord rebuke thee !"
.The application in her mind seemed thus. Considerations rela
tive to the division of North meeting having somewhat agitated
the minds of many friends, and T. S. being situated near the
probable line between it and the newly established meeting,
there was considerable anxiety as to the meeting to which he
should belong : and that therefore, his Master was about to re
move the cause of disputation, by assuming, in a manner awfully
striking, the right of decision Himself: whereby rebuke was ad
ministered by the all-wise Controller of events, to that spirit
which actuates to an undue; reliance on human aid. She also
mentioned that since his close took place, this passage had been,
in reference to the deceased, illustrated in her view in a manner
in which it had not been before : ' They that be wise shall shine
as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to
righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.' The application
of which was, that as the brightness of the firmament, though

348 MEMORIALS OF
always perceptible, is at some times more luminous than at others,
so his company whilst in the body had been to her always more
or less cheering and encouraging. The fixed stars being placed
farther from our sight, yet shining with a continual and undi
minished brightness, conveyed to her a lively representation of
that unalterable and perfect state of happiness in which he was
now immutably placed."

R. Jones to Sarah Hustler.
Philadelphia, 3d mo. 8th, 1815.
My Dearly Beloved Sarah. — Thro' the tender mercy of
" the Lord who healeth," I am continued in this probationary
state, and have received thy kind long letter by our dear friend
Stephen Grellet, who has, in good health and in peace of mind,
arrived among us, and has made me several visits in my
chamber, with his amiable wife. He has given me a particular
account of my friends, and of thee in a precious feeling manner,
whi'ch has been like marrow to my bones, wherefore I thought I
would tell thee so. Bernice also (who with her three dear lambs
are a great comfort to me in my old age) begging me to write to
thee once more, thinking thou wilt excuse all defects.
Oh how I have loved thy dear parents and my ever dear
friends John and C. Hustler, who, being delivered from pain &c,
on earth, are joyfully united, in the realms of bliss, forever and
ever ; and have left two children to represent them here, in per
son and pursuits, I trust to the comfort of many who have their
parents in fresh remembrance. Be encouraged, my dear Sally
— thou hast put thy hand to the plough, — don't look back — but
look unto Him who hath called thee, and will be with thee, even
unto the end of the world. Thy dear brother will be a co-worker
with thee, and will partake of the reward. Tell him so with my
love, which I desire also to thy sister Jane.
I suppose thou hast heard how we are reduced in number
since I last wrote thee. Since then dear N. Wain has gone.

REBECCA JONES. 349
Our North Meeting has divided— two new houses are built.
Dear S. Smith remains a living monument of divine love and
life. Salute dear M. Routh, A. Alexander, Wm. Tuke, J. and
E. Hoylandand my other acquaintances as they fall in thy way.
Give my love to E. Coggeshall, and tell her to do all that her
hand finds to do. My love to dear S. Home — her friends at
Burlington are well. Thou canst hardly tell how we miss our
dear T. Scattergood — but all is well with him.
I must be short. Thou knowest I used to write a long letter,
but now let it suffice to say, I am patiently waiting till my change
comes, and this may be my last. In best love I remain thy very
affectionate and nearly united friend,

(%kz*L

Whilst confined by her infirmities to the house, it was her
practice to have the Bible placed upon a table beside her during
the absence of the family at meeting. It frequently however
remained un-opened, her mind being gathered with the assem
bled Church, reverently waiting upon the Father of spirits.
In the house which she occupied for the last two years of her
life, her. window was opposite the women's gate of the North
Meeting — thus when the doors were open she- could from her
seat in her chamber recognize many individuals in meeting.
Her faithful and beloved Leonard Snowdon, was in the regular
practice of visiting her on first day evenings, and giving her an
account, so far as he had been able to gather it, of the
different meetings on that day and during the week ; she hav
ing this evidence that she had passed from death unto life, that
her love to the brethren, though she could no longer mingle in
their assemblies, was strong, — as was also her interest in all
that concerned the cause of the ever blessed Truth. He being
with her upon a first day evening after the departure for
- 30

350 MEMORIALS OF
England of Susanna Home.* on her return from a religious
visit to this country, she observed to Leonard, " In my silent
meditation this morning I had a view of Susanna Home in a
meeting in her own land." A remarkable coincidence may be
mentioned here, not merely from its interesting nature, but as
shewing the union of spirit which is sometimes permitted to
disciples, and as illustrative and confirmatory of the doctrine
of the immediate Communication of the Divine Spirit with His
creatures, of which her life had afforded many illustrations.
George Dillwyn, in a meeting at Burlington the same morning,
after a lively testimony, and near the close of the meeting,
again rose, and said that he " felt more than a liberty to inform
his friends that he believed our beloved friend- Susanna
Home was now safely landed on her native shore." The
constant companion of S. H. in her visits in this land was
present at the latter meeting, and next morning letters between
her and B. A. passed each other on the river, giving ac
counts of the two remarkable incidents. When the letter was
read to G. Dillwyn, which gave information of the view afford
ed to R. J. he said., " It is not the first time that our
thoughts have flowed in the same channel."
S. Home arrived in Liverpool, 8th Mo. 5th, 1813, after an
unusually short passage. — The first confirmation of the impres
sions above mentioned was from a young man immediately
on his arrival from that port. Though not in the practice of
attending the meetings of Friends, he had in this land listened
with interest to the ministry of S. H. He had been to England
* No transatlantic friend, probably, within the memory of those
now upon the stage, has travelled in this land with more ge
neral acceptance than this dear friend, — (now Susanna Bigg.) Her
ministry was sound, practical and persuasive, and her private walk
very exemplary. She arrived in 1810, and remained on our Con
tinent nearly three years, during which time, accompanied by Mary
Allinson, she visited most of the meetings, and very many of the
families of Friends in America. She returned to England in 1813,
leaving a sweet memorial in the hearts of her fellow disciples. A
large proportion of those who knew and appreciated her, have enter
ed before her into the fruition of that rest which remaineth for the
people of God. /

REBECCA JONES. 35I
and being about to return, having been detained from his
voyage by contrary winds, he went to Liverpool, where seeing
some friends going to meeting he followed them and there he
saw and heard S. H. On his reaching Philadelphia he gave
the information of her arrival before the reception of letters
which came in the same ship.
It was near this time that she received a visit from a minister
whose subsequent declension gave cause . of mourning to his
friends. He was on his feet to depart when she began to
address him. He resumed his seat, and listened to a heart
tendering communication, in the course of which she laid
before him, with striking distinctness, two prospects of his
future career and condition, dependent upon his watchful faith
fulness or the reverse. And so awful was the picture which
she presented, of the consequences which would attend him
if disobedient to the Divine Monitor, that he wept audibly, and
a friend who was present, and who retains a vivid remem
brance of the scene, was also greatly affected. A regard to
individual character forbids us to raise the veil from the affect
ing realization of her worst forebodings.

R. J. to Sarah Hustler.
Philadelphia 4th mo. 20th, 1816.
My dear friend S. Hustler, — I ought to have made a more
quick answer to thy very acceptable lines by our dear Stephen
Grellet, but I can hardly persuade myself that thou can read
such a scrawl, and I can do no better. Thou may'st know by
this that I love thee for thy own and thy dear Mother's sake, wish
ing thee to know that I am still in the body, a miracle to my
self and a wonder to my friends. I am quite lame, from many
falls and hurts on my limbs, and though it is our Yearly Meet
ing I am sitting alone in my room, and have thee, in fresh love
brought into view. And, praying for help for myself, I have

352 MEMORIALS OF
felt thy and dear John's best welfare interwoven in my solici
tude. May that God who gave thy mother as an helpmeet to
me in your land, be near to me in this, and crown my poor
soul at last with peace, is all my desire.
Our Yearly Meeting has been thus far favored, and will con
clude to-morrow: — but E. Coggeshall did not get here. ' I hear
she is peacefully at home. Our S. Grellet is also at home, pre
paring to go on another errand, and will I hope be mercifully
preserved, even among the West India Islands. He is a tender
brother of mine, and has a precious wife. Thou wilt have
heard of the short illness and blessed close of dear Thomas
Scattergood. He was near to my best life, and is only gone a
little before poor me, and rests now from his arduous labors. A
stripping day has come over us in this land, and many lively
Ministers have gone from works to rewards ; so that part of
the vineyard is solitary. But a lively hope is raised, that a
succession is preparing to receive the garment of Elijah, and
bear tidings of good things, as in days of old. Great and mar
vellous are his wdrks, can my soul say, just and true are all
his ways. For even my present bodily affliction, will, I trust,
work for my further refinement, and the joy of the Lord be my
strength in the final giving up of my accounts.
Let M. Routh and A. Alexander know that I love them in the
covenant of love and life, and long to hear from them. * *
Our dear Samuel Smith is weak, and gets very little out, but
is evidently owned as a sheep of the favored fold, who is wait
ing for the summons, " Come ye blessed of my Father." Dont
forget thy old friend — and let me hear from thee once more. I
am nearly blind, near seventy seven years of age, and thy sin
cere friend and sister in the bonds of the gospel,

REBECCA JONES. 353
As increasing and certain tokens were given of the approach
ing dissolution of " the earthly house," — the union between
"Naomi and Ruth" was beautiful to behold. In one sense in
deed, their relative position was changed — for the child had
become the tender and watchful guardian of one who had been
" a succorer of many and of her also." — The compiler well re
members on an occasion of his Mother's illness, the distress and
anxiety of R. Jones, as she queried what would become of her,
should her B. be taken first — to which the invalid replied, that
she had " faith to believe that it would not be permitted." He
also freshly remembers being summoned by R. J. to partake
with her of her last meal, 'and the sweetness of her countenance
when " We knew that the hour was drawing nigh
To fulfil every fearful token —
When the silver cord should loosen its tie,
And the golden bowl be broken."
The following brief notes relative to her last illness and
closing scene, are from the pen of her beloved B. A. and were
written shortly after the solemn event which they record.
" 3d mo. 30th, 1817. After the morning meeting, Mary
Smith, (widow of Samuel) called to see my dear R. J., who
seemed better than for a long time before. They had long
been united in the bonds of the Gospel, and were on this occa
sion remarkably engaged in encouraging each other to hold out
a little longer ; R. J. saying, " If we were but permitted to join
his purified spirit (alluding to dear S. Smith) it will be enough."
In the afternoon several others called ;— she was very pleasant,
and enjoyed their company. One friend remarked, that she
had not seen her so much like herself for several years. — That
night she was taken with a complaint in her bowels, attended
with sreat pain. She had a very restless night, but in the
s 30*

354 MEMORIALS OF
morning slept until near eleven o'clock when she took her
breakfast, and, being dressed for the last time, seemed pretty
comfortable till about three o'clock P. M. when the complaint
returned. In less than two hours her strength was so gone
that she could not stand when raised upon her feet. My sister
and myself both staid in her room that night. After being up
many times, and enduring great pain, she was seized with a
severe spasm which threatened immediate suffocation, from
which she was relieved by throwing from her stomach a con
siderable quantity of bile. Her voice which had for a long
time been quite impaired by repeated paralytic affections, was
for several hours quite gone. Towards day she fell into a gentle
sleep and awoke refreshed, her voice being nearly as intelligible
as for some months past. About eleven o'clock she desired to
get up and sit in her easy chair, saying, " It is meeting de^
and it is likely some friends will call in." — The restlessnes-
attendant on her disease had so increased, that one of us was
constantly employed in changing her position. s
The mental powers in some degree yielded to the infirmities of
the body which for years had been great ; yet on religious sub
jects' her faculties had always continued clear and bright, so that
her counsel on important occasions was still sought and valued.
About the eighth Of the 4th month, the disease assumed a
new aspect. The fore part of each night was most trying, she
being favored to sleep a little in the morning. Early in the
night of the 9th, she seemed in as great anguish of body and
mind as could be endured, which continued to be the case for
several hours. My mind had often been permitted to partake
of her mingled cup,-^-but the wormwood and the gall seemed
all that was now offered. My spirit having, during this night

REBECCA JONES. 355
of suffering, been enabled more than ever before, to enter into
feeling with her tried tossed mind, — was permitted after the dear
sufferer had experienced some refreshment from sleep toward
the morning of the 10th; to partake with her in the enjoy-
ment of Divine good. She spoke of the solemn prospect
of the final change being near, and in a most impressive
manner, said, " Not by works of righteousness which I
have done, but according to His Mercy he saveth us, by the
washings of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost !
After having done all, we are but unprofitable servants !" After
this she was not able to express much. Repeated paralytic
affections occasioned a difficulty of utterance and of swallowing.
During the last few hours, she made many efforts to speak but
was unable. It was extremely trying to behold one, on whose
tongue so long had dwelt the law of kindness, now, on the con
fines of Time, vainly endeavoring to communicate the feelings
that pervaded her mind, which appeared to be unclouded. About
11 o'clock Elizabeth Foulke came to see her, and after sitting
awhile in silence said that her mind had that morning been
brought into deep sympathy with her, and that now she was
enabled to rejoice in the full assurance that the tossed mind
was nearing the port of eternal rest ; that death had no sting
and the grave no victory. Dear R. J. raised her clasped hands
but could not articulate. E. F. descended the stairs, and was
about departing, when the nurse announced a visible change in
her countenance. On my bending over her, she put her arms
around me. I gently raised her — she made another great but
unavailing effort to speak,— drew several hard breaths— then
breathed gently for a few minutes— and, in the last effort of
Nature, closed her mouth and eyes, and a sweet smile played

356 MEMORIALS OF
over her noble countenance which was indeed beautiful in deaths
—The immediate language of my mind was, " Well done good
and faithful servant — enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." She
was interred in Friends' ground on Mulberry street, on the
morning of the Select Yearly Meeting. Mary Nafftel, (from
England) then on a religious visit to friends in this country ;
attended the funeral and bore a lively testimony to her devoted
labors both in this land and in Great Britain, in promoting the
spread of the everlasting gospel — saying that on hearing of her
departure the language that saluted her mind was " Well done
good and faithful servant — enter thou into the joy of thy Lord !"
Geo. Dillwyn was also one of those who spoke at the funeral.
The Select members went from the grave into the meeting house,
with minds solemnized in the recollection that one who had for
more than fifty years stood as one of the Pillars in the Church
militant, was now removed to the church triumphant in Heaven.
There had not been any left, since the decease a few years
previous of James Pemberton, who was a member of that meet
ing at the time when she was introduced."'
[In introducing the following remarks by Enoch Lewis, the Compiler
takes occasion to acknowledge his grateful sense of the value of the ,
notes (by which this volume is enriched,) which have been furnished
by him as Editor of Friends' Review. The notes by E. L. are indicated
by his editorial signature.]
Although Rebecca Jones had passed the period which was
formerly considered as the utmost limit of human life, yet the
removal of such a pillar of the church, even at this mature age,
was naturally and justly productive of solemn reflections. What
changes had occurred, both in the world at large and in our
religious society, during the time embraced by her memory !
When she reached the period of womanhood, a monarch, who
was a native of Germany, held the dominion of Great Britain
and a considerable portion of North America. She had heard

REBECCA JONES. 357
the appalling rumors of Indian massacre on the frontiers of
the peaceful province in which she was born, and there wit
nessed the bitter fruits of the injustice dispensed by her country
men to the natives of the forest. She had seen the American
people rise up in opposition to the metropolitan power, and the
city of her birth occupied by a hostile force. Thus the land
selected by the benevolent Penn, as the seat of a holy experi
ment, where a government might be established on christian
principles, as a model to succeeding generations, was rendered,
by the vices and follies of man, a scene of sanguinary conflicts.
She had heard from beyond the Atlantic, the rumors of wars
and commotions ; the throne of the Capets overturned ; the
nominal master of thirty millions of people led to the block ;
a military democracy erected on the ruins of the monarchy;
that democracy itself subverted and an imperial government
erected in its stead; the European continent, throughout its
length and breadth, inundated with contending armies ; and the
man before whom the greatest potentate had trembled, consigned
as a captive to a rocky island in the southern Atlantic. These
.events might well suggest the reflection how transient and
evanescent is the greatness of a world, which thus passeth
away. How delusive the hope of those who make the flesh
their confidence, and trust their prospect of happiness upon
any thing which the world can afford.
In her own religious society, numerous and important changes
had arisen. Those with whom she engaged in religious service
in the morning of her day, and with whom she often took sweet
counsel, were nearly all numbered with the dead. Of her first
companions in the meeting of Ministers and Elders, not one
was left. What solemnly melancholy, yet hardly painful con
siderations must she often have experienced, when near the
close of her course, she reviewed the exercises, and the com
panions of her early days. As the faithful and valuable labor
ers of that time to whom she was accustomed to look for ad
vice and support, in her varied trials, rose up in vivid remem
brance, the recollection was still at hand, that their voices would

358 MEMORIALS OF
be heard no more ; yet no doubt these recollections were often
attended by the consoling assurance, that they were resting
from their labors, and that their works would still follow them.

CONCLUSION.
The consideration of her latter end, having been present with
her through life, she was careful to keep a will in readiness,
and her last will and testament bears date about a year before
her decease.- — " Considering" — she says in the preamble, " the
uncertainty of Time, and that many are suddenly called hence,
I do think it commendable and necessary not only to endeavor
with the assistance of Divine Grace to be inwardly prepared
for so awful a change, but also to settle my outward effects,
with which the Lord hath been pleased to bless me, as I would
they should be."
In this document, after leaving various legacies, among which
is one to her friends Ann Warder and Anne Stewardson, in
trust for poor friends of North Meeting, she constitutes B. A.
her sole residuary legatee, and she concludes in these words :
" In confirmation hereof after acknowledging with gratitude
and in humility of soul the tender and infinite mercy of the
Lord Almighty, which has in numberless instances been sig
nally vouchsafed and displayed for my redemption from sin
and the wages due thereunto, and his preservations and deliver
ances by sea and by land ; hoping, through the merits of my
blessed- Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, to be admitted into
his holy kingdom when I shall put off this earthly tabernacle ;
and in peace and unity with his Church under every name,
Rebecca Jones.
Signed sealed &c, the 9th of ye 3d month 1816."
It would be unjust in her Biographer to omit transcribing the
following passage from the said will.
" I give to George Dillwyn, Samuel Emlen, and John Cox

REBECCA JONES. 359
of Burlington, and Leonard Snowdon and Thomas Stewardson
of this city, in trust, all my books and papers of every kind to
be carefully inspected, (and if there be any thing therein that
may be of disadvantage to any person alive or deceased that
they may be destroyed;) together with all my Diaries and
Journals, &c, and it is my further request that no written testi
mony or account may be issued concerning me, — I having often
been pained under the reading of such marks of distinction."
A portion of the manuscripts thus entrusted to the wise and
excellent men above named, had, previous to her decease, been
presented by R. J. to B. A. without restriction. The memoir of
her convincement given at the commencement of this volume,
was retained in their possession, until John Cox, being the sole
survivor,* delivered it to B. A. declaring it to be her property.
- * Language would fail the Compiler in attempting to portray the
character, or express the worth of this true Israelite, illustrious Friend
and patriarchal christian Gentleman. The following extract from a
letter, published as an obituary shortly after his removal from the mi
litant state, will not be thought, by any one, to be over-wrought.
Those who knew the Sage of oxmead will scarcely expect ever to
" look upon his like again," — or to meet with any memorial of his
worth which shall equal their own exalted but just estimate. He died
at his delightful abode Oxmead, Burlington, N. J. 4th Mo. 5th, 1847,
in the 94th year of his age. W. J. A.
" By the Intelligencer of the 10th inst, I learn that my dear friend
John Cox is released from the cares and sufferings of this probationary
state. It is now more than fifty years since I was introduced into his
society; since which I have often been in his company, both in the
social circle and in the house of worship ; and I can truly say, that I
never had the pleasure of knowing a man who combined in his char
acter, more perfectly, the Gentleman and the Christian. In social
intercourse with his friends he was affable and cheerful — sometimes
even sprightly — yet always dignified ; never for a moment forgetting
the importance of the station to which he was called as an ambassador
for Christ, nor indulging in any thing inconsistent with that station.
His ministry was exceedingly interesting ; his language clear, chaste,
and elegant, but without the least mark of affectation. In prayer he
was very weighty, appearing to be deeply impressed with the awfulness
of public supplication, in which he not only manifested a deep rever
ence for the Divine Majesty, but made his hearers participate in the
same feeling. I shall never forget my sense of his ministry ; even
when I was a youth, how my mind was absorbed in deep and solemn
attention, and made to feel the Divine power and authority, with which
at such times he was clothed. It may truly be said of his ministry, that
it was ' in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power.' He was gath-

360 MEMORIALS OF
It will be seen that it found its way to the press without, the
consent of B. A., notwithstanding the caution prefixed — a tran
script having been taken by some one to whom it had been
loaned. It will be a question with some, how far the publication pf her
biography, in violation of her request, is to be justified.— -With
others, the query will arise, how far it was within her province
to withhold, from those who personally knew her not, and from
posterity, the lustre of her example. It is not to be doubted that
her humility (which was the means of her preservation) inspired
this request — but let it be remembered that although she had
" often been pained under the reading of such marks of distinc
tion," when she felt that the creature was thereby unduly exalt
ed, — yet none could place- a higher value than she did upon
memorials of the blessed dead, who had died in the Lord. Wit
ness her introduction to the Womens' Yearly Meeting, of the
memorials issued in England respecting Sarah R. Grubb ;*" and
abundant confirmation is before us as we write, of the pains
which she took to collect and to preserve productions of the kind.
Having surrendered herself, body, soul and spirit, that she might
do the work of an evangelist and win souls to Christ, her modest
shrinking from publicity, and from human applause, however
binding it might be felt to be, by her executors and the trustees of
her papers, could not be expected forever to operate upon those
who might successively become possessed of them ; — and the ques
tion appeared to be, whether a compilation should be made by those
whose knowledge and interest are of a personal character, and
who haVe an ownership in her memory, or whether the work
should be left for a future collector of materials, to whom much
that has now been gathered must of necessity be inaccessible,
and by whom, probably other portions, of merely private inter
est, might have been inserted.
ered to his everlasting rest ' in a full age, like as a shock of corn Com
eth in his season,' and his memory will long remain as a sweet odor
with his survivors." * See page 194.

REBECCA JONES. 361
In short, — she was, as we doubt not, influenced by a sense of
duty, to commit to writing much that is worthy to be preserved.
With all her sensitiveness on this subject, (altho' she has been
known to take them in her hands for the purpose,) she had not
been permitted to burn these papers — being submitted to some
of the wisest men in the Society, they did not venture to destroy
them — preserved (tho' widely scattered, and without a view to
their compilation) for more than thirty years, they have been
placed by their proper owner in the hands of the present Com
piler. — It has been believed to be right to arrange them in a
permanent form for the satisfaction and benefit of others ; and
if this judgment be erroneous, it has been an honest error, and
it is sincerely desired that it may be over-ruled for good.

THE END.

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