^«^^lf-V^^ ^
J.UiLfofA.milUnr f/Uf'^

fl I linn Lull nitt

IF]18fllE,mil)!?i'llIIB]BTDf(& HdDITSJB &!f A\I11KT-1DR,
ioiig.<trah 34? Market StrcU. riul^

THE

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS,

OF AIRTON.

BY JAMES BACKHOUSE.

The memory of the just is blessed.— Prov. x. 7.

second edition, revised and corrected.

PHILADELPHIA:
HENRY LONGSTRETH, 347, MARKET STREET.
LONDON :— CHARLES GILPIN.
1850.

PKEFACE.

The names of William and Alice Ellis, had long been familiar
' to the editor of this volume, in connexion with a fund for putting
out apprentices, provided by these individuals ; and he had heard
traditional anecdotes of their benevolence and piety, but was far
from justly appreciating their character, untU he met with a manu
script, the property of Settle Monthly Meeting, containing their
correspondence. The perusal of this manuscript threw a hght
upon their character, and on the history of the Society of Friends,
at the period in which this worthy pair lived, which deeply inte
rested him ; and he became impressed with the belief that benefit
would arise from making this correspondence public. The Friends
of Settle Monthly Meeting concurred in this belief, and readily
allowed the letters to be copied for this object. These letters had
originally been transcribed, probably under the eye of "WilHam
Ellis, with such great care, that they required little correction for
the press, even of a verbal character. With the exception of a
few passages and a very few of the letters, which did not contain
interesting matter, they are here presented to the reader.
Short biographical sketches of the correspondents of William
and Alice EUis, and of persons mentioned in the letters, have been
copiously introduced by the editor, under the impression that some
knowledge of such parties adds much to the interest of this kind of
correspondence. (iii)

IV PREFACE.
The other materials interwoven with the letters, and relating to
the life of William and Alice Ellis, have been gleaned from various
sources ; they are but scanty, yet they help to depict examples of
Christian faith and practice well worthy of imitation.
The names of places and persons are variously spelled in most
ancient records ; the spelling of them adopted in this volume is
that of modern maps and printed documents.
Li describing the travels of Friends on religious service, their
journeys are frequently mentioned by the editor as "apostolic;"
his object in adopting this term was to mark such journeys as being
undertaken in the true spirit and liberty of the Gospel, according
to the apostolic practice, before the restrictions imposed by man,
in the early days of the corruption of Christianity had limited tbe
religious labours of individuals to " their own parishes and districts,"
and thus introduced a system greatly interfering with that com
pliance with the requirements of the Holy Spirit, which the true
Christian minister often finds laid upon him.
A notice of the first gathering of the Society of Friends, ia the
district comprised within Settle Monthly Meeting, is introduced
as an appendix, under the apprehension that it will be read with
interest in connexion with the other portion of this volume.
The editor vetitures to hope that few will peruse' this record of
the dedication and zeal of many in time past, without having their
own devotedness to the Lord deepened, and their zeal quickened
for the promotion of his cause.
York, 10th of 5lh Mo. 1849.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
Locality of Airton — Parentage of William Ellis — Meeting held by
R. Haydock — Convincement, Character, and Settlement of
William Ellis — Commencement of his ministry — Marriage —
Character of Alice Ellis — Notices of John Richardson and Mary
Frost — Letters from John Real, Thomas Gwin, and James
Tatham — Birth and death of Jonathan Ellis  Page 11
CHAPTER IL
Certificate to Ireland — Letters to Ahce Ellis ; to Friends of Settle
Monthly Meeting ; from Samuel Randal and Joseph Pike, and
to Alice Ellis — Notices of Thomas Trafford and James Dick
inson  20

CHAPTER III.
Letters from Wm. Edmundson ; to Wm. Edmundson ; to John
Wynn ; from Wm. Edmundson ; to Wm. Edmundson ; from
William Ellis to his Servants ; to J, Tomlinson ; to some Friends
in Ireland, with a notice of the building of the Meeting-house at
Airton — Testimony respecting Roger Haydock  31
(V)

VI contents.
CHAPTER IV.
Certificate to America — Aaron Atkinson — Letters from John
Tomkins to William Ellis ; from William Ellis to Thomas Aldam ;
to John Hall ; and to Alice Ellis — Memoranda made at sea —
Letters from Francis Plumstead ; John Tomkins to Alice Ellis ;
William Ellis to Alice Ellis ; to Thomas Aldam  51
CHAPTER V.
Letters from America to Settle Monthly Meeting ; Alice Ellis to
her husband ; William Ellis to his wife — Aaron Atkinson and
William Ellis separate — Letter from Aaron Atkinson — Anecdote
from Thomas Story's Journal — William Ellis to Thomas
Johnson  71
CHAPTER VI.
Letters from Alice Ellis to her husband ; Adam Squire to William
Ellis; William Ellis to Simeon Wilkinson; to Alice Ellis;
Theodore Eccleston to WiUiam Ellis ; WiUiam Ellis to Adam
Squhe  88
CHAPTER VII.
Notes of a Meeting of Mmistering Friends, at Burlington, West
Jersey— Letter to Alice EUis— Epistle to Settle Monthly Meet
ing—Letters from Theodore Eccleston to Alice EUis ; to Friends
appointed as Overseers ; Alice Ellis to her husband  102 '
CHAPTER VIII.
Notice of John Field— Letter from John Field to Alice Ellis j and
from Aaron Atkinson to WUliam Ellis— On the Payment of
Ministers— Letter from WiUiam Ellis to his wife— Notice of
Daniel Gould and letter from him to William Ellis— Notice

contents. yii
of John Bowstead and letter from him to Alice Ellis — Letter
from WiUiaSn EUis to John Wynn  120

CHAPTER IX.
Letter from WUliam Ellis to John Chanler and Samuel Bound-
Notice of Phineas Pemberton — Letters from Phineas Pemberton
and William Gabbitus to William Ellis ; from John Tomkins to
Alice Ellis — Notice of GUbert Thompson — Letters from Gilbert
Thompson to Alice Ellis ; from William Southebe and Rowland
EUis to WUliam Ellis — Notice of WUliam Fishbourn — Letters
from William Fishbourn and Griffith Owen to William Ellis —
Notice of Anthony Morris — Letter firom Anthony Morris to
William Ellis — Notice of Samuel Carpenter — Letters from
Samuel Carpenter and Richard Johns to William Ellis — John
CowgUl to the Offipring of Believing Parents  132

CHAPTER X.
Letters from WUliam EUis to Theodore Eccleston, William Ed
mundson, and Richard Johns — Notice of John Haydock — Letter
to Samuel Gralloway and others ; to WUliam Ellis from GUbert
Thompson — ^Notice of Richard HUl — Letters from John Tomkins
and WUliam Edmundson  152

CHAPTER XI.
YeUow Fever — Notices of Thomas Duckett and Thomas Mus-
grave — Letters from Nicholas Wain and William Fishbourn —
Notice of Roger GUI and his death — Letter from Samuel Car
penter — Notice of Edward Shippen — Letter from Edward
Shippen — John Slack to Alice Ellis — Letters from John Tomkins
and Theodore Eccleston — Notice of John Wynn — Testimony of
WUliam EUis respecting John Wynn  170

^iji contents.
CHAPTER XII.
Letter to WUliam EUis aud Aaron Atkinson from several Friends
in New England— Letters from Samuel Gralloway, John Tomkins,
Samuel Carpenter, William Edmundson — Notice of Joseph
Scarth — Letters from Joseph Scarth and Aaron Atkinson to
WiUiam EUis — WUliam EUis to Richard Johns and Samuel
Galloway  186
CHAPTER XIII.
Visit of Samuel Bownas to WiUiam EUia— Notices of Samuel
Bownas, James WUson, GUbert Heathcot, and Jennet Stow —
Letter from Gilbert Heathcot — Notices of John Butcher, Robert
Huberstie, and James Waithman — Remarkable Fungus — Letters
from John Tomkins, with an extract of a letter from John
Richardson — Notices of John Taylor and Jeremiah Grimshaw —
Letter from Theodore Eccleston — Notice of John Bowron, and
letter from him — Notices of Isaac Alexander, Thomas Pearce,
George Rook, John Ecroyd, and Lawrence King — Letter from
Isaac Alexander — Letter to Nathan Newby, containing advice
respecting the Scriptures — Notice of Thomas Rodman — Letter
to Thomas Rodman  '.  201
CHAPTER XIV.
Notice of WUliam Biles — Letters from WiUiam Biles and Nathan
Newby — ^Notice of John Estaugh — Letter from Francis Tomes —
Notice of Thomas Thompson and letter from him — Notice of
Josiah Langdale — Letter from John Tomkins — Notices of Henry
Gouldney and Ann WUson — Letter from Henry Gouldney —
Notices of John Fothergill and WUliam Armistead — Letter to
Richard Johns — Letters from WUliam Armistead, John Rodman,
and Thomas Aldam — Notice of Sir John Rhodes, and letter from
him  223

contents. ix
CHAPTER XV.
Letter from Francis Plumstead — Notice of Thomas WUde — Letter
from John Tomkins and others^-Notices of John Blaikling and
James Baines — Letter from WUliam Edmundson — Notice of
Samuel Bownas — Letter from Anthony Morris — Letter to
Abraham Green— Letters from William Armistead and John
FothergiU  244
CHAPTER XVI.
Remarks on Wrong Spirits — Notice of Susanna Freeborn — Letters
from Leah Newbery and Richard Johns — ^Notices of Thomas
WUson and Joseph Glaister — Letter from Samuel Jennings —
Notice of John Gratton and letter from him— Letter to Francis
Tomes — Letter from George Rook — ^Notice of George Knipe
and letter from him — Letters from Wm. Edmundson and Thomas
Rodman'  259
CHAPTER XVII.
Notice of a Yearly Meeting at Lancaster by John Kelsall — Decease
of William Ellis — Notice of Abigail Stott — Remarks respecting
the recording of Ministers — Ministers in Settle Monthly Meet
ing cotemporary with WUliam Ellis — Abigail Stott's Testimony
respecting WUliam EUis  276
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Testimony of Alice Ellis concerning her husband — Thomas
Thompson's Testimony concerning WUliam Ellis — A brief Ac
count of the Life and Death of WUliam Ellis from Settle
Monthly Meeting — The Testimony of York Quarterly Meeting
concerning William EUis ,  284

contents.

CHAPTER XIX.

Meeting-house at Airton — WUliam Ellis's house — Provision for the
Free Entertainment of Ministering Friends — William and
Alice EUis's Gift for Puttmg out Apprentices — Alice EUis's
Legacies and Arrangements fcr the Entertainment of Friends —
Decease of Alice Ellis, and Testimony Concerning Her — Present
state of Airton Meeting, and Settle Monthly Meeting  299
Appendix  309

the

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE

OP

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS.

CHAPTER I.
Locality of Airton. Parentage of William Ellis. Meeting held by
R. Haydock. Convincement, Character, and Settlement of William
Ellis. Commencement of his ministry. Marriage. Character of
Alice Ellis. Notices of John Richardson and Mary Frost. Letters
from John Real, Thomas Gwin, and James Tatham. Birth and
death of Jonathan Ellis.
Among the grassy hills in the upper part of Airdale, in
the West-Riding of Yorkshire, a group of villages, named
Airton, Calton, and Scostrop, lie in close contact with each
other. These villages are six miles east of the town of Set
tle, they are included in the parish of Kirkby Malhamdale,
and are near to the remarkable limestone cliffs of Malham
Cove and Gordale Scar. In one of these villages a cotton
manufactory is now carried on ; but in former days many
of the inhabitants were hand-loom linen-weavers. Of this
class, in the 17th century, was Stephen Ellis, of Calton,
who had several children, and whose son William was born
on the 5th of the Sth month, 1658. (11)

12 LIFE AND' correspondence OE
William Ellis lived with his father until he attained his
sixteenth year, and he then removed to Skipton, having
engaged himself to John Stott, of that place, who was also a
linen- weaver, and who, with his wife, had joined the Society
of Friends. Two years after William Ellis had removed to
Skipton, Roger Haydock, of Penketh near Warrington, in
Lancashire, appointed a meeting at Lower Bradley, two
miles from Skipton. This meeting was attended also by
Eleanor Lowe, afterwards the wife of Roger Haydock, and
her cousin Elizabeth Hodson, both of whom had likewise
received gifts in the ministry, in the exercise of which they
were travelling. William Ellis having heard of this meeting,
signified a wish to attend it, which was readily acceded to
by his master and mistress. Eleanor Haydock describes this
meeting, in a Testimony concerning her husband, pubUshed
in 1700, as " a good meeting, where William Ellis and some
others ytrere convinced."
Abigail Stott, the wife of the master of William Ellis, in
a notice respecting the convincement of the latter, describes
him before attending the meeting at Bradley, as being in
bondage to the spirit of the world, and much carried away
by folly and vanity ; but afterwards, not only as convinced
of the way of truth and righteousness, but as being, in a
good measure, brought into obedience to the same ; and
maintaining a humble, peaceable, and self-denying life, cir
cumspect both in his words and ways, lest he should offend
the Lord." She also says, that he was a good example to
her servants, and a reprover of vice and the appearance of
evil in her children, whom he often restrained from vanity
and that which corrupts youth ; that he often laboured with
his hands when he might have slept, in order that he might

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 13
get to meetings ; that after he had done his work, he often
retired into places more free from noise and hurry ; that he
loved honest-minded Friends, and all the neighbours who
were in any measure well-minded, whether rich or poor, but
was especially a visitor of the needy ; that through faith in
Christ Jesus, he denied himself of the glory and friendship
of the world ; and that he often suffered and was reviled for
confessing Christ before men.
The particulars of the sufferings of William Ellis for con
science' sake, beyond the common distraints made upon
Friends for refusing to comply with the unjust, but legalised
demands, for the compulsory support of a national church-
establishment, do not appear to have been recorded, except
in one case. In this case, Abigail Stott says, that " as he
was passing through Skipton, to attend a meeting for wor
ship with his friends, he was taken by violent hands, and
imprisoned in the tolbooth." How long he remained a
prisoner does not appear.
When about twenty-one years of age, William Ellis re
moved to Airton, where he resided during the remainder of
his life. There is reason to believe that in his settling at
Airton, he established himself in a very humble way as a
linen-weaver; but that by industry and good economy he
gradually improved in his temporal circumstances, until he
became a master-weaver, employing a considerable number
of men. He was liberal, according to his circumstances,
when his means were small, and his liberality increased with
the increase of his means.
Soon after his removal to Airton, he came forth in the
ministry, bearing a public testimony to the Truth of which
he was made a partaker, and in which he walked uprightly,
2

14 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
so as to be a good example. In process of time he became
an able minister of the Gospel, and a diligent labourer in
the vineyard of the Lord. He cherished a deep concern for
the maintenance of Gospel order in the church of Chrisi,
and while but a young man, began to express what was
upon his mind in meetings for discipline; but not being
forward to speak in these meetings, and having a reverent
regard for those who were in Christ before him, and being
careful to speak in the fear of God, and in a sense and
savour of the divine life upon his mind, and demeaning
himself with great humility, his labours were well received.
In the early part of 1688, William Ellis was married to
Alice Davie or Davy ; he was then about 30 years of age.
Of the early days of Alice Ellis no account appears to have
been preserved ; but she proved a true helper to her hus
band, and was zealously concerned for the promotion of
the cause of Truth ; and for this object, cheerfully gave him
up to travel in the Lord's service ; and she heartily united
with him in acts of hospitality and benevolence : she also
became a minister of the Gospel, and several times accom
panied other Friends in religious visits to different parts of
the country, but her labours were chiefly exercised in her
own meeting and the other meetings of Friends within the
monthly-meeting of Settle.
William Ellis travelled in the work of the ministry into
various parts of England ; but though he had the unity of
his Friends in_ these apostolic journeys, no record of them,
at that early period of the Society, appears on the minutes
of the monthly-meeting of Settle, to which he belonged ; he
visited the eastern parts of Yorkshire in 1686 ; and the
following letter from John Real, a Friend of Falmouth,

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 15
addressed to William Ellis, evidently refers to a visit of the
latter to Cornwall as early as 1690. — John Real died at
Penryn in 1697; in the register of his burial he is described
as "an ancient Friend." — John Richardson, who is men
tioned in this letter, was from Yorkshire. At the time of
his being in Cornwall on the religious visit here alluded to,
he would be only about 25 years of age ; he laboured dili
gently in the Gospel in Great Britain, Ireland, and America,
and died at Hutton-in-the-Hole, in 1753, aged 87 years.
See his Journal, also the Tract, No. 42, of the York
Friends' Tract Association. — Mary Frost was from North
Shields ; she also must have been young at the time of this
visit, and must have attained to an advanced age, as she
died in 1756.

«' Launceston, 1st of the 1st mo., 1691.
To William Ellis.
My dear and loving friend, unto whom my
love flows and abounds ! in the blessed and unchangeable
Truth of our God, very dearly doth my love salute thee ; and
my desire is, that as the blessed and holy appearance of
the Truth hath been made known unto us in our day and
time, so we may walk and live in it, to our mutual comfort
and consolation. Oh my dear and well-beloved friend ! I
cannot forget the many heavenly opportunities wherein we
have been comforted and refreshed together ; and our God
is loving and kind to us, in sending his children and ser
vants to visit us, in this remote part of the country. And
now, having this opportunity, and the company of dear John

16 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OB
Richardson and Mary Frost, whose labour of U ' d service
are well accepted of in these parts, I could do no less than
^ive thee a few lines, whereby thou mayst know that I love
thee, and all the dear children of my Father, who are all
begotten of the Seed Immortal, and born of the Spirit of
Truth ; and that I should be glad to see a few lines from
thee, as opportunity happens. Blessed be the Lord ! Friends
in these parts are well, and the blessed Truth prospers ;
though the enemy and adversary of mankind seeks, as ever
he did, to hinder it ; yet the Lord's power is over all, and
his seed is growing, and the plant of renown is springing.
Glory and praise to the name of the Great God for evermore !
I have not time to enlarge to thee at present; but this
take, as the remembrance of my dear and unfeigned love,
wherewith I bid thee Farewell. Give my dear love to thy
wife, though unknown.
John Real."

By the subjoined letter, it appears that William and Alice
Ellis had a son who was named Jonathan. This seems to
have been their only child. Thomas Gwin, of Falmouth,
the writer of this letter, joined the Society of Friends when
young, and became a laborious and sound minister among
them : he was the author of several tracts, containing much
excellent counsel ; one of the earliest of these was addressed
« To the children of Friends and other young people." He
died in 1720, aged about 64 years.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 17
" Falmouth, 2nd of 10th mo., 1692.
Dear William Ellis,
Thy acceptable lines I received, and am glad
that myself with many Friends more, here away, have a place
in thy remembrance, which will not, I hope, be blotted out,
though our abodes are at so great a distance ; but that the
Lord, in whom our fellowship and communion have been, will
still preserve the same, fresh and lively, while he sees fit to
continue us in these tabernacles of clay ; and that, as he has
made us, as it were, monuments of his tender mercy, so we
may for ever speak forth his praise. According to the
resolution of a good man of old, who in his prayer said.
From my youth Thou hast taught me, and now likewise
when I am old and grey-headed, 0 Lord ! forsake me
not, until I have showed thy strength to another genera
tion, and thy power to those who are yet to come ; and as
the Lord is thus near us, we shall be very near and dear
one unto another : so dear William, I have communicated
thine to pretty many Friends, who are glad with me, of
thy wife's well-being, and of the birth of thy son Jonathan :
the Lord, if it be his will, cause him, as he grows in years,
to grow in grace, and in his Divine favour. As for my part,
I have been exceedingly exercised, by the removing of my
little daughter, on whom I had placed too much affection ;
but it hath been the Lord's will since that, to give me
another, who I desire, may grow up in God's fear ; for I
have a true unity with thee in thy concern on account of
Friends' children ; and a jealousy sometimes on my mind,
2*

18 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
lest the ensuing generation receiving the profession of
Truth in a traditional way, and being unacquainted with the
wonders of the Lord, which he has wrought for his exercised
people, in their travels through the wilderness, may be ready
to sit as those who are at ease in Zion, and trust in the
mountains of a formal profession. The Lord, I beseech
him, turn away this careless and lukewarm spirit from among
the offspring of his people ; and engage the young generation
in zeal and fervency, in his service. As to Friends here,
though some are too careless, yet there is a remnant whose
delight is in the Lord, and to whom he delights to do good,
and to refresh with the visitations of his presence, whereby
their strength is renewed, season after season. And the
spirits of some are concerned, and their mouths sometimes
opened on God's account, being made witnesses of the ope
ration of his Divine Power, by which they are stirred up to
speajf forth his praise. I am, dear William, thy friend and
brother in the fellowship and bond of Truth. Thomas Gvtin."

The following expression of condolence shows that Wil
li*^ and Alice Ellis were soon called upon to give up their
only child. James Tatham, the writer, was a native of
Wray, near Lancaster, and was a brother of John Tatham,
mentioned in page 20 : he had settled as a grocer in White-
chapel, London, where he died in 1703, aged 52 years.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 19
" London, 15th of 5th mo., 1693.
Dear Friend, I received thine, whereby I understand that
thou got well home, at which I was glad ; but I was sorry
to hear of the loss of thy son ; but consider his great happi
ness ; he has passed his sojourning here in a little time, and
is entered, without doubt, into his Father's bosom, where
there is peace and joy for evermore. — I shall not be tedious
at this time, hoping thou wilt be sensible by this, what is in
my heart. We must leave all to the Lord, and to his
ordering hand of Providence.
James Tatham."

20 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP

CHAPTER IL
Certificate to Ireland. Letters to Alice Ellis — .to friends of Settle
Monthly Meeting, — from Samuel Randal and Joseph Pike, — and
to Alice Ellis. Notices of Thomas Trafford and James Dickenson.
The following certificate was given to William Ellis,
on his visiting Ireland. It is well worthy of notice, as
a document of this kind, of very early date, and as exhibit
ing the christian love and the soundness of the faith of those
who issued it, as well as their lively sense of the right order
of the gospel. The John Tatham who signs it, was a pre
decessor of the present clerk of Settle Monthly-meeting, who
also bears the same name.
" At our Monthly Meeting, at Settle, in the county of York,
the fifth of 10th mo. 1694.
To our Friends in the unchangeable Truth of our God, in
the nation of Ireland, whom he hath called to believe in the
light of his Son : Grace and peace be multiplied in and
among you.
Whereas William Ellis, a friend and member of our
meeting, unto whom the Lord hath committed a gift in the
ministry of the word of life, and sent him forth many, or
several times in his work and service, hath put it into his
heart, and laid a concern upon his mind, to go to visit the
meetings of Friends in Ireland, of which he hath given us

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 21
to understand ; and also how he hath ordered aud disposed
of his outward concerns to the care and comfort of his wife,
and his wife's willingness and freeness to give him up in
that service, to our satisfaction. All these things being
weightily considered, in the fear of God by us, and we
finding nothing but that all was well in all things concerning
him, do certify you, or whom it concerns, that we have good
and perfect unity with him, and do commend him unto you,
to receive him as a brother in the Truth, and fellow-labourer
in the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to
whom be glory for evermore.
From your Friends and brethren in the Truth, met at the
Monthly Meeting at Settle, in England, the day and year
above written.
Signed on behalf, and by appointment of, the meeting, by
John Tatham."
The progress of William Ellis in his visit to Ireland, may be
gathered from the following letters. They all exhibit his care
for the honour of God in all things, temporal and spiritual, at
home or abroad. The notice in the letter to his wife, of the
Farewell which some gave him, on his setting out on this
journey, indicates, that his uncompromising integrity was
not cordial to some who shrunk from faithfulness to the
Lord. Such have in all ages been a source of trial to the
spiritually minded, and have themselves sustained grievous
loss, in regard to spiritual comfort and many other blessings.
Thomas Trafford, who is mentioned in the following
letter, appears to have paid a religious visit to Ireland
in 1690, and subsequently to have settled there : he re
sided at Wicklow, and was committed to the jail in that

•2'J, LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
place, in 1701, at the suit of a priest, for tithes, and kept
there two years. See Gough's History of Friends in Ireland,
and Besse's Sufferings.
" Daiford, in Ireland, 26th of llth mo. 1694.
Dear Wife,
After my dear love to thee, by this thou mayst
know that I am now in Ireland, but I stayed at Liverpool
two weeks, because the wind served not. It was some
exercise to my mind, but when we got to sea, we went well
away, and got to the Irish coast in about thirty-six hours.
There were several passengers that were given to much
wickedness, which was a great disturbance to my mind ; also
I was sick ; but when we got to land, I soon mended, and
my mind rose again. Our landing was at Dublin, the 21st
instant, where we were kindly received by Friends, who
received account of me from England. The report of our
coming to shore got soon into the city, and several Friends
sought us out. The first man I knew was honest Thomas
Trafford, whom I found in the city, who seemed more than
ordinarily glad to see me. The night we were on the seas,
were two Whitehaven ships taken by a privateer, I suppose
in or near the way we went, but we escaped all dangers ;
and now being here with Friends, the goodness of the Lord
hath come upon me, in the like manner as it often did in my
own country, when the exercise of this journey was upon
me. So calling to mind all these things, with more than
I'll now speak of, doth much confirm me, that my service
for the precious Truth is, and will be acceptable before the
Lord, for which my soul hath much travailed ; blessed be

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 23
his pure and holy name for ever and for evermore ! Now
the next thing that I have to remind thee of is this, that
thou take care of thyself: first of thy mind, that thou do
not overbow it ; and that thou take care of thy body, that
thou do not overwork thyself: it will be enough that thou
see the work done. Twice I dreamed of my men, how that
they were not quiet one with another. Tell them to be sure
that they live in love ; and though I be not with them, yet
the presence of my Master will be with them, to guide in all
the ways of quietness, if they do but incline to his counsel.
My dear love to them all : and whatsoever thou seest would
be my place to speak if I were present, speak thou ; and as to
doing, do in like manner ; and let none despise thee. Truth
is one, in wife and husband ; and I know none fitter to do
the husband's work than a wife : fail me not in this my
desire, for my soul is concerned for the honour of God, let
all the unruly say what they will. My dear love to Richard
Wilkinson and wife and family ; and be sure thou keep open
the door of kindness ; and let nothing be wanting that you
can serve one another with. Mind my love to Thomas
Stockdale and his family, and to old Phineas Parkinson who
comforted me, and to Friends generally ; and let me have a
full account how Friends manage their affairs, and what is
come of William Hartley and Francis Atkinson, and whether
James Conyers be quiet or not. If you let in that unruly
spirit, it will lay the vineyard desolate ; and the wall being
thrown down, the boar of the wood will enter in, and then
will devour every green thing ; therefore be zealous that
the wall, which is God's salvation, is not broken down. I
am sensible that as the mountains are about Jerusalem, the
Lord is round about his people : and as to my zeal for the

24 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Truth, that hath been upon me when among you, I am more
and more confirmed ; because the goodness of God doth still
open upon my spirit. My mind is greatly eased of all those
things that I spoke of to thee, which engages my mind, to
love and serve the Lord with all my soul and strength : and
further, it is great ease to my mind, that thou parted so
freely with me ; for though we be separated one from another,
yet I well consider what it is for ; for, for this cause, even
discharging our duty when required, our days may be
lengthened to live together to the praise of God, and the
comfort one of another. My dear love to thyself and to all
my men, bidding them have a care of an angry mind, that
leads out of the fear of God. My love once more to Richard
Wilkinson and his wife and children ; I earnestly desire his
edge may be kept sharp at all times, that he may help his
fellow in the day of battle, who doth fully intend, by the
strength of the Lord, not to fail him in any of his exercises,
he may meet with. Bid George Leemin keep out of foolish
pity, which will blind the eye ; that is his danger ; and as
to such as love this world more than the Truth, blend not
with them, let them pretend what they will : the Lord hath
opened mine eye to see beyond that spirit. The farewell
that some gave me, when I think of it, saddens my heart ;
but who they are, it makes no matter, for they have lost their
place in my mind. One thing more I have to tell thee of;
James Dickinson hath gone through that great city of Lon
don, to cry against it. My love to sister Jennett Davy and
Jennett Stall, and bid them mind the time, to war when
they have their armour on. So with dear love I rest, thy
truly loving husband, William Ellis."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 25
James Dickinson, referred to in the preceding letter, was
from Cumberland : he became a minister in early life, and
laboured diligently in the exercise of his gift, in various
parts of the world ; he died in 1741, aged 82. The cir
cumstance alluded to by William Ellis is recorded in James
Dickinson's Journal, Ed. 1847, page 143.
The following epistle was probably addressed to Friends
of Settle Monthly-meeting :
« Cork, the 26th of 12th mo., 1694.
Dearly Beloved Friends,
Though I be separated in body, yet is not my
travail ended for your good and eternal welfare ; but as my
mind was sometimes exercised when with you for the pros
perity of Truth, so are my earnest desires still, that whereas
you have received the Truth, every one with all carefulness
may walk in it ; and as I have often exhorted, so I would
put you in mind again, that you meet often together, and
when met, labour to be rightly exercised in mind towards
God in your particular gifts, and that none give way to an
indifferent mind or a conceited spirit, which blinds the eye
of the pure mind ; but every one keep to the power [of the
Holy Spirit], so in that you will be enabled to withstand
that spirit that leads to sleep and unconcernedness, which
some have been too much inclined unto, to the great dis
honour of God, their own great hurt, and to the trouble
and grief of honest Friends ; for where Truth is not lived
in, in the inward parts, that spirit takes place, and so brings
3

26 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP
1 irth such fruits. Also be tender to every green thing that
appears, and labour that such things be weeded out of your
assembly as cumber and hurt ; for this I do see, that neither
a man nor a meeting shall ever be right before God, till evil
be purged out of the heart. Let the notion of religion be
i\hat it will, those that walk in the Truth, do, and will
receive the goodness of God when met together : it is such
that take delight to come together on God's account, and
cannot cry, " My business, my business ;" neither will they
be hindered by it, for they know the great business is to
increase their strength in the Truth. Another thing I
desire, that where the great wolf hath fastened or may fasten
his teeth upon any, and they be not destroyed, be sure the
wound be truly dressed, and then pour in the oil of God's
kingdom, which men by all their wits cannot prepare or
make ready. And as my mind hath often been concerned,
so it is, that when met together on Truth's affairs, which is
no less than the helping to set up the government of Christ,
that as the heart is given up to worship, so the outward
things he is to have the disposing of, and not we. Pray
what means the Prophet, when he saith, " The ships of
Tarshish shall wait to bring thy sons, and they of Sheba
shall come and bring their silver and gold, and lay it down
at thy feet," or words to this effect. So the sons were not
to come only, but the glory of all outward things with them :
so then by this, Christ Jesus is to have all, body, soul, and
substance ; and the world will never be brought to its right
foundation till those things be so. Labour to set up Christ's
government amongst you, and then I know that whatsoever
makes for the Truth and the promotion of it, will be earnestly
pursued. Let the Spirit bring it forth in whom it will, old

WILLIAM A:s'D ALICE ELLIS. 27
or young, high or low, rich or poor, all is and will be one.
The Lord hath opened my understanding to see that there
is a great exercise to be come to and gone through, in setting
up Christ's kingdom, besides the preaching of the Truth in
words ; so all walk in the Truth, then peace will be found
one with another ; for Oh ! my soul mourns with a bitter
lamentation for all those that walk not in it, and measure
themselves by themselves, and take the rules of their own
making and walk by them. But this I have in spirit — the
Lord is risen in the greatness of his strength, and hath shaken,
and is terribly shaking the heavens, and will mightily shake
the earth, with the thunder of his power ; and this is to make
ready a people for Himself to dwell in, that in the end he
may bring them to that kingdom that shall never be shaken :
and these are they that do walk, and more and more will vcalk
according to the rule and government of his Power, for which
my spirit travails, that it may be set up amongst you. One
thing more hath opened in my understanding, and is of some
weight upon my mind, that you be all found in that which
gives ease to the souls one of another, — that is, quickened in
the seed of Christ, both in conversation and time of worship;
and give no occasion to those that are without ; so peace and
love will abound from God, and will be multiplied one to
another ; and in the completing of these things my soul will
be more glad than in the increase of this world, if I live to
see you again. I am much comforted in my travel in this
kingdom, because the Lord's power often comes upon me,
by wbich I am enabled, in body and mind, to complete that
which is fallen to my lot in my day. My love is dearly
commended to all honest Friends, and great is my travail for
such as are not what they should be. This from your truly

28 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
loving friend, who labours with all his strength to exalt the
government of Christ in his generation. William Ellis."
Both the Friends whose names are signed to the following
letter, were Elders in Cork Meeting, and were highly ser
viceable in the discipline of the society. There is a notice
of Samuel Randal, in the Sixth Part of "Piety Promoted ;"
he died in 1718, aged about 64 : and an account of the life
of Joseph Pike, who died in 1729, aged about 72, was
published by John Barclay, in 1837.
" To William Ellis. Cork, 14th of 1st mo., 1695.
Dear Friend, Thine of the 26th of the 8th mo. to Samuel
Randal, came to hand last week, the receipt of which was
gladness to us both ; and according to thy desire, we shall
acquaint Friends of thy love to them. Dear friend, we take
notice with refreshment to our spirits, of the aboundings of
the goodness of the Lord with thee : and believing it will
be comfortable to thee to hear how it is with us here, we
have freedom to let thee know, that Truth doth' prosper and
grow in the hearts of several in our meetings ; and the
Lord's work goeth on amongst us : blessed and praised be
his holy and worthy name, who is strength in time of
weakness, and maketh rich those that are truly poor ! Oh !
that we may for ever be preserved in pure humility ; that
Truth may more and more enlarge itself in our hearts ; and
self in all its transformings for ever be abased, is the earnest
desire of our souls ; and believing the fervent prayers and

WILLIAM ANDALICE ELLIS. 29
breathinga-of the righteous prevail with the Lord, we desire
to be had in thy remembrance, in the time of thy near ap
proaches to him. We remain thy truly loving friends,
Samuel Randal.
Joseph Pike."
" The 30th of the 1st mo. 1695.
Dear Wife,
After my dear love to thee, for so it is, by this
thou mayst know, that I am now at Lisnagarvey, where
Thomas Swire lives, and have visited Friends South and
West, and have but eight meetings to go to, and then I hope
I shall be clear of Ireland ; only I think to see Friends at
the half-year's meeting, so may spend time till then, and then
I hope to see England again. The Lord's power hath greatly
borne me up ; I know not that I was ever before in so much
need to try its strength ; and in the greatest need of all, it
hath brought me through, even as through deep and rough
waters ; so that I can say, with a freshness in my heart, The
Lord is my shield, my fort and my tower, my stronghold, my
rock and my deliverer, his goodness is now become my deep
delight, even as a morning song, so that my spirit doth ex
ceedingly rejoice in God's goodness ; and I am persuaded he
will give me to see through things in myself, and also to see
through that which stands in Truth's way, in many others.
My love to Richard Wilkinson, his wife and children ; to all
my servants, and to Abigail Stott ; and bid them labour to
get to week-day meetings ; and there to' get hold of the
sweetness of the Truth. My love to sister Jennett, and to
Daniel, and bid him order his affairs so that you may have

30 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
his company at week-day meetings. There is a brave gift
in him, if it be but stirred up to increase. Bid Solomon
love the God of his father, and of his father's servant ; if so,
He will be found of him in all his straits. My love is to all
Friends that love Truth. I see we shall have brave times,
if that old devil be but cast out, that sits so close, and hath
so many faces and parts, and is sometimes like a lamb. This
from thy truly loving husband,
William Ellis."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 31

CHAPTER IIL
Letters from Wm. Edmundson — to Wm. Edmundson — to John Wynn,—
from Wm. Edmundson — to Wm. Edmundson — from Wm. Ellis to
his servants — to J. Tomlinson — to some Friends in Ireland, with a
notice of the building of the Meeting-house at Airton. Testimony
respecting Roger Haydock.
In the letters contained in this chapter, a fervent zeal for
the promotion of the Gospel is exhibited, in connexion with
much excellent counsel ; and the opening of a concern to
visit America, is touched upon. The care of William Ellis
and some others over the flock of Christ is also strikingly
exhibited, and in William Ellis's Testimony respecting Roger
Haydock, some interesting particulars of his own religious
course are given.
William Edmundson, the writer of the following letter,
was a native of Westmoreland, but resided during the greater
part of his life in Ireland : he became convinced of the sound
ness of the Christian principles held by the Society of Friends,
through the instrumentality of George Fox and James Nayler,
in 1653. His character as a faithful disciple and minister
of Christ, is set forth in a journal of his life, travels, suffer
ings, &c. published after his decease, which took place in
1712. He was about 68 years of age when he wrote the
following letter, and nearly 85 when he died.

32 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
" Rossenallis, the 23rd of the 5th mo. 1695
Dear Wm. Ellis,
I received thy letter two days ago, and am
glad to hear of thy safe coming home, and of thy well-being.
Finding things well in thy family is great encouragement to
be diligent and vigilant in the Lord's service, in his vineyard
and husbandry. There is much work to do, and it is fair
weather ; the Lord having commanded the winds and storms
to cease, so that it is a calm time ; and the Lord's labourers
that he hath called into his vineyard, and gifted with his
Holy Spirit, for the work of the ministry, are to follow his
work and business close, and finish their work in the day
time, and to be rewarded with " Well done, good and faith
ful servant," and not to stand idle in the market place, about
the affairs of this world, and so neglect the Lord's work and
service. There is need of good workmen, both in doctrine
and discipline ; for the old enemy is hard at work, sowing
tares, briers and thorns, to surfeit men's minds and under
standings ; and his old engine in this world, and the things
and kingdom of it, to twist and draw men from the Lord's
business, and cumber them in the affairs of this life, and load
them as with thick clay, so that they cannot follow the Lord
and his work, truly and faithfully, as they ought to do. And
here many sit down at ease, in the flesh and will, and in
their own time and place ; and this is not right : and they
lose a good and right understanding, as in a mist, and lose
their way, and are clouded and darkened. So whilst the
light shines, all are to mind the Lord's business ; and He is
and will be with them to the end, who is our Overseer,
Director and Counsellor, who is with bis workmen, that are

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 33
diligent in his garden, vineyard and husbandry ; that put
their hand to the plough, and look not back, but look to the
Lord and the prosperity of his blessed work of reformation,
and love it and delight in it, more than in all visibles, that will
come to an end. And blessed be the Lord ! he owns his
work and workmen, that seek not their own, but the honour
of his great Name, and the comely order of his Gospel, which
keeps all in their ranks, from first to last, in the church and
body of Christ, to do their service, in their places, according
to their ability, gift and calling. And blessed be the Lord!
a concern comes upon many, for close order and discipline in
the church ; and the Lord blesses their endeavours and care
for his honour, and the good of all, and gives them wisdom
and understanding beyond expectation ; and bis heavenly
power makes way through all opposition, to their great en
couragement. Everlasting praises to his name for ever !
Friends in this country are generally well, and Truth's dis
cipline goes on closely ; and the Lord renews the strength
of such as are concerned to maintain it ; and I believe they
will not be weary in their well doing. My true love is to
thee and thy wife, and all honest, true-hearted Friends.
Remember my kind love to them that may inquire after me.
I bless the Lord, I am in health, and yet able, beyond the
common course of nature in these latter ages, considering
my years and hard exercises attending me from my youth.
And I do not see but if the Lord hath yet more service for
me to do, he can give ability to perform his will in old age,
as well as in younger years. So in the fellowship of the
Gospel of Christ, thy true friend and brother,
Wm. Edmundson."

3-4 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
" Airton, the 26th of the 6th mo. 1695.
Dear Friend, W. Edmundson,
By this thou mayst know that I got thine of
the 23rd inst. and am glad to hear of thy welfare. I have
been much better in my mind since, and I bless the Lord in
my heart for his kindness that still opens upon his servants,
to give advice to his people, whereby they may be stirred up
to do their service in their day ; and I am the more glad
because he is giving advice and counsel to such as he hath
really called out of the world and the entanglements of it, to
advise and counsel others, lest we should sit down and do
our own business, and seek our own gain, to fill our own
treasuries with, and let the Lord's garner be empty ; and by
thus doing, grow emptier in ourselves, and so grow weaker
in ministering to others. And for want of the good part
being deeply reached unto, sometimes flatness hath too much
prevailed. My soul hath at times travailed under a great
weight, because of these things, though but a young man,
and a mean man in mine own eyes ; yet blessed be the Lord !
I see that he is stirring up the spirits of some of his people
to the end, that Friends may yet go forward, as to the
enjoyment of the sweetness of the hidden life, and in the
exalting of the peaceable government of Christ Jesus ; though
there are some, I believe, who think there is enough of that.
I had a letter last week from Theodore Eccleston, a Friend
in London, with desires to hear of my journey in your country,
to which I have given answer, and concluded with a few
lines as under- written : — " My soul rejoiceth to see that the
day hastens, that Babel with her gain, by which the great
men of the earth have been made rich, is now coming into

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 35
remembrance before God ; for he will stop her gain ; and
now is the Lord about to try who they are that will cry,
alas! alas ! and who they are that will rejoice over her, be
cause the hour of her judgment is coming on. As upon the
great men of the earth, so on poor tradesmen, who work,
some in wool and some in silk, and some in fine linen ; now
it is coming on, to try all who will offer up freely, and who
they are that will say, If I lose my gain I cannot be sup
plied ; so then I cannot live : and I believe not only on the
above-named, but also on such as work in wood and stone,
and iron and brass, and silver and gold, with those that make
gain on the souls of men. My spirit rejoiceth in God
Almighty, to see that his Arm is awakened, and hath put on
strength. The Lord stir up the spirits of his people, as he
did of old, that distinction may be truly made between dross
and fine gold." Now as touching my inquiry of the West
Indies travel, because thou art desirous to know my meaning :
that very matter hath sometimes glimmered in my mind, now
going on three years, which was before my son died ; but
lest I should lay hold on an uncertain motion, I have been
of that mind, to keep my mind from tampering with it, lest
I should be muddled in so weighty a matter, and miss my
right way, and lose that good reward that my soul earnestly
labours for. Now in thus doing, sometimes I have found
little concern in my mind about it, and at other times some
thing hath seemed to draw my mind towards that country
with a flowing of kindness to the inhabitants thereof, in
like manner as my mind hath been, when it hath been to
visit Friends in other places ; and if I must confess to the
truth, as it is in secret, I dare not say, but it is as full of
kindness and well-wishings as ever to that country. Now I

36 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
know that as I have not answered my place to the full, as
I ought to have done, the hand of the Lord hath been strong
and terrible upon me, though I have kept it from all living
but my wife ; so that under the weight of his sharp chas
tising hand, I have cried earnestly to him that if he would
bring me up in my place, to stand in his delightful presence,
I would be willing to run his errand, by sea or land ; and
that which he hath given me should, in like manner, be at
his disposing ; and thus he hath wrought with his gracious
hand, to the snapping that cord in pieces, which drew my
mind to the world. I know not that I ever opened my mind
so much to any in my life. Now the journey is weighty, and
requires certain evidence, so that when the matter seems to
draw me forward, something in me desires that I might stay
the time, till a fit companion offers, that may be to my com
fort : and if it be my lot, I hope the Lord in time will find
out one, or else will give me both ability and boldness in the
great and weighty concern. Now if a fit companion be made
ready, I am so free from the world that it need not hinder
me, neither doth my wife at all. I have said little or nought
to any of the elders in our country, but to John Wynn, whom
I take to be an honest, weighty Friend. I desire thee to
send me a few lines with what speed thou conveniently canst,
with thy judgment or sense in this matter, for the better in
forming of my understanding; for it is my pleasure to do
that which is acceptable to the Almighty.
Wm. Ellis."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 37
" To John Wynn, Airton, the 10th of 7th mo. 1695.
Dear Friend,
By this know that I would fain see thee,
for thou hast been and art often in my mind; for my
love hath been much to thee since the first of my con
vincement, because thou wast an instrument in God's hand,
for my help in that day ; and the subject that opened upon
thy mind comes often into my remembrance ; it was. That
all were to prize their time, for it is as swift as a weaver's
shuttle. And although this was many years ago, yet it lives
upon my mind as much as ever ; and not only the memory
of it, but it is in my mind to answer to it : for I plainly see
that it is as swift as a weaver's shuttle, and there must be
devout faithfulness, where time is truly prized and answered.
Therefore considering the great loss on the account of neg
lecting it, and the great and joyful reward that is to be
received in truly prizing time, makes my soul travail to answer
my place in time ; and I oft say, if I had it to spend over
again, I could spend it to better advantage : however this I
know, that the Lord is a God of great kindness and tender
mercy, and delights to see judgment work out into victory ;
and that the hearts of his people, whom he hath blessed, should
be freely willing to venture all for his Name, even soul, body
and substance. Dear John, my heart is set to serve the
Lord, and with all my might to exalt his Truth ; for he hath
greatly wrought for my help every way ; both in opening
upon my mind the sweetness of his Truth, and in setting me
at liberty in outward things, and in keeping my mind over
the spirit of the world, so that in all the good that is come
4

38 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
upon me every way, I do not give the honour to that which
some call Good luck, or Good fortune ; but only to that great
Name that is over every name, and over all powers.
Wm. Ellis."
Neither Robert Wardell nor Robert Barrow, who are
mentioned in the following letter, lived to return to England
from their transatlantic visit. Robert Wardell, who was
from Sunderland, in Durham, had travelled much in Europe,
in the work of the ministry, before visiting America : he
died in Jamaica in 1696, aged 60. After his decease,
Robert Barrow, who was from Westmoreland, sailed for
Pennsylvania: he was shipwrecked in the Gulf of Florida,
and suffered great hardships among tbe Indians, by which
his health was greatly impaired. He died in Philadelphia,
soon after arriving there in 1697, at an advanced age.
" Rossenallis, the 18th of the Sth mo. 1695.
Dear Wm. Ellis,
This day I received thine from Airton, dated
the 26th of the 6th mo. last. And as to that of the West
Indies: it is good to mind the Lord's motions and his
openings, in the light and love of Christ, and to be given
up in his light to follow where he shall lead in his work and
service ; and in his light, his will and mind are cleared up
in his own time, to his servants' understanding, that are
devoted to do his will in his time and season, and divorced
from this world's care and cumber, which is as thick clay,
and loads the minds of those that are in its spirit, so that
they cannot run in the ways of God's commands. And,

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 39
dear William, I know that there is great need of faithful
and skilful labourers in the Lord's vineyard, in those parts
of the world, and especially relating to church government
and close order in the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ ; and the service of it is often with me, and how it may
be, I shall see in the Lord's will and time, who gives ability
to perform what he requires. I received a letter from
Robert Wardell and Robert Barrow, from Philadelphia ;
they are both well, and the Lord blesses their service. I
have also letters from Barbadoes. I was lately at Dublin
with several country Friends : it being tbe time of the Par
liament sitting ; and Friends' attending there is often of
great service for the ease of Friends, especially about oaths,
in several acts. The Parliament is generally courteous and
' loving to us, and ready to do us good and to serve us in any
respect ; they seem to regard us in every act they pass, in
which we may be any way concerned, and nothing can move
in the house against us, but we presently have notice of it.
The Lord is working mightily in the hearts of the Govern
ment, for his Truth and people : his Name is to be reverenced
and magnified for ever ! The Lord, through his comeliness,
hath beautified his people, and made them amiable in the
minds of men ; and the Lord is honouring such as seek his
honour and the public good, laying aside all particular and
self-interest, and endeavouring, according to ability and gift,
to prefer the kingdom and government of Christ Jesus. And
a godly concern comes upon many honest-hearted Friends,
for the close Gospel order ; and the Lord causes it to prosper,
to their great encouragement and satisfaction, though there
want not those that would live at ease and liberty in their
wills ; but Truth prevails, and the testimony and holy dis-

40 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
cipline of Christ, in the authority of his Eternal Power, are
over all, which brings all under, and crowns the labour of
his faithful servants. Our Province Meeting is a week hence,
and our Half Year's Meeting at Dublin is soon after. I
hope, if the Lord will, to be there. Thou mayst write at
large to me. So with my dear love to thee, thy wife, and
all true-hearted Friends,
Wm. Edmundson."

"Airton, the 14th of the llth mo. 1695.
Dear Wm. Edmundson,
By this know that I received thine from the
Half Year's Meeting, which was very acceptable to me and
my wife ; but I would gladly have seen it before it came to
hand, and am well pleased with thy advice about that great
and weighty concern ; and I do intend, by the Lord's assis
tance, to do accordingly. Now as in relation to Friends in
that country, it hath often been in my mind, the great good
that might be done in those parts, by four or six honest,
weighty, concerned Friends, not only in doctrine but in
discipline, which I see more and more is too much a wanting
in many places ; and if it be brought to pass, that the Lord
should stir up Friends in that service, and he makes way for
me, I should be glad to enjoy such company as might com
plete such a work, for it is truly begun. I bless the Lord
with my whole heart ; for his goodness is often upon me,
which makes me incline after his counsel, that I may answer
my service to the full : and though I have a trade, I find
much strength to live over it, and loose from it, so that if the
above-named concern, or any other, fall to my lot, I have littl'

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 41
to hinder me. The Lord hath wonderfully helped me in
things outward, so that want of that, need not hinder me.
And I do resolve, by the Lord's help, the aboundings thereof
shall not hinder me, neither. One thing I would request of
thee, that is this, that if the intended journey grow up to be
completed in thee, then let me have the knowledge thereof;
and as often as thou canst till then, give me a few lines,
as time affords. I shall, forbear to tell thee the benefit thy
letters are to me. I was at the last Lancaster Quarterly
Meeting ; to my great comfort, I beheld their comely order
in their affairs ; and this I see, they go fast forward, aud
grow too strong for all that would oppose their discipline ;
there were many glad hearts to see that wisdom and coun
sel that opened in several, in order to set up the govern
ment of Christ Jesus. We have had many public-friends
with us of late, John Gratton, for one, who hath visited our
country fiilly, and hath done great service amongst us, and
is still under an exercise for Ireland. A concern begins to
stir in several here away, for good order ; and if we had but
Elders that were concerned to lead the way, things would go
fast on in our country ; but keep what I say to thyself. It
is some benefit to our Monthly Meeting, that we are so near
Lancaster Quarterly Meeting. George Myers hath been
more Ukely to die than to live, and still is out of order :
some give account that he is low and tender hearted, of
which I am glad. I hear something that Roger and Robert
Haydock have some mind to come to York Quarterly Meet
ing, of which I am glad. If the Lord permit health and
liberty, I intend to see Friends eastward in Yorkshire, in a
little time. Let me know if thou intend for the Yearly
Meeting, with anything else thou seest may be for our. good,
4*

42 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Here are many Friends who have an endeared love for thee ;
and who bless God that it was thy lot to come into our
country.
Wm. Ellis."

From William Ellis to his servants.
" London, the 16th of the 5th mo. 1697.
To Simeon Wilkinson, with the rest of my servants.
These lines may let you know that a concern
is much upon my mind, and hath been since I left you, that
you may truly prize the day of God's kindness that is put
into your hand ; and as it hath pleased God to give you, or
the most of you, the knowledge of his Truth, that you be
sure you prize it ; and I know it hath been by the Truth,
that my heart hath been enlarged to grant you all the liberty
that I could any way see hath been for your good, and the
growth of your love to the Truth, and that you might be truly
brought to a state of private retirement in yourselves, so
that you might be the more able to serve the Lord in your
day. I think it should be often in your thoughts, the care
that hath been upon my mind for keeping week-day meetings ;
and when my heart hath been full of the goodness of God
therein, that I have laboured often to withhold expression,
that I might see how you, with others, might be exercised
in mind. And let me further tell you, it is now your day
as to the great kindness of God, and as to liberty to go to
meetings to renew your strength : therefore consider it as it
is, and keep your minds out of thoughts that are foolish and
vain : and do not think the privileges given are so indifferent

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 43
that they are not to be highly prized ; for I do say, that if it
be not thus with you, but you walk in ease of mind, and
liberty in thoughts, and take care for your preferment and
self-pleasing in the things of the world, and what and how
you shall do to accomplish your interest in other matters, more
than for the interest in Him who hath been Master, Shield,
and Strong Tower ; then the day of exercise will come upon
you, and distress will take hold of you ; and though you may
accomplish your interest in other matters, and in things which
you desire, it will bring with it divine displeasure, with grief
and trouble of body and mind : and though you should keep
under the name of Truth, yet the soul will be under death's
power, and the mind overcharged with the cares of this life ;
and then will your master's counsel come to your remem
brance. Pray consider the reason why there are so many
that fall asleep when met together to worship God, and you
will find they have split upon this rock ; pray consider it in
time ; I am sure that if you be diligent in serving the Lord,
it will be your pleasure and crown in old age. If some of
those whom I had before you, had done thus, I am certain
things had been better with them than they are at this day.
This is written in kind love, and I remain, yours,
William Ellis."
" To John Tomlinson. London, the 24th of the 5th mo. 1697.
Loving Friend, It hath several times been in my mind to write
unto thee since I came unto this town, of things that bear
with some weight upon my spirit, concerning Friends of our

44 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
own meeting ; for although I am far from you, yet a concern is
upon me for your prosperity and establishment in the blessed
Truth. And as thou art one whom we thought most fit to be
joined with the other two Friends as overseers, therefore I send
thee, in true love, these following lines. Now, whereas it
hath been God's great kindness, to raise up a people to serve
him in sincerity and truth ; it is also manifest to all such as
retain a true sense of him, that it hath been his continued
care towards them for their further establishment, to open
many good and wholesome rules and orders amongst them,
to the end that they might come more and more to be settled
in the root of the matter ; therefore the thing that is much
upon me is, that you, into whose hands these people are
committed, to have that oversight of them, may truly see
those things put in practice, which are opened in you,
and which are read at your Preparative Meetings ; so that
things which are wrong may be righted, and things that are
weak may be strengthened. My desire is, that there be no
indifferent minds, nor a putting off things one to another,
nor a saying. It is not my business, or so ; for by so doing,
many hurtful things have crept in, which have brought in
coldness of love to Truth, and to the real service of it, so that
death hath taken hold of many ; so I am truly fearful that
salvation will be wanting to them at last, which fills my
heart with great sadness many times; therefore discharge
yourselves in the sight of God, of those things that are
committed to your charge. That saying of the Lord, by the
mouth of his true prophet, is sometimes in my mind, " That
when the sheep went astray, the Lord set overseers over
them, and if they did not discharge their duty to them, he
would require the flock at their hands." So I desire thee,

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 45
with the concerned Friends, to watch to keep all disorders
from amongst you ; and labour to see Truth come up in its
ancient purity and comeliness. Thou in thyself knowest it
hath been my concern for many years, and while I am with
you, I shall still labour to the utmost of my strength, and
not in speaking only ; there are enough of those who speak,
except they spoke from a deep sense of life, and in a true
fellowship with it in themselves. The Lord's work grows
great upon me, so that it is like to put me out of all business,
and my mind is made to bend to it ; so that the time draws
near, that I must leave wife and friends, and bid you all
farewell. So with kind love to thee and thy brethren, and
friends that inquire of me, I shall remain, with dear love to
my wife, thy true friend,
Wm. Ellis."
The following letter is without an address, but it seems to
have been written to Samuel Randal and Joseph Pike, in the
course of a short interval in which William Ellis was at home
previous to sailing for America. The meeting-house noticed
in it is a stone building, capable of holding about a hundred
and fifty persons ; it was built by WiUiam Ellis at his own
expense ; and he subsequently conveyed it to Friends. Some
of the work about this meeting-house seems to have been com
pleted at a later period. There are on a stone above the dooi
the initials W. A. E. 1700. Previous to the erection of the
meeting-house at Airton, William Ellis seems to have at
tended a meeting held in a neighbouring village, named
Rilston. This meeting was originally called Scalehouse
Meeting : it was established about 1653, chiefly by Richard
Scostrop, who, after persecuting Friends sorely, became con-

46 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
vinced of the soundness of their principles, joined the society,
and preached the faith which once he destroyed, travelling
for this object into various parts of Europe. Rilston and
Airton long constituted one Preparative Meeting. In 1791
the meetings were held alternately at Rilston and Airton.
In 1792, the meetings at Rilston ceased, and Rilston meeting
house was sold in 1813. The meeting-house at Airton is
still occupied by Friends.

" Airton, the 24th of the 6th mo. 1697.
Dear Friends, After my dear love to you, by this know that
my wife had yours before I got from London ; and I have
read it over, and am greatly comforted to hear of your welfare,
and to feel your love still to increase to the Truth, and to
know your labour for the prosperity of it. The tenderness
of your love to me for the Truth's sake, hath wonderfully
overcome my heart ; and I know not how to answer it to
the full ; but am fully satisfied the Lord will give you a
reward here and hereafter, if you keep firm to the end. My
heart is full of tenderness at this time, in the remembrance
of you, and your constant zeal and love to tbe Truth. The
Lord prosper his work amongst you! And dear Friends,
know further, that I am got home, to set my affairs to rights,
with the intent for the journey you know of, having offered
my whole in secret, and my life for a sacrifice ; and all the
thought I take is, that it be but pure enough to offer to the
gracious God that hath had mercy upon me, and thus far
hath saved and delivered me out of all my straits. I have

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 47
had it long in my mind, therefore have I laboured with my
soul, body and substance, that God hath given me, to bring
Truth up into dominion over all the country where I live,
and to bring things to rights in our particular and monthly-
meetings, where I have met with opposition at times : yet I
bless the Lord, and rejoice in his strength, he hath made
bare his arm to help, and has raised many that have been
my helpers, so that divers good things axe set on foot amongst
us ; on that account I am therefore wonderfully easy, and
shall commit the management to the honest men, with the
weight of my charge that God hath put upon me, to see that
things be kept in order, and that the Life may rule over the
congregation. For though Truth hath been preached, and
many convinced, yet for want of a fervent mind, and faith
fulness, it might have been said, as the prophet spoke con
cerning the people of old, Jacob is low, by whom shall he
arise ; so that here hath been great need of faithful labourers,
that the sweetness and marrow of the Gospel may be brought
up to people's understandings. 1 gave you a hint before,
how I had got up a meeting-house ; but now shall give a
small account of the good service we have had since we got
it in order. Many public-friends come to us, and great
numbers of people at times ; and the Lord's goodness opens
wonderfully, so that people declare their satisfaction one to
another ; so that I am in great hopes, great part of our
valley will be' convinced ; and if they will not be converted,
the fault will be their own. Thus the Lord hath graciously
answered the secret travail of my heart. Dear William
Edmundson will give you account, if time permit ; he hath
been at my house two nights, and hath had a great service
in our country. This is with my dear love to you and your

48 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE "OP
wives, and friends as you see meet, as though I named them.
So concludes, your real friend, Wm. Ellis."

"WiUiam Ellis's Testimony concerning our dear Friend,
Roger Haydock.
I h&ve much in my heart concerning our dear Friend,
Roger Haydock, though I cannot express to the full what
I know of him ; but however, I shall say the less, not ques
tioning, but that there are testimonies in the hearts of many
Friends to his worth and faithfulness, and service in the
blessed ¦ind holy Truth ; wherein we have believed and felt
the blessed effects of our faith, to the great comfort and con
solation of our souls.
It was about twenty-one years, the last Third Month,
since I was convinced of the blessed Truth. And though I
have, since that day, had many instructors in Christ, yet I
have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus was I begotten
by him through the Gospel and the operation of the Holy
Spirit, which did effectually open a door of entrance in my
heart, as it opened a door of utterance unto him. It was at
a meeting, at Bradley, near Skipton in Yorkshire ; where he
declared the day of God, which was broken forth in this age,
in great splendour to enlighten mankind. He spoke many
things which reached the states of many in that day ; alluding
to the .state of Israel of old, who passed through the sea, and
saw the wondrous works which the Lord wrought for their
deliverance; yet some forgot him, and made themselves idols
of their jewels and ear-rings ; saying. These be thy gods, 0
Israel, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, and then

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 49
sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. With these
and many more precious words, he did sound forth the glo
rious Gospel. I was abundantly satisfied that day, with
what I felt and heard ; so I took heed unto the Word in my
heart, unto which I was directed by him ; and it grew and
increased; and my faith increased, and I became, according
to my small measure, obedient thereunto ; and my soul was
in love with the Truth, and the followers thereof, especially
with him who had been the instrument of publishing the
same to me : and I could say in' triith. Blessed is he that
cometh in the name of the Lord. I saw his zeal, and was
sensible of, the sincerity of his heart, and of his endeavours
in his lifetime, to promote, to his utmost, the great name
of God.
And when, through {"rovidence, I came to be more inti
mately acquainted with him, I was confirmed in my sense of
him, and his love to God, and zeal for the Truth, ^nd have
in many private opportunities with him, been abundantly
satisfied in the sweet society and feUowship we have enjoyed
together. Arid I am fully persuaded that his root was in the
Truth, and that he was sensible that the Root bore him ; and
he grew therein, and laboured much to bring people to be
established upon the sure Rock, Christ Jesus, the Root of
Life, upon which the true church is buUt : and I know his
labour iri that respect was great, and the Lord saw his faith
fulness, and poured out upon him the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, and of a sound mind, to promote good dis
cipline and comely order in his church, that she might be
like the true church of old, which John spoke of, under the
similitude of " a woman who was clothed with the sun, and
had the moon under her feet ;" which glory did far excel
5

50 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
the glory that attended Solomon in his best state, for the
sake of which, the Queen of the South came from far, and
was overcome with the sight thereof.
Thus did he labour and travel in his day ; spending him
self that the church might be adorned with the comely attire,
and ornaments of the Holy Spirit, and that the name of the
Lord Jesus, her head, might spread to the ends of the
earth. Blessed be the great God of heaven and earth, that raised
up him, and many more, who could hold the sword and be
expert in the war, like the three-score valiant men of Israel,
who kept the bed of Solomon (Cant. iii. 7, 8.), or like the
men of Benjamin, who could sling to an hair's breadth and
not miss. (Judges xx. 15, 16.)
The Lord raise up more such faithful labourers in his
vineyard ; and give them wisdom and zeal, to train up those
who shall believe in the Truth, in sound discipline, as well
as in word and doctrine, that he may restore unto the church.
Judges as at the first, and Counsellors as at the beginning,
that men may call them. The City of Righteousness, the
Faithful City. (Isa. i. 26.) Wm. Ellis."
London, the 20th of the 6th mo. 1697.
Roger Haydock died on the Sth of 3rd month, 1696,
aged 53.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 51

CHAPTER IV.
Certificates to America. Aaron Atkinson. Letters from John Tomkitis to
William Ellis, — from William Ellis to Thomas Aldam, — to John
Hall, — and to Alice Ellis. Memoranda made at sea. Letters from
Francis Plumstead, — John Tomkins to Alice Ellis, — WiUiam Ellis
to Alice Ellis, — to Thomas Aldam.
The certificates with which William Ellis was furnished
on his going to America having been preserved, copies of
them may suitably introduce the correspondence connected
with this engagement. He was accompanied across the
Atlantic by Aaron Atkinson ; and they travelled together
untU the Ulness of this individual, and some variety in their
religious engagements, occasioned them to separate. WUliam
EUis appears to have felt released from the exercise which
had attended his mind respecting the West Indies, noticed
in the previous letters, and to have returned to England
before his friend.
From Settle Monthly Meeting, in the County of York, in
Old England, the 1st day of the 7th mo. 1697 : To our
friends and brethren in the unchangeable Truth of our
Lord Jesus Christ, in America, or elsewhere (whom it
may concern), whom He hath called to believe in the
light of his Son : Grace and peace be multiplied in and
amongst you.

52 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Now these are to certify you, that our dear friend and
brother, William Ellis, hath given us to understand, that it
hath been in his mind, in the love of God, for several years,
to visit Friends in America ; and we having had knowledge
of his labours and travaUs for the Truth's sake, do hereby
certify, that he hath been a faithful labourer in the work of
our Lord Jesus Christ, not only in word and doctrine, but
in propagating of every good work ; according to his mea^
sure, labouring to bring up good order and sound discipline
in the church ; to that end, that all those that are come to
the knowledge of the Truth, may be established upon that
sure Foundation which cannot be shaken, so that the ancient
purity and Comeliness that was in the church of old, may
again be restored in this our day. Thus it hath pleased the
Lord to exercise him in his work and service, so that we can
truly say our unity with him hath been and is, in that which
is beyond words. And if it please the Lord that he come
safe amongst you, our desire is, that he may be received by
you as a faithful brother and labourer in the work of Truth ;
hoping that as he hath been concerned amongst us, he will
labour amongst you, according to that ability God hath given
him, in word and doctrine,- and what else the Lord may be
pleased to concern him in, for the glory of his Name, and
the good and benefit of his church and people.
Signed on behalf of our aforesaid meeting, the day and
year abovesaid, by
Samuel Watson George Lemin
John Moore Thomas WUd
George Atkinson John Moore
John Armistead Adam Squire

WILLI.m AND ALICE ELLIS. o3
John Battersbie Henry King
John Kid Christopher Foster
John Robinson Thomas Carr
WiUiam Windle Thomas Chapman
Richard Ibason Thomas Stockdale
Richard WUkinson
We whose names are here under-written being members
of the Quarterly Meeting at York, being this day acquainted
by our dear friend, WUliam Ellis, of the intention of his
travel (if the Lord permit) into America, upon Truth's ser
vice ; and having also seen a Certificate from the Monthly
Meeting to which he doth belong, as on the other side, con
cerning the same, do hereby further signify unto all Friends
to whom this may come, that we have unity with him in his
undertaking; having known him to be a man of integrity
and a sincere lover of Truth and the prosperity thereof, and
a faithful labourer therein amongst us, according to the
grace bestowed upon him, since the day and time the Lord
gave forth his word unto him and made him a publisher
fliereof ; in whose testimony we haye been many times truly
comforted when with us ; and hope it will be so with all
honest Friends where the Lord shaU order him.
This from our Quarteriy Meeting at York, this 22nd of
the 7th month, 1697.
Subscribed on the behalf of our said meeting, by
John Blaykling • Michael Lazenby
John Taylor John Jepson
Thomas Aldam Marmaduke Beckwith
Thomas Musgrave John Burgess
5*

64 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Stephen Wynn George Canby
John Hall Francis Harrison
Thomas Thompson John Walker
John Loft BonsaU Middleton
Thomas Pinder W^Uliam White
Wm. Sharpe James Rich
Stephen Hunter Alexander Hopwood
Thomas Greene John Smith
Peter Hardcastl John Burleigh, sen.
Michael MUner Francis Thompson
Thomas Buck WUliam Thompson
Abraham Kindell John Harding
John Bradford Thomas Johnson
Charles Capnabie Thomas Hammond
Aaron Atkinson, the companion of WiUiam Ellis, was
born at Moss Thorn, in the parish of Stapleton, in Cumber
land, in 1665, and was educated among the Presbyterians :
he was convinced of the soundness of the principles of
Friends, when about 22 years of age, by the ministry of
Christopher Story, at a meeting at Hetherside in the parish
of Kirklington. He became a minister of the Gospel whilst
but a young man; and his friends testify that "he was the
means of bringing many, not only to the acknowledgment
of the Truth, but to sit under the teaching of Christ our
Lord, the only Shepherd and Bishop of souls." Whilst in
the vigour of life, he travelled much in the service of his
divine. Master. He died at Leeds, where he had for some
time resided, in 1740, aged about 75 years.
John Tomkins, the writer of the following letter, was a

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS.' 65
minister amongst Friends, and the compiler of the first three
parts of " Piety Promoted," in the fourth part of which
there is a notice of him : he died in London in 1706, aged
about 43 years. " London, the 1st of the 10th mo. 1697.
Dear Friends, W. Ellis and A. Atkinson.
These are intended as a memorandum, to put
you in mind of my request, — That if it please God you
arrive at West Jersey, in America, you would be pleased, for
my sake, if I have any interest with you, to visit the famUy
of a relation of mine in that country, and stay at their house
as many days as your service wUl permit. Give mine and
my wife's dear love to them, their children and their father.
My kinsman's name is John WiUs, son of Daniel WiUs. They
dwell upon Northampton River, not far from Burlington, in
West Jersey. John Wills' wife's name is Hope ; she is my
first cousin. I love her in a double relation, both according
to the flesh and the spirit ; for I hear by several honest
Friends, that she loves the Truth, and walks according
thereunto. When you are there, take account from them of
their welfare, both as to things of this life and to the Truth ;
and if you see that there be need of advice, give it them ; I
doubt not but they wiU tenderly receive it. And forget not
to let me hear from you by all opportunities, especially after
you have been at their house ; and let me know how they
fare. I shall be glad to answer your love and care in this
matter, in any service I am capable of! And now, my dear
friends, the living God, the Lord of heaven and earth, who
. hath gathered the wind in his fists, and whom the proud

56 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
waves obey, in the limits he hath set them, be with your
spirits, and preserve you by his almighty power, from all
dangers, inwardly and outwardly. You know in whom you
have believed, and on whose errand you are going ; trust in
Him alone. He is sufficient for all things. And go forth
boldly in his Name. I know you are not accustomed to
Saul's armour ; but I believe you have tried the Name of
the Lord, and found it to be shot-proof. The Name of the
Lord is a shield to the righteous, a breast-plate and a hel
met of salvation: in short it is the whole armour of God.
It is also a strong tower ; it never failed any that trusted in
it; therefore get into [the authority of] his Name, whenever
you declare his Name, for power accompanies his Name,
and it will make way for the word preached, that it may
profit them that hear it. It was this which gave David vic
tory over Goliath, though that giant, in his pride, despised
him because of the lowness of his appearance, What !
come to me with a staff and a sling ! but David came in
the Name of the Lord, and it was that which gave him
victory, and made those mean weapons successful, to the
bringing him gasping upon the earth, who defied the
armies of the living God ; and it was this Name, through
faith in it, by which those of old, blunted the edge of
their enemies' sword, quenched the violence of fire, and
put to flight the armies of the aliens : it was preaching in
this Name which was the cause that such multitudes were
converted at once : it was this also which tamed the rough
and cruel jaUers, and so softened them towards their poor
prisoners for the Truth, that they washed their wounds
instead of wounding them any more ; and which so pricked
them to the heart, that they cried out, " Men and brethren.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS'. . 57
what shall we do to be saved V Their answer was, " Be
lieve on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house." This is that Name in which all true preachers
went forth, and converted souls to God ; and this is the
Name that you have to preach, with the apostles of old, who.
declared that there was no other Name given under heaven
whereby men must be saved, but the Name of Jesus. Dear
friends, I was not aware my pen should run thus far before
it stopped, Avhen I first, began to make my request to you in
the beginning of this paper ; but 'tis an effect of the love of
God in my heart to you, and for your success in the work —
that good work whereunto you are called, and in which you
are concerned in spirit; therefore in the same love accept it
from me. And when you are saUing upon the mighty waters,
let your souls be lifted up to the Lord for your native country,
which you have left, and for your intimate friends and
brethren, and for the church of God in general ; that those
who have believed may be preserved steadfast in their faith,
and those who are yet strangers may come to believe in the
same Name wherein we have found salvation ; that the num
berless numbers, which John said no man could number,
may be gathered from the four winds ; that the kingdom of_
our God and the power of his Christ may come, and he may
rule and govern in all the kingdoms under heaven. Fare
well, dear friends! In the love of God and holy feUowship
in the Truth, doth my soul salute you, and take my leave.
I am your friend and brother, and one who prayeth for
the prosperity ,of Zion.
John Tomkins."
Thomas Aldam, to whom the foUowing letter was ad-

58 LII^ AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
dressed, was the second of that name^ who was a minister
in the Society of Friends, at Warrasworth, near Doncaster :
he was born about the year 1648, and became a minister in
the twenty-fourth year of his age ; he was a very service
able man in the society, and was twice imprisoned for his
faithfulness to the Lord. In his last illness he expressed
a confidence, that " through the mercy of God in Christ
Jesus, he should have a place of rest in the world to come."
He died in 1722, aged 74 years. See Piety Promoted, Part
VIII. " To Thomas Aldam. London, the 4th of the 10th mo. 1697.
Dear Friend, T. Aldam, whom I dearly love ;
These are to let thee know that the time of
our departure from hence is this day. Aaron Atkinson is
like to be my companion. We have had a fine time in this
city. Here is a Friend out of Essex, and another out of
Southwark, that go with us in the same ship. Friends are
generally glad of our going : and the prayers of the church
^are put up for us : and for my part, I am greatly encour
aged ; and many cautions come up in my mind, which I see
are for my great profit, and suitable to my exercise. It fills
me with admiration to consider what strength is come upon
me ; so that the nearest thing I know of, is nothing to me
in a manner to leave behind ; but it is God's work, and not
mine. Now if thou goest to York, remember my dear love
to Friends in the meeting in the morning, and be sure to stir
Friends up to faithfulness. The Lord hath raised up many
of low degree in the world, and blessed them with the gift

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 59
of his Holy Spirit, and has given them substance enough to
answer his requiring ; and now if we forget from whence we
are, and for what we were raised up, it will greatly displease
the Lord ; this is often before me, and makes my mind
travail, to answer the end for which the Lord raised me up,
that so I may go through to the end, and die in the favour
of God. I desire that Friends may pray for us, in that
spirit to which the Lord never said, Nay ; and I desire thee
with faithful Friends, to put Friends forward in good order
and sound discipUne ; it is for that my mind hath long
travailed ; and I am glad that it increaseth in our county,
as in many other places. I see there are many that God is
raising up, to work the work of their day, in truth and
righteousness. With dear love to thee, thy wife, chUdren, and Friends
with thee, I shall remain, thy real friend, Wm. Ellis."

John Hall, of Skipton, to whom the foUowing letter is
addressed, joined Friends by convincement in a sUent meet
ing : he became a minister in the Society, and was a sufferer
with many others in that day for his faithfulness to Christ,
his Lord and Master.

To John Hall, of Skipton.
Dear Friend ;
After dear love to thee and honest Friends who
know me, by these thou mayst understand, that I am with
three Friends more, now going off to sea, in order to our

60 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
voyage to America, in the service of Truth. And now, when
I am about to leave my native country, some things come
into my mind, with weighty concern for the prosperity of
Truth, and things relating to our duty and service in the
church, for the good of the members thereof, and particularly
concerriing my old dame, Abigail Stott. Considering the
station she hath been in, and that in which she is now (she
has had service for the Truth above thirty years) let her be
helped in her present decayed condition. She told me she
was willing to give up aU she had towards the satisfaction
of the creditors, and desired that Friends would assist her
in the management of her affairs : so I would entreat thee
to use thy endeavours to forward Friends in the matter, to
help her to make money of what she hath, to pay as far as it
wUl go. It was of old, and is stiU, a part of the pure religion,
which is undefiled before God the Father, to assist the widow
in her distress, and to relieve the fatherless. If for her sake
alone it is not sufficient to move Friends in this charitable
act, let them remember the faithfulness of him that is gone —
I mean her deceased husband. My heart is in exercise and
sorrow, lest any blemish should come upon his name, who is
in his grave. If it be too much for one or two to undertake,
I hope you will find seven Friends or more, if need be, to
assist in this matter. It was so of old, that men of honest
report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, thought it not
beneath them to take care of widows, and serve at tables,
whilst others gave themselves up daily to prayer and to
the ministry of the word. I desire that neither thou nor
Friends may take what I have thus signified amiss, it being
in the tenderness of my mind. My love to Abigail Stott,
Ann Kingshal, arid thy wife ; they helped me much in the

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 61
day of my convincement. With my love once more to thy
self and Friends, I rest thy real friend,
Wm. Ellis."
" From Deal on the Kentish Sea Coast,
the Sth of 10th mo. 1697.
Dear and Loving Wife ;
After dear love to thee, by this know that I
thought good to give thee a few lines, to let thee know where
I am, because I have no more known time to do it. I left
London last seventh-day, aud have ordered my affairs so that
I hope thou wilt not be uneasy at all, as I gave thee account
before in a few lines ; and as I said before, I am still cheer
ful as to my travel, and hope abides with me, that the Lord
wUl help me through what is before me. Friends at London
are much concerned for our welfare. Now my dear love,
thou knowest how the Lord's goodness hath attended and
borne us up many times, when we have been low and under
great exercises; and He hath extended mercy in a large
manner, so that I find aU too little that I can do for his
Name. Now that I am separated from thee, thou art like
to have thy exercises to the full ; therefore I desire, if
possible, that thou mayst live nearer the Truth than ever,
and travail for the increase of it in thyself; thus thy under
standing may be more opened by it, so that thou mayst be
clearer than ever, to speak to anything that wUl advance its
fame : and above aU, see thou keep thy secret retirements,
that thou mayst be certain thy strength is renewed. I see
that wUl stand when aU words and discourses come to an
end. In the secret of thy mind pray for my support, and
6

62 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
that I may be saved out of the enemy's reach, both in myself,
and from unreasonable men, and from evU tongues. I have
had much in my mind to write, but time permits not. Pray
remember my kind love to Friends, as Richard Wilkinson
and his wife, Thomas Atkinson, Thomas Stockdale, and
Adam Squire. Tell them to see that Truth's affairs be
managed with a lively zeal and fervent love. The time is
coming when they will see the good effect of it. I have
made remarks in my mind, how things were left in order,
and if I live, I intend to see what improvement is made.
FaU not to set Truth over all, to thy utmost strength ; and
if I should not come back, fail not to pay my father's debts
when thou hast paid mine. My love to all my men ; bid
them love Truth with their whole hearts : and if they serve
thee with sincerity, the Lord wiU greatly bless them. So
with dear love to thee, and all Friends as thou seest meet, I
remain thy truly loving husband, Wm. Ellis."

Memoranda of William EUis, made at Sea.
" The 4th day of the 9th mo. 1697. .^Then was the time
I left my country, and took my journey for London, in order
to visit Friends in America. I staid in London tiU the 4th
day of the 10th month following, and then went to Deal,
near to Dover. On the 7th day of the 10th month, I came
on ship-board, in the Downs, and lay there wind-bound tUl
the 15th, and then set sail for America with a fair wind. On
the 21st, a boy fell overboard into the sea, and was drowned,
and about the same time another died and was cast over, and
buried also in the sea."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 63
"The 7th day of the llth mo. 169|.
Now concerning Collections, let every one give freely of
his sub.stance ; and let none complain of being overcharged,
neither deny their substance to the church, neither say, I
have but very litUe ; but remember Ananias and Sapphira.
For as God knows the secrets of all hearts, and how to
minister thereunto, so he knows all your substance better
than you yourselves, and how to add to it. Also let all
Friends be careful in meetings that Friends sit in fear and
reverence before Almighty God, and in that, speak, one by
one, to anything that comes before them ; and let every
word be duly considered before it be spoken. So wUI your
meetings grow in gravity ; and the Lord will give the spirit
of a sound mind to guide you in all your concerns."
" The 9th day of the llth mo. 169|.
We had a meeting, and through deep travail of mind,
the Lord answered and filled my heart with the sense
of the good things of his kingdom. And the night fol
lowing, I awaked, when the seas tossed ; and immediately
a fresh feeling opened upon me that the Lord's power was
over the seas, so as to stUl the strong waves thereof. And
on the next day wind came up in a fresh, steady gale, and
pleasant, so that we ran above six mUes in one hour. Blessed
be the Lord for his goodness ! Now I see, it is easy to drink
the cup of sweetness and comfort ; and many will 6e thank
ful to retain it ; but to drink a bitter cup of exercise at the
Lord's hand, many are unwiUing ; yet it is good to labour to
take it thankfully, at the hand of the Lord : for those that do
so in patience may be sure that the Lord will give them to
drink of the cup of consolation."

64

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

Francis Plumstead, the writer of the following letter,
was an ironmoriger, in Duke's Place, Houndsditch, London,
and a useful member of the Society of Friends : he died in
1710, aged 60. " London, the 25th of the 10th mo. 1697.
My dear and nearly beloved Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I hope thou receivedst my few lines in the
Downs, but because I am not certain thereof, I make bold
to send these unto thee, desiring of the Lord that they
may meet thee in health, according as thou canst desire ;
also that thou mayst meet Truth and the affairs thereof
according to thy soul's travaU ; that in thy journey outward
as well as homeward, thou mayst have comfort and consola
tion, so that all may work together for the comfort and
consolation of those that love Truth, and the honour and
prosperity of it, above all tilings whatsoever. God knows
my very secret, inward cry and prayers are for this end, both
in the particular and in the general. Oh, that nothing may
ever befall any that have in part obtained an earnest of an
immortal crown, to eclipse it in the least measure ! but that
all may so run as to obtain the fuU enjoyment of an heavenly
and glorious crown, that 'never can fade or be eclipsed ! —
I desire thy prayers for a poor travailing soul, who thus
makes bold to visit thee with a few brotherly lines outwardly,
which can be read only and' truly in that which is beyond
words. As thou left things with us, so they continue to be,
and are likely to increase, as far as I see. Many exercises
are likely to attend us, because of the old men that would
be great, and who, because thereof, are likely to be yet

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 65
greater burthens to those who would have Truth only to pre-
vaU and be greatest of all, and self and man, and the man's
part of no reputation ; so that there is a contrariety which
can never be reconcUed : the one is for, " I am ancient
and was in the Truth before thou wast born, and therefore
be quiet young msn;" the other looks not at old or
young, but at Truth only, both in old and young, at
home and abroad, in the particular and in the general, the
prosperity and increase of which, is all they desire. Our
dear love is to thyself and to all dear Friends ; so I remain
thy dearly loving friend, Francis Plumstead."
John Tomkins to Alice Ellis.
" London, the 3rd of the 12th mo. 169|.
Dear Friend;
With dear love to thee, for thy dear husband's sake,
¦who is dear to me for the love and zeal I felt in his heart for
the promotion of that ever blessed Truth, which God hath
brought us to the knowledge of; and which I doubt not but
he will continue to use his utmost endeavours to promote.
And doubtless he shall not lose his rewarU, who so cheer
fully can forsake wife, house, land, and all that is near and
dear in this world, for Christ's sake and the Gospel's ; and
I am firmly persuaded also, that thou wilt have a share of
the same reward, who so cheerfully hath given him up in
this service, as having regard to the carrying on of the good
Work which God hath begun on the earth ; believing that
the Master, on whose errand he is gone, can preserve him in
his journey, and bring him safe back again to thee ; or else,

66 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
if He please to order it otherwise, is able, and wUl, no doubt,
make up the loss to thee in Himself, in giving thee a plenti
ful portion of his love, life, and presence, even in this world,
besides in the world to come, an everlasting inheritance of
glory with his saints and servants, world without end.
John Tomkins."
"Maryland, the 22nd of the 1st mo. 169|.
Dear and Loving Wife ;
After my true and unfeigned love to thee,
which doth so abound that I cannot express it with ink and
pen, these come to let thee know, that once more the Lord
hath extended mercy to me, and brought me to my desired
haven. We have passed through such perUs by sea that I
cannot express it ; and when we came within two mUes of
land, we had like to have been wrecked on the shore ; but
through all, God hath delivered us ; for which my heart is
thankful to the Lord. When I set my eyes on the country,
my heart was so filled with the Lord's goodness that I was
hardly able to contain. We landed the 14th instant, and
have been at several meetings, where we were gladly received
by Friends and other people ; and the Lord's goodness hath
so filled my heart, that I have wanted words to express it.
This day we had a meeting where many Friends came, and
others ; where my heart was opened in the Word of Life, to
sound forth the day of salvation ; my heart was more glad
than of thousands of gold and silver ! Aaron and I are for
going towards Virginia and Carolina, in about five or six
days' time, and we intend to come back in three or four
months, and go for Pennsylvania. I cannot express my

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 67
solid satisfaction that I have, which makes my faith and
hope strong, that the Lord will assist me. I suppose I shall
be about the countries of Pennsylvania, about ten or eleven
months from this time ; so send me a few lines by way of
Liverpool or London. Theodore Ecclestone will take care
to send to me, or forward it. I will endeavour to clear
myself as I go from place to place ; and I hope the Lord
will assist me to do it. Now I desire thee to live near to
the Truth ; and by it thou wilt be preserved over all the
troubles that may come upon thee for want of my assistance ;
and labour to keep thy family in good order ; and if any
body seem to be contentious, do what thou canst to quit thy
hand of them; and labour to bring things into such method,
that if it please God to bring me back, all things may be
managed to our ease and comfort, that, if possible, we may
serve Truth more than ever. And labour in God's wisdom,
to subdue evil in thy family and in the meeting ; but on the
other hand, when thou hast cleared thyself, be sure not to
fret thyself at evil doers ; but commit thy cause to God, who
will ease thee in his time. I know we have had our part of
trouble, but the Lord hath set us thus far over it all ; and I
hope he vrill preserve us to his heavenly kingdom. Fail not
to send me a few lines with anything that is needful ; and as
to tbe present station thou art in, hear all things, bear all
things, and suffer all things ; and in due time, if thou faint
not, thou wilt overcome aU things. I have abundance in
my mind to say to thee, but time fails, but I hope to write
again in three or four months time. So with my love to
Friends in general, I rest, Thy truly loving husband,
Wm. Ellis."

68 * LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
" To Thomas Aldam. Maryland, the 22nd of 1st mo. 169|.
Dear Friend, whom I love in truth, and for the Truth's
sake; These few Knes I have written unto thee, to
let thee and Friends know of my arrival, which was on the
14th instant. We had a long passage. Our ship had liken
to have been wrecked on the Capes off Virginia, with many
apparent dangers, but escaped all ; for which my heart is
thankful to God. We are kindly received by Friends, and
many other people, though we have not had many meetings
yet. I see here is great need of faithful Friends to visit
these parts ; and I hope the Lord will stir up the hearts of
many to this service. Soon after I set my eyes on this
country, my heart was filled with the goodness of God, so
that I was not able to contain myself; and it much dwells
in my heart, which makes me think the Lord's mercy is
much to these countries ; also it is a great confirmation to
me, that the Lord will assist me with his good presence,
which hath been my chiefest pleasure for many years. I
intend to spare neither my body nor time, so that I may
discharge myself of what is fallen to my lot ; and I often
think in my heart, that all is too little that I can do for the
worthy name of God, such have his mercies been to me,
whereby to make me willing, both with body, soul and sub
stance, to be given up to serve him. Oh ! the goodness of
Truth fills my heart ! I desire that all that know it may be
persuaded to love it. There is no glory nor beauty like

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 69
unto it ; and I desire that such as God in his loving kind
ness and mercy hath bestowed gifts of his Holy Spirit upon,
may be stirred up rightly to improve them, to the advance
ment of the honour of their Lord and Master ; and that
they may labour always to be found in those things that
make for peace and love : so wUl their unity increase with
the Father and the Son and one with another. I desire
thee to remember my true love to Friends, met together at
the Quarterly Meeting, with whom my soul hath had unity
for twenty years or more ; and my heart and mind hath
laboured in secret for Truth's prosperity amongst them ; and
when anything hath appeared which hath brought trouble
on that meeting, it hath greatly afilicted my spirit; and
when Truth hath prevailed, my soul hath greatly rejoiced ;
and the last time I was there, my heart was filled with
thanksgiving to God, because I saw a holy zeal stir in many
Friends' hearts for good order ; and that it might increase
from one end of the country to the other. I pray God in
crease it more amongst you. And this I have to say to
Friends, in the word of Truth, That if a true care and
dUigence be observed, the Lord wUl bless your endeavours
and prosper his work in your hands ; for out of Zion, the
perfection of beauty, hath God shined, not only to convince
people of the evil of their ways, by his Truth, but to
establish them in the sound and holy order of the Gospel.
Oh, the comeliness of the government which the Lord is
putting upon the true church, and the beauty of that dwell
ing he is about to settle her in, affect my heart ! but liber
tines cannot behold these things, therefore are they sorely
displeased at such as labour to see this work completed.

70 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
The Lord is on his way ; therefore it is my desire that all
may be strong for God and his Truth. Remember my
dear love to Friends of the morning-meeting. I desire thee
to send a copy of this to my wife. So with true love
unto thee, thy wife, children and friends, wishing all your
welfare, I rest thy Friend in the Truth,
Wm. Ellis."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 7l

CHAPTER V.
Letters from America to Settle Monthly Meeting. — Alice EUis to her
husband. — William Ellis to his wife. Aaron Atkinson and William
Ellis separate. Letter from Aaron Atkinson. Anecdote from
Thomas Story's Journal. William Ellis to Thomas Johnson.
The care of WUliam EUis for his friends in England was
soon made manifest after his arrival in America, as will be
seen by the following epistles to his own monthly-meeting,
and several of the following letters. No journal of his
travels in America appears to have been kept, but his course
may be traced by his correspondence in this and subsequent
chapters. Settle Monthly Meeting, at the period at which the fol
lowing Epistles were addressed to it, was composed of the
Preparative Meetings of Settle, Bentham, Newton-in-BoUand,
Rilston, (including Airton), Scarhouse, Salterforth, and
Selside. " To the Monthly Meeting, at Settle, in Yorkshire.
Maryland, the 25th^of the 1st mo. 1698.
Dear Friends, This comes with my true love to you all, to
let you know that through the great mercy of God, I have
escaped many apparent dangers, both by sea and land. We
arrived safe in Maryland on the 14th instant, and I feel

72 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
the Lord's power near to assist me through the great work
that is before me, for his Name's sake ; and by it my heart
is warmed, my faith strengthened, and my hope established.
Now my dear friends and faithful brethren, though I am
separated from you, yet you are often in my mind, because
I know that the Lord is with you ; and many times have I
known and felt in your meetings, the love of God to fill my
heart amongst you ; and it hath been my great joy, to feel
the Lord's weighty counsel amongst you, to direct you in
your affairs, for his Truth and Name. Oh ! the remembrance
of it fills my heart now, as it did when I was with you ; and
my heart is thankful to God, that he hath counted me worthy
to labour with you in those things which have wrought for
the honour of his Name, and the spreading of the fame of
his Truth abroad. It has been the kindness of God, and his
love in our hearts, that has engaged us to this service ; and
Friends, you know that since the day that the gracious God
hath concerned me, how that I have served him, not only
in word and doctrine according to my small gift ; but my
strength, understanding, and aU that little substance that
God hath given me in this world, have been given up to his
service. Let God have the glory of all we can do, and let
the beauty and comeliness that is in the Truth shine through
every believer therein. And further, it is my advice to you
in the love of God, that as he hath opened many good and
wholesome orders and methods amongst us, for the discipUne
in the church of Christ, so let your hearts grow strong for
God, and full of mighty and holy zeal to put them in
practice ; and labour with all dUigence, that ye may be
found in the practice thereof, in every particular meeting ;
so that all coldness of zeal and indifferency of spirit in

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 73-
religion, and looseness of conversation may be watched
against and put a stop unto, as much as in you lies, and
that every green and tender thing, whether in poor or rich,
be cherished ; and if any have done amiss, let the time past
suffice, that they may now seek the Lord by true repentance,
and hearty acknowledgment of their offence ; that if the
day of their visitation be not passed, they may find mercy with
the Lord. Oh, let your waiting be upon the Lord in your
monthly-meetings, and at all other times, for wisdom and
counsel to manage the Lord's business ; and for a spirit of
discernment, that you may distinguish between true re
pentance and feigned humility ; for the hypocrite cannot
approach the Lord so as to find favour with him. And the
great desire of my heart is, that all Friends be advised to
keep to that Power that wUI keep their souls alive, fresh and
open to the Lord, in their retired meetings for the worship
of God ; so that aU idleness and sleepiness may be kept from
amongst Friends ; that those Friends who may be concerned
for God in public be not burdened and grieved with such
things ; but that their joy may be full in the Lord, in the
increase of their gift, in the root of life ; and then, as any
thing opens upon them, doubtless it will be to the affecting
of the hearts of all that hear them. Oh ! the weight that my
soul hath gone under, that I might see the work of Truth
accomplished amongst you ; and I desire you to make inquiry
how the weekly-meetings are kept up, and see that Friends
grow in it duly. The strength that I have often gained in
those retired meetings, I do find stands in me steadily in
this my travel. Oh ! my heart is warmed within me, when
I remember those good seasons, and how the Lord fiUed the .
hearts of the faithful, that they could not forbear to meet
7

74 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
together, that they might purely enjoy the presence of God ;
and I have made some observations, that those who have
been indifferent in that work, I have not seen grow to the
stature of a strong man in Christ Jesus, who is Lord of our
assemblies. And my desire is, that that good work of
taking care of poor Friends' chUdren may be minded
amongst you ; and that Friends be minded to give freely
towards the relief of the poor, as God hath blessed them ;
for as the Scripture saith, "God loveth a cheerful giver;"
and it hath been a saddening to my heart when I have
heard complaining of want in the time of sacrificing at
the altar. In the time of the old Law, the Lord required
this. That none should appear before him empty, and I know
the Lord requires it now. And dear friends, labour in the
life of Truth, which God in his love hath opened in your
hearts, to keep in the bond of peace, and that all contention,
and all that would contend for false liberty may be kept out
of your assemblies, so as to have no place amongst you ; so
will you grow fruitful as a garden enclosed ; and the works
of }-our hands wUl send forth a pleasant smeU. God, through
his tender mercy, hath showed me these things in the opening
of life in my heart. And so the Lord prosper his work in
your hand, is the desire of my heart ; so that if it please him
to bring me back, I may behold the glory of the Lord
amongst you, and be partaker of his joy and consolation
among you, is the fervent prayer of your real friend,
Wm. Ellis.

When you are met together, and you feel the Lord's
power upon you, present your requests to God for my pre-

WILLIA.M AND ALICE ELLIB. 75
servation every way ; and let this be read in your men's and
women's meetings in the same love that it is written in.
W. E."
The epistle from which the following extract was taken,
appears to have been, in some degree, a duplicate of the
former one; but some of the additional matter is of tow
much value to be omitted in this collection.
Extract from an epistle to Friends, at their Monthly
Meeting at Settle.
" Maryland, the 30th of the 1st mo. 1698.
Dear Friends; As I have been exercised amongst you, it stUl
is my fervent desire that you may be faithful to what God
hath committed to your charge, and be careful to meet dili
gently together on the week-days, and let not things of this
world overcome you, and cause you to make excuse for negli
gence in your duty ; but wait that your minds may be kept
under a concern for Truth, and that wiU keep out the spirit of
the world which wUl bring thick darkness over your minds
and sleepiness over the body ; but wait in, and stand fast in
the name of the Lord ; so that that life that outlives all tliat
is contrary to God may fill your hearts, and that by it your
strength may be renewed to serve the Lord and one another ;
and I know that those who are found wanting in their duty
to God, wiU not grow up to God's honour, nor be helpful to
the buUding up of the church, but will be found com
plaining like people that dwell in a barren land. Dear
friends, since the day of my convincement, I have seen and

I^j LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
felt the benefit of meeting the Lord's people ; and I am
thankful that I am kept sensible, even unto this day, of the
beriefit of inward retirement before the Lord : and Friends,
keep up your Preparative Meetings, and wait in God's wis
dom that your hearts may be filled with his counsel to act
and speak forth those things that are most for the honour of
his Xame and good of the whole assembly. And minister
dUigently to the necessities of the poor, and fatheriess, and
widows ; and labour in the power of God, and in that, rule
over all disorderiy and unruly spirits, that the government
of Christ may be known to be upon his shoulders ; for 'tis
said, " Of the increase of his government and peace, there
shall be no end ;" and labour to keep out all that which
would disturb your unity, which stands not in shaking of
hands, nor inquiring of the welfare one of another, but in
the spirit of our Lord Jesus, our Foundation and chief Cor
ner Stone. Beware of feigned humUity, but be tender of all
those who are coming up to serve Truth ; and let those
Friends who are anciently convinced be good examples in
their places, that those who are young and are seeking the
Lord and the knowledge of his way, may not be hurt by
their examples ; and let none sing without the spirit and un
derstanding also ; but labour that the life of Truth may fill
your hearts ; that is it which makes all capable to serve the
Lord with acceptance. Pray take notice and call to mind
respecting some that have professed Truth in times past
amongst us, but walked after the devices of their own hearts ;
what misery and distress came upon them, even to the end !
The remembrance thereof hath often filled my heart with
sorrow ; yet I bless the Lord with my whole heart, because
he hath given me to see that he is about to raise up such as

WILLIAJI AND ALICE ELLL-. 77
will answer him with a wUling mind ; and it is my great joy-
to see Truth prosper. Though I be far separated from
those things which have been and are dear to me, yet the
presence of God makes me to Say, all is too little that I can.
do for his Name. This day we haVe had a great meeting,
where abundance of people came, and three justices of the
peace, where it was opened to them from the Lord, that he
had sent the Physician of value, who has the Balm of Gilead
to heal the wound of the daughter of Zion. The Lord is
about to spread the fame of Truth in these countries. With
dear love to you aU,
I remain your dear friend and brother,
Wm. Ellis."
The excellent spirit of true helpers in Christ, exhibited in
the two foUowing letters, as well as in many others in this
series, deserves the serious attention of the reader. The ten
der affection of WUliam and Alice Ellis, and their devoted
dedication to the Lord, are touchingly set forth, and depict
a fervency of spirit, such as might lead to the expectation,
that the divine blessing would attend their labours, and that
the work of the Lord would prosper in their hands.
" Airton, the 15th of the 2nd mo. 1698.
Dear and Loving Husband ;
After the salutation of endeared love to thee,
1 thought fit to signify my mind a little to thee. Dear love,
thou art often fresh in my remembrance to my great comfort
and satisfaction. I feel the renewings of the love of God to
be shed abroad in my heart in a larger manner than ever,
7*

7B LIFE AXD CORIiESI'OXDEXCE OF
that the Lord who drew thy mind away from aU that was
near and dear, may make thy journey a prosperous journey,
and make it effectual, for the end for which he called thee ;
not questioning at eUI but the Lord who has stood by us in
great trials and exercises, wUl carry us on and through, to
the glory and honour of his great Name, and to our own
satisfaction and comfort, as we serve him truly in the sin
cerity of our hearts. So my dear love, though we be far
distant in body, yet as we keep in the universal love of God,
we are present in spirit, and as near as ever. I cannot word
the nearness I feel in the remembrance of thee, which many
times causes my soul to rejoice ; but at times it hath pressed
upon my mind with weight, that thou do not travel over
fast forward, but that thou mayst take time, that thereby
thou mayst discharge thyself more clearly in the sight of
God ; and this wUl, I believe, tend to thy own satisfaction
and future happiness both here and hereafter. If thy
companion would seem to draw thee or hasten thee to get
your service over, I earnestly desire thee to be very careful
to mind the drawing of the Father's love, which will open
to the view of thy mind, and give thee a clear discovery,
where thy service lies. I have been a little afraid for some
time, lest thou shouldst be drawn homeward over soon, and
thou should leave some places or'Islands unvisited, which
would cause uneasiness, and deprive us both of the benefit
we might enjoy hereafter. These things have been much in
my mind both by day and also in the night season ; when in
sleep, methought I had been talking with thee, and saying,
Take thy time, and perform thy service fuUy : and withal,
I earnestly, praying unto the Lord to enable thee to perform
the same. Take no care for me, as for outward things ; for

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 79
I believe things wiU be weU, and I intend to endeavour to
answer thy mind in what thou wrote to me from London.
Now I feel my mind eased ; only when the goodness of
Truth is in thy heart, then remember thou me.
So I rest and remain, thy true and loving wife,
Alice ellis."
" Written at Chuckatuck, in Virginia,
the 19th of the 2nd mo. 1698.
Dear Wife ;
This with true love, comes to let thee know
how and where I am. I wrote to thee and several Friends
before, but lest the letters should miscarry, I have added
these few lines, to let thee know that we have gone through
part of Virginia. We find many poor dejected people that
profess Truth, who for want of true care in themselves, and
of visiting by Friends in love and zeal, are grown too cold.
Thou hast known the manner of my exercise where such
things have been, so that I need say less on that account.
However, we labour sore to bring to people's remembrance,
the beauty and comeliness that is in the Truth, and people's
hearts begin a little to warm ; but I cannot see but that we
must see Friends twice over in some places. Here is a
Yeariy Meeting intended to be kept in the third month,
where we hope to be ; and we intend to speak to the Elders
amongst Friends, to be more zealous for the Truth, and for
the good order of it ; and then we intend for Maryland, and
if we live, towards Pennsylvania. I suppose we may be in
these countries till the llth or 12th month; so if Robert
Haydock send any ship for Pennsylvania, send me a few

80 LIFE AND CORRESPOKDENCE OF
lines ; and dear wife, I am much concerned for thee every
way, and earnestly desire thy foot may not slip ; for now is
our time to labour to get the heavenly crown ; and seeing we
have so long and hardly travaUed to obtain it, that we may
not fail now when our time cannot be expected to be long ;
for the time comes that those who win the race must have
the gold. I cannot express my care for thee, because I
know thou wilt meet with many enemies for Truth's sake,
I being separated from thee. WhUst I was with thee, I
know false hearted people were made to bend, yet it is my
comfort that thou hast some true hearted Friends to stand by
thee. Be sure if thou open thy heart to any, let it be to
such as thou canst really trust. My dear love to Adam
Squire, bid him be sure he marry such a one as loves the
Truth. My love to my family in general, and to Thomas
Atkinson if he be alive ; he hath spoken of true love and
pure innocency ; I hope he wiU have a measure of them both
to accompany him till the last. TeU Simeon Wilkinson to
walk in the Truth without wavering, and that he fall to work
upon that part that works in his nature to make him of a
testy or angry mind, so that God's blessing may come upon
him in his old age. Likewise bid Joseph labour to overcome
the inclination of his mind, and speak to every one according
to their inclinations. My love to brother Daniel and his
wife, I heartUy desire he may get through aU his outward
trouble, and then to knock the world on the head, and make
it his business to serve the Truth to the utmost of what it
requires of him. My love to Lawrence King, and tell him
not to tie himself to the world, but upon sound terms, that
he may have the more time to serve the Truth. A poor
people here sit for many weeks in meetings, and hear few

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 81
or no words spoken. Yesterday I was told that several poor
women came ten mUes on foot to meeting, and some brought
their little chUdren in their arms. Discourage nobody that
is really inclined to come to these parts to see Friends, for
here is a great work to be done before the fame of Truth be
set over these countries. My love to Elizabeth Moore, and
tell her that I am much concerned for her son John, that he
may get such a wife as will really love and serve Truth, that
as her zeal and love hath increased, so her comfort may
increase in her old age. I live in hope to return back and
enjoy thy company, which is more to me than all things that
mine outward eye hath seen ; and till then,
I remain thy loving and affectionate husband,
Wm. Ellis."
Extract of a letter to Alice Ellis from her husband.
" Page in Creek, in Virginia, 19th 3rd mo. 1698.
We have been once through Virginia, and
through Carolina, where we have found many tender
hearted people, and had much hard service, things being
much out of order amongst Friends, and wrong-minded
people bearing sway ; but the Lord hath wonderfully ap
peared and assisted us to set Truth over all opposition,
so that I hope we shall go clear out of this country. The
last First-day we were at a Yearly Meeting, and two days
after, being the 19th instant, eleven Friends took a boat to
go to a Friend's house : and the wind rose, and we were in
great danger of being cast away, water driving into the boat,
so that we were like to sink, and I with two or three Friends
more were thrown out of the boat ; but the Lord had mercy on

82 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
us for his name's sake ; so that by hard toU we got to a vessel ;
but to conclude the matter, we were aU preserved. There is
much travel here by water, but I will take what care I can,
and the rest must be committed to God. Thus with true
love to thee, I remain thy true and loving husband,
Wm. Ellis."
" West River, in Maryland, the 16th of the
4th mo. 1698.
Dear and Loving Wife,
After the remembrance of my true love to
thee, by this know that I have written often to thee, but
lest letters should miscarry, I think fit to write as often as I
have opportunities to send. Here hath been a Yearly Meeting
that hath holden five days, whereto many of the great men of
the country came, and several priests and the Governor, and
the Lord was pleased to assist me to my great comfort and
Friends' gladness, though I had gone through more exercises
two or three weeks before, than I can express ; it brought
both body and mind low, but I have been made able to bear
it. I left Aaron in Virginia, but hope he wUl be here in a
little time ; then we shall be for Pennsylvania if health be
granted, but here is a great mortality through most parts of
these countries. There are three public-friends coming out of
these countries for England. Robert Heaton's son wjU tell
thee of me. And dear wife, know that thou art often in my
mind, and my soul is much concerned, that though we be
far separated, we may be preserved every way to God's
honour and our own comfort. I earnestly desire thee

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 83
to take care of thyself, and not overwork thyself, but let thy
desires be to God for my safety. I hope we shaU have gone
through these countries by the end of this year, and if we
go not for Barbadoes, may endeavour for England. I have
been under some deep exercises about going to that Island,
and I hope the Lord wiU clear up my understanding, if it
be my place to go thither. Remember my love to Friends
in general, but especially to Friends about town. I pray
God you may all be found in those things that make for
peace, and that love may abound among you as one man, —
that you may keep dominion over all that which is of another
nature, and fret not thyself too much at evil doers, nor say
in thyself thou wilt let every one do as they wUl ; for evil
doers to whom the Lord hath offered help, and who will not
mend their ways, wUl grow worse and worse. Yet my desite
is that God will raise up a people that wiU love the Truth.
Pray keep up your weekly meetings, and advise Friends to feel
God's goodness to fill their hearts, so wUl you grow in your
inward man. Tell Richard WUkinson not to let his mind
out to think of coming into these countries to live ; but if
any young people be so warm, that they cannot be guided,
let them take their course, when you have eased your minds ;
I doubt not biit such will get cooled on their first coming here.
My mind is much concerned for brother Daniel and his wife,
that they may come up in their full duty and serve the Truth
in the dominion of it. My dear love to sister Margaret, bid
her mind her latter end ; she hath known my mind many
years, and hath seen the Lord's hand that hath been with
me for my own good, and for the good of my kinsfolk,
and friends ; and that no weapon that hath been lifted up
against what I have stood for, hath prospered ; therefore bid

84 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
her walk in the Truth, and seek the enjoyment of it, and
keep out of society with such as are unsound in works and
judgment, so will the blessing of God be upon her. My
love to all my kinsfolks, and .servants, and neighbours, as
thou seest meet and convenient. I desire thee keep in
patience in thy troubles, and be careful that the Truth suffer
not in any case by us ; then as it hath been and as it is, and
as we have been and still are, so we shaU be blessed. So
my dear love, fareweU ! I stUl remain thine,
Wm. Ellis."
Aaron Atkinson not feeling his mind easy to leave Virginia
when WiUiam EUis believed it right for him to go forward,
they separated ; and soon after parting, Aaron Atkinson was
attacked by intermittent fever, as noticed in the following
letter." To WUliam EUis. The Sth of 5th mo. 1698.
Dear Friend ;
Right glad was I to hear from thee ; thy care
and love to me are great I must needs say, and thou hast
quitted thyself of me like a companion indeed. My dear
friend, I have been very much out of order since thou left
me ; for the most part, my fit returns every other day ; I
can walk about on my easier day, but I sweat extremely. I
forced myself one day to the meeting and was refreshed, but
lay almost all the week following keeping my room, and
came down stairs but once I think that week. I am so

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 85
weak in body that I do not know that I am able to ride two
miles. My dear friend, though the Lord hath been pleased
to afflict me, yet I believe it is not in his wrath ; I am not
sensible of any occasion given by me that hath justly brought
it upon me. So far as I can see, it is the Lord's wiU to
stay me for a season, it may be for some service that I see
not the end of, blessed be his Name, and his holy wiU be
done for ever. I am now at John Woodson's, the doctor's,
and have been near three weeks ; there is good air, and he
is very kind, but all physic is in vain for aught I am sensible
of, as to putting away my distemper. My dear friend, as there
is no likelihood of my coming seasonably to thee, I fully and
freely give thee up to answer what the Lord requires of thee,
and to go on as soon as thou findest freedom. Give me
freely up into the hand of the Lord, for he is sufficient for
me. It rests still with me to visit those meetings I told
thee of. I shall be glad of my health, but I must wait the
Lord's time. My dear love to Samuel Galloway, and his
wife and children, and all other friends that ask of me.
These are with true love to thee, and sincere cries to the
Lord to be with thee to the end of thy days.
Aaron Atkinson."
The foUowing anecdote is from the journal of Thomas
Story, who became much interested in the salvation of the
negroes when on a religious visit from England to America,
and travelling in North Carolina in 1699. Speaking of some
•coloured men who attended the meetings of Friends, he
says ; " I had inquired of one of the black men, how long
they had come to meetings ; and he said, they had always
been kept in ignorance, and disregarded, as persons who
8

86 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
were not to expect anything from the Lord, till Jonathan
Taylor, who had been there a year before, in discoursing with
them, had informed them, that the grace of God through
Christ, was also given to them, and that they ought to
believe in, and be led and taught by it ; and so might come
to be good Friends, and be saved as well as others. Of this
they were glad ; and on the next occasion, which was when
WiUiam Ellis and Aaron Atkinson were there, they went to
meetings, and several of them were convinced." — See the
Life of Thomas Story, Svo. Ed. 1786, p. 115.
Thomas Johnson, to whom the following letter was ad
dressed, died at Richmond, in Yorkshire, in 1710, aged
about 73 years. " Maryland, the 22nd of the 5th mo. 1698.
Dear Friend, Thomas Johnson ;
After my dear love to thee, by this know that thou
hast come into my remembrance of late time, as also have
faithful Friends about where thou livest, and therein hath my
heart been comforted. My heart hath been often gladdened
since I saw thee, that I lived to see an end put to the great
trouble that hath been so great a hurt and sorrow to Friends
about you, for so many years, and that love was like to come
up amongst you ; and in order to that, my hearty desire is,
that whatever hath been spoken or done by any that
was not according to the Truth, let aU be buried in the
land of forgetfulness, and the very root of all discord be
taken out of all hearts by the Spirit of Truth. And if thou,
or any honest Friends know any one that is not come to

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 87
this, labour truly with such in the love of God to overcome
it ; and it is my hearty desire that the goodness of God may
increase amongst you and through your whole monthly-
meeting. And I wish that every one may call to mind the
Lord's goodness that broke forth many years ago, and his
glory that shined through his faithful servants, to the affecting
of your hearts, and to the uniting of your souls together,
by which you were made strong for God, and strong to help
your brethren ; and if it be found upon search, that there
hath been, or is to this time, any loss of strength, or dimness
come over you, or any want of the breaking forth of that
former beauty and comeliness that I am sensible came over
your meetings ; I desire that all who are sensible thereof
may labour before the Lord to have those things restored
and brought up again. And dear friend ! labour thus with
thy whole heart, to stir up Friends to love and good works :
and persuade all Friends tO walk in the Truth. Oh ! the
sweetness of it hath comforted my heart above twenty years ;
and it is as sweet as ever it was, and abounds to all that love
it with their whole hearts : it is still so good to my soul,
that though I be concerned to leave aU, and to travel into
these deserts for his Name, yet aU is too little that I can do
for Him. My soul is comforted at this time ; blessed be
his holy Name for ever and ever. I desire thee to remem
ber my love to your Friends, and to Friends at Masham,
and in Wensleydale. There wUl be a brave people there
abouts if they keep in the Truth. With true love to thee
and all thine, I remain thy real friend,
Wm. Ellis."

88 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER VL
Letters from Alice Ellis to her husband, — Adam Squire to William Ellis,—
William Ellis to Simeon Wilkinson, — to Alice Ellis,  Theodore
Eccleston to William Ellis, — William Ellis to Adam Squire.
The notice in the following letter of " Quarterly Meetings
of Public Friends at Settle" seems to have referred to the
commencement of the meetings now known as the Meetings
of Ministers and Elders, which are held once a quarter within
most of the Monthly Meetings in the Society of Friends.
"Airton, the 24th of the 5th mo. 1698.
Dear and Loving Husband,
I have received thine dated the 23rd of the
2nd month, which was gladness to my mind ; it was the first
I had received since thou took shipping. I am well in
health, and very cheerful in my mind, and we have been very
quiet in our famUy since thou left us. Dear love, thou hast
often been in my remembrance to my great comfort ; and
such has been the Father's love, that I can truly say, I have
had no want of thee, excepting in our own meeting; and I
daily feel the sheddings abroad of this love in my heart;
I feel my strength is often renewed, and many times earnestly
pray in the secret of my heart to the Lord, that he may
enable thee to perform thy service fully. I desire thee to
take no care for me for outward things, for I can truly say.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 89
there has nothing seemed hard to me since thou left me. I
believe all things will be well every way, if we be but faithful
in heart and mind in what the Lord makes known to us. I
hope thou wilt take well my writing after this manner in
both letters ; and though I signified the fear that was in my
mind, lest thou shouldst be drawn homewards over soon,
thou knowest it is not for want of love to thee ; for I can
truly say, thy company has been always pleasant to me ; but
finding it was my duty, I durst not but signify my mind
after this manner; for I know, the Lord who brought us
together by. a secret hand, that we might be a comfort, and as
meet helps one for another, and serve him in the sincerity of
our hearts, and to the utmost of our strength, will, if we do
so, and continue faithful to the end, yet more and more bless
us, and enrich us with the riches of his love ; so that thereby
we shall be more freely given up in heart and mind to serve
him faithfully. And as we abide here, the Lord will still
more and more be glorified by us, and we shall desire nothing
more than that wbich wUI be a means of spreading the
Truth and propagating his great Name upon earth : then
I know that our love wUl increase to the Lord yet more and
more, and unfeigned love and hearty desires will spring in
our hearts to the Lord one for another, that we stUl may be
preserved by that secret hand which brought us together at
first ; so in the secret of my heart do I earnestly pray unto
the Lord for the continuation of the same. We have had
two Quarterly Meetings of Public Friends, at Settle, since
thou left us, which were very precious meetings, and the set
time they are kept, is the week before the Quarterly Meeting
at York; and so to continue. I was at the Quarterly
Meeting at York and I can truly say, it was the most com-
8*

90 Life and correspondence of
fortable meeting that ever I was at there. Having a little
eased my mind, I shall conclude, and so remain
Thy true and loving wife,
Alice Ellis."
Adam Squire, the writer of the following letter, was a
Friend of Airton, whose name first occurs on the minutes of
Settle Monthly Meeting, in 1696. The GUI estate, near
Airton, which is now in the possession of Friends of York
shire, belonged to some of the same famUy of Squire, who
lived at Needham Market at the time it was transferred to
Friends in 1829. "Airton, the 24th of 5th mo. 1698.
True and well-wishing Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
Wheresoever these may find thee, the glory of
the Lord God of Israel overshadow thee, and the blessings
of his Son Christ Jesus abound in and upon thee ! Heartily
do I desire that he may distil his small rain more and more,
and shower down his love in and through thee, so that he
may make thee a fruitful bough, spreading over all the walls
of opposition ; and the Lord grant thy prosperity in the
Truth every way, that when the wicked archers are suffered
to shoot their darts sore on every side, thy bow may abide
in its full strength ; and 1 do not at all question, but the
Lord will arm thee with that spiritual armour, which I know
is able to resist all the fiery darts of the devU. For this
cause I greatly bless God on thy behalf, that the Lord hath
chosen thee as one of his faithful labourers, to place his holy
Name upon. 0 my dear friend ! I tenderly desire thee in
bowels of endeared love, which I feel in the love of God to

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 91
roll towards thee, to be sure thou leave nothing short, of
that which the Lord has discovered to thee and given
thee a knowledge of. I believe thy reward wUl be great ;
for this is thy day that the Lord hath handed forth to
thee. The Lord goes before thee and is become thy
captain, and if thou follow him in sincerity of heart and
mind, and fight his battle valiantly, then the Lord wUl
make thee more than a conqueror, a pUlar in his house,
which shall no more go forth. Thus I have given thee a
small hint of my respects, withal heartily desiring of the
Lord that he may say. Amen, to my secret desires for thee.
Now I know I need not say much of my gladness to hear
from thee, for I believe thou knowest it, yet I desire thee,
as opportunity offers, to let me hear from thee; and as
touching what thou mentionedst in thine to me, I do intend
if I live, to answer thy mind in all respects ; and as for thy
poor wife, who I know loves the Truth, she shall want no
assistance that I can make her. And further, my friend, I
must acknowledge the remembrance of thee comforts my
heart and soul; and though we be far separated outwardly,
yet in this pure love of God are we nearer than ever ; but at
times I want thee exceeding sore, to help to press forward
those that would fain stay behind ; and to drive onwards the
backsliders which will neither go themselves nor are willing
to let others go. This thing is a great trouble to me, to see
such things, amongst those called professors ; but I believe
the day is coming that every one must be turned to their
own, and must reap the fruits thereof; and happy wiU all
those be who have laid up heavenly treasure, whose fruits
will be safe for evermore. I heartUy desire thee, that thou
wilt pray unto the Lord of the harvest that he may raise up

92 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
more faithful labourers, who will stand substantial in the
day of trial, and in the time of great exercise. And my
friend, whom I dearly love in the everlasting Truth, I beg
it of thee to pray unto the Lord in the secret of thy heart,
that I may be preserved out of the snares of death, which
lead to the chamjjers of hell. I see the danger they are in,
whom Satan hath blinded. 0 that thou would call to mind,
and remember when thou wast beset, as it were, with
enemies, within and without ! and as thou patiently waitedst
upon the Lord, how he in his due time, wrought thy de
liverance every way ; so that now thou art become free to
the commonwealth qf Israel ; and then thou mayst remember
me before the great Lord, that I may be preserved out of the
reach of the enemy in every respect. My friend, I cannot
word my desires in this respect, but believe thou hast a
feeling sense of my condition, and hast experienced the same,
so that I know no mortal that I can make my complaint to
in comparison of thee ; and I believe that to thy private
supplications, the Lord will say. Amen. I cannot but
earnestly desire thee to remember those who have thy
exercises to go through ; and to pray the Lord that he may
bring them through Jordan, which I earnestly desire the
Lord may grant so to be ; and in expectation of the same,
I rest thy loving friend and brother in the unchangeable
Trath, Adam Squire."
Simeon Wilkinson, to whom the following letter is ad
dressed, appears to have been an indentured servant to
William Ellis. The care of a Christian master is well set
forth in the counsel contained in this letter.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 93
" Maryland, the 25th of 5th mo. 1698.
Simeon Wilkinson, Loving friend, after true love to thee, know
that the time of thy freedom being near, I have been under
a concern of my mind for thy welfare : and seeing, it may
fall so, that thou set up for thyself; therefore I advise thee,
that thou settle thy mind quietly, to feel the Truth to direct
thee in thy undertakings; and let not love of increase of
outward things or profit, take up thy affections too much ;
but be sure to keep openness to go to week-day meetings ; and
in private, desire to feel God's goodness to fill thy heart,
that thy strength of mind may be renewed, rightly to rule
what God may bless thee with, and likewise to overcome
what is incident to thee in nature, and that thou love and
honour thy parents, which I know will please God ; and that
thou wilt help thy sisters in what is needful in any manner.
And wait to have thy eye opened, to discern truly between
those that serve God and those that serve him not ; and
labour to improve thy gifts, spiritual and natural, to the most
advantage, and God's honour : and if these things be found
in thee, the Lord wUl make way for thy prosperity every way.
Thou hast seen my care of thee, and that the Truth might
grow in thee and amongst you all ; that by it you might be
made men for God when I am gone. Thus with true love
to thee and you all, I rest thy true friend,
Wm. Ellis.
WhUe WUliam Ellis pointed out the benefit of attention
to the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and the advantage of

94 life and CORRESPONDENCE OF
waiting on the Lord for this teaching, he saw the necessity
of watching against the snares of Satan, when transformed
as into an angel of light, beguiling those who being some
what awakened, but not truly humbled and brought to a
spiritual discernment of their duty, gave way in an excited
state of mind to imaginations, and in this professed to have
visions, and to be moved by the Divine Spirit The enemy of
all good has often sought by such means to bring into discredit
a belief in that teaching of the Spirit which is abundantly
promised in the Scriptures, to the disciples of Christ; and the
early Friends whilst directing to the true teaching of the Spirit,
guarded this point by declaring, that whatsoever was pro
fessed to be the teaching of the Spirit, and was contrary to
Holy Scripture, must be reckoned a delusion of the devil.
Caution is extended in the following letter, in regard to
persons under such delusions.
" East Shore, Maryland, 26th of 5th mo. 1698,_
Dear and loving Wife,
After true love to thee, these may let thee
know, that through the tender mercy of God (who hath
wonderfully extended mercy unto us many years, not because
of our desert, but of his own good wUl), I am as well in
body and easy in my mind as I have been a long time ; and
my heart pants to be filled with the Lord's goodness, that
by it, I may do that which is fallen to my lot in this wil
derness country ; and my desire hath prevalence with him,
which is secret gladness to my heart. In about ten days or
two weeks' time, I intend to be in Pennsylvania, and to be
thereabouts tiU towards the last of the Seventh Month, and

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 95
then to go towards New England, for it is dangerous traveUing
in the winter there ; and if I live, to come back to Pennsyl
vania. I have seen Friends mostly two or three times over
thus far ; and I intend to spend my time to the most profit
I can ; and if I go not for Barbadoes, shall make my way
for home ; but cannot say much to that till I see my way
clearer. My dear, I often think of thee, and it is no small
comfort to me that I have thee to think of, and the more
because I have ever found thee true to me in my greatest
trials ; and though I be far from thee, yet my love increases
to thee, and if it please God to bring us together again, I be
lieve it will be to the increase of our comfort and strength,
and I hope for the further advancement of the work of Truth,
which thou knowest hath been my hearty desire this many
years. And my desire is, that thou live nearer the Truth
than ever, and let the life of it fill thy heart, that thereby
thou mayst be enabled to discharge thyself of what is com
mitted to thy charge, and labour to promote that which
makes for peace ; but if any mutinies should arise to disturb
and disquiet Friends, labour to keep to the sense of God,
and to what clearly opens to thee ; in that clear thyself, but let
it not take too deep hold of thee, nor fret thyself at evil
doers, for they will wax worse and worse till they be fully
made manifest. And let patience possess thy mind, and wait
to grow weighty in thy retirements, that thereby thou mayst
grow in all virtues, and in the knowledge of those things that
appertain to the exalting of the worthy name of the Lord
Jesus Christ. I know that true-hearted Friends will often
inquire of me : remember my dear love to them as one man.
My spirit is often with you in your week-day meetings ; and
to think of God's goodness in times past is gladness to

96 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
my heart. Remember my love in general to all Friends as
thou seest fit, and be careful to keep out all who pretend to
motions and visions, such as are but of their own brain ;
and advise to keep to the sound Truth in aU things, and put
Friends in mind to visit Scarhouse Meeting. So with true
love to thee, I remain thy real and loving husband,
Wm. Ellis."
George Keith, who, as welb as some others, is noticed in
the following letter and in some subsequent ones, was once
a minister among Friends ; but he fell from his standing,
and afterwards joined the Episcopalians, among whom he
became a priest, but practised persecution and falsehood so
as to render his profession of religion contemptible. — See
Life of John Richardson, Ed. 1843. p. 103—129.
Nicholas Wain was a Friend who emigrated from Eng
land at an early period. A Friend of the same name, pos
sibly a descendant of the former, visited England from
America as a minister in 1783, and again in 1795.
The following notice of GriflSth Owen, who is several
times mentioned in this volume, is from " Proud's History
of Pennsylvania," Vol. ii. p. 99. " In the latter part of the
year 1717, died Dr. Griffith Owen, of PhUadelphia. He
came to Pennsylvania among the early settlers ; and was
said to be of great and eminent service among them in
divers capacities. As a preacher among the Quakers he
was highly esteemed, being an active, exemplary, and very
useful member of that religious Society. In the civil de
partment his merit and abUities raised him to several pubhc
stations, wherein he acted with judgment and integrity,

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 97
being long one of the Governor's councU, &c. But his
practice as a physician, in which he was very knowing and
eminent, rendered him of stiU greater value and importance
in the place where he lived. With these qualities he is said
to have preserved the sincerity and meekness of a true
Christian, and died much beloved by a large acquaintance of
people of different ranks and societies."
" Philadelphia, the Sth of the 6th mo. 1698.
Dear and Loving Wife ;
By this know that I got to this city two days
since, where I was long looked for, and as kindly received
by Friends. Yesterday I was at two meetings in this city, and
the Lord's power came upon me, so that I was made strong
to sound forth the Truth, and set it over what might appear to
oppose it. Many of George Keith's party were there, but I
hear not a word of opposition yet. Since I wrote my last
to thee out of Maryland, I have been much out of health,
with much swelling and pain in my head, and a strong feyer,
so that I somewhat thought it would have brought me down,
but have travelled still. To-morrow I hope to go out to a
Quarterly Meeting about twenty miles off; and hope to re
turn and stay some time with Griffith Owen, and take some
thing to help my body. Nicholas Wain and his wife met me
here yesterday, and as far as I see he has kept his integrity.
I got thy letter, of which I was not a little glad, and I
am glad thou art so easy in thyself; my care is great in
secret for thy safety every way ; and though I be far from
thee, yet I know my love increaseth to thee, and hope our
love will be so to the end. Now since I left thee I have
gone through many straits and much exercise of body, so
9

98 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
that sometimes I could hardly stand in a meeting without a
staff, and what I have yet to go through I know not ; but
sometimes I am so that I question my return to thee again,
and when that is in my mind, my care is more and more in
creased for thy safety and preservation ; but what shall I say,
the Lord is able, and I beUeve wUling to keep us, if we
keep to him. And further, take care to thyself that no false
spirit betray thee, nor lay hands on any man too suddenly,
neither believe men for fair sayings only. I have seen some
times that aU is not gold that appears so to be, and as thou
keepest here, thou wilt find what spirit people are of, both at
home and abroad : take dUigent care to improve what I have
said to thee in this thing. Here are many tender-hearted
Friends who are preserved lowly in mind, and loving, and who
keep much out of superfluity in apparel. Walter Fawcittis
with me here and is well ; Richard Wilkinson knows him, I
suppose. If I live I intend to see the north parts, and hope to
see those islands ; and at my return back, I hope I shall be of
more ability of body and see more as to my return to England.
Aaron is not come here yet, being in a fever and an ague
every other day. I sent two Friends to see him, and staid tUl
they came back : he sent me a letter, wherein be hath expressed
my sincerity to him. If he come not up here after I go on,
I somewhat question whether I shall have any more of his
company in travel, but must labour to be content. I would
have thee draw my famUy into as little a compass as thou
canst, that if we live we may serve the Truth more than ever,
if we be able. My dear love to Friends in general, as thou
seest meet. I have thought some Friend might have been
so kind as to have given me an account of the affairs of our
meeting, and how things are in the monthly-meeting ; it

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 9Q
might well be thought, that as I have left all to see Trath
prosper in these lands, it would therefore give me great
gladness to hear of its prosperity at home. With true love
to thee, I remain thy truly loving husband,
Wm. Ellis."
Wandsworth, near London, 12th of 6th mo. 1698.
Dear and loving Friend ;
I have received several of thy letters from the sea-
coast, and from Maryland or Virginia, one of which came to
hand when I was on a journey in Holland and elsewhere,
with dear Paul Moon. I travelled through many countries
and kingdoms and states, even in some of the dark comers
of the earth, where Satan hath his seat and sits highly
exalted, and where the beast's deadly wound is healed, and
the whore rides as a queen that should never see sorrow ;
but the day is dawned in which her merchants shaU howl
and lament as they see her downfal. The Lord hasten his
work more and more for his own gloiy and the good of the
souls of men ! We had very good service among the Friends,
some of whom had not been visited for a great while.
Meetings in some places are large, and generaUy tender ;
the worst was amongst a sort of Baptists, that queried of
us, if we came to meet with them as Christians ! or if we
came to make them Christians ! and much to do we had ;
but at last we got a meeting with them, and felt some
tenderness, though not so much as in some other places,
for we had five meetings in Baptists' meeting places, in
towns where Friends had no meetings ; and in one near

100 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Hamburgh, there was great tenderness, with tears and
love, so that an open door is now there, I hope, for the
next faithful labourers the Lord may send amongst them.
There was much need of visiting in some places, and I hope
through the Lord, our labour was not in vain ; for his
presence was in a glorious manner with us, and his power
tendered our hearts and their's, and many of the other
people's. Oh ! that his love might not be in vain to any,
but that all, through the descending of the heavenly showers,
might know the earth to be mollified, the good seed to take
root and grow, to the praise of the Lord's own Name.
WeU, it is a good day, and the Lord's work is going on !
A great parliament man owns Truth openly, and a testimony
is stirring among some honest Friends. John Tomkins is
opened a little in the ministry, and William Townsend, a
red-haired man of Southwark. The Lord bring more into
the labour of his vineyard, that his great harvest work may
go on. The great Master of our assemblies be with thee,
and rivet the nail in a sure place, that it be loosened no
more, but that it answer the end, to the good of men, to the
glory of God, and to the comfort of thy exercised mind.
So desiring thy preservation every way, with that of thy
dear feUow-traveller, with mine and my wife's dear love to
you both, I rest thy truly loving friend and brother,
Theodore Eccleston."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 101
" To Adam Squire. PhUadelphia, the Sth of 6th mo. 1698.
Kind Friend, Thou mayst know that it is no small gladness
to have a few lines from thee, and much more, because in
them I find thy love to increase to me and to the Truth,
and that unsoundness in the people becomes thy burden. The
Lord raise thy love more to him, and thy zeal to his Truth,
and to give thee strength to bear whatever may fall upon
thee for his Name's sake ; and that thou mayst labour to do
whatever is ordered for thee to do, with a wiUing mind ;
God Almighty loves such. I am glad thou hast found
the good effect of my advice ; I do think thou wilt find the
good effect of it more and more. Thou knowest I have told
thee things that were for thy good, as if thou hadst been my
son. Had all that I have wished the welfare of, seen it as
thou hast done, and taken it in the same way, several had
been nearer the kingdom of God than I believe they are at
this day. And still my counsel is to thee, to hold on in
every good work, and let every body have the benefit of thy
love to the Trath ; and above all, watch to thyself, that
nobody may have aught justly to charge thee with ; and a'
to marriage, wait in God's counsel, that thou mayst have tb-
right portion on that account. If thou pass that pos
without harm, it wUl make thy days comfortable. So with
true love to thee,
I rest thy real friend and eternal well-wisher,
Wm. Ellis."
9*

102 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER VII.
Notes of a Meeting of Ministering Friends, at Burlington, West Jersey.
Letter to Alice EUis. Epistle to Settle Monthly Meeting. Letters
from Theodore Eccleston to Alice Ellis, — to Friends appointed as
Overseers, — Alice Ellis to her husband.
The foUowing Notes respecting a Meeting held at Bur
lington, in West Jersey, and preserved among the memoranda
of WiUiam EUis, are of great interest, and may be profitably
read by many in the present day. From what is stated in a
subsequent letter, this meeting appears to have preceded the
general Yearly Meeting for Pennsylvania and the adjacent
parts of the country.
Samuel Jennings, at whose house this meeting was held,
was for some time Governor of the province of West Jersey :
he emigrated from ColeshUl in Buckinghamshire, in 1680 ;
and is said to have been " a suppressor of vice, and an
encourager of virtue ; sharp towards evil doers, but tender
and loving to them that did well ; giving good counsel and
wholesome advice to friends and neighbours ; he was an
able minister of the Gospel, and laboured much therein, to
the comfort and edification of many people." — See Proud's
History of Pennsylvania, Vol. I. page 157.
Thomas Janney, respecting whom a Testimony was read at
this meeting, emigrated from Cheshire, in 1683, and settled

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 103
near the Lower Falls of the Delaware : he is said to have
been a very serviceable person in his adopted country.
After residing in America twelve years he revisited his native
country on a religious account ; and after travelling through
some parts of it, was taken ill. He died in Cheshire,
amongst his relations, in 1696, aged 63 years, having been
a minister forty-two years. — See Piety Promoted, Part II.
and Proud's History of Pennsylvania, Vol. I. page 217.
Elizabeth Webb, noticed as being on a religious visit
from England, in company with Mary Rogers, from the
same country, was from Gloucestershire ; but she afterwards
removed to America, and subsequently paid a religious visit
to the land of her nativity. An account of her religious
experience, given in a letter to Anthony WUliam Bcehm,
was re-printed in 1848, in a volume of Autobiographical
Notices, by Thomas Chalk.
Mary Rogers died whUst visiting the West India Islands,
on h* passage from Nevis or Antigua to Jamaica. — See
Letter, in this volume, from Samuel Carpenter, dated |f|f .
Caleb Pusey, who produced at this meeting the essay of a
controversial work, was an emigrant from London, who had
settled in Pennsylvania with his family in 1682 ; he is
spoken of in Proud's History of Pennsylvania, Vol. I.
page 337, as having preserved part of the materials from
which that work was composed ; and as having been a man
of good example, both in public and private life, and esteemed
as a worthy Elder among his friends the Quakers. He was
long one of the Provincial and Governor's CouncU ; and

104 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
was the author of several controversial works, one of which
was in defence of WUliam Penn.
Griffith Jones was, subsequently to the period of this
meeting, a member of the Assembly of Pennsylvania.

At a Meeting of Ministering Friends, held in BurUngton,
at the House of Samuel Jennings, the 17th, 18th,
19th, 20th, 21st, 22ndj and 23rd days of the 7th
month, 1698.
The meeting was large and full, and divers traveUing
¦Friends that were strangers were present, as WUliam Ellis,
Aaron Atkinson, Mary Rogers, Elizabeth Webb, from
England, and Elizabeth Gambel, from Barbadoes, with
divers others from neighbouring provinces ; and the tord's
eternal power was with us, in which divers living, sound
testimonies were borne : and after Friends were a litUe eased,
and our hearts united by the bond of Truth, we proceeded
to inspect the necessary affairs of the meeting.
A Testimony concerning our dear friend, Thomas Janney,
given forth by Griffith Owen, was read and approved.
The meeting adjourned until the morrow morning.
I8th day. — Friends being met together, and the Lord's
power and presence eminently attending the meeting, divers
testimonies and cautions were delivered in the power and
life of Truth, which then overshadowed the meeting.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 105
First, — Though some that had a public testimony, might
think within themselves, that the weight of the service of
the Yeariy Meeting might not be upon them, beUeving it
would rather become the concern of those who had come
from far to visit Friends here, yet that they should beware
of an unconcernedness in that respect, but be weightily
and carefuUy concerned to travail with them, spirituaUy,
who might be in the exercise, that thereby they might
be helped and strengthened through their spiritual travaU
with them.
As also, that whereas, it was the way of the world to
forget God, yet the Lord hath gathered us, his people, to
himself, that we could not forget him ; for though we came
poor and empty together, yet the Lord in his wisdom and
goodness and love, niet us with a full hand, to comfort and
strengthen us, that we might not faint in eur minds, but be
renewed in our strength ; and as Friends kept in that, the
Lord would be praised and his Truth advanced. As also
that Friends might keep to the power of Truth, and not to
be over forward, but to mind it ; and when things were
well, not to offer anything that might do hurt, or hinder the
Lord in his spiritual work amongst his people ; and though
this caution might seem then to be well received, as it had
been formerly, yet it was seldom but some things in these
great meetings were offered that did hurt, wound and grieve
the honest-hearted: and several cautions were given, that it
should not be so at this meeting, or for the future.
As also, that Friends in the ministry should not run
before their Guide, but be weightily concerned, and not
strive to utter words out of the power of Truth ; but as the
power fell in them, though there might be an openness and

106 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
a desire to speak in that power, yet rather to leave off, that
the Lord might have his way ; for many things which might
open at such times, if the power withdrew, might be better
spoken to by another, who might afterward be put forth to
speak to it, if the Lord saw good to order it.
Adjoiyned until the morrow morning.'
19th day. — Friends being again met this morning, some
testimonies and cautions were given ; viz.
As to the difference between the wisdom of God and of
man, and that though the wisdom of man was in the power
of man, yet the wisdom of God was to be waited for, there
fore Friends were cautioned to wait for it in sUence, and
know a renewing of their strength therein, and not to stir
without it carried them along ; but rather to rest when it
withdrew or did not put them forth.
As also, that as the Lord had formerly appointed Priests
and Levites to serve him, so the Lord had now appointed
and chosen vessels to bear public testimonies to his Name
and Truth ; with caution, that none should go before or
stay behind the power of that which had called them, lest
their offerings should be those of strange fire.
And not only so, but to be good patterns and examples
in their lives and conversation, and to see that it should be
so with their wives and chUdren and servants, that in all
things the Lord through them might be praised.
WUliam EUis and Aaron Atkinson, for good order and
example's sake were wUling, and of their own accord, offered
their certificates, that Friends in England had given them, of
their unity with them, and of Friends' satisfaction in their

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 107
coming to visit us here, which were read and well accepted
and approved.
A letter from Thomas Turner, and his certificate, read
from Friends in England, were well received ; and it was
agreed that a certificate be drawn on his account, to go from
this meeting.
The answer written by Caleb Pusey and John Wood, to
Daniel Leed's book, called " News of a Trumpet," agreed
to be read next Fifth-day morning.
Adjourned until the morrow, at eight in the morning.
20th day. — Adjourned again untU four in the afternoon.
Ann DUworth proposed her intentions of going for England,
to visit Friends there, and she was advised of the weight of
so great a concern ; but if it rested still with her, the meet
ing left her to her liberty.
Walter Fawcitt laid before this meeting his intention of
going to England to visit Friends, and he was left to his
liberty. An Epistle from the Yearly Meeting at London, was
read, and referred to be considered by the Yearly meeting
here. A paper of condemnation was brought into this meeting,
signed by Griffith Jones, about his joining with George
Keith in his separation ; but being informed it had not yet
orderly passed the Monthly Meeting at Philadelphia, to which
he belonged, he was therefore referred to give the said meet
ing satisfaction in the first place.
Adjourned untU eight in the morning.
21st day. — Adjourned until evening.
Adjourned until eight in the morning.

108 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
22nd day. — Mary Rogers, in much brokenness, laid before
Friends, how that it had not been her own choice, to choose
exercises, trials and difficulties, but it had been the Lord's
pleasure to draw her beyond her expectation, as now he had
laid it upon her to visit Barbadoes ; and though she had
tried several ways to have evaded it, if the Lord had seen
good, yet every way, except that, seemed as darkness to her ;
but she was willing to lay it before the meeting, that she
might have the concurrence of Friends in so weighty an
undertaking ; which caused much tenderness in the meeting,
and divers testimonies were borne of the satisfaction of
Friends concerning her and her exercises ; and with several
prayers for her preservation, in much love and brokenness,
the meeting gave her up to the will of the Lord.
Agreed that a certificate be drawn on her behalf, and that
the Monthly Meeting at PhUadelphia be desired to take care
that it be done.
It was proposed to this meeting, that Richard Hoskins
had it on his mind to visit the meetings in Maryland and
there-away, and in Virginia, and he was left to his liberty.
Thomas Turner's certificate signed.
23rd day. — Caleb Pusey's answer to Daniel Leed's " News
of a Trumpet sounding in the WUderness, &c." was read and
agreed that it be pubUshed, with amendments, and the ad
ditions noted to be made.
The meeting ended.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 109
" Burlington, in West Jersey,
27th of 7th mo. 1698.
Dear and Loving Wife,
After my true love to thee, know that I am
indifferent weU, and Aaron Atkinson is come hither, and
now is at the Yearly Meeting for Pennsylvania and there
abouts, where many Friends from many parts are come up,
and the meeting has begun well, and I hope it wiU end with
thanksgiving and praises to God Almighty. After this
meeting we intend to go towards New England, and into the
Isles thereabouts, and hope to come back into these parts ;
and if we find ourselves easy, be sure we shall be glad to
return to England again ; but I must not draw conclusions
tUl I see my way clear. Mean time my mind is much exer
cised for thy welfare, and that nothing fall too hard on thee.
I sometimes fear ill folks will take an opportunity to foam
out their malice at thee, now that I am gone ; but I con
sider they will make themselves manifest to be in a great
degree void of Christianity. Above all, seek for patience to
bear what may fall to thy lot, and wisdom to behave thyself
properly, both in word and deed ; and in due time the
Lord will help 'thee through. I received thy letter with
what thou sent by Robert Haydock's ship, and was glad
of it. I have heard that Henry Coward is deceased, and
George Myers also ; but it will not yet enter my mind that
George is deceased. Thou fallest short of giving me account
of the affairs of our lAeeting, and of the monthly-meeting,
and whether you have got a meeting of public-friends or not.
Methinks somebody might have sent me a few lines ; but if
10

110 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
the cares of this world and the love to it, drive me out of
Friends' remembrance, it is not so with me ; for all my
exercises, whether at sea or land, have not driven them out
of my mind, nor prevented my hearty prayers for their wel
fare. Pray labour to bring the young people to a sense of
the Truth, and of the comeliness of it. My dear love to all
true-hearted Friends, and especiaUy to Richard WUkinson
and his wife and chUdren ; to Thomas Stockdale, Thomas
Atkinson, old Phineas Parkinson, and Adam Squire ; I took
his letter with more than ordinary gladness. My love to
brother Daniel and his wife, sister Margaret and brothers,
and all my well-minded neighbours ; and if anybody that is
disaffected to the government of the Truth inquire of me, let
such know, that what I was in zeal and love to the Truth,
I am the same still, and hope to abide the same ; for the
love of God abides in my heart, and my love increaseth to
true men more and more. My bowels often yearn for loose
people that profess the Truth, and such as have done wrong
things, and have withstood Friends' coun.sel, because I see
that if such die unreconciled to God and his people, the
hand of the Lord wUl be heavy upon them. The Lord
show mercy to all such, if their day be not over. I have
had good service in the Yearly Meeting, Blessing and
honour be to the holy and merciful name of the Lord for
ever ! This from thy real husband,
Wm. Ellis."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. Ill
An Epistle sent to Settle Monthly Meeting.
" Boston in New England,
20th of Sth mo. 1698.
Dear Friends, Though I be far separated from you in body,
yet neither length of time, nor distance of place, hath hitherto
cast you out of my remembrance ; and under the sense of
true love to you, my secret desires are for your welfare, and
that you all may be preserved in pure love and perfect unity
one with another ; and that every one may fervently labour
to promote the Truth, and the good and wholesome order of
it; and that wisdom may spring in your assembly, to show
mercy to the weak that are really penitent, that they may be
helped out of their weaknesses ; and that such as are taken
in the snares of Satan may be helped ; and as for such as
have been found in evil doing, and stUl remain in it, and by
no means will be restrained, though often advised in great
love and tenderness, let such know that the judgment of
Truth is upon their evil doing, and will be over them whUe
they abide therein ; and in the name of the Lord Jesus, sup
press pride and improper liberty in your young people.
Likewise that old people keep out of that grasping spirit of
the world which has blinded the eyes of too many ; and
some have been choked by it. Also in the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ, charge the rich men not to be high-
minded nor to trust to uncertain riches, but in the living
God. Also there are two sorts of people more, for whom
my soul, in the .sense thereof, doth often mourn ; the one is
such as have wives but never a chUd, yet are rich in this
world ; and the other such as never had wife nor child, and
have toiled to get riches in abundance ; and when neither

112 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
of these two states are wUling to serve the Truth with all
their souls and substance. Now I desire in the love of God,
that if any such there be, that faithful Friends speak to
them, and advise them to discharge themselves of the stew
ardship they are intrusted with, so that God may have his
horiour, and they the comfort by serving the Truth in their
life time. So whether such will hear or no. Friends will be
found clear in the day of the Lord, and such must bear
their own trouble. And with all your might promote hos
pitality ; and when your tables are filled with plenty, then
remember the poor that are in want. Judge the cause
of the fatherless, and plead for the widow, and feel your
bowels warm with tenderness towards the afflicted, and I
am certain the God of heaven will bless you in basket and
in store, and peace and love will increase amongst you ;
and the young people wUl behold your good order, and
bless the Lord on your behalf. Thus with true love to you
all, and to honest Friends in your particular meetings,
I remain your real friend,
Wm. Ellis.
P. S. — Know this, that I have visited Friends in Carolina,
Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, East and West Jersey,
Long Island, and Rhode Island, mostly, and now am here
at this time with an intent to see Friends, and go back to
Pennsylvania. Robert Heaton is well, Nicholas Wain is
weU, and hath many fine chUdren. Martin WUdman and
chUdren are well. James Dilworth's vrife, I suppose, is
gone by this to Barbadoes, and if she live, she intends to
come for England. My love to my wife.
W. E."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 113
Theodore Eccleston to Alice EUis.
" London, the 25th of the Sth mo. 1698.
Dear Friend ;
I was often desired to write to thee by thy
husband before he went hence, and since, by letters that
have come from him, but I have been much in journeys this
year. I have once been beyond sea, in Holland and divers
other countries, where in some places we traveUed three and
sometimes four score miles between one meeting and another ;
and we were at one town where no public-friend had been
for nearly three years. I think never since Roger Haydock
was over. In those meetings Friends generally speak by an
interpreter. I was absent from home about ten weeks, and
came back about the time thy letter came from thy husband,
which we sent thee, and received thy answer without a direc
tion ; but I sent it forward to Pennsylvania, where I hope it
would meet thy husband ; for I expect he might be there
abouts at the time when the ship that carried thy letter
might come there, for I have received yesterday, another
letter from him from thence, dated in the 6th month,
whereby I perceive he was gotten tether, through the pro-
¦ vinces of Virginia and Maryland. He said nothing to the
contrary, so I hope he was well. Aaron was left behind,
not weU, and I think had been much in sickness since he
came there. Thy husband works very hard in meetings, but
I hope the Lord wUl please to preserve him, and return him
safe to us again when he has done his work in those places.
In the mean time it is some comfort to hear of him, and to
consider it is a time of liberty, and no wars this year in
those countries ; but that which is more, is, to consider that
10*

114 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
it is the Lord's business that he is in, to glorify his God and
our God, and to proclaim the day of great salvation which
hath visited us, that others also may enjoy the same love
wherewith God hath loved us, and may come to know and
serve and worship God, and be brought out of the ways of
destruction, wherein multitudes are going on ignorantly,
supposing all is well with them. It is good to be an in
strument in the hand of the Lord, to save the souls of men,
and that is the work dear WiUiam is absent about ; there
fore I hope it will not appear long or tedious, especially
considering that that God, whom he serves, is the God of all
our mercies, and I hope doth and will abundantly make up
his absence to thee with the comforts of his Holy Spirit, to
which Holy Spirit manifest within, I truly recommend thee,
desiring the blessings of God inwardly and outwardly may
be increased to thee. So dear friend, with mine and my
wife's true love to thee,
I rest thy assured loving friend,
Theodore Eccleston.
Thomas Story and Roger Gill are going to America."
A letter to the Fri^ds appointed as Overseers of the
Church at Airton.
" Boston, in New England,
9th of 9th mo. 1698.
Kind Friends ;
After my kind and dear love to you, wishing
with my whole heart your welfare and your steadfast walking
in the Truth, and that the life of it may fill your hearts,
know, that though I be far separated in body, yet, are you

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 115
not forgotten by me, but are often in my mind ; and often
is my mind exercised to this end, that Truth may prosper
amongst you ; and as it hath been thought good to commit
to your trust those things that are for the good of the Church
and the honour of God, my desire hath been and still is,
that you may be truly careful to see that every good work be
maintained ; and that where such hath been found short in
any, they may be advised in the love of God, to repent and
become anew ; and if such be truly gained, show all tender
ness to them that is needful ; but if any refuse amendment
of life, show your dislike in the Lord's name. Advise
Friends' children to keep to the Truth, and that they go not
to other people for wives and husbands ; but if any. offer to
do so, deal with them in tenderness, and wait that the true
sense of their misery which they are about to bring upon
their own heads, may fill your hearts, and in that deal with
them ; and if such will not be gained but go on, when
the Lord's hand comes to touch them, and to bring trouble
upon them, your faithful warning may come into their minds
and thereby they may be made to confess to your care
of them and love to them. I have seen, since I left my
country, the sad effects of such things, and how through them
our people are scattered, and make confusion, and become
unlike an assembly of saints. I wish your love may increase
to the poor, and fatherless, and widows; and that in the
sense of God's love, you advise such as are rich and have
neither wives nor children, that they be much given to hospi
tality and to good works : the day is coming in which such
must know that it is better to serve the Lord with their sub
stance in their day, than to leave it to their brethren or
brethren's children, or to pretend to leave it to serve when

116 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
they are gone. Let Friends meet often together, and with
a free heart and a willing mind ; and see that Satan be with
stood, who leads men to sleep and to idleness ; for it is he
that doth this, let him and them that take his part in it say
what they will. The Lord hath made my arm strong to war
against him in that work ; and I hope it will be strengthened
through the mighty God of Jacob, to war against him to the
end of my days ; and be sure that you faU not to set true
judgment upon the head of that spirit, I know it envies
Truth's prosperity and the saving of people's souls. And
labour for that which makes for peace ; so may your hope
increase, that God will bring you to hjs kingdom. Labour
also that humility may abound to that degree, that you may
be enabled to wash one another's feet ; and that not only the
Ten Commandments to Israel be walked in, but the new com
mandment given by Christ, that is, That you love one ano
ther. And be sure that advice be given, not to watch over
one another with an evU eye ; but where this is seen let sorrow
abound ; and mark those that make divisions and sow
discord. The devil hath done more mischief by these
things, in this part of the world, than ever he could do by
whipping, branding, imprisoning or hanging on the gallows
tree.ti And bear with me, if it be an offence to say to you. Finally
my brethren, be all of one mind ; and so the God of all peace,
who forgets not the labour of his servants, nor all the hard
ships and sorrows endured by night and by day, for this
end only, and no other, that the kingdom of his Son Jesus
Christ may be exalted : even He, in due time, wUl give you
to reap the fruit of your labours, if you continue to the end
and faint not.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 117*
If this come to your hand, and it be seen good, read it
in your First-day meeting, with my dear love, in the unity
of the blessed Spirit of Christ, who hath washed us from
our sins in his own blood, and wiU give us an inheritance
amongst all them that are sanctified, if we continue steadfast
in faith and good works unto the end. In this love
I dearly salute you aU, with all faithful Friends. By this
you may know that I have been over most of these countries,
and now hope to return to Pennsylvania, which is near
four hundred miles off, with many great rivers, sounds,
and bays of water between. These I have passed over before,
with much difficulty at times. If I live to come there, I
hope the Lord will open my way ; and if it be to return,
be sure I shall be glad. Pray remember my poor wife, who
parted with me freely ; she seems to me to be like th'e silly
dove without its mate, who mourns for its companion ; speak
comfortably to her, and let no one do her wrong in any case
that is in your power to set right. My dear love to her and
to Friends of your Monthly Meeting, or elsewhere, who love
the Lord Jesus Christ. Aaron Atkinson's love is to you aU.
Your real, constant and true friend,
Wm. Ellis."
It is worthy of notice, that on the same day on which
William Ellis allowed his affection for his wife to dictate the
expressions of fear respecting her, in the foregoing letter,
she addressed the following to him, showing how groundless
were his fears.

118

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

"Airton, the 9th of the 9th mo. 1698.
Dear and loving Husband ;
After the salutation of endeared love to thee,
by this thou mayst know, that I have sent thee two letters
already ; and I hope thou wilt have received them before
this comes to hand ; it would be great satisfaction to my
mind to know that thou hadst once heard from me. Likewise,
my love, I have received six letters from thee since thou
took shipping, and they were all great gladness to my
mind, and especially thy last, dated the 26th of the 5th mo.
last, wherein thou signifiedst that thou wast easy both in
body and mind ; and I earnestly pray unto the Lord for the
continuation of the same, and that he may still bear thy
head over all, and above all the troublesome seas of oppo
sition, which I am sensible at times thou meetest withal ;
but blessed be the Lord ! I am fully satisfied that he will
make thee as a fenced city, and a brazen wall, against all thy
opposers, not to be prevaUed against. For this cause I
heartily bless God on thy behalf, that it hath pleased him to
spare me to see this day ; and I earnestly desire of the Lord,
that I may prize it. So my dear love, seeing that it hath
pleased God to bless us every way, and to fill us with the
new wine of his kingdom, many, times to the admiration of
my soul, I can truly say we are engaged above many others
to serve him faithfully. And I earnestly desire thee in that
which is beyond words, to be very careful of thyself every
way, and still mind the inward drawings of the Father's love,
that thou mayst, in his acceptable time, fully complete his
work which he has pleased to call thee to, and clear thyself
fully in his sight. Now in the consideration of thy care and

WILLIAM- AND ALICE ELLIS. 119"
love which thou hast had towards me every way, for my
good, and for the loving and good advice I have received at
thy hand, both when near, and far off, in other islands,
far remote from me, the remembrance hereof many times
tenders and melts my heart and spirit before the Lord, so
that I cannot word the nearness thou art to me continuaUy.
I daily feel the shedding abroad of the love of God to fill
my soul, and to overcome my spirit, so that he makes up all
wants, on all hands, and on every account : my soul gives
him the glory and the praise ; for such are his doings to
them that serve him with a wUling mind. And many
precious seasons we enjoy in the presence of God, with the
many faithful messengers whom he hath drawn in his love,
to visit us ; and many of them, I believe, if not all, remem
ber thee in their prayers to the Lord, for thy preservation
and safety every way ; and many there are whom God hath
raised in his infinite love, to sound forth the day of salvation ;
and their trumpets have given a certain sound ; and it is a
gladdening to my heart to see Truth prosper ; and I beUeve
it will increase from one end of the earth to the other. The
Lord increase it, is the desire of my soul. So my dear love,
let not the care thou hast for me lay over hard upon thee ;
for I want for nothing which is good ; the Lord makes up
all and every want ; only remember me in that bond which
cannot be broken. And in this inexpressible love do I
remain. Thy true and loving wife, Alice Ellis."

120 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER vm.
Notice of John Field. Letters from John Field to Alice Ellis, — and
from Aaron Atkinson to William ElUs. On the Payment of Minis
ters. Letter from William Effis to his wife. ' Notice of Daniel
Gonld and letter from him to William Ellis. Notice of John Bow
stead and letter from him to Alice Ellis. Letter from William Ellis
to John Wynn.
John Field, the writer of the following letter, was the
author of several short essays, some of them controversial .
he was likewise the editor of the fourth and fifth parts of
" Piety Promoted." He took a deep interest in the welfare
of the Society of Friends, and died at Hammersmith near
London in 1723, aged 75.
« London, the 26th of the 9th mo. 1698.
Loving friend, Alice Ellis ;
I have received a letter from thy husband, dated
the 13th of the 5th mo. last, in Maryland, wherein he
desires me to write to thee, and to let thee know that his
dear love is to thee and to Friends ; and he signifies that he
hath been out of health, at times, but kept traveUing ; and
the Lord hath helped him wonderfully; and in three weeks
or thereabouts he intended to be in Pennsylvania. And my
desires and prayers unto God are, that he wUl be with him,
and that the angel of his presence may attend him, and that

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 121
by the Lord's counsel and in his wisdom he may be ordered,
and may order all things to the Lord's glory and his people's
comfort and edification ; and that thou and he may be pre
served near to God and in his fear ; that ye may enjoy his
blessing : and that thou mayst know him to be to thee as a
husband, which I doubt not but it will be the case, as thou
art so preserved unto the end. And, dear friend ! let me
say, although unknown to thee, It is certainly our duty and
interest to be freely resigned unto the wUl of God, in what
state or condition, or under what exercise or affliction he
may suffer us to be ; and to that end we ought daily to wait
on him and to pray to him, and be found in the faithful dis
charge of our duty ; and then he will not be wanting to
extend his goodness and renew his mercies to us daily ; but
he will be near to us and comfort us under all the afflictions
that may attend us, and will sweeten them to us. And
although the Lord hath concerned and employed thy hus
band in his work, and honourable service in countries re
mote, he is able to preserve him and thee, and by his good
Providence so to order it as that you may see and enjoy one
another again to your mutual comfort, which I truly desire.
So with my kind love to thee and Friends,
I rest thy truly loving friend,
John Field."
" The 1st of the 10th mo. 1698.
Dear William Ellis ;
My true companion, whom my soul loves ;
thou art oft in my remembrance, and the thoughts of thy
true zeal to God's everlasting Truth, in every appearance, is
11

122 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
comfortable to me. Our dear friends, Edward Shipping,
Richard Easton, and Daniel Sakra, are weU, and their love
is to thee. We four have been together to the east, and
have had a blessed time among them, both as to good wea
ther, and service for the Truth. We had fifteen meetings
beyond Salem. Oh ! I can truly say, the Lord's goodness
was plentifuUy handed forth among these people. Dear
friend ! I cannot freely come from this place straight to thee
to Rhode Island, by reason of a concern that is on my mind
to go to Scituate again, and from thence, either to Sandwich
or to John Tucker's ; I cannot yet tell whether ; but I hope
I shall find freedom to omit Sandwich, and places that way,
to Sunnycane, and so come to John Tucker's, and have
three or four meetings thereabouts only, and one at Joseph
Wanton's as I come to Rhode Island. So I shcJl leave thee
to thy fi^edom in the Lord, whether thou wilt visit the main,
and go on to Long Island with H. C. or stay and rest thy
body tiU I come. My love in the Truth to honest Friends.
Deeir Friend ! be not discouraged in thyself, for thou hast a
good service for the Lord. Thy solid weight reaches to the
consciences of many, and makes some shake the head when
they know not what to say ; or only to say, He is a true
man. With true love to thee,
I rest thy real Friend,
Aaron Atkinson."
Althoudi the society of Friends bears a decided testimony
against the practice of taking money for preaching, under the
conviction that such a practice is opposed to the precept of
Christ respecting authority from him to preach, "Freely ye
lun c received ; freely give ;" yet, according to the circum-

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 123
stances in which it was said, " The labourer is worthy of his
hire," they entertain the travelling messengers of the Gospel
hospitably and free of charge, and likewise generally provide
for the payment of their travelling expenses. In some in
stances, however, their ministers have thought it best to pay
their own travelling expenses, and in this respect also, to
"make the Gospel of Christ without charge." This seems
to have been the case with William Ellis, in order that he
might " cut off occasion from them which desired occasion,"
as appears by the following letter.
" Chester County in Pennsylvania,
1st of llth mo. 1698.
Dear Wife,
After my true and unfeigned love to thee, by this
know, that I received thy letter with great gladness, and am
glad thou art well every way, for my desires are answered on
that account, and that aU Friends are well, and of the establish
ment of the meeting of ministers at Settle. And I pray God
that all Friends concerned may wait in God's counsel ; and
that the service may be really answered for which the meeting
is intended ; and that all may help in that which makes for
peace and comfort. I have had several kind letters from
London that have comforted me. Now as to my travel, I
shall give thee an account as foUoweth : — Since I wrote to
thee in the 7th month, I have been in New England, where
I have travelled with much difficulty, being very weak in
body ; yet this I can say, The Lord hath wonderfully assisted
me, and in my weakness every way, he hath made known his
strength; and through the various tempers of men's spirits,
he hath made way for me, and opened my heart to go

124 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
through such exercise as fell to my lot ; and in divers
places, the cold-minded are warmed, and the indifferent-
minded stirred up, and the mournful are comforted ; and
many begin to see the beauty of Truth, and are of a mind
that I love, that is, to live nearer the Truth than they have
done. I came back hither about three weeks since; and
the Lord's goodness fiUs my heart, and my spirit comes up
over most of things that have bowed me down; and
methinks my mind grows easy and fuU of gladness in my
goings on, so that I hope in this condition I shall set my
face for England again. Aaron and I parted in New Eng
land, for our exercises were heavy and days short. It was
by free consent, and he is not yet come hither. I hope I
shall be ready to take ship in the First Month ; and I am
likely to have a fine company of Friends. Likewise further
know, that thou art often in my mind, and I cannot express
my care for thee. Sickness hath been so much upon me,
that for a time I could not see through it ; but my heart
was much bowed, and thou wast much in my mind ; and I
saw such exercises that were likely to attend thee if I was
removed, that my very soul melted in me, in that love I
have to thee. And now the Lord that trieth the hearts of
men, and comforteth the bowed down, hath restored me
again ; and 1 am now as cheerful in body and mind as I
have been for a long time. I also accept of Friends' love
in general ; and as to my men, I take it kindly that they
remember me with love ; and I wish they may take it kindly,
that I wish their welfare, and that my fervent prayers are
for their safety out of evil, and that they may devoutly serve
the Lord in their day. I kindly accept of Richard Wil
kinson's love, and his wife's, whom I have loved many years ;

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 125
but I should have been much more glad to have had a few
lines from his hand. I wrote to him and to John Tomlin
son, and Thomas Stockdale, of some things that were in my
mind ; I hope they have got the letter by this time. I
v>Tote to Friends of SetUe Monthly Meeting, because of the
true love that is in my heart. My love is to all my kindred,
and there is sometimes sorrow in my mind, that they wUl
not believe that God hath given his good Spirit to them, that
[if accepted] will open to them the earnest of the pleasure
of God's kingdom. I would gladly have heard if any had
been added to Friends. Thou sayst nothing of the death of
George Myers ; it is reported so here, but I cannot believe
it ; if he be not dead, mind my love to him, and to John
Hall and his wife. Every time I think of John HaU, it is a
comfort to me that he hath left his inn-keeping. Advise
Friends to live in love and to be all of one mind, and then
will peace and quietness abound. I cannot express the good
I bad by Adam Squire's letter ; tell him I say not much,
but my deep desires are that he may be safe from the hurtful
things in this world. If Simeon Wilkinson be set up, bid
him set Truth before his business ; tell him it hath been his
master's way so to do, and the Lord shows mercy to him.
Tell Friends to show mercy, but before that, that true
judgment be kept up in your meetings. Advise sleepers to
awake and come to judgment while time is. My love to
John Wade who hath shown kindness to me for the Truth's
sake ; I hope the Lord wUl show kindness to him in a
needful time. Remember my love to Friends of Bentham
Meeting ; tell them they are often in my mind. My love to
Friends of Settle Meeting, and Salterforth Meeting. My
love to all my men, and if Christopher Tatham be gone, bid
11*

126 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
him think of my advice ; I know it wUl be to his profit ; he
is, or may be sensible of my care and love to him. In your
affairs see that the widows and fatherless be not neglected ; on
these accounts I have said most that may be needful at
present, only this ; be sure thou do not overdo thyself in
business ; that if it please God we meet again, it may be to
our ease and comfort. Further know, that I haye travelled
through these countries, and Friends are very kind ; but
I have not laid my hands on one penny from Friends, to
defray my charges with, though I have often had it offered.
So if any upbraid thee therewith, and say that I have left
thee, in order that I might get money, tell them in the name
of the Lord, that it is a lie. So with true love to thee,
wishing we may live sensible of the great mercy of God,
I rest thy truly loving husband,
Wm. Ellis."
The foUowing notice of Daniel Gould, the writer of the
subjoined letter, is extracted from the " Record of the deaths
of Friends and their children, of Rhode Island Monthly
Meeting," page 24 : — Daniel Gould, aged near ninety years.
He departed this life at his own house in Newport on Rhode
Island, y' 26th day of y^ 1st month, 1716, and was buried
in Friends' burial ground near our meeting house, — who bore
a faithful testimony for y'= Truth he professed, both in suffer
ing many stripes at Boston, with frequent testimonies in
public, and finished this life in a full assurance of life eternal,
which he signified on his death-bed, and encouraged all to
believe and walk in the same Truth.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 127
"The 1st of the llth mo. 1698.
Dear William and greatly beloved !
For the soundness and savouriness of thy
spirit, and the sweet savour thou hast left behind thee,
many have thee in good remembrance, and would be very
glad to see thee here again. If the Lord should so order it,
thy pruning hook, I hope, will do good amongst them, for
skilful vine-dressers are precious, who first have a discerning
between the necessaries and the superfluities, and then cut
with an even hand ; and the trees that are saved shall bless
the pruner. My love to Friends wherever thou goest, that
have a remembrance of me ; and I would also have them
remember their first love, that they keep it and grow in the
simplicity thereof ; this wUl warm and comfort their hearts,
being knit together in love. So with my hearty and true
love to thyself and Friends where thou comest, Farewell !
Daniel Gould."
John Bowstead, the writer of the following letter, was a
native of Cumberland : he joined the Society of Friends
when young, and became a laborious minister amongst them.
He died in 1716, aged 57, and was buried at Scotby near
Cariislei See Piety Promoted, Part VI.
To AUce EUis.
" Bainbridge, in Wesleydale,
9th of llth mo. 1698.
Dear Friend ;
Thou hast often been in my remembrance
since thy dear husband was drawn from thee into the Lord's

128 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
service beyond the seas ; where I understand the Lord hath
blessed his labours with an acceptance and good success ;
and seeing it is the Lord's own doing in separating thy dear
husband from thee, I do not doubt but that the Lord that
has made thee willing to give him up, will also sanctify thy
exercises to thee, as thou keepest in his pure fear ; and as he
that was a blessing and a comfort to thee when present, was
so made to thee by that hand which separated him from thee
for his own Name's sake, so whether he live or whether he
die, he is the Lord's. And he that hath blessed you together,
can also bless you when asunder for his Name's sake, and
make good his ancient promise, that he would be a father to
the fatherless and a husband to the widow. I write this in
love to thee, as knowing that thy husband is a man of God,
and hath served him fervently and faithfuUy in this his
glorious day ; and may He that blessed him, bless thee too,
is the fervent desire of thy true friend, John Bowstead."
John Wynn, to whom the following letter was addressed,
resided at Bradford, in Yorkshire, and was a minister much
esteemed among Friends : he is mentioned in page 37 of
this volume, where there is also a letter to him, and there is
a Testimony respecting him in a subsequent chapter.
" PhUadelphia, the 28th of the llth mo. 169f .
Dear Friend; Whom I have dearly loved many years, because
of thy love to the Truth ; nor could that lurking spirit
that privately goes about making itself busy in other men's

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 129
matters, under the pretence of buUding up the Church, take
hold of my mind to lessen thee in my esteem ; for I know its
end is to break the unity of brethren, let its pretence be
what it wiU. And know, that though I be far off, yet thou
hast been often in my remembrance to comfort ; because I
have a sense, that thou wouldst stand by my poor wife in
any right thing. And further, know that I have gone
through great exercise in body, and sometimes I have ques
tioned my being taken away. I have had sore sickness in
New England, but the Lord, that always comforteth the dis
tressed, hath helped me. Likewise the weight of what I
am here about, hath been weightUy upon me ; first, that I
might be kept to the Root, from which I have ever been
supplied with virtue and life to perform my duty ; and as I
have been under danger of dryness possessing my heart, I
being so often under exercises in public and great meetings,
it hath the more humbled my mind in secret ; and my heart
and soul are thankful to the Lord, that he hath grafted that
daUy care in my heart, to supplicate him daily for new sup
plies ; for I see this is the way to keep down pride, and
conceitedness of men's own works and doings, to be better
than other men's. I see Uttle to boast of unless it be of
weakness, as without the help of the great God we are but
men ; and as I have travelled in the sense of these things,
the Lord hath wonderfully assisted my spirit, so that I have
been filled with might and power to the awakening of the
indifferent-minded, and hypocrUes, and double dealers; and
to the comfort of such as mourn and have been ready to say,
as Zion said of old, " The Lord hath forgotten me." 0,
the sweetness of the Truth, and the joy of it, that hath often

130 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
filled my heart ! it hath made me to cry aloud, and not to
spare my strength in the congregations of the Lord's people :
and my prayers are, that through all services and attain
ments, my soul may be affected with the sweetness of that
life by which my strength is renewed ; for I am much of a
mind that those who abide here will never be moved.
When we went to New England our exercises were such,
that we thought it best to separate by free consent ; showing
the reason to some honest Friends ; and it seemed good in
their eyes ; so I have but once seen Aaron Atkinson since.
And finding my body fail, I had a mind to come hither with
what speed I could, visiting Friends as I came ; and I have
been here about three weeks, waiting for Aaron, expecting him
every day, or to hear from him. Now, know that I find my
mind much eased, and in a little time, hope I shall be easy
to leave these parts ; but Aaron being so long sick in
Virginia, he hath yet West Jersey, Pennsylvania, and many
Friends in Maryland to see ; so that I begin to doubt
of his company home, though I should gladly have it ; but
as far as I can see, I hope I shall be easy to return to
England in the latter end of the First Month, or early in the
Second. And if the Lord show me favour, to bring me safe
and right and clear every way, it wiU make my heart glad ;
and to see my old friends in England again, whose love hath
always been firm and true to me in my exercises. My dear
love to thy wife and daughter ; I wish she may grow sensible
of the life of Truth. My love to my dear wife whom I am
much concerned about, for her safety every way, and that
she may be preserved out of the reach of the enemy, and the
hands of unreasonable men. My love to all true hearted

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 131
Friends wherever thou comest, and if any inquire of news
from far, tell them that the Lord is at work to make Zion a
compact city, and build up her waUs ; and the Lord is
bringing back the captivity of his people that they may
dwell in the midst of her : glory and honour and everlasting
thanks be given and sounded forth to his worthy and glorious
name ! This is from thy real friend,
Wm. Ellis."

132 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER IX.
Letters from William Ellis to John Chanler and Samuel Bound. Notice
of Phineas Pemberton. Letters from Phineas Pemberton and
William Gabbitus to William Ellis, — from John Tomkins to Alice
Ellis. Notice of Gilbert Thompson. Letters from Gilbert Thompson
to Alice EUis, — from William Southebe and Rowland Ellis to William
Ellis. Notice of WiUiam Fishbourn. Letters from William Fish
bourn and Griffith Owen to William Ellis. Notice of Anthony
Morris. Letter from Anthony Morris to William Ellis. Notice
of Samuel Carpenter. Letters from Samuel Carpenter and Richard
Johns to William Ellis. John Cowgill to the Offspring of Believing
Parents. To John Chanler.
" PhUadelphia, the llth of 1st mo. 169|.
My KIND FRIEND AND LANDLORD ;
After my true respects to thee and thy wife,
by this know, that I thought it no less than ray duty
to give thee a few lines, to acknowledge thy civility and
kindness to us, both as strangers, and as people fearing God,
though thou thyself knowest we sought nothing of thee but
love ; and this, we had freely ; and let me freely tell thee,
that I believe the love of God is much towards thee ; and if
thou mind the Word that is engrafted in thy heart, thou
wilt find that it wUl open thy understanding in things per
taining to thy salvation. I believe it hath been already at
work upon thy mind ; and let men say of it what they wUl,
I do know that it is the leaven of the kingdom, and the

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 133
substance of the parable of the grain of mustard seed ; also
of that of the woman that lost her piece of money, and in
searching and sweeping her own house, found it. Likewise
it is the pearl of great price, for which the merchant was
to sell or part with all, before he could obtain it. And
Christ says. He that is with you shall be in you ; and it is
also said. What is to be known of God is manifest in men.
The Prophets also say. That in the last days, the Lord would
make a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah,
even would write his law in their hearts, and put his fear in
their minds ; and that all should know the Lord. And I
pray God thou mayst take heed to his Word, and it will
guide thee in the way that is acceptable to God ; and this is
that which I desire may come upon thee, and upon all man
kind, though some speak hardly of us, without cause or
knowledge of us ; but as for such, I pray God to forgive
them ; they know not what they do. My respects are to
the little man in the white hat, his name I know not, he sat
with me at thy house ; he came from Plymouth, in Old
England. My companion is come, and he told me of thy
kindness to him. I took it as done to myself. So in true
love to thee, I remain thy true friend,
Wm. Ellis.
"PhUadelphia, the llth of the 1st mo. 169f.
Dear Friend, Samuel Bound ;
After true love to thee, by this know, that I
was somewhat uneasy that I parted so suddenly with thee
and George Langlay ; however it is gladness to my mind to
12

1-34

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

see thy zeal for Truth, and thine and thy wife's dedication
to the service of it ; it is also my great comfort, to see so
many that are stirred up with love to the Truth; and I
desire that aU Friends may labour to walk in it ; and that
Friends may come out of all that which tends to improper
liberty, or to gratify a vain mind, whether in house or habit,
loose talking or walking ; and as weU in monthly-meetings
for business, as in other meetings, that Friends may sit
under an awfiil sense of the presence of God in their minds ;
and whatever comes before you to consider, keep in peace
and love : and labour to be aU of one mind, and take care
to prevent aU such words or discourses, as may in any way
stir up heats or aggravate one another. Let Christ be head
and master and governor ; and then wUl you feel, in your
selves, the increase of that unity- which always attended
faithfiU brethren. It was said to be like the oil. that was
poured on the head of Aaron, and as the dew of Hermon's
hUl, or the rain upon the mountains of Zion. Advise
Friends to be true in retirement, and that they may feel
no contentment tUI Truth fill their hearts ; smd that Friends
may bring their chUdren to meetings with them ; and that
none be too much set upon business, but rather spend some
time to see one Emother in your particular meetings ; and
put Friends in mind to keep up their week-day meetings
through your island ; also that the younger people may not
dis-esteem the elder that have been true in their time. I am
somewhat of a mind that the Lord will enlarge Friends in
your island, if they be true to him; and I further advise all
to take care not to touch with that ranting spirit, nor to
show any pity to it ; but in God's wisdom and power to
stand over it ; I never saw any to prosper that ever lent

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 135
it any assistance. Fail not to write once a year to thy
wife's mother in England. Let honest George Law see
my letter ; my love is much to him ; he behaved himself
to me like a man, a friend, and a faithful brother ; and the
Lord's goodness filled his heart often. The Lord thoroughly
work him into that frame of mind in which he may faithfully
serve him in all things. So with true love to thee, thy wife
and friends, I remain thy true friend,
Wm. Ellis."
Phineas Pemberton, the writer of the following letter,
emigrated from Lancashire, where he had been a useful
member of the Society of Friends. In 1697 he was a
member of Council and Speaker of the Assembly of Penn
sylvania : he died in 1702, having been very serviceable in
things temporal and spiritual in his adopted country. — See
Life of Samuel FothergiU, page 160.
" The 18th of the 1st mo. 169|.
Dear friend, Wm. Ellis ;
Thy faithfulness to the Lord, the plainness of
thy testimony, the uprightness of thy conversation, and thy
labour of love, have been of great benefit to many, and there
fore many do greatly love thee ; and I amongst the rest,
who have reaped the benefit of thy labour, am now drawn
to give thee these few lines as a Farewell ! doubting whether
I inay see thee any more ; but I shall have that spiritual
enjoyment of thee, of which the saints in feUowship are
made partakers, and of which the things in this world

136 life and correspondence of
cannot prevent us, and wherein we are often comforted
in those dear remembrances we have of one another, until
the time of that full fruition of enjoyment which is laid
up and prepared for us in the kingdom of rest and ever
lasting peace : and truly the remembrance of thee at this
time is very pleasant to me, and the sense of the sweet and
comfortable seasons we have had together, dwells upon my
spirit, and works me into a humble frame of mind, to give
the Lord the glory, who so tenderly takes care of his, every
where. This is not, ought not, and I believe will not be
forgotten by the faithful, but wUl more and more engage
our hearts to love and faithfully to follow and worship him,
who over all is worthy. Thus being in haste, but in dear
and tender love, I bid thee Farewell ! who am thine in
sincerity and truth, Phineas Pemberton."
From WiUiam Gabbitus.
"Philadelphia, the 25th of 1st mo. 169f.
Dear William,
I thought I parted very hardly with thee, when
I last saw thee ; indeed I did not think it would have come
so very near me ; but seeing that it must be so, that we
must now part with thee, the Lord's wiU be done ! I do not
know what makes it harder to part with thee, than with some
others, but I could gladly have wished for an opportunity to
have seen thee. I think I was too tender of some engage
ment then appointed, which I now see I might have omitted,
to have enjoyed more of thy company. Blessed be the Lord
that hath made thee so near and dear to us ! for we must

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 137
needs confess it is his doing. I humbly pray, we may
answer his love in these things. Anthony Morris and
I had concluded to have seen thee once more, either in
Chester or Newcastle County ; but when we heard of thy
concern for more haste than we expected, it put a stop to
our designs. The Lord, if it be his blessed wiU, preserve
thy tender body safe from dangers both by sea and land !
that thy arrival in our native land may again be the re
joicing and comfort of many brethren and sisters there, but
more especially of thy dearly beloved wife and family.
Friends with us are reasonably well ; my wife desires to
be remembered to thee. Dear heart, our spirits go along
with thee, and love foUows and melts and runs towards
thee ; but it is for his sake who sets the fountain open ;
for his love's sake we love thee, for thy sake we pray to him
that his favour may be with thee for ever ; it is He who
gives of his Divine gifts, wisdom, courage, sincerity, and
sound judgment, crowned with meekness and charity, as
ornaments to the sons of men. The Lord prolong thy days,
if it be his wiU, that by the heavenly service and savour
which he hath been pleased to put upon thee, many may be
turned unto him. Now dear heart ! not knowing whether
ever we shall see thy face again, which does not seem likely
at present, it was in my mind to give thee these few lines by
Ann DUworth ; and my spirit breathes that the Lord may be
with thee and with all our spirits. The Friends that are
prisoners at Burlington, for the country privileges, were very
well in health ; last night but one, my wife and I were with
them ; they were also very cheerful ; but I cannot yet see
when their troubles of that kind can come to an end ; to me
it looks duskish at present. Dear heart, remember us when
12*

138 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
we see thee not. In the love of God, I bid thee truly,
Farewell ! Thy truly loving friend and well-wisher, Wm. Gabbitus."
John Tomkins to Alice Ellis,
" London, the 10th of 12th mo. 169f.
Dear Friend, At the request of thy dear husband, I send
this, to let thee know that he was well at Boston, in New
England, about the 9th of the 9th mo. last, in good service
for God and his blessed Truth. The labours of thy dear hus
band with his companion Aaron Atkinson, and the other
two Friends, Thomas Turner and Thomas Chalkley, have
been very acceptable ; and I have both received and seen
many good accounts thereof, from many Friends in those
parts. I suppose thou mayst have heard, that Thomas
Turner hath been returned nearly a month. Thy husband
intended to go back from Boston to Pennsylvania ; and
afterwards, if he find his spirit clear, he hopes to hasten home
wards, to be here by the next Yearly Meeting. Here are
enclosed two letters, one of a public tendency, they both
came to me as they are, unsealed. I know not how to
forward them to the Friends designed, but by sending them
to thee ; and I do this the rather, as being of thy husband's
own writing, thou mayst understand by them the nature of
his service. Dear friend, thou seest that hitherto the Lord
hath been with thy husband, and made his service pros
perous ; and I doubt not but He will be with him to the
end. This is encouragement to thee, as thou gavest him up

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 139
freely to the Lord's service, so to keep in that resignation
untU he hath fulfilled his Master's will ; it will make his
absence stUl easy to thyself and to him also. I feel that
his love is for the general good of the church of Christ, not
only in those parts where he travels, but also for his
brethren here, and for the Church in those parts where
thou dwellest, that they may grow in grace and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Dear
friend, thus according to his request, and my inclination
also, have I sent these few lines ; and with the salutation of
mine and my wife's dear love to thee,
I rest thy friend in the Truth,
John Tomkins."
Gilbert Thompson, the writer of the following letter, re
sided at Penketh in Lancashire, where he kept a boarding-
school. Professing the religious principles of the Society of
Friends, he was prosecuted by the intolerant party then in
power, for keeping a school, and for this alleged offence was
imprisoned in Lancaster Castle ! He became a minister about
the period at which this letter was written to Alice Ellis, and
was much esteemed both in this capacity and in that of a
preceptor of youth : he died in 1719, aged 61 years. — See
notice of him in Piety Promoted, Part VIII. and Memoirs of
Samuel FothergUl, page 11.

110 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
" Sankey, the 28th of the llth mo. 169|.
Dear Feiexd, Alice Ellis ;
I often remember thee though I seldom write
to thee, and were I near thee, I could be glad of thy com
pany, and to partake with thee in the fruits of thy faith, and
hear of the noble acts which the Lord hath enabled thee to
perform since thou lovedst him, for his mercy's sake. I
have beheld with admiration, the industry, abUity, wUling-
ness andresignedness, which the Lord, upon divers occasions,
hath endued thee with, and made thereby a meet companion
and yoke-feUow to dear WUUam Ellis, whose heart and all
his faculties are freely and truly devoted to those particular
services his Master hath engaged him in, and in which, I
doubt not, but as he hath been, he stiU is, truly serviceable
in his lot and place, having an eye to the honour of Him that
caUed him when he was little, and to that recompense of
reward laid up for the righteous. I question not but thou
meetest with exercises and divers difficulties, in his absence ;
and yet, I as weU believe, thou knowest how they all become
sanctified, and canst, in the faith, press forward and see
beyond them all, and feel a sweetness in standing in thy lot
and testimony what way soever it stand. Thy strength and
experience I know go beyond mine, else would I say. Main
tain thy own lot, and stand in thy own rank and place of
service, and let others do so too ; and then every one's task
wUl be best done. Let the peaceable wisdom that is from
above, and settles our spirits, be dwelt in, and therein,
whatever is done more or less, will be to the glory of God,
and every one's particular comfort. I am straitened now for
time, otherwise I feel an openness that could enlarge : but

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 141
I can say, I read thee and some other dear Friends beyond
words. There is a more settled knowledge of such as are in
the true faith and live in the Truth, than can or need be set
forth by lines. With a tender salutation of love I bid thee
Farewell, and remain Thy well-wisher in my measure.
Gilbert Thompson."
"PhUadelphia, the 26th of 1st mo. 1699.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis.
Not having the opportunity to be more in thy
company when thou wast here amongst us, I could not well
omit to signify my true love to thee, and unity with that
measure of the blessed, holy power which I have had a sense
of as attending thy ministry, and thy plain doctrine ; and of
thy promoting true spiritual and inward worship of God.
Thou hast been instrumental to help forward our retired meet
ing here, which I hope will be of good service. This many of
us, I believe, have long desired ; being truly sensible that
the perfection of Divine worship and prayer to God, as to
our own particulars, is performed mostly in true silence and
inward retiredness before our great Creator ; and this indeed
is much the end of outward testimony, and is that into which
my soul desires to be gathered more and more. So
with true and unfeigned love to thee, desiring the Lord
may prosper thee in his service, I remain thy friend,
William Southebe."

142 life and correspondence of
Rowland Ellis, the writer of the following letter, was a
man of note among the Welsh settlers in Pennsylvania : he
visited America in 1686, for the purpose of selecting a
place on which to locate his family. In the voyage thither,
which was very long, many persons who sailed with him
died for want of food. He returned to England in the
following year, leaving one of his sons in America ; and did
not finally remove his family tUl 1697. At this time he
was about forty-five years of age ; and it is said, he lived
long to do good, his service both in the church of Christ
and in the State being considerable. He was a preacher
among the Quakers, and an acceptable man in every station.
He died at his son-in-law, John Evans's, in North Wales,
Pennsylvania, in his eightieth year. — See Proud's History of
Pennsylvania, Vol. I. page 220.
"The 28th of the 1st mo. 1699.
My esteemed friend, William Ellis ;
If these lines come to thy hands, thou mayst
understand what often hath been in my mind to tell thee,
That if ever it come before thee to visit Friends in Wales,
I desire this kindness of thee, partly for thy name's sake,
but rather upon Truth's account. When at Dolgelly Meet
ing, in Merionethshire, in North Wales, to inquire for my
daughter, if she be then alive, and for her husband who is
a. priest. If thou findest thyself free and anything inclined
thereunto, knock at his door, and see whether she is quite
dead, or slumbering among the dead. I do believe a living
invitation may call home a strayed sheep, though gone far
into the wilderness, and there, it may be, fast entangled in
briars, and bound up in strong chains. If there is any

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 143
breath left in her, she may answer, though in a land of
darkness, and under the shadow of death. The good
Shepherd takes great pains to unloose the lost sheep from
their bonds and entanglements, and David-like, killing the
lion and delivering the lamb out of his mouth, to bring the
same to their right mind, to know the Shepherd's tents.
WeU, my friend ! I believe some have done things of this
nature ; and who can tell, if it come before thee, but thou
mayst, through the power of God, be instrumental to open
their eyes ; they both are very kindto Friends. Our friend,
Hugh Roberts, hath twice visited them, they being sick ;
her husband took it very kindly. So with my dear love
unto thee, I remain thy friend, Rowland Ellis."
William Fishbourn, the writer of the following letter, was
a member of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, for Philadelphia
county, in 1716 and subsequent years.
"PhUadelphia, the 2nd of 2nd mo. 1699.
Dear and well-esteemed Friend, William Ellis ;
For so in my small measure of the Truth as it
is in Jesus, I am bold to call thee ; not with flattery, nor
with deceivable speeches, but with a true esteem, as it is
wrought by the power of God. And as I hope I do humbly
and reverently esteem the many mercies, blessings, and
favours which I receive from the hand of the Lord, I also
hope I ever shall measurably esteem his servants ; and I
greatly desire I may be bowed down under a sense of the
mercies of our God, more and more every day. My friend !

144 life and CORRESPONDENCE OF
with these lines I dearly salute thee with my unfeigned love,
wishing thy health, prosperity, and preservation every way ;
and I earnestly desire thee to remember, as thou hast access
to the throne of God's grace, thy poor friend, who travels in
weakness, fear and hope, dread and humility, before the
Lord ; and sometimes is ready to say, I fear, at one time or
another, I shaU faU by the hand of the enemy that daUy
besets me. Oh ! desire for me, that I may not be tried
beyond my strength ; for the wicked one sees the weak part,
and he is often at work there ; but blessed be the God and
father of aU our mercies, his power, in the very glorious
appearance of it, is very strong, as I am kept mollified and
melted down before him. Oh ! my soul and spirit ever
desire to dwell low before him ; I would to God I had a
tent to dwell in, in the valley of humUity, and that I might
always abide in it ; then I should be safe. Pray visit me
with a few lines from thy hand, as thy spirit hath freedom ;
and I desure thee to pray to the Lord, that I may ever be
sensible of my condition, and that nothing may be hid in
me that is contrary to, or that oppresses the good seed.
Look upon these lines as from one that wants utterance to
express my desires. To the Lord I leave tbee, and to the
guidance of his good Spirit,
And bid thee, FareweU !
William Fishbourn."
To WUliam Ellis.
"PhUadelphia, the Srd of 2nd mo.l699.
My dear Friend,
I cannot forget thee, nor thy service or labour
of love amongst us, the remembrance of which draws my

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 145
sincere love as a stream unto thee, which I believe distance
of place or length of time cannot wear out nor stop. Mayst
thou feel my brotherly love to thee beyond what my fear can
express. I earnestly desire the Lord to accompany thee
with his power and presence in all thy undertakings, and to
make thee more and more instrumental in his hands. Dear
friend ! remember us and the little flock in this wUderness,
when thou art far from us, in thy nearest approaches to the
Lord ; and I desire thee to mind my love to aU Friends in
England that may inquire respecting me.
I remain thy friend and brother, Griffith Owen."
"Maryland, Clift, the llth mo. 1699.
Dear William Ellis,
Whom I dearly love in the Truth, my true
love salutes thee, desiring these may find thee well, as
through mercy they leave us. Dear friend, the many blessed
opportunities we have had together are livingly in my re
membrance, and blessed be God whose mercy and favours
are great to this wUderness country, he has not left us
without sending his servants amongst us to sound forth his
blessed Truth, and to stir up his seed, which he hath sown
in the hearts of a remnant here, which has many times been
oppressed and kept down through the wUes of the enemy of
our souls ; but which hath been raised and stirred up
through the testimonies of his dear servants whom he hath
been pleased to send amongst us ; praises and honour and
thanksgiving be to his great and holy Name for ever, saith
my soul ! Dear friend, forget me not in thy most secret
13

146 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
supplication to Almighty God, that my faith may be
strengthened, and that I may be valiant for the Truth,
which he has been pleased to reveal unto me ; for alas !
dear WUliam, what are we without we receive strength and
ability from him ? — nothing but poor dust and ashes, not
able of ourselves to speak a good word or think -a good
thought. My hearty prayer to God for thee is, that he may
be with thee, and bless thy testimony and seal it down on
the hearts of many sons and daughters. Our dear friends,
Roger GUI and Thomas Story, as also dear Aaron Atkinson,
were at our Yearly Meeting, where they had brave service
for the Lord. The same wrangling priest that Aaron met
with, came also to that meeting and openly opposed ; but he
was so handled by Thomas Story, that I presume he repented
coming there ; it was of good service, for Thomas laid
him open to the people, abundance of his hearers being
there, who went away well satisfied. My dear friend, I have
this word of comfort to tell thee. Truth prospers, and people
begin to see what the priests are. We are all quiet and
stUl, and in true unity one with another. Aaron is gone
back again to the north, not being yet clear of those parts ;
he expects it will be the Sth or 9th month before he leaves
America. Dear William, I desire to hear from thee as
opportunity may present. I shall not add, but mine and my
wife's true love to thee and all Friends, is the conclusion of
Thy loving and sincere friend,
Abraham Johns."
Anthony Morris, the writer of the following letter, settled
at Burlington, in West Jersey, about 1680 : he afterwards
removed to PhUadelphia : he was a serviceable man as a

WILLIAM .\ND ALICE ELLIS. 147
preacher among the Quakers, and in various other respects
both of a public and private nature : he died in 1721. — See
Proud's History of Pennsylvania, Vol. II. page 146.
"PhUadelphia, the 12th of 4th mo. 1699.
Dear William Ellis;
I have often been troubled in my mind when
the thoughts of thy going from us have come into my
remembrance, because that I had not the opportunity of
taking my leave of thee in a solemn manner, considering
how nearly my spirit was united to thee, so that I can truly
say, I loved and do love thee in the Lord ; and through the
operation of his Spirit thou wert made serviceable to me ; so
dear WUliam, excuse my neglect, for I came but a few
minutes after thou wast gone. Now I desire thee to pray
for me, that I may be kept and preserved faithful to the
Lord, for according to my weak abilities I have often done
the same for thee since thy departure from us. I send this
by my very good friend, Joseph Kirkbride, whom I hope
the Lord wUl attend with his presence, and keep him near
to Himself and within his own protection ; and if it be his
good pleasure return him safe to his family, as I hope thou
art gotten to thine. With the salutation of mine and my
wife's dear love to thee and thy dear wife, I rest, and sub
scribe myself, in the Truth that changes not,
Thy real friend, Anthony Morris."
Samuel Carpenter, the writer of the foUowing letter, was
one of the early settlers in Pennsylvania : he became one of
the most considerable traders in that Province, in which he

148 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
also fiUed the office of Treasurer : his great abUities, com
bined with a benevolent and active disposition, rendered him
a useful and valuable member of clvU and religious society ;
and he appears to have been highly esteemed among the
Quakers, to whom he belonged. — See Proud's History of
Pennsylvania, Vol. II. page 60.
" PhUadelphia, the 17th of the 4th mo. 1699.
Dear William Ellis ;
Although I have little to write, I was not
willing to let this opportunity slip without giving thee a few
lines to signify mine and my wife's dear love to thee and
thine, acknowledging thine to us, and thy tenderness towards
us and ours ; hoping that the Lord wiU reward thee with
peace in thy bosom, for thy labour of love in this remote
land, with others, of the Lord's faithful servants and mes
sengers, who have left eJI that was near and dear to them,
in obedience to his requirings, and in love to the souls of
people, that Truth and righteousness may increase and spread
over the earth, and the Lord's great name may be honoured.
Now it having pleased God to send his messengers to us,
from time to time, his living power and presence hath at
tended their ministry and services, so that many can say,
surely the Lord has been gracious to us, a lost people, and
accounted little of by our brethren, being scattered in this
remote wUderness ; but blessed be the Lord our God, who
hath so graciously visited us by his good Spirit within
us, and by his faithful servants, who have been made in
strumental in his hand, and by his power to reach our
hearts, so that many have been comforted, confirmed, and

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 149
settled in the Truth. What remains on our part, but that
we walk humbly before the Lord all our days, that his love
and the labour of his servants may not be bestowed on us in
vain .' Our dear friends Roger GUI and Thomas Story are
lately come by way of Virginia and Maryland, and are
hastening towards New England, in hope to return to our
Yearly Meeting. Dear Aaron is returned to Chester county ;
whether he go past us or not when he returns, I yet know
not. This is intended to be sent by our dear friend Joseph
Kirkbride, who is gone down towards the ship ; they are to
be at Salem to-morrow, and take their departure from Elsin-
borough. My very dear love to Walter Fawcitt, and Friends
that have laboured amongst us. I should be glad of a few
lines from thee, as opportunity and freedom offer. We were
glad of thine from Maryland. Friends are generally in
health, and I know the jove of many is to thee ; so con
cludes thy real friend, Samuel Carpenter."
Richard Gove, who is mentioned in the following letter,
resided in Philadelphia : in the latter part of his life he
accompanied Thomas Chalkley on a religious visit to England,
having also been his companion in similar services in the
West Indies, Ireland and Scotland : he died at Uxbridge,
near London, in 1710 ; and is described by Thomas Chalkley
as an inoffensive, loving Friend, whose testimony was sound,
serviceable and convincing. — See Thomas Chalkley's Jour
nal, Ed. 1818, page 102.

13'

150 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
" Maryland, the 25th of the 4th mo. 1699.
Dear William Ellis ;
Whom I truly love in the Truth ; the many
comfortable opportunities and heavenly visitations that we
have enjoyed together, both by sea and land, is often upon
my mind ; and my soul is at this time made glad in the
living remembrance of it. We had a very glorious Yearly
Meeting; the Lord's heavenly power was over aU, and
Friends were greatly comforted and strengthened. I com
municated to the meeting what thou left in charge with me,
CDUcerning a certificate to be sent to your Quarterly Meeting,
which was as readily granted as desired ; the which I here
enclose thee. Dear Aaron Atkinson came from New England,
Griffith Owen and Richard Gove from Pennsylvania, and
Roger Gill and Thomas Story from Virginia, to attend our
Yearly Meeting, where they had indeed good service for the
Truth. The priest came and contended openly in the
meeting ; but Truth was over him, and his folly and wicked
ness were manifested to his shame, among some of the chief
of his own people. I am in some haste, being straitened for
time ; the ship is just under sail, so that at present I must
conclude, and tell thee that some Unes from thee wiU be
very acceptable to
Thy friend and brother in the Truth,
Richard Johns."

WUliam EUis returned from America to England in the
early part of 1699. The following letter, expressive of the
yearnings of an emigrant over the chUdren of those to whom

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 151
he had been united in religious feUowship in his native land,
was entrusted to WiUiam EUis for circulation.
A few lines to the Offspring of Believing Parents in Old
England.
Dear and well-beloved friends in the land of our nativity ;
my hearty desire and prayer to God is for you all, and
mostly for a young generation, the chUdren of believing
parents, that it may please the Lord to raise up a remnant
to stand up in the place of our fathers in Christ, who have
stood in the gap and borne the burden in the heat of the
day, and left us good examples ; who, many of them, are
gone and going off the stage of this world, to the ever
lasting rest prepared for the righteous. And dear friends,
you are often in our remembrance, when our hearts are
engaged to praise the Lord for the prosperity of his Truth ;
and we desire your prayers for us, that it may please
God to preserve and guide us in that unchangeable
way, tUl we meet at the haven of rest, where all the
righteous rejoice together for ever. The Lord's work pros
pers in this wUdernees land, and many young people are
concerned for the glory of God and the prosperity of his
Truth, that his great Name may not be evil spoken of
amongst the heathen ; and I should be glad if it wouM
please the Lord to raise up many more worthies to visit his
seed in these countries.

John Cowgill.

From my house in Middleton, in
the County of Bucks, in Penn
sylvania, the 9th of the 1st
month, 1699.

152 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER X.
Letters from William Ellis to Theodore Eccleston, WiUiam Edmundson,
Richard Johns. Notice of John Haydock. Letter to Samuel Gal
loway and others; — to William Ellis from Gilbert Thompson.
Notice of Richard Hill. Letters from John Tomkins, and WiUiam
Edmundson.
The letters in this chapter relate chiefly to the services
of William Ellis in America, and to his return from thence.
They also contain much excellent counsel.
"To Theodore Eccleston. Airton, the 3rd of the 5th mo. 1699.
Kind Friend !
This with good wishes for the increase of peace
and love amongst the brethren, comes to let thee know, that
I got well to York, and met with thy wife, and many good
Friends from divers other parts, as Vi'ell as our own county ;
and a great meeting there was, and love, peace, lowliness,
and submission one to another, seem to increase and abound
amongst Friends. Friends seem to be more closely united
than in some times past ; and Church discipline goes on well,
and a great number of young Friends come up in public
testimony ; and it seems to my eye, as though there is to
be a new plantation here, or as though Lebanon should
bring forth new stems again from the old roots. And I
pray God Almighty, that all such as are overseers of this

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 153
forest, where the goodly cedars are to grow, may daily
walk there with their sharp axe ; and that every super
fluous branch may be so cut off as that the tree shall
take no harm in the place where it is cut; but that all
may be truly pruned and dressed, and that the locusts and
caterpiUars, and earth-worms, may be taken away, so that
sap may spring from the root into every branch ; then both
green leaves and good fruit will grow, and the sound of the
going of the Lord will be heard there, as the wind among
the mulberry trees. I cannot enlarge, yet thou knowest
what I mean. Now as to the books that are to be sent to
New England, I was too short about them, but thou mayst
know, that I thought three of George Fox's Journals, and
divided thus : to Hampton Monthly Meeting, one ; to Salem
Monthly Meeting, one ; to Scituate and Sandwich^Monthly
Meetings, one ; and order Friends, that the books go to and
fro, that all may have the benefit thereof; and John Tomkins's
book, entitled " The Harmony of the Old and New Testa
ments," would be of great service thereaway, as they show
to the world that we own the Scriptures ; for the dark
Presbyterian priests labour to persuade the people that we
do not. Pray follow this thing closely untU it be perfected ;
in so doing thou wilt ease my mfnd. My hearty desire is^
that peace and love may abound amongst you, and that you
may go on closely together, to put away the cursed thing
out of the camp of God : and that nobody run one against
another, but all against that which is naught ; and that as
fathers nourish their only sons, whom they intend to possess
their inheritance when they are gone, so ancient Friends
may show kindness and true respect to the young; and
young men as sons, show due respect to such as were in the

164 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Truth before them, and rule well, not by constraint only
but of a willing mind. God Almighty did not call us
from the ends of the earth, where the devil had his walk,
that we should be broken in pieces again, either by the
riches or the glory of the world, nor that the glory that
is in the Church should be tarnished ; therefore with all
speed, labour to quench aU heats, and keep thou thy bucket
always fuU of water to quench tb^m with ; and let every
body be afraid to think or speak hardly one of another ; it
will not be as it should be tUl it be so ; for by thinking and •
speaking hardly of others, we may justly provoke the Great
God to think of our past doings, and to bring them to our
remembrance, in a way which wUl not be to our gladness.
As thou hast always taken patiently what I have written to
thee, so do thou this ; for it is the remainder, or part of
what I spoke to thee on the morning that I left the city.
Such hath been my trouble, at times, since my return, that
I could hardly keep it out of my mind ; for there had Uke
to have been sad work, before I got here ; but the Lord
who delights to replenish Zion with peace, and to give pros
perity upon her borders, hath helped, and things are now
settled ; and I am greatly glad thereof. My wife tells me
of thy kindness to her, and we together acknowledge it.
With true love to thee and thine, and to Friends,
I remain thy real friend,
Wm. Ellis."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 155
" To WiUiam Edmundson. Airton, the 3rd of the 5th mo. 1699.
Dear and much-esteemed Friend ;
After the remembrance of my unfeigned love
to thee, by this know, that I thought it fit to give thee an
account of the affairs of Friends beyond the seas. After we
landed in Maryland, we travelled into Virginia and Carolina,
where we found several ancient Friends alive, as James Hill's
widow and Francis Tomes, who inquired respecting thee ;
and it fiUed their hearts with tenderness to hear thou wast
yet alive, ahd able to labour to promote the Truth. Many
young people there are, and great brokenness amongst them :
also several negroes come amongst Friends at times ; and
the Lord's hand is at work on them, and many are lately
convinced there. About Chucatuch there are many Friends ;
and several are under exercise that Truth may increase ; but
there is too much indifference amongst some. We had hard
exercises thereaway, but the Lord helped us greatly. One
Thomas Paidge is a public minister there, and in my sense
Truth increases in him. There is a convincement in those
countries. Many ancient Friends are dead in Maryland, yet
there are stUl good serviceable Friends left, if too much riches
do not hurt them, and too much finery the young people.
Friends are under exercise to bring things to the standard
that tries all things. In Pennsylvania things are indifferent
well, and Truth prospers, and that trouble which George
Keith and his party made, hath turned to the profit of true-
hearted Friends. The Lord blessed my travels greatly
amongst them ; disciples increase ; it is thus also in most
parts of West Jersey, there is little in East Jersey, only at

156 life and correspondence of
Shrewsbury ; George Keith hath mostly spoiled the rest, also
at New York ; but Friends have got a meeting-house newly
built up : WUliam Bickley and John Rodman are there. In
Long Island there is an increase, many being convinced
about Flushing. John Bond's son is a public preacher, and
the Lord's goodness is to that family. Ranters grow weaker
than they were. We had good service as we passed by land
towards Rhode Island : the Lord's goodness is to those parts.
The Lord made my service prosperous in Rhode Island ; but
I had hard exercise at times ; a good people there is, but
they have been too much overruled by some that were too
indifferent ; but as my understanding was opened, so I
laboured, and Truth broke through, and Friends brought
judgment over things that had been amiss, in the manage
ment of their affairs, and love greatly increased among old
and young ; and the Lord's goodness filled our hearts at
parting. I thought it was worth my labour, if I had gone
from England on purpose only for that. New England hath
been in a low condition ; but in my sense, the Lord is about
to break forth upon Friends, and in divers places several are
convinced, as about Hampton, Salem, Scituate, Sandwich,
Spicam, and Portsmouth. There is little exercise in black
Boston, yet a seed remains, and as it was in my mind to see
Friends thereaway, so it was in my mind to labour with the
ability I had day by day ; and many straits I was in, and
great need I saw I had both of power to carry me through,
and of wisdom from God, to guide my tongue ; and under
the sense of my need of these things, I was brought very
low, and into great straits ; for I thought I had often seen
the mad work that men had made, who put their wits to
work when the Lord did not answer their desires. But

ViTLLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 157
though it was the Lord's pleasure to deal thus with me, yet
I kept my dependence more upon him ; and in needful
times he did eminently appear in life and wisdom ; and when
in deep engagements with the power of darkness, he brought
me off with victory, his great power triumphing and having
greatly prevailed. Thus was my travel mostly from one
place to another, with great fear, lest when I was somewhat
eased, I should say. Well done, to myself; also I had much
weakness of body mostly through my travels, yet it is the
crown of all my comfort, that that Arm which first reached
my heart, did and doth, as it is joined with, help to this day;
and inexpressible comfort hath filled my heart at my return
lo my own country again. Many friends inquired of thy
welfare, and were glad to hear of thy constancy to the Truth
in thy old age. Where I thought it might be of service, I
spoke of the Lord's great goodness to your nation ; and it
gladdened faithful Friends to hear of it, and especially those
of your own country. I bad thought to have got to the
Yearly Meeting at London, but cross Winds hindered. I
stayed not long there ; but it may be I may go again, for
some things are in my mind to tell Friends of, that may help
forward the work of Truth. I came to York at the time of
the Yearly Meeting ; and a great meeting it was ; and great
peace and love, and condescension for good there was one
to another ; and the work of reformation in many hearts,
houses and habits goes on ; and many are raised up of late
both into public service, and to help forward good rule and
order, — many that I hope wUl be mighty men for God, if
humUity be kept to. This is needful to be preached amongst
us now-a-days. Many Friends think and speak often of
thee hereaway, and bless Almighty God that cast thy lot
14

158 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
amongst us. And when I considered, and saw things work
to my content, I said in myself, that the chUd yet unborn
will have cause to bless the Lord on account of those
visits. Now as to my wife, she hath been well borne up,
and things have answered as to the outward ; she hath
answered her own part and mine too in a great measure ;
and the Lord hath taken in hand to be master amnogst my
servants ; so that in my sense, they much more fear the
Almighty than when I left them. I saw some Epistles in
London ; I wish we could have a hundred or two of them in
our parts ; if they be not free I would pay for them myself.
If it seem good to thee thou mayst get a friend to draw two
copies of this letter, and send one to Joseph Pike and Samuel
Randal, and the other to Amos Strettel. It would be accept
able hereaway to have a few lines from thee ; also if thou
find anything in thy mind that might be of service to us, write
to me or to any one else thou knowest, and I think we
wUl do our best to answer thy wiU, in putting in practice
the doing part. One thing more I think good to let thee
know, that we have got a meeting of ministering Friends
once a quarter, in Settle Monthly Meeting, and being but
young in such weighty affairs, I know good, sound Friends'
company would be very acceptable to us whether in person
or by Epistle. That thou think often of us, and pray for
our safety, is the earnest desire of him who intends, by
God's help, to labour in my measure to promote peace and
Truth in my day ; and to live nearer the marl^ than I
have done to this time. My wife's dear love is to thee,
and she is cheerful. Loose professors of Truth have warred
sore with her ; but her arm is made strong by the Truth,
to contend for it, for which my heart is melted with thank-

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 159
fulness to God, that hath showed such great mercy to us.
I have written a deal, but could not easily compress it into
less compass, else I would ; and yet I have given but hints
of things. So with true love, to thee, thy wife, and all
Friends where thou thinkest fit,
I remain thy truly loving friend,
Wm. Ellis."
John Haydock, who is mentioned in the following letter,
was born in the parish of Standish, in Lancashire, in 1640.
He joined the society of Friends in 1667, and a few months
after was committed to Lancaster Castle, a prisoner for the
testimony of a good conscience : here he was detained four
months. Soon after his release he received a gift in the
ministry, in the exercise of which he travelled much in
Great BrUain, Ireland and America. He suffered much
persecution, with spoUing of goods and imprisonments for
ighteousness' sake, and died a prisoner in Lancaster Castle,
for his testimony to the Truth, in 1719, aged 79 years,
having been a minister about fifty years. — See Piety Pro
moted, Part VII.
" To Richard Johns. " Airton, the Slst of the 5th mo. 1699.
Dear Friend, Whom I truly love for the Truth's sake ; my
true love is to thee and thine. As God Almighty in mercy
hath blessed thee, in basket and in store, and hath opened
thy heart to serve his servants with a wiUing mind, my soul
desires that in like manner his goodness may come upon thy

160 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
posterity. Likewise I know that God hath blessed thee
with a good understanding, and sound judgment, and hath
opened thy eyes to see a comeliness in his Truth ; and
thou seest in a good degree what makes for the honour of
it, and what makes against it. Now my hearty desires are,
that thou mayst arise like a man of war, to help the weak
and the feeble minded, and to draw water for the thirsty, and
to drive out all that would hinder the arising of living water
in the Church of Christ. I know thou art a man spirited for
such a work, and am persuaded that the Lord wUl bless thy
endeavours; for I know it is God's mind it should be so,
that nought should abide that hurts in any member of the
body. I fell short of the meeting at London, but got to York
to the Yearly Meeting, and account was given of great reforma
tion mostly through the county, in many things ; and of many
being raised up lately to publish the Truth, and the Truth
hath shaken the whole county in general ; the Lord go
on, says my soul. Stir about now and then, and see how
Friends meet on week-days ; and when thy spirit is full of
life and sweetness, if thou drop a word or two amongst
Friends, I do think it will be to profit. Stephen of old
did so, though his office was to take care of widows ; and
if such as be public ministers stir about from one place
to another, and drop, a few words in the sense of life, it
wUl help to strengthen them that may be weak, and to com
fort the mourners. My true love to Friends beyond the
Bay ; I wish that love and charity may abound amongst
them ; teU them that although I am here, my thoughts
are running to and fro amongst you and them. Help
forward the good work that is begun; put Friends in
mind to visit John Lewis's meeting now and then. I

WILLIAJI AND ALICE ELLIS. 161
was with John Haydock lately, and he was glad to hear
of thee and of thy welfare. I hope thou wilt not be offended
with my thus writing ; thou knowest it is not for self-praise.
This with my true love to thee and thine, and all Friends
everywhere where thou comest ;
I rest thy real Friend,
Wm. Ellis."
To Samuel Galloway, Solomon Sparrow, WUliam Rix,
Samuel Thomas, &c.
"Airton, the last of the 5th mo. 1699.
Dear Friends ;
After my dear love to you and yours, know
that I got well home, and I find things every way well.
Where Friends keep out of the earth, and abide in the love
of God, they go forward and Truth prevaUs. Know hereby
that I cannot forget you, though I am afar off, but I pray for
your welfare, and that Truth may prevail and gain ground
amongst you ; and in order thereunto I would give a word of
counsel unto you. Inasmuch as many ancients are gone to
sleep with their fathers, and the oversight of the church in
those parts is likely to fall upon you, with others of your
brethren, and God hath given you a large portion of his
Spirit, which opened your understandings to discern things,
and hath given you judgment to divide between the precious
and the vile, I beseech you with all diligence, put your
hands to the work, in the Name of the Lord ; whatsoever is
against the Truth in the heart or house, or in traffic, spare not
to advise against it, and let it be done away ; and my desire
14*

1G2 life and correspondence of
is, that your brethren may arise with you to the work of the
Lord ; and when you divide between the precious and the
vUe, let it be with the Word of the Lord, the sword of the
Spirit; that sword which is of tried metal, whose edge
cannot be blunted ; nothing it can meet with shall be too
hard for it, and it is very piercing. Those vaUants of
old time who handled this sword, gave this testimony of
it, that it was quick and powerful, and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of
soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and it is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart ; this is
the weapon of the saints' warfare ; let us see that by the
power and operation of this Word, our own hearts and
houses be cleansed ; then wiU you be able to answer the
mind of the Lord in his will concerning others. By this
Word, true judgment will be laid to the line, and righteous
ness to the plummet, and judgment wiU be executed upon
all that is contrary to the will of God ; even upon those evils
also which may be covered with a specious pretence. Re
member how Samuel of old time hewed Agag in pieces
before the Lord in Gilgal. Dear Friends, go on in the
Name of the Lord, and do his work faithfully, preferring
that to your own profit and advantage in this world.
What does it signify, if because of your attending upon
the service of' God you do not grow so rich in this world
as some of your neighbours, who mind only earthly things,
or if you cannot lay up such earthly treasure for your
posterity as many others do. Let me put you in mind,
that you have the word of our great Master for it. That
every one of you that forsaketh, or that hath forsaken,
houses, or brethren, or sisters, or fathers, or mothers, or

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 103
wife, or chUdren, or lands for his Name's sake, shall
receive an hundred fold in this world, and shaU inherit
everlasting life. Besides the Lord hath said, Jer. xlix.
11. " Leave thy fatherless children, I wiU preserve them
alive, and let thy widows trust in me." Is not this
encouragement enough to all to trust in the Lord .''
Take heed and watch against that spirit that would lead
into a foolish pity, saying, spare this thing and spare that
thing, and be tender to all, though it be to that which
displeaseth God. I never saw that spirit work for the
Truth ; therefore I advise you, keep judgment, and in
true love, work closely for the Truth ; and whatever is
against the Truth indulge it not ; and such as excuse them
selves, that they see no evil in things that are evil in
themselves, labour to convince of their ignorance, in the
spirit and love of our God, that they may be helped
out of the snare of the enemy. And those who are tender
and well minded, I beseech them, when they come to see
things are not right, to submit, and lay those things aside,
for Truth's sake, and for the sake of that precious unity
that is in high esteem in the eyes of a remnant. And,
dear Friends, labour as true watchmen, that all your meet
ings be kept in the Name and Power of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and that all dulness, dryness, and that which tends
to death and bondage, may be absolutely banished out
of your assemblies, and that the sweetness of life may
arise and come up in your assemblies, and that all uncomely
behaviour in meetings may be testified against in the love
of God ; and some of you now and then step down to
Potomack, and sit amongst that poor people there ; you
may comfort their hearts even if not a word be spoken to

164 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP
them ; and run over to the Bay now and then, some
times one and sometimes another of you, and take some
of your public -friends with you ; and if you visit them
from meeting to meeting, I believe the Lord wiU accept
this service at your hands, and wiU say unto your souls,
Well done ! and before you leave this world, you may
come to see the travail of your souls, and be satisfied in
the goodness of the Lord towards his people. This is
the real desire of your friend. My dear love to all Friends
where I have travelled ; and if you think meet to let them
see this, you have my consent.
This is from your real friend,
Wm. Ellis.
« Sankey, the 3rd of the 6th mo. 1699.
Dearly beloved Friend, Wm. Ellis,
I gladly received thine, with the enclosed to
William Edmundson, which I purpose to transcribe, and
take care to send it away ; I find no superfluous compliment
in it : I seldom or never find thee err on that hand. The
love I now feel in my heart towards thee, and that rooted
esteem which hath had a bottom, these many years, and
lessens not, can afford thee this compliment ; that the
remembrance of thee tenders my heart now, and at some
other times ; and thy courage for the Truth, and success
therein, helps my droopings now and then ; for I must con
fess, though the Lord be gracious, and endues me with
understanding, yet a doubting, weakly spirit attends me, to
my exercise ; il makes me conclude that men of courage
have a special advantage, and lay more fast hold on faith.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 105
and thereby gain victory and keep a good conscience, more
than such as I do. I would wiUingly be content with my
station, and sometimes feel desires to answer Truth in my
capacity, and have sometimes hope, that tribulation may
work patience, and patience experience, and experience hope.
I would have thee bear this simple expression, in which I
magnify not man, but the Lord, as some formerly magnified
God in Paul ; that in my thoughts thou growest mightily,
settest thy candle on a candlestick, and excellest in many
things most of thy brethren. Proceed, and let nothing
hinder thee, and though thou mayst find the courage of a
lion in thy engagements, yet remember to exercise matters
in the lamb's nature ; because it is the Lamb must have the
victory ; and sometimes when others may screw a matter as
high as can well be borne, exercise thou tenderness, patience
and forbearance, and that will cross the expectation of some,
who wait for thy shooting of darts, because the Lord hath
made thee strong in battle. I hope ere long we shall see
thee and thy good wife here, and be comforted in your
company. In the mean time my constant true love is
remembered, and in it I remain thine. My wife's love is to
you both, Gilbert Thompson."
Richard HiU, who is mentioned in the following letter,
was a native of Maryland, and a useful member of the
Society of Friends : he settled in Philadelphia, and was
twenty-five years a member of the Governor's CouncU,
and several times Speaker of the Assembly : he also fiUed
the office of Commissioner of Property, and was, for the
last ten years of his life, one of the Provincial Judges.

106 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Proud, in his History of Pennsylvania, Vol. I. page 473,
says respecting him, " His sound judgment, his great esteem
for the English constitution and laws, his tenderness for
the liberty of the subject, and his zeal for preserving the
reputable order established in his own religious community,
with his great generosity to proper objects, qualified him for
the greatest services in every station in which he was engaged,
and rendered him of very great and uncommon value in the
place where he lived." " London, the 9th of the 6th mo. 1699.
Dear friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I received thine dated the last of the last month,
and am glad I can serve thee ; therefore have, according to
thy desire, transcribed thy Epistle to Maryland, with what
alterations I saw meet, as thou desiredst me. I hope it wiU
answer thy sense, and the drift of thy spirit ; I took care
therein, even in those places where I have enlarged. If
I have offended thee, or pleased thee, let me have a few Unes
from thee. I have put thy Epistle into the care of Richard
Hill, as advised in thine. I am sorry for the present
exercise thou art under in respect to what thou writest. I
hope Providence will order it for thy ease, and the safety of
thy person, as well as the reputation of the Truth, which I
believe thou hast regard to above aU. What else I can be ser
viceable to thee in, thou mayst freely require it of me. This
day at our Morning Meeting, our dear friend, William Penn,
took his leave of the brethren ; he leaves this city the latter
end of this week. Indeed the glory and power of the Lord
covered our assembly, which united the souls of the brethren

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 167
together, as were the souls of Jonathan and David ; and the
faithful weie bound up together in the bundle of the living.
In much tears, love and comfort, we enjoyed the presence of
the Lord ; and in this were our supplications put up one foi
another. A season that if thou hadst been present, would
have comforted thy heart ! and I believe it will not be easily
forgotten by us. It was an evident visitation from God, in
great love to us : the Lord shaU have the praise, it was his
doing. Our dear friend, WUliam Penn, intends to take
shipping at Southampton, on the next Second-day come a
week, for Pennsylvania. With mine and my dear wife's
dear love to you both,
I am, dear friend, thy real friend and brother,
John Tomkins."
" Dublin, the 22nd of the 6th mo. 1699.
Dear Wm. Ellis.
I received thine, and am very glad to hear of
thy prosperous service for the blessed Truth, and thy safe
return ; , thou and thy service in those remote parts have been
often under my serious consideration since thou took that
journey, with fervent prayers for thy well-doing, and the bless
ing of the Lord on thy labour of love ; and I should have been
more glad if thou couldst have given me a good account
of thy service, Truth's prosperity, and Friends' steadfastness
in it, in the Caribbee Islands, Jamaica, and the Bermudas,
where I had successful service for the Lord, that may not be
easUy forgotten. Friends have been visited this many years
with great sickness, and many of them removed, and the rem
nant that is left wants visiting ; and very few have been with

168 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
them in these times of their great affliction. My service was
great there ; having been three times there ; and I hope I left
them in a prosperous and flourishing state, through the good
hand of God that was with me, and made things prosper on
many accounts in the Lord's service. But I am now too
old for such journeys, so am the more concerned for them.
Truth's affairs in this nation prosper on all accounts, and
things in general are well amongst Friends ; the glory of
the Lord shines forth more and more ; and his irresistible
arm is with us in his work and in the service of this great
and glorious day of the restoration of all things into their
proper places, use and service, as they were created and
ordained by the great and wise Creator, and settled in
harmony, before disorder got in. This blessed work of a
thorough reformation goes on, the Lord's power carrying
over all-; and in his blessed Seed is counsel and wisdom, and
it gives dominion : his great Name is to be reverenced,
praised and magnified for ever and ever. I gave thy letter
to Amos Strettel, who will take care to send a copy as thou
directed ; and I ordered him to send thee some of those
Epistles thou speakest of, with some other papers that may
be serviceable, and I know wUl be acceptable to some
amongst you, that are concerned for the propagating of close
Gospel order on a sound and right bottom. I am very well
through the mercies of the Lord, who is large in mercy to
me on all accounts, and lengthens out his mercies as he
lengthens out the days of ray pilgrimage. I am thus far on
my journey to the north, to visit Friends, accompanied by
George Rook and some others ; and intend to be at their
Province Meeting this week, and so on in Truth's service, as
the Lord opens our way and gives ability. Mind my love

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 169
to thy wife and Friends about you, to Thomas Aldam, and
Thomas Thompson, when thou seest them, and to all honest,
true-hearted Friends that desire to hear of me. So with my
love to thee, in the feUowship of the Gospel of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ ;
I am thy ancient friend and brother,
Wm. Edmundson."

15

170 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER XI.
Yellow Fever._ Notices of Thomas Duckett and Thomas Musgrave.
Letters from , Nicholas Wain and WiUiam Fishbourn. Notice of
Roger Gill and his death. Letter from Samuel Carpenter. Notice
of Edward Shippen. Letter from Edward Shippen. John Slack
to Alice Ellis. Letters from John Tomkins and Theodore Eccleston.
Notice of John Wynn. Testimony of William Ellis respecting John
Wynn.
Several of the letters in this chapter describe the ravages
of the YeUow Fever, in one of its most formidable attacks
upon the city of Philadelphia. The sympathy excited
towards the afflicted and bereaved, and the solemn im
pressions produced by this visitation, are dwelt upon in
a manner which claims the serious attention of the reader.
Thomas Duckett, who was among the number that died of
this disease, visited England and Ireland as a minister in
1694. — Thomas Musgrave had visited America as a minister
from Yorkshire in 1694 : he appears now to have been going
out as an emigrant, and to have died on the passage along
with many more, from the unhealthy state of a crowded ship.
"PhUadelphia, the ¦22nd of the 7th mo. 1699.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
My dear love in the unchangeable Truth is
unto thee and thy dear wife ; for in that doth my soul
salute you, hoping you are in good health, as, blessed be the

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 171
Lord ! I, my wife and family are at this present time. This
is a great mercy from the hand of the Lord ; for since thou
left these parts, we have :net with great exercises, and a
great mortality hath happened in the town of PhUadelphia,
and some in the country. We may truly say, it is an
exercising time, — a time to drive many home to consider
their standing and upon what foundation they are buUding,
and what they are building upon the Foundation ; whether
it be that which will abide the fire, yea or nay ; for of a
truth, the Lord is trying his people, and it is a day of
humbling. But may we not honestly say as Job said,
" Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we
not receive evil .¦"' for as it is written, " When the judg
ments of the Lord are in the earth, the inhabitants of the
world will learn righteousness." So my dear friend, I am
wUling to give thee a short hint of things, and who they are
that have laid down their bodies, and of those persons we had
great love for ; our dear friends, Esther Hoskins, Thomas
Duckett, James Fox, Margaret Beardsley, her daughter Mary
Gray, George Fox, Thomas Smyth and his wife and son and
son-in-law, WiUiam Harwood, William Alaway, and several
others that I name not. My dear brother-in-law, James
DUworth, is dead, and was buried the First-day before our
Yearly Meeting ; Charles Sanders and Stephen Coleman,
and a great number of the world's people also. Now, my
friend, as touching our Yearly Meeting, it was but small, by
reason of the sickness ; but we may truly say the Lord our
God made up our want ; for his living power and sweet
refreshing presence was with us, to the comfort of his, —
whose hearts are true to him. He is the same that ever he
was, and as he was good to his Israel in days past, so we

172 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
may say, he is good to his Israel in this very day ; blessed
be his holy Name for ever and for evermore ! Our dear
friends, Aaron Atkinson, Thomas Story and Roger Gill, were
with us, who were of good service there. Our dear friend
Aaron being very weak by reason of his sickness, was but
little with us. He was with us the Fifth-day following
our Yearly Meeting, and I do believe he cleared himself
very well, to the satisfaction of several^ if not all, that
were then present. Now, dear WUliam, I seeing a letter
that came from thee from London, can truly say I was
right glad, when I heard it read, in which thou remem-
berest thy love to me, which I kindly accept. My dear
love is unto -thee and thy wife once more. I desire thee
to remember my love to all Friends that may inquire of
me, or to whom thou thinkest fit. My dear wife desires
to have her love remembered to thy wife ; and we were
right glad when we heard thy wife was well. My dear
love to my sister, Ann DUworth, if thou seest her, and
let her know tthat her dear chUdren are well. My son
Richard desires to have his kind love to thee and to thy
wife, though unknown, and to his aunt Ann DUworth ;
and I desire thee to remember my love to all our relations
and friends in BoUand. Sixty passengers died out of that
ship which came from Liverpool, some of them were
Thomas Musgrave, Thomas WUson, Henry Michel, Robert
Driver, and Grace Driver, but Grace died after she came here.
This from Thy friend and brother,
Nicholas Waln."
Roger GUI, whose death is noticed in the foUowing letters,

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 173
was from London, where he joined Friends about 1683.
WhUe on a reUgious visit to America, in company with
Thomas Story from Cumberiand, he was brought into great
sympathy with those afflicted with the Yellow Fever in
PhUadelphia , and he prayed fervently that the Lord would
stay his hand, and that he would, if it pleased Him, accept
his life for the people. Soon after this Roger GUI fell sick,
and in a few days he died, in great peace, aged 34 years ;
and it was observed that few died of the disease afterwards. —
See Thomas Story's Journal, and Piety Promoted, Part III.
" PhUadelphia, the 27th of the Sth mo. 1699.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
These come with the salutation of my dear
love to thee, trusting this may find thee well at home ; and
I can truly say I am glad in the remembrance of thee. I
hope thou mayst find opportunity to let me hear from thee.
Through mercy I am now indifferent well, though I have
lately been dangerously ill of a distemper that has been very
violent amongst us at this place, and has carried off several of
our Friends, I beUeve to their rest with the Lord. The Lord,
if it be his will, sanctify to us that are yet spared this dispensa
tion of his judgments, and bring us all low and humble be
fore him, into true obedience to his holy will ! and 0, that we
may have strength to serve him, and walk worthy of his love
and mercy ! for I firmly believe he has, in this the time of sore
affliction, abundantly mixed mercy with judgment, in taking
away the prepared, that others may be humbled, and prepare
to meet him. The Lord knows, I often thank him in secret,
that he was pleased to visit me in the beginning of this
sickness, although it was very violent on me, and I was out
15*

174

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP

of hope of recovery by many ; but the Lord in mercy raised
me up again ; and 0, that I may walk worthy, that I may
make suitable returns to him for his love ! I thank the
Lord, he has brought me a little lower than I was before ;
and his love is now sweet to my poor soul ; and I humbly
beg of the Lord, to bring me yet more and more into
obedience. Oh that I may serve him ! My soul has
rejoiced, although in this humbling day, that he has come
to purge PhUadelphia ; for as I may say, he sat as a refiner's
fire ; he has come near, even to the bottom of the heart, to
cleanse it. Oh ! I am thankful for my portion of this
visitation, and so, I have great cause to believe, are many
more besides me ; the Lord bring it home to us all. This
sickness began about the first of the Sixth Month, and con
tinued till about two or three weeks ago, very violent,
carrying people off in four or five days generally, some
longer and some sooner ; there were sometimes four or five
buried in one day, and sometimes as many as seven or eight.
I only hear of one taken Ul this two weeks past, so that
it appears that the sickness is abated. By the accounts
received, we suppose in aU about 230 are dead. I have
thought meet thus to acquaint thee how things have been,
and how they are as near as I can. There has been none
buried out of this famUy except dear Roger Gill ; though in
most famiUes in town, some are dead, and most sick ; there
is but here and there one dead hereabouts in the country,
and it is mostly as healthy as at other times. Thanks be to
the Lord, his Truth prospers through afflictions. With
dear love to thee, I am, in haste, thy friend,
Wm. Fishbourn."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 175
" PhUadelphia, the 4th of 9th mo. 1699.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I received thy two letters from Maryland, and
one from London, soon after thou arrivedst there, and one
from dear Walter Fawcitt ; and with Friends here, was truly
glad of your safe arrival and health. As to the Lord's
visitation over this poor town, since the beginning of the
sixth month, in which time many of our dear Friends and
others, have been removed, I suppose lo the number of
200 within ten weeks' time, I refer thee to dear Aaron's
and to other accounts. It has pleased God in great mercy to
spare me, my wife and children, and famUy hUherto, which
I look upon as a mercy more than ordinary ; and desire we
may all prize it, and walk worthy of it, for we have had, at
times, in both families, above twenty persons taken sick,
some violently with the distemper, and none have died but
dear brother Abraham Hardiman and dear Roger GUI, who
died in our house : it being in a time when the distemper was
exceedingly mortal, so that few recovered, and some whole
famUies of our near neighbours were almost all taken away.
Dear Thomas Musgrave and Thomas WUson's wife, and
near fifty more of the passengers and ship's company died
on board a vessel coming hither from Liverpool ; and about
twenty more since they came on shore ; of which number
Thomas Wilson was one. Here are many poor fatherless
children and widows, of these, and of others that died here ;
so that the care and concern upon Friends now is greater
than ever ; and there are fewer to perform the work of the
day ; but I hope the Lord wiU raise up more, and fit and
prepare Friends for their particular services and duties, and

176 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
make them willing and cheerful in the discharge thereof,
though at present the work seems difficult, especially in this
place. The Lord enable US and make us dUigent and
faithful, and then hard things will seem easy. Mine and
my wife's dear love is to thee and thine, and to dear Walter
Fawcitt, our dear love also to Joseph Kirkbride ; I received
his letter enclosed in Nathaniel Puckle's, which gave account
of their arrival ; his fSmUy is well, for aught I know, also
dear Walter's. This comes by dear Richard GoVe to Mary
land, who intends for England with Aaron ; I have not
time to enlarge, therefore conclude with my dear love to
thee and thine, Thy friend, Samuel Carpenter."
Edward Shippen, the writer of the following letter, was
the father-in-law of Thomas Story : he was a respectable
Friend, formerly of Boston, and subsequently of PhUadelphia ;
he was Speaker in the House of Assembly in 1695, being
member for PhUadelphia. — See Proud's History of Penn
sylvania, Vol. I. page 406.
" Philadelphia, the 27th of 7th mo. 1699.
Dear and well-beloved friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I received thy letter from Chester, also thy
last from London, which gave account of thy safe arrival in
London, which we were all glad to hear, and were also
rejoiced to hear the hopeful account thou gavest of my son.
I desire as thou hast opportunity when in London to advise
him for his good. I read and considered thy letters, and I

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 177
have sent by our dear friend, Aaron Atkinson, 12f oz. of gold,
it cost here jG76 lOs.'currency. I suppose it will sell in London
for something above ^£50 sterling, the which I have desired
our friend Aaron to dispose of or sell ; and I do leave the
disposing of it to thee and him among poor Friends, where
there is most need, either in Yorkshire or Cumberland ; for
I have nothing in my eye to one county or place more than
another, but where it may be most helpful to poor Friends ;
and if there be a meeting at Alethey, where I was born,
I desire to know ; and whether they be in want ; and if it
be not too much trouble, what their names are ; and as thou
hast opportunity and freedom, I shall be glad to hear from
thee, if il should please the Lord to spare me a little longer,
for it is an exercising time with most here, and it stUl con
tinues very sickly. The Lord hath been pleased to lake a
great many from us. I shall leave the particulars to our
friend Aaron to give thee an account ; my desire to the Lord
is, that we may all be fitted and prepared to meet the Lord
when it shall please him to take us out of this troublesome
world. So with mine, my wife's and chUdren's dear love to
thee, in that which changeth not,
I am thy real friend, Edward Shippen."
" Aykebank, 10th of the 7th mo. 1699.
Dear Friend, Alice Ellis ;
These with the salutation of that love to thee
which manifestelh us lo be Christ's disciples before the face
of all people. My friend, thou art often in my remembrance,
and mostly when Truth is near ; and when it is so, I cannot

178 life and CORRESPONDENCE OF
easily withhold praises from the Lord on thy behalf; for
thy carriage and deportment, and all I saw thee concerned
in, did tend to the honour and glory of God, the exaltation
of his Truth, and the good of his people. I believe the
Lord is with thee, and hath blessed thee, and wUl bless thee,
as thou abidest faithful to him. I believe he hath made
thee a right, and an honourable nursing mother in his
Israel, and a sure pUlar in his house, which shall never go
out. Oh ! my friend, as thou findest freedom, let thy
prayers ascend up to the Lord for me, that I may be pre
served near him in my little and low station ; for blessed,
yea ever blessed be his worthy Name, his divine pleasure is
such as to touch my heart, as with the finger of his divine
love, I think, not to make me to appear in public, but for
the drawing of my mind more near unto himself. Truth I
hope is on the growing hand ; pfeople are inquiring the way
to Zion. I hope there are several convinced, if not con
verted unto God in righteousness. Many eyes are over us ;
some for good ; the Lord, saith my soul, take all stumbling
blocks out of the way, that the poor and needy souls may
go safely on their way. The Lord keep Friends' minds
near him, out of pride, high-mindedness, self-righteousness,
and vain glory, and that their whole delight may be to give
all glory and honour to the Lord God and the Lamb who is
eternally worthy, now and for evermore, world without end,
Amen, Amen. My dear love is to thy husband and Adam
Squire. Dear Alice, I desire to have a few lines from thy
hand as thou findest freedom. These are from thy poor,
weak, and low friend,
John Slack."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 179
« To WUUam Ellis. London, the 2nd of the 10th mo. 1699.
Dear Friend ;
Thine I received of the I8lh of last month, after
it had been some short time with Samuel Harrison ; and I
am glad at all times to hear of thee, but sorrowful that thou
art under so much exercise. I cannot blame thee for
mourning for the loss of a good man, [John Wynn, of
Bradford]. Good men are too few every where ; and it is
our Christian duty to be kind and affectionate one towards
another. Good men, who were devout, in the primitive
limes, made lamentation for the loss of Stephen ; and it is
a fault to be otherwise minded ; for God complained in old
lime, that the righteous were taken away and no man re
garded it, or laid il to heart. The Lord help thee in thy
service for him, and stand by thee, if he take away thy
outward helps ; he is able lo supply their place abundantly
by the divine aid of his Holy Spirit, and to give thee power
over unclean spirits ; yea, if thou tread on scorpions they
shall not hurt thee ; but I am not without hope that as he
calls one servant out of the vineyard, he will send another
servant into il ; for he knows that the work is great, and
that there are at present few hands to do it, of such as are
true and faithful in their labour. He is the great Lord of
the harvest ; he knows what is best, and he takes pity on his
own, and wiU not work them over long in the field, though
some he suffers to tarry longer than others, for ends best
and indeed only known lo himself; ^nd those servants
whom he calls away, it is in mercy to them ; they have the
advantage of us that tarry behind, in a double respect ; not

180 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
only that they are discharged from their labours, but also
that they are thereby secured from losing the reward of
their work ; being where there is no sin, nor temptation to
sin ; but where they for ever receive an endless portion of
life and joy ; and to eternity praise and glorify the name of
God and of the Lamb. My dear love lo thy wife ; my
wife's dear love to thee and to her. WiUiam Robinson is
well : Friends here are the like. I am confined lo small
compass in paper, but not in love, wherein I am large,
and remain Thy true friend and brother, John Tomkins."
" London, the 13th of. the 10th mo. 1699.
Dear friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I have received thy two letters about thy
sorrowful exercises on parting with thy ancient friend, coun
sellor and comforter. It was a hard case of old, when the
righteous were taken away and no man laid it to heart,
though surely they were taken from the evil to come.
There are few good men now removed but many find the
miss of them, and although, through the goodness of God,
many honest-hearted are still among the living, yet which of
them can be spared ? But when they must go from jis,we
though sorrowful in parting from them, must conclude that
though it is our loss, it is their great gain, a cessation from
their exercises, their sorrows, their diseases, their cares and
their fears of being drawn into temptation, and from a world
of troubles and ruffling storms, into a heaven of sanctity and
sweetness of peace, such as is best guessed at by us, by the

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 181
sweet earnests of it which our souls have had comfortable
tastes of by the way. Oh ! that nothing may divert our
daily progress towards it, and our further fitting for it. Thy
friend is not the alone worthy servant of the Lord, of late
removed ; our late letters give an account from Pennsylvania
of many ; two, well noted, I remember by name, are dear
Roger GiU, that was Thomas Story's companion, also Thomas
Duckett. It has been a sore time there, and in Carolina.
In Carolina, it is written, 150 have died, and in Pennsyl
vania many in a day. We have had repeated warnings, and
a contagious sickness hath been in many lands, and wars
almost round about us, and this nation yet greatly preserved.
How well were it, if the long suffering of God did lead men
lo repentance ! It was said of old. If judgment begin at
the house of God, where shall the sinners and the ungodly
appear ; and how far the sufferings of the people of God in
our land may fall under that consideration is worthy of
notice. The Just did suffer for the unjust, that he might
bring many sons to glory ; and how far the Lord may cause
the sufferings of his people to redound to his own glory, and
the good of men, is worth observing. Many, during times
of sufferings, were convinced, and Friends having, through
the Lord's assistance, somewhat overcome by suffering them
that caused them to suffer, have arrived at peace. This also
is a day of gathering men to the knowledge of the God of
Peace, thai hath in measure bruised and brought Satan's
power down, in that sort; and though in times of peace
men of craft have set up for themselves, and gathered lo
themselves, and with shows of outside religion, gained
people to themselves, yet not having either loaves or fishes
to feed the multitude with, it is my firm persuasion, they
16

182 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
wUl faint and grow weary, and many come to see their
real want of bread from heaven in this wilderness. As the
body by amazement or diversion, may for a time forget the
food it wanteth, yet that forgetfulness will not always last ;
so the souls of many have been diverted from considering
their real need ; but I do hope the Lord is bringing, and
will bring, many to a sense of their hunger, and then they
will cry for bread. While men dream that alLis weU with
them, and that they are eating and drinking, how are they
pleased, but when they awake and find themselves hungry,
how willing then are they to enjoy in substance, that which
before, in shadows, they only dreamed of! This, I believe,
is the state of multitudes, and thanks to the Lord, he is
raising up many to run to and fro, to awaken people, that
they may be aroused and see where they are, and what they
have been doing ; and those whom he thus commissions are
a people that are awake themselves, and see that the night
is far past, and that the true Light doth shine, and thereby
they discern the feast that is prepared and the table that is
spread, where nothing is wanting but guests with the wedding
garment on. Oh ! that none who are bidden may any more
sleep the sleep of death ; but that they may haste and come
away and partake, and partaking, praise the Lord. I am
glad thy dear wife is of this number ; the Lord, if it be his
wiU, strengthen her faith and confidence, that trusting in
him, she may be strong in his might, and bold in his
moving, to declare his great and notable day, that hath
broken forth to a remnant, and must go on to the ends of the
earth. The Lord hasten this his work, for his own glory,
and for the good of the souls of men! that righteousness
may be every where exalted, and TruUi and peace flow

WILLIAM AND :\LIOE ELLIS. 183
as a mighty river; that high praises to his power may
everywhere be sounded aloud henceforth and for ever ! So
with unfeigned love, I salute thee and Friends who know
me, and rest Thy hearty friend, Theodore Eccleston."
John Wynn, whose death is referred to in the two pre
ceding letters, was convinced of the soundness of the
principles held by the Society of Friends, whUst a soldier
in London, about 1662 : he laid down his arms at a review,
and when discharged he removed into Yorkshire, and settled
at Bradford, where he worked at his trade as a clothier: he
became an able minister of the Gospel, and was a nursing
father in the church of Christ : his service in this character
is affectingly set forth in the following testimony respecting
him by WiUiam Ellis.
The Testimony of WiUiam EUis, concerning John Wynn.
There hath been a testimony upon my mind for some time
concerning John Wynn of Bradford, in the County of
York, who died in the favour of God and in unity with
his faithful brethren, on the 16th of the 9th month,
1699. I may truly say, the Lord's goodness hath been
great to mankind in these last days; in which mercy and
kindness he reached to my heart and soul, about the seven
teenth year of my age. And in those days the Friend
above-said was made an instrument in the hand of God for
my help and confirmation in that faith that the Lord had

184 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
bestowed upon me ; and as I grew in years, he having a sense
that grace did abound in me, to the working out of the old
corruption that had gotten fast root in me, he grew tender
to me, and laboured to help forward that good work which
the Almighty had begun. And when it pleased God to work
upon me so as lo open my heart to bear testimony to his holy
Arm, that was and is revealed and made bare for the recovery
of man again, he had abundance of care over me, and often
exhorted me to attend truly upon him that had bestowed his
good gift upon me, that so I might grow in the Root of Life ;
and he would be now and then telling me where he saw many
had gone out and lost themselves that had received good
gifts. And he often gave me advice lo beware of wrong
spirits, in resisting their divers ways of appearing, lo deceive
the simple ; and on this manner his care was over me for
more than twenty years. And often he sounded his trumpet
in meetings where my lot was cast ; and I must needs say,
though his ministry was sharp, yet it was searching and
powerftil, with effect in it, even to the awakening of my soul
to judgment, and that I might meet the Lord in the way
thereof. And it was so, that my heart was made willing lo
receive his reproofs, admonition, and good counsel, from time
lo time : and a little before his departure out of this life, he
came to -visit Friends hereaway, and Oh ! what strength and
power, and zeal were upon him ; in which he advised Friends
to continue steadfast in faith and in love to God and one to
another; and that Friends might keep up their testimony
against all that would break in upon the liberties God hath
given them ; and that a true labour might be continued to
keep good order in the church.
And when I heard that he was taken away, my soul was

WILLIAM .\.ND ALICE ELLIS. 18 j
ti'oubled within me, knowing the great advantage I had
gained ; yet after a time of great retirement, my heart was
overpowered with that ancient virtue of life that springs from
the Fountain of everlasting life ; and in this I did then
firmly believe, that his soul was gone to rest for ever, to sing
the songs ctf thanksgiving to the Lord and to the Lamb, for
ever and ever. Oh ! the unutterable joy, and harmonious
sounds of songs of high praises that have filled my heart
when I have remembered him, with many others whom I am
satisfied did delight to serve God in their day, and foUowed
him truly Uke the worthies of old. And the sense of this
reward and crown of life being laid up for the faithful, makes
my soul the more earnestly to travel forward, and be the
more watchful over my ways, and labour fervently to be the
more given up in soul, body, and substance, so that at the
last upshot of all, through Him that hath loved me and
washed me from my sins in his own most precious blood, I
may receive a sentence of WeU done ; and come to know an
entrance into the Vesting place with the Almighty, and with
the spirits of just men made perfect in Christ. The sense of
these things hath been at times upon my mind, and I could
not truly see that I should discharge myself till I had written
the abovesaid. ,
Wm. Ellis."

16*

186

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER XII.

Letter to William EUis and Aaron Atkinson from several Friends in
New England. Letters from Samuel Galloway, John Tomkins,
Samuel Carpenter, William Edmundson. Notice of Joseph Scarth.
Letters from Joseph Scarth and Aaron Atkinson to WiUiam EUis.
WiUiam Ellis to Richard Johns and Samuel Galloway

Peleg Slocdm, one of the persons whose names are
signed to the following document, is mentioned by John
Richardson in connexion with a remarkable visit to the
island of Nantucket, as an honest public-friend, from near
Rhode Island, and master of a sloop. — Life of John
Richardson, Ed. 1843, page 84 to 94.
Some of the other parties are mentioned incidentally by
Thomas Story. In his Journal Folio, pages 349 and 350,
he says, " On the 4th I went to Dartmouth, and lodged that
night with John Tucker ; where I met with Jacob Moll the
younger, returned from Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania ;
of whom I had an account of our affairs there within the
compass of his travels. On the 9th I was at Dartmouth
Meeting again, and that evening I went with Peleg
Slocum, where I staid tUl Second-day evening, and then
went home with Stephen WUcox, who came on purpose to

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 187
conduct me to his house, which was between Dartmouth
and Seconet."

" Portsmouth, in New England,
the llth of 10th mo. 1699.
Loving Friends, Wm. Ellis & Aaron Atkinson ;
Our souls salute you in the unchangeable love
of our Heavenly Father, who laid a concern upon you, to
pay us a visit here in New England, which hath been to the
convincing of several in this place, and of great service and
refreshment to our souls; God be praised for it! The
Lord opened the hearts of Friends in this place, lo con
tribute freely to the building of our meeting-house ; and it
is accomplished, and we had our Yearly Meeting in it.
There were many Friends from other places present; and we
had a very good meeting ; for the presence of the Lord was
with us, to our great comfort and satisfaction ; and we have
a men's and a women's meeting settled amongst us once a
month, which is of good service ; and we can truly say that
Truth doth grow and prosper among us, and that we have
reaped the fruit of your labours ; and we pray the Lord to
keep us stUl in love, truly, to himself, and one to another,
to the end of our days ; so the work of the Lord goes on
and our meeting is greatly increased in this place ; blessed
be the Name of the Lord for it ! Having given you this
short account of how things are amongst us, our dear love
is remembered lo you both, in. the blessed Truth which
changeth not, which reached unto us in the beginning, from
Him who hath gathered us to be a people, who were not a
people, and hath said, Jacob shall dweU alone and shall not

188 life and CORRESPONDENCE OF
be mixed amongst the people ; praises be given unto him,
who is God over aU, blessed for evermore !
Joanna Mott Jacob Mott, Jun.
Mary Slocum Peleg Slocum
Ruth Tucker Abraham Tucker
Cassandra Moll John Lapham
Mary Lapham Eleazar Slocum
Hannah Tucker Stephen WUcox
Hasadiah Russell John Tucker
For a notice of Richard HiU, who it appears by the
foUowing letter, accompanied Aaron Atkinson on his return
to England, see page 165.
" West River, the 4th of the 12th mo. 1699.
My friend, Wm. Ellis,
Whom I truly love and salute in the un
changeable Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in mercy to
our poor souls and for the honour of his Truth, hath in this
day of his power, in a great measure plucked our feet out of
the mire and clay, and set them on the Rock, Christ, the
foundation of the righteous in aU generations. Thy kind
letter is come to hand ; thy love in it I take very kindly,
and do in truth desire a renewedness of correspondence.
Our dear friend, Aaron Atkinson, has had a great service
amongst us, and now is bound home with Richard HUl ;
the Lord I hope wiU conduct him safe lo his own country.
By Aaron Attinson come these lines, so I shall be at this
time the shorter lo thee, seeing he is able to give thee an
account of the affairs of Truth with us ; but in short, and in

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 189
truth, this account I have to give thee ; Truth prospers with
us, and there is a greater convincement amongst people than
I have known in my time. The Lord, if it be his wiU, raise
up those that may sound forth his Truth amongst us. So dear
friend in that which first brought us acquainted the one with
the other, do I salute thee, and conclude with mine and my
dear and honest wife's love to thee and thine,
Samuel Galloway."
" London, the 10th of 12th mo. 1699.
Dear friend, Wm. Ellis.
In the fellowship of Truth I dearly salute thee ;
remembering thy love, and having thy zeal for God in mind,
and that thy desires are that the Church, which is the Bride,
the Lamb's wife, may be all pure and fair, made beautiful
through the comeliness which He is putting upon her ; and
that there may be a spirit of love and zeal and true judgment,
in a sound mind, found in every member thereof, according
lo the measure of the gift of Christ. That every one in a
true concern and care, as in the sight of God, may know
his own place in the Church ; every one walking according
to the rule of the new creature ; all having regar^ unto the
Head, holding the Head, as the Apostle saith, in whom
every member is so fitly joined unto the body, that in the
receiving of the mercies of the life of the Head, which
supplieth and nourishelh every part, all parts thereby may
grow up, and together make a spiritual house unto God, all
eyeing him, and knowing their places in the body, — that
body which edifies itself in love ; that body which is at
unity with its own members : all praising God in their

190 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
several offices, being also comfortable one with another in
the exercise of their offices in the Church ; all having regard
unto the Lord, the supreme Head of aU. None wUl, as
they keep to the Root, and know the Root to bear them,
boast themselves against the Root, but wiU daUy be in a
concern of spirit, lo feel the virtue and sap of. the Root lo
arise up and make their branches living and green, fit to be
serviceable in their station ; and as aU keep here, none wUl
desire to rise up against their fellow members of the same
body, nor assume the place or office of another ; but all wUl
desire to know and to serve in their own places, keeping
their eye unto the Lord who is the dispenser of his own
gifts, and bestows his talents as he pleases ; remembering
what was said by the Lord to those whose eye was evU,
because his eye was good. Is it not lawful for me to do
what I wiU with my own .'' I do thee no wrong ; take that
thine is and go thy way. Those who are truly sensible of
the Lord's mercy to them, wUl esteem it a great mercy to be
but as the least in the Lord's family. Il was but one thing,
chiefly, that a great and wise man of old time desired, aud
that he purposed to seek, That he might dwell in God's
house for ever ; and it was not a great place that he sought
in that house neither,.but that of a door-keeper, so that he
might but dwell therein. His mind was not high lo desire
like the two sons of Zebedee, one to sit at the right hand of
his Lord and the other at the left ; but he chose that mean
office rather than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. The
true members of Christ are all in harmony and concord
with Christ the Head, who said. Learn of me, I am meek
and lowly in heart. Oh ! before honour comes humility.
Do any desire to be preferred in God's service ; the way to

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 191
it is to be like our great Pattern and Example ; and then, if
we be faithful and content with the place- we are in, the
Governor of the household and family of God, wUl take
notice of us, as it is said in the parable which Himself made
to teach us humUity ; When thou art bidden lo a feast, go
and sit down in the lowest room, that when he that bade
thee cometh, he may say to thee. Friend go up higher ; then
shalt thou have honour in the presence of them that sit at
meat ; for whosoever exalts himself shall be abased, but
whosoever humbleth himself shall be exalted. The.se few
lines of our Lord's have abundance of doctrine in them.
Dear Friend, when I began I intended not thus to write ;
but thus it opened, and I have sent il ; I know that he to
whom I write will receive it in the best sense.
I have considered thy last letter, dated the 12th of llth
month, and I think if any unruly walkers be among you,
and of the female sex, there is a very good exhortation from
our ancient Friend, dear George Fox, among the Epistles
lately printed in one volume, of which I suppose every
Monthly Meeting took a copy ; it is to be found in the
368th folio, entitled, " An Encouragement to all the faithful
Women's Meetings in the World, &c." It was written on
purpose to quiet unruly spirits who were ready to make a
mutiny in the Church, about the separation of J. Perot and
J. Wilkinson. There are many brave instances of the worth
and of the good behaviour of holy women of old time in the
Church of Christ Jesus. I e^m sorry to hear of thy indispo
sition, but am glad thou wast recovering : I hope thy health
is perfected ere this. William Robinson, my neighbour, has
been ill about a week, but is recovering. I am, through
mercy, indifferent in health, was lately out about a week, am

192 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OE
now going again about the same time or more. Truth
prospers ; Friends' hearts, who are faithful, are strong in the
Lord, and full of faith, so that notwithstanding the creeping
of the subtle serpent within doors, and the roaring of the
devouring lion without doors, Zion remains immovable and
cannot be shaken, being founded upon the Rock which is
higher than aU ; blessed be the Lord forever ! Mine and
my wife's dear love to thee and thine, I remain, desiring
to hear from thee. Thy true and faithful friend, John Tomkins."
" Buriington, the 28th of 12th mo. i^^.
Dear Wm. Ellis,
I was not wiUing lo let this opportunity slip
without signifying mine and my wife's dear love lo thee and
thine, and to Walter Fawcitt, Joseph Kirkbride, and Ann
DUworth, and to other Friends that know us, particularly
unto all those that have laboured in the love of God amongst
us, who have been prophets and apostles and as God^s mes
sengers to us ; and so I esteem them ; and desire that we
may be worthy of so great blessings to be continued unto
us. Methinks I sensibly miss them ; and it is matter
of sorrow to remember the loss of several of our dear
Friends by death, before they returned to their dear
relations, friends and brethren, viz. dear Robert Barrow,
Robert Wardell, Mary Rogers, and Jacob Fallowfield ;
the last in his voyage from Barbadoes towards this place,
and dear Mary in her passage from Nevis or Antigua
to Jamaica : but though to us that remain, it is a loss, to

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 193
them it is doubtless gain, who are taken from the evil to
come, and freed from those hardships, exercises and travails
which did attend them in their pUgrimage and services;
and I believe they enjoy as the reward of their faithfulness
and obedience, joy and peace with the Lord forever, where
there are no dangers, temptations, trials, sighings or sorrow
ings, such as are with us who remain behind. Dear friend !
time being short, and having many letters to write, accept
of these hasty lines as a token of my dear love and respect
to thee and Friends, in remembrance of thine and their
services for the Truth among us. I desire that we may all
answer the love of God to us therein, and in all other of his
renewed and repeated favours and mercies everywhere ex
tended towards us. Dear Governor Penn, his wife, daughter,
and young son are in Health.
I remain thy dear friend and brother,
Samuel Carpenter."
" Rossenallis, the 5th of 1st mo. 1700.
Dear William Ellis,
I received thine from Liverpool, the Sth
of 12th month last, and am glad to hear from thee ; and
that thou, with many more of the younger sort, art so well
concerned for the promotion of the blessed Truth, which will
be your crown and diadem as you continue in well doing ;
for continuing steadfast to the end croWns all the labours of
aU the faithful foUowers of Christ. The Lord enlarge your
understandings in the knowledge of his wUl, and of the
mystery of his kingdom, and increase your numbers to stand
firm in his testimony for his Truth, and the rights and privi-
17

194 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
leges thereof, without wavering, as pUlars in his house ! I
am glad to hear that Truth prospers, and hath dominion ;
for it is Christ that must rule and have the government, that
all power in heaven and earth is given to, and is the
strongest, that is overturning all that stands in opposition,
and is reforming and bringing all things into their right
order, use, and service, according to the infinite wisdom of
God. Where the harmony is known, praises are given to
the wise Creator of all things visible and invisible ; and
the glorious day of the restitution of all things shines
forth more and more, in its clear discoveries and manifesta
tions of all things that are needful for us to know ; and our
part is, to arise in the Ught of this glorious day, and shake
ourselves from the dust of the earth, and put on the beautiful
garment of the righteousness of the heavenly man. The
glory of this bright Gospel-day shines amongst us, and many
are affected by the discoveries of it, and have a godly con
cern upon their hearts for promoting the Lord's work ac
cording to their utmost ability ; and the work of reformation
prospers in their hands, as instruments in the hand of the
Lord. Church affairs are narrowly looked into, and
Gospel order is closely prosecuted, and hidden things are
brought to light ; and it is come to Jerusalem's turn to be
searched ; and the Lord hath enlightened the spirits of his
faithful servants to be his candles, to find out things that do
offend, and must not enter the kingdom of Christ. The
Lord is with us in this close work for his honour, and crowns
our assemblies with his goodness, and is mouth and wisdom
in all services, and the power of Truth is over all, blessed
be his great name for ever and ever ! Amen.
Now, Dear WUUam, thou and all Friends that desire to

WILLIAM \ND ALICE ELLIS. 195
hear from me, may know, that I am very weU, and able to
prosecute the service of Truth according to my station, be
yond the ordinary course of nature, considering my age and
exercises that have faUen to my lot in my time. I bless the
Lord, my understanding is firm as ever, and I am able to
travel easy journeys. This last summer George Rook and I
travelled some hundreds of mUes in Truth's service, in Con-
naught and some counties in the north, in unbroken places,
where we had many serviceable and satisfactory meetings,
with good reception by many of divers ranks ; and the
Lord's testimony in his glorious power was over all, and
crowned our service over all opposers. This winter, I am
not so able lo travel as formerly ; but I am hearty and
sound ; only old age comes on ; but I love to be with the
Lord's plough, where there is occasion to plough up the
fallow ground. Too many are too earnest to sow amongst
thorns, thistles, briars, and tares, which hurts the Lord's
husbandry, and obstructs the fruit that should glorify God.
We are hard and close at -work in this great harvest day ;
and I love to be with the Lord's workfolks, to see how the
work goes on, and. to lend my hand and heart, in as much
as I am able ; and it looks to me as though the Lord had
something for me to do, of some small revision of my day's-
work ; and his blessed will be done that never failed me, nor
any that fervently trusted in him. So with my true love to
thee and thine, in the unchangeable Truth,
I am thy sincere friend and brother,
Wm. Edmundson."
Joseph Scarth, the writer of the foUowing letter, was a
minister in Whitby Meeting. There is little on record

196 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
respecting him, but that he married Miriam Smales of Brid-
Unglon, in 1688, and was liberated by his Monthly Meeting
in 1699, to pay a reUgious visit to the West part of York
shire and some parts adjacent. The register of his death is
in 1710. " Whitby, the 6th of 1st mo. ifU-
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
With design I give thee a few lines, I have
several limes had thee and thy wife in my memory. Not
knowing that I shall be at the Quarterly Meeting, I take
this opportunity of sending per. Scarbro' Friends, who
represent our Monthly Meeting this time. This perhaps
may meet thee or thy wife at York. With dear love I
salute you both ; keeping in the covenant of love and life
engages us to remember one another ; therein are we made
living members of Christ and one of another, desiring each
other's good and prosperity in that unchangeable Truth of
our God, which he has, in his infinite love and by his Uving
power, gathered and drawn us into, that we may glorify him
in our lives and conversation, and labour therein for the
honour of his Name and the mutual comfort of our poor
souls. I pray God preserve us, guide and direct us in his
wisdom and counsel ; attend us with his divine power and
presence, that we may continue unto the end. With dear
love to thyself, wife, and friends, I conclude in haste,
... Thy truly loving friend, Joseph Scarth."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 197
" London, 2nd mo. 1700.
My dearly beloved and esteemed friend, Wm. Ellis ;
My love is kindly remembered to thee and thy
dear wife ; you are Friends that I both love and esteem. The
God of Israel that heard the prayers of Cornelius, the same
God, I believe, often looks upon you ; for I know you are
found in the same good practice. Dear friend, I can never
forget at times thy bowed down countenance before the Lord
for me, and upon my account, in the time of affliction. I
believe the Lord looked upon thy sincerity and the cry of
thy soul ; for which his Name is worthy to be blessed while
we have a day. My friend, I am glad when I think of thee,
in hope thou mayst be a strength to me, if we should live
awhile near to one another. I know the Lord loves thee in
his merciful kindness ; and though some may think, that
know thee not, that thou art high, and thinkest to be over
them, and that thou takest too much upon thee, like as the
rebellious thousand said of Moses ; yet I know thee better,
and that thou hast but very mean thoughts of thyself;
yet the Lord that has not failed thee, bears up thy
head; blessed be his worthy Name for evermore ! Dear
WiUiam, I am well, and came on shore at Dover, in Kent,
the 27th day of the 1st month. I came, over in the same
ship that thou camest in, and lay in the same cabin thou
lay in, and I loved it the better for thy sake. I observed
thy order in thy letter, I never went up upoju the deck
above the cabin, no not all the way over. I hope to be
at Leeds ere long after this comes to thy hand ; I shall
be glad to see thee there. I have several letters for thee,
but keep them to save the charge. I have something to
17*

198 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
employ thee in among the poor, a work thou lovest to
be concerned in. These with true love from me thy loving
friend, that loves and esteems thee for thy sincerity's sake,
and prays for long life for thee, Aaron Atkinson."
"To Richard Johns and Samuel Galloway.
Airton, the 4th of the 9th mo. 1700.
Dear Friends ;
With the salutation of unfeigned love to you,
and aU Friends in Maryland as you may see meet, this may
let you know, that through the Lord's mercy, I am indif
ferent well, and that though we be far separated one from
another, yet you are often in my remembrance. The love
unfeigned that the Lord raised in our hearts is not for
gotten by me ; and in that love my heart and soul are often
in a deep travail for your preservation, and that Truth may
grow amongst you ; and in order thereunto, that all Friends
be advised to put on zeal as a garment, and let their love be
fervent to the Lord. Let your fervency be demonstrated in
often gathering together ; and when met, let a firm travail
be upon your minds for the enjoyment of the Lord's good
ness, that they may not be said Nay of him. Let all
Friends come up in their places and bring their chUdren
and servants to meetings on Week-days and on First-days
likewise : and let all come over that doubtful spirit that
is and hath been too apt to keep Friends back in their
service. Tell them, that if they serve the Lord to the
full, their outward things will not faU. It was said
by one of the Lord's worthies. That once he had been

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 199
young but now he was old, but he never saw the righte
ous forsaken nor his seed begging dread. Whatsoever
stands in the way of your coming up as aforesaid, let the
Lord's power come upon it, and whether it be poverty, or
the abounding of riches, it will remove it ; and when thus
met, and the Lord's power comes upon any, do not limit it,
but let it work ; and if it bring up a word of exhortation,
speak it freely ; but be sure it be in the Name of the Lord ;
and if any find a word upon them that is deep and weighty,
so that they can say. For Zion's sake I cannot rest, and for
Jerusalem's sake I cannot be silent, encourage all such to
pour forth their complaints before the Lord, that the Lord's
work may prosper, and Friends grow in their measure and
the gifts bestowed upon them ; and in the Lord's power run
from one meeting to another, and stir up the pure mind in
one another, and then the beauty of Truth will appear, and
the face of Him will shine that hath been more marred than
the face of any man ; and as his comeliness appears, the
world and its glory will fade away. My soul. Oh my soul
within me ! is in a deep travaU for your growth in the most
precious Truth ; and that your young people may grow in
the knowledge of it and in love to it ; and I humbly desire
that Friends may train up their young children in the know
ledge of the Law and the Prophets ; that when the Truth
reaches their understandings, they may worship the God of
their fathers, believing all that is written in the Old and
New Testaments ; that from one generation to another, the
Lord's Name may be famous amongst our own posterity.
And dear Friends, as there were several amongst you that
had a sense of my soul's travail ; that it was not only that
worship and service might be performed to the Lord, but

200 life AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
that Friends might discern between the precious and the
vUe, and that the Lord's Name and power might rule over
your famUies, and over your trades and trading, and over all
superfluity in apparel, or whatsoever else ; and as my travail
was full as much in secret as, I could utter with my speech,
therefore my desire is, that all Friends may truly labour to
bring Truth's testimony up over all that would oppose it ;
and I do not doubt that in so doing, the Lord will descend
upon you with multitudes of blessings, and they will rest
upon you as dew upon the tender grass. And whereas it
hath fallen for your lots to be exercised with wrong spirits,
whose pretence was to buUd up Zion, but whose works
declared that they were for pulling down the waUs thereof;
and the Lord hath showed you great mercy in giving you
length of days, and to see his po-wer come over these wrong
spirits, and bring down their evU design ; now it is my
advice, that all friends, everywhere, watch against such
wrong spirits, and with all speed let them be judged down.
Dear Friends, I desire you all that are sincerely affected
towards God, and feel bis Word like a fire in your hearts, to
run to and fro to spread the Truth ; and wherever there is
anything that hath life and substance in it, visit it, and
labour to bring the Truth up, which that ranting spirit hath
trodden down ; and remember that little meeting beyond the
Potomack. So that grace, mercy, and peace may be mul
tiplied among you, is the desire of him who is your friend
in that which changeth not, Wm. Ellis."
The copy of this was sent into Maryland, to be read
amongst Friends at the Eastern and Western Shore, as
might be seen meet.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 201

CHAPTER XIIL
Tisit of Samuel Bownas to William EUis. Notices of Samuel Bownas.
James Wilson, Gilbert Heathcot, and Jennet Stow. Letter from
Gilbert Heathcot. Notices of John Butcher, Robert Huberstie, and
James Waithman. Remarkable Fungus. Letters from John Tom
kins, with an extract of a letter from John Richardson. Notices of
John Taylor and Jeremiah Grimshaw. Letter from Theodore
Eccleston. Notice of John Bowron, and letter from liira. Notices
of Isaac Alexander, Thomas Pearce, George Rook, John Ecroyd, and
Lawrence King. Letter from Isaac Alexander. Letter to Nathan
Newby, containing advice respecting the Scriptures. Notice of
Thomas Rodman. Letter to Thomas Rodman.
But few incidents relating to the life of WUliam EUis,
after his return from America, have been recorded, so that
Uttle but what is contained in his correspondence can be
presented to the reader. The foUowing notice of a visit to
him, is from the pen of Samuel Bownas, who in " An Account
of his Life, Travels, and Christian Experiences in the Work of
the Ministry," mentions being at Airton, in 1701, "where,"
he says, " that great and good man William Ellis, being then
living and full of power, having great and solid experience
concerning the work of the ministry. Was very edifying to me
by the wholesome counsel he gave. James WUson was then
with me, who was not at that lime a public minister, yet of
great service in visiting famUies, being closely engaged in
spirit for maintaining good order and discipline. And we
being very young in these things, this worthy Friend gave

202 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
such advice to us both, with respect to a faithful coming up
in our services, that we coiUd with good reason say, thathis
words were " like apples of gold in pictures of sUver ;" for
a long time after, the sense and virtue of them dwelt on my
mind to my great advantage. We stayed with him one
night, and had a small meeting, in which the preference and
value I had for him, together with an awe that was upon my
spirit concerning his great services and experience as a
minister, took such place in my mind, that I was sUent
before him. Next day we took our leave, and he brought
us on our way a little, heartily praying at parting, that
I might be preserved in my place, and return with safety."
At the time the foregoing was written, WiUiam Ellis was
about forty-three years of age, and Samuel Bo-wnas twenty-
five. The latter was on his way to London to take shipping
for America, in order to pay a religious visit in that country.
He was a native of Westmoreland, and was brought up
among Friends, but did not become awakened to the im
portance of a religious life till he was about twenty years
of age. He came forth in the ministry, under the con
straining influence of divine grace, at the expiration of
one month from the day of his awakening. He soon became
a dUigent labourer in the Gospel, and took many journeys
on that account, returning to his business as a blacksmith,
or working as an agricultural labourer, in the intervals. The
field of his religious labours embraced Great Britain, Ireland
and North America. In the latter part of his life, Samuel
Bownas resided in Dorsetshire, in which county he died in
1753, aged 77 years. — See Life of S. Bownas.
James Wilson, who accompanied Samuel Bownas on his

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 203
visit to WUliam ElUs, was a native of Kirby Lonsdale, in
Westmoreland : he was educated in the way of the Episcopal
Church, but joined the Society of Friends whUst a young
man : he became a minister in his thirtieth year, and was a
serviceable man in various ways, and especially as a peace
maker. He died at Kendal, where he had long resided, in
1769, aged 92 years. — See Piety Promoted, Part VIII.
Gilbert Heathcot, the writer of the following letter, was a
physician, who resided at Citthorp, near Chesterfield : he
married a sister of Sir John Rhodes, of Balber Hall, respect
ing whom there is a notice in a subsequent part of this
volume. GUbert Heathcot appears to have been a useful
member of the Society of Friends : he was appointed by the
Yearly Meeting in 1704, along with William Penn, to lay
before the Queen the suffering case of Thomas Rudd, then a
prisoner at Canterbury.
Jennet Stow, who is noticed in this letter, became a
minister within the compass of Settle Meeting, at an early
age. She travelled in the exercise of her gift in various
parts of Great Britain and Ireland, and died at Dronfield, in
Derbyshire, in 1702, aged about 30 years. She was at
tended in her last illness by Gilbert Heathcot, to whom,
along with WiUiam EUis, she bequeathed her property, as
appears by the following letter. Gilbert Heathcot enter
tained a high esteem for his patient, and wrote a Testimony
respecting her, which is attached to a notice of her in the
Seventh Part of Piety Promoted.

204 life and correspondence of
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
Our dear friend. Jennet Stow, having left the
management of her affairs lo us two, I have here sent thee
her last wiU, which was made when I was from her, for I
never wanted any of her worldly goods ; nor do I believe
that our all-wise Master, that orders all things well, ever
intended me to be paid (in that kind however) for what I did
for my dear friend ; so that whatever power I may have
through or by this wUl, I wholly give it into thy hands,
hoping the Lord will direct thee more wisely than I can. I
have paid the charges of her funeral, and I think I have paid
every body largely that showed her any help or kindness any
way. I am not willing to give any account of the charges,
because I intend to pay it aU myself; I only beg of thee to
be very kind to Mary Simpson, and I think her relations
should have some small token of her kindness, as thou
thinkest fit. I believe it was the Lord's mind, she should
end her days with me ; for which I am thankful lo the
Lord ; she was helpful to me in her life and death, and her
memory is sweet. Dear William, I shall be glad to hear
that I am brought into thy remembrance often. I am
satisfied, a man of troubles I am like lo be, and not of
ordinary troubles ; however I am at present possessed with
a humble confidence in my God, who never failed me yet,
and I beUeve never wiU, if I can be honest and do my part,
or rather, be wUling to let the Lord do with me and for me
what he pleases. My love is dearly to thee and thy wife ;
your welfare I wish as my own ; and if ever we meet, may it
be in that which makes aU good meetings ; and if it never

. WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 205
be in this world, yet I hope we shall meet at the great and
best meeting. My love is to all that are in the true love.
Thy loving friend, Gilbert Heathcot."
John Butcher, who is noticed in the foUowing letter, was
born in 1666 : his parents were estimable Friends : he
became a minister when about fifteen years of age ; he visited
many parts of Great Britain in the exercise of his gift, and
was eminent as a peacemaker ; he died in 1721, aged 55. —
See Piety Promoted, Eighth Part.
William Bingley, who is also noticed in this letter, became
a minister among Friends whUe residing in Yorkshire, and
from this county visited Ireland in 1675 : he was also there
again in 1682. He settled in London as a stuff-merchant
when in the meridian of life, and in 1684 accompanied
Samuel Waldenfield on an apostolic journey in Holland and
the Netherlands. He was one of the Friends who preached
at the funeral of George Fox, in 1690 ; and he appears to
have paid religious visits to different parts of Great Britain
at various periods. He died in London, in^ 1714, aged
G4 years.
Robert Huberstie, of Yealand Conyers, in Lancashire, one
of the prisoners mentioned in this letter, was committed to
Lancaster Castle for attending a meeting for worship, at a
period when the Government of this country, urged by an
intolerant clergy, conspired against the laws of God and the
inaUenable liberties of men, with the design of compelling
all to worship, not according to the Gospel, but according
18

206 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
to statute law : he joined the Society of Friends when about
eighteen years of age. The Lord bestowed upon him a gift
in the ministry, in the exercise of which he visited the
churches of Christ in many parts of England : he died
in 1706, aged about 71 years. — See Piety Promoted, Part
Fourth. James Waithman, also mentioned in this letter as a
prisoner, had been in prison for conscience' sake twice before
the time noted here. The first time for refusing to swear,
and the second for refusing lo pay tithes.
The " strange thing" noticed in New England, in John
Richardson's letter quoted here, was probably a fungus ; both
in form and stench it seems to have resembled a plant of
the same tribe found in Great Britain, and called Phallus
impudicus or Common Stinkhorn. The remarks upon it are
curious, and show how much the mind may be excited for
good or evU by an object not understood.
"London, the llth of the 10th mo. 1702.
Dear Friend Wm. Ellis.
I had thine last night ; it was very acceptable.
I have had many remembrances of thee since I saw thee, and
have been about to wrUe, but have been prevented by divers
occasions ; more of them have been to serve others than
myself. I am glad thou hadst unity with my return home ;
I knew not what weather was to come, so that was not the
occasion ; but on my bed that night I did consult the
oracle, and waited for an answer, as David said of old

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 207
lime : " ShaU I go up to Keilah ;" and I saw my place was
lo return home and not to go. It is always safe to follow
one's Guide, and not to be too inquisitive of the reasons ;
but in faith and obedience to submit and foUow the leadings
of the Holy Spirit, which will never lead amiss. I am often
comforted in the love, unity, and sweet refreshment that
I met with amongst you at York, at that Morning Meeting
of ministering Friends ; the uniting sweet fellowship I felt,
engages my heart to the Lord, and also in love to his people.
I reached Balber Hall on the Seventh-day at night, after I
left thee, was at meeting at Woodhouse on First-day fol
lowing, on Third-day at Nottingham, and on Fourth-day at
Leicester Meeting in course, and thought to have reached
Northampton Quarterly Meeting, but was prevented, so got
home on Seventh-day by noon. I have had my health
better this winter hitherto, than last winter; if the Lord
continue it to me he shall have the service of it, for I am
his, and I have dedicated my whole strength and days to his
honour and the service of him and of his beloved people. I
am glad Jeremiah Grimshaw is so well ; my dear love to
him, I shall be glad to see him at London. John Field
and John Butcher are well ; we are often together ; there is
a knot of us bound up together in the bundle of the living ;
blessed be the Lord ! and we are of one heart, and go one
way, and speak the same thing in the Truth. William Bingley
is gone to Norfolk. I am glad you are so quiet, though I
am not against contending, and that steadfastly for the
Truth, and the most holy faith, against the opposers of it ;
yet sometimes, in some cases, there may be a time lo forbear,
and wait with patience, the judgment of Truth. If it have
leaden heels, il wUl have iron hands, and the hypocrite
cannot escape, nor the sinner .stand in the congregation of

208 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
the righteous. I have been lately at Hertford ; Truth goes
on, and the Lamb is conquering in many hearts, and will
have the victory. We are in hopes, to get Robert Huberstie
and James Waithman, two prisoners in Lancaster, out of
gaol. I have a letter from John Richardson, dated Lynn,
in New England, the 22nd of the 7th mo. last; among
other things, he gives account of a strange thing which
appears in New England ; his account is as foUoweth : —
" There is lately a strange sort of thing grown up in this
country, in many places ; it springs up in one night about a
quarter of a yard above the groiind, as white as snow ; with
a thing about the upper parts somewhat like shoulders ;
there is a thing like a cap, which with the aforesaid covering
seems lo hang loose ; the shoulders have somewhat like a
laced vail upon them. I with many others have seen it;
but that which is as much admirable is, the stink of it,
which is so nauseous that I think nothing ever exceeded
it for a bad smell. It is by several, compared with the
smell of man's flesh after he is dead, sometime buried, and
then taken up again; the sight of it doth terrify some,
and some are putting away their top-knots and finery,
especially in Salisbury, in the east part of that country ; but
others count it as witchcraft, and so harden their hearts
thus far. John Richardson is in health, though he has tra
veUed hard. My wife's and my dear love to thee ; give
mine to thy dear wife. I remember your great love and
shall be glad lo see you both here. We are very thankful
of the safe arrival of our dear friend, William Penn ; it is
the Lord's mercy who is gracious to him and us also.
Farewell. I am thy friend and brother in the Truth,
John Tomkins,"

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 209
" London, the 17th of 4th mo. 1703.
Dear friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I have thine to me of the 15lh of 3rd month,
1703 ; it came to my hand before the Yearly Meeting ; and
I find thy bishop-like care for us, and desire that the Lord
may help his people, and judge that which would appear to
trouble or afflict that life which he hath given to rule ; but
we should have esteemed it a manifest token of thy care, if
thou hadst come thyself, and contributed to the lifting up
of Moses' hand in the time of battle, as thou wert pleased to
phrase it ; but we have the charity to believe that thou wast
concerned in travail of spirit for the prosperity of Zion, at
the time when others here were actually concerned, in a
peaceable spirit, to contend for the simplicity of our tes
timony lo the precepts of Christ. And the Lord did
comfort his people, and things were well gone through in
several respects ; for the particulars I refer thee to those
who were present. God did bless our meeting with plenty
of the water of life, which sweetened all, and kept things
cool and quiet. Our hearts were comforted in the love of
God and feUowship of the brethren ; and counsel was given,
and doctrine dropped as the dew upon the tender herbs. I
hope what was done wiU have a tendency lo the furtherance
of charity and peace in the Church. Come and see us and
help us, for we have now much work and few hands to do
it ; but, however, remember to pray for us, that our labours
in every respect may be blessed for the benefit of the
Church, that an addition may be given us, and many
children may be yet born to the Church of Christ ; for the
promise is, that more shaU be her chUdren than the chUdren
18*

210 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
of the married wife, — the Jewish Church, which consisted of
the line of Abraham. But now God wiU not only be known
in Judah and his Name be great in Israel, but he hath
promised that all the ends of the earth shall see his salvation.
Dear friend, pray for the hastening of the day, that all flesh
may see his glory, that he may " glorify the house of his
glory." Give my dear love to thy wife ; I wish her perfect
recovery ; my wife remembers her and thee. Your folks
have been pleased to choose me for one of your County
Correspondents ; it was their love ; I want not employment,
but wherein I can, I shall not be backward lo serve them.
Let me hear from thee, and when we may expect to see
thee ; I have not material of other matters lo advise thee of,
but in great sincerity am
Thy real friend and brother, John Tomkins."
John Taylor, who is noticed in the following letter, was
convinced of the soundness of the Christian principles of
Friends by George Fox, in 1656 : he soon felt constrained
in spirit to preach the Truth which he had received, and in
1657, when only about twenty years of age, he went on that
service into the west of England. Subsequently he
travelled much in the work of the ministry in America and
the West Indies, as well as in Great Britain, Ireland and
Holland. He resided several years in Barbadoes, but sub
sequently returned to England and settled at York, as a
sugar refiner. Here, as well as in several places, in the
course of his apostolic journeys, he suffered imprisonment
for the testimony of Jesus. He died at York in 1708, aged
about 70 years.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 211
WUliam Wyld, who is also mentioned in this letter, was
born at Oldham, in Lancashire, in 1648. He joined the
Society of Friends, became a minister among them, and
partook of the sufferings to which they were exposed in
maintaining a testimony against the anti-christian impost of
Tithes. He was imprisoned upwards of a year and a half
on this account at Lancaster, where he afterwards settled.
He sometimes travelled in the work of the ministry in the
neighbouring counties; and when he had accomplished
these services, returned to his caUing, which is mentioned in
a Testimony respecting him as having been hunible and
laborious. He died in great peace in 1729, aged 81 years.
" London, the 16th of 7th mo. 1703.
Dear Wm. and Alice Ellis ;
In true love I heartily salute you both, desiring
that you and we, and aU that uprightly love the Lord, may
be preserved by him, growing in the Truth, and in the
knowledge of his glorious power reigning amongst us ; that
while we are here, in the sense of life, we may magnify his
holy Name; and when we are summoned from hence, that
we may be received of Him who was our blessed example,
and is our head and lawgiver, to whom belong dominion
and praise, world without end. Amen. The Lord be
praised for all our mercies, and for preserving us from every
thing that would render us unfit for his service, that in his
blessed work we may go on to glorify his Name, and show
forth his power and goodness to the children of men ; that
many with us may taste how good the Lord is, and how
good it is to serve Him to whom dominion and praise is

212 life and CORRESPONDENCE OP
due; and to him be it rendered by us aU, henceforth and
for ever. My dear love lo John Taylor and wife, WUliam
Wyld and friends, Thomas Aldam, Jeremiah Grimshaw,
Aaron Atkinson, and all that ask after
Thy loving friend,
Theodore Eccleston."
The foUowingTestimony of Jeremiah Grimshaw, of Rawden,
who is mentioned in the above letter, and in several
other parts of this volume, is from the pen of his brother,
John Grimshaw, who also was a minister :
" Jeremiah Grimshaw was born of religious parents, who
brought him up in the fear of the Lord ; and when he
arrived at the age of 18 or 19 years, he zealously followed
after those preachers who were accounted the most eminent,
but he did not experience that satisfaction he was in pursuit
of, untU he became convinced of the saving efficacy of
divine Light and Grace, through the effectual ministry of
George Gregson and Robert Lodge ; and then he gave up in
obedience lo that powerful Word, which inwardly awakened
him, and which wrought powerfully to the bringing him into
the ministry, — which was living and convincing. About
this time there was a merciful visitation extended towards
his neighbours ; and through him, as an instrument, divers
were brought to the knowledge of the Truth. In the early
part of his life, he visited sundry parts of England, and also
went through Ireland in the service of Truth, to his own
satisfaction and the strength of the brethren. In the latter
years of his life, he had to pass through divers afflictions ;
yet, through the Lord's mercy, he was enabled to perform

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 218
several religious visits, to the comfort of his friends. He
departed this life on the 12th of the Sth month, 1721, aged
about sixty-nine years ; and we doubt not has attained to
that rest, which is prepared for those who bold out in faith
fulness to the end."
John Bowron, the writer of the foUowing short letter,
re.sided at Cotherstone, on the northern border of Yorkshire ;
he joined Friends about 1653, when about 26 years of
age, being convinced of the soundness of their principles,
by the preaching of George Fox and James Nayler. Soon
after this he received a gift in the ministry, and travelled
into Scotland, preaching the Gospel in the streets and
markets. He visited this part of the British dominions
several times, and in 1656 went lo Barbadoes, where he
had many meetings : he then sailed for South America,
and travelled in Guiana and other parts, preaching by an
interpreter to the natives, who regarded him as " a good
man come from far to preach the white man's God." From
thence he returned by Barbadoes lo England, and continued
his Gospel labours. He also visited Ireland many times ;
and after all his journey ings and several imprisonments
for his testimony to the Truth as it is in Jesus, he died
in 1704, in the house in which he was born, being 77 years
of age, and full of peace. — See Piety Promoted, Part III.
" Cotherstone, 1703.
Dear Friend, William Ellis,
My love unto thee in the Truth of Almighty
God, and to thy wife and Friends thereabout. I have

214 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
received the things thou sentest me ; the Lord God of
heaven and earth reward thee for thy token of love ; they
will do me great service, for which I cannot make thee'
satisfaction ; but I hope the Lord will not forget to reward
thee. I have a great desire to see thee and thy wife before
I die ; but how il may fall out, that I leave to the Lord. I
have been very weakly, but I hope I may yet travel a little
in the service of the Truth. Friends here would be glad to
see thee. W^illiam Kay and Jonathan Kay, as also Peter
Atkinson, send their kind love to thee and thy wife. This
with my dear love lo thee and thy wife and Friends in the
unchangeable Truth, is from
Thy loving brother in the Truth,
John Bowron."
Isaac Alexander, the writer of the foUowing letter, was
born in 1680 : he joined the Society of Friends when about
fourteen years of age, and became a minister in his seven
teenth year : he took apostolic journeys into various parts of
Great Britain and Ireland, labouring diligently in the exer
cise of his gift ; and died at the house of James WUson, at
Aba, near Kendal, in 1705, aged 25 years. In this letter
he mentions the following persons :
Thomas Pearce, who was the son and successor of Richard
Pearce, an apothecary of Limerick, and the first person that
received Friends in that place. The magistrates publicly
forbade the people to buy anything of Friends, particularly of
Richard Pearce ; and the prohibition rested upon him for
several months ; but he regained his business and foUowed
it with reputation. The meetings of Friends were held at

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 215
his house for many years. — See Rutty's History of Friends
in Ireland. Quarto edition, page 97.
George Rook, a native of Cumberland, and a carpenter
by trade : be joined Friends when about twenty, and became
a minister when about twenty-five years of age. He accom
panied Thomas Trafford, noticed in page 21 of this volume,
in a religious visit to Friends in the north of England, and
was afterwards imprisoned in Durham Gaol, for refusing to
break the command of Christ, "Swear not at aU." He
laboured in the Gospel in various parts of Great Britain
and Ireland, and settled in Dublin in 1693 : he died in
1742, aged 90. — See Biographical Notices of Friends in
Ireland. John Acroyd or Ecroyd, who resided at Briercliffe, near
Burnley, in Lancashire : he is described as an able minister
of the Gospel, a steady and zealous labourer therein, a good
example to the flock of Christ, and a patient sufferer for the
testimony of a good conscience. He died in 1721. — See
a testimony from Marsden Monthly Meeting, concerning
John Ecroyd, the son of this Friend, in "A CoUection of
Testimonies," pubUshed in 1760.
Lawrence King, who is likewise mentioned in other
parts of this volume : he belonged lo Salterforth Meeting,
and traveUed much in the work of the ministry in Great
Britain and Ireland, between 1697 and 1720. From
1721 to 1724 he was engaged as the companion of John
Fothergill in a religious visit to North America and some of
the West India Islands. It seems probable that he died soon

216 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
after returning from this visit, as no notice of him as a
minister occurs after this lime ; but as there are the deaths
of other Friends of this name on the record of Settle
Monthly Meeting, without any particulars by which this
individual can be identified among them, il is not easy to
determine the period of his decease.
" Sedburgh, the 15th of 10th mo. 1703.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
Whom my soul doth dearly love, and tenderly
salute, in the sweet feUowship of the Gospel of peace, with
thy dear and true-hearted wife ; for I can truly say, I have
had you both often in remembrance, with real comfort and
gladness of heart, in a thankful consideration of how often
I have been comforted in your good company ; for my very
soul was knit and united to you the very first time I was at
your house ; and the same nearness I have felt increasingly
to remain in my heart towards you, ever since, both when
we have been together, and many limes, when outwardly
separated one from another. And that in the living, feeling
enjoyment of this hearty spiritual nearness and heavenly
Gospel fellowship, we may be preserved increasingly while
we have a day on this side the grave lo spend, is what my
soul desires and secretly longs for. And now, my dearly
beloved friend, the chief reason of my now writing to thee
is, to give thee and thy good wife, whose exercises are oft
before me, the remembrance of endeared love, having an
opportunity, and being rather covetous of a free-hearted
correspondence with thee in things relating to the Truth
and the affairs of the Church of Christ, in the exercise of

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 217
which, I know thy soul is engaged night and day ; and
which exercise and labour of love, the Lord thy God that
hath been thy strength, thy bow, and thy song, hath never
forgot, nor hath he been backward lo reward thee richly
into thy bosom. Dear WiUiam, I speak without flattery, I
know thou hast been a great strength and help to many of
Zion's exercised and travailing chUdren ; yea, thy horn hath
oft been fiUed with the best oU, and thy box with healing
balm ; as well as the sword of the eternal Spirit and Word
of Life given thee, which is sharper than any two-edged
sword in thy hand, to hew in pieces that Agag that hath
been a hindrance lo the Israel of God in their journey, and
an occasion of causing the anointed of God to err in the
performance of their duty. Dear WUliam, I hope that
thou, in the reading of these few simple lines, wilt feel
what I aim at. Now by these, I give thee to understand,
that since I parted with our dearly beloved friend and
esteemed Elder, WiUiam Edmundson, at York, I have
received several very comfortable letters from him, in all
or most of which he desires to be remembered to thee ;
also from Thomas Pearce and George Rook, I have received
several ; and they do the same. I had, on Seventh-day
last, one from WiUiam, and one from George Rook, and
George Rook wonders what thou art doing, and that thou
should have so long forgot them that so often think of thee
with delight ; he says, they long to hear that thou and I are
coming together, to give them another visit. I have been
to visit Friends in Cumberland ; they are generally pretty
well, and they long to see thee there ; many of them had
their very dear love to thee, and many Friends in our
meeting desire lo be heartUy remembered to thee and to (hy
19

218 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
wife. I am now going to visit Friends in Bishoprick,
and the east of your county, and therefore am heartily
earnest that thou mayst have me in remembrance when it
is well with thee. I also have account from Ireland, that
things there are generaUy pretty weU, and that discipline is
closely maintained and carried on in great quietness, and
that Truth's testimony is over all gainsayers ; also WUliam
Edmundson is hearty; but old age creeps on him apace,
but his understanding is as strong as ever: he has got a
fall, by which he hath broken a rib, but he mends : he
writes largely of the affairs of Friends. Dear Thomas
Trafford is buried ; he died under a surgical operation.
John Acroyd and Lawrence King got lo the Half-year's
Meeting ; they had a heavenly opportunity at this meeting :
Friends in Ireland are generaUy well. I have received a
letter from Samuel Bownas, from PhUadelphia ; he had a
good voyage, was nine weeks at sea, and had his health
very well. Being in haste, I shall conclude with my heart
full of true brotherly and abiding love to thyself and wife,
and Friends that ask of me.
Thy true friend and exercised brother in the Truth,
Isaac Alexander." Airton, 1703.
Kind Friend, Nathan Newby ;
Having opportunity, I thought fit to let thee
know, that I got well to England, through the great mercy
of God ; and although I went through abundance of
exercises after I left you, yet the Lord's hand carried me
through them all, and great was my comfort at my return.
And now, dear friend, know this, thou art often in my

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 219
remembrance, although we be far separated ; and the labour
of -love that was raised in my heart for your welfare is not
forgot by me. Though I know that there is a sincere
remnant amongst you, yet I do know that the Seed, that
is the heir of the kingdom of God, was too low in many ;
and that caused a deeper travail upon my mind. In some
degree my desire was answered, and now it is my advice
lo thee, that thou, with all that love the Truth, may labour
to bring the Truth up over all looseness and improper
liberty ; and that all be advised to let the time past be suffi
cient in these things, and that misspent time be redeemed,
through true repentance, and amendment of life, and
renewing of love to God and one lo another ; and that all
Friends be advised to meet together, and lo wait on the
Lord to fill their hearts. If any be opened by the power
of Truth, to speak a word one to another, be sure that
Friends be advised to be tender, that such may grow to the
degree of strong men ; and I desire that all Friends may
keep their Monthly Meetings in the name of the Lord Jesus ;
and that Friends in his power may judge down all looseness
in conversation ; and that none may go out, to take wives
nor husbands, nor to bring mixed marriages to be accom
plished amongst you ; for such things brought the dis
pleasure of the Almighty God upon people in old time ;
and the church was corrupted by these things, as the
Scripture declares in many places. And let Friends wait
in God's wisdom to keep the old ranting spirit out of your
assemblies ; and let all who may be concerned in Truth's
affairs truly seek the honour of God and the promotion of
his Truth, and not the honour of their own name. And I
wish that all Friends may train up their chUdren in the fear

220 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
of God ; and that while they are young, they may be
trained up in the reading of the Scriptures, that these may
be ingrafted in their memory, so that when they grow to
riper age, and their understandings are opened by the Word
of Truth, they may know the profit of the Scriptures, and
may in heart and soul bless the Lord that put into the hearts
of their parents to do these things for them. Seeing it was
the Lord's counsel to Israel to do these things, it cannot
but be profitable to his people in our age. And let. aU
Friends that have negroes to their servants, be truly careful
of them, and do to them as you would have them to do to
you if you were as they are. There was a secret fear upon
me in several places in my travel, lest Friends' children
should suffer hurt in not being kept lo employment as they
ought to be, because negroes are provided to labour for
them. Having thus eased my mind, I leave these things to
thee, and commit thee to Him that is able to keep thee to
the end, and rest with dear love to thee and thy wife.
Thy real friend, Wm. Ellis."
Thomas Rodman, to whom the following letter is
addressed, is spoken of, by Thomas Chalkley, as a man of
the first rank on Rhode Island. " London, 1704.
My dearly and well-beloved friend, Thomas Rodman ;
Having this opportunity, I was wiUing to give
thee a few lines, that thereby thou mayst know, that although
I be far off thee, yet thou with many others are often in my

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 221
memory ; and in this remembrance my heart is comforted
with lively enjoyment ; and my hearty prayers have been and
are for your safety and growth in the most precious Truth ;
and that many may be affected by the beauty of it ; and that
all Friends may grow in zeal for it and love to it ; and that
a labour may be exercised to promote its testimony above all
that would oppose it. For by the power of the Truth have
many sons been brought from far, and many poor as from
the dunghill, to dwell in fertile situations both outwardly
and inwardly, the sense of which often brings my mind low,
and a secret holy fear fills me at times, lest I should in my
ways be forgetful. Also it is a secret trouble to my mind to
see any that have come to sit under the shadow of the wing
of Truth, grow high and elevated in their minds, and forget
ful of what and where they were once, and what abundance
of iniquity hath been passed by, and to think good of them
selves for what is done for them, as though this was some of
their own works, and that therefore they miust be honoured.
But time hath declared, that upon this rock many have been
broken ; and I desire it may be a caution to all to remain
under the conduct of the Truth, and to walk as becomes a
people that have been brought from a barren land into a
pleasant soU. And now, dear friend, seeing that God hath
shown mercy unto thee, and given thee a good understand
ing, I desire that thou mayst labour to stir up the pure mind
amongst Friends, and that all be advised to keep and increase
unity and concord, which was precious of old, and is amiable
in our time ; and in this, young men wiU entreat Elders, and
Elders will be prevaUed with ; and in the same. Elders wUl
encourage the younger in every good word and work. And
19*

222 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
I wish that that which would spread reports of weaknesses
abroad, to disadvantage, may be kept out from Friends, so
that righteousness may spring up and Truth may grow like
a rose, and the glory and perfume thereof may fiU your
meetings. This is the desire of
Your real friend,
Wm. Ellis."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 223

CHAPTER XIV.
Notice of WiUiam Biles. Letters from William Biles and Nathan Newby.
Notice of John Estaugh. Letter from Francis Tomes. Notice of
Thomas Thompson and letter from hira. Notice of Josiah Langdale.
Letter from John Tomkins. Notices of Henry Gouldney and Aim
Wilson. Letter from Henry Gouldney. Notices of John Fothergill
and William Armistead. Letter to Richard Johns. Letters from
-William Armistead, John Rodman, and Thomas Aldam. Notice of
Sir John Rhodes, and letter from him.
William Biles, the writer of the following letter, is
described by Proud in his History of Pennsylvania, Vol. I.
page 237, as a preacher among the Quakers, and as being
among the first settlers ; and to have taken up land under
Governor Andros, of New York, prior lo William Penn's
grant of the province. He appears to have settled in
Pennsylvania about 1681, and to have resided near the
Lower FaUs of the Delaware, in Bucks County ; and to
have been elected a member of William Penn's first Council,
in 1683. He is said lo have been a very useful person both
in a civil and religious capacity.
" Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, 1699
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
In a measure of that universal spirit of love
and life which it hath pleased the Lord to visit us withal,
by which Spirit we shall be and are near and dear one unto

224 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
another, so that neither sea nor land can prevent the flow
ings forth of it through the loving kindness of a tender
Father, my spirit hath often remembered the refreshing
seasons we have had with thee when present with us.
It was the mercy of a lender Father, never I hope to be
forgotten. In a measure of this Spirit my soul salutes thee
at this time, with all the called and chosen of God, desiring
that that Arm of eternal power that hath been stretched
forth for the gathering of us, and hath made us a people
that were not a people, might be still with us, to lead,
conduct and preserve us, so that that great Name by which
we have been called, might be more and more exalted in the
earth, and many more might be gathered unto it, so that the
gathered of God might be many in this the day of his
power. I left my wife and family pretty well when I came
from home ; she desired me to remember her kind love unto
thyself and wife, and Friends in your parts. We were both
glad to hear of thy safe arrival at home ; my wife talks of
coming to see you, but how it may be upon that account I
shaU at present leave unto the ordering hand of the Lord ;
the voyage is great and she but weakly in body. Friends at
present, through the mercy of the Lord, are generally weU,
both in this province and in West Jersey. I was lately at
Croswicks and BurUngton. Thy old companion, Samuel
Jennings, and his wife and chUdren, are well ; his two
daughters are married since we went hence. Our Governor,
Penn, and his wife, are well ; he has had a son born since
he came hither. Edward Shippen and his wife Rebecca are
well, and desire to be remembered unto thee. Since thou
wast here, it hath pleased the Lord to visit this town, and
many of our friends, as well as others, are removed, whom I

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 225
am well satisfied the Lord hath taken to himself; yet we
cannot but lament our loss of them ; but we must submit
unto the hand of the Almighty in all these things ; knowing
right well, that all things shall work together for good unto
such as love and fear the Lord. I beUeve thou hast heard
of the long passage of a ship lately arrived here, and of the
loss there was of many of the passengers at sea, and after
they came on shore. I think it to be a great piece of
indiscretion in the undertakers, to suffer so many people to
be thronged together in one ship ; it was enough to breed a
disease amongst them ; and if any should incline lo come
hither for the time to come, my advice is, never to come so
many in one ship ; for I look upon the coming of so many
together in that ship, to be a great cause of their loss. I
have not much to add, save kind love to thee once more,
From thy loving friend,
Wm. Biles."
" From the Southern bank of Nancemund, 1701.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis,
This is to let thee know, that I received thy
letter, by our well-beloved friend, John Richardson ; and was
very glad lo hear that thy desire was answered, and that
thou was brought home, lo thy great comfort. The con
sideration of the contents of thy letter hath been very much
on my heart ; and il is matter of joy to me, that thou, with
many more of the Lord's servants, art made to remember us
in this poor land ; for indeed we are a poor people ; yet the
Lord is rich in mercy lo them that seek him, can a remnant
of us truly say. Loving friend ! it is with me a little to

226 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
give thee some account how it is with me : I have been for
two years past, concerned to bear a public testimony for
my God, which hath been the occasion of sore travaU
to me, by reason of the hard dealing and great opposing that
I have had, from some that thou hadst a great sense of when
thou wast with us ; and this, with the buffeting of Satan,
hath many a time brought me very low, and hath brought
an exercise upon me which I am not able to express ; none
have I had to fly to, but the Lord alone, who has been and
is a present help in time of trouble ; he hath been my great
succourer. Praise be returned to him for the same ! The
consideration of these things doth break my heart at this
very time. I am not able to let thee understand what
I have passed through since I saw thee ; and I desire thee
to sympathize with me ; and 0 that I could have a time
with thee, if it cost me the traveUing some hundreds of
miles! Dear Friend, think on me, and let thy requests be
to the Lord for me, who I know hears his own seed. John
Richardson was weU about five weeks since ; I parted with
him at Edward Thomas's at the Yeariy Meeting ; he hath
been very helpful to me ; he desired me to^ remember his
dear love to thee and Friends, and to let you know you are
often in his mind. The two Friends were not with him,
but were gone to the northward ; there is a young man
with him who came over -with them, and who lives in the
south part of England. Friends here are generally well,
and were glad to hear of thee. We have our meeting
quiet ; people are very desirous of hearing the Truth sounded
forth, and many are under convincement, Thomas Page's
love is to thee ; Agnes Wilson, with several others, have
their love to thee. So loving friend, I have in some sort

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 227
given thee to know how it is with me, and with us, and
should be glad to hear from thee, and I pray thee let me
hear as often from thee as may be : glad was I to have these
lines from thee : and I hope to take the good advice given
by thee. I showed thy letter to several Friends, and they
were glad of it. I must conclude and rest thy unfeigned
friend in the Truth, desiring nothing so much as the pros
perity of the blessed Truth of our Lord; and to him I
commit thee and myself, desiring that we may always be
guided and ordered by his divine hand. Mine and my
wife's dear love to thee.
Nathan Newby."
John Estaugh, who is noticed in the following letter, was
born at Kelvedon in Essex, in 1676 : he joined Friends
when about 17 years of age, and became a minister when
about 18 : he paid religious visits to the North of England
and Scotland previously lo 1700, when he visited North
America. In this country he married, and settled at Had-
donfield in New Jersey : he afterwards visited Friends in
England, Ireland, New England, and some of the West
India Islands. When in the Island of Tortola, in 1742, his
companion in the work of the ministry, John Cadwallader,
died. Soon after his death, John Estaugh was taken iU, and
in a few days he died also. John Estaugh is described in a
Testimony from Haddonfield Monthly Meeting, as a humble
minded, exemplary Friend, of a solid and grave deportment,
well becoming a minister of Christ.

228 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP-
« 1701.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis.
Thine I received from the hand of John
Richardson, a blessed memorial. These come lo let thee
know of our welfare, and of the increase of Truth amongst
us ; many are gathered in, and I hope the Lord has many
many more to gather. Blessed be the Lord ! we feel his
presence amongst us ; and his heart-breaking power in the
midst of us in our assemblies many times ; but indeed we
are not without exercises many times ; but blessed be the
Lord our God, the Truth reigns over all the gainsayers !
Two of thy countrymen were here, which was great joy and
comfort to us, John Richardson and John Estaugh. We
had four or five meetings with them in our country, and the
power of the Lord was such, that it melted the meetings,
both white and black, to the astonishment of many. I hope
the Lord will reward them for their labour of love. I
showed several Friends thy letter ; they are glad to hear
from thee, and Gabriel Newby's and several other Friends'
love is to thee ; so with mine and my wife's dear love to
thee and all Friends, though so far asunder, !ftake my leave
of thee. And bid thee Farewell !
Francis Tomes."
Thomas Thompson, the writer of the following letter, was
a native of the East-Riding of Yorkshire, but resided at
Saffron Walden, in Essex : he became a minister among
Friends when about twenty-four years of age, and traveUed
in the exercise of his gift in Great Britain, Ireland and NorUi

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 229
America. He died in 1727, and a short time before his
departure, he adopted a declaration like that of the apostle
Paul, saying, " I have fought a good fight ; I have finished
my course. Henceforth is laid up for me a crown of glory,
which God, the righteous Judge, shall give me at the last
day ; and not to me only, but to those who love his ap
pearance." — See Piety Promoted, Part IX.
" New England, 1703.
Dear William Ellis,
A letter of thine bearing date about when we
left England, coming lately to my hand, the good advice
therein contained to us all, I could not but lake notice of
more especiaUy, because I have a certain knowledge, through
the mercy of God, of the spirit and life from whence it came,
and therefore could not be easy but make some reply there
unto, with due acknowledgment to the Lord our God, who
hath raised supplications in the hearts of his faithful servants
on our behalf, which I do sincerely desire may continue.
As to my own particular, I can say, I had never more
need of the prayers of faithful brethren than now ; and
surely thy spirit hath been often with me in these wilderness
countries, and thy memory, with the savour thou bast left
behind thee in these parts, is sweet to the faithful in Christ ;
among whom I have been wonderfully favoured, in the feeling
of his glorious power, who is Almighty God, which hath won
derfully shone over meetings, lo the gladness of the hearts of
the upright. To give account in writing of particulars,
would be too tedious ; only I shall give a hint of New
England, and Rhode and Long Islands, where my service hath
20

230 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
chiefly lain as yet ; though some glorious meetings we have
had in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and East and West Jersey,
but have made little stay in these parts. In New England,
I visited several meetings seven or eight times over, and am
not yet clear of that country. Upon Rhode Island, I hear
is a young generation, that is coming zealously up for the
Truth ; and the Lord is with them, in whose name and power
I have sometimes been made to thrash the mountains that
stood in their way and the Truth's way ; and many a grapple
in spirit I have had with them ; but the Lord hath hitherto
preserved and borne up over all ; and through his great love,
I am well in body and spirit, and my heart, I can say in
humUity, is strong for him. Upon Long Island I was
greatly concerned to promote discipUne ; for they are short
in that, though there is an innocent people among them, and
not many tall cedars are there to be met with. Since the
other side was written, we have had a large and glorious
Yearly Meeting here ; and indeed we may say. The love of
God is very large to his people here and everywhere. That
which is wanting is on our parts, viz. a close walking with
Him who is the God of the living, exercised, bowed down
souls, and who love those that walk in true humility before
him. In this frame of mind the Lord for ever keep us !
that so the work which he hath concerned us in, may be
gone through lo the glory of his great Name, and the com
fort of our own souls. And dear friend ! let me be remem
bered by thee in thy nearest approaches to the Lord, in the
feeling of whose divine power my soul salutes thee with thy
dear wife, and bids thee dearly fareweU !
From thy true friend,
Thomas Thompson."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 231
Josiah Longdale, mentioned in this letter, was from
Bridlington : he visited America as a minister in 1700, and
again in 1714 ; and in 1723 he embarked with his family,
with the intention of settling there ; but he was taken Ul soon
after saUing, and died on the passage, making a peaceful
close. Some time afterwards his widow became the wife of
Samuel Preston. — See American Memorials, page 118.
"London, the 4th of 2nd mo. 1704.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I have thy letter dated 25th of 1st mo. last,
by which I understand that John Richardson will pay the
X40 to the Thompson's famUy ; but I am sorry to hear of a
bad disaster which hath befallen them, by a fire in the town ;
it is a sore blow upon the poor ancient people in their old
age, and the poor wife of Thomas Thompson, now that her
husband is remote from her. I saw a letter that came this
week from Antigua or Nevis, dated about six weeks ago,
giving account that Thomas Thompson and Josiah Long-
dale, were at that time in that Island. Josiah proposed to
go to Jamaica, but Thomas Thompson designed to return
home from Antigua, so that by next shipping we may expect
him. It is much surprise to me seeing he has staid so long,
that he should leave Josiah alone at last ; but it is time he
was at home. I perceive by thine that Jeremiah Grimshaw,
Thomas Aldam, and John FothergiU will come up to the
meeting with another Friend ; I hope that Friend is thyself.
I should be glad to see thee, and would invite thee to my
house, for quarters ; but our friend, Francis Plumstead, tells
me that he has invited thee already to his house, since thy

232 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
landlord, James Tatham, died ; so I am forbid to covet my
neighbour's property. Dear WUUam, my heart is toward
the wiUing in Israel, who offer themselves freely among
the people, and I remember thee at this present time in
the love of Christ Jesus, wherein we have had fellowship,
and taken sweet counsel together. Come and see us, and be
partaker with us, of that joy and gladness of soul, which we
trust the Lord wiU fill us with, when he brings us together
again. I am straitened for time, so must conclude in true
love. Thy true friend and brother, John Tomkins."
Henry Gouldney, the writer of the following letter, resided
in White Hart Court, Lombard-street, London. It was at
his house, in 1690, that George Fox died. He seems to
have used the term Landlord, in reference to James Tatham,
in the same sense as that in which it is used in the previous
letter, applying it to the person who hospitably entertained
WUliam EUis when he happened to be in London.
Ann WUson, noticed in the following letter, was probably
the same, that about eight years before, by a simple com
munication in the ministry, when at Brigflats Meeting near
Sedbergh in Yorkshire, on a religious visit, was instrumental
in awakening Samuel Bownas to a religious life. — See Life
of Samuel Bownas. "London, Sth of the 2nd mo. 1704.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
The present circumstances of trade are such
as that I am sorry they will not answer, otherwise I should

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 233
have desired a further correspondence on that subject, but
that however shall not interpose with our better acquaintance,
begun and held upon a more noble principle than that of
outward interest. Thy honest landlord, James Tatham, is
indeed gone ; and I dgubt not, hath now a better and more
enduring mansion. I should be glad to succeed him in the
first, and hope for a residence in the other; for it is said, in
the Father's house there are many mansions ; and I question
not that there wUl be room enough for the honest-hearted.
Dear friend, I love thee for the sake of thy noble and hearty
resolution, to serve in thy high and holy calling ; and it is
thy great advantage that thy yoke-feUow is like minded and
draws the same way, for this is not ahvays the lot of faithful
labourers ; exercises are the common companions of their
pUgrimage ; but a second self helps to sweeten the bitter
cup, as thy generous and cheerful wife doubtless very often
does. Though I am not likely to see thee in the North this
year, yet I am pleased we have the hope of having thee in
the South, at our anniversary. Let not indifferent things
hinder thee ; for I assure thee, the coming of the Lord's
worthies at that season, besides the helping on of the
business of the meeting, has a great service, as they come
up in the life and beauty of the Truth, labouring that this
may reign among us. The life and beauty of the Truth wUl
give a lustre to all the affairs of Truth. Though the
business must be done, and Friends exercise a care that the
hedges be unbroken, yet that, without the glorious shining
of the power of God, wUl not be a sufficient inducement for
Friends attending that assembly; and I would not, with
submission to the wUl of God, that an eclipse should come
on that solemn occasion. But methinks sometimes that I
20*

234

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

observe obstructions in the way, so that the virtue of the
Truth does not circulate as one could desire, considering the
many vessels that seem to be fiUed with heavenly oU, and
the water-pots that are divinely filled, and want to be running
over, to refresh the souls of those that are thirsting after the
refreshing streams thereof. Methinks there is a nature that
is rather for damming up these streams, and is satisfied with
the more puddled waters that wUl not tend to the cleansing
of the camp of God. I am glad to hear Abraham Rawlinson
came so well off at the assizes, for his famUy and the Truth's
sake. Things among us are much as usual ; we have not of
late had the visits of so many worthies as heretofore ; yet our
dear Friend, William-Penn, is among us and hath his share
of service. Ann Wilson, that was here lately, visited us,
and had a service to her own and Friends' satisfaction. I
am, with mine and my wife's dear love lo thee and thine,
and all Friends, Thy real friend,
Henry Gouldney."
John Fothergill, who is noticed in the following letter,
and was the writer of a subsequent one in this volume, was
born in Wensleydale in Yorkshire, in 1676 : he was brought
up with great care by his parents, who had joined the
religious society of Friends. He was attentive to the con
victions of the Holy Spirit upon his own mind from an early
age, and under the constraining power of the love of Christ,
became a minister of the Gospel when but a young man.
In his twenty-second year he paid a religious visit to Scotland,
and he subsequently visited various parts of Great Britain,
Ireland, and America. He was about 30 years of age when

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 235
he paid his first visit to America : he resided for some years
at Knaresborough, where he died in 1744, aged 69 years. —
See Memoirs of Samuel FothergiU ; also Piety Promoted,
Part VIII.
WUliam Armistead, the companion of John FothergUl,
and the writer of two letters in this collection, appears
to have been only twenty-nine years of age when he went
to America on a religious visit : he was a minister re
siding within Settle Monthly Meeting, and had previously
visited some parts of Great Britain in this capacity. There
is little recorded respecting him after his return from
America ; but he settled in London in 1712, and became
one of the Correspondents of York Quarterly Meeting:
he died of consumption on the 19th of Srd month, 1731,
aged 56 years. " Airton, 1704.
To Richard Johns.
By this know, that it hath been often in my
mind to write to thee, but I have been prevented ; so having
this opportunity, I was not wiUing lo pass it by, but to let
thee know that thou with many other Friends hast been and
art often in my mind ; and in the remembrance of you I can
say, my heart is often very much enlarged in love lo you ;
and great pleasure I have in thinking of you, and in the
secret of my heart, I desire the growth of Truth and righteous
ness amongst you, and that many may be added lo you, and
that the life of our profession may be perfectly enjoyed, so
that the desert may be as pools of water, and the inhabitants

236

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

of the wilderness may sing for joy, because the Lord is risen
to redeem his people by his holy arm, which has put on
strength, and is certainly made bare on this our day. Dear
Friend, I cannot easUy express my love to thee ; and when
I think of the times we have been together by sea and land,
and enjoyed that which is from everiasting and to everlasting,
it much more abounds with desires for thy safety tUl the end
come ; for I see the adversary is at work to hinder the com
pleting of the great work of salvation. If this come to hand
thou mayst give as much of my kind and affectionate love to
Friends as thou seest meet, and to whom thou wilt. I have
been about a year and a half sorely afflicted, and thought I
should have gone before now, yet am able to stir a. little
about amongst Friends, by which I have great help ; but I
cannot yet see that I shall be well again whilst I am here.
Herewith come two Friends to visit you, John FothergUl
and WiUiam Armistead. Though but young they are well
approved of, and zealous, both in doctrine and discipline ;
men that I look for a great deal of good service out of, if
they live ; and if they come, you may receive them as such.
So with true and unfeigned .love to thee and thy wife, I rest
Thy true friend,
Wm. Ellis."
" London, 27th of 2nd mo. 1704.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
These lines are to let thee know that through
the Lord's mercy and great goodness I am well in my health,
as is also my companion, and pretty well in my mind,
considering that many exercises attend me. Friends here are

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 237
very kind and respectful to us ; but we have been so much
in a hurry and cumber about getting forward, that we
could not enjoy them to our satisfaction ; however I am
pretty easy in my mind in the main, hoping that the great
and good God who hath concerned us in his great work,
will go along with us, and attend us with his good Spirit,
which is alone the help of his people in all trials and exer
cises ; and I can say, il is the deep travail of my soul that
I may keep so near unto him, and lean so upon hira, as
that I may witness the brightness of his countenance shining
in upon my soul, which is that alone in which I can truly
rejoice. And dear WUliam, let I pray thee, thy cry be unto
the Almighty in my behalf, that he may stay my mind, and
anchor and settle my thoughts, so firmly and steadfastly
upon him, as that by his power I may be carried on to his
glory, and my own soul's peace and satisfaction ; that if it
be his wUl lo bring me back again, it may be with sheaves
in my bosom. We are, for anything we know, going out
of this town this day towards the Downs, where the ship
lieth, in expectation if the wind serve, to set forward on
our journey or voyage, the 30th of this month. The
fleet seems to be in great haste to be gone. We wrote
a few lines to thee before, but have had'no answer yet.
We are likely, we hope, to go with an honest Friend
who saUs for Maryland. I am vf^y desirous to hear from
my friends, but have not as yet heard from any of them,
which makes me a little wonder. My dear love is to
thee and thy wife, and your family, and faithful Friends
in general, and to my relations when thou hast opportunity.
From thy truly loving friend,
Wm. Armistead."

238 __ LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
The writer of the foUowing letter is incidentaUy mentioned
by Samuel Bownas, page 82, edition 1846, as "a worthy
Friend, John Rodman by name."

New York, 21st of llth mo. 170^.
Dear and esteemed Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
In that love that is unchangeable, do I dearly
salute thee, hoping and steadfastly believing, that the great
God of mercy and love will be vvith thee in thy travaU,
for his Name's sake, and for the prosperity of his Church,
in a glorious manner, to the great joy and comfort of
those that truly love the Lord ; for I know from a living
sense, that the Lord of the great harvest, even Jesus
Christ, is with thee, and doth sweetly comfort and strengthen
thee by his Spirit, to go forward ; and through his pure
love, maketh hard things easy. O, magnified be his pure
Name for ever, for he is worthy ! even Christ our Lord,
" who is over aU God blessed for ever." He hath, even
in his holy body, showed us the example, enduring hard
ship for us, that he that hath perfected salvation for us,
might fit us to be made partakers of it. Dear WUliam,
I may signify ' my dear unity with thee ; for the Lord of
all our mercies, I can with great assurance of spirit say,
hath given me a living^ense of his divine power that
liveth in thee, which hath knit my spirit to thee ; in
which I have felt a rejoicing in humUity before the Lord,
in that which cometh from above, in which joy and life
from God, though absent in body yet present in spirit,
I felt encouragement in the sense of life, to say unto thee,
Go forward in the Name of the Lord. My dear friend.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 239
Farewell ! The grace, mercy and power of God go with
thee, and be thy strength and comfort and unspeakable
joy ; always remembering that without Him, we cannot
do anything for his glory or our own good. WUliam, pray
unto the Lord for me, that I may walk worthy of the Lord's
mercies, and be found a faithful steward, doing the will of
the great God. My dear love to Friends, and more par
ticularly to those that have traveUed amongst us, as thou
hast opportunity. So rests thy well-wishing friend,
John Rodman."
" Warmsworth, 20th of 10th rao. 1705.
Esteemed Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
My love in the unchangeable Truth doth
hereby salute thee, with thy dear wife, and the rest of faithful
Friends ; and by this thou mayest know, that both thy
letters came to hand ; by which I understand that then thy
exercises -were great ; these, I desire the Lord in mercy, if it
be his will, may abate, or, however, sweeten with the enjoy
ment of his life-giving presence. O this is that, my dear
friend, that makes hard things easy, and bitter things sweet.
He is the Physician of value wh^^an cure all manner of
diseases, both of body and mind ; those that know him can
trust in him, hoping and patiently waiting for his salvation,
beUeving him to be a God keeping covenant, and showing
mercy to a thousand generations of those that love and fear
him, being near to help us when our outward man decays,
by the renewing of our inward man. My dear friend, I do
not write unto thee as to one that knows not these things ;

240 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
but my heart being opened with the remembrance of his
goodness, and a present sense thereof, I cannot but say,
0 that my soul, wUh the souls of his Uttle ones, may for
ever trust in the Lord ! that we may know Him that hath
beei> with us in six troubles, to be with us also in the
seventh ; for I see when we have done all, we have need of
patience ; for as to the outward man, I have seen one event
to the just and to the unjust ; but blessed be the Lord, he
is settling a remnant upon that Rock, against which the
gates of hell cannot prevaU. Again I dearly salute thee, my
ancient friend, having always taken very kindly thy remem
brance of, and travail for me, either by writing or otherwise ;
and methinks we have still as much need to seek the Lord
one for another and for his whole church, as ever we had ;
for we have an unwearied adversary, who goes about to
deceive and devour. I had written sooner to thee, but had
hopes to have seen thee at the Quarterly Meeting, if thy
weakness did not hinder. There stiU continuing a difference
betwixt R. Clayton and Friends of Derby, and being desired
to be at their Quarterly Meeting, I am in a strait touching
my visit to York, where I would have willingly been with the
rest of my beloved friends, considering Truth's service in our
county, and the great need there is of the peaceable wisdom,
in which our true unitv- WBreserved . If I be not there, I
should be glad to hear of%y being there if the Lord enable
thee. I have not room to enlarge, but committing thee with
myself, to the Lord our preserver,
I remain thy friend and brother in the Truth,
Thomas Aldam."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 241
Sir John Rhodes, Bart, the writer of the foUowing letter,
resided at Balber Hall, in Derbyshire, but belonged to
the meeting at Handsworth Woodhouse, near Sheffield.
Martha Rhodes, his mother, with whom he resided, and
whom Thomas Story styles " The old lady," of this family,
appears to have adopted the principles of Friends at an early
period, and to have suffered distraints in consequence,
between 1683 and 1690. Her son John and one of her
daughters also became Friends ; the former is said to have
become convinced of the Truth when very young, and lo
have embraced the same under the cross, forsaking all the
honour of this world and the friendship of it, for that honour
which is of God only, and the friendship and fellowship of the
faithful and sanctified in Christ. Sir John Rhodes remained
single lo the end of his days, and lived a retired life, which
rendered theTirigbtness of his talents less conspicuous than
might otherwise have been the case. He died about 1746. —
See Life of Thomas Story, foi. pages 90, 465, 684, 737.
" Balber, in the year 1705.
Much esteemed Friend, William Ellis ;
My dear love, salutes thee for the Truth's
sake, which hath made thee not'c^&truly lovely, but greatly
serviceable to the Church in out ^ay : the Lord having
honoured thee with an eminent station therein, and endowed
thee with the rich jewels of his treasury, that he hath been
pleased to open and dispense to the children of men, in this
age of the world. And it is not the least of thy ornaments,
that thou art not lifted up with those distinguishing favours,
21

242 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP
because they are given thee and not merited by thee, for
which my soul loves thee, and esteems thee above the great
men of the earth ; and I could wish our outward habitations
were nearer together, that I might have the privilege of thy
desired and valued company, being sensible it -^'ould be
much lo my advantage in the better sort of things, in
which I covet that my profiting may be, however things
may succeed with me as to transitory enjoyments ; finding by
a long experience that a habitation in the Truth is the
greatest riches, and I hope I shall ever be of that mind ; for
through mercy I see more of the emptiness and unsatisfac-
toriness of the great things of this world, and of what her
children love, than I have sometimes done, which often puts
me in a travaU, that I may be counted worthy through
Christ, to obtain a mansion with the redeemed and beloved
of God in eternal habitations, when the glories and honours
here below wiU be at an end. Dear WiUiam, my heart
abounds in love, but I must stop, and let thee know, that
thy generous present came safe to hand, and was gratefully
accepted in the love thou sent it in, but I was concerned
that thou shouldst be at that charge, in bestowing a
kindness upon me, that never did anything to deserve it at
thy hands. I know not^hen I shall get to make my
acknowledgments to thgH thy own house, and lo see thy
good wife, of whose excellency I have heard much ; for I am
often not well, which prevents me from going far from
home. I perceive it is thy" lot also to meet with bodily
exercises. I should be glad to hear it was otherwise with
thee. As for me, I have found it good that I have these
afflictions ; for they have taught me to number my days, and

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 243
to apply my neart unto wisdom ; so that I may say, The
Lord, in very faithfulness, has afflicted me, and made me to
sit in the dust and mourn over Him whom I have pierced,
and be in bitterness for it, that I might witness his great
salvation and remission. I must conclude with dear love to
thee and thy kind wife. I hope to remain
Thy loving and obliged friend for the Truth's sake,
John Rhodes."

244 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER XV.
Letter from Francis Plumstead. Notice of Thomas Wilde. Letter from
John Tomkins .and others. Notices of John Blaikling and James
Baines, Letter from William Edmundson. Notice of Samuel
Bownas. Letter from Anthony Morris. Letter to Abraham Green.
Letters from WiUiam Armi*ead and John FothergiU.
« London, 23rd of 1st mo. 1706.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I received thine, and was glad to hear of thy
welfare, but it would have been an addition to my joy if
thou hadst said one word in reply to my sincere invitation ;
but if thou be more engaged in thy own affairs or pre-
engagements, it shaU not break my sincere love to thee,
whUst I and thou keep in that Root which was and is the
life of my love to all the faithful flock of God. I have a
great loss in the death of my neighbour, James Tatham ; he
was a man I valued, living, but more now that he is dead ;
and indeed I fear to "v^^rmen too much whUst living, for
fear of being betrayealoy their weakness and instability. I
having seen in measure (and thou perhaps more largely) the
readiness with which men are apt to yield lo temptations.
George Keith would be great like his father Lucifer ; but he
sought it not for God's sake, nor his glory's sake, but for
his own self-honour ; and the Lord laid that honour in the
dust. To go forward upon this subject would fill a sheet of

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 245
paper. A word lo the wise is sufficient. I could write
much, but am not wUUng to commit what is in my heart to
ink and paper, so shall reserve it till we have an opportunity
to see one another, which I hope wUl be at the farthest, at
Pentecost. I hope you will take, or have taken, care in
your Quarterly Meeting, to appoint approved, tried, sound
Friends, lo attend the Yearly Meeting ; also when you
want any London Correspondents, not to choose till you
have the judgment of sound, true men in London ; for I
shall never forget what our revered friend WiUiam Edmund
son said, upon his sight into, and sense of, the service of the
Meeting for Sufferings : he hardly thought himself fully
qualified lo be a member of it ; but when I consider what
members some have chosen for their Correspondents, in this
city, alas! alas! it hath grieved me deeper than I can
mention ; but I hope it wUl be more carefully considered,
as I doubt not thou art very sensible hereof; so it is not as
a thought of blame upon thee. Thus with mine, and my
wife's dear love to thee, thy dear wife, and good Friends,
I remain thy very loving friend,
Francis Plumstead."
Thomas WUde, one of the Friends mentioned in the
foUowing letter, belonged Ip i^^fi Monthly Meeting ; he
was born in 1649, and was dS^teed of the Truth as held
in its simplicity and fulness by Friends, when about twenty-
four years of age. Being then a tailor, and much engaged
in ministering to the gratification of the vain mind by making
garments according lo " the needless and superfluous
fashions" of that day, he abandoned the chief part of his
trade for conscience' sake, and betook himself lo other
21*

246

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

business for a livelihood ; and herein, though never pos
sessed of affluence, he was blessed with a competency sufficient
for his support. Not long after his convincement his mouth
was opened in a public testimony as a minister, in a few
words ; and in process of time he became an able minister of
the Gospel ; he was also very serviceable in the discipline of
the church. His religious labours extended to various parts
of England and Wales ; aiid he dwell in deep humUity
under a reverent sense of the goodness and mercy of his God
and Saviour. He peacefully " departed this life in great
patience and stiUness," in 172|-, being then in his eightieth
year, and was interred in the Friends' burial ground at
Low Bentham. A letter sent to William Ellis. 1706 .'
Dear Friend, Thy letter we received, and have answered the
same by the post ; but notwithstanding, we cannot forbear
to acquaint thee, that the notice thou lookest of us in thy
letter lo Thomas Wilde, we take kindly ; and are engaged lo
thee for the regard thou hast to us at so remote a distance.
We have had some ^Hpn^ of tfie Friends, viz. Thomas
Wilde and John rielJ|^^od could have desired lo have
had more ; and shoulo^have taken il kindly if thou hadst
recommended them to either John Tomkins' or Francis
Plumstead's house ; but however we are glad of their com
pany, and are now together at a friend's of thine and ours,
viz. Thomas Cox's, whose kindness thou knowest. Truth
prospers in this city, and Friends generally are weU ; and

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 247
the Lord is good unto us ; and our heads are borne over all
our exercises that we meet with. God's name is great in
Israel, and his dweUing-place is in Zion : the shout of a
King is in the assemblies of the righteous. Dear WiUiam,
we often think of thee, and much desire thy company, that
we may imparl of our spiritual gifts one to another. Come
and see us, and bring thy wife with thee ; we have heard of
her faithfulness, love to the Truth, and dUigence to serve
the brethren ; bring her, that she may receive from us of
the kindness that she has shown to the brethren. There are
many brethren here, and we have made mention seveiral
times of thy name with good wishes for thee, and desires
that God may increase all spiritual gifts unto thee, for the
comfort of thy own soul and the edification of his Churches.
Salute us lo thy dear wife. For the rest of affairs among
us, we do refer thee to the bearers, and conclude in all
sincerity, Thy true and dear friends,
John Tomkins, Francis Plumstead,
Thomas Pittstow, Will. Robinson,
Thomas Cox, Edward HuUy."

John Blaikling, of whom honH^ble mention is made
in the following letter, lived at a h(|fuse called Draw-well,
near Sedbergh in Yorkshire : he was convinced of the truth
of the doctrines of Friends, by the ministry of George Fox, in
1652. About two years afterward he received a dispensa
tion of the Gospel to publish to the worid ; and he became
a dUigent labourer in the vineyard of the Lord, making
apostolic visits to many parts of Great Britain. He was

248 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
not only called to preach the Gospel of Christ, but to suffer
for his sake, being several times sent a prisoner to York for
holding or attending meetings for the worship of God, or
for bearing a testimony against the anti-christian practice of
claiming tithes under the Gospel dispensation. He died at
his own house in 1705, aged 80 years, having been a minister
about 51 years. — See Piety Promoted, Part III.
James Baines, who is also mentioned with Christian esteem
in this letter, was bom at Strangerthwait, in Westmoreland,
of parents belonging to the Society of Friends : he began lo
seek the Lord when young, and grew in grace as he advanced
in years/ It is recorded of him, that " some time before he
died, God opened his mouth in a public testipiony for the
Lord Jesus Christ and his pure religion, in which he was
very fervent;" and in his last Ulness, "at several times, he
expressed his great peace with God here, and full assurance
of eternal blessedness in the world to come, through the
atonement made by the Lord Jesus Chrisi, and the work of
sanctlfication of his Spirit." He died in 1705, aged 51. —
See Piety Promoted, Part III.
"To William EUis. ^^^ Tenefle, 5th of 1st mo. 1706.
Dear frienfi and, fellovy-servant in the Lord's
vineyard! I was at our'Province Meeting at Carlow, two
days ago, where I received thine ; it came in good time, and
was well accepted, in the same love of God in which I
believe it was written. I am always glad to hear from thee ;
but I am touched with sorrow at my very heart for the loss

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 249
of dear Isaac Alexander. Though he was a young man, yet
he was of a ripe and sound judgment, and a good under
standing in the mystery of Christ's kingdom ; and the Lord's
mighty power accompanied his testimony : he was my com
fortable companion in the feUowship of the Gospel of Christ
Jesus, when I was last in England. We traveUed together
in sweet unity, from London lo York, and in many places
had powerful meetings together ; and after the Quarterly
Meeting was over, we parted in that love and life that death
and the grave cannot overcome. Since that lime I have
had several comfortable letters from him, by which I under
stand that he retained his integrity to the Lord and his
blessed Trath and testimony, which I am always glad to
hear of. He wrote me a letter when he had been in the
south and west of England ; and gave me some account of
his travel and of the prosperity of Truth, and likewise how
he had been sick and Was pretty much recovered ; and
knowing my old age could not be of long continuance, he
desired me to leave in writing som^ precepts of advice that
might be for his benefit ; but now he has gone to his rest.
According to his years and abiUties he might have lived long
and have been of great service, ^nd I am yet left behind ;
and the outward man i|j^xinOTM|fcthrough old age, and
thereby my service for^'the Lor^^ffiruth is much abated ;
but I do not find that my -"daBiwork is left behind me
undone ; so, as bound in duty, I^ust leave all to the Lord,
who knows what is bmT I taike notice of the death of old
John Blaikling and James Baines ; the first a father and
pUlar of the Church of Christ, kept close and staunch from
the beginning, and was of great service many ways ; and
James was a zealous, true man, and would have Truth's

250 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
testimony preserved in all its branches, as we first received
it from the Lord, and from Elders that have gone to their
rest. The Lord grant that their seats be not left empty in
the house and service of God. And as to those that are
counted Friends, and run headlong into debt, beyond their
abUity, and break ; the testimony of Truth has gone over
them again and again ; and likewise over them that go to
law one with another ; but as to these last, the Affirmation
hath opened a door for such to sacrifice the Truth to open
scandal, and to rend and tear one another to pieces, which
they could not have done so readUy before. It is the Lord's
day for, making discovery and manifesting both matters and
men, and what and whom he approves ; as on the other
hand, what and whom he disapproves. Though pretences
be ever so plausible, and designs be laid ever so deep, the
only wise God, in his own method, is taking off the covering
and discovering the ground and root of every one ; that all
the churches may know that he searches the hearts and tries
the reins ; and those that stand with his testimony, he doth
and will stand by them, over all gainsayers and revolters.
Blessed be the great and holy name of the Lord ! Friends in
this nation, up and down, are, very quiet ; no sufferings, but
a little by some parti^uB^estsjraj^ that is very easy, and
the Truth and ^r^HHp in good^geem and credit ; and
there is great openii-^^p most places for Friends to have
meetings. We want go6|liabourefs;lbr we have but a few
in comparison lo the great openness in inost places. I shall
conclude in hearty and true love to thee, thy wife, and
Jeremiah Grimshaw, in a word, to all true-hearted, faithful
Friends in your parts, and about Sedbergh and Kendal or
elsewhere, that know me, and may ask after me ; they may

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 251
know that I am not much faded in ability but through old
age, which naturally brings weakness of body along with it.
So in the love and peace of our Lord and Saviour .lesus
Christ, I rest thy hearty true friend and brother in the
blessed Truth,
Wm. Edmundson."
From the preceding letter, it appears that some who pro
fessed with Friends, and who seem to have united with them
in their testimony against Oaths, went to law with their
brethren, when permitted to give evidence upon Affirmation.
This is a remarkable circumstance, and is one of the many
evidences which are to be met with, that the day of the early
Friends was not without trials, from persons who had joined
the Society, but who, in various respects, were not subject to
the government of Christ, "Pennsylvania, 5th of 1st mo. 1706.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
In that love which abides and is unchangeable
do I salute thee, not forget^M|^|y labour of love, and thy
care over me, for IhglMfuth's saketaad my soul's welfare.
I must confess now, cjp have ofte^j^H^l^J *° *^^*- which I

received through thee as an instrument^though the work
was the Lord's, an^fceit is who gives the increase. Not
withstanding I knew^fflBjiOrijIjjI^teie degree, and loved
the Truth and the prosperity thereof, for many years before
thy coming amongst us, yet many things stood in my way
that wanted to be removed ; and thou wast made serviceable

252 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
to me therein ; and now, that thou mayst reap something of
thy labours, which may add a little lo thy satisfaction, I may
inform thee that the bread thou cast upon the waters many
days since, is, in part, found again. The Lord, if it be his
wUl, continue to bless thy labour, and keep thee faithful in
his service to the end of thy days ; the same I earnestly
desire for myself, with all the Lord's servants and labourers
that he hath employed to run to and fro on his errands, to
call others and invite them to come lo the marriage of our
Heavenly King's Son, who tells us, that in his Father's
house are many mansions, and we faithfuUy believe the
report. I shall not need to enlarge much on this subject,
to thee especially, because thou knowest more than I can
tell thee ; but I know by experience, that fathers love to
hear their chUdren talk a little in their minority and
innocency ; and if the chUdren do not speak altogether as
well as they should, the fathers will delight to teach them.
And since I have remembered thee, and given thee an
opportunity for some fatherly instructions, I hope thou wilt
not forget me, for I am in want. And now I think it is
time to break off from this subject, and acquaint thee, that
these come by our frien^^j^el Bownas, who is a brave
fellow, a good woi^^a^an5;s^(Ji done great and good
service here, and we are loth to part^ith him ; but if you
have any more s4cb, let'tby prayer^ith mine be put up to
our Master, that. he; may send themjpm amongst us ; for
here is abundance of work to be demand a great want of
workmen. And now for "aWa^sion ; in the sense of that
Ancient Power, which uniting in love makes us one, all the
world over, when truly gathered into it, do I again with

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 253
sincere affection salute thee, and subscribe myself thy friend
and younger brother in the feUowship of the Gospel of peace,
according to my measure, Anthony Morris."
" To Abraham Green, " Anton, the 29th of 3rd mo. 1706.
Kind Friend, Since I left you, thou, with many others,
hasl been much in my mind, and the more, because
the Lord's kindness was manifested amongst us ; and I
heartily wish your growth and prosperity in the most pre
cious Truth, and that it may spread over all your country,
and that those that of late years have come to know it, may
walk in it : it was the just man's path of old ; it was DaYid's
guide ; it was the guide of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ; and
by the strength that came from the fountain of it, was Israel
led through the wUderness and through the Red Sea ; and
by the strength hereof, Caleb and Joshua inherited the good
land ; what shall I say of the fame of the fountain of it, but
even as was said of old, Thou]^||^en our dwelling-place
in aU generations. AndiMesSed be the fard that hath made
his arm bare in our tinwto bring man;f^f^^ that were gone
into a bye-path, anjio bring us lo thejfflwovery of a most
excellent situation, ^Bglpry of which ciannol be told with
the tongue of men ;' ani'_il_is inteipm by Him that we
should grow steadfast in ttie llrm^^nich gives victory over
that which is to be done away, ahd brings us into that state
of preparation in which, at the last, we may come to enjoy
that which we have had in some measure a foresight of. In
22

254

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

order to this, I wish that I and all may hold fast that which
has begun to work in us, that so we may know a steadfast
perseverance in that way that is cast up for all that love the
Lord Jesus Christ. And kind friend, I desire thee to give
my dear love to all Friends about thee, and teU them my
love is to them beyond words, and that Friends are very
often in my remembrance ; and I pray God to preser-ve you
all, and make his name known more and more amongst the
dark professors, that it may be said as of old, that she that
sat in solitary places, and inhabited the wilderness, may sing
for joy of heart. Oh ! blessing and honour to the name of
the Lord for ever and ever. This is from thy real well-
wishing friend who desires that Truth may spread over all
the earth.
Wm. Ellis."
" Chester, North America, 24th of 5th mo. 1706.
Dear friend, Wm. Ellis ;
Having this opportunity, by a vessel bound
for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, I am willing to let thee hear from
nie, and lo give the^s^|^|gccounl of our welfare, which
1 doubt not thoji^^^gl^PKear of. John FothergUl

and I are both^etlyweU in* healft, except overdone by
hai;d IravellingYindtfeavy exercise§,tebundance of which
have faUen, toiou^ot, and they j^Jj^es bring the body
weak and low; ya thmugl^h^PHt fciercy and goodness
of our God, strength na^^^^ivln' us lo hold on our way
hitherto. Since the last Yearly Meeting at PhUadelphia,
we have been in the eastward country, and in New England,
and on Long Island, where we spent much more time than

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 265
we expected, by reason that we could not be clear wUhoul
being at their Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Meetings
of business. This hath cost us many miles travel. At
these meetings there was a service for us, not only in
bearing public testimony for the Truth, but also in en
deavouring to settle some good order and discipline in
the Church ; for although many are convinced of the
Truth in these parts, and make profession of it, yet there has
been a want of good discipline ; and this has been an inlet
to abundance of looseness and improper liberty. But there
is a pretty people arising who are willing lo take hold of
the work ; and in whose hands I have a strong hope the
Lord will carry it on, to his own honour and their com
fort ; and I think I may say. Truth gets ground and rises
over the heads of such as have stood to prevent the stroke
from coining upon iniquity, and their hands grow weaker,
their knees feebler, and their number fewer, so that I think
I may say, A consumption has taken hold of the Lord's
enemies. There is a pretty people upon Rhode Island, who
are many of them young ; they are both zealous and know
ing ; I hope the Lord wUl make some of them a blessing to
the country. The presen^jgMfcj|hlesome times in the
eastern parts of New S^^^^^^^^^Bl^ are often break
ing in upon them, ^^^^^^nffi^^^^^^^ carrying away
captive some of c^^^^HH^^^^^^^^^R- to be in j:on-
tinual jeopardy of tfl^^Hn||^^^^^^Hprto been mar
vellously preserved.'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^gland to Long
Island Yearly Meetin^^ffl^|TOnilK. to .Rhode Island
Yearly Meeting, both of which were very large, and owned
by the power of Truth in a good degree, to the comfort of
many hearts. There is at present upon Long Island a con-

256 I,IFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
siderable breaking in of the Truth upon many young people,
and great tenderness among them. I have not heard one
word from thee, nor had one line, though I have written
several times to thee ; thou mayst be sure I should have been
glad of a letter ; but if I be not worthy, I must be content
without one. Remember my dear love to Friends, and
lo my relations, and take the same to thyself and wife and
family, from thy exercised friend, though well content with
my portion,
Wm. Armistead."
" PhUadelphia, 9th of 6th mo. 1706.
My NEAR and esteemed Friend,
Whom I dearly love, and often remember
in a near and sweet manner in these wilderness countries,
where WUUam Armistead and I have gpod reason to be satisfied
that the Truth has led us ; and my spirit of late time has been
particularly inclined to write a few lines unto thee ; but this
day, came a few lines by Samuel Carpenter to our hand
from thee, of which we a^e truly glad, which hath increased
the openness of my hegMttBi^dsthee, which is occasioned
and maintain^e^h^^^^^^^^^fttuig life of the blessed
Truth, wj^^^^^^^^^Hf^^^^^H^nd prevaUed upon
us,..^when far d^^^^J^^^pP^^^^^P and by the con-
lin^J; extencn^^^^l^^^^^^^^^Ky step lo where he
is pleased in s^^^^^^^^^^^^Hfse of us and he is
also\ <^arefi^^y|^^^H|HUPPmRmd counsel lo his litde
ones in needful tiriies. In awfulness of soul my heart bows
before him at this season, in the sense of that engaging
virtue whereby the Lord's people, that are really so, are

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 257
made really and truly near, although their bodies be far
apart. I would not write largely, my companion having
written a pretty large account already, but my heart
being solidly affected in living love, gives thee these few
lines, hoping thou wUt feel a little of the frame and tra
vail of our spirits, and continue thine for us. We have
a pretty deep share in searching work, which sometimes takes
fast hold both of body and mind ; yet we have some reason
lo hope it wUl not be altogether lost labour ; for though
things in some places are very poor, and life very low and
scarce, yet there is now more room for labour, in order for
the removal of obstructions, than there has been heretofore.
Here is lately some account come from the east of New
England, of more damage being done by the Indians, yet
Friends keep their places finely in a general way ; and
hitherto the Almighty has preserved them. The Lord God
keep them and all in due subjection to him, and in confi
dence in him, and reverent, under the renewings of his
mercies, is my strong cry. Here is a suffering people,
yet too many more zealous for earth than heaven ; though
the earth doth not favour many^s it has done. Samuel
Carpenter and his wife, and D^jMjJoyd and his wife, give
their love to thee, an^Hjj^^^^^Hn^came this day out
of the Jerseys, ^roj^^^^^^^HH^^^^^^Bta^find hard
to getj^^^^^^^^HH^^^^^^^^^Hlu^e, are ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Bre
are intending ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ry
lo stayl^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^HMni to
Maryland, if the Lord wm^Ttn^^^^mi^^i^inia and
Carolina, supposing it wiU be the latter part of winter at
the soonest, before we can be clear of this Continent.
22*

258 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Clearing exercise seems to prolong our journey beyond what
was hoped for ; but through the continued goodness of the
Almighty, and the renewing of that love and virtue which
drove us hither, we are pretty clear of begrudging our time
or strength, yet we hope we shall spare no reasonable pains
to shorten time. In the renewing of abiding love I salute
thee and thy dear wife, R. Wilkinson and wife, and your
family, and our dear Friends at the Quarterly Meeting, as
thou art free. Thus concludes thy companion, in my small
measure, in travail for the spreading of the fame and beauty
of the Truth to the ends of the earth. Farewell !
John Fothergill."

WILLLAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 259

CHAPTER XVI.
Remarks on wrong spirits. Notice of Susanna Freeborn. Letters
from Leah Newbery and Richard Johns. Notices of Thomas Wilson
and Joseph Glaister. Letter from Samuel Jennings. Notice of
John Gratton and letter from him. Letter to Francis Tomes. Letter
from George Rook. Notice of George Knipe and letter from hira.
Letters from WiUiam Edmundson and Thomas Rodman.
Some of the letters in this chapter, as well as some in
those preceding, show, that notwithstanding the Society of
Friends was at this period, in a state in which the accessions
to its numbers by convincement were much greater than has
been the case in modern times, il nevertheless had, in some
places, trials to endure in consequence of the obtrusion of a
wrong spirit. Trials from wrong spirits have occurred in
the Church of Christ in most periods of its history ; and the
apostle Paul when speaking of " divisions " among the
brethren in his day, attribtttes thi^pi to a permitted condition,
in order " that they w|li^MMW||^ed may be made mani
fest." Trials arisin|d||^^^^^^^Bte^re not therefore to
be taken as nec^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hl||||B|^on of the
rath^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^HB||yiU-
ness prayer,^^|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^piol
be a chr^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hp fail
the grace ^^^il^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Bi^
In the Life of John Richardson mention is made of Susanna
Freeborn, who is noticed in the following letter : she went

260 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
in company with him, on a religious visit to Nantucket ;
and he speaks of her as a woman in good unity with
Friends. — See Life of John Richardson. London Edition,
1843, page 85. "Rhode Island, 29th of 6th mo. 1706.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
Our friend, Alice Anthony, desired me to
write a few lines for her to thee, withal to let thee know,
that thy labour of love amongst us hath not been in vain ;
we are livingly sensible of the good effect of it ; blessed be
the name of the Lord 1 although there hath and is a spirit
amongst us that would crush and keep down the young ones,
and is ready to^envy and snub them; and not only so, but
Avhen strangers and travelling Friends come amongst us, is
ready to bias them as it were to dash and beat some back.
All this proceeds from self-love ; self would be had in
reputation ; self would be esteemed and honoured, and have
the pre-eminence ; but where the Truth prevails, in old or
young, such cannot but honour, love, and esteem all the
faithful, and more especijiify those that are ancient in the
Truth. I was loath jgll^^Hkj^rite after this manner ;
yet was willing t^ai^^^^^^^Hl^unt of the truth of
things ain^uw|^^^^^^^^^^^^^|mas Thompson,
haU|riM||^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hd hath
selr^^l^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Ke there are some
amoi3^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^pt sort
will s^^lHj^^^^^^^l^^^Hpj^^hat such doctrine as
yours will doiitn^^oodnerer What shaU we say, when
such as are accounted leaders cannot endure sound doctrine.-'
However, blessed be the Lord ! there is a remnant upon

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 261
Rhode Island that love sound doctrine, and desire to be
searched thoroughly ; and this I have to teU thee, that Truth
has prospered and grown more upon Rhode Island, and the
parts adjacent since the lime thou wast here, than it hath
done for fifteen or twenty years before. There are several
that are come forth and have a concern for the prosperity of
Truth. Our dear and ancient friend, Daniel Gould, is well,
also Susanna Freeborn, the young woman that came forth in
a testimony when thou wast amongst us ; to whom thou
wast a nursing father. We cannot forget thee, but thou art
very fresh and living in our remembrance, and we have cause
lo bless the Lord on thy behalf. Dear friend, I am a chUd,
and have written like a child, stammeringly and brokenly ;
but I hope, as thou art strong, thou will bear with the
weak. My dear love salutes thee, and
I am thy friend, Leah Newbery."
"Maryland, 12th of 6th mo. 1706.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ; -„
Whom,|I| trJ^^^[[^) I have thine per our
friends, John Fothejj^^bind "wHli3|^A.rmistead ; and I
was glad to hearJ^^PJIiej though,. tirulytory.fer^y afflic
tion. I may sayJ^^Ki dost. It hais been^ten in my mind
to write to thee, ni^Mgething or other Irasprevented. .And
now having this ()pl^^H|».flJtty^^' f?."^^^^ BfWnas,
know thou that thro^JPP^^pi^TOmercy of the Lord I
with my wife and all my chUdren enjoy health ; and Friends
in these parts are generally in health, as when thou left us,
and the Truth prospers in America. The Lord hath a people

262 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP
here lo whom his love is ; and he delights to water them
with the distiUation of the dew of his mercy, which engages
them to be zealous for the honour and glory of his great
Name ; and the constraining power of the Lord hath opened
the mouths of divers of his people hereaway, to speak a word
in season. Several new Meeting-houses have been built, viz.
at the Cliffs, Herring Creek, and Petapsio, also large additions
have been made to our Yearly Meeting-house at West River.
The last Yearly Meeting there, has settled a meeting of minis
tering Friends. In this Province, the great benefit they are of
has been already witnessed among us. Our Week-day meet
ings are duly kept and pretty well attended, and Friends are
zealously concerned for keeping up the established discipUne
in the Church. And I may further teU thee, that Friends
hereaway are of one heart ; we have no opposers, peace, love
and unity dwell with us. Thus I have given thee a brief
account of the present state of Truth's affairs amongst us
here ; and in a fresh remembrance of our sweet companion
ship, both by sea and land, and in a living sense of the many
heavenly visitations we enjoyed together, I conclude at this
time, who am thy truly loving friend and brother in the fel
lowship of the GospeUM^^^Hj^rd and Saviour Jesus
Christ, ^^^^^^^^^^^ CHARD Johns.'

Thomas Wils?^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ following letter,
was a native of Ofl^^^^^^^^^^^Mught up in profes
sion with the EpiscoPIHHHHBjlOT^oined the Society of
Friends whilst a young man. After experiencing a true
change of heart by the power of the grace of God, he
came forth as a minister of the Gospel of Christ ; and

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 263
under the constraining influence of the Holy Spirit traveUed
in the exercise of his gift in Great Britain, Ireland, and
America : he settled at Edenderry in Ireland, in 1695 : he
often travelled in the work of the ministry in company with
James Dickinson. Thomas Wilson died in 1725, aged 70,
having been a minister about 45 years. — See Piety Pro
moted, Part IX. Leadbeater's Biographical Notices, page
158. Journals of Thomas WUson and James Dickinson,
edition 1847
Joseph Glaister, who is also noticed in this letter, was
born in Cumberland, from which county he visited Ireland
in 1695, in company with another Friend of the same name :
he removed with his family into North Carolina, and is
described in a testimony respecting him as a valuable min
ister, and very serviceable in the discipline, and one who tra
veUed much for the spreading of the Truth : he died in 1718,
aged about 45 years, having been a minister about 24 years.
" PhUadelphia, 13th of 6th mo. 1706.
Dear Wm. Ellis, Jtmitl'^-
Withto^andKl^jjfive do I salute thee,
in a renewed and|^^Htemem^rance||fctthy labour of love
whUst amongst^ i^wnich I pray God j^phtifuUy to reward,
for it has left a lil^^MMession upon ' many hearts, such as
neither time nor d^Hfie_canwear,C)ut. I was pleased to
hear of thee by S^uePTjaTpenter, to whom thou wrote,
but grieved to hear of thy affliction. The Lord re
lieve and ease thee, my dear friend ! I thought to have
written lo several Friends that have traveUed here (for others

264 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
in your parts I know not) only to renew love, for business I
have none with any. I entreat thee to help me lo supply
that defect ; I have not time to do as I would ; therefore
pray give my dear love to John Richardson, whom I believe to
be a faithful man ; he was kindly received here for his work's
sake ; also to thy companion, Aaron Atkinson ; and if it fall
in thy way, to dear Thomas Wilson and James Dickinson,
Thomas Thompson and Josiah Langdale, and Joseph Glaister ;
they will be all glad to hear of the Truth's prosperity and
Friends' welfare. Things in the main, I think, are pretty well
amongst us, though we are not without our exercises on
divers accounts, both religious and civU ; but there are
some that trouble us, who seem to be of us, who are high
and stubborn, asserting rule, but not having learned to rule
themselves ; and for want of skill, they are apt to justify the
wicked and condemn the righteous, which practices are both
an abomination lo the Lord ; but the Truth is over them, and
they shall not proceed much farther ; and the living are out
of their reach, under the waterings of heaven, and they grow
to the honour and praise of Him that hath planted them,
and is daily bountiful to them. Divers Friends here suffer
loss of goods, for not tramu|^fi|gA^diers, which loss in the
general they cheerfull^^^HR^^^^^er ; but a few raise
tales are wicked anm^MBbft;^Aia|MJj|^v ; but the Truth
goes over them all and iM§H[||||^BBBlar John Fothergill
and WiUiam Armistead a™w!fw^lxn us ; we are very glad
of the assistance the Lord hath given us, by seasonably send
ing his servants amongst us. I believe they all have their
reward in it, and honour is brought to God and comfort to

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 265
his people by it. The Lord keep us sensible of the multi
tude of his mercies, in the unity of his Holy Spirit, without
¦which we can neither grow nor live ; so that therein we may
praise Him who is worthy of all praise and renown, now and
for ever. This with dear love to thyself and thy dear wife,
though unknown, and all Friends, is from thy sincere friend
and brother in the feUowship of the Gospel, Samuel Jennings."
John Gratton, the writer of the following letter, ap
pears lo have been born about 1641. He was first
brought under religious conviction, when he was a shep
herd-boy of eleven years of age, but he remained in a
halting state till he attained to manhood ; he then became
more devoted in heart lo the Lord. He was brought into
great grief on observing the instability of some professed
preachers of the Gospel, in times of persecution. In 1670
he began to preach among the Baptists, but soon left this
people because they also flinched in the day of trial, and
becoming convinced of the soundness of the principles held
by Friends, and seeing their constancy under suffering, he
joined them in 1671. Ti^fl^H|me he attended a Friends'
meeting, he spoke a^^fflnnister umei;^he constraining in
fluence of the DivixfeP^pirit ; and, h'^^gon became an able
minister of Christ.BJjHis business was that of a butcher, but
he often left his tegipDral concerns to make apostolic visits
to various parts of G^piiififitain and Ireland ; he also
suffered imprisonment for about five years and a half for the
Gospel's sake. His residence was for many years atMony-
ash, in Derbyshire, but in 1707 he removed to Farnsfield in
Nottinghamshire,' and resided with a daughter, at whose
23

266 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
house he died, in 1711, aged 68, having been a minister
about 40 years.

" 6lh of 10th mo. 1706.
My dearly beloved and truly esteemed Friend,
Wm. Ellis;
These come deariy to salute thee and thy
comfortable wife, desiring, in much hve, that these lines
may find you both in good health, and every way, in soul,
body, and mind, well in the Lord, who is the true treasure
and portion of his poor children, who, though they be poor,
have been made by him instrumental to direct and invite the
poor, and tell them where there is plenty of true riches that
will never decay, and that no thief can steal away. Blessed
be the Lord ! he hath taken a remnant out of the sorrows of
hell into heavenly places in Christ Jesus, where true joy and
comfort are. Praise be lo him for ever ; I pray God pre
serve us in his holy Truth, alive to God all our days, to his
own glory. Oh ! there never was more need of the secret
preserving hand of God than now ! Dear Friend, I am
kept very weak in body, uj^igftltoivel, and my wife is fallen
lame and weak als0veMe^l5^Hy||Ji of thee, and should
be glad to come or^Kcaore lo see tl^^in the will of God,
and in the enjoym^Bof him, withoutwBom I am worse than
nothing, so can doTnothing. I deareBby remembrance of
us ; I was glad of Lav^re^^King afd his companion's visit.
So in true love, that is beyond words, in which thou and
thy dear wife are near me, I thank God,
I am thy sincere friend and brother,
John Gratton."

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 267
Airton, 1706.
Kind Friend, Francis Tomes ;
This comes with remembrance of true and
unfeigned love to thee and Friends, as thou seest fit, and to
let you know of my safe arrival in my own country. Though
I went through much difficulty and exercise in my travels
after I left you, yet the Lord stood by me in aU trials; so
that at my return I could not express his goodness to me ;
and because of that and all other of his mercies to me, my
heart and soul are engaged to praise his holy name. And
now, my friend, seeing it fell to my lot to visit you, and I
had times of comfort amongst both old and young, therefore
my heart is deeply concerned for your welfare, and I desire
that all Friends may walk up to the Truth. Let the time
past be sufficient wherein we walk according to the
course of our vain mind, so that our dUigence may be
doubled to redeem our misspent time, so that we may
increase our love lo God, and one to another. And let
all Friends be careful to meet together often, and in due
time, and let the power of Truth fill all your hearts ; and in
that, both old and younaa -vviil J||^ir in sincerity ; and if it
please the Lord lo opdRne KearfSjof any amongst you, be
lender to them ancL|^Ko help thenKp in their service for
the Lord; and if ari^^t be of a tender age should give a
word of exhortation let no man despise their youth; for it
was said of old, that out^of the mouths of babes praises
should arise : and again, the stammerer should speak plainly,
and "the tongue of the dumb shaU sing," and the simple
shaU learn doctrine ; and saith the prophets, they shall grow
as calves in the stall, and as willows by the water-courses.

268 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
They were to wait to see the Truth at work in the hearts of
a young generation, and to rejoice thereat. And I desire
that Friends' care may increase over the negroes, and labour
to bring them to the feeling of the life of Truth ; and that
when out of meeting they may learn to be grave and sober ;
and thus my soul travaUs that the Lord's name may grow
famous amongst the heathen. Here are three of our
country Friends, that I hope may bring this to thee, they
are true men, and wiU be of good service, if it please God
lo bring them safe to you. I desire thee to remember my
true love to Ann WUson if aUve, and James Hill's widow,
and to Friends in general. This comes with true love to
thee and thy wife, and so concludes thy truly loving friend,
Wm. Ellis."
" DubUn, 25th of 10th mo. 1707.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis,
With endeared love, I very dearly salute thee
and thy dear wife, with whom my spirit hath sweet unity in
the life of Truth ; and now, my friend, I send thee a paper
enclosed, written by ou^^aM^l^iUiam Edmundson, who
hath had a weighty conc|rn 'upon Jiim for a right regulation
in men's and wome^s meetings, thati^ that meet about the
Lord's business ni!^be rightly qualiWd and gifted for that
service, and that none raay*be admitted nor continued mem
bers of such meetings, but faithful men and women, ac
cording to the first settlement ; and especially of the
Meeting for Sufferings, in London. It might be of great
service to all the Churches if it were made up of such
weighty, sensible members, as tbe matters of that meeting

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 269
require such ; but as the case stands, many concerned
Friends are uneasy about that meeting, not knowing the
boundaries thereof, nor indeed who are the proper members
thereof, therefore it ought to come under your serious con
sideration, to have things put in order in that meeting, and
especiaUy in your county, where there is both a large and
weighty people that might give good help in this good work.
William Edmundson's dear love is lo thee and thy wife, and
faithful friends ; and he bids me send thee one of the papers,
to communicate as thou thoughtest fit, and he desires me to
tell thee thai he would be glad of a few lines from thee ; but
he desires that thou wilt excuse his writing to thee, for he
saith his hands shake so, that he cannot do it. I was
wUling to give this account of him, because thou mayst
think long of hearing from him. I was with him in the
north of this nation just before our Half-year's meeting ; we
were five or six weeks out and had good service ; for the
Lord's goodness went along with us, and gave strength to
old age beyond the ordinary course of nature. Give my
dear love to Aaron Atkinson when thou seest him, and tell
him I should be glad to see him and thee here. Our Friend
John Bradley landed here yesterday, being come to give us
a visit. This is all at^resent -from thy steadfast friend,
honest but poor, ^^m ¦¦¦L
'WJt^ ^c—nHp George Rook."
, George Knipe, of Hawkshead, in Lancashire, the writer of
the foUowing letter, was brought up in profession with the
Episcopal Church, but joined the Society of Friends about
1675, being then in the 22nd year of his age. Previous to
this period he was vain in his conversation, and given to the
23*

270 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
singing of idle songs.- The change produced in him by
attention to the light of God's spirit shining in his heart
was very conspicuous. After experiencing the work of
repentance and sanctlfication of the Spirit unto a good
measure of obedience, he became a preacher of Christ, and
from about his 32nd year, spent most of his lime in pub
lishing the glad tidings of the Gospel. In this service he
made many apostolic journeys in Great Britain and Ireland.
He died in 1 709, in the 56th year of his age. — See Piety
Promoted, Part V.

"London, 16th of Sth mo. 1708.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis,
I make use of this opportunity to write to
thee, having heard of thy affliction and weakness, I was
sorry and sympathised with thee ; and my cry and prayer to
God was, that he might give thee patience, and assist thee
with his merciful hand, and sweeten thy racking pain with
his divine presence, whose grace is sufficient, and his power
is made manifest in weakness. My cry and secret Tireathings
were, that the Lord, who can and doth give time, might
spare thee a little longer, and th^-l it might be to his glory
and prai.se, and to , ;^^comfort ; and when I heard of thy
recovery I was glad', lI|p^honestlySay ; and I hope it wUl
be for more service to him and his Truth, and people, whom
he has inclined thy heart to serve. 0! what need have we
aU to be devoted to do all the good we can in the litUe time
the Lord giveth us, that we may give up our acounts with
joy, and have the s-«'eet sentence of " Well done, thou good
and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord ;"

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 271
and "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of the world ;" then
will it be said to us. When I was hungry ye gave me meat ;
and thirsty ye gave me drink ; and naked ye clothed me ;
and sick and in prison, ye came to visit and administer
unto me. Oh this is precious, sweet and profitable!
This looks very glorious and beautiful ; it hath the image of
the holy Jesus, our holy mediator, and heavenly pattern and
example, whose steps we are called to follow, who was not
of this world, who came not to do his own will, but the will
of him that sent him ; therefore the world hated him without
a cause. His kingdom was not of this world, and his
servants have not their treasure here. I observe that
one said he would follow the Lord whithersoever he went ;
Jesus answered him thus ; " The foxes have holes, and the
birds of the air have nests ; but the Son of Man hath not
where lo lay his head ; from which we may infer the
meaning. If thou follow me thou must not expect great
palaces and preferments in this world ; but must leave them,
and walk and live by faith in him who clothes the liUes and
feeds the ravens. This is a hard task for a carnal man to
be reconciled lo, and it was so for the young man that went
away sorrowful, becausebe had great possessions, when our
Saviour said, " How hardly shaJllthev that have riches enter
into the kingdom of God ! ^Hp^is easier for a camel lo
go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter
the kingdom of God." God Almighty helps us, that our
hearts and minds may be heavenly, that our treasure may be
in heaven, then our hearts will be there also. I am a poor
pilgrim, and have been exposed to many trials, exercises and
afflictions, yet I am alive to breathe a Httle, so long as God

272 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 'OF
pleaseth. I have had a deep trial of late, yet the Lord hath
helped me, and given me my life for a prey. I have had
many shakes, if I had not trusted in God I had not stood.
His hand hath upheld me ; he hath hid me in his pavilion
from the strife of tongues. I have been once more at the
Land's End, in Cornwall ; I know not but it may be the
last lime ; I have had no companion ; I had like to have
dropped, but the Lord's power upheld me ; yet I was weakly
and have got on but slowly of late. I am spent, but not
witholit hope of a rich reward from the bountiful hand of a
merciful God, whose compassion faUs not them who love and
fear him. In his sweet love I tenderly greet and salute
thee with thy good wife, and desire your welfare every way
as my own. I hope I shall be preserved where I may labour
for Zion's prosperity and the peace of Jerusalem ; for they
prosper that love her and favour her dust, and that cry and
cannot hold their peace until her righteousness be as the
sun at noon day. I would not load thee with lines.
William Penn is at liberty. Pride grows to a great height
in this nation. The Lord, I am satisfied, wUl bring it
down. I commit thee to the protection of God, -tt'ho wUl
not fail us as we keep true to. him. I conclude thy true
and constant friend in my measure of grace,
_gf ,, George Knipe."
Tbe foUowing letter from WUUam Edmundson appears to
have been written when he was about 81 years of age.
"Dublin, llth of 9th mo. 1708.
Dear Wm. Ellis ;
I received thy loving and brotherly letter per
our friend and brother, Lawrence King, and likewise another

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 273
which thou wrote in Lancashire, and which I received in the
same entire kindness and brotherly love in which they were
written ; and to make my return, am glad still lo hear from
thee, and of thy integrity, which thou boldest f^st for the
Lord, and his blessed Truth, and which integrity never
wanted a reward. I am sorry for thy affliction by reason of
that painful infirmity that attends thee, but may not advise
thee lo submit to an operation for it, for that might shorten
thy days, as il hath done those of many others within my
lime. And now my friend, I am in this city on account of
Truth's service ; it being the time of our National Half-
year's Meeting, where we have an account of Truth's affairs,
and of Friends in every quarter, and of the care of Elders
and concerned brethren, that all may be well in the Church
of Christ, and that the plantation of the Lord of Life may be
kept clean. But this is a hard labour and requires great
diligence and skill ; weeds of several kinds shoot up so fast,
and make such a specious show, and are of such fine colours,
as though they were the very choice and wholesome herbs,
and the sweet and pleasant flowers in the garden ; this is
particularly the case with that presumptuous weed, the love
of the greatness and riches .of this world, and the earnest
pursuit after them ; il is a surfeiting weed, and surfeits
those lioble- parts in man whlGtootherwise are capable of
serving the Lord. We have .JPKd through the service
belonging lo this meeting, through the assistance of God's
wonted goodness and heavenly wisdom. For the particulars
I shall refer thee to the bearer, being straitened for time.
My unchangeable love to thee in the unchangeable, blessed
Truth,
Wm. Edmundson."

274 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
" Rhode Island, 22nd of 10th mo. 1708.
Dear Friend, Wm. Ellis ;
I received thy kind and loving letter some
time past, but I must acknowledge my negligence in not
writing to thee ; often I remember thy charge to write every
year : however X am glad of this opportunity by our friend
John Hulley, a young man that hath been lately convinced
of the Truth here ; he hath been to Barbadoes and Jamaica
lo visit Friends there, and now hath laid before Friends his
intention of visiting Friends in Old England, his native
country. He is of a blameless conversation, and I hope
Friends will be lender towards him. My name is not at his
certificate, I not being at the meeting when it was granted.
Dear William, although I have not so frequently written to
thee, yet thou art sealed in my heart; and thy service here
on this Island, God hath blessed with good effects, and
particularly the Lord hath opened our hearts to build a
fair, large meeting house ; also at Dartmouth, Sandwich,
Naragansett Province, meeting-houses are built since thou
wast here. The testimony that God gave thee to bear with
power and virtue, hath awakened many. Friends are gene
rally well, and the Truth prospers, and our meetings of
business are carried on in the unity of the Gospel. I heard
by John FothergUFs lette^of thy being at the Yearly
Meeting in London, sbuM^m faith, though weakly of body.
The Lord knows what is best ; his left hand shall uphold,
and his right hand will defend. I am weakly and crazy
myself, but rather better than I have been for some years
past, for which with manifold other mercies, I desire I may
bless the Lord ; and in and through aU, I can truly say. It
was good that I was afflicted. I cannot gel near enough to

WILLLAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 275
manifest my love to thee, but in our love to the Truth, we
are sweet and pleasant together. John FothergiU and
William Armistead have left a sweet savour behind them.
I hope the Lord will reward them, and all his servants that
he is pleased to concern in his work. My love salutes thee
and bids thee. Farewell ! I am thy friend,
Thomas Rodman."

276 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER XVII.
Notice of a Yearly Meeting at Lancaster by John Kelsall. Decease
of WiUiam EUis. Notice of Abigail Stott. Remarks respecting the
recording of Ministers. Ministers in Settle Monthly Meeting cotem
porary with William Ellis. Abigail Stott's Testimony respecting
WiUiam Ellis.
The Correspondence of WUliam and Alice Ellis being
now brought lo a close, the following notice of a Yearly
Meeting at Lancaster, in which the former took a prominent
part, claims a place here. This meeting was held in the
Second Month, 1709, and at an interval when WiUiam EUis
was a litde recruited from the effect of the malady which
wore down his bodily powers, and at length caused his
death. The account is from the pen of John Kelsall, who
was a schoolmaster at Dolobran in Wales.
" I went to the Yearly Meeting at Lancaster. The public
meetings were attended by a very great number of Friends,
and many heavenly testim^jfa were borne, and much counsel
and sound advice were given in the openings of Truth, for
Friends to keep in faithfulness. Then came on the Quarteriy
Meeting, where things were managed in great calmness, love
and unity ; and a good account was given from divers places
of the increase and prosperity of Truth. At the close of this
a very solemn weighty parting meeting was held. Great
indeed was the power and presence of the Lord in that

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 277
assembly ; his divine overshadowing arm, and wing of love
were abundantly known and manifested at that time ; and a
sweet, pure current of life largely flowed through the meet
ing, to the great joy and rejoicing of the faithful', whose
souls were sweetly refreshed together, and who were con
strained lo speak well of the name of the Lord.
" Amongst other brethren, our dear friend, WiUiam Ellis,
had a blessed opportunity, and was carried on in the power
and life of Truth, even beyond a usual manner. Oh !
methinks it affects my heart to remember the glorious
presence of the Lord thai appeared with him, he being
fuU of love, fuU of zeal, full of courage, and as one
triumphant over the devil and the powers of darkness, and
ill the divine region of light and life. This was indeed a
glorious season ; and the rays and majesty of Truth were
largely extended and stretched over that large assembly, so
that many were made to say afterwards, that they had not
known the like. And in this exaltation of life and power,
the meeting concluded."
Tradition says that Alice Ellis waa absent from home at
the time of the decease of her husband ; that after he
returned from Lancaster he reluctantly consented to her
leaving him in order to- attend ajlpeeting at a distance;
and that on her setting out on the journey, he walked lo
an adjacent rising ground and followed her with his eyes as
far as he was able, under the impression that he should see
her no more in this world. ,
Soon after her departure he became worse and declined
rapidly, but manifested a sweet state of mind and a readiness to
depart, which were very comforting to his friends. In con-
24

278 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
versation with one of them, a short time before his decease,
he alluded to the day of his convincement of the Truth as il
is in Jesus, saying, " It was a glorious day for me," and he
added, "that he had large tokens that the day of his death
would be so likewise." He died at his own house at Airton,
on the 4th of the 4th mo. 1709, aged nearly 51 years,
having been a minister 30 years; and on the llth, his
remains were interred in the burial-ground attached to the
meeting-house adjacent to his dwelling, and which he had
given to the Society of Friends. A large concourse of his
fellow-professors and neighbours attended on the occasion,
which it is stated, " was eminently owned and overshadowed
with the Lord's power and presence."
After the decease of William Ellis several testimonies to
his character and services were drawn up. The foUowing
was from the pen of his old mistress, Abigail Stott, to whom
allusion is made at pages 12, 29, and 60 of this volume.
She appears lo have been of a class of persons, who seem to
have been numerous in the eariy days of the Society of
Friends, and who were at times engaged in vocal labour as
ministers in their own meetings, but did not travel in this
work. As the practice of recording ministers did not take
place in the Society of Friends tiU about 1773, and testi
monies respecting them^were seldom if ever issued on their
decease in the earlier periods of the Society, unless the
parties had travelled much in the service of the Gospel, we
have little official evidence as to who were considered
accredited ministers in that day, unless they had certificates
granted them for service out of their own meetings. The
granting of these certificates might indeed be considered as
the official acknowledgement of ministers by their monthly-

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 279
meetings ; nevertheless many, who probably never applied
for such certificates, were in the practice of attending the
meetings of ministers, having been invited to do so by some
of the members of these meetings ; such invitation at that
period being considered a sufficient introduction. John
Stott, the husband of Abigail Stott, mentioned at pages
12 and 60, and Ann Kingshal or KiUinghall, mentioned at
page 60, were also probably ministers in Skipton Meeting, of
the same description as Abigail Stott.
Those who by having had certificates from Settle Monthly
Meeting, for the performance of religious services in other
parts of Great Britain, in Ireland or in America, between
1636 and 1709, and who were consequently cotemporary
with WUUam EUis, and constituted the chief part of the
Meeting of Ministers at Settle, mentioned at pages 88, 89,
&c. were — Richard WUdman, James WUdman, Julian Frank-
land, Thomas Carr, Samuel Watson, Mary Watson, Jennet
Stow, -Jane Sedgwick, Thomas Rudd, Joseph Nicholson,
WiUiam Birkbeck, WUliam Armistead, Thomas Wilde, John
Potter, Stephen Sedgwick, WiUiam Slater, Lawrence King,
Phoebe TUlotson, and Ann Hird; and there is evidence
that James Walton, Alice ElUs and John King were also
ministers at this period.

280 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
A Testimony concerning the Convincement of that faithful
Servant of Jesus Christ, William Ellis, of Airton, in
the County of York, deceased, by AbigaU Stott, 1709.

The memory of the just is blessed. — Prov. i. 7.
It was his lot before his convincement, to become a hired
servant to my husband, John Stott, of Skipton, in Craven,
in the county aforesaid, linen-weaver, also deceased ; and
when he had been about two years with us, there was a
meeting appointed and holden at Lower Bradley, about two
mUes from Skipton, aforesaid, in the Third Month, on the
fifth day of the week, caUed Hallow Thursday, 1676 ; lo
which meeting he asked of me if he might go ; and with
much freedom I allowed him that liberty. In this meeting
the Gospel was so effectually preached by Roger Haydock, a
minister of Jesus Christ, that when William Ellis came from
that meeting, it did plainly appear to me and others, that he
was not only convinced of the way of Truth and righteous
ness, but also in a good measure brought into obedience to
the same. He was soon tried, and he resisted many delights,
pleasures and vanities which before he had served, and been
in bondage to ; and he was now in an extraordinary manner,
awakened to righteousness It is with me to say, and
surely believed by me, that he witnessed the day which the
prophet foretold, Mai. iU. 1, 3, — "The Lord whom ye seek
shall suddenly come to bis temple, even the Messenger of
the Covenant," — "and He shaU sit as a refiner, and purifier
of sUver, and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge
them as gold and sUver, that they may offer unto the Lord

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 281
an offering in righteousness." I had the opportunity daily
for about three years, lo obs.erve his life and conversation, he
living about so long a time with my said husband, from and
after the day of his convincement ; in all which time he was
of a humble, peaceable, and self-denying life, and was cir
cumspect both in his words and ways, lest he should offend
the Lord. His conversation did declare his love and pure
zeal lo God and his commandments. Matt. xxii. 37 — 39,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and
great commandment; and the second is lUie unto it, Thou
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Certain I am that he was faithful and laborious in his
service to us, and a good example to our servants ; a reprover
of vice and of the appearance of evil in our chUdren, and
often he did restrain them from vanity and that which corrupts
youth. Also he was one that often, when he might have
slept, laboured with his hands, that he might gel to meetings,
and he did use often lo retire after he had done our ser
vice, into places more free from noise and hurry. He
loved Friends that were honestly minded, whether poor or
rich, but was more especially a visiter of the needy ; he
loved all our neighbours that in any measure were well
minded; he often suffered and was reviled for confessing
Christ before men by a hol^, innocent, harmless life ; and
once as he was passing on a First-day through Skipton, on
the account of religious worship, he was, by violent hands,
taken and imprisoned in the toll-booth ; and in these and
many more trials he met withal, his mind was borne up
with much patience and a Christian-like spirit, rejoicing that
he was a sufferer for Truth's sake. Thus, he having through
24*

282 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
faith in Christ Jesus, denied himself of what the glory,
friendship, and wisdom of this world could promise unto
him, it pleased the Lord to give him an earnest of a glorious
and heavenly kingdom that endures for ever. Not long
after he went from us to live at Airton again, he bore a
public and faithful testimony, attended with power and
authority from heaven. The grace given him was not
bestowed on him in vain ; for in it he faithfully laboured,
and was concerned abundcmtly, that many might be made
partakers of the heavenly calUng. And as he preached the
Kingdom of Heaven faithfully, so he held forth the true
means and way to it ; he did not make use of other men's
lines tUl he was made a witness thereof himself; neither
laid burdens on other men's shoulders that he did not lay
hold on with all his might ; for the marrow of pure religion
was displayed by him. He visited the fatherless and widows
in their afflictions, and others under necessities ; and as
God Almighty had blessed him with a generous mind and
temper of doing good, it often prospered in his hands, so
that he saw many relieved by the unspeakable ways and
means which God made him instrumental in ; whereof, in an
extraordinary manner, I was a partaker many times during
the space of twenty-six years, I being a widow so long. And
he sympathised with those under spiritual want. Being
travelling on the account of his service in the ministry in the
year 1688, though several mUes from my family (as himself
told me), there was a concern came upon him touching my
eldest son, caUed .Jacob, so that when he returned he came
to visit us, and finding him sick and weak, he was concerned
in prayer and supplication to the Lord for him, which was
acceptable ; so that my son, who many times before had

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 283
spoken to me his dissatisfaction, touching his future well-
being, declared unto me his satisfaction, with much assu
rance, concerning a lively and eternal hope given him,
whUst William was yet praying ; in which hope, having also
received an heavenly earnest, he continued to the time he
was taken out of this life, which was about two weeks after,
and on the 20th day of the llth mo. 1688. As touching
more of WUliam Ellis's works, and the labour he was con
cerned in for the good of the church, in particular and
general, in this nation and other nations, I hope a further
account may be given, to the end that our heavenly Father
may be glorified, and that we may bring forth much good
fruit. Abigail Stott.

284 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHAPTER XVIII.
The Testimony of Alice Ellis concerning her Husband. Thomas Thomp
son's Testimony concerning WiUiam ElHs. A Brief Account of the
Life and Death of WiUiam Ellis from Settle Monthly Meeting. The
Testimony of York Quarterly Meeting concerning WiUiam Ellis.
The following Testimonies respecting William EUis were
printed in a pamphlet entitled, "A Brief Account of the
Life and Death, and some of the Gospel Labours of that
faithful Servant and Minister of Jesus Christ, William Ellis."
" London : Printed and sold by J. Sowle, in White Hart
Court, in Gracious Street, 1710." Few copies of this
tract are now to be found ; it presents a summary of the
life and labours of William Ellis, and consequently claims a
place in this volume.
The Testimony of Alice EUis concerning her dear husband.
" He was a man that feared God and eschewed evil : his
delight was in Truth's prosperity ; for which he IravaUed
both in body and mind ; not satisfying himself with a bare
speaking of things, or exhorting of others to practice pure
religion, but he himself was careful lo practice the same.
He was zealous for the honour of God ; in his ministry
powerful ; and fervent in prayer ; it being as meat and drink
unto him to serve the Lord and his people. He was a
loving husband ; and in great unity and feUowship, we lived

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 285
together, and had the blessing of being meet helps one to
another, both spiritually and temporally, being married
above twenty-two years ; in all which time I do not remem
ber of any angry words that passed betwixt us. I had great
unity with his travels in Truth's service ; having many limes
a sense thereof upon my own spirit, before he hath acquainted
me therewith.
" The loss of him deeply affects my heart, and causes
sorrow many times to lake hold upon me ; but not like
those that sorrow without hope, I being fully persuaded that
my loss is his gain, and desiring that I may so walk, and
finish my course in the Truth, that when it shall be my lot
to follow him, I may partake of that joy and glory into
which, it is my belief, he is already entered, and lives to
praise the great and mighty God for ever and evermore.
He was also a kind friend and a good neighbour, delighting
lo do good unto all, but especially to the household of faith.
" I shall not much further enlarge, knowing that several
of his dear friends and brethren, with whom he was much
conversant, and engaged in Truth's service, have given a
more full account of his convincement, labours and travels
in the work of the ministry, and service of the church of
Chrisi, both in this nation, and other countries beyond the
seas. But with hearty desires that our most gracious God
may raise up many faithful men and women, to bear witness
unto his unchangeable Truth, such as are lovers of God, and
wiU feed the flock of Christ, of a willing mind, I shall
conclude, and am a weU-wisher lo Zion's prosperity, and to
all such as love the Truth of our Lord Jesus Chrisi.
Alice Ellis.
The 10th of 2nd mo. 1710."

286 life and correspondence of
Thomas Thompson's Testimony concerning William Ellis.
" It is in my heart to give forth this testimony concerning
my dear friend and brother in Christ, WUliam Ellis, whom I
dearly loved, esteemed, and honoured, for the work's sake,
whereunto he was called, and wherein he approved himself a
faithful labourer, until He, who called him, gathered him
into that rest which is glorious, there lo enjoy the effects of
his faith and fruits of his labours everlastingly.
" This I can, and do testify, from a certain knowledge,
that he was a man that loved and feared God ; and as he
loved the Lord with all his heart, so he sought to exalt the
Lord's name, and he stood against wickedness, being filled
with zeal for the glory of God, who had anointed him to
preach the everlasting Gospel lo them that dwell on the
earth, and had given him a good understanding in things
appertaining to his kingdom. In the year 1686, it was his
lot to visit Friends' Meetings in the east part of Yorkshire,
and I, with many others, may say, that he came amongst us
in the blessing of the Gospel of Christ, in whose dread he
sounded forth the day of the Lord, and proclaimed liberty
to the captives. Dreadful was he to the workers of iniquity,
who often felt the weight and force of his weapon, i. e., the
word of God, which was as a fire in his heart, and as a sword
dividing betwixt that which served God and that which
served him not ; but to the mourner in Zion his words were
sweeter than honey and smoother than oil.
" From that time I became acquainted with him, and found
him lo be more in the root than in appearance ; his company
was pleasant, his conversation easy and delightful. A great
lover of unity and concord was he, and he laboured greallp

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 287
to promote the same among his brethren ; his concern was
great for the increase of the government of Christ, and for
the promotion of good order and discipline in the Church ;
he struck at vice, encouraged virtue, and laboured with all
his might, that Zion might have on- her beautiful attire, that
so she might shine in the light and glory of her Head and
Husband. And as he abhorred pride, so he commended
humility both in practice and doctrine, being himself plain
and exemplary, free from affecting popularity, and his testi
mony being lively and instructive, full of marrow and sub
stance, though not decked with florid expressions or rhetori
cal strains. It was not wisdom of words that he minded,
nor how lo please itching ears ; but to please God was his
care, and to preach the Gospel so to men, as that what he
spake might answer God's witness in all ; and therefore he
preached the Truth in the power, plainness, and simplicity of
il; and yet at times there did, a sotI of an heavenly elo
quence, as well as an heavenly melody, attend him, because
his heart was filled with the Spirit of life, and he spoke in
the power and demonstration thereof, — he spake as one that
had authority, and not as the Scribes,— and as the Lord had
led him through many states, and jbeen with him in many
conditions, so He gave_^him, many limes, a word in season,
not only to the weary traveller for his encouragement, but
that which suited divers states and conditions ; yea, to my
knowledge, he hath often hit the mark, and spoken to people's
states in a meeting, as if he had known them, though he was
at that time altogether a^stranger. Truth opened things to
him, and through him, to the comfort and satisfaction of
such as loved and lived in the fear of God. He was beloved
in his own country, respected in his travels, both in England,

288 life and correspondence of
Ireland, and America, for the Truth's sake, in which he was
ser-viceable lo many. He was a generous man, and a good
Christian, given to hospitality, apt to leach. Example in
him went along with precept, not being more forward to
ad-vise others to do good,- and to be liberal lo the poor, than
he was lo do so and be so himself, In a word, as his life,
since he received the blessed Truth, was a continued series of
evidences of the goodness of God, the Almighty helped him
so to walk and finish his course^ as that he hath left a good
savour behind him, and his memorial is precious.
Thomas Thompson.
Hitchin, Hertfordshire,
Slst of the 5th mo. 1710."

A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND DEATH OF -WILLIAM
ELLIS, FROM SETTLE MONTHLY MEETING.
William Ellis, son of Stephen EUis, of Calton, a town not
far distant from Skipton in Craven, in the County of York,
was born in the Sth mo. 1658. His father was by trade
a Unen-weaver, and instructed his son William in the same
trade, when capable thereof, until he attained lo the age of
sixteen years, about which time he went lo live as a servant
with John Stott, of Skipton aforesaid, linen- weaver, with
whom, after having lived the space of two years, it so- fell
out, that there was a meeting held at Lower Bradley, two
miles distant from the place where he then lived. That

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 289
faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Roger Haydock, providen
tially happened to be at this meeting ; and William having
knowledge thereof, and his master and dame being of that
Society of people in scorn called Quakers, he asked leave of
them to go thereto, who readUy replied, he might go. At
this meeting his heart and understanding were so effectually
reached, that he was thoroughly convinced of the ever blessed
Truth, which he, quickly after, was concerned lo promote
the honour of, being of a circumspect carriage and behaviour
amongst the family in which he then Uved, thereby showing
a good example to his master's children, like Joseph, of old,
in whose heart the fear of God was, evidently manifesting
his growth and prosperity therein. After the space of three
years from the time of his convincement, he removed to
Airton, a town near adjoining to the place where he was
born. Soon after his removal he was livingly opened in a
public testimony lo and for the Truth he was made partaker
of; and in due time he became an able minister thereof;
approving himself yet more and more a good example
therein lo others. And it is worth our observation, that
although he had little or nothing from his father,, he being
but of low circumstances in the world, yet he Soon began to
be helpful in the Church, by distributing to-wards the relief of
the poor, out of what he got by hard labour and great dUi
gence and industry in his caUing, and part of which also he
freely spent upon Truth's account in other ways. He freely
gave up a great deal of his time to attend meetings, not only
such as were for public worship, but also meetings for
business and the affairs of the church : he was a dUigent
attender of these whUe but young ; and though he was
not forward to speak in such meetings, having a reverent
25

290 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
esteem for, and regard to, them that were in Christ before
him, and kept their places, yet he was in those times ser
viceable, being in a deep and weighty travaU for the honour
and prosperity of Truth, and that the wisdom of God might
open in Friends, that therein, all things relating to the
church's affairs, might be managed. But it was not long
ere that divine and living spring of life, that often opened
plentifully in him to the fiUing of his heart, gave him
boldness lo speak forth what was upon his mind, in meetings
for business, in which he was well received, being always
careful to speak in fear, and in a sense and savour of life,
demonstrating thereby a Christian spirit, in which he was a
good pattern and lively example to others, always demeaning
himself in great humility, so that he became very serviceable,
both in the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings to which he
belonged, and in other meetings for the same service, in
other places where his lot was cast, he being zealously con
cerned to promote and estabUsh good order and sound
discipline in the Church of Christ.
And although, as before observed, his beginning was
but small, having little or nothing save what he laboured
for, yet it pleased God to bless his endeavours with success,
so that his outward substance increased ; and as that was
enlarged, so his heart opened, and he gladly made use of
opportunities in which he might lay out a great part thereof
in the service of Truth. He often exhorted Friends to keep
out of worldly-mindedness, and to labour to keep themselves
from being leavened into a strait, niggardly and narr«w
spirit, that would not suffer them to serve Truth freely,
as they ought to do ; this in all likelihood he had good
authority to do, being himself a good example in this respect ;

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 291
for although he was industriously careful, and not negligent,
nor slothful about his outward concerns, whereby his sub
stance in the world did considerably increase, yet would he
not impute the same to his own doings, neither was his
mind much taken up therewith ; he looked upon it only as
the favour of the Almighty to him, and therefore thought
himself under the greater obligation to lay out the same to
the utmost of his strength and abUity, in order to promote
the interest of Truth, and the honour of that worthy and
precious Name, in which he had believed, and which had
also been his strong tower and rock of defence, in the depth
of many exercises. It may be truly said, he was abundantly
more industriously concerned on account of the Truth, than
on the account of his outward and temporal affairs ; and as,
after the time of his convincement, he was all along careful
to behave himself so as that he might not be a burden, or
cause of exercise to his faithful brethren, nor bring trouble
in any case upon the church, but on the contrary, be ser
viceable and helpful to the same according to his measure,
so was he also careful lo walk among his neighbours and
those he conversed with, as that he might demonstrate unto
all, that the whole aim and drift of his mind was chiefly to
promote Truth and righteousness in his day and age. And
this undoubtedly he did, with all his might and strength, for
which we believe his reward is sure with the Lord for ever
more ; an earnest of which we are fully satisfied he had
many limes plentifuUy given him, whUst in this earthly
tabernacle. This was so sweet unto him, as he often used
lo say, that for the sake thereof, he did not spare devoutly
to offer up his whole strength, and the prime of his years,
even for the promotion of the blessed Truth, by which he

292 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP
had been so eminently -visited, and whereby he was made
instrumental for the good of many. Under these qualifica
tions he was made serviceable divers ways, so that many
have cause to lament the loss of him, and more particularly
we, his friends and brethren, amongst whom, for the most
part, he resided, who also had the most immediate and par
ticular benefit of his service and company. The loss of him
would undoubtedly sadden many hearts, were they not fully
satisfied that his departure was in peace ; and though his
body be gone to the dust, yet the remembrance of him is
sweet and precious, in which the faithful enjoy him in spirit,
under a lively hope, that the mighty Lord of the harvest,
who raised him from a low degree, and by his almighty
power, made him a blessed and serviceable instrument in his
hand, is also able to raise up others in his room, for the
carrying on of his own work, to his own praise, who over all
is worthy of praise, adoration and worship, might, majesty
and dominion, now and for ever.
Thus having given some account of his convincement,
and conduct of his life, relating to his conversation in the
world ; what remains is to give some further account of
his ministry, and labours and travels therein. It was not
long, as hath been before observed, after he was convinced,
before his mouth was opened in a public testimony for the
Truth, in which he sensibly witnessed a growth, being care
ful diUgently to wait for the springings of life, which is the
root and supply of all sound and right ministry ; for he
laboured more to grow in that, than in words without it,
although also very careful to keep to that soundness of
speech that cannot be condemned.
Not very long after he was concerned in a public testi-

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 293
mony, he was drawn forth to visit Friends' meetings not far
distant from the place of his abode, as also in divers places
more remote, in which he had good service, and was well
received among Friends, to his and their mutual joy and
comfort in the Lord. And in the year 169|, he had a
concern upon his mind to visit the meetings of Friends in
Ireland, where he was likewise kindly received ; his visit
being acceptable to faithful Friends in that country. Under
this concern he was enabled through the goodness of God
unto him, to perform what was required of him in that respect,
reluming home again in much satisfaction and peace, as a
reward for such, his labour. After this he continued in his
wonted service, both at home and abroad, many times visit
ing Friends in divers parts of this nation, liU at length, it
pleased tbe Lord to concern him to visit the people of God,
in foreign countries, lo which he gave up ; and way being
made for him, for such a service, and having the concur
rence of his Friends and brethren along with him therein,
at length he set forward on his journey and voyage for
America, lea-ving his wife and family, in the Ninth Month,
1697. He took shipping at Deal, in Kent, in the Tenth
Month after. He had a prosperous voyage, arriving on the
fourteenth day of the First Month foUowing, in Maryland,
where he visited Friends and had much service, as well as in
other provinces, as Virginia, CaroUna, Pennsylvania, East
and West Jersey, New England, Long Island and Rhode
Island, &c. In these countries he had many large and
precious meetings, esteeming it, as he would often say after
his return, as a merciful favour lo him from the hand of
God, that he was enabled to go through what was required
of him in that respect, adding, " Oh ! it was well for me,
25*

294 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
that I gave up lo that service in those days, whilst health
and strength of body were afforded me, for now, I feel my
natural strength is abated, whereby I am the more incapable
of performing such service." Notwithstanding this, he
would'often be looking back with joy, and rejoicing at those
times, praising God for the many mercies vouchsafed to him
inwardly, and whose divine arm of power was likewise near
to protect him on his return ; he arriving again in England,
the twenty-third of the Fourth Month, 1699. He was
absent from his native land in the aforesaid service, upwards
of one year and six months. After this he travelled not
very much, excepting in the county where he lived, and
some adjacent counties, as Bishoprick, Westmoreland, and
Lancashire, &c. and several times to the Yearly Meeting at
London. He was for several years before he died, attended
with various infirmities, and particularly that of the stone,
which much impaired his health ; nevertheless he mostly
frequented the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings lo which he
belonged, though many times with much difficulty, because
of the infirmities of his body ; but at divers times when
the life and power of Truth was upon him, he was borne up
over his infirmity as though he were in no kind so afflicted.
Thus this faithful and upright-hearted man, being now
unfit for long journeys, and service in remote places, such as
he spared not to undertake when he found il his concern in
his younger years, laboured much in the service of Truth,
on one account or other in his own country, tUl toward the
latter end of the summer, in the year 1708, at which time
his old distemper seized violently upon him, insomuch thai
he was thereby brought very weak, which weakness he con
tinued under for several months, not being able to stir much

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 295
from his own house. In this time his inward man was
strong, and his understanding clear ; so that Friends who
went to visit him in the lime of his sickness, were often
comfortably refreshed in beholding and feeUng his spirit in
the power and dominion of the life of Jesus Christ, which
may truly be said, was his support over all his exercises.
But notwithstanding his former weakness, about the latter
end of the Twelfth Month or beginning of the First Month
following, he begun to recover somewhat, and gathered
strength so far as to get to the Monthly and Quarteriy
Meetings to which he belonged. In these he had as
formerly, good service, after which he was likewise enabled
lo go to the Yearly Meeting for worship, held in Lancaster,
in the Second Month, 1709. In this meeting, powerful
was that Hand and Arm, which guided and supported him,
under the conduct whereof, eminent were the Gospel truths,
which in that meeting were through him delivered, to the
gladdening of many hearts ; the service whereof, we beUeve,
wiU not easily be forgotten by a remnant, and in which his
faith was strong, that Truth and the glory of it should yet
more and more prevail and spread over nations, even from
sea lo sea, unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
Thus having been supported by the Lord in his service,
after that meeting ended he returned homewards, after
which he weakened by degrees till the time of his departure,
which was not long. Many sweet and edifying expressions
dropped from him in his Ulness, by which it appeared he
was ready to embrace death with cheerfulness of mind, when
ever it should please the Lord so to order it. A few days
before his departure, being visited by a Friend, he began to
speak to him of the day of his convincement, saying, " It was

296 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
a glorious day for me ; " and further added, that he had
large tokens that the day of his death would be so likewise,
which we have good cause to believe was so to him. He
continued sensible, under his weakness of body, until the
time he drew his last breath, which was on the 4th day of
the 4th month, in the year 1709, and in the fifty-first year
of his age. He was buried on the llth day of the same
month, in Friends' burying-ground at Airton ; many Friends
being present at the burial made up a large meetings, which
was eminently owned and overshadowed with the Lord's
power and presence, several living testimonies being there
borne to the comfort and satisfaction of many. [The said
burying-ground and meeting-house -were, some years before
his death, given and secured by the said WUUam EUis for
the use of Friends.]
WUUam EUis was born the 5th of the Sth month, 1658,
convinced of Truth in the Srd month, 1676, came forth in
a public testimony, 1679, died the 4th of the 4th month,
1709. Signed in behalf of our Monthly Meeting, held at Settle,
the second of the First Month, 170iV, by
John Armistead, sen. William Holt
Thomas Read John King
John Tomlinson Lawrence King
Richard Wilkinson Adam Squire
Thomas WUde Thomas Carr
John Moore, sen. Simeon Wilkinson
WiUiam Windle John Rawson
John Atkinson Joseph Hall
John Armistead, jun. Richard Clough

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 297
Robert Tunstall WUliam Stockdale
John Weatherall John Battersbie
WUliam Birkbeck WUliam Slater
Isaac Armistead John Moore, jun.
The Testimony of the Quarterly Meeting held at York,
concerning WUUam EUis.
" Our dear friend and deceased brother, WUUam Ellis, of
Airton, within SetUe Monthly Meeting, in the County of
York, departed this life the 4th of the 4th month, 1709.
He was a faithful labourer in the harvest of the Lord ; he
gave himself to spend, and he spent in Truth's service, both
in feeding the flock of God, as also in the overseeing the
same. Being an able minister of the New Testament, not of
the letter but of the Spirit, his doctrine dropping down like
dew, and Uke small rain upon the lender grass, the Spirit of
God accompanying him in the delivery of the same, he was
of great comfort and benefit unto the Churches, both at
home and abroad, where the Lord did order him. The care
of the Churches was also upon him, for the peace and pros
perity of which he travailed both in body and mind. His
labours and service for the work of the Gospel were much,
both in our nation and in several foreign countries, in which
he approved himself, as an able and faithful minister of our
Lord Jesus Christ, encouraging and strengthening the honest
and tender-hearted, to hold on their way, to the perfecting
of the work of their salvation ; as also in warning and
stirring up the careless and unfaithful, to more dUigence and
watchfulness. He preached with authority, in the spirit of
the Gospel, and the remembrance of him, and of the heavenly

298 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
sweetness that attended his ministry (who though dead, yet
speaketh) is precious unto us, and the unity and harmony
which we had together with him, cannot easily be forgotten
by us. His doctrine was deep, and his company very
pleasant to his brethren ; he was given to charity, and used
hospitality much, his heart and house being very open to
entertain such as traveUed, or were concerned in Truth's
service. Much might be said in the praise of such a faithful
minister, who not only preached, but in practice was exem
plary to the flock ; but Friends of the Monthly Meeting of
Settle, to which he did belong, having drawn up an account
of the same, we refer to it for further satisfaction, touching
his labours and travels, both in the work of the ministry
and other services of tbe Church of Christ Jesus our Lord ;
beseeching Him who is Lord of the Harvest, to send many
such faithful labourers into his harvest. As he lived in the
Truth, so we believe he died in the Lord, and now is at rest
from his labours, and his works follow him.
Signed on behalf of our Quarterly Meeting, held at York,
the 6th of the 2nd month, 1710.
Thomas Green Thomas Aldam
Benjamin Hornor Jeremiah Grimshaw
Robert Turner John FothergiU
James Simpson John Richardson
Michael Robinson Aaron Atkinson
John HiUary WUliam Armistead
John Fielden Francis Smith
Thomas Hammond Henry Jackson, jun.

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 299

CHAPTER XIX.
Meeting-house at Airton. William EUis's House. Provision for the
Free Entertainment of Ministering Friends. William and Alice
Ellis's Gift for Putting out Apprentices. Alice Ellis's Legacies and
Arrangements for the Entertainment of Friends. Decease of Alice
Ellis, and Testimony Concerning Her. Present state of Airton
Meeting, and Settle Monthly Meeting.
The Meeting-house at Airton, which is represented in the
frontispiece of this volume, as sketched by Thomas Tatham,
of Settle, stands with its back to the village street. On the
opposite side of this street, WUliam EUis erected his own
dweUing, in the style of a comfortable farm-house. There
is, over a doorway which has been waUed up, in the front of
this house, the date of 1690 with the initials ^^ ^. Over an
ample arch of neat structure, inclosing the fire-place in the
kitchen-sitting-room, there are the same initials, with the
date, 1702. This date is also on the fire-grate of the same
room. In a wider portion of the street, and a little higher
up, a dial formerly stood, mounted upon a pUlar by WUliam
Ellis; and it is not to the credit of the village, that this
monument of his public-spiritedness has long since been
suffered lo be removed. The piUar is now lying in an
obscure corner of the burial-ground attached to the Meeting
house. As the great object of the lives of WUliam and Alice Ellis
was to promote the maintenance and spreading of the sound

300 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
Christian principles in which they found peace with God
through Jesus Christ, so they made arrangements lo pro
mote the promulgation of these principles in perpetuity, in
the place in which they lived, by providing for the enter
tainment of such ministers free of charge, as should uphold
these principles.
Through a large portion of their lives, this worthy couple
had. entered with much sympathy into the condition of
youths placed out as apprentices, particulariy of those in low
circumstances. Many of these had come under their own
care, being apprenticed lo William Ellis to learn the art of
weaving linens. Their care for these youths and other
persons in their employ, both temporally and spiritually, will
have been gathered from some of the earlier letters in this
collection ; and toward the close of life, WiUiam and Alice
Ellis provided funds designed to perpetuate such care, and
in other respects to help the poorer class of youths by
putting them out apprentices to suitable masters.
For these objects William Ellis, some years after his
return from America, conveyed his house, with certain lands
to trustees, retaining the use of them for the remainder of
the joint lives of himself and his wife, and directing them
" after tbe death of the survivor lo farm the said premises, a
pennyworth unto Friends, by way of scorn called Quakers,
who should willingly entertain such Teachers as might be
caUed of God, and by him commissioned and sent abroad to
preach the Gospel in the free dispensation thereof;" of which
said Teachers, the Farmer, and other inhabitants of the said
premises should take no reward or satisfaction for such lodg
ing or entertainment, nor have the same aUowed out of
the yearly rents by the Trustees. After deducting the cost of

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 301
repairs, with yearly taxes and reasonable expenses, the first
year's rent of these premises was to be paid by the Trustees
to the Friends of the Monthly Meeting of Settle, for putting
forth the poor children of Friends to some honest and plain
trades. The second year's rent in like manner was to be
paid to the Friends of the Quarterly Meeting at York ; and
the third year's rent to be employed in putting forth to be
apprentices unto Friends, the poor chUdren of the inhabitants
of Airton, Calton and Scostrop, of what profession soever,
to honest and plain trades. Alternately and successively the
rents were to be applied to these purposes. None of the
Trustees are chosen out of Settle Monthly Meeting, but
on the decease of any of them, that Meeting nominates
others from other parts of the county, to the Quarterly
Meeting of York, by which they are appointed. The
original Trustees were Thomas Carr, John Tomlinson, and
John Rawson.
Soon after the death of WUUam Ellis, his widow, for
the full answering and further ratifying the will and mind of
her late husband, conveyed her house and premises then in
her possession or in that of any other person under her, which
had fallen to her either by the gift of her husband or by
virtue of her executorship lo his wUl, being chattels or lease
hold, to Henry Jackson, jun. Michael MUner, Thomas
Aldam, Francis Harrison, John FothergUl, and Bossall
Middleton, to let and set the same premises to farm " a good
pennyworth," to such person of the people called Quakers,
as should willingly at the said mansion or dwelling-house
entertain such teachers as might travel amongst the said
people, to preach the Gospel, they being in society and unity
with the said people ; of which persons who might so come
26

302 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
unto or lodge at their house, the farmer or dweller upon the
said house or lands should take no reward or satisfaction for
such entertainment or lodging, provided such a tenant could
be got. The rents accruing were, after deducting repairs,
yeariy taxes, and reasonable expenses, to be applied as
foUows: — The first year's clear rent toward putting forth
poor children of the people called Quakers, apprentices, who
inhabit within the compass of Settle Monthly Meeting, to
some honest and plain trade ; and the second year's clear
rent in putting forth poor chUdren of the people called
Quakers, belonging to the Quarterly Meeting of York, and
inhabitants of the said county, apprentices to some honest
and plain trade ; and the rents of the third year were to be
employed in putting forth poor children apprentices who
should be inhabUants of Airton, Calton and Scostrop, of
what profession soever, to honest and plain trades, to be
placed to learn them with some of the people called Quakers,
if such masters could be got. If the inhabitants of Airton,
Calton and Scostrop should sue or disturb, or call to account
in any court any of the Trustees in regard to the said trust,
they were thenceforth debarred from any further interest in
the trust.
Alice EUis also conveyed to Richard Wilkinson, Robert
Tunstall, John Moor, John Tomlinson, Simeon Wilkinson,
and John Rawson, a close called Welldales, in the precincts
of Calton, the rents of which, after certain smaU deductions
were to be applied in paying the tenant of the house in
which she then dwelt, for the lodging and entertainment of
such honest and faithful Friends as might have occasion on
Truth's service to travel, and -were in unity with the Monthly
Meetings to M'hich they should belong. The said tenant

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 803
was to make account yeariy to the Trustees ; and any over
plus to be paid in yeariy to the Friends of Settle Monthly
Meeting, for the relief of the poor not maintained at the
common charge of Friends, and especially, poor widows.
Alice Ellis by wUl left two closes, with other premises and
her personal estate, to John Moor, Thomas Carr, Simeon
W^Ukinson, and John Rawson, to pay out of the same her
just debts and funeral expenses, as well as sundry smaU
legacies ; and after the payment of these and other incidental
charges, she directed that the clear yearly profits thereof
should be disposed of at the discretion of her trustees and
their successors, with the consent and advice of the Monthly
Meeting of the people called Quakers, held at Settle, and
therefore commonly caUed Settle Monthly Meeting, to such
of the poorer sort of the said people, especially widows Uving
within the compass thereof, that are not constantly supplied ;
and by "A Declaration of Uses" she signified her wish that
the great bedsteads and the bedding thereunto belonging,
with what other things were nailfast and ought properly to
stand as heirlooms or appurtenances to the house at Airton,
in which she then dwelt, should remain either there or in
the house which she had converted into a dweUing-house,
for the use of such Friend or Friends as might inhabit there,
in order the better to accommodate them for the entertaining
of travelUng Friends. Also that six men's coats, and six
women's hoods which had been kept for the use of travelling
Friends who might have occasion for them by reason of wet
or other foul weather, either in attending meeting or upon
any other honest or lawful occa.sion, should be kept for the
same use, and like the furniture be renewed or repaired so
long as her trustees should see meet. She likewise directed,

304 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
that in case there should be a clear annual surplus of four
pounds accruing from her effects, that then, once in three
years, the sum of four pounds should be paid to the Quar
teriy Meeting at York, lo be employed in the relief of the
poorer sort of Friends, especially such widows as were not
constantly supplied by Friends.
In this manner arose "WiUiam and Alice Ellis's Gift for
putting out Apprentices," and the other benefactions herein
noticed, by which the names of the worthy donors have
become familiarised to the ears of many by whom their
virtuous example and their desire for the extension of the
Redeemer's kingdom, have been little known.
Alice Ellis survived her husband eleven years ; her age is
not known, the record of her birth not having been found,
nor any document by -which her age could be ascertained.
Her decease is not to be found in the register of the
Monthly Meeting ; but the foUowing Testimony, with the
notice of her death and burial, was found among some loose
papers, preserved with the records of Settle Monthly Meeting.
" AUce EUis, wife of William EUis, late of Airton, in the
County of York, died the 27th of the 5th month, and was
buried the SOth of the same, in Friends' burying-ground, at
Airton aforesaid, in the year 1720.
A Short Testimony, given by Friends of Settle Monthly
Meeting, concerning Alice EUis, deceased.
We find ourselves concerned, for the Truth's sake, and in
duty that we owe to the memory of our said deceased Friend,
to give forth the following account, and to say of her, that

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 305
ever since the time of our first acquaintance with her, she
hath shown evident demonstration of great love to, and zeal
for the promotion of the blessed, holy Truth, she made
profession of; both by her conversation amongst us, her
friends, and also amongst people of other persuasions. It
being her great care to walk inoffensively before all men, her
conversation amongst us was very exemplary, in many
respects, more than can be mentioned here ; yet we shall
say a little theleof, that others may be the more excited and
stirred up lo follow her pious and godly example ; that so
they may at last attain to the like blessed end, which we
doubt not, she is arrived at.
She was a very constant attender of First-day and week
day meetings, at the meeting places she belonged lo ; and
also accompanied travelling Friends very often to neigh
bouring meetings, wherein she manifested great diligence in
a spiritual concern and travail, for a full enjoyment of divine
love and life in her own particular ; and also that the same
might abound, and be plentifully shed abroad in the hearts of
others, in the meetings where it was her lot to be. And we
believe her travail and labour of spirit were answered to a
good degree, relating to herself, wherein she seemed to be
much comforted ; and sometimes she appeared in a public
testimony, when constrained thereto by the operation and
aboundings of the divine love and power of God in her
heart ; which [testimony] was very acceptable to the faith
ful ; being delivered in great fervency and zeal, il had a
tendency to stir up the minds of Friends to labour for the
enjoyment of Truth in themselves, and also to promote the
honour thereof in all respects. She was also a very constant
attender of meetings for the business and affairs of the
26*

306 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
church, viz. the Preparative and Monthly Meetings ; and
while she had health and strength of body, was a diligent
attender of Quarterly Meetings also : in aU which she was
very serviceable amongst her own sex, being zealously
concerned that the younger women might keep to the decent
plainness in apparel that Truth led Friends into in the
beginning, and such as the Apostle spake of in his Epistle
to Timothy ; and that they might, in apparel and gestures,
keep out of vain modes and foolish fashions of the world,
which render those who are found therein too much like the
daughters of Zion spoken against by the prophet Isaiah, in
ancient times. She also showed a godly and christian con
cern and care that things might be well in all respects
amongst Friends, freely giving advice when she saw occasion ;
and also being herself a good example in doing that she
advised others to. She had a tender regard to the poor
amongst all sorts of people, and took great delight in
ministering to their wants ; being very free to distribute
part of what she had gained by great pains and industry when
she met with suitable opportunities, and it would in any wise
tend to advance the honour of Trath, amongst Friends, or
others not of our Society, she being in a particular manner
devoted to acts of hospitality, in many respects ; the which,
in her life-time, was evidently demonstrated to be her great
deUght. And not only so, but likewise to the same end and
purpose, in a peculiar manner, she took care to settle and
secure the greater part of what she was blessed with, so that
it might be employed to the same good use after her decease.
And such was her care and conduct, that although by reason
of her business in her outward and temporal affairs, she had
occasion to deal with persons of divers ranks and persuasions,
she gained a good report from, and was well esteemed by

WILLIAM AND ALICE ELLIS. 307
mo.st, if not all that she was concerned with. Many both
poor and others have seemed lo lament the loss of her, as
we, her friends, have likewise cause to do, who have been
greatly benefited by her company and help for many years ;
and therefore, now that she is removed from us, find our loss
to be great. But we desire to be content, and rest satisfied
in the will of God, who is able to raise up others in her
room, and to qualify them for the service of his church, to
his praise and glory, and the comfort of his people.
We might say much more of the zeal and faithfulness of
this our friend, but for brevity's sake, shall only further add,
that it is our firm belief, that it was her hearty and sincere
desire to serve the Lord, his truth and people, to the utmost
of her ability throughout her age and generation ; and that
he hath helped her to perform the same to a good degree.
Her reward, we believe, is sure with him, for evermore.
She departed this life the 27th of the 5th month, and was
buried in Friends' burying-ground, at Airton aforesaid, the
SOth of the same, in the year 1720, many Friends and others
being there. Divers living testimonies were boi'ne to the
comfort of Friends ; and also several others signified their
great satisfaction therewith.
Signed by order and in behalf of our Monthly Meeting,
held at Settle in Yorkshire, the Ist of 1st mo. 1720-21, by
John Atkinson Julian Frankland
WUUam Holt Eleanor Carr
Thomas Clark Alice Atkinson
Simeon Wilkinson Elizabeth Hall
John Rawson Eliz. Bradley
Joseph HaU Hannah WUkinson
WUUam Stockdale Eliz. Armistead

308 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.
The present tenant of the house at Airton, formerly
occupied by WiUiam and Alice Ellis, is John Shackleton, a
Friend, who, with his famUy, gladly carries out the design
of the original occupants, in the hospitable entertainment of
ministers and other Friends. The great coats and hoods
provided by Alice Ellis have long ceased lo exist ; better
accommodation for travelling, and the fewness of the visitors
of the meeting having rendered them unnecessary. A small
congregation now assembles in the meeting-house at Airton,
in which also Settle Monthly Meeting is held, in the
Fifth and Tenth Months. There is at this lime no person
remaining in the Monthly Meeting in the station of an ac
knowledged minister ; and the five meetings of Settle, Ben
tham, Newlon-in-BoUand, Lothersdale and Airton, of which
the Monthly Meeting is composed are all very small.

APPENDIX.
HISTORY OP THE FIRST GATHERING OF PRIENDS IN SETTLE
MONTHLY MEETING.
The foUowing document contains a history of the first
gathering of the Society of Friends in the district comprised
within Settle Monthly Meeting; it leads to the period in
which their further history for nearly twenty years may be
traced in the preceding pages. It also exhibits an interesting
view of the spirit of inquiry excited in that age, and which
seems lo have been increased by the aspersions ignorantly or
maliciously cast upon the simple and truly Christian principles
professed by Friends. The zeal of the early Friends, and
the simplicity of the proceedings and the sufferings of these
early promulgators of the plain truth of the Gospel, as well
as the power and convincing efficacy attending their ministry,
deserve especial notice.
Minute of Settle Monthly Meeting, llth mo. Srd, 1704.
"John Moore, Joseph Nicholson, Thomas Camm, and
William Armistead, give account, that according as they
were desired by Friends at our last Monthly Meeting, they
did collect the several accounts they now brought in from
(309)

310 APPENDIX.
the several particular meetings, touching the labours, suffer
ings, and services of ancient Friends, not yet in print, which
being so collected and transcribed in one, was delivered to
Friends at the Quarterly Meeting, and a copy thereof reserved
in this meeting, which is as foUoweth ;
" From our Monthly Meeting, held at Settle, the 22nd of the
10th month, 1704, to the Quarterly Meeting at York.
Dear Friends ;
According to the request of the Second-day's
Morning Meeting in London, we have had under our con
sideration the most remarkable passages which we can remem
ber touching the faithful labours in the gospel of Christ,
and effectual service of those who were first instrumental,
both in gathering and settling meetings, now belonging to
Settle Monthly Meeting, which do here follow.
Before the testimony of Truth, or the way of worshipping
of God in spirit, was pubUshed or declared in his latter age,
by the messengers and servants of the Lord, in these parts
of the country, there was much talk and discussion, of a
people who were scattered up and down the country, and
more especiaUy in the west and northern parts thereof, who
differed from other people in their belief concerning the prin
ciples of religion, and worshipping of God ; and in most
parts they were slandered, vUified and evU spoken of, [people]
saying that the false prophets were now coming which were
spoken of in the Scripture. But there were some who pon
dered these sayings, and were desirous lo know the certainly
thereof. And in process of lime, in or about the year 1652

APPENDIX. 811
or 1653, it was so ordered, that one of the servants and mes
sengers of Jesus Christ, namely, WiUiam Dewsbury, came to
a town called Settle, in the west part of Yorkshire, on a
market-day, and stood upon the cross, and proclaimed the
terrible day of the Lord, which was hastening and coming
upon the ungodly and workers of iniquity ; but he was soon
puUed down, and a great tumult was made, and he was much
beaten and abused. But after some time, being taken notice
of by a young man whose name was John Armistead, (who
is yet living) was invited lo go with him to his mother's
bouse, whose name was Alice Armistead, being a widow ;
whither he went and lodged there. And in the evening
divers people were gathered to the house, it being in the
said town, unto whom he declared fervently against the
fruitless profession of religion which was amongst people at
that time, and directed people to the measure of grace, and
gift of God's Holy Spirit in their own hearts, whereby they
might be taught how to worship God acceptably in his own
Spirit. And not long after this, it was so ordered, that another
servant and minister of the Lord, called John Camm, came
into the said town, on a market-day, and in the market-place
began to preach the doctrine of repentance, and the way of
life and salvation, unto the people. But they soon fell upon
him with violence, and did beat and buffet him very much,
so that he received many strokes ; yet there were some who
endeavoured to bear off some blows, and to rid him out of
their hands ; and after some time he was conducted to the
house of John Kidd, in Upper Settle, where there was a
meeting in the evening, and then things relating to the
kingdom of God were plainly laid down by him.

312 APPENDIX.
Now, these servants of the Lord did not go away without
leaving some impressions on the souls and spirits of some of
the inhabitants of the said town, so that they were convinced,
and came to witness the day of the Lord's power, which
broke forth more and more amongst them, notwithstanding
the cruelty which was used against the servants of the Lord ;
so that there was a people gathered from the world's ways
and worships, to worship God in spirit ; who for that end and
purpose met often together for divers years, from house to
house : and many were convinced of the blessed Truth and
added lo those who at first believed, so that their number
increased considerably. And in process of time, a public
meeting-house was builded by the said people in the said
town of Settle, where a meeting is settled and kept, known
by the name of Settle Meeting at this day. And moreover,
from a part of the said meeting, there is now another meeting
settled, some few miles from Settle, known by the name of
Selside Meeting ; so that the Truth had wonderfully pre
vailed, and does prevail ; blessed be the name of the Lord !
Also about the year 1652-3, came several of the servants
and ministers of Jesus Christ, viz. WUliam Dewsbury, Richard
Farnsworth, Thomas Stubbs, Miles Halhead, and James
Nayler, and preached the everlasting Gospel, by which many
were turned from darkness to light, and from the power of
Satan to the power of God. And by their ministry, a meet
ing was gathered and settled at Scalehouse, near Skipton, in
Craven, in Yorkshire ; and Truth gained ground greatly, so
that several were raised to preach the day of the Lord, and
salvation to mankind through the revelation of his Son,
Jesus Christ, in their hearts, of whom Richard Scostrop was

APPENDIX. 313
one ; who was born the I5th of the 4lh mo. 1628, and was a
persecutor of Friends ; but the hand of the Lord was heavy
upon him, so that he sought to those whom he had sorely
abused, and made confession to repentance, and afterward re
ceived mercy from the hand of God ; and the Lord's power
grew strong in him, so that he was made to declare the power
of God to mankind, and became an able minister of the Gospel,
and travelled into Scotland and many other places in this
nation, to turn men from darkness to light. And though
he was born to some estate, yet for his love to the Lord
Jesus Christ, he left it all, and spent his days in his service,
and died in his travel beyond the seas ; and his memory is
sweet this day among the brethren. Also John Hill was
brought into the work of the ministry, who travelled through
the most of this nation and Ireland, and some parts of Ger
many, exhorting Friends to faithfulness, and to wait for the
openings of life in them ; and great zeal was upon him to
stir Friends up lo meet together on the week-day, declaring
how God could sanctify mean things to Friends who gave
themselves up to serve him in their meetings. He lived to
a good old age, and died the 15th of the 12th month, 1684,
in unity with his brethren.
And the said meeting which was gathered and settled by
those faithful labourers aforementioned, now known by the*
name of RUston Meeting, doth remain ; and the power by
which il hath been settled is the strength and uphold thereof
unto this day.
Likewise near about the same time, the said WUliam
Dewsbury and James Nayler, had some .meetings some mUes
distant from Scalehouse aforesaid ; but Truth getting ground,
27

314 APPENDIX.
and the number of Friends increasing about where they
lived, they settled a meeting near a village called Salterforth,
which is now become a meeting of a considerable number of
Friends, and is called by the name of Salterforth Meeting.
Also about the year 1652 or 3, it was so ordered, that
some of the servants, messengers, and ministers of Jesus
Christ, were drawn to visit a people at, or near unto a town
called Bentham, in the west part of Yorkshire, namely,
William Dewsbury, Richard Farnsworth, Robert HaU, and
John Snayden, by whose ministry divers of the said people
were convinced of the Truth, turned unto Christ their
teacher, on whom they often met togetber to wail, who
gave them lo witness the making good of his ancient pro
mises, that where two or three were gathered in his name,
his presence should be in the midst of them ; by which they
were strengthened, and encouraged to continue their chris
tian practice of meeting together. And their number, since
that time, hath much increased, so that they are now
become a meeting of a considerable number of Friends,
which is called Bentham Meeting.
Now the aforesaid Robert HaU, having a concern upon
him to visit the steeple-house, at Bentham aforesaid, was
sorely beaten and bruised, in such sort that he died a short
'time after. Moreover, from the aforesaid meeting at Ben
tham (there being some convinced) there is a part gone off,
and a meeting settled, known by the name of Wray Meeting,
in Lancashire. [Wray Meeting was commenced in 1689.]
Furthermore, George Fox, at his first coming into the
north, which was in the year 1652, was directed to the
house of James Tennant, called Scarhouse, in Longstreth-

APPENDIX. 315
dale, where he preached the Truth in the family ; and by the
powerful virtue of it, the said James Tennant and his wife
were reached, so as to receive the Truth in the love of il ;
where a meeting was soon after settled, and is continued lo
this day, known by the name of Scarhouse Meeting. Now
the said James Tennant became a serviceable man to Friends
and Truth in his day ; which was not long after the lime of
his convincement, being taken prisoner for his testimony
against tithes, from which he did not decline, but patiently
endured close imprisonment until death.
In the year 1653, about the 6th month, came two Friends
out of the North, whose names were Thomas Vears and
Christopher Atkinson, to a little town called Newton, not
far from Slaidburn, in BoUand, on a Seventh-day, at night,
and were received by James Bond, a poor man, and had a
meeting the day following, where several people were con
vinced ; and the Second-day of the week, another meeting
at Cuthbert Hayhurst's, at Essington, where they were well
received. And a little after, came William Dewsbury to the
house of John Crossdale, and had some meetings there
abouts ; and so came down to the house of Richard Leigh,
and staid there three days and writ some books ; and
afterwards came to Essington, to Cuthbert Hayhurst's, and
had a meeting at Slaidburn, and was puUed down, and the.
town was all in an uproar ; but there were some that were
con-vinced by him. Not long after, John Audland came
and had a meeting at Richard Leigh's, and Alexander Par
ker, being come to his father's house, from Lancaster
where he was convinced, and Cuthbert Hayhurst also being
convinced, and both of them being called to the ministry,

316 APPENDIX.
with those others who were convinced by the Friends
aforesaid, began lo keep a meeting near unto Newton,
where there has been one continued ever since, and is called
BoUand Meeting.
Note. — The said Cuthbert Hayhurst afterwards became
an able minister of the Gospel, and travelled in the service
thereof in divers parts of the nation and some parts beyond
the seas, as Jamaica ; and afterwards, with the unity and
consent of his brethren, removed himself and famUy to
Pennsylvania, where he died in full unity with Friends."

INDEX.

Acroyd, John, Notice of, 215.
218.
Affirmation, 250, 251.
Airdale, Situation of, 11.
Airton, Locality of, 11, 71.
Airton, Meeting-house, 45, 299.
Alaway, William, 171.
Aldam, Thomas, 53, 169, 212, 231, 298, 301.
Notice of, 58.
Letters to, 58, 68.
Letter from, 239.
Alexander, Isaac, Notice of, 214.
Letter from, 216.
249.
Andros, Governor, 223.
Apprentices, Gift for putting out, 300.
Armistead, Elizabeth, 307.
Armistead, Isaac, 297.
Armistead, John, 52, 296, 311.
Armistead, John, Jun. 296.
Armistead, WiUiam, 236, 256, 261, 264, 275, 279, 298,
309. Notice of, 235.
Letters from, 236, 254.
27 * (317)

318 INDEX.
Atkinson, Aaron, 51, 58, 84, 98, 104, 106, 130, 138, 146,
149, 150, 172, 176, 177, 188, 212, 264,
269, 298.
Notice of, 54.
Letters from, 84, 121, 197.
Returns from America, 197.
Atkinson, Alice, 307, 311.
Atkinson, Christopher, 315.
Atkinson, Francis, 23.
Atkinson, George, 52.
Atkinson, John, 296, 307.
Atkinson, Peter, 214.
Atkuison, Thomas, 62, 110.
Atonement, 117, 185.
Audland, John, 315.
Baines, James, 249.
Notice of, 248.
Barrow, Robert, Notice of, 38.
39, 192.
Battersbie, John, 53, 297.
Beardsley, Margaret, 171.
Beckwith, Marmaduke, 53.
Bentham, 71, 314.
Bickley, WUliam, 156.
BUes, WiUiam, Notice of, 223.
Letter from, 223.
Bingley, WiUiam, Notice of, 205.
207.
Birkbeck, WUliam, 279, 297.
BlaykUng, John, 53, 247, 249.
Bond, James, 315.
Bond, John, 156.
Bound, Samuel, Letter to, 133.
Bownas, Samuel, 218, 232, 238, 252.

INDEX. 319

Bownas, Samuel, Notice of, 202.
Visit to WiUiam EUis, 201.
Bowron John, Notice of, 213.
Letter from, 213.
Bowstead, John, Notice of, 127.
Letter from, 127.
Bradford, John, 54.
Bradley, 12.
Bradley, Elizabeth, 307.
Bradley, John, 269.
Buck, Thomas, 54.
Burgess, John, 53.
Burleigh, John, Sen. 54.
Buriington, Meeting held at, 102, 104.
Butcher, John, Notice of, 205.
207.
Cadwallader, John, 227.
Calton, Locality of, 11.
Camm, John, 311.
Camm, Thomas, 309.
Canby, George, 54.
Cannabie, Charles, 54.
Carpenter, Samuel, 103, 256, 257, 263.
Notice of, 147.
Letters from, 148, 175, 192.
arr, Eleanor, 307.
Carr, Thomas, 53, 279, 296, 301, 303.
Certificates of Ministers, 20, 51, 53, 107.
ChaUdey, Thomas, 138, 149, 220.
Chanler, John, Letter to, 132.
Chapman, Thomas, 53.
Clark, Thomas, 307.
Clayton, R. 240.
Clough, Richard, 296.

820 INDEX.
Coleman, Stephen, 171.
Conyers, James, 23.
Correspondents, 210, 245.
CowgiU, John, to the Offspring of BeUeving Parents, 151.
Cox, Thomas, 247.
Crossdale, John, 315.
Davy, AUce, Marriage of, 14.
Da-vy, Jennett, 24.
Debt, Running into, 250.
Dewsbury, William, 310, 312, 313, 314.
Dickinson, James, Notice of, 25.
263.
DUworth, Ann, 137, 172, 192.
Visit lo England, 107, 112, 137.
Dilworth, James, 112, 171.
Di-visions, 259.
Driver, Grace, 172.
Driver, Robert, 172.
Duckett, Thomas, Notice of, 170.
171, 181.
Easton, Richard, 122.
Eccleston, Theodore, 34, 67.
Letters from, 99, 113, 180, 211.
Letter lo, 152.
Ecroyd, John, 216.
Edmundson, WUliam, 47, 164, 217, 218, 269, 272.
Letters from, 32, 38, 167, 193, 248,
272.
Letters to, 34, 40, 155.
Elders, 221.
Ellis, Alice, Marriage of, 14.
Testimony respecting, 304.
Letters to, 29, 61, 79, 82, 94, 109, 120, 123,

INDEX. 321
EUis, Alice, 127, 177.
Letters from, 77, 81, 88, 118.
Legacies, 302.
Ellis, Rowland, Notice of, 142.
Letter from, 142.
EUis, Stephen, 11, 288.
EUis, WUliam, Birth of, 11.
Convincement of, 12.
Imprisonment of, 13.
Ministry of, 13.
Embarks for America, 62.
104, 106.
and Aaron Atkinson separate, 124, 130.
Death of, 278.
Benefactions of, 300.
Return from America, 150.
Estaugh, John, 228. Notice of, 227.
FaUowfield, Jacob, 192.
Farnsworth, Richard, 312, 314.
Fawcitt, Walter, 98, 149, 175, 192.
Visit to England, 107.
Field, John, Notice of, 120.
207. Letter from, 120.
Fielden, John, 298.
Fishbourn, WiUiam, Notice of, 143,
Letters from, 143, 173.
Foster, Christopher, 53.
FothergiU, John, 231, 236, 254, 261, 264, 274, 275, 298,
301.
Notice of, 234.
Letter from, 256.
FothergUl, Samuel, 235.

322 INDEX.
Fox, George, Journal of, 153.
210, 213, 232, 247, 314.
Epistles of, 191.
Funeral of, 205.
Fox, George, 171.
Fox, James, 171.
Franklone, Julian, 279, 307.
Freeborn, Susanna, 261.
Notice of, 259.
Friends, Sundry, letter from, 187
Frost, Mary, Notice of, 15.
16.
Gabbitus, WUUam, Letter from, 136.
Gambel, ElizabeUi, 104.
GaUoway, Samuel, Letters lo, 161, 198.
Letter from, 188.
" Gift, WiUiam and Alice EUis's," 300.
GiU Estate, 90.
GiU, Roger, Notice, of, 172.
114, 146, 149, 150, 172, 174, 175, 181.
Glaister, Joseph, 263, 264.
Gold, present of, 177.
Gould, Daniel, Notice of, 126.
Letter from, 127.
261.
Gouldney, Henry, Notice of, 232.
Letter from, 232.
Gove, Richard, Notice of, 149. 150, 176.
Gratton, John, Notice of, 265.
Letter from, 266.
41.
Gray, Mary, 171.
Gregson, George, 212.

INDEX. 323
Green, Abraham, Letter to, 253.
Greene, Thomas, 54, 298.
Grimshaw, Jeremiah, 207, 212, 231, 250, 298.
Testimony respecting, 212.
Grimshaw, John, 212.
Gwinn, Thomas, Notice of, 16.
Letter from, 17.
Halhead, Miles, 312.
HaU, Elizabedi, 307.
Hall, John, 54. Notice of, 59.
Letter to, 59.
Hall, Joseph, 296, 307.
HaU, Robert, 314.
Hammond, Thomas, 54, 298.
Hardcastle, Peter, 54.
Hardiman, Abraham, 175
Harding, John, 54.
Harmony of the Old and New Testaments, Tomkins's 207.
Harrison, Francis, 54, 301.
Harrison, Samuel, 179.
Hartley, WUUam, 23.
Harwood, WiUiam, 171.
Haydock, Eleanor, 12.
Haydock, John, Notice of, 159.
161.
Haydock, Robert, 41.
91.
Haydock, Roger, 12, 41, 113, 280. 289.
Testimony respecting,
Hayhurst, Cuthbert, 315, 316.
Heathcot, Gilbert, Notice of, 203.
Letter from, 204.
Heaton, Robert, 82, 112.

324 INDEX.
HUl, James, 155, 268,
HUl, John, 313.
HUl, Richard, 166, 188.
165.
HiUary, John, 298.
Hud, Ann, 279.
Hodson, Elizabeth 12.
Holland, 99, 113.
Holt, WUUam, 296, 307.
Holy Spirit, leaching of, 94.
Hopwood, Alexander, 54.
Hornor, Benjiman, 298.
Hoskins, Asther, 171.
Hoskins, Richard, Visit to Maryland, &c. 108.
Huberstie, Robert, Notice of, 205.208.
HuUey, Edward, 247.
HuUey, John, 274.
Hunter, Stephen, 54.
Ibason, Richard, 53.
Imprisonment for School-keeping, 139.
Indians, Distress from, 255, 257.
Intolerance, 205.
Ireland, Visit to, 20.
Jackson, Henry, jun. 298, 301.
Janney, Thomas, Notice of, 102.
104.
Jennings, Samuel, Notice of, 102.
Letter from, 263.
225.
Jepson, John, 53.
Jewish Church, 210.
Jones, Griffith, 104, 107.

INDEX. 325

Johns, Abraham, Letter from, 145.
Johns, Richard, Letters from, 150, 261.
Letters to, 159, 198, 235.
Johnson, Thomas, 54. Notice of, 86.
Letter to, 86.
Kay, Jonathan, 214.
Kay, WUUam, 214.
Keith, George, Notice of, 96. 97, 107, 155, 244.
KelsaU, John, 276.
Kidd, John, 53, 311
Kindell, Abraham, 54.
KingshaU, Ann, 60, 279.
King, Henry, 53.
King, John, 279, 296.
King, Lawrence, 80, 218, 266, 272, 279, 296.
Notice of, 215.
Kirkbride, Joseph, 147, 149, 176, 192.
Knipe, George, Notice of, 269.
Letter from, 270.
Lapham, John 188. '
Lapham, Mary, 188.
Law, George, 135.
Lazenby, Michael, 53.
Leeds, Daniel, 107, 108.
Leemui, George, 24, 52.
Leigh, Richard, 315.
Lewis, John, 160.
Loyd, David, 257.
Lodge, Robert, 212.
Loft, John, 54.
Longdale, Josiah, Notice of, 231.
28

326 INDEX.
Longdale, Josiah, 231, 264.
Lowe, Eleanor, 12.
Meeting for Sufferings, 245, 268.
Middleton, Bossall, 54, 301.
Mihier, Michael, 54, 301.
Ministers, Acknowledgement of, 278.
Advice to, 105.
Payment of, 122.
Young, Care of, 267.
Ministers and Elders, Meetings of, 88.
MitcheU, Henry, 172.
Mixed Marriages, 219.
Monthly Meetings, 219.
Moon, Paul, 99.
Moore, John, Jun. 297.
Moore, Elizabeth, 81.
Moore, John, 52, 81, 296, 302, 309.
Morning Meeting at York, 207.
Morris, Anthony, 137.
Notice of, 146.
Letters from, 147, 251.
Mott, Cassandra, 188.
Mott, Jacob, Jun. 188.
Notice of, 18
Molt, Joanna, 188.
Musgrave, Thomas, 53.
Musgrave, Thomas, Notice of, 170.
172, 175.
Myers, George, 41, 109, 125.
Nayler, James, 213, 312, 313.
Needham Market, 90.
Negroes, 85.
Newbery, Leah, Letter from, 260.

INDEX. 327
Newby, Gabriel, 228.
Newby, Nathan, Letter to, 218.
Letter from, 225.
" News of a Trumpet," 103, 107, 108.
Newton-in-BoUand, 71, 315.
Nicholson, Joseph, 279, 309.
Oaths, 250, 251.
Oracle, 206.
Overseers, Letter to, 1 14.
Owen, Griffith, Notice of, 96.
Letter from, 144.
97, 104, 150.
Page, Thomas, 226.
Paidge, Thomas, 155.
Parker, Alexander, 315.
Parkinson, Phineas, 23, 110.
Passengers, Death of, 172, 175.
Pearce, Richard, Notice of, 214.
Pearce, Thomas, Notice of, 214.
217.
Pemberton, Phineas, Notice of, 135.
Letter from, 135.
Penn, WiUiam, 166, 193, 203 208, 223, 224, 234, 272.
Pentecost, 245.
Perot, John, 191.
Pike, Joseph, Notice of, 28.
Letter from, 28.
Letter to, 46.
158.
Pinder, Thomas, 54.
Pittstow, Thomas, 247.
Plumstead, Francis, Notice of, 64.
Letters from, 64, 244, 247.

328 INDEX.
Plumstead, Francis, 231.
Potter, John, 279.
PubUc Friends, Meeting of, 88.
Puckle, NaUianiel, 176.
Pusey, Caleb, Notice of, 103.
107, 108.
Randal, Samuel, Notice of, 28.
Letter from , 28.
Letter to, 45.
158.
Rawlinson, Abraham, 234.
Rawson, John, 296, 301, 302, 307.
Read, Thomas, 296.
Real, John, Notice of, 14.
Letter from, 15.
Rhodes, Sir John, 203.
Notice of, 241.
Letter from, 241.
Rhodes, Martha, 241.
Rich, James, 54.
Richardson, John, Notice of, 15.
15, 96, 186, 206, 208, 225, 226, 228,
259, 264, 298.
Rilston Meeting and Meeting-house, 45, 71, 313.
Rix, William, Letter to, 161.
Roberts, Hugh, 143.
Robinson, John, 53.
Robinson, Michael, 298.
Robinson, William, 180, 191, 247.
Rodman, Thomas, Notice of, 220.
Letter to, 220.
Letter from, 274.
Rodman, John, 156, 238.
Letter from, 238.

INDEX. 329
Rogers, Mary, Notice of, 103.
Visit to Barbadoes, 192.
104, 192.
Rook, George, 168, 195, 217.
Notice of, 215.
Rudd, Thomas, 203, 279.
RusseU, Hasadiah, 188.
Sakra, Daniel, 122.
Salterforth Meeting, 71, SIS.
Sanders, Charles, 171.
Scalehouse Meeting, 45, 312, 313.
Scarhouse Meeting, 71, 96, 315.
Scarth, Joseph, Notice of, 195.
Letter from, 196.
Scostrop, Locality of, 11.
Scostrop, Richard, Notice of, 45.
312.
Scriptural Instruction, 199, 220.
Sedgwick, Jane, 279.
Sedgwick, Stephen, 279.
Selside Meeting, 71, 312.
Settle Meeting, 71.
Settle Monthly Meeting, Certificates of, 20, 51.
Epistles to, 25, 71, 75, 111.
308, 309.
Gathering of, 309.
Shackleton, John, 308.
Sharpe, WiUiam, 54.
Shippen, Edward, Notice of, 176.
Letter from, 176.
122, 224.
Shippen, Rebecca, 224.
Simpson, James, 298.
Simpson, Mary, 204.
28*

330 INDEX.
Slack, John, Letter from, 177.
Slaidburn, 315.
Slater, WiUiam, 279, 297.
Slocum, Eleazer, 188.
Slocum, Mary, 188.
Slocum, Peleg, Notice of, 186.
188.
Smales, Miriam, 196.
Smith, Francis, 298.
Smith, John, 54.
Smyth, Thomas, 171.
Snayden, John, 314.
South America, Visit to, 213.
Southebe, WiUiam, Letter from, 141.
Sowle, J. 284.
Sparrow, Solomon, Letter to, 161.
Squire, Adam, 52, 62, 110 125, 178, 296.
Notice of, 90.
Letter from, 90.
Letter to, 101.
Stall, Jennett, 24.
Stinkhorn, 206.
Stockdale., Thomas, 23, 53, 62, 110, 125.
Stockdale, WUUam, 297, 307.
Story, Thomas, 85, 114, 146, 149, 150, 172, 173, 176, 181,
186.
Stott, AbigaU, 12, 29, 60.
Notice of, 279.
Testimony of, 280.
Stott, Jacob, 282.
Stott, John, 12, 60, 280, 288.
Stow, Jennett, Notice of, 203.
279.
" Strange Thing," 206, 208.
Strettel, Amos, 158, 168.

INDEX. 331

Stubbs, Thomas, 312.
Swire, Thomas, 29.
Tatham, Christopher, 125.
Tatham, James, Notice of, 18.
Letter from, 19.
232, 233, 244.
Tatham, John, Notice of, 20.
18.
Tatham, Thomas, 299.
Taylor, John, Notice of, 210.
53, 212.
Taylor, Jonathan, and Negroes, 86.
Tennant, James, 315.
Testimony of Abigail Stott, 280.
of Alice EUis, 284.
respecting Alice EUis, 304.
of Thomas Thompson, 286.
of Settle Monthly Meeting, 288.
respecting Roger Haydock, 48.
respecting Jeremiah Grimshaw, 212.
respecting John Wynn, 183.
of York Quarterly Meeting, 297.
Thomas, Edward, 226.
Thomas, Samuel, Letter lo, 161.
Thompson, Francis, 54.
Thompson, Gilbert, Notice of, 139.
Letters from, 140, 164.
Thompson, Thomas, Notice of, 228.
Letter from, 229.
54, 169, 231, 260, 264.
Thompson, WUliam, 54.
TUlotson, Phoebe, 279.
Tomes, Francis, Letter from, 228.
Letter to, 267.

332 INDEX.
Tomes, Francis, 155.
Tomkins, John, Notice of, 54.
Letters from, 55, 65, 138, 166, 206, 209,
231. 100, 153.
Tomlinson, John, Letter to, 43.
125, 296, 301, 302.
Townsend, WUliam, 100.
Trafford, Thomas, Notice of, 21.
215, 218.
Trustees, 301.
Tucker, Abraham, 188.
Tucker, Hannah, 188.
Tucker, John, Notice of, 186.
122, 188.
Tucker, Ruth, 188.
TunstaU, Robert, 297, 302.
Turner, Robert, 298.
Turner, Thomas, Visit to America, 107, 108.
138.
Vears, Thomas, 315.
Wade, John, 125.
Waithman, James, Notice of, 206.
208.
Waldenfield, Samuel, 205.
Walker, John, 54.
Wain, Nicholas, Notice of, 96.
Letter from, 170.
112.
Walton, James, 279.
Wanton, Joseph, 122,
Wardell, Robert, Notice of, 38.
39, 192.

INDEX. 333
Watson, Mary, 279.
Watson, Samuel, 52, 279.
WeatheraU, John, 297.
Webb, Elizabeth, Notice of, 103.
104.
White, WiUiam, 54.
WUcox, Stephen, 186.
WUde, Thomas, Notice of, 245.
52, 279, 296.
WUdman, James, 279.
WUdman, Martin, 112.
WUdman, Richard, 279.
WUkinson, Hannah, 307.
Wilkinson, John, 191.
WiUrinson, Richard, 23, 24, 29, 53, 62, 83, 98, 110, 124,
258, 296, 302.
WUkinson, Simeon, Notice of, 92.
Letters to, 42, 93.
296, 302, 307.
WiUs, Daniel, 55.
WiUs, Hope, 55
WUls, John, 55.
WUson, Agnes, 226,
WUson, Ann, Notice of, 232.
234.
Wilson, Ann, 268.
Wilson, James, Notice of, 202.
201, 214. -
WUson, Thomas, Notice of, 262.
172, 175, 264.
Windle, WiUiam, 53, 296.
Wood, John, 107.
Woodson, John, 85.
Wray Meeting, 314.
Wrong Spirits, 259.

334 INDEX.
Wyld, WUliam, Notice of, 211.
212.
Wynn, John, Notice of, 128, 183.
Letters to, 37, 128.
Testimony respecting, 183.
36, 179.
Wynn, Stephen, 54.
Yearly Meeting at Lancaster, 276.
Yellow Fever, 170, 171, 173, 175, 181.
York Quarterly Meeting, Certificate of, 53.

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 01478 9623

/ %<*! r-*: