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ACQUIRED BY EXCHANGE

JOURNAL

THE GOSPEL LABOURS

GEORGE RICHAEDSON,

A MINISTER IN THE SOCIETY OE FRIENDS,

mm a iiflsraiilii4al m4^^ of his life and (fharacter.

"A BASKET OF FRAGMEI^^TS FOR HUNGRY SOULS."

AUTHOR'S TITLE OF HIS M.S.

LONDON :
ALFRED BENNETT, 5, BISHOPSGATE STREET- WITHOUT.
CARLISLE : HUDSON SOOTT.
NE-WOASTLE-ON-TYNE ; VT. B. PEINGLE,
ise-i.

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE :
JOHN BELL, PRINTER, RAIL-WAY BANK, PILGRIM STREET.

PREFACE.

In presenting this volume chiefly to the notice of the " Society of
Friends," of which the writer, George Eichardson, was a closely
attached member, the compilers feel that a few explanatory re
marks are needful, beyond those from his o'wn pen contained in the
Introduction. Eesting under a strong conviction that some benefit would arise
from the perusal of his Journal after his decease, he was induced to
transcribe upwards of seven hundred pages, with a view to its pub
lication. In subsequent years, he re-copied the greater portion ot
it, after having carefuUy revised the original, leaving out such parts
as appeared less desirable to print. His intention at that time was,
that it should have the re-vision and sanction of the " morning meet
ing," in London, before it was printed; but that meeting having
subsequently ceased to act in this capacity, the entire responsibility
fell upon his children, who became his executors.
Being desirous conscientiously to fulfil their beloved father's
wishes, they have carefuUy considered his explicit written instruc
tions, and with the advice of a few friends, on whose judgment they
felt they could rely, have selected such portions of the manuscript
as seemed best adapted to answer the end designed, in which service

IV PKEPACE.
they have been greatly aided by their cousin, Joseph Procter. In
making this selection, it has been their earnest desire that they
might be enabled to exercise sound wisdom and discrimination, feel
ing conscious that in many respects they have had a deUcate path
to tread. From the character of the work there must appear an
occasional want of continuity, the ministerial communications in
some places being wholly omitted, either from a degree of similarity
to those previously delivered, or from the notices themselves not
appearing equaUy suitable for publication. Verbal alterations have
been made in some instances, with strict regard to the sense of the
original ; and in a few cases the reports of ministerial service have
been abbreviated, where this could be done with safety.
It has been repeatedly suggested to the Editors that some biogra
phical notices should haye been interspersed among the pages of the
Journal for the sake of variety. The subject claimed their close
attention, but in the belief that the plan they have adopted is more
in accordance with their dear father's intention, and apprehending
that anything they could have written would have rather interrupted
the current of profitable thought, excited by the perusal of the
Journal itself, they have felt best satisfied to give it to the reader
very much as it has come into their own hands, with the exceptions
already mentioned.
The Biographical Sketch, prepared by his daughter, at the end of
the volume, may serve to supply some Unks as it regards the per
sonal history' and domestic life of the beloved subject of the memoir ;
for which purpose, however, the papers he left behind suppUed little
or no data, with the exception of a few letters kindly supplied by
his valued friend, Josiah Forster, of Tottenham, and others addressed
to the members of his own famUy. In attempting this faint outline

PREF.iCE. V
of the life and character of one who was enabled, through Divine
grace, to attain so high a point of Christian exceUence, a fear has
been entertained lest the portraiture should appear to have been
drawn by a too partial hand. In order to avoid this, it was thought
safest chiefly to detail facts as they have come under the observation
of his family or that of their friends.
It is not -without some hesitation that the Editors venture to pub
lish even this brief sketch of their dear father's history, weU knowing
how little of himself he ever wished to be apparent. His own aim
was high, being nothing less than the glory of G-od, and the salva
tion of his feUow-men, through Jesus Christ his Lord. All else
seemed merged in these considerations, as wiU be evident to the
reader of the Journal.
In conclusion, it is hoped that the Divine blessing, which he so
earnestly sought, may rest on the calm, patient perusal of the work,
and that thus the great end which he had in view, in so carefully
preparing it for publication, may be fuUy answered.

CONTENTS.

PAOE.
The Editors' Preface  jj;
Author's Introductory Remarks  ix
Early Autobiography  xiii
Journey with John -Wigham, of Aberdeen, through parts of Yorkshire, Lincoln
shire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, i Rutland, and North
amptonshire, 1808  1
Journey with John -Wigham, through the Eastern Counties of England, 1809 ... 19
Journey with Solomon Chapman, of Sunderland, to Ireland, 1811  40
Journey with Daniel Oliver, of Newcastle, through Cumberland, Northumberland,
"Westmoreland, Lancashire, and Yorkshire, 1813  83
Journey with Joseph TJnthank, of Willington, near North Shields, through Cum
berland, Northumberland, and part of -Westmoreland, 1823  121
Journey -with D. Oliver, through the Midland and South-Eastern Counties, 1825 134
Journey with Daniel Oliver, in Lancashire, Cheshire, Wales, Shropshire, Here
ford, -Worcester, Northampton, Hertford, Leicester and Derbyshire, and
the Westem part of Yorkshire, 1827  189
Journey -with Joseph Knight and Caleb Wilson, to parts of Yorkshire and Essex,
1830  234
Journey to Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire, etc., 1833  250
Journey -with John Eichardson, of Newcastle, into Cumberland, Westmoreland,
etc., 1834  263
Journey to Yorkshire, etc., 1834  272
Journey -vrith Thomas Robson, of Liverpool, iu Cheshire, Staffordshire, Northamp
tonshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorsetshire, Hampshire, Guernsey, Jersey,
Devonshire, aud Cornwall, 1837  277
Journey -with Daniel Oliver, in Lancashire, Wales, Herefordshire, and Neigh
bouring Counties, 1842  287
Biographical Sketch  309
Appendix  -  347

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

In the course of my travels in the work of the ministry, I have
generally preserved memoranda of the openings which were pre
sented to my mind in the exercise of the gift, for my own future
instruction, as also for the edification of my dear -wife and family,
to whom they were regularly transmitted. In later years I have
been induced to read over, re-vdse, and transcribe these fragments,
in the hope that some of them may hereafter be permitted to pass
through the press, for the instruction of posterity, and the promotion
of the kingdom of God amongst men. They are a faithful represen
tation of the dealings of my God with one of His poor unworthy ser
vants, for the edification of His church and people, with whom it has
been my privilege to be associated, both as relates to seasons in
which sufliering and humiUation have been aUotted, and to those also
in which my soul has had to magnify the Lord, and my spirit to
rejoice in God my Saviour.
The fundamental principle of the Society of Friends, as regards the
ministry is, that of ourselves we can do nothing truly to promote the
Lord's work ; but that " every good and perfect gift cometh down
from the Father of Lights;" hence it may be evident to any candid
mind that in thus describing ministerial service, we purpose only to
mention that which the Lord Jesus Christ, the alone Head of the
B

X INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
Church, has been pleased to work through us, and it has ever been
my earnest -wish to ascribe to Him alone all the honour and praise.
That which impelled me to go forth and preach the gospel, also
warms my heart with desire that what has now been committed to
writing may, when I am laid in the silent grave, be profitably perused,
not only by my o-wn kindred, but by my brethren and sisters in reli
gious profession ; and although it may now seem less savoury than
when first delivered, yet, with the Lord's blessing accompanying the
serious, patient perusal, it may be found to contain something of a
nourishing tendency, especiaUy to those in whose minds is begotten
a real hunger and thirst after righteousness. The Lord's faithful
ministers, sent forth to preach the glad tidings of salvation through
our Lord Jesus Christ, experience many precibus seasons of divine
favour, in which the cup is made to overflow ; yet they have many,
also, of a humiliating nature ; they have painful conflicts and deep
baptisms to endure, both on their own account and for the salvation
of others. Truly it is " God that worketh in us, both to wUl, and
to do, of His good pleasure." Hence all glory belongeth unto Him.
Among the many mercies and favours received from the hand of my
Heavenly Father in the course of a long life, I may mention the cor
dial support and encouragement extended to me, by my late beloved
wife, during many long journeys; By conversation and frequent cor
respondence, she uniformly endeavoured to promote a faithful and
unreserved obedience to a sense of duty in the performance of the
requirements of my divine Lord and Master, freely resigning me to
His direction. Many times her letters were as a cordial to my spirit,
for which I have ever desired to be truly thankful to Him, who,
in mercy and loving-kindness, made such provision for my help.
Absence from home brought many increased burdens upon her, yet
I have often admired the manner in which her mind was sustained.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. xi
The regular transmission of my journal in a series of letters, kept
alive and increased her interest, and had a profitable effect not only
upon her own mind, but also upon the minds of our elder children,
for whom my desires were often strong, that the blessing of preserva
tion in the Di-vine fear might be graciously extended over them ; and
I may thankfuUy acknowledge' that my prayers have thus far been (in
a good degree) answered.
In selecting the notes for publication, those have been chosen which
appeared most likely to be instructive, omitting most of those relating
to journeys performed in conjunction with committees, and also such
as were undertaken in connection -with the Lancashire controversy.*
Trusting that whatever may be published will tend to edification,
the work is commended to the serious perusal of those into whose
hands it may come, with fervent desires that through the Di-rine
blessing it may tend to the glory of God and" the salvation of souls.
GEOEGE EICHAEDSON.
Newcastle-on-Tyne, 5th month 18iA, 1857.
* Labours of the Yearly Meeting's Committee appointed in 1835 to endeavour to
restore unity in Lancashire Quarterly Meeting.

EARLY AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
GEORGE EICHARDSON.

It seems -with me now, in the sixty-eighth year of my age, to look
over the notes of my various exercises and travels in the service of
the church and in the work of the ministry, and to reduce thera to
such order as that my executors may be able, in case it be deemed
expedient, to select for pubhcation such as appear likely to be ser
viceable to the precious cause of truth and righteousness.
Preparatory to this it seems proper to attempt to give a brief account
of my early years, and to record some of the dealings of the Lord my
God with me, in the days of my youth, whereby He measurably
brought me to a knowledge of Himself, " the only true God, and
Jesus Christ whom He hath sent" — whom, rightly to know, is Life
eternal. I was bom at the Low Lights, North Shields, in the County of
Northumberland, on the 18th day of the 12th month, 1773. My
father was John Eichardson, son of Isaac and Isabel Eichardson, of
Whitby ; and my mother was -Margaret, daughter of John and Mar
garet Stead, of Kenton, near Newcastle. My mother died when I
was about eight years of age, so that the charge of my education
devolved chiefly upon my father, whose pious watchful care and coun
sel were blessed to me.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, in describing the process of regeneration,
saith — " The -wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the
sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, nor whither

XIV AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
it goeth ; so is every one that is born of the spirit." The Lord's
Holy Spirit often operates on the mind of man in such a gentle
manner, that the efiects at the time are not always very per
ceptible by the creature. " The light shineth in darkness, but the
darkness comprehendeth it not." Nearly the earliest impression,
which I now beUeve to have been of this nature, was, after I had
leamed to read a Uttle, when being left at home on a meeting day, I
got hold of a very smaU book, which attracted my attention. I read
it eagerly, and became sensibly affected by its perusal; my mind
being clothed with a reverent fear of God, with a desire to know
and love Him. Although for some years after this period, my appre
hension of Divine things was very faint and obscure, I deUghted to
hear my dear father read the Holy Scriptures : an elder brother also
frequently read to me in our chamber, especiaUy the accounts therein
recorded of the many extraordinary events which took place in the
early ages of the world, in the deaUngs of God with men. Our dear
father kept a vigUant watch over us, and often cautioned us, some
times in an a-vvful reverential manner; yet in going and returning
from school, and associating with other children, the corrupting
influences of " a world which lieth in wickedness" were not whoUy
avoided; and although preserved in comparative innocence, I well
remember some seasons of deep conviction for sin, when my soul was
led to cry to God for mercy and forgiveness.
When about twelve years of age, I was sent to Uve with an aunt
in Shields, it being my father's intention that I should assist in
the Uttle shop, and also attend school. By this plan, however, my
education, as to school-learning, was marred, yet all was mercifuUy
over-ruled for good, by a gracious Providence. Being confined to
the shop, yet with much leisure, and having access to an extensive
coUection of " Friends" books, I was led to take great deUght in
reading the accounts of the religious exercises and sufferings of our
worthy predecessors ; by which means my memory became stored with
much useful knowledge, and my understanding considerably enligh
tened in the principles of true practical religion. At times I was led
secretly and earnestly to desire that I might be strengthened to take
up the daily cross and follow Christ, by a life of dedication to the

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. XV
Lord's ser-vice. The discipUne, also, under which I was then placed,
had its use in subduing my -wiU, being something Uke what the pri
son house was to Joseph ; and in keeping down the light, froUcsome
nature to which youth is prone, it tended to preserve me from many
dangers. I have often felt thankful that in the early period of my
life I was enabled to take so much pleasure in serious reading, at
a time when I had no idea of ever being called to ministerial labour.
It has been a great blessiug to me, and there is reason to hope to
others also, through my instrumentaUty, however unworthy. There
have been periods of my life when leisure for reading has been want
ing, or when I have been secretly impelled to seek access to the
source and spring from whence aU useful instruction must flow ; when
the primary object of my aspirations has been the inward immediate
teaching of the Lord's Holy Spirit ; but I have abundant cause to be
thankful that I did read when I could, and was drawn to meditate
profitably on what I read, especiaUy in reference to the Holy Scrip
tures, in which I often read only a small portion at a time, cra-ving
the iUumination of the Spirit of Truth to give me a right understand
ing of their contents. Thus I waited as at the posts of the door of
the house of wisdom, and found that saying verified, " I love them
that love me, and they that seek me early shaU find me."
Young people would do weU to consider that with them the period
may arrive when they may have to lament that so smaU a portion of
their youthful leisure was devoted to substantial instructive reading.
Those who do practise it, under the enlightening influence of the
Lord's Spirit, may lay in stores which may yield large suppUes of spi
ritual nourishment to that part in us which is of an immortal nature.
Youth is the time for reading -with double advantage, more especiaUy
the Scriptures of trath, the memory being then more retentive ; and
this mental discipUne -wUl be likely to exercise a useful influence on
the whole character of the man.
When about fourteen years of age, I was placed as apprentice to
Joshua Watson, a Friend, in Newcastie. A residence of twelve years
in his famUy circle proved a blessing to me in various respects. My
mind was powerfully visited by the "day spring from on high,"
and was led clearly to see the depravity of our faUen nature, the

XVI AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
exceeding sinfulness of sin, and to feel the necessity of being washed
in the laver of regeneration. Although I was here much shielded from
gross temptation, and had the house of my eldest brother and sister
to resort to, and through their means had easy access to the company
of valuable Friends, which I much enjoyed and profited by, yet I was
not safe fi-om dangerous temptations. On one occasion (the only one
in the course of my life) I was enticed by a young friend to accom
pany a small party in a walk, a few mUes in the country, on a first
day afternoon. For a time I enjoyed the recreation, and after -visit
ing an ancient castle on our way home, we were planning other simi
lar excursions when, as we approached the town, we met some
Friends who had been at meeting. My conscience was awakened ; the
•witness for God told me I had not been promoting His glory, but
had forsaken the path of duty, and had been treading the broad way
which leadeth to destruction. On reaching my brother's house, he,
with my sister, administered suitable reproof, and expressed his grief
that I should have been thus led astray, which had a salutary effect
upon me. God, who is rich in mercy, especiaUy to those who call
upon Him, was graciously pleased not only to show me the sinfulness
of sin, and to make me feel it to be a gaUing yoke of bondage, but
after thus calling me by His grace. He was pleased to reveal His son
unto me, and in me, as an aU-sufficient Saviour, through whose blood
I might know my sins to be pardoned, and my transgressions blotted
out ; and through whose life, Ught, and power, inwardly experienced,
my understanding in the mystery of godliness would be increased.
Thus I became fuUy persuaded that as I was careful to walk in His
counsel, strength would be received to overcome my soul's enemies,
and that I might know the Lamb to be the captain of my salvation,
and the light of His Spirit to be my sure and unfailing guide into aU
truth. This discovery, being received in living faith, fiUed my soul
with peace and comfort, and I went on my way rejoicing.
A long wilderness had to be passed through before I could fully
enjoy this land of promise, with many deep baptisms and sor4 proba
tions. The Lord was pleased to shew me, both immediately by the
impressions of His holy light and power upon my mind, and instru-
mentally by the mouth of some of His ministers, whom He was

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

pleased, about this time, to send to visit our meetings and famUies,
that if faithful to His requirements I should be caUed publicly to
speak in His name, and to proclaim the riches of His grace, and the
gospel of life and salvation in, and through, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thus Edward Hatton of Cork, though an entire stranger to me, was
led, in a reUgious visit in my brother's family (when I was present)
to see and describe my condition -with remarkable clearness. He
told me, in the light and authority of faith, that I should be caUed to
labour in the work of the ministry. Another friend who touched
my case most clearly was our dear friend George Braithwaite of
Kendal, who, in a meeting, about two weeks before my first ministe
rial offering, plainly intimated that the Lord was about to open a
mouth to speak in His name. My first engagement in the ministry
took place on the 24th of 2nd month, 1793. The words given me
to utter were the plaintive language of the prophet EUjah, when he
stood at the mouth of the cave, deeply concerned at the sorro-wful
blackslidiug of his people, " I have been very jealous for the Lord
God of hosts : because the children of Israel have forsaken thy cove
nant, thrown down thy altars, and slain thy prophets -with the sword ;
and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life to take it away."
See I. Kings xix. 14. At this.juncture our meeting was remarkably
stripped of instrumental help. About two months previous to this
occasion, our valued friend, EUzabeth Clapham, after speaking in
testimony on a first day forenoon, was seized -with apoplexy a few
minutes after she had sat down, and being carried out of meeting to
the doorkeeper's house, she was engaged in fervent prayer for herself,
her friends, and the church at large. In two or three hours she was
a corpse. In addition to this privation, it pleased the great Head of
the Church to remove, from works to rewards, another valuable and
largely gifted minister, -viz., Ealph Bainbridge, who bore a Uvely
testimony immediately after I had been engaged to speak pubUcly.
He never again got out to meeting.
It was about nine months before I felt again called to speak in this
manner. During this period we had no vocal ministry in our religious
meetings, except one or two visits from Friends traveUing in this liae
of service ; yet at no similar interval have I been favoured with more

xvui AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
inward communion with God in our sUent assemblies, or with clearer
unfoldings of the mysteries of His kingdom. Great was the contri
tion of soul which I had often to experience, and tears of holy joy
and thankfulness flowed freely as I sat. Yet in these years of pre
paration for the Lord's service, many and deep were the baptisms of
soul which I had to pass through, both, as it were, of water and of
fire. I had to experience the washing of regeneration, and the
rene-wings of the Holy Ghost ; also, the purifying operations of the
Spirit of judgment and of burning, in which, the Messenger of the
new covenant, the Lord, whom I sincerely sought, was kno-wn to
come into the temple of the heart, and to sit as " a refiner with fire,
and as a fuller with soap." The fire of the Lord's holy indignation
agaiast sin and transgression was sensibly felt, burning as at the very
root of the transgressing nature, that it might be consumed. It is
not the correction of particular transgressions that is sufficient, but
the affections must be changed, the wiU brought iato conformity to
>the wUl of God, and the thoughts into captivity to the obedience of
Christ. I I beUeve it is impossible for any mortal to understand or
/Iconceive the depth and intensity of these mental conflicts, without
K ha-ving personaUy experienced something of them.
WhUst penning these remarks, after the lapse of nearly fifty years,
the times, the places, and the circumstances under which these con
flicts were endured, are vividly before me. But God, who is infinite
in wisdom and power, and rich in mercy, was near for my help and
dehverance ; His own holy arm carried me through, and I was
enabled to see and know that it was His work, that He was near to
preserve me both through the water and in the fire — and in His own
time He enabled me to siag His praise, as on the banks of dehver
ance. My faith in Christ, and in His atoning blood, as a propitiation
for sin, was, in those early days, most clearly confirmed. I felt that
I had "redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins,"
and my heart, as it were, leaped for joy ; yet I knew that I must also
be deUvered from the power of darkness, and be translated into the
kingdom of the Son of God — that Christ must be kno'wn as our
great High Priest, to atone for sin — as a Prophet, to teach and
instruct — and as our Lord and King, to reign in us, and rule over

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

us, without a rival ; that we must love God'above aU, and serve Him
unreservedly. It has been already noticed that it was several months before I
again spoke as a minister ; but the intervals became shorter, so that I
gained strength and experience graduaUy. The trials of my faith and
patience, and the many conflicts and pinching dispensations, tended
greatly to subdue my -wiU, bringing me into a state of reverent
acquiescence and humble resignation to the Divine -wiU, and making
me very careful not to offend or grieve my holy Guide, but to seek to
abide closely by His direction, wherein only is safety. Thus I
became more intimately acquainted -with the voice of the true Shep
herd and Bishop of souls, greatly to my comfort.
In 1794 I was sent as guide to two Friends on a visit to Edinburgh,-
and had the privUege of attending the half-year's meeting, which
proved an instructive time, much life and zeal prevaUing amongst
the Friends there. On my return I had the company of John Wigham,
who was on his way to London, pre-vious to his embarking for North
America. His conversation and fatherly care were peculiarly sweet
and instructive to me.
As I was obedient to the voice of my spiritual Guide my miaisterial
communications became more frequent, and my desires were strong,
that I might be enabled to promote the welfare of the church. I had
frequently to give expression to my feeUngs in meetings for discipline
also. In 1797 I obtained leave of my dear father, and of my master
Joshua Watson, to attend the yearly meeting in London, which
proved to me a memorable time. Several ministers were present
from America. The affairs of the nation,. at this juncture, were in a
very agitated state, through the rapid spreading of sedition and infl-
delity. A dark cloud being thus suspended over the nation, the
minds of many friends were humbled before the Lord, and much
appropriate counsel was extended. On attempting to return home
by sea, the vessel could not proceed further than Gravesend, on
account of the mutiny on board ships of war at the Nore ; so, taking
coach to come home, I visited seven Friends, who were then prisoners
in York Castle, on account of refusing to pay tithes.

XX AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
In the 1st month of 1797 the monthly meeting took my case under
consideration, and recorded my name as an acknowledged minister,
which was an encouragement to me. In the 1st month of 1799 the
quarterly meeting appointed a committee to visit Staindrop monthly
meeting, of which I was one. I was favoured with a sweet precious
covering of soUd peace, and had to admire the gracious dealings of
the Lord of the -vineyard, and the manner in which He was pleased
to lead about and instruct me.
In the Sth month of this year I was again sent as guide to Edin
burgh, with two Friends from America.
In the spring of 1800 my beloved father, John Eichardson, de
parted this Ufe, after an Ulness of three months, leaving a good savour
behind him amongst Friends and others. His memory was pecuUarly
precious to his children.
In another place O. Richardson thus describes the character of
his parent : —
Having for many years endeavoured to walk in the commandments of
the Lord, with much innocency, and being often deeply concerned for
the spiritual improvement of those around him, he received larger
measures of divine grace, and of the gifts of the Spirit, and was caUed
to the work of the ministry. He had long taken much deUght in
reading the Holy Scriptures, and often, when sitting among his
chUdren and servants, would turn to his Bible and read audibly,
for a considerable time together, from the precious volume ; and I
beUeve the effect was very salutary upon the minds of his household.
His first offering as a minister was on 7th month 2nd, 1785, being
in the fifty-third year of his age. I weU remember the tenderness,
humiUty, and simpUcity of his manner. There was a greater depth
of instruction in his communications than was at that time the case
with many others. He was of a deeply contemplative turn of mind,
and frequently drew instruction from natural things in a manner
pecuUarly impressive and appropriate. Thus he became weU instruc
ted in the mysteries of Christ's kingdom, and was often enabled to
draw forth, out of the treasures of a purified, enlightened, and dedi
cated heart, "things new and old," to the edification of those who
heard him. He did not travel much in the exercise of the ministry.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. Xxi
but several times attended the yearly meeting in London. His own
meetings he attended with great diligence, and was often very useful
in the exercise of the discipline, having a lively concern for the
prosperity of Truth. For twelve months or more (before his decease)
he rarely spoke in meetings. On one occasion, at Newcastle, standing
up in the minister's gallery, he noticed this fact, stating that, in
his apprehension, it was so in Divine ordering, he, in a pecuUarly
weighty manner, declared that his faith, hope, and confidence in God
was as strong as ever.
In the course of his last iUness, he repeatedly intimated that he
felt his mind weaned from the world almost as much as if he had
never lived in it; and in his last letter (as it was supposed) he said —
" My mind is calmly centred in the Di-vine will, and I have a firm
hope that, when it pleases Him to take me from this troublesome
world. He wiU receive that part which is fit for eternal happiness into
the arms of His mercy. And as to my posterity, if those I leave
behind are enough concerned to walk in His fear, I have no doubt
that He -wiU continue to be to them a father and a friend, blessed be
His name." At another time, he spoke nearly as foUows : — " I have
been thinking I shaU die, perhaps before many days ; my breath is
short ; I believe I shall breathe shorter and shorter until I breathe
no more ; and when this is the ease, I would not have you to stir or
disturb me unless I request it. My mind is richly replenished with
divine love and Ufe, so that I am not afraid of death, hell, or the
grave. My spirit soars above aU the powers of darkness ; yet when
I look back on aU I have done (I find) I have nothing to depend
upon but the love and mercy of my Eedeemer."
G. E. then proceeds. On the Sth month of the year 1800, I left
the service of my kind and indulgent master, who had often feelingly
sympathised with me in my religious concerns, and had made way for
me, not only to attend regularly meetings for worship and discipline
at home, but also, as often as he was satisfied that it was under an
apprehension of duty, had freely promoted my attending to more dis
tant services. In the prospect of my marriage with his niece, Eleanor
Watson, I commenced business on my own account, and soon after
he transferred, as far as was in his power, one branch of his business

xxu AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
to me. Meeting with good success, my marriage was accomplished
on the 17th of 7th month, 1800, a union which, I have often had to
acknowledge, as one of the many signal benefits bestowed upon me
by a gracious Providence. I chose my dear wife for her reUgious
and virtuous dispositions, which she had manifested from her early
youth. We sought the Lord's counsel and blessing upon our union,
and were permitted to feel the overshadowing wing of heavenly regard
during its commencement, in the solemnity of the meeting held on
the occasion, wherein I was enabled to bear public testimony to the
efficacy of the pure unchangeable Truth, as it is in Jesus, and to the
goodness of Him who had drawn both our minds to choose the same
blessed path.
About two months after this, I was sent, for the third time, as
guide to Edinburgh, to accompany David Sands, from America. He
felt it required of him to have two pubUc meetings on our way. In
these three services as guide, I travelled not less than six hundred
and sixty miles.* In the early period of my life I was largely
engaged in this service, and more especially in assisting Friends to
hold public meetings, i I have sometimes compared myself to the
shepherd's dog. I could not feed the flock ; I was not gifted for it ;
but I could caU and invite them to where they might be fed ; and
this, I have reason to believe, was acceptable service in the Lord's
sight. In 1802, I attended the yearly meeting to my satisfaction and
instruction, though on reaching York, on my way home, I heard that
my only chUd was removed, by death, after a short iUness. I was
enabled reverently to bow in humble submission to the Divine -wiU.
In 1803, having obtained the certificate of the monthly meeting, I
left home, accompanied, by our valued Friend, Margaret Bragg, of
Newcastle, on 2nd of 8th month, to pay a visit to the famiUes of
Friends in AUendale monthly meeting — which ser-vice I was enabled
to perform (in some degree) to my o'wn peace of mind. I had much
cause for humiliation and much for encouragement on reviewino-
this journey. My dear companion and I had sympathy and unity
with each other ; and there was reason to hope that our labours in
* Most of this distance was travelled ou horseback.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY. XXUl
the Lord's work would not prove altogether in vain. My desires
were strong that the Lord would preserve me lowly and dependent,
and lead me to seek Him until He was known to fill aU in my heart,
so that His -wiU might be done in me and by me whUst on earth, even
as it is done in heaven, as far as my finite capacity and abundant
weakness and fraUty would permit.
In 1804, I left home to visit famUies ia Edinburgh monthly meet
ing. I also attended the general meeting (of Scotland). In this
service I had, with thankful, humbling admiration, to adore my God
and Saviour, for His goodness and condescension to His poor unwor
thy chUd. Truly my peace flowed as a river, with a steady and
uninterrupted stream : the only exception arose from my letting in
doubts, which seemed for an hour to deprive me of faith ; but these
were soon dispeUed.
In reference to his deep baptisms of spirit preparatory to some of
these engagements in the work of the ministry, we find him writing
as foUows : — " But, alas ! after my return home, I had to drink
again, and that deeply, of the wormwood and the gall, which humbled
my soul in deep prostration before God. I had often to adopt the
language of the Lord's prophet when he cried, ' Woe is me, for I am
a man of unclean lips : I dweU among a people of unclean lips :' for
mine eyes have seen something of the glorious majesty and unspotted
purity of the King, the Lord of hosts. I clearly saw that in His
kingdom nothing that is impure, nothing that defileth, no root of
bitterness, can exist. May I not say, as did another of His servants,
' I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye
seeth Thee ; wherefore I abhor myself and repent, in dust and ashes.'
Thus it is, that no flesh can glory in His presence."

JOURNEY
t
WITH JOHN WIGHAM, OF ABEEDEEK,
Through parts of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Cam
bridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Eutland, and Notting
hamshire, FROM THE 25th OP THE 6tH MONTH TO THE 8tH
OF THE 9tH MONTH INCLUSIVE, 1808,

Having obtained a certificate from our monthly meeting, I left
home on the 25th of the 6th month, 1808, to accompany my endeared
friend, John Wigham, in the religious engagement he had in pros
pect. We went to DarUngton that eveniag, and attended the meet
ings there next day, being the first of the week. In the afternoon I
had a short testimony to deUver, describing the means by which the
poor in this world's goods may be sustained and comforted, and the
rich preserved and instructed — "Let the brother of low degree rejoice
in that he is exalted, but the rich in that he is made low." In true
humiUation is peace and joy to all ranks — the daUy cross is a mercy,
enabling us to endure the trials of this Ufe with patience and fortitude.
At Borrq-wby. — In the meeting Divine good was near, imme
diately and instramentaUy. J. W. reminded Friends of the gracious
promise left on record of help and consolation even to the two or three
rightly gathered ones, and had to wam others of the danger of the
spiritual seed being choked by the undue prevalence of earthly cares ;
also to encourage some of the youth who appeared to be tender
spirited. I had to admonish to uprightness, and sincerity, and
c

2 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1808.
simple obedience ; for " The Lord preserveth the simple." Fervent
suppUcation was also offered for an awakened state.
Thirsk. — In the meeting in the evening a reaching caU to a back
sliding state was extended: that which effectuaUy visits was felt
preciously near.
York. — Quarterly Meeting. The meeting of ministers and elders
was to us an humbling season. Our certificates were read ; and our
poor miads, almost ready to droop, were sweetly encouraged by a
female minister ; after which, a precious feeUng of heavenly regard
was sensibly afforded.
In the meeting for worship on 4th day morning, several lively
testimonies were delivered ; and, near the close, I had to attempt to
reUeve my mind of a heavy burden which it had been brought under
for those who are not exercised for themselves; to re-vive in their
remembrance the parable of the rich man, who, when plunged into
the gulf of irrevocable judgment and misery, was roused to an earnest
desire that his five brethren might be warned ; endeavouring to
impress the lethargic minds of the careless and disobedient, and the
lukewarm and indifferent, with the consideration of his plaintive
language and tremendous situation, when the hour of avaUable repen
tance was past for ever. The witness in some minds I trust was
: reached, and my poor exercised spirit much relieved, being preserved
under a covering of that love which longs to gather.
In the management of the discipUne we thought the exercise was
too circumscribed, resting on the shoulders of a very few active
members, perhaps so much as, in some degree, to paralyse many
other useful gifts ; yet in passing along the country we thought we
often saw the good effect of this meeting's vigUant care. Its labour
appears to have been blessed, and to have contributed to the preser
vation of its extensive charge.
The meeting for worship on 5th day was a lively favoured season.
I was ready to fear there had been too much offered, but felt con
strained to make a short addition, which I trust proved seasonable
and acceptable : a caution to beware of frustrating the gracious will
of God concerning us, who, agreeable to ancient declaration, ' is
disposed to make the hearts of His chUdren, and the assemblies of

.BT. 34. J JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 8
His people, His habitation or temple, wherein He would deign, and
even deUght, to dwell.
HuBY. — In the evening, walkiag in a field alone, I was brought
under great exercise for the prosperity of the cause in which we are
engaged, and was enabled to put up fervent petitions to the throne
of grace for help and preservation ; that the arm of mercy might be
extended around my dear wife, who had been left with the load of
aU my outward cares, and that she might be strengthened to unite
in desires for the advancement of the great and good cause. I
beUeve my prayers were heard, and my miad felt stayed upon God
who alone worketh in us, and through us, to the glory and praise of
His great and eternaUy adorable name.
Thornton in the Clay. — In this little meetiag my heart was
enlarged in love ; and wisdom and utterance were granted in a plen
tiful degree, I trust to the edification of the people : — " Come, let
us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of
Jacob." The mind, soaring above earthly enjoyments, ascends as
into the mountain of the Lord, and is there prostrated in His house
of prayer, experiencing in this heavenly, yet humbled state, a being
taught in His ways ; and, abiding in His fear, is enabled to walk in
His paths. My dear companion also was enabled to minister, under
the prevaUing influence of Divine power. It was truly to us a
precious meeting.
Malton. — This also was a season of favour, though the testimony
given me to bear was, as often, short, from the Psalmist's words —
" Send out thy light and thy truth ; let them lead me ; let them
bring me unto thy holy hiU and to thy tabernacle."
Ayton.- — Divine love was felt to flow toward aU classes. I had to
magnify the condescension and long-suffering of God, in extending
His merciful visitations from season to season, even to the rebeUious,
quoting the pathetic lamentation of our dear Lord over Jerusalem ;
also the language of the Most High through the mouth of His pro
phet — " How shaU I give thee up ? how shaU I put thee amongst
the children ? How shall I make thee as Admah ? how shaU I set
thee as Zeboim?" beautiful cities in a fruitful land, but which,
continuing in rebellion, were involved in destruction with Sodom and

4 JOXTRNEY with JOHN -WIGHAM. [1808.
Gomorrha. The Lord loves — ^He spares long — He pities — ^yet He
finaUy punishes the impenitent and rebellious. We trust it was a
season of renewed -visitation to many, and of favour to us poor feeble
instruments. Many are my exercises as I pass along, and much the labour of
body and mind ; but the Lord hath dealt graciously and bountifully
with me; — often has my spirit been refreshed in His presence —
often, after deep confiict, is my cup made to overflow — my heart
is enlarged in love to my God and to His people ; and, at times,
to those who are as yet enemies to the cross of Christ. I feel
the most unshaken assurance that it is the Lord's doing, — aU glory
be ascribed to His adorable name ! He hath enabled me to rejoice
even in tribulations ; and to know these to work patience, experience,
and hope, which maketh not ashamed.
GuiSBOROUGH.— We were led through suffering to sympathise
with a discouraged state. J. W. was twice engaged, under the feel
ing of great poverty and weakness ; yet had some experimental hints
to offer. Near the conclusion I had to stimulate to the exercise of
patience and faith, and to a close attention to the pointings of best
wisdom ; re-viving the passages respecting Israel when pursued to the
borders of the Eed Sea. We felt near in spu-it to some of them.
Castleton. — The youth were caUed upon to yield to Divine visi
tation, and be -wUling to be led as into the wUderness — into paths
which they have not known ; so shall they receive their -vineyards
from thence, and the vaUey of Achor for a door of hope. Some of
them appeared to be reached. As the meeting was breaking up,
I could not be easy without cautioning against the evU root of
bitterness — admonishing them to walk in the Ught in which true
feUowship is known and maintained ; and wherein is perceived the
ground and cause of each other's fraUties, by which we are enabled
to cast over them the mantle of charity.
Whitby. — Here I was engaged to proclaim an awful warning to
the rebeUious — to such as were yielding to wicked practices; and
who, being in the habit of resisting the stri-vings of grace, were in
great danger of continuing so to resist, as to seal their o-wn final
condemnation.

.ffiT. 34. J JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 5
Notice was given for a pubUc meeting in the evening. The house
was fiUed ; soon after which, dear George Sanders was engaged in
life and power in opening Gospel truths. I was then raised above my
discouraged feeUngs and fears, being enabled, I trust, under right
influence and authority, to minister unto the people somewhat largely.
J. W. had but Uttle to communicate, but that little sweet and instruc
tive. These favours cheered me.
OusTWiCK. — I was brought into a painful exercise, under an appre
hension that many were contiauing in disobedience to much light,
but was favoured to obtain reUef in a good degree of patience, though
through much wading. The -view of the "Witnesses lying slain
in the streets," with the voice of Saul, "Why persecutest thou
me?" was instructively opened. If we rebel against and grieve
the Lord's Holy Spirit, we are in the state of those who persecuted
Jesus. The extensive and important iafluence of good example, and
the deplorable final consequence of injuring others by evil example,
were set before them. I was also engaged in suppUcation for the
continuance of mercy.
Well-wick was our next meeting. Many strangers came in, to
whom we were principaUy led to speak — my companion very clearly.
I had to recommend practical religion. " Christ came to make an
end of sin, and to finish transgression." As we yield obedience to the
»
Ught, we receive more light. Things which are not now seen to be
sinful wiU then, in this increased light, be clearly manifested to
be so. Only by obedience to the revealed wUl of God can a know
ledge of the purity of the doctrines of the Gospel be obtained.
Motes are not discovered in the shade, but only as we approach
the light of the meridian sun.
Hull. — In this meeting we felt pubUc labour difficult. When
the wicked prosper, and the proud are accounted happy, the feet of
the righteous are weU nigh ready to slip — they are ready to conclude
their walking mournfuUy is almost in vain, — " UntU," as saith the
Psalmist, " I went into the sanctuary of God ; then understood I
their end." [When favoured -with access to the fountain of pure
counsel we see beyond the narrow confines of time, and are enabled
to put our trust in the Lord.] As this state of things is a source of

6 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM'. [1808.
temptation and discouragement to the righteous, so also is it of delu
sion to the wicked, who, in the day of their prosperity, are ready to
say, " The Lord seeth us not." " The Lord hath forsaken the earth."
Be-verley. — This meeting, though smaU, is of the substantial
class : we had some comfort amongst them. The state was ad
dressed of those who, in the season of strong conviction, were ready to
adopt the language of Israel formerly, " AU that the Lord hath said
wUl we do, and be obedient;" who yet were sitting down in a rest
far short of that prepared for the people of God, and even perhaps
indulging perverse inclinations.
Skipton. — After attempting to encourage the afflicted, J. W. was
engaged in offering very pertinent counsel; after which, I seemed
commissioned, under feelings of great oppression and weakness, to
address a grievously entangled and fettered state, and to proclaim
the offer of dehverance, provided obedience was yielded to that
power which had somewhat awakened to a sense of danger.
Hull Monthly Meeting. — It proved a refreshing season. Divine
goodness favouring us -vrith the flowing of the Eiver of Life, whereby
ability was afforded to labour to draw the minds of the people nearer
to its source. We were both engaged in ministry. I am daUy made
eensible of my own weakness, and entire insufficiency of myself to do
any good. I often see I am but a chUd in the ministry ; yet I have
at seasons to magnify and adore the gracious power which hath
helped me hitherto. His ser-vice is often my deUght, and His chas
tisements my comfort : a hope is sometimes raised that He -vriU yet
preserve me, and that He stands graciously disposed to perfect
the work which He requireth at my hands to His own glory.
Spalding. — I was led to address the true mourners, and to stir up
all classes to a just sense of the many dangers that await us in our
spiritual progress ; and to the consideration of human fraUty, of which
all partake. Of this truth the twelve Apostles afford an affecting
instance : one betrayed his Lord ; another denied Him ; and the rest
fled from Him at that awful crisis when He, the Lord of life and
glory, was led " as a lamb to the slaughter." When the true seed
is in captivity, and the power of darkness is permitted to prevaU, then
human frailty too often evinces itself, even in the best — the most

MT. 34.] JOURNEY -WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 7
experienced. If, then, "the righteous scarcely be saved, where
shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?" If the most watchful and
circumspect are at times foiled, how shaU the negligent and the dis»
obedient escape ?
Gedney. — In much fear and deep concern for the church's pros
perity I was led to address several present, who appeared to be
placed as watchmen on the walls ; beseeching them to present them
selves as living sacrifices, and to guard agaiast a conformity to this
world : that, knowing a being transformed by the renewing of their
minds, they might prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect
wUl of God concerning them ; and thus, Uving near the fountain, be
qualified to receive the watchword to give to their brethren; and
perhaps become commissioned to anoint, as with the holy oU of
spiritual influence, others as their successors in the church.
Lynn. — Here we attempted to hold up the standard of truth to
thefr view, but they have mixed -with the people — " strangers have
devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not ; yea, grey hairs are
here and there upon him, yet he knoweth it not." This portrait of
their condition J. W. held up to their view. They have bowed to
the gods of the nations amongst whom they dwell, therefore the Lord
hath permitted them to be carried captive ; nor can they escape until
their hearts are turned to the Lord, whom they have forsaken. We
lamented exceedingly over them ; and though we felt constraiaed to
speak what appeared to be required of us, yet we -(vere almost ready
to adopt the language — " There is no hope."
Wells. — Few indeed appear at aU attempting to maintain the
testimonies of truth, and these few are in a languid state. I felt
extreme reluctance again to use the rod — again to speak truths that
could not be received. I never, that I remember, felt a greater aver
sion to appear in pubUc testimony — my nature shrank exceedingly ;
however, the constraining power was mighty, and finaUy prevaUed.
I stood up, told them the conflict I had felt, and was soon raised
above aU opposition, and enabled to proclaim a solemn affectionate
warning and invitation to submit to the cross. I trust it wiU be
remembered. I have seldom felt so great a flow of peace, as, after
this meeting, awaited me. I felt fuUy clear of their blood, and

8 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1808.
abundance of love flowed toward them. May the Lord again visit —
yea, powerfuUy visit them !
Wymondham. —Here I was led to speak of the nature of leaven
and of the different sorts : the leaven of the Kingdom, of the Phari
sees and Sadducees, *and of the world. We are leavened by, and
graduaUy partake of, the nature of that which we yield to.
Ti-VBTSHALL. — I had to set before Friends of this meeting a view
of the state of the Society in this country, as far as we had seen,
or had been able to discover it — the great want of spiritual gifts —
reviving the exhortation of the Apostle, to covet these earnestly;
and the gracious assurance, that our heavenly Father is disposed to
" give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him ;" expressing my per
suasion, that, as we generaUy reap what we sow, and obtain that
which we earnestly seek ; and as it is evident, that far too many
amongst us are most earnest in seeking the accumulation of wealth,
and neglecting to seek sufficiently the Lord's spirit, or to desire His
spiritual gifts, so to this cause, surely, may be attributed their
absence. The Lord would give, did we but diUgently enough and
properly ask and seek. I was enabled to handle the subject, I
¦ trust, in a degree of living power — in love and Divine authority —
and to point to that which, if yielded to, would yet beautify our Zion,
and make her sons as living stones — a spiritual house.
Tasburgh Meeting.— j. W., after encouraging the honest-hearted,
tendered some close hints to a different class. With the eye of
reason I was at a loss to discover where to find the sort of character
he described ; yet I had faith to beUeve he was on the foundation of
true discernment : but before the day was over, the secret was un
folded by visible demonstration. I was led chiefly in a doctrinal
path, which opened with considerable clearness.
Yarmouth. — I was especially dra-wn towards the youth, of whom
there is a large proportion ; and was led to describe some of their
temptations and dangers in language that appeared powerfuUy to
arrest their attention. I write in simpUcity, not in any degree
boastingly. AU glory is due to God — to Him I sincerely ascribe it ;
but I teU of " His goodness, and of His wonderful works to the
children of men." When we consider, that even the experienced

^T. 34. J JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 9
and established Christian can scarcely endure the sneer of contempt
-without feeling his nature recoU, we need not wonder that inexpe
rienced youth, who perhaps, when thus treated, feel conscious of a
want of proper consistency of conduct, should at times faU to endure
the conflict. Again : There is in youth a natural desire to please.
This sometimes betrays the unwary mind into improper and unsafe
compUances. "My son, when sinners entice thee, consent thou
not." There is danger in the company of habitual sinners. They
do not at once entice to sin ; but draw the unwary to partake first of
their lawful enjoyments, and then by degrees of their unla-wful ones.
We even become partakers of their sins by countenancing them, or
conniving at them. Hence, e-vU communications or associations
almost invariably corrupt good manners ; and in such associations,
the shame of the cross is doubly hard to endure.
In my solemn waiting on my Guide, as we came along last eveniag,
imploring His direction and assistance, my mind was turned toward
the people of Yarmouth ; and at the close of the meeting this morn
ing, I found my peace was involved in obedience to this prospect.
My companion had not seen it on his own account, but readUy
acquiesced in promoting my view. Notice was given of a pubhc
meetiag, and the house, which is rather smaU, was about fiUed.
AbUity was afforded to declare Gospel truths in. a degree of Gospel
power; yet it did not rise into fuU dominion. The people were
attentive, yet we feared many of them were very ignorant of the life
of true reUgion.
Yarmouth Monthly Meeting, at Beccles. — I had to press on
them a fuU dedication of heart, whereby they might know " their
peace to flow as a river, and their righteousness as the waves of the
sea;" and thus become of the holy souls into which wisdom enters,
and makes of them friends of God, and prophets.
NoR-wiOH Monthly Meeting. — My dear companion had faith to
proclaim his prospect of better times ; provided those whom the Lord
is -visiting, and wUl hereafter visit, in this place, are but faithful.
He was led to speak very encouragingly to some of the youth, hoping
that from amongst them the Lord is about to raise up some, to whom

10 journey with JOHN WIGHAM. [1808-
He wUl give ability again to erect the standard, which is lamentably
faUen to the ground in various parts of this quarterly meeting. After
J. W. had closed his consoling testimony, I had to describe the
difference betwixt the states of those who are bending towards God,
and those who are bending from Him. Perhaps as to the outward
appearance, there may not be -visible much if any difference ; indeed,
the latter may seem to be further advanced than the former; yet
mark their respective progress, and the great difference will soon be
manifest. The one, approaching the source and fountain of good,
gains Ught and strength; the other, receding fi-om it, loses in propor
tion ; and their final terminations are widely different. He who has
aU power, who " ascended up on high,^' and " led capti-vity captive ;"
who binds the strong man armed, takidg from him his armour wherein
he trusteth, subdues his strong propensities, and silences his subtle
reasonings ; thus graduaUy effecting a change, and preparing for the
reception of those gifts which He giveth unto men.
Wymondham Monthly Meeting, held at Attleburgh. — " Thy
slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle." They
have died ingloriously, without conffict, without fighting. "Death
reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned
after the similitude of Adam's transgression." Spiritual death
reigneth over some, who perhaps are endeavouring to keep the
moral law in-violate ; but who, not submitting themselves to the
righteousness of God in Christ, do not experience the efficacy of
the quickening spirit and power, by which alone they can be made
truly alive, and enjoy a spiritual communion with Him. Yet I had
to beheve that the goodwill of Him, who dwelt in the bush, who
hears the cries of His oppressed seed, was near; and would yet
open a door of deliverance, if there were but a sufficient sense of
bondage, and desire after escape from it, with a disposition to fol
low faithfully the heavenly Leader.
Wereham. — We have endeavoured to speak the truth in love, in
meekness, in sympathy, and have laboured in faithfulness to Him
who sent us forth. We trust several have acquiesced in our
testimony. We leave the event, suppUcating for a blessing on our

¦aST. 34.] JOURNEY with JOHN WIGHAM. 11
feeble endeavours, and that the Great Shepherd of Israel will be
pleased yet to "raise up a deliverer in Zion, who shall turn away
ungodliness from Jacob."
March. — This meeting, of about twenty persons, is gathered whoUy
by convincement. I had to speak of the various dispensations of
God to man — of the caU of Nathaniel and of Cornelius into the know
ledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Christian dispensation.
He caUed them thereinto, although they both were pious characters
before. He graciously accepts those who fear Him, and work
righteousness, whether He ever see meet to caU them into other or
higher dispensations or not. Some He thus calleth ; but others, for
whom Christ gave His life a ransom, and with whom His Spirit
strives, are not so favoured ; yet both are accepted, as they are dis
posed faithfully to occupy with, and improve the talents with which
they are entrusted : but when any are called they must obey, or
sustain a diminution of the Divine favour. All are encouraged to seek
the Holy Spirit, through whom we are not only taught and instructed,
but baptized ; thereby becoming partakers of the Divine nature, and
escaping from the corruptions which are in the world through lust :
this is the fulness and glory of the Christian dispensation.
Earith. — I felt greatly exercised, yet under close restraint ; but
at length strength and clearness were granted to stand forth, and
abUity afforded to set forth the necessity and advantage of being
preserved sensible of dependence on our heavenly Father, for the
supply of both temporal and spiritual nourishment. The tendency
which the increase of riches, and fulness of bread, have to raise
the fraU mind of man above this humble, dependent condition, was
elucidated by the example of the rich man. Contrasted with this
was the state of Abraham, who, in aU his encampments, made it his
primary care to " set up an altar, and caU upon the name of the
Lord," thus manifesting his continued sense of dependence. He
also shewed his lively faith, by the promptness of his obedience,
leaving his father's house and going forth, not kno-wing whither he
went, but humbly relying on the providence and mercy of Him who
called him. The visited youth were admonished to foUow this
example of implicit obedience to the dictates of truth, even when

12 JOURNEY WITH JOHN -WIGHAM. [1808.
they do not yet see the reason of the requiring. This chUd-Uke
state is indeed open to the transformations and delusions of the
enemy ; but our Guide, as we are attentive, wUl enable us to distin
guish His voice from that of the stranger. " The Lord preserveth
the simple," and them that fear Him, — " He delivereth them."
Huntingdon. — Here I was engaged to set forth the necessity of
keeping humble, whatever may have beeh our attainments. Our
Lord's caution to His disciples, and the care of the Apostles them
selves on this subject were revived ; also that prophetic description
of our blessed Lord — "Behold my servant whom I uphold; mine
elect, in whom my soul deUghteth ; I have put my Spirit upon him,
he shaU bring forth judgment to the GentUes — he shall not cry,
nor Uft up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised
reed shaU he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not
quench : he shaU bring forth judgment unto truth." This is a beau
tiful description of His lowly meek demeanour, who is our great
exemplar ; who said, " Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of
heart." Surely the greatest — the most eminent of His foUowers—
have no title to self-exaltation. The two states in which flax may be
smoking were described, viz., after it has been touched with fire,
before the flame commences ; and when this flame may have subsided,
yet before the' fire is fuUy extinguished. The Lord's mercy is
extended toward both — to the newly awakened soul, if but an almost
. expiring spark of grace remain, and toward the backslider, and the
rebelUous also. He does not quench the smoking flax, nor break
the bruised reed.
Nottingham. — This is a large meeting. I had to enlarge a Uttle
on some of the first operations of grace in the work of regeneration.
"As thou hearest the sound of the wind, but canst not teU whence it
cometh, nor whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the
Spirit." By this we learn, though the whole operation of the Spirit,
or source of mental exercise and inward conflict cannot, especiaUy
in the infant state, be understood or comprehended, that yet
enough is perceptible for our present condition ; and if the monitions
of the Spirit be faithfully attended to and obeyed, they are seen to be
of Divine origia. " Thou hearest the sound thereof." Those

•BT. 34.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN -WIGH.iM. 13
convictions for actual sin — inward disquiet, and fears respecting our
future welfare — which the Lord, by His Spirit, excites in the minds
of most, or aU, at times, are the beginnings of the operation of that
power which, if not quenched and resisted, but obeyed and yielded
to, would effect the great work of the new birth. But when the
Lord has thus awakened the soul, and shewn it its sinful condi
tion, He, the holy Eedeemer, must be sought unto, for the perfection
of this work. For as those whom our Lord healed of their infirmities,
when personaUy on earth, had to seek Him and go to Him, He caus
ing the fame of His power to be proclaimed, and but a few were
healed -without this effort on their part, so is His ordinary manner of
working in healing our spiritual maladies. Thus, when convictions
are felt, if obeyed, they are soon seen to be of God. Inward disquiet
and fear do not work redemption, they only awaken the soul, con-
-vince it of its malady, and of its need of a Saviour ; but the Lord
must be turned to, and sought, and waited upon, in the commence
ment and whole progress of the work of redemption. I trust it
was a fresh visitation extended to some, and of favour to the poor
feeble instrument.
Sheffield. — I had to say a few words near the close of the after
noon sitting, tending to set forth the advantage of the sincere
and upright over the formal or hypocritical professor in the hour of
affiietion, and privation of outward comforts. The former having
their treasure in heaven, their affections placed on things in-risible,
are enabled, even in these seasons of calamity and distress, to " re
joice in the Lord, and to joy in the God of their salvation."
DoNCASTER. — The language arose, "How goodly are thy tents
0 Jacob, and thy tabernacles 0 Israel." Here we were both
engaged. I was led to recommend the desire after, and earnest
pursuit of, spiritual gifts ; lamenting the remarkably stripped situa
tion of our Society, in this respect, in very many places ; expressing
my persuasion that the cause of this scarcity is of ourselves;
beUeving that the Father of Lights— the giver of every good and
perfect gift — -with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turn
ing — continues to be graciously -disposed to fulfil the ancient prophecy
relative to the Gospel dispensation : " It shaU come to pass afterward.

14 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1808.
that I wiU pour out my Spirit upon all flesh : and your sons and your
daughters shall prophesy — your old men shall dream dreams, your
young men shaU see visions, and also upon the servants and upon the
handmaids in those days -will I pour out my Spirit." Our Lord also
declared that He was come that we might have life, and that we
might have it more abundantly. Is it not therefore probable, if more
of spiritual mindedness prevailed, a more ardent desire to live to our
Creator's glory, more of a coveting of the best gifts, that we might
excel to the edifying of the church — that more of those gifts would be
bestowed upon us ? I was also led into sympathy with some who, if
they were but faithful, would, I believed, be prepared to fill conspi
cuous stations ia the church. I felt great liberty of spirit and freedom
of utterance, and solemn peace was the result.
s ¦ PoNTEFRACT. — I had to spoak of some of the instructive occur
rences related in the life of good King Hezekiah, but had mostly to
dweU on that passage where the people on the wall were commanded
not to answer the blasphemous Assyrian general — recommending
tender minds, who may at times feel too weak to defend their con
scientious scruples with arguments, or to assign reasons for their
conduct, to be content to keep sUence ; and rather pour forth their
cries in the house of God, appeaUng unto Him for help and defence,
and spreading their condition before Him, as this good king was
engaged to do, and experienced deliverance.
AcKwoRTH. — A solemn impression rested on my mind, that
many of the dear children, who are now the objects of the tender
solicitude of their present guardians, wUl soon have to leave this
school and -wiU be launched forth into the ocean of life, where
many may be wrecked, become alienated from the Society, and
perhaps plunged into guilt and consequent misery. In attempting
to express these feelings, I had to endeavour to apply them for
the instruction of those who now have tbe care of them, and
who probably are often tried and discouraged with a simUar pro
spect, when about to resign their charge ; as also to endeavour to
impress the minds of the dear children with some sense of their
danger ; and to point out to them the only means by which they may
escape it, viz., by endeavouring to dweU habitually in the fear of God,

MT. 34.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 15
SO that when they may be carried as it were into a sinful world, and
placed in situations exposed to temptation, they may feel the lan
guage arise, " How can I do this thing, and sin against God ?" I
felt it an arduous engagement, yet I trust some of them understood
me. CoTTiNGWiTH. — I had to express a persuasion that awaited my
mind in passing along, that raany in our Society are depriving them
selves of that fuU flow of spiritual instruction and consolation, which
the Gospel dispensation affords to those who are so concerned to
dweU in its spirit as to maintain the struggle against -wrong things,
and a hunger and thirst after righteousness. To these the language
is to this day proclaimed, " Ho, every one that thirsteth come ye to
the waters ! come ye, buy and eat ! Yea, come, buy wine and milk
-without money and -without price. Hearken diligently unto me, and
eat ye that which is good, and let your soul dehght itself in fatness."
We may also remember our blessed Lord's gracious inritation, when
He stood and cried, saying, " If any man thirst, let him come unto
me and drink ; he that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath
said, out of him shaU flow rivers of Uring water." " The Spirit
and the bride say. Come : whosoever wUl let him come, and take
the water of Ufe freely." By these passages it is e-rident, that
those who feel the thirst, and come to the fountain, truly beliering
on Christ the Life, and concerned to hearken dUigently unto Him,
and keep His commandments, may reasonably expect, yea, may
be confidently assured, that they wiU often know the peace which
flows as a river, and communion with the Father, and -with the
Son, in whose presence there is fulness of joy. But this day of
outward ease and prosperity tends to beget in many a disposition
to turn back into that country from whence they came out, from
whence they were measurably redeemed, again to deUght in the
love of earthly things, or worldly friendship — or to induce in them
a state of insensibUity and lukewarmness, whereby the struggle
ceases — the true rehsh for spiritual food, the true thirst after the
water of life, which was felt in the day of their espousals of their
first love, is lost ; afflictions indeed wiU await, either on our own
account, or for the "body's sake, which is the church;" conflicts,

16 JOURNEY -WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1808.
profitable conflicts, will await ; but even in the midst of these the
mind, stayed on God, is preserved in peace with Him ; and in
the midst of aU, enabled to rejoice. J. W. made a lively addition.
The exceUency, the beauty, the great advantage of fuU dedica
tion, and the mercy and goodness of God, were in some degree
instructively set forth. May I be truly and reverently thankful for
aU the Lord's mercies ; especiaUy for those wherein He has been
graciously pleased to fill my cup, and cause it to overflow, I trust, to
the edification of His church, and to the glory of His great and
adorable name.
Yarm. — " The Lord loveth the gates of Zion, more than aU the
dweUings of Jacob. Thither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,
unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the
Lord." He often foUows with His gracious risitation, especiaUy
when met in the assembUes of His people, even unto old age, those
who may in some degree have long resisted His stri-rings, and often
sUghted His goodness.
Stockton. — The counsel of the Apostle to the primitive beUevers
was revived : " Be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the
work of the Lord;" proceeding to state one great obstruction to our
r-attaining unto, or abiding in, this experience, viz., a too eager pur
suit after the accumulation of wealth. Hereby our stedfast abiding
under the influence of Uving operative faith, which makes fruitful
unto God, is prevented, and numbness and deadness ensue : our
hearts become too intently bent after earthly things. The case
of the young man who came to our Lord with an enquiring mind,
was introduced, " What good thing shaU I do, that I may inherit
eternal Ufe ?" It appears he had been diligently concerned to keep
the commandments, and we read that our Lord "loved him:" yet
the answer He gave him appears to our common conceptions hard,
and with which most of us in the present day would be equaUy stag
gered. " One thing thou lackest; go thy way, seU whatsoever thou
hast, and give to the poor ; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven :
and come, take up the cross, and foUow me." He went away sorrow
ful, for he was very rich. But when we consider the dispensation
which was then fast approaching ; when the disciples generally sold

MT. 34.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 17
their possessions, bringing the amount into one common stock, and
remember, that in the persecution wiich arose they had not only to
suffer the loss of goods, but to hazard the loss of life itseK for the
testimony of Jesus, the hardness of the injunction vanishes, and its
reasonableness opens to our view. Although we may not literally be
caUed upon to make the same sacrifice, yet there are other iajunc-
tions of lasting obUgation : — " Lay not up for yourselves treasures
on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
break through and steal : but lay up for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
do not break through nor steal : for where your treasure is, there
wUl your heart be also." We see some whose riches increase,
through the blessing of Pro-ridence on their reasonable and mode
rate exertions, and others are -without this blessing through exces
sive striring ; and although we see, through the mercy of God, the
minds of some of these enabled at seasons to soar above earthly
enjoyments, yet there is reason to beUeve that their usefulness is
lessened by their earthly possessions. But when we look around
upon the Society, and behold the numerous instances in which
excessive accumulation has laid it waste, leading some into the
earth, and some into the air, and conteinplate the possible result
to the future possessors, although the present enjoyers may escape,
we long that these should open their eyes, and behold the thousands
which lie as it were slain under accumulated wealth — then surely
they would tremble at the prospect, and consider by what means they
might avert so great an evU. As they were thus engaged, and asking
counsel of God, I am persuaded they would see amongst the causes
of prevention a more Uberal distribution in alms than some of them
are in the practice of; and a feeUng would be cherished, that the
treasures we are acquiring are not for ourselves only, but that others
ought UberaUy to partake. Previous to standing up, I felt so much
reluctance to express sentknents so opposed to the prevaUing current
of opinion and practice, even of our Society, that I was m conside
rable danger of disobeying my Guide ; but feeling my peace was at
stake I yielded, and had cause to be satisfied. My dear, companion
bore his testimony of cordial approbation.

18 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1808.
We came home on the 8th day of the 9th month, 1808, where I
found my dear wife and children well ; for which, and all the Lord's
mercies, I desire to be humbly thankful ; 0 that He may be pleased
to enable me to foUow Him in the way of His leadings to the end
of my days !

JOURNEY
WITH JOHN WIGHAM, OP ABEKDEEN,
Through the Eastern Counties of England, in 1809.

Previous to setting out on tliis journey, G. R. attended the yearly
meeting in London; after detailing which, he thus writes : —
On 3rd of 6th month, my companion having joined me, we pro
ceeded on the engagement before us, leaving London for Eeigate, in
Surrey, and the next day we attended the meetings there in silence.
In riding along yesterday, I had to commemorate the Lord's
gracious dealings vrith me in my former journey, in opening for me
a door of utterance from place to place, but thought that now
perhaps He might see meet to prove me with a different dispensa
tion ; yet hitherto I have been frequently comfortable in the prospect
before me, being favoured with access to the throne of grace, and
sensible that I am not left alone, but that He who sent me is -with
me. 0 that I might more incessantly be doing those things which
please Him. This precious intimation was of use to me as a confir
mation of faith in my subsequent pilgrimage, when deep wadiags
were permitted to be my lot, baring often to travaU under great
exercise, without being able to gain rehef by expression ; but thanks
be unto Him who everywhere, and in aU things, instructs us, both
how to suffer want, and how to abound: the former is safe — the
latter, comfortable.
Horsham. — In the evening I had some rehef ia ministry ; yet was
abundantiy sensible of my o-wn littleness and weakness for the service.

20 JOURNEY WITH JOHN -WIGHAM. [1809.
The subject before me was the safety and beneflt of feeling our
dependence on Proridence for the supply of our temporal, as weU
as spiritual wants. In this state of humble trust, being engaged to
seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we are enabled
to say, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" — and are,
at times, led to implore the Dirine blessing upon our endeavours.
Beiag thus preserved in the spirit of prayer, even the outward occur
rences of Ufe, instead of overpowering the mind with oppressive care,
are made to contribute to our spiritual advancement. If favoured
with prosperity, the mind is thus engaged to seek the Lord's counsel
and guidance ; and in seasons of adversity, humbly to exclaim, " The
Lord is the strength of my Ufe, of whom shall I be afraid ?" Friends
at this place related to us a memorable instance of the goodness and
condescension of God, in permitttag evU instruments to contribute to
the carrying forward of His own gracious designs, and thus causing
good to arise out of evU. A man and his wife, who now reside in
this neighbourhood, were formerly leading a gay Ufe. Being together
at a play, in which the " Quaker" was made the subject of diversion,
the player, when about to close his performance, told the audience
that if they wished to know anything more about the Quakers, they
might read "Barclay's Apology." These two persons went home,
sought the book, and, in reading it attentively, became convinced of
our principles, and joined the Society.
Brighton. — There is a considerable meeting here ; a number
of members haring been added by convincement of late years,
some of whom have become ministers. My dear compardon had a
favoured time amongst them — and instruction flowed freely. I was
much exercised in mind ; but attaining to a good degree of patient
resignation, the flowing of love towards the townspeople was felt ;
and, although, from my poor, humbled, stripped condition, I was
alarmed at the prospect of such a serrice, yet waiting quietly, a
degree of clearness and strength was afforded, so that I ventured to
communicate the prospect to my companion. He had no simUar
riew, but felt nothing to oppose to it. The meeting was appointed
for six o'clock in the evening. It gathered slowly; but it was thought
there were nearly six hundred people present — generally of the middle

MT. 85.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 21
or higher ranks, who were remarkably still. I could scarcely keep
out a degree of slarish fear, and had some difficulty in gettiag quietly
settled in mind, but was soon commissioned to stand up, with scarcely
more than a Scripture expression or two before me. I felt Divine
power to arise, and was favoured, under its influence, to labour, I
suppose, for half an hour. My subject was the certainty of death
and judgment. We are accountable for our words and actions, yet
men in general live unmindful of this solemn consideration ; notwith
standing which, the mercy of God was manifested, and His love
e-vinced toward us, in that, whUst we were yet sinners, " He sent His
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish,
but have everlasting Ufe." The historical account of these truths
cannot be denied by professing Christians ; but the experimental
knowledge of the Spirit and power of Christ is essential for our
redemption and salvation. This was urged in a variety of ways. As
soon as I sat down, J. W. was engaged in a Uvely manner ; after
whieh, I had to suppUcate. The meeting closed under a precious
covering of Dirine love. Sensible that I was only a child in this
serrice, I yet had cause for thankfulness. These are indeed awful
engagements for me, but I was made wiUing, through deep suffering,
and the Lord wrought in me " both to vriU and to do of His good
pleasure." AU glory and praise be ascribed to Him, who is alone
worthy, for ever.
Le-wes. — Great poverty and weakness awaited ; but as I watched
unto prayer, a degree of abUity was afforded. " In the Lord's pre
sence is fulness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures for ever
more." But, alas, the supineness of man in the search after this
heavenly refreshment! Those who were most dUigent in seeking
the presence of our Lord when He was personaUy on earth, doubtless
partook most largely of His heavenly instructions. If, in meetiags,
when we are assaUed with a spirit of indifference and roving imagi
nation, we do not yield thereto, nor wUUngly join with our souls'
enemies, nor give up the contest, but rather endeavour to draw near
unto God, the promise is positive, that such "shaU renew then;
strength ;" and abundant experience confirms its truth. We lodged
at the house of a valuable Friend, who is a remarkable instance of

22 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1809.
zeal in instraoting the chUdren of the poor. About four years ago,
he established a first day school for eighty chUdren, and has con
tinued, since that period, to conduct it himself, with his two sons
and a brother, performing their duty both in the mornings and also
between meetings. His noble example seems to have stimulated his
fellow-townsmen, who have lately raised a subscription of nearly
two hundred and forty pounds per annum, guaranteed for seven years,
for the estabUshment of a school, on "Lancaster's" plan, for five
hundred children. The management is principally committed to
himself and another person. "Let your Ught so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is
in heaven."
Maidstone. — This meeting has not been long established ; several
of its members have come in by conrincement, and one or two from
amongst the soldiers. My feelings amongst them were of the plea
sant kind ; yet I sat both meetings in sUence, enjoying the acceptable
ministry of my dear companion, who addressed them in a beautiful
and instructive manner.
Ashford. — J. W. first spoke on some important and essential
doctrinal subjects ; after which, I had to address some who perhaps
were ready to say, " If these things are so, I do not understand them,
I feel nothing of them." Such were reminded, that man in his
natural and unregenerate state, cannot understand the things of God,
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
This was the case with many who heard our Lord's parables and
teaching. Even the Apostles themselves did not understand many
of those things until they were unfolded in their o-wn experience.
Those who were feeling thus, were warned against indulging absolute
unbelief. I felt commissioned, for their encouragement, to rerive
the inritation of the angel to the Apostle John, " Come up hither,
and I vriU shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." To attain to the
privUege of clearly beholding the beauty and exceUency of the true
church of Christ, and to a right understanding of the mysteries of the
Gospel, I believe there is no other way than that which is declared
to be so plain, that " a way-faring man, though a fool, shaU not err
therein;" we must also attend diUgently to that word behind us

¦®T. 35.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 23
which points out the path of duty. This is the ladder whose top
reaches unto heaven. Let us attentively take the first step of heark-
enmg to this stiU smaU voice of the Father's love, this inward
monitor, in what it declares to be our present duty : that which it
points out should now be done that let us do, in Uving faith, and that
which it forbids (or warns against) let us leave undone. It speaks the
wUl of God to us, and as we thus take the first step, and so proceed
by its direction step by step in the same path, we shaU soon experi
ence an ascending to that point where we shaU know more of the
beauty of holiness, and become truly Christ's disciples, and members
of His church, and in her be espoused unto Him. Then indeed shall
we know of His doctrine, and experimentaUy feel the truths of the
Gospel — they -wiU cease to be mysteries.
FoLKSTONE. — I felt it would be my duty to seek an opportunity to
address the townspeople, to which my dear companion seemed to have
no objection. One hundred and fifty people assembled, and after a
season of quiet sUence, I was strengthened to stand forth, a feeble
but sincere advocate of the great cause of truth. Subject and utter
ance were given me, and I was ready to believe it found more ready
entrance in the minds of the people than sometimes is the case. I
had to treat on the variety of ways in which the inhabitants of this
highly-favoured land are caUed upon for obedience and thankfulness
to the Author of aU our mercies. In common with the heathen
nations of old, God has not left Himself without a vritness — in giving
us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, fiUing our hearts with joy
and gladness. He has also furnished us with an abundant means of
instruction in the Holy Scriptures, wherein is revealed mueh of His
works, and also much of His -wUl concerning the redemption of man.
For these blessings only, if unimproved, may justly be appUed to us
the language our Lord addressed to the people of Chorazin and Beth
saida. But He hath yet done more for us, in adding to His other
gracious gifts that of His Spirit, grace, Ught, and truth revealed in
us, and freely offered for our sanctification and redemption. If,
therefore, we neglect to improve thereby, our condemnation must be
great. In the retrospect, I can feelingly say, "Hitherto the Lord
hath helped me."

24 JOURNEY WITH JOHN -WIGHAM. [1809.
Eochester. — J. W. was led into close sympathy with the sincere-
hearted, who often experience great poverty of spirit, setting forth
the Lord's gracious dealings with His chUdren in leading them into
this track. I had to describe a state equally poor and destitute of
good, yet arisiag from very different causes, riz., indolence, luke
warmness, and earthly-mindedness; and had also to encourage all
to a more fuU dedication to the Lord's serrice, seeing He is yet
graciously disposed to choose Zion, to desire her, the true church,
composed of the humble and contrite-hearted ones, for a habitation,
saying, in the language of the prophet, " This is my rest for
ever : here -wUl I dwell : for I have desired it." Thus He is
seeking true spiritual worshippers, and to these, however poor in
spirit they may at times be. He hath declared — I wUl bless the pro
vision of Zion, I will satisfy her poor with bread ; yea. He will
" clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shaU shout aloud
for joy."
London Quarterly Meeting. — The meeting for " ministers and
elders" was a season of encouragement and instruction. SUent wait
ing and learning was my duty. The quarterly meeting was very
large. The words of the Apostle came before me — " We are not
our o-wn, we are bought with a price;" henceforth we should not
Uve unto ourselves, but unto Him who died for us. This appUes
not to those only who are occupying conspicuous places in the
church, but to aU who hope to partake of the benefit of redemption
by Christ. Such are assuredly not at liberty to Uve unto themselves,
but unto Him who died for them ; yet now, as in the Apostles' time,
the complaint is too applicable of most, they mind their own things,
and not the things of the Lord Jesus Christ. Did we sufficiently
surrender ourselves to be the Lord's servants, we should find a
necessity to walk more closely in His fear, wherein, undoubtedly,
we should discover fields of serrice open to our riew, whatever our
station in the church might be. We should first be concerned for
the cleansing of our own hearts, and to obtain refreshment for our
o-wn souls — and then we should feel constrained to wam others of
danger, and to invite them to " Come, taste and see that the Lord
is good."

MT. 35.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 25
I have had to scrutinise some of my late movements very closely,
especiaUy those in London, where I felt less relieved by my ministerial
engagement than on most other occasions since we came out. It
was one of the most important opportunities we have had. I am satis
fied that my exercise was right — also, my riew of the subject just ;
but perhaps it would have been more seasoned with Dirine love had
I kept my seat a little longer. I apprehend it was good sound fruit,
but not fuUy ripe. Prerious to this meeting I was cautioned, by
three different ministers, to beware of too much diffidence, in with
holding too long what was given me for the people, lest I should
lose my opportunity. This advice, weU meant, had rather too much
place, in urging me to too precipitate a movement. There is no
reason to beUeve that the good cause was at aU injured, but that it
was not so fuUy promoted as it might have been. In this, I am
confirmed by others. It produced deep and profitable examination,
and I felt that, as soldiers engaged in battie, we must expect to be
sometimes wounded. The instrument is imperfect, but it is our duty
to labour after improvement ; and being engaged in service is the
most Ukely means to promote this desirable object. The Lord has
done much for me, and is yet graciously disposed, in His own time
and way, to do more. This wUl probably be by permitting me, at
seasons, to pass as through the burning fiery furnace. Yet ia my
anxiety and distress, I was overcome vrith gratitude in discovering,
in the midst thereof, the presence of " one whose form was like unto
the Son of God." 0 how did this cause the tears to stream from
my eyes, enabling me to say, " Lord, it is enough, thou art here,
even in the midst of the furnace." Thus I was enabled to commit
myself into His hands, persuaded that I am in His keeping, even
when the pure Ufe is under the greatest oppression.
Epping. — My riew was pointed to a haltiag state, attended vrith a
commission to speak to it, though for whom I knew not. " Why
halt ye between two opinions ? If the Lord be God, serve Him."
Thou who art hesitating, who art " almost persuaded" to give up to
serve the Lord, but art afraid that if thou do give up, and enter the
strait path, thou wUt not be able to contiaue to walk therein, do not
hesitate—" If the Lord be God, serve Him," He can sustain thee.

26 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1809.
We have not an High Priest who cannot be touched with a feeling
of our infirmities, but who was in aU points tempted as we are, yet
without sin, and is able to save to the uttermost all those who are
tempted. It is proper for us to doubt and mistrust ourselves, but we
may put unlimited confidence in Him, the Lord Jehovah, in whom
is everlasting strength. Let us remember that it is said, " The
righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall
be stronger and stronger." By every act of obedience our light
and strength are increased — by disobedience, the reverse. Therefore
no longer halt between two opinions, but give up to love, fear, and
serve the Lord, and thou may'st rely on His protection and support.*
Stansted. — I had to address the younger class, urging them to
consider what they had experienced of that which is described in
Scripture as essential to a Christian, viz., dying to ourselves, that
we may live unto God. This dying to self is very hard for young
men to give up to, the complete reduction of the creaturely vriU, that
God may be aU in aU. They feel Uvely and strong; but when the
commandment against aU sin is felt to go forth, then that is con
demned for which they did not before feel condemnation — the sinful
ness of sin is discovered, and self is laid very low. The chUd-like
state succeeds, a conversion is effected, and an enteriag into the
kingdom of God, or the Divine dominion gaining ascendency in the
soul, is experienced.
DuNMow. — I had to address a state which I apprehended was
under strong temptation — tempted to throw aside the restraints of
the cross, and almost concluding it in vain to serve God. This
is one of extreme danger ; for if the temptation be at aU indulged,
the mind wUl become clouded and bewUdered, darkness will ensue,
so that perhaps it wUl never discover a way back to the path of safety,
but be irretrievably lost. The way to escape is now to resist the
temptation, and, without reasoning upon it, bend towards God, lying
low before Him, and humbly craving His assistance and deliverance.
It is promised, that if we thus seek we shall find.
* I have since leamed that this communication was spoken availingly, Priscilla
Gurney, sister to Elizabeth Fry, owned that it was blessed to her in a remarkable
degree. — See Memoir of Jos. J. Gurney, vol. 1, p. 272.

^T. 35.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 27
Chelmsford. — A large number of Friends. The meeting proved
a season of good to us both, and, I trust, of instruction to the people.
The Dirine presence was felt very powerfully, holding my mind under
close restraint ; but way opening for communication, I was, through
mercy, guided along through a very narrow path, and had largely to
labour amongst them, being principally directed to the younger class,
many of whom were present. Darid's counsel to his son Solomon
was revived — "Know thou the God of thy fathers, and serve Him
vrith a perfect heart, and -with a vriUing mind." The great want of
seeking after God, and preferring the knowledge of Him, and of His
wiU, and the participation of His spiritual gifts to outward and lower
pursuits, was closely urged. Were we more generaUy to seek, we
surely should more abundantly find His kingdom, dominion, and
government to be established in us, and over us, and should more
often be led to drink of the river of life — the consoling streams of
His love ; and in the sense thereof we should have to exclaim, with
the church in the Canticles, " Thou hast rarished my heart vrith one
of thine eyes, -with one chain of thy neck." We should see him to
be altogether lovely, and feel engaged at times, and ia a variety of
ways, to hold out the language of inritation to others. Yea, was
this precious experience more desired and sought after, there would
be raised up more standard bearers, more ministers and labourers in
the vineyard -wiUing to espouse the great and glorious cause. In our
sUent meditations, in our musings, we should feel the fire to burn,
and to constrain us to speak with the tongue, and to praise Him who
remaineth "glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders."
My spirit in the reriew was clothed with peacefulness and gratitude
to Him who is for ever worthy to be foUowed and obeyed, whose
name remains to be a strong tower whereunto we may safely fly for
refuge. Maldon. — My companion had to point out the necessity of rege
neration, and the vriUingness of our heavenly Father to effect this
work in us. I had to describe how this is often retarded or pre
vented by reluctance on our part. An attachment to some darUng
sin, a desire to retain something forbidden, often obstructs in us the
work of God. Paul was engaged to exercise himself, daily, in

28 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1809.
keeping a conscience void of offence both toward God and toward man.
Many, who are attentive in their duty to their feUow-men, are, it is
to be feared, lamentably deficient towards God. It is our duty to
seek to love and serve Him. Most of ns have our peculiar beset-
ments ; some one sin which easily besets. If we indulge it, we are
faUing short of our duty to God ; but were we enough concerned to
discover in the light of truth what this is, and sincerely engaged to
make war against it, we should find it to lose strength, and a gradual
rietory would be obtained through Jesus Christ our Lord. For our
encouragement, in this painful exercise, let us duly regard His
example. Doubtless this was one of the gracious designs of His
personal appearance on earth — that He might not only bear our
griefs and carry our sorrows, but also set us an example of humiUty,
piety, and self-denial. Were we thus to take Him for our pattern,
and endeavour to walk in His steps, we should make greater advance
ment in Dirine things. We should be strengthened by looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who endured the cross,
despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God,
and ever Uveth to make intercession for us.
WiTHAM. — I had to describe the sufficiency and power of God to
soften the hard heart. " I say unto you, that God is able of these
stones to raise up chUdren unto Abraham." Those who feel them
selves in a cold, hard state, may, from this passage, be encouraged
to beUeve in the power of Him to subdue, soften, and break in pieces
the hard heart, thereby taking away the heart of stone, and giving a
heart of flesh, on which He can and doth write His law. UntU this
change is made, the law of God is not fuUy and legibly written, the
purity thereof is not discovered. The heart must first be softened,
then He writes His law upon it ; contrited, and then He puts His
Spirit vrithin it, enabling us to call Him our God, and choosing us
to be His people. UntU this change is effected, in vain do we caU
ourselves Abraham's chUdren : in vain do we trust to our descent.
Nothing wUl avaU to our acceptance with God short of a redeemed
mind bringing forth fruits to His honour. None can ever find accept
ance vrithout this.
BoCKiNG. — Favoured vrith a season of instruction, silent exercise

^T. 35.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 29
and much refreshment, I was truly enabled to " rejoice in the Lord,
and to joy in the God of my salvation."
Eael's Colne. — The condition of the righteous and the wicked
or disobedient was contrasted, in seasons of adversity. " Say ye to
the righteous, that it shall be well with him, for they shaU eat the
fruit of their doings. Woe unto the -wicked, it shaU be iU with
him," etc. When Jonah had disobeyed the Lord's command, he fied
from His presence. W^hen we resolve to disobey, we stifle conric
tion. He took ship, a storm arose, there appeared imminent danger,
but he, a poor be-wUdered creature, was unconsciously asleep. The
seamen, as is common in seasons of affliction, resorted to prayer, but
they had to arouse Jonah — " What meanest thou, 0 sleeper ? arise,
call upon thy God, if so be that God wUl think upon us, that we
perish not." He appeared to be in a state of despair, and almost
regardless of his Ufe. He knew that for his sake this distress had
befaUen them. When transgressors have to be punished, even the
righteous are often made to share in the affliction. The saUors, at
his request, cast him into the sea ; but the Lord miraculously inter
posed for his preservation. When his distress was greatest, then he
cried, as out of the midst of heU, and the Lord heard him. But no
poor sinner, who thus resolves to stifle conriction, can assure himself
that he shaU thus be dealt with. He may be permitted to be be-wU-
dered, darkened, and hardened, untU the whole body is fuU of dark
ness, and thus he may finally perish. How beautiful is the contrast
in the case of Hezekiah. He also was repeatedly involved in deep
affliction, but he could fly for refuge unto an unfaUing helper. He
had access unto a throne of grace, and could humbly present his
appeal. "Eemember now, 0 Lord, I beseech thee, how I have
walked before thee in truth, and -vrith a perfect heart, and have done
that which is good in thy sight." How precious is such a condi
tion under such circumstances. May we aU more and more aspire
to it. ^
Colchester. — My engagement was an attempt to describe the two
powers which are centred in man for the sovereignty of the soul : the
power of God, and the power of death and darkness. In a consi
derable degree, it appears to be left vrith himself to award the victory

30 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1809.
to whichever he may choose. What an awful consideration is this !
How great the importance of his decision ! If he yield to the
strivings of the Lord's Spirit, and vrilhngly enUst under His banner,
he may wage a war against the powers of darkness, which shaU finally
prove successful. He may indeed sometimes be permitted to be
foiled and overcome, but as he carefuUy maintains his aUegiance, and
enters into no treaty nor alliance -with the enemy, but through the
power of grace, from time to time afforded to the seeking humble
mind, continues the warfare, and maintains the struggle, he will find
his love and zeal in the Lord's cause to increase and gain strength,
and his eril propensities graduaUy to weaken, and, in due time, the
Lord vriU take to Himself His great power, and reign triumphant.
Ipswich. — This proved a good meeting. Previously, discouraged
feehngs had awaited, because, in my private retirement, I could not
attain to that clear eridence of the Divine presence which I ardently
longed for. But when on my feet, the Lord was graciously pleased
to strengthen me, and I was again enabled, with life and rigour, to
advocate the good cause, and was led to set forth the unspeakable
goodness of God to the wiUing and obedient. "Eye hath not seen,
nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things
which God hath prepared for them that love Him." But the want
of entire dedication prevents many from experiencing that enjoyment
of the Dirine favour, which is the earnest pf an unfading and endless
inheritance in the regions of the blessed, and causes them to be
entangled with the thorns and briars of the wUderness. Parents were
also particularly addressed, in a renewal of soUcitude often felt, that
I may be enabled to teach my own dear children, by example and
precept, the law of the Lord, and the fear and love of their Maker ;
and I had to admonish parents to beware of turning the feet of their
charge, in any degree, out of the right path. "I raised up of your
young men Nazarites, but ye gave them wine to drink." They are
given to us in a great degree of compara,tive innocence ; their tender
minds are often early visited with a sense of the Lord's will. How
lamentable, then, if we, their parents, should be, in any degree,
counteracting these impressions, or proving as stumbling-blocks in
their way. Let us then in an humbled state, as did the Jews, vvhen

^T. 35.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 31
returning from captivity, be often engaged to sit, as by the side of
the river, and beseech the God of heaven to shew us the right and
true way, for ourselves and for our Uttle ones.
Leiston. — My portion in the ferrice was to offer a few observa
tions on the eril tendency of envy. It is an evil, to which aU are
Uable, to be tempted. Cain enried his brother Abel, because his
sacrifice met with acceptance when his own was rejected. The
remonstrance vrith Cain, while it severely reproves this envious dis
position, clearly erinces that no offering or sacrifice is acceptable to
God, unless it be accompanied with weU-doing. The Psalmist also
was beset with this weakness — "My steps had well nigh shpped, when
I saw the prosperity of the vricked;" but he was favoured to escape
the temptation by flying to his constant refuge. When he went into
the sanctuary, then saw he their end." Thus, when any poor pious
mind is discouraged, in contrasting its condition with that of others,
by entering into the sanctuary, and there taking a view beyond the
narrow confines of mortaUty, it is enabled to return and discern
between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serveth
God, and him who serveth Him not. " In that day when I shall
make up my jewels, saith the Lord, I wUl spare them as a man
spareth his o-wn son that serveth him."
My engagement on first day moming was to point out the danger
of delay, when the mind is favoured with a renewal of Dirine risita
tion; and to describe the manner in which reformation has been
effected in former ages, often by the mind of one or more indiriduals
being stirred up and prepared to promote it. Such was the case
with Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, and his companions, and with many
others. They, when young in years, were careful, to abstain from
the king's meat, from all that was likely to involve them in any defile
ment or riolation of the laws of their God. As they were thus
exercised in humUity and fear to tread the paths of self-denial, and
to walk humbly before God, He was pleased to fiU them -with an
excellent spirit of wisdom and understanding, and to make them, in
due time, as shining lights even amongst the heathen ; and when,
from allegiance to their God, they were subjected to cruel persecu
tion and great danger, He was with them, and stopped the mouths of

32 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1809.
lions, and quenched the violence of fire. When Nehemiah was
engaged to repair the breaches in the waU, the people had many
enemies; but each did "a Uttle," so the waU was "joined toge
ther" — and in due time, by Cyru^ the temple was raised out of. its
ruins : but these are often sdasons of great affliction — there must
be great dedication, and sometimes but Uttle reward. There were
neither wages nor hire for man nor for beast, nor any peace for him
that went in or came out, in the day when the foundations of the
house of the Lord were laid. So must there be great self-denial
and devotedness in those who thus engage in the work of reformation.
Bury. — My serrice here was under great weakness and discourage
ment ; yet an openness in the minds of the people, and a degree of
precious feeUng awaited. The pious examples of Daniel and of Jacob
were brought before me, vrith Jacob's humble petition, " If God will
be vrith me, and wUl keep me in this way that T go, and vriU give me
bread to eat, and raiment to put on, then shall the Lord be my God."
At the close of this meeting my companion intimated a desire to
have the neighbours inrited to a meeting in the evening. The house
was crowded, and J. W. was engaged in testimony. When he had
closed, although much weakness had preriously awaited my mind,
I felt clothed vrith strength and utterance. The necessity of repen
tance, prerious to the fuU reception of the Gospel caU — ^the nature of
repentance, not merely conriction and remorse for sin, but these,
accompanied vrith sincere desire after amendment, and great humi
Uty and self-abasement before God, contrition of spirit, and the sense
of our need of a Sariour. This need must first be felt, before the
way of life and salvation can be cleariy and fuUy unfolded to us.
" AU have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." He hath
concluded aU in unbeUef, therefore repentance is universaUy neces
sary. This is pointed out by the sacrifices under the law, which
were required to be offered for aU, or by aU. Our Lord, also, in a
very pointed and pathetic manner, describes the universal necessity
thereof. "Suppose ye that these GaUlaeans, whose blood PUate
had mingled with their sacrifices, were sinners above all the Gall
laeans, because they suffered such things ? I teU you. Nay : but,
except ye repent, ye shall aU likewise perish. Or those eighteen,

-^T. 35.] JOURNEY -WITH JOHN WIGHAM.

33

upon whom the tower in SUoam feU, and slew them, think ye that
they were sinners above aU men that dwelt in Jerusalem ? I teU
you. Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shaU all Ukewise perish."
When true repentance is felt, and the guilt of sin to be exceeding
heavy, then is the gracious inritation of Christ acceptably heard in
the soul, " Come unto me aU ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I wUl give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of
me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shaU find rest unto
your souls : for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." How
different is this humUity and meekness, unto which Christ caUs His
foUowers, from that pride and self-exaltation which generaUy pre-
vaUs, even amongst professors of Christianity. But the cross must
be submitted to in this and aU other respects wherein His holy wiU
is made manifest unto us, and when we yield thereto freely, hard
things become easy, and bitter things sweet, so that we feel indeed
His yoke to be easy, and His burden Ught.
I may add, that out of exceeding weakness I was made strong for
the serrice. Glory be ascribed unto God, who is for ever worthy.
I felt much relieved by these two -meetings. Day and night, summer
and vrinter, succeed each other. May I trust in Him whose cove
nant is -with both — whose everlasting arm is seen to be underneath.
Baldock. — The humble, abased state was described, which the
truly quickened mind is often brought into, from a sense of its
insufflciency of itself rightly to do the -wUl of God. Such appears
to have been the state of the prophet when he exclaimed, " 0 Lord,
I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that
walketh to direct his steps. 0 Lord correct me, but with judgment ;
not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing." Such also was
Habakkuk's state — " I wUl stand upon my watch, and set me upon
the tower, and vriU watch to see what he wUl say unto me, and
what I shaU answer when I am reproved." We are created depen
dent creatures, even for our outward sustenance. The Lord can
veU the sun, and withhold the rain, and then the fruits of the earth
would faU, and, if continued, the whole animal creation would perish.
As for our outward and temporal, so for our inward and spiritual
food : it is not of ourselves, it must be sought from God. B

34 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1809.
HiTCHEN.— I had to speak of the wilderness state, the variety of
causes, the danger and advantage of it. It is sometimes of God.
" He hath led me into darkness, but not into light." He leads them
as the bUnd by a way which they knew it, and into paths which they
have not seen. When tried thus, the soul can only wait in patience,
untU a way is opened for its reUef. We must walk by faith, not by
sight. When the people of Israel were brought out of Egypt, to the
borders of the Eed Sea, they were in this condition. They had
foUowed and obeyed their leader, yet they appeared to be brought
into great difficulty, surrounded on aU sides. Here was an exercise
of faith and pa,tience. He tried them, but did not forsake them.
He caused the sea to stand as in heaps, untU they passed over.
Human reason would never have invented this mode of deliverance.
Afterwards, a long wUderness travel awaited them, vrith many priva
tions — want of bread, of water, of fiesh — of things necessary and
desirable, -vrith many dangers and trials. Gold is tried in the fire,
and acceptable men in the furnace of affiietion. He chooses them
in the furnace. He sees then what they are. He discovers the secret
incUnation of their minds; He gives their vineyards from thence,
fields of labour and of fruitfulness, and the valley of Achor for a door
of hope.
HoDDESDON. — The nature and importance of true worship were set
forth. It requires our deepest attention, and great sincerity and purity
of heart ; and when this is attended to, it is a most profitable exercise.
Hempstead. — I endeavoured to shew the value of seeking true
and substantial peace — above aU other things, peace of conscience,
peace vrith God. When laid upon a dying bed, how precious shall
we feel this peace to be — this seal — the Lord's Spirit bearing wit
ness with our spirit that we are His. How different the state of
those who, stung with remorse, are ready to say to the mountains,
" faU on us, and to the hiUs, cover us." " The spirit of a man vriU
sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear?" May
we carefully avoid this dreadful condition, by bringing our deeds to
the Ught, and our works beforehand to judgment, that thus we may
experience our sins to be washed away through living faith in Christ,
and our feet turned into the paths of peace.

¦®T. 35.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM.

35

Bugbrook. — Here I was engaged, perhaps as much under the
baptizing, efficacious power of truth, as has been my experience on
any occasion during this journey. " Many are caUed, but few are
chosen." They shaU come from the east and from the west, from
the north and from the south, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob in the kingdom of God ; but the chUdren of the kingdom
shaU be cast out. And why? Because they reject the caU— the
invitation— as is set forth in the parable of the supper. And to what
are we thus inrited ? To those mansions where " sorrow and sighing
shaU fiee away"— to that city where tears shaU be wiped from aU
eyes — where there shall be no need of the sun, nor of the moon ; for
the Lord God and the Lamb are the Ught thereof — where we may
di-ink of the river, pure as crystal, flovring from the foot of the throne.
To what higher enjoyment can we be caUed ? What more delightful
can we conceive ? But ere we can find admission into those blessed
regions, we must be prepared, for them — and how ? By submitting
to those fiery baptisms by which the Ught, chaffy nature is consumed,
a separation from the dross and aU that is contrary to the wUl of
God. Then shall we experience heavenly consolation, even whilst
on earth, and know the " seasons of refreshing from the presence of
the Lord." We shaU be favoured with a precious eridence that our
sins are blotted out, and shaU know a partaking of the streams of
that river which refreshes and makes glad the whole heritage of God.
Thus should we become indeed baptized vrith the Holy Ghost.
Castle Donnington. — The meeting was a refreshing season both
in sUence and in ministry. I had to set forth the benefit of united
exercise, in tending to draw down the Dirine presence upon our
religious assembUes. How gracious was the promise of our Lord,
" If two of you shaU agree on earth as touching anything that they
shall ask, it shaU be done for them." I had also to recommend
secret retirement, ia order to feel the Divine presence.
Derby. — This is a meetiag of convinced Friends. They are a
serious company, and I hope wUl be careful to adorn their profession.
J. W. had to communicate in ministry to them.
Furness. — A truly favoured season in ministry. " 0 the hope of
Israel, the Saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldst thou be

36 JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. [1809.
as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside
to tarry for a night ?" The soul, in which ardent desires are raised
after God, thmks it has too littie of His presence. From such He
may appear to withdraw, yet He is ever near them ; He continues to
be their hope and their Sariour in every time of trouble. If He veil
His face in the day of distress. He secretly sustains. How precious
and how desirable that we should use all possible diUgence to secure
such a friend, such a protector. Affliction and trouble overtake aU ;
but how can they, who forget God in prosperity, and do not Uve in
His fear — or, if professing to serve Him, do it supinely or carelessly,
how can such fly to Him in the day of distress ? Some such as these,
indeed, do so, and find Him yet gracious ; but how must confusion
cover them when they remember their past conduct. Let us then
endeavour to avoid such a state, by walking in His fear in time of
prosperity. So will He indeed be our hope, and our Sariour in the
time of trouble. If we neglect this, our incumbent duty, we may be
left hardened and desperate. When the day of risitation is over,
affliction and distress may only augment our torment, vrithout tend
ing to turn our heart unto God. " They gnawed their tongues for
pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven." We cannot flee from
Him. " Whither shall I go from thy Spirit ? or whither shall I flee
from thy presence ? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there : if I
make my bed in hell, behold thou art there! If I take the wings of
the morning, and dweU in the uttermost parts of the sea ; even there
shaU thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say.
Surely the darkness shall cover me ; even the night shall be hght
about me. The darkness and the Ught are both ahke to thee."
Thus God is universaUy present. He fiUs all space and all time. He
is near to the righteous for their support ; to the vricked as their
reprover ; and to the finaUy impenitent as their judge and punisher :
a consideration which may justly comfort the faithful, but surely
ought to alarm the careless and disobedient.
Chesterfield. — I had to recommend the close consideration as
to which way we are journeying — forward, to that city whose "builder
and maker is God, "whose walls are salvation, and whose gates are
praise ;" or backwai'd, to the world — for we may be drinking in its

MT. 85.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 37
spirit, even in a very refined mixture, whUst perhaps we are making
a fair, and even a high profession amongst men.
Sheffield. — First day. Previous to the morning meeting, the
interment of my uncle, WiUiam Eichardson, took place, which occa
sioned it to be larger than usual. It was, to my apprehension, a
favoured meeting. I had to revive the pious wish of David, " Oh
that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonder
ful works to the chUdren of men." Also, that gracious view of the
Divine glory, vrith which Moses was, at his own request, favoured,
when he saw the glorious majesty, and heard the holy name pro
claimed — " The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-
suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Thus He glories in
those gracious attributes — mercy, longsuffering, and goodness. If
men did but see this, they would be constraiaed to admire and love
God ; but it is the pure in heart alone who can rightly see God ; yet
in Him " we live, and move, and have our being." Of His bounty
we ali partake — by Him we are fed — and, above aU, notwithstanding
the rebelUon of man, sUghting the many calls of God's love, and
resisting the strirings of His Spirit, He yet spares long, and is kind,
He deUghteth in mercy, and continues to be a gracious, longsuffering
God. Surely aU who know they have sinned, and beUeve in Him,
may discover this. Although they cannot behold the fulness of His
glory. His hohness, His majesty, yet they may discover, yea, they
cannot deny, His longsuffering and goodness. Ought not this — His
gracious forbearance — to lead them to repent ? to love and admire His
goodness ? to cease from evU, and to learn to do weU, in uprightness
of heart ? Then would they be enabled to see more of His glory.
" 0 that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works to the chUdren of men."
Previous to our approaching Sheffield, and whUst we were deU
berating whether or not to pass it by, I beheld it as a very important
field of labour, and weU remembering how I felt, and how little reUef
I obtained when there last summer, I was led fervently to supplicate
that the Lord would be graciously pleased to -open a door of reUef
for me now, and felt wUling, that if He would be pleased to grant
this request, it might, if He saw meet, terminate my public labours

58 journey with john wigham. [1809.
it this time. He graciously heard my prayer, was eminently near
me in that large meeting, and strengthened me to proclaim His
goodness and mercy, I beUeve, to the softening of the minds of
oaany ; and, haring thus granted my petition. He has been pleased
to lead me along, through the few other meetings we attended, in
sUence. His wUl be done, now and for ever.
Wakefield. — My companion was much favoured to divide the
word. It appeared to be a day of renewed gracious risitation to
several present, who were exceedingly tendered. My mind was
in a very tried condition. Before meeting in the morning, I had
been favoured with a solemn feeling of good ; but now, in meeting,
I felt deserted ; the preserving arm seemed withdrawn, so that my
poor mind was left as a prey to its enemies, tempted, and buffeted.
An excessive hankering after home was amongst its besetments.
Although I did feebly endeavour to strive and watch, desiring good,
yet I had to behold the people around me weeping under the power
ful operation of the Uring word, whilst my poor mind was thus tossed
with tempest — its support, its stay, its consolations appearing to be
aearly vrithdrawn. After meeting, painful feeUngs and deep scrutiny
ensued, when I had to believe the dispensation was permitted to
humble and to make me fully sensible of my total insufficiency for
my own preservation, and that all I am, have been, or ever can be,
that is good, is of God alone, through the operations of His grace.
He alone can rightly call, qualify, and send forth in His own serrice ;
and should He whoUy withdraw from us, the evil propensities of our
aature would again revive, gain strength, and predominate. 0 Lord
my God, be pleased, therefore, never to leave or forsake thy poor,
unworthy servant.
Thus has terminated this engagement. On an impartial review,
I am fully satisfied that I have been moving about in the path of
duty. , Were I to judge by what nature would prompt, I might
acknowledge that although many seasons of favour have been af
forded, many also have been experienced when there was little or no
abiUty to advance the good cause. In many places, probably no
trace may be left of my visit, little or no lasting impression haring
been made, where, if I have laboured, it has been in 'suffering and

.BT. 35.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN WIGHAM. 39
weakness, and but as another shade in that cloud of witnesses, visible
indeed to the anointed eye, but probably imperceptible to, and for
gotten by, the very class for whom I was exercised, and whom I
addressed as a vritness for God.
The principal service eridently rested with my endeared compa
nion. Probably in many places it was his last visit. I have often
preferred his serrice to my own, being made willing to be as a ser
vant of servants ; and, being persuaded, that it has been thus in the
line of Divine appointment, may I reverently bow to His blessed
vrill, and for ever resign myself to His disposal, who doeth all things
well. Amen.

JOURNEY
WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAlSr, OF SUNDEELAFD,
To Ireland, 1811.

1 LEFT home, in company vrith my friend, Solomon Chapman, of
Sunderland, on the 12th of 4th month, 1811, and proceeded direct
to Kendal. We were kindly received by George and Deborah
Braithwaite. I remembered, vrith lively sensibiUty, the remarkable
manner in which G. B. spoke to my condition the first day preceding
my mouth being opened in pubUc ministry, when he was at our
meeting, in Newcastle, in the 2nd month of 1793. We much
enjoyed the conversation of D. Braithwaite, and the interesting
anecdotes which she related of Francis HowgUl, which she had
heard from the mouth of James WUson — of his forteUing the ruin
which should overtake one of his principal persecutors, the Justice
at Grayrigg HaU — how his mansion should become a desolation, and
his chUdren be brought to beg their bread; which James Wilson
lived to see literally fulflUed, his house lying desolate, the habitation
of owls and jackdaws, and his daughter brought to beg her bread in
the streets of Kendal ; and of James Wilson being accustomed to
give her double alms in commiseration of her deplorable case.
Before leaving our friends, at Kendal, I had to attempt to excite to
more entfre dedication those who may have measurably known and
submitted to the infiuence of redeeming love and power. The
Dirine life prevailed with a degree of rigour, that inspired me with
an affectionate boldness, in recommending this highest and best of
all our privileges whilst inhabitants of the Lord's earth.

.BT. 37.] journey WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 41
Liverpool. — In the week-day meeting, ability was afforded to
minister, I trust in the fresh springings of the pure and precious
I gift, as also in a visit to a sick Friend, \ so that I thought we might
thank God and take courage. We paid a few social risits.
Dublin. — At this yearly meeting we met a strong band of feUow-
labourers. We find, by historical records, that in all ages the
number of those who have submitted entirely to the purifying influ
ence of the unchangeable truth, or, in other words, to the Spirit of
Christ, who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," has been very
smaU. Its operation is to purify and cleanse from iniquity, and
so to prepare us for admission into those regions whereinto the
unclean and impure cannot enter. The reception of this spirit, in
the minds of men, has been, and is, very various. So it was when
our blessed Lord was personaUy amongst men. Some came to Him
by night; they dared not be seen seeking Him, or owning Him,
as their instructor, in the day time ; their minds were in degree
touched vrith a sense of His power and wisdom, yet they were
ashamed to o-vra it. Others there were who followed Him ; but
when He came to unfold to them the mysterious doctrine and spiri
tual nature of His kingdom, they could not bear it, but turned back
and forsook Him. A very few were more patient and faithful : these,
believing in Him as the promised Messiah, and that He only had
the words of eternal Ufe, foUowed Him more closely. But, alas,
, how frail is man ! When He came to be led as a lamb to the
slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, opened
not His mouth ; when, as was foretold of Him, in His humUiation
His judgment was taken away, then nearly all these, even His most
attached foUowers, forsook Him and fied, and one of them even posi
tively denied that he knew Him, so great at that hour was the power
of darkness, when the Lord of glory was about to pour out His soul
unto death for the fallen race of Adam.
Amongst the opposers and persecutors of Christ and His church
in the present day, there is great difference. Some there are who
stone them, who as it were, kiU and crucify His faithful vritnesses,
and others who only consent unto their death. The language of the
martyr Stephen was very bold, but very true—" Ye stiffnecked and

42 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN". [1811.
uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost."
Though few in this day, and especially amongst us, as a people,
would wUlingly act thus, yet the opposing, persecuting spirit is the
same in its spring and source in all ages. Those who persecuted
our Lord and His immediate foUowers were many of them descen
dants of His faithful servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of
those who had seen His wonders in Egypt, and in the wilderness.
In this day, when we resist the strivings of the Lord's holy Spirit,
and stifie conriction, then are we in the spirit and temper of those
who sought to kill and destroy the Holy One and the Just, and are
preferring the father of lies, who was a murderer from the beginning,
even him who stands ready to triumph in our destruction. When,
in company with such as aet thus, we silently connive or wink at
thefr iniquity, then are we in the spirit of those who consented
unto His death. Yet the Lord is long-suffering and gracious. He
seeketh to gather us even as a hen gathereth her brood under her
wings ; His love is great ; He, who spared not His own Son, but
delivered Him up for our offences, stands graciously disposed, in
Him, freely to give us all things necessary to life and salvation.
"What manner of love" is this, saith the Apostle, which "the
Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of
God." We are-aU His sons and daughters by creation, and He is
graciously seeking to make us so by regeneration and adoption.
May we be touched with a sense of His adorable love and mercy,
and be wiUing to follow Him in the regeneration, so shaU we be
enabled to walk with Him in newness of life.
During the sittings of the meeting, much instructive observation
was made, and a comfortable degree of holy solemnity prevailed.
At one of the sittings, when the fourth query, on the duty of parents,
was before the meeting, I was constrained to stand forth. " Be ye
not conformed to this world," was the language of an Apostle ; "but
be ye transformed by the rene-wing of your rninds." As that Uring
power which regenerates and redeems is yielded to, the transforma
tion from the world and its spirit is experienced ; a deadness to its
allurements takes place ; and in reverence before God, and in His
holy fear, the cross is borne, the shame and contempt of unregenerate

^T. 37.] Journey with solomon chapman. 43
men are vrilhngly endured for Christ's sake ; hence a transformation,
by the renewing of the mind through the power of the Holy Ghost,
is witnessed. When Friends engaged m business do not use diUgent
and upright endeavours to Uberate their servants and dependants, or
their children who are in their employ, to attend meetings on week
days, in aU cases where they are members of our Society, to such
they say in the expressive language of conduct, that they esteem the
things of time to be of higher importance than attention to such
reUgious duties. They prove, by their practice, that they prefer
business, as the means of acquiring this world's treasure, before that
inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and which fadeth not
away. Under the law of Moses, great and costly sacrifices were
required. Not the lean, the blemished, the blind, but the very best
of their flock ; the first fruits of their vintage and of their harvest :
hereby they were to have their obedience, their love, their aUegiance
to God proved ; they were to love Him above all, and honour Him
before aU.
A concern of an unusual nature attended my mind during one of
the sittings, riz., to pay a visit to the women's meetiag. This has
rarely faUen to my lot. The meeting concurred, and an appoint
ment of some men Friends to go with a document to the women's
meeting, made the way easier. My companion also united in the
engagement. Though this requuing felt to me awful, yet the pres
sure of necessity left me no alternative. The subject chiefly before
me was that of ornamental dress. The serpent, who beguiled Eve
in his subtlety, continues to deceive many on the subject of dress,
persuading them that restrictions relative to it are not of religious
obUgation, or required of God, contrary to the express testimony of
the Holy Scriptures. Om* Lord enjoined His followers to take no
thought for the body, as to what they should put on; "For," saith
He, "after all these things do the GentUes seek;" and be ye not
like unto them. The minds and affections of His followers were to
be redeemed from such things ; from an inordinate pursuit after or
delight in them — "But," saith He, "seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto
you." The inspired Apostle admonished his believing sisters not to

44 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
let their adorning be that of plaiting the hair, or wearing of gold, or
the putting on of apparel, but rather with good works, as becometh
women professing godliness.
Enniscorthy. — After a season of deep wading, I had to describe
the possibUity of getting into a state in which, through long continued
rebellion, the checks or reproofs of conscience are but seldom felt, it
haring become, as the Apostle describes it, as it were " seared with
a hot iron," caUous, and vrithout sensibility. Those who are in this
condition are wiUing to believe that the Almighty takes no notice of
their conduct — that it is beneath Him. They are ready to say, as
some formerly did, "The Lord seeth us not : the Lord hath forsaken
the earth:" He wUl not do us good, "neither will he do us evU."
Thus habituated to slight His reproofs, the Spirit becomes quenched,
and such are permitted to go on in their sinful course until the day
arrives when Proridence interposes and they are awakened. But it
is possible that this may not be until the day of visitation is over,
and it is too late for availing repentance. The angel of the Lord
may meet vrith us as between two waUs, in a strait place, in which
there is no more the possibility of escape : it may be when the eter
nal state is full in riew, and nothing to be seen or felt but the frowns
of an offended God as it were uttering the terrible language, " Be
cause I have caUed, and ye refused ; I have stretched out my hand,
and no man^regarded ; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and
would none of my reproof : I also vrill laugh at your calamity ; I vrill
mock when your fear cometh." There is another and a very different
state when some may be ready to fear that the Lord hath forsaken
them — His poor, tempted, tossed chUdren, who are at times ready to
conclude that God hath forgotten to be gracious, or that He hath in
anger shut up His tender mercies. Let such wait on God in
patience, and he low at His footstool. We are placed on this earth
in a state of trial and probation, and God deals thus with us for vrise
purposes. He notices the manner in which we demean ourselves
when under trial. We are, to a considerable extent, free agents, at
liberty to choose the good and refuse the eril, or the reverse. If, in
the hour of trial, we are steadfast in the faith, keeping the word of
His patience in true humUity before Him, then in His own good

^T. 37.] JOURNEY with SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 45
time. He wUl cause the dispensation to be changed, and enable us to
rejoice in His vrisdom and goodness. Then doth He rerive the
spirits of the humble and contrite ones. He beholds them in their
darkest night of desertion, He knows their bitterest confficts. " Why
sayest thou, 0 Jaco"b, and speakest, 0 Israel, My way is hid from
the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God. Hast
thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the
Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is
weary? there is no searching of his understanding." He sleepeth
not by day, nor slumbereth by night ; He is ever awake to the wants
and the distresses of His chUdi-en. How fuU of consolation are
these precious promises of a faithful God. I felt discouraged and
dejected; but being favoured to abide j)atiently under mental exer
cise, abUity was at length afforded to plead with affectionate earnest
ness. We read that it was the saying of a weak, unstable man,
"Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like
his." However some may be disposed to take their fiU of the enjoy
ments of this Ufe without restrfCint, may even cherish the foolish hope
that there is no future state of righteous retribution, and that, when
the period of their existence here below shall terminate, they shaU
cease to exist ; yet there are moments when even these must fear
that possibly they may be mistaken, and when they may be led to
perceive that they who walk in the love and fear of God wUl, when
the end comes, be in the more safe and desirable state. Many are
constrained, there is reason to beUeve, at least secretly, to desire
that they also may be permitted " to die the death of the righteous,"
and it is weU for aU to cherish and encourage such reflections and
desires when they are kindled ia the breast. It is well for us all
often to remember and consider our latter end; to remember the
time is coming when even hardened and impenitent sinners wiU be
compeUed to behold and to endure the anger of an offended God ;
when, as our Lord foretold, they wiU be ready to caU upon the
mountains to faU on them, and on the rocks to cover them from His
avenging indignation. If we wish to die the death of the righteous,
we must be vriUing to Uve a righteous life, othervrise it is impossible,
in the very nature of things. When the awful summons is sent to

46 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811
the house of the righteous he is enabled to appeal to, and to intercede
vrith, his Maker, to whom he is already reconciled, through Uring
faith in the blood of the Lamb, and by submission to the influences
of the Holy Spirit. He can say with Hezekiah, in the integrity of
his soul, ."Eemember now, 0 Lord, I beseech thee, howl have
walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done
that which is good in thy sight." He knows indeed, more clearly
than did the afflicted king, that no works of ours are avaUing, but
that the salvation of the soul is, through pure unmerited mercy, for
Christ's sake ; but this mercy the pious soul feels to be extended,
his heart does not condemn him, because he is in Christ Jesus;
therefore hath he confidence towards God. It is not so with those
who have forgotten the Lord, who have hved in sinful pleasures,
who have resisted the strirings of the grace of God, and quenched
His Spirit. All with them is dark dismay. They become conrinced
of their folly, but it is too late. As the tree falls so it Ues ; as death
leaves judgment finds. If we die in our sins, where Christ is
gone we can never come. The door is shut, and in vain wiU such
cry — "Lord, Lord, open unto us." I had to believe there were
some of another and better class present at this meeting, who were
truly to be sympathised vrith ; who might at times be almost ready
to conclude themselves alone. For the encouragement of these I
had to rerive the case of the prophet Elijah. How deeply tried must
he have been, when he pleaded that he might die, saying — " The
chUdren of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars,
and -slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left;
and they seek my life, to take it away." Then it was that encourage
ment was poured into his disconsolate mind. The Lord's children
are often hidden, even from each other. "I have left me seven
thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed down unto
Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." These were
indeed a small proportion of the whole nation ; but even to know of
these was great consolation to the afflicted prophet. Thus the Lord
sees His chUdren, and comforts and supports them in their deepest
distresses. Eoss. — A good number of Friends being assembled, I had to

^T. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 47
mention part of a very short testimony which I remembered to have
faUen from the lips of my own dear father in our meeting at New
castle — "Nothmg can satisfy the immortal soul but the immortal
God," and, as said the poet — "'Tis immortality, 'tis this alone,
amid Ufe's pains, abasements, emptiness, the soul can comfort, ele
vate, and fiU." AU earthly gratifications, enjoyed vrithout some
sense of the blessing and favour of God, wUl ever proclaim unto man
this language, " This is not the place of thy rest;" they leave the
poor mind in disquietude. How emphatically does the Apostle
describe the condition of man who, when thoroughly awakened, and
before he has vritnessed the rietory of faith, is ready to exclaim,
" 0 wretched man that I am, who shaU deliver me from the body
of this death ?"
Waterford. — I entered this large meeting in a truly humbled
state, with strong cries for Dirine assistance for the serrice, and it
was mercifuUy granted. With what holy admiration did Darid
exclaim — " What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? or the son
of man, that thou risitest him ? Thou hast made him a little lower
than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour :" and
as in Job, " What is man, that thou shouldst magnify him ? and that
thou shouldst set thine heart upon him ? and that thou shouldst risit
him every morning, and try him every moment ?" That Almighty
God, who is infinitely blessed in Himself, and who is surrounded
vrith an innumerable company of saints and angels, and of the spirits
of the just made perfect, singing praises and hallelujahs to his great
and exceUent name, that He should yet deign to regard poor frail
man and evince such solicitude for his recovery, notwithstanding his
frequent rebeUion, is indeed wonderful mercy. Yet not only is it so,
but how gracious is His language concerning His people, when He
declared by the mouth of His prophet — "The Lord hath chosen
Zion ; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for
ever ; here -wiU I dweU, for I have desired it. I wUl abundantly
bless her provision ; I vrill satisfy her poor vrith bread ; I wiU also
clothe her priests vrith salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for
joy." Surely this was adorable mercy and wonderful condescension ;
and doubtiess, in the present day, it is the Lord's wUl that Zion's

48 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
stakes should be strengthened, and her cords lengthened, that they
who are as pUlars in His house, or as stakes in His tabernacle,
should be firm and strong, from whom cords of Gospel love may be
stretched out to encompass an increased number vrithin the curtains
of His tabernacle. His true loving church. But if such wooiags,
such tender entreaties continue to be by any rejected, how vriU their
misery be increased by the remembrance thereof, when, as our Lord
declared — They shall see them coming from the east and from the
west, from the north and from the south, to sit down vrith Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God, but they themselves cast
out. And why are they cast out ? Because, when the Lord would
have gathered them, even as a hen gathers her brood under her vrings,
they would not. We left the Friends of Waterford under a precious
feeling of cementing love.
Clonmell. — This meeting is composed of about forty famiUes of
Friends. It proved a day of labour to me, and of deep instruction.
I had impressed upon my mind a lesson which, I apprehended, was
designed for the instruction of some who either are already or are
about to be caUed, to labour in the work of the ministry. I had
to set forth the necessity, not only of great dedication of heart, but
also of resignation to the Divine wUl, either to do or to leave undone ;
a wiUingness to be employed, or to remain the Lord's time, in the
humble waiting state, as the great Head of the church may be pleased
to appoint. For, as saith the poet —

' God doth not need

Either man's work, or his o'wn gifts; who best
Bear his mUd yoke, they serve him best : his state
Is kingly ; thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."
It is worthy of remark, that he who is styled one of the greatest
of prophets who lived upon earth, spent a very large proportion of
his time in private retirement. Our, Lord Jesus Christ also was
about thirty years of age before He began His public ministry. Both
were either in the desert, or in privacy, until the time of their shevring
unto Israel. I had also to address another state. It is said, we are

.BT. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 49
not our own, we are bought with a price, If so, let us not withhold
from Him who bought us, that which is His undoubted right. His
pecuhar prerogative, even the government of the heart. How emphatic
is the language of the Psalmist— "Give unto the Lord, 0 ye mighty,
give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the
glory due unto his name."
YouGHAL. — The morning meeting on first day was evidently owned
vrith the extension of heavenly regard, under the feehng of which we
were enabled to labour, I trust, instructively. My principal subject
was the parable of the marriage supper. The message was sent to
caU those that were bidden, but they made hght of it. They began
to make excuses. One pleaded his farm, another his merchandise,
and a third his lately married wife : all pleaded necessity. We are
very hable to overrate the necessity of attending to the wants of the
body, when it is to the neglect of higher enjoyments. We are caUed
to the marriage, a goodly table is prorided, and we ought not to
sUght or despise it. There is reason to believe that in this parable,
our blessed Lord meant to represent the Father Almighty by the
king or nobleman. Himself by the Son, and the church as the bride.
When the sense of the blessed union between Christ and His true
church is felt, there is great joy in beUeving. There is a spiritual
communion of Divine consolation in the soul, and aU the professing
members of the church are inrited to partake thereof. But true it is
that many despise the heavenly caU, pleading their outward avoca
tions, their social enjoyments — things lawful in themselves and inno
cent, but to be surrendered or left at the call of Him who gave them.
The messengers were next sent to the streets and lanes of the city,
to the highways and hedges, and were commanded to bid as many as
they should find, and the wedding was furnished vrith guests. They
brought, as they were commanded, the poor, the maimed, the halt,
and the blind. They caUed them, and they came. It is when we
are made sensible of our infirmities, and feel them oppressive, that
we are made wUling to accept the Lord's gracious inritations ; but,
alas, all who seem to accept the invitation are not finally welcomed.
The King comes in to own His guests with His gracious presence ;
His penetrating eye discovers one among them who has not on the
F

50 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
wedding garment. He is able and wUling to clothe all whom He
thus caUs vrith the garment of His own righteousness, not theirs ;
not self-righteousness, but that which He puts on them through the
obedience of faith, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, and vrithout
this robe they are but hypocritical professors — and when He, who
cometh to judge the secrets of men, shaU look upon them, their
iniquity vriU be discovered. " I vrill open rivers in high places, and
fountains ia the midst of the vaUeys. I vriU pour my Spirit
upon thy seed, and my blessrag upon thine offspring. For a smaU
moment have I forsaken thee ; but vrith great mercies vriU I gather
thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but
with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee." This was
a precious opportunity. If the sap be drawn off from the root by
what in plants are termed suckers, the rigour of the tree is impeded.
I fear the love of this world has thus drawn the hearts of many from
God, and from an abiding in Christ, the rine of life.
In meeting on first day morning, I had to labour largely, though
vrith difficulty, from having taken cold so as to affect my voice.
The prophet, expostulating vrith the Lord's peculiar people, had to
declare — that the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save ;
neither His ear grown heavy, that He cannot hear. But sin is the
partition waU between God and His creature man : this it is that
obstructs the current of Divine love and life in iadividuals, and
through them, in our religious meetings. How often is this obstacle
to be sensibly felt there. It was said formerly, that "the sin of
Judah is written with a pen of iron; and vrith the point of a dia
mond ; it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns
of your altars." It is not only written on the heart in the' book of
conscience ; but when we endeavour to approach the Divine presence,
we have there also to behold it engraven as on the horns of the altars,
rising up in painful memorial against us and obstructing that com
munion with God, and access to Him by prayer, which the faithful
and obedient are graciously permitted to enjoy. Under such circum
stances we are Uable to feel discouraged, and turn from the sight,
and thus the poor mind is prone to wander abroad, dry, barren, and
lifeless. Coming to meeting, and sitting without refreshment, we

^T. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 51
return with but Uttle benefit, as God cannot permit a rival to exist,
which, by having the preference in our affections, vriU continue
to draw the soul from Him, and fi-om obedience to His holy law.
It is weU for such closely to examine what is the sia that is thus
forming a separation between God and the soul. Most have some
peculiar besetment; some in one thing, and some in another. To
this the attention of the sincere disciple of Christ wUl be most espe
ciaUy turned. We are to lay aside every weight, saith the Apostle,
and the sin which most easily besets us, and run with patience the
race set before us. In the case of many in our Society, shunning
the cross is this sin. We are ashamed to ovm our Dirine leader in
His requirings before our feUow-men, and thus we grieve and offend
His Holy Spirit, and prove ourselves unworthy of Him. As He was
pleased, in dealing vrith His people Israel of old, to give them laws
and commandments, ordinances and statutes, superior to those made
known to the nations by whom they were surrounded, so do I verily
beUeve He was pleased, in a remarkable manner, to open the minds
of our pious and devoted predecessors in the truth, to the purity
and spirituality of the Christian dispensation, and . to give them
testimonies to bear for the honour of His great name, and the exal
tation of the truth as it is in Jesus, against many of the corruptions
which had gradually, through a course of ages, crept in amongst the
professors of Christianity. It was through deep suffering, and
greatly in the way of self-denial and cross-bearing, that they were
enabled to obtain the victory ; and many of them had even to rejoice
in tribulation for Christ's sake. As the Most High was pleased to
enter peculiarly into covenant with Israel of old, so did He vrith
them, in a certain sense, and raised in their minds a conscientious
scruple against the use of oaths and the practice of wars and fight
ings, and a testimony to the spirituaUty of Divine worship, the free
dom of the Christian ministry, the sufficiency of Christ's teaching ;
also against the falsehood and dissimulation of flattering titles, and
against the vanity and pride, the changeable customs and fashions of
a deeply corrupted world. Thus they were caUed out of a conformity
to this world, and to vritness a being transformed by the renewing of
their minds, thereby proring what was the holy, pure, acceptable

52 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
wUl of God concerniag them. Although, because of this course of
conduct, they appeared among men to be singular, it was so by
reason of the degeneracy that then prevaUed ; and so it is vrith the
Lord's faithful servants to this day. These thmgs were only what
the primitive Christians, to a considerable extent, were led into, and
what the spirit of true Christianity requires, and tends to produce, as
may be abundantly proved from the New Testament and other his
tory ; and as we, their successors in the same reUgious profession,
forsake the statutes, ordinances, and testimonies of our Lord Jesus
Christ and His Apostles, which our early Friends were called to
rerive in practice, being ashamed to own these requirings of our
Divine Master before men, we sin against Him, riolate His covenant;
and weakness and dim-sightedness are the consequences. Thus we
shun the cross and deny Christ before men.
I had also to encourage to the warfare against wrong things. We
may remember, for our comfort; the gracious language of the Lord
to His servant Moses — "I have surely seen the affliction of my
people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of
their taskmasters ; for I kno-w their sorrows ; and I am come down
to deUver them out of the hand of the Egyptians." However great
the entanglement, however oppressive the bondage which any may
feel themselves in, under a sense of their wretchedness, having been
permitted in degree to behold the exceUence of the pure truth, and
the beauty of faithfulness to its discoveries, yet so weak, that the
good which they would do, they do not, and the evil which they would
not do, that do they ; the flesh warring against the spirit, and the
spirit against the flesh, let such ever remember that the eye of the
Lord is upon them, even in this state, and. that He, their Saviour, is
Almighty. Let such constantly maintain the warfare, and never enter
into treaty with, or join the Lord's enemies, the enemies of their
soul's happiness; but rather let them turn the attention of tiieir
minds frequently unto God, waiting humbly and patiently upon Him.
He doubtless can deliver, and is gi-aciously disposed to deUver
such. "I waited patiently for the Lord," said David; "and he
inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of
an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock,

.BT. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 53
and established my goings." I was enabled to utter these things
under a fresh sense of my own experience, and of what the Lord
hath done for my own soul. The Lord hath in a good degree
redeemed me from the power and dominion of sin, and thus constrains
me at times to teU of His love, of His goodness, and of His power.
To Him alone be ascribed aU the glory and aU the praise.
Cork Monthly Meeting. — In the early part of this meeting,
Thomas ShUhtoe had been engaged in testimony ; after which,
I had to proclaim a solemn warning. What an affecting declara
tion was that which the prophet had to give formerly — " For your
sakes Zion shall be ploughed as a field, and Jerusalem shaU become
a ruinous heap." Should the Lord's gracious designs concerning us,
as a reUgious Society, be frustrated by our unfaithfuhiess, then may
the import of this prophecy be fulfiUed in our experience, or that of
our offspring. Could we but see and comprehend the accumulation
of guilt and misery resulting from our example in our individual
capacity, when that example is of an eril tendency, we should tremble
at the prospect. " Am I my brother's keeper?" is vain reasoning.
We cannot avoid being responsible for others, in the degree of our
direct or coUateral influence over them, whether we desire such a
consequence or not. We aU have some influence over others, (though
doubtless the amount of it is very various,) especially as a religious
Society, or as parents, or heads of famiUes, or as young people
amongst their associates. The eyes of others are watching us, some
for good, and some for eril ; and should our example of unfaithfulness,
disobedience, or misconduct, occasion any weak believer, or younger
brother or sister to stumble and faU, we are measurably guUty of the
blood of such, and eril wiU be as it were generated by their example
over their connexions, their children, etc. We occasioned their fall,
and this is part of the consequences — and a numerous train follows.
We may gather from that instructive parable of the rich man and
Lazarus, what anxious soUcitude was evinced by the farmer, who
had been Uring at ease and iu forgetfulness of God, until his own
miserable doom was irrevocably sealed ; how acute was then his
sensibility, and how earnest his desire that his flve brethren might
not come into that place of torment. May we not from this conclude,

54 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
that in a future state, our misery may be greatly augmented, by our
being made sensible that we have contributed, by our influence and
example, to bring others (but most especiaUy if it be our own off
spring) into the broad way which leads down to the chambers of
death and heU ; yea, when we may be brought to remember, that for
our sakes Zion, once the city of the Uving God, has been ploughed
as a field, and Jerusalem become a ruinous heap. Dear S. C. was
engaged in fervent supplication, under a precious degree of right
influence. After these meetings, the current of consolation and
peace flowed in my mind unusually strong ; peace, far beyond the
comprehension of the mere natural understanding of man. I had
truly to rejoice in the Lord, my holy teacher and preserver.
Limerick. — This meeting appeared to be about the same size as
ours at Newcastle. I had to revive the language of the Apostle when
he says — " If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the un
godly and the sinner appear ? and if judgment begin at the house of
God, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel?"
Even the righteous, those in whom the work of regeneration has
not only been begun, but measurably carried forward, even they need
many after dippings, many additional baptisms : they need to expe
rience a being washed again and again from contracted impurity, and
the fire to be renewedly kindled for the destruction of the Ught and
chaffy nature. The rising up from time to time of our natural pro
pensity to indulge in wrong things, and the proneness to sinful grati
fications, or the inordinate indulgence in lawful enjoyments, wiU ever
stand in the way of our complete justification and acceptance before
God, for He cannot admit of any rival in the heart. Until this
corrupt wiU in us is crucified and slain, we can have no certain evi
dence of our salvation ; for Christ, who redeemed us by His blood,
and made reconciliation for iniquity, must also have the government
laid upon His shoulders, and be permitted to reign and rule in us
and over us, or we are not truly His disciples. If we oppose the
purifying operations of the Holy SpUit, we oppose the wiU of God ;
for His wiU is our sanctification and complete redemption. In this
sense, I apprehend, it is, that the righteous scarcely are saved, in
the neglect of these repeated washings, and resting too much in

MT. 37. J JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 65
past experience of the Lord's goodness, thus sUding into a state
of carnal security, so that, when the last summons comes suddenly,
they are startied and alarmed, not having the seal of assurance, even
the Lord's Spirit, bearing witness with their spirits, that they are
His : they feel themselves in danger of missing the mark, and thus
scarcely are saved. Some, after years of reUgious experience, have
had, at last, agonizing confficts to pass through, ere they could attain
true and solid peace.
If this, in some instances, be the condition of the righteous, when
called to appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, how inexpressibly
awful must be the state of those who have been habitual sinners.
The ungodly, the unconcerned, where shaU these appear? Man
kind may be divided into two classes, — the godly, whose constant
care it is to walk in the Lord's holy fear, that they may die in His
favour ; and the ungodly, who prefer the gratifications of this Ufe,
and pass their time of probation at ease as to a future state, in for
getfulness of the God who created them. The former walk humbly
and reverently before God, and are daUy concerned to honour His
wiU concerning them, and to implore His help to enable them to do
it. These desire that the eyes of their understanding may be opened
to see the riches of His mercy in Christ Jesus, and to have the sweet
influences of His Holy Spirit, that they may thereby be enabled to
walk before God as new creatures. But oh, the deplorable condi
tion of the latter ! What shall they do when God ariseth to judgment,
to shake terribly the earth? It is therefore highly important for
each of us to examine seriously to which of these classes we belong.
If to the former, we shaU at times know a union and communion
with God in spirit ; an earnest travaU and exercise of mind before
Him, after the knowledge of His wiU concerning us. We shall at
times feel, and be enabled to say — The Lord is my strength and my
song, and He is become my salvation. He is our strength ; through
Him we can do aU things required at our hands, and therefore we
rejoice. He is our song, we being enabled to sing His praise as the
God of our salvation. The Divine anointing evidently accompanied
on this occasion.
Limerick Monthly Meeting. — How fuU of instruction is that

56 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
query of the Lord's prophet, especiaUy when we consider the dispen
sation under which he lived, when he asks — "Wherevrith shaU I
come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God?" shall
it be " with thousands of rams, or ten thousand rivers of oil ? Shall
I give my firstborn for my transgression ; the fruit of my body for the
sin of my soul ? He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good ; and
what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love
mercy, and to walk hunlbly with thy God?" When the mind is
sincerely engaged to query what is the will of God concerniag us,
waiting in stiUness and resignation for the unfoldings of the Dirine
light, there is no doubt but that the answer vriU be graciously vouch
safed, and there wUl be pointed out to us that which is required to
be done, or left undone. We shaU be given to see, if we are sin
cere-hearted and submissive, what it is which the Lord our God
•requireth of. us. We shall see that He requireth us to do justly,
not so much because it is accounted honourable amongst men, but
because it is the wiU of God, and we shaU do it as in His sight, at
aU times, and in aU places, however concealed from the observa
tion of our feUow mortals.
We shaU be taught to love mercy. Not only shaU we be occa
sionally disposed to acts of benevolence, but we shaU love it for the
Lord's sake, and because we know that it is acceptable unto Him.
Our hearts will be often moved in sympathy vrith suffering humanity,
so that, in the beautiful language of Scripture, our souls vrill be
" drawn out to the hungry," and be moved vrith compassion " to
clothe the naked." We shall be wUling to hide the fault we see, if
we can do nothing to cure it, and be concerned for the spiritual
as well as the temporal welfare of our feUow creatures. And, above
aU, we shaU walk humbly before God. It is in this frame that we
are led forward in the paths of purity and holiness. " Walk before
me and be thou perfect," was His command to His servant Abraham.
WaUdng continually, as in His presence, we shall feel our depen
dance on Him for aU our mercies, both temporal and spiritual, and
shaU thus be enabled to perfect hohness in His fear.
There are some who are evidently deviating from the paths of
duty and perfect rectitude, and yet are saying that they feel no

¦iET- 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 67
compunction. They do not see this or that to be wrong, or to be
required of them to do, or leave undone. It may be so. The Lord
does not commit to all His servants the same number or kind of
talents ; yet all are caUed faithfully to improve those they have. But,
vrith regard to this want of right perception in the case of many in
our Society, is it not because the Spfrit which risited them with the
day-spring from on high has been quenched, at least in degree ; the
witness for God stifled ; their first love cooled ? Or it may be that
they have never yet known the regeneration, the soul has not yet been
effectuaUy quickened. I have sometimes been instructed by a simple
fact in nature. When we are in a dark, or dimly hghted room, we
do not readUy see the atoms of dust upon our garments ; but when the
sun shines powerfuUy into the apartment, then we not only see that
our garments are covered -vrith atoms of dust, but that the very air
v^e are inhaling is, as it were, fuU of them. It is the pure in heart
only who are ever permitted to see God ; and it is only as we yield
to the sanctifying operation of His Holy Spirit, to the smaU and
gentie intimations of the Divine vriU, (it may be, in regard to Uttle
things, or such as are so accounted of amongst men,) that we are
favoured vrith a nearer approach to the Dirine glory. In the bright
shining of the spirit of Christ in the heart, the Sun of Eighteousness,
the wiU of God is discerned, which would never have been the' case
in the shade, or in the mind darkened by the spirit of the god of
this world.
In passing along in this land, we have, at times, deeply to lament
over the influence of eril example. How pernicious is it when the
leaders of the people indulge themselves, or their chUdren, in wrong
things ! It may truly be said that such cause the people to err.
They open, as it were, the flood-gates of a wide-spreading desolation.
The waters thereof may, for a time, appear to flow in a small stream,
and gently ; but the breach becomes wider and wider, and soon
beyond the efforts of good men, even of the most deeply exercised
and rightly concerned for the church's welfare, to stop it. Like
King David of old, they feel their hands are weak because of these
sons of Zeruiah, these degenerate captains of the host, even though
they themselves have been rightly anointed to rule over our Israel,

58 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
in the authority of truth. Under a sense of the importance of these
considerations, my soul was secretly poured out before my God. 0
Lord, be graciously pleased to make vrith me. Thy poor, fraU, un
worthy servant, an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and
sure. Guide me by Thy counsel ; preserve me by Thy power ; and
0, that it may please Thee, in the riches of Thy adorable mercy, to
pour Thy Spirit upon my seed. Thy blessing upon mine offspring,
that they may live to the glory of Thy great name ! Be pleased also
to remember their mother for good ; strengthen her to do Thy wUl
in all things, and to bear the allvrise dispensations of Thy Providence,
with patient acquiescence in Thy will, that so she may acquire the
tongue of the learned, her ear being opened, morning by morning, to
hear, and thereby become quaUfied to speak a word in due season,
for the consolation of others. Amen.
MouNTMELiCK. — We attended the monthly meeting of ministers
and elders, which was very smaU. My companion endeavoured to
encourage them. The youth's meeting was held in the evening.
The heads of famiUes are expected to make way for the young people
to attend these meetings. After a solemn pause, a Friend read John
Crook's epistle to his children and grand-children; also Thomas
Chalkley's loving expostulation to young and old ; after which, I was
largely engaged under a precious degree of Dirine favour and infiu
ence. What we heard read was the language of experience. John
Crook had been a person of note amongst men, being a Justice of
the Peace, and a man of considerable learning for that age. He
became conrinced of the principles of Friends at an early period, and
was enabled to bear the cross, and despise the shame, looking unto
Jesus, the great captain of our salvation. Many of the early Friends
were prepared to receive the doctrines preached by George Fox and
others, their minds being loosened from a trust in man by the com
motions which then prevailed ; not only in the affairs of State, but
also amongst the various communities of professing Christians. To
be turned to Christ and to His teaching, and to inward experimental
religion, was as an anchor to their souls in a tempestuous world.
Their minds were stirred up to prayerful and earnest inquiry after
pure truth, and they hungered after spiritual nourishment, which

.BT. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 59
they had sought for in vain amongst forms, ceremonies, and ritual
observances. They had foUowed celebrated preachers in vain ; they
longed after the true knowledge of God ; and when they heard His
inward and spiritual appearance testified of, they knew it was the
thing they wanted, and embraced the truth in the love of it. They
were not only enabled to bear the derision and reproaches of men,
but joyfuUy entered prison-houses, and even frequently loathsome
dungeons, unfit for the habitation of any human being. The cause
of Christ was very precious to them, and they counted all else as
dross, that they might vrin the prize of the peace of God, and be
found in Him at the great day. It is said that some of the first
yearly or general meetings were held at the house of John Crook,
when Friends assembled from various parts of the nation to consult
about the affafrs of the church ; and from such consultations, in pro
cess of time, sprang that excellent and beautiful discipUne, devised
in the vrisdom of truth, which now exists in the Society, much to the
benefit of its members, being truly said to be a hedge of preservation
round about us.
In the exercise of this discipline, every living member may unite ;
all may have some share ; aU may watch over each other for good ;
may admonish, adrise, instruct each other, as occasion offers, and
right abUity is afforded. We have various testimonies given us to bear
to the world, for the revival of genuine Christianity in its ancient
purity and beauty, free from many of the corruptions which have
overspread the professors of the Christian name. How are we
answering the gracious design ? It would be weU if all our members,
but especiaUy the young, were more diUgent in perusing the valuable
writings which have descended to us — and first of all, the Scriptures
of truth, which have been so wonderfuUy preserved. God does not give
to each, individually, the immediate revelation of His whole counsel
and wiU ; but He is ready to open the understanding of the obedient
soul, and seal the truth of what is revealed and declared in the Holy
Scriptures unto man, in his own experience. " Search the Scrip
tures," said our blessed Lord; "for they are they which testify of
me :" therefore it is His will that we should read them dUigently, as
was evidently our Lord's own practice^ and that of His disciples.

60 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
But we must not rest in the letter, we must come to Christ through
the spirit. " These things are written that ye might believe," saith
the EvangeUst; " afid that beUering, ye might have life through his
name." We are also to Usten to the voice of the cloud of vritnesses
to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, both in the flesh and in the
spirit ; and to the efficacy of that Uring faith which overcometh the
world. Amongst these vritnesses, the upright-hearted members of
our religious Society shine forth conspicuously, both for their con
stancy and faithfulness under suffering, and for their disinterested
devotedness to the Lord's serrice. They have left records of their
experiences ; their counsels flow from the heart, and reach the witness
for God in the minds of the readers ; they do not flow from the head
only, or from the natural understanding. Many in our day express
their regret that there should be sb little instrumental ministry in
our Society. These writings, the Holy Scriptures, and other good
books, are a valuable substitute for it ; a valuable source of instruc
tion and edification. " Give thy dUigence to reading," saith Paul
to Timothy. These precious Scriptures, and other good books, are
accessible to most members of our Society. Some say, that it hath
pleased Proridence to deprive the Society of instrumental help. I
fear we may more truly say, that the spirit of the world has done it.
The Lord is as ready and wUUng to give of His Holy Spirit to them
who rightly ask Him, as in former times to pour out of His Spirit
npon aU flesh. Do we accept the admonition of the Apostle to covet
earnestly the best gifts, and above all, that we may prophesy^ to the
edification of the church? Do not too many rather shrink from
the thought, afraid lest they should be required to speak in the
name of the Lord ? Worldly pursuits absorb the attention of many.
The love of- riches, pleasures, and the things of time and sense, are,
with many, primarUy pursued. They each seek their own things,
and not the things of the Lord Jesus Christ : hence, to these causes,
I in a great degree, is to be attributed the absence of ministers and
\ ministry. There may be, and I believe, are, wise counsels of Pro
vidence in operation as weU. " Ye have an unction from the Holy
One, and need not that any man teach you, but as the same anoint
ing teacheth, which is truth and no lie." This testimony, given to

^T. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 61
our Society to bear to the world, as it appears to me, beyond all
other people, needs to be as it were indelibly impressed upon our
hearts ; and thousands have, by blessed experience, been enabled to
testify to the truth of it. The more our minds are weaned from a
dependance upon the teachings of our feUow men, the more inesti
mably precious shaU we feel this inward teaching to be. 0 that
onr dear young people were more willing to devote their hves to the
Lord's serrice. He is a good master, and would open to their riew
fruitful fields of serrice in His own time and way.
Solomon Chapman was favoured in supplication. The address of
1805, to parents, was also read ; after which, I had to make some
observations. "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight." But those parents who indulge their chUdren in wrong
things, lay the foundation for habits which render their obedience to
the requirings of the Spirit of Truth doubly difficult.
The monthly meeting was very large, and also a favoured one, in
which we were both engaged. The way to the Sabbath of rest, the
way to the crown of glory, is through the vineyard of labour, and the
field of battie. The awakened mind has to experience much labour,
and much warfare ; many weeds to pluck up, many unfruitful
branches to prune away ; much digging, or ploughing ; a deep tra
vaU of soul, an ardent exercise of spirit, ere we shaU be fitted for
an entrance into that rest which the Lord hath prepared for them
that love Him. The Christian's life is said to be a continual war
fare. There are many eril propensities to war vrith, ere the passions
are duly subjected, the temper regulated, and the affections fixed on
God. " The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual,
and mighty through God to the pulling down the strongholds" of
carnal reasoning ; casting down imaginations, and every high thing
that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, or against the
known wiU of God ; and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ. Here we have described a highly purified state,
one in which Christ truly reigns, yet no higher attainment than any
Christian is caUed to. "If any man be in Christ," saith the same
Apostle, " he is a new creature, old things are passed away, and all
things are become new, and all things are of God." We can none

62 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
of US tell to what we may attain. Let us only obey all the light of
Divine truth which we have, and more will be given. We are whoUy
unable, of ourselves, to effect the work, but the captain of our salva
tion was never foUed in battie.
Ballimony is the only meeting of our Society in the Prorince of
Connaught. A few neighbours came in, and we had a pretty good
meeting. The subUme prophecy of Isaiah was presented. " Behold
a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judg
ment ; a man shaU be as a hiding place from the vrind ; as a covert
from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, and as the
shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Thus are Christ and
His kingdom plainly foretold and described. They who truly beUeve
in Christ in all His offices, and submit to His government, may flee
with humble, holy confidence to Him in the day of trouble. They
who yield obedience to His commands, being not only hearers of
the law but doers of it, in the obedience of faith, these are build
ing on a sure foundation, which vriU sustain them when the storms
of trouble and affiietion run high : not only so, but He wiU also be
unto such a fountain of spiritual refreshment from time to time, even
as rivers of water in a dry place, and as the shadow of a great rock
in a weary land. Such vriU find His commandment to be as a lamp.
His law as light, and the reproofs of instruction to be the way of
life. Not so the disobedient ; they rebel against the Ught ; they
know not the ways thereof, nor walk in the paths thereof. It is
said, "He that, being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall
suddenly be destroyed, and that vrithout remedy." Over such our
Lord mourned — "How often would I have gathered thy chUdren
together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye
would not." "Tf thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy
day, the things which belong unto thy peace ! but now they are hid
from thine eyes." The Lord's gracious visitations, when neglected
and despised, will pass away, and then the condition of such is deplo
rable. His Spirit wiU not always strive with man.
Moat. — We read of some who came to the prophet to inquire
what was the vrill of God ; but they came in hypocrisy, being already
determined to do their own will. This was in a day of departure in

MT. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 63
heart, and of sore revolt. Are there not many even now who
would gladly hear the Lord's ministers declare amongst them the
truths of the Gospel, but of whom it may too truly be said, " They
are joined to their idols ?" They love the world and its friendships,
and they shun the cross, as to our religious testimonies, that they
may the more easily assimUate with the world in its corrupt customs
and maxims. Over such we mourn.
In the afternoon we both endeavoured to encourage the sincere
hearted traveUers amongst them, however weak they may feel them
selves, or however entangled with hindering things. In feuch times
as these, the awakened mind, if it make progress Zionward, must
tread a tribulated path. " In the world ye shaU have tribulation,"
said Jesus ; but in me ye have peace. " Be of good cheer ; I have
overcome the world." The rietory is attainable through faith in
Christ, in His manifestation and appearance in the flesh, as a sacri
fice and offering for our sins; and in the spirit, for our deliver
ance from the thraldom of sin. Let our souls tend toward Him,
spreading our wants before Him, moving onwards as ability is af
forded, and we shaU find, that as the work is the Lord's, He wUl
help to carry it on, and enable us to live to His glory.
Edenderry. — After a season of wrestling and watching unto
prayer, this was a favoured meeting. My subject was that of the
importunate vridow. The Lord does not need to be informed of our
wants, much less to be importuned, as it respects Himself; yet it is
necessary, on our own account, that we should not only desire, but
ferventiy pray, for our spiritual nourishment ; exercising, at the same
time, both faith and patience. He does not see meet always imme
diately to grant our requests, and this quickens our desire. " As
the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after
thee, 0 God." Here is an earnest longing after the Lord's pre
sence. Yet Darid knew, that if he regarded iniquity in his heart,
the Lord would not hear him. We must not expect to stand with
acceptance in His presence, until we are wilhng that the work of
purification shaU go forward. He may, by His Spirit, appear in us
as a reprover ; but He wUl not dweU in an impure tabernacle, or in

64 journey WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
a soul that resists His wUl, which wUl is our sanctification. We
must not prefer sin to God.
My companion was engaged in testimony, and in the line of sup
pUcation. I thought he had near access to the throne of grace.
Althy is a very smaU meeting. The only reUgious gathering
which we had was in the house of the principal famUy, where we
were given to understand we should have a larger attendance than at
the meeting-house. Indeed, it was in such bad repair, that it was
considered unsafe to use, and it actuaUy feU down about two days
after we were there. The uncertainty of time was the subject on
which I had to speak. " Lo ! on a narrow neck of land,
'Twixt two unbounded seas we stand."
Time is short ; our days are compared to a span, to an hand-breath ;
our years are as a shadow ; as the post that hasteth by. The sands
of our glass are running continually, and wiU soon be out. This
state of probation wiU soon be over. Ought we not then to use
great diligence to make our calling and election sure ; to know not
only a haring been caUed, but chosen. Amongst the many evUs and
temptations with which' we are beset, none is more fatal than luke
warmness or indifference. By it we are insensibly luUed into a false
rest of carnal security. My mind was awfully affected vrith these
considerations, and the warning given me to proclaim appeared to
be — " Prepare to meet thy God."
KiLCONNER is a small meeting. Through Dirine favour. Gospel love
so prevaUed, that aU fear of man was removed. The difference in the
condition of the faithful servants of God who walk in His fear, and
that of the rebeUious, the disobedient, or the negligent, when brought
into distress by any calamity, is very great. We find it exempUfied in
the case of Saul, the king of Israel. When his enemies came against
him, and he could get no answer or consolation from God, who had
forsaken him, he was fain to go to one that had a famiUar spirit, to
ask counsel to his confusioi\ and sorrow, for thereby he was adding
sin to sin. Nor was the case of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, much

.BT. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPM.AN. 66
better, when he sent his wife, under disguise, to the Lord's prophet
in Judah, who was commissioned to proclaim heavy tidings to him,
and to his house. But how great is the contrast in the case of the
good king Hezekiah, when he was in affiietion. With what humble
trust and confidence could he appeal unto God for succour. " Ee
member, 0 Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in
truth, and vrith a perfect heart, and have done that which was right
in thy sight." And we know how graciously his prayer was answered.
How important is it, then, that we should be careful to know God to
be our reconciled Father and our friend, to whom we may apply in
every hour of difficulty or of distress. AU are Uable to be overtaken
by such trials, and aU have need to know God to be their sure
refuge. How awful is the condition of those who are conscious
that they cannot flee unto Him as their Father and their friend;
but that they have made Him their enemy, and can only expect his
anger to be poured out upon them. Our Lord declared that no man
can serve two masters. " Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Ye
cannot serve God and the spirit of the world ; their interests are
contrary the one to the other. The one teaches humiUty, the other,
pride ; the one, self-denial, the other, self-indulgence ; the one, to be
spiritually minded, the other, to be camaUy minded : the way to the
crown is by the cross.
Enniscorthy Quaeterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. —
In reriewing this portion of the body in Ireland, we are often re
minded of the desolation produced by the late schism. Many indi
riduals in the foremost rank, who afforded the prospect of being
made eminentiy useful in the Lord's hand, were ensnared by the
enemy of souls. They presumed to be wise above that which is
written, thought themselves to be purer and holier than their brethren,
and claimed a predominance in the church, which its holy Head
does not aUow. Having had great influence, when they feU from
their steadfastness, many were drawn away with them. Their case
affords a memorial of instruction to ministers. The Ught in them
became obscured ; their love and fellowship grew cool ; the enmity
crept in, and their light became darkness, and deplorable errors
in doctrine was the result. a

66 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [ISJl.
CooTEHiLL. — We each had some serrice, and a little encouragement
flowed, though I felt poor myself. There is no condition of life
which can be hid from the all-penetrating eye of Gfod. He sees
every state, and mercifully regards the weakness and wants of His
sincere - hearted, quickened children. When one fornierly com
plained, " Surely I am more brutish than any man ; and have not
the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom, nor have
the knowledge of the Holy" — he was answered after this manner : —
"Who hath ascended up into heaven or descended? Who hath
gathered the wind in his fists ? Who hath bound the waters in
a garment ? Who hath established all the ends of the earth ?
What is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst
tell?" Although we may at times feel our capacity for the com
prehension of Divine truths to be very small, and may be ready
to conclude that it is more so than that of other men, yet let us
ask wisdom of God who giveth UberaUy to those who are rightly
concerned to seek Him; and in asking, let us bear in mind His
Omnipotence — that He presideth over all the works of His hands.
Hence it is that we are emphatically caUed upon to fear God, and to
give glory to His name, and to " worship him that made heaven and
earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
Grange, near Charlemont. — This is a large country meeting,
and gathering very slowly, my way was opened to admonish them.
Irregular gathering is a great hurt to a meeting. Those who come
late deprive themselves of the benefit of that covering of Dirine
love vrith which the meeting may have been favoured. They also
disturb the quiet of such as have been careful to come punctually.
There is reason to fear that the practice proceeds from the same
cause which induces some to neglect the attendance of meeting occa
sionally, and, more especially, week-day meetings ; the want of true
love to God, and of zeal for the promotion of His glory. Hence,
when such do come, no wonder if they have to sit in a dry, barren
frame of mind, -vrithout deriring much comfort, refreshment, or
strength. Thus they leave the meeting with Uttle sense of benefit,
and go away discouraged. Let us examine the cause wherefore it is
thus. Eefreshment in meetings is obtained in various ways. It is

^T. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 67
often from the feeling of renewed visitations of Divine love to the
soul. But if these risitations are slighted or unimproved, it is un
likely they should be so frequently renewed, because the Lord's
Spirit is grieved. Eefreshment may also proceed from the flowing
of the current of sweet peace to the soul, as the reward of faithful
obedience to manifested duty. Now the disobedient cannot be par
takers of this reward : it is the wages of obedience, of which they
render themselves unworthy to partake. If they are refresjhed, it
must be by bovring humbly under the ministration of condemnation,
and crying unto God for mercy, vrith sincere repentance ; and well
would it be for many if they would more patiently continue under,
and endure, these confficts of spirit and painful baptisms ; for they
must be endured and submitted to, if such are ever saved, or know
the blood of sprinkling to be apphed to their wounded consciences.
Eefreshment also proceeds from the feehng of the Lord's pre
sence, graciously vouchsafed to quickened and regenerate souls.
They are permitted to feel, at times, the spirit of adoption; the
Lord's Spirit bearing vritness vrith their spirits that they are His ;
the seal of assurance of their acceptance vrith Him, through the
mediation of Christ. This is indeed the " pearl of great price."
The soul thus owned of God is made glad before Him, and rejoices
vrith humble thanksgiving and holy joy. Not so vrith the unre
generate — the carnaUy-minded : the presence of God brings them
under conriction, remorse, confusion. They are often fain to fly
from it; they cannot endure it. The two states are instructively
described by David — " Blessed is the man that walketh not in the
counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth iu the way of sinners, nor sitteth
in the seat of the scornful. But his deUght is in the law ofthe Lord,
and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Let us each exa
mine if we are walking in the counsel of the godly or the ungodly !
Are we Uring in the fear of God ? longing to be made conformable to
His wUl ? or are we of the ungodly, who, being in the first and faUen
nature, are guided by the corrupt maxims and customs of a world
lying in vrickedness ? or are we sitting in the seat of the scornful ?
He that is only bom after the fiesh is prone to persecute such as
are born of the Spirit, and to scorn and despise his self-denying.

68 JOITRNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
cross-bearing brethren. The man whose steps are ready to sUde is
as a lamp despised in the eyes of them that are at ease. But let
such scorners remember that the things which are highly esteemed
amongst men are said to be an abomination in the sight of God.
Do we stand in the way of sinners ? In our lawful business, we may
necessarily have to be in their company ; but do we loiter therein ?
do we enjoy their society ? This is attended with great danger. It
is difficult to be long in the company of worldly-minded or sinful men
without being tempted, if not to partake of their sins, yet to wink
and connive at them, or improperly allow their sinful practices ; or, it
may be, we partake of their spirit, become ashamed of the cross of
Christ, and so are tempted to deny Him, or His holy requirings
before men. The text also points out what we should do. " His
delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate
day and night." To the servants of God, His law becomes dehght
ful : they long to know it, and have pleasure in keeping it. Much of
the Dirine will is unfolded in the Holy Scriptures. We there read
of His deaUngs vrith the chUdren of men in former generations.
They are a precious talent committed to us for our improvement ; ,the
pious soul delights in their perusal, and the effect wiU be fruitfulness.
We rejoice in the favour of God, and in the knowledge of His ways,
and of His wiU ; and we are led to stretch forth our arms to gather
others into the same fold, whereof our Lord Jesus Christ is the true
Shepherd. Grange.— First-day afternoon. This also was a good meeting.
I had a short testimony to deliver. When the Lord's servant David
had, by his improper conduct, brought the chastening hand of God
upon him and his people, being aUowed to choose his punishment,
he said, "I am in a great strait; let me fall now into the hand of
the Lord, for very great are his mercies : but let me not fall into the
hand of man." When we contemplate the majesty of God — that He
is infinitely blessed in Himself, without us — that before Him all
nations are but as a drop of the bucket, or as the small dust of
the balance — that He is said to weigh the mountains in scales,
to measure the waters in the hollow of His hand, and to take up
the isles as a very little thing, we must surely admire that He

MT. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CH.iPMAN. 69
should so tenderly regard man (so small a part of His workmanship)
as to follow him from one season to another with the offer of His
blessings; but, above aU, that He should continue to call on the
gainsaying and rebeUious, " Turn ye, turn ye, why wUl ye die ?" 0
what compassion, that He should stretch forth the arms of His
mercy to receive the penitent sinner returning from the error of his
ways ! This is beautifuUy set forth by the prophet when he saith —
" I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus, — Thou hast
chastised me and I was chastised, as a buUock unaccustomed to the
yoke. Turn thou me, and I shaU be turned, for thou art the Lord
my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented ; and after that I
was instructed, I smote upon my thigh ; I was ashamed, yea even
confounded, because I did hear the reproach of my youth." How in
structively is the state of the penitent mind here described. When
the Lord's judgments take hold of the soul, when conviction for sin
is felt — the chastening rod of reproof, and the soul truly and patiently
humbled under it, how pathetic the language appUed to such, " Is
Ephraim my dear son ? Is he a pleasant child ? For since I spake
against him I do earnestly remember him still ; therefore my bowels
are troubled for him ; I vriU surely have mercy upon him."
My companion was not engaged in testimony, but, at the conclu
sion of the meeting, exhorted to some famUy duties. This was a
day of precious favour to me, and I trust of instruction and edification
to the people. It was the operation of the Lord's power which pre
pared and qualified me for the service, and it remains to be a truth,
that it is His own works that praise Him.
Lower Grange.— A considerable number of the neighbours came
in, and, on the whole, it proved to be a good, solemn meeting.
" With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the
mouth confession is made unto salvation." " For if thou shalt con
fess vrith thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt beheve in thine heart
that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
When the New Testament writers speak of faith, as belief, they
generally intend that kind which is of a hving, operative nature :
faith which works by love, to the purifying of the heart, and not
merely the assent of the understanding to the truths of the Gospel ;

70 JOURNEY -WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
and it is clear that it is this faith which the Apostle meant as effica
cious to salvation, a beliering unto righteousness, a believing in our
Lord Jesus Christ as the eternal Word of God, and the quickening
life-giving Spirit ; who Himself, by His own power, rose from the
dead; who declared of HimseK that He had power to lay do-vm His
life, and that He had power to take it again. Faith in Christ is not
perfect unless we beUeve, both in His outward manifestation in the
flesh, in whieh He offered Himself a sacrifice for fhe sins of the
world, and also in His inward and spiritual appearance, by which he
is known as Christ vrithin, the hope of glory. He, by His Spirit, is
that word or voice behind us which saith, as in the secret of the
soul, " This is the way, walk ye in it," when we are turning to the
right hand or' to the left. For in vain do ,we profess faith in Christ,
and call ourselves by His name, if we are willingly liring in those
things which are offensive in His sight, and contrary to His holy will.
Into His kingdom nothing that is impure, nothing that defileth, or
that loveth or maketh a lie, shall ever enter. Indeed, the main
object of true faith being given to us, for it is the " gift of God," is,
that, through it, our sanctification from sin may be effected, and that
we may know, through the power thereof, the victory over the world,
the flesh, and the devil— over all our soul's enemies. Thus it is that
we are fitted for the enjoyment of saints and angels, and of the spirits
of just men already made perfect, in celebrating the praises of
redeeming love and power ; of the Lord God and the Lamb, through
all eternity.
Antrim. — I was silent, but was favoured with a precious season of
instruction. Ballinderry. — LisBURN Monthly Meeting.^ — My concern was
to a tried discouraged state. The Lord is a God of judgments ; and
blessed is the man that waiteth for Him therein. It is a precious
thing, to be brought under true, rehgious exercise of mind before the
Lord ; a labour and travail of soul after the knowledge of the wUl of
God ; and after the arising of His power in the soul into true domi
nion ; and although, under such visitations, we sometimes feel Him
truly as a God of judgment, feel His Spirit judging and condemning
wrong things in us, ^nd, it may be, producing some conflicts of flesh

^T- 37.] journey with SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 71
and spirit, yet let us wait for Him in that way in which He sees meet
to deal with us, and not attempt to put the dispensation aside.
For although for a time the mind may be encompassed as with dark
clouds, yet let us ever remember that God hath His way in the whirl
wind, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. This condition of
mind is abundantly preferable to apathy and cold unconcern, or to
that carnal security which is often attended with insensibUity and
dryness. I was also led to speak of the danger of giving way to an
envious spirit. AU classes are Uable to be at times tempted with
something of this : even the good are not exempt from its attacks.
We find the Psalmist saying — " My steps had weU-nigh slipped when
I saw the prosperity of the wicked." It should be carefully watched
against, as being of very baneful tendency when given way to, either
as indiriduals, or by the prevalence of party spirit in society. It is
sure to check the growth and increase of aU true religion. Where
envying and strife are, there is confusion and every evil work. Yet
they, who may be the innocent objects of its attack, may be com
forted in the promise, the comprehensive promise, that all things
shaU work together for good to them that love God. We are some
times brought into a state in which it is hard to beUeve this promise.
Such doubtless was the case with Joseph, when his brethren, through
envy, sold him into Egypt, to be a servant to strangers. We may
easily conceive how difficult it would be for him to see how this
could work for good, either to himself or others ; and when the Lord
so far prospered him, even in his state of exile, that he was promoted
in his master's house, and thereby rendered more comfortable, even
this fair prospect was suddenly blasted without any fault of his own,
and he was thrown into prison. How could he conceive that this
would work for his good ? Yet we see how necessary even this try
ing allotment was to the accomphshment of the gracious designs of
God. It was one of the steps by which Joseph was to be raised, not
only to great power and influence, but by which he was to be an
eminent instrument in the hand of God, in sustaining the heads of
the tribes of the Loj-d's chosen people, and of saving a multitude of
others from impending destruction. Joseph, walking in the fear of
God, and being endued with that wisdom which is from above, was

72 JOURNEY with SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [18ll.
wonderfully preserved, and made instrumental, in a remarkable de
gree, in promoting the Dirine glory.
In the meeting for business, also, I had to extend an animating
call to dedication to the Lord's service.
Hillsborough. — After a long season of sUence, we were both
favoured in testimony. I had to mention the cry of the poor wo
man— "Help, my lord, 0 king." "If the Lord do not help thee,
whence shaU I help thee ? out of the barn-floor, or out of the vrine-
press?" both being empty. This was a wise answer of a wicked
king of Israel, when the city in which he reigned was in a state of
great distress, when their enemies were besieging them on every
side, and thus reducing them to a grievous famine. It is a day,
in many places, when the church under our name is sustaining a
state of famine ; not a dearth of bread or of water, but of the word of
the Lord, even the circulation of that liring word of God, by which
the soul must be nourished and kept alive unto Him. " Except ye
eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life
in you," said our blessed Lord to the Jews of old. Unless we not
only know a beliering in Christ, as our great High Priest, and the
propitiation for our sins ; but also know, through the operation of
His liring virtue, a participation in the Divine nature ; of that unction
from the Holy One, which not only teacheth us all things useful, but
also communicates to the purified soul something of its own savour,
we are spfrituaUy dead, and have no life in us ; for " if any man
have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his." As in the days
of Jehoram, the apostate king of Israel, many died of the famine, so
do many now languish and die : their enemies beset them as on
every hand, preventing them from receiving their spiritual food.
Truly may it be said, unless the Lord help such by His ovm Spirit
and power, in vain wiU instrumental help be sought or desired. This
latter, at best, can only be temporary, and so of momentary duration,
and effectual only as it points or leads to Christ the bread of Ufe,
and as He is continuaUy sought and waited upon by us, each one for
himself. We must know the true hunger, and all of us be engaged
to apply ourselves to Christ, the inexhaustible treasury. Such is the
state of things in some places, that even the awakened, exercised

MT. 37.] JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 73
souls have hard labour to get bread for their own sustenance, at
times : though they may come to meeting in a lively, rigUant, exer
cised state, yet they may be so pressed dovm in their spirits, through
the lukewarmness of those around them, that the arising of the pure
life into dominion in the meeting is obstructed. Oh, the need which
such have, both of faith and patience ; faith in the covenanted
mercies and promises of God ; and patience perseveringly to wrestle
for the blessing. Even in their private retirement, when they are
not permitted to meet -vrith the Beloved of their souls in the congre
gation, assuredly He wiU hear their cry, break in upon their souls
with the light of His holy countenance, and give them both peace
and refreshment. They shall then see and feel that even their
waiting, in a sense of desertion, and in great poverty of spirit, has
not been in vain, if but their hunger and thirst have thereby been
quickened. Such affUctions rise not out of the dust, neither do
troubles spring forth of the ground. Therefore let all such contin
ually look unto God, and unto Him commit their cause, who doeth
great things, and unsearchable, marvellous things, and past finding
out. EaTHFRILAND.  LUEGAN MONTHLY MEETING was smaU. Only two
famiUes reside here, and they are remote from the main body. We
both had a little serrice. The language of Naaman, the Syrian, to
the prophet, came before me. "In this thing the Lord pardon thy
servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Eimmon to
worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the
house of Eimmon ;  the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing."
It appears he was sensible that this would be a course of conduct
needing pardon, and contrary to the Divine wiU, and yet he was
pleading for a continuance in it. Thus are many amongst us situated.
They are entangled vrith the world, are in a state of bondage and
serritude to its spirit, and are ready at times, to conclude themselves
unavoidably so ; and yet, at the same time, are conscious that they
have need to ask pardon of a holy God, and therein they acknowledge
their conriction that the course they are pursuing is contrary to the
Dirine wiU. Although, in times of ignorance and heathen darkness,
God mio-ht, as the Apostie expresseth it, " wink" at such things in

74 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
some — yet for us, who take upon us the Christian name of Him who
has power over all flesh, to give eternal Ufe and complete deUverance
to as many as are drawn by the cords of the Father's love to come
unto Him, for us so to plead, I am afraid, vrill be regarded as of little
account, at the judgment of the great day. If we love any creature
or thing more than Christ, He hath declared that we are not worthy
of Him. The Lord requires nothing of us but what He is gra
ciously ready to enable us to perform. After sitting the meeting for
business, under deep mental exercise, near its close I was helped, to
obtain further relief by expression.
LuRGAN. — We attended the "first-day meetings here, (the first, a
large one) ia silence, except a short testimony, which my companion
had to bear near the close of the latter sitting ; after which, I felt
liberty to tell them that I had come amongst them fiUed vrith the
spirit of prayer for them and for myself; that I had sat their two
meetings under deep exercise and travail of soul, as I believe, inex
pressible, but that I felt no way open for Gospel communication;
that the current of ministry to me felt obstructed, which, I appre
hended, was for want of a right ear being opened to hear ; for want
of indiridual labour and exercise in themselves. We profess our
selves to be spiritual worshippers : but to sit in an unconcerned state
is little short of an attempt to mock God, and then there is great
danger of being found only in the outer court.
MoYALLEN. — This was a favoured meeting. The subject which
was presented to my mind was that simple but comprehensive pattern
of prayer, which our Lord gave to His immediate disciples. It
brought my mind into an awful frame, and a fear to enter on so wide
a field ; but the eridence of Dirine requiring being sufficiently clear,
I endeavoured to move in the abiUty afforded. We may remember
that frequently, when oui* Lord had been engaged, sometimes by
parables, to instruct the people. His disciples besought Him privately
to open the subject more clearly to their understandings, which He
graciously condescended to do. Surely He is ready, by His Holy
Spirit, to do the same for us, and it would be well if we were more
often engaged, by meditation and prayer, to seek to have the Scrip
tures opened to us, most especially such parts as relate to our own

^T. 87. J JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CH.\PMAN. 75
immediate duty. It was in this humble state of mind that the
disciples said to their Master, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also
taught his disciples." This was an acceptable request, and weU
would it be were we often simUarly concerned to ask for the spirit of
prayer and supplication. We cannot, of ourselves, even think a good
thought, and therefore, in an especial maimer, do we, need Divine
influence, to quaUfy us rightly to perform this necessary duty. AU
holy desires in us must be excited by the Spirit of God. " No man
can come to me," said our Lord, " except the Father which sent me
draw him," and Christ is the only way to the kingdom — " the Way,
the Truth, the Life." It is not because that holy, omniscient Being,
with whom we have to do, needs to be informed of our wants, that
prayer is necessary, but for our own sakes, and that we may be con
tinuaUy sensible of our dependance upon Him ; and also because
prayer, vrith thanksgiving, is an oblation due unto Him. It is need
ful that we be deeply impressed vrith a sense of our wants, and that
God only can supply them ; that, having made our requests known
unto Him, and knovring them to be graciously heard and answered,
we may experience our faith in the Lord's power and goodness
to be confirmed ; and in the sense thereof, we shall feel gratitude
and thankfulness to abound to His glory.
We derive many blessings from our parents on earth, but by this
we are taught to look up to our Father in heaven. He is our Father
by creation ; and to the redeemed, by regeneration and adoption.
They are born again, born of the Spirit, and can feelingly address
Him in holy confidence as their merciful Father. " HaUowed be
thy name." Here we are taught to reverence Him, to haUow or
keep holy His great name, to walk in His fear, in a sense of His
glorious majesty. We ought, in an especial manner, to seek after
this reverential sense of His attributes, when we come to worship or
assemble with others before Him, that so we may be able with truth
to adopt the language, " Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come." Here we pray for the increase of His dominion, therefore
we should ever be careful not to oppose His righteous reign in our
own hearts, but let Him sway His sceptre, and govern there, without
a rival. Christ is given as a leader and commander to the people.

76 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
and God governs through Him, the Uving, eternal Word. The
Lord's chUdren feel Him to be their king, and rejoice in His go
vernment, and confide in His Almighty protection. " Thy vrill be
done in earth, as it is in heaven ;" not in part only, but wholly done
in us, and by us, on earth, as it is done by angels and archangels in
heaven. This is indeed a high attainment ; but our Lord has taught
us to desire and pray for it, and when we Uve in the spirit, and walk
in the spirit, it is so : it becomes our delight to do the vriU of God.
Hard things are made easy, and bitter things sweet, to the patiently
resigned, confiding mind of the true, humble-minded disciple. " Give
us this day our daUy bread." It seems to be the opinion of some
that those who are favoured vrith an abundance of this world's pos
sessions, and of temporal blessings, need not use this petition as
relative to themselves. But let us ever bear in mind that aU we have
is in the Lord's hand, and is at His sovereign disposal, and He can
deprive us of it at any moment He pleases. It would be well if all
were more frequently engaged to spread their endeavours after the
increase of outward substance before the Lord. We should then feel
thankful if He owned us, and our proper efforts, vrith success.
Were we thus engaged, I am persuaded, many would feel, at times.
His restraining hand upon them. We should know the covetous,
avaricious disposition checked, which, as the prophet expresses it,
" seeks to add house to house, and to join field to field, until the poor
man has no place upon the earth" (old version). This the Lord
would not own, but would restrain us from, as that in which a Chris
tian is not at liberty to gratify himself or to delight in. But
doubtless our Lord also meant to teach us to ask of God spiritual
food, of which we stand in daUyneed; "Labour not," saith He, "for
the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto ever
lasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you ; for him hath
God the Father sealed." Again: "Except ye eat the flesh of the
Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." This
Divine communion is therefore essential to the sustenance of the
spiritual Ufe. It is a participation in the Divine nature, but not
limited to the sensible consolations of His presence. "Man shall
not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the

MT. 37.] JOUENEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPM.VN. 77
mouth of God ;" yea, by every dispensation of His proridence, every
word which He is pleased to speak in us, or concerning us.
"Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them who trespass
against us," or are' indebted to us. Here we are taught, in the most
impressive manner, the great. Christian duty of forbearance and for
giveness, both as relates to debts and injuries ; we must not harbour
a spirit of resentment or revenge, but forgive as we would be forgiven ;
and vrith regard to debts, great forbearance is our duty. Even under
the law, this was to be extensively inculcated and practised ; and the
morality, charity, and forbearance of the Gospel must never fall short
of that of the Mosaic dispensation. "Lead us not into temptation,
but deUver us from evdl." 0 let all be careful to avoid, of their own
accord, placing themselves in the way of temptations which, they
know weU, wiU prove too strong for them. Such as do so cannot in
sincerity put up this petition.
Let us remember that, vrith every temptation which is provi-
dentiaUy brought upon us, there is provided a way of escape. "In
the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength," and "He knows how to
d^Uver the godly out of temptation." "For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Here we acknowledge
His right to reign ; He created us ; we are His creatures, made for
a purpose of His own honour and glory. 0 that we may not rob
Him of His prerogative ! He alone can enable us to Uve to His
glory, whilst in this probationary state, and can prepare us to be
heirs vrith Christ of the same kingdom of glory for ever. After my
companion had been engaged in testimony, I offered supplication.
It was a solemn season.
Grange Monthly Meeting. — Here matter pressed almost too
much for utterance, but, being favoured to attain to a solemn calm, the
way was opened for deUvery. We are often told that we are a highly
professing people, and truly it is so, wben we profess to be led and
guided by the holy Spirit of truth. When it pleased the Lord to
unfold this Scripture doctrine in the minds of our predecessors, they
greatly rejoiced in the discovery. Many of them had gone from one
denomination of professors to another, and from one preacher to
another, without being able to find that rest and peace which their

78 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
souls longed for ; and when they were told that that which is to be
known of God is made manifest in man — that the Lord hath placed a
teacher and guide vrithin him, they greatly rejoiced, and had to
acknowledge, from their own prerious experience, that this was the
truth. But as it was in the days of our Lord's appearance in the
flesh, when, of the many who heard His sermons. His parables. His
gracious doctrines, few truly believed, or yielded obedience to His
blessed precepts, so it is with us ; for, notwithstanding our profession
of the beUef of this doctrine of inward teaching by the Spirit of
Christ, few indeed, it is to be feared, yield fuU obedience thereto ; of
course, they who do not can only know it as a reprover, and as a
svrift vritness against sin and transgression, which can only tend to
the increase of their condemnation.
When good old Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms, his
mind appeared to be opened to behold the glorious objects and uni
versal character of His dispensation, who was come as a light to
enUghten the Gentiles, as well as the glory of God's chosen people
Israel. "Mine eyes," saith he, "have seen thy salvation, whi^h
thou hast prepared before the face of aU people." Christ is the true
Ught, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world;
but to them who receive Him, He gives power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe in His name, and are born of
God. Here is the precious pririlege of the saints, that the Lord, by
His Spirit, is not only in them as a reprover for sin, but He is their
glory and crown of rejoicing. " Ye have received," saith the Apostle,
" an unction from the Holy One," and ye know aU things. " The
anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need
not that any man teach you ; but as the same anointing teacheth you
of all things, and is truth and is no lie ; and even as it hath taught you,
ye shaU abide in him." Thus it not only teaches us our duty, as in
so many words, or plain intimations, but it communicates to us its
ovm savour ; it is the anointing from the Holy One, and by it we are
immersed or baptized into a measure of its own spirit. Thus it is
that we know a partaking of the Divine nature, and an escaping
from the corruption which is in the world through lust ; for it can
not dwell in an impure or deflled soul : but them who yield to its

^T. 37. J JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 79
influences it purifies and sanctifies, and then Christ, by His Spirit,
abides in us, and we in Him. These are mysteries to the carnal mind.
" Unto you," said our Lord to His disciples, " it is given to know the
mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." If
we vrill do the vriU of God, we shall know and understand Christ's
doctrine. He does not -write His whole law on the hearts of the
disobedient, but only a part of it, sufficient for their present instruc
tion, if they wiU yield to it ; and for their condemnation if they con
tinue disobedient. But the hearts which He hath humbled, softened,
and contrited by His power, and which tremble at His word ; it is
unto these that He reveals the great things of His law. 0 that we
were truly concerned to lay hold of these precious privileges, and not
to reject or despise them. We have reason to fear that of the
many who are caUed, few are chosen, by reason of disobedience or
unfaithfulness. My companion was also engaged in testimony, and I had to sup
pUcate. To God alone be ascribed the glory and the praise which
are His due. Unto us belongeth blushing and confusion of face,
because of our imperfections and frailty; but unto His great and
adorable name belong glory and honour, thanksgiring and praise,
for ever and ever. Amen.
LiSBURN.^First-day morning. I had to review the words of the
Apostle — " Tribulation worketh patience ; patience, experience; and
experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed." This is the
language of experience ; a lesson which can only be learned in that
school. The Christian's path is generaUy more or less a tribulated
one ; but as he is enabled to possess his soul in patience — to gain
experience, he sees how his affliction terminates, and thereby learns
to hope. He is often sad, when he is not sick. This sadness may
arise from a variety of causes. When first awakened to reUgious
thoughtfulness, he is sad from remorse on account of past transgres
sion. A godly sorrow worketh repentance. Even as he advances,
he is at times sad from the vrithdrawal of the light of God's counte
nance. The sense of the Divine presence, in which he has had much
consolation and enjoyment, is gone. The Lord's face is as it were
veiled, and his soul is thereby disquieted. The language then is.

80 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
" Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul, and why art thou disquieted
vrithin me ?" But haring known such dispensations before, or having
read of them in the experience of others, he is led to trust in the
mercy of God, and can say when so tried, " Hope thou in God, for
I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my
God." Another cause of sadness to those concerned for the glory of God,
and the good of souls, often arises from a sense of the low state of
the church, beholding that house, which they remember once holy
and beautiful, in which their fathers served God vrith a humble, de
voted, and contrite heart, which caused their assembUng together
to be owned by His presence, given over as it were a prey to the
enemy. The waUs of our Jerusalem are in many places broken
dovm, and her gates consumed with fire ; great desolations have
overspread her, therefore truly are the chUdren of God often sad,
when they are not sick. But from whatever cause our sadness may
arise let us trust in the Lord, and wait patiently upon Him, for He
only can bring us deliverance. But beware of impatience. It was
indeed a great error which Israel of old committed when Moses, their
appointed leader^ was withdrawn fi-om them for a season, and they
attempted to make to themselves strange gods. The dispensation
they were then under was preparatory to their haring unfolded to
them the great things of God's law; to a more eminent display of His
glory, and a larger revelation of His vriU; but they, by this act,
grieved His Holy Spirit, until He threatened to forsake them. Thus
He often deals vrith His children, exercising their faith, patience,
and integrity, and can make aU these trying dispensations promote
the soul's refinement, and His own glory. My companion was silent,
as we both were in the afternoon ; but in an evening sitting, in the
Prorincial School, we had a precious, favoured opportunity, being the
second which we had with that large and interesting famUy.
Belfast. — After a long season of painful exercise, we were both
favoured to obtain a little relief by expression. The Lord our God
is said to be a jealous God. He can admit no rival. Our Lord
endeavoured to impress His followers with a just sense of the neces
sity of an earnest struggUng and striving to overcome the propensity

.BT. 37. J JOUENEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. 81
of our nature to settle down in the enjoyment of earthly objects. He
Ukened the kingdom to the case of a merchantman seeking goodly
pearls, who, when he had found one of great price, went his way
and sold all that he had, that he might buy that field in which it
was contained. So must we be willing to part vrith all whieh the
Lord calls for at our hand, before we can hope for the enjoyment of
His favour. Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many shall
seek to enter in who shaU not be able. And why were they not
able ? because they loved the things of time too weU to make the re
quired surrender. They did not love the Lord their God with all
their heart. We are so prone by nature to delight in earthly and
sensual gratifications, that there must be an earnest striving, if ever
we succeed. How lamentable vriU it be for any of us who have pro
fessed the name of Christ, and have had the rich offer of Gospel
privUeges, to find ourselves shut out of the kingdom at last. Then
shaU there be a discerning between the righteous and the vricked ;
between those who truly serve God, and those who serve Him not.
The love of ease, the dread of conffict, doubtless deter many from
submitting to the needful purifying operations of Dirine power ; but
how awful vriU be the consequence when such find themselves finaUy
excluded from the kingdom of rest and of glory in a future state !
S. C. was favoured in suppUcation, and we felt relieved, yet sor
rowful. It is a recentiy estabhshed meeting.
MiLECROSS. — Here were a mixed company, most of them being
either members of Society, or descended from Friends ; also, a famUy
were present from a sea-bathing station, at a Uttle distance. We
were long sUent, yet engaged in deep mental travail. The words
arose — " This day be peace and bread my lot ; all else beneath the sun
Thou knowest if best bestowed or not, and let thy will be done."
This language denotes a pious, humble frame of mind. It would be
weU if we aU were thus exercised. 0 the value of solid peace of
mind, of a state of reconcUiation and of acceptance with God ! no
longer riewing or regarding Him as an offended God and Judge, but
feeling ourselves reconcUed to Him through the mediation of Christ,
and that He is looking down upon us as a gracious Father. His
H

82 JOURNEY WITH SOLOMON CHAPMAN. [1811.
compassionate regard for mankind is evinced in the language — "I
am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth
thee by the way that thou shouldst go." 0 that ye had hearkened
to my commandments, then had your peace been as a river, and your
righteousness as the waves of the sea, as a constant flowing stream
of consolation, and with fruits of righteousness appearing in continual
succession. How adorable are the longsuffering and loving-kindness
of God, in condescending to be Himself our teacher and leader,
and in thus graciously lamenting over even the disobedient and
rebelUous. My dear companion was mueh favoured in hving, powerful suppU
cation. The baptizing savour of truth eminently accompanied, in
which he was concerned to pray, with fervour of spirit, for the pros
perity of the cause in which it hath pleased the Great Head of the
church to engage us to labour, and to beseech Him to send forth
more labourers, and to raise up, in this land, those who may stand
forth faithfully for His name's sake.
Eeturned home by way of CarUsle. During this long journey, we
often felt ourselves as feeble instruments, but the Lord has been
graciously pleased to make use of us, and to own our labours vrith the
light of His countenance; some instances of good fruit came to
our knowledge. Such information is iadeed seldom afforded. We
plough in faith and hope. We came out under the constraining
influence of our Heavenly Father's love ; He has been vrith us ; and
vrith grateful hearts we are engaged, at times, to sing songs of thanks
giring and praise to Him who Uveth for ever and ever, and who only
is worthy. Amen.
I was favoured to return to my beloved family about the 6th of Sth
month, haring been absent about four months.

JOURNEY
WITH DANIEL OLIVER, OF NEWCASTLE,
Through Cumbeeland, Northumberland, Westmoreland, Lanca
shire, AND YoEKSHIEE, IN 1813.

Aftef a few preliminary remarks, G. R. thus proceeds : —
Ebchester. — My portion in the serrice was an attempt to enforce
the due consideration of that saying of the Apostle — "Whatsoever a
man soweth that shall he also reap." We see this is true in the out
ward creation ; so also is it in the spiritual. If a man sow wheat in his
field, he reaps wheat ; if barley, he reaps barley ; so of any other pursuit.
If a man give the whole bent of his mind to seek this world's goods,
prorided he do it by means adapted to his object, the natural conse
quence is, that his wealth increases. If he pursue the pleasures of
sense, he has the enjoyments of sense ; but these things, being of a
terrestrial and corruptible nature, they perish with the using. The
only crop, therefore, he can expect to reap, is corruption. If he
devote his Ufe to the exclusive pursuit of such gratifications, he falls
short of the end for which he was created, and thus debases himself.
Our calling is a high and holy one, even " to glorify God in our
bodies, and in our spirits, which are his.''. We are caUed to an
enjoyment of an inward union and communion vrith our Maker, and
to a spiritual fellowship with each other in Him. If therefore we
despise our high and holy calUng, and neglect to seek after spiritual
enjoyment, we have our portion in this Ufe, but the end thereof is

84 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
bitter — our doom is to be for ever where " the worm dieth not, and
the fire is not quenched," when the day of righteous retribution
arrives. We shaU then know that God cannot be mocked, whatever
our profession may have been. Such as a man soweth, that shall he
also reap. If we sow unto the fiesh, we shaU of the fiesh, reap cor
ruption ; but if we sow to the spirit, we shaU of the spirit, reap life
everlasting. It is thus in the nature of things, and according to the
righteous judgment of God. If we seek Him rightly, we shall find
Him : if we sow to the spirit, we shall know a participation in that
spirit, which is the Ught and life of man.
My companion also was strengthened to labour in a precious
degree of right abUity.
Allendale.— There is reason to believe that the gracious design
of our Heavenly Father, in leading our predecessors into the practice
of sitting down in silence, when they assembled to worship Him, is,
in our day, too often frustrated, by giving way to the enemies of our
souls' salvation — "the flesh, or the deril." The flesh loves ease.
When this propensity of our nature is yielded to, an indolent, luke
warm state prevails. In some, the roving of the imagination is
indulged ; in _others, the mind is nearly a waste, void of animation,
empty, dormant. In either case, the gracious design is frustrated.
We are not waiting upon God. These seasons would be occasions
for the renewal of our spiritual strength, if we were rightly and Uv-
ingly exercised before God, sitting down before Him in stiUness,
reverently attentive to the motions of His Spirit upon our minds,
breathing vrith humble, but fervent aspirations after the arising of
His power. In this state of mind, if it should be manifested to us
that we have, in any matter, sinned or transgressed against the
righteous law of God, we should, untU the spirit be bowed in peni
tential sorrow, feel the current of life obstructed. We should see
our sin engraven as with a pen of iron, and with the point of a dia
mond, not only on the tables of our heart and conscience, but also
on the horns of our altar. Thus true contrition before God would be
felt, forgiveness through the blood of Christ would be vritnessed, and
redemption would be knovm, not only from the guilt and condemna
tion of sin, but also from its power and dominion, so that God would

MT. 39.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 85
be truly worshipped and glorified. He is seeking such worshippers ;
and such truly we, as a people, ought to be. We profess to beUeve
in the spirituality of Divine worship, under the Christian dispensation.
If we indulge in indolence and lukewarmness, we shaU have the por
tion of the sluggard, and be clothed vrith rags ; our nakedness will
appear ; and these opportunities, unimproved, vrill rise up in judgment
against us in the great day. But to such as are rightly engaged, the
Lord wiU open His storehouse. In Him " are hid all the treasures
of vrisdom and knowledge." Yea, and He does unfold the mysteries
of His kingdom to such as thus seek Him, and walk in the ways of
His holy commandments.
Alston. — In the monthly meeting, I had to explain the duty of
such as stand in the foremost ranks in reUgious Society, from the
words ofthe Apostle, "Warn the unruly, comfort the feeble-minded,
support the weak, be patient toward all men." Providence hath
vrisely ordained that, for the general and individual weU-being, both
in civU and religious society, there should be government, order, law ;
hence the necessity that there should be also subordination, submis
sion, restraint. But the unruly reject these salutary regulations, wiU
not submit, will not be ruled. This is a dangerous state, because
the justice of God may bring upon them that which is spoken of by
the prophet, " Yea, they have chosen their own ways — I also will
choose their delusions." The language of such is, as our Lord
describes in the parable — " We vrill not have this man to rule over
us ;" therefore He permits a deceived heart to turn them aside.
" Comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak." Those who are
concerned to abide in Christ, the liring Vine, are made fruitful to the
glory of God — they experience at times a being dipped into tender
sympathy vrith and for each other. Are any feeble-minded? the
liring brethren will seek to comfort them. Are any weak ? they wiU
be ready to stretch forth the hand of help. Even those, who are
religiously exercised before God, are surrounded with many tempta
tions and dangers. The enemy knows that if he can draw these
from their aUegiance, and persuade them to yield to his infiuence, he
strengthens his kingdom. Thus '" he goeth about as a roaring Uon,
seeking whom he may devour:" therefore all have need to watch.

86 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
and not only to watch, for we are not able to keep ourselves, but we
must "watch unto prayer," knowing, that unless the Lord keep the
city, the watchmen waketh but in vain. This sense of our ovm infir
mities and danger should truly make us patient towards aU men.
CoANWOOD. — I had to describe the case of a person formerly resi
dent in this neighbourhood, which was related by an eye-vritness. He
was brought to a bed of languishing, and drew near his end. At a
time when he thought himself alone, he was overheard bemoaning
his condition in the foUovring manner: — "I did think that to have
lived a sober and regular life, and done that which was lawful and
right between man and man, would have been sufficient ; but I now
see that nothing vriU do but a thorough change of heart." He then,
when it was almost too late, saw and felt the truth of our Lord's
words, " Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God." He must be converted, and become as a little chUd. 0
that all were brought to perceive and understand these important
truths, before -it be too late !
Carlisle Monthly Meeting. — After a season of deep exercise,
D. 0. was favoured to labour vrith much energy and power in an
awakening testimony.
SoLPORT. — We are placed here, in this stage of existence, as
accountable creatures. The time wiU soon arrive when the spirit
must be separated from its earthly tabernacle. The body must
return to the dust from whence it was taken, and the spirit unto God
who gave it, and must then stand before His awful tribunal to render
an account of the deeds done in the body. We all know this, yet
how many go on in an unconcerned state. " God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life." Do we believe on Him,
believe that He died for our offences, and was raised again for our
justification ? Do we truly believe that the agony which He endured
in the garden, and upon the cross, when He poured out His soul unto
death, was for our sakes, and as an atonement for our sins ? If we
do so believe, how can we be reconciled to live any longer in trans
gression of the righteous law of God, and thus grieve His Holy
Spirit ? If we rightly believe these awfully important truths, we shall

MT. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 87
know that we are not our own, but are bought vrith a price. What
price? Even with the precious blood of the Son of God, that
henceforth we should not Uve in sin, not live to ourselves, but to the
honour, the praise, the glory of God, and of Christ, who died for us.
SiKESiDE. — On first-day morning, we were both engaged in testi
mony. I felt weak and poor on standing up, but was favoured with
strength to labour beyond my expectation. Among the many impedi
ments which Ue in the path of our advancement in that strait and
narrow way, which leads to the kingdom of rest and glory, not the
least is that reluctance in our nature to appear as fools amongst men
for Christ's sake ; yet it is essential to our progress that we learn
this lesson. Many who have been favoured to make progress in the
right path, have to acknowledge that this has been one of the bitterest
cups which they have had to drink, but our Lord is gracious. In
the days of His outward manifestation in the flesh, we read that
many who were convinced that He was the Messiah, were yet afraid
and ashamed to confess Him, lest they should be put out of the
synagogue. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of
God. They sought the honour which is from beneath, more than
that which cometh from God only. The people expected Christ to
appear in majesty and glory as a temporal king, but He came in a
lowly appearance. They knew that He was the son of Mary, by
trade a carpenter, and that His companions were simple, unlearned
fishermen. Thus it is now. His appearance in the heart is lowly.
His requirements at times appear foolish to the carnal mind, and the
natural understanding often cannot comprehend, and has no relish
for them. It is to many very hard thus to appear as fools ; but the
Lord is gracious, even to these weak ones, if they seek to Him for help
and instruction. We read that our Lord received Nicodemus even
by night, and condescended to open to him the important mystery of
regeneration ; a great mystery to the carnal mind to this day. It is
indeed a consolation to think how the Lord bears vrith our weakness
and infirmities. Let such seek Him in retirement. He wUl con
descend to strengthen and instruct them, wiU gentiy lead those who
are young in faith, and bear in His arms such as are scarcely yet
able to walk. He vrill teach them obedience by the things they shaU

88 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
suffer. He vriU cause them to know His terrors for sin, chasten them
as children, and scourge them as sons, but in such tenderness and
love that their love towards Him vrill be increased and not lessened.
He vrill feed them with the mUk of His word, whereby they wUl
grow in strength, become more bold in His cause, and be made
vriUing to confess Him before men. Having received a new heart in
the process of regeneration, they wiU have new affections and desires.
He wiU give them hearts of flesh, whereon He wUl inscribe the great
things of His law. What adorable condescension !
Carlisle. — " It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions faU not. They are new every morning."
When we refiect on those awful occurrences recorded in Holy Scrip
ture, we see how the Almighty, after much longsuffering, poured out
His judgments upon many to destruction, even upon His own pecuUar
and chosen people, whom He had brought out of Egyptian bondage
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; yet when they tempted
and grieved Him in the wilderness, with what awful calamities did
He risit them ! And are not many of us equally guilty ? He has
condescended to fulfil His aneient promise to many in our day — "I
vrill dweU in them and walk in them ; I vriU be their God, and they
shaU be my people." Has He not been to many of us an immediate
teacher and instructor, conricting of sin ? Yet how many amongst
us quench the Spirit, stifle conriction, and rebel against the light —
and yet He spares ! Truly we may say that it is of the Lord's mer
cies we are not consumed. The Gospel is pecuUarly a dispensation
of mercy. The Lord thereby seeks to save us, to redeem us, to
gather us into the true fold, of which the Lord Jesus Christ is the
one Shepherd. When our Lord was personally on earth, we read
that some refused to receive Him. His disciples, in their zeal,
queried if they might not call down fire from heaven, and consume
them, as Elias did. But He rebuked them, graciously declaring that
He came not to destroy men's Uves, but to save them.
Even in ancient times, the language went forth — " Blow the trum
pet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly : gather the
people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the
children, and those that suck the breasts  Let the priests, the

MT. 39.] .TOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 89
ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the alar, and let
them say. Spare thy people, 0 Lord, and give not thine heritage to
reproach." What mercy ! What forbearance !
The feelings of my own mind, on this occasion, were such as would
have gathered all ranks and classes ; desiring that our souls might
thus be solemnly bowed before the Lord, supplicating, indiridually
and unitedly, that He would be pleased to spare His people, and not
give His Heritage to reproach, nor suffer the heathenish spirit to rule
over us.
ScoTBY. — My duty appeared to be to exhort all ranks to watchful
ness. "Watch and pray," said our Lord. We cannot preserve
ourselves; for "it is not in man that walketh, to direct his steps,"
therefore our trust must be in God, the Preserver of men, and our
aspirations must ascend to Him who alone can rightly instruct and
preserve. " What I say unto you," saith our Lord to His Apostles,
"I say unto aU, Watch." None are exempt from this duty. We
have a subtie enemy, who suits his baits to our several circumstances
and dispositions. He does not tempt us aU to the same error, nor
any one of us to every sin. If we think, as some have thought, that
he has left the field, we may be mistaken. He may have found a
secret lurking place very near a rital part. We are very ready to
consider the fault of our neighbour of gi-eater magnitude than our
own, and that the sin vrith which we are beset is, on some account
or other, excusable. The heart of man is deceitful, and when unre
strained by reUgion, is liable to become desperately vricked.
Moorhouse.— Notvrithstanding the degeneracy which sorrowfuUy
prevaUs in our Society, the Lord has not ceased to strive vrith us.
But the mourners in Zion are often ready to say, " By whom shall
Jacob arise, for he is smaU." If the Lord be vrith us, why is it thus ?
Let such as truly mourn, do as Gideon did — go forward in the little
strength which, if rightly sought, would be afforded. When Gideon
was stirred up to engage in the work of reformation, and was fain to
go by night to destroy the altars of Baal, when the people were ready
to rise up against him, we find his aged father stood in his defence,
saying, "WUl ye plead for Baal? WUl ye save him?" He had
suffered wrong things to creep in, but was well satisfied that one had

90 journey with daniel OLIVER. [1813.
risen up to put them away. Thus might the dear, awakened youth
among us be encouraged to labour, and some of them might become
blessings to their father's houses, even qualified to take their parents
by the hand, in their declining years, and help them forward in the
right path.
Allonby. — This meeting was large. My mind entered into sym
pathy and exercise with, and for, the aged, of whom, a large number
were present. The Lord's tender mercy towards His degenerate
creature man, is very great. He strives vrith, and risits him, from
season to season, by His holy Spirit; and if our eyes were truly
enUghtened, we might also read of many mercies in the book of Pro
ridence. When old age advances. He strips men of their earthly
consolations, as it were, 'one after another, that they may be weaned
from the love of this world, and excited to seek a better inheritance.
" Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance
into darkness." Thus, those with whom they have been most sweetly
united are taken away from them, and they feel stripped. But it is
in adorable mercy that those who, it may be, would not yield to the
more timely and gentle admonitions of His Spirit, may be thus
reclaimed to a just sense of their duty, by these more severe chas
tisements. Nor have the aged only to be instructed by such consi
derations. The middle-aged, the young and strong, in the fuU
enjoyment of health and vigour, have aU great need to take warning ;
for the day may soon overtake any of us, in which it may truly be
said that wearisome days and nights are appointed us, when we may
be compelled to say, we have no pleasure in them. We may soon
be laid on a bed of sickness, when the spirit of a man may be scarcely
able to bear the infirmities of the body ; then, a " wounded spirit,
who can bear ?" Such a case as this has been experienced, of which
I had to give a most affecting instance. May aU be warned in time,
lest unhappUy such should be the lot of any of us, that we should
nearly outlive the day of the Lord's gracious risitations unto our
souls, and have to adopt the language, from painful personal expe
rience, " The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not
saved." Maryport. — Our Lord declared to His disciples, "Ye are my

MT. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 91
friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." Many are vriUing to
obey part of the Dirine requirements, and are reaUy desirous of being
the Lord's servants, who yet shrink from the entire surrender of
their ovm vrill. They who yield unreservedly, have generaUy to learn
obedience by the things which they have to suffer. Many risited
ones, for want of more entire faithfulness, are comparable to Ephraim,
whose goodness was as a morning cloud, and as the early dew,
which soon passeth away. InstabUity is marked in their conduct.
Let such remember their vows in the day when they entered into
covenant with God, with simple, humble request, as Jacob did. They
have been inrited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. May they
beware of rendering themselves unworthy to partake thereof, by an
undue attachment to lower enjoyments ; pleading excuses — one going
to his farm, another to his merchandise, and a third resting satisfied
with his domestic enjoyments. Thus, as is represented in the parable,
if, when the Lord caUs and inrites, we refuse to hear, we may be
rejected, and never be aUowed to partake of the table of the Lord, in
His kingdom, when we should be wUling and thankful to do so. He
may then laugh at our calamities, and mock when our fear cometh.
Broughton. — I had to dwell on the high importance of the cha
racter which we are called to maintain, as Christians. " Ye are the
salt of the earth :" " Ye are the light of the world," said our Lord,
to His disciples. "A city that is set on an hiU cannot be hid."
There are few persons but have some influence over others. If this
influence be exerted in the cause of reUgion and virtue, it is useful.
In religion, we cannot be neutral. Our Lord declared, " He that is
not vrith me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me, scat
tereth abroad." He also described fruitfulness as essentiaUy con
nected vrith discipleship. "Every branch in me that beareth not
fruit he taketh away : and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth
it, that it may bring forth more fruit." Hence our lives and conver
sation must be of good savour. " Ye are the salt of the earth : but
if the salt have lost his savour, wherevrith shall it be salted ? it is
thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden
under foot of men :" an awful warning to the unsavory professor.
On the other hand, how encouraging is the language, "Herein is my

92 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1813.
Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." Many would be more
fruitful if they were to surrender themselves more fully to the Lord's
serrice. We must know our ovm wiUs so subdued that we may
become as passive clay in the hands of the potter. We must be
wUling to walk by faith, not by sight only ; be wUling to move in
simple faith at the secret touches of Divine power in the heart, which
point to this being done, the other, left undone. Let us take the
Lord Himself for our leader, and He will teach and sustain us.
Believers are sometimes led as the blind, in a way that they have not
knovm, and into paths which they have not seen. "He brought me
into darkness, but not into Ught," saith one, formerly; and we
remember it is said, our Lord was led, even of the Spirit, into the
vrilderness, to be tempted of the deril- These are trying dispensa
tions; but we are thus taught and instructed to speak a word in
season to him that is weary. Were there more among us willing to
be thus purged, thus led about and instructed, we may reverently
believe the Lord would fulfil His ancient promise, and pour out larger
measures of His Holy Spirit upon them, and cause sons and daughters,
servants and hand-maidens, to prophesy, and prepare them for use
fulness in the church. 0 that the risited children of the Lord would
yield unreserved obedience !
Geeysouthen. — It was foretold of our holy Eedeemer, that in
His humUiation His judgment was taken away, and who shall declare
His generation, for His life was taken from the earth. The Lord's
servants have often had measurably to partake of a simUar cup of
suffering, to that of which their Divine Master drank so very deeply.
They are at times permitted to know something of the fellowship of
His sufferings, and to be as it were baptized into His death. "Ye
are dead," saith the Apostle, to some of his fellow-believers, " and
your life is hid with Christ in God." This is a precious, but a very
humiliating state, being as it were dead to sin, dead to the world, yet
alive unto God. But it sometimes happens that these Uttle ones of
the Lord's fold are so discouraged and cast down, that they do not
discern themselves to be thus truly alive unto God ; yet it is a con
dition very precious in the Divine sight, and peculiarly under His
protection. It was said formerly, that " as the mountains are round

MT. 89.] journey with DANIEL OLIVER. 93
about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people." How
consoling is the language, " Can a woman forget her sucking chUd,
that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb ? Yea,
they may forget, yet wUl I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee
upon the palms of my hands ; thy waUs are continually before me."
Paedshaw.— Here we were met by Friends from several other meet-
mgs, being first-day morning. As we rode to meetmg, I felt the
current of Gospel love fiow very strongly, and hoped we should have
been favoured with an open good meeting. It was large, and proved
very laborious. I felt constrained to rise, but under a sense that
the seed of life was under great oppression. The language of the
bUnd man, whom our Lord restored to sight, came before me, " I
have told you already, and ye did not hear. Wherefore would ye
hear it again ? WUl ye also be his disciples ?" Thus it is vrith the
Lord's messengers at times. There may be a willingness to hear
them, but not a disposition to yield obedience.
My companion foUowed at greater length than I had ever before
heard him. I had to add a few words by way of encouragement to
the honest-hearted among them.
Whitehaven. — I sat down in the meeting under discouragement,
but was brought into a Uvely sense of our Lord's sufferings. After
some other Friends had spoken, I endeavoured to encourage the
lowly, suffering ones, by the example of our great High Priest, the
Lord Jesus Christ. His persecutors blind-folded Him, placing on
His head a crown of thorns. They smote Him, and even spat upon
Him, but what meekness, fortitude, and patience did He evince ! even
He, who had power to command twelve legions of angels. He is the
captain of our salvation, and hath set us an example that we should
follow His steps. He suffered, being tempted, and knoweth how to
succour all those who are tempted ; therefore let us continue to look
unto Jesus, trusting in His mercy and in His power.
But how was it with those who occasioned His suffering ? Many
of them did it in ignorance and unbeUef, and on this account. He
even deigned to pray for them, as with His dying breath. Even in
our day, it is possible to be in the same spirit as these persecuting
Jews. The Apostle intimates that it is possible, as it were, even to

94 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
crucify the Son of God afresh, and to put Him to open shame,
when we trample on conviction, or quench the strivings of the Lord's
Holy Spirit. But as the Jews rejected the evidence of His being the
true Messiah, even the eridence of His miraculous works, saying.
He did them by Beelzebub, the prince of the derils, even so do some
viUfy and miscal the motions of Christ's Holy Spirit in themselves
and in others. Does not this Spirit ever incline the heart which
yields to it, to embrace that which is good, and to refuse and turn
from that which is eril ; but now, as formerly, men love darkness
rather than light, because their deeds are eril. The same spirit
which is ever at enmity vrith God, continues to persecute and afflict,
in various ways. His lowly disciples. Even some who profess to be
called by His name, deny Him in His doctrines and holy requirings
before their fellow-mortals. By this the Holy Spirit is grieved.
Cockermouth. — We are commanded to ask that we may receive,
to seek, that we may find; but we read that the disciples, when
fishing, toUed all night, and yet caught nothing. Thus it is incum
bent on us to labour diUgently for the bread of life, yet patientiy to
wait the Lord's time. We are wholly dependant on Him for aU our
blessings, both spiritual and temporal. No past experience can
diminish or remove the constant necessity for this sense of depen
dance. The Lord has graciously promised that they who truly wait
upon Him shall renew their strength, but not in their own time or
vriU. In order to profit by this promise, we must be careful to walk
in the Divine fear, and in the way of His commandments. It is
those who are of clean hands and pure hearts, and are concerned to
know Him above aU, that shall, in spirit, ascend the Lord's .holy
hiU, and dweU in His tabernacle. Without this, we shaU seldom be
permitted to be sensible of His refreshing presence. No idol, or
image, graven by art, or man's derice, must find a seat in our affec
tions as a rival to Him who claims a whole burnt-offering, an indiri
dual sacrifice. The Lord's Spirit is also a Spirit of truth. It leads
out of aU lying and deceit, and into uprightness and integrity. The
tree of life, which stands in the midst of the paradise of God, is
guarded against the approach of the transgressing nature, by the
angel with the flaming sword. Therefore, if we are indulging in

^T. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 95
these wrong things, when we would at the same time seek spiritual
consolation, we shaU find it denied to us. We shall often sit dry,
poor, and barren. On the other hand, if we are careful to do
the wiU of God, diligently seeking to Him for help and strength
against our soul's enemies, we shaU be permitted at seasons to ascend
above aU lower enjoyments, as upon the wings of faith and love. In
seasons of danger and trouble, the munitions of rocks shaU be our
defence. Even in seasons of dearth and want, bread wUl be given us,
and our water shaU be sure.
Setmurthy. — To a small company, D. 0. had a precious testimony,
which was dehvered with great power and clearness. I felt afraid to
add, lest it should not be to profit, but it appeared to be safest to
attempt a little addition.
Welpore. — "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spuit
saith unto the Churches." By this we may leam that there is a state
so nearly approaching to that of spiritual death, that it cannot avail
ingly hear. To such, the words of the Lord's servants are but as a
pleasant song. Even their most solemn warnings are scarcely felt
to have any meaning. But as the great Master is received, so wUl
His servants be. If the people have regarded His voice in the secret
of their hearts, so wUl they value the admonitions of those whom He
sends. If they stifle the conrictions of His Spirit, they wUl not heed
the most solemn caUs through instruments sent to them. This is a
very dangerous state ; the heart waxed so gross that seeing, they
see, but do not perceive, and hearing, they hear, but do not under
stand. The Lord may cease to strive. He may harden graduaUy.
We also find that the Lord's care over His chosen ones is very great,
even in times of general calamity. When the prophet was taken in
the risions of Ught, to behold as in secret, through a hole in the wall,
the abominable works of the Israehtes, even the elders of the people,
how they were bo-wing down to their own inventions, in the chambers
of imagery, and the Lord declared that He would deal vrith them in
fury, saying — Mine eye shall not spare, neither wUl I have pity ; yet
before His judgments were poured out, a messenger was sent through
the midst of the city, with a writer's ink-horn by his side, to " set a
mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry, for all

96 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." These were to
be spared in the day of His righteous judgments. This is a sure
criterion, by which we may judge of our spiritual condition. Do we
" sigh," do we " cry," are we grieved at sin and eril, either in our
selves or others? The Lord's adopted chUdren are grieved when
their Heavenly Father is dishonoured, or His holy name is in anything
profaned. Not so the indifferent or lukewarm professors.
I also had to speak a little on the parable of the talents. The
gift of grace is universal. The grace of God hath appeared to all
men, but the Lord giveth to men according to their several abUity.
Improvement of the talents received is requfred of aU, but we find
the negligent, the slothful, go from one degree of blindness and hard
ness to another— negligent, slothful, ungrateful, even to rebeUion and
blasphemy. Out of their ovm mouths wUl such be judged. Even
by that which they shaU be constrained to confess, shall they be
condemned. Penrith. — " The Lord pardon thy servant in this thing" is a lan
guage unworthy our high calUng. The desire of wrong things retards
the growth and advancement of many visited minds. They are made
wUling to give up to the manifestations of duty in part, but not
whoUy. Thus the current of that peace, which, if they were truly
faithful and obedient, would fiow as a river, is obstructed, and that
succession of acts of righteousness, rolUng as the wa-ves of the sea,
in beautiful regularity, is prevented. Some, wanting faith in the
Lord's promises, let in a fear that if entire obedience to Divine
requirings were yielded to, their trade would be spoUed, and the
needful provision for themselves and famiUes would faU short. Thus
Naaman, the Syrian, appears to have been sensible of his state of
bondage, yet did not seek to be loosed from it, but to be tolerated in
the idolatrous usages connected with it.
" The Lord pardon thy servant in this thing." Thus are many in
our Society in thraldom and bondage to the spirit of this world.
There are others who seem to take the reins of government out of
the Lord's hand, and follow after the pleasures of sense, or the accu
mulation of this world's goods, as vrith an extended grasp, and an
almost unbounded desire. Such cannot truly say that the Lord is

^T. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 97
their Shepherd. They stray wide from His fold. But such as are
brought to a wUUngness to make a full and free surrender He can
strengthen, and even enable to cut off that which may have been as
near and dear to them as a right hand, for His sake ; then, in humble
holy confidence, they can truly say, " The Lord is my Shepherd; I
shaU not want." " The Lord is my light and my salvation ; of
whom shaU I be afraid?"
It would be weU for the elders of the church, the parents, and heads
of famiUes, to beware that in the joy which they feel at the progress
which some of their younger Friends may have made, they say
anything which would appear contrary to the conrictions made upon
their minds, at times', in the struggUngs of nature vrith grace — of
incUnation vrith conviction. May all these delegated shepherds
beware lest they mar the Lord's work, by unguardedly uttering the
language, "Go in pdace ; " but rather, may they seek to strengthen
the good desires of aU, as far as they are enabled, and then commend
them to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to keep
them from faUing, and to build them up in our most holy faith.
Moreland. — The lowly, oppressed ones were encouraged ; some
of whom seemed so weak that they were hardly able to maintain
the struggle. " The Lord giveth power to the faint ; and to them
that have no might, he increaseth strength." This promise is
precious. Kendal. — We read that " the just shaU Uve by faith." There is
to be knovm an inward perception of the Divine wUl, which it is our
duty to obey, vrithout always seeing the reason why. Thus was it
vrith him who is styled the Father of the Faithful. He was called
to leave his kindred and his father's house, and to go forth to a
country he knew not. He obeyed, and went forth ; but looking con
tinuaUy to Him who is inrisible, in his journeyings, when he had
pitched his tent, it became his care and concern to set up an altar,
to call on the name of the Lord, and to seek to Him for preservation
and counsel. On one occasion, when he appears to have been anxious
to understand how the great and important promises which he had
received were to be fulfiUed, he was answered by this short but highly
instructive injunction, " WaUi before me, and be thou perfect." As
I

98 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
we are engaged thus to walk in the presence and fear of God, we
also shaU vritness preservation, and abUity wUl be afforded to go on
to perfection ; we shaU then be taught to know and discern our duty,
even in cases of the greatest difflculty.
PRESTON-PATRiCK.^My engagement was an earnest exhortation
to diUgence in seeking the Lord, and to beware of drowsiness or
lukewarmness when we assemble with our Friends to wait upon Him,
lest we grieve His Holy Spirit, and make the table of the Lord appear
contemptible in the eyes of serious inquirers. I also had to give a
tender exhortation to the dear children, of whom a considerable
number were present.
Gra-jrigg. — "Where two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of them." If but two can meet, they
are encouraged to do so ; and when truly gathered in united exercise
of spirit before the Lord, they may expect the blessing of the Dirine
presence. This is great encouragement to diUgence in the attend
ance of our reUgious meetings. But even this wUl not avaU unless
we are found in the way of weU-doing. " If thou doest weU, shalt
thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin Ueth at the door."
CoLTHOUSE, NEAE Hawkshead. — The language of the prophet
was, " Behold the Lord whom ye seek ; the messenger of the cove
nant whom ye delight in" shaU suddenly come to His temple. " But
who may abide the day of his coming?  for he is like a refiner's
fire, and Uke fuller's soap." It is needful that we should ever be watch
ful, for we know not how suddenly He who is styled the messenger of
the new covenant may come ; either in merciful risitation, by the
tendering, contriting influence of His love and power upon our spirits,
or in the way of conviction and of judgment ; even as a refiner, vrith
fire, to try us with the revelation of his righteous indignation against
sin, or it may be, at once to cut the thread of our Uves, and summon
us, just as we are, to appear before His tribunal. The Father hath
the times and seasons in His own hand. When He does come as a
refiner vrith fire, we are too apt to flinch from the painful operation ;
but it is necessary, and however severe, " it afterward yieldeth the
peaceable finiit of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby."
Let aU beware of expecting great and remarkable manifestations of

MT. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 99
Divine power. The manner and time of the Holy Spirit's operation
are varied to a wonderful extent. "As the wind bloweth where it
listeth" — " so is every one that is born of the Spirit." The wealc
and discouraged ones may be satisfied that He vriU not break the
bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, until He bring forth
judgment unto -rietory.
Gaesdale. — After much secret prayer for help and preservation in
the important and arduous serrice before me, I arose, vrith feelings of
tender love and sympathy towards these poor people, situate in a very
remote district, and vrithout the enjoyment of many things which we
esteem the comforts of life. It is said, " He who formed the eye
shaU he not see ? he who planted the ear shaU he not hear ?" The
Lord sees us at aU times, and in aU places. This consideration is
fuU of instruction. The careless and disobedient cannot hide from
Him, no, not even their most secret thoughts or actions. " Whither
shaU I go from thy Spirit ?" saith the Psalmist, " Whither shaU I
flee from thy presence ? " The most concealed actions of the un
godly are known to Him. He records their deeds in His book, and
He vriU caU them to answer for them before the judgment-seat of
Christ. To the lowly, humble, seeking chUdren of God, this doctrine
is fuU of sweet consolation ; " The eyes of the Lord are upon the
righteous, and his ears are open to their cry." His arm is widely
extended in adorable mercy, to gather even the rebeUious and the
disobedient. His language to such is, " Why wUl ye die ?" " Let
the vricked retum unto the Lord, and he vriU have mercy upon
him ; and to our God, for he vriU abundantiy pardon." But let aU
such remember that if they wUl not let the long-suffering of God
lead them to repentance ; if they vriU contiaue in rebelUon, they are
fighting against God, and wUl most assuredly find that He is stronger
than they.
Eawden. — We read that when the shepherds were keeping watch
over their flocks by night, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them
vrith the cheering language, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great
joy, which shaU be to aU people ; for unto you is bom this day m the
city of Darid, a Sariour, which is Christ the Lord ;" and suddenly
there was vrith the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising

100 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1813.
God and saying, " Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good
wUl toward men." The fulness and extent of the benefit designed
by our Heavenly Father in thus sending His Son to be offered as a
sacrifice for the sins of men, in order that they may become, through
living faith in this precious sacrifice, reconcUed to God, and know
the pardon of their transgressions ; and not only so, but that they
may, through the obedience of faith and sanctification of the Spirit,
know Christ to dwell in them, is hardly conceivable by our finite
capacities. There is reason to fear that this precious indwelling of
Christ," as a source of refreshment to the soul, is much less ex
perienced than it might be, were there but more submission to the
wiU of God, and of walking in the obedienee of faith. These precious
pririleges of our Gospel day are not sought after vrith sufficient
earnestness. "If thou knewest the gift of God," said our Lord to
the woman at Jacob's well, " and who it is that saith to thee, Give
me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have
given thee living water." But how shaU we come to the experience
of this ? By faith. " Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
andthe government shaU be upon his shoulders." Do we know, as
the Apostle expresses it, Christ to be formed in us ? We are taught
to pray that His kingdom may come, and that His wiU may be done
on earth, as it is done in heaven. If we really desire this, then let
Christ reign ; " If ye love me," said He to His disciples, " keep my
commandments." We have reason to believe that the deUght of
the purified spirits in heaven, is to be employed in doing the wUl of
God, and in praising and magnifying His great and adorable name.
But can we praise Him unless we have actually knovm Him as our
Deliverer, our Eedeemer, not only from the guUt, but also from
the power and dominion of sin ? Let us endeavour humbly and
patiently to bow to the sceptre of Christ, and yield ourselves to
be led, guided, and governed by Him ; let us seek Him earnestly,
and desire that He may be in us, and over us, " God over all, blessed
for ever :" let us seek to feel Him near us, to get often as into His
company, to sit as at His feet, so shaU we be favoured to hear more
bf the gracious words which proceed out of His mouth, even as pro
mised to the disciples, " He dwelleth with you, and shaU be in you."

MT. 89.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 101
Brighouse. — The language of our Lord to His Apostles came
before me, " Ye are they who have continued with me in my temp
tations." What wonderful love and condescension in God to His
creature man, that any should be thus honoured ! But from hence
we may gather how needful it is for aU those who are caUed to fiU
the foremost ranks in the Church to be vriUing to go down, again
and again, as into Jordan, to drink of the cup which the Captain of
our Salvation drank of, and to be baptized vrith His baptism, even to
be buried vrith Him by baptism unto death, that they may also -vrit
ness the power of His resurrection ; yea, to follow Him in the re
generation. He had no need of this process, but He leads aU His
foUowers through it. It is not enough that we should have once
known something of the new birth ; there are after dippings. That
eye which was once opened may become dim, and that capacity for
serrice which was once experienced may decay. Peter doubtless
had known something of regeneration before he denied his Master,
but after that transgression, he again needed to be converted or
changed before he could be quahfied to strengthen his brethren. We
also are beset vrith many temptations ; are prone to the love of ease
and o'f earthly enjoyments ; and often need to be purged and washed
ftom defilement. Not by works of righteousness that we have done,
or can do, are we saved, but by the washing of regeneration, and the
renewing of the Holy Ghost. Let us ever cherish a deep and hum-
bUng sense of our manifold dangers and infirmities, for it remains to
be the humble and contrite-hearted that God accepts : and it is these
who are made useful in the church. Without we are preserved in
this frame of spirit, we may be stumbling blocks, and a cause of
offence to the Uttle ones of the flock, and also to honest inquirers.
" Have salt in yourselves."
Dewsbury. — It is a mournful consideration that of the Israehtes
who were brought forth out of Egypt by the hand of Moses, only two
of those who were upwards of twenty years of age, were permitted
eventually to enter the land of promise. The people had seen the
signs and wonders — the mighty hand and the outstretched arm — by
which they were dehvered from the power of their hard task-masters.
But we find that by reason of their manifold sins and provocations,

102 journey with daniel OLIVER. [1813.
the Lord's judgments were, from time to time, poured out upon them,
so that their carcasses fell in the wUderness. Even after they had
heard the Lord's voice from Mount Sinai, and were so humbled and
affected at the time, that they cried, " AU that the Lord hath said
wUl we do, and be obedient," how quickly did they turn aside to
idol worship ! What a lesson of instruction is this ! What need
have we aU to take care lest we also faU after the same example
of unbeUef, for this appears to have been the sin that most easUy
beset them. Let us take heed lest the serpent, who beguUed Eve
through his subtlety, should also beguile our souls from our trust in
God, or from the simplicity which is in Christ. Let us lay aside
every weight and burden which impedes our progress toward the
heavenly Canaan, and that sin which most easUy besets us, whatso
ever it may be. Our grand adversary knows weU our weakest spot —
where we are most vulnerable : here therefore let us keep a double
watch, and earnestly pray to our Heavenly Father for help and pro
tection from our souls' enemies.. It is as we thus abide humble and
watchful, that we gain religious experience, and a preparation for use
fulness in the church. Many are the ways whereby the Lord pre
pares His servants. We must ever be careful to abide in His counsel,
and to walk in the way of His commandments. Moses appears to
have erred by being too rash. He was under the Lord's preparing
hand ; he went forth to visit his brethren, but when he saw the
Egyptian oppressing one of them, he prematurely and injudiciously
interfered, and slew the Egyptian. And again, when he would have
set his brethren "at one again," as he saw them striving with each
other, he received this taunting reply, " Wouldst thou kUl me as
thou didst the Egyptian yesterday ?" " Who made thee a ruler and
judge over us ?" Thus they would not own his authority ; the time
had not yet come — and he had to flee for his life. We find Moses
had to pass many years after this in the desert — much in solitude,
and in communion with his God — by whioh means he was instructed
and prepared for eminent usefulness. Very different was it vrith
him over whom the mantle of love was cast. Elisha was constrained
to leave all his outward occupations and possessions, and to enter
into immediate, active service. Others of the Lord's servants, as

^T. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 103
John the Baptist, had to pass a long period in a preparatory state.
When but a chUd, it was said of him, that " he waxed strong in
spirit," yet " was in the deserts untU the day of his shewing unto
Israel." Baensley. — The admonition of the Apostie to the beUevers came
before me : — " I would have you vrise unto that which is good, and
simple concerning evU." " In maUce be ye chUdren, but in under
standing be men." We have need to be Divinely instructed in the
attainment of heavenly knowledge, and we should not be ignorant of
the many derices which the enemies of our souls make use of, to
ensnare us. This knowledge and this vrisdom we must ask of God.
" Teach me thy way, 0 Lord, and I wiU walk in thy paths."
" Unite my heart to fear thy name." If we truly desire to be taught
of the Lord, we must resolve that through His help, we vriU walk in
the way of His requirings. Our hearts must be clothed vrith His
fear ; and when, in the manifestation of light, we hear the word of
command, we shaU always, I beUeve, find there is power to obey, if
the secret voice which speaks in the soul, be but attended to. Let
us also be diUgent in searching the Scriptures of truth. The order
in which the Apostle has placed the growth in Christian attainments
is very instructive. " Add to your faith virtue ; and to rirtue know
ledge ; and to knowledge temperance ; and to temperance patience ;
and to patience godUness ; and to godUness brotherly kindness ; and
to brotherly kindness charity." Now " Faith is the gift of God." We
can make no progress in reUgion untU it is imparted to us. We
must beUeve that God is, " and that he is a rewarder of them that
diUgently seek him." The seeds of this faith are sown universaUy.
" The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth
his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night
sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their
voice is not heard." It is the wiU of God that His chUdren and ser
vants should increase in knowledge, most especiaUy in that which
tends to salvation. Patience is indeed necessary for aU, but young
Christians have pecuUar need to learn how to possess their souls in
patience ; submitting humbly to the will of God. When tribulation
ariseth, when a man's kindred and friends persecute him for Christ's

104 journey with daniel OLIVEE. [1813.
sake, he has need of both vrisdom and patience-; especially so when
a man's greatest outward foes are they of his own household. He
then has need of meekness and humUity, and of being so guided
in the path of true judgment, that he may go in and out before men
vrithout giving cause of offence, being clothed with brotherly Idndness
and charity. There is a season in the experience of many, in
which, if they have not conflicts from vrithout, they have them from
vrithin. Awakened souls, endeavouring to foUow in the way of God's
commandment, have often, for a time, to walk moumfuUy before the
Lord, vrithout the enjoyment of that peace, which, if they are faith
ful and obedient, will be known " to flow as a river" in due time, to
their great refreshment.
LuMBROYD. — There is encouragement in the language of Darid —
" This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and dehvered him
out of aU his troubles." Again it is said, that "for the oppression of
the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the
Lord" — great encouragement for the poor in spirit. Those who are
made sensible of their many infirmities and wants, may freely seek
help from God. " His ear is open to their cry." He pitieth them,
even " as a father pitieth his children," if they are careful to do His
wUl. Such vrill not choose to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
stand in the way of sinners.
Highplatts. — I had to revive that remarkable expression of the
Apostle Paul, "I was alive vrithout the law once, but when the com
mandment came, sin rerived, and I died." Many are in this con
dition — alive, in their own apprehension, but in an unawakened and
unreflecting state. They are consequently as "without the law,"
feeling no conriction, no compunction. Their ways appear right in
their ovm eyes, but it is because the law of God is not fully revealed, or
His vritness in the conscience is sUenced. They turn from the light,
which reproves and makes manifest that which is eril and contrary
to the vrill of God. They hate the light, because their deeds are
eril, therefore they are permitted to grope in darkness and delusion,
caUing things by their wrong names, — as "evil, good; and good,
eril." This, though a common, is a very unsafe state. " Some
men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment, and some

MT. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 105
men they foUow after." How dreadful vriU it be to have all our evil
deeds to rise up in judgment against us, when we stand at the tri
bunal of God, from which there is no appeal ! The sentence then
pronounced vrill fix our doom irrevocably. How incomparably better
is it that we should know the commandment to come, the law of God
to be clearly revealed, though we should then have to bewail our con
dition, as being dead in trespasses and sins, and behold all our ovm
righteousness, in which we had trusted, to be but as filthy rags.
These are sore baptisms, and severe conflicts, but it is well to endure
them whUst the day of mercy is extended. Let us bring our deeds
to Christ, the Judge — the true Light — and submit patiently, when
He shaU pass judgment upon them. We shall then receive more
light, and things which we had esteemed as harmless and innocent,
in our awakened state we shall discover to be contrary to the vriU of
God concerning us, and His vrill is our law, in whatsoever way He
may be pleased to make it manifest. We thus may come to see that
things which are highly accounted of among men, are sometimes
abomination in the sight of God. When the mind is thus awakened,
it feels deeply humbled before God. True repentance takes place ;
self-abhorrence is at times felt against our conduct. The need of a
Saviour is seen and felt ; and if we yield to the dra-wings of the Holy
Spirit, we shaU be brought, as to the foot of the cross, to behold the
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world ; and to believe
in the precious blood of the covenant, which was shed for us. God
spared not His own Son, but deUvered Him up to be a sacrifice for
our sins, and He graciously accepts that sacrifice as an atonement,
for those who sincerely repent and forsake the error of their ways.
The Lord Jesus Christ "poured out his soul unto death," that He
might reconcUe us to God. Let all therefore look unto Him whom
they have pierced with their sins — whose Holy Spirit they have often
grieved and quenched ; and humbly confess Him before men in all
His requirings. Let them cease to do evU ; learn to do weU. They
vrill have deep confficts, because the " commandment" is come. The
law of God is revealed, and they vrill at times be baptized into death ;
but being vriUing to be thus buried with Christ, they wiU also know a

106 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1813.
being raised by the power of God into newness of Ufe, and enabled
to praise Him as on the banks of deUverance.
Lancastee. — When our Lord was led of the Spirit into the wU
derness to be tempted, we read that " the devU taketh him up into
an exceeding, high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of
the world,, and the glory of them," saying, ." AU these things wUl I
give thee, if thou wilt faU down and worship me." Our Lord
answered him in the language of Scripture, " It is written. Thou
shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
This is a very comprehensive precept, and weU would it be for us if
it were more fuUy obeyed. Many are wilUng to serve God, but not
Him only, which deprives them of the peace and consolation that
accompany unreserved dedication. As saith the prophet, " 0 that
thou hadst hearkened to my commandments ! then had thy peace been
as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." As a
stimulant to this fuU dedication, Moses cried, " 0 that my people
were wise ; that they understood this, that they would consider their
latter end." Let us duly consider how we are Ukely to feel, when
laid upon a dying bed, when the consolations of this Ufe shaU
faU. How miserable shall we be, if at such a time, we cannot look
back upon our past life with comfort, nor forward with hope ! What
wUl then be our situation ? " What will ye do in the day of risita
tion ?" saith the prophet ; " and in the desolation which shaU come
from far ? to whom will ye flee for help ? and where vrill ye leave
your glory ?" How unavailing, at that period, vriU be those things
in which we may have gloried in the day of health and outward pros
perity ! Even those kingdoms of the world, that degree of dominion
over others, that influence and authority which many are so earnest
to acquire, what vrill aU these avail, if our peace be not made vrith
God? Ceawshay-Booth. — The language to one of the early churches
came before me — " Examine your own selves, prove your own selves.
Know ye not that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates ?"
Although the view taken by our Society of the doctrine of election
and reprobation differs materially from that of some other religious

^T. 39.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 107
denominations, we yet assuredly believe that "many are caUed, but
few are chosen." If, when the Lord visits the chUdren of men vrith
a sense of His power and mercy, caUing them to a life of faith and
holiness, they yield obedience to these conrictions and manifestations
of the Ught of Christ, such vrill be received, as vrith the arms of
mercy, and if they continue obedient and faithful, they wiU become
of the elect, or chosen of Christ. But on the other hand, if they resist
the strirings of the Lord's Spirit, and turn a deaf ear to the voice of
conriction or reproof, the day of their risitation may pass over. The
Lord's Spirit may be quenched, and cease to strive, and when His
Spirit whoUy forsakes the chUdren of men they are then nigh to a state
of reprobation, for there is redemption and salvation by no other name.
When the time of awakening comes, and the Lord's judgments are
about to be poured out, such may be fiUed with anguish and despair,
and true repentance may not be granted. Here is the state of repro
bation. Such are not in Christ, nor He with them, and there is
salvation in no other. That which bringeth forth briars and thorns
is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned. Such are not
merely unfruitful, but injurious; hurting one another, tearing one
another. There remaineth, then, no more sacrifice for sin, but a
certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation. Dread
ful condition, indeed ! But they that are in Christ are new creatures,
and bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, " Love, joy, peace, longsuffer
ing, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Let us
try ourselves in the true Ught, by our fruits, whether we be in Christ :
yea, or nay.
EocHDALE. — This meeting proved an open time to us both. My
mind was deeply exercised in an ardent desire for Zion's prosperity,
and that the gracious designs of her God may not be frustrated
through the disobedience of her sons. I had to rerive the language
of Darid, " When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained, what is man that
thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou risitest him ?
For thou hast made him a Uttle lower than the angels, and hast
crowned him vrith glory and honourt Thou madest him to have
dominion over the works of thy hands ; thou hast put all things under

108 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
his feet." How admirable is the condescension of Him who thus
framed the universe, and formed our bodies so marveUously adapted
for use and comfort, and endowed our minds vrith reason and under
standing, for dominion over the lower works of creation.
How wonderful that He, who guides and upholds aU things by the
word of His power, should deign to visit and plead vrith His creature
man, to induce him to accept the offers of His bounty, and thus pro
mote his own happiness ! When our Lord beheld Jerusalem, (a
comparatively smaU spot on this habitable globe,) He wept over its
impiety, with this pathetic expostulation — " 0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto
thee, how often would I have gathered thy chUdren together, even as
a hen gathereth her chickens under her vrings, and ye would not!"
What an expression of tender mercy and adorable loringkindness
is this, that He should thus mourn over the rebeUious !
It is said, " the Lord's portion is his people, Jacob is the lot of
his inheritance;" and we Gentiles, who are not of the house of
Jacob, are made one with him by the blood of Christ, that the
Gentiles should be fellow-heirs , of the same body, and partakers of
the promises of Christ by the Gospel. We are not our own, but are
bought with a price. Let none therefore rob God of His right. He
has commanded us to love Him vrith all the heart, soul, understand
ing, and strength. Let us obey, for it is His undoubted right to be
thus loved, served, and obeyed, above all. Let us, vrith full purpose
of heart, surrender ourselves as clay into the hands of the potter, to
be formed and fashioned according to His wiU. Such are His power
and goodness, that though our sins may be as scarlet, He can make
them white as snow ; though they be red like crimson. He can make
them as wool.
Todmorden. — I felt my mind exercised for a discouraged state —
tried, probably, with temporal, as well as spiritual privations. The
language of one formerly was, " Some trust in chariots and some in
horses, but we wUl remember the name of the Lord our God." Trust
in . God is peculiarly a Christian duty ; and many instructive facts
are recorded in the Scriptures of truth, to excite and encourage us
thereto. When the Israelites were brought forth out of Egypt, they

MT. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 109
were led through the Eed Sea, and brought into the wilderness,
where they could neither plough nor sow, nor make the accustomed
efforts for their o-wn subsistence. They were often closely tried for
want of bread, and also of water ; but the Lord evinced His wisdom,
power, and goodness, supplying their necessities in an unlocked for
and marveUous manner. He caused bread to be rained down from
heaven for them to eat, letting it fall round about their habitations ;
and He repeatedly caused the water to gush forth from the rock for
them to drink. He even directed His servant Moses to speak to the
rock for this purpose, that His Almighty power might be more sig-
naUy manifested. Their clothes waxed not old ; no, not even with
their forty years' travel ; and their feet sweUed not. There is good
reason to believe that it was not for their sakes only, that they were
thus dealt vrith, but that aU future generations should learn to put their
trust in the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ; for in
them were aU the nations of the earth to be blessed, that so, to the
remotest period of time, men should learn to love, fear, and obey
God; and to trust in Him in all their necessities and distresses.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has also left us a command, with a most
precious promise annexed, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and
his righteousness, and aU these things shaU be added unto you, for
your Father knoweth that ye have need of aU these things." Also,
after His resurrection, when He stood on the sea-shore. He erineed
His tender care for the temporal as well as spiritual sustenance of
His foUowers, when He queried of them in a season of trial and
difficulty, "ChUdren, have ye any meat," and they answered, "No;"
for they had toUed aU night, and caught nothing. He then instructed
them what they were to do — to " cast the net down on the right side
of the ship, and they should find;" " and immediately they enclosed
a great multitude of fishes." Thus we find that the blessing of the
Lojd attends the efforts of His obedient, attentive servants and chil
dren, who, putting their trust in His goodness, vrisdom, and power,
are wiUing that He should be their Shepherd — beUering in humble
confidence that He wiU not suffer them to want. We may also re
member the animating language of Joshua, near the close of his
useful life, when, after he had led Israel into the land of promise.

110 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
and been their captain in many rictories, he warned and admo
nished them, saying, " Choose you this day whom ye wUl serve :
whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other
side of the flood [out from amongst whom their father Abraham had
been brought], or the gods of the Amorites in whose land ye dweU :
but as for me and my house, we wUl serve the Lord." Let us also
nobly and confidingly resolve to seek first, above aU other things,
the kingdom of God and the righteousness thereof. Let Christ
reign and rule in us, and over us, and we may humbly confide in the
Lord's goodness, protection, and power, remembering that He hath
said, " I wUl never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Marsden. — The meeting here was to me a refreshing one, though
way did not open for ministerial serrice. My companion was favoured
vrith liberty from the hving spring.
Faeaden meeting, in the evening, was also a good one to us both,
though the number present was but smaU. The words of Habbakuk
are very instructive : " I wUl stand upon my watch, and set me upon
the tower, and wiU watch to see what he wiU say unto me, and'what
I shaU answer, when I am reproved." Thus solemnly exercised before
the Lord, vrith desires to be made rightly sensible of our ovm state,
by the Ught of His Spirit in our hearts and consciences, we should
know our minds brought down and humbled before the Lord, under
a sense of His holiness and majesty, and of our ovm unworthiness ;
and thus be made to see and feel the need there is for the sanctify
ing. Baptizing influences of Him who is styled the " Messenger of
the New Covenant." "When I heard, my beUy trembled; my Ups
quivered at the voice ; rottenness entered into my bones ; and I
trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble." It is
under such circumstances that we are brought to see the rileness of
our fallen nature, and the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Then we are
led to crave Dirine assistance to enable us to overcome : " Lord,
save, or we perish !"
Wyeesdale. — My spirit was deeply exercised in this meeting. 0
that the language of all hearts might be, " Have mercy upon us, 0
Lord, according to thy loringkindness, according to the multitude of
thy tender mercies, blot out our transgressions." May the time be

MT. 89.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. Ill
prolonged before the awful sentence is pronounced against any of
us, " My Spirit shaU not always strive with man, seeing he is but
flesh :" before the language go forth, as against the fruitless fig-tree,
" Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground ?" Such must assuredly
be the lot, eventuaUy, of those who continue to rebel against the
Ught, "who know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths
thereof," but in defiance of conriction, " drink in iniquity like water."
WhUst the day of merciful visitation is extended, may the awakened
soul cry mightily unto God for deUverance. Such an one cannot help
or save himseK — the work of redemption is whoUy of God. But He
is ready, vrith the arms of mercy vridely extended, to receive the
returning sinner, who sincerely repents of the error of his ways.
Lancaster Monthly Meeting. — The language of the angel came
before me, "Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his
judgment is come : and worship him that made heaven and earth, and
the sea, and the fountains of waters." May aU who feel that the
hour of the Lord's judgments is come, be concerned truly to fear
Him. May they " sanctify the Lord of hosts, himself, and let him
be their fear, and let him be their dread." May they not fiinch from
His chastening hand,nor from that spirit of judgment and of burning
which is intended to consume the Ught, chaffy nature in them. Under
such circumstances, we should be careful not improperly to regard
the example of others. The Lord may even seem to lead some
of His dear risited chUdren into narrower paths than those which
their parents have trod. It is by this means that He brings about
a reformation in the church. " When the Lord bringeth back the
captirity of his people, Jacob shaU rejoice, and Israel shaU be glad."
West Houghton. — How solemn and impressive is the ancient
language of Scripture, " Be stUl, and know that I am God. I -wUl
be exalted among the heathen ; I wUl be exalted in the earth." It
is in the stUlness of aU flesh, when the ramblings and cogitations of
the creaturely -wiU and vrisdom are silenced in the soul, that the
Lord's power is felt to arise into dominion. " Let God arise, let his
enemies be scattered, let them also that hate him flee before him."
As this becomes the sincere breathing of our spirits, deep prostration
before Him wUl be known, so that aU that is opposed to His wiU

112 journey with DANIEL OLIVEE. [1813.
wiU be silenced and subdued. He has solemnly declared that He
¦vriU be exalted even among the heathen. He wUl be exalted in the
earth. He is the ruler of the universe, and must ultimately be
exalted over aU. Before Him every knee must bow ; 0 that it may
be while mercy is extended ! That such is in accordance with His
wUl, we have abundant proof. " And therefore wiU the Lord wait
that he may be gracious unto you ; and therefore vrill he be exalted,
that he may have mercy upon you."
In accordance with this, is the gracious language of our glorified
Eedeemer, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man
hear my voice, and open the door, I wUl come in and sup vrith
him, and he vrith me." 0 adorable mercy, and loring-kindness,
that the Creator of man should thus compassionately solicit His
acceptance of mercy and happiness ; that the Dirine arm should be
as it were stretched forth to receive him aU the day long. And yet
how often have the Lord's messengers had to exclaim, " Who hath
beUeved our report ? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed ?"
The Gospel message has been extensively proclaimed, yet how many
continue in unbeUef and impenitence. The Lord stands ready to
reveal His arm of power in such as are wUUng to bow to His holy
wiU, as it is manifested to them, waiting upon Him in reverence of
spirit, and in the sUence of all flesh. But let aU beware of looking
for extraordinary manifestations of Dirine power and glory. As
surely as the Lord of life and glory was in the days of His flesh
rejected by many, on account of His mean and lowly appearance, so
is He now rejected in His inward and spiritual appearance in the
heart. The Apostle John, in declaring the Dirinity or Godhead of
Christ, intimates, at the same time, how His appearance to man is
likely to be overlooked and rejected : " He was in the world, and the
world was made by him ; and the world knew him not. He came
unto his ovm, and his own received him not. But as many as
received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that beUeve on his name." We must receive Christ
in the way of His appearing, which is as a reprover of sin ; and as
He is thus received, beUeved in, and obeyed, He wUl be knovm by
us to be also an instructor in righteousness. Thus are we born.

MT. 39.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 113
" not of the flesh, nor of the wiU of man, but of God." Thus God is
known to arise in the soul, and His Son, whom He hath sent, is
believed in, and obeyed. By faith in His blood we become, as it
were, sprinkled from an evil conscience, and have peace with God
through Him. Let us aU beware of a spirit of unbelief, or rejecting
the least appearance of the Lord's power ; that grace of God which
appeareth unto all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and
the world's lusts, we should Uve soberly, righteously, and godly in
this present world. But, alas ! many vrill not believe the report, wUl
not believe that these checks for eril thoughts, words, or actions,
which they feel, are from the Spuit of God, but call them by some
other name.
D. 0. made some addition, and our spirits were bowed in thank
fulness to that Almighty Being from whence aU good must ever
flow. Marsden Monthly Meeting. — We thought it smaU. This riew
of the languid state of our Society was very discouraging, so that I
was scarcely able to feel for those present, for the pressure of a
mournful interest in the absent. However, a Uttle light and strength
sprung up. Solomon said, " Every vrise woman buildeth her house,
but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Many who feel
some love for the rehgious society of which they are members, and
who admire the exceUence of its constitution, are nevertheless contri
buting in their own conduct to its decay, by the abandonment of its
principles and testimonies, some in one way, and some in another.
There is much instruction in our Lord's caution — " Why beholdest
thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, and conslderest not the
beam that is in thine ovm eye ?" It is pecuUarly needful for aU
those who are concerned in the promotion of the discipUne of the
church, to be carefuUy and humbly engaged to attend to this salutary
caution ; for unless we carefuUy keep watch over our own conduct,
any endeavours which we may make to help others, are likely to be
but of littie avaU. Besides this, we are not likely to see clearly what
is best for them, for it is as we approach the fountain of light by the
path of obedience, that we are favoured with more light. It is said
that "God is light;" and "if we walk in the light, as he is in
K

114 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1813.
the light, we have feUowship one with another, and the blood of
Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." It is by thus
walking in the hght that true Gospel fellowship is knovm. It is as
we seek to draw nigh to God that our love to Him increases ; and
we then feel love to flow towards others, and a tender desire that
they also may be favoured vrith a participation in the blessed enjoy
ment which w'e ourselves experience. It is thus that we are made
vriUing to take them by the hand, and lead them forward in their
heavenward journey ; and the tender inritation arises in the heart —
" Come, brother, come, sister, ' let us go up to the mountain of the
Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he vrill teach us of his
ways, and we wUl walk in his paths ; for out of Zion shall go forth
the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.' " In the meeting
afterwards, I laboured hard to stimulate them to a better attendance
of meetings for discipline, and some appeared to be tenderly sensible
of the need of it.
Skipton. — It is said that the first meeting for discipline in our
Society was held at this place. Here I had a season of precious
liberty in the flowing of light and love, exciting in my heart tender,
contrite feeUngs, and grateful acknowledgments to the Father of aU
our mercies.
AiETON. — This was also a season of brokenness.of spirit, and of
inward refreshment, in which I had very gratefully to acknowledge
the Lord's mercy and goodness, in thus helping us, his poor frail
servants, from day to day, through an arduous line of engagements.
We have sincerely sought His help to enable us to labour for the
promotion of His glory, and the good of souls ; and truly we may
say He hath been, at seasons, our strength and our song. 0 that
He may also become our eternal salvation !
Bentham. — A meeting, to which the inhabitants were invited.
My companion spoke instructively on the account given of CorneUus
and Peter. I felt it my duty to point out the tender manner in
which pious souls are kept under Dirine notice and regard. It is
said, " The meek vrill he guide in judgment, and the meek vrill he
teach his way." But God resisteth the proud, the self-sufficient;
He seeth them afar off: He scattereth them in the imagination of

^T. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. 115
their hearts. Thus the Lord dealt vrith the Pharisees. He spoke to
them in dark sayings, thereby confounding their earthly wisdom. How
different His dealings with the humble. " Thus saith the high and
lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy : I dweU in
the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and
humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the
heart of the contrite ones." And again, " Thus saith the Lord, the
heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool  but to this man
will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and
trembleth at my word." He is often nearer to such as these than
they themselves are aware of. He deigneth even to dweU vrith them ;
with those who are brought down to a state of deep self-abasement, .
under a sense of their many wants and infirmities. These He de
lights to succour and to save, and they give Him the praise. SeU
becomes of no reputation. Surely it becomes poor fraU mortals thus
to present themselves before the Lord, rather than to come before
Him in the fulness of expression — as though they needed not
Dirine aid, even to teach them how to pray, and what to pray for.
Wray is a smaU meeting, but some neighbours came in. May
such as desu-e to be enabled to walk before God in integrity of heart
be careful to maintain the warfare — for such is the Christian's life
designated. Let us maintain the struggle against our souls' enemies,
carefully abiding under the captain of our salvation. " These things
I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace," saith the
Lord. "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." We may
have to retum as from the battie wounded, and may even bear about
with us many scars ; but let us faithfuUy follow our Dirine leader
and commander, and we shaU know that the Lamb and His followers
shall have the rietory. Not so with the lukewarm and indolent pro
fessor : " Drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags." All his pro
fession wUl not afford him a sufficient covering. And when he comes
to stand before the AU-seeing Judge, he may plead in vain his former
experience of Divine risitations ; " We have eaten and drunk in thy
presence, and thou hast taught in our streets;" the reply wUl be,
" I tell you I know you not whence ye are ; depart from me, all ye
workers of iniquity." The lukewarm in religion, the Lord's Spirit

116 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
loathes ; and in the strong, figurative language of Scripture, He saith,
" I wiU spue thee out of my mouth."
And what shaU become of the profane and ungodly ? those whose
delight is in the conversation of the vricked ? They wUl assuredly be
foUed. He is stronger than they ; and unless repentance be granted
them unto life, the terrible language wiU go forth against them,
" Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the
deril and his angels." Then, there shall be wailing and gnashing
of teeth.
Kendal Monthly Meeting. — Although matter had presented
vrith sweetness and clearness, accompanied with an apprehension of
duty to attempt the delivery of it, yet I was assailed vrith doubts and
fears, which occasioned me, with some precipitancy, to draw to a
conclusion. " The fear of man bringeth a snare." The fear even
of good men may have an undue ascendancy. In the awful work of
the ministry, the Lord of Hosts should be our fear, and He should
be our di-ead. " Be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee
before them."
"Why stand ye here all the day idle?" "Go ye also into the
rineyard, and whatsoever is right, I will give you." All are called
to labour — at least in the rineyard of their own hearts — to weed, to
prune, to dig, in order that fruit may be produced to the honour of
the great husbandman. Of Israel it was said, " He is an empty rine,
he bringeth forth fruit unto himself." Thus there may be some pro
fessors on whom there may be leaves, and even some appearance of
fruit, yet it never ripens, never comes to perfection so as to be fit for
use, — therefore they only bring forth fruit to themselves. We are
instructed by many figures. The church of Christ is compared to a
body haring many members, of which He is the head ; but as there
are members of the- body which are useful and necessary, though not
risible to the eye ; so there are in the living church, members whose
services may not be very visible or conspicuous, yet if such are pre
served sound and healthy, they contribute greatly to the strength of the
body. But if a member become diseased— after suitable endeavour
for its restoration to a sound and healthy state, vrithout success, it
sometimes becomes needful to separate it from the body, lest the

^T. 39.] journey WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 117
disease should spread. May we therefore be earnestly concerned
to abide in the rine of life, our holy Head, Christ Jesus, from whom
alone spiritual nourishment can be derived, whereby we may be pre
served healthy and fruitful. Those who are properly concerned to
keep their own vineyards, generally become concerned for the welfare
of others, desiring that they also may taste and see that the Lord
is good. Cockermouth Quarterly Meeting. — Here I was helped to labour
pretty largely, and had in secret gratefully to acknowledge the Lord's
goodness, in enabUng me, notwithstanding some impediment from
my defective powers of utterance, to dischai-ge my duty faithfuUy.
" You only have I known of aU the famiUes of the earth, therefore
I will punish you for aU your iniquities." This was spoken to Israel ;
and let us consider in what manner they were visited for theu" sins.
The Lord had chosen them, and gathered them to be a separate
people, that they might be preserved from the wicked, idolatrous
usages of the nations around them ; but their backsliding and rebel
lion were very great. Their conduct is thus described by one of the
prophets: "Hear, 0 heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord
hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they
have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass
his master's crib ; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not con
sider." Here the very brute creation are brought forward to bear
witness to their sottishness and ingratitude. These lower animals
feel affection and giatitude to the hand that feeds them, to those who
care for their sustenance ; and they evince it by an abundance of
patient and persevering serrice. But Israel — the Lord's chosen
people, to whom He had displayed such wonderful love, power, and
mercy — they did not consider, but were sunk in ingratitude. " Can
a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attfre ? yet my people
have forgotten me days vrithout number." 0 lamentable degeneracy !
The Lord chose Israel. He was their brightest ornament. He was,
to their assemblies, as a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty ; and
yet they forgot Him. He gave them statutes, commandments, ordi
nances, superior to those of any other people ; and when they became
habitual transgressors, how did He deal vrith them ? He did not, at

118 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1813.
once, wholly forsake them ; but because they had chosen their own
ways. He also chose their delusions. They chose to mingle themselves,
by marriage, with those nations amongst whom they dwelt, con
trary to His express command, putting their trust in other nations
for succour and for defence ; therefore He sold them into the hands
of those with whom they had so transgressed, who became their
scourges and wasting oppressors. Yet when, from season to season,
they cried by reason of their affiietion, and humbled themselves
before Him, He remembered them in mercy. He had loved them
• above aU nations. He visited and punished them for their iniquities ;
but when they were brought to a right sense of their backsUding and
transgression. He raised up deliverers for them. Yet he declared
that Zion should be redeemed through judgment, and her converts
vrith righteousness. These things may be remembered with instruc
tion. Thus God often deals vrith the children of men indiridually.
When we have sinned against Him, He lays His chastening rod upon
us. He disquiets, and brings the mind into a state of uneasiness
and remorse ; and yet sometimes, when the minds of such would
turn to the Lord, they find that the Ught of His countenance is veiled
from them, and His ear seems shut against their prayers. Thus we
are abased ; brought to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, when a
holy God will not hearken to our cry. The miad feels cold and un
comfortable, and the heart, hard ; even enmity against God is felt to
arise from the depraved heart ; but when this is seen in the Ught,
and the iniquity abhorred, the fire of the Lord's indignation will be
felt to burn agaiast the transgressing nature ; and as the cry to Him
is continued, and a patient submission cherished, a fountain for sin
and for uncleanness will be opened in the blood of the Lamb, and a
ray of hope will beam forth. The dispensation becomes changed ;
the soul is melted in tenderness and contrition ; grateful aspirations
ascend towards God, our Father, and to Christ, our holy Eedeemer.
But we find when Israel had provoked the Lord by their frequent
and long continued rebellion against Him, He at length caused them
to be carried away into a long and sore captirity, by which they were
grievously wasted and distressed ; so much so, that even the bodies of
the dead were cast out into the streets, and they scarcely durst venture

^T. 39.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 119
to bury them. Even here, the Lord remembered His covenant with
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and had pity upon them. He opened
the hearts of their oppressors towards them, and in a wonderful
manner provided for their return, raising up leaders to conduct them
to their own land.
Kendal Quarterly Meeting. — I was favoured to get under a
Uvely exercise of mind, and some things seemed opening vrith clear
ness ; but I felt unfit for vocal communication, from my voice being
hoarse with a cold. H. Tuke, in an instructive manner, amongst
other matter, took up some of the subjects on which my mind had
been dwelUng, one after another, greatly to my rehef, renewedly
conrincing me of the benefit of that united exercise of spirit by which
the Lord's servants are at times brought into sympathy and harmony
vrith each other. Near the close, my mind was under exercise,
which H. Tuke obserring, detained the meeting a little, on which I
stood up in fear. Probably aU present would rejoice at the coming
of that day, when the ancient prophecy shaU be fulfiUed, that "the
knowledge of the Lord shaU cover the earth as the waters cover the
sea ;" of that day in which true rehgion shaU generally prevail
amongst the children of men. But let each of us examine whether,
as individuals, we are in any way continuing to obstruct the coming of
that glorious day, by not yielding obedience to the manifestations of
the Divine wiU, which have been made to us, as regards our Une of
duty. How lamentable would it be, that a state of society which we
profess to rejoice over in prospect, should be retarded by our own
unfaithfulness. " Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then
cometh harvest ? behold, I say unto you, Uft up your eyes and look
on the fields, which, are white already to harvest." Thus are many
amongst us putting off the day of the coming of the kingdom of God,
when Christ shaU fuUy reign over us, concluding that day to be
remote, which, but for our own want of dedication and faithfulness,
would immediately appear. Let us then pray in sincerity — " Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven;" and
at the same time be careful not to oppose the coming thereof by
disobedience. Were we thus honestly engaged, especially when
we assemble before God, our spirits would rise in hving, ardent

120 JOURNEY WITH D.ANIEL OLIVEE. [1813.
aspirations before Him for His help, and He would indeed be known
to reign in us, and amongst us, in our solemn assembUes. In the
course of the business in the meeting for discipline afterwards, I was
enabled to make some remarks, for which I felt thankful, especiaUy
on the duty of training our chUdren, and those under our care, in the
due and regular attendance of meetings. Were we sufficiently care
ful to walk in the fear of God, we should hesitate, we should feel
uneasy, in leaving them behind us, except when unavoidable.. It was
the Lord's gracious testimony concerning Abraham — " I know him,
that he vrill command his children and his household after him, and
they shall keep the way of the Lord." What an inexpressible privi
lege would it be to any of us, in the great day of account, that the
Judge of the whole earth should bear testimony to our aUegiance to
Him, and dedication to His service. 0 that aU were rightly engaged
to walk acceptably before Him, vrith an earnest desire that the gene
ration foUo-wing might also know and serve Him. "Ye are my
friends," said our blessed Lord, " if ye do whatsoever I command
you." It is said, " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his
saints." Precious is that season wherein the faithful and persevering
Christian draws near the conclusion of all his confiicts here below, —
the end of time,— the verge of eternity, — when he is about to receive
the reward of the righteous, and to be numbered amongst the re
deemed and sanctified : and precious also is that state, in the Dirine
sight, in which there is truly the death of the creaturely wUl. This
is generaUy only attained through many conflicts and deep baptisms ;
but it is worth suffering much to attain to it, — even to that frame of
mind in which the Divine vrill becomes ours, as soon as it is known.
0 how greatly this blunts the edge of the common trials of life, and
paves the way to heaven, — enabUng us even to rejoice in tribulation,
and in every thing to give thanks. Let us therefore be wiUing to
endure, as with Christ our Lord, unto death, until we are prepared
daily to bear about in our bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus, that
the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal bodies ;
for herein is our Heavenly Father glorified.
I was met by my beloved vrife, and had a peaceful journey home.

JOURNEY
WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK, OP WILLINGTON, NEAE NORTH SHIELDS,
Theough Cumbeeland, Noethumbeeland, and paet of Westmore
land, IN 1823.

Having obtained a certificate of the concurrence of the monthly
meeting, accompanied by my brother-in-law, I set out on the 2nd
of 8th month, and arrived in Allendale that evening. Before we
reached this place, I felt as if it would become my duty to visit some
of the Friends in thefr famiUes — and the more closely it was weighed,
the more clearly did it appear right. We therefore proceeded with
the work, and had ten sittings. From thence we proceeded to Coan-
wood and Alston, and attended the meetings on fourth and sixth
days. I had gratefully to acknowledge, that a capacity was given to
travail in spirit, from house to house, that the witness for God might
be reached, the honest-hearted refreshed, and the lukewarm and care
less stirred up. We were thankful in believing that a considerable pro
portion were endeavouring to buUd on the right foundation. Several
of those who were not members of our Society appeared grateful
for the visit. It was under a feeling of humUity and sincere Gospel
love that we passed through amongst them. In one family we were
sitting down with the parents, and some of the children, when I
observed that the eldest daughter did not come in. I felt' as though
my mind could not be easily reconcUed to her absence. She was at
length prevailed upon to unite vrith us, and it proved to her a day of
visitation in a remarkable degree, and she became an exemplary

122 JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. [1823.
member of our Society, travelling four miles to attend meetings,
with much constancy and self-denial.
Penrith. — The language of our Lord to His immediate followers
was — " If ye continue in my word, then .are ye my disciples indeed,
and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
As a religious Society, we profess to beUeve in the life-giring efficacy
of the word of Di-rine power. If we continue in obedienee to the
manifestation of this living word, we shaU know the truth. Christ
is essentially "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." The same
appeUation is given to Divine grace in the soul. It is caUed " truth,"
because it is certainly no delusion, nothing that deceives, no " cun
ningly devised fable," but that which may be safely and freely relied
on. In its operation in man, it produces sincerity, integrity, sim
plicity, and singleness of mind. No dissimulation or hypocrisy is
ovmed by it; no professing one thing, and doing the contrary. With
this singleness of eye and of heart, toward God, and desire for the
promotion of His glory, we have power over sin, and dominion over
the corrupt propensities of our faUen nature, and are delivered from the
bondage in which we are held to Satan, and thus made " free in
deed." When such, as are under the infiuence of this grace and
truth, assemble with their brethren for the purpose of Dirine worship,
they wiU avoid all slothfulness, lukewarmness, and indifference, with
their effects, such as yawning, and a listless attitude, and feel no
desire for the premature conclusion of the meeting, as was the case
with some we read of, formerly, who said of the serrice of God, or
that which was offered as such, " What a weariness is it !" " When
wUl the new moon be gone that we may seU corn ? and the Sabbath,
that we may set forth wheat?" thus evincing their preference for
worldly occupations, rather than spiritual enjoyments. But if true
religion (in which the soul is united to God in a covenant not to be
broken) has its proper influence; if Christ, the Word of Life, is
beheved in and obeyed, the power of truth wUl be felt to lead into
the love of God, and mto the patient waiting for Christ; it wUl lead
to delight in His serrice, and out of all hypocrisy, dissimulation, and
profession without having the truth in possession.
Yanwath.— We lodged at a Friend's house, where we met vrith a

.^T. 49.] journey with JOSEPH UNTHANK. 123
considerable number of young men, from Cambridge University, who
had come for instruction in mathematics. We had interestina-
conversation with some of these, and distributed a number of tracts,
which were well received. Some of them appeared thoughtful and
serious. Penrith Week-day Meeting. — EUzabeth Walker, from New
York, who was on a religious visit to Friends of Great Britain,
related the following incident in the life of Eobert Walker, her father-
in-law, which occurred when he was travelUng in America. She had
heard it related by one who was an eye and ear witness of the facts.
He was standing in the minister's gallery, in a meeting-house near
New York, vrith a vrindow behind him, which opened into a yard or
field, in which were then assembled a number of rude, Ught-minded
people. In the course of his serrice he stopped, looked out at the
window, and requested the people to come in or come near, for he
had something particular to say to them. When they had gathered
about him, he first reproved them for their light behaviour, telling
them they would soon have to vritness a far different scene : — " For,"
said he, " this is the last time you vrill see such a meeting as the
present in this house. Soon, you wiU have to fiy from the sword,
and many of your sick and wounded wUl lie in this house, and be
buried in that ground, where you have just been conducting your
selves so lightly and irreverently. Methinks, I hear the rattling of
the stones upon the coffins." Thus he spoke, in a very awful man
ner. After meeting, a few of the elders caUed upon him, saying,
that they hoped he felt peaceful and easy vrith what he had commu
nicated, as it was of a very extraordinary character. "Friends,"
said he, "I am easy. Do you be easy, for it is nigh to be fulfilled,
even at the door," (or to this import.) In a very short time the
armies poured down into that neighbourhood, and a battle was
fought. They took possession of the meeting-house, and the pre
diction was minutely fulfilled.
MoSEDALE. — This meeting was weU attended. I had to revive
the words of our Lord, " If any man hear my words and beheve not,
I judge him not, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the
world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one

124 JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. [1823.
that judgeth him; the word that I have spoken, the same shaU
judge him in the last day." This was uttered to the gainsaying and
unbeUering Jews who, in this perverse spirit, were listening to His
doctrine, and afforded a striking illustration of the mercy, longsuffer
ing, and compassion of our dear Eedeemer, even as extended to the
rebeUious and hard-hearted. He who had then come as a light into
the world, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but
have everlasting life ; He who was then iu the world as the Emma
nuel, God with man, graciously forbore to judge or condemn, during
His manifestation in the flesh, but incessantly sought to gather
and to save ; and He, who then outwardly manifested His gra
cious attributes of love and mercy, is by His Spirit, offering the
means of salvation and of deliverance, both froni the guUt and the
power of sin. Many now, as in the days of His flesh, wiU not
believe in Him, in the Divine monitions of His Spirit within them ;
yet the mercy, which was extended in the days of our Lord's outward
appearance, is extended stUl. He is not vrilhng that any should
perish, but that aU should come to a knowledge of the truth. But
in case of continued rebellion, as the word then spoken was to judge
at the last day, so not only that word, but that also which is now
inwardfy spoken to the heart and conscience of each individual, wUl
bear -vritness against us at the last day.
We had thirty-five sittings with the families constituting Coldbeck
monthly meeting, in which my dear brother was frequently brought
under deep exercise, which found relief by vocal expression, at times
very impressively.
Whitehaven.- — My engagement in this meeting was of an awaken
ing, instructive tendency, and Diviae aid was graciously near. The
language of the prophet came before me, " Hearken unto me, ye
that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord:  Look
unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah that bare you." In
the account of the caU of Abraham, we have a lively example of the
obedience of faith to manifested duty, without reasoning with flesh
and blood. He was called to separate himself from his kindred, to
leave his father's house, and to go forth without knovring whither he
went. In all ages, the Lord has seen meet that His people should

MT. 49.] JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. 126
live separate from sinners and worldly-minded men. The kindred of
Abraham were sinking into apostasy from God, and into idolatrous
practices. Abraham, through the course of his Ufe, was often deeply
tried ; but his obedience was amply rewarded. In like manner, in
many instances were the early Friends gathered io be a separate
people. They had to separate from much that had been held dear,
and to make great sacrifices for the sake of the pearl of great price,
viz., pure peace vrith God. They built in faith, on Christ, the Eock,
the Uring Word, and He sustained them ; so that aU the power of
their enemies was unable to prevaU against them. They were stiff
and unbending toward' that which was eril, and out of which they
beUeved themselves caUed ; but they were tender and fiexible toward
that which was good, and manifested the docility of little children.
Isaac Pennington bears a most remarkable testimony to the purity
of then' Uves, and to their freedom from earthly-mindedness, in his
address to the rulers of New England. The same power is aU-suffi-
cient for our preservation in the present day, (as a liring remnant
amongst us have experienced.) The obedienee of faith giveth the
rietory. We went to Grey-Southen, and proceeded vrith famUy visits to
Friends of Pardshaw meeting. Best help was near for our encourage
ment. It was my desire to dwell in the low valley of true humilia
tion before God. There the heavenly dew, when distiUed into the
mind, is not quickly dissipated. I trust I am deeply sensible that
the Lord's name alone is worthy to be exalted, both in us, and by us.
In the course of my testimony on first-day, I had to mention the
passage in Malachi, where it is said, " They that feared the Lord
spake often one to another : and the Lord hearkened, and heard it,
and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that
feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall
be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my
jewels ; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that
serveth him." " Our conversation is in heaven," saith the Apostle,
" from whence also we look for the Sariour, the Lord Jesus Christ."
How often is it to be regretted, that when friends meet each other,
the conversation should be so exclusively on temporal concerns;

126 JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. [1823.
unlike that devout and edifying speaking one to another, of which the
prophet makes mention ; or that conversation in heaven, or on hea
venly things, which the Apostle describes ; and again alludes to when
he exhorts beUevers, " Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in
aU wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and
hymns, and spiritual songs, singing vrith grace in your hearts to the
Lord." It is " out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth
speaketh." If our treasure be in heaven, our hearts wUl be there also,
and then the conversation vrill be out of the heart's fulness. True,
indeed, we should only converse on religious subjects reverently;
but if our souls were aUve unto God, by faith in Christ, we should
much oftener feel serious.
Broughton. — My ministerial serrice was more in the Une of
comfort and consolation than at any other meeting since we came
out. It is truly a great privilege to have bread in our own houses,
and water in om* own cisterns, so as not to be dependant on instru
mental help ; to have access to that liring bread, which came, and
yet cometh, down from heaven ; and to that water by which the
spiritual life is refreshed and nourished. All are invited to become
partakers of this blessed experience ; but true it is, that they who
seek after, or observe, lying vanities, forsake their own mercies. By
lying vanities I apprehend the prophet meant idolatrous worship. In
this age we do not literaUy bow down to idols of silver and gold,
of wood or stone, yet it is possible we may be guUty of the sin of
idolatry notwithstanding. If we are setting our affections too much
on creaturely enjoyments, or are trusting therein for our succour and
chief delight, we then idolize them ; we are in bondage to the crea
tures of God, instead of being served by them; and by trusting in. them
we dishonour Him, and forsake our sure mercies. The humble,
honest, upright-hearted followers of Christ are peculiarly under His
care and protection. He may suffer them to be tried, and, at times,
deeply so ; but He is near to sustain them. To such, in ancient
times, the language went forth — " Fear not, worm Jacob." How
ever low, weary, and unworthy such may at times feel themselves to
be, and even ready to say, " I am a worm, and no man ; a reproach
of men, and despised of the people," yet great and precious are the

MT. 49.] JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. 127
promises which are made to them. " Fear thou not; for I am vrith
thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee ; yea,
I will help thee ; yea, I wUl uphold thee by the right hand of my
righteousness." In their deepest and bitterest confiicts, they may
feel as did our holy Eedeemer, when He poured out His soul unto
death for our sakes, and used the plaintive language — " My God, my
God, why hast thou forsaken me ?" Yet to these, as they keep firm
hold of the shield of faith, having truly beUeved in God, having known
His mercy and His goodness, and beUeved that assuredly He is the
rewarder of them that dUigentiy seek Him, though for vrise purposes
He may permit sore trials to befaU them — even to these, in their
greatest extremity, there is a promise, — " When thou passest
through the waters, I vrill be with thee ; and through the rivers, they
shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou
shalt not be burned ; neither shaU the flame kindle upon thee."
Even in the midst of the burning, fiery furnace. He will be with
them, as He was with His tried, devoted chUdren of old, when One
was seen to be with them whose form was hke unto the Son of God.
I trust some tender-spirited ones, some tried mourners, were, on
this occasion, preciously risited under an abounding sense of the
peace, love, and mercy of a gracious God.
Maeypoet. — I received a gentle intimation that it was proper for
me to hold myself in readiness to have a pubUc meeting on first-day
evening. The subject felt awful ; and whilst I desired to be obedient,
nothing had yet occurred in this journey, so much in the cross to
my own wUl. I pleaded my incapacity for such serrice, and the
weakness of my voice. My mind waded under deep exercise, seek
ing right direction, and craring an increase of faith and strength. In
the morning, the path of duty appeared so clear, that I mentioned it
to my brother ; he did not object, yet I thought his faith was stag
gered, though he kept calm and quiet. After a conference vrith some
of the principal Friends, it was concluded safe to make the attempt,
and measures were taken accordingly. On first-day morning, the meet
ing was weU attended : the evening proved wet, but it was thought
about four hundred persons assembled. My mind soon became calm
and composed, and I was mercifully strengthened with power and

128 JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. [1823.
utterance to lajbour largely among them. It is said, " The heavens
declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
It is doubtless designed that the works of the visible creation should
lead the minds of men universaUy to discern, and to believe in, the
existence of the great First Cause ; in an Almighty, AU-vrise, and in
teUigent Creator. That glorious luminary, the sun, at once proclaims
the power and goodness of God. We behold its glory, and we feel
its genial infiuence, warming and inrigorating the earth vrith its
various productions. We easily discover how necessary it is to our
own existence, by observing the effect produced by a temporary
absence of its rays. Without the sun, how soon would man be de
prived of comfort and existence. It sheweth the wonderful handi
work of God, erincing His goodness, and proclaiming His power,
in a manner that cannot, without the gross perversion of man's
reasoning powers, be misunderstood. But it is not in the outward
and risible creation alone, that the Lord Jehovah has left the mani
festation of His glory, and of His goodness to the children of men.
He has provided more intelligibly and effectuaUy for the instruction
of mankind in this essential article of faith, by the immediate revela
tion of His glorious attributes of power, vrisdom, and goodness, to
holy men of old, by the inspiration of His own Holy Spirit. He re
vealed to His servants, the patriarchs and prophets, what was needful
for them to know and understand ; and commissioned them to declare
His glory, and to make known His wUl, to men. He also directed
many of them to commit these revelations to writing, and has, in a
wonderful manner, caused that these records of His wiU, and of His
deaUngs vrith men, in the former ages of the world, should be pre
served through aU the changes and convulsions of time, down to the
present day, in a manner in which no other writings have been pre
served; thus evincing His proridential care for the instruction of
His rational creation.
Above all, " God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners,
spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath, in these
last days, spoken unto us by his Son." " God so loved the world, that
he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life." This subject opened before me

.JET. 49.] JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. 129
in a wide field of doctrine, in describing the exceUency of the Gospel
dispensation, and the means mercifully prorided for man's recovery
from the fall. In conclusion, under deep exercise, I felt liberty to
approach the throne of grace by vocal prayer, yet was able to express
only a small portion of my feelings in words. Under a precious
sense of Dirine acceptance, my peace flowed sweetly, and I trust the
cause of truth was exalted.
Beckfoot. — Here we also had a time of renewed favour ; but 0,
how sensibly did I feel that aU glory belongeth unto God ; that these
things are His own work, and that, vrithout that strength which is
not my own, nor at my command, I am a poor fraU creature, and
utterly unworthy of being employed in so high and holy a calUng.
We read, that when Israel of old had so provoked the Lord's
anger, that He caused them to be carried captive to a distant
land, and another people were sent to inhabit their country, their
abominations were such that the Lord sent Uons among them, whioh
slew many of them ; on which event, and the complaint of these
people to the king of Assyria, he sent some of the Israehtish priests
to instruct them in their own manner of worshipping God ; but we
find that this measure was a very imperfect expedient, for after it
was adopted it is said, the people feared the Lord, but served their
ovm gods.
Many professing Christians are too much in this state of mind,
rather fearing than loring and serring the Lord ; dreading His power
to punish, yet walking after the sight of their own eyes, and the
imagination of their own eril hearts, not so fearing God as to abstain
from the breach of His holy law. It is such who substitute forms
and ceremonies in worship, haring their origin in the vrisdom and
invention of man. Many in our Society are not exempt from this
delusion, trusting too much to the exceUence of our reUgious prin
ciples, and the spirituaUty of the doctrine of the Society, rather than
being seriously concerned to take up the daUy cross, and coming
effectuaUy under the power of that faith which worketh by love, to
the purifying of the heart, and bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit.
It is a remarkable fact, relative to the Gospel dispensation, that
aU its leading characteristics were distinctly foretold by the inspired
L

130 JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. [1823.
penmen, several hundred years before the events so predicted took
place. Of this nature is that passage, in which the prophet, speaking
as in the person of Christ, thus breaks forth — " The Spirit of the
Lord God is upon me ; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach
good tidings unto the meek ; he hath sent me to bind up the broken
hearted, to proclaim Uberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to them that are bound ; to proclaim the acceptable year of
the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God ; to comfort all that
mourn," etc. WhUst man is resting in a state of carnal security,
not sensible of his maladies, the Gospel is no glad tidings to him.
It is when he comes to be bruised and broken, by the judgments of
God upon him for sin, breaking the strong heart in pieces by the
power of the hring word ; it is when man feels himself a captive,
bound in the gaUing chain of sinful lusts, when he is ready to cry
out, " 0 wretched man that I am, who shall deUver me from the
body of this death?" "the good that I would, I do not; but the
evU which I would not, that I do" — it is then, and to minds thus
awakened, that the Gospel of salvation, through our Lord Jesus
Christ, is truly a message of glad tidings. They teach erroneously
who say that men may be saved by what Christ has done and suffered
for them vrithout them, even whUst they continue in bondage to sin.
Such doctrine tends to luU men to sleep in a state of carnal security.
It is not our blessed Lord's own doctrine. He told the people of
that day, "If ye die in your sins, whither I go, ye cannot come."
He came to save men from their sins — not in them. He came " to
make an end of sin, and to finish transgression," as weU as to make
reconciUation for iniquity by the sacrifice of Himself. He plainly
intimated that they would be found to have buUt on a false founda
tion who, professing to beUeve in Him, cry, "Lord, Lord," and yet
do not the things which He commands : that workers of iniquity
would be commanded to depart from Him in the great and awful day
that shaU judge the secrets of men, and reward them according to
their deeds. It is highly dangerous to build our hopes on mercy to
be extended to us, after the day of visitation is over. According to
our Lord's parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we do not find that
mercy was then extended : not a drop of cold water to assuage the

MT. 49.] JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. 131
torments was aUowed. How needful, therefore, is it to know recon
cUiation- -vrith God, and purification from sin in this life ; to know the
power of Christ to set free the soul, held in captirity by the prince
of this world, to break the yoke of sin, and to deliver the gaUed soul
from the power and dominion thereof.
Thus it is that Christ comforts those that mourn ; that He opens
the blind eye, and causes the tongue of the dumb to sing His praise.
The Gospel, thus received, is truly glad tidings to the poor, and
heaUng to the broken-hearted ; but vrithout this state is experienced,
and the Gospel message is thus received, the Lord's ministers are
constrained to proclaim the day of vengeance of our God to the
disobedient and impenitent.
Carlisle. — In sitting vrith the famiUes here we have reason to
believe, that the great and good PUot taught us to steer our course
through amongst the shoals and rocks vrith which the channel is
often spread in such a hne of serrice. I endeavoured to be faithful
to the openings which presented. My soul was fiUed vrith an ardent
soUcitude for the good of my brethren, .and might truly be said to be
poured forth amongst them before the Lord.
Paedshaw. — In the monthly meeting, the complaint of the prophet
Malachi was rerived — " WUl a man rob God ? Yet ye have robbed
me. But ye say. Wherein have we robbed thee ?" The answer was,
" In tithes and offerings." Although, in the Gospel dispensation, we
are not caUed upon to make sacrifices in the same way which they
were who Uved under the Mosaic law, yet offerings and sacrifices as
costiy may be, and sometimes are, required of us. We are called to
hold aU we have at the Lord's disposal. One way in which many of
us, as a people, rob God, is, by giring the preference to our outward
occupations, and thus neglecting the duty of assembling ourselves
together, -with our brethren, to wait upon Him. Were we devoted
to the Lord's serrice, vriUing to be a people consecrated to the pro
motion of His honour and glory, there can be no doubt but that
spiritual gifts would be more plentifuUy poured out, and we should
have raised up amongst us " Judges, as at the first ; and counsellors,
as at the beginning." My heart was filled vrith love, and my spirit
clothed with a good degree of life and power in this engagement.

132 JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. [1823.
Cockeemouth Quarterly Meeting. — The Lord's ministers have
often to feel themselves as ambassadors in bonds, haring no power
to promote the Lord's work but as they receive it from Him. When
He sees meet to withhold the holy infiuence which qualifies rightly
to minister, they are necessarUy sUent. But the word of God is not
bound. Words may cease, and prophesying come to an end, but
the word of the Lord endureth for ever. It was upon this Divine
word, in the morning of the day with us as a people. Friends were
concerned to buUd, and then the Lord's power prevaUed gloriously
through them and amongst them. It is on the same foundation that
we must be estabUshed if we are again restored to be a people to the
Lord's praise. "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the diriding
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is
a discerner of the ..thoughts and intents of the heart." We know
that the heart of man is deceitful, and when unrestrained, be
comes desperately wicked. The Lord searches and tries it. He
alone can discover unto us our true state, and set our sins in order
before us. By His liring, powerful word, He breaks the rock in
pieces, melts, contrites, and changes the heart ; raising in the mind
of the humblest sinner the cry — A Saviour, or I die ! a Eedeemer,
or I perish for ever ! He convinceth us that we have no power to
save ourselves, that good resolutions formed in our own vriU and
strength are vain ; for, notvrithstanding these, when we are again
exposed to temptation, we feel our fraUty, and have to mourn over
it. Should we at any time, think, that if we are only watchful and
careful, we may safely go into the way of our souls' enemies, how
often have we to lament our mistake, vrith blushing and confusion of
face. We are taught to pray that we may not be led into temptation;
but we must be careful not voluntarily to go in the way of it, other
wise, the prayer is in vain. If we presume on our own strength, we
shaU often be ready to ery, " 0 wretched man that I am ! who shaU
deliver me from the body of this death ? Many have thus to mourn,
and the way to experience deUverance from the power of our souls'
enemies is to dweU patiently and humbly under this exercise, trust
ing no longer in our own strength, ceasing to have any confldence in

MT. 49.] JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH UNTHANK. 133
the flesh, carefully leaning on the arm of Divine power, that all the
glory of our salvation may be of God. Thus do we come to expe
rience that, though such as have been accustomed to do evil, cannot-
of themselves " learn to do well," any more than the Ethiopean can
change his skin, or the leopard his spots, yet He who created us in
the beginning, can effectually change the hard heart, and thus pre
pare us to offer that sacrifice which God, through the mediation of
Christ, graciously accepts ; and He, by leading us to walk watchfully
in His holy fear, not trusting in ourselves, causes our light and our
strength to increase — for, "In the Lord Jehovah, is everlasting
strength." The "Word," which is Christ, not only convicts and
enlightens, but it quickens the soul unto God, and gives power to
overcome evil. It leads into aU truth, into uprightness and sincerity
towards Him. It removes that disposition which would appear one
thing in one place, and another thing in another. It leads out of aU
hypocrisy, and double-mindedness, into that condition in which we
desire, above aU things, to stand approved in the sight of God, and
leads us to walk with a single eye to His glory. Thus are we
brought into that state which the Apostle describes when he thanks
God for His " unspeakable gift," and exclaims, " There is therefore
now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit  For what the law could
not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the
flesh : that the righteousness of the law might be fulflUed in us."
Thus walking, in the influence of the Uring word, we should again
become a people to the Lord's praise.

JOURNEY
WITH DANIEL OLIVER, OF NEWCASTLE,
Through the Midland and South Eastern Counties, in 1825.

I LEFT home in company with my friend and feUow-labourer,
Daniel OUver, on the 3rd of 3rd month, 1825, with the prospect of
visiting Friends in the counties of Warvrick, Worcester, Buckingham,
Oxford, Berks, and Kent; and to accompany D. Oliver in Essex,
Suffolk, Norfolk, etc., as my way might open.
In travelUng along, my mind soon became thoughtful, and deeply
soUcitous for that help through which alone the serrice can be per
formed to the edification of others, or to the relief and peace of my
own mind. I had turned my back pretty much on aU earthly cares,
and felt fully resigned to the Lord's service ; but as every good and
perfect gift cometh dovm from the Father of Ughts, the God of the
spirits of all flesh, I was prostrated in spirit before Him, humbly
imploring that He would pour out upon me such a portion of His
own Holy Spirit as is needful for my support, and for the exaltation
of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which I humbly trust He
has called me forth to publish — to the promotion of His glory, my
ovm peace, and the good of souls, especiaUy amongst my fellow-pro
fessors of the same reUgious Society. This being my single aim,
may He deign graciously to accept and bless the offering.
Sheffield. — I rerived the important Christian maxim inculcated
by Wilham Penn, " No cross, no crown." This doctrine is abun
dantly supported both by the precepts and example of our dear

MT. 51.] journey with DANIEL OLIVER. 135
Eedeemer, when He was here on earth to do His Father's vriU.
On that memorable occasion when, for the sake of mankind, His
soul was brought into suffering, even to an agonizing degree, we find
Him using this language, " If it be possible, let this cup pass from
me : nevertheless, not as I vrill, but as thou wilt." Whilst His
manhood would, according to our nature, have shrunk from the bitter
confiict, the crown is in view, the cross is willingly submitted to.
Seeing that He, the Lord of hfe and glory, thus yielded Himself to
suffering for our sakes, surely we should wiUingly resign ourselves to
the baptisms necessary for our indiridual purification, and for the
benefit of our own souls. Our nature must undergo a change, before
we can be rightly prepared to enter that place where a God of infinite
majesty and purity dweUs, where nothing unclean or unholy, nothing
that worketh abomination, or that loveth or maketh a Ue, can ever
enter. " Pure are the joys above the skies,
And aU the region peace ;
No envious lips, or wanton eyes,
Oan see or taste the bliss."
In the afternoon, I offered the watchword, " Hold that fast which
thou hast." This may properly be applied to aU those who are really
in the right road, who have entered the strait gate, whatever their
progress may be— if the mind has but been touched with the finger of
Dirine love, and a Uttie grain of Uring faith raised in it ; let this be
held fast, and it wiU grow and become fruitful to the glory of God.
Derby. — After a considerable time of silent waiting, I was enabled
to describe the poverty, emptiness, and deep self-abasement which is
often the feeUng of the Lord's ministers, who may, in a spiritual
sense, be truly said to be sent forth without purse, scrip, or shoes —
nothing for the supply of their daily wants but the arm of Divine
sufficiency. Yet in the midst of their deep trials and confiicts they
are not forsaken. And thus is the Lord's protecting care extended
to aU who are really His chUdren. The language, for the encourage
ment of such, is at times graciously pronounced, " Fear thou not, for
I am vrith thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God." If the Lord's
people were not at times hable to be assailed with fear, and even

136 JOURNEY with DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
dismay, this language would not have been uttered. But 0, how
gracious is the assurance, " Fear thou not, for I am vrith thee ; be
not dismayed, for I am thy God ; I wiU strengthen thee, yea, I wUl
help thee, yea, I vriU uphold thee vrith the right hand of my righte
ousness." In their severest trials, He is near to sustain. "When
thou passest through the waters, I wUl be with thee, and through the
rivers, they shall not overflow thee ; when thou walkest through the
fire thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the fiame kindle upon
thee; for I am the Lord, thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy
Sariour." Some encouragement was offered to those who, after having been
graciously risited, had erred and strayed from the fold. Though
some of these may even have grievously fallen away, yet if a real
desire after deliverance and redemption is felt and cherished, they
wUl assuredly again be risited. " Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and
Israel to the robbers ? did not the Lord, he against whom we have
sinned?" Thus when any are unfaithful to manifested duty, it
is sometimes accordant with Divine wisdom and justice, that they
should be given up to their own delusions, and so be permitted to be
robbed and spoiled, as was the case with His people formerly ; they
may be suffered to be carried captive by their souls' enemies, and
held in such bondage to sin, as that in their own wiUs, they are unable
to escape from it. But when they are thoroughly humbled, under a
sense of their condition, it is a proof that their day of visitation is
not over, for it is God who makes the heart soft, so that, if the desire
after redemption is cherished. He wiU again risit. His light wUl
shine, and vrith it there wiU be a degree of power. Let this light
and power, however small, be moved in, and obeyed, then peace will
foUow obedience, and as this course is pursued, strength wiU increase.
This was Darid's experience. "I waited patiently for the Lord;
and he inchned unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also
out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a
rock, and established my goings." We may observe, it is described
as a "horrible pit:" he had faUen very deeply, and sunk as into
mire and clay, a state fettered and entangled, and very difficult to
escape from. But the Lord, from whom alone deliverance cometh.

•2ET. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 137
lifted him up ; his deliverance was complete, his feet were set upon
a rock, (that rock being Christ, the only safe foundation,) and thus
his goings were established. Now he could rejoice. " He hath put
a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God."
Birmingham. — Dirine favour was near in our first-day morning
meeting, and we were both engaged in ministry : mine was of a doc
trinal cast. When the patriarch Jacob was near the close of his life,
being endued vrith prophetic rision, he distinctly foretold the coming
of the Messiah. " The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a
lawgiver from between his feet, until ShUoh come; and unto him
shaU the gathering of the people be." This prophecy, foretelling the
time when ShUoh should come, was distinctly fulfiUed. Although
our Lord's personal appearance, in the veil of fiesh, was nearly con
fined to Judea and GalUee, yet it was graciously intended that the
benefit of His coming should be extended, in some degree, to the
faUen sons of Adam over thewhole habitable globe. "Unto him
shall the gathering of the people be." He was "a light to lighten
the Gentiles," as well as the glory of God's peculiarly favoured
people, Israel. Hence, " other foundation can no man lay, than
that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." It is therefore needful, that
we should not only humbly and sincerely believe in Him as our
example, in a lowly, humble, and self-denying life, and as a ransom,
propitiation, and sacrifice for our sins, by His death, but we must
also receive Him in the way of His coming in our hearts, as a light
to enlighten, for He is to be God's " salvation unto the ends of the
earth." Worcester. — I was led to explain a Uttle the nature of a caU to
the ministry. Our Society has ever beheved that the quahfication
for the ministry of the Gospel is truly a gift, not to be exercised in
the wiU, abiUty, and learning of men. " Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Ughts,
with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." There
cannot be a doubt that the prophecy of Joel was designed to extend
to this generation, as well as to the past, or to the days of the primi
tive church. " I wiU pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your
sons and your daughters shaU prophesy." Were there but amongst

138 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
US more dedication, a more fuU surrender to the Lord's serrice, a
greater vriUingness to submit to the necessary baptisms, which would
pnrify and prepare us, as vessels for the Lord's use, we should expe
rience a more plentiful unfolding of the mysteries of His kingdom,
by dreams, by risions, or by revelations, as weU as by other instru
mental means. Even upon the little ones, the servants' and handmaids,
those who are little in their own eyes, and small in their own esteem,
would the Holy Spirit be poured out, and they should prophesy.
As we are one spiritual body of many members, every member has
its respective use and place ; and as in the natural body, we know
there are parts which, though inrisible, contribute greatly to the
general vigour and usefulness, so with respect to those members
amongst us who keep under a secret exercise for the welfare of the
church, though they are but httle seen or known by their brethren,
their serrice in contributing to the strength and usefulness of the
body, is great.
Warvsttck. — Our company was increased by a few of the towns
people, to whom I addressed a Uttie on the subject of worship. True
worship is a very simple thing. The sacrifices of God are said to be
a broken spirit and a contrite heart. "A broken and a contrite
heart, 0 God, thou vrilt not despise." But it is God who maketh
the heart soft ; hence arises the necessity for our waiting upon Him.
This is not done by merely sitting dovm in outward silence, and
presenting our bodies before Him, but we must also endeavour to
attain to a reverential frame of mind, and wait to know the arising of
that life, through the quickening efficacy of which, Uving desires and
aspirations are felt to arise unto the Giver of all good. We know
not what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit helpeth our infir
mities, yea, at times, as with sighs and groans which cannot be
uttered. It may thus truly be said with the poet —
" Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near."
After D. Oliver had offered a faithful admonition to the lukewarm
professors under our name, my mind was deeply exercised, and I was

MT. 51. J JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE, 139
engaged in reverent suppUcation, to intercede for those whose offering,
in merely presenting their bodies before the Lord, is no more accep
table than was that of those in ancient times, whose hearts had
departed from the Uring God, and which He declared was only an
abomination unto Him. Access to the foot of the throne was graci
ously afforded, and abiUty to spread a variety of conditions before
Him, who searcheth aU hearts ; and under an a-wful sense of His
continued loving-kindness, to bless and praise His holy name.
Eadway. — Here we met a smaU company of Friends, whom I
sought to animate and encourage to fervency of spuit. It is a com
mon saying amongst men, " Where little is given, Uttle is required,"
yet it is not Scripture language. Human nature is too prone to a
love of ease. We have great encouragement to seek earnestly after
spiritual nourishment, and to make dUigent use of such help as is
offered. We should ever guard against lukewarmness.
Eatington. — A Friend told us that one of his ancestors, when
about eleven years of age, was- arrested at a meeting at which George
Fox was present, and the poor lad, being taken vrith several others
to Warvrick Gaol, was detained there about nine years. Though he
did not enter the prison a Friend, yet, falUng into good company, he
became one.
Te-wkesbuey. — We, as Friends, are adrised to make our vriUs,
and settle our outward affairs, in time of health ; how much more
anxious then, should we be, to have what relates to our spiritual
concerns in proper order, even as much as the duration of eternity
exceeds that of time, and that is inconceivable. I have often been
led to conclude, from observation, that a large proportion of the
members of our Society are graciously permitted to die in peace ; but
how do they end ? apparently, in many cases, better than they have
lived. As the awful period approaches, how many have to be deeply
plunged into inexpressible -anxiety, before they can attain to a right
preparation for the solemn change. It is doubtless in mercy that
they are thus dealt with ; but how much better and wiser is it to
submit to the necessary purification in time of health, rather than to
have to pass through such conflicts when the inflrmities of the body
are well-nigh more than we are able to sustain. I am persuaded.

140 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825,
that it is inconsistent with the mercy and compassion of a gracious.
God, to forsake His children in the time of their extremity. Our
Lord declared, " Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the
world." Gloucester. — The Uttle meeting was convened on the morning
of a market day, but I thought it was a comfortable one, and our visit
gratefully received. It is a great blessing to our Society, that we
have been taught not to rely upon the teachings of men. "AU thy
chUdi'en shall be taught of the Lord, and great shaU be the peace of
thy children." To this our Lord adds, " Every man therefore that
hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." The
sufficiency of this teaching, when it is dihgently sought, and duly
attended to, has been abundantly proved, in the experience of many.
"I am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee to proflt, which
leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go."
Cheltenham. — D. 0. was first engaged on the necessity of walk
ing in the narrow way, and on the unavailableness of any profession
of reUgion without this. I had to encourage such as have already
entered in at the strait gate. Many trials await them, yet Divine
aid vrill assuredly be afforded. It was anciently declared of Gospel
times, "Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes
shaU rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding-place from
the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as rivers of water in a
dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Those
who submit to the government of Christ as their king. He is both
able and willing to protect and defend ; He is to them a hiding-place
and a covert : and how ? He not only shows them when there is
danger, by His enlightening influence, but He imparts to them of
His o-vm meek and lowly nature, by taking them as into His school,
and teaching them to bear His yoke. Thus as they keep meek,
humble, and in the lowly valley, the storms of hfe blow over their
heads without injuring them. Christ is their hiding-place and covert :
He knows they are at times weary and faint, and require refresh
ment, and He causes the streams of life and love to flow through
them, to their comfort and consolation. I also described the process
of regeneration by a comparison with the work of creation in the

.aST. 51.J JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 141
beginning. The melting power of Dirine love was near to the soften
ing of many hearts, and I trust to the consolation of the tribulated,
sincere-hearted travellers amongst them.
Olveston. — The passage was revived, " To him that is joined to
all the Uring there is hope." How precious is the fellowship of the
true disciples of Christ — the communion of saints ! It may afford
encouragement to drooping minds to remember the criterion which
the Apostie gives of our being in a quickened state : " We know that
we have passed from death unto Ufe, because we love the brethren."
On the other hand, such as are in the unregenerate, carnal state, are
at enmity vrith God, and vrith His chUdren. "He that is ready to
sUp with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is
at ease." If, instead of loring the brethren, the Lord's children, we
take pleasure in the company of the wicked or the worldly-minded,
we have just cause to fear we are in an unsafe state. I also revived
the complaint of EUjah against Israel, which, I think, is only the
second time it has come before me in testimony, since the day when
I had to utter it in my first appearance as a minister, about thirty-
two years ago. I had to warn closely against idohzing any creature,
for if we love anything more than Christ, He hath declared, we are
not worthy of Him.
Bristol. — I had a precious opportunity to declare the truth. We
read that Naaman, the Syrian, after he had vritnessed the miraculous
extension of dirine power to heal, through the instrumentaUty of the
Lord's prophet, was powerfuUy impressed vrith a belief in the sove
reignty of God, and the vanity of idol worship, but yet the weakness
of his nature was manifest — "In this thing the Lord pardon thy
servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Eimmon to
worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the
house of Eimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Eimmon,
the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing." Thus are many amongst
us in bondage to the god of this world, as in matters connected with
business, in which they think they are under the necessity of " bow
ing," for the sake of a UveUhood for themselves and their famUies, to
something which they are secretiy conrinced is not in accordance
with the doctrines of pure truth. Such excuses, I am persuaded.

142 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
vriU be of little avail in the great day of account. One is our Master,
even Christ. Were we but vrilhng, in simple obedience, to wait in
the Ught, and bow to the power of God, (which, if rightiy sought,
would be afforded,) we should witness peace to fiow from obedienbe,
and our strength would increase. " Light is so-wn for the righteous,
and gladness for the upright in heart." The Lord knows and pities
the oppressed condition of the pure seed of the kingdom in the hearts
of many, in whom sincere desires are at times raised after the know
ledge of Himself." " The Lord whom ye seek, shaU suddenly come
to his temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight
ia." But who shaU abide the day of His coming, when He sits as a
refiner vrith fire, and as a fuUer vrith soap, thoroughly to purge?
The Lord is ready to carry forward and to perfect His ovm work,
were there but faith and obedience. May it not be now, as formerly,
when the Lord declared, " I have surely seen the affliction of my
people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry  and I am
come down to deUver them ?"
Cirencester. — The service required of me was in the Une of sup
pUcation, in which I was led earnestly to implore, for the sake of the
many stripped and almost desolate places where our Society lies
scattered, and deprived of instrumental ministry, that the Lord would
be pleased to pour out of His Holy Spirit upon the seed, and His
blessing upon the offspring of His people, and that He would turn
His hand upon some of them, as the potter upon the passive clay,
and prepare them as vessels for the honour of His holy name. It
was a season of precious favour, in which I felt the awfulness of
being thus permitted to approach the footstool of the Di-vine Majesty.
We had some interesting social intercourse.
Chipping Norton. — We find in the Scriptures a striking lesson
on the vanity of seeking to heap up riches for ourselves or our chU
dren, founded on the momentous consideration, that however success
ful we may be in the accumulation of wealth, it can only be available
in this state of being. " None can by any means redeem his. brother,
nor give to God a ransom for him, for the redemption of their soul
is precious, and it ceaseth for ever" (its state becomes eternaUy
fixed). Seeing therefore the soul is thus precious, our main concern

.^T. 51.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. 143
should be for its eternal welfare. In our outward concerns, we ought
to aim only at the moderate and reasonable supply of the wants of
the body. If we pursue the things of time with too much ardour,
whether it be its riches or its pleasures, we faU in answering the
designs of our gracious Creator. I had also a word of encourage
ment for those who may resemble the bruised reed, crushed under
the weight of their conrictions — or the smoking fiax, in whom the
fire of redeeming love is kindled in righteous judgment. " Behold,
my servant, whom I have chosen ; my beloved, in whom my soul is
weU pleased : I wUl put my Spirit upon him, and he shaU shew judg
ment to the Gentiles  A bruised reed shaU he not break, and
smoking flax shaU he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto
rietory." How beautifuUy descriptive is the whole passage, both of
the meekness and gentleness of our holy Pattern, and of the tender
ness, the mercy, the forbearance of Him who in righteous judgment
is as a refiner with fire : He will not break the bruised reed, or hurt
anything in us that is truly aUve towards God. Only let these visited
ones yield themselves unreservedly to the Lord's power, and He will
carry forward His own work, and in the end, (notwithstanding all the
subtle reasonings of fiesh and blood,) will bring forth true judgment
unto rietory, even in the feeblest true-born chUd. How impressive
is the language, " I am the resurrection, and the hfe : he that
beheveth in me, though he were dead, yet shaU he live : and whoso
ever Uveth and believeth in me shaU never die." Even the dead,
and they that are in the gi-aves, " shaU hear the voice of the Son of
God, and they that hear shaU live."
Banbuey. — My dear companion was engaged in ministry in this
meeting, with clearness, hfe, and power. I was also strengthened to
labour. We read, that " it became him, for whom are aU things,
and by whom are aU things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to
make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." We
are not to understand from this passage that in our Lord Jesus
Christ there was any sinful imperfection ; but that, as He took our
nature upon Him, He was exposed to temptations as we are, in order
that He might be our perfect example 'of hohness of Ufe, and sub
mission to the Dirine vriU. Thus He endured, not merely the

144 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
contradiction of sinners against Himself, but the most scornful and
ignominious treatment, being often grieved in spirit vrith the unbelief
and hard-heartedness of those amongst whom His testimony was
borne, and His miracles performed. Even after He had endured the
agony in the garden, when the weight of the sins of men was laid
upon Him, that He might be our sacrifice and ransom. He had to
endure the additional trial and humiliation of being forsaken by His
own disciples. Then, again. He was exposed to contemptuous treat
ment from the Jews and soldiers, who were permitted to scourge
Him, and, in derision, to place on His head a crown of thorns ; and
even after He was naUed to the cross, " they gave him rinegar to
drink mingled vrith gaU." AU this He endured with patience, meek
ness, and submission to the Father's vriU, until those things which
concerned Him, as a propitiation for our sins, were perfected or ful
fiUed. Well might the Apostle say, "For we have not an high
priest which cannot be touched vrith the feehng of our infirmities ;
but was in aU points tempted like as we are, yet vrithout sin." What
a support and consolation has it been to many of the confessors and
martyrs for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, that
their Lord knew weU, from actual experience, how to succour them
that are tried and tempted. But if the dear Son of God had to
endure such suffering for our sakes, can we suppose that we can be
effectuaUy cleansed from the actual corruption of our fallen nature
without suffering, vrithout conffict ? We must also, in some degree,
be baptized into the feUowship of our Lord's sufferings, and be made
conformable to His death, before we can tndy experience a death
unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness. It remains to be a
truth, that " we must through much tribulation, enter into the king
dom of God."
Witney Quarterly Meeting. — There was a large attendance, a
considerable number of the townspeople being present. My mind
was clothed for the serrice with life and power, which appeared to
prevaU over the meeting. When our Lord was about to be taken
from His disciples, He charged them as foUows : — " Go ye into aU
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that beheveth
and is baptized shaU be saved ; but he that beheveth not shaU be

JET. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 145
damned." It is not the bare assent of the understanding to the
truths of the Gospel that will avail us, but the obedience of Uving
faith, and a being truly baptized " with the Holy Ghost and with
fire.." We must know a being dipped into a deep concern for the
salvation of our souls, and the Divine image, which was lost by the
fall, being restored in us. We must experience the burning of the
fire of the Lord's indignation against sin, until the root of the trans
gressing nature is destroyed. Under the force of the conrictions
which often attend this state, wherein the exceeding sinfulness of sin
is discovered, and the burden of it felt, the poor soul is at times ready
to cry out, " 0 wretched man that I am ! who shall deUver me from
the body of this death?" Let none be too much discouraged .when
they feel thus — it is what most have to pass through on their way
to the kingdom ; but let them trust in the Lord, who is all-sufficient to
perfect His own work : His tender care is over the least babe whom
His Spirit hath truly quickened, only let such Ue low before Him,
and move in the light and power which He affords. They vriU thus re
ceive strength to enter in at the strait gate, and to walk in the narrow
way, which assuredly leads, in due time, to that city whose walls are
salvation, and her gates praise. It may afford comfort to some sin
cere-hearted Uttle ones (who are at times discouraged at the small
progress they make, and the great distance which they feel them
selves to be from the city of God) to remember that, in most cases,
the work is gradual, and that in some the grovv-th is slow but sure.
We may be instructed by the works of nature; for instance, the
growth of trees. Let us consider the acorn, how little it is when
first put into the ground. It springs up as a small and tender plant,
then it appears as a .Uttle tree ; but in process of time it rises to be
a lofty oak, the beasts of the field may rest under its spreading
boughs, and the fowls of the air may lodge in its branches. My
heart's desire is that the young and tender ones, who are bending to
the power of redeeming love, may properly consider this significant
figure — may thank God, and take courage.
Eeading. — I was ready to believe that my feeUngs were in sym
pathy with some who may be under the Lord's preparing hand for
serrice in the church, and under this apprehension, I rerived our
M

146 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLI-VER. [1825.
Lord's words — " Ye are they which have continued vrith me in my
temptations ; and I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath
appointed unto me," etc. How sweet and precious must this lan
guage have been to the poor disciples at that time ! It is thus that
the Lord cares for His children in aU the varying dispensations
through which they have to pass ; but let them be careful to continue
vrith their Lord during all their temptations, let them flee as to the
mountain of myrrh, and to the hiU of frankincense, to the place of
prayer and of deep exercise of soul, their prayers ascending as incense
before the Majesty on high : then let them patientiy wait " untU the
day break, and the shadows flee away." This is a safe state.
Waeborough. — In riding along the road to the monthly meeting,
a belief was raised in my mind that the bonds, as to ministerial ser
rice, in which I had for several days been held, would now be broken,
and so it proved. I was enabled to labour in the power of truth, I
humbly trust, to the comfort and instruction of many : the stream
rose fuUer and stronger than I could obtain utterance for, so wonder
ful are the works of Him from whom alone come power and wisdom,
and to whom alone most assuredly belongs the praise ; to Him be it
humbly and reverently ascribed. " Without faith it is impossible to
please him : for he that cometh to God must beUeve that he is, and
that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." But though
faith is amongst the first of the Lord's gifts, it is not the only one
we should desire and seek. We annually hear the query, " Is there
among you any growth in the truth ?" The state of the true Chris
tian, the really quickened mind, is a state of progressive advancement;
not stationary, nor yet retrograde, as the door on its hinges, but of
steady, progressive improvement : as saith the Apostle, " Add to
your faith virtue ; and to virtue knowledge ; and to knowledge tem
perance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godUness;
and to godliness brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness cha
rity : for if these things be in you and abound, they make you that
ye shaU neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord
Jesus Christ : but he that lacketh these things is bUnd, and cannot
see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."
Hence it is erident, that there is abundance of work for us to do,

JET. 51.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. 147
and of spiritual gifts for us to be solicitous to obtain, after we have
received the precious gift of faith. Many talents are offered for our
acceptance, provided we are but sufficiently careful to improve those
we have, according to the intention of the great and munificent Giver.
We must strive to make two five, and five ten, if we would stand
approved in the sight of God. " Other foundation can no man lay
than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." The Scriptures of truth
are a precious talent, for they testify of Christ: much of the will
of God concerning man is revealed in the Bible, and blessed is he
of whom it is said, " His deUght is in the law of the Lord, and in
his law doth he meditate day and night." Paul admonishes Timothy
to give diUgence to reading and to meditation. Let this be our prac
tice, and let us go to the Lord's feet to have the things which apper
tain to our own salvation unfolded to us, and we shall not lack vrisdom
to guide and direct us. He not only openeth the understanding, but
teacheth in the school of experience, where the lessons we receive
make a deep and lasting impression. Christ takes us into His school
to teach us to bear His yoke, to walk in the way of cross-bearing.
He sometimes leads His children as into the vrilderness ; " He hath
led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light," was the
language of one of the prophets. But there are promises for such to
trust in. " I vriU aUure her, and bring her into the wUderness, and
speak comfortably unto her ; and I vriU give her vineyards fi'om
thence" [open to riew fields of future labour and usefulness,] " and
the vaUey of Achor for a door of hope." When we are led as the
bUnd by a way that we know not, and into paths which we have not
seen, we feel that we are dependant upon God for the supply of aU
our need, even for our daUy sustenance. Then it is that we are
brought as into the vaUey of Achor, into deep searching, to discover
what it is that retards our progress in our spfritual journey, and
causeth us to faU before our souls' enemies ; and a wUlingness is
wrought in us to give up aU which the Lord requires at our hands.
Thus obedience to the Dirine wiU is yielded, and then the " door of
hope" is opened, the Ught of God's countenance again shines upon
us, and we are enabled to go forth m His service successfuUy.
It is said, that Israel of old " were aU baptized unto Moses in the

148 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
cloud and in the sea." How was this? Was it not by being
brought into a state of entire dependance, into a great strait; the
mountains were on either side, their enemies behind, and the sea
before them ; then they cried unto the Lord, they were plunged or
baptized into great distress, and saw clearly that they had no other
way of escape than by dUigently attending to the voice of God by
Moses : and thns they became " baptized unto Moses," as their
Dirinely appointed leader, " in the cloud and in the sea." And so it
is now, that the deeply tribulated soul, plunged into conffict and
distress, is brought near to Christ, our holy Leader, as our only way
to the kingdom, our DeUverer from the guilt and dominion of sin.
It was said that the Israelites "did all eat the same spiritual meat,
and did aU drink the same spiritual drink ; for they drank of that
spiritual rock that foUowed them, and that rock was Christ." If this
was the blessed privUege under that dispensation, how much more
clearly and abundantly is it the privUege now of the true, faithful,
sincere disciple of Christ ?
. Leighton Buzzard. — The meeting was a time of favour to us
both. I revived the remembrance of that form of prayer, which is
sometimes put into the mouths of chUdren before they properly
understand its meaning : — " Sanctify thy good creatures to our use,
and us to thy serrice, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Though
there is reason to fear that many address this language to the
Almighty in little better than mere formality, yet we may be in
structed by the contemplation of it. We ought ever reverently to
desire that the Lord's "good creatures," His outward gifts, may be
sanctified to our use, and that we, who are "bought with a price,"
may be sanctified, or set apart for His service ; that by a godly life
and conversation we may answer the end of our creation, through
liring to the glory of God. But we must not hope to attain to this
state in our own strength, or by the exertion of our natural powers,
but experience it to be accomplished in the way which the Author
of our salvation designs, by and through our Lord Jesus Christ. '
There is cause to fear that one reason why so few in our Society
attain to that state of perfection which our worthy ancestors beheved
to be attainable in this life, even a restoration of that image of God,

^T. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 149
in which man stood before the fall, is, that so few of them really
make it their aim ; and if we do not so much as aim at perfection, it
is very improbable that it vriU become our attainment. Yet, when
we consider, that nothing impure or unholy can enter the Lord's
heavenly kingdom, the reflection is very serious. We have, indeed,
cause to hope and beUeve, that a large proportion of the members of
our Society do end their Uves in peace with God ; we must therefore
conclude, that many have to pass through the purifying furnace on a
bed of languishing. WhUst we admfre and adore the longsuffering
and mercy of God, who thus deigns to deal vrith us, yea, vrith many
whom He hath by His Spirit enUghtened, surely gratitude, and a
just sense of duty, should stimulate us earnestly to desire to be
made more conformable to His holy vrill. Let Him whom we seek,
and in whom at times our souls dehght, even the Messenger of the
Covenant, sit in the temple of our hearts, as a refiner with fire, and
throughly purge the floor. But how few are wUhng to be thus
throughly purged ? Some think, if they can but attain to that degree
of propriety of Ufe and conversation, in which their parents have
stood, it may do for them ; but the wUl of God should be our aim
and rule. We have cause to beUeve, that many of our predecessors
in the truth did attain to this state, and that many, in the present
day, do also attain to a state in which there is no condemnation,
being in Christ Jesus, and careful not to walk after the flesh, but
after the Spirit, knowing the law of the spirit of Ufe in Him to make
free from the law of sin and death. Were we, as a Society, thus
devoted to the Lord's service, and striving to be made conformable
to His wiU, there would be raised up a Uving army, which should
stand forth for the honour of His name, and for the advancement of
the cause of truth in such way as He should appoint. We may
easUy discover that what the Apostle describes, is nothing short of
perfection, and of victory over the soul's enemies, when he says,
" The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulhng dovm of strongholds ; casting down imaginations, and
every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,
and bringing into captirity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
And what are the weapons by which this work is effected ? Let the

150 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
Apostle speak. " FinaUy, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and
in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye
may be able to stand agaiiist the wUes of the devU. For we wrestle
not against flesh and blood, but against principahties, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
vrickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole
armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evU day, and
haring done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt
about vrith truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness ; and
your feet shod vrith the preparation of the gospel of peace ; above
aU, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shaU be able to quench
aU the fiery darts of the vricked. And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying
always vrith aU prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance." May we all deeply ponder the
purport of this passage.
UxBRiDGE. — " Offer unto the Lord thanksgiring, and pay thy vows
unto the Most High ; and call upon me in the day of trouble": I vriU
deUver thee,- and thou shalt glorify me." Many, in seasons of pre
cious risitation, are favoured to see what the Lord requires of them,
and are made wiUing to vow aUegiance to Him ; but it is of great
importance that, when the sacrifice has been thus pointed out, we
should be concerned, as was Abraham, rigUantiy to drive away the
wUd birds, or those dispositions which would mar or devour what the
Lord is preparing : for want of this, many are hindered from growing
in the experience of Dirine things. It is said, " The Lord is our
king; he vriU save us." But how can we hope to know Him as our
defender and protector from our soul's enemies, unless we are con
cerned to walk in His counsel, and carefuUy keep His commandments,
thus paying our vows to Him ? It is by yielding to His guidance
that protection is experienced. We can have no well-grounded hope
of advancing in the way of Ufe, until those vows which have been
made in the Divine counsel are duly observed.
Ifield. — I had to caU the attention of those present to the awful
warning, given through the Apostle John, to the church of Laodicea,
respecting their lukewarmness. There is cause to fear that a similar

MT. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLI-VER. 151
complaint may justiy be made against many in our Society, in whom
there is a great want of holy earnestness in seeking after the sub
stance of true religion. There is great need of more fervency of
spirit in waiting upon God : too much coldness of heart, and want of
animation, prevaUs over many. It was said of some, formerly, " This
people draweth nigh unto me vrith their mouth, and honoureth me
with their Ups ; but thefr heart is far from me." Mere profession
wiU be of smaU avaU ; the Lord's people must worship Him in spirit,
vrith holy fervour of soul, as weU as with truth, sincerity, and upright
ness of heart. These are acceptable worshippers, and they shall be
fed vrith the bread and -water of life. We find, by experience, that it
is often true that the righteous have to share in the chastisement of
the wicked : the whole church of Laodicea was in danger of rejection.
Thus sincere and devoted souls suffer through the careless and neg-
Ugent ; the spring of Ufe is so shut up, that even in their religious
assembUes their souls languish, they cannot attain to that degree of
refreshment which they long for. It may -sometimes be said that
the living are scarcely able to bear the weight of the dead ; thus the
host of Israel suffered through the sin of Achan. But when the
Lord's true-hearted children cannot find in their reUgious meetings
that refreshment which their souls require, let them seek it in soU
tary places, when alone, out of meeting, in the fields, or elsewhere,
according to their circumstances. Let them pour out their cries
before God, Uke Joshua, and He vriU assuredly regard them in mercy,
for He has promised it. " When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none, and their tongue faUeth for thirst, I the Lord wiU
hear them, I the God of Israel wUl not forsake them." He vriU
assuredly help them in His ovm time and way ; He " wUl open rivers
in high places, and fountains in the midst of the vaUeys ;" He wUl
even make their " vrilderness like Eden," and their " desert like the
garden of the Lord ; joy and gladness shaU be found therein, thanks
giring, and the voice of melody." My mind was at this season a
living exemplification of the truth and fulfilment of these promises.
Praises be ascribed unto our God !
Brighton. — About fifty-five years ago, this meeting consisted of
a very few, who used to sit in a private room, instead of using the

1^2 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
meeting-house. I pen my memoranda respecting our meeting at
Brighton on my way to Maidstone, after haring, in the interim,
attended six other meetings, so my account is brief. I rerived the
testimony of the poor negro in America, " Friends, be stiU ; Christ
must be .honoured :" also, that of our dear Lord Himself, " He that
honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent
him." Christ must and vrill eventually be honoured; for before
Him all must bow, either in mercy or in judgment, but He came
" to seek and to save." Even after He had remonstrated vrith the
gainsaying Jews for their unbelief and hardness of heart. He added,
" these things I say, that ye might be saved." Thus did God erince
mercy, forbearance, and longsuffering, even as He declared by His
prophet, " Therefore vriU the Lord wait, that he may be gracious
unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy
upon you." How wonderfuUy are the Lord's judgments dispensed
in mercy, for the recovery of His fallen creature, man ! How much
vriser is it in us to surrender ourselves to the Lord's -vrill and serrice
in this, the day of His merciful visitation, seeing we must bow to
His power in the day of awful and righteous retribution. Though in
that day the rebeUious shaU call upon the rocks to fall upon them,
and on the mountains to cover them, it wiU be utterly in vain. The
Psalmist was sensible of this when he queries, " Whither shall I go
from thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence ? If I
ascend up into heaven, thou art there, if I make my bed in heU,
behold, thou art there :" even there, by His Almighty restraining
power. He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.
Dover. — D. Ohver was first engaged, reasoning, in a forcible
manner, with such as were disposed to gratify the corrupt inclinations
of our fallen nature. This opened my way to press the necessity of
the new birth. Our Lord said, " Except ye be converted, and be
come as little children, ye shaU not enter into the kingdom of hea
ven." " Ye must be born again :" born of water and of the Spfrit.
We must put off the old man with his deeds, which are corrupt, .
and put on the new man, created after God in Christ Jesus, unto
good works. How high and holy is our calUng ! " If any man be
in Christ, he is a new creature ; old things are passed away, behold.

MT. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 163
all things are become new; and all things are of God." I also
described to what degree the Gospel dispensation, in its operation
upon men, tends to level and equalize : it not only humbles the high
and lofty to the lowliness and simplicity of a Uttle child ; it not only
brings down the mountains and the hills, but it exalts the valleys.
We may be too low, as weU as too high. It is one of the gracious
attributes of Him who "inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy,"
that He dweUeth also with him " that is of a contrite and humble
spirit, to revive the spuit of the humble, and to rerive the heart of
the contrite ones." But the Lord's children, after haring been
favoured with precious and heart-tendering risitations, sometimes
prevent the free flowing of the river of Divine refreshment and conso
lation, through want of entire resignation and unreserved submission
to the Divine wUl, in the various dispensations, through which He
sees meet for them to pass, and often through want of a more lively
faith. Thus the enemy prevaUs for a season, and brings them under
discouragement, and sometimes they feel as if the shield of the
mighty were vUely cast away, as though it had not been anointed
vrith oU. How precious is that shield of Uving faith in the goodness,
wisdom, and providence of God, which is, or would be, given to the
faithful foUowers of Christ, whereby they are at times enabled to
silence the insinuations of him who is styled, " the accuser of the
brethren," and to turn aside his fiery darts. Thus may we stay our
minds on the Lord's aU-sufflciency. Even when as on the waves of
the sea, we are "tossed vrith tempests, and not comforted," He can
say, " Peace, be stUl." After I had sat down, a few words presented
for the young people. Youth is the spring-time of Ufe, a period of
great importance, _and according to the culture which young people
receive, and the nature and quaUty of the seed then sovm, the future
is likely to prove; hence the importance of great watchfulness and
dUigence. Much depends on the books they read, and the company
they keep : great care should be exercised in the selection of both,
for their influence is powerful, and the bias thus given to the mind is
often lasting. There is much wisdom in the words of Paul, " All
things are lawful for me, but aU things are not expedient ; aU things
are lawful for me, but aU things edify not." Let the dear young

154 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
people, therefore, have a special regard for such things only as are
really expedient for them, and which have a direct tendency to their
ediflcation, their buUding up in the most holy faith.
Margate. — My subject was the history of Abraham, some pas
sages of which I was ready to beUeve were pecuUarly appropriate to
the state, of some present. When Abram was yet in his native
country, the Lord said unto him, " Get thee out of thy country, and
from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I vrill
shew thee." He went forth in the obedience of faith, not knovring
whither he went ; but when he had pitched his tent, how often do
we find that it was amongst his first concerns to set up an altar, and
caU upon the name of the Lord. And when in some instances,
through fear, and feeling himself a stranger, human weakness pre
vaUed over him, how signally did the Almighty interpose for his
preservation and deliverance ! kings were rebuked for his sake. The
Lord was truly his sun and shield, even, as He said, for his encou
ragement. " Fear not, Abram ; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding
great reward." And when the Lord was pleased, in a miraculous
manner, to bless him with a son, and when the boy was grown up,
and Abraham was put to the pinching trial of being required to offer
up the chUd of promise, as a burnt sacrifice, we find that his faith
and confidence in the goodness and power of God were so strong,
that he did not confer with flesh and blood, or make any hesitation,
but yielded imphcit obedience : he took the lad and the wood, laid
aU in order for the sacrifice, and reached forth his hand to take the
knife to slay his beloved Isaac. But here Divine vrisdom and mercy
graciously interposed, and the angel of the Lord caUed unto him,
saying, " Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any
thing unto him." Then Abraham beheld a ram caught in a thicket,
which the Lord accepted as a substitute for Isaac. For this signal
act of obedience and dedication, how rich were the blessings and
promises vouchsafed to Abraham ! It is thus that the Lord some
times tries His children, that He may prove that their hearts are
steadfast in His covenant; and then, after they are fully resigned
to His will. He enlarges their path, and restores their lawful enjoy
ments which He may have been pleased, for a time, to require them

MT. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 155
to surrender. The meekness, lowliness, and love of peace, of this
pecuUar "friend of God," are beautifuUy exemplified in his conduct
towards his nephew Lot. They had long sojourned together, but
when sti'ife arose between their servants, Abraham interposed. " Let
there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between
my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the
whole land before thee ? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me : if
thou vrilt take the left hand, then I vriU go to the right ; or if thou
depart to the right hand, then I wUl go to the left." Beautiful con
descension ! The spirit of consolation flowed sweetly and freely,
greatly to my own relief and comfort.
Eochester. — Here are two boarding-schools, containing together
nearly eighty chUdren. I felt, as usual, -with fuU force, the difficulty
of addressing chUdren beneficiaUy, in the way of ministry. My feel
ings were almost oppressive, under a sense of the weighty serrice
required, and the unfitness and inadequacy of the poor instrument.
But after long waiting, and an endeavour to attain to patient resig
nation to whatever the Lord might be pleased to permit to attend
me. He was pleased to open a way for me, I may truly say, where
no way had appeared, and to furnish both matter and utterance, to
my humbUng admiration, and above aU, to accompany my serrice
vrith His contriting, baptizing power, to the touching of many hearts
present. The simUe which presented was that of the shepherd,
who has the care of sheep and lambs. There is much that shepherds
may do for the benefit of their charge, but there is more that they
cannot do. They may lead their flock to the place of feeding, where
pasture, water, and refreshment may be found ; they may guard
them from straggling and straying away ; they may watch and defend
them from that which would wound, hurt, or destroy — from the lion,
the bear, the woU, and even the dog ; but they cannot cause one
blade of grass to grow, or a single drop of water to descend. Thus,
parents, guardians, preceptors, or masters, who have children or
young people entrusted to their charge, may discover the nature of
their serrice. They may take the dear chUdren into the way of receiv
ing benefit ; they may watch over them, and endeavour to keep them
in the strait and narrow way which leads to life and blessedness ;

156 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
they may vigilantly guard and endeavour to defend them from that
which would hurt or destroy — from those dispositions in themselves,
or in others around them, which have a tendency to ensnare or cor
rupt. They must be especially careful that their own example may
be such as wiU lead and aUure them to piety and rirtue, not to sin
and eril ; they must be patterns of meekness, gentieness, and love.
They should also seek to be examples of fervent piety, godUness, and
self-denial ; they should instruct them in the knowledge of God, of
His wiU, and of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the only true way of
salvation by Him, and the teaching and infiuence of His Spirit.
But here their service is necessarUy limited; they cannot confer
grace ; they may be clothed with an anxious soUcitude on behalf of
their precious charge, and the exercise of their souls before God will
be regarded vrith acceptance ; yet a man cannot redeem his brother —
this is the Lord's own work, and all the dear chUdren must be con
cerned individuaUy for themselves. When the Lord is pleased to
touch their hearts with His conricting power, or vrith a sense of His
love, they must be especially careful how they turn away from, or in
any way put by, the heavenly Visitor. Let the prayer of their hearts
be, "Forsake me not, 0 Lord: 0 my God, be not far fi-om me;"
"teach me thy way, 0 Lord; I will walk in thy truth, "unite my
heart to fear thy name." As they thus, in sincerity, draw nigh unto
God, He wUl draw nigh unto them. Let them ever cherish tender
ness of spirit; for though heaven be God's throne, and the earth His
footstool, yet unto them vrill He look who are poor and of a contrite
spirit, and who tremble at His word : these are as temples in which
He deUghts to dwell.
CopTFOED. — Here we had a precious meeting. I rerived the
words of Thomas Wilkinson —
"Thou, by thy solemn lasting word,
Thyself ioi ever binds,
That those thou'lt teach who wait thy will,
With pure and holy minds."
This has been fulfilled in the experience of very many in our So
ciety, greatly to their consolation and strength. When our Lord
inquired of His disciples, " Whom do men say that I, the Son of

-SET. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 157
man, am ?" they answered, " Some say that thou art John the Bap
tist; some Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets."
"But whom say ye that I am?" Peter answered, "Thou art the
Christ, the Son of the living God." Our Lord replied, " Blessed art
thou, Simon Bar-jona : for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto
thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say unto thee. That
thou art Peter, and upon this rock wiU I buUd my church ; and the
gates of heU shall not prevail against it." This passage has been
variously interpreted : but I apprehend, that the foundation which
our Lord intended to point out is, the revelation of the Son by the
Father, as the only way of salvation ; of Him who is the Eock of
Ages, " the Way, the Truth, and the Life." This is the inward and
immediate manifestation of the power of God, for man's recovery from
the faU, and is in full harmony and accordance with the outward
appearance of Christ in the flesh. I conceive that both His outward
and inward manifestations are intended to be confirmed by this pas
sage. It was by immediate revelation, as our Lord plainly indicates,
that Peter knew that Christ, then on earth, was truly the Son of
God. The Son is the Word. " The word of God is quick and power
ful;" it breaks and melts the stony heart; it consumes the root of the
transgressing nature ; it produces the new birth, changing the heart
and affections. Christ feeds the new-born babe vrith the milk of the
word. He is not only the regenerator, but also our spiritual food
and nourishment; not only whUst we are in the condition of the
child, but throughout every stage of our Christian progress. " Eeceive
vsith meekness," saith the Apostle, " the engrafted word, which is
able to save your- souls;" and again — "Desire the sincere milk of
the word, that ye may grow thereby." Thus is the Son or Word
revealed as the true foundation of the church of Christ.
Colchester. — My concern was for the affiicted, the mourners,
with whom I could feelingly sympathize, and I trust, more consola
tion flowed to others than I could then take for my ovm portion. I
am sometimes ready to believe that my plunges, baptisms, and con
flicts must be, in degree, for the sake of others. I desire that my
life inay be devoted, and my vriU fully conformed to the Divine wUl
concerning me, either to do or suffer that which shall most promote

158 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
His glory. Deep conflicts about this period were permitted to await
me, but my cries ascended to my God and Father in secret, and
were graciously heard and answered.
Earl's Colne. — W. I. keeps a school for boys at this place, and
has at present two Greek boys from Scio. He had another lad,
eighteen years of age, also from Scio. For a time he appeared rest
less in meetings, and W. I. was one day taking him aside to explain
to him the nature of our mode of worship ; he interrupted W. by
saying, " 0, you need not teU ; my father tell me : my father got a
book teU him. We meet, we sing, we speak words ; we speak words,
not feeUng ; that bad. You meet, you no speak words, you feel ;
that good :" he proved a tractable youth, and improved every way.
In the meeting at Earl's Colne, I revived a few Unes of Thomas
Wilkinson's, under a clear apprehension of duty —
" Though we the steps of science scale,
To pleasure's fame attend,
All these, with each terrestrial walk,
With disappointment end.
But if, according to thy -will,
To know ourselves we seek,
Ourselves thus known, is knowing thee,
Then knowledge is complete."
We read that when the Apostle Paul was at Athens, that famous
seat of learning, and when he beheld their superstitions, and the
altar to the unknown God, his spirit was stirred vrithin him. In
addressing the Athenians, he said, " Whom therefore ye ignorantly
worship, him declare I unto you" — "God, that  hath made of
one blood aU nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,
and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of
their habitation ; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might
feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of
us : for in him we Uve, and move, and have our being." There is a
great and important truth declared in this passage. God, the Crea
tor, is the sovereign Disposer of the bounds of our habitation, or the
place of our natirity, with all the train of occurrences and events
arising from our position in life. It is He who determines whether
our place of being is among the burning sands and the benighted

MT. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 159
sons of Africa, in the frozen regions of Greenland or Labrador, or in
the more favoured and happy isle of Great Britain. How, then,
ought these considerations to excite our love and gratitude ? May
the dear children present remember that to God they owe every
blessing attendant upon the guarded and good education which they
are now in the way of receiring. JBut for His proridential direction,
they might have been born of parents who would have suffered them
to stroll about, in filth and misery, through the crowded streets and
lanes of some large town. Ought we not, therefore, to love, fear,
and serve our gracious Creator, and carefully to yield to the visita
tions of His Spirit ? Our Lord declared the necessity of regeneration,
but, at the same time. He pointed out that we cannot at aU times
discover the manner of the Holy Spirit's operations, in effecting this
great work. " The vrind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest
the sound thereof, but canst not teU whence it cometh, and whither
it goeth ; so is every one that is born of the Spirit." We know the
operations of the Lord's Spirit by its fruits or effects, and this even
at times when the manner is imperceptible to us, and undefinable by
our capacity. It is especially so to inexperienced children ; but when
they feel conriction for sin, or when their minds are humbled and
tendered, then let them be careful not to dissipate or put aside these
precious feeUngs : rather let them cherish and encourage such, pray
ing to the Lord to teach them His way. He wiU love such as these.
He wUI draw near to them, and enlarge their understandings ; and,
as they faithfully yield to His requirings as they are made sensible
of them. He wUl increase their light, and strengthen them for His
serrice. He alone is worthy to be loved, served, and obeyed. I had
also much Uberty in suppUcation.
Bardfield. — Our Lord declared that "Whosoever shall exalt
himself shaU be abased, and he that humbleth himself shaU be
exalted." " God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the hum
ble." Pride may, and doubtless often does, exist under a plain
garb, and humility under a gaudy one ; yet true humility vrill not lead
to the extravagant or expensive decking and adorning of the person.
Some have been accustomed to these things, which have remained
with them as habits after the heart has undergone a change. Pride

160 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
of heart often evinces itself in actions. It is well for such as have
been educated in habits of plainness and simplicity to examine them
selves closely : do they behave themselves gentiy and meekly towards
their inferiors when no human eye beholds ? Here is a test, which
in many cases, wUl apply. We should guard against pride, because
it is displeasing to God, and tends to prevent Him from conferring
upon us His choicest blessings, from exalting us to true honour.
" Them that honour me I will honour," was His ancient language.
Let us go into the school of Christ, and learn of Him meekness and
lowUness of heart. But some get too low ; the vaUeys must be fiUed
up, as weU as the mountains' and hUls brought low ; the sturdy oaks
must be made to bend, and the taU cedars must be consumed ; the
towering dispositions must be subjected to the yoke of Christ ; but
when it is the Lord's will to exalt the humble, they must not oppose
or frustrate His gracious designs concerning them, but yield to His
power, and He vrill confer upon them true honour in such a way as
wiU tend to promote their welfare, and His own glory. He is also
ready to rerive the spirits of the humble ; they have their low times ;
let them not, by giving way to doubting and despondency, miss that
portion of the waters of consolation which are intended for their
refreshment. Let them learn to wield the shield of faith, let them
believe in and trust His gracious promise, that in His mercy and
goodness. He wiU dweU in them, and walk in them, and He will be
their God, and they shall be His sons and daughters. I was also
led to suppUcate for the outpouring of the Spirit, that so the seats,
which are now, or soon will be, vacated, may be occupied by such as,
being thoroughly purged, shall be prepared for standard-bearers, and
shall be enabled to teach Jacob the Lord's law, and Israel His com
mandments ; shall have to put incense before Him, and whole burnt
offerings upon His altar.
DuNMOW. — The Lord is a rich rewarder of them who dUigently"
seek Him, but there is cause to fear that many in our Society are
not of this character ; they seek the Lord, but not diligently. Our
Lord said, " He that loveth father or mother more than me is not
worthy of me ; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is
not worthy of me." Many seek, indeed, but unworthily, not in

^T. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 161
accordance with the tenor of the first and great commandment. Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with aU thy
mind and strength. They do not seek first, and above all, the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, to which state the pro
mise is annexed, that all needful things shaU be added. Did they
seek His kingdom, and to be so under His dominion and government
as that He might rule and reign, as their Leader and Guide, they
would experience the sweet infiuences of His love, the rich reward of
those who dUigently seek Him. Some may think that such a con
dition is scarcely attainable in this probationary state, whUst we
are encompassed vrith so many infirmities, besetments, and tempta
tions; whUst the tendency of our faUen nature is so much to the
earth, and to sublunary gratifications ; but let us remember that it is
the Lord's work, that to Him all things are possible, and that the
change is a progressive one. Let us cherish good incUnations, when
ever we feel them excited in us. Whilst we were enemies, God loved
us ; how much more wUl He love and help us when we turn our
hearts towards Him in sincerity and truth, and seek His face, the
light of His countenance, vrith diligence ? We must not rest satisfied
•with assembling vrith our brethren, to wait upon God in our religious
meetings ; we must seek and serve the Lord out of meetings, if we
would be owned of Him when in them. Let us seek the Lord in
our closets, in the fields, in solitary places, endeavouring to turn
from and shut out aU other intrusive thoughts and things ; then let
us pour out our souls before Him, putting up our petitions to Him
who seeth in secret, for His assistance, and He has promised, to
reward us openly ; we shaU feel God's love to flow to us, we shaU
feel our affections rise to Him ; we shall feel that we have treasure
in heaven, that God is reconciled to us through Christ, and that our
names are enroUed in the Lamb's book of life. We shall then delight
to hold communion with the Most High ; and when the angel of
God's wrath receives his commission, we shall have the seal of God's
chosen, visible in our foreheads, so that he vrill pass by us ; and even
when the angel of death approaches we shall not be dismayed, but
be enabled to Uft up our heads in hope, because our redemption
draweth nigh ; and vrith songs of thanksgiring and praise we shaU

162 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1826.
be graciously permitted to pass through the pearl gates into the
celestial city, the city of the living God.
We have now completed our week's work in Essex, having had
twelve meetings in six days. Of course, we have had little time
for writing, but by early rising, I have got through my imperfect
memoranda. We have had a great mixture — pain and pleasure, joy
and sorrow, almost alternately ; but in riding along this morning, I
felt that though there is abundant cause for humUiation, I am not
sensible of much for condemnation. I have had suffering to endure,
as I conceive, for the body's sake, the church, and have endeavoured
to possess my soul in patience, and have generally been favoured to
do so. It would- have been somewhat easier to me if the meetings
had not been planned so closely; we might then have had more
social enjoyment amongst a valuable body of Friends : but a clothing,
as of sackcloth, has often been my garment, though inrisible to aU
eyes but to the Omniscient One, and whether I could have enjoyed
social intercourse much more than I have done, may be doubtful.
The dispensation is again changed, and consolation flows in my mind.
Epping. — This meeting, though in Essex, is a branch of Totten
ham monthly meeting, and is much increased by a school of nearly
sixty boys. It was my lot to be first engaged, in treating on the end
and design of the Almighty Creator, in forining man to dwell upon
this His earth. It is declared to have been for a purpose of His own
glory, that we should serve and obey Him whUe here, and enjoy His
presence for evermore in a bhssful eternity. But do mankind gene
raUy answer the end of their creation ? It is manifest that they do
not. Many live, in a great degree, regardless of the Lord's holy will
and commandments, gratifying their eril propensities, and their love
for the inordinate indulgence of the enjoyments of the things of time
and sense. Could children forsee their future conduct, some of those
yet preserved in comparative innocence would be fiUed with horror.
When the prophet told Hazael how cruelly he should treat the
Israelites, he was shocked, and queried, " Is thy servant a dog, that
he should do this great thing ?" Men only get to such a state of
vrickedness by degrees ; how careful therefore ought we to be against
the first inroads of vicious incUnations ? " My son, if sinners entice

MT. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLI-VER. 163
thee, consent thou not;" consent not to associate with, nor stand in the
way of sinners, neither walk in the counsel of the ungodly, but rather
pray for preservation. Seek the Lord and He wUl be found, " draw
nigh to God, and he vrill draw nigh to you." That the Lord very
graciously regards humble, faithful, obedient children, and young
persons, is exemplified in the case of Gideon. He chose him to be
an instrument of eminent usefulness in His hand, at a time when he
was very Uttle in his own eyes, and small in his own esteem. The
angel risited him in soUtude, as he was threshing corn by the wine
press for fear of the enemy. Israel had turned away their hearts
from serring the Lord, and He brought the rod of their enemies upon
them, untU the highways lay waste, and the travellers went in bye-
paths. When Gideon heard the salutation of the angel, " The Lord
is vrith thee, thou mighty man of valour," he exclaimed, " If the
Lord be -vrith us, why then is all this befaUen us?" but the answer
was, " Go in this thy might." His strength was the arm of the Lord,
who had quickened his mind, and opened his eyes to see the forlorn
condition of the chUdren of his people. His first work was, under
Divine direction, to endeavour to purge his father's house from their
idolatry, and the Lord strengthened him for the service, and owned
him in it. Thus, children who freely turn their minds to seek and
serve the Lord, at present form no adequate conception of their future
usefulness, much less of the sure reward of a hfe devoted to the ser
rice and glory of God, of the joys which wiU never have an end, and
of that life which is of eternal duration. D. 0. was also engaged;
after which, I was again permitted to bow the knee m reverent
supplication. G. B. attended the yearly meeting in London ; after wliich he
resumed his labours. On recommencing his journey, he thus writes :
The time has now come for resuming our labours in the Eastern
Counties. We feel that we should be resigned to endure that variety
which so often awaits the minds of those who are caUed to travel in
the service of the ministry. In endeavouring after this state, as we
rode along, I felt deeply humbled, yet peaceful. If we may but
accompUsh that which the holy Head of the church designs, in thus
sending us forth, it is enough ; but a fear lest this should not always

164 JOURNEY V^^TH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
be the case, through the feebleness and frailty of the instrument, is
the most discouraging consideration.
Saffron Walden. — I felt drawn into sympathy vrith a tried state.
It is said, " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is
stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." We may understand
by this, that a mind thus stayed -will be kept in that state in which
there is no condemnation, but not that it shaU be exempted from suf
fering and conffict, which we know are often the portion of the most
sincere and devoted souls, either on their own account, in their
struggles with the frailty and corruption of our fallen nature, or for
the sake of, or in sympathy with, others. It seems an established
truth, that it is through much tribulation that the righteous enter
the kingdom. After meeting I found out a case of a pious, humble-
minded Friend, who was suffering greatly from deep dejection of spirit,
vrith whom I had much conversation, and I have reason to beUeve,
that my efforts to cheer her drooping mind were not altogether
unavailing. Thaxted Monthly Meeting. — My mind was brought under a
peculiarly contriting influence, under the feehng of which I addressed
the young people present in a tender and affectionate manner :
" Dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown ;" to whom shaU
the present burden-bearers, the exercised ministers of the day, many
of whom sensibly feel that their day is fast dravring to a close, to
whom shall they look as their successors, under the Dirine anoint
ing, to hold up the standard to the people when they are gone, but to
the beloved youth ? We can say, vrith the Apostle, that we have no
greater joy than to hear that the dear children walk in the truth. 0
that many amongst them may freely and cheerfully surrender them
selves to the Lord's serrice ! Then vriU He turn His hand upon
them, to purify and prepare them to come forth in word and doctrine,
and to be instruments of usefulness in His church, contributing, in
their several measures, to the coming of that day when " His domi
nion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river even to the ends
of the earth," when in every place incense and a pure offering shall
arise vrith acceptance before Him.
Earith. — My fear is great of giring expression j;o words vrithout

.SET. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 165
or beyond the openings of the pure life, and I am ready to think that
this may at times unduly restrain from the utterance of that which
might safely be delivered ; yet I conceive it is much the safest side
for ministers to err on, both for themselves and for the stabUity of
the people on the true foundation. The subject before me was the
due consideration of our latter end. " 0 that my people were wise,
that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end ;"
also the message sent to king Hezekiah, " Set thy house in order,
for thou shalt die, and not hve," vrith the king's brief but pathetic
prayer. How fuU are his expressions ! " I beseech thee, 0 Lord,
remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a
perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight." How
precious it was, at such a juncture, to be able thus to appeal to the
Omniscient God, and to have such holy confidence before Him ! Our
Lord comforted His disciples vrith the assurance that in His Father's
house are many mansions, and that He would prepare a place for
them. How precious to the tribulated Christian traveUer, to have
cause to believe that he is thus cared for by his Eedeemer and
Almighty Father ! But let aU be weU assured that their grounds of
hope are weU-founded, that they are reaUy concerned to walk before
God in truth, and with a perfect heart, for He can neither be mocked
nor deceived.
Chatteris. — " Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in
the flesh, arm yourselves likewise vrith the same mind : for he that
hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin ; that he no longer
should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but
to the wUl of God." I dwelt particularly on the sufferings of Christ,
both as a sacrifice for our sins, and as our example in meekness and
patiepce under suffering, that we should follow His steps in the path
of cross-bearing and self-denial. He was led "as a lamb to the
slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened
not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment ; and
who shaU declare his generation ? for he was cut off out of the land
of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken."
Thus He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, that by His stripes
we might be healed ; but how ? Not that the bare, historical belief

166 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
of these important events should be improperly relied on, but that we
may be put into a capacity for salvation. WhUst we were yet sinners,
we were reconcUed to God by the death of His Son, who became our
ransom, and a propitiatory sacrifice. But we must know these things
to be appUed to us individuaUy by living faith, not resting in mere
historical belief. ~ When in the carnal, unregenerate state, any one
feels conriction for sin, and yields to it, he feels the fire of God's
jealousy kindled in his soul ; he is baptized into deep remorse and
sorrow, he begins to feel the bondage of sinful habits, and the service
of the enemy of souls to be cruel and oppressive ; and as these feel
ings and convictions are yielded to, sin appears to be exceeding sinful,
and an insupportable burden. This is the work of the Spirit of God,
and is the baptism of Christ by fire and the Holy Ghost. Then it is
that the soul, feeling its need of a Saviour, is turned to behold, vrith
living faith, "the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the
world ;" and to feel that it has remission of sins through His blood,
even the forgiveness of sins that are past. How does gratitude to
God flow in the heart of the believer for the unspeakable gift ! He
had cried in the depths of sorrow and of true repentance, " A Saviour,
or I die, a Eedeemer, or I perish ;" now haring beheld the Lamb of
God, he has feUowship with His . sufferings, and is baptized into His
death ; he is wUling to take up his daily cross, and to follow Him in
the regeneration. Thus he becomes armed with the same mind
which was in Christ Jesus, and is wiUing to appear amongst men as
a fool for His sake. He dare no longer deny His Lord and Master,
lest he should be denied before the Father and the holy angels ; he
is wilUng that his own will should be nailed to the cross, and he is
is now become a true disciple of Christ — a real Christian. He can
say with the Apostle, " I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I
live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live
in the fiesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me." He is now not only reconciled to God by the
death of His Son, but he knows a being saved from the power and
dominion of sin by the arising of the pure life, so as in it to reign
over all. I had also to encourage drooping minds, who, though sin
cere, may at times let in doubt, because they do not feel the power

MT. 51.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 167
and life of God in the soul arise, as yet, into complete dominion.
This was shown by the case of the two mournful disciples when, on
their way to Emmaus, the Lord graciously appeared to dispel their
fears. Sutton. — My concern was mainly for the young people, especially
as relates to the government of the Noughts in our religious meet
ings. The Christian life is said to be a continual warfare, and per
haps this is seldom more true than when we are endeavouring to wait
upon God ; then our enemy is very busy, that he may prevent our
obtaining refreshment and instruction. It is said, " Ye shall keep
my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary : I am the Lord." When
we avowedly assemble to wait upon Him who is styled " the great
and dreadful God," it is absolutely necessary to our receiring benefit,
that we should seek to have our minds clothed with reverence, vrith
out which there can be no true worship. We may find it difficult to
attain to this state, but let the warfare be maintained ; let us wrestle
in spirit, breathing unto God for help, and as we endeavour in sin
cerity to draw nigh unto Him, He wUl draw nigh unto us, and He is
able to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Thus it is that the wandering mind becomes restrained, and the sweet
infiuence of the Holy Spirit is felt, which is, in its operation, as the
wind that bloweth where it Usteth, the movements of which we cannot
control, nor fuUy comprehend, yet they may be sensibfy perceived
and felt. Why can we not comprehend it, but because it is the Spirit
of God, and He is incomprehensible ?
Huntingdon. — In what I had to express, there was a pointing to
a state not sound in the true faith. " This is a faithful saying, and
worthy of aU acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners, of whom I am chief." By this we are not to conclude
that Paul had been more grossly or notoriously wicked than others-,
but he had persecuted the church of Christ, and this he justly con
sidered extremely sinful. No doubt it was so in the Dirine sight,
because it was opposing the work of Almighty God for the salvation
of man. So it continues that that which is born of the flesh perse
cutes that which is born of the Spirit, is at enmity witii it. Some
who desire and hope for salvation are seeking it in their own way, by

168 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
works done in their own vrill and strength ; being ignorant of the
righteousness of God, they go about to estabhsh their own righteous
ness, thereby making the righteousness of God of none effect ; they
reject Him whom God hath chosen to be as a chief corner-fetone,
elect, and precious. Christ is the only way to the Father.
I was also led to encourage the true mourners, and to sympathize
with some of them. " Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall
be comforted." We read that when the children of Israel returned
from their long captirity, and were engaged to rebuUd the walls and
temple of Jemsalem, they had to contend vrith many enemies, and to
labour under great difficulty. Thus at times it is with awakened
minds ; though devoted to the Lord's service and wUl, yet many are
their confficts ; they have often to labour for a time, as without hire
or wages, and without peace. But they must exercise faith, remem
bering that it is not in this life that the Christian is to expect his
chief consolation. Let them fix their eye steadily on the recompense
of the eternal reward, on that " crown of glory that fadeth not away,"
and, in the meantime, let them trust in the Lord, remembering the
promise that accompanies the command, " Verily thou shalt be fed."
This will be verified in their experience.
CoLCHESTEE. — At the close of the first sitting of the quarterly
meeting, I felt constrained to kneel in prayer, and free access to the
throne of grace was mercifully afforded, to the relief of my own mind,
and to the touching of many hearts with a sense of the love and con
triting power of God.
After the business was nearly completed, I cleared my mind of a
burden which had oppressed it for many days. It related to the low
state of wages, and the prevaihng want of education, of the labouring
population of this county. In our travels in Essex, we ascertained
that a considerable proportion of the grown-up men could not read ;
on one road this was the case with four out of five, whom we met in
succession. Many have only seven to nine shillings a-week as wages,
and if they have famUies, they have to apply to the parish for help
for the supply of their absolute necessities. It is therefore no marvel
that so many are without school learning. This is an unrighteous
state of society ; the poor ought to be fairly remunerated for their

^T. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 169
labour, and an able-bodied man ought not to have to ask as a boon
what is due to him as a right. I pressed the matter very closely
upon Friends, urging them to exert their influence to bring about a
state of things more consonant vrith sound Christian principles, and
especially to endeavour to promote the education of the grown-up
men. Sudbury Monthly Meeting.— I sought in an especial manner to
recommend the Christian virtue of meekness. " Seek ye the Lord,
aU ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment ; seek
righteousness, seek meekness ; it may be ye shaU be hid in the day
of the Lord's anger." " Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit
the earth." WhUst we may clearly see from these passages that the
cultivation of a meek and lowly temper is a Christian duty, it may
also be regarded as a precious pririlege to be enabled to attain to it.
Many of the storms of Ufe blow over the meek and lowly without
their sustaining injury from them, or even suffering much inconve
nience ; they bend to the pressure, and rise again unbroken ; they
inherit the earth, they most truly, and vrith the least aUoy, enjoy its
comforts ; they are hid in the day of the revelation of the wrath of
God, because they are His chUdren. Meekness is represented as the
characteristic disposition of our Divine Lord and Master. He tes
tified of Himself, " I am meek and lowly in heart," and the prophet
foretold that it should be so. " Eejoice greatly, 0 daughter of Zion,
shout 0 daughter of Jerusalem ; behold, thy king cometh unto thee ;
he is just, and haring salvation ; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and
upon a colt, the foal of an ass." I had also an open time in suppU
cation, to my own relief, and I trust the true seed of the kingdom was
refreshed in many hearts.
Ipswich. — In the monthly meeting of ministers and elders, I had
a little service in reviving the words of the Apostle, " Ye are dead,
and your life is hid with Christ in God." To be dead to sm, and to
the creaturely vriU, that we may be alive unto God, in the hidden Ufe,
is a high but needful Christian attaiament, especially for those who
are prominently caUed into the Lord's serrice.
In passing from Ipswich to Woodbridge, we turned a little off the
road, and took tea with Thomas Clarkson, at Playford HaU: he

170 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
continues deeply interested in the slave question. At Woodbridge
we spent an agreeable hour with Bernard Barton, who read us some
poetical paraphrases of Scripture, whieh he is preparing for publica
tion. I was comforted with his deep piety.
Leiston meeting was held on a seventh-day ; it was well at
tended, and proved a good meeting. I reminded Friends that sixteen
years had elapsed since I sat in that house, and that it might be a
profitable inquiry for each of us deeply to consider what progress we
have made in our heavenly journey, during that period. Many are
the changes which have taken place, but we are yet spared ; and
ought not the longsuffering and forbearance of God to lead us into
true repentance of all evil ! I rerived the exhortation of the Apostle,
"Brethren, the time is short; it remaineth that both they that
have wives be as though they had them not : and they that rejoice
as though they rejoiced not ; and they that buy as though they
possessed not." There is much instruction in the passage, the pur
port of which is, that we should live loose from the world, and be
careful not to set our affections upon it, but to walk wisely and cir
cumspectly, redeeming the time. But many are much entangled
with wrong habits and customs ; to them may be applied the language
of the prophet, " Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard
his spots ? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil."
The force of habit is indeed difficult to overcome ; it is like the strong
man armed, who keepeth his house. But whether it be by the power
of habit, or the force of the subtle reasonings of the carnal mind, that
we are kept in bondage to the enemies of our soul's happiness, there
is a power that can break the yoke, and let the captive soul go free.
That power is Christ, who can by His judgments subdue the strong
man, taking from him that armour wherein he trusteth, and then
spoil his goods, for Christ hath power over all flesh.
WooDBEiDGE. — I revivcd our Lord's words to His disciples, " Ye
have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that
ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain."
And again: "Your heart shall rejoice, and your jo;^no man taketh
from you." This should not be understood to relate exclusively to
those whom the Lord sends forth to preach the Gospel, because our

MT. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER, 171
Lord Himself gives the doctrine a more general appUcation. " Every
Ijfanch in me that beareth not fruit" my Heavenly Father " taketh
away : and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may
bring forth more fruit." In these passages are set forth the sove
reign grace and mercy of God — " Ye have not chosen me, but I have
chosen you:" "Whilst we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
He calleth, and then He chooseth the obedient and humble. "He
was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew
him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But
as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe on his name ; which were born,
not of blood, nor of the wiU of the flesh, nor of the wUl of man, but
of God." Here is the caU, and the election; the light shines, the
voice calls, and they who believe and obey are the chosen. Then
they must bear fruit — good fruit. If born of the Spirit, they vrill bear
the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Love is the
first, the ground or soU in which the rest grow, the root from which
they spring ; (for "God is love ;") love to God, and love to man ; the
former leads to piety, and obedience to God ; the latter to kindness,
charity, and forbearance towards man. Joy and peace are the reward
of faith, obedience, and love towards God ; and the assurance of this
joy is measurably maintained by meekness, gentleness, forbearance,
and goodness (with the other fruits of the Spirit) towards men.
"Your joy no man taketh from you," not even by unkind treatment,
because we are taught to love our enemies, and are at times enabled
even to rejoice in tribulation. Thus we see the call, the election, the
fruit, and the reward.
Needham Market. — My subject was the duty, nature, and benefit
of true prayer. We read of Jabez that he was more honourable than
his brethren, and he prayed to God, " 0 that thou wouldest bless me
indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me,
and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me !"
We cannot pray aright in our own time or way. We are commanded
to watch unto prayer ; we cannot always pray, but we may wait and
watch ; and, as we are thus concerned, vrith the mind turned towards

172 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
God, desu-es wiU arise towards Him, and these, when cherished in
humility, sincerity, and fervency, are acceptable prayer, even though
they are not clothed in words. Sometimes the soul is brought into
conffict before the Lord, unable to find utterance but as the Spirit
helpeth our infirmities, vrith cries and groans which cannot be ade
quately expressed in language : this is deep, fervent, and acceptable
prayer. At other times the mind, which is patiently waiting upon
God, has a clear sight given to it of its state and of its wants. The
understanding is opened, and access granted in pouring forth its
petitions, either mentally or vocally, in living, acceptable prayer.
Jabez prayed that the Lord would bless him and keep him from evU.
We should be careful to pray in accordance with the known wUl of
God. Solomon pleased God by asking for wisdom, above every other
thing, that he might be enabled to go in and out, vrisely and accep
tably, before the great people over whom he was caUed to reign.
Because he chose .vrisely, the Lord not only, in large measure, granted
his particular request, but added many other blessings.
A Friend caUed the attention of those assembled to the instructive
and avrful events of that day. Three deaths had occurred, two of
them by bathing, in doing which, the duties of the day had been
neglected. The language was appropriately revived, "Be ye also
ready." " Prepare to meet thy God."
MiLDENHALL. — Many of the neighbours came in, and D. 0. was
enabled to labour amongst them so largely and well, that I was ready
to think I might have been excused making any addition, but this did
not feel safe, and on standing up, both matter and power were merci
fuUy granted to labour at some length amongst them, and to urge some
of the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel closely upon their atten
tion. D. 0. had aUuded to our Lord's sermon on the mount, which
proved a copious subject for me. How lamentable it is that so many
professors of Christianity do not duly consider their obligation to obey
the plain and positive precepts of Him whom they caU Lord and
Saviour. He commanded us to love our enemies, to retum good for
evU ; but how is the practice of resentment and revenge both incul
cated on their chUdren, and indulged in by themselves ! He com
mands us not to swear at all, -but how do swearing, cursing, and

^T. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 173
taking the name of God in vain, abound in the land ! And so it is with
many other duties which are neglected, and things forbidden which
are practised. Can we suppose that, when the day arrives when we
shall all have to stand at the judgment seat of Christ, this line of con
duct can escape just punishment ? We cannot plead ignorance ; the
Lord's wUl concerning us has been abundantly revealed, both in the
Scriptures of truth, and through His messengers and ministers, and
also by the immediate teaching of the Lord's own Holy Spirit.
" God, who at sundry times and in divers manners, spake in time
past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken
unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by
whom also he made the worlds." The Son of God taught the Divine
will, instructively and abundantly, whilst He was manifest in the
fiesh, and this has come down to us through the medium of the writ
ings of the EvangeUsts and Apostles in the New Testament. That
man is pronounced blessed whose delight it is to meditate in the law
of God, and this law is abundantly manifest, outwardly, as well as
inwardly, for that which is to be knovm of God is made manifest in
man : the one confirms and corroborates the other. The wUl of God
is our law, to obey which is our incumbent duty, in whatever way it
is manifested or made known to us. Obedience to the precepts of
God, through the power of Christ, is the alone sure foundation — the
obedience of faith, hearing, beliering, and obeying. Our Lord pro
nounced a blessing upon those who hunger and thirst after righteous
ness, but this blessing wiU not descend upon them who thirst after
the knowledge of righteousness only — those who delight to hear, but
are not careful to obey.
Harling. — The doctrine which I had to proclaim was close aud
plain, but the authority of truth prevailed, and I was enabled to set
forth the mercy and forbearance of God toward His faUen creature,
man. Though the Divine dispensations toward men have varied,
yet He remaineth the same, unchangeable in all His essential attri
butes. Our Lord exhibited the predominancy of mercy and forbear
ance, even toward the rebeUious and the gainsayers, when He said
that He " came not to judge the world, but to save the world." The
same tender forbearance and mercy have been extended toward

174 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
mankind from the beginning. When Adam had sinned by trans
gressing the Divine commandment, the merciful language of expos
tulation was, "Adam, where art thou?" Adam hid himself, and said
he was afraid because he was naked, but it was sin that had covered
him with shame. Whilst he retained the innocence and purity
in which he was created he was not ashamed to stand before God,
he did not then seek to shun the Divine presence ; but now, shame
and sorrow were his portion. The command given to him was, " Of
every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat : but of the tree of
the knowledge of good and eril thou shalt not eat of it : for in the
day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." The doom of
natural and eternal death might justly have been immediately exe
cuted, but mercy interposed. Death as to the Divine life, in which
he stood in the Divine image or likeness, did take place, but the
natural life was spared for a time ; forbearance and longsuffering
were extended, and a means of salvation provided. So it was in the
case of Cain ; the Lord remonstrated with him before he vrickedly
slew his brother Abel. " Why art thou wroth, and why is thy
countenance fallen ? if thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted ?
and if thou dost not well, sin lieth at the door." The same attri
butes were revealed to Moses, in glorious splendour. " The Lord,
the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in
goodness and truth." These are the attributes which the Lord
delights to exercise ; but let us ever bear in mind that the object of
this forbearance is to lead man to repentance, not that he should sin
with impunity. If he do continue in sin, judgment and punishment
must and will be executed upon him, for the Lord is also " a jealous
God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children," even at
times unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Him,
but he sheweth mercy unto thousands of them that love Him, and
keep His commandments. Judgment must be executed upon the
obstinate transgressor. If such might even enter heaven, they are
not in a condition to enjoy it ; their delight is with the ungodly and
profane; they shun the presence of Godand good men. But when
the body or corporeal part, which is now given up to sensual indul
gences, shall be laid in the dust, from whence it was taken, and the

MT. 51. J JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 175
disembodied spirit shall appear before God who gave it, this awful
sentence wUl be pronounced, " Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting
fire, prepared for the deril and his angels." But although such as
these, while in the body, delight in the company of wicked spirits,
yet there can be no pleasure, no delight of this sort in the disem
bodied state; punishment is then their portion "where their worm
dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." In our present state of
probation, the Lord exerciseth great forbearance and longsuffering.
Were it not so, the sinner would be consumed as in a moment ; but,
instead of this, he is daUy fed by the bounty of that Being whom he
grieves and offends. A merciful God " maketh his sun to rise on
the eril and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust;" He is even "kind to the unthankful and to the evil,"
but yet woe indescribable awaits those who sin out the day of their
risitation. Tasboeough. — My attempt was to stimulate to greater mental
ardour in the pursuit of Divine things. I had to revive the lamenta
tion of the prophet, that no man stirreth up himself to take hold of the
name of the Lord. " Strive to enter in at the strait gate ; for many,
I say unto you, wUl seek to enter in, and shaU not be able ; when
once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door,
and ye begin to stand vrithout, and to knock at the door, saying.
Lord, Lord, open unto us ; and he shall answer and say unto you, I
know you not whence ye are : then shall ye begin to say. We have
eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets."
AU such pleas may be then unavaUing, except to increase the weight
of our condemnation, on account of our not having duly profited by
such privileges. We cannot enter in at the strait gate untU a vril-
lingness is wrought in us to leave behind whatever hinders our
entrance. Those who, like the foolish virgins, are not ready when
the midnight cry is heard, vriU greatly deplore their indolence or
negUgence, or that they should have accounted anything too dear to
part vrith for Christ's sake. Our Lord warns against suffering any
thing to impede our preparation for a better state. " Take heed to
yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged vrith surfeit
ing, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come

176 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
upon yon unawares : for as a snare shall it come on aU them that
dweU on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray
always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape aU these things
that shaU come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man,"
W-jmondham. — This proved a public meeting, and quite unex
pectedly to me, a memorable opportunity. My voice felt very unfit
for public speaking, but how wonderful are the ways of Providence !
the weakness of my voice compelled me to speak in a lower key than
usual, but the house not being large I was heard, and it might truly
be said to be a baptizing season, in which doctrine and counsel flowed
freely, to the tendering of many minds. I told the people that our
chief object was to visit our brethren, with such as were accustomed
to assemble vrith them ; but that on seeing so many flock in, I was
led sweetly to remember that expansive riew of the universality of
redeeming love which is conveyed in the declaration, " Whosoever
shaU call on the name of the Lord shaU be saved." This must not
be understood of formal, unfelt prayer, but rather of the real earnest
breathing and prayer of the soul unto God, to be strengthened, in
structed, and sustained by Him. Our Lord declares, vrith reference
to the language of the prophet, " They shall be aU taught of God :
every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father,
cometh unto me." Here we see the operation of that true calUng
upon God, to which the promise is annexed. Salvation is through
Christ ; the Spirit of God leads to Christ, reveals Him in us. Most
people in this land caU themselves Christians; but Christ teaches
the absolute necessity of regeneration, and the Apostle declares that
" If any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed
away, behold all things are become new, and aU things are of God."
The name of Christian wiU do little for us without this experience ;
nor vrill that pecuUar form of Christianity which we, as a Society,
profess, of taking the anointing for our teacher, and the Lamb for
our light, and of being led and guided by the Holy Spirit of truth,
be of any more avail without the experience of becoming new crea
tures. We must put off the old man with his deeds, which are cor
rupt, and put on the new man, which after the image of God is created
in righteousness and true holiness. Are we confessing Christ before

JET. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 177
men, in all His requirings ? Do we suffer when His Spirit, or the
true seed of the kingdom, is in suffering, whether in ourselves or in
others ? When the witness for God lies slain as in the streets of
the city, do we countenance or join with those who grieve and oppress
the Lord's holy and pure Spirit ? If we are joining with the worldly-
minded, with the wicked, and ungodly, then, whatever may be our
name amongst men, Christ cannot o-wn us as His in the great day of
flnal account. He cannot say unto us, " WeU done, good and faithful
servant  enter thou into the joy of thy Lord," if we are not
good — ^have not done well, have not been faithful to manifested duty.
I also set forth the real. Christian character of him who has truly
repented, who has mourned for his sins, and has known the power of
the Dirine word to soften and change the hard heart ; such as the
poor sinner, who was brought down to sit at her Lord's feet, and who
washed them vrith her tears. These are prostrated before the Lord
in humUity and contrition ; they feel the need of a Saviour, and are
led to " behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the
world :" they know Him to be the propitiatory sacrifice, and regard
Him as their ransom. They were wont to pierce Him vrith their
sins, and to grieve Him vrith their iniquities, but now they experi
mentaUy feel that they "have redemption through his blood, even
the forgiveness of sins ;" and when the times of refi-eshing come
from His presence, they feel that their sins are blotted out for Christ's
sake. Now gratitude and love to God flow in their hearts, because
He has thus mercifuUy dealt vrith them ; nothing is now too dear to
part vrith for the sake of the pearl of great price — for His sake who
hath loved them, and washed them from their sins in His own blood.
Such an one is indeed " a new creature ;" he truly caUs upon God,
as a reconciled Father ; he daUy waits upon Him for the renewal of
his strength, that he may be enabled to run vrith cheerfulness and
alacrity in the way of His requirings ; and when trials and confficts
are permitted, he does not faint, but remembers with hope the admo
nition, which speaketh to such as unto children — " My son, despise
not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked
of bim : for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth." And when it shall please the Lord
0

178 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
that the trials and confficts of His servants here below shall termi
nate, they shaU stand before the judgment-seat of Christ vrithout
dismay ; they shall hear the joyful sound, " Come, ye blessed of my
Father:" "Well done, good and faithful servant,  enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord." Then shall they receive the harps of God,
and be permitted to sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and
the song of the Lamb, on the banks of deliverance. D. 0. was
engaged in testimony, and was preciously favoured in supplication
and praise.
After meeting we rode tcT Earlham, and were received in a kind
and affectionate manner by J. J. Gurney. Next morning, he had
twenty-four of the Friends of Norvrich to breakfast, and the order,
piety, and hospitality of the household tended to make all the guests,
as far as possible, happy and comfortable.
North Walsham. — I adverted to the promise of our Lord, that
He would pray the Father to send the Comforter, even the Spirit
of truth, which should abide with His disciples for ever, teach
ing them aU things, and bringing all things to their remembrance,
whatsoever He had said unto them. This is in agreement with the
other promise of our Lord, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto
the end of the world." The teachings of the Holy Spirit are the
ground and motive of our sUent waiting. By this teaching and
bringing to remembrance have I, this morning, been instructed in
meditating on that passage of the Lord's prophet where he says —
" Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his
arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord : for he shall be Uke
the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh 
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the
Lord is : for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that
spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat
cometh, but her leaf shaU be green ; and shall not be careful in the
year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." By the
expression of making flesh our arm, we are not only to understand
that trusting in our fellow-mortals for help and instruction, to which
many are prone, greatly to their ovm hurt, and to the neglect of that
talent of gi-ace which has been bestowed upon them, but also the

MT. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. 179
disposition to trust in ourselves, and our own unaided natural powers.
By so doing, many make themselves of the number of the wise and
prudent of this world, from whom our Lord declared that the myste
ries of the kingdom are hid. But they who truly trust in the Lord
are concerned to wait upon Him ; they keep near to the Divine
source, from whence refreshment and strength are to be derived.
These growin the root, they abide in the living Vine; their branches
shoot forth, and in seasons comparable to the year of drought they
are not careful. They are near to the fountain of living waters — the
inexhaustible treasury : they know that well which springeth up unto
everlasting life.
Lammas was also a comfortable meeting. In ministry, the precious
love and life were near ; and the humble trust was raised that I was
rightly guided by the good hand of my God upon me. We have
reason to beUeve that, at one period of Ufe or another, aU are in
degree favoured vrith the visitation of redeeming love, but not all in
the same manner, at the same time of life, or in an equal degree ;
hence it is highly important that all should know, or be sensible of,
their time of risitation, as our Lord intimated respecting the inhabi
tants of Jerusalem. They who in sincerity" endeavour to draw near
unto God, when they feel the conrictions of His Spirit, or the touches
of His love upon their minds, wiU be graciously regarded by Him,
however weak or unworthy they may feel themselves, but there must
be sincerity. Our Lord condescended, when personaUy on earth, to
teach some who had been amongst the rilest of sinners. One of
these, we find, was so sensible of His mercy, that she sat at His feet
in deep humiUty, washing them with her tears, and vriping them -with
the hairs of her head. We find that pubUcans, sinners, and even
harlots, were thus received by Him ; they were not only permitted
to be in His presence, but to eat at the same table. We also find
Him graciously risiting one who was of the rich of this world, and
uttering the consolatory language, " This day is salvation come to
this house." Another instance of great forbearance and condescen
sion is exhibited in the case of Nicodemus : he came to Jesus, but
in an unworthy manner, coming by night, lest he should be seen of
men, loving the praise of men more than the praise of God ; yet,

180 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
as he came in sincerity, though in weakness, with a desire to be
instructed, he was graciously received : to him our dear Eedeemer
taught the important doctrine of regeneration, and, by the record of
the conversation, to aU succeeding generations. What encourage
ment do these various instances hold forth to all, however unworthy
they may feel themselves, to come to God by Christ, the true and
living Way. Those who thus come He vriU instruct, purify, and
strengthen. We read, that in time Nicodemus was thus strengthened
to confess Christ before the rulers. " Doth our law judge any man
before it hear him, and know what he doeth ?" Thus may the lan
guage be rerived, " Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the kingdom;" only, we must be of the "Uttie
flock" of Christ's sincere-hearted foUowers in the strait and narrow
way ; then shaU we know Him to reign, and His kingdom to come.
Let us own Him as our king, lawgiver and judge, love Him, and
keep His commandments, and, through His power, we shaU reign
over our soul's enemies, and be owned by Him in the great day of
flnal account.
NoEWiCH. — J. J. Gurney engaged in prayer, foUowed by D. Oliver.
I was led to speak of the case of Nebuchadnezzar, how, when the
language of pride and self-exaltation was in his mouth, the decree
went forth that he should be driven from the society of men, and
should eat grass like oxen, untU seven times passed over him ; until
he should be brought to know and to acknowledge that "the Most
High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he
wiU ;" and that " those that walk in pride he is able to abase." This
is a remarkable instance of the Divine sovereignty being asserted,
and shows how offensive pride is in the Lord's sight, and how unbe
coming for any mortal to glory in anything which he may be enabled
to effect, not duly considering that the power or ability to do any
thing good or useful must primarily be derived from God, in whom
" we Uve, and move, and have our being." The Lord cautions us
through his prophet, " Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
neither let the mighty man glory in his might ; let not the rich man
glory in his riches ; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he
understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise

MT. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 181
loringkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in
these things I delight, saith the Lord." Nothing can be more detri
mental to the growth of true religion than pride, for " God resisteth
the proud;" He hideth the mysteries of His kingdom from them.
In some cases, this disposition is hard effectuaUy to subdue ; great
judgments must be brought over it, seven times must pass over it,
before it can be brought into true subjection to the wiU of God. I
had also to speak of the seven times, or the changing of dispensa
tions ; summer and winter, night and day. The covenant which God
made -vrith Noah after the deluge is a remarkable instance of Dirine
wisdom, and of His tender compassion toward His erring creature,
man. By reason of the vrickedness of man upon the earth, God was
provoked to destroy, by a flood, everything that breathed, except
those which were so miraculously preserved with Noah in the ark.
But, lest men should be in constant alarm and terror, in cases of
long-continued rain, or the occasional rising of waters, the Almighty
was pleased to declare, " WhUe the earth remaineth, seedtime and
harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and
night shaU not cease ;" and He ordained the rainbow, as a token of
the immutabUity of the decree. Now, this was very gracious conde
scension to His creature, man ; and as it is in the kingdom of nature,
so is it in that of grace. Those who love and fear God He loves ;
He may chastise them. He may vrithdraw His sensible presence from
them for a season, but He cannot forget them. When they are
tempted to fear that He hath done so ; when the language ariseth in
their hearts, " Is his mercy clean gone for ever ? doth his promise
fail for evermore ? Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? hath he in
anger shut up his tender mercies ?" or when the cry ariseth, " 0
that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved
me ! when his candle shined upon my head, and when, by his light,
I walked through darkness;" at times Uke these let such behold,
with the eye of faith, the bow of the unchangeable covenant, which
may be seen even through the clouds, and believe that, in the Lord's
own time, which is ever the best time, the season or dispensation
wUl be changed ; the time will pass over them, and they shall again
be risited in mercy. In the meantime, let them bend their way to

182 JOURNEY -WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1825.
the place where true prayer is wont to be made, unto the mountain
of myrrh, and to the hiU of frankincense — to the place where breath
ings, prayers, and cries (it may be with tears) may ascend as accep
table incense upon the holy altar of the humble and contrite heart,
untU the day shaU break, and the shadows flee away.
Wisbeach. — Here ability was afforded to labour plainly and ten
derly, with much Christian solicitude, for the help of those addressed.
I aUuded to the plaintive language of the prophet, " Ah, Lord God !
they say of me, doth he not speak parables ?" This was after he had
plainly expostulated -vrith them, but they would scarcely believe that
he was in earnest, so averse is human nature to be told the plain,
naked truths of religion, as of indiridual application. Thus the
Lord's messengers fare, to this day. Many, who had even been
accounted of the number of our Lord's disciples, and who had lis
tened to many of His instructions, were offended when He spoke to
them of the absolute necessity of receiving Him into their hearts,
under the strong figurative language of eating His fiesh, and drinking
His blood, explaining that He Himself must become the spiritual
nourishment of the souls of true believers. " As the liring Father
hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even
he shall live by me ;" and again : " I am the bread pf life." It is
clear that our Lord meant to describe that nourishment which is
essential to the Ufe and spiritual health of the soul ; not something
which the Christian may either possess or do without, but something
which is necessary for his existence as a real Christian. Our Lord
declared, "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent
me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but
is passed from death unto Ufe." This passing from death unto life
is a change which all must undergo before they can be prepared to
enter into or enjoy the Lord's heavenly kingdom. We hear of many,
who, through mercy, are thus prepared, by passing through deep
baptisms, and painful confiicts, upon a dying bed ; but how much
easier is it for us now to resign ourselves to endure the purifying
baptisms and conflicts needful to prepare us to stand before the
Judge of quick and dead, whilst we are favoured with health, and
in possession of our mental powers, rather than to defer it until the

^T. 51.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 183
pains or sufferings of the body may be as much as can well be
endured, without any addition from a wounded conscience. Or,
what is inconceivably worse, we may be taken away suddenly, yea,
instantaneously, as we know many are. How dreadful would this be
if we were not in Christ !
Nottingham. — In this large meeting. Gospel instruction flowed
freely, to the tendering of many minds, for which I felt thankful. I
revived the caution of our Lord, " I am come to send fire on the
earth, and what vrill I, if it be already kindled?  Suppose ye that
I am come to give peace on earth ? I teU you. Nay, but rather diri
sion ; for from henceforth there shaU be five in one house dirided,
three against two, and two against three," etc. By this He plainly
intimated, that His followers should have to endure trials and con
fficts from without, as weU as from within, and that such should be
the tendency of the spread of the Gospel. When the birth of the
chUd Jesus was made known unto the shepherds, the song of the
angeUc host was, " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good wiU toward men." Doubtless this is the ultimate tendency and
effect of the Gospel dispensation, but it is not brought about vrithout
conffict, struggle, and suffering; the powers of Ught and darkness
contend for the ascendancy, and this both outwardly and inwardly.
And as the Jews were disappointed and mortified at the lowly appear
ance of the blessed Messiah, even so now are many expecting to
receive and enjoy the benefits of Christian redemption in a way that
wiU not be realized. Christ came to save His people from their
sins, and sin is too deeply rooted in the fallen and depraved nature
of man, to be removed and overcome vrithout his passing through
deep and painful baptisms. When we consider what our dear
Eedeemer passed through for our sakes, can we suppose that we,
the actual offenders, can be delivered from the power and dominion,
as weU as from the guUt of sin, without actuaUy engaging in the
warfare ? and can that warfare be anything but a painful one ? We
are told, that many wiU seek to enter into the kingdom who shaU not
be able ; and is it not because they do not strive with sufficient ear
nestness, according to the vriU of God, and are not wiUing to part
with aU that is manifested to be eril? Let us then freely give

184 JOURNEY -WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
ourselves into the Lord's hand, lay aside every weight, every hin
drance, and especiaUy that sin, whatever it be, which most easUy
besets us, and so run with patience the race set before us, looking
unto Jesus. The power of truth was in Uring dominion on this
occasion. AcKWOETH. — After D. 0. had been acceptably engaged in testi
mony I was again strengthened to labour, I hope, instructively.
" Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the
Lord is." This passage opened in its various points, and was ap
plied with considerable force. Cursed is the man that trusteth in
man, either in a fellow-mortal, or in our o-wn -vrisdom and strength
as men ; from such the Lord hides the mysteries of His kingdom ;
He resisteth the proud ; therefore, as to deriring any spiritual refresh
ment from Him, they resemble the heath in the desert, which knoweth
not when good cometh, and hence they are dry, barren, and unfruit
ful. But he whose trust is in the Lord, whose hope is in God, is
concerned to wait upon Him ; his dependance is upon Him, as the
source of every blessing, and by endeavouring to dweU near the foun
tain, like the tree planted by the waters, his branches shoot forth
and spread, and he is ever fruitful. Nor do his faith and trust faU
when varied dispensations are aUotted to him, for his mind is stayed
on God, and his trust is in Him : so that, if for a time the heavens
should appear to be shut up, and to be as iron, and the earth as brass,
yet he believeth in the mercy of God, and trusteth in His aU-suffi-
ciency ; he lives near the fountain, his leaf doth not vrither, and being
careful to walk in the Divine counsel, whatsoever he doeth is blessed
and prospers. But the Lord's people, depending upon Him for pro
tection, must ever carefully observe His commandments, and never
in their own vrisdom walk contrary to His holy counsel. When, by
a strong hand, and an outstretched arm, the Lord brought His people
Israel out of Egyptian bondage. He kept them in a state of continual
dependance upon Himself; He led them by a piUar of cloud by day,
and by a pUlar of fire by night. Whilst the cloud rested over the
door of the tabernacle they were to abide in their encampments, but
when the cloud removed, it went before them, and they were to jour
ney onward after it. When they were in straits and dangers, from

MT. 51.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 185
want of bread or want of water, being in a desert land, where there
was neither seed time nor harvest, they saw not of themselves how
the Lord would reUeve them, not even in the time of their greatest
extremities, until He was pleased to point out the way. He rained
manna upon them, giving them bread from heaven ; but they were
to attend closely to His counsel, by seeking and gathering it daUy,
except on the Sabbath, to supply them on which they might, on the
sixth day, gather sufficient for two days. If they varied from the
commandment the blessing was not upon them, and the attempt
proved abortive, however it might have been dictated by worldly
wisdom. Thus they were only blessed whilst they trusted in the
Lord, and made Him their hope. The Lord's care over His believ
ing, obedient children is not less in this day than it was then ; yea.
He is stUl more intimately near to them. Then, at times. He caused
His glory to be conspicious and observable by their outward senses ;
now He is in them, individually, by the unction from the Holy One,
according to the ancient prophecy, " I wUl dweU in them, and walk
in them ; and I wUl be their God, and they shaU be my people ; and
again : " I wiU be merciful to their unrighteousness, and tbeir sins
and their iniquities vrill I remember no more." In former ages, the
Lord often spake to His people through instruments, and that by
parables and dark sayings, by signs, by dreams, and risions of the
night, when deep sleep falleth upon men ; but now is fulfiUed that
which our dear Lord told His disciples should come to pass, when
He would no more speak to them by parables, but would shew them
plainly of the Father. Now the Lord's obedient and sanctified chil
dren have sweet communion with Himself in spirit, whereby He
plainly instructeth them, unfolding to their understanding even the
mysteries of His kingdom, and causing, at seasons, the waters of Ufe
and consolation to flow in and through them to their spiritual refresh
ment and strength.
In suppUcation, the tendering, melting power of truth was near, in
which I was permitted to intercede on behalf of those who are deeply
concerned for the promotion of the Lord's work ; for the instruction
and improvement of the dear children, that in all their conflicts, when
they may be bowed low, under the sense of their own insufflciency.

186 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825,
Divine help may be near, and that, when the conflicts and labours of
time shall be terminated, their spirits may be permitted to be num
bered amongst the " vrise" who " shall shine as the brightness of
the firmament," and when they who have turned many to righteous
ness shaU shine " as the stars for ever and ever." On behalf of the
dear chUdren I had to plead the ancient promise, that the Lord would
pour out of His Spirit upon the seed of His people, and His blessing
upon their offspring, that the tendering, melting influences thereof
might soften their hearts, and prepare them profitably to receive such
seed as, in Divine wisdom and goodness, might be sown; and in
much contrition and thankfulness I had gratefuUy to acknowledge
the help which, from season to season, has been extended toward us,
the Lord's poor, unworthy servants, during this journey, and to
ascribe all glory, power, and praise unto Him, to whom, with the
Son of His love, it is alone and for ever due.
Yoek.— The public serrice lay wholly upon D. Oliver, and I thought
the hand of his God was upon him. In the afternoon we risited
many Friends, one of whom was a young woman, thought to be in
consumption. Being left alone with her, in the way of conversation,
I had to pour in the wine of consolation, and to strengthen her faith
in the power and sufficiency of redeeming love, which I beUeve to be
preciously near to her, though her penitent and afflicted spirit mourns
over her past negligence and indifference to Dirine things. I hope
the Lord vrill make hef like the people who, having long sat in dark
ness, saw great light, and that full and free redemption wUl, in due
time, be her blessed experience.
Thirsk. — This was our last meeting this journey. Most of the
Barrowby Friends met us by invitation, and it proved a good, satis
factory meeting. Though we had painful, laborious service, we had
thankfully to witness the power of truth, and its honest testimony to
prevail, to the softening and humbling of the minds of some present.
I was first engaged. " Mark the perfect man, and behold the up
right, for the end of that man is peace." If we observe the righteous,
in their passage through this vale of tears, we may often see them
under suffering, and enduring many privations ; even hunger, naked
ness, and persecutions have often been the lot of such, from without.

MT. 51.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. 187
and deep baptisms and conflicts of spirit from within. Some of them
are at times " baptized for the dead ;" thus fulfilling, in their o-wn
bodies, that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ for His body's
sake, which is the church. Even when they assemble with their
friends, to wait upon and worship God, how often do they feel as if
there were a stone upon the weU's mouth, preventing their access to
the waters of Divine consolation, or a cloud veiUng the Ught of God's
countenance from them ; the burden of the -vrithered, the dying, and
the dead members rests as a heavy and oppressive load upon their
spirits. It was the consideration of such things, awaiting the Chris
tian traveller, that led the Apostle Paul to say, "If in this life only
we have hope in Christ, we are of aU men most miserable," though
it appears that when he made this declaration, he had especial refer
ence to the integrity of the Christian faith, in the doctrine of the
resurrection, as the precursor of eternal glory, of which doctrine the
resurrection of Christ was a seal or token, but which some in that
day were attempting to overthrow. Therefore, as the primitive
church had received the doctrine that there shaU be a resurrection,
both of the just and of the unjust, that " all that are in the graves
shaU hear" the voice of the Son of God, "and shaU come forth;
they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they that
have done eril, unto the resurrection of damnation," if they were
mistaken in this important article of faith, whilst enduring manifold
tribulations and persecutions, then indeed they would be, " of all
men, most miserable." But whatever may be permitted to the
Lord's upright-hearted children in this Ufe, let us mark weU their
end. It may not fall to our lot personaUy to vritness the closing
scenes of many of them, but we have an abundance of well-authen
ticated records to prove that their end is indeed peace ; that to many
the consolations of true reUgion, and the lively hope of a glorious
immortality have so abounded, that they have longed " to depart and
to be vrith Christ." On the contrary, in the case of the mere formal
or hypocritical professor, the negligent and lukewarm, as weU as the
ungodly and sinners of a more gross character, when their end ap
proaches, if their day of risitation is not quite over, they are fiUed
with pain and remorse, and often with terror and alarm. Some

188 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1825.
resemble the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the day of the overthrow of
their city, even as our Lord foretold of them ; ha-ving sUghted the
day of their risitation, the things which belonged to their peace were
finaUy hid from their eyes. If we choose our own ways, the Lord
will choose our delusions. Thus some suffer the god of this world to
blind their eyes, untU they are overtaken by calamity, in such a way
that they cannot escape ; and though they should caU on the rocks to
fall on them, and the hUls to cover them ; though they would then
even prefer annihUation to meeting Christ at His judgment-seat, it
would aU be in vain. Nothing will remain to them at such a time
" but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation,
which shall devour the adversaries" of our God. D. 0. laboured
long and with good effect ; after which, I suppUcated that the Divine
blessing might rest upon this opportunity.
In taking a retrospective riew of this journey, we have cause
thankfuUy to acknowledge the help and strength which have been
mercifully afforded to labour honestiy, and at times fervently, in the
Lord's work and service.
In reference to the state of the Society, I am confirmed in the
sentiment, that in the parts we have risited in this journey, consi
derable improvement has taken place compared with a period sixteen
years ago. There is more dependance on, and adherence to, our
fundamental principles — more Uving obedience to the Dirine word,
by the power of which we were first gathered as a Society, by which
we have been kept alive, fed, and sustained, and by which alone we
can be preserved a people to the Lord's praise, so as to receive the
end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. Amen.
We were favoured to reach home well, on the 9th of 7th month,
1826, having been out four months and six days, and travelled two
thousand two hundred and fifty-two miles.

JOURNEY
WITH DANIEL OLIVEE, OF NEWCASTLE,
In Lancashire, Cheshire, Wales, Shropshire, Hereford, Wor
cester, Northampton, Hertford, Leicester, and Deeby-
SHIEE, AND the WeSTEEN PAET OF YoEKSHIEE, FEOM THE
9th of 3ed month, to the 2nd op 7th month, 1827.

In consequence of a heavy faU of snow, we found travelling very
laborious, for the first two days. We proceeded direct into Lanca
shire by Staindrop, Bowes, Sedbergh, etc.
In learing my famUy and social connexions on this occasion, I was
sensible of haring left many comforts, as weU as many cares ; but as
we rode along, I was well satisfied that I was endeavouring to move
under Divine dfrection, and much precious consolation was mercifuUy
afforded me. The preservation of my family was a subject of very
tender and earnest desire and prayer ; the more so, on account of a
dangerous defection of moral and religious principle haring lately
manifested itself amongst a few of our young men Friends, who, in
meeting for reading and conversation, have suffered dangerous opi
nions, as to the first principles of reUgion, to be insinuated amongst
them. Having seen the deplorable effects of this spirit, in the course
of my labours amongst them, before leaving home, it tended to
awaken an intense degree of sohcitude that my endeared children
might- be favoured to escape such contaminating influences, which I
observed to be so powerfuUy at work in the minds of some of these.

190 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
under the specious mask of an impartial inquiry after truth. Thus
there has been insinuated into their minds the most dangerous species
of poison, operating, almost imperceptibly to themselves, but known
by its infiuence, in first producing a doubt of the soundness of their
past instruction and experience ; next, a disrelish for Divine revela
tion, both immediate and through the Holy Scriptures, and so, by
degrees, have been destroyed those hopes, and that humble ti-ust and
confidence which are the result of the right reception, in simpUcity
and godly sincerity, of the great doctrines of the Christian dispensa
tion for the salvation of faUen man. I trust my dear chUdren will
be watched over for good.
Beigflatts. — First-day morning. Though the day was extremely
wet, about fifty persons assembled, I suppose only about a fourth of
whom were members. I endeavoured to describe the origin of our
custom of sitting down in silence when assembled for the purpose of
Di-vine worship, which was a conviction, in the minds of our prede
cessors, that the influence of the Holy Spirit might be perceptibly
known upon the mind of the humble, waiting, dependant Christian ;
and though, in former times, the doctrine was much disputed by
many, yet it is erident that amongst the professors of the Christian
name in the present day, many individuals are prepared, by experi
ence, to assent to the truth of this important doctrine, and we have
cause to hope that the number of such is on the increase. The
Psalmist had great experience of the benefit of thus waiting upon
God. " I waited patiently for the Lord ; and he inclined unto me,
and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit,
out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and estabUshed
my goings." The Lord hears the most secret breathing of the pious
soul in liring desires towards Him, and this is acceptable prayer ;
but He cannot hear him who does not thus pray or cry. There is,
indeed, at times, a state experienced which cannot utter words, but
only wait and trust ; they who feel thus are permitted, for a time, to
dweU as in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is ; the tongue
fails for thirst, and is ready to cleave as to the roof of the mouth ;
these cannot cry, yet the exercise of their souls Js known and mer
cifuUy regarded by Him who seeth in secret. The various parts of

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 191
the path of seK-denial and cross-bearing, and the general course of
Christian redemption, were a little spoken of; after which, I bent
the knee in reverent supplication.
Lancaster Monthly Meeting. — This proved a solemn, precious
season. I was afraid of my voice faiUng me, the house being large ;
but, beginning in a low key, and being watchful, I was helped beyond
my expectation. " Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared
for them that love him." My concern was principaUy to point to
the benefit of steadily fixing our attention and hopes on the eternal
recompense of reward, and the many great and precious promises
which, in various ages, have been made to the Lord's dedicated chil
dren. The true Christian must walk by faith, not by sight, and this
is often a deeply humUiating path, perhaps the more so to those upon
whom has been conferred a large share of the Lord's temporal and
inteUectual gifts : for these to attend to the gentle and secret intima
tions of the stiU small voice within them, when human sense and
reason beckon them another way, is sometimes much in the cross to
the natural wUI, and they have need to remember the good things
which the Lord has in store for those who love and fear Him, for
those who have respect to the eternal recompense of the reward.
It was this which encouraged Moses, when he was instructed and
strengthened, to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than
to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He esteemed the reproach
of Christ, by whose Spirit he was influenced, and in whose coming
he beUeved, greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. Here was
a Uvely instance of self-denial, and of the walk of faith. Thus, to this
day, they who beheve in God may reverently rely upon Him for the
supply of aU their real necessities ; let them seek first the kingdom
of God, and the righteousness thereof — that crown of righteousness,
which is laid up in store for the Lord's beUering and obedient chil
dren, and they may rely upon the promise, that aU things, of which
they have need, wiU be added. A precious, solemn feeling was over
us during this sitting.
On our way to Preston we halted at Calder Bridge. A meeting
has lately been estabhshed here, a branch from Wyersdale meeting.

192 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
About ten or twelve persons usually attend, some of whom appear to
be under conrincement of our religious principles,
Preston. — The blessings pronounced by our Lord opened to my
view, as clearly descriptive of that which constitutes the Christian
character. The poor in spirit, the meek, the pure in heart, the merci
ful, they who hunger and thirst after righteousness ; it is to such as
these that the precious promises of the Gospel appertain : -it is use
ful, honestly and conscientiously to examine how far we have these
characteristics. I stood up in weakness and fear, but the pure, liring
spring of right ministry was, I trust, in degree, preciously opened.
Prayer was offered for various classes, especially for the poor in
spirit, that He, who promised to His wrestling seed that He would
be as the dew unto Israel, might, in seasons when the free descend
ing of celestial rain may be vrithheld, yet graciously condescend to
permit a gentle distillation of heavenly dew upon their spirits, and
be a Father to the fatherless chUdren.
Thus, though I left my home under more than ordinary trial of
faith, I am satisfied that my movement is owned of Him who alone
can add a blessing upon any earthly enjoyments. We have cause to
be thankful for the help aUeady afforded ; and I humbly trust that
my dear family -wUl be under the Lord's fatherly care and protection;
and as a dear friend, lately deceased, prayed for her own famUy, a
Uttle before her death, " that as much of the fatness of the earth may
be afforded to my chUdren as an aU-seeing God knows may be even
tuaUy for their benefit, and no more." I have received a few Unes
from my son Isaac, which I felt very precious, being persuaded that
his mind is deeply turned towards the wisdom of lq.ying his founda
tion upon that Eock against which the gates of hell, and aU the
powers of the enemy, cannot prevail : he vriU assuredly find the fear
of the Lord to be a fountain of life, preserving from the snares of
death. Manchester Quarterly Meeting. — This is indeed a large and
influential body of Friends, I stood up in weakness and fear, but a
Uttle faith was mercifully afforded, and a precious degree of the
authority and dominion of truth was prevalent. I endeavoured to
turn the attention of Friends to the too great simUarity between our

.ET. 53.] joueney with DANIEL OLIVER. 193
Society, in some places, at least, as regards many professing with
us, to the dry bones in the vaUey, which the prophet beheld in the
risions of light, especially if we contrast the state of these with
that life, love, power, and zeal which a large proportion of our early
Friends evidently enjoyed. Yet, surely we have good reason to
believe that " the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save ;
neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Fifteen persons have
been admitted by convincement. The morning meeting was a seasoii
of favour, in which Divine power was extended for the help of two
poor, unworthy instruments, to the tendering of the hearts of many
present. The afternoon meeting was weU attended. D. 0. laboured
acceptably in testimony, and I was drawn forth in supplication for a
variety of states. It was a day of important service to us.
We were much interested in risiting many of the Friends of Man
chester. My cousin, Isaac Stephenson, read us an account of a
son of  , of  , who had traveUed much in foreign
countries, chiefly vrith a riew of acquiring a knowledge of different
languages, of which it is said he studied twenty. In his memoranda,
written at sea, vrith a prospect of dying in a foreign land, he deplores
the course of life he had adopted, and the sentiments and dispositions
which he had unvrisely indulged, until, according to his own account,
he doubted or disbeUeved aU reUgion. But, for the consolation of
his afflicted relatives, he records, that it had pleased Almighty Good
ness to break in upon his benighted soul, vrith such a fuU blaze of
light, as had dispeUed his doubts, and, by successive heart-tendering
visitations, had given him thankfully to believe that the arms of
unutterable Mercy were open to receive him. He deeply deplored
having left the bosom of the Society and of his fiiends, except inas
much as he had then to believe that his doing so had been overruled,
eventually, for his good.
West Houghton. — We had a refreshing season together, when
the declaration was rerived — " The heaven is my throne, and the
earth is my footstool,  but to this man wUl I look, even to him
that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." I
trust that this, with other encouragement, tended to the comfort and
edification of those who were present. May aU glory, honour, and
p

194 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1827.
power be ascribed unto Him who putteth forth His servants, and
goeth before them.
Langteee.— I feft that the plaintive language of the Lord's minis
ters may weU be lUse that of the prophet, "Who hath beUeved our
report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed ?" Those who,
from time to time, reject the Lord's gracious offers of love and mercy,
and yet cry out for more instruction, too much resemble those of
whom our Lord spoke in the parable — " If they hear not Moses and
the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from
the dead." It is unto him that hath, or who has improved the talents
already entrusted to him, that more shall be given, and he shaU have
abundance ; but from those who are disobedient or negligent, even
that light or grace which they have may be taken away.
Ashton. — I rerived the language of David, "Blessed is the man
that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the
way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." We must
not walk in the counsel, or adopt the policy and maxims of the
ungodly, in any of our actions. In our intercourse with the world,
or with worldly-minded men, we must not take pleasure in their
company, or make them our famUiar associates, but must bear our
testimony against sinful practices as opportunity presents, and when
we have strength for the service, we should wam and admonish them
against their eril ways : even the common concerns of life might
present opportunities for this were we sufficientiy ahve in our spirits,
and watchful to embrace them. " The seat of the scornful" is utterly
unfit for the Christian ; it implies pride in ourselves, and an improper
contempt of others. With respect to the character which Darid
describes, in contrast -with the above, " His delight is in the law of
the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night," many feel
their entire inabiUty for such an employment. Man, in his unre
generate state, is at enmity with God, he is not subject to God's
righteous law, therefore he cannot deUght to meditate therein. But
let all quickened minds, in whom sincere desires after God are
raised, endeavour not to be discouraged by their occasional inabiUty
to meditate in His law, or to fix the attention of their minds
upon spiritual subjects; let them seek God, and wait upon Him-,

JET. 53.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER, 195
endeavouring to set their affections on things above, seeking those
"bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth
not." Where their treasure is, thither their heart and thoughts will
assuredly follow, until, as they yield willing obedience to the Lord's
requirings, it will even be their deUght to meditate iu His holy law.
Thus has terminated this arduous week's work, in which we have
had eleven meetings, besides those at Manchester. Surely we have
had abundant cause to acknowledge the Lord's goodness in sustain
ing and assisting, in heights and in depths, His two poor, weak
instruments, and in granting us strength to advocate His precious
cause from day to day, I reverently trust, to the honour, praise, and
glory of His own holy name. I wish thankfully to commemorate the
Lord's goodness, for the encouragement of all who may read these
lines, and who may be interested in the progress of the Lord's work
upon the earth.
Liverpool. — The subject which presented was that of the constant
succession of changes which take place in the human famUy, and the
instructive lesson which these changes inculcate. " One generation
passeth away, and another generation cometh ; but the earth abideth
for ever" (or continuaUy). Man was formed for a purpose of the
great Creator's glory. Let us indiridually consider how far we are
answering this great, and, at the same time, very gracious intention.
In our Society it may well be queried, " The fathers, where are they,
and the prophets, do they live for ever ?" The elder rank of the pre
sent race vriU soon pass away, another generation must succeed ;
are those next in rank rightly prepared to fill their places? We
shaU be indiridually responsible for the deeds done in the body, and
amongst these deeds, few are of deeper importance than the exercise
of that infiuence which each indiridual amongst us possesses over
¦ others — there are few, indeed, but who possess some influence. To
parents and heads of famUies, especiaUy, is an important post as
signed ; they may be instruments in turning the feet of their tender
charge either into the paths of peace and safety, or into those of
error and danger. Pious parents do not always see the desire of
their souls granted, as it respects aU their offspring; there are
cases in which they are deeply wounded by the misconduct of those

196 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. {1827
for whom they have laboured, and over whom they have watched ;
yet such parents may be consoled by the consciousness of having
honestly endeavoured to perform their duty. It is, however, a ground
of much encouragement to reflect that of those who turn out weU,
a large proportion are the offspring of religious and discreet parents.
Hence we see the great importance of parents being watchful and
faithful, that, in the great day of final account, when they shall be
summoned to appear at the awful tribunal of God, who vriU judge the
secrets of men by Jesus Christ, whom He hath ordained the Judge
of quick and dead, they may be able to say, " Behold I, and the
children which God hath given me !"
But it is not only parents, and heads of families, who should pon
der well these things. Young persons often possess considerable
influence, either to promote or to retard the reUgious improvement of
those vrith whom they have intercourse. They may admonish, by a
timely and seasonable hint, against the seductions of vice or of
ricious companions, and may often do it more successfuUy than their
elder brethren : or they may themselves, under the influence of the
god of this world, the enemy of souls, become instrumental in enticing
others into the paths of rice or of sin. Seeing, therefore, that for
such actions we must each give an account, how awful is the subject
of our indiridual responsibility ! In the afternoon, near the close of
the meeting, my miad became deeply exercised, and I was led to
bend the knee in supplication for the aged, for the youth, and for
ourselves. A precious solemnity awaited. We had much interesting,
social intercourse vrith many Friends at Liverpool, including a large
company invited to meet us. Here we received a variety of Ameri
can and other intelligence, connected -vrith the state of our Society.
EocHDALE. — When riding into this town, a few days ago, my
mind was powerfuUy impressed vrith an apprehension that it would -
be right for us to have a pubUc meeting : it dwelt -vrith me day after
day, and, on naming it to D. 0-, we concluded that it was safest to
yield ourselves to the serrice. The evening was fixed, and notice
given : the day proved very wet, but it was thought about one hundred
and eighty persons assembled. My mind was preserved calm and
peaceful, and way opened for extensive communication on a variety

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. 197
of important subjects. The saying of the Apostle came before me,
"We are the cfrcumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Wor
ship, if it is acceptable to God, must (as said our Lord) be performed
in spirit and in truth, in the life, and in the sincerity and integrity of
our hearts ; with this, a true self-abasement, and, at the same time, a
confidence in the sufficiency of Divine power and mercy must accom
pany. We must have no confidence in the flesh if we would be
permitted to experience abiUty, thirough the operation of Divine
power in our redemption, to rejoice in Christ Jesus : all this must
be inward and experimental, not merely nominal. " He is not a
Jew, which is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision, which is
outward, in the flesh." Circumcision was the appointed seal of the
covenant which God made vrith Abraham, after he had obeyed the
Dirine call in leaving his kindred and the land of his nativity, which
was becoming poUuted with idolatrous customs. Abraham walked
by faith, going forth at the Divine command, not knowing whither
he went ; and for his faithfulness, dedication, and obedience, in
serving God dUigently, and his carefulness, wherever he had pitched
his tent, to set up an altar and to caU upon the name of the Lord ;
for this steady course of faith and corresponding works, he received
great and precious promises, riz., that his seed should inherit the
land of Canaan, where he was then only a sojourner ; that he should
be the father of many nations ; but, above all, that in him, and in
his seed, aU nations should be blessed. Circumcision was the out
ward seal of this covenant, the pledge of the dedication of Abraham,
and of his confidence in the faithfulness of God, and in the aU-suffi-
ciency of His power, though the appoiated heir was not yet born.
By the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ at Bethlehem, and His cir
cumcision on the eighth day, the glorious promise was minutely
verified. As Abraham, in the obedience of faith, was brought into a holy
covenant with God, so must we individuaUy. If it was the Jew
inwardly, and the circumcision of the heart, that God regarded in
the Apostle's days, so is it the Ufe of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,

198 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
and in the teachings and government of His Spirit, and in, His
manifestation in the flesh, and death upon the cross for our sakes, by
which we must seek to stand accepted of God in the present day. We
must be partakers in the covenant of Ught and life, through Christ
Jesus, the promised Seed, and must yield simple and true obedience
to the revealed wUl of God, in whatever way He may please to mani
fest it to us as our duty. " The grace of God, that bringeth salvation,
hath appeared to aU men," but the Lord reveals or makes known
His will in a variety of ways ; to children, frequently, through the
medium of enlightened parents ; to the ignorant and uninstructed
amongst the community at large. He does it in degree, by the
reflected Ught of the example and circumspect Uves of His chUdren,
which, to some extent, pervades the mass of the people, by a silent
yet efficacious operation;' also, by the revelation of His wiU and
works, through the medium of the Scriptures,, which holy men of old
.wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and which have been
wonderfully and mercifully preserved, through many successive ages,
for our instruction, and which ought to be highly prized and dili
gently read, both individuaUy and in families. It would be very
likely to tend to the improvement of professing Christians, of all
denominations, if the daily, devotional reading of these were to be
come general, and stiU more so, were the very frequent meditative
reading of them the practice of every individual. As the crown and
confirmation of all these means, prorided for the help and recovery
of man from the faU, is added that inward appearance of the grace
and good Spuit of God, already aUuded to, which bringeth salvation,
" teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." This is
the Seal of the New Covenant dispensation, the law written on the
heart, spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah, and described by Ezekiel,
as written on the heart of flesh. This is the Spirit of Christ, our
holy Eedeemer, which is poured out upon mankind in these glorious
Gospel days, and which never contradicts, but where faithfully obeyed,
confirms, estabUshes, and makes manifest the written or outward
revelation. It is this which opens the understanding, purifies the

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH D,\NIEL OLIVER. 199
heart, and gives life and efficacy to every other nieana of grace,
carrying home to the conscience the labours of the Lord's rightly
called and faithful messengers and -ministers.
Stockport. — It is said, that "He that is ready to' slip with his
feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease ;" yet
a time may come when it will be seen that the Ufe of these little,
trembling ones amongst the Lord's children is not madness, nor will
their end be vrithout honour, and then it will be more easy to " dis
cern between the righteous and the vricked, between him that serveth
God, and him that serveth him not."
Macclesfield. — D. 0. had a feeling testimony to deliver in this
meeting ; after which, my mind was attracted towards an unconcerned
state. It is said that indolence, or the love of ease, is that disposi
tion which most universaUy prevaUs amongst mankind, and notwith
standing the many exceptions, I apprehend, on a close scrutiny, the
opinion wUl be found nearly correct. There can be no doubt but
that the love of ease, the dread of conflict, is that which produces so
much lukewarmness in spiritual concerns amongst us ; but the danger
of such a state wUl be apparent when we duly consider the solemn
assurances, in the Holy Scriptures, of a great day of flnal account.
The Apostle, speaking of that day, says, " The dead in Christ shall
rise first;" and in another Epistle we are told that " we shall not all
sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of
an eye, at the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead
shaU be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." Our Lord
describes this scene in -very awful characters. "When the Son of
man shaU come in his gloi-y, and aU the holy angels vrith him, then
shall he sit upon the throne of his glory : and before him shall be
gathered aU nations : and he shaU separate them one from another,
as a shepherd dirideth his sheep from the goats : and he shaU set
the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shaU
the King say unto them on his right hand. Come, ye blessed of my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of
the world : for I was an hungred and ye gave me meat : I was thirsty,
and ye gave me drink." " Then shaU he say also unto them on the
left hand. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared

200 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER, [1827.
for the devil and his angels ;" reminding them of their neglect of the
great duties of charity and piety ; of their want of love to God, and
of love to men. Then it is declared that in that great and awfuHay,
" These shall go away into everlasting punishment ; but the righteous
into Ufe eternal." Let us therefore endeavour duly to consider the
import of that word, " eternal," the fathomless idea, the state irre
vocable, unchangeable, in riew of which aU the engagements and
enjoyments of time sink in comparative importance. How utterly
unbecoming therefore it is, for a mind that has once been awakened,
to give way to indolence and lukewarmness. These solemn conside
rations ought to stimulate us to use aU diUgence to make our calUng
and election sure ; to strive earnestly to enter in at the strait gate ;
yea, to fight manfully vrith our soul's enemies, under the banner of
the Lamb, our unconquered Captain.
Nantwich. — The case of the prophet Daniel and his three com
panions was rerived. How careful were they to observe inviolably
the law of the Lord their God ! how they requested that they might
not be required to defile themselves with the king's meat, which was
not prepared agreeably to the Mosaic law, but chose rather to Uve on
pulse, the simplest of food, and thus walking in the fear of God, they
grew in His favour, and were filled with vrisdom. And when that
terrible trial of their constancy was permitted to befall them, by the
setting up of the golden image by the mighty king Nebuchadnezzar,
they kept steadfastly in the fear of God, and could not be prevailed
on to disobey His holy command, " Thou shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and him only shalt thou serve :" and notwithstanding the king's
threats that they should be cast into the burning, fiery furnace (one
of the most terrible of punishments), they stood fast in their holy
resolution, trusting in God, and confiding in His mercy and power,
answering the king wisely, but firmfy. When the cruel decree was
executed, the proud king was fflled with astonishment, on beholding
four men loose in the midst of the burning fiery furnace, and on
obserring that the form of the fourth was Uke the Son of God. Thus
miraculously were they delivered from the fierce wrath of the impious
king, and by their integrity and faithfulness, were made eminently
instrumental in promoting the glory of Jehovah. Is not the spirit of

^T. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 201
this world often erecting some splendid image, something to which
it would have us bow ? How many are brought into bondage in this
way, and made to yield to the maxims and customs of corrupt men !
But let the Lord's children remain faithful to the revealed law of
their God, to the manifestations of His wiU. One of our early
writers, Isaac Pennington, instructively explains that stubbornness
and unbendingness -vrith which Friends in his day were charged, on
account of their steadfast adherence to the manifestation of the word
of Dirine life revealed in their hearts. He shews how, though they
were stiff and unbending as regarded that which was eril and sinful,
they were tender and flexible towards the least appearance of good.
Thus he says, " The tender one cannot bow, the flexible one cannot
bend." Chester. — After D. 0 had been engaged in this Uttle meeting,
consisting principally of one family, and a few of their serious neigh
bours, I rerived the prophecy of Jacob, " The sceptre shaU not
depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh
come, and unto him shaU the gathering of the people be." This is
considered a remarkable prediction of the time when Christ should
be made manifest in the flesh, and to which no other events on record
so correctly correspond. " The gathering of the people" is not to be
to the teachings of any man, but to those of God and of Christ.
Under the former dispensations, the Lord Himself was ever emi
nently the teacher of His people. " I am the Lord thy God, which
teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou
shouldest go;" and it is not to be beheved that He is less the teacher
of His people, under this glorious Gospel dispensation. Christ was
eminently the Ught of the world whUst He was in the world ; but
before His manifestation in the fiesh. He was the living, eternal Word
of God. " In him was life, and the Ufe was the Ught of men." But,
as He promised His disciples. He is come by His Spirit a second
time vrithout sin unto salvation ; " He is with you," saith He, " and
shall be in you." By His grace and good Spirit He appears unto
aU men ; but how does He appear ? Is it not in the consciences of
sinners, by convicting them of evU, and by refining and purifydng as
with fire those who yield to His conrictions, and vrilhngly take His

202 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
yoke upon them ? He is in these as a fuUer with soap, and baptizeth
them as with the Holy Ghost and vrith the fire of His righteous
indignation revealed against sin ; " for our God is a consuming fire."
Under the Lord's constraining influence, I had to supplicate for a
variety of conditions.
EuTHVEN, IN Wales. — There is but one member of our Society
here, but her brother's mind has been touched as with the hve coal,
and he has applied for membership. With these and a few others we
had a precious Uttle meeting. We were both engaged in ministry,
and the current of Ufe, meeting with little obstruction, flowed freely.
I explained some of the doctrines of the Gospel, of which I was
favoured with a lucid riew.
Tyddyn-y-Gareg. — Here are only four aged women, who are
members, but one who is not a member attends the meeting, and
we sat down in her house, as the meeting-house is two miles distant.
The chief service fell on D. 0., and I had to encourage them in
a pious trust in God for the supply of all their necessities, both
spiritual and temporal. This was the case with David, and he expe
rienced great ricissitudes. " The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not
want." Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." " The Lord is the strength
of my Ufe, of whom shall I be afraid ?" These few Friends seldom
meet altogether : only one of the members can speak EngUsh.
Shrewsbury. — My way felt closed for some time, but I was at
length led to rerive the language addressed to the Jews by the man
who had been blind from his birth, whose eyes the Lord had opened.
"I have told you already, and ye did not hear : wherefore would ye
hear it again ? vrill ye also be his disciples ?" This is applicable to
too many amongst us, who wUUngly hear the poor ministers declare
what the Lord hath done for their souls, and vrill even bear to have
their own states spoken to in the way of close admonition, but they
nevertheless , maintain their resolution to pursue their former course
of life. On one occasion, our Lord pointed out that which is to be
received as the great commandment of the law — "Hear, 0 Israel;
the Lord our God is one Lord : and thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 203
and with aU thy strength. This is the first commandment, and the
second is like, namely this. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
When such as I have described hear God's holy law thus declared,
they are secretly resolved not to obey; indeed, they cannot truly
obey, until they yield to the operation of the Lord's quickening power,
or as this power is graciously offered, for all have their day of merci
ful risitation. In the afternoon, sUence seemed my duty, being the
first time since leaving home that I have been entirely excused from
expression. In the evening, we went to Barnard Dickinson's, Coal-
brookdale, where it felt consohng to be, and we enjoyed our visit to
our friends.
New Dale. — I sought to encourage such as were sensible that
they had wandered far from their Heavenly Father's house, but who
were sincerely desirous of returning. It is said that there is more
joy in heaven in the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner
that repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons who have no
need of repentance. This conveys a very consolatory idea to the
truly penitent soul. When such sincerely turn their faces towards
their Father's house, so great are His forbearance and compassion,
that, as is represented in the parable. He goeth forth to meet them.
Thus it may be that some of these, however deep their depression
and discouragement, are nearer their Heavenly Father's presence
than they are aware of. But in the spiritual travels of many of the
Lord's risited children, from Egypt to the heavenly Canaan, the
saints' rest, they are liable to be torn as by the briars and thorns of
the vrilderness ; they have often to go heavily and mournfuUy on their
way, for want of faith and obedience, being conricted of not haring
freely surrendered themselves into the Lord's hand, and confided in
Him. When this is attained, they are permitted to taste, and at
times freely to driuk of the streams of Dirine consolation. Then it
is that wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths
are peace.
Coalbrookdalb. — The words of our Lord came before me, when
the seventy disciples, whom He had sent forth to preach the Gospel,
returned with the account of their success. " I thank thee, 0 Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things fi-om

204 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so.
Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." The different manner
in which these two states are treated, in the Dirine economy, was
attempted to be illustrated. I was also led to speak of the dangerous
state of those who have known the precious visitations of Dirine
grace, but who, through disobedience, are falling little by little, until
the light that was in them becomes darkness ; they then become as
tvrice dead, plucked up by the roots, whose end is to be burned.
Such as these were faithfully warned, and admonished to self-abase
ment before God ; to dUigence, humiUty, and zeal. I also spoke of,
the baptismal dispensations which those must endure who are under
preparation for the Lord's serrice, and they were urged to an entire
surrender of themselves into the Lord's purifying and reforming
hand. D. 0. inclining to attend the monthly meeting at Coalbrookdale,
I concluded to proceed to Worcester, to visit my daughter Eachael
Pumphrey, and meet him afterwards. In riding to Worcester, on
the coach top, I was led sweetly to meditate on our past serrice,
which afforded a comfortable retrospect, and the streams of Divine
consolation flowed through my soul with a full and very precious
current, for which I felt truly thankful, as an eridence of the appro
bation of the Shepherd of Israel and Bishop of souls. On reaching
Worcester, I found my beloved daughter (lately married to Thomas
Pumphrey) as comfortable and happy as I could desire to see her,
which I felt to be an additional claim for my grateful acknowledgment
to the Father and Fountain of aU our mercies, both spiritual and
temporal. Leominster. — The subject which came before me was the danger
of falhng into a species of idolatry. That in which we trust for
affording our best and highest enjoyment, becomes, in a certain
sense, our idol, if it be anything short of the Eternal Ai-m. Some
trust in riches, some in the spirit of trade and commerce, whilst
others idoUze their inteUectual capacities and attainments. Some
indulge in personal vanity, and the adornment of the person ; but
whichever of these, or whatever else of a sublunary nature we place
our chief affections upon, or look to for our greatest happiness, to

^T. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 205
the neglect and alienation of the heart from Him who is the supreme
fountain of every blessing, and the giver of every good and perfect
gift, we thus idolize, rest, and trust in the gift, to the dishonour of the
Giver, our Almighty and beneficent Creator. The Apostle expressly
caUs covetousness idolatry, and doubtless many of the pursuits and
contrivances of man may become liable to the same condemnation.
Even in reUgion a dangerous idol presents itself, in what is often and
not improperly denominated, the rags of self-righteousness. AU
these objects of misplaced trust and confidence will faU us in the end,
and we shall find that nothing can truly satisfy the longings of the
immortal soul but the immortal God.
" 'Tis immortality, 'tis this alone,
Amidst life's pains, abasements, emptiness,
The soul can comfort, elevate, and fill."
This subject afforded me a copious field for instructive labour, and
the liring power of truth rose into a precious degree of true dominion.
Pales. — Endeavouring to abide close in the true power and autho
rity, I was favoured, through mercy, to feel the current of Gospel
ministry graduaUy gain strength, and was helped through the serrice,
I trust, to the comfort of the Uving members. I rerived the words
of Christ, "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, vrill draw aU men unto
me." By this He signified to His disciples the kind of death He
should suffer, and by it we are pointed to the way of cross-bearing
and self-denial as the alone way to have a saving interest in Him, or
"to become of the number of His true disciples. This prepared the
way for reference to a variety of subjects connected with doctrine and
practice. Preriously to arriving at this secluded spot, we had both been
looking towards an inritation to the inhabitants. Though we are
advanced twenty mUes into South Wales, the EngUsh language is
stUl generaUy spoken. After conferring with Thomas Eogers, we had
notice given for a public meeting at five o'clock. Some of their
members Uve vridely apart. In a little time after we had entered the
meeting-house it became crowded, with a large number outside the
windows. Some thought there were four hundred present, which is
a great number for this thinly-peopled country, but great eagerness

206 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827 .
is evinced to attend Friends' meetings, and we thought many were
truly serious. We were favoured with a covering of precious so
lemnity, and, notwithstanding so many had to stand, great stiUness
and order were maintained. On rising to speak, I was soon sensible
of the inadequacy of my voice for such service, yet I trust that He,
who formed the organs of speech, was near for my help. " Be still
and know that I am God ; I vrill be exalted among the heathen, I will
be exalted in the earth." This language, uttered by the Most High
God, through the mouth of His ancient servant, conveys both instruc
tion and warning ; it teaches that the true knowledge of God is best
attained in stiUness, in the silence of the flesh and of all that is of the
creature. Were the professors of the Christian name, both when
they assemble for the worship of God, and in their seasons of secret
retirement before Him, to be more in the practice of obeying this
injunction, " Be still," they would be more likely to attain to the true
knowledge of God, and would sometimes be owned as was Nathaniel,
when he was seen under the flg-tree. The prayers which many utter,
in the course of their devotional engagements, whether with or with
out a set form, there is fuU reason to believe, do not meet vrith
Dirine acceptance, unless acoompanied with a wUlingness to have
the heart cleansed, and brought into a state of conformity to the
Dirine will. It is weU for aU seriously to remember that the prayers
of the wicked, as well as their sacrifices, are declared to be an abomi
nation to the Lord. They, who would aoceptably approach the throne
of grace must, Uke David, be concerned to wash their hands in inno
cency. We find that even the sacrifices enjoined by the law of Moses,
with the keeping of the feasts, sabbaths, and new moons, were alike
regarded as an abomination to the Lord when they ceased to be offer
ings in righteousness, seasoned with the salt of the Covenant. And
when the hearts and affections of the offerers were departed from the
living God, He declared, that instead of being of pleasant savour
unto Him, they were become offensive, even as smoke in the nostrils,
an expression denoting great disgust. The other portion of the text
was also instructively opened, " I wiU be exalted among the heathen,
I wUl be exalted in the earth." This denotes a fixed determination
in the holy God to assert and maintain His own sovereignty. There

^T. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 207
can be no doubt but that the inhabitants of this island were at one
time generaUy heathens, as weU as those of most other countries.
" In Adam aU die ;" aU die, as to the life of God in the soul, until
He is pleased to risit them by His quickening grace, through the
life-giving word. When the descendants of Noah became scattered,
after the flood, and their foolish Babel project, over the face of the
whole earth, they quickly became corrupted, and (as the Apostle said)
" When they knew God, they glorifled him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish
heart was darkened :" wherefore " God gave them over to a reprobate
mind, to do those things which are not convenient." In this island
we are now called Christians, but it is weU for all deeply to consider
how far they are redeemed from the heathenish nature, for God " wUl
be exalted." Such as are living in the daUy breach of the Lord's
commandments are not influenced by the fear of Him who is the
dread of nations, before whom aU nations are said to be but " as a
drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance."
These are yet in the heathenish nature, and sooner or later God wUl
be exalted over aU of them. They cannot rightiy and acceptably pray
untU they, in their hearts, turn to God in true repentance, for while
they are in subjection to him who rules in the hearts of the children
of disobedience, they cannot caU God Father. He is indeed Father
to aU by creation, but if Christians in truth, if reaUy Christ's disciples
and followers, we shall know God to be our Father by the Spirit of
adoption. His servants we are to whom we obey, whether of sin
unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness : to whom we yield
ourselves servants to obey, his servants we are ; his children we are
of whose nature we partake, and under whose government we Uve, as
our Lord said to the Jews, " Ye are of your father the devU, and the
lusts of your father ye vriU do." How can such as these pray " Our
Father which art in heaven, haUowed be thy name," when they have
never become His chUdren, by yielding to the quickening influence
of His Spirit ? If they do not walk in His fear, they do not haUow
His holy name. Thus was I largely drawn forth to declare the
counsel of God, and the truths of the Gospel, and I do trust that the
powerful, convicting influence of the Lord's own Holy Spirit, carried

208 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1827-
the truth, to many hearts. May a permanent blessing attend it, is
the breathing and prayer of my spirit !
Brecon. — The general or half-yearly meeting was held here in a
spacious room, at the " Castle Inn," when there were about eighty
or ninety Friends present, and a few strangers. The meeting was a
good one, and it was said by some to be a time of fresh risitation.
Several Friends were engaged in ministry ; after which, I revived the
declaration of the Psalmist, " The Lord loveth the gates of Zion
more than aU the dweUings of Jacob;" "whither the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks
unto the name of the Lord." A sense of the love of God is often
given to us in these, the larger or more general assembUes of our
religious Society ; they have been eminently blessed to many of us.
How often, on these occasions, do we experience the streams of life
to flow as from the Lord's refreshing presence, in the Uvely sense of
which, many have been enabled to enter renewedly into covenant
with the Lord, even as Jacob, when he poured oil upon the piUar,
making his humble requests, and calling on the name of the Lord.
Thus has many a poor, mournful pilgrim been comforted at such
seasons. Many have thus derived encouragement who often feel that
true spiritual refreshment is hard to obtain, in their Uttle meetings at
home, where they have either to endure those trials of faith and
patience designed for their ovm justification, or to sympathize vrith
the seed of the kingdom, under oppression in the minds of others.
Thus the Apostle speaks of some who are as spots in their feasts of
charity, or (as saith the prophet) whose sin is " written with a pen
of iron, and vrith the point of a diamond ; it is graven upon the table
of their heart, and upon the horns of" the " altars." I had to sound
forth an awful warning to some of this class.
A proposal was made in the meeting for discipUne that this half-
yearly meeting of Wales should be united to Herefordshire and Wor
cestershire quarterly meeting. A Friend proposed that North Wales
only should be so joined, and that South Wales should be united to
Bristol and Somersetshire. The former proposal, introduced by
Barnard Dickinson, was eventually carried into effect. In the course
of the discussion, I stated some of the objections to the plan, which

MT. 53.] JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 209
presented to my mind, riz., that in early times, Friends not only held
general periodical meetings for edification and instruction, but had
also their monthly and quarterly meetings, which were chiefiy repre
sentative assembUes consisting of the principal members, who, in
these meetings, took the care and management of the discipline.
The members generaUy, or those less grown in the truth, were not
expected to attend, except by inritation. Of later time, these two
objects have been blended, by the manner in which monthly and
quarterly meetings are now constituted and held. It is evident that
the larger the geographical boundaries which constitute monthly or
quarterly meetings, the better the discipUne (so far as the business of
those meetings is concerned) may be expected to be conducted, as
there is hkely to be a larger number of weU-qualified Friends present.
But the other object, the rehgious instruction and edification of the
members at large, and especiaUy of the youth, wiU lose almost in the
same proportion, as it wUl be hkely to be enjoyed by a smaUer pro
portion of the whole body, on account of the increased distance of
thefr respective habitations from the places where the meetings must
be held : the larger number, in such cases, vrill be precluded attend
ing. Thus, in the case of the junction now before the meeting, the
• Friends of South Wales wiU have further to travel than at present,
whUst those in North Wales and Shropshire (the smaller number)
wUl be brought a little nearer. But the Friends of WorcestershUe
wUl lose, from a large proportion of their members having frequentiy
further to travel, and should the quarterly or general meetings be
reduced to two or three, instead of four, they whoUy lose those so
omitted. I am fearful that their loss in this way -will not be balanced.
Milford Haven. — I entered MUford under a feeUng of deep in
terest for those few Friends who are situated so far from their brethren
in reUgious profession, the nearest regularly held meeting, that of
Swansea, being sixty-nine miles distant. My desires were earnest that
I might be enabled so to conduct myself amongst them, that, if possi
ble, the vritness for God in their hearts might be reached. I am thank
ful in believing that it was so, and that we left them with a higher
sense of the value of the principles of truth than we found them to
entertain when we first met. On first-day morning, D. 0. was first
Q

210 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
engaged, and I had a littie to say on the subject of the Apostle Paul's
conversion, and some part of his subsequent experience. I was
afterwards informed that what we expressed was pointedly adapted to
some minds present.
Haring felt the current of Gospel love flow towards the inhabitants
of the place, particularly the carpenters, sailors, etc., who are em
ployed about this noble harbour, said to be one of the finest in the
world, we named the subject to a Friend, who unhesitatingly en
couraged us in the proposal. Notice was accordingly given, and
about three hundred persons assembled, some having to stand out
side. The people were remarkably stiU and quiet, and it was a
favoured, good meeting. The doctrines of the Gospel flowed freely,
and at times vrith considerable power. Three days haring elapsed,
I can barely give an outline of the tenor of my communication. I
rerived the words of Darid, " Lord, I have loved the habitation of
thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth." This is a
disposition of mind which every Christian should cherish. The Lord
does not now dwell in temples made -vrith hands, but He is often
pleased to manifest His presence in the assembUes of His chUdren
and people ; therefore it is good to assemble together, as opportunity
is afforded, for the purpose of Dirine worship; and if, when so
assembled, our spirits are clothed with reverence, and the name of
the Lord is felt to be truly haUowed, the honour and glory of God
vriU be regarded as very precious in our view, and Christ by His
Spirit vrill dwell amongst us. There are, indeed, some persons who,
as is .the case with seamen, seldom have opportunity to meet with
other Christians, in the public congregations. These may remember
for their encouragement, that the Most High God, the Creator of
heaven and earth, dwelleth not exclusively in temples made vrith
hands, neither has He left His seeking chUdren dependant upon
instrumental ministry, how useful soever it may be in its place. The
ancient declaration by the Lord's prophet was, " And though the
Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet
shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine
eyes shall see thy teachers ; and thine ears shaU hear a word behind
thee, saying. This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the

JET. 53. J JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 211
right hand, and when ye turn to the left." Our Lord declared of
His chUdren, " They shaU aU be taught of God : every man therefore
that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me."
They who hear the Lord's voice, who Usten to the convictions of His
Holy Spirit, wiU soon feel their need of a Sariour ; and the same
Spirit which conricts us of sin, and shews its exceeding sinfulness,
vriU also point the deeply exercised mind to the Lamb of God, and
to " the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of
Abel." Thus are we led and drawn to Christ, who is the way to the
Father. When the heart is humbled and contrited. He vrill cleanse
it as in the laver of regeneration, and He vrill dwell therein by His
Spirit, thus making it His temple. In this manner is fulfflled the
ancient prophecy, "IwiU dwell in them, and walk in them, and. I
wiU be their God, and they shall be my people." But let all beware
of defiling the temple of God, for such as do so grieve His Holy
Spirit, and if they continue in sin, they wUl cause Him to withdraw
from them. And by what is the temple of God defiled ? let us hear
the Apostle. " Be not deceived ; neither fornicators, nor idolaters,
 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor rerilers, nor extor
tioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God ; and such were some of
you : but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." I was
also engaged to bend the knee in reverent supplication. It always
feels a weighty thing for me to engage in public meetings, but
hitherto, in aU those which we have beUeved it to be our duty to
appoint, we have been weU satisfied with the result, which is indeed
cause for humble thankfulness.
Trosnant. — I was led to draw the contrast between the haughty
Babylonish monarch and our Lord Jesus Christ. The humiUation
and lowly appearance of our Lord when amongst men was truly
remarkable. Though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became
poor, that we through His poverty might be rich. The blessed child
Jesus, the Sariour of men, was born in a stable, and laid in a manger.
He, the Lord of Ufe and glory, came amongst men in the form of a
servant ; He, whom the angels were sent to announce, and vrise men
from the east to adore, was in a dwelling provided for beasts. Surely

212 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1827.
the lowest amongst men may be encouraged in remembering that He
became their brother and companion in tribulation. But how different
was the case with the monarch of Babylon, who, when he had been
employed as an instrument to punish the Lord's chosen people for
their rebeUion and disobedience, burningtheir temple, and destroying
their chosen city, became proud, arrogant, and haughty, rejoicing in
the works of his own hands, and glorying in the great city which he
had buUt, untU the Lord's awful judgments were brought upon him,
and he was driven from amongst men, to eat straw or grass as an
ox, until seven times passed over him, and he was made to " know
that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to
whomsoever he wiU." I also adverted to the account of Belshazzar's
faU. D. 0. was engaged in a simUar tenor, and was afterwards much
enlarged in supplication. We felt peaceful, but sorrowful.
In taking a retrospective riew of our journey through Wales, one
thing is remarkable — there are three monthly meetings which con
sist of not more than sixteen members each, including children,
and the places are so situated as not to permit them to be advanta
geously joined to any other monthly meeting. The discouragements
which ministers have to sustain in visiting Wales are very many.
The hUly and rough roads are formidable to persons of weakly health,
and the expense great, in proportion to the number visited ; but when
the value of souls is placed in the other scale, all these considerations
are outbalanced. A Friend desirous of holding public meetings in
Wales would find much openness, and, in most places, English is
sufficiently understood for the people to be able to derive benefit
from religious communication.
E-VESHAM. — I was accompanied to this place by niy son and
daughter, Thomas and Eachael Pumphrey. WhUst in Wales, the
propriety of haring a pubUc meeting here came weightily before
me. It was arranged for, and about one hundred and fifty persons
assembled. The engagement pressed heavUy upon me, but through
the merciful extension of Divine help it proved a precious opportu
nity. The tenor of my testimony was the sufficiency and universaUty
of the gift of Dirine grace, and the necessity of regeneration.
The Apostle Paul says, " The love of Christ constraineth us ;

MT. 5 3. J JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 213
because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead."
" In Adam aU die." Our Lord taught the doctrine of regeneration
to Nicodemus, and thereby to all succeeding generations. On another
occasion, when some told Him of those whose blood Pilate had
mingled -vrith their sacrifices. His answer was, " Suppose ye that
these GaUleans were sinners above aU the GalUeans, because they
suffered such things ? I teU you, Nay ; but, except ye repent, ye
shall aU like-wise perish;" and He repeats the admonition, making
it more impressive. The Up of truth. He who cannot lie, taught
the absolute need of repentance for all. " The grace of God, that
bringeth salvation, hath appeared to aU men, teaching us that deny
ing ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly in this present world." " The heavens" also " declare the
glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handywork," even to
the most distant nations, amongst whom He has not left Himself
vrithout a vritness, but giveth them rain from heaven, and fruitful
seasons, fiUing their hearts vrith food and gladness. There is strong
reason to beheve that amongst those nations which are, generaUy
speaking, enveloped in gross darkness, there are some who do hear
the voice of God speaking to them through His wonderful works,
and who feel the conrictions of His grace and good Spirit in their
own hearts for sin and for uncleanness, and that some of these,
obeying the light vrith which they are at times favoured, will be
redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and vritness some degree of the
sanctifying infiuences of the Holy Spirit. We may remember that
it is declared that in the general assembly of the church triumphant,
there vriU be some from all nations, and kindreds, and people, and
tongues, amongst the spirits of the just made perfect, celebrating the
praise of Him who hath loved them, and hath washed them from
their sins in His own blood.
But how wUl such as these rise up in condemnation of those who
have been favoured vrith so many Gospel privileges, if they "neglect
so great salvation !" In this land of Gospel light and liberty, we
are blessed with the precious records of Dirine revelation, through
the medium of the Scriptures of truth. We are likewise often fa
voured vrith powerful calls from the Lord's messengers and ministers,

214 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
whom He has raised up and preserved amongst Christians of all
denominations. The light of the Gospel of Christ Jesus is also
reflected upon us through the pious and savoury lives of exemplary
Christians, who Uve under the influence of the Lord's Holy Spirit.
And above all these, we have the inward testimony of that grace
which bringeth salvation, and the powerful conrictions of the Holy
Spirit, to awaken us to a life of piety and of dedication to the Lord's
serrice. Each of these is a talent for the right improvement of
which we shaU assuredly have to be accountable, and if left unim
proved, the warning which Christ gave to Chorazin and Bethsaida
may come to be appUed to us. I was also engaged in supplication,
and the meeting closed under a precious sense of Dirine mercy and
compassion. Bugbrook. — I had to speak of our Lord's observations relative to
John the Baptist. John had borne testimony to Jesus, as the Lamb
of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, and as He who should
baptize with the Holy Ghost ; yet, when John was brought into
affliction and cast into prison, it appears from the account as though
a dark cloud of uncertainty had come over his mind, although, when
endued with power from on high, he had been one of the greatest of
prophets, and one of the most successful of the Lord's messengers.
In this state of doubt and uncertainty, he sent two of his disciples to
our Lord, with a message of inquiry — "Art thou he that should
come, or do we look for another ?" Here is a striking exemplifica
tion of what the most dignified of the Lord's ministers may become,
in seasons of desertion and temptation. Our Lord did not give a
direct answer to the inquiry, but appealed to His works, " Go and
shew John again those things which ye do hear and see : the blind
receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and
the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel
preached to them ; and blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended
in me." Thus, when any poor minds, in seasons of oppression and
desertion, are tempted to call in question the soundness of their past
experience, and to doubt the reality of what the Lord hath wrought
for or by them, it may be weU, at such a time, to call to mind what
hath been the effect of His operations. They may then be able to

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 215
discover that something has been effected equivalent to the opening
of the blind eye, and the unstopping of the deaf ear, and even the
" dead in trespasses and sins" being raised to Ufe, and made " quick
of understanding in the fear of the Lord." Thus may their faith
and confidence be renewed in the sufficiency of redeeming lov6 and
mercy, as they are careful to abide in humility and patience.
Northampton. — I was led to remark that the benefit which Friends
derive from ministers travelhng about in the way we are doing, does
not altogether depend upon that which such may have to communi
cate. When they are caUed together to meet a minister, then- minds
are hkely to be afresh stirred up to religious reflection and self-exa
mination ; at least, I know it has often been so with myself. We
are thus led to remember the Lord's past dealings with our souls,
and to examine how far we have been abiding in His holy covenant.
Darid said, " I wUl come into thy house vrith burnt offerings ; I wiU
pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my voice hath
spoken, when I was in trouble." It is a profltable engagement to
examine how far we are concerned to keep those holy resolutions into
which we were induced to enter, in the day of the Lord's gracious
risitations to our soiUs, whether these risitations were in the way of
poignant conrictions for sin, or of humbling, heart-tendering risita
tions of His love. Our Lord said to His disciples, when He was
sending them forth, " He that receiveth you, receiveth me, and he
that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." Thus, those who
are the most earnest and sincerely desirous of being instructed by
the Lord's ministers are already under His own teaching, and the
more dUigently they listen to His voice, the more they wUl be taught
to profit.
Wellingborough is one of the largest meetings in this county of
Northampton. I dwelt on the nature of that preparation of heart
which is needful, in order that we may acceptably worship the AU-
seeing God ; and I sought to explain that beautiful passage in the
book of Isaiah — "He that walketh righteously, and speaketh up
rightly ; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his
hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of
blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing eril ; he shaU dwell on high.

216 journey with daniel oliveb. [1827.
his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks, bread shall be
given him, his waters shaU be sure."
FiNEDON. — Here also notice was given for a pubUc meeting, and
about three hundred assembled. It proved a quiet, solid meeting.
D. 0. was first engaged, in a clear, lively, and pertinent testimony;
after which, my way opened, and, through mercy, mouth and wisdom,
tongue and utterance, were plentifuUy vouchsafed. We read that on
one occasion, when an innumerable multitude of people assembled to
hear oui- Lord's discourses, and to vritness His miracles. He com
menced His address with this caution, " Beware ye of the leaven of
the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that
shall not be revealed ; neither hid, that shall not be known." There
is reason to fear that many are chargeable with hypocrisy ; iadeed,
aU who make profession of religion, vrithout being seriously concerned
to walk agreeably to the Divine vriU concerning them, are so charge
able, in a greater or less degree.
Ampthill. — I was favoured vrith ability to labour in Gospel love,
especiaUy with the young people, and to warn them of-the danger of
giving way to pride or self-sufficiency, or trusting to any of their intel
lectual attainments, for we have nothing good but what we have
received. Many of our young people do indeed receive largely of the '
Lord's bounteous gifts, and have been favoured with a guarded and
reUgious education, by which they obtain a large share of infiuence
over others ; but when pride and self-conceit get up, they oppose the
Lord's work in the soul, and such as indulge in them trust in the
gift, to the dishonour of the Giver. We read that there was war in
heaven, Michael and his angels making war against the deril and
his angels. Thus pride got up in Lucifer, and he rebelled against
the King of heaven. Perhaps pride, more than some other vices,
tends to generate a spirit of rebellion against the sovereignty of God
in the soul. Therefore He is said to behold such afar off; but He
giveth of both His gifts and His graces to the humble, the lowly, and
the meek. " I thank thee, 0 Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that
thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast
revealed them unto babes." What an awful consideration it is that
any of us should be in such a situation that the mysteries of the

M,T. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. 217
kingdom must be hid from us ; and that this should even be a cause
of thankfuhiess to the blessed Eedeemer. 0 the danger such must be
in ! The great Apostie Paul attained to a very different state, by
yielding to the powerful visitation vrith which he was favoured. His
attaiaments in knowledge were very great, and when he gave way to
pride and self-sufficiency, he despised the lowly foUowers of the Lord
Jesus, and even sought to destroy them, but he was suddenly smitten,
feU to the ground, and cried, " Lord, what wouldst thou have me to
do ?" The Lord answered his humble prayer, and then in what low
estimation does he henceforth regard his former attainments. " What
things," saith he, " were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ;
yea, doubtless, and I count aU things but loss for the exceUency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered
the loss of aU things, and do count them but dung, that I may win
Christ, and be found in him, not having mine ovm righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the
righteousness which is of God by faith." What a wonderful change
was this ! the high, proud, wrathful persecutor, changed into a lowly,
self-denying disciple of the Lord Jesus, walking by faith.
HiTCHiN. — My mind was led into sympathy vrith some who, I
apprehended, were under the Lord's preparing hand for usefulness in
the church. These have to pass through many proving seasons, and
many deep baptisms, before they are thoroughly fit for the varied
serrices which they may be caUed to perform. They are comparable
to clay in the hands of the potter, and unless the clay is well cleansed
from all unyielding substances, it will not have that equality and
pliabiUty, so essential to the formation of a comely and useful vessel,
and so it vrill be in danger of being marred. Thus must we be
brought into a state of entire resignation, in order that the Lord's
wUl, and that alone, may be done. The actirity of the creaturely
wUl often greatly mars the Lord's work ; but it is hard to fiesh and
blood thus to be led, at times, by a way which we know not, and into
paths that we have not seen — to walk by faith.
Hertford. — There was a funeral here, which drew Friends to
the meeting from some other places, so that the gathering was large.
"Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the

218 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
Scribes and Pharisees, ye shaU in no case enter into the kingdom of
heaven." These were zealous in the observance of some of the
smaller and less important requirements of the law, and neglected
the weightier matters, not being influenced by the love of God, but
rather seeking the praise of men-. There is great reason to fear that
many amongst us are indulging a simUar spirit, being zealous in
matters of outward order and conformity, but dweUing too much on
the surface, and not being duly concerned to lay up treasure in hea
ven, but evincing, by their conduct and daily conversation, that their
hearts are not there. In the afternoon, a considerable number of the
townspeople attended the meeting, at my request, whom. I addressed
in the way of ministry, reriring the promise of our Lord that where
two or three are gathered together in His name, there vrill He be in
the midst of them, and I thought something of this precious, solem
nizing presence was to be felt amongst us at this time. I also
engaged in prayer, especiaUy for the rising generation.
HoDDESDON. — The exclamation of David was rerived here, " When
I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the
stars, which thou hast ordained ; what is man, that thou art mindful
of him ? and the son of man, that thou risitest him ? For thou hast
made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with
glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the
works of thy hands ; thou hast put all things under his feet."
Although our gracious Creator has been pleased to constitute His
creature man lord over the lower creation, it is erident that man
must jduly reverence the Divine sovereignty, otherwise, the true
harmony between God and His works would be destroyed. Man, by
his delegated position, ought to be excited to gratitude, and to bless
the Lord for all His benefits, and be often engaged to query, " What
shall I render unto the Lord for aU his benefits toward me?" But
he, in his fallen condition, cleaves to the leprosy of sin. I then
introduced the account of Naaman the Syrian; how haughty! and yet
afterwards how humbled ! and when brought down to this state, how
gently was he dealt -with, when he stated to the prophet some of his
temptations and besetments, arising out of his station near the idola
trous king ! The gracious forbearance of God was evinced by the

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 219
answer, "Go in peace ;" go in peace in this thy humbled, self-abased
state of mind. Our Lord told His disciples that He had many things
to say to them, but they could not bear them then. He does not at
once reveal to the awakened mind aU the great things of His holy
law, but as a gentle Shepherd, he carries the lambs in His bosom,
and gently leads onward, step by step, as they are able to bear it,
those in whose hearts are found sincere desires after the knowledge
of His holy vriU.
Albans. — My subject was the benefit of afflictions, and I was led
to remark how wonderfuUy, in some instances, that saying of the
Apostle is verified — " AU things work together for good to them that
love God." How remarkably was this exemphfied in the life of
Joseph ! He appears to have been a pious youth, and was favoured
-with some intimations of his future exaltation. He was grieved to
see the eril conduct of some of his brethren, and carried the report
to his father. This excited their hatred, as his dreams had preriously
called forth thefr envy ; and even at a time when he was performing
an office of love and kindness toward them, they plotted his destruc
tion. But their plans were over-ruled by a Hand which they could
not control, and they had ultimately to confess their faults with
shame and bitter remorse. What must have been Joseph's feelings
when left in the pit, or when sold as a slave to the Ishmaelites ?
How must his faith have been tried, as to the truth of those impres
sions regarding his future advancement, which had been left upon
his mind ! but, through aU, he appears to have loved and feared God,
who made aU work together for Joseph's benefit and His ovm glory.
We find that in his soUtude, when far separated from his father's
house, and from his kindred, and the land of his natirity, Joseph was
made a blessing unto others, and eventually to surrounding nations,
but in an especial manner to his own kindred. Here is great encou
ragement to the exercise of patience and resignation under affliction,
and to trust in the providence of God.
Charleywood meeting is not now open, but we had a precious
meeting at Eickmansworth, vrith those who usuaUy assemble, only
one being a member. It appeared to me that the pure life flowed
very freely through some minds, during our time of sUence. I revived

220 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
that simple, clear description of the Gospel message given by John,
" This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare
unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all  If we
walk in the light, as he is in the hght, we have feUowship one vrith
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from
all sin." Thus it foUows that whatever darkness may becloud any
of our minds, it wiU generally (though not always) be of ourselves,
arising from the struggles of the sinful, corrupt nature striring for the
ascendancy. In God is no darkness at all. When we are rightiy
humbled, and wait patiently, yet with fervency of spirit, upon Him,
yielding ready obedience to whatever is manifested to be our duty,
the light wiU arise and dispel the darkness. Walking in the Ught
produces true Christian feUowship, and though the community of
beUevers is dirided into many famUies or denominations, yet when
they walk in the light, there will be a good degree of true unity, and
they -will meet before the throne in something of the nature of Gospel
feUowship. They wiU be children of one Father, and be led to con
fess one and the same Eedeemer, and vriU feel that it is the blood
of Jesus Christ which cleanseth from aU sin. Thus the hunger wiU
be felt after the Uring bread, where-with Christ sustains the true
members of his body. The Apostle thus admonished the believers —
" As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye
may grow thereby." How does the infant, the new-born babe, desire
the milk ? It is vrith eagerness, with an almost incessant desire ;
and the further we advance in the spiritual Ufe, the more do we
resemble this state — we hunger and thirst after inward refreshment
to our souls. And what is it thatwe desire? It is "the sincere
milk of the word ;" a true discovery of the Lord's mind and vrill, and
of our own real condition. The deceitfuhaess of the corrupt heart
ceases to have so much influence over us ; we desire that which is
true, that which is sincere in its love of God, that in which there is
no deception, no delusion. We desire that the Uving Word may
speak in us, and thus we know a growth in grace, and in the saving
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In corroboration of this doc
trine, I related what I heard a dear Friend, long since deceased, say
a few days before her death. She compared herself to a little child.

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 221
which requires very frequent supplies of food. She therefore sought
it frequently, and vrith earnestness ; and how well it was for her that
she was thus dUigentiy engaged to promote the growth of the best
Ufe, for in a short time after I heard her use these expressions, she
was numbered vrith the dead. She was suddenly caUed to quit the
tenement of clay, but was not taken until she had opportunity to pour
forth the pious effusions of her purified spirit in prayer, for herseU",
her immediate connexions, and for the church at large. She died
after two hours' iUness, having shortiy before been engaged in pubhc
testimony in meeting.
We proceeded direct to London, where we arrived on the 16th of
5th month, 1827, having been absent from home sixty days, had
meetings at sixty-nine places, and travelled about thirteen hundred
and sixty-four miles.
In travelUng along the road the last day or two, and considering
the manner in which we have been helped along from place to place,
and from day to day, the query put by our dear Lord to His disciples,
when they returned from the mission on which they had been sent, has
again and again presented itself to my mind: "When I sent you vrith
out purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything ? they answered.
Nothing." We have often been in a state of strippedness and empti
ness, and yet, I beUeve quaUfication for serrice has been graciously
vouchsafed, not as natural incUnation would desfre, but often in the
line of deep humUiation and cross-bearing ; yet even thus, we trust
that at times, the Lord's suffering, afflicted chUdren, have been risited
with Uvely sympathy, and the Lord's glory promoted. There have
been times when the Gospel of the grace of God has been preached
with power, and in the demonstration of His Spirit. How wonderful
have the dealings of my God been -with me ! At home I am scarcely
known to many of my dear Friends, in the ministerial character, and
yet now, through adorable mercy and loring-kindness, I have been
strengthened to risit aU the meetings of our Society in Great Britain
and Ireland, vrith very few exceptions, and several counties tvrice
over. I trust it has been the Lord's doing, and my earnest desire
and prayer is, that His own works may praise Him, in whose sight
no flesh must glory.

222 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
After this, G. R. attended the yearly meeting in London, and
then visited various meetings in the Midland Cownties, of which
Uttle or no record is left.
Lumbroyd is a small meeting ; in it we each had some service.
We often have need of both faith and patience, yet the Lord is good.
Newton. — Here is a school, in which there are some Friends'
chUdren. I sat the fore part of the meeting in a low state; but
waiting in patience, my way opened to labour for the instruction of
the dear boys, in what appeared to me rather a remarkable manner.
Great is the benefit of patient, sUent waiting upon God, even when
the mind may be affected with discouraging sensations. How often,
through mercy, are we permitted, at such times, to feel the prophetic
declaration verified, " They that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength." I had also to attempt to explain how, though the
work of salvation is wholly of God, yet He requfres us to co-operate
vrith the measure of grace afforded. Good desfres, good inclinations,
are all excited in ns by Dirine grace, yet they must be cherished and
yielded to, both in their general scope and tendency, and also in
their more circumstantial requirements. This was elucidated by the
case of the bUnd man, whose eyes our Lord opened. On seeing him,
the disciples queried, " Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents,
that he was born blind ?" Our Lord repUed, " Neither hath this
man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be
made manifest in him," This teaches us the entire sovereignty of
God, in ordering and controlling the allotment of men, which consi
deration ought to humble those who have many good gifts, talents,
and pririleges bestowed upon them. Our Lord spat on the ground,
and made clay vrith the spittle, and therevrith anointed the blind
man's eyes, commanding him to go and wash in the pool of SUoam.
Now we find that his eyes were opened by the exertion of a miracu
lous power, yet not vrithout his own obedience and co-operation. If
he had not been in the way ; if he had rejected the simple applica
tion ; if he had suffered his natura,l feeUngs to revolt against the clay
made with spittie ; if he had disobeyed the command to wash in the
pool of Siloam ; in any of these cases, he might have deprived him
self of the benefit. The case of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch

MT. 53.] journey with DANIEL OLIVER. 223
was also brought instructively before me. The eunuch had but a
smaU degree of Ught, yet he was careful to improve by that with
which he was favoured. He went up to Jerusalem, that city which
the Lord had chosen, in a pecuUar manner, to place His name in.
He went from Ethiopia, a long distance, nor did his rank, high in the
queen's serrice, prevent him. His object was to worship God in His
chosen temple, by which was verified the prophetic language, " Mine
house shall be called an house of prayer for all people" — not for the
Jews only. He was sitting in his chariot, reading in the Holy Scrip
tures, or those parts to which he had found access. By aU this it is
erident that he was dUigent in the use of means, and in seeking to
benefit by those talents or pririleges with which he had been entrusted,
and the Lord was about to add to his talents, and to enlarge his
knowledge of Divine things. But, in order to this, PhUip must have
his faith and his obedience tried. The word of the Lord came to
him and said, " Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that
goeth dovm from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert." And he
arose and went in the obedience of faith, not querying what he had
to do when he got there : he knew the Lord's voice, and yielded to
the gentie intimation. When arrived at the spot, the command was
then given, " Go near, and join thyself to this chariot." He obeyed,
and found the pious eunuch reading the prophet Isaiah, and in the
place of aU others best calculated to prepare his mind to believe in
the mission of the blessed Messiah. " He was led as a sheep to the
slaughter ; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he
not his mouth : in his humUiation his judgment was taken away : and
who shaU declare his generation ? for his life is taken from the earth."
PhUip asked him, " Understandest thou what thou readest ?" He
humbly repUed, "How can I, except some man should guide me?"
0 precious state ! diUgent in the use of means, yet sensible of our
¦utter insufficiency to improve thereby vrithout the Divine blessing.
PhUip now explained to him the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ, and
the Gospel of salvation through Him. It is instructive to notice
what a variety of circumstances there were in the case before us
necessary to be minutely attended to ; how implicitly were the secret
intimations and influences of the Lord's Spirit to be yielded to and

224 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1827.
obeyed, that thus the Lord's gracious designs might be accomplished!
How do these facts teach us the wisdom of waiting dihgently upon
God, and carefuUy yielding to the most secret and gentle intimations
of His wUl !
Settle. — In the forenoon, D. 0. had the whole of the ministerial
serrice, and was enabled to perform it very acceptably ; but in the
afternoon I was permitted to obtain some reUef to my deeply-exer
cised mind, by expression, chiefly addressed to a halting, unsub-
mitting, yet tenderly-risited state, in those who, it may be, are led as
Ephraim of old, to bemoan, their condition, entangled and oppressed
for want of submission to that Arm of power which alone can deliver.
CouNTEESiDE. — I explained how some advance in the paths of true
reUgion tends to humble and abase, by its being attended with an
increase of light, and a more lively abhorenee of sin, and a clearer
and a more awful view of the Divine holiness. It was thus with Job.
Although the Lord spoke of him as a perfect and upright man, fearing
God and eschevring evil, how deeply was he proved and humbled,
and led to see his own great unworthiness, as contrasted vrith the
hoUness and glorious majesty of God ! He exclaims, " Behold, I
am rile ; what shaU I answer thee ? I wUl lay mine hand upon my
mouth ; once have I spoken ; but I wUl not answer, yea, tvrice, but
I wiU proceed no further." " I have heard of thee by the hearing of
the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee ; wherefore I abhor myself, and
repent in dust and ashes." If in riew of the Dirine purity, the
righteous feel thus abased, even the Lord's dedicated servants, we
may weU conclude that a time wiU come when the sinners in Zion
shaU be afraid : fearfulness shall surprise the hypocrites. But some
times, very deep baptisms and conflicts are aUotted to those whom
the Lord's preparing hand is fitting for future usefulness. These
must be baptized into covenant vrith their spiritual Leader, as were
the Israehtes to Moses, " in the cloud and in the sea ;" yea, into the
sea of troubles and conflicts, in which they may have to go dovm as
to the bottom of Jordan, and to bring up their stones of memorial
from thence. They may even have to vritness some cloudy and dark.
dispensations, when the light of the , Lord's countenance may, for a
season, be veiled from them, yea, the hope of Israel, the Sariour

MT. 53.] JOUENEY -WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 225
thereof in time of trouble, may hide himself from their view ; yet He
is not the less near to watch over them, though the cloud may inter
vene. They may safely trust Him in all His dispensations ; and when
most afflicted vrith the view of their o-wn vUeness, they may cry, with
Darid, " Have mercy upon me, 0 God, according to thy loving-kind
ness : according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out
my transgressions ;" so shall they have in due time to bless the
Lord, who forgiveth all thefr iniquities, who healeth aU their diseases,
who redeemeth their Ufe from destruction, and who crowneth them
with loving-kindness and tender mercies.
Bainbridge. — The nionthly meeting here was weU attended, and
several of the neighbours came in, so that it was a very mixed com
pany, and perhaps this occasioned our serrice to be more difficult to
perform ; yet I trust we were both helped to exercise the gift usefuUy
and acceptably. I had to explain that saying of our Lord, " Suppose
ye that I am come to give peace on eai'th ? I teU you, Nay, but rather
division. I am come to send fire on the earth, and what vrill I, if
it be already kindled ?" It cannot be supposed that our Lord meant
to intimate that those who embraced the doctrines of the Gospel
would consequently become more quarrelsome, but His meaning was,
that they who should lead a godly hfe in Him, must have persecution
to endure ; he who is of the first and carnal nature wiU be at enmity
vrith, and wUl persecute him that is bom of the Spirit. In the pre
sent mixed state of society, it is not to be wondered at if some of the
Lord's risited chUdren should feel themselves required to tread a
more narrow path than many of those amongst whom thefr lot may
be cast ; but let them be faithful, if even, like Gideon of old, they
may be caUed, as in the night season, to effect the destruction of
some of the idols of their father's house ; or it may be, Uke faithful
Abraham, they may be requfred to leave thefr country, their kindred,
and thefr -father's house, and to foUow thefr Heavenly Leader in all
His requirings, yielding simple obedience, in true and Uving faith.
", Come out of" Babylon, "my people, that ye be not partakers of
her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
Eeeth. — " Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee
to kick against the pricks." It is a mercy when these convictions
R

226 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1827.
for sin, these pricks, are felt ; it is a proof that we are not yet quite
forsaken or given up ; yet, unless these strivings of the Lord's Spirit
are yielded to, they may be of little avail, and only increase the weight
of our final condemnation. " Thine own wickedness shall correct
thee, and thy backsUdings shall reprove thee." The natural and
unavoidable consequences of sin often tend to fill the sinner vrith
shame, remorse, and conriction. This is a great mercy, and, if
yielded to, wiU work for good, but if hardness of heart and impeni
tence be continued in, aU wUl be of no avaU, except to increase the
load of guilt.
BoRROWBY. — "Except ye be converted, and become as little chU
dren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." This implies
a great change ; and those in whom the Lord's power so operates as
to produce it wiU soon feel themselves as little chUdren ; they wiU
be little in their own eyes, and smaU in their ovm esteem ; they wiU
feel their daily need of Divine care and assistance, for they cannot
walk uprightly or safely unless they are led by His hand. They will
also feel a strong desire for frequent supplies of spiritual food adapted
to the nourishment of the new nature ; they wiU hunger and thirst
after the bread and water of Ufe, after the, sincere milk of the word.
The earnest desfres unto God of those who are thus made sensible
of their wants were graciously encouraged by our dear Lord, when
personaUy on earth. His conduct toward the bUnd man, who sat by
the way-side beggiug, and cried out, " Jesus, thou Son of Darid, have
mercy on me," was an instance of it. Those around would have put
him by, blaming his importunity, but our Lord commanded him to
be caUed, and spoke encouragingly to him, inqufring what should be
done for him. " Lord, that I might receive my sight," was the reply.
It was an important request, but he had faith in the presence of
Dirine power, and it was granted. The parable of the unjust judge
was of similar tendency ; also, our Lord's allusion to the conduct of
earthly parents, in granting the requests of their children ; by all
which it is erident that earnestness of spirit, and fervency of desire,
in making our wants known unto God, are highly acceptable in the
Divine sight, and tend to draw down the Lord's gifts and blessings
upon us. How encouraging is it to the awakened soul, to the hungry.

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 227
thirsty, tried, and often afflicted pilgrim, that the Lord Jesus Christ,
the King Immortal, remains to be to His true disciples such a hiding
place from the wind, such a covert from the tempest, yea, as rivers
of waters in a dry place, and as the shadow of a great rock in a weary
land. BiLSDALE. — I sat in a watchful, stripped state, tiU, just as D. 0.
was sitting down, my mind became suddenly and remarkably Ulumi-
nated and prepared for service. I had to admire the wonderful and
mysterious operation of the power of Him whose way, at times, is in
the sea, and whose footsteps are not known. I revived the inritation
in the parable, " My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and aU things
are ready ; come unto the marriage." By this, our Lord points
out the spfritual feast of fat things, which is offered for our sus
tenance and refreshment. How great is the condescension of Him
who is King of kings, and Lord of lords ; of Him who made heaven
and earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters, and who upholdeth
all things by the word of His power, that He should so condescend
to care for His fi-ail, erring creature, man. AU the animate and
inanimate creation are subserrient to His wUl ; whilst man, being
endued with reasoning powers and free agency, dares to be disobe
dient. WeU might the Psalmist exclaim, "When I consider thy
heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou
hast ordained ; what is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the
son of man, that thou risitest him?" This subject was enlarged
upon, and the way of Ufe and salvation pointed out, whereby (having
experienced the work of regeneration) we may so feed on the mUk of
the word — on angels' food, the bread and water of life, as to know a
spiritual growth from the stature of babes in Christ, to that of young
men, strong men, and elders, yea, to that of fathers in Christ Jesus,
untU we are graciously permitted to join the general assembly and
church of the first-bom, which are written in heaven.
Hutton. — Guisborough Monthly Meeting. — D. 0. had pointed
out how some had erred by making haste to be rich, and so had
pierced themselves through vrith many sorrows. I endeavoured to
show how not only this error, but many other evils might be avoided,
did we duly consider that we are not our own, but are bought with a

228 journey with daniel Oliver. [1827.
price, that henceforth we should not live the rest of our time in the
flesh to the lusts of men, but to the vrill of God. In order to arrive
at this blessed attainment, we should obey the injunction of our gra
cious Lord, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteous
ness," relying humbly and trustfully on the promise, "all these
things shaU be added unto you." Let the Lord's power reign, His
Spirit rule and guide, then shaU we become more and more spiri-
tuaUy-minded ; we shaU mind temporal things less, and spiritual
things more ; we shaU delight to read the Holy Scriptures, and to
meditate in the law of the Lord. The Scriptures are a precious
talent committed to our trust for our improvement ; they are one
important means through which the wiU of God is made knovm to
men. We should read seriously and reverently, and meditate therein,
and seek unto Him who hath the key of Darid, (who opens and no
man can shut, and shutteth, and no man can open,) to unfold to us
the true meaning of what we read. In the days of our Lord's per
sonal appearance upon earth. He uttered many things in parables,
and the disciples besought Him, when in private, to explain His
sayings to them, sometimes even when the meaning did not seem to
be very obscure, and doubtless, by so doing, they attained to the
true understanding of them much more clearly than if they had solely
relied on their own natural powers. It is declared by an Apostle, that
that which may be known of God is made manifest in men. The
knowledge of the Divine wiU is frequently communicated by instru-,
mental means, as by the Holy Scriptures, or the ministry of rightly
qualified messengers ; but still the truths which they proclaim are to
be made manifest, expounded, applied, and truly revealed, in relation
to our individual condition, and this is all to be known within. The
more diligent therefore we are in the use of the means of instruction
placed within our reach, while seeking the aid of the Lord's Holy
Spirit, and watching unto prayer, the more we are Ukely to grow in
the knowledge of Dirine things. Thus wUl our delight be in the law
of the Lord, and we shall not only be led often to meditate therein,
but our conversation will be more on heavenly, and less on earthly
subjects. Were this more generally the case in our Society, there is
no reason to doubt but that spiritual gifts would be much more

MT. 53.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 229
plentifully dispensed, and many more testimony-bearers would be
raised up, who would fulfil the prophetic language, " They shall teach
Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law : they shall put incense
before thee, and whole bumt sacrifice upon thine altar." More
would be made wilUng to offer up all they have, and aU they are, to
the Lord's service ; to run to and fro, and cause knowledge to be
increased. They who are thus made vrise -vrith that wisdom which
cometh from above will finaUy shine forth as the sun in the kingdom
of their Father, and " they that turn many to righteousness, as the
stars for ever and ever." Our Lord's manifestation in the fiesh was
not to destroy, but to fulfil the law and the prophets. The Gospel
means of instruction are added to all that preceded, and we have now
many more talents to improve by than the ancients had; and for these
privUeges we shaU be accountable. Our redemption is not effected
by corruptible things, as sUver and gold, but by "the precious blood
of Christ; as of a lamb vrithout blemish and without spot." We
therefore are not our o-wn, but are bought -vrith a price, a most pre
cious price, that we should not Uve the rest of our time in the flesh
to the lusts of men, but to the vrill of God.
HuBY. — My burden was to stimulate Friends to greater earnest
ness in their search after experimental religion. We are told to
" strive to enter in at the strait gate," which implies, that we have
much to strive against. The pearl of great price was to be obtained
by parting vrith every other possession. God must have no rival in
our affections. The Apostle said, "I die daUy." Death is an awful
conflict.: what then does this expression denote but being buried with
Christ by baptism unto death, the entire surrender unto God ? It
must be a deep and earnest struggle, a warfare, a continual striring.
How then can the careless, the lukewarm, and indifferent, hope to
succeed ?
York Quaeteely Meeting. — After various Friends had spoken-,
I rose, rather late, in the flrst sitting. My concern chiefly related to
the right and vigUant exercise of those gifts and that influence which we
possess, for the good of others, as said our blessed Lord, " Who then
is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over
his household, to give them meat m due season? blessed is that

230 joueney with daniel oliver. [1827.
servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." This
may be appUed to ministers, elders, and overseers in the church, and
also to parents and heads of famiUes — to all who are favoured vrith
influence over others. These are aU rulers in their several degrees,
not to oppress or afflict, (though it may be, at times, to correct or
chastise,) but they are to feed and instruct, as they are enabled — to
give to those under their care their portion of meat in due season.
They must be faithful, men of uprightness, and integrity ; and they
must be vrise, well instructed in the knowledge of the Diviae wiU.
The danger of unwatchfulness was also enforced, of the heart being
overcharged with surfeiting, or with drunkenness, or with the cares
of this life. The worldly-minded may be overtaken unawares by the
day of solemn inquisition ; but the faithful and wise, the diligent and
watchful, the Lord will comfort and accept ; yea. He vrill cause them
to sit down to spiritual feasts, and with wonderful condescension He
will Himself come forth and serve them.
In the meeting for worship on flfth-day, D. 0. was favoured vrith
considerable Uberty in prayer, in which he remembered, before the
throne of grace, those Friends now labouring in America, and also
those about to proceed to the continent of Europe.
On fourth-day evening, we had a sweet, instructive opportunity vrith
a Friend, who has long been confined to bed by indisposition. Each
of my companions had a little to offer ; my mite was thrown in by
way of conversation. A state of confiict and sense of desertion hav
ing been spoken to, she said that she had to experience both heights
and depths indescribable, but that in her greatest extremities she
had been supported, and could say, that not one conffict too many
had been dispensed, and that in her greatest heights she had been
enabled- to give all the glory to Him to whom alone it is due.
CoTHEESTONE. — I addressed those especiaUy who are in advanced
life. The Psalmist prayed, " So teach us to number our days, that
we may apply our hearts unto vrisdom." " Lord, make me to know
mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know
how frail I am." These considerations are calculated to produce
watchfulness and holy fear as they are abode under, whereby preserva
tion may be experienced, and our dwelling will be near the Fountain of

MT. 63.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. 231
liring waters, with which our souls will be at times sweetly refreshed.
Thus we shaU not be taken unawares when the midnight cry may go
forth, " Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him f
but we may humbly hope that our lamps will be trimmed, and our
Ughts burning, and that we shaU be found like men waiting for the
coming of their Lord.
Bishop Auckland. — There were Friends present from five parti
cular meetings. We both labom-ed. I had comfort in the conscious
ness of haring endeavoured to discharge my duty faithfuUy, according
to the measure of abUity afforded.
Staindeop. — Here we believed it right to appoint a pubUc meeting,
whieh was largely attended, the house being fiUed, and many stand
ing. D. 0. spoke first, and had good serrice ; so much so, that I
was ready to doubt whether I might not be easy without any addition
by way of testimony, but, finding I should not be clear, I yielded to
the service. When our predecessors were sent forth to proclaim that
doctrine which may be considered as the primary and characteristic
testimony that we, as a Society, have been called to bear before the
world, riz., that of the inshining of the Ught of Christ, or the inward
guidance and influence of the Spfrit of God, they were much opposed,
and their doctrine was by many rejected and despised ; but now there
is reason to beUeve that this doctrine is gaining ground, and is pretty
generally acknowledged by the truly religious of the various denomi
nations. The Apostle declares that " God, who commanded the Ught
to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." I
am firmly persuaded of the truth of the Apostle's declaration, that
the grace or Spirit of God hath been, in measure, universaUy bestowed
upon mankind, but probably varying in degi-ee, as much as the first
dawning of the moming light differs from the glory and brightness of
the meridian sun : yet the least degree of this light, if yielded to, is
of saving virtue. When evU is manifested, or made to appear, as such,
to the mind of the sinner, and the intimation is obeyed because it is
the wUl of God that we should cease from sin, this act of obedience
affords a degree of peace and comfort to the mind. When another
reproof of instruction is felt, another intimation of the Dirine will

232 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1827.
given, and the mind humbly bows thereto in the feeling of that power
which generaUy accompanies light, peace vrill again be experienced,
and strength to obey, as weU as Ught to discern the evil from the
good, -will increase. And, as obedience is thus daUy yielded, the
light wUl manifest deeds, words, and thoughts to be wrong and con
trary to the Divine will, which were not before apprehended to be so;
and thus it is that Ught increases. I apprehend that there is no
untutored Indian, or other heathen, but who, at some season of his
life, has been thus visited by that gift or grace of God which is, in
Scripture, declared to have appeared unto aU men ; for " as in Adam
all die, even so in Christ shaU aU be made aUve." The benefits of
Christ's deatb are as universally offered for man's acceptance as the
depravity of our nature extends through Adam's transgression ; and
let it be remembered that this grace brings salvation, not only from
the guilt (through faith in Christ the Light, where the outward mani
festation in the fiesh is unknown), but from the power and dominion
of sin. I had also to enforce the necessity of beUering in Christ,
both as to what He did and suffered for us in that prepared body,
that we might be reconcUed to God by His death, and know our sins
washed as in the blood of the Lamb ; and also in His inward and
inrisible appearance by His grace and good Spfrit, to sanctify onr
hearts, and to clothe us with His own righteousness, that we may
appear with acceptance before the throne of His Father. Thus we
witness the fulfilment of that ancient prophecy of the New Covenant
dispensation, " I vriU put my laws into their mind, and write them in
their hearts; and I vrill be to them a God, and they shall be to me a
people  I vriU be merciful to their unrighteousness, aud their sins
and thefr iniquities wiU I remember no more."
In the review of this journey, I have felt great abasement, sensible
of much weakness and insufficiency for the important serrice in which
I have been engaged ; yet, on many occasions, the Lord has stood by
to strengthen me to advocate the honour of His great name, and to
publish the truths of the Gospel of my Lord and Sariour Jesus
Christ, for which I desfre thankfully to bless, praise, and magnify
His holy name for evermore.
We reached home on the 2nd of 7th month, having been absent

MT. 53-.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 233
nearly four months, and travelled nineteen hundred and seventy-
eight miles. In the course of this journey, as on several preceding
ones, we have distributed, from the carriage and othervrise, a large
number of religious tracts.

JOURNEY
WITH JOSEPH KNIGHT AND CALEB WILSON,
To PARTS OF Yorkshire and Essex, in 1830.

I LEFT home on the 20th of 3rd month, and proceeded, by way of
Stockton and Yarm, to attend the quarterly meeting at Leeds. My
way did not open for service in the first sitting, but towards the close
of the meeting for discipline, Ufe and power were afforded me, in a
precious degree, to make a few remarks connected with the subject
of drowsiness in meetings for worship, which went deeply to the root
of the eril, viz., the want of a sufficient degree of the love and fear
of God, and of zeal for the honour of His great name. The case
was brought forward in that meeting of a young man engaged in
shipping, with other partners, who had guns for defence introduced
without his consent. This drew from Samuel Tuke some exceUent
remarks on the need there is for all to be careful how they form
aUiances with Such as hold a lower standard of Christian duty than
themselves. This, he deemed needful, not only when we engage
with others, for the purposes of trade, who are not in profession with
us, but, in some cases, even with those who are, lest we be thus led
into a course of conduct with which the mind may become uneasy,
and eventually we be involved in perplexity, and suffer loss. The
meeting on fifth-day was large. The weight fell heavy upon me, on
behalf of the unconverted. My voice was weak, yet, through Dirine
help, it held out well ; as also in fervent supplication. I felt greatly

MT. 56.] JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH KNIGHT. 235
relieved and comforted, and had to rejoice in the God of my salvation,
who continues to be gracious to His children and people.
As it appeared that my friend Joseph Knight's prospect of religious
service and my own were similar, after much serious deliberation, it
was concluded that we should unite as companions for a short time,
until Caleb WUson, of Sunderland, could join me.
Malton. — By a letter from home, I received the information that
my beloved wife was much indisposed, as also my chief assistant in
the business. This involved me in deep soUcitude, and strong and
fervent cries ascended to the throne of grace for the help and support
of my beloved vrife, my bosom companion and feUow-helper in the
work of the Lord, both by her secret and frequently expressed sym
pathy, and by her judicious care of my family, and other concerns,
during my frequent absence from home on the Lord's serrice. I
believed it right to inform her that if, in her deliberate judgment,
she deemed my presence at home needful, I apprehended I should
be permitted peacefully to retum for a whUe.
From Malton we proceeded to Knapton and BridUngton, and thence
to Scarbro'. Here my dear companion was more engaged in ministry
than he had been previously. I had to speak of the prophecy of
Isaiah, " Behold a king shall reign in righteousness," applying it to
Christ, who becomes to those who beUeve in, and obey Him, " as
an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as
rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a
weary land." The doctrines of the Gospel flowed freely.
Castleton. — Here the chief serrice lay on Joseph Knight, who
was engaged in ministry in a Uvely manner.
I have often to admire when I refiect how my mind, at home, is
frequently crowded vrith cares of varied nature and character, many
of them having the glory of God and the good of my feUow-men for
their object; yet when my Lord and Master sees meet to lead me
forth in the ministry of the Gospel, it seems so replenished vrith
spiritual instruction from day to day, rising up in remembrance so
sweetly, that I have indeed cause to be truly thankful.
BiLSDALE. — Here I spoke particularly to those who might be
under discouragement by reason of outward difficulties. It is said,

236 JOURNEY WITH JOSEPH KNIGHT. [1830.
" The young lions roar after thefr prey, and seek their meat from
God." In various parts of the Holy Scriptures, we are iustructed, by
reference to the watchful care of Divine Providence in providing sus
tenance for the lower animals, and we are taught from thence to rely
on the goodness and care of Him whose " tender mercies are„over aU
his works." Yet He often sees meet to permit His chUdren to be
brought as into very narrow places, as was the case vrith His own
disciples and Apostles. Even after He had taught them to go for
ward in simple reUance on His care, we find He was pleased to
permit their faith to be deeply tried. One of them declares, " In all
things I am instructed, both to be fuU and to be hungry, both to
abound and to suffer need." This resignation of vriU to what is
aUotted us, and patience under affliction, constitutes an essential
difference between the Lord's chUdren and the men of this world.
The latter repine, murmur, and are often impatient and distrustful ;
the former are thankful for mercies given, and humbly hope for more,
endeavouring, when thefr fare is scanty, to endure it with patience.
Still we are taught to pray for our daUy -bread, and I am persuaded
we may often acceptably spread our temporal wants and distresses
before God. Can He who feeds the ravens and the young Uons,
and who careth for the sparrows, forget us, who are the noblest part
of His workmanship ? Nor is He less attentive to our inward and
spiritual sustenance. Let us then seek Him frequently, pouring
forth our souls to Him in secret places, and He wiU assuredly regard
our exercises, and reward us sooner or later, and that openly.
Kirby Moorside. — I seemed to have to tread in a narrow path in
the cross to my own vrill. I alluded to the eril of high-mindedness
and self-exaltation in the enjoyment of the Lord's gifts, whether of
inteUectual endowments, outward substance, or even gifts of a spi
ritual nature. The language of the Apostle was rerived — "Who
made thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou
didst not receive?" I also adverted to the eril of covetousness,
pointing out why it is represented in the Scriptures as so offensive
in the Divine sight ; because it leads us to place our affections on out
ward things, and to trust in riches, that is, to idolize them, thereby
producing alienation of heart from the living God, so that hardness

MT. 56.] journey with JOSEPH KNIGHT. 237
and darkness ensue. I also addressed the poor of this world, and
those whose lot it is to labour for their daily bread, pointing out how
the trials and difficulties of every condition may be sanctified to us,
if we are but preserved in faith, humUity and patience. This is one
of the means by which the Lord would wean our affections from
things below, and fix them on things above ; and this is His design
when He blasts the favourite projects of those who seek to add house
to house, and field to field, even to wean their affections back to
Himself. How instructive is the language of the Apostle, "If ye
then be risen with Christ," if ye have known the quickening influence
of Divine power, " seek those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God." How important -wiU this state be
in the day when aU things here below shaU vanish away, when even
" the heavens shaU pass away with a great noise, and the elements
shall melt with fervent heat;" yea, even, when we "shall see the
Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, vrith power and great
glory." York. — Here my companion left me, so that I felt rather stripped.
I beUeve ,our being banded together thus far has been consistent vrith
Divine counsel, and has, I trust, been helpful to us both, but my
path of duty lies eastward, whilst he has serrice before him in the
west. In the afternoon meeting I was prepared, by close discipline, to
speak of the wisdom of God, in ordaining the path of self-denial and
cross-bearing as the way to the crown. The wayward wUl of man
requfres this discipUne to fit and prepare him for the enjoyment of
the inheritance undefiled. Our manner of sitting in sUence is no
inconsiderable part of this cross-bearing to many, and, I do beheve,
has a very salutary tendency in subduing the natural -wiU.
When the glorious Gospel dispensation was about to be ushered
into the world, it was indeed wonderful that He, who was the Prince
of Ufe, should be found, not only in the condition of a babe, but with
a stable for His habitation, and a manger for His cradle ; and yet,
whilst in this state of humiliation, there were some who, guided by
faith, were enabled to come and worship Him, offering their gifts of
gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We also find that after the Lord

238 JOURNEY WITH CALEB WILSON. [1830.
Jesus Christ had finished His work in that prepared body. His dis
ciples, who had justly " trusted that it had been he which should
have redeemed Israel," had the mortifying scene to endure, of behold
ing their Lord and Master crowned indeed, but with thoms, and even
mocked, buffeted, spit upon, and scourged, and finally led to the cross
and nailed thereto, and enduring excruciating pain until He poured
forth His soul unto death, for our sakes, as a propitiatory sacrifice
for the sins of mankind. To this day, the Lord's thoughts are not
as our thoughts, nor His ways as our ways, for He is choosing " the
weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty,
and base things of the world, and things which are despised, yea,
and things which are not, to bring to nought things which are." And
why is it thus ? but that He may be exalted who is God over all ;
that the loftiness of man may be humbled, and the haughtiness of
man brought low, that He, the Lord, may alone be exalted. I was
much favoured in supphcation for the poor in spirit, for parents, and
heads of famUies, for the dear children and young people, and for the
Lord's messengers, whether present or absent, whether labouring in
this or in distant lands.
CoTTiNGWiTH. — I was joined by my long tried friend, Caleb Wilson,
of Sunderland. The plaintive language of Job was revived, " Oh
that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved
me, when his candle shone upon my head, and when by his light I
walked through darkness." I described some of the various causes
which tend to produce such feelings. It may be the sense of guilt
impressed upon the mind of the often visited yet disobedient sinner,
at a time when one more glimpse of his danger is afforded him, and
yet there may be Uttle probability of his more effectually yielding to
this than to any former visitation of Dirine grace. How needful for
such deeply to ponder his dangerous condition ! Or it may be the
operation of the Lord's judgments in the hearts of some of his
devoted chUdren, or the result of that " washing of regeneration, and
renevring of the Holy Ghost," which is often attended with the veil
ing of the light of God's countenance for a season, but which tends
greatiy to the purification of the soul. Those so exercised truly
"fear God, and give glory to him," when they feel that the hour of

JET. 56.] JOURNEY WITH CALEB WILSON. 239
His judgments is come, and are thereby prepared " to worship him
who made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountains of water."
Beverley, — My communication in this place had reference to
Christian perfection. It felt to be my duty closely to foUow my
Divine Leader, and I afterwards had reason to conclude that I had
not been mistaken in the course I took. The Apostle commends
some of the early believers " to him who" was " able to keep" them
"from faUing, and to present" them "faultless before the presence
ofhis glory with exceeding joy;" and again he says, "Faithful is he
that calleth you, who also wiU do it ;" and in the Psalms we read,
" Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and
in whose spirit there is no guile." Here, then, is an important step
in that ladder, the top of which reacheth to heaven, to Christian per
fection, even a guileless spfrit, an eye single to the glory of God ; or,
in other words, . a saring knowledge of the truth, which our Lord
declared makes free from sin — integrity of heart, both toward God
and man.
Hull. — I revived the ancient language of the Most High to His
people formerly, " Hearken unto me, ye that foUow after righteous
ness, ye that seek the Lord  Look unto Abraham your father,
and unto Sarah that bare you, for I caUed him alone, and blessed
him, and increased him." I set forth the exceUence of having the
law of God revealed in the heart, not merely as a reprover for sin,
but so dwelUng there as to lead us often to meditate therein with
great delight. I commended the obedience of Abraham as a noble
example to young persons setting out in life. Let such obey our
Lord's precept, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righte
ousness ;" seek to have the law of God truly in the heart, and
hearken diUgently to His voice ; then may they safely rely upon
Him for aU their needful supplies, through the riches of His mercy,
in Christ Jesus. When God is pleased to reveal His Son in us,
giring us true faith to put our trust in Him, as our All-sufficient
Leader and Director, it fiUs the soul with holy joy, and enables us
at times to praise and magnify His great name.
Cave. — My serrice was of an admonitory, stimulating kind, with

240 journey with caleb wilson. [18S0.
reference to the awful sentence inscribed on the waU against Bel
shazzar, " Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting."
How dreadful when such a message is sent ! when the door of mercy
is shut I when the vials of God's wrath are about to be poured out!
Many are purified upon a deathbed ; but some, Uke Belshazzar, do
not appear to be favoured with that pririlege.
AcKwoETH. — I rose from my seat under a sense of great weakness,
haring of myself no quahfication for the work and serrice assigned
me ; yet faith in the sufficiency of Almighty power and goodness was
given me to labour both in testimony and suppUcation ; after which,
the solemn calm which seemed to spread over the assembly was
indescribably sweet. I was enabled to declare the sufficiency and
goodness of God, even as in former ages, to fulfil the prediction of
the prophet, that in the latter days He woiUd pour out of His Spirit
upon aU flesh, upon sons and daughters, upon servants and hand
maidens, and they should prophesy. Were we but sufficiently a
dedicated people, submissive as clay under the hands of the potter,
there is the strongest reason to believe that the complaint which
now so justly arises in many places of the want of prophets, and of
fathers and mothers in the church, would not, in the same degree,
be warranted. I pleaded earnestly, on the bended knee, vrith the
great and gracious Head of the church, that He would be pleased
more abundantly to pour out of His Spirit upon our seed, and His
blessing upon our offspring; that so we may become as "the salt of
the earth," and as "lights in the world," through whom a measure
of the glorious beauty of the Sun of Eighteousness may shine forth
to the praise of God, who alone can give grace and power for the
promotion of His own glory.
PoNTEPRACT. — " Uuto US a chUd is bom, unto us a son is given."
Notwithstanding our belief in the fulfilment of this declaration, by
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, we have need to
remember the injunction, " Beware lest any man spoU you through
phUosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudi
ments of the world, and not after Christ." The present is a day
wherein scientific and literary attainments are much sought after,
and there is great need to beware lest any of us are thereby spoiled.

¦iET. 56.] JOURNEY WITH CALEB WILSON. 241
as to a true, genuine, and lively faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. I
was a little cheered by a Friend teUing me afterwards that there was
a striking suitabiUty in the matter delivered, to the present circum
stances of that meeting. ,
Chesterfield.— Dipped into sympathy vrith some under affliction,
I had to labour eamestiy for thefr encouragement. " Without faith
it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must
beUeve that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that dUigently
seek him," We must have faith in the power, vrisdom, mercy, and
goodness of God, and thus trusting in Him, we must seek Him
dUigentiy, and then we become heirs of the great and precious pro
mises. Though trials may await, though the night may be long
wherein the glory of the Sun of righteousness is hid from our riew,
though the winter may be very,cold and stormy, yet these changes
are a part of God's way of dealing vrith His chUdren, to teach them
entfre dependance upon Himself. But let them abide in His cove
nant, endeavouring to keep a firm hold of the grain of Uring faith ;
for He that is a righteous, merciful, covenant-keeping God, hath
solemnly declared that " whUe the earth remaineth, seedtime and
harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and
night shaU not cease." In His own due and appointed time the
seasons wUl change. He -wUl lead the sheep of His fold into the green
pastures of Ufe and salvation ; He vrill even take His dear, devoted,
suffering chUdren, as into His banqueting-house, where His banner
over them wiU be love, and where they may sit under His shadow
with great deUght, and feel His fruit to be sweet to thefr taste.
Woodhouse.— I was led, I trust, instructively, to enlarge on that
declaration of our Lord Jesus Christ — " He that heareth my word,
and beheveth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shaU
not come into condemnation : but is passed from death unto Ufe."
We must hear beUevingly, obediently; then the eye being kept
single to the glory of God, we are preserved in this singleness of
heart from sinning against Him, and do not come into condemna
tion, but are passed from death unto hfe; yea, even now, have a
portion of that Ufe of God in the soul, which is everlasting ; we are
passed from a death in sin, in the first and fallen nature, to a life of
s

242 journey -with Caleb -wilson. [1830.
righteousness m Him who died for us, and who ever Uveth at the
right hand of the Father, making intercession for us. It was a
precious season, and I was enabled to suppUcate, and to sing songs
of liring praise to Him who alone is worthy.
Blyth is a smaU meeting in Nottinghamshire, to which I felt a
littie attraction, and which lies nearly in our road to Gainsborough.
My testimony was a caU to love and confide in Him who suffereth
not a sparrow to fall to the ground -without His notice, and who is
said to number the very hairs of the head. When we duly consider
the works of creation, the minuteness of our Heavenly Father's care
may well be believed. Do not the plumage of a bfrd, the tints of a
flower, the fragrance of a plant, aU denote a forming, designing mind,
and a hand of incomprehensible vrisdom and skUl, and of constant
superintendence, indicative of the attributes of Deity ? Man is spoken
of as the noblest of God's works, being richly endued vrith an intel
lectual capacity. Then surely he must claim as minute and constant
a care as any of the lower works of creation. He is taught to labour
for his daUy bread, yet is whoUy dependant on proridential bounty.
He may plough and sow, yet he cannot command the sun to shine, or
bring do-wn a drop of rain from the clouds of heaven ; vrithout both
of whicb, his labour is in vain. When w;e consider the constant suc
cession of the seasons, and how wonderfuUy the creatures of God
are adapted for our use, we may weU conclude that our Heavenly
Father careth for us that we perish not. Surely, not less is His
Fatherly care for that part in us which was created for immortaUty.
WeU might the Psalmist exclaim, " 0 that men would praise the Lord
for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the chUdren of men."
Gainsboeough, — The testimony which I was caUed to bear was,
I trust, in true humUity, and attended vrith the savour of the Lord's
anointing. True reverential sUence is a right preparation for the
worship of God. Without reverence of spirit inhere can be no true
worship. When we are brought as to the Dirine footstool, waiting
for the influence of the Holy Spfrit upon the mind, the humble,
tender, contrite state is often produced, for "it is God who maketh
the heart soft, and this being a sacrifice of His own preparing. He
always accepts it graciously. In this state we are rightiy quahfied

¦^T. 56.] JOUENEY WITH CALEB WILSON. 243
to utter the language, " Our Father which art in heaven, haUowed be
thy name." We feel a holy reverence, and the Dirine name is truly
haUowed. In this tender, teachable, submissive condition, we may
sincerely pray, " Thy kingdom come," for we feel that the Lord is
our King ; we deUght to walk in His precepts, and truly desfre that
He may rule and reign, whose right it is. Those who thus feel are
measurably prepared to say, " Thy -vriU be done on earth, as it is
done in heaven." How is the Divine wUl done in heaven ? Doubt
less it is done entirely and cheerfully. How prone are we to desire
to know the boundary, the utmost limit to which we may go, in the
indulgence of our natural inclinations ! We ought rather simply to
seek to know the -vriU of God, and then it should be our delight to do
it. Such souls as are reaUy made aUve unto God, are constrained
to seek from Him thefr daUy bread — " Give us this day our daily
bread." They desfre the sincere milk of the Uving, inspeaking word,
that they may grow thereby. And although He, who is the searcher
of hearts, may see meet, at times, to appoint a fast, we must stUl
patientiy and perseveringly wait upon Him, and in His own time. He
wiU assuredly arise for our help, and make us to know the times of
refreshing to come from His presence, enabhng us to say, " I wiU
take the cup of salvation and caU upon the name of the Lord." I
had to encourage aU, particularly the young people, freely to give up
to the Lord's requirings, seeing there is no greater source of pleasure
than the joy of God's salvation.
Beigg. — The friendship of the world is said to be " enmity with
God." How a-wful the consideration, that he who would be the
friend of the world must be the enemy of God. Intimate association
vrith worldly-minded men has so contaminating an infiuence, that it
has been said, in our intercourse vrith such, we should pass along as
a man does through a field on a rainy day, that is, as quickly as we
can. If we take deUght in such society, we are in great danger of
being hurt by it. Our Lord prayed not that His foUowers should
be taken out of the world, but that they might be kept from the eril.
And how are we kept from the eril? It must be by abiding in
the fear of God, and by watching unto prayer. The fear of God
clothing the mind tends powerfully to preserve from eril. The

244 journey with caleb wilson. [1830.
disciples were warned in language Uke this — " Take heed to your
selves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged vrith surfeiting and
drunkenness, and cares of this Ufe, and so that day come upon you
unawares." "Watch ye therefore, and pray always that ye may
be accounted worthy to escape aU these things that shaU come to
pass, and to stand before the Son of man." It is said, "When
Ephraim spake trembUng he exalted himself in Israel, but when he
offended in Baal, he died." Thus the holy fear of God preserves and
truly exalts, but giring our affections to unworthy objects partakes
of the nature of idolatry, and tends to spiritual death. Some who
have to attend markets, in the way of business, are exposed to much
danger ; but no necessity of this sort vriU avail as a plea in the great
and final day of account. Our Lord warns of this when He teUs us
it is better to part vrith a right hand, or a right eye, than to tum
aside from the way of Ufe.
Beoughton. — It was much upon me to press the necessity of
seeking after true reverence of spirit, in our reUgious meetings. In
many places, they are often held in sUence, and in order that they
may be held to profit, it is absolutely needful that reverent stiUness
should be sought after. " Ye 6haU keep my sabbaths and reverence
my sanctuary," is a command of high obligation. How excellent is
the prayer of David, " Let the words of my mouth and the meditation
of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight 0 Lord, my strength and my
Eedeemer." It is highly reasonable that the Creator of the universe
should thus be honoured by the heart and affections of His rational
creature, man, who is made only a Uttie lower than the angels, and
is set over the works of His hands.
Wainfleet. — It is said in the Scriptures of truth, that " Eight
eousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
Christ was given as a light to enUghten the GentUes, as weU as the
glory of God's people, Israel. A measure of this light has shined
into the hearts of mankind, universaUy; for He is the true Ught
which enUghteneth every man that cometh into the world. This it
is which carries conriction into the mind of the sinner. Sin is a
transgression of the law of God. His vrill, in whatever way it be
made known, is His law to us, as indiriduals. Much of the wiU of

MT. 56.] JOURNEY WITH CALEB WILSON. 245
God has been left upon record by prophets and Apostles, who wrote
as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ; but He also speaks inwardly
to the soul by His Uving word. The sinner is made at times to cry
out, when he is indulging in the pleasures of sense, yet conricted of
sin by the Spirit of God, and feehng that there is no peace to the
wicked, " 0 wretched man that I am." But some who are thus far
reached by the Spfrit of God, yet go on sinning and repenting, vrith
out making any real advancement in the way of hoUness. Such are
in great danger. They rebel against the Ught — -rirtuaUy resist the
strirings of the Spfrit of God. These may be suddenly cut off, and
die in their sins; then, according to our Lord's ovm declaration,
where He is gone, they can never come. I had Ukevrise to set forth
the way of recovery, by submission to the wiU of God, and walking
in the obedience of faith according to the light received. Those
who thus walk -wiU truly receive Christ in the way of His coming. I
was also enabled to suppUcate in a solemn manner, and I trust to
some present it was an awakening time.
Gedney is a smaU meeting. Our beloved friend, Jon. Hutchinson,
was from home. I felt weak and poor, and sensible of my ovm utter
insufficiency for the Lord's work, but a degree of thankfulness was
prevalent for these feelings. It is the poor in spirit, the lowly, and
humble, to whom the Lord gives more grace — He is a sovereign
Lord. We may be instructed by the risit paid at the pool of Beth
esda. We read that there lay a great multitude of impotent folk,
lame, halt, vrithered, waiting for the troubling of the water. The
serrice of ministers appears to have some resemblance to the mission
of the angel who was at times sent to trouble them. They are sent
to agitate or to awaken the sinner, as also to stir up the pure mind
by way of remembrance. They cannot heal the sinner ; this is the
w^ork of the Eedeemer, and of His Holy Spirit ; but they are to call
attention to God, and to the word of His grace. Of aU the multitude
who lay in the porches, we read but of one whom our Lord saw fit
to heal. He had been looking dependantly on his feUow-mortals,
and they had disappointed him. He had no man to assist him into
the healing waters, but sovereign mercy now interposed for his help.
This was to him the day of risitation, and being obedient to our

246 JOURNEY WITH CALEB WILSON. [1830.'
Lord's directions, he was miraculously healed. We fare best when
we do not rely upon our fellow-mortals, but go at once to the Omni
potent, the source of help, health, and salvation.
Spalding.— In the evening, a considerable number of the towns
people were present. It proved a good meetiag, although, for a
time, my serrice appeared to be attended with less power than at
some other seasons, so that I felt discouraged, and thought I must
sit do-vm ; but, endeavouring to keep my mind low, watchful, and
patient, I had at length faith to beUeve that I was on the right
foundation. Many and remarkable were the prophecies which holy
men of God, in ancient time, were commissioned to utter or to write
respecting the Gospel dispensation. The wonderful manner in which
these precious records have been preserved down to the present day
'demands our grateful notice. No other book of equal antiquity has
reached the present age, at least, as regards some portion of the Holy
Scriptures. And when we consider how often these writings have
been preserved at the cost of severe suffering, especiaUy by the early
Christians, when they were dUigentiy sought after .by heathen per
secutors, in order that they might be burned or destroyed, thefr
preservation is the more manifestly proridential. " It shaU come to
pass in the last days," saith the prophet, " that the mountain of the
Lord's house shaU be estabUshed in the top of the mountains, and
shaU be exalted above the hUls ; and aU nations shaU flow unto it."
" They shaU teach no more every man his neighbour and every man
his brother, saying. Know the Lord ; for they shaU aU know me from
the least of them unto the greatest of them :" and " the earth shaU
be fuU of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
The mountain here spoken of must not be regarded, except figura
tively, as the mountain of Jerusalem — nor the house, as that temple
which Solomon buUt, by Dirine direction, and in which the glory of
the Lord was made manifest in an extraordinary manner. It is
erident that the teaching of aU nations, spoken of by the prophet,
can only be the immediate teaching of God Himself, of Him who
searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins, and who discovereth unto
man his way, and what the thoughts of his heart are. One of the
prophets, speaking in the name of the Lord, declared, " The heaven

MT. 56.] journey with CALEB WILSON. 247
is my throne, and the earth is my footstool ; where is the house that
ye buUd unto me ? and where is the place of my rest ? For all those
things hath mine hand made." Our blessed Lord Jesus Christ
declared Himself to be the veritable temple of the Uving God, whUst
He was pleased to sojourn on earth, being the Immanuel, or God
vrith men. He was given for a leader and coinmander of the people,
for a Ught to enUghten the GentUes, and for salvation to the ends of
the earth. Unto Him, therefore, and to the immediate gift of His
ovm Spfrit, to that grace of God which the Apostie declares hath
appeared unto all men, must we look as the universal Teacher.
There cannot be a doubt, but here are many serious persons who
are kept in a state of comparative weakness and darkness by depend
ing too much upon the teachings of .men, to the neglect of the duty
of truly waiting upon God for His teaching. The prophecy above
cited is one of those which have not yet received thefr complete ful
filment. The grace of God which bringeth salvation doth indeed
appear unto aU men, but to too many it is as a Ught shining in dark
ness, and is not rightiy comprehended or beUeved in. Yet of those
who yield to the conrictions of this grace, and walk in its hght — of
these, glorious things are spoken, even that they shall become the
sons of God, and if sons, " then hefrs ; hefrs of God, and joint heirs
with Christ." As saith the Apostle, " Behold what manner of love
the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be caUed the sons
of God." What manner of persons therefore ought we to be in aU
our conversation and conduct ! It is most obrious that the carnaUy-
minded must be purified, before they can enjoy the communion of
the saints in heaven, or the company of purified spfrits. The Apostie
speaks very positively that the carnaUy-minded vriU be excluded.
Be not deceived : neither fornicators, idolaters, covetous, drunkards,
extortioners, or rerilers, shaU inherit the kingdom of God. " And
such," saith he, to the early behevers, " were some of you, but ye
are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name
of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
I was also enabled in fervent suppUcation to commend the good
work in aU, to Him who is the author and finisher of aU true faith.
Having now, by the 5th of 5th month, 1830, completed the serrice

248 JOURNEY -WITH CALEB WILSON. [1830.
which I had in prospect, when I left home, as far as it was com
prised in my certificate, I may here record my bumble, grateful
acknowledgments nnto Him who only can keep us from falUng, and
preserve us unto His heavenly kingdom. I have often been made
sensible of my utter insufficiency for the work and serrice unto which
I felt called; but I have indeed experienced that Divine grace is
sufficient for us, and that the Lord can supply aU our wants, in such
time and manner as He seeth meet.
It has been my daUy endeavour to exalt and magnify His holy
name, and to labour honestiy and earnestiy with those amongst whom
my lot has been cast, to bring aU to the true knowledge of God, and
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the obedience of faith ; that thus
they, might receive remission of sins through faith in the atoning
sacrifice. Glory be ascribed to Him who alone is worthy.
In the early part of this journey, my mind was brought imder deep
solicitude by the accounts received from home, of the weak and trying
state of health of my dear wife, together vrith several other discour
aging circumstances. I may now thankfully record that the dark
cloud was gradually dispersed.
Persuaded that I was in the path of duty, and that my God was
watching over my family for good, I was enabled to put my trust in
Him. My love often flowed strongly towards my beloved wife and
children, convinced that the Father of mercies was sanctifying the
affliction. I was thankful in behoving that our trials were permitted
in the-pure counsel and will of God, who is both gracious and mer
ciful, although He thus sees meet to try our faith and patience. My
love to my God was strong, and my desire to live to His glory, and
a hope was raised in my heart that He would clothe the minds of
my beloved children with His holy fear, and my desires were unto
Him that they might be kept from griering His Holy Spirit, and
from quenching the least motions thereof. I often think of them
individuaUy, with tender desires for thefr preservation and welfare.
Through aU these conflicts of spirit, my mind was so mercifully
stayed upon the Almighty Arm, and enabled to trust in His good
ness and protecting care, that I was not sensible that the religious
service allotted me was marred or hindered by anxiety about those

MT. 56.] JOUENEY WITH CALEB WILSON. 249
at home. My outward affaii's I was enabled to leave, in humble
confidence that my Heavenly Father — my Shepherd, would continue
to proride in that way which He alone knew would be most condu
cive to our real good. I felt it would be -wrong in us to despafr of
His proridential and merciful protection, after haring, for so many
years, largely experienced it. Suffering and trials are often mercies
in disguise.
On my way to the yearly meeting, my peace fiowed sweetly, and
songs of praise and thanksgiving were ascribed to my God.

JOURNEY
To Deebyshiee and Nottinghamshiee, etc., feom 12th of 4th
MONTH to 8th of 7tH MONTH, 1833.

, Nottingham Quaeteely Meeting. — ^I was comforted in being
among the Friends of this meeting. I had to speak of the goodness
of the Almighty in communicating the knowledge of His vriU to man
kind, in a variety of ways, in the different ages of the world. He
spoke to our first parents by dfrect communication in the garden of
Eden. Of Enoch it was said, that he walked with God. Noah
appears to have had dfrect communication also, and was made a
" preacher of righteousness." To Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God
was pleased to communicate through the ministry of angels, as well
as by more direct intimations of His wiU, through the motions of the
Holy Spirit. In this latter way He spoke to Moses, and through
him to the Israelites. In after ages He spoke through His servants,
the prophets, as weU as through the medium of His priests ; and in
the fulness of time. He spoke to the iahabitants of Judea through
our Lord Jesus Christ, by His personal manifestation, when clothed
in the body of His flesh, in which He suffered as a propitiatory sacri
fice for our sins. After His resurrection, and ascension into heaven,
came that large outpouring of the Spirit, and gifts of the Holy Ghost,
with which His Apostles in particular were so richly endued for the
work to which they were called ; their testimony being confirmed by
mfracles, and that unction from the Holy One poured forth for the
instruction and consolation of all His true disciples to the end of

^T. 59.] JOUENEY TO DEEBYSHIEE, ETC. 251
time, a measure and manifestation of which is given to every man to
profit vrithal. 1 had to express my fiiU persuasion that it is only for
want of more dedication, and unreserved devotedness to the Lord's
serrice, that more members of our own Society are not endued vrith
spiritual gifts.
This was to me a time of renewed favour, in which strength was
afforded to advocate, in the authority of the Gospel, the cause of
truth and righteousness.
After this meetiag I proceeded to London. The Anti-Slavery
Convention was a highly interesting meeting of talented and pious
men, and was attended with useful results. Our dear Friends,
Stephen GreUett and WilUam Allen, had just arrived from thefr
journey into Spain.
Tottenham Meeting, first-day. Dear S. GreUett was sweetly
engaged in ministry. I had to foUow in a communication vrith which
he afterwards expressed his unity. Such encouragement, I felt, was
not to be hghtiy esteemed. My subject was the necessity of humiUty
and meekness, and our subjection to the yoke of Christ, in order to
experience the work of regeneration to go forward in our hearts ; a
work which, our Lord declares essential to an entrance into His
kingdom. In the afternoon, dear Thomas ShiUitoe was engaged in testimony.
I afterwards went to visit an invaUd Friend, who appeared near his
close. He seemed aUve in the truth, and a precious covering of the
Father's love overshadowed us. A few words of consolation seemed
as rain to the thirsty ground. I felt thankfiU in beiag made the
minister of comfort to an afflicted brother.
Eeading. — Here, also, dear Stephen GreUett had good and accep
table serrice ; after which, I had an opportunity for casting off a Uttle
burden which had rested on my mind ever since I was last here. I
have often looked toward this meeting, and am now brought to it in
an unexpected manner. The subject which came before me was the
absolute necessity of our boldly avo-vring our aUegiance unto God.
Our Lord plainly intimates that they who are ashamed of Him, and
of His words, of them mU. He be ashamed, in the presence of His
Father, and the holy angels. It is a cross to our corrupt nature to

252 joueney to Derbyshire, etc. [1833.
appear as fools before men, even for Christ's sake, but there is no
other safe way than to submit to it. God is merciful and gracious,
and condescends to help and instruct those who feel a sincere desire
to foUow the paths of life, but are yet in a state of great weakness.
Thus our Lord taught Nicodemus the mystery of regeneration, at a
time when the fear of man so far prevailed that he came to Him by
night. But we find he Ustened vrith attention to His discourse, and
there is reason to beUeve he was favoured to experience the preva
lence of that power which subdued his reluctance to confess his faith
in Christ before men, as we find, upon a subsequent occasion, he
came forward with more boldness and faithfulness to own his allegi
ance to the Lord of life and glory. But we have no reason to beUeve
that in case he had continued to shrink from this avowal, he ever
could have obtained true peace vrith God. I was favoured vrith
strength and clearness to iUustrate this interesting subject, which I
believed was peculiarly appropriate to some present.
After attending the yearly meeting, O. B. continues: —
Loughborough. — Before I proceed vrith my journal of the re
mainder of the risit to this quarterly meeting, I wUl relate what took
place at the meeting at Staines, when I was there vrith Stephen
GreUett. In the course of his testimony, S. G. related the case of a
young Friend, of PhUadelphia, who was seized vrith a severe Ulness,
after haring led a dissipated course of life. He became greatly
alarmed in the near riew of eternity, bewaUed his outgoings with
bitter lamentation, and prayed eamestiy and repeatedly that he might
be spared but one year, and that the cfrcumspection of his conduct
might bear witness to the sincerity of his repentance. Contrary to
the expectation of those around him, his prayer was granted. For
about three months, his conduct was satisfactory, but, as his deep
conflict subsided, he grew more careless, and eventually launched out
into greater excess th^ ever. When the year was nearly expfred,
he was again seized vrith iUness. The same Friend who had vrit
nessed his former contrition again risited him ; but how awful did
his state appear ! He was indeed stung with remorse, but wholly
without contrition. On being spoken to, he uttered dreadful and
blasphemous curses, and when the year was nearly completed from

MT. 59.] JOURNEY To DERBYSHIRE, ETC. 253
the time of his former risitation, he expfred vrithout hope. Stephen
GreUett appealed to the witness for God in some consciences now
present, for the applicabUity of the case, earnestly entreating that it
might afford deep instruction. I was told next morning that a young
man was present to whom the warning properly applied.
Derby. — This meeting was gathered about twenty years ago.
About sixty might assemble -with us on the present occasion. It is
said, " The Lord's portion is his people, and Jacob is the lot of his
inheritance." We are not our own, but are bought vrith a price.
How important therefore is it that we do not frustrate the Lord's
gracious designs concerning us. How touching was His expostula
tion vrith His people Israel. "Ye have seen  how I bare you on
eagle's wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore if ye
wUl obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a
pecuUar treasure unto me above aU people : for all the earth is mine."
It is His wiU that His people should Uve to His glory, and shew
forth His praise. How needful then that we should walk in true
humUity, and in devotedness of spirit, that He may teach us His
ways, and guide us in His counsel. He wiU ultimately gather a
people for His own glory out of every nation, tongue, and people.
Castle Dinnington. — Our Lord taught much by figurative lan
guage, such as it was easy to comprehend, if the spiritual ear was
rightly opened ; but, if not, all was mystery. But when the figure
was dwelt upon too literally, the spfritual appUcation was hot appre
hended. " The Ught of the body is the eye." If the mental eye be
singly kept open to perceive the -wiU of God, and earnest desires
experienced that the clean heart may be created, and the right spirit
renewed, the Christian need not be long in darkness as to his real
state in the Lord's sight. But the double-minded give way to rea
soning vrith flesh and blood. They desfre eternal life, but they also
desfre to enjoy sinful indulgence. Thus the understanding becomes
darkened and bewUdered. Hypocritical professors may be grievously
mistaken as to their own condition. They are choosing thefr own
ways, and the Lord may choose their delusions. He wants a sin
cere-hearted, devoted people.
FuENESS. — It was a wet, stormy morning, and the meeting was

254 JOUENEY TO DERBYSHIRE, ETC. [1833.
small. I was drawn into tender sympathy vrith the few, and had to
endeavour to encourage them in weU-doiiig, by the example of the
faithfjil of former generations, even of those who, being amongst the
poor and despised of this world, were rich in faith. Some of these
had to wander about amongst men as pilgrims and sojourners ; yea,
they had for thefr habitation the caves and dens of the earth ; and
for thefr clothing, sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, affiicted,
tormented. Of these despised ones it is said the world was not
worthy of them, but they endured, seeing Him who is inrisible, and
haring thefr eye turned towards the eternal recompense of reward.
I was also enabled to suppUcate I trust to our mutual encouragement.
I now considered whether it would do for me to be at Sheffield on
first-day, rather than at the small meeting of Mansfield. I earnestiy
sought Dirine counsel, and I believe I had it, and was thankful that
the good hand of my God was thus near to guide and instruct me.
Blyth Meeting was a season of deep, earnest breathing of spirit
for Divine help, and way opened for my instruction and encourage
ment. I had to mention the Lord's gracious assurance to Abraham,
"I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward." If the Lord
Almighty be our defence and our shield in the day of trial and of
danger, we need not fear, whatever He may see meet in His wisdom
to permit to attend us. Abraham was very closely proved. The
Lord had said to him, " Walk before me and be thou perfect;" and
when He caUed upon him to give up his only son, he prepared to
obey. The holy fear of God, and Uring faith in His name, gave him
strength in the day of trial ; and his obedience and faithfulness drew
down upon him a shower of the most precious promises. How
instructive are these events to both old and young ! What encou
ragement do they hold out for the most unreserved dedication to God,
and obedience to manifested duty ! The Lord Himself is not only
the shield and defence of His people, but He is also their exceeding
great reward. What are aU the trials and afflictions of time to eter
nal joys ? to that state of rest and blessedness which the Lord hath
prorided for them who sincerely love and fear Him I " Great peace
have they who love thy law, and nothing shall offend them," They
delight in the law of God, and meditate therein both day and night.

MT. 59.] JOURNEY TO DERBYSHIRE, ETC. 256
They not only obey the law, but they love it. The wUl of God is
their law.
A precious degree of Dirine power and unction attended this brief
testimony. Chesterfield. — The quarterly meeting when held here is usuaUy
smaU, as there are only few who reside here. My way opened to
labour amongst them, which proved greatiy to my ovm relief and
peace ; and this being the closing opportunity in this quarterly meet
ing, I esteemed it a great favour, for which I felt truly and humbly
thankful, and have reason to beUeve many of those dear Friends
were so too, for this fresh extension of Dirine love and mercy.
When the Lord had raised up His people Israel, to shew forth His
power in them, and thereby proclaim the glory of His holy name
amongst the surrounding nations, we read that after having magnified
His great name by the manner of thefr deUverance from the Egyptian
yoke, wherein He shewed mighty signs and judgments amongst their
enemies, slaying thefr first-born, and overthrowing thefr army in the
midst of the sea. He then led His people to Sinai, where, through
the mediation of His servant Moses, He gave laws, statutes, ordi
nances, superior to those of any other nation, in an especial man
ner proclaiming His high and holy name, and strictly enjoining them
to worship no other God, no graven or molten image of anything in
heaven above or in the earth beneath, as was the manner of the other
nations. Yet we find from generation to generation, the Israehtes
were prone to transgress this His holy law, and again and again sunk
into idolatrous worship, by which the Lord's anger was often greatiy
provoked, and at length, after long forbearance and many chastise
ments. He permitted thefr enemies to prevaU over them, and to
encamp about Jerusalem the chosen city, to break down the wall
thereof, and to bm-n the gates -with fire — to destroy their beautiful
temple, and to lead thefr king, princes, nobles, and thefr young men
and maidens into captirity, where they were long sorely oppressed,
until they were thoroughly cured of idol worship, of which they
daUy beheld the degrading and baneful tendency. Yet even in this
sore distressed and desolate condition, the Lord remembered them
in mercy, and prorided for their return to thefr own land. It was

256, JOURNEY TO deebyshiee, ETC. [1833.
now that Nehemiah, hearing of the desolation of the city of his
fathers' sepulchres, was led earnestly to pray for them to the God
of heaven, confessing the iniquity of their fathers, and of themselves,
and imploring mercy and help.
We read that whUst Nehemiah was under this exercise his coun
tenance became sad ; and the king, his master, observing him,
inquired, "Why art thou sad, seeing thou art not sick?" This
encouraged him to disclose his concern for the restoration of the
city of his people. The king, in commisseration for his mournful
condition, was induced to assist him to fulfil the gracious designs of
that Almighty Being, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob,
in the fresh remembrance of His covenant.
Thus He who holds the hearts of men as in His hand, and can
turn those at His wUl, incUned the king's heart to co-operate with
Nehemiah in effecting His gracious designs concerning the restora
tion of His chosen people. Are there not many amongst us, as a
people, who are at times deeply sensible of the low state of our So
ciety, whose countenances at times are sad when they are not sick ?
May such be enabled to pour out thefr cries and suppUcations to Him
who hath aU power to deUver, who wiU graciously remember them in
thefr solitary retirement before Him, and in their exercise of spirit
' in thefr little meetings. As these fuUy surrender themselves to the
Lord's serrice. He vriU make them instrumental in bringing back
the captirity of His people from that state of bondage to the spirit of
this world, in which many amongst us are manifestly held. For
surely the Lord's design concerning us as a people was, that we
should shew forth amongst men those testimonies which were given
us to bear — in an especial manner, that distinguishing doctrine of
the efficacy and sufficiency of Dirine grace, independent of human
instrumentaUty, by which the Lord writes His law upon softened
hearts, putting His Holy Spirit upon them, opening to their under
standing the mysteries of His kingdom as they yield obedience to
His -wUl — opening also the precious record of inspfration in the
Scriptures of truth, God Himself being thefr teacher to profit, their
instructor in righteousness, so that no man need say to his brother,
" Know the Lord, for all shall know me from the least of them even

^T. 59.] JOUENEY TO DEEBYSHIEE, ETC. 257
to the greatest of them," saith the Lord Almighty. This is the glory
of the Gospel dispensation, wherein are fulfilled many great and pre
cious promises. Is not the call of the Lord renewedly going forth,
"Come out of Babylon, my people, be ye not partakers of her sins, that
ye receive not of her plagues ?" Were we to sit dovm as by the river
side, earnestly beseeching the God of heaven that He would shew us
the good and the right way for ourselves, our little ones, and for aU
our substance. He would yet hear us and hsten to our prayer. He
would lead us to survey the breaches in our walls and teach us how to
repair them, so that the language might again go forth, even con
cerning us as His people, " For the Lord hath chosen Zion, he hath
desfred it for an habitation. This is my rest for ever, here wUl I
dweU, for I have desired it. I wiU abundantly bless her prorision :
I wUl satisfy her poor vrith bread : I will clothe her priests with sal
vation, and her saints shaU shout aloud for joy." I am persuaded
that there only wants a more fuU surrender and entire subjection to
the Lord's transforming power, to His preparing, forming hand; more
zeal for His glory, and more right concern for the spread of the
Eedeemer's kingdom, to draw down blessings and spiritual gifts upon
us as a reUgious Society ; and in some degree at least, as in ancient
days, Jerusalem would again be known spiritually as a quiet habita
tion, yea, the joy of many generations.
In reriewing my movements through this quarterly meeting, I
have cause to be thankful that my mind has been prepared and qua
Ufied, often through deep wading and secret conflicts of spirit, to
sympathise vrith the Uttle companies which profess our name, and
in Gospel love to minister amongst them, in the ability which my
gracious Lord and Master was pleased to afford, and in that love, I
was uniformly kindly received and helped along. I have faith to
believe that there is a seed amongst them which is precious in the
Divine sight, and that some of their number will be raised up to shew
forth the Lord's praise.
From Chesterfleld I proceeded by coach to Birmingham and Wor
cester, where I enjoyed the society of my precious daughter Eachel
Pumphrey, and her family, for two or three days. On first-day
morning, at Worcester meeting, I had a sweet refreshing season in
T

258 JOUENEY TO DEEBYSHIRE, ETC. [1833.
sUence, in which holy tranqoUUty was the covering of my spirit. I
felt sweet unity also with the spirits of many present. Near the
close of the evening sitting, I had a few words to express. The lan
guage of the prophet came before me, " Fear and the pit, and a snare
is thy portion, 0 thou inhabitant of the earth." If we are seeking
our chief enjoyments in the things of time and sense, if we are liring
as mere inhabitants of the earth, our peace and enjoyment wUl be
broken and disturbed as we pass along through this changeable state
of existence. We shall often be in fear, and shall be exposed to
many snares. We shaU labour and feel heavy laden. Our burden
wUl be galling, and our path strewed vrith many disappointments.
To such as these, our Lord uttered the gracious inritation, " Come
unto me aU ye that labour and are hea-vy laden, and I -wUl give you
rest," etc. Let us therefore go unto Christ, and be vriUing that He
should teach us. The humble and lowly in heart are much more
easily resigned to the iUs of Ufe than the earthly and the high-minded.
These fret and chafe, whUst the humble and lowly readUy acquiesce
in the dispensations of Proridence, and in cherishing the spirit of the
meek and lowly Jesus- — they find rest unto their souls.
Having for several days felt an attraction to attend the quarterly
meeting at Banbury, I took coach for Chipping Norton, and after
spending three hours in the famUy of Esther Atkins, her son John
took me in a gig to that place.
In the quarterly meeting of Bucks and Oxfordshfre, I had to men
tion the remarkable words of our Lord — " If a man keep my sayings,
he shall never see death." This is a strong inducement to us to
yield faithful obedience to all the Lord's requfrements ; but we have
an unwearied enemy, who is endeavouring to persuade many of us
that less than entire dedication and faithful obedience wUl do. It
was thus that he ensnared oiir first parents. The command was —
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evU, thou shalt not
eat of it : for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely
die." But the serpent persuaded them that they should not surely
die, but that the fruit was good to make them wise. Thus he pre
vails over many amongst us, persuading that God is merciful, that
He vriU not exact rigid obedience, that there is another way of

MT. 59.] JOURNEY TO DERBYSHIRE, ETC. 259
salvation prorided. Thus he brings doubting and darkness over
the mind — first, unbeUef; then, disobedience. He soothes many
into a false confidence by leading them to compare themselves and
their own conduct with that of others, pointing to such an one who
appears to be accepted, and to enjoy the favour of God, and yet can
tread a wider path. The enemy of souls, as we lean to his sugges
tions, keeps us in a halting state, dwarfish and weak, thus preventing
our advancement in the path of Ufe. But what is the language of
our Eedeemer ? " Not every one that saith unto me. Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the wiU of
my Father." " If ye love me, keep my commandments." " If a man
keep my sayings, he shaU never see death;" he partakes afready of
that life which is eternal, and eventually he shall enter into that
inheritance which is incorruptible and undeffied. Should not He
who offered up His Ufe for our sakes have the entfre dominion in our
souls ? We are not our own, we are bought vrith a price. It is our
duty therefore to look to our Divine Leader and Conqueror — to accept
Him as our prophet, priest, and king. It is not for us to judge one
another ; each must give account to his own Master. The Lord hath
apportioned the talents, which He distributes variously, and has an
undoubted right to requfre a return accordingly. I fully believe that
among that innumerable company that shaU stand as upon mount
Zion, haring the harps of God in their hands, there wUl be found
some out of every country, nation, and language. The Lord shall
prepare and accept these as He sees meet ; but He warned those
among whom His mighty works had been done, that, had Sodom and
Gomorrha; Tyre and Sidon, witnessed the mighty works which they
had seen, they would have remained unto that day. We in this age
live in the fulness of Gospel light ; we have received many talents,
let us be concerned dUigently to improve thereby. Let us freely
surrender ourselves into the Lord's hand, that He may rule and
reign, that He may form and fashion according to His own good
pleasure. Some who can confess to these truths yet feel themselves
in bondage, and at times are led to cry out under a sense of their
wretchedness. Let such look up to the Lord Jehovah, in whom is
everlasting strength, ever bearing in mind that our salvation is not

260 JOURNEY TO DEEBYSHIEE, ETC. [1833.
of ourselves. If we foUow His leadings, obedience wUl strengthen
our faith, untU God and His Christ come to be exalted over aU, "God
blessed for ever."
I retumed to Worcester, and again risited that meeting on first-
day, 6th month 30th, but sat both meetings in sUence. My dear
son, Thomas Pumphrey, was engaged in the morning on the subject
of the depravity of the human heart. He was favoured -vrith a
renewed sense of the overshado-wing of Divine love ; and under the
precious influence thereof, some Scripture passages were opened
instructively to my understanding. I thought a Uttle light shone
also on the path which it would be right for me to pursue on our
journey homeward. On second-day I visited some under affliction,
and on third-day, Thomas and Eachel, and I proceeded to Chip
ping Norton, to attend the marriage of my son Henry, with Anna, the
daughter of Esther Atkins. We found H. had arrived. On fifth-
day morning, the 4th of 7th month, 1833, after the famUy reading,
we were favoured vrith a solemn religious opportunity, during which,
E. A. was engaged in suppUcation, expressing her firm persuasion
that the union of our chUdren, which was about to take place, was in
the ordering of Dirine vrisdom, and craving a blessing upon them
and upon the meeting which was about to assemble on the occasion.
Our dear Thomas Pumphrey was also engaged in the same exercise,
expressing a simUar belief, and supplicating that the Lord would gra
ciously condescend to bless their union, and to watch over them during
the excursion of pleasure which they had in contemplation, and that,
in seeing the wonders of the risible creation, thefr minds might be
elevated to adore, to love, and to serve Him who is the Almighty
Creator of all. It was a heart-tendering opportunity, yet throughout
the day, E. A. was preserved in remarkable composure. At meeting,
besides the Friends of the place, and a few from the neighbouring
district, there were a considerable number of the tovms-people in vari
ous ranks of life.
After a more solemn time of silence than is usually the case on
such occasions, Joseph Atkins rerived the language of the prophet,
" Keep silence before me, ye islands, and let my people renew their
strength" — remarking on the profitable tendency of this practice of

MT. 59.] JOURNEY TO DERBYSHIRE, ETC. 261
our Society of silent waiting upon God, shewing especially how ap
propriate it is when we are about to enter into the solemn covenant
of marriage. After he sat down, I had to rerive the query. What is
the chief end and design of God in forming man ? We may cor
rectly reply, to glorify God whUst here upon earth, that he may
enjoy Him for ever. This is a truly gracious and noble design.
The mind of the Psalmist David was fiUed vrith holy admiration at
the goodness and condescension of God when he exclaimed, " When
I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the
stars, which thou hast ordained ; what is man, that thou art mindful
of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest him ? For thou hast
made him a Uttle lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with
glory and honour ; thou madest him to have dominion over the works
of thy hands ; thou hast put aU things under his feet." Another of
the Lord's servants exclaims, " What is man that thou shouldst set
thine heart upon him ? and that thou shouldst visit him every morn
ing, and try him every moment." How wonderful are the ways of
the Most High, whether we contemplate the infinite varietv of His
works, from the greatest and noblest to the most minute, and con
sider that aU are sustained and upheld by His providential care ; or
consider the richness of His love in the admirable faciUties with
which He has endowed His creature man, making him in a wonder
ful degree lord over the lower creation. Our souls may weU be
clothed vrith gratitude and with love. But what is the actual ' state
of the case ? Man is a faUen creature : he was created perfect in the
beginning, even in the image of his Creator, but he feU, and has
found out many vricked inventions. The prophet, remonstrating
with Israel of old, caUs upon the brute creation to witness against
them. " The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib :
but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." Now, why
is this ? Is it not because too many rest in the enjoyment of the
bountiful provision of the great Creator, the- things of time and of
sense ; yea, many are even Uring in gross sensuaUty, forgetting God
who formed them, days without number — yet how fuU of compassion
is our longsuffering God ! He beheld His creature man in his faUen
condition, and pitied him, and prorided a way for his deUverance

262 JOURNEY TO DERBYSHIRE, ETC. [1833.
from the guUt and thraldom of sin, by and through His own beloved
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that thus man might be reconciled to
God, through the blood of atonement, and thereby know the remis
sion of the sins that are past, through liring faith, and that, yielding
to the baptizing influence of the Holy Spirit, he might find true re
pentance, and thus be rightly prepared to glorify God whilst here on
earth, and, when done with time, to be adinitted into those regions
of Ught and Ufe where nothing that is unholy can ever enter, there
to enjoy the presence of God for ever.
Soon after I took my seat, H. and A. stood up and pronounced the
marriage covenant in a becoming manner ; after which, T. P. ad
dressed us in a Uvely and instructive testimony. It then appeared
my duty to bend the knee in reverent suppUcation, that those present
might so submit themselves unto the wUl of God that they may
share the promised blessings of the Gospel. Christ is to have the
heathen for His inheritance, and the uttermost pai'ts of the earth for
His possession. From the rising of the sun to the going down of
the same. His name is to be great among the GentUes, and in every
place, incense, and a pure offering shaU be offered to His name.
My desfre ferventiy ascended for aU present, that they might obtain
the promises of the Gospel. It was a time of spfritual refreshment*
to those who were left with the famUy during the remainder of the
day. Our spirits were so bowed before the Lord that we were
repeatedly gathered into sUence, in which season, instruction afresh
flowed. I had to extend the word of tender invitation in the evening
sitting, and felt truly thankful for the mercies graciously vouchsafed
throughout the day.
I returned to Worcester, and was accompanied by my daughter,
E. P., to Manchester, on my way homewards.
In this journey I was absent from home for about three months,
and traveUed about eleven hundred and eighty-two miles.

JOURNEY
WITH JOHN RICHARDSON, OF NEWCASTLE,
Into Cumberland, Westmoreland, etc., in 1834.

I LEFT home on the 14th of 3rd month, 1834, and visited Wigton
and some of the neighbouring meetings, as well as the school at
Brookfield. Beckfoot. — At the monthly meeting, I laboured honestly, and I
hoped a Uvely exercise of mind was brought over the meeting, which
continued during the meeting for discipline. A riew which I have
long had, of paying a risit to the Friends of this meeting, in their
famUies, came weightUy before me. Eequesting a few Friends to
stop at the close of the meeting, arrangements were made, and I got
through fourteen sittings. In several instances Dirine love and
power prevaUed, to the tendering of our hearts together before the
Lord. I was truly thankful for the help thus afforded.
SoLPORT. — The meeting here was pretty well attended, considering
the thin population, notice haring been preriously given to Friends,
and to several of their neighbours. I was enabled to get through the
serrice to my own relief and satisfaction, though amongst a people,
many of whom appear to be in an uncultivated, unconcerned state of
mind. I trust several hearts were tendered, under a sense of the
fresh extension of redeeming love and mercy, by way of a renewed
risitation. The famUy risit was peacefully accomplished, and was,
I trust, a time of instruction, warning, and encouragement to many.

264 JOURNEY WITH JOHN RICHARDSON. [1834.
About this time, I was brought into close and deep searching of
heart, and solicitude for Divine counsel, by letters from home, inform
ing me that my dear brother Henry, who had long been in declining
health, had passed through the last conflict in this probationary state
to an endless eternity, I humbly and reverently trust, of bUss and joy
unspeakable. It occurred in the evening of the 25th of Brd month,
1834. As the interment was fixed for first-day, it appeared best for
me to pursue my serrice, in attending to my appointment of meetings,
without attempting to go to the funeral, and I was thankful that my
mind was strengthened to do so. My religious labours tend to pre
pare for the enjoyment of the things which, though not seen, yet
may, in some degree, be apprehended by faith, and are in their dura
tion eternal. The more the attention of the mind is thus fixed,
the more aU that relates to the things of this world only sinks in
comparative importance. It was a view of this sort that led the
Apostie to declare, " Henceforth know we no man after the flesh :
yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now, hence
forth know we him no more." But yet frail mortals can only be
enabled to walk on the sea of earthly troubles, through the imme
diate extension of Dirine help, without which they are prone to sink.
My dear brother had to pass through severe conflicts before his close,
being involved in deep solicitude as to his eternal weU-being, saying
on one occasion that he had feared the Lord from his youth, which
had tended to preserve him from great sins, but he had not loved
Him -as he ought. He wrestled hard for peace vrith God, and I trust,
that through Christ, he found it.
Cockermouth. — I endeavoured to set forth the care, compassion,
and longsuffering of God, even toward sinners, and such as stray
from the true fold of rest and peace. We read that when Israel was
in the wilderness, Amalek came and smote the weak and sickly
amongst them, with the hindermost of thefr camp. Therefore tho
Lord declared that he would have war vrith Amalek from generation
to generation. It was for man, whilst yet a sinner, that Christ died.
The Apostle, after stating some of the various classes of sinners,
who, if they continue such, must be excluded from the kingdom of
God, goes on to say, "And such were some of you; but ye are

^T. 60.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN RICHARDSON. 265
washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the
Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." How humiliating is this
to the pride of man ; yet how sweetly encouraging to the truly eon-
trite soul — to those upon whom God looks with compassion from His
high and holy habitation. I had reason to believe that this testimony
was pecuUarly appropriate to the condition of some present.
Kendal. — I was strengthened to bear a faithful, animating testi
mony to the sufficiency of Dirine power and mercy. Our Lord said
to His disciples, " I am the true vine, and my Father is the husband
man. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away :
and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring
forth more fruit;" and again, "Herein is my Father glorified, that
ye bear much fruit." How forcibly does this point to the active
usefulness of true disciples ! And when we take a riew of the extent
of the field of labour which is unfolded to the vision of the enlightened
mind, in that prayer which our Lord taught His disciples, " Our
Father which art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name — Thy kingdom
come — Thy wUl be done in earth, as it is in heaven :" when we con
sider that Christ is to reign untU aU His enemies are put under His
feet, and that His dominion is to extend " from sea to sea, and from
the river unto the ends of the earth :" that the Lord's wiU is to be
done, not in part only, but entfrely, even as it is done in heaven ;
ought not such as have known a being in Christ, the liring Vine,
earnestly to desire that tbey may grow in grace, and in the saring
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ? ought they not to desire
spfritual gifts, yea, to covet them earnestly, that thus they may be
made instrumental in the extension of the Eedeemer's kingdom?
first suffering it to have fuU dominion in their own hearts, and then
labouring, as opportunity and ability are afforded, to promote its re
ception and growth in the hearts of others. The prophet Daniel,
beholding in the risions of hght, the glory of the church of Christ,
exclaims, " They that be wise shaU shine as the brightness of the
firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for
ever and ever." This is the treasure in heaven that faileth not, the
bags that never wax old, the crown of righteousness which the Lord
will give to His dedicated servants in that day, to those whose names

266 JOURNEY WITH JOHN RICHARDSON. [1834.
are written in the Lamb's -book of hfe. When we look over our
religious Society, and observe how many meetings there are entirely
stripped of instrumental ministry, except on occasional risits, can
we beUeve that there is any other cause but the want of a more full
dedication to the Lord's serrice, that prevents His pouring out upon
us a much larger portion of the gifts of His Holy Spfrit ? My heart
yearned over the young people especiaUy, that with earnest desire
they may seek the Lord diUgentiy, watchfully keeping loose from the
spirit of the world, that so the Lord's preparing hand may be per
mitted freely to operate upon them, and then we may trust and hope
that the anointing oil will be poured upon some of them.
Wyersdale. — After a hard struggle, in which my faith almost
faUed, I was at length helped to preach the Gospel in its own power
and authority, I hope to the reaching of the vritness for God in some
minds. The Lord filleth the hungry with good things, but the rich
he sendeth empty away. Although, after long waiting, we should
only be fiUed with a humiUating sense of our ovm weakness, and our
entire dependance on Dirine care and support — even this is a good
thing. In this state, we shall be concerned to walk before God in
reverence and fear, and be careful not to grieve His Holy Spirit, by
disobedience to manifested duty. I described some of the conflicts
of the awakened mind, and how, as Ught increases, it seemed as
though our transgressions increased ; whereas it is only owing to the
conscience which before was dark, or even seared, becoming wakeful,
enlightened, and tender, so that things are now discovered to be sin
ful which, in our unawakened state, were not so regarded. The Lord
is very near to such as are in this state of mind ; and if the exercises
and operations of His Spuit are submitted to, and abode under. He
vriU, in His own time, proclaim deUverance to the captive soul. I
warned also against the delusions of the enemy, when he would per
suade us that our case is desperate and frretrievable. " In the Lord
Jehovah is everlasting strength." He declared to His people for
merly, that He is a God afar off, as well as a God nigh at hand ;
He brought again His people from the land of thefr captirity, where
He had permitted them to be carried away, and He can deliver us
now from the very depths of the pit of corruption.

JET. 60.] JOURNEY WITH JOHN EICHARDSON. 267
Calderbridge. — E. J. and his brother formerly had to go eleven
mUes, to Wyersdale meeting, but they have buUt, at thefr own
charge, a good commodious meeting-house, and there are now about
twenty-seven members belonging to it. My testimony amongst them
was of an alarming, awakening character, but I reverently trust that
the Lord was with me, owning my labour, both in testimony and
suppUcation. Preston. — I spoke experimentally of the provings and conflicts,
which are the frequent portion of the Christian traveUer. It is said
that our Lord Jesus Christ was " led of the Spfrit into the vrilderness,
to be tempted of the devU." His true disciples also are at times
thus led as into the wUderness state ; but after the Lord hath proved
them, He speaks comfortably to them. It is said that He gives them
vineyards from thence for cultivation and enjoyment, and "the vaUey
of Achor for a door of hope." In seasons of desertion, when the
Ught of God's countenance is veUed fi-om us, it is always weU, sin
cerely and humbly to inqufre. Is there a cause ? is there any secret
disobedience or unfaithfulness lurking in my heart ? anything com
parable to the wedge of gold, the Babylonish garment, or any other
forbidden thing that I ought to bring forth, as into the vaUey of
Achor, to be consumed ? Thus, as we resign ourselves to be
thoroughly searched, we shaU see before us a door of hope ; we shall
then be led as into the green pastures, and feel the flowing of that
stream of hring water, by which the soul is both cleansed and
refreshed. My prayers were offered for those who are as the lambs
of the flock, in whom good desfres are but young, who have set their
faces toward the city of God, but who feel sensible that, as yet, they
have made httle progress : to these Christ calls, " Come unto me aU
ye that labour and are heavy laden."
Blackburn. — My serrice was to point out the danger of mixing
with worldly-minded or ungodly men, in frequent familiar converse.
Even tenderly risited minds, who have known the daysprmg from on
high, may thus suffer serious loss. " The friendship of the world
is enmity with God." How avri'ul is the language, "Whosoever
therefore wiU be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." It was
said of some of the Lord's chosen people formerly, "Ephraim is

268 JOURNEY WITH JOHN EICHARDSON. [1834.
joined to idols ;" and again, " Strangers have devoured his strength."
We sometimes see weU-meaning indiriduals ensnared, by entering
-with avidity into popular political questions, which unduly absorb
their minds, and become to them as idols ; and mixing vrith worldly-
minded men for the attainment of favourite objects, they become, in
degree, contaminated -with thefr spirit, and are drawn from under
the preserring influence of the holy fear of God — strangers devour
thefr strength.
It is true that our Lord condescended to eat vrith pubUcans and
sinners, but He, in the Divine power, stood over the eril in them ;
He went amongst them for their good ; and in like manner the Lord's
true, humble-minded disciples are felt to be as a savour of hfe unto
life in them that are saved, or of death or condemnation to the dis
obedient and perishing sinner. In their intercourse vrith men, they
are watchful unto prayer, that they may not so mingle vrith them as
to drink in their spirit, but are concerned to bear a faithful testimony
to the truth, and against eril. I then suppUcated that Dirine pro
tection might be extended over us, seeing we were raised up to be a
people to the Lord's praise. There was something in these exercises
so unusually pointed, that I felt soUcitous to know whether I had
been rightly guided, but was very cautious of making any inquiry,
beUering it to be in general safest to leave it. I felt peaceful, and
afterwards met with a Uttle confirmation of my course.
SouTHPOET. — My concern was chiefly for the young people, to
whom I spoke of the gracious inritation of Christ in the character of
wisdom. " I love them that love me, and those that seek me early
shall find me." The Lord is a rich rewarder of them who diUgently
seek Him. Thus we may clearly discover how essential are dUigence
and earnestness in our search after God, with true devotedness, if we
would enjoy the blessings of religion. Private devotional retirement
was urged, as a precious means of a growth in grace.
My being led to risit so many of the small meetings in Cumber
land, Westmoreland, and Lancashfre, has been, I have reason to
beUeve, peculiarly seasonable, as they have lately been passed by in
the risits of some eminent ministers, as Stephen GreUet, and others.
The great Head of the church is yet erincing His tender care over

MT. 60.] JOUENEY TO LANCASHIEE. 269
it. These considerations have felt to me as an evidence of right and
vrise dfrection, not in the will or vrisdom of man.
Fro7n Southport his nephew, John Richardson, returned home to
Newcastle, and G. B. proceeded to Liverpool.
LivEEPOOL.— -My mind was drawn into deep sympathy with the
many young persons who resort to this meeting, and become as
strangers in a strange land, exposed to many dangers and tempta
tions. The words of the poet describe the watchful superintendence
of a gracious Proridence : —
"Thy Providence my life sustained,
And all my wants redressed,
When in the silent -womb I lay,
And hung upon the breast.
" -When, in the slippery paths of youth.
With heedless steps I ran,
Thine arm, unseen, conveyed me safe,
And led me up to man."
When we consider the care of Dirine Providence over the various
works of creation, especiaUy as exhibited over animated beings — how
richly endowed they are with the necessary organs and faculties to
enable them to sustain a comfortable existence, and in many cases a
state of considerable enjoyment, and that this care is conspicuous
even in the most minute, as weU as in the largest works of the ani
mal creation, then can we doubt that a superior degree of care is
bestowed upon man, the noblest of those works, endued with faculties
and capacities of a much higher order than the rest. Various indeed
are the pririleges conferred upon mankind, over many of which,
indiriduaUy, they have no control, such as birth, parentage, country,
etc., whether their lot shaU be cast among the pious or the vicious,
amongst such as vrill do what they can to cherish the seeds of reli
gion and rirtue, or those who wUl encourage rice, and even at times
commtad the transgression of the Dirine law. This ought to be an
humbUng, and yet a stimulating consideration to such as have been
favoured with a guarded and religious education : they had no con
trol over the circumstances which placed them in the way of it, and
yet they cannot be too thankful or too sensible of the awful obligation

270 JOURNEY TO LANCASHIEE. [1834.
they are under, carefuUy to improve by it, as weU as by the many
valuable Christian pririleges which we, in this country, are favoured
with, over most of the nations. God, who made of one blood aU the
nations of the earth, hath determined the times before appointed, and
the bounds of thefr habitation. It might have been the lot of any of
us to have Uved amongst the ignorant and unciriUzed nations, or
during the " dark ages" of our own land; we could not have ordered
it othervrise ; how many talents therefore have many of us received,
for the improvement of which we must be accountable ! But, on the
other hand, none need despair of the mercies of God, on account of
any difference in thefr outward lot. He whose care and mercy are
extended over the lowest and meanest of His works, is also mindful
of them. He is rich in mercy unto aU that call upon Him in fer
vency of spirit, and in integrity of heart. His power is Almighty,
and His goodness, mercy, and forbearance, immeasurable. Let not
the enemy of souls persuade any that it is impossible for them to
walk in conformity to the wiU of God. Many are the temptations
which assaU some, and the snares whereby their feet are in danger of
being entangled ; but let such seek the Lord, waiting humbly at His
footstool for counsel and strength, and then He, -vrith the temptation,
will open a door of escape. Christ died for sinners, and none who
rightly come to Him wiU be rejected.
When about to leave Liverpool, I received information of the indis
position of one of my famUy, which so weighed me down as almost
to unfit me for the serrice of the meeting at Ashton ; but a littie
matter opened, I hope instructively to some hungry souls, and I was
additionaUy relieved in the line of supplication.
In traveUing along, my mind has been often attracted to the cir
cumstances in which our Society is now placed, in these north
western counties. Many Friends have, of late years, been led to
settie in Liverpool and Manchester, with the hope of making a better
UveUhood. The burden of care which, from this cause, dties, or
ought to devolve upon the elder Friends in these places, for the help
and preservation of these young people especiaUy, is heavier than the
few who hold stations by appointment in the church are well able to
bear ; and yet, unless considerable care is exercised over this class.

.ET. 60.] JOUENEY TO LANCASHIRE. 271
there is a high probabihty that many youths who have been privileged
vrith a guarded and reUgious education at Wigton and other schools,
wUl be ensnared by the many temptations with which young people
are beset, especiaUy in large to-vms, and it is very probable that many
of them may be lost to our religious Society.
In the reriew of this journey, on my way homewards, I felt peace
ful, and was led closely to scrutinize how far my Ufe is conformable
to the doctrine which I have been engaged to preach to others ; and
though enough was presented to my view deeply to humble and abase
the creature, yet, through unmerited condescension and mercy, the
streams of sweet, heavenly consolation fiowed freely through my soul,
and thanksgiving and praise ascended unto my gracious Lord, who
has deigned to employ me in the service of the ministry, and to
strengthen me to proclaim the riches of His grace, to the glory of
Him who Uveth and reigneth for ever and ever. In all my ways, I
desire ever to be enabled to confide in the wisdom of His counsel and
direction, as -weU as in His power. Many have to leave thefr fami
Ues on account of trade ; many for the attainment of mUitary fame
and glory : how vastiy surpassing in importance is the prize for which
we have to contend, even to win souls to Christ ; looking for a portion
in the " inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not
away," even the recompense of an eternal reward. " Bless the Lord,
0 my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name."

JOURNEY
To Yorkshire, etc., in 1834.

My family (on whose account I returned home for awhile) now
being improved in health, I left home on the 16th of 5th month, by
coach for Leeds, and thence into Lancashire, where I had more reli
gious serrice, and at its close, felt truly thankful for the fresh evi
dence that my God owned my labours for the promotion of His glory,
and the advancement of the Eedeemer's kingdom.
Briggflatts. — Having felt the current of Gospel love flow towards
the people about Briggflatts, I requested Friends to extend the inri
tation for first-day moming, the 25th. I had to dwell much on the
duty of assembhng together for the purpose of waiting upon God, in
order to be enabled to worship Him, and had to point out the loss
which those sustain who depend too much upon their fellow-mortals,
so that if there be no minister, they do not meet. Such may remem
ber the curse or woe denounced upon those who trust in man, and not
in the Lord ; they are in danger of becoming like the barren heath,
unfruitful ; whilst those who trust in the Lord, not making flesh their
arm, are like trees planted by the rivers, they are fmitful ; even the
heat of persecution or tribulation doth not parch them ; thefr leaf
doth not wither, and whatsoever they do prospereth. The duty of
presenting ourselves before the Lord is clearly inculcated in the Old
Testament, as in the case of Abraham, who is called " the friend of
God." In his various sojournings he set up an altar, and caUed on the
name of the Lord, and we may safely presume that this was with his
household and servants assembled around him. Moses enjoins on the

MT. 00.] JOURNEY TO YORKSHIRE, ETC. 273
Israelites this duty, in token of gratitude for the bounties of Provi
dence, and the renewal of thefr covenant with the Lord. There is
much instruction in the manner in which He directs them to proceed.
They were to take of the first ripe fruit and present it in a basket
before the Lord, and say, "A Syrian, ready to perish was my father,
and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and
became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous." Thus they were
to caU to mind the littleness and lowliness of their origin, thereby
being reminded of the mighty power of God, who can make of a little
one a nation, of a small one a great people. They were to renew
their covenant vrith the Lord, declaring themselves His people, and
that He was thefr God. When any fall slack in the duty of meeting
together for Dirine worship, it is a proof that thefr love is cooling ;
these are in great danger ; they seek the kingdom but do not find it ;
the gate is too strait ; they cannot have all their sensual enjoyments
and the kingdom too ; they love ease ; there is great danger that
when the midnight C17 is heard, when the call comes suddenly, their
lamps will be gone out ; their loins not being girded with sincerity
and truth, they vriU be found unworthy of an entrance with the bride
groom into the marriage chamber.
Narthwaite. — At Narthwaite, in the evening, we had several
besides Friends. A few young Friends teach school on first-day
afternoon ; about forty had been present, some of them coming from
three to five miles to it. My mind was much directed to a drooping,
disconsolate state, and I had to intimate some of the causes of this
condition. It is often for want of more entfre dedication to the Lord's
vriU and serrice. Those in this condition are awakened, the con
science is roused, yet they vriU not thoroughly yield ; fretfulness and
impatience are often given way to, and they are torn as by the thorns
and briars of the -wilderness ; yet He who wiU not break the bruised
reed, nor quench the smoking flax, is tenderly forbearing towards
such; He calls them: "Come unto me." They are heavy laden,
they are weary, and He teUs them how the burden may be Ughtened,
by.taking His yoke — learning of Him meekness and lowUness of heart.
How wonderfully does this state of mind blunt the edge of those
weapons wherevrith the poor pilgrims are Uable to be assailed ; in
u

274 JOURNEY TO YORKSHIRE, ETC. [1834.
Christ they find rest to their souls. When Israel came out of the
long captivity, they were commanded to read the book of the law ;
but when they heard, they were sorely dejected ; they felt themselves
transgressors, and wept bitterly; yet they were compassionated. They
were commanded not to weep, but enjoy the mercies of God with
gratitude, to eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those
for whom nothing was prepared. Thus also was Nebuchadnezzar
admonished to break off his sins by righteousness, and his trangres-
sions by shewing mercy to the poor — by active, not merely passive
obedience. This line of conduct greatly cheers the dejected pilgrim.
" The joy of the Lord is your strength." Yet it is " not by works of
righteousness which we have done" or can do that we are saved, but
by "the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy
Ghost." Salvation is of God; yet He hath ordained that we should
walk in the path of good works — in love to God, and love to man.
Hawes. — At Hawes, I felt that my duty was to impress upon the
audience the immense value of the immortal soul ; that how great
soever our enjoyment of the riches, the pleasures, the sinful or sen
sual indulgences of this life, if we lose our own souls, or be cast
away, we shaU be in the most dismal condition. What is time, in
its utmost limit, or most aUuring enjoyments, compared with the
boundless expanse of eternity ? Our Lord most impressively teaches
us this truth. He knows that we have need of food and clothing for
the body, but He commands us to seek first the kingdom of God and
the righteousness thereof. Let God reign, whose right it is ; let
His dominion be established over the soul, and then in Him we may
peacefuUy enjoy, in moderation, the bounties of His Proridence.
But they, who, regardless of the Giver, seek the unrestrained enjoy
ment of His gifts, must, if cut off in that state, perish eternaUy. He
bears long with these, but He sometimes meets with them in a strait
place, where they have no way of escape from powerful conviction.
Perhaps thefr excesses have brought some disease, accident, or affiie
tion upon them, for " the way of transgressors is hard," thefr own
iniquities shaU correct them. They are then brought under terror and
remorse ; but even this is often a risitation of mercy ; and if they
humbly bow under the Lord's power, confessing their sins, they

MT. 60.] JOURNEY TO YORKSHIRE, ETC. 275
wUl be led to believe in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and gratefully
adore the mercy which hath provided such a means of reconciliation ;
they wiU experience conversion, becoming as Uttle children, laying
down aU pride and self-sufficiency; they will know the regenera
tion, the being born of the water of sincere repentance and of the
Spirit ; they wUl be willing that their o-wn wills should be nailed as
to the cross, that the -vrill of God may be done, and in this state
they are prepared to understand the language of the Apostle, If ye
therefore be risen with Christ, set your affections on things above,
not on things on the eg^rth ; for the things which are seen are tem
poral, but the things which are not seen are eternal; and ye are
dead, saith he, and your life is hid with Christ in God. These hav
ing known the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ, who was not
only our propitiatory sacrifice, but our exemplar also, and being as
it were baptized into His death, know and experience a being planted
also in the likeness of His resurrection, and know the meaning of
the Apostle's language, being "risen with Christ;" they become
dead to the world, dead to sin, but alive unto God, and are introduced
into the glorious liberty of His chUdren — their conversation being in
heaven, and their affections set upon heavenly things. Prayer was
also offered at the Divine footstool, under a precious covering of the
love, mercy, and power of the Most High.
Aysgarth. — I had to treat of the universaUty of the grace of God.
Christ tasted death for every man : "As in Adam all die, even so in
Christ shall aU be made aUve." " The grace of God, which bringeth
salvation, hath appeared unto all men." Although the outward ad
vantages and privUeges of mankind greatly vary, yet the love and
mercy of God are extended to all ; " He maketh- his sun to rise on
the evU and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust." The shining of the Ught extendeth in some degree, I have
no doubt, to the darkest nations of the earth ; they partake of the
blessings and bounties of the outward creation — this voice is heard
to the very ends of the earth. He who giveth " rain from heaven
and fruitful seasons, fiUing" their "hearts with food and gladness,"
hath appointed that all men should seek Him, though He be not far
from every one of them ; for in Him they live, and move, and have

276 JOURNEY TO YORKSHIRE, ETC. [1884.
their being ; the secret risitations of grace -will incline them to good,
for it teacheth, universaUy teacheth, "to deny ungodliness and
wordly lusts," and those who yield wiU find peace and comfort in
obedience ; the mediation and advocacy of Christ extendeth to them ;
the atoning sacrifice vriU be efficacious to them, and they will be led
to adore and to love the unknown, but beneficent God. But how
great are our pririleges ! how a-wful our responsibility, favoured as
we are, not only with the law of God which is universally written in
the heart, but vrith the light and instruction of the volume of inspira
tion. In many nations professing Christianity, even this is in a great
degree, a sealed book ; they are not allowed to read it in their native
tongue — the only language in whieh most of every nation can read at
aU. We dweU, not only in a land of Gospel light, but of Gospel
liberty; the times of ignorance God is said to "wink at," but His
voice is now extensively heard, commanding all men everywhere to
repent, to turn from their vanities to Him, the living and true God.
I had to put up a petition for a dark and hardened state — to pray for
some who do not pray for themselves, that they may be borne vrith a
Uttle longer, and that Dirine risitations may be afresh extended to
them for their recovery out of the pit of sin and of corruption.
Eeeth was my last meeting ; it was to me for a time a season of
mental conflict. I felt renewedly that watchfulness is indispensable.
No state nor condition, no degree of spfritual growth is exempt from
this necessary duty ; but the covenanted mercies of our God are sure,
He may try His children with conflicts of spirit, hiding the Ught of
His glorious countenance from them for a season, but
f He plants his footsteps in the sea.
And rides upon the storm."
He may prove, but He does not forsake. His poor, Uttle, dependant
children. I had to express somewhat of these feelings, and to exhort
the dear children to enter into covenant vrith God.
I reached home the next day, the 31st of 5th month, and was
favoured to find my dear family all pretty well.

JOURNEY
with thomas robson, of. liverpool, etc.,
In Cheshire, Staffordshire, Northamptonshire, Buckingham
shire, Dorsetshire, Hampshire, Guernsey, Jersey,
Devonshire, and Cornwall, in 1837,

I LEFT home on the 31st of the 3rd month, 1837, accompanied at
first by my kind friend, D. OUver. We proceeded by way of Stock
ton to Osmotherly, where we had a meeting, and one at Thirsk in
the evening of the same day. Here we parted, D. 0. returning
home, whilst I went forward to Ackworth, to pay a short visit to my
son and daughter, T. and R. Pumphrey.
Sheffield. — I was pretty largely engaged in a close, searching
manner, being led to address the unconverted, under a lively and
powerful sense of the longsuffering and forbearance of God, notwith
standing man's ingratitude and rebellion. The riches of His mercy
in Christ Jesus was proclaimed amongst them. I took tea at the
house of a Friend who had been in the wine and spirit trade, but
who became uneasy on account of the dangerous and injurious ten
dency of the business, two persons in the employ of the firm having
committed suicide. The love and fear of God, and of his neighbour,
finally predominated over the love of gain, and the business was
reUnquished. In journeying along, my mind often flowed sweetly and tenderly
toward my dear family, whom I have again left for the Gospel's

278 JOURNEY WITH THOMAS ROBSON, ETC. [1837.
sake, and especially toward my beloved wife, whose mind, I hoped,
would be borne above aU the little trials and perplexities which may
at times attend her path during my absence, with desires that she
might often be sweetly replenished -with a perceptible sense of the
love of God, and be made gratefuUy sensible how much we have
hitherto been helped and preserved through the trials and dangers
of this probationary state — at times indeed faint and feeble, yet
pressing onwards towards the mark for the glorious prize of the
recompense of an eternal reward, through the tender mercies of our
God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Manchester. — In the meeting, on first-day morning, I was
strengthened to bear, I trust, an instructive testimony, and was
thankful in being so guided to speak to the state of the meeting, yet
with doctrine and allusions which, however some might feel them to
be of an admonitory character, could not easUy be controverted.
In passing through Lichfield, I went to see the stone over the door
of the Court House, in which are cut the city arms, representing
a field, strewed with dead bodies, encircled vrith coats of mail, etc.,
as though intended to represent the armour of those engaged in the
massacre of the Christians, which took place in the time of Dio
cletian, as noticed in George Fox's journal.
Coventry. — The morning meeting, on first-day, was a time of Di
vine favour and fresh visitation to some tender minds. Some who were
once esteemed members of the Society have now become alienated
from it, haring an erroneous view of its doctrines, and a low esteem
for its discipline ; yet, I trust, many of the flock have been watched
over and preserved by the Shepherd and Bishop of souls, and are, at
times, permitted to feed in the green pastures of Ufe. In a tea
party, in the evening, way opened for instructive conversation, which
was succeeded by a solid religious opportunity, in which I had to
bear testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus, and to supplicate for
the continuance of Divine protection and help. I long for their
spiritual welfare.
Wellingborough. — I endeavoured to encourage the faint-hearted,
and to wam some of the dangerous consequences of giring way to
an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the liring God, and

^T. 63.] journey with THOMAS ROBSON, ETC. 279
afterwards prayed for the blessing of preservation. I found my dear
companion a kind and instructive feUow-traveller, and we often
mutuaUy enjoyed our conversation on the road.
Eaunds. — The time of silence was particularly solemn and pre
cious, and through the adorable condescension of the Bishop of souls,
I was enabled to labour largely, explaining the truths of the Gospel,
I humbly trust, to the instruction of many : also, on the bended knee,
in deep prostration of soul before my God, praising Him for His
wonderful works, and for His goodness unto the chUdren of men.
Olney. — The various dealings of God with man, in order to draw
him into the true fold, were attempted to be described, from which,
counsel and encouragement flowed to a variety of states. Here also
I had to suppUcate. I have cause to be deeply and reverently thank
ful that access to the Divine footstool is thus graciously granted, from
season to season, often, through mercy, owned with the descendings
of the dew of heaven, and the streams of the water of Ufe, to the
refreshment of the visitors and visited. May I ever be truly thankful
to my gracious and Heavenly Father ! At Olney the house was
pointed out to me in which John Newton for a time resided ; also
that of WUliam Cowper, the. poet.
Oxford. — We had a fine view of the city, so remarkable as a seat
of leaming, and for the antiquity and magnificence of its public build
ings. We risited the University Printing Office, where a number of
men are engaged in printing Bibles, prayer books, etc., both in
English and in foreign languages. The buUding consists of a centre
and two wings, the centre about two hundred feet long. There is a
drying room, where they can hang three hundred thousand sheets at
a time, a cistern, which is said to contain one hundred and fifty-four
thousand gallons of water, and a hydrauhc press, of power equal to
the weight of seven hundred tons. By thefr cylinder press, they
print the Bible at the rate of a copy (smaU size) in little more than
two minutes. There is also a double working fiat press, at which
sheets are dravm out at both sides of the screen. The whole process
is beautiful, and considering the great object in view, is deeply inter
esting. Through this medium, how wonderfully is Scriptural Ught
communicated to our fellow mortals !

280 journey WITH THOMAS ROBSON, ETC. [1837.
Being in London, at the yearly meeting, G. R. writes :
Gracechurch Street Meeting, 5th month 21st. — I had to
warn the careless and unconcerned, reminding them of the awfiil
instances which at times occur, of the messenger of death coming at
an unexpected moment, and to some so suddenly that they are in a
few moments deprived of consciousness, and thus rendered utterly
incapable of making any effort, by way of preparation, for the final
change. How dangerous is it, therefore, to rely upon a death-bed
repentance, which some unwisely are doing.
Devonshire House Meeting. — My chief concern was for the
dear young men who, in the slippery paths of youth, are exposed to
many strong temptations, and many grievous entanglements. I was
strengthened to handle the subject, to the reaching of the witness
for God in some present, I reverently trust. 0 that it may but con
tribute to their effectual conversion "from darkness to light, and
from the power of Satan unto God."
SouTHWAEK, 5th MONTH 28th. — On first,-day morning, Samuel
Tuke was engaged at considerable length, and there were several
other offerings. My concern was to warn such as are at ease in
Zion, indulging in the pleasures of sense, living in fulness of bread ;
some of them, it may be, chanting "to the sound of the viol, and"
inventing " to themselves instruments of music, lUce Darid," but
who are " not grieved for the affliction of Joseph," and who cannot
understand why the sound of lamentation and mourning should so
frequently be heard in our assemblies. May such duly call to mind
that "it is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the
house of feasting." The Lord's people have often been a poor,
small, afflicted remnant. "Ye shall weep and lament," said our
blessed Lord to His disciples, "but the world shall rejoice, and ye
shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy."
Devonshiee House. — Amongst the ministers engaged in the even
ing were Ann Jones, in an encouraging testimony, and H. C. Back
house, very instructively. At the close of this large and truly solemn
meeting, I felt constrained to bow the knee, and through the adorable
condescension of my God, was permitted to supplicate for His con
tinued gracious care and protection over the little ones, that they

^T. 63.] JOURNEY WITH THOMAS ROBSON, ETC. 281
may be hid as "in the hoUow of his hand," until the indignation be
overpast, and that He may be pleased to raise up, prepare, and call
to stand forth in His service, pouring His Spirit upon sons and
daughters, upon servants and handmaids, that they may stand for the
honour of His holy name ; that the waste places may yet be inhabited,
and we, as a Society, be preserved as a people to His praise.
During the course of this yearly meeting, we had to behold several
of "the old servants, who have long laboured in the Lord's harvest,
bowing under the infirmities of age ; and many others have, of late
years, been caUed to inherit their eternal reward. The close of the
yearly meeting was very comfortable. A good, instructive "general
epistle" was agreed upon, almost without alteration ; it touches on
a great variety of topics briefly, but comprehensively.
I went on first-day to Eickmansworth, to attend the interment of
the remains of Emmett Skidmore, with whom we had, very recently,
a sitting in his own house : though then in usual health, a few days
ago he was found dead in his bed. He had often intimated, and
once to me, that he thought he should be taken off suddenly, but
I do believe he lived and walked in the love and fear of God, and he
appeared often to enjoy sweet communion -with the Father of spirits.
He was the only member left of the ancient meeting of Charley-
wood, and vvas a descendant of Francis Stamper. He used to hold
meetings in his own parlour, with a nephew and some nieces, who
were not in membership, and has left a good savour behind him, being
highly esteemed by his neighbours. He left a request that a meet
ing might be convened on the occasion of his funeral, which accord
ingly was held in the room where a school, which he had UberaUy
supported, was usually kept. The place was weU fiUed, with many
outside at the open windows. I had to bear my testimony, and to
bend the knee in supplication. After the meeting, we proceeded two
miles on foot to Charleywood burial-ground, where, notwithstanding
the distance, it was thought fifteen hundred people assembled. My
spirit was clothed -with thankfulness at beholding so vast a concourse,
and I felt I must address them, though sensible of the weakness of
my organs of speech. I took my stand a littie elevated, at a corner
protected by a waU from pressure behind, and to the vvindward of the.

282 JOURNEY -WITH THOMAS EOBSON, ETC. [1837.
bulk of the people, and was helped to declare amongst them the nature
of true religion, which is a union vrith God ; of the way of life and
salvation through faith in Christ ; and of sanctification, through the
purifying operation of the Holy Spirit.
Staines. — After rather a long time of silence, my way opened in
an earnest and affectionate entreaty to some present, to surrender
themselves freely to the Lord's service, by submitting to the purify
ing operations of His Spirit and power, and then, if the gifts of the
Spirit are properly sought by frequent retirement and prayer, we may
reasonably hope that they vrill not be withheld, but that standard and
testimony-bearers wiU yet continue to be raised up amongst us, of
whom there is much need. Were we duly to consider the weight of
our obUgations, and our awful responsibUity to God, we should surely
be freely given up to run the Lord's errands vrith alacrity. My
spirit was again permitted to approach, the throne of grace. These
services were performed in the obedience of faith, almost in opposi
tion to vvhat reason alone would have dictated, but I was afterwards
told that of late time they have repeatedly been so addressed.
At Southampton, we went on board the fine steam-boat, Atalanta,
which, with eighty-three other passengers, proceeded do-wn the South
ampton water, and passing near the Isle of Wight, proceeded to
Guernsey. About nine o'clock next morning, we approached the
mouth of the harbour, when our kind friend, Edmund Eicbards, came
on board, prepared to accompany us to Jersey. We arrived at St.
Helier about two o'clock on the 14th of 6th month. This is the
chief town, well built, and on a much more level plot than St. Pierre
at Guernsey. Next morning, about twenty assembled at the house
of our aged friend, John Eenout, about two miles in the country.
He has been twice banished the island for his refusal to bear arms,
and is much beloved and esteemed. After we had sat awhile in
silence, he expressed vrith much feeling and sweetness that passage,
" The Spirit and the bride say. Come." When I stood up, which
was with no common sensations, George Payne came and stood by
my side, and interpreted, sentence by sentence, that which came
before me to express amongst them. By making suitable pauses, I
got through my service better than I had anticipated ; relying on the

MT. 63..] JOUENEY WITH THOMAS ROBSON, ETC. 283
unfailing arm of my Divine Master, I was furnished for the occasion,
both with matter for expression, so as to cast off my burden, and with
calmness and patience as to the mode of administration. I felt peace
ful, and after E. Eicbards had said a Uttle to the people in English,
I had to engage in supplication, and I thought the meeting ended
well. We sailed shortly after in the same vessel to Guernsey, where
we arrived in less than three hours, the distance being thfrty miles.
In Guernsey there are about forty members, on nearly all of whom
we caUed at their own houses. The island is much improved in cul
tivation, and the town much enlarged, since I was there with Daniel
Oliver, in 1815. My duty in meeting appeared to be that of offering
the word of encouragement to such as are under affliction and trial.
We sailed on seventh-day evening, and on first-day morning landed
at Southampton.
ExETEE. — The meetings on first-day were both seasons of Divine
favour. In the. morning we had a precious, heart-tendering season,
and in the afternoon I had to caU impressively upon those present
for a more full surrender to the serrice of Him to whom we are
indebted for every blessing, both spiritual and temporal. Were' we
but vriUing, as was said in ancient times, to bring aU the required
tithes and offerings into the store-house, and to surrender every
faculty as at the Dirine footstool, then would He pour forth a bless
ing, as from the windows of heaven, until there would not be room to
contain it, but it would overflow for the benefit of others ; He would
pour forth of His Spirit npon the young men and maidens, and con
strain them to tell of His goodness, and to labour for the conversion
of souls.
LiSKEAED Monthly Meeting. — My testimony had reference to
the doctrine of Christian perfection. I am fully persuaded that a
state of freedom from sin is attainable in this life. " He that cometh
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that dUigently seek him." Our Lord commanded His disciples,
" Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect." Surely He would not enjoin upon them that which He did
not intend to enable them to attain nnto. " There is therefore now
no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not

281 journey with thomas robson, etc. [1837.
after the flesh, but after the Spirit." This clearly imphes a state
vrithout sin ; for if there be sin, there must be condemnation. He
also speaks of the weapons of our warfare "being mighty through
God," not only for. the puUing dovm of the strongholds of sin and
Satan, but for " bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience
of Christ." Our Eedeemer is Almighty; He has power over aU
flesh ; the captain of our salvation is an unconquered captain ; and
He hath declared, " Him that overcometh vriU I make a pillar in the
temple of my God, and he shall go no more out : and I will write
upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God,
which is new Jerusalem." The representation of the state of the
Lord's redeemed children, as given in the book of Eevelation, is one
of very high perfection.
Wellington. — I had to address a restless, discontented state,
reviring the words spoken to Cain, "If thou doest weU, shalt thou
not be accepted ? but if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door."
Instruction was also gathered from our Lord's parable respecting the
man out of whom the eril spirit was gone, which, walking in dry
places, could find no rest. We read that " the last state of this man
was worse than the first." His mind not being stayed on God, on
the power which had visited him, he appears neither to have sought
nor found refreshment from His presence. Oh, the dangerous con
dition of the evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the liring God !
Street, neae Glastonbuey. — Here I had to press closely the
duty of earnestly seeking, as well as patiently waiting, for spiritual
strength and refreshment. It was said by our blessed Lord, " The
kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the riolent take it by
force :" and again — " The kingdom of God is preached, and every
man presseth into it." The Lord's prophet complained, " that none
stfrreth up himself to lay hold of the name of the Lord." David
said, " I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me and
heard my cry." Thus we see that the Psalmist both cried and
waited for help ; but there are times when the poor, thfrsty soul can
not cry; when it seeks water and there is none, and the tongue
faUeth for thirst, and cleaveth as to the roof of the mouth. The
Lord hath promised that He wiU hear these, and not forsake them ;

MT. 63.] JOUENEY WITH THOMAS ROBSON, ETC. 285
He can hear thefr sighs, their aspfrations, as well as their words
when they cry more audibly. He sees the state of the heart, of the
affections and desires ; and He has promised those who thus seek
Him in sincerity and in fervency of heart, in a sense of their own
poverty and want, and in self-abasement and reverence of spirit before
Him, that their worship shall be accepted. I had also to press the
duty ahd benefit of seeking the Lord in soUtary places, where no eye
but His can see ; where the soul feels, though alone, as in the pre
sence of its God, which is often the blessed privilege of His children.
SiDCOT. — I was helped through my serrice, both towards the dear
childi-en, and in that of a more general character ; and a Friend told
me afterwards that it was much to her consolation. The unity of
the upright-hearted is precious.
Bath is a small meeting, but Friends were generally out, and I
was enabled to labour amongst them plainly and faithfully, in point
ing out how greatly the comfort and enjoyment of a professing Chris
tian is diminished, by striving to serve two masters. The gathering
arm of Dirine mercy appeared to be near us.
We attended Bristol meeting on sixth-day, there being two held
here in the week. It was a comfortable meeting, and I had a Uttle
to offer near the close. We risited a number of invalids, and were,
I trust, permitted to minister to some of them a little of the wine of
consolation. LoTHERSDALE. — On my homeward journey, I spent a first-day at
this place. A messenger having been sent to give a little notice,
especiaUy to such families as are not in membership and yet attend
our meetings at times, the attendance was large, and I was favoured
with much strength in labouring to tum some present from darkness
to Ught, and endeavouring to open to their understandings some of
the precious doctrines ofthe Gospel, especially that which I am often
bound to proclaim, that Christ must be beheved in and obeyed as
our King to rule, and our Prophet to instruct, as well as our great
High Priest and Mediator, and the Sacrifice for our sins.
Proceeding northwards, I was favoured to reach my endeared home
and family on the 1st of Sth month, having been out about four
months, and traveUed about two thousand and seventy-seven miles

286 JOURNEY WITH THOMAS ROBSON, ETC. [1837.
by land and water. Thus terminated this long and, in many respects,
arduous journey, in which I have laboured honestly, and often fer
vently, for the grovri;h in grace, and for the confirmation and establish
ment in the true faith and hope of the Gospel, of my dear brethren
and sisters in reUgious profession. May my God be graciously
pleased to bless these labours to the lasting benefit of many, and to
the glory of His own high and holy name. Amen.

JOURNEY
WITH DANIEL OLIVER, OF NEWCASTLE,
Into Lancashire, Wales, Herefordshire, and Neighboueing
Counties, in 1842.

I left home on the 23rd of 3rd month, 1842, in company with
_^my friend, D. Oliver. In traveUing along, it felt awful to me to have
to enter on so important a field of service, especiaUy considering
how my mouth is closed, as to ministry, for many months in succes
sion at home ; but through mercy I was favoured with a good degree
of tranquiUity, in contemplating the prospect before me, and at times,
in travelUng along, I had to witness the flowing of that river of the
water of life, which refreshes, strengthens, and comforts the mind of
the poor pilgrim, reverently trusting that He, who had been with me
on many former occasions, would continue to succour and strengthen
us both for His serrice. Tender desfres and prayers also ascended
on behalf of my beloved wife and famUy at home, that the Everlast
ing Arms might be around them, and the eternal God their refuge.
Li-raiRPOOL. — In sitting down amongst our Friends, we were fa
voured vrith a precious sense of holy solemnity. My companion
broke sUence in a short, acceptable testimony ; after which, my bonds
were broken, and my spirit set at Uberty to labour freely amongst
them, and I reverently trust, vrith an awakening effect, for which I
felt thankful. ' I thought that mentaUy I had to risit the spfrits in
prison, and to proclaim the mercy and power of Him who alone can

288 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1842.
break every yoke of bondage, and can let the captive spirit go free,
bringing it into " the glorious liberty of the children of God."
The monthly meeting here gathered under a very solemn covering,
in which the arm of the Shepherd of Israel appeared to be mercifully
stretched forth to bring aU into the pastures of life. My spirit was
remarkably free to declare the riches of redeeming love. How gra
cious is the declaration, " The Lord's portion is his people, Jacob is
the lot of his inheritance." This was spoken of the seed of Abra
ham, of him, who was caUed the friend of God ; they were chosen, as
saith the Lord, to " be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people ;
for all the earth is mine." He intended thereby, in an especial
manner, that they should be made acquainted with His vrill, and be
instrumental in exalting the knowledge of His holy name amongst
the nations ; and are not we, in this glorious Gospel day, in like
manner called of God to be unto Him " a pecuUar people ?" We
are not our own, we are bought with a price, even with the precious
blood of the Lamb of God, who was offered as a sacrifice to take
away our sins, and to bring us into " the glorious liberty of the
chUdren of God;" not only to cleanse us from the guilt of the sins
that are past, but to give us power and dominion over sin and Satan.
And how is this dominion to be obtained ? Is it not by 'obeying the
voice of the liring, inspeaking Word, in the soul of the truly quickened
chUd of God ? This voice may be very small and stiU, but as it is
obeyed, the Dirine life wUl gain the ascendancy in us, and the nearer
we keep to God, walking in reverence before Him, even whUst engaged
in our outward occupations, the more we shaU be enabled to live to
His glory, and to fulfil the Scriptural exhortation, " Whether therefore
ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
West Houghton.^ — My communication chiefly related to the safety
and benefit of confiding in God for the supply of our wants, both
spfritual and temporal. Darid said, the Lord is my Shepherd ; I
shall not want:" and again, " The Lord is the strength of my life,
of whom shaU I be afraid ?" I had to caution against a murmuring
frame of mind, as evinced by the chUdren of Israel in the wUder
ness, and to exhort to an acquiescence in the varying dispensations
of Dirine Proridence, even when they are opposed to our natural

MT. 68.] journey with D.iNIEL OLIVER. 289
incUnations. The benefit of true resignation to the will of God
concerning us is very gi-eat. We learnt after meeting, that the pres
sure of distress amongst the "manufacturers in this neighbourhood,
was very severe.
Bolton. — I was led to shew how, in many respects, one event hap
peneth to aU : as in the pains and infirmities to which our bodies are
subject, the righteous are liable to be affiicted as weU as the wicked ;
death also is common to aU men. In the case of public or general
calamities overtaking a land, as famine, pestUence, or war, or in the
case of commercial perplexities, all are Uable to suffer. It is by the
dispensations of His Proridence that God asserts His sovereignty,
and abases the pride of man, proving to him, that vrith aU his fore
sight, and his utmost sagacity, he cannot escape wholly from the
pressure of public calamities, proridentially infficted. But though it
is obrious that one event happeneth to aU, yet the way in which
these trials are borne, and the effect of them on the minds of men are
very various. The humble, lowly disciple of Jesus knows Him to
reign in righteousness, and reverently bows to aU His dispensations,
and so far confides in His vrisdom, mercy, and care, as at times to be
enabled to say with one formerly, " Though he slay me, yet vrill I trust
in him." The Christian has faith to believe that should these afflic
tions terminate in the death of the body, he -wiU, through the mercy
of God in Christ Jesus, obtain a part in the better resurrection.
Many of the storms of life pass over the heads of Christians without
harming them ; they bow to the dispensation in patient submission,
while the vricked fret and foam, and wound themselves by the indul
gence of the rebeUious passions. The Lord is able and wiUing to
sanctify every affiietion to those who truly love and fear Him, and
He can make aU to work together for their good and His ovm glory.
Ceawshay-Booth. — I was thankful in being enabled to deUver an
encouraging testimony at the monthly meeting. I cannot but believe
that the remarkable liberty -with which I have been favoured during
this risit to Lancashfre, is intended for the encouragement of many.
I have had " to preach good tidings unto the meek," and "the open
ing of the prison to them that are bound ;" and have had abundantly
"to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord," as reaUy come to
v

290 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1842.
those who are willing to accept the gTacious offers of Divine love and
mercy. The Lord is truly "the repairer of the breach, the restorer
of paths to dweU in."
Caldeebeidge. — I was led to speak of the high importance of the
proper discharge of parental duties. Though parents have often to
mourn under a sense of their own insufficiency, they wiU, if humble
and sincere, be encouraged to ask wisdom of God, " who giveth to
aU men liberally and upbraideth not." They cannot rule well, unless
their own spirits are kept in holy subjection tb "the Father of
spirits;" they must love God, and walk in His fear, being ever
watchful that no improper expression escape their lips ; for children
are quick of perception, and soon discover if the parent is wrong. I
do beUeve the spirit and frame of mind, which parents evince in the
management of thefr children, have more infiuence, if good, than any
direct precept, yet it is ever their duty to teach thefr offspring the
knowledge of God. " This is life eternal, that they might know
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
Wyeesdale. — Friends here keep a first-day school, with a little
help from Lancaster, though the distance is six miles : they have
from forty to fifty children, and it is considered to have been very use
ful. Some of the older ones attended the meeting, in which I endea
voured to shew how our own inability to help or deUver ourselves, in
the work of the soul's salvation, tends to humble us before Gnid.
The prophet says, "It is not in man that walketh to direct his
steps;" and another of the Lord's servants declares that "the steps
of a good man are ordered of the Lord, and he delighteth in his
way ;" so that we see the necessity of waiting upon God for direction,
and of crying unto Him for deliverance. How encouraging is the
language of David — " I waited patiently for the Lord ; and he in
clined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of
an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock,
and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my
mouth, even praise unto our God." How apt is the comparison of
the feet being sunk in the miry clay to the state of man enthralled in
sinful propensities, and how comparable to the horrible pit is his
cpndition when, goaded on by ricious companions, he becomes sunk

^T. 68.] journey with DANIEL OLIVER. 291
m sin ; and though at times he feels his misery, he cannot escape of
himself. But as He who gives to man a sight and sense of his lost
and undone condition is sought unto. He opens to him a door of
escape, saying unto him in the secret of his soul, " This is the way,
waUs ye in it, when ye tum to the right hand, and when ye turn to
the left." We must trust in God, and He wUl pluck our feet out of
the mfre and clay of corruption, set them upon Christ, the Eock,
and estabUsh our goings in righteousness ; but only in the strait and
narrow way of self-denial. Thus He puts the song of praise into our
mouth even here, and when we have passed the river of judgment,
and the dark vaUey of the shadow of death, and entered through the
pearl gates into the celestial city, then wUl ability be given to sound
forth for ever and ever the praises of redeeming love.
Wray. — There are only two members here, and but twenty per
sons assembled -with us. I was led to dweU upon the low, tried state
into which our Lord's immediate followers were introduced, by the
prospect of His approaching sufferings. How gracious was His lan
guage to them, though He foresaw their frailty, forewarning them
that such would be the power of darkness, that they would all forsake
Him ; and yet, knovring this, His compassionate language was, " Let
not your heart be troubled : ye believe in God, beUeve also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions : if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you ;" and " I will come
again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may
be also."
Preston. — After a season of close exercise, I was engaged in tes
timony, under a good degree of Dirine anointing. When, in our
silent waiting upon God, we feel almost overwhelmed vrith discourage
ment, under a sense of our own weakness, shortcomings, and sinful
ness, whilst rightly feeling deeply sensible of these things, we gain
no strength by dweUing too long upon them. We cannot help our
selves out of this condition ; our help comes from God. The lan
guage of the Most High to His people was, " 0 Israel, thou hast
destroyed thyself; but in me is thy help." Let us consider well the
high and holy nature of our caUing, and never rest satisfied in a
polluted state. " If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old

292 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1842.
things are passed away ; behold aU things are become new, and all
things are of God." In vain do we rest satisfied with merely bear
ing the Christian name : there must be a change of heart. Those
who are in Christ must take His yoke upon them, and be vriUing to
submit to His restraining power.
Fleetwood. — In this new town there are but four members.
About twenty persons assembled, and I had a pretty Uvely time
amongst them, in pointing out some of those wiles of the enemy of
souls, by which, if we are entrapped, our peace is wounded, and the
Lord's name is dishonoured. In times of perplexity from the diffl
culty of obtaining the means of subsistence, some have been tempted
to cultivate the friendship of worldly-minded or ungodly persons :
this practice is highly injurious to their spfritual welfare. The Lord
declares, " Them that honour me I wUl honour, and they that de
spise me shaU be hghtiy esteemed." They who seek to promote the
glory of God, and to honour Christ before men, shall be owned in
the presence of the Father and His holy angels ; but if we join hands
with the wicked, we give them our countenance, and God is thereby
dishonoured. Manchester. — In sitting down in this meeting, my feelings were
those of strong emotion, and of much sympathy and love towards
those assembled, weU knowing what confficts of spirit some of them
have had to endure. I felt the serrice of an extensive and almost
overwhelming character ; but on standing up to revive the assurance
that " the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are
open unto their cry," I was led along, under the influence of Gospel
love, to comfort the mourners amongst them, and to magnify the
riches of that grace which is offered for their help and consolation.
I also addressed those who conceive themselves to be of the number
to whom but one spiritual talent has been given, many .of whom
are too much resembling him who wrapped his talent in a napkin,
and buried it in the earth ; they are the most Uable to cherish a mur
muring spfrit against Him whose bounteous hand has heaped many
benefits upon them ; they resemble the barren heath in the desert
which seeth not when good cometh ; they charge the Lord with being
a hard Master, seeking to gather where He hath not strewed, and to

MT. 68.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 293
reap where He hath not sown. The carnal heart is at enmity with
God, and until broken and melted by a quickening sense of redeem
ing love, can have no enjoyment even in the glorious presence of
God, and His holy angels, and " the spirits of just men made per
fect." Could such even gain admittance into the celestial regions,
they could only hide their faces in shame and self-abhorrence : how
awful then is thefr condition !
Warrington. — My sympathy was caUed forth towards the Lord's
tried chUdren, and I endeavoured to shew the need there is to keep
a firm hold of the shield of faith, not only in beliering that God is,
and that He wUl most assuredly be the rich rewarder of all those
who diligently seek Him, but also in trusting in Him at aU times,
and especiaUy when He may see meet to withdraw from us for a
season the Ught of His countenance, and to permit us to be tried
vrith a sense of desertion. How was our blessed Lord, our great
exemplar, thus tried, when He was led of the Spirit into the wUder
ness to be tempted of the devU, where, after having fasted forty days,
the enemy seemed let loose upon Him. Thus, having taken our
nature upon Him, He bore those trials to which we are subject, in
an intense degree ; but He overcame through suffering, and is now
our mediator with the Father, our advocate, and intercessor.
Lancashire Quaeteely Meeting. — My serrice here was a tender
appeal to the young men especiaUy, to be careful in aU their conver
sation and deportment, to abide in the Lord's holy fear, and to re
member their Creator in the days of their youth, reriring also that
other warning of Solomon, " Eejoice, 0 young man, in thy youth ;
and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth." This was
the language of one who had tried to the utmost what the pleasures
of sense could do for him, but his conclusion was, " Know thou,
that for all these things God wUl bring thee into judgment." When
we also consider the awful import of our Lord's declaration, " That
every idle word that men shaU speak, they shall give account thereof
in the day of judgment," we must feel how greatly those young
people endanger both thefr present and eternal well-being who in
dulge in light and vain conversation. Many of these, when they
come calmly to reflect, have to lie down in sorrow ; and well is it

294 JOUENEY WITH DANIEL OLIVEE. [1842.
when they abide under the chastening rod, even as Ephraim of old.
" Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised ; turn thou me, and I
shaU be turned, for thou art the Lord my God."
Li-VEEPOOL. — I attended the interment of our late ancient and
honourable Friend, Isaac Hadwen. A precious solemnity accom
panied us at the grave-side, and continued to prevail over the meet
ing. I made some remarks on the great uncertainty of life, warning
against becoming too much absorbed in the things of this world, to
the neglect of the " one thing needful." I was also much impressed
with the gracious language used in the parable of the marriage supper,
which came with peculiar sweetness before the riew of my mind.
"Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room."
Those who were first bidden had slighted the inritation, one prefer
ring his farm, and another his merchandise : these were rejected;
and the language went forth — " Go ye into the highways, and as
many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage." This was done, and
the language was uttered, " Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded,
and yet there is room." May every individual put the query to him
self, " Is there indeed in the Lord's heavenly kingdom room for me,
even for me, notwithstanding my unworthiness, and my past disobe
dience and rebellion ? Is the command really now going forth, ' Go
out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in ?' "
Such I believe to be the love of God, the mercy and tender forbear^
ance of a compassionate and longsuffering Lord, that every one whose
heart is tender before Him, and truly desirous of being admitted into
His heavenly kingdom, may have hope in His mercy, and be assured
that " yet there is room." Perhaps some may be ready to query
whether they have ever received the blessed invitation. Hast thou
not felt, my brother, my sister, the strirings of the spfrit of God in
thy own heart — in thy conscience ? hast thou never .been sensible of
the Lord's voice, as " a word behind thee, saying, this is the way,
walk" thou " in it," when thou hast been turning to the right hand
or to the left ? Is not this a plain inritation ? does it not cry to
thee to enter in at the strait gate, and to walk in the narrow way ?
and is not this the way of Ufe ? hath not our Lord Jesus Christ
plainly declared it? Therefore hearken to the Lord's voice, obey

JET. 68.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 295
His holy will as it is made manifest unto thee, by whatever means,
and then, through the merits and mediation of our holy Eedeemer,
thy soul shall yet Uve. The call is renewedly going forth ; the arms
of Di-rine mercy are extended ; the heavenly Shepherd is stUl stretch
ing forth the crook of His love to gather, even the straying ones, into
the true fold of rest and peace ; only let us be freely resigned to the
wiU of God concerning us, earnestly striving to enter in at the strait
gate, taking Christ's yoke upon us, and learning of Him who was
meek and lowly in heart. Oh ! how would this yoke restrain many
from pursuing the things of this life with such avidity, and from
striving so earnestiy after the accumulation of riches, and engaging
in such large and almost unlimited commercial engagements, whereby
many involve both themselves and others in great perplexity, and
may truly be said " to pierce themselves through with many sorrows."
It is sometimes in mercy that such schemes are blasted, to turn the
minds of these to Him from whom their hearts are straying, and
who are almost idohzing the bounties of His Proridence.
I had to engage in fervent supplication. My voice held out to my
own humbUng admiration. It was truly the Lord's own work ; to
Him be for ever ascribed aU the glory and all the praise !
Chester. — Six persons met us, and though we were so smaU a
company, I thought we were graciously owned of Him who is with
the " two or three" who truly gather in His name. I was impressed
with the words, " Buy the truth, and seU it not." It is an expres
sion sometimes used, and has much meaning in it, " We cannot buy
it too dear" — ^no earthly sacrifice is too great to make for that pure
and precious influence which brings into uprightness and integrity of
heart toward God, and which is in itself certain, true, unfailing,
purifying the heart from its corruptions. How impressive is the
language, " I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that
thou mayest be rich ; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed,
and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear ; and anoint thine
eyes -with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." I earnestly longed that
none present might be content with a mere profession of religion, but
might apply these things to their own individual experience.
Llanidloes. — The only members are Eichard and IsabeUa Brown,

296 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1842.
and no others sit with them. During the Chartist agitation about
the toU-gates, these dear Friends had their trials, as the town was in
great commotion. A wounded special constable took refuge in their
house ; the armed insurgents had promised not to molest E. B., yet
on this occasion, a party of a dozen drew up near his house in a
hostUe attitude. E. persuaded the constable to go home, and then
the people were quieted ; our Friends had washed his wounds, and
given him refreshment. The parish relieving officer had also made
himself obnoxious, and he too obtained shelter in E. B.'s house, but
he afterwards quietly escaped.
In traveUing along amongst the mountains of Wales, I took a
retrospective riew of my late labours in Lancashfre, and the truly
remarkable manner in which I was strengthened from day to day, to
acquit myself of that debt of love to the Friends of this quarterly
meeting, which has been long accumulating. These considerations,
accompanied as they were with humbled feeUngs, and a deep and
precious sense of the love of my gracious Heavenly Father and holy
Eedeemer, felt to be an ample reward for aU my former conflicts and
sufferings in that county, during the controversy in Manchester.
Indeed, I do believe we have been permitted tb be the ministers of
consolation to many in the hour of need, and the precious extension
of the canopy of Divine love and mercy, over many of our assemblies,
has indeed been refreshing.
Stourbridge. — A nice little flock of chUdren were present, to
whom I addressed a few words. " The grace of God, that bringeth
salvation, hath appeared to aU men, teaching us, that denying ungod
liness and worldly lusts, we should Uve soberly, righteously, and
godly in this present world ; looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
What a comprehensive passage is this ! The grace here spoken of
risits the minds of very young chUdren, reproving for evil, and speak
ing peace when they do well ; and not only so, but it softens and
contrites their spirits before God, often before they properly under
stand by what it is that thefr minds are thus affected, or from whence
it proceeds. It is_ highly important that they should endeavour to
cherish these Divine visitations, for then they wiU be more often

MT. 68.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 297
renewed, and become more and more powerful. But parents and
heads of famUies should be very careful to do nothing which should
prove a stumbhng-block to such dear young chUdren, for they are
quick-sighted, and soon discover the faults and failings of those
around them, because their minds are in degree enlightened by the
true Ught which hath quickened them. How sorrowful is it when
the grace of God teaches the chUd one thing, and the parent teaches
it another ; when the grace teaches humility and lowliness, and the
parent fosters pride and vanity ; the grace teaches truth at aU times ;
the parent teaches often by example, and in some cases by precept,
to utter untruths. Thus the mind of the chUd is either wounded by
the conduct of its parent, or its conscience becomes darkened, its
spiritual perceptions blunted and benumbed, and the Spirit of God is
sUghted and grieved.
Coventry. — Here I met with a Friend, who told me I was made
the instrument of his convincement, when here five years ago, haring
been guided to speak to his state, and the workings of his mind, with
such precision, that he thenceforward determined to unite with our
Society. Thus in the Lord's hand we may be made instrumental for
good to others, when we are little aware of it : the work is His.
Warwtick. — My communication in this little meeting was relative
to the reward of the righteous. " In thy presence is fulness of joy,
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." How precious
is it whilst in this state of being, to be made sensible of the Lord's
presence, and to be permitted to feel the flowing of the river of life,
which sustains, refreshes, and cleanses. But in the mental confficts
and tribulations which fall to our lot, it is weU often to be looking
forward, vrith the eye of Uving faith, to the eternal recompense of
reward ; that rest which is prepared for the people of God, that crown
of righteousness which vrill never fade, assuredly prepared for those
who endure to the end — those who fight the good fight, keep the
faith, and overcome thefr soul's enemies.
Eatington. — My subject was the majesty, wisdom, and goodness
of God, especiaUy as displayed in the salvation of men. " The Lord
of hosts shaU be exalted in judgment ; and God that is holy shaU be
sanctified in righteousness." God must and wUl be exalted, and

298 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1842.
have His high and holy name honoured. How wonderfuUy has He
dealt vrith His faUen creature man, in order that he may be recovered
from his lost condition. How marvellous that He should, in His
infinite -wisdom, have seen meet to send His dear Son into the world,
to take upon Him the feeblest condition in which mankind are ever
found, even that of a helpless babe; and that this immortal babe
should be born in a stable, and laid in a manger! He "took our
infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." He endured our temptations,
and knows how to sucqour us in all our trials ; for " we have not an
high priest which cannot be touched -with the feeling of our infirmi
ties ; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
But how awful is the consideration that the day -wUl come when we
shaU " see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with
power and great glory:" "and before him shaU be gathered aU na
tions ; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd
divideth his sheep from the goats." How important is it that we
should individuaUy consider whether we have a well-grounded hope
that we shall be found amongst the sheep at the right hand of Him
who is the appointed "judge of quick and dead." Have we honoured
and confessed Him before men, or have we been ashamed bf and
denied Him ? have we His commandments, and do we keep them ?
do we love, fear, and honour Him ? do we walk in humiUty and
reverence of spirit before Him? If so, then may we hope that
through the mediation and intercession of Christ, we shaU be even
tually found at His right hand, and be o-wned by Him at that great
and awful day.
SiBFORD. — This text came before my mind with reference to
Babylon, " Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of
her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." It was said of
Israel, " The people shall dweU alone, and shaU not be reckoned
among the nations." In all ages of the world, God has chosen that
His children shall be a separate people — separate from sinners. Our
Lord said to His disciples, " If the world hate you, ye know that it
hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world
would love his own : but because ye are not of the world, but I have
chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you :" and

JET. 68.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 299
again — " They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."
It is very dangerous for the Lord's chUdren and people to mix un
guardedly -with worldly-minded or ungodly men. Indeed, if they
can reUsh and enjoy such company, it is a proof that they are not
yet fit for the society of saints and angels, and the spirits of just men
made perfect. The Lord's children are grieved when He is dis
honoured. We read that in ancient times when iniquity abounded,
and • God was about to pour out His judgments upon men, the angel
was sent forth, having a writer's inkhorn by his side, and he was
commanded to set a mark upon them that sighed and cried because
of the abominations which are in the earth. This is the frame of
mind vrith which we shonld regard iniquity, and ever be jealous of
the honour of our God and Father.
I also addressed the young people present, of whom, vrith the
school chUdren, there were a considerable number.
Banbury.— My attention was directed to the manner of the Lord's
dealings vrith those whom He is preparing for useful serrice in the
church, which is often very mysterious. One of the prophets de
clares, " He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into
light:" and again — "He hath broken my teeth vrith gravel-stones."
Does the Spfrit of God lead His chUdren into darkness ? They may
be sincerely desfrous of knowing His will, but it is thus that He
exercises their faith and patience ; they are led into the wUderness
state — led as the bUnd in a way that they know not ; they are thus
taught to walk by faith, and to possess their souls in patience, untU
the Lord is pleased to cause a beam of Ught to faU upon thefr path,
and then they are truly glad carefully to foUow it without hesitation.
At times they are brought very low, even having as it were the sen
tence of death in themselves, that they should not trust in them
selves, but in God who raiseth the dead. Thus, as they are careful
to keep the word of His patience. He keeps them in the hour of
temptation, and teaches them to depend daily upon Himself for pre
servation and guidance. " The Lord's portion is his people, Jacob
is the lot of his inheritance." We are bought with a price, even the
precious blood of the Lamb immaculate ; why then should any of
us rob God of His own ? why should we not unreservedly devote

300 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1842.
ourselves to His serrice, to the promotion of His honour and glory ?
He has power to break the bonds, to dissolve the chains of those
who are yet in captirity to their soul's enemies, or their own heart's
lusts ; He can turn the heart of man to Himself, as the gentle influ
ences of His power are yielded to ; He can even quicken those who
are now dead in trespasses and sins, as we aU vvere before we were
redeemed by Dirine love and power. Christ came that we might
have life, and that we might have it more abundantly, even whUst in
this probationary state ; but He also comes to us in spirit, to purify,
cleanse, and prepare us to enjoy this precious life in Him throughout
aU eternity. Again my knee was bowed in thanksgiring and prayer.
After attending the yearly meeting in London G. R. writes : —
I have had, as is often the case at the yearly meeting, Uttle minis
terial serrice, but this I have ever desfred to leave in the hands of
Him who is styled the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. To be ever
resigned to His will, and to yield ready obedience to it when called
into His service, is what I earnestly desire. Whilst out on religious
engagements, most especiaUy, do I seek to be kept close, as in the
hoUow of the ha,nd of my God and Father, that aU my movements
may be under His guiding, constraining, and restraining power : in
this state alone is there safety for the Lord's ministers.
Birmingham. — I was led to dweU upon the words of our Lord,
"If thine eye be single, thy whole body shaU be full of light." If
we cannot discern the path of duty, it is generally because the eye of
the mind is not sufficiently single to the honour and glory of God,
nor our own wUl thoroughly in subjection to His wiU. If this be
our condition, it is no marvel if we have not clear riews of the path
of duty, of the Dirine government, or of the mysteries of the Lord's
kingdom. The Lord may veil the Ught of His countenance from
His dedicated chUdren for a time; He may see meet to withhold
from them, for a season, the consolations of His sensible presence ;
but I believe if the eye be truly single, if there be but an honest and
sincere intention to do the vriU of God when known, there wUl always
be sufficient light in the hour of need, when the time for action is
fuUy arrived, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
In the afternoon, I revived our Lord's inquiry of the man whom

MT. 68.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. 301
He had restored to sight, " Dost thou beUeve on the Son of God?"
the answer was, " Who is he. Lord, that I might beUeve on him ?"
Jesus replied, " Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh
with thee." -Thus it is that the Lord is often nearer to us than we
are aware of. Many of His providential dispensations are not at once
seen to be attributable to His hand ; we are prone to ascribe them
to other causes ; most especiaUy are we Uable to be staggered in our
faith, and tried in our patience, after the Lord, by His power, hath
fuUy awakened us, and we have in a considerable measure yielded to
His requirings. The soul even pants for deUverance from the yoke
of sin. The eyes haring been anointed with the eye-salve of the
kingdom, our spiritual rision becomes clearer, and our perception of
the sinfulness of sin more acute, so that the poor soul is ready at
times to cry out under the weight of the burden and the oppressive
ness of the yoke. But oh, thou tribulated one, " Dost thou believe
on the Son of God ?" dost thou not know that this hand which is
thus heavy upon thee is that of the Messenger of the New Covenant,
of Him who is thus sitting in thy heart as a refiner with fire, and as
a fuUer with soap ? and that in the end, He who hath power over aU
fiesh, to give eternal Ufe to as many as the Father giveth Him, wUl
assuredly deUver thee, if thou art submissive, faithful, and patient
under aU the manifestations of His wiU concerning thee, whether it
be to do or to suffer.
E-VESHAM. — My subject had reference to the chastisements of the
Lord. It was said of Israel, You only have I knovm of aU the
famiUes of the earth : therefore I wUl risit you for all your iniquities.
It is abundantly better to have to endure the Lord's chastening hand
upon us, than that we should be left to ourselves. He is a God of
judgments, and they are accounted blessed who wait upon Him
therein. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth." "If ye be vrithout chastisement,
whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons."
The prophet cried, " 0 Lord, correct me, but -with judgment; not
in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing : pour out thy fury
upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the famiUes that caU
not on thy name." Thus the Lord's servants in former ages have

302 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. [1842.
learnt, by precious, though often painful experience, that it is good
and safe even to desire the Lord's correcting rod, rather than that
they should not witness the necessary process of purification which
He, who knows our hearts, and their proneness to backsliding, sees
to be needful for us.
Derby. — I stood up in weakness and fear, reriving the words,
"My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might
be saved." We find that the Apostle, after recounting his many
attainments, and the privileges with which he had been favoured, as
a Hebrew of pure descent, well instructed in the law, was yet made
willing to renounce these things, vrith his own righteousness, as
affording no ground of assurance before God, and to " count aU things
but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our
Lord." Well would it be if we could all come to this wise resolu
tion, in reference to our acquirements, delights, or enjoyments, of
whatever kind, counting aU but as loss and -dross that we might
" win Christ, and be found in him." Our own vrill and wisdom must
be as it were nailed to the cross, by an entire subjection to the will
of God, by being, as the Apostle expresses it, "buried with him by
baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness
of Ufe." Thus, knowing the power of Christ's resurrection, we be
come new creatures, and are enabled to soar above these lower
enjoyments, and mount upwards, as upon the wings of faith and
love, knowing the house of Saul to grow weaker and weaker, and
the house of David stronger and stronger. Thus, and thus only,
can we obtain the pearl of great price, find " peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ," and know the Lord's Spirit bearing witness
with our spirits that we are His children, born of the incorruptible
seed and word of God. Thus did the power of truth prevail in this
meeting, and I felt I must give thanks on the bended knee, for the
continuance of His longsuffering and tender forbearance towards the
rebellious sons of men.
Leeds. — Many and various are the intimations left upon record,
in the Scriptures of truth, of the Lord's tender, compassionate
concern for the salvation of His creature man. In the book of

MT. 68.] JOURNEY WITB. DANIEL OLIVER. 303
Eevelation we read, " Behold, I stand at the door and knock : if
any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him
and wiU sup with him, and he vrith me." The prophet also pro
claims the language, " Therefore wUl the Lord wait, that he may be
gracious unto you, and therefore vrill he be exalted, that he may
have mercy upon you." It is clear that until man bows in reverence
of spirit before God, no true acceptable worship can be performed ;
the Lord must be exalted in our estimation before His mercy will
be fully extended to us ; yet He waits to be gracious ; He is of great
longsuffering and forbearance toward the fallen children of men.
" Behold, I stand at the door and knock" is the gracious assurance ;
but man is often busy hither and thither, and is regardless of these
His gracious inritations. Children and young people, in the buoy
ancy of their spirits, often slight and neglect the offers of Divine
visitation, and when the eaU goes forth, "My oxen and my fatlings
are killed, and aU things are ready; come unto the marriage," how
many, more advanced in years, are in effect making excuses ; one is
engaged vrith his farm, another vrith his merchandise, a third with
his domestic enjoyments : aU these hold spiritual joys in low estima
tion. How pathetic is the language, " Open to me, my sister, for
my head is fiUed with dew, and my locks with the drops of the
night." What wonderful compassion and forbearance does this lan
guage breathe ! How compassionately is the Saviour lamenting over
many in the -present day, even as He did over Jerusalem : " How
often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen
gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not." Truly
the Lord's arm is still stretched forth to gather ; the language yet
is, " Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Precious are the pri
vileges to which we are invited — even union and communion with
the Father of spirits. This is declared to be necessary for our sal
vation — " Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his
blood, ye have no Ufe in you." "As the living Father hath sent
me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, the same shall
live by me." We must be made partakers of the Dirine nature,
must know our souls to be made ahve unto God, and to be sustained
by this spiritual nourishment. But many flinch from the terms;

304 JOURNEY WITH DANIEL OLIVER. , [1842.
they wiU not submit to bear the yoke of Christ, they are like the
backsUding heifer; they vrill not have Christ to reign over them,
whose right it is. The Lord is indeed waiting to be gracious ; but
if we neglect the risitations of His love, whether He comes as a
refiner with fire, or as a fuUer -with soap, or by the melting, heart-
tendering risitations of His love and power — the time may come
when the language wiU go forth, " Because I have caUed, and ye
refused ; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded, I also
\riU laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh."
My prayers were also reverently offered for the forgiveness of sins,
and for the continuance of the Lord's merciful visitation. It was
indeed to me a time of renewed favour and refreshment, as from
the presence of the Lord, for which my heart overflowed with
thankfulness. We have now completed our serrice for this journey, and surely
we may acknowledge that we have been graciously helped. Again
and again have I admfred the vrisdom and goodness of my Heavenly
Leader. He hath often humbled and prostrated my soul before Him ;
He hath stripped and emptied me of aU ability to open my mouth,
and then He hath stood by and strengthened me to labour for the
promotion of His glory, and the honour of His holy name, amongst
my fellow-professors ; and has again and again commissioned me to
proclaim, -with power and energy, the riches of redeeming love and
mercy, whereby our hearts have been unitedly melted before Him.
Surely then, I may well say, in the language of many others of the
Lord's servants, " Eeturn unto thy rest, 0 my soul, for the Lord
hath dealt bountifully with thee :" return to thy lowly seat at the
King's gate. Thanks be unto Him for all His mercies, both ancient
and new.
On reaching Darlington, I received information of the decease of
my dear brother, WilUam Eichardson, who died after a protracted
iUness, on seventh-day, the 4th of 6th month, 1842. He had loved
and feared the Lord from his youth, and had endeavoured to serve
Him, according to his abiUty, in his generation. I was in time to
attend the funeral.

•*;T. 68.] JOURNEY WITH DANIEL rf)LIVER. 305
We reached home on the 7th of 6th month well and peaceful,
and I was favoured to find my family comfortable and well. We
were absent about three months and three days, and traveUed one
thousand five hundred and three miles.

The following Memorandum was written by George Eichardson,
IN HIS eighty-first YE.\R, AND APPENDED TO HIS JOURNAL,
DATED 4tH MONTH 3rd, 1854 :—
I MAY thankfully acknowledge the good degree of general health
which I am yet permitted to enjoy, so as to enable me to pursue
many of my worldly occupations much as formerly, and to attend all
our meetings for worship, with occasional exceptions only.
I may truly exclaim with one formerly. What shall I render unto
Thee my God for aU Thy benefits, especiaUy for those heart- tendering
visitations of Thy love, and the sense of Thy forgiveness of all my
past transgressions, and that they are blotted out of the book of the
Lamb, our blessed Eedeemer. Yea, Thou art yet graciously pleased
to favour Thy poor, frail, unworthy servant with a sense of Thy life-
giving presence, not only when assembled vrith my brethren in our
religious meetings, but also when confined by indisposition to my
own house. How precious is the sense of Thy mercy and loving
kindness to my soul, thus to feel Thee near, even in my sohtary sea
sons of reverent sUent waiting upon Thee !
Be near me, 0 my gracious Heavenly Father, my blessed and ever
adorable Eedeemer, to the end of my pilgrimage in this probationary
state ; and when it shall please Thee to say it is enough, then permit
my spirit to mingle with Thy saints afready made perfect, in cele
brating the praises of redeeming love.

BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH

GEORGE RICHARDSON..

Having thus far brought up the record of our beloved father's his
tory, through the medium of his own pen, it now seems needful to
endeavour to complete the account of his life and labours, more par
ticularly -with reference to that period when, from declining health
and strength, he was no longer able to travel in the work of the
ministry. Before arriring at this point, however, it may be weU to
take a glance at his character and course of action in the earUer
days of his life, as these have come to the knowledge of his famUy
through the statements of those who knew him intimately. It is
more especiaUy desirable to do this, in the present instance, as
very Uttle of personal narrative is to be found in the preceding pages ;
yet of one whose Ufe so eminently adorned the doctrine he was sent
forth to promulgate, a few further traces of his history may prove
both interesting and instructive.
With regard to his parentage, and his feeUngs on the subject, we
have a record suppUed by his own pen, in a little work, entitled,
" The Annals of the Cleveland Eichardsons," printed in 1850, in
which he records the history of his forefathers, and addresses their
descendants in the foUowing forcible and persuasive language : —
" I have long regarded a pious ancestry, most especially of parents,-
whose Uves were regulated by the fear of God, and who endeavoured
to walk in true faith, and in obedience to His wiU, as among the

310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
choicest blessings conferred upon us by Him who hath made of one
blood all nations of men to dwell upon the face of the earth, and hath
determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habi
tation. Blessings of this character are in no degree at our com
mand, nor under our control, and ought ever to excite in us emotions
of reverent, humble gratitude. Undoubtedly, these are amongst the
talents given for onr improvement, to turn our feet into the way of
peace, to enable us to promote the glory of God, and to fulfil His
gracious designs concerning His gathered church ; for it is His will
that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the
truth; therefore we shall undoubtedly be held accountable for the
dUigent use and improvement of these, as of all other gifts con
ferred upon us by our Heavenly Father, and in case of neglect, our
doom wiU be more heavy than that of others who have not been so
favoured. " With respect to our parents, — Did not many of us partake of the
sweet savour of their spirits ? Did we not at times feel something of
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ presiding, when under the parental
roof, and therein taste a little of sweet spiritual communion ? 0 the
preciousness of these sensations ! What an influence do they shed
over the minds of dear children when they are made sensible of
it, through the softening power of their Heavenly Father's love,
when parents, walking in the fear of God, in Christian grarity of
demeanour, in weightiness of spirit before Him, dwell in His love,
live to His glory, and maintain in the family circle a jealous regard
for His honour and the exaltation of His holy name."
As to G. E.'s childhood, little is known beyond what he has given
of himself. His own mother died when he was scarcely eight years
old, but though so young, he never lost the Uvely impression which
her character and influence had left upon his mind. He described
her as of " grave, serious, circumspect demeanour," and as one who
guided her affairs with discretion, of good natural capacity, and very
even temper. His father* being left with seven children at her
death, the care of the family devolved chiefly upon his eldest daughter
^ Respecting -whom, see 6. R.'s Autobiography.

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 811
Margaret, who, as G. E. records, "proved to be a kind, considerate
care-taker." She afterwards married Joseph Unthank, who is men
tioned in the Journal as haring been one of his companions in a
journey through Cumberland.
About four years after he lost his mother, his father was united in
marriage to Jane Nichol who, according to G. E.'s account, was " a
woman of a pious mind, and who sustained the duties of her station
well." He became closely attached to her, and esteemed it a great
blessing to the famUy that she thus became united to it. She sur-
rived her husband a year and eight months, and died in 1801.
As G. E. has stated in his autobiography, he was early sent from
the parental roof; and in the days of his apprenticeship in Newcastle
he has been described as a young man of sweet, serious deportment,
and one vrith whom the frivohties of youth had Uttie or no place.
He was observed to be frequently engaged in reading the Holy Scrip
tures, and often before meals he would seize the opportunity for
reading a verse or two, which afforded him subject for reflection
afterwards. He was also at times found sitting in the warehouse in
the dark, apparently in deep meditation or in prayer, when his master,
not vrishing to interrupt him, would kindly -withdraw.
He ever entertained a grateful appreciation of the kindness of
this, his "indulgent employer," who, to enable him to pursue what
he believed to be his religieus duty, would often remain at home
himself to Uberate his apprentice to attend meetings at a distance.
Faithfulness to his Heavenly Father led him to exercise great
circumspection of conduct, and he has been frequently heard to state
to his younger friends, the care he felt it right to take that nothing
of his master's property should be wasted, while passing through his
hands as an apprentice.
Even at this early period, his benevolent feeUngs for the poor and
needy were strikingly exempUfled. When his income was very small,
he yet had to spare for some regular pensioners. He was accustomed
to exercise such frugaUty that he not only provided himself with
clothing, but found means to attend his monthly and quarterly meet
ings, and once also the yearly meeting, in London.
There was no mistaking the depth and sincerity of his reUgious

312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
character at this period. The world, and the things of the world,
were seen to be kept in subserviency to matters of higher moment,
and his abstraction of. mind was such, that whUe walking in the
streets, he was observed to take the middle of the road, instead of
the ordinary footpath, that he might meet with fewer interruptions.
He was greatly pririleged in receiving kind notice from some valued
Friends of his own meeting, who frequently inrited him to their
houses, and he thus aUudes to the circumstance, in later Ufe, when
writing to a relative — " This leads me to remember how, in the days
of my youth, I took sweet deUght in the society of those whom I
esteemed as disciples of our self-denying Lord, and who taught me,
both by precept and example, that the gate is strait, and the way is
narrow that leadeth unto Ufe and blessedness. I was often led to
sit alone and keep silence, as in lowly self-abasement. 0 the pre
ciousness of true tenderness of spirit before the Lord ! Such He
teacheth of His way, and guides into the paths of true judgment."
This period of his life (his apprenticeship) seems to have been
marked as the turning point, by a thorough conversion of heart, and
he appears to have adverted to it, some years since, in a meet
ing for worship, to the following effect — that, through the mercy of
his gracious Heavenly Father, he was brought to cry earnestly unto
Him to be delivered from the darkness, doubts, fears, and tempta
tions that surrounded him. Often the language of his soul was, " A
Sariour, or I die ! a Eedeemer, or I perish for ever !" On one occa
sion, when passing through one of the ancient gates of Newcastle,
there flashed through his mind such a sense of the Omnipotence of
an all-sufficient Saviour — of Him that speaks "in righteousness,
mighty to save" — as banished every doubt, every fear, but the rever
ential fear of offending Him who is able and wUUng, not only to wash
away our transgressions in the blood of the Lamb, but also to cleanse
us from aU unrighteousness.
It has been casuaUy stated in his own account that G. E. married
Eleanor Watson, the niece of his master, Joshua Watson. This
attachment was formed during the time of his apprenticeship, when,
in dwelUng under the same roof, he had much opportunity of knowing
her character intimately. She has often mentioned the great surprise

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 313
she felt when he first informed her he believed she "would one day
become his wife." She admfred his religious character, but she
looked upon him as so much beyond herself in this respect, that she
did not beUeve it possible he could have regarded her as a fitting
helpmeet, and it is believed Uttle or nothing further was said on this
subject for the space of nearly two years. G. E. not being in busi
ness on his ovm account, felt that the period for the realisation of
his wishes had not arrived ; but it appears that during this interval,
the mind of his future partner was deepening in religious thoughtful
ness. She has described herself as being naturally very Uvely, and
consequently the very reverse of him at this period ; yet underneath,
it is erident, there had existed real piety, and the love of that which
was true and excellent, which he failed not to estimate, and which
doubtless formed the basis of their happiness in married life. The
marriage eventuaUy took place in the year 1800.
After thefr union had been accomplished, G. E. felt himself fre
quently caUed to leave home as a minister of the Gospel, and it may
have been observed, from a perusal of his own remarks, how freely
his beloved wife surrendered him to this important work, ever striv
ing to yield up her own inclination and interests in true sympathy
with such serrice, yet those at home have cause to remember the
depth and intensity of her feelings on these occasions. The in
creased care of a young family, together with the management of the
business, and the charge of the young men, which was thus brought
upon her in his absence, told hearily on her pecuUarly susceptible
frame, sometimes producing head-ache and loss of appetite for months
together. It may truly be said in her case, the spirit was willing,
but the fiesh was weak ; yet she devoted herself to these duties in
such a manner as greatly to reUeve the mind of her husband — and
she did not lose her reward. The pleasure she experienced on his
return when his work was done, vrith a relieved and peaceful mind,
was such as they only know who have made simUar sacrifices.
On one of these occasions, he thus writes to his valued friend and
correspondent, Josiah Forster, of Tottenham, after detaUing the events
on his journey home, 1st month, 1832 — "I think I might adopt the
simple but descriptive language of dear George Fox, during his last

314 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
illness, ' Never heed, the seed reigns,' for truly the streams of con
solation flowed very sweetly, and though I was awake most of the
night, yet it was a time of great enjoyment to me, in which I had to
look back, even upon the most self-abasing parts of our late engage
ment, vrith peace and comfort, thankful for preservation, I found
my family well ; my dear wife has been unusually supported. She
does not appear to have been at all alarmed at the approach of the
awful disease (cholera) with which we are surrounded, but enabled to
confide in Divine protection, and to resign herself to the all-wise
disposal of Him whom we both desire to serve."
As these religious engagements increased in frequency and dura
tion, and thus required him to leave his business concerns for some
months together, many trials of faith and patience awaited from time
to time ; yet the same Dirine Master who caUed him forth as His
messenger, proved not only able but -willing to carry him through aU,
and to provide, in His own time and way, for the temporal wants of
himself and family. Economy was needful throughout the course of
his life, but the little he had seemed blessed, and this was the utmost
of his desire. He neither sought nor wished for great things as it
regarded temporal enjoyments, but ever gave the preference to those
higher interests, for himself and children, which are of eternal dura
tion. This was strikingly exempUfied in the choice of business for
his sons. So greatiy did he dread the contamination frequently to
be met vrith abroad, that he preferred keeping them at home under
his own eye during their apprenticeship, rather than to risk their
eternal interests, by letting them go forth into the world, before their
rehgious principles were in some degree fixed.
In the year 1810, G. E. lost his eldest brother, Isaac Eichardson,
by death. He left under the care of his three brothers unitedly, as
his executors, not only his temporal concerns, but the still more
responsible charge of his vridow and four children. Under their
direction, the tanning business was carried on successfully for many
years. G. E. being the only brother residing in Newcastle, the care of
the chUdren chiefly devolved upon himself. With what fideUty and
watchfulness this responsible trust was discharged, they best would

GEORGE RICH.ARDSON. 315
testify who were the objects of it. He was not of a nature to do
anything by halves, but of him it might truly be said whatsoever his
hand found to do, he did it with his might. Thus a care like that
alluded to became a subject of deep interest to him, and occupied a
large portion of his time and thoughts. He became closely attached
to his nephews and nieces, and it tended to unite the two families in
the closest bonds of relationship. He was earnestly concerned so to
direct their minds, as that they might be led to seek first the king
dom of God and His righteousness, and faithfully to fulfil their
allotted part in the duties of life, discharging their various responsi
bihties as in the sight of God rather than of men. There is reason to
beUeve his care for them was blessed, and he received in his declin
ing days much solace from the kind ministrations of the only sur-
riring niece of this famUy, who thus -writes respecting him : — " I feel
it due to the memory of my beloved uncle to record a tribute of
grateful affection, in remembrance of his valuable guardianship. He
largely suppUed to me the place of a father^his exceUent and tender
counsel, the wisdom of his adrice, the large sacrifice of time and
labour he so wUUngly rendered on my behalf cannot be recounted ;
he ever watched over my interests with a father's love, and spared
neither time nor effort in the promotion of my welfare. He was a
tender sympathiser in trouble, and vrithout the expression of words,
the sweet influence of his spirit was ever felt attracting heavenwards,
• even when deaUng with the affafrs of this life. At one time he called
me to his side and said, ' I wish to tell thee that to me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain. I tell thee this that it may comfort thee
when I am gone.' "
His eldest niece died in 1834, and the foUowing is an extract
from a letter addressed to his daughter, who was then her travelhng
companion in Yorkshire, when the invahd appeared nearing her hea
venly home : — " WhUst I am alluding to other topics, the inner circle
of my thoughts is closely with my dear niece E. ; she is often present
in my daeply interesting contemplations. The accounts of her are
very sweet, as to the eridence afforded that her mind is centred ou
the 'Eock of Ages.' The name of the Lord, I do trust, is felt to
her to be " a strong tower" — the righteous, those who are made such

316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
by faith m the blood and righteousness of Christ, both imputed and
imparted, have felt that He is as a covert from the heat, and not only
so, but as rivers of water in a dry place, and as the shadow of a great
rock in a weary land. We, in this highly-favoured temperate cUmate,
are scarcely able to appreciate the force and beauty of these figures.
May the God of aU grace and consolation be very near you aU, is the
tender and sincere' desfre of my dear E.'s affectionate father, G. E."
With respect to G. E.'s ovm chUdren, five lived to maturity out of
seven. His first-born son, an infant, died whilst he was out on a
joumey to the yearly meeting in London, which increased the seve
rity of the trial to his beloved vrife. Eachel, his next eldest, mar
ried Thomas Pumphrey, of Worcester.* Of kindred mmds in very
many respects, there was a close bond of spfritual, as weU as natural
relationship between the parent and his daughter, and she was accus
tomed to seek his adrice and counsel in any matter of importance
which came before her, as the following letter vriU shew, dated 2nd
month 16th, 1827 :—
" Now my dear E., what shall I say to thee about risiting pri
soners ! Being thoroughly conrinced that our lives are Ukely to be
more pleasing to God, if Spent in works of utility to man, prorided
we be preserved walking humbly in His fear, guided by His counsel,
vrith an eye single to His glory, I am not likely to throw many dis
couragements in thy way. Few of the varied services in which I
have been engaged, have afforded me sweeter satisfaction in the re
trospect than an hour spent in reading and conversing with prisoners
in the ' House of Correction.' I may therefore safely recommend
thee to accompany thy friend in one of her risits, and then weigh the
subject for final decision. Many of the poor creatures are Ukely to
be truly thankful for such visits, whether they can express it or not.
I am myself greatly pressed and almost oppressed with a multipUcity
of engagements at present, hence take warning, and weigh maturely
what you undertake."
Eachel Pumphrey departed this life in 1842, and an iitteresting
record of her was afterwards pubhshed in a work entitled, " Memo
rials of Friends." * After-wards Superintendent of Aoiworth School.

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 317
His second son, Isaac, died at Ventnor, Isle of Wight, in the
thfrtieth year of his age ; concerning whom, his father wrote a little
memoir, which was published and extensively circulated in 1841.
Eespecting each of these dear children, their beloved father was
enabled to cherish the full belief that they had died in the faith and
hope of the Gospel. They neither of them left the great work of the
soul's salvation to a sick-bed, but Uved to shew forth the eridence of
a true and Uring faith in Christ, by a circumspect walk and conver
sation, and by an earnest desfre to know and be enabled to do their
Heavenly Father's wUl. Their end was emphatically peace.
It may not be out of place here to aUude to the manner in which
G. E. was enabled to bear up under these afflictive bereavements, as
exemplified more particularly in the Ulness and death of his beloved
son. He thus writes to his friend, J. F., respecting his illness, 2nd
month llth, 1840 : — " My son Isaac, with his sister, is likely to pass
through London in about two weeks, on his way to Hastings, where
his physician recommends him to sojourn awhUe, but I have no hope
of the disease being retarded. His frame of mind is becoming his
situation— calm, patient, and confiding. For these precious favours
we are thankful, but my dear wife's sensitive feeUngs often press
heavUy on her health. Perhaps for this cause I am at home. She
heartUy gave me up to the Lord's serrice when tolerably weU; now,
she needs all the succour I am able to afford her. FareweU, my
dear friend. May we be enabled steadily and watchfully to hold on
our way."
Soon after quitting the parental roof, this dear young man became
seriously worse, which rendered it needful for his father to come to
him at Brighton. As his strength rapidly waned, the Christian
sympathy and watchful attentions of his father were a great solace
to him, and when at an unexpected moment, after listening to the
Scripture reading, and partaking of the evening meal together, on
retiring to his room, he feU Ufeless in his sister's arms, the faith and
submission of the parent.were indeed most striking. Like a veteran
servant of his Lord, who had long been disciplined to bear the cross,
he bowed impUcitly to the wUl of his God, and seemed afresh to gird
on strength for the trying duties which remained, and which he was

318 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP
enabled to accomplish in a remarkable manner. Arrangements were
quickly made to leave the island, and the interment of the remains
took place at Southampton. On his way home, G. E. attended the
yearly meeting in London. In allusion to the death of his beloved
son, he afterwards writes : — " Thus terminated the earthly course of
this amiable youth — his path was eminently that of the just who
walk by faith. He steadUy sought Divine counsel and help, walking
in the fear of the Lord, who graciously proved his sun and shield,
his strength, and salvation."
At a subsequent period, he thus adverts to the same subject (1847) :
"I weU remember with what fervent aspirations my mind seemed to
follow the spirit of my dear Isaac, as into the celestial regions, con
templating, in idea, the glory and the blessedness of heavenly com
munion. 0 that I may be permitted to realise it, in the Lord's
time!" It wUl have been observed, by those who have read the pages of
the Journal, that in most of his journeys, G. E. was accompanied by
his valued friend Daniel Oliver, and generaUy driven by him in a gig.
It seems proper therefore to make mention more particularly of his
companion, in this biography. Accustomed to agriculture in early
life, he had few advantages as to society, and was subjected to many
unfavourable influences, as he has vividly depicted in a little memoir
written by himself; yet he became early chosen as a servant of his
Lord. Yielding obedience to the heavenly call, he grew in grace,
and in the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord, and in endeavouring
faithfuUy to follow the path of apprehended duty, he became an
acceptable minister of the Society of Friends. He eventually came
to reside in Newcastle, and entered into the same line of business as
G. E., and these two Friends became closely united in almost every
sense. Side by side they sat at meeting when at home ; together
they traveUed in the work of the ministry ; and they also laboured
together, in many phUanthropic undertakings, for the benefit of their
fellow- townsmen, and the world at large.
When G. E. was at length deprived by death of this long-loved
companion and friend, he deeply felt the bereavement. On the
evening of the interment, he was heard to utter the plaintive

GEORGE RICI-LVRDSON. 319
language, in addressing tiie company assembled at the house of the
deceased — "Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine
acquaintance into darkness," enlarging on the words in an instructive
manner. As a minister in his own monthly and particular meetings, G. Pi.
seldom felt himself called to speak, which was not a little remarkable
considering the extent of his serrice abroad, and for many months
together his voice was seldom heard ; yet at these seasons, the deep
and silent exercise of his spirit was to be felt. He thus alludes to
the subject in a letter to his friend, J. F. : — " I accept thy hint rela
tive to the exercise of the Uttle gift (in the ministry) aUotted me.
My desire is to keep closely and watchfully by it, but I dare not
move unless the life moves and the light unfolds the what, and where,
as well as the when. My gracious Master has not deserted me,
though He may appear to have dispensed with my services as to
vocal ministry, except on rare or more private occasions.
' His state is kingly ;
He needs not man's help, or His own gifts,' &c.
In His wUl I sincerely desire to abide. Haring had large experience
of ^is dealings, I can rely upon His wisdom once more."
From the foregoing pages of the Journal, the character of G. E.'s
ministry may in part be gathered, but the power and unction with
which it was accompanied cannot be thus set forth. The deep
solemnity which generally pervaded the meeting, when he resumed
his seat, must long be remembered by many who heard him. His
voice was naturally weak, and the pressure of his spirit was such,
that it sometimes failed him in deUvery. This was felt to be a close
trial of faith, to which he makes repeated allusion in the manuscript
of his Journal, j^t frequently coupled vrith the acknowledgment, that
he had been helped through, to his grateful admiration.
The testimony issued by his own monthly meeting thus records
the fact — " In the belief that He who had the key of David was thus
pleased to close the door of utterance, he thought it right, vrithout
questioning, to obey. The fruit of the baptisms of spirit he had
passed through was evinced in his ministry. In its exercise he was

320 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
solicitous to speak only as of the abUity which God giveth, and not
in the words which man's vrisdom teacheth, but which the Holy
Ghost teacheth, so that it was often felt to be in the demonstration
of the spirit and vrith power. His pubUc approaches to the throne
of grace were frequently attended with an awful solemnity ; and in
deep reverential prostration of soul he seemed truly to wrestle with
God." The following letter, from John Pease, has lately been received by
the Editors, and, as it bears largely on the subject of G. E.'s
ministry, it is thought it might be suitably iuserted in this place : —
" Darlington, 7th Month, 1864.
" My deae Feiends, — The service in which you are engaged is
one which, in my judgment, you certainly owe to our Lord and His
church, to the memory of your departed father, and to yourselves.
May you be strengthened to perform it well and wisely to your own .
relief and satisfaction, as well tp the edification of many who may
read of such a life and such labours. Deeply am I interested in your
work ; for your dear father was, in my estimation, as near an ap
proach to what a Christian, in his sphere of Ufe, should be, as any
one with whom I have had the blessing of close acquaintance. I
may wi-ite -with partiaUty, but his loring children will duly appreciate
my sentiments. The name and person of George Eichardson are
associated with some of my earliest religious feelings. He was
accustomed to come to Darlington periodicaUy as a member and
minister of the Society of Friends, and being united to my father's
famUy by the ties of warm friendship and some degree of consan
guinity,. I have felt to have known him for more than fifty years.
His whole deportment affected my youthful mind for good, and as I
advanced in years, I greatly prized his ministry, only regretting that
he spoke so seldom. I have no impression of his "bver opening his
lips, in either ministry or prayer, vrithout his offerings being attended
vrith that freshness, clearness, and unction which bore testimony to
the present help of the Holy Spirit. That the favour thus vouch
safed him was in connection with his reverent faith and earnest prayer,
I cannot doubt. I have reason to believe that for days before the
occurrence of one of our large religious gatherings, he would be

GEOEGE EICHARDSON. 321
abiding with close spiritual exercise in anticipation of it. Often have
I sat beside him on such occasions, at one time accompanying him
for several weeks from meeting to meeting, at another, from family
to family, and never was made sensible of such patient and yet fer
vent travail of spirit. It might even appear to some, that in his fear
of uttering words when the Lord had not spoken, he let pass those
gentle intimations to say something to which he might have safely
yielded, and thus whilst his friends were edified, he might himself
have been sensible of that comfort to his own spfrit, for which he
sighed. To a beloved feUow-labourer he has been heard to say (in
purport), 'I should often be thankful, if permitted to obtain relief
from my secret exercises in meetings, by a sense of the true autho
rity to minister to others.' Whatever riew may be taken of these
deep experiences, he was, in my estimation, alike during silence or
vocal labour, ' a preacher of righteousness,' a servant, waiting to
know his Master's bidding, and when made known, doing it with all
his heart, to the praise of his Lord. But honoured as he was in the
capacity of a preacher of the Gospel, bringing out of the treasury
' things new and old,' striving to perform the work assigned him at
home and abroad, it is not I think in this, in his indefatigable labours
for the spread of the Holy Scriptures, or his warm and exertive
benevolence, that his life has left the deepest impression upon me ;
these are indeed in accordance with the thorough furnishing of
the Christian : but he rises before me and shines with the greatest
brightness, as presenting, in the whole, such a blessed evidence of
the abiding, aU conquering power of Dirine grace. Let us trace the
teaching of the Holy Spirit in boyhood and through the dangers of
youth, its support in the cares of meridian life, and its abounding con
solation in his decUning days, always enabUng him, whUst full of zeal
and of service, to walk, in large measure, in the wisdom of Christ,
harmless and blameless before aU men. Having accepted with meek
ness the engrafted word which is able to save the soul, he became
acquainted vrith the Spfrit of truth which leads into aU truth. The
Holy Scriptures were precious to him — prayer, his daily serrice and
pririlege ; and, Uving in the obedience of faith, he was enabled to
shew himself a pattern of good works. After aU this, marked, and
X

322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
very humbling to me, was the simplicity in which he sought to pro
mote his Saviour's cause. His was indeed a labour of love, and he
would ever seek to show a Dirine blessing upon the work whUst
the instrument employed was hid. I never once observed the least
desfre for pre-eminence, or that anything he had done should be
noticed. Truly do I beUeve that the constant breathing of his spfrit
was — 'I am nothing, Christ is all.' What stronger evidence of the
all-sufficiency of Him who is 'the resurrection and the Ufe' would
the believer, now, in the nineteenth century, desire to be added to the
cloud of witnesses, beyond that which -wiU be set before him in the
volume you are preparing? Let him contemplate the early call,
the preservation in youth, the faith and service of the threescore and
ten years, the beautifuUy calm evening, and the perfect peace in
which he departed to be for ever with his Lord. May we not, in
humble admiration, say. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable
gift ; thanks be unto Him that giveth us the rietory, through our
Lord Jesus Christ ! "Your affectionate Friend,
'"John Pease."
In meetings for transacting the discipline of the Society it may be
said, that he was " swift to hear, but slow to speak." He was accus
tomed to weigh weU the opinions of others, and to give much patient
thought to subjects brought forward. His judgment, nevertheless,
was of an independent kind, and having had large experience, both as
related to the rules and usages of the Society, his opinions had great
weight. In cases of deUnquency, whUst exercising great firmness as
to the maintenarice of right principles, he yet beUeved that every case
should be judged according to its own merits. He would not that a
liring member should be severed from the body, but sought rather
that it might be restored.
In 4th month, 1846, G. E. came to another sore bereavement in
the loss of his beloved wife. Not much is known of the inner work
ings of his mind at this eventful period, little expression having
escaped his lips, but it is remembered how, as he stood by the side
of her dying bed, he was fain to take solace under the belief that the
separation would not be long, and that he would soon go to her,

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 323
though she could not return to him. Contrary to this expectation,
he had to travel on for nearly twenty years a widower, and this too,
at a period when his time was spent chiefly within his domestic
cfrcle. His submission and cheerfulness however did not forsake
him, even under this heavy trial, and he devoted his time and talents
to much active usefulness.
In a letter which he wrote respecting his great loss, he thus ex
presses his feelings : — " The event did not come upon me unawares.
We both were sensible of the probabUity of an approaching separa
tion, and frequentiy conversed about it. I was often made thankful
that my precious E. contemplated the event with remarkable calm
ness and reverent confidence in the -vrisdom and mercy of her God
and Sariour, whom she had loved, served, and honoured from early
life. Our union was spiritual before it was natural, and I was
thankful that she was spared to be my helpmeet for so many years.
I have been diUgently engaged in putting my own house in order, and
desire to be preserved in a waiting, watchful, humble state of mind,
seeking to know the Lord's wUl concerning me from day to day."
Under a sense of these many deprivations of near and dear friends,
G. E. gave expression to his feelings on one occasion in the foUow
ing manner, at the close of an afternoon meeting, 1st month 6th,
1842 : — " There is a Uttle matter which I feel at Uberty to express
this evening." " Of aU the blessings with which we are favoured,
perhaps there is none more pure, more holy, than that of inward
union and communion vrith God — to be able to confide in Him — and
at no time is this more sweet than in times of deep aflSiction. I
have remembered the dying words of a dear Friend, long since de
ceased — ' In the depth of my distress I waited upon thee, 0 Lord ; I
remembered that I had caUed thee. Father, and I knew that thou
wert omnipotent.' 0 how precious, thus to repose on the bosom of
Omnipotence!" After this period, in the prosecution of various objects of public
utility, G. E. passed his time, pleasantly, and his pen became a fruit
ful source of enjoyment to him. To fervency of spfrit he united
diUgence in business in a remarkable degree, and his constant in
dustry in whatever he undertook was very striking. In allusion to

324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
some of his occupations he thus writes to his friend, J. F. : — " I
sometimes say, I have been accustomed to carry loads all my life
long, or at least fronj very early years, and it so happens, that of late
time my burdens have been very heavy. I am sometimes told they
are ' self-imposed ;' be it so, yet I must carry them. Thou knowest
I was engaged in transcribing my Journal memoranda. The con
sciousness that I should never be better able to do it impeUed me
forward, and led me to put by for a whUe many other caUs upon my
time. I have got through the transcript, and when I tell thee there
are seven hundred and thirty-eight pages,- thou vrilt perhaps be ready
to exclaim, ' There is far too much.' "
Again he -writes — " Thou wilt see by the enclosed that I have been
engaged in examining John Kendal's three volumes of ' Piety Pro
moted.' I am glad to find that thy mind also has been dweUing on the
subject of a judicious selection from them. I have selected one hun
dred and seventy-seven of them. Many also of those passed over are
precious evidences of the stability of the foundation on which our
predecessors were concerned to buUd— faith in God, and in our Lord
Jesus Christ ; even that faith which worketh by love, to the purifying
of the heart. It was the work of the Spfrit of God which made
them what they were ; Christ in them was thefr hope of glory, and
the source of strength through which they were enabled to bear the
«ross, despising the shame, and to foUow thefr crucified Lord in the
path of self-denial. There is abundant eridence that they received
the Lord Jesus Christ in all His offices. They had the root of the
matter in their hearts, ^nd many of them had the apprehension of
the truth very clearly in thefr minds also. Thefr gifts and endow
ments were various, but faith and works were beautifuUy combined
both in their theory and practice. It is deUghtful to contemplate the
peaceful, joyful, yea, triumphant end which very many of them were
favoured to experience in thefr dying hours. I should be glad if
Friends would read these records more dUigently m the present day."
G. E.'s attention was early caUed to the little band of Friends in
Norway, and as some of these, ia. the course of their mercantile
-engagements, frequently visited the ports of the Tyne, he became
personally kno-wn to several of them. As his knowledge and interest

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 825
respecting them increased, he sought various opportunities to do
them good, and to introduce them to the attention of Friends in
London.- He maintained a frequent correspondence with some of
their number, a portion of which he published in a little work, en
titled, " The Else and Progress of Friends in Norway." It is not
needful therefore to add much on this interesting subject in the pre
sent volume, but in the minds of his family, who knew and witnessed
all that he did on thefr behalf, it has left an indelible impression.
When no longer able to assemble with his fiiends in the yearly
meeting, he yet entered with Uvely interest into the various im
portant subjects brought before its notice from time to time. On
one of these occasions he thus -writes to J. F., in 1853 : — "I was
often instructed and comforted in perusing some of the occurrences
of the late yearly meeting. There does appear to have been some
seasons of pecuUar solemnity, when doctrine dropped as the dew,
and distiUed as the smaU rain upon the tender herb. Some of thy
dear brother WilUam Porster's communications appear to have been
pecuUarly precious. He goes deep for his ' stones of memorial ;'
and I trust some of them -wiU speak instructively, when he is in
the rich enjoyment of his heavenly inheritance."
Together with the frequent employment of his pen, G. E. read
largely, mingling with the deeper, serious reading, which claimed his
ffrst attention, works of general information. On the family assem
bling for breakfast, he was generaUy to be found perusing the sacred
page, as at many other times of the day. Those precious writings
which had yielded him so much instruction in early Ufe, when he
was first led to choose the Lord for his portion, failed not to cheer
and comfort him in the time of his old age.
As a parent he seldom felt himself called to administer much \
adrice or reproof, yet by his living example of Christian exceUence,
and the whole tenor of his life and conversation, he powerfuUy pro
claimed to the members of his household the path of rectitude he
would have them to pursue. By precept, as well as example, he
encouraged them to enter into benevolent efforts for the good of
others. " Spend thy Ufe actively and usefully, and then much of
thy time wiU pass cheerfully," was his fatherly exhortation to an

326 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
absent daughter. On another occasion he writes : — " May the bless
ing of preservation await thee, and may thy mind be entirely devoted
to serve the Lord, in whatever way He may be pleased to point out.
Love Him -with aU thy heart, and He vriU love thee, and be thy
shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Again, in a letter from
Sussex, he writes : — " 0 what a privUege it is, to have the Lord for
our friend ; none can succour in the hour of distress like Him, and
He is sufflcient for all our varied necessities. He can endue us with
patience, and that sweetens many a bitter cup. Habitual resignation
to whatsoever He permits to befaU us, doing vigilantly our proper
part towards guarding against evil, and then in sincerity saying,
' Thy wUl be done,' is of great efflcacy in mitigating the severity of
trials. I humbly trust thou art often in the school of Christ, that
He wUl teach thee meekness and lowliness of heart, and as thou par
takes of His holy and Dirine nature, greater mysteries wUl be un
folded to thy view and experience in the knowledge of Divine things.
Be diUgent in both reading and meditating in the Holy Scriptures ;
they are a precious treasure entrusted to us for our improvement ;
and through faith in Christ Jesus, who is the Dirine Word, the
fountain from whence they flowed, they tend to make us wise unto
salvation. Be thou fuUy given up to love, fear, and serve the Lord,
and thou wUt flnd Him to be a father and friend to thee in every
time of trial and difflculty."
After aUuding to a slight attack of illness, he pens the foUowing
remarks on the subject : — " Health is a great blessing, for the enjoy
ment of which we are too prone to forget how much we are indebted
to the fountain of aU our mercies, the Giver of every good and perfect
gift. We can have nothing truly good which does not flow from His
aU bountiful hand, who feedeth the sparrows and clotheth the liUes,
and tenderly careth for the least of His children. Let this conside
ration be a stay and comfort to thy mind, that though far separated,
thou hast a Father in heaven, who sleepeth not by day nor slumber
eth by night. ' To all my weak complaints and cries.
Thy mercy lent an ear,
Ere yet my infant lips had learnt,
To form themselves iu prayer.'

GEOEGE RICHARDSON. 327
" If He is thus to be found of those who seek Him not, surely He
wiU tenderly listen to those gentie yet fervent aspirations of soul
which, through adorable wisdom and mercy. He causeth to ascend
from the humbled, contrited spfrit which secretly desires to know His
-wiU, and to seek for strength rightiy to do it. This is a world of
many probations and trials, and it doubtless is best for us that it is
so, for the Lord doth not afflict -willingly, nor grieve the children of
men; but when He chastens us, whether immediately or through
the instrumentality of others (which is very common), it is, as saith
the Apostle, ' for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holi
ness.' Man is prone to impurity and self-indulgence; the way of
Ufe is a way of self-denial and of cross-bearing, and those who hope
to enter the kingdom of heaven vrithout pursuing this path may find
a wUderness of thorns and briars wherewith thefr feet wiU often be
wounded, but they vrill not find that pure and undefiled rest, which
consists in ' love, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost.'
"I often long to be united vrith those who are the companions
of Him who endured the cross, despised the shame, and set us an
example that we should walk in His steps. I had no idea, when I
began, that my letter would have run in this strain, but truly the
longer I Uve, the more I feel the necessity, the value, the importance
of true reUgion. My soul longs for it more than for the enjoyment of
any earthly comfort (and a kind Proridence has afforded me many),
but unless, with aU His other blessings. He be graciously pleased to
fiU me with a precious sense of His presence, I feel I am empty, and
poor indeed. May thy mind also, be thus daily more and more exer
cised for the Uke precious experience ; so vrill the Lord be thy Shep
herd, supplying all thy wants, as far as He sees needful and best.
"Farewell, in every sense, thy affectionate father,
"G. E."
In another letter, adverting to a lengthened separation, he ex
presses himself thus : — " It has long appeared to me that true resig
nation to the wiU of Proridence, who lends us the richest blessings
of life as for a season, that our strongest affections should not centre
in them, but in Himself, who is the alone eternal, inexhaustible
fountain of aU true happiness, is the chief cause of serenity of mind

328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
under the various trials which are aUotted unto man whUst passing
through this probationary state of existence. Persuaded that all is
intended to work together for good to them who love God, the true
disciple is enabled to bless His hand for all, and ' most for the severe.'
But why should it be thus, that we feel most gratitude for that which
has been the most trying ? I apprehend it is because slight trials
do not sufficiently excite the mind to serious refiection, whilst such
as are deep and severe as it were drive it home to the Heavenly
Father's presence, and raise holy aspirations unto Him for help and
protection, and thus contributing to our purification and refinement,
tend to prepare us for admission into those mansions from whence
' sorrow and sighing fiee away.'
"I trust thou hast already in degree learnt that grace can over
come nature. ' It is good for a man that he bear the yoke (of Christ)
in his youth ;' and it is profitable often to sit alone and keep sUence,
yea, in humiUty and self-abasement of soul before the Lord, to put
his mouth as in the dust, and to say vrith one formerly when under
an awful sense of the purity and majesty of God, and of his own
unworthiness, ' Behold, I am rile.' This is indeed a state of pre
cious preparation, wherein we know abiUty afforded to escape the
corruptions which are in the world through lust, or the desfre for
hurtful gratifications, and to become measurably clothed with the
Dirine nature. 0 precious privilege for man ! poor finite man ! thus
to receive the spirit of adoption, whereby he can in sincerity and
truth call God — Father.
" I write this as the matter arises, and it is in the desire that God,
even my God, may be pleased in adorable mercy to pour of His Spfrit
upon my seed, and His blessing upon my offspring. This is often
the travail of my spirit, when I have neither abUity nor liberty for
the expression of it ; but the Lord knows all hearts, and graciously
regards the secret exercises of His poor chUdren and servants, hear
ing and answering their prayers."
On another occasion he thus writes : — " Thy last letter has felt
deeply interesting to me, and I do tenderly desire that thou mayest
be enabled to make the full and unreserved surrender of aU thou hast
and all thou art to the Lord's service, ever remembering that He

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 329
loves a free-wiU offering, a cheerful surrender. He saith, ' I love
them that love me, and they that seek me early shall find me.' May
the breathing of thy spirit often be, ' Lord, what wilt thou have me
to do ?' Then, do I beUeve, He vrill open thine ear, morning by
morning, to hear as the learned ; He wiU more and more unfold to
thy riew, and in thy liring experience, the mysteries of His kingdom,
and perhaps shew thee, as He has done to many others, that it is
through much tribulation that we must enter into the mansions of
glory." " 8th month 30th, 1834.
Alluding to some pecuUar cfrcumstances which had occurred, he
says : — " Such events have teaching in them ; they teU us plainly
how -wise it is to lay up treasure of that kind, and in that place, which
is beyond the reach of the many causes of annoyance to us in the
quiet possession of the treasures of this world. ' Proride yourselves
bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens which fadeth not.'
How often do I remember this instructive language of our gracious
Lord and Master, who thus kindly condescended to point out that
path which contributes both to our comfort and .safety in time and in
eternity." " Manchester, 4th month 29th, 1836.
" Thy remarks relative to W. B. are very interesting. I hope he
will Uve and grow, and that his faithfulness -wiU be rewarded.
" Beware of right hand errors, that the enemy do not lay a trap in
the way of thy zeal in this direction, and hurry thee off thy feet. Do
nothing that makes thy conscience uneasy. This may be doing evU
that good may come.
Why do I write thus ? Because I love thee dearly, and do not
wish thee to be entangled by the spirit of the world — no, not even
in its most refined transformations.
" FareweU, my dear  . May the ' arm unseen' preserve thee.
" Thy affectionate father, G. E."
With the Friends of his own meeting, in the earUer period of his
retirement, he deUghted to mingle, but chiefiy under his own roof.
When his strength was equal to the effort, he used to assemble a
number of his younger friends together on a first-day evening, as

330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
many as his room would contain, and after tea he generally selected
from his fund of manuscript, which he had culled from a variety of
sources, such reading as both interested and instructed them. At the
conclusion, he frequently addressed them in an affectionate, persuasive
manner, occasionaUy pouring forth fervent supplication on their be
half. Some of these, in later Ufe, have recurred to the evenings thus
spent, as haring been times of much pleasure and instruction.
Socially, he was ever ready to entertain strangers, and to such as
were travelling as ministers of the Gospel, he proved indeed a true
helper. He well knew by experience the exercises of spfrit which
these have to pass through, and his Uvely sympathy vrith them, as
also his advice and encouragement, often proved very refreshing.
He was ready to share their burdens with them so far as he was
enabled to do so, and to undertake any labour, in the promotion of
thefr object, to which his strength was equal.
He was largely applied to for counsel and aid, both by his friends
and others not immediately connected vrith him, and on such occa
sions he was wUling to sacrifice much time and thought if he could
render them assistance. With inflexibility of purpose, as regards the
maintenance of right principles of action, he yet blended with his
judgment and adrice, on such occasions, much Christian considera
tion and sympathy, so that to the upright-hearted he proved to be a
friend and counseUor of no light value.
With those members of his own monthly meeting, who had gone
to reside abroad, he^ maintained an affectionate. Christian correspond
ence, and with his world-wide sympathy, it yielded him both pleasure
and satisfaction. With many of these it seemed to have the effect
of stirring up the pure mind by way of remembrance, and he received,
in several instances, grateful acknowledgments in return.
Perhaps there was no feature in his character more striking than
his entire unselfishness. This Christian grace shone throughout his
whole course of action. With him indeed self seemed nearly annihi
lated, and a benevolent consideration for others marked his inter
course with them. As he has himself stated, his wUl was subjected to
discipline in early life, and, through Christian principle, he had been
led to exercise great watchfulness and self-control, which eventually,

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 331
as he once remarked in reply to a Friend, had " become a habit of
the mind." Thus was he enabled in so great a degree to prefer others
to himself, and to exercise true Christian charity to his neighbour.
In his ovm household he was much beloved. The domestics of
the family, recognising in him a friend as well as a master, were
accustomed to look up to him with affection and reverence ; one of
them remarking, after fourteen years' residence under his roof, that
she loved him as if he had been her own father. His sweet, beam
ing countenance often struck their attention, and his whole aspect
and demeanour betokened peace. On a first-day evening, especiaUy,
this feeling seemed to be the atmosphere of the room ; and those '
seasons must long be remembered when, after a reverent perusal
of the Holy Scriptures, his spirit appeared to be in sUent commu
nion with his God, and a haUowed influence seemed spread around
him. From the commencement of the operations of the Bible Society in
Newcastie, 1813, G. E. took an active part. The depot was chiefly
under his management for nearly fifty years, and for most of that
period it was kept on his own premises. Not only as it regarded the
purchase and sale of about two hundred and fifty thousand copies of
these precious volumes were his energies employed, but whUe health
and strength permitted, he dUigently sought, by personal risits to
neighbouring rillages, -with others hke-minded with himself, to form
and re-organize Societies for the thorough distribution of the Scrip
tures. The committees were held in his office, and his own zeal was
imparted in a great degree to others on these interesting occasions.
His correctness in keeping the Society's accounts was proved in but
one mistake of twopence haring occurred between the London Depo
sitary and himself, during this long period, which he used to bring
forward in proof of the exceeding accuracy of the Parent Society's
operations, in the multiplicity of its concerns. His own appreciation
of the sacred volume was at the root of his labours. He longed
that the whole world should participate in the blessing, and he was
wiUing to spend and be spent in this service. He clung to the
work vrith a tenacity which only age and infirmity could weaken,
and laboured on its behalf even at a period when his bodily powers

332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
were littie equal to it. Haring given up the management of the
depot to his two sons, he retfred from it as it were step by step.*-
Eeferring to this subject in a letter, he thus writes : — " The Lord's .
hand has, I conceive, been manifestly -with the Bible Society, and
has sustained it in many conflicts, and crowned its labours with
abundant blessings. How beautiful was the language of Darid when
he felt his heart, and the hearts of the princes of Israel, enlarged, so
as to offer freely of their substance in preparation for the building of
the temple for the worship of Jehovah. How humbly and reverentiy
does he acknowledge their dependant condition. ' All things come
of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.' All our ability to
labour in the good cause is of the Lord."
Cotemporary with Clarkson, WUberforce, and the host of early
workers in the anti-slavery struggle in this country, G. E. was led
warmly to espouse the cause of the suffering bondsmen. During
the many years, when much earnest zeal and persevering labour
were necessary on the part of those who advocated the rights of the
slave, both in and out of parliament, he zealously united with his
feUow-townsmen in their efforts on this behalf, and was sent up to
London as their delegate to one of the Anti-Slavery Conventions.
The foUowing is a short extract from a letter to J. F. on this
subject : — " 2nd month 22nd, 1849.
" What can our Society (of Friends) or the ' meeting for sufferings'
in its name, do more than has already been done in promotion of the
abolition of the slave-trade, and slavery ? This query has again and
again arisen in my mind when I have thought of to-morrow's as
sembly. Perhaps a streak of light wiU burst through the dark cloud
from Him whose ear is ever open to the sighs and groans of the op
pressed. Assuredly, He can make darkness light before you, and
crooked paths straight. May He graciously deign to do so is the
breathing of my spirit."
In the early part of the present century, before the system of
" Schools for Mutual Instruction" had sprung up in England, G. E.,
» See Bihle Society's memorial of G. R. in the Appendix.

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 333
being appointed overseer of the poor, met with much gross ignorance
amongst this class, and he became strongly impressed with the
necessity for greater attention being paid to education. He com
menced to teach an adult school himself, and seized opportunities,
as they presented, for bringing the subject before the municipal
authorities of the town. When the more comprehensive system of
education, known as the " Lancasterian," was first introduced, he
early enrolled himself as a member of school committees, and con
tinued to attend them untU the infirmities of age entfrely precluded
him. The total abstinence cause he was induced early to support, by
cordiaUy lending to it the weight of his influence and example, even
at a period of Ufe when advancing years might have been pleaded as
an excuse.
In 1842, as afready stated, G. E. was called to resign his beloved
daughter, Eachel Pumphrey, who was removed by death. She had
a long iUness preceding her decease. The foUovring letter, penned
during this interval, wiU shew the manner in which he sought to
soothe and comfort her : — " Now, my beloved Eachel, when I think
of thee, I often have the words of the Apostle before me — ' For me
to Uve is Christ, and to die is gain.' Though it often happens, in
long protracted iUness, that there are considerable fluctuations in
the stream of Divine consolation, even to the best regulated and most
purified and redeemed minds, yet in our cloudy seasons, which I
believe are often intimately connected vrith natural causes, we may
ever find some defence in the precious ' helmet, the hope of salva
tion.' It is said that the Lord takes pleasure in them that fear Him,
and in them that hope in His mercy. Sometimes the enemy of souls
is permitted to assault the poor, tried mind, when it comes to be the
inhabitant of an affiicted and emaciated tabernacle, as though the
pains and sufferings to which it is subject were the punishment or
wages for sin. How graciously did our Lord correct this misappre
hension in the minds of His disciples, when they queried of Him
' Master, who did sia, this man, or his parents, that he was born
blind ?' ' Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents : but that
the works of God should be made manifest in him.' The works and

334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
ways of the Lord truly are wonderful, sought out are they of aU them
that have pleasure therein. I have desired tenderly for thee, my
dear E., that thou mayest endeavour quietly to lie as it were in the
hollow of the Lord's hand aU His appointed time. He -wiU sustain
thee, and perfect that which concerns thee to thy peace, and His
glory." The following extract from a letter to his friend J. F., was written
at a time when his ovm health was breaking down considerably, and
is dated 7th month, 1859 : — " In reply to thy frequent inqufries after
my health, I may say that yesterday I had a significant warning of
the great uncertainty of time, in a hearier fit of vertigo than I ever
before experienced. My E. would send for the doctor, but what can
he do for a patient of eighty-six ? Sweet confidence in the care of
the Heavenly Shepherd is the clothing of my spirit, -vrith thankfulness
for His long-continued mercy and goodness. I often think of the
solemn words which fell from the lips of Thomas Pearson, at our
quarterly meeting in Durham, about sixty-five years ago — ' Put your
trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting
strength.' This language, uttered in great solemnity, made an inde-
Uble impression on my youthful mind."
Addressing his son George, who was attending the yearly meeting
in London, he thus sweetly aUudes to himseK: — " I would not have
thee give way to much anxiety about me. I have been permitted to
be an inhabitant of the Lord's earth for many years — many more
than are allotted to men generaUy. My God is so graciously near
me, and I have such confidence in His wisdom and power, that I
feel no cause for anxiety. You, my dear children, are building on
the same foundation, and it wiU support us aU. I can see nothing
in the way to deprive me of a peaceful release, even should my God
permit it to come suddenly. Our dear Lord's gracious assurance
may be fuUy confided in, ' Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end
of the world ;' and He ' is the way, the truth, and the life.'
" Thy affectionate father, G. E."
Extract of a letter to Josiah Forster, 1852 : — " Thy little letter,
with its enclosure, has led me into a train of deep thought. I
may well acknowledge I am nearly in the last stage of my earthly

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 335
pUgrimage, and it may truly be said that my strength for bearing
burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish."
To the same, on the same subject : — " I have sometimes profitably
remembered our blessed Lord's expressions to His disciples, cheer
ing them when outward prospects should be gloomy, in bidding them
to 'look up, for your redemption di-aweth nigh.' We have to do
with a faithful Creator, and a merciful compassionate Sariour, and
may safely trust our all in His hands, confiding humbly and rever
ently in His wisdom and in His mercy, that even in our hour of
need He wUl not withhold some precious evidence of His loving
kindness. The operation of disease on our animal spirits is very
various, and this, at times, acts upon our inteUectual powers so as in
degree to modify our spiritual frame of mind ; yet when under de
pression from such a cause, we may remember our covenant-keeping
God, casting our burden upon Him, who careth for the least of His
chUdren. I often admire and adore the -wisdom which has so won
derfuUy shrouded in uncertainty the precise period of removal from
works to rewards. Truly, in general, we know neither the day nor
the hour when the messenger of death will be sent. We know cer
tainly that he wiU come, and that continued watchfulness is our duty,
in order that we may stand approved in the Dirine sight, and thus
be deUvered from the continual dread of death."
Extract from a letter addressed to his son-in-law, Thomas Pum
phrey, dated llth month 9th, 1851, whose many engagements, as
Superintendent of Ackworth School, prevented frequent epistolary
intercourse. "It is so long since I had so much of a letter from thee as that
which came to hand last evening, that I much enjoyed the perusal of
it, as weU as that of its deeply interesting enclosure. It brought to
my recollection the reply which an aged experienced Christian is said
to have made to one of her sympathising acquaintances — 'If my
Heavenly Father should see meet to send me to bed in the dark, I
can trust Him.'
" The Lord frequently sees meet to permit deep and humiliating
baptisms to be the portion of those whom He dearly loves. After
passing through one such confiict a few weeks ago, earnestly desiring

336 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
abUity to serve the Lord acceptably, on awaking next morning, an
influence came over me which I really beUeved was a foretaste of the
enjoyments we may hope to experience in the heavenly inheritance.
It was inexpressibly sweet, solemn, and tranquilUsing. I felt the
sovereignty of God, and my soul was prostrate at His footstool. I
cannot but believe that something of this experience is in store for
dear S. T. from Him whose dwelling is with the humble and the
contrite ones, even before the Master makes Himself known unto
them by the breaking of bread."
Alluding in the same letter to his grandson, G. E. Pumphreyj he
says — " The Uttle risit of dear George was very pleasant to us all,
especially so to me. I feel a deep interest in his preservation ahd
future weU-being. Good seed is sown in his heart. May it be
cherished and protected from all that would frustrate the Dirine
purposes."* During these latter years of his life, when his strength was much
breaking down, G. E. was induced, in spring and autumn, to frequent
the Uttle fishing viUage of CuUercoats, near North Shields, in order
to recruit his health. He soon became interested in the welfare of
its hard-toiling inhabitants, and by various agencies he sought to do
them good. His active mind found fuU scope in this dfrection, and
he used considerable bodUy exertion sometimes, to effect his purpose.
From his parlour window he could descry the vessels passing to and
fro to thefr different ports of destination, and amongst others, some
French ships occasionaUy lay in the offing for the purpose of taking
in water. On more than one occasion he supplied himself vrith a
store of Bibles and Testaments in the French language, took a small
boat, and saUed some distance to risit the crews on_ board. No
entreaties fi'om his famUy avaUed to deter him from this exposure,
which, at his advanced age, appeared almost unwarrantable. With
his precious freight under his arm, his only thought seemed to be
how to get them on board, and anxiously was his Uttle craft watched
until he was safely on shore again. Of personal risk he entertauied
* It is a little remarkable that the aged grandparent, the son-in-lavr, and grandson,
(to -whom the ahove letter refers,) were aU destined vrithin a fevf mouths to foUo-w each
other, as it is fully believed, to their heavenly home.

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 337
very little apprehension, his earnestness of purpose carried him be
yond this kind of fear ; and to the watchful care of a superintending
Proridence must be attributed his preservation from injury, of which,
from the many faUs he had, he often seemed in imminent danger.
In reference to some of these occupations at CuUercoats, he thus
writes : — " I have long had great pleasure in being useful to my
feUow-creatures. In these, and similar engagements, I am often
thankful in feeling love to God, and love to man, to clothe my spfrit,
and to beUeve that ' He knoweth the way that I take.' My desire is
continuaUy to dweU under His protecting care and sustaining power."
In his risits to CuUercoats, the Bible, Tract, and Temperance
Societies had thefr claims set forth, and a better supply of water,
repafring of broken footpaths, etc., were also objects of his care ; and
last, but not least, the buUding of an exceUent school-house was
chiefly carried out under his own planning and direction.
Thus, at an age when repose might have been considered fafrly
won, being nearly eighty at this period, he was found rigorously at
work, sometimes from six in the morning until seven or eight in
the evening, prosecuting some scheme of usefulness he had planned,
which, though laborious, often afforded him much enjoyment.
His kindness to the poor, who flocked to his own door, was a very
striking trait in his character. To thefr tales of distress and poverty
he did indeed lend a vriUing -ear. In his attempts to aUeviate this
misery, he was greatly aided by his beloved niece ; but generaUy it
was not until after personal investigation in thefr own houses that
they were reUeved. He spared neither time nor labour to do them
good; and to the destitute, and such as seemed to have "no helper,"
the door of his office was often besieged.
On one occasion, when an attack of bronchitis had conflned him
for some time to the house, he clothed himself in his vrinter garments
preparatory to going out, the weather at that time being very severe,
and the ground covered -vrith snow. His friends, considering it unsuit
able that he should go out in his present state of health, begged
him to remain at home, fearing, among other dangers, that he would
fall on the ice. , Eemonstrance was however in vain, and he was not
to be detained. The very inclemency of the weather urged him to

338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
the effort — he could not enjoy his own comforts when he knew that
his poor peiisioners must be suffering so much. With his ready pre
pared drafts on the meal shop therefore he saUied forth alone, being
unwUUng that any one should accompany him, and ascended a great
number of steps in effecting his object. He retumed in safety, re
Ueved and cheerful, and did not appear to suffer from the exposure.
At a time when his health was much enfeebled, he made great
efforts to attend both meetings on first-days regularly, evincing great
reluctance to give up this high privUege. On one occasion, when it
was very wet, and apparently quite unsuitable he should venture out,
he quoted the language, "Many waters cannot quench love." He
was indeed exemplary in attention to this Christian duty.
Within the last twelve months of his Ufe, prerious to his confine
ment for nearly two years and a half to his bed, his attention became
closely and weightUy engaged with the subject of missions to the
heathen, under an apprehension that the time was approaching when
members of the Society of Friends might be rightly caUed to labour
in distant lands for the spread of Christianity throughout the world.
In order to state correctly his views on this important subject, it is
deemed best to introduce at the end of this volume his own letter,
which was printed and widely circulated at that time, together with
the address of the yearly meeting of 1861, when this subject claimed
its close attention. He also wrote a large number of letters on
the same subject, addressed to his friends in various parts of Eng
land, from most of whom he was favoured to receive encouraging
replies. The following are extracts from letters addressed to his
friend and correspondent, J. F. : — "llth month, 25th, 1859.
" I have long feared that our religious society has shrunk from
its true line of serrice in reference to an endeavour to spread the
benefits of Christianity in distant lands. The accounts which reach
us of the eminent success vrith which the labours of missionaries
have been blessed, may weU excite the inquiry whether we, as a reU
gious community, are comfrig up to the help of these self-denying
and devoted labourers as we ought to do, and may do, in perfect con
sistency with those characteristic principles which have been given

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 339
US to bear to the world. In reading some missionary accounts a
few days ago, my mind became deeply and awfuUy impressed vrith
the solemnity and importance of this question, and I felt that I must
press upon some of my dear fellow-professors the need of our seeking
to be rightly instructed and guided in judgment and in action respect
ing it. I have often felt thankful that a few, though very few, com
paratively, of late years, of our weU quaUfied ministers, have been
drawn out, under the influence of the love of Christ, to go forth and
labour in the ministry of the Gospel in distant lands ; but more than
transient visits, however useful, are requfred, in order that a durable
impression may be effected. I fuUy believe that the Society, coUec-
tively, may usefuUy aid in the work. I am abundantiy persuaded
that many weU concerned Friends would be reUeved of a burden, were
a door rightly opened, through which their contributions might flow,
for the effective spreading of pure Christianity in heathen lands."
1st month 13th, 1860. — He again writes to him on the same sub
ject : — " Thy note, fuU of interesting information, was truly accep
table. I trust the good cause vriU now prosper, and in due time
yield fruit to the glory of God, and the extension of the Eedeemer's
kingdom in the hearts of the chUdren of men. Why should we
doubt ? The Lord's arm is not shortened. His power and His wis
dom are sufficient for every emergency. He can raise up, quaUfy,
and sustain instruments for His own work, to the praise and exalta
tion of His ever glorious name.
" I have been consoled lately in observing how much of our blessed
Lord's teaching was of a conversational character. They who are
rightly caUed, and go forth in true humUity, in the spirit of love and
power, and of a sound mind, are Ukely to be blessed in thefr work.
We need liring faith in the only sure foundation, the Lord Jesus
Christ, in aU His offices and in aU His attributes.
" Thy sincerely attached Friend, G. E."
The mission subject seemed to be the last work of an active kind
given him to do on earth. As if conscious that his time was to be
very short, he worked diUgently and earnestiy day by day ; and very
striking was it to his fainUy to see him thus labour, proclaiming, as
it appeared to them, the solemn language, I must work whUe it is

340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
day, for the night cometh. Not a littie remarkable was it, therefore,
when they beheld the last letter of the series which he wrote in con
nection vrith this subject completed within a few hours of the time
when an increase of iUness compeUed him to retfre to his room, from
whence he never again returned. His work on this behalf seemed
then to be finished, and haring done what he could to promote the
object, he was content to leave it in faith and hope that the seed
sovm would take root, and eventually bring forth fruit to the praise
of the great Husbandman.

NOTES OF G. E.'S ILLNESS AND DEATH, 1862.

The active labours of a long Ufe being now brought to a close, we
next approach the period when, for nearly two years and a half, our
beloved and honoured parent was caUed to exhibit the passive rirtues
of the Christian, in that patience and submission to his Heavenly
Father's wiU, which he was enabled, through Divine grace, in so
large a degree to exemplify throughout his lengthened Ulness.
In endeavouring to gather up those fragments of thought which
feU from his Ups during this period, and which may throw light
upon his inner feeUngs, we do not seem to have very much to select
from. He was accustomed to speak but littie of himself, yet to those
who were privUeged to sit by him in his quiet chamber, and to -wit
ness his pious resignation, his serene countenance, and the radiant
smUe by which it was often Ughted up, there could not be a doubt
as to where his hopes were fixed. Even if no words at aU had been
spoken, the whole frame of his spirit seemed to say, " I know is
whom I have beUeved, and am persuaded he is able to keep that
which I have committed unto him against that day."
For many months prerious to his last iUness, our beloved father's
health was considerably broken, and at times the fluctuations were
of a serious character.

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 341
On the 7th of 10th month, 1859, he had a sharp attack of indis
position, and complained of dizziness in his head, and in drawing
his chair to the tea-table he nearly fell. This feeUng continued
during the remainder of the evening, and in attempting to walk
across the room he had to sit down again. His spfrits, notwith
standing this, were bright and cheerful, and in aUuding to his state
of health he said to his daughter, " I am quite ready," meaning, to
depart. In reply to a remark she made on this subject, he said, " I
don't desfre it, but simply to be submissive to whatever is ordered."
He was anxious to settle some Uttie matters of business, and desired
that his books might be brought up from his office, in which his Bible
Society work was transacted, adding, " I do not expect to be much
there now."
In 3rd month, 1860, on a fine but cold day, he went across a
common to risit a young man who was Ul of consumption. The
exposure brought on an attack of bronchitis, and for some weeks his
state became very critical. His famUy thought at this time that he
might not be far from his heavenly home, and he eridently thought so
himself, making aUusion to the settiement of his outward concerns,
and to the arrangements for his funeral, desfring it might be con
ducted with great simplicity, and ia accordance vrith the principles of
his life. In response to this, a hope was expressed, that he might
even yet get over this Ulness, to which he sweetly repUed, " Yes, it
may be so, but I have been let do-wn some steps — one symptom after
another. I wish to have no wiU of my ovm, but to rely entfrely on
the love and -wisdom of my Heavenly Father. It has been my desfre,
aU my Ufe long, to Uve in entfre submission to the Divine will, and
it remains so stiU." At another time he said, " I have not been able
to have much high (spiritual) enjoyment, but I have been favoured
vrith great peace and comfort. It is a great favour to be free from
pain, so very different to yesterday afternoon." Shortly before his
last Ulness, he had much enjoyed "The Memofr of Adelaide L.
Newton," and had extracted portions of the work which had most
struck his attention. AUuding to this, he observed, "I have been
thinking of a remark addressed to Adelaide Newton in her Ulness.
I do not seem as if I could rise to Christ, but I can sink down to

342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP
Him." At another time he said, " I have many peaceful thoughts
running through my mind. It is a great pririlege to live near the
fountafri." Again— "I think I may say vrith the Psalmist, 'My
flesh and my heart faUeth ; but God is the strength of my heart, and
my portion for ever.' "
1860. — A young person, (the grand-daughter of his friend, D.
OUver,) who was much attached to him, was, at his request, intro
duced into his room one day, when feeling very Ul. He seemed
pleased to see her, but said he could not converse much -with his
friends, but felt " great love towards them ;" adding, " I have not
been in the habit of speaking much of it, but have always cherished
this feeling — love to God, and love to man."
4th month 13th, 1861. — First-day morning. On entering his
room, his daughter was struck with the sweetness of his countenance,
and as he did not speak, she inquired if he had anything to say this
morning ? He repUed, " Nothing but good ;" adding, after a pause,
and vrith deep feeling, "the fountain is open." His heart seemed
indeed fllled with the love of God, so that she hesitated to interrupt
him by proposing to read a chapter, as usual. She did so, however,
and afterwards asked him to tell her his thoughts. He said he had
been dwelling on the influence of the Lord's Holy Spfrit and its risi
tations to the heart of man, and on the goodness of God, in thus
permitting it to be felt, even in the absence of any outward means,
aUuding, as it was supposed, to his inability to unite vrith his friends
in public worship.
6th month 2nd, 1861. — He remarked, " I have been thinking a
great deal of the Friends assembled at the yearly meeting. I trust
the Dirine name may be exalted ; that is the great point. For my
self, I am permitted to be very peaceful, and to drink freely of the
river which makes glad the whole heritage of God."
In allusion to his beloved mission subject, and what had taken
place in the yearly meeting respecting it, he said, " The seed has
taken root, and it wUl grow. We may have to wait for a time, but
it wiU grow. What a favour I was enabled to work for awhUe,
before being laid by." A long valued friend and coadjutor in some
benevolent objects, called to see him, with whose visit he seemed

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 343
much pleased. He entered freely into conversation with him, in
the course of which, he said, he often felt peaceful and thankful.
Though his bodily power was very weak, it was a great favour that
his mind was in such rigorous exercise. He was in a helpless state,
but was weU attended to. He had many blessings, and it was well
to trace these to God, who was the Author of them. God was the
Author and fountain, and Christ the medium of all our blessings.
He also remarked that passages of Scripture often arose in his mind
in an interesting manner, and he loved to ruminate upon them : his
mind had been weU stored in early life with these, (his brother and
he having been accustomed to read the Bible together,) and he found
it a great advantage now. He dwelt particularly on the subject of
Christ's sufferings — not only in the bodily anguish which he endured
on the cross for our sakes — but that He also " poured out his soul
unto death." It was the offering up of Himself to the Father for us
that was so weU pleasing in His sight.
Although the health of the dear invaUd improved considerably after
the first severe attack of Ulness, yet from local infirmities, he was
never able to sit up after this period. Thus confined to his bed, he
stUl entered with Uvely interest into much that was going on, not
merely in the social cfrcle, but in the world at large. After many
weeks' inabiUty to read, he one day asked for a newspaper ; and upon
inquiry being made, some time afterwards, what particular subject
interested him, he rejoined, "I am a citizen of the world, and I
wanted to know how it was going on ; I -wished to know how the war
in Italy was affecting the interests of religion on the Continent."
Although so aUve to passing events, it was remarkable how very little
allusion he made during his Ulness to anything connected with his
outward concerns. He had, to use his own expression, endeavoured
to " set his house in order" whUe in health, and these cares were not
permitted to trouble him now.
6th month 5th. — Our beloved father has suffered but little pain of
late. Last night, it was severe. He remarked to-day, with a sweet
smUe, " Life is a varying scene, sometimes pain, sometimes ease,
sometimes joy, sometimes sorrow ;" adding, " it is a great favour to
be enabled to bear pain with submission." In the evening, on the

344

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF

remark being made that he seemed to be lying very comfortably, he
repUed, " To ruminate on the past, to meditate on the present, and
to contemplate the future, there is plenty to do." On another occa
sion, he asked to have the fourteenth of John read to him, saying
that since his Ulness, he had dwelt much upon it — adding, " it shews,
in so remarkable a manner, the exceeding love of God to His crea
ture man.
Once, in aUusion to another attack of illness, he said he " con
sidered it a step lower down the hUl," but added, "I have a bright
prospect beyond, and that is a great satisfaction." His eyesight
being at one time much affected, he observed, that if this weakness
continued to increase, and he became quite unable to read, he had
a rich store laid up to reflect upon.
Although liable at intervals to a recurrence of pain which was
often very acute, it was striking to his attendants how Uttle he
seemed to dweU upon this trial, once saying cheerfuUy, in aUusion
to it, "I get on smoothly on the whole, considering the cfrcumstances
in which I am placed." On another occasion, being inqufred of, if
he did not feel tired with lying so long in one position, he repUed,
"I do not use the word 'tired,' it is not in my vocabulary;" nor can
his attendants ever remember his using it throughout the whole
course of his iUness. Thankfulness was the prevaiUng feeUng of his
heart, and on two occasions he quoted the lines of the poet —
" This day be bread, and peace my lot ;
All else beneath the sun,
Thou knovr'st if best besto-wed or not.
And let thy vnll be done."
To a young servant who was kindly waiting upon him, he remarked
he was weU provided for, repeating the Unes of Addison —
" Unnumbered comforts to my soul,
Thy tender care bestov^ed.
Ere yet my infant heart conceived.
From vrhom those comforts flovred."
In reference to his iUness, and its issue, whether for lUe or death,
he said, " We may safely confide both in the wisdom and goodness
of God. Our Lord told His disciples to mark 'the signs of the
times,' and I have had many signs. It is a favour I am enabled to

GEORGE RICHARDSON. 345
enjoy life to a considerable degree." With feeUngs such as these,
his time passed sweetiy, so that life seemed no burden, and he some
times said that he did not feel time long, his beaming countenance
being often indicative of the peace and holy joy within. He was
privUeged in haring his friend Henry Brady, a valued member of his
o-wn meeting, for his kind medical attendant, whose cheerful conver
sation, in the course of his professional visits, he often enjoyed.
He continued to cherish a lively interest in those pubUc objects to
which those around him were devoting thefr time and attention, and
his entfre unselfishness was strikingly shewn in the desire he ex
pressed that he might not himself be the means of interrupting the
avocations of others, addressing to his children the exhortation, " Go
and be useful. Do as much good as you can." One day he said,
that the longer he Uved, the more he was conrinced of the truth of
the saying, " No Ufe is pleasing to God, that is not useful to man."
On another occasion, he spoke of the " great love which flowed in a
Uring stream towards his friends," adding, he had felt this more
than ever before, having had more time to think of them whUe lying
upon his bed, quoting the passage, "By this shaU aU men know
that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." To a
Friend who risited him, he said, "Let us ever keep the highest
standard in riew, ' Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-
-vriU towards men.' "
3rd month 9th, 1862. — Ulness now increased upon our dear father,
and after some days of much lassitude and exhaustion, he gave utter
ance to his prostrate feelings thus — " Half a man ; a wrecked vessel."
His daughter repUed, " If thou art wrecked, I think it is on a safe
coast." He sweetly responded, "A strong hope, through grace."
Soon after, on his daughter-in-law going into the room, he said to
her, "I am very feeble now." She repUed, "But what a favour,
dear father, that there is this unbroken peace." He rejoined, " Yes,
it is ;" and after a pause, emphaticaUy added, " faith, hope, peace,
love !" On one occasion, in reply to a remark, he said, " I am calm,
peaceful, and waiting ; entfrely peaceful as it regards the main point."
At another time he quoted the Unes —
" They also serve, who only stand and wait," etc.

346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GEOEGE EICHAEDSON.
A Friend haring remarked that it was a great favour his faculties
were preserved so clear, he repUed, "It is a favour, and it has ever
been cause for deep thankfulness;" sweetly adding, "but if it had
been otherwise ordered, what could be said, but the wUl of the Lord
be done?"
For the last ten days of his life, our beloved parent was gradually
sinking. There was comparatively little pain. The same holy calm,
the same invariable sweetness attended him ; but he was generaUy
too weak to converse, or even to make a sUght movement, without
assistance, and the flickering pulse and laboured breathing shewed
plainly that the solemn summons was approaching.
Sth month 9th. — Severe shivering fits came on, attended with
sickness, and followed by great exhaustion, which continued to in
crease untU evening. He then became alarmingly iU, and it was
evident that human aid could be of no avaU.
Between eight and nine o'clock, his famUy cfrcle and nearest rela
tives assembled around his bed, accompanied by their faithful domes
tics and his tenderly attached nurse. The calm remained unbroken
save by the labouring breath and a chapter in Eevelation being read.
About a quarter past eleven, he, whom they had so tenderly loved
and honoured, was gently released, and doubtless admitted into the
presence of that dear Saviour who, faithful to His own gracious pro
mise, had kept him unto the end.
His remains were interred, by special permission, in the Friends'
burying ground, on the foUo-wing fifth-day ; and the funeral was
largely attended, both by his friends and many of his feUow-towns-
men. A solemn meeting was held on the occasion.

APPENDIX.
LETTEE ON MISSIONS,
BY GEOEGE EICHAEDSON.

Deak Fetenb, — My mind has long been burdened with an apprehension
that our ReUgious Society is not coming forward as it ought to do, but has
shrimk from its true line of serrice, in reference to an endeavour to pro
mote the extension of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ in heathen
lands. In early times Friends went boldly forth, proclaiming the glad
tidings of the Gospel of peace, but chiefly amongst professing Christians.
Of late years, a few have been called out to travel extensively. James
Backhouse and G. W. Walker laboured in New South Wales and parts
adjacent, and in South Africa, for nearly nine years. Stephen GreUet
and WiUiam AUen took many long journeys, as also did Daniel Wheeler,
Thomas ShUlitoe, J. J. Gurney, and others ; and of later time, John and
Martha Teaxdley, and Robert Lindsey. But it is remarkable that a large
proportion of the labours of Friends has been in the dfrection of serious
inqufrers amongst Christian professors, and very little among the heathen.
In the beginning of the Gospel, our Lord and His disciples went forth
to gather "the lost sheep of the house of Israel;" but He was given
also for "a light to lighten the- GentUes," and for salvation to the ends
of the eaxth. We are taught, by the language of prophecy — That from
the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Loid's name is to
be great among the GentUes, and in every place incense and a pure offer
ing shaU be offered to His name. " For my name shall be great among
the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts." The kingdoms of this world are
to become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.
Within the last fifty years, the attention of the Christian community,
in England and North America especially, has been powerfully and use
fuUy awakened to a just sense of the sunk and degraded condition of the

348 APPENDIX.
various heathen nations. The debasing superstitions connected with idol
atry, the infanticide, the suttees, and the strangling of women on the
death of thefr husbands, the cannibalism, the bloody and ferocious wars
so common among the heathen, have claimed close and serious attention.
Men have been raised up and called to labour in this field of service.
Amongst the eaxHest, -within our memory, were Claudius Buchanan and
Henry Maxtyn, who called attention to the state of the population of India.
Carey, Ward, and Maxshman, at Serampore, laboured long and diUgently
to acqufre a knowledge of the languages of India ; Maxshman, Morrison,
and MUne, those of China. Groves went through Eussia to Bagdad and
Persia. How wonderful have been the results of these researches — ^how
vast the fruit of thefr labours !
But have Friends, as a ReUgious Society, regarded these proceedings
with that warm Christian interest which they might seem justly to claim
from them ? Have they not rather been looking askance at them ? But
why should it be so ?
The Society of Friends have been occupying a useful position, both in
England and America. They laboured long and hard for the benefit of the
heathen population of Westem Africa, that they might be reUeved from
the cruelties and miseries inflicted on them by the slave-trade, and suc
cessfuUy also for the aboUtion of West India -slavery. They watched over
the emancipated and thefr offspring, that the proper education of thefr
chUdren should not be whoUy neglected. They also extended care, in
this latter respect, to some on the coast of Westem Africa.
In these operations, the Society generaUy took part, in the way of free
contributions to a fund placed under the management of Friends in Lon
don, who were empowered to make grants for specific purposes, as the
occasion from time to time appeared to caU for them ; which grants, in
several cases, were entrusted to the caxe of agents abroad — missionaries
or others — in whom the committee could confide, for appropriating them
in accordance -with the instractions.
Now we may observe that a large proportion of the labour of Friends
has been dfrected to the improvement of the temporal condition of those
who were the objects of soUcitude; but surely we should go further, and
seek to promote thefr spiritual and eternal welfare, and the diffusion of
Gospel Ught amongst them. ^ Christ's reUgion requfres us to labour to
tum the minds of men from darkness unto Ught, from the power of
Satan unto God. " Ye are the light of the world," said our Lord ; " but
men do not Ught a candle and put it under a bed, or under a bushel."

APPENDIX. ' 349
Are we coming up to the spirit of this injunction with regard to heathen
nations ? I feel the more soUcitous on this subject from a persuasion that
there is a door open into a field of good promise, in which Friends may
usefuUy encourage and help those who are afready engaged in the good
work, and that they may do this vrithout the abandonment of any of our
main, characteristic principles or testimonies, which, we believe, were
given us to bear before the world, by Him through whose Divine power
we were gathered as a people.
My mind has often been deeply interested in perusing the records* of
the successful labours of pious and devoted men, who have gone out, under
the patronage of the various Missionary Societies, to labour amongst the
heathen for thefr conversion to Christianity. Brief and transient risits,
though very useful for instruction and edification, are not aU that is
requfred for the conversion of heathen nations. A more permanent resi
dence, and continuous effort, are needed, especiaUy for the acqufrement of
a knowledge of the native languages. Many pious men have been raised
up, and have gone forth in the love of Christ, as vrith thefr lives in thefr
hands, and have sought a residence amongst savages and cannibals, and
-with wonderful success. Adonfram Judson, and his three exceUent wives,
(successively his feUow-labourers,) spent many years amongst the Burmans
and the Karens, who resided in the villages situated amongst the jungles
in the pro-rince of Pegu. The blessing which descended upon thefr self-
denying labours, and those of thefr exceUent successors, resulted in many
thousand persons embracing Christianity. A large number of the natives
became also teachers or preachers, several of them endued vrith talents for
much usefulness amongst thefr brethren.
In New Zealand and the Feejee Islands, almost whole tribes of cannibals,
through the labours of the missionaries, were induced to cast away their
idols, forsake thefr superstitions, cease from thefr frequent, ferocious wars
and other horrid customs, to become worshippers of the only true God,
and sincere beUevers in the Lord Jesus Christ ; and from barbarous canni
bals became meek Christians,, peaceful cultivators of the soU, or regular
traders, furnishing exportable produce of great value and extent.
SimUar changes took place in the Friendly Islands, where, about thirty
years ago, there was not a Christian, and now, it is said, there is not a
heathen. A chief over several tribes has become an humble, self-denying
* See a 5s. book, "The Gospel in Burmah," by Macleod -Wylie; also, "The South-
em -World," by Eobert Young, price 6s. 6d.

350 APPENDIX.
Christian ; a judicious, inteUigent, weU-qualifled preacher of the Gospel
of Ufe and salvation. These are highly important events, and may weU
encourage Friends, as a body, to move forwaid, and lend a hand of help
to such parts of the work as they can aid, in accordance -vrith thefr own
conscientious convictions. The Society eoUectively may usefuUy contri
bute to promote the work, as to a large extent it does, by the support of
the Bible Society, but more is requfred.
Gne valuable means of accelerating these highly important national
changes appears to have been by the missionaries acqufring a knowledge
of the native languages — forming alphabets — teaching the natives to read
and write — then translating portions of Holy Scripture into thefr language,
printing them, and freely and widely dispersing them amongst such as
have acqufred the power of reading. It has been observed that this pro
cess arrests the attention of the natives, and affords them great deUght.
They thereby quickly discover the superiority which educated men possess
over others, and are led to seek and read with much aridity the portions
of Holy Scripture thus placed in their hands. Thus thefr understandings
become enUghtened, and, by the operation of the Spfrit of God, thefr
hearts are softened and changed. Recei-ring the Scriptures of tmth as
of Diviae origin, they bow submissively to thefr high authority, and
become wUlingly subjected to the yoke of Christ.
I think it was said a few years ago, that in the island of Madagascar,
during the period when the missionaries were aUowed to labour, twelve
thousand persons learned to read, and many of them to write. And so
flrmly had the doctrines of Christianity laid hold of thefr minds, that after
being deprived of thefr instructors for many years, thefr heathen rulers
have not been able to extirpate Christianity, even by a long-continued
rigorous pexsecution. Several have laid do-wn thefr lives for Christ's sake,
boldly confessing thefr faith in His name.
Now, there is much in the above missionary operations in which Friends,
as a body, may freely and cordiaUy unite, and aid in the way of pecuniary
grants for specified objects ; say, in what, relates to the employment of
teachers, to enable the natives to read — in translating the Holy Scriptures
into the native languages — in printing and widely and freely dispersing
them. There are other branches of this great question in which Friends
may freely aid, ' as they have done in the case of the Indians of North
America, in supplying them with blankets to hide their nakedness. W.
Penn said the superfluities of the vain world would clothe the naked one.
Would it not be weU that we should have a "Friends' Association for

APPENDIX. 351
aiding in the Diffusion of Qospel Light amongst the Heathen and other unen
lightened N'ations."
We" should ever remember that our Lord Jesus Christ came "to give light
to them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death ; to guide thefr feet
into the way of peace." We should strive for the extension of Christ's
kingdom, and the exaltation of His dominion over a world that lieth in
wickedness. I am persuaded that the Divine blessing would attend this
work. It would tend to edification both at home and abroad, as there was
a single eye to the glory of God and the salvation of men. That wisdom
which is profitable to dfrect would be afforded. To many it would be a
profitable occupation, both of money and of thought ; and I am persuaded
that many sincere-hearted Friends would feel relieved of a burden, be led
to see more of Zion's King in His beauty, and be permitted, by living
faith, to behold the land that is very far off, as a place of bxoad rivers
and of streams, watering the gaxden of the Loxd. We should be more
fruitful in the field of offering, and more joyful in the house of prayer.
My letter has run to a great length, but my heart is warmed with a
fresh feeling of the love of God to oux perishing feUow-mortals of distant
lands, -vrith ardent desfres for thefr help. Thy sincere. Friend, G. R.
P.S. — It is probable that in case Friends, as a religious community,
should heartUy entertain a serious concern for the conversion of heathen
nations, some of them may be dra-wn to take up their residence among the
heathen. In such an event I am. persuaded that the kind sympathy of
thefr brethren would be excited for thefr help ; and the funds of the pro
posed association would be appUcable in thefr case.
Newcastle, \2th of 12th month, 1859.

YEARLY MEETING, 1861.
AN ADDEESS TO FEIENDS,
ON WHAT MAY BE DUE FROM THEM, TOWARDS COMMUNICATING THE
KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL TO THE HEATHEN IN FOREIGN LANDS.

When we contemplate the blessings of which we are made partakers
through the Gospel, the inqufry -wUl often be induced — "What shall I
render unto the Lord, for all his benefits towards me ?" The more highly

352 APPENDIX.
we ourselves value these blessings, the more strongly shaU we feel bound
to promote thefr extension, not only to the ignorant and depraved around
us, but to the heathen and the unenUghtened in the dark places of the
earth; remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, "That repentance and
remission of sins should be preached in his name, among aU nations," and
His parting injunction, " Go ye into aU the world, and preach the gospel
to every creature."
Christianity is in its very nature diffusive. Witness the conduct of its
earUest converts. No sooner did Andrew know Jesus as the Lamb of God,
than he sought his brother Simon, and brought him to the Saviour. No
sooner had Christ made Himself kno-wn to PhUip, than Philip caUed
Nathaniel, and said, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law,
and the prophets did write." So great was the zeal of the Apostles to
declare the glad tidings of the Gospel, that " daUy in the temple and from
house to house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ;" and
when by persecution the early beUevers were scattered abroad, they "went
everywhere preaching the word." Since the apostoUo days, successive
ages of the Christian church have afforded the same evidence ; the same
fervour of love has distinguished martyrs and confessors, and other faithful
men, who, amid perils and persecutions, have zealously testified to others
that Gospel of the grace of God, which they had found unspeakably pre
cious to thefr own souls.
Thus also did our early Friends, when brought to the experience that
Christ was aU in all to them, diUgently labour to bring others to the pos
session of the like blessed faith and hope. Thefr efforts to spread the
truth as it is in Jesus were not Umited to thefr own coimtry, nor to pro
fessing Christians. They felt that all mankind were aUke included within
the sphere of redeeming love. How frequently and eamestiy does George
Fox, in his Epistles, exhort "to spread the truth abroad;" "to instract
and teach the Indians and Negroes, and aU others, how that Christ by
the grace of God tasted death for every man, and gave Himself a ransom
for aU, to be testified in due time." He reminds his captive Friends in
Algiers, that the Gospel of salvation is to be preached to every creature
under heaven — that "Whites and Blacks, Moors, Turks, Indians, Chris
tians, Jews, and GentUes," are aU to be brought to the knowledge of the
grace of God -which is through Christ.
During the last half century, the labours of various bodies of Christians
in the missionary fleld have been extensive, and in many instances have
been eridently blessed by the Head of the church. In our own borders,

APPENDIX. 353
also, have we not bright examples of the expansiveness of the Gospel, in
beloved brethren and sisters, who, both at home and abroad, have la
boured abundantly in the ministry of the Word, on behalf of the ignorant,
the criminal, and the enslaved ?
WhUst thus referring to the labours of these devoted servants of Christ,
may we not urge the inquiry — Does the love of the world, or the love of
ease, or indifference to the salvation of our feUow-men, benumb our zeal
in the service of Christ, for the conversion of sinners, and the evangelizing
of the heathen ?
We desfre to encourage our members to individual faithfulness, and to
a willing surrender of themselves to the serrice of thefr Lord. If the
voice of the Spirit be distinctly heard, however gentle the caU, or however
humiUating the serrice, may there be the ready and cheerful response,
" Here am I, send me."
How unspeakable the blessing of being permitted, whether by pxeaching,
by teaching, by the cfrculation of the Holy Scriptures, or by any other
means which the Lord may be pleased to appoint, to bring those who
"axe sitting in darkness, and in the shadow of death," to the Ught of the
Gospel of Christ !
Those Scriptural riews in regard to the nature of the worship of God,
to the qualification fox Gospel ministxy, and to the authority of Christ in
His chuxch, which we have evei maintained, so far from offering an im-
• pediment in such a serrice, axe pecuUarly adapted to pxomote it. In like
manner the fnll recognition of the peaceable nature of the Redeemer's
kingdom — the rendering of a practical obedience, both in doing and suffer
ing, fo the injunction, " Love youx enemies" — ^the faith which induces a
simple reUance for success and safety, not on fleets and armies, nox on the
axm of flesh, but upon the powex and pxotection of that God who has pio-
mised to be ever -vrith those who put thefr trast in Him — if flrmly main
tained by those who may be caUed into these fields of service, would tend
to open thefr way, and greatly to enlarge thefr influence for good.
On considering how far we can, as a Society, aid the work by giring
additional facilities to those who, under the preparing hand and constram-
ing love of Christ, may he caUed to labour in foxeign lands, some extemal
arrangements appear to be desfrable.
This serrice is not, we beUeve, by any means confined to ministers of
the Gospel. Preaching the word is but one part of what we are to
understand by missionary labour. Schoolmasters and Scripture readers,
z

354 APPENDIX.
combining with their more specifled duties leligious teaching and convex-
sation, as weU as instruction in the arts of civilized life, would also flnd
an important place. To weU-qualified Friends offering for these engage
ments, this meeting would extend its sympathy and encouragement. It
does not, however, design to interfere in any way with the independent
action of monthly or othex meetings, in the liberation of ministers for the
serrice of the Gospel.
It may probably be desfrable hereafter to pxomote subsciiptions fox this
special object, to be applicable, pximarUy, to assist the labours of oux own
membexs, vrith liberty to extend aid beyond the Umits of our Society, in
the diffusion of Gospel truth, by means not inconsistent -with oux Christian
principles. Without determining what special arrangements may be caUed for, in
the arising and extension among us of a right concern on this important
subject, we conclude to refer it for the present to the meeting for suffer
ings ; and any Friend, feeling his mind attracted towards any department
of foreign labour, is inrited freely to seek both coimsel and help from that
meeting. Encouraged by the promise that the time shaU surely come, when " aU
the ends of the earth shaU remember and retum unto the Lord ; and all
kindreds of the nations shaU worship before him ; for the kingdom is the
Lord's, and he is the govemor among the nations," we commend the
cause to the serious and prayerful consideration of Friends generaUy, and
the work itself to the blessing of Him who alone can establish it, and
prosper it to His own praise. (Signed) JOSEPH THORP, Clerk.

MEETINGS FOE WOESHIP AND DISCIPLINE.
Outline of a Sermon delivered at Shields Monthly Meeting,
4th Month 13th, 1859, by G. Eichardson.

I HAVE felt it to be in accordance with my religious duty this morning
to express my riews of the importance and benefit to be derived from the
dUigent attendance of our monthly and quarterly meetings.

APPENDIX. 355
It is no uncommon thing, when we are about to be deprived of any ol
our privileges, that they are then most appreciated ; and truly, that of
meeting together in these oux solemn assembUes, is one not to be lightly
esteemed. It has been my lot to attend our- monthly meetings with but
littie exception for a period of seventy years, and I can bear my testimony
to the blessing of which I have been a partaker ; and often at the close of
the day, my heart has been fllled -with thankfulness in being permitted
thus to assemble -with my friends for the purpose of Diviae woiship.
In dweUing on this subject this moxning I have xemembexed how in
all ages of the woxld it has pleased the Most High to appoint that His
people should meet together in holy convocation and in solemn assemblies,
for thefr strength and instruction. In ancient days He chose Jerusalem
as the place to which they should go up, and where His name should be
glorified when they were gathexed togethex.
The Psalmist described Jeiusalem as " a city which is compact together,
whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord to the testimony of Israel,
to give thanks unto the name of the Lord."
But I have mourned, my friends, this moming, to observe the dimi
nished numbers that attend oux monthly meetings. I have known, in
days gone by, seventy Fiiends attend a monthly meeting from Newcastle
alone : and now, even this day, how few (comparatively) axe -with us,
though travelling is so much easier ! I have longed that moie might come
up to meet together on these occasions, which I do beUeve have been
blessed of the Lord to many. The Psalmist also declared, " The Loid
hath chosen Zion, he hath desfred it fox his habitation : this is my lest foi
evei ; here wUl I dweU, for I have desfred it. I -wiU abundantly blfiss
her provision, and satisfy her poor -with bread. I wiU also clothe her
priests with salvation ; and aU her saints shaU shout aloud for joy." And
when fax off in a distant land, how eamestiy did His people long for Jeru
salem; "If I forget thee, 0 Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her
cunning, and let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I pxefex
not Jexusalem above my chief joy."
These times of holy convocation, when the chosen people assembled
befoxe the Loxd of heaven and earth, wexe oftentimes of pecuUai favoux
and sometimes of awful risitation. When His holy law was xead in
solemn assembly thefr hearts wexe sometimes bowed as in the dust, undex
the feeling of thefr many backsUdings, and theii neglect of His puxe and
xighteous law. " The law of the Loxd is perfect, converting the soul."
Thexe axe many among us who can also declaxe that in our solemn

356 APPENDIX.
assemblies, which it has been their privUege to attend, their hearts have
been contrited, and their souls raised in thanksgiving as they have medi
tated thereon. The engagement of thefr heart has been like one of old,
when he said, "Walk about Zion, count the towers thereof; mark ye
weU her bulwarks, consider hex palaces, that ye may teU it to the genera
tion following." They have been brought by thefr Loxd and Saviour, as
it were, out of darkness into His marvellous light. He hath fulfilled His
promise — " Where two ox three are gathered together in my name, there
am I in the midst of them."
Oh ! that we might all more and more grow in grace, and in true vital
religion; obeying, from our heart, the flrst and great commandment —
' ' Thou shalt love the Lord with aU thy heart, with aU thy mind, and
vrith aU thy strength ;" and instead of having our heart and affections set
on earthly things, have them flxed on Him who is the source and fountain
of aU good : then would we rejoice more and more in the assembling of
ourselves together in these our monthly and quarterly meetings, which
would prove to us indeed as holy convocations, in which the God of hea
ven would be glorified; and we should be enabled to draw nigh unto
Him, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

MEMORIAL OP THE LATE GEOEGE EICHAEDSON.

EXTRACTED FROM THE MINUTES OF THE NEWCASTLE BIBLE SOCIETY.

The Committee of the Newcastle Bible Society, speciaUy summoned on
account of the demise of thefr venerable and much revered Vice-President,
Mr. George Richardson, desfre to state the sense which they entertain of
the loss which they and the Society have sustained. They do so, not so
much in obedience to the inspired injunction — " Render, therefore, honour
to whom honour is due," — as from regard to the dfrection of the Apostle,
"Be ye foUowers of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the
promises." Our late Vice-President was an IsraeUte indeed, in whom was no guile.
He had a simpUcity of aim which few of the disciples of the Lord Jesus
attain unto. Of most of the world's great ones the saying is true, that
they are great only at a distance ; of our deceased friend, it may be said,
that they who knew him most intimately esteemed him most highly. Few
men bore so strongly as he, the impress of the Master's likeness. He
seemed not to know what it was to be weaxy in weU-doing. Personal
interests were not suffered to intervene between him and the weU-being
of his fellow-creatures, or the glory of his Divine Master. *
From eaxly youth, he was a lovex of the Bible. Not only weie his
leisure hours devoted to its study, but such fragments of time as could be,
by singular watchfulness, culled even from the busiest period of the day,
were spent in the perusal of it, or in meditating upon its contents.
He was one of the originators of this Society, and, to within the last
two years, one of its most active promoters. For nearly fifty years he
acted as its depositary. In the course of this time, about two hundred
and fifty thousand copies of the Scriptures passed through his hands. He
ordered the books, he unpacked them, and placed them in the depot. He
attended to thefr sale, and distributed them amongst the branch associa
tions. He kept the accounts of the Society, and carried on its business

358 APPENDIX.
correspondence. He arranged the annual meetings of many of the district
associations, and, whUst health and strength lasted, was never backward
in attending them; in truth, during the whole fifty-two years of the
existence of the Society, he has been the mainspring of its energy, the
chief agent, under God, of its success. It need scarcely be added, that
his only reward was the luxury of doing good, and that xecompence which
he has now gone to xeceive.
Next to his Saviour, his famUy, and that xeUgious Society to which he
was consciously attached, he loved the Bible Society, and to it, accord
ingly, he devoted that large measure of interest and effort which it has
received from him. As increasing infirmities stole upon him, it was vrith
manifest regret that he retfred from the management of its affafrs. He
did not do so aU at once, but only retreated a step at a time as necessity
compelled him. At length, when laid upon that sick bed from which he
was not to rise again, he saw that his task was done, and he then calmly
and cheerfully resigned his much loved Bible Society into the hands of his
Lord and Master.
The Committee, iu contemplating the graces and labours of thefr de
parted friend, woiUd adore the goodness of that Sariour, who so graciously
imparted to him of His own fulness, and, by His Spirit, enabled him to
bring forth so much good fruit.
They would wish also to convey to his bereaved famUy their warmest
sympathies, praying that that void, which has been occasioned by his
removal, may be made up by the manifested presence of the Loxd Himself.

NOTICE OF THE LATE GEOEGE EICHAEDSON,
BY DR. BRUCE, SECEETAEY OF NEWCASTLE BIBLE SOCIETY.

A PATEiAECH has passed away. Mr. George Richardson, one of the oldest
and most respected of the inhabitants of Newcastle, died at his residence
in Albion Street, a little before midnight, on Saturday last. Mr. Eichard
son was bom at the Low Lights, North Shields, in the year 1773, and was
consequently at the time of his decease nearly ninety years of age. He
came to Newcastle in the year 1792, when he was apprenticed to the busi
ness (that of a grocer and leather dealer) which he carried on until his

APPENDIX. 359
sixtieth year. Having succeeded in establishing himself in a shop in the
Flesh Market (now called the Cloth Market), he was in 1800 married to
Miss Eleanor Watson, who was for neaxly half a century the sharer of his
joys and sorrows. It is now several years since Mr. Richardson retfred
from business, and he has devoted the whole of his time and energies ever
since to the promotion of plans of public usefulness and private benevo
lence. Probably a more unselfish man never existed, nor one 'who was
more untfring in his efforts to do good. Benevolence beamed in his coun
tenance, and we have kno-wn school-girls look in at his shop window to
enjoy the sight of his happy face. The spring of aU his actions was love
to that Master of whom that holy book, which he made his constant com
panion, told him so much. As was most fitting, the reUgious body (the
Society of Friends) to whom he was attached, obtained the first place in
his affections, and his best services. So early had he become imbued with
reUgious feeling, and so eaxly had he come to a decision upon the most
momentous of all questions, that he was not more than twenty years of
age when he was acknowledged as a minister by the Society. He exer
cised his office tUl the close of Ufe. AU his utterances wexe ohaxacterised
by powex and heavenly unction. In prayex he seemed to get within the
veU. He was an ardent friend of the Bible Society. So thoroughly did
he throw himself into the work of the Newcastle Society that he might
vrith truth be said to be the Society. Duiing his long connection with
it as Depositaxy about two hundred and fifty thousand copies of the
Scriptures passed through his hands. Even this fact gives but a feeble
idea of his labours in connection vrith this great cause. The oidering of
the books, thefr unpacking and xe-issuing ; the keeping of the compUcated
accounts, the arrangement of the business of committees, and the forma
tion and risiting of branch associations axe some of the items of duty to
whioh for many years he dUigently and cheerfuUy applied himself. So
exceUent was his method of business, and so delightful was the spfrit
which he uniformly breathed that the members of the Bible Committee
always felt it to be a privUege to attend its meetings. He laboured most
zealously and most successfuUy m the cause of negro emancipation. The
cause of education early attracted his attention. Before British or Na
tional Schools were dreamed of, he was m the habit of spending his even
ings in teaching classes of adults to read and vmte. When m October,
1809, it was xesolved, instead of a public iUumination in Newcastle on the
occasion of Kmg George the Thfrd's entering his jubUee year, to found a
school for the purpose of teaching the chUdren of the poor to read the

360 APPENDIX.
Bible, the scheme had his coidial sympathy and support. For many years
he was upon the Committee of the Royal JubUee Schools, and gave his
best efforts to promote thefr usefulness and efficiency. The flshing vUlage
of CuUercoats was the scene of his latest efforts in the cause of education.
Here, preriously, very Uttle prorision was made for the instruction of the
yotmg. Mr. Richaxdson, by dint of gieat peisevexance, patience, and good
nature, succeeded in establishing an exceUent School in the place, and in
xeaxing, by gieat pexsonal exertion, a fitting buUding fox it. The good
results of these efforts have afready appeared. The last pHibUc speech he
ever delivered was made at the anniversary meeting of this school nearly
three years ago. The sympathies of the audience were powerfuUy drawn
forth by the earnest expressions of the venerable speaker, whom they even
then feared they would not hear again. To the poor at large he was
a constant friend. He was emphatically a friend to those that had no
helper. The door of his office was frequently and for hours at a time
Uterally besieged by necessitous persons seeking his help. His bounty
was not indiscriminately given. He spared no pains in risiting the poor
in thefr own houses to ascertain thefr real state, and to give them that
counsel, as well as relief, which they needed. After advancing age ren
dered such a task positively unsafe, he might be seen clambering the dark
and dirty stafrs leading to the tenements of the poox, unwUling to foiego
the luxury of pexsonaUy doing good. Mx. Richaxdson was a tme friend.
He did not faU, in kindness and humUity, to teU his friends of thefr faults ;
and seldom it may be supposed without effect. One of the last labours in
which he engaged was the work of exciting the Society of Friends to take
more active measures than they had hitherto done in disseminating the
Gospel at home and abroad. Very, many letters, breathing an earnest
missionary spirit, he wrote to such members of the Society as he thought
could help forward his object. His efforts have afready borne fruit, and
his death wUl probably speak even more powerfuUy and successfuUy than
his pen did.
For nearly two years and a half Mr. Richardson has been confined to a
sick-bed. An attack of bronchitis, brought on by exposure when paying
a visit of kindness and charity to a dying youth, was the immediate cause
of his long confinement and final iUness. During the whole of that time
he xesigned himself passively into the hands of his Mastex. Not the
slightest symptom of impatience evei escaped him. He -wished to be as
his Master wished him to be ; to do, to suffer whatever was His wiU. He
was too humble a man to speak much of himself; when the subject of the

APPENDIX. 361
great future was refexxed to, he briefly but with decision spoke of the
stiong hope which he enjoyed. His whole life was a testimony to the
xeality of his faith — the heavenliness of his disposition — and his untiiin^^
and complete devotedness to the highest and holiest of all causes. His
latter end was peace. " Blessed axe the dead which die in the Lord."
The mortal remains of our much loved townsman wiU be carried to their
burial in the Friends' burial ground, in Pilgrim Street, on Thursday next,
at a quarter before eleven o'clock. It is understood that after the inter
ment a meeting for worship -wiU be held in the contiguous chapel.
August Wth, 1862.
N.B. — At the risk of some repetition, the Editors are induced to give this brief, but
graphic sketch of their beloved father, from the pen of a valued co--vcorker in the Bible
Society, in the belief that it wiU interest the readers of the Journal.

CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX OF G. R.'S TRAVELS IN THE WORK
OF THE MINISTRY.

Bedfordshire, 1809, 1825, 1827, 1837.
Berkshire, 1825, 1827, 1833, 1837.
Bristol, 1815, 1825, 1837.
Buckinghamshire, 1809, 1825, 1827, 1837.
Cambridgeshire, 1808, 1825.
Cheshire, 1815, 1827, 1837.
Cornwall, 1815, 1837.
Cumberland, 1803, 1807, 1813, 1814, 1834, 1840.
Derbyshire, 1808, 1809, 1815, 1825, 1827, 1830, 1833.
Devonshire, 1816, 1837.
Dorsetshire, 1815, 1837.
Durham, 1808, 1809, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1827, 1830, 1837, 1838, 1840.
Essex, 1809, 1825.
Gloucestershire, 1815, 1825.
Guernsey, 1815, 1837.
Hampshire, 1815, 1837.
Herefordshire, 1815, 1837.
Hertfordshire, 1809, 1825, 1827, 1837.
Huntingdonshire, 1808, 1825,
Jersey, 1837.
Kent, 1809, 1825.
Lancashire, 1811, I8I3, 1827, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1842.
Leicestershire, 1809, 1815, 1825, 1827.
Lincolnshire, 1808, 1830.
London, 1809, 1815, 1825, 1831, 1833, 1837.
Middlesex, 1809, 1815, 1833, 1837.
Northamptonshire, 1809, 1827, 1837.
Norfolk, 1808, 1809, 1825.
Norwich, 1808, 1809, 1825.
Northumberland, 1803, 1823, 1840.
Nottinghamshire, 1808, 1813, 1814, 1834, 1840.
Oxfordshire, 1825, 1827, 1837.
Eutland, 1808, 1825.
Shropshire, 1827.

CHRDNOLOOICAL INDEX. 363
Somersetshire, 1815, 1825, 1837.
Staffordshire, 1815, 1827, 1837, 1842.
Suffolk, 1809, 1825.
SuiTey, 1809, 1815, 1837.
Sussex, 1809, 1815, 1837.
-Wales, North, 1815, 1827, 1842.
-Wales, South, 1827.
Warwickshire, 1825, 1837, 1842.
-Westmoreland, 1811, 1813, 1827, 1834.
¦Wiltshire, 1816, 1825.
-Worcestershire, 1815, 1825, 1827, 1833.
Yorkshire, 1808, 1809, 1813, 181'5, 1825, 1827, 1830, 1831, 1834, 1842.
Scotland, 1804, 1806, 1814, 1828,
Ireland, 1811, 1838.

PRINTED BY JOHS BELL, RAIL>YAY BANK I'EINTl.VG OPPICHS, XEWCASTLK,