I '•*•.

iJ*"

YALE
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Mtmoivs anil %ttttv&

OF

RICHARD AND ELIZABETH SHACKLETON,

BALLITORE, IRELAND;

COMPILED BY THEIE DAUQHTEIl,

MARY LEADBEATER.

INCLUDING A CONCISE BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, AND SOME LETTERS, OF HER
GRANDFATHER, ABRAHAM SHACKLETON.

" My boast is not that I deduce my birth
From loins enthroned, and rulers of the earth;
But higher far my proud pretensions rise.
The child of parents pass'd into the skies." CowpEn.

LONDON:
PRINTED FPR HARVEY AND DARTON,
GR.WECHURCH-STREET.

1822.

PREFACE.

That feeling inherent in our nature, whieh loves
to remember and to 'be remembered, having, in
many instances, tended to the improvement as well
as entertainment of those who prefer the narrative
dictated by truth to works of imagination ; and the
taste of the present day, more than of some of
former ages, seeming to favour this judicious choice;
the compiler has been encouraged in a persuasion,
that, instead of confining- to their own descendants,
these memoirs and sentiments of an exemplary cou
ple, they may be usefully introduced into more pubr
lie view, and the memory thus preserved, of those
virtues which graced the sphere allotted to them.
A considerable number of letters, or extracts from
letters, addressed by the late Richard Shackleton
to some of his numerous friends, have already been
submitted to the public eye, principally collected by
his worthy, much-valued contemporary, John Ken
dall; by which his talents for epistolary converse
have been evinced, in a way that it is hoped will
favourably dispose many readers to receive the
present volume.
The few letters of Elizabeth Shackleton here
A 2

IV PEEFACE.
offered, though not the product of what may be
accounted shining endowments, are so fraught with
virtuous sentiments and just distinctions, as may
sufficiently warrant their publication. Nor can it
be doubted that the developement of the character
of their revered father, the elder Abraham Shackle
ton, will prove equally interesting and instructive.
Various anecdotes and allusions, respecting other
individuals, amongst relations, family connexions,
and friends, are also interspersed, as being too im
mediately connected with the principal subjects to
admit of exclusion.
The circumstances of the prominent characters in
this little work, being closely interwoven, the edi
tor has generally adopted a chronological order, con
sidering that the advantage resulting from this,
will be paramount to any inconvenience which may
arise from a broken narrative.

CONTENTS.

Page.
Chap. i. Birth qf Richard Shackleton. — Some account qf
his parents. — Circumstances attendant on Richard
Shackleton's youth. — His marriage. — Extracts from
letters. — Decease qf his wife  -?»  1
Chap. ii. Memoirs qf Elizabeth Carleton's early life. —
Extracts from Letters.— R. S.'s second marriage. — ^
JSome account qfthe establishment at Ballilore  15
Chap. hi. A further account of Abraham Shackleton. —
Death qfhis wife. — Various letters. — Ilhtess and death /
qf Abraham Shackleton  31 i'
Chap. iv. Letters on different subjects, between the years
1773 and 1780, inclusive  66
Chap. v. Letters written between the years 1781 and
1788, inclusive  110
Chap. vi. Letters. The illness and decease qf Richard
Shackleton. Death qf Elizabeth Shackleton  l6l

ERRATA.
Page 4, line 2, jftr brother read brothers.
Page 12, line 2 firom the. bottom, /or days readlove.
Page 15, line 7 in the note, dele who.
Page 26, line 16, for on read an.^
Page 33, line 10 from the bottom, /or over for us good read
over us for good.
Page 51, line 14,/)r friends read fnend.
Page 51, line 19,/or 1759 read 1769.
Page 82, line 2 fi-om the bottom, /)r precure rcaJ procure.
Page 88, line li,for had good time read had a good time.

MEMOIRS AND LETTERS, Sic

CHAPTER I.

Birth qf Richard Shackleton. — Some account qf his parents.—'
Circumstances attendant on Richard ShackletoiCs youth. — His
marriage. — Extracts from letters. — Decease qfhis wife.
Richard Shackleton was born in Ballitore, on the 9th
of the 10th month, 1726. His grandfather, whose name
he bore, was a native of Yorkshire, where he married, in
the year 1683, Sarah Briggs. Of their six children,
Abraham, born in 1696, was the youngest. His mother
died when he was six years of age, his father two years af
terwards. Though deprived so early of religious parents,
the impression made on him, by their careful education,
was not in vain. He used frequently to mention the ten
der concern of his pious father, who, following him to his
bed-side, was wont, on leaving him to his repose, awfully
to recommend him to seek the Divine blessing. And that
blessing did remarkably attend him during the course of
his life; for whilst as yet very yoimg, and exposed to mani
fold dangers, he was enabled to preserve the tenderness
and innocence which constitute the happiness of child
hood; and often, retiring from his companions, he
mused in solitude on the love of his Maker. In his

2
youth, he underwent great exercise and conflicts; but per
severing in the strait path of duty, and yielding obedience
to the Divine monitor, through every stage of life the same
protection was extended, as the same watchful care to
seek after it was maintained.
His bodily frame not being robust, after having made
trial of other means of gaming a livelihood, he iresigned
them, and cultivated his natural taste for literature.
Though he was twenty years of age when he began to
learn the Latin language, yet, with genius and application
united, be speedily became a good classical scholar, and
even wrote pure and elegant Latin. His acquirements, his
diligence, and still more his character, induced som^ of
the most respectable families of the Society of Friends in
Ireland, (of which religious body he was himself a mem
ber,) to encourage him to come into this country, and un
dertake the tuition of their children. He first engaged in
the employment of a private teacher; and in great sim-'
plicity of heart, and awful fear, discharged his important
trust, greatly to the satisfaction of his employers. Having,
before liis removal, been a teacher in the school of David
Hall, of Skipton, in Yorkshire, he ther6 became acquaint
ed with Margaret Wilkinson, first cousin to David , HaU,
an inmate in his family, and daughter of Richard Wilkin
son, of Knowlbank, in Yorkshire. She was pleasing in
person and manners, cheerful, of a sweet temper, and en
dowed with good sense; but what attracted and confirmed
Abraham Shackleton's affection to her, was the excellence
of her humble and pious spirit. He loved her with a true
love,, and, in a few years, returned to England, solicited,
and obtamed her hand. Those friends who had had trial
of his abilities as a private teacher, and who saw the ad
vantages accruing to the youth, from such an example as
his, were glad to find he had determined to settle in Ire
land, and to open a boarding-school. They, probably, sug-

3
gested the idea to him, for he was of a diffident disposi
tion. Ballitore seemed to be a suitable place for this pur
pose, a retired village in the county of Kildare, twenty-
eight miles south of Dublin, the river Griese, a pleasant
stream, running through the valley in which the village
stands, and contributing to its salubrity. It was a situation,
also, which gratified Abraham Shackleton's inclination for
the coimtry, and his love of agriculture and planting.
Hither, then, he brought his beloved Margaret. Here
they passed their peaceful, pious lives; here shone the
steady lustre of their bright example ; and here they laid
down their heads in a good old age. But their virtues
left behind a sweet odour, when their places knew them
no more; and their memories are handed down with re
spect and love, from one generation to another.
The boarding-school was opened on the 1st of the 3d
month, 1726, and succeeded beyond the humble hopes of
its conductors ; so that not only those of their own society,
and of the middle rank, but many persons of considerable
note, and of various denominations, placed their children
under their care; several of whom, afterwards, filled con
spicuous stations in Hfe; and many not only retained a
grateful and affectionate respect for the memory of their
preceptor, but good-vriU and regard for the Society of
Friends, on his account; remembering his extraordinary
diligence and care in their tuition, his fatherly oversight
of them, and also the Uving lesson of uprightness, tempe
rance, gravity, and humility, which he taught by his ex
ample. And there is ground to believe, that the principles of
the people called Quakers were better understood, and
that many illiberal prejudices against them were removed,
by means of BaUitore Schooh Amongst the scholars
of Abraham Shackleton, one of the most distinguished for
b2

4
early attainments in literature, was Edmund Burke, who,
with Garrett, and Richard, his brother, was placed under
his care, in the year 1741. Edmund, being then about
eleven years of age, manifested uncommon genius, with
qualities which shelter that " painful pre-eminence" from
those envious blasts, which annoy even when they cannot
injure; for he was unassuming, affable, and modest. He
and Richard Shackleton, the son of Abraham, pursued
their studies together. The minds of both were strongly
bent to literary acquirements ; both were endowed with a
classical taste, solid judgment, and keen perceptions; and
with similar dispositions, cheerful, affectionate, and benevo
lent. Between these kindred minds a friendship was formed,
which continued through Ufe, notwithstanding the dif
ferent spheres in which they moved. When they met
afterwards, Edmund Burke deUghted to converse with the
friend of his youth, on subjects that recalled their juve
nile days. In private life, he was distinguished by the
practice of the domestic and social virtues, and by exem
plary moral conduct. His manners and conversation were
engaging and instructive; clothed with a simpUcity which
softened the brilUancy of his talents, and made him even
more beloved than admired.
Michael Kearney was another of Abraham Shackleton's
pupils, a native of DubUn; a person of acknowledged
worth and learning, and as remarkable for his modesty as
for his acquirements. At the age of eighty, he gave
proof, by a few lines addressed to one of the family, of
the permanency of that friendship, which, springing from
the soil of innocent and cultivated minds, produces blos
soms and fruits, to gladden the heart in youth and in age.
" A renewal," says he, " however slight, of a corre
spondence with BaUitore, excited a most affecting pulsation
in my heart: it attracted my attention to old times, when

I was accustomed to receive letters from your father, to
whom I am indebted for much instruction in what is laud
able and exceUent." Speaking of the pleasure with which
he read a description of BaUitore in verse, he adds, " It
bestowed on me a momentary youth. I recollected the
hamits of my boyhood with inexpressible pleasure, and re
traced events that had occurred on every spot. The cow-
sUps of the MiU-field were not forgotten, and many in
structive conversations with your father started into my
mind." It was not the recoUection of hours spent with
his friend in idleness, foUy, or mischievous froHcs, which
was presented to his memory ; but through the long re
trospect of much more than half a century, this venerable
man could pleasantly contemplate their past studies and
recreations. The cultivation of taste and science is favour
able to the preservation of purity iu conduct and senti
ment ; and though there are lamentable instances of fine
talents being laid waste, and, instead of raising a goodly
and useful structure, affording, by their ruin, a shelter to
the beasts of prey and birds of night ; yet the generaUty of
the dissipated and profligate, appear to be those who have
neglected or despised the improvement of their own abiU-
ties, and endeavoured to depreciate those inteUectual
powers and accompUshments, which they were either un-
wUUng or unable to comprehend; who, in the words of
Gay, " O'erlook with scorn all virtuous arts;
For vice is fitted to their parts."
When Richard Shackleton was but five years old, his
heart experienced the touches of Divine love; and he
sometimes withdrew to a retired spot, where he poured
out his soul in prayer, and was permitted to approach Him
who said, " Suffer little children to come imto itie." Often

did he look back upon this time, and the scene of these
early aspirations, which seemed hallowed in his view. It
was a precious period of his life when he was led to enter
into covenant with his Maker — when he walked out alone
with his Bible, and poured out his prayers and his tears,
being favoured with that heavenly feeling which surpasses
every other enjoyment; and this tenderness continued,
with very little interruption, to operate on his mind till the
sixteenth year of his age.
On his arriving at this critical period of life, the levity
incident to youth, and his own natural vivacity, drew him,
in degree, from that watchfulness enjoined by the highest
authority, and on which our safety and happiness depend;
and though preserved within the bounds of morality, the
religious sensibility experienced in early Ufe was weakened.
This lapse, though it had been long recovered, he re
gretted, when about to close his exemplary Ufe. He was
very dUigent in seeking after improvement in literary
knowledge ; and, whUe yet a child, was able to assist his
father. For this purpose he spent some time in Dublin,
attending lectures at the ooUege, and learning the Hebrew
language. The pious care exercised over him, when ab
sent from his parents, will appear by the foUowing ex
tracts from letters written to him by his father. " Keep
thy mind as quiet as possible, so that thou mayst have
benefit of this little tour. I desire thou mayst have thy
eye to Him that hath preserved, in some degree, him that
writeth, and is his chiefest joy. Next to that, my joy is that
mine may walk acceptably before Him. Durable riches,
I know, and honours, are in his right hand, which He
dispenses impartiaUy, in his own fit time." 1744. " We
are very desirous of seeing thee at home, for several rea
sons ; and yet very loath lo interrupt thee in that in which
thou proposest to thyself an advantage, or, at least a satis->

faction ; for thou mayst assure thyself, whilst thou con-
tinuest to eye the best things, thou art and wilt be near
to me."
" My dear son, that gracious hand that dispenses divine
favours liberaUy, hath not been wanting to my mind, since
thou left us, and thou hast been nearly remembered by
me; and my desires are, that thou mayst often participate
of those riches and treasures that add no sorrow, but give
the sold dominion over all lower enjoyments. This sifting,
¦winnowing, purging, cleansing hand, that would m^e room
for itself — that would leave nothing but the pure, weighty
grain — bring every thought, word, and action to judg
ment; may it be attended upon, and, when retired and
withdrawn, patiently waited for. Experience teUs us here,
too, that the prodigal must know want." 1748.
"Thou hast been pretty much in my mind since we
parted, and I have often remembered that portion of
Scripture: 'The refining pot is for silver, and the fur*
nace for gold.' Various are the probations that are per
mitted to faU to our share, in this vale of tears. I cannot
think but, if it be not our own fault, they may turn to our
lasting advantage, in purging away the dross, the tin, and
the reprobate silver. The more deep the trials, the more
severe and heavy the refining, reforming hand presses on
our souls; the more high they may rise in acceptance, and
have the more sensible enjoyments; and then may the soid
bow, in the depth of humiUty, to the root, and know its der
pendance on that from whence living nourishment springs.
Surely, the aU-wise God hath, for a wise and blessed end,
dispensed day and night to our souls, as weU as to the
outward creation, to engage and enamour our souls to love
Him." 1748.
Richard Shackleton very early in Ufe became attached
to i:iizabeth, youngest daughter of Henry and Deborah

8
FuUer*; and having his parents' entire approbation of his
choice, he applied for her hand about the twenty-second
year of his age. The state of his mind at that time, is
best expressed in his own words, as he related it to a dear
friend. " I received a kind of refusal, which I took; my
mind being awakened in a most extraordmary manner,
from the time of my apphcation to that period, and pos
sessed with doubt and dread, so that I feared, if we went
together, the divine blessing would not crovm our union.
In this season I sought solitary places to weep in, and pojir
out my tears to the Lord. Many wondered that I took
the disappointment so to heart, supposing my dejection to
proceed from that. I let them suppose what they woidd,
and being favoured to keep inward, my covenants were
renewed. In about six months fi:om this time, I found a
Uberty to renew my suit."
They were married the 2d of 2d month, 1749, and
settled in a pleasant dweUing, in the viUage near their
parents, who looked forward with joyful hope to future
prospects for their children, whom they beheld walking in
the path which leads to happiness.
About this time, a little band, young in years, but in
creasing in the experience of those things which be
long to peace, became closely united. Amongst these,
Mary Peisley, Samuel Neale, Elizabeth Pike, Richard
Shackleton and his wife, and EUzabeth Carleton, often
met, and were a strength and encouragement to each
other. Their union is expressed thus, in a letter from

* Deborah Fuller was "the daughter of John Barcroft, one of the
proprietors of the lands of Ballitore, and Elizabeth, his wife, who was
an acceptable minister. She died in 1740, having survived her husband
several years. Near the close of life, she overflowed in sweet counsel to
her children, and testified of her early experience of the Lord's goodness,
which had been continued through life.

9
Richard Shackleton to Samuel Neale : " My cry was to
day, dear friend! for us who are young, who are known
by one another, to have good desires begotten in us for
the blessed cause, that we might be preserved, and plenti-
fidly fiUed with divine -wisdom, of which I saw a great ne
cessity, that the Lord would take us, being children, and
teach us himself; and that we might be drawn into near
unity with one another." Samuel Neale, who had been
forgiven much, loved much; and having been obedient to
the heavenly vision, became a vessel of honour, replenished
with good, and pouring it forth for the refreshment of
others. He was one, who, remembering the trials which
attend youth, compassionated them ; and in advanced life,
his winning affabiUty towards young persons, his fatherly
love and care, his heart and house open to receive them,
made a deep impression on their minds, from which many
received lasting advantage.
The foUowing extracts from letters written in the year
1752, instructively depict the state of R. Shackleton's
mind at this period. "7th of 4th Month.
" Had I kept, as I beUeve thou dost, to my first love, and
not suffered the wisdom of the fallen nature to blind and
deafen, and, in appearance, almost totaUy quench in me the
second Adam, which is a quickenmg spirit, I should not
now be without true wisdom, in a captious, deceitful world.
May the harms of others teach thee to beware. Prize,
O prize, the jewel which I beUeve thou Art possessed of.
It is indeed the pearl of price. I should rather possess the
least portion of it, than aU the '-wisdom of this world.
Knowledge, indeed, puffeth up ; but charity, which is this
pure love, edifieth. Take WUUam Penn's advice to his
children: 'Part with aU for it, but part not with it for aU
the world.' "

10

" 14th of 6th Month.
"I have had a pretty deal of Mary Peisly's company since
my last. She proves, by her conversation, that text, "The
words of the wise are as nails fastened in a sure place."
As there is no company so agreeable to me as that of such
dear instruments, I find myself not out of danger in indulg'-
ing myself in it. My mind is too apt to be drawn out in
these opportunities, from a stiU, quiet frame, into a flutter
and commotion; and the affections of the creature to steal
graduaUy into the room of the pure love of the Creator,
who is ever jealous of his just right: and this wounds the
life, and defeats the true satisfaction and benefit which
might accrue from such conversation ; and instead of parting
from our friends with a sweet savour, we make that part
ing doubly uneasy, by losing the company of the invisible as
weU as visible friend."

"25th of 9th Month.
" Oh ! how I love uprightness and plain dealing; a heart
which loves its friends sincerely ; that wUl not harbour and
conceal a self-pleasing, envious, injurious thought of its
friend, nor bear to hear it uttered by another without re
buke. May the virtues of integrity and simpUcity, and
single and honest-heartedness, be ours, . for they are truly
Christian. Yea, may it please Divine wisdom more and
more to purge out the sour leaven, and leaven our hearts
with the leaven of the kbgdom ; even the leaven of meek
ness, long suffering, and tenderness of spirit: so shaU we
be disciples indeed; contrite, humble, and faithful foUowers
of the Lamb, whithersoever he leadeth. May the Lord

11
preserve us as innocent, tender, and babe-Uke chUdren be
fore him, hungering to be fed by him, and growing up as
goodly plants under his hand. Oh ! this child-like nature :
when shall I get enough into it? It is only as a measure
of this is effected in us, that we can cry, ' Abba, Father.'
" Though, as thou sayest, ' things look bad,' let us look
weU at home; and as we are incapable, in a great degree,
of doing any thing to make matters better, let us not make
them worse, and the breach wider in the enmity, by saying
or doing any thing in our own unregenerated wiQs, and na
tural heat of temper, which may hurt instead of furthering
others. For the enemy works in us with the engines and
tools of our corrupt nature, which he finds there: and so
crafty is the serpent, that he will seem to employ these
weapons for the good cause, agamst himself; whereas, he
works in a mystery Jbr himself, agamst the cause, by rais
ing heats, and divisions, and hardness of heart between
brethren. But let us endeavour, as much as in us Ues, to
Hve peaceably vrfth all men, and if we see a brother offend
in breaking any branch of our Christian testimony, and by
the fire of pure zeal warming and cleansing our own hearts,
we find that the truth (as wiU often be the case) caUs for a
witness to it, let us wait to be guided by the spirit of love
and meekness, to bear our innocent, faithful testimony;
and if it be not received, stand in the counsel of the same
spirit, and let not that get up which would render evU for
evO, but overcome evd with good."

" 14th of 10th Month.
" I have, I confess, been favoured at times, since my
last, with the washing of water to repentance and regene
ration ; not through any instrumental help, but through the
powerful operation of the spirit of judgment and of burn-

12
ing, in my solid rethement in and before my family. We
are too apt, after such washing times, to run like sheep,
skipping and leaping from the washpool, and so are in
danger of being bespattered with mire again, instead of
being weightily concerned that a sense of that power may
rest upon our spirits, which is alone truly comfortable, and
can keep us soUd, steady, and fruitful. For as the sheep is
washed, in order that it may be shorn; so are we washed
and cleansed, that we may 'bring forth fruit meet for Him
who has dressed.' My desires are strong in my measure,
that we, several of us, who are known by one another, and
known to our heavenly Father to have, at times, fi-ving de
sires raised in us for the glory of God and the eternal hap
piness of ourselves, and one of another; and sometimes a
further concern that our backsliding brethren may no more
revolt, but return and live: my desires are that we may
come up nobly and boldly in his cause, and be absolutely
(I see no other way to be of service) resigned tp the will
and disposal of the great Lord of the harvest, dedicating
freely and cheerfuUy, as our forefathers did, aU we have,
internal and external, to his service."

The following is an extract from the only letter which has
been found, from Richard Shackleton to his wife. They were
not often separated: they probably hoped to pass a long
Ufe together, and therefore might not have been so careful
to preserve such memorials of affection as he afterwards
became; and he often regretted his not having one letter
by him, of the few he had received from the dear object of
his youthful days, who was tenderly remembered by him
through the whole of his succeeding life.

13

" DubUn, 6th of lltli Month, 1752.
"My dear Wife,
* * * "I trust it is the Lord, the God of our
fathers and forefathers, even the Lord who I beUeve was
with us in joining us together in his holy ordinance; he has
appeared in my heart at this season, both in pubUc and
private, as a refiner with fire, and as a fidler with soap, to
the cleansing and purifying my heart, and fitting it for a
temple meet for him to dweU in. May thou and I, my dear
wife, patiently abide the day and way of his coming, that
in due season we may witness our sins blotted out, and the
times of refreshment from before his presence ; that so,
having desired him that he may be the stay of our youth,
we may experience him (if length of days be continued to
us) to be the staff of our age.
" Thy tender, affectionate husband,
" Richard Shackleton."
In the sprmg of 1754, an afflictive dispensation was
aUotted to Richard Shackleton. On the ninth day after
the birth of his son Henry, he was deprived, by death, of
his beloved wife, and left the sorrowful father of four chil
dren ; viz, Deborah, Margaret, Abraham, and Henry, (the
latter died young.) The exquisite distress which he en
dured at this separation, was proportionate to the sweet
ness of their union: he had lost the object of his early
affections, the endeared companion with whom he had en
tered into those family duties, which, during the short
space of time they had Uved together, she had worthily
fulfiUed. He had lost her when, from youth and health,
they might naturaUy have looked forward to many happy
years : but the great Disposer of events, in his inscrutable
wisdom, ordered otherwise.

14

R. S. to

"BaUitore, 2d of 1st Month, 1755.
" I have the comfort to teU thee, without boasting, that
I thmk I grow a Uttle in a sense that death itself cannot
separate and divide the union of those spirits whom the
Lord hath joined and preserved near himself; and this
has been my greatest reUef in some late sorrowing seasons,
for the loss of my very dear and inwardly-beloved companion,
whose spirit I am at times nearly united unto, when in the
depth of aflUction ; and whose better part I fervently pray
to rejoin, when my trials, my baptisms, my provings, and
solitary sorrows, which are many, shaU be over.
"R. S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
" BaUitore, 29th of 6th Month, 1755.
" Outward trials are suffered to come to prove us, whe
ther they wiU dislocate our minds from that which ought to
be their centre. If they effect this, the accuser of the
brethren, who obtained permission to put forth his blasting
hand upon the outward substance of upright Job, has
gained so much of his point ; but if such storms only drive
us nearer to the shelter of that hand which is full of bless
ing, then they have a good effect.
' Who sees not Providence all good and wise,
Alike in what he gives and what denies ?'— Pope.
" Richard Shackleton."

hfi

CHAPTER II.

Memoirs qf Elizabeth Carleton's early life— Extracts from Let
ters. — JR. S.'s second marriage. — Some account qf the establish
ment at Ballitore.
Elizabeth Carleton* has been already mentioned, as
forming one of the Uttle company of young persons united
by the bonds of Christian friendship ; and as the circum
stances of her early life are fraught with instruction, some
narration of them wiU, it is believed, prove interesting to
the reader.
She was bom the 10th of 10th Month, 1726. When
young she discovered a strong inclination for the fine arts;
had a musical ear, and a fine voice ; and indulged in dress
as far as she could. Her person was agreeable, her man
ners pleasing, and her company acceptable to the gay and
thoughtless ; though a native deUcacy, amounting to timi
dity, and a sense of decorum, prevented her from taking
the latitude she might otherwise have been induced to
take. She exceUed in skiU and ingenuity with her needle.

• Elizabeth Carleton was descended fi-om a good stock : her paternal
grandfather, Thomas Carleton, of Cumberland, was united to the society
of Friends by convincement, became a public preacher ; and suffered
much, both in property and health, by a long imprisonment on account of
his testimony against tithes. He moved afterwards to Ireland, where
several of his children were bom, and where he died in 1684. Her ma
ternal grandfether, George Rooke, also a native of Cumberland, who
joined Friends when a youth, and was a minister amongst them sixty-six
years. His only daughter, Rachel, married Joshua, the youngest son of
Thomas Carleton, in the year 1710.

16
and was preparing to work a picture for an exhibition,
when the ministry of a friend, on a religious visit in Ire
land, was made instrumental to discover to her the vanity
of the things in which she had delighted. The account of
this period of her Ufe is thus related by herself.
" As long as I can remember, I think I was of a diffident,
cowardly disposition, fearfid of doing what I knew was
wrong, lest I should be punished ; yet, when very young,
was fond of play, and at times earned reproof. As I ad
vanced in age, the follies and pleasures of youth allured
my mind ; and company, though of our own society, with
whom I was intimate, strengthened the growth of the wrong
seed in my heart: so that I delighted much in many things
which, though perhaps not accounted evil by the people, yet
were very hurtful, and in danger of destroying the innocent
Ufe, which ought to be cherished vrith great care ; such as
light airy company, music, and singing ; and a great thirst
for reading such books as were entertaining to the natural
part, with specious titles for promoting virtue and render
ing vice odious ; yet, Uke subtle poison, gradually tending
to the destruction of the root of virtue and innocence in
the nund, and creating a disUke to reading the scriptures,:
and such other writings as would strengthen and encou
rage us to Uve a self-denying life, according to the precepts'
of our blessed Lord.
"These practices of mine were not with the knowledge
of approbation of my dear mother and grandfather, the
only parents I had left ; but concealed from thtem, and on
that account attended with fear ahd remorise, knowing weU
that I could not hide from the penetrating eye of Him
who beholds the secrets of aU hearts. This sense caused'
a dread of future misery for such conduct, as weU as fear
of being discovered by my friends to be what I did not
appear to be ; which, though enticed to join with the tempt
ations when they presented, yet was a character I much

17
disUked. And the eincerity of my heart, I believe, pleaded
with Almighty goodness to have an eye to me, and not to
cast me offj but mercifuUy and wonderfuUy to preserve me
from greater evils, of which I was in much danger ; and also
to awaken me to a sense of my perilous situation : so that
when I would retire to bed at night for sleep, his terrors,
lest I should be deprived of Ufe in that state, followed me.
I feared to think of it, and would often resolve to Uve more
circumspectly; but fresh temptations often falUng in my
way, and not keeping up the inward watch as I ought,
my condition, like that of many others, was to be deplored.
But He, whose compassion faileth not, was pleased to visit
my soul in a particiilar manner, in a pubUc meeting in
Meath Street, DubUn ; I think on the 3d of 9th month,
(old style,) 1747, about the twenty-first year of my age,
through the Uving testimony of a faithful servant, Richard
Hipsley, from Bristol.
"My mind had been awakened, in the eame meeting, by
the testimony of some other Friend, and I thought how
pleasing it would be, if such .ministers of the gospel were
to continue with us ; when Richard Hipsley stood up, and
inentioned, as weU as I remember, the disciples being for
building three tabernacles, one for Moses, one for Elias,
and one for Christ; but these servants were removed,
Christ remained, and the voice utteredi ' This is my be
loved Son, hear ye him.' I cannot recollect fiirther of his
testimony, but those words had such an effect on me, that
my heart seemed changed, tender, and broken — a heart of
flesh instead of a stony one; my desires seemed new, a
new heaven and a new earth, in which some degree of
righteousness was about to dweU. The cross then, in this
day of power, which before I could not wiUingly take up,
became easier, and the burden Ughter; the practices before
mentioned I dare not join with; often being retired, hum
bled, and broken as it were to pieces. Strength was
^ c

18
adminisftered to withstand temptations, and my love to truth
and the friends of it grewsteong; and the love of such
seemed much toward me, so that I wondered that they
should take such notice of me, who seemed to myself
entirely unworthy.
"I found that my safety consisted in watchfulness to
know, and humble resolution to do, what I thought was re
quired of me, though much in the cross to my nature;
divine goodness strengthening me to bear reproaches, peri.
suasions, and mockings of my old companions, who, to
their own miserable loss, withstood the offers of heavenly
love extended to them; and notwithstanding I might exr
pect such treatment, I dare not shun the place, but appear
amongst them- in a very different manner from what I was
used to do, both in my conduct and dress. Of myself I
could not have acted thus, but by endeavouring to keep
inward and watchful over my words and behaviour, beg*.
ging to be preserved from bringing dishonour on that
Holy One whom I was now above all desirous to serve;
and he was pleased, in great condescension, to preserve me
in ^rapUcity, and fear of offending him. I dare not stay
from any meeting which it was in my power to attend, and
often called to see or inquire for such friends as I heard
were indisposed, even if not much or at all acquainted
with them before, which caused many to have an affection
ate regard for me ; and made way to drop hints sometimes
to my friends, which I was afraid to omit, lest I should be
one of those that were not faithful in smaU things, and so
become weaker, and not able to pursue the path which my
eyes were opened to see was that of acceptance.
"As other things were become new, so was my desire foi
reading. Now the Scriptures, our friends' sufferings, and
other wrifeigs edifying and useful I deUghted in, and for
sook those which I knew were hurtful to my nund. Re
tirement and waiting upon the Lord, to renew my strength

19
in him, I found was good and necessary. Visiting, or
bemg in much company, I declined, lest thereby I should
be drawn away from off my watch. ReUgious friends I
loved to be with, and such were kind and tender towards
me; and under the sense of the notice that many worthy
ministers visiting this nation took of me, my mind was often
bowed in humble admiration, that such a poor, weak crea^
tUre as I, should be so favoured ; and it was often hard' to
part with such, and cost me many tears ; and after they
were gOne, divers have written me encouraging letters.
"Thus was I helped, through the kindness of Him who
affords strength to those that are sensible of their own
weakness, and entire insufficiency to preserve themselves^
fulfilUng his old promise, of 'carrying his lambs as in his
arms.' " Though my mind was so bent to practise what I be-i
lieved to be my duty in religion, I saw also that it was my
duty to be diUgent and industrious in outward business,
helping to make it easier to my aged mother and weakly
sister. I have had often to admire how I was enabled,
when left alone -with a servant, (my mother and sister in
the country, on account of my sister's health,) to carry on
our Uttle business, attend meetings constantly, and keep the
house in so frugal a manner that Uttle would be expended,
and my kind neighbours and friends well pleased, when
they csJled to see me, to find me at home and properly em-
plc^ed. "Thus I went on for some years, endeavouring to do
justly, love mercy, and walk humbly; being sensible that a
warfare still must be maintained, and a greater victory
must be achieved over my o-wn passions and natural pro
pensities, and that best visdom was necessary to guide me
through Ufe. As my experience could not be much, there
fore I often begged for it. In course of time, some degree
c 2

20
of zeal for the promotion of truth seemed kindled id me,
and a desire to attend some of the general meetings, which
was i scarcely ; in my power^ from my situation; but m a
while, my dear friend EUzabeth Pike was raised up to be
a kind and faithful help-meet to me, and we took many
journeys together to general meetings,' often under diffi
culties. "We frequently met with discouragement in our meet
ings for disciphne, by such as were settled in the old way,
which they did not seem to think necessary to alter, though
strongly recommended to do so, by worthy servants sent
from far to visit us; but our minds being preserved in pa
tience and humble dependence on Almighty help, in time
way was made to have things brought into better order>
which my worthy friend, EUzabeth GiU, endeavoured to
promote. She was a tender, loving friend, and wiUing to
encourage the youth who were desirous to be what the
Lord would have them to be."
To this truly pious and amiable friend, Elizabeth Carle
ton, Richard Shackleton made proposals of marriage.
The two situations which she most wished to avoid, that of
a step-mother and mistress of a boarding-school, were in
volved in the serious subject for consideration laid before
her, which her friendship for R. S. and her conviction of
the excellence of his character, could scarcely have out*
weighed; but her sense of duty was added to them, and
in accepting his offer she became one of the best of step
mothers, and one of the best of matrons to a pubUc school;
Her sphere of usefulness was enlarged, and she needed not
aflliction to keep her humble, which, in the sincerity of her
heart, she had desired, if necessary ; for the responsibility
of her station forcibly impressed the need of that constant
watchfulness which so remarkably characterized her words
and actions.

21
The difUculties which she anticipated, vanished or were
made easy to her; and she found, in the worth and affec-^
tion of her exceUent companion, those blessings which
constitute the happiness of married Ufe.
R. S. TO His father.
" DubUn, 1 st of 1 1th Month, 1755. '
"Dear Father,
"The meeting began this day for the nation*
I have not much to s^y about it. It looks as if we must
labour hard for our bri^d, through the course of the meet
ings : perhaps it may be best so, for what i§ hardly gotten
is oftentimes carefuUy kept. And, indeed, I think I have
seen great loss accrue to some of honourable rank, in this
respect; that when good Prpvidence, in unmerited conde
scension, has favoured them -with the bedewings of his
goodness, in order for leavening and seasoning their spiritis
for his service, (which is so much wanting,) they have, for
want of knowing a settlement, and abiding in the Ufe, let
these favours pass transiently over, and not be productive
pf the fruit intended by them. And with sorrow it may be
too often said of them : ' Their goodness is as a morning
cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.'
" Thy affectionate son,
" Richard Shackleton.''
Richard Shackleton and Elizabeth Carleton were mar
ried the 17th of 10th Month, 1755.
R. S. TO HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW, RACHEL CARLETON.
"BaUitore, 16th of 12th Month, 1755.
* * * It would give me pleasure, and add njuch
to the satisfaction I daily enjoy in thy daughter, to know

22
that her loss sits with tolerable ease upon you. I should
rather call it her absence, not her loss; for I hope Provi
dence wiU favour us with meeting divers times together
again, in thisland of uncertainty; and they are not lost, who
are found in the places which Infinite Wisdom has ordered
them m, which I hope is the case with thy dear, valuable
child : and I doubt not but this consideration makes this
separation easier to be borne by thee. And I sincerely
desire it may be made up to you by the most solid comfort,
which unites together m spirit those that are absent in
body, and is the crown of the aged as well as the youth.
That this may be our chiefest care to seek after, whether
old or young, is the sincere desire of
" Thy dutifiil and affectionate son,
"Richard Shackleton."
In 1759, EUzabeth Shackleton's mother, and her sister
Deborah, settled in BalUtore; and, ultimately, aU Richard
Shackleton's daughters were placed under the care of
Deborah Carleton. Few were better quahfied for the care
of young persons, than this amiable and excellent woman:
she won their hearts and gained their confidence, made
0very proper allowance for them, and granted them every
proper indulgence.
Richar4 Shackleton's three eldest children loved his
second wife with sincere affection, and her conduct to
wards them deserved it. Her ovm two daughters were
treated, by their sisters and brother, with that affectionate
tenderness which young, generous hearts, are wont to show
those who look up to them with love ; and the care of
their mother and aunt was found nece£sary,to protect them
from that excessive indulgence which these young persons
were disposed to give them. Thus was R. S. made thank
ful to Him who setteth the soUtary in families, for having
permitted him to form another happy matrimonial con-

23
nexion. He, pursuing his onward path, and seeking first
the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, found all
things necessary added — all things necessary for those
whose desires are moderate; and this is likely to be the
case with such as are concerned to keep on their watch :
they may hope to see what to do and what to leave undone,
even in their temporal affairs.
Richard and EUzabeth Shackleton, in the pursuit of the
arduous undertaking, the instruction and care of youth,
were imbued with that reverential fear, which is a blessing
and a safeguard to those who abide under it. The advantage
of their example extending far beyond their sphere in life,
was felt throughout their neighbourhood, so that many of
the higher ranks desired to cultivate a famiUar intercourse
with a man distinguished by his talents and learning, and a
woman of so benevolent a character. But while they re
ceived such marks of kindness with respectful courtesy,
they were not drawn by them from their aUotted situation.
Their time and thoughts were claimed by their duties, and
they were the more respected for preserving this line of
conduct. Industrious and prudent, yet casting their care
upon Providence, they felt the shackles of the world hang
loose about them. They were eminently useful members of
rehgious society, with clean hands and discerning spirits^
being well qualified to take an active part in conducting its
discipfine. Their duties to the children under their care
¦were conscientiously fiilfiUed, of which the gratefid love
that their pujMls retained for them is a convincing proof.
Several of those who, -while they were under their mis
tress's eye, had thought her too strict, loved her the better
afterwards, even for this; and many remembered, and we
may hope profited by, the tender admonitions which she
was wont to impart, particularly at the time of their leaving
school, to enter into an untried world.
When the varied busmess of the day was over, it was a

24
comely sight to see the parlour supper-table surrounded
by the master, mistress, their children, the young men who
were parlour-boarders, the ushers, and the housekeeper,
aU on equal footing; aU equally at liberty to express their
sentiments, or gain instruction and pleasure from those ex
pressed by others. Without losing the respect due ,to
their own characters and situation as heads of the esta^f
blishment, careful and observant of the conduct of all these,
R. and E. S. treated them with a kind familiarity, which
attached them to home', and precluded the desire of seeking
more enjoyment elsewhere, which is too often the effect pf
repulsive manners. This social meal seemed to bind all more
closely together: the heads of the house saw the elder
branches of their family collected, and they separated with
mutual good wUl.
To one who once belonged to this table, but who was
then the father of a family, and advanced in life, the grand
son of R. S. -Hias introduced. He was poUtely received by
the old gentleman, but his name once mentioned, all cere
mony vanished : "Shackleton! you are the grandson of
my old master ! I loved him next to my own father!" then
grasping both the hands of the young man, he permitted
his heart to overflow in affectionate remembrance of de
parted woi?th. He afterwards thus wrote to one of the
family : " It wiU be only with existence that I shaU lose
recoUection of the numerous acts of kindness I have expe
rienced from your father. He was my inestimable precep
tor: he was my indulgent friend. I acknowledge my debt
of gratitude, and shaU ever be most happy in evincing it,
and how highly I revere and respect his memory."
The large estabUshraent, and consequent plentiful table,
caused the indigent to resort to R. S.'s house. Perhaps
they were relieved too indiscriminately; but there was
much care taken to inspect the wants of the modest poor:
employment given to some, the sick suppUed with medicme,

25
and those who had known better days considered with
deUcate attention. Old neighbours were taken into the
family, occupations found for them suited to their age and
weakness, their infirmities aUeviated, their fretfidness en
dured, and their close of Ufe rendered as comfortable as
was m the power of their benefactors. i.One of these died
in the house of the younger Abraham Shackleton, having,
it was supposed, attained his hundredth year; and another,
who had served the three generations as steward, also died
in his house at the age of eighty. Thus, in a compara
tively humble walk of Ufe, were generous and charitable
dispositions unostentatiously exerted.
Richard Shackleton was blessed with a cheerful, con
tented mind, conducive to his own happiness, and the hap
piness of aU around him. He was prepared to adopt the
language of the poet:
" Ten thousand thousand precious gifts.
My daily thanks employ ;
Nor is the least a cheerful heajrt,
That tastes those gifts with joy."— Addison.
The fault of his temper was quickness, not violence; but
this was soon subjected to his judgment, and if he thought
he had wounded any one thereby, he was ready to acknow
ledge it, with a benign humiUty which melted the heart,
and disposed it to foUow so touching an example. From
his conversation young persons derived much instruction
and dehght; and such was his sohcitude for their
eternal welfare, that he might almost be designated,
"thfe apostle of the youth." He seldom or ever left home,
for any considerable length of time, without paying fareweU
visits to his neighbours; nor returned without greeting
them at their own habitations. After a day industriously
spent, it was his practice to retire evei7 evening to his gar
den or chamber; his countenance, when he returned to his

26
family, bearing the impress of divine meditation. And
before retiring to rest, he read a portion of Scripture. If
he was under difficulty or perplexity, the first thoughts
which occurred to hira on awaking in the morning, were
generally those to which he took heed, by which he was
often freed from what had annoyed him. He had learned
to cast his care on Divine Providence, in matters of less as
weU as greater moment. He was a kind and considerate
master, being careful to avoid giving servants unnecessary
trouble. He rose early both in summer and -winter^ Nei^
ther he nor his wife were in the station of minister ; but in
meetings for discipline, and in families, they were often
concerned to deliver wise counsel, in words few and per
tinent; and R. S. sometimes spoke in public meetings, but;
like his father, in the character of an elder. When, he
returned to our national meeting, on account of his attend
ance at the yearly meeting of London, his words were de
livered with such humUity, sweetness, and brokenness, that
the influence under which he moved, seemed to overspread
the assembly.
He was freely given up to these services by his true help-
maite, whose exertions to promote the good of all, united
with his own. This pious woman assiduously endeavoured
to alleviate the sufferings of body or of mind, -which came
under her notice; and, as has been aUuded to before, her
nature, as weU as her rehgion, prompted her to -visJt the
fatherless and -widows in their affliction; and in fiilfiUing
these duties, she experienced that feeUng so exceUently de
scribed by the poet :
« The heart which bleeds for others' woes,
Shall feel each selfish sorrow less ;
The breaiit which happiness bestows,
Reflected happiness shall bless."— Caktweioht.
Being enabled to overcome evil with good, she was sin
cerely beloved, and seemed to be made a blessing to some

27
who had at one time been prejudiced against her. With
a soUd and improved understanding, her simplicity was
such, that it might appear not difficult for the artful to
impose upon her; yet it not unfrequently happens, that
the single-hearted and artless, more readily penetrate into
the characters and motives of others, than those do who
are busy in concealing their own. Her grave manners
tended to inspire awe in young persons; but they soon
foimd that t^ese were softened by such kindness of
heart, that love overcame every other feeUng towards her.
Sedulously attentive to the improvement of his pupilsj
Richard Shackleton's time was fuUy occupied -with this
employment, and he resigned to his wife the management
of his farm ; not that he was himself averse to, or incapa
ble of conducting it; nor did it appear that any other
person entertained an opinion, which he often expressed
respecting himself, that he was fit for nothmg but a school
master i but he knew his wife's capability and inchnation
for these concerns, and her willingness to receive advice
from those who were experienced in agricultural aflfairs.
She was, indeed, remarkable for this ; and readily waved
her own plans, to make trial of what others recommended,
though it often happened that her former practice proved
to be the best.
She was slow and deUberate in her movements and de
cisions. She not only provided for her household, con-
bining therein ecouOTny -with plenty, and attended to the
various business of the farm, but superintended the build
ing of several houses; permitting nothing to prevent her
fulfilUng her duties to her aged mothers, to her children,
and to the other branches of her family: the regular dis
tribution of her time, and the love of order, enabling her
to accompUsh what few of greater activity, without these
aids, find themselves capable of.
She was an admirer of good poetry, but stiU feeling the

28
limit which had restramed her ; youthful imagination, s^
justly feared the danger of transgressing it for herself a,nd
others : thus restricted, the enjoyment, so far as it was
permitted, was without a sting. _ ; i . . ¦
Her husband, also, scrupulously endeavoured tq keep
his genius for literature in subjection to higher objects; iif
he had turned the bent of his mind to it, he probably might
have exceUed in poetry. Those who have no taste of this
kind themselves, are in danger of mistaking their inotiyesj,
when they condemn thpse who have. None whp are sen
sible of the beauties of Uterature can despise them, how
ever they may feel themselves circumscribed in the indul
gence of their inclination. Of a winter'^ evening, EUza
beth Shackleton frequently brought those scholars who be
longed to her own religious society, into the parlour, to read
her the journals of Friends, as she sat at work. She was also
pleased at hearing history xe&A. to her, generaUy by the young
students who were parlour-boarders. This employment was
the more agreeable and instructive, because she had an
exceUent memory and pound judgment. She entered into
the characters of those held up to view, often suppUed the
thread of the narration, when it had escaped the young
reader, and took a lively interest in the pubhc oy priva,te
events which were narrated. She persuaded herself that
CaUgula's reason was impaired by the fever which had
seized him before he was raised to the imperial dignity, and
therefore imputed to msan,ity, the apparent change of cha
racter, and the subsequent horrors of his reign. She la
mented and blamed the timidity of Seneca, which deterred
him from curbing the headstrong passions of Nero ; be
lieving, that had he been faithful m the discharge of his
duty, his pupU might have been awakened to a sense of
his enormities, and the preceptor been longer spared to
a degenerate age. It was natural that this fault should
appear evident to one who was herself rehgiously con-

29
cerried to avoid it; fpr she beheved it was required pf her, in
many instances, tp admpnish thpse whose improper words
or actions came under her notice. She spoke not g/'those
offenders; she spoke to them; though in doing thus she
took up the cross, and often for a time felt it heavy; but
whatever the rank, or how httle soever acquainted with
the person, she must fulfil her apprehended duty, to ob
tain that peace, which, flowing as a river; amply rewarded
such sacrifices. It need scarcely be added, that in these
performances, her own wUl. being laid aside, she was in
structed so to speak, as seldom, if ever, to offend ; and we
cannot calculate how anucli good may have been produced
by those alms (if they may be so termed) given in secret.
The manner in which EUzabeth Shackleton was strength
ened to perform her duties^ is thus described by herself.
"Being sensible of my own inability, my dependance
was on Divine help, which I had often experienced in
times of need. I was favoured with understanding and
knowledge, for the business, beyond what I could have
thought; my careful, industrious husband assisting in
many things belonging to my department as well as his
own; so that we were reciprocaUy helpful one to the other,
sympathizing and bearing burdens one for the other, in
our arduous caUing; and both being near of an age, and
favoured^ for many years, with a good degree of health,
our success in. endeavouring to do our duty was an encou
ragement, ahd pur minds were preserved in a grateful
sense pf the gracioiis dealings of the Lord to us. And not
withstanding our close and constant engagements, so that
we seldom left home on other occasions, we found it but
our reasonable duty to attend the meetings for disciphne
to which we belonged, as weU as quarterly and half-yearly
meetings ; also to show, by an exemplary life, the efficacy of
the principles of truth we professed to be led by, amongst

30
the numerous acqu^ntance we had ". being employed by
many who knew little or nothing of those principles."
An instance of this occurred, when a gentlewoiaaan, on
leaving her son, requested of Richard Shackleton that
he might be permitted to read the Bible. He, amazed,
expressed his surprise that she should place her child
where such a request was necessary, assuring hei that
the Bible was daily read in the femily. She asked his ex
cuse, telling him that she understood that George Fox's
Journal was substituted instead of it, by those of his pro
fession. At another time, the son of a man of fortune
was brought to his school by his mother, who, till she
came to BaUitore; had never seen one of the people caUed
Quakers. EUzabeth Shackleton queried why she brought
her son among a people who were such strangers to her.
She answered, that she had heard a good character of
l^em, although they differed froin the Church of England
concerning baptism and tbe supper. This lad spent most
of his childhpod, and some of his yputh, at BaUitPre, per
haps the happiest part of his hfe; for when he lay in an
American prison, dying of wounds received in a batde, in
which the British army (wherem he was an pfficer) was
defeated, and the prison was so crowded as to aggravate the
pangs of death, "If I were at BaUitore I should not be
thus neglected," were almost the last words he uttered.
One of the pupUs, an only child, died of the small-pox ;
and Elizabeth Shackleten lost her own child, then also
an only one, about the same time, of the same distemper.
" This," said she, « proved a trial te me, which I hope was
of service; beUeving, that whatever afflictions are permit
ted to attend us, are for our good, if we make a right use
of them, and more and more cast our care on Him who
careth for his humble dependant children."

31

CHAP. III.

A further account qf Abraham Shackleton.— Death qfhis mfe.-^
Various Letters. — Illness and death (f Abraham Shackleton.
We shall now return to Abraham Shackleton. After his
release from the duties which he had faithftdly performed
in an arduous occupation, he' found himself more at liberty
for the service of that rehgious society of which he was a
member. Beades a constant, regular attendance of the
particular and general meetings to which he more imme
diately belonged, he paid frequent visits, in company with
friends, to meetings in several parts of this nation; and
several times attended the yearly meeting in London,
even in the time of old age, and when natural strength
failed, yet his spiritual as weU as inteUectual faculties wit
nessed no decay. He did not appear in the character of
a minister; yet, many times, in reU^ous meetings, in the
famiUes of his friends, and among his own household, his
words would drqp from him with such sweetness and
energy, as carried with them an evidence that they were
brought up from the weU of hfe and salvation. Beloved
and respected by aU who knew him, for his unblemished
life and useful labours, he was to the last preserved in deep
humihty and diffidence; preferring others to himself, walk
ing among his brethren with all lowliness and meekness ;
and exercising np authority in the church, but in the fresh
sense of the power of an endless hfe. Edifying and in
structive, mdeed, were his words; but stiU more so his Ufe
and manners. In the virtue of temperance he was an emi
nent pattern; being remarkably abstemious in meat, drink.

32
and sleep; and was soUcitous to enforce the practice of
this virtue. SoUd and exemplary in his own deportment,
he was grieved when he observed levity of conduct or con
versation in others. He greatly .enjoyed hearing any thing
good or commendable of his feUow-creatures, and uniformly
discouraged all detraction; closely attending to, and practis
ing the counsel of his Great Master, who enjoined that -we
should in all things do to men as we would that they shduld
do to us. He delighted in retirement, and for that pur
pose frequently walked alone in the fields. Even when
he was in company, the interior travail of his soul was visi
ble in his countenance. Thus :he continued to devote the
evening, as he did the morning of his day, to the service of
Him who giveth hberaUy, and Upbraideth not; and when
from lipme on a i:ehgious account," his mind was stiU tenr
deriy turned towards those left behind, as appears by the
foUp wing .fragments.
In the year 1760, Abraham Shackleton attended the
yearly meeting . in London, and -addressed his son during
its sittings, froin which the foUowing is an extract.
a. s. to his son.
« London, 2d of 6th Month, 1760.
* * * " There really seems a gopd hand at work,
to gather and bring things into better order. Fifty-eight
friends offered themselves willmgly, to visit- the monthly
and quarterly meetings in the nation; and I hope they wUl
have the hand of the Lord upon them, to work for Hhn.
I thought my. heart was a httle hke Deborah's, when the
narrow path was not sufficiently occupied, and those under
the profession of truth had taken to by-ways, that my very
heart rejoiced, and was with the willing iri Israel, that of
fered themselves to the work." * * *

33
To the memorable visit paid to the meetings for dis
cipline in the nation of Ireland, the following letter refers,
A. S. TO His SON.
" Cpoladine, 18th of 9th Month, 1762.
* * * "The friends from England are, Samuel
FothergiU, Jonathan Raines, Isaac WUson, and William
Rathbone; some of whom signified they had been dravm
from the nearest connexions in hfe, by the good Lord
and Master, to visit us, in this poor desolate island. The
Master of our assembUes is with them, and the concern
for our welfare, in the very best respect, is great. He is
with them, even the shout of the Divine Majesty of hea
ven; he is yet working and seeking by his instruments,
and his good spirit immediately also, to gather us near to
himself. Oh! that the children of men would keep
steadily, deep to the root, that they might bring forth right
fruit, to the honour of Him whose care for us is exceeding
great! As far as I could ever feel, none shuts a door in
His house for nought, so rich a rewarder is he : his peace,
my dearest chUd, is enough. Be careful never to be drawn
forth into many unnecessary words ; may the right book of
consoience be kept open by the finger of Him that sees
and watches pei-petuaUy over for us good; may aU our
words and thoughts be brought thereto, that we may live
to Him that is everlastingly worthy.
" The pubhc meeting comfortably ended. Isaac Wil
son, and then Samuel FothergiU, laid before the meeting
their concern; and those that were not of the society, I
mean those that did not profess with us, were, in a pru
dent, tender manner, desired to withdraw. And aU that
professed, though not in strict unity, were desired to stay.
Then, the men and women keeping their seats, the clerk

34
was directed, to read the eleven queries, audibly and dis
tinctly. The overseers, in each particular meeting, gave a
distinct, exphcit, and particularly clear answer thereto.
The friends, in the opening pf truth, spoke exceUently
thereto. Words fitly spoken> arising from the unmixed
Ufe,' are, I think, compared to apples of gold set in pictures
of silver: the expression was more than verified. I do
not expect to Uve to see another extraordinary visit of this
nature, and I heartily wish it may have the much-desired
eflEect.
«R. S."

R. S. TP HIS FATHER.
" BaUitore, 21st pf 9th Month, 1762.
"Dear Father,
" We received thine, dated at Cooladine,
and are glad that thy report of this extraordinary visit
tallies with what we have already heard of that service. It
is also a pleasure, and perhaps wiU be a profit to us, that
thou art yoked along with them. Thy letter to my wife,
from Kilnock, was particularly agreeable. I have many
times thought, of late, of that king in Israel, whose heart so
rejoiced in the testimony of his God, that he forgot the
man and the king, and pubhcly exposed himself; appear
ing with the outward, visible, and accepted signs of a
priest unto God. And who were they who despised him
for it? Such as had not an eye open to see the beaut|r
and dignity of the sacred function; which was not less glo
rious, but more so, than royal majesty. But who are they
whom the king wiU deUght thus to honour -with proclaim
ing his name and truth, and make the happy instruments

35
of the salvation of others, and of their own souls? Those
who neitlier seek honour to themselves, nor shun shame.
" I am, with true respect,
" Thy dutiful and affectionate son,
" R. S."

K. S. TO HIS FATHER,
Then in the north of Ireland, with other Friends.
" BalUtore, 20th of 2d Month, 1763.
* * " Last post brought us letters from cousin
EUzabeth Dale. She writes very sensibly about her
situation. As you are in a province where these mixed
marriages are so fi-equent, I could wish you had her letters
with you: they might be of some service. She writes:
* To walk in a path of inward as well as outward affliction
has long been my lot; nor have I any expectation of much
alteration for the better in this life. Bereft, at times, even
of the flatterer, hope, my inward situation is perfectly
known to no one person. I am obhged frequently to ap
pear serene and cheerfid, when my poor heart is torn with
confficting passions. I have not a sufficient foundation in
myself to support me under my daily trials, and my atten
tion is too much taken up and engrossed with the cares of
this world. I seldom get to meeting, my husband being
imwilling that any business, though ever so trifling, should
be neglected on that account. I have involved my poor chil
dren, too, in many perplexities. May the Lord have mercy
and compassion on them, who are innocent of my trans
gression, and direct their feet in the right path, which I
have forsaken, and turned aside from, which has cost me
D 2

36
my peace pf mindf Thpu art a father pf chfldren— pf
daughters too. It is my sincere desire that they may be
preserved from faffing into the hke error, and take warn
ing from me, who have not had one hour's solid satisfac
tion (I believe) since I married. I once thought no power
on earth capable of drawing me so far aside: secure, and
confiding in my own imaginary strength, I dared at first
to dally with the temptation ; and am convinced, by sad
experience, that the most trifling digression from our
known duty, is a very great advance to the contrary.'
Thus she -vvrites to me.
" All our dear love to thee, presented by
" Thy dutiful and affectionate son, " R. SJ'

ABRAHAM SHACKLETON TO HIS GRAND-DAUGHTERS DEBORAH
AND MARGARET SHACKLETON, AT SCHOOL.
« BaUitore, 21st of 7th Month, 1765.
"Dear Children, " When I hear of the unfair walking of
several under the profession of truth, (the very truth of
God ; a truth that will stand the test, through' all genera
tions, to- the end of time,) I am concerned for you, my dear
chidteir, that you may fiiUy answer the end of your cre
ation; by glorifying the Great Author thereof, and be
lights to others, that they may safely tread in your steps,
who are cpncemed to follow the self-denying Jesus, who
bade his deciples to take up their daily cross, and foUow
Him m the strait and narrow way that leads to happiness.
Thus your words wUlbe few, and convey something profit-
able to your school-feUows. My ardent desire for your
lasting welfare, not only your reputation amongst men,

37
which is to be regarded, but that yoU may grow in favour
with l^e Most High, whose presence fills heaven and earth,
from whom nothing is hid, makes me think of the beloved
disciple : * I have no greater joy, than to hear that thy
•chUdren walk in the truth.'
"A. S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
« BaUitore, 4th of 9th Month, 1765.
" Dear Children,
" Peggy's letter to your father, of 2d instant,
is before me ; and it is pleasing to hear of your health ^and
welfare, and wiU ever be so to us. I have been too much
hurried with building up a part of my house, and live in
fear of losing the sweet communion inwardly with my
Maker, which is by far the best treasure; being the help
afforded mercifuUy to us poor, short-lived mortals, for a
preparation for a never-ending eternity. You know this,
my dear chfldren, and I hope are not unmindful of this
most important point. Early piety, you have heard, is ac
ceptable to God. Be sure, with aU your getting learning,
neglect not dihgentiy to look for that fear which keeps the
heart clean.
"A.S."
On the 11 th of the 4th month, 1766, died Rachel Carle
ton, aged 78. Of this respectable woman, thus speaks her
daughter Shackleton. " My mother went through much
trouble, for a great part of her Ufe, which seemed to be air
lotted in great mercy, as she had something in her nature
high, though a prudent, careful woman in managing
her household affau-s, and in traming her children; very

38
much against dishpnpurable cpnduct in those who profess
ed the truth ; and was, I believe, more in s substance than
in show. Towards the latter part! pf her life she seemed
gradually to be brought into more of the simplicity, and
was of a tender spirit, very gratfefiil to the Author Of aU
our blessings, for His kindness in making her latter days
more comfortable than she could have expected ; my hus
band being an affectionate son, using his endeavours to
make her happy, and the company of him, his worthy
father and family, seemed helpful to her."
In this year, also, died Roger Shackleton, the beloved
brother of Abraham, who had at different times enjoyed
the satisfaction of his company in their native land, and
with whom he kept up a regular correspondence. Roger
Shackleton was a person of. solid sense, great worth and
benevolence, much esteemed within and without the pale
of his own society. The archbishop of York valued his
character, and was pleased with his conversation; and
some of his flock complained how httle influence they had
with him, "whilst Shackleton can persuade him to what
he pleases." He appears to have been a man of clear
judgment, both in spiritual and temporal matters. In a
letter, on his brother's ppening school, after several judi
cious remarks on the best mode of teaching, he concludes:
" And as to family charges, disappointments, and exercises,
to do the best is a duty; but to be uneasy at what cannot
be helped is a fault; for this world, and the things of it,
are mutable. So the chief thing of all, and the height of
happiness, is tp have the mind turned tp God; for the
world is but the circumference, and He the centre, and
the nearer to him, the more of self-abnegation; which state
I desire -we may aU seek after, and grow therein." 1725.
The advice given to his young nephew, Richard, deserves
consideration. " Thou mayst teU thy son, I am glad to see
he is so good a proficient m writing, and other learmng;

39
and as for his casting about in his mind, that others, edu
cated for school-masters, often, in some part of their lives,
quit that business for others which offer, which he thinks
is discouraging to one who thinks for himself, and is
quaUfying himself to acquire a hving by what he is, through
care and study, improving in. In the first place, I think
it is enough for a student to improve his time in what his
genius and fiiture profit dhects, and when he is turned
into the world he hath a probable way of a liveUhood;
and when any thing faUs in his way afterwards, that offers
more hberty or advantage, he may embrace opportunities
as others do, or have done; and if in his other projects he
should miscarry, then his fund of learmng is a rehef which
other miscarrying tradesmen may want. So that there is,
even in the hght he sees matters in, encouragement to
proceed steadfly. And I wish, as for my own children,
that he may pursue the truth; i. e. seek for the know
ledge of it in his tender years: it is a better portion than
an earthly inheritance from a family, or any acquired parts
whatsoever, and, as it is preferable to all things else, it
ought to be sought early; and where it is found and at
tended to, hath a happy effect on the mind, in governing
and steadying it, and in purging away aU that is vUe in tlie
spirit or affections." 1740.
The account which he gives of the distemper amongst
the horned cattle, in 1748, conveys an affecting idea of
that calamity. "Amongst homed cattie the contagious
murrain spreads, and makes great havock in this county, as
it hath done for several years in other more southern parts.
It is vrithm two rafles of this city (York.) In one town,
about nme miles off, there are but three left aUve ; and
people go four or five miles, it is said, for mflk for their
fanuUes. The distemper baffies aU human skfll and pre
caution; so that His hand that delights m mercy, is severe

40
in judgment, no doubt to carry on the wise, good, f and
great ends of his providence."
The nfext letter, in order of time, is from
RICHARD SHACKLETON . TO THOMAS CARLETPN,.
BaUitore, 13th of 2d MontK 1767^.
"Dear Cousin T. C.
" I seem, doubtless, unmannerly or negUgent, in
never making any reply, in writing, to thy kind and friend
ly invitation to thy marriage, not at aU writing to thee on
that subject. Be assured ray silence has not been caused
by inattention, nor want of affection; but a multitude of
affairs, of various kinds, and want of a fit disposition of
mind, not want of inchnation, prevented. I now greet
thee and thy spouse with my wife's and my dear love, and
sincerely wish you health and happiness^ and the renewed
evidence of a Divine blessing upon your union. You are
now joined together, I hope, by the ordering hand of Pro
vidence. You are advanced a step higher, into a more
conspicuous station in life and business. The author of
every good and perfect gift has given thee, my dear Tho
mas, and I believe to both of you, a good share of natural
capacity, and the means, through frugaUty and industry,
with his blessing, of procuring a comfortable subsistence.
He has placed you in a great and populous city, where
you profess his holy and saving truth, among a large number
of others of the same profession, who do not honour it as
they ought in their Uves and conversation. Now, my dear
cousins, my mind is a Uttle uncommonly engaged for your
temporal and eternal prosperity, and I think I see the
path, and the only one which leads infaUibly to it. It is
by humbly, dUigently, steadily, and faithfuUy seeking to
the Almighty Benefactor, for his preservation and blessing

41
to be over and about 'yon, and all that is under your hand.
Strive not either to be or to appear great; nor stretch
your wings beyond the circumference of the nest, which,
in the set ordering of aU-wise Providence, is aUotted for
you. Rather live under, and appear under your ability,
than over. You wiU experience safety and quietness in it.
The contrary is a temptation and a snare, and an inlet to
many dangers of various kinds; and often, with new
beginners, lays the foundation of difficulties, straitness, and
embarrassments, which they are sometimes never disincum-
bered of, till they are disincumbered of mortality. Let us
take a little -view, my dear friend, of the persons and fami
lies which have been up and down, during our short time
of observation; let us contemplate them, not with an evil
nor a pitiless eye, but with an eye to the ways of that aU-
ruling Power, which resisteth the proud, yet giveth his
grace additibnaUy and manifold to the humble. Let us
centre down, and have our dwelhng low, in a conscious
sense of our own unworthiness, and insufficiency to direct
our own steps and prospects, either as to the things of this
or a better Ufe, without his blessed protection and medi
ation. Be truly humble, nry dear Thomas; be frequent,
and; as much as possible, constant in feeUng after a capa
city to breathe in secret after an acquaintance and commu
nion with the Author of aU goodness. Be exemplary in
your cpnduct and conversation, and exterior appearance
and deportment, as becomes the disciples, foUowers, and
professors, of the religion estabUshed by Him who was
meek and low in heart, and whose garment was without
seam. So wiU you, in proportion to the purity of your
intentions and the cleanness of your hands in his sight, gain
the favour and approbation of Hun who knows the heart,
and hath aU power in his hand to bless or blast at his plea
sure. "I am concerned and desirous, my very dear friend, that

42
thy determined Conduct may be such, now in the setting
off in Ufe, as that the good--«viU and approbation of Hea
ven may be to and upon it: if thou happily attain this, it
must certainly be by being a pattern of humility, steadit
ness, and plainness, among thy numerous acquaintance in
that city. This may occasion soi'ne trials, in which it will
often be proved whether thy attachment to the testimony
of truth, or to the spirit of the world, is most prevalent.
According to the free-wiU choice which thou wilt be
enabled to make, wiU thy abflity to proceed , aright be
strengthened or weakened, and finaUy the one side or the
©ther get the victory. The day of smaU things, and of
littie requirings of duty, proportioned to the state of chil
dren, is by no means to be despised. The cross to our
own depraved wiUs is often to be borne, and many
old friendships, connexions, habits, and propensities, of
a hurtful or unprofitable nature, will be dissolved
or decay: in the room of which, new desires ; and
affections, new intimacies and society wiU graduaUy be
formed. But in all that he throws down, as weU as in all
that he builds up, the Lord Almighty, as we rely upon
him, and are faithful to his discoveries, wfll be found to do
every thing right, and for our good, every manner of
way. "I might perhaps .write more on this subject, but I should
rather be under than over. I most heartily commend thee
and thy dear wife to the grace and gopd spirit, guide and
comforter in your own hearts, which is of itself entirely
sufficient to lead you safely through this dangerous and
troublesome world, to everlasting happiness; and which I
hope wiU be sealed in your minds to the rectitude of this
little counsel, and to the sincere love and unfeigned desires
for your welfare, in which it is simply given. Indeed, it is
not very usual with me to feel such a flow of earnest, and
solicitous wishes for the happy setting forward of any young

43
couple oFmy acquaintance in Ufe. May the right love and
unity increase amongst us. * *
" " Remember us very kindly to your father, and beUeve
me, dear cousins, your truly affectionate kinsman and sin
cere friend,
«R. S."
Thomas Carleton had married an amiable young woman.
His father (Samuel Carleton) and his friends were much
fileased with the connexion; but how often are we taught
that we have nothing certain whfle in mutability? The
hopes which S. C. had cherished for hia decUning years,
were suddenly destroyed by the death of his son, who was
taken off by a fever, in about a year after his marriage.
The heart of the disconsolate father rested on the amiable
young widow; but, in the course of another year, he had
to resign her also to an early grave, she having faUen into
a decline soon after the death of her husband.
Abraham Shackleton having gone to attend the yearly
meeting in London, was there taken iU. The foUowing
letter is from " Crewgate, five miles fi-om Namptwich,
" at the house of a kind friend, Thomas MuUenas,
"27th of 6th Month, 1767.
" My dear Son,
" I was taken unw'eU in London, on first day
week, in the evening; but, by the care of my kind friends,
was so far recovered that I set out on the 17th, and got to
Namptwich in Cheshire ; but being attacked there with an
intermitting fever, my dear friend, J. C. after watching and
caring for me night and day for four days, removed me to
this kmd famfly, where I want no outward thing that I
know of, for my recovery.
"According to my present sense I am mending; and may;

44
if Providence, kind Providence, who hath not I hope left
me destitute, please, set forward in a kw days.
As J. C. cannot be prevailed on to leave me, if I should
be removed by death be sure let him not be at any expence
from our coming to Naraptvrich. I wish his watching and
caring for me, may not impair his health.
" If I get not home, I am sure thou wflt cherish aU in thy
power thy mother, my faithful wife and dear companion.
And forget not her sister ; and I should think she might be
placed with cousin D. Carleton: there is enough to do jus
tice to every one. I have no doubt of thy care in aU
things. For thy son, I hope thou wilt have Comfort in
him, and in the rest of thy children: that will be only as
they attend to the inward saving principle of grace ahd
truth. My dear love to thy mother, thyself, thy wife, and
yours, and to enquiring friends ; wherein my dear and
over-careful companion joins, thy affectionate father, "A. S."
Abraham Shackleton recovered, and returned to his
family, who were thankful for being spared this threatened
trial. His valuable wife, who was some years his senior,
and debflitated by rheumatism, could seldom leave her
fire-side, where she received her friends with a countenance
innocently sweet, and engaged in cheerful conversation;
denoting a truly humble mind. She at aU times freely gave
up her beloved husband, for the service of Him who had
blessed them with his favour.
Margaret Shackleton was seized with a paralytic affec
tion in her throat. She saw her end approach, not only
with Christian fortitude, but with Christian joy, sayin^i
she " was thankful to have passed through the vrildemess
of the world with so few scratches." She desired her son
and his wife to take care of their aged father, and not let
him work too hard, (for he loved to engage in agricultural

45
employments.) She only regretted parting from him.
The last night of her hfe, while he watched by her bed
side, she conversed with him on past occurrences, in a very
interesting manner. The next afternoOn, whilst he sat by
the fire, he felt his mind so overshadowed with good, that
he rose and went to the bed-side to communicate his feel
ings to his dear partner, but her sweet spirit had just fled:
and the young heart of her grand-daughter Margaret; who
was present, was also sensible of the sweet and sacred sen
sation; and when some one wanted to soothe her, she
said : " O no ; it is not grief." She died the 4th of
the 3d month, 1768, in her eightieth year : and Abraharil
Shackleton gave up housekeeping, and hved with Deborah
Carleton, who topk affectipnate care pf him tP the last.
a. s. to his children.
" Dungannpn, 17th of 9th Month, 1768.
" My very dear Children, R. and E. S.
"Though I am personally separated from
you at present, I do not forget you, but am sincerely con
cerned that you may grow in grace, and 'the inward and
saving knowledge of God and Jesus Christ ; who, I have
in some smaU degree, at times, since I left home, been made
sensible, would be a tender father to his obedient children.
* * * I should have been pleased -with a more parti
cular account of the health of relations and friends there,
than in my son's two last letters; though, as to my oWn
part, I oft find it safest to say and write httle. At times I
have been fiUed -with fear for S. J.'s son and daughter:
do you feel for them and for your o\ra. The temple of the
heart ought to be kept dean and disencumbered; the spi
rit of the world defiles and unfits it for the reception and
abode of the heavenly guest.
"A. S."

4C

A, Si TO A RELATION.
" Ballitpre, 12th of 10th Month, 1768.
.# « # ''Jtiscertain,:if weare not watchful and care
ful tp step along in true fear, during our pUgrimagethiough
the wilderness of this world df dangers, we shall suffer
great loss, and let an enerayinto our habitation, who wiU
sow one kind or other of evil seed, and suffer the loss of
the unity of the spirit, the inward guide, which is the bond
of such peace; as far too mainy are quite strangers to, seek
ing only to : gratify a carnal i inclination. And sooner or
later they that do so must needs 'reap corruption;' when
they that sow to the spirit, taking vgood heed to that uner
ring guide, the experienced apostle tells us, are to "reap
life everlasting.' And the fruits of the spirit are meekness
and sweet peace and jpy, even in this life. Such are pre
served by the rod and st^f? and are no strangers to the
working put their salvation with fear and trembling j and if
they hold out in true faithfulness to the end of the race,
wiU not be surprised without the heavenly oU in their lampsj
at the midnight pry,- "The bridegroom cometh, go ye
' forth to meet bun;" they having been so wise as tp keep
their lamps hattmg, and theu: hghts (tp others, edifying
lights) shining.  ,
"I remember, my dear cpusifl, I./elt good,, inward good,
in thy house, and this certglidy is the samt's food; ,by this,
the bread that descends from Heaven,j their souls are nou
rished up to eternal Me, The pppr in spirit hunger for tii,is,
a,nd he that tries and ki^pws their poverty, and the sincerity
of then- hpnest heart, fafls npt tP fiU and feed them in
due seasen, that they faint net ; for his gppdness and ten
der mercies endure for ever.

47
" Thpu hast' chfldren ; teU them where durable riches
are to be found : watch over them that they may be fruit
ful -\dnes growing by the sides of thy house; that so the
Lord of life, who is cpntmuaUy watching pver us for our
good, may have babes to praise him from pue generatipn to
anpther. Oh! that I cpuld see, -whflst here, the sweet-
smelling myrtle and fir-tree succeed the thistle and thprn,
that only encumber the ground, and bring not fruitj Uke
trees of righteousness, to the honour of the gopd husband^
man, whp is looking for fruit. Let us not, dear cousin, be
unmindful to watch always; and thus being preserved in
our allptments, we may be of some service to our chfldren
and others, and have authority and true discerning to re
buke the stubborn, strengthen the weak, and comfprt the
feeble-minded, and be useful members of that spotless
church whereof Christ Jesus is the holy head and high
priest. * * *
" My son and his are a comfort to me in my old age,< and
join me in true fiffectipn for thee and thine. «A. S."
A gentleman, whose extravagance and dissipation had
reduced him to a languishing state of health, was sur
rounded by those who had not courage to inform him that
his life was in danger. EUzabeth Shackleton was greatly
concerned to hear this, and imparted her feelings, to him
by letter, as foUows :

E. S. to

" It wiU undoubtedly appear very strange to ' to
receive a letter of this kind from a simple woman, and per
haps be a subject of ridicule ; but if thou knew what has
passed in my mind within thefee three days about thee, I
beUeve thou wouldst give some attention to it. I heard
thou wast very iU ; not hkely to be long in this Ufe. I felt

48
compassion and concern for thee, and would have been
glad to be with thee at that time, that I might endeavour,
if it were possible, to persuade thee to seek thy own good
at His hand, who created thee in his own image, for a
purpose of his glory, and thy own happiness; gave thee
strength of body, a rational understanding, a sufficiency of
the good things of this Ufe for thy own support and the
rehef of others, and, above aU favours, a gift of his divine
and saving grace, to instruct and lead thee safely through
life; for the apostle declares,. '^ The grace of God, which
brings salvation, hath appeared unto all men, teaching us
that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should Uve
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.!
Now I desire thou wilt examine thy own heart, whether
thou hast been thus led by this grace, or whether thou
hast turned from it into wantonness, excess, and profane
ness, not regarding the fear of the Almighty, who is the
dread of nations, and to whom thou art under so many and
deep obligations; who could have cut the thread of thy
Ufe when in thy full strength, if he pleased, yet has spared
thee in mercy, to see if thou wouldst return to him. And
how, perhaps, the abuse which thy constitution has got,
may cause nature to fail, and thy body to return to its
original dust; when the part in thee which is of eternal du.f
ration> must appear before the impartial judge of quick
and dead, there to receive a reward accordingto the deeds
done in the body: therefore I beseech thee, as a Christian
' — as a fellow-creature — as one who has felt something of
the terrors of this just judge for evfl, that thou wilt lay
aside aU intemperance.
"Consider these things seriously, and humble thyself in
the sight of the great Lord of heaven and earth, before
whom kings must bow, and the potentates of the earth lay
down their crowns ; that so thou mightst find mercy with him
who wiUeth not the death of him that dieth in sin, but

49
rather that aU should repent, return, and Uve ; which is mani
fest in the expressions of the prophet. When personating
the Abnighty he says.: 'Wash ye, make ye clean, put
away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease
to do evfl, learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the op
pressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow., Come,
let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be
as scarlet, they shaU be white as snow; though they be
red as crimson, they shaU be as wool.' And though
thou mayst have gone great lengths in that road that leads
to destruction, yet it seems my business to persuade thee
not to be discouraged, by thinking thou canst not find
mercy from turning to the Lord, who would have mercy ;
and to our God, who would abundantly pardon.
" I have no view in writing these things, but the ease
of my own mind, that I may be clear of thy blood; and the
good of thy immortal soul, whose welfare I wish as my
own, and am, thy true friend,
«E. S.
« BaUitoi-e, 20th of 1st Month, 1769."
It is said, that the person to whom the above letter was
addressed, was much affected thereby, and had it read to
him repeatedly as he lay on his death-bed; also, desired
that it might be sent to another gentleman, who, he said,
needed such advice as much as himself.
¦ABRAHAM SHACKLETON TO MARGARET SHACKLETONii
" DubUn, 30th of 4th Month, 1769.
" My VERY DEAR GrAND-DAUGHTER,
" Thy welcome and acceptable letter was
received. There are two worthy living ministers of the
gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, arrived in
E

50
this city from my native country; they exhort us to abide
in the littleness. My very soul, and every thing within me
that is worth notice, says amen to it. I think I have been
stripped to the very root since I came to town ; but, thanks
to Hhn -v^bo, though he hides his face for a moment, wiU
hevertotaUy forget his littlfe fleck, he appears in the need-
fiil times, and his hand is fiUed with cpnsplation. Let him
be thy chiefest joy, my dear, and then thou wilt step wisely
in thy pilgrimage ; little minding what people think of thee,
if thou hast but the smfles of his countenance.
" My health is much better this morning; and if I should
not Uve to see thee, and the rest of you there, who are near
and dear to me, I trust, through mercy, to be gathered to
the generations pf those gone before, whose robes are hap
pily washed in the blood of the Lamb.
"I am, with endeared affection to thy aunt, brother, sis
ters, and my friends there, thine,
"A. S."

A. S. TO DEBORAH CARLETON.
Dublin, 2d pf 5th Mpnth, 1769.
" Dear cousin D. C.
" After a sinking, Ipw, distressing season of
inward poverty this morning, a degree pf cpnsplation
springing up, and thou therein, and thy extraordinary care
of me in my old age and widowheod, being brpught into
remembrance, I venture tp address myself to thee in a few
Unes, wishing thee better health than thpu hast had pf late,
and, what I am sure is far mere desirable, that thpu mayst
be favpured with divine and heavenly peace: this is what
sweetens aU pur bitter cups.
"My health of body is pretty much better these two

51
days, and I am thinking of setting forward with my friends,
towards the yearly meeting. Whether I may be favoured
with strength to return to poor Ireland, is hid from me: I
cannot see it. Hpwever, I desire humbly tp confide in
Him, who is able tp help tp the last, and in every difficulty.
" My dear Ipve attends my grandchfldren, and if I sheuld
nPt live to see them again, I wish them weU. They have
tender and rehgious parents and friends also to watch over
them. Oh! rehgipn is a heai-t-wprk indeed: may we all
dihgentiy, in very deed, labpur fpr that peace that passeth
the understanding ef the natural, unregenerate man. Our
meeting is now quite over: it hath been a season of cpnsp
lation and inward advantage, I hope, to many.
" And now I deshe, my dear friends, that grace, mercy,
and peace, and the fruits of the spirit, may be enjoyed by
thee, and abundantly multipUed in thy breast.
"A. S."

R. s. TO HIS FATHER, (then in London.)
"BalUtore, 14th of 5th Month, 175^
"Dear Father, " We were much pleased to find, by thine
from Chester, that you got safe over, and had such a ready
passage. We should have been more pleased if thou hadst
been a little more explicit about thy own state of
health. « * *
It is true, my present situatien is among the pots; yet I
am a prisoner of hope. I am indeed an impotent man,
nor is there in me, nor in the powers of my nature, any ca
pacity to crawl near the salutary waters, much less to im
part of them to others. I can say of a truth, I am glad to
e2

52
see my equals, niy famiUar friends and acquaintances, be
come my guides, take the lead, and grow from strength to
strength in the great Master's cause. It is my earnest desire
that I may never injure it; but having waded here through
many deeps, (unknown to mortals,) I may be so preserved
in my sorrowful pilgrimage, as tbat I may at last lay down
my weary head in peace, and be admitted any where within
the dOor of perpetual rest.
" Thou wilt feel whfle at London whether thy strength
of body and draught of mihd seem sufficient for thee to
make a tour into Yorkshire : if these unite, no doubt it will
be a reciprocal satisfaction to thee and our relations there,
to have that visit performed, and such an opportunity of
taking a mutual (perhaps final, solemn) leave. * * *
"With sincere desires, that if this attendance of thine
at that great and solemn assembly be the last, it may he
particularly distinguished to thee by the renewed seal and
evidence of Divine favour, making green, fresh, and sig
nally honourable in thy old age, I rest,
" Thy very affectionate, dutiful son,
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS SON.
" BaUitore, 4th of 11th Month, 1769.
"My dear Child,
" We leave our large family, and great charge,
not for any private, temporal gratification, (which yet at
times might be lawfiil,) but from as firm a persuasion as
our state, &c. admit and require, that it is our duty, both
private and relative, to go to these solemn assembUes, in
order to worship our great Benefactor, to whom such
homage is in all reason due, and to lend a hand or heart to

53
help forward the general good of our community, in ex
citing to their rehgious duties. On this solemn account
we go. We leave thee, dear chfld, at home, expecting thy
care and assiduous assistance in our absence. I trust thou
wflt not deceive or disappoint us in these hopeful expecta
tions which we have formed of thee. I often bow the
knee of my soul, in prostrate gratitude to the Father of
spirits, on account of the pleasing prospect which his good
ness has afforded me of you, my dear chfldren, being likely
to embrace the offers of his mercifid visitations to your
tender minds. Prize them, I entreat and charge you, as
your chief treasure : cultivate that field, and it wiU yield you
a plentifid harvest, even the crop of aU necessary, present
benefits; and, what is infinitely more valuable, of eternal
hfe. Be spber, dear chfld ; be vigUant against a crafty ad
versary; love retirement, practise it; feel after something
that is supernatural, to help, preserve, and comfort thee;
and thou wflt grow from one degree of grace to another,
and in favour with Gpd and good men. "R.S."

A. S. TO HIS GRAND-DAUGHTER DEBORAH.
" DubUn, 8th of 11th Month, 1769.
* * " Thou art thy father's first born; may
the God of her who proved serviceable to her people,
dweUing under the notice and blessings of the Almighty,
and under the pahn-tree, bless thee in all thy undertakings,
and make thee a good example in the family, and a happy
instrument of good in the church of Christ; and that the
daughters of men, together with thy rehgious parents and

54
friends, may bless God on thy account, saith thy aged,
affectionate grandfather,
"A. S.
" P. S. I hope to remain waiting upon Him that is waiting
to be gracious to sincere souls, and feeds them, as they
steadily look up to him, with food convenient: they know
his rod and his staff, and what it is to be fed with food
convenient." The foUowing letter (without date) was written by
Abraham Shackleton to Samuel Neale, previous to his
embarking for America, whither he went on a religious
visit, in the year 1770.
" Although I am one of the least of my Heavenly Father's
children, several times since I saw thy letter to my son, I
had it before me to salute thee with a few lines. I find
He, that, in his abundant mercy and loving kindness, when
thou walked in the broad way, gratifying thy corrupt appe
tite, visited thee, and fastened the crook of love on thy
heart, and reconciled thee to himself, is now sending thee
forth to call to others; even to rebuke the disorderly and
comfort the feeble-minded, that many may be brought
into the Shepherd's fold, and experience true peace and
fellowship with the Father and his Son Christ Jesus. I
trust the Lord, who is leading thee forth, wiU be thy con
solation and strength, and thy dwelling-place be in him,
in thy passage to that once wflderness country, both
by sea and land, by night and by day ; and may he arm
thee, my dear friend, on the right hand and on the left,
and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, and give thee true
discerning; that thou mayst not be cast down on the one
hand, nor be hurt by the flattering, fawning spirits on the
other. It is settled with me to say, may the Lprd pf the

Harvest, who ministers seed to the sower, be with thee in
thy steppings along, and feed thee with food convenient
for thee; keeping in a sense ever mindful of his instructive
rod and his supporting staff, weU knowing that the unity
of the Holy Sphit is the bond of the saints' peace. I
have been greatly pleased formerly, when favoured with
thy company, to observe the watchful care that clothed
thee, even in the times of enlargement and liberty of spirit,
lest any word or unguarded expression should inadvert
ently pass, to wound or administer offence, in any wise, to
the least babe in Christ. It is in true friendship I mention
these things, weU knowing the monstrous red dragon is as
busy as ever with his tafl, to draw down the bright stars
from the heavenly habitation.
"A, S."

A. S. TO HIS GRAND-DAUGHTER MARGARET.
« DubUn, 5th of 5th Mpnth, 1770.
* * " My mind is mpstly centered among those
who are begging their bread, and had rather be honestly
poor, than fiUed with unwholesome food, and lose my ap
petite for that which nourishes the soul up to eternal Ufe.
At times I thankfuUy acknowledge, to the praise of the
bountiful hand that satisfies the hungry babes with proper
sustenance, I have partaken with the poor of the flock, of
what keeps me from fainting, and encouraged to hold pn
my way hi watchful fear.
" I long that you may be watchful, and grow in the
root of life: there is true and real comfort to be expe
rienced. My love and best wishes attend you aU.
" Thy affectionate grandfather,
"A. S."

56

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER MARGARET.
" Dublin, 8th of 5th Month, 1770,
"Dear Child,
" I have thy agreeable letter: thy grandfather
also received thine * *. We are in usual health. The
concluding meetings are to be to-morrow. "It has been with
me as is usual in my attendance here. The several dispensa
tions which we are under in our religious pilgrimage, may
be compared (I think) to the various turns, roads, and
lanes in -a journey. lam at present, and have been for
manyyetos, in one long lane: when I shaU get out of it
I know not. The beUever is not to make haste. The
great point is to make straight steps, and keep steadily
right on our way in the right road, without loitering, look
ing unnecessarily behind, or, in the impatience of our own
spirits, pressing too hastily forward. Indeed, I find the
road of this life so bestrewed with difficulties and dangers,
and myself sp exceedingly weak, and unable, by my own
powers, to preserve alive my oWn soul, or even to succeed-
in my temporal transactions by reason of my peculiar
incapacity, that, under, this sense, I cannot but commit me
and mine, with great earnestness, to the protection and
help of Divine Providence.
" I have been several times a Uttle in company with thy
sweet friend, as thou callest her, (EUzabeth Pim.) I have
found my spirit renewedly and nearly united to her and
her sister, smce I came to town. There are too few here
of their, stamp. Too many are taken up with fooUsh,
trifling gewgaws, quite unworthy of the noble, rational
mind, formed by its great Author for far higher con
templations and enjoyments. For want of .spiritual exer-

57
cise, they have lost their spiritual health; they have no ap
petite for sound, wholesome food ; their vitiated taste must
be gratified with something that gives a Uttle momentary
pleasure, but fiUs the body with distempers.
" Thy affectionate father,
"R. S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
" DubUn, 6th of 11th Month, 1770.
* * * " I greatly desire the welfare of some
of my yoimg friends in a very particular manner; but the
warfare between the spirit wliich is not of this world, and
the sphit which is of it, is great and difficult: the situation
of some makes it more so to them. And the Being, who
is the source of all our happiness in time and eternity, is a
jealous Creator, demands (as is his just right) the whole
heart, and wfll not accept of a partial sacrifice : he requires
the prime, the best, a whole burnt offering. Mayst thou,
my dear child, steadily resign thyself in aU humility to be
guided in his wisdom, so wilt thou be preserved an ex
ceeding great comfort to me, a blessing to the family, a
way-niarkj a good example; and an ordinance of help to
thy near and dear friends, whom thou lovest, and by
whom thy art beloved. Thus thou wilt be preserved out
of the evils which are in the world, and the perplexities,
perturbations, and troubles consequent to them; thou wflt
grow from stature to stature in the experience of good ;
and though, in taking this cnp of Ufe, (which is a cup of
mixture,) thou mayst expect to meet with trouble, yet
thou wflt StiU find and feel the reward of thy dfligence,
faithfulness, and obedience to be peace.
JMy love to tliee is such that I could wilUngly enlarge,

58
but I am seldom in a situation fit for this manner of con
verse, when I am here. And besides, there is an unction
which teaches all things that are necessary; truth in the
inward parts, to which I refer thee as the most sure coun-
seUor, fuUy capable to instruct thee in all things apper
taining to thy spiritual progress, and to bring aU things to
thy remerabrance in due course; supplying abundantly the
lack of instrumental help, and making up every deficiency
to those who are acquainted with it. And without we be
come acquainted with it, all other advice and assistance
wiU stand us in little stead. * '*
" Thy affectionate father,
" R. S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
" BaUitore, 18th of 12th Month, 1770.
"My dear Margaret,
" I received thine yesterday morning: it was
very acceptable, as it conveyed variety of intelhgence. * *
" The capacity for writing on the best subject, I know
weU, is not in our power, and better not meddle with it
when it does not come freely. * * Thy grandfather has
been poorly for several days past. It is quite uncertain,
altogether in the hand of Providence, how it wiU turn out.
It may be a means of his translation from earth to heaven,
or it may prove a renewal of health and strength to bun.
I know, on hearing this, thou wflt be uneasy at being from
him. But content thyself m patient resignation: if he
grows worse, thou mayst be sure we shall sopn send fpr
thee. * *
"R. S."

59
The last iUness of A. S. continued some months, with
intermissipns which gave hopes of his recovery, but these
hopes were soon overcast. He suffered great pain at
times, which he bore with exemplary patience, saying, that
he was mercifuUy dealt with. The natipnal meeting fall
ing put at this time, his son and others of the family at
tended it.

R. S. TO HIS FATHER.
" DubUn, 27th of 4th Mbntii, 1771.
"My DEAR Father,
" Though I am not agreeably circumstanced,
in divers respects, for writing at present, yet I look upon it
as my manifold duty to send thee a line of short intelli
gence about our meeting to-day, seeing thou wast disabled
from being present in body with us. Thy absence, as
well as many other vacancies which have happened, and
the want of that soUd weightincss which should clothe
the spirits of those who sit in such a meeting, was cause of
humiUation and distress; yet I humbly beUeve, that a de
gree of that which only makes a living soul, reigned over
aU. The accounts received from the three provinces,
were much in the usual strain of language, not worse; but
I think, if any alteration, rather more agreeable than of
late. My brother (school-master) John Gough, I hope,
enlarged in his pecuhar gift to general edification. Our
friends Samuel FothergiU and John Stephenson opened,
I beheve, in pertinent counsel and remarks, accompanied
with gospel authority and evidence. The former had it
on his mind to propose in the meeting, the holding of a
general meeting of conference, coUectively for friends of

60
both sexes, in which the London queries should be read,
which is accordingly agreed upon, to begin at nine o'clock
on second-day morning. * * * We received Debby's
letter this afternoon: I fear that they wfll have trouble at
home about A. W. Perhaps the accession of his present
complaint may hurry hira out of his poor decayed body.
May he have a place of rest prepared for the pppr spirit.
The righteous hath hope at his death, a period that
inevitably awaits us aU ; and those who go off before us,
precede us that foUow by a very short interval of fleeting
time. * * * My wife and daughter join in dutifol and
cordial wishes for thy restoration, with me and many
more. " I remain, with dear love,
" Thy dutiful and affectionate son,
"R. S."

A. S. TO HIS SON.

" BalUtore, 28th of 4th Month, 1771.
" Son Richard, " He from whom we have every thing that
deserves to be caUed truly good, this morning hath been
pleased to open a httle nook for poor me to sit and wait
among his servants, that at times are mercifully favoured
with some smaU degree of help and strength to wrestle
for the blessing, and the continuation of a sense of his
presence to accompany through their pilgrimage to the
very end of it. Oh, my dear son, sincerity of heart is
necessary, and is, I am sure, too much wanting amongst
the professors of the very truth, as it is manifested and
revealed unto a smaU remnant in this very poor nation.
Alas! my son, in the sense I have at present of the declen-

61
sion, their number is becpme sp very small, that a skilful
chfld might write them. Methinks, while I see the tares,
the grand enemy hath sown in this drowsy state, fastening
tP the weighty grain, or endeavouring to do it, and
choking thorns and fowls of the air making sore devasta
tion among the seed of the kingdom^ methinks I see thee
sitting close by the wiUing in Israel, whose hearts,
through infinite mercy, the Lord is moving upon, and
stirring up to work for him in the day afforded. Though
at this time my mind chiefly points to thyself, I by no
means forget my daughter, thy consort and feUow-labourer,
to whom remember me dearly; also be sure, with much
affection, to S. F. and J. S. Nor do I want love for my
other j&iends, to whom thou mayst present it.
"Thy father,
"A. S."
" P. S. Since I wrote the above, I have to aeknpwledge
the receipt of thy letter, and am much obhged to thee for
the inteffigence thereby imparted to us, and hope you
there wiU stiU continue to remember us you left at home.
I beheve I should be exceedingly glad to see my endeared
friend S. F. if it should be so ordered that he came this
way ; but much desire that nothing may unfit or render
him incapable of attending his more weighty service at
London, where I have understood he intends going.
*'A. S."

R. S. TO HIS FATHER.
" DubUn, 30th of 4th Month,^177I.
"My DEAR Father, " I was favoured with thine of the 28th
instant, and in hopes it may afford some entertainment.

62
would give thee a further detafl of our meetmg, if I could
remember it ; but as one biUow succeeds another, so one
exercising opportunity foUows so closely upon another,
in my deep wadings and weary steppings along, that I
cannot always retain particulars in my remembrance.
The meetings have been uncommonly large and crowded.
It has been almost whoUy the lot of our friend S. F. tp burn
incense pubhckly. He is, indeed, carried pn wonderfuUy.
His Master dignifies him, and exalts his testimony through
him: he is made like the shew-bread on the altar — some
sacred symbol that is eminent, conspicuous, attended with
a degree of glory, in order to attract and engage a people
too much outward, and, if possible by instrumental means,
enamour them with the beauty which is in the truth
Such is the mercy and condescension of the Creator, who
uses various means, in wisdom, that his creatures may not
perish for ever ; and leaves all without excuse, that their
perdition may be of themselves. The London queries
were read and answered yesterday, in the meeting of con
ference of Friends of bpth sexes. Samuel was beautifiiUy
drawn forth upon this occasion, as usual. The pubhc meet
ing to-day was very large, and Samuel was concerned in
testimony, also feeUngly and fervently in supplication. I
thought the meeting for discipline in the afternoon yester
day was flat, this afternoon more hvely. I have had pretty
close employment upon committees, &c. so that, at home
or abroad, there seems httle rest to the sole of my foot.
Neither is it in ofl that I dip it when it does rest ; but if it
returns to the ark of the testimony, and sinks or swims
along with it, I may ,be satisfied. * *
"I am, dear father,
" Thy affeictionate, dutiful son,
" R. S."

63
During the continuance of A. S's distemper, while it
was any ways suitable for him, he struggled to get out,
to sit with Friends in their reUgipus meetings, waiting
therein for a renewal of strength to his inward man; and
when prevented, by the progress of his disorder, from
attending meetings, he was visited in his own apartment
by many Friends, to whom he was often drawn forth in
sweet counsel, to the tendering of their spirits, under
the influence of the precious sense and power which
accompanied his words. Many were the seasonable op-
portunitiea of this sort, and many the sensible, weighty
expressions that dropped from him, in the course of his
painfid, tedious illness, which reduced him to. very great
bodily weakness. His flesh, indeed, exceedingly decayed,
but his spirit was constantly renewed and replenished with
heavenly ofl ; so that his lamp burned bright to the very
last ; and in holy confidence of a happy change, a little
before his departure, he said to his relations about him,
" I have no cause to grieve, neither would I have you."
Yet he mentioned, in fa'ue humflity, that he had nothing
to trust to, but the mercies of the Almighty. His mind
was often favpured with inward jpy; and pne night, after
much bpdfly pain, he was sp fiUed with heavenly consola
tion, that, with a melodious voice he said, "I am well: I
feel no pain: I feel good. Oh, the elders! the elders!
they should dig for the arising of the weU of Ufe, as with
their staves in their hands. Spring up, O weU, and I wfll
sing untp thee." At another time, in a manner similar to
this, he uttered these words : " Those that are faithful to
the end shaU receive a crpwn, a crpwn that fadeth not
away; but rebeffion is as the sin of witchcraft."
The night before his decease, a young man, about whom
he had several times been anxiously concerned, being
brought to his bed-side, though his speech faultered, he
spoke in a living, sensible manner, with the autherity pf

64
truth on his spirit. And to one of his own family, who was
present, he addressed himself in a most affecting and en
couraging exhortation, as if taking a last and solemn fare
well. The.next morning, though his speech grew worse,
he spoke in a tehder and cordial manner, to some of his
famfly. Some of the last articulate words he uttered, were
expressive of the helpand comfort which he felt; and even
when his speech quite failed, his manner and gesture were
such as those who were intimately acquainted with him
knew he was wont to use, when his exceUent spirit felt the
power of truth in dominion. He departed this life in
great peace, the same day about noon, the 24th of 6th
month, 1771, aged seventy-four years ; and after a very
large and solemn meeting, to which his remains were
brought, they were interred in Friends' burying-ground m
Baffitore, 27th of the same.
His son long felt and long lamented the loss of such a
father — such a friend; and that sorrow, which he indulged
in secret, in the chamber where he had seen him die, some
times burst forth at his own table, surrounded by his
friends. The mantle of the departed worthy seemed to
have descended on his son, who, deprived of his precept
and example,, endeavoured yet more closely to follow Him;
to whose service both had been dedicated-
Long was the loss of this exemplary and venerable man
felt, even by a wider circle than his own connexions. On
this occasion his former pupfl, Edmund Burke, thus writes
to R. S. " I am heartily affected with the subject of your
last letter. I had a true honour and affection for that ex
ceUent man. I feel something like a satisfaction in the
inidst of my concern, which I had not in the same degree
before, that I was fortunate enough to have him once more
under my roof before his departure. He was indeed a
man of singular piety, rectitude, and virtue ; and he had,
along with these qualities, a native elegance of manners.

65
which nothing but genuine good-nature and unaffected
simpUcity of heart can give, and which they wiU give in
faUibly, be the exterior forms what they may."
The foUowing is an extract from the Testimony, concern
ing Abraham Shackleton, of Ballitore, Ireland, 1774.
"Reverent, awful, solemn and teaching to the thought
ful beholder, was. his deportment in reUgious meetings.
His humble spirit deeply and patiently waited (sometimes
watched and waited long) for the resurrection of divine
hfe: when this was present, he had all things ; when this
disappeared, aU comfort seemed withdrawn.
"And, indeed, as he seemed beyond most men to take
little satisfaction in any thing but the precious truth itself,
so, we beUeve, he was beyond most men favoured with the
overshadowing of it."
And John Griffith, in his Journal, page 274, 1760,
says of him: "I met with my good friend, Abraham
Shackleton, who traveUed with rae most of the time I was
in that nation, (Ireland.) Of him I think it may be said, as
was of Nathaniel: "Behold an Israehte indeed, in whom
there is no gufle !" He was a great comfort and help to
me; and though he did not appear publicly as a minister,
yet he would drop tender advice at times, in famiUes, in a
very affecting manner. His whole conversation, looks, and
deportment, were so leavened and tempered with good,
that I looked upon him as a preacher of righteousness
wherever he came."

66

CHAPTER IV.

Letters on different Subjects, between the Years 1773 and 1780,
inclusive.

RICHARD SHACKLETON TO SAMUEL CARLETON.
* * * " Thou hast so far coincided with my sen
timents. Now let me further add, in my humble judgment
it -wfll not prove to thy advantage, for divers reasons, to
spend time unnecessarfly in DubUn, when thy affairs wiU
be settled there, so as that thou canst handsomely leave it.
Many inconveniences attend an indolent Ufe any where,
especiafly there. Come as soon as thou canst into the
country among thy friends, where are wholesome air, oppor-
tumty for exercise, and, in some places, wholesome conver
sation ; of which last I would not be supposed to mean as
if I thought the city entirely destitute. Thou art heartily
welcome to my house, and need be in no hurry, but at thy
Pwn leisure, and after due consideration and trial, fix thy
head-quarteris where thou mayst think most proper;
like the bird disencumbered and raised high from the
earth, that sings up in the air, and lo^ks down and chooses
what spot to alight on. Thus raaysii thou, dear cousin,
being more unfettered from the carey^ earth, soar nearer
to heaven, making melody in^^hy heart, ^ and anticipating
the j oys of that happy placfT. So shaU thy last days be thy
best days ; and after all thy troubles, conflicts, and beset
ments, which I believe have been many, and of various

67
kinds, thou wflt, through the infinite goodness of our great
Benefactor, find and feel sweet peace at last.
" Accept of the hearty salutation of my father, wife,
sister, and children. I am, deax cousin;
" Very affectionately thine, "R.S."
After the death of Abraham Shackleton, Samuel Carle
ton came to live with his cousin Deborah.
R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER MARGARET.
« BalUtore, 24th of 1st Month, 1773.
* * * " Mayst thou, dear child, be preserved in
simpUcity and nothingness of self; in humility and lowUness
of mind, seeking diligently after, and waiting steadfly for,
the inward experience of that which is unmixedly gpod.
This is the way to be helped along, from day to day,
through one difficulty and proving after another, to the
end pf our wearisome pflgrimage; ha-ring recourse, like the
hunted hart, to the brook by the way, when pressed by
our spiritual enemies. By this, my dear chfld, the prede
cessors in our famfly, who hved in the truth, were enabled'
to wade through their afflictipris, and knew that eVer-
coming which entitles to the glorioUs, eternal rewards.
Many are the favours which thoji, my dear' daughter, hast
receivedat the hand of the great Giver. What need I
enumerate any of them? thy gratefid heart jssen&ible ofr
them. May thy branches, weighed 'down ,.with';humiUty,.
gratitude, and all fruits of the spirit,- bend:' towards the.
root which sustains every tree pfrightepuaness^ and from,-
which its sap and life is suppUed and derived. - Byhu-i
mflity and Ipwliness of mind, many temptations are avoided,
and incumbrances escaped. It is a stfe and quiet haWta-i
tion, into which the devfl cannot enter; and his emissrtrie*
f2

68
view the dweUing with derision, and turn from it with
contempt. So the heavenly guest has more free admit
tance, and uninterrupted abode; and the bread eaten in
secret administers invisible but effectual support.
" I am, dear Margaret,
" Thy affectionate father,
«R. S."
In this year Dr. Leland pubUshed his history of Ireland,
and Richard Shackleton received a letter, with the signa
ture of the .author, requesting his opinion of the work.
The style of the letter gave no very favourable promise of
the abiUties of the historian. R. S. sent a civU reply, dis
claiming any pretensions to critical judgment, and soon
after received the foUowing letter from the real author.
DR. L, TO R. s. "July 2d, 1773.
"Sir, "My absence from DubUn prevented me
from receiving your favour tiU this day. Whoever he was
that took the Uberty of addressing a letter to you in my
name; and whateverwere his intentions, I account myself
obhged to him. He has indeed been guflty of an unpro-'
vpked incivility to us bpth ; but he has been the means of
introducing me, in some sort, to one, of whom our common
friends have often spoken with the utmost affection and
respect, and with whom I exceedingly wished to be
acquainted. I know not in what terms the request
was made, that you would give your opinion of my book ;
but I beg you wiU aUow me to repeat it, with sincere
esteem, and a very just sense of the value of your opinion.
I shaU return to Dublin in the course of next week, and
my first care shall be to send a set of the History of Ire-

69
land to Mr, Jackson's. If you do me tiie honour to peruse
it, I must entreat you wifl not send it back, but accept of
it, as a smaU mark of my sincere regard. i I
"The book has been read m England, and received
with more favour than I hoped for. Here it has had a
few attentive readers; but as to the publie in general;--!
was ever persuaded, that in this kmgdom, at least, their
voice would be determined precisely in the manner you
mention. I am sorry to say that you wiU find it very in
correctly printed. BeUeve me, with very sincere respect
and regard, "Sir,
" Your faithful and most obedient servant, i
" Thomas: Leland,"

R. S. TO DR. LELAND.
"Baffitore, 17th of 10th Mpnth, (October,) 1773.
"Dr. Leland,
" I had the favour of writing; to thee, some time
ago, and handed thee the original mock letter which gave
rise to our correspondence. I have not had the pleasure
of hearing fi-om thee since, but perused thy history with
the best attention which I was capable of. I^am much
obhged to thee for the book, and for the entertainment and
instruction it has afforded me. Good history casts such* a
Ught on aU sides, and upon such a multitude of objects,
and is so nearly concerned with rehgion and moraUty, that
he certainly deserves very well of the pubUc, who contri
butes, in so great a degree, to their pleasure and profit, by
presenting them with a work of this kind. Thy history,
without doubt, has cost thee much painful labour: there
must have been much pioneering, much fable and false-

70
hood to clear away; and when this has been done, but
scanty and bare materials left to erect a comely edffice.
However, the cement is. so good, and the several parts so
aptly joihed together, that we see a cpmplete, well-finished,
though not a magnificentstructure ; a structure which, in my
opiniofli will last, although a flood of calumny and false criti
cism should assault it. I bnly speak my pwn unbiassed senti
ments: I have neither ppportunity nor leisure to ransack
and examine the stores from which the great leading his
torical events have been drawn ; but I have all along par
ticularly remarked such a diUgent, wary investigation of
the reaUty of facts and characters, that I attend to the
narrative with the satisfaction which a man feels, who is
persuaded, from the cautious veracity of his author, that
what he hears is true.
" An history of our ovm country is in some respects Uke
an history of our own times; it necessarily, by some means
or other, touches so nearly particular famiUes, that it is no
wpnder if individuals are piqued in some cases, whose
family pride or interest is concerned; and, taking offence
at a part, decry the whole work. Self-love sits close to us,
and we do not Uke to see an aspersion lie even on our
own family names. Different sentiments also in reUglOus
matters, cannot fail of operating variously on those who
areadsuch an history: these sentiments being inteiVoven
among our earhest prejudices, and fast rooted and rivetted
¦by our judghaents or our feelings, are not indeed easily
shaken, but very sensible of any rude attack. On this ac
count I am also of the number who think some part of thy
history exceptionable. The expression which I wish to be
altered is cited below*.

• Vol. iii. p. 504. "But those called Protestants were chosen from
Quakers, or other enthusiasts— from the poor, the profligate, and con
temptible."

71
"I know very weU that the people called Quakers have
their frame and organs, and are subject to like passions
with, other men; and that through the deceivableness of
unrighteousness, and delusion of a subtle enemy, who is
transformed into an angel of Ught, they may be mistaken
and led astray in theh reU^ous exercises, unless, according
.to the apostle's advice, they watch and be sober; unless
they patiently wait and watch for the appearance of Christ
by his spirit, in their hearts, who told his then present fol
lowers, 'without me ye can do nothing;'; and who encou
raged his future foUowers to expect the same aid by the
promise of 'Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world.' Unless they thus wait, they may run
before they are sent, and offer the sacrifice of fools: and
unless they be sober and steady, keeping to the feeling
sense of divine truths, and under the guidance of divine
wisdom, they may, as weU as others, foUow the imaginations
of their own brain, instead of immediate revelation, be de
ceived themselves, and deceive others.
" These dangers, my friend, I frankly confess attend us ;
but I also hope and beUeve we are, in general, happfly pre
served from them. I do not think that we deserve to be
caricatured in the lump, with the denomination of enthu
siasts. However, this does not cause but that I hold both
the author and his history in great respect and estimation.
* * I admire the celebrated writers of the Augustan
age, who yet looked on the primitive Christians in their
time, as a contemptible, insignificai}t^sect; and thereby
proved the truth of the apostle's observation, that the
world by wisdom knew not God.
"I hope thou wilt excuse the liberty which I take
in thus expressing myself: I assure thee it is not with
out sentiments of real regard and esteem. I am
persuaded that Dr. Leland has pondered deeply on
the most interesting subjects, and knows that a rehgion

72
which does not enter into a man's feelings, and influence
his Ufe, can be of no service to him: it is inammate, dry,
and formal. Yet, as a man's feelings can only be rightly
known by himself, can often vrith difficulty be explained to
others, and often cannot at aU be comprehended by them,
it may be necessary that a people, dissenting from a national
religion and way of worship, established by lavr, should
give some reasons for their dissent, and a rational account
of their faith; I therefore hand thee herewith a treatise on
our reUgious principles, which I beg leave to recommend to
thy solid perusal; and whether thou wilt approve of-it or
not, I request tliat thou wilt accept of it from me, as a token
of my sincere regard, "Who am, respectfully thme,
"R. S."

dr. leland to r. s.
" November 23d, 1773.
"Dear Sir,
" It is not without sincere regret that I have
been so long diverted from my purpose of acknowledging
the favour of your last letter, and the obUging present that
attended it. A variety of cares and occupations, on my
appointment to an extensive parish in Dublin ; and some
intervals of languor and depression, occasioned by the re
mains of those nervous affections which I contracted by
making more use of my pen than *my horse, are the only
excuses I can make for so long a silence. Let me at length
entreat you to accept my cordial thanks for a letter so flat
tering to me, and which confirms me in the respectful sen
timents I had entertained of the writer. I am particularly

73
gratified by the candour and kindness of your remarks, on
the difficulties I encountered, both in collecting and se
lecting the materials for my history, and the appearance of
veracity that it bears. My task was indeed laborious, and
whatever violence I might do to prejudices and preposses
sions, I considered myself as an evidence before the tri
bunal pf the public, and as solemnly bound to declare tiie
truth, to the best of my knowledge, as we should have been
had / sworn and you affirmed. The consequence has been,
in this kingdom, as I supposed: my representations have
not given entire content to any party. I have been aheady
attacked from different quarters, but with so much impo
tence, so much frivolous and captious foUy, and so shame
ful an ignorance of the subject, as are perfectly mortifying;
for I confess I should have hked to have been caUed out
by an ingenious and plausible critic. Forgive a Uttle ebul-
htion of vanity, when I declare I felt somewhat of the
ardour of a much ypunger and cleverer fellow.
' Optat aprura autfulvum descendere monte leonem.'
And now, none but the most ignoble beasts pf the field
have deigned to take any notice pf me. But I am
abundantly cpnsoled by a number of such testimonies as
yours ; and in a country where Irish parties are httle re
garded, I have received a great deal more than justice,
" But I cannot sufficiently thank you for the truly poUte,
ingenuous, and candid manner in vrhich you have urged
your objectipn tp pne particular expressipn that escaped
me. If it be Quakerism tp enforce the momentous dis
tinction between the vital, influencing spirit of Christianity,
and the nominal and formal profession of rehgion, I have
ever been preaching Quakerism, and God grant I may Uve
and die a Quaker! But instead of entering into certain
discussions, in which I might not express a difference of

74
sentiment with the same pohteness, or to give it a more
honourable name, with the same spirit of meekness, that
you have done, I at once plead guilty, and acknowledge
that no reUgious sect should ever be generaUy mcluded in
an yone invidious appeUation. Had I received your favour
before the octavo edition was printed off, the expres
sion should not have continued in it : I must take the first
opportunity in my power of correcting, it.
" Farewell, my dear Sir,
" And beUeve me very gratefuUy and respectfoUy,
" Your obedient and affectionate servant,
" Thomas Leland."

R. S. TO HIS SON.
" DubUn, 7th of 5th Month, 1776,
* * " Rehgion, which is an acquaintance -with G-od in
spirit, is the noblest principle which man is capable of.
But the activity and energy of it is not at man's command.
We are to be quiet, passive, and not seek to stir up our
Beloved tiU he please. Let us abide at home (in the
house) tfll inteffigence arrives that the Master is come,
and caUeth for us. Men, willing and running of them
selves after the knowledge of rehgion, as they do after
discoveries in natural science, bewilder themselves, and
effect nothing that is profitable. Patiently wait, and
quietly hope, is the lesson which we should learn. How
dry and like ashes our minds are, when the flame of reh
gion (I mean the active present virtue of it) is extinct.
"Thou hast, my dear Abraham, a weighty chargie
devolved upon thy youthfid shoulders. Thou hast great
pccasipu for wisdom. *******
" I am, indeed,
" Thy affectionate father,
" R. S."

75

R. S. TO HIS WIFE.

"Londpu, 1st pf 6th Mpnth, 1776,
* * * " This is a time and place for deep feel
ing, weighty, cpncise speaking, and close attention to
a variety of ehurch-business. * * * It seems that this
yearly-meeting is larger than common, and indeed it is an
awfully-splendid sight to behold. To be sure, many come,
perhaps, in a Ught mind and vain curiosity, to the general
meeting of business: however, there is a noble appear
ance of valuable friends, of deep spiritual wisdom and
experience. Men of great capacities speaking like chil
dren, glorying in being servants of the church, and despis
ing afl treasures in comparison of those laid up for them
in heaven; contemning every connexion, comparatively,
except a connexion with Christ, and those ties which are
confirmed and sanctified by his spirit. * * * Wiffiam
Dilworth, WiUiam Rathbone, and Isaac Wilson are here,
endued with gifts, and exercising them in the beauty of
hoUness, to the edification of the church. * * * There
are young people here, of such a number and sort, as
would do thy honest heart good to see them, Jn the
effusion of love and Ufe, and in the torrent of a powerful
testimony, in the meeting of business, Isaac Sharpies pro
posed a nomination foi; a visit to the counties and places
in England. The representatives from Ireland prevailed
on the meeting to extend the -visit to Ireland. It was very
agreeable to see what numbers of the first rank and emi
nence voluntarfly gave in their names for the service;
others were nominated by their friends. Some, who were
backward in offering themselves at the first sitting, gave
up their names afterwards, and seemed as if they durst
not go home tiU they had made that sacrifice.

76
" There were, I believe, threescore and ten valuable
friends given up to this service, who are to divide them
selves and separate to the work. * * ?
" R. S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
" London, 6th of 6th Month, 1776.
* * "I have been these two last nights at
Edmund Burke's, in Westminster. They have been very
kind, and he is indeed an admirable man. * * I thank
Divine Providence that my rehsh (I hope prevailing, up
permost, permanent reUsh) is for other things. Indeed,
the distraction occasioned in the mind, by being of neces
sity occupied by two different objects, causes a disagree
able sensation in a spiritual constitution weak as mine.
People may judge and think of me, some better, and per
haps some worse than I deserve; but He that sees in
secret, at the same time that he knows my infirmities, and
that I am as a reed shaken with the wind, sees alsO, I
trust, the sincerity of my heart, and prepares many an
offering therein. * * * The more any of us are impreg
nated with the seasoning virtue of true rehgion, the more
savoury is our conversation and mutual communication.
And, indeed, all of us, young and old, have need, in each
of our departments, to feel after and witness its efficacy:
we want it for ' food, we want it for cleansing, we want it
in prosperity to Umit and preserve us, we want it in adver
sity to sustain and console us.
"R. S."
In this year Richard Shackleton gave his second
daughter, Margaret, in marriage to Samuel Grub, and, on

77
her settUng with her husband in Clonmel, he writes
thus:

R. S, TO HIS WIFE,
" BaUitore, 28th of 7th Month, 1776,
* * "I suppose thou art very busy settling poor
Peggy in her new habitation: the parting with her, and
assigning her over into another famfly, and unto a distant
place, has caused a sensation new to me. After a con
nexion has been formed by nature, strengthened by the
most endearing ties of rehgion, friendship, and affection,
and improved by long acquaintance and famUiarity, a
separation of this sort comes near the heart, and affects
our finest feelings. We, I include my dear sister Carle
ton, formed her (or rather the Great Master formed her,
and made us instrumental in his hand to model her) to
be of use and service in her generation, in the place
alUotted to her. We might not expect to keep her always
to ourselves. May she be the Lord's, and in body, soul,
and spirit devoted to his service, whom she wiU experience
to be the best of Masters; and I am persuaded that her
honest, worthy husband wfll fiirther her, aU in his power,
in every good word and work. Their preferring the
duties of rehgion before aU things, giving it the preference
on every occasion, rejoicing when it flourishes, and sor
rowing when it suffers, is the way to draw down the
Divine blessing on their heads, and to cause them to be
as happy as is consistent with human condition. Debby
and Abraham assist finely in their departments ; and if our
M. and S. be spared to us, and we to them, I doubt not
but they will be a comfort to us. When I say this, it is
¦with a hope that they wfll bend theh minds the best way,
hve in an awfol reverence of theh great Creator, and,
above aU thuigs, fear to offend him. Without -witnessing a

78

sense of religion to leaven their spirits, their company and
conversation would be but insipid and unsavoury to us;
and they would ever be in danger of falUng into snares
and many temptations, which are laid by the adversary of
mankind for incautious, giddy youth, * * "R.S."

R. S, TO HIS DAUGHTER MARY,
"Baffitore, SOth of 7th Month, 1776.
" As my dear M, bespoke me to write to
her, I think to send her a little scrawl. I hope thy dear
mother and thou have been bravely since you left us, as
(through favour of kind Providence) we generaUy are. I
do not doubt but thou receivest many civflities and marks
of affectionate regard from thy friends and new relations!
there. People .who are civfl themselves are generaUy.
treated with civffity, but the froward meet with those of
their own stamp. For; my part, when I was lately in Eng-,,
land, I did not not know what to do with the peoples' kind
ness. Indeed, I believe I should have been in danger of
being hurt by it, but for one thing. I had got, by long
experience, some knowledge of myself, and I weU knefl^j
that of myself I was poor, weak, unstable, ignorant, insig-i
nfficant;; andthat if I had any little capacity to step aright,
or drop a wprd;tP edification, it was no merit of mine, ijti
was by the grace of God; a name, my dear, which I
wpuld not make free to write, but that I feel a solemnity
unexpectedly cover my spirit, whfle I thus hold converse
with thee. Be thou also careful, my beloved Mary, to,
centre deep in ;humffity, and abasement of self: it is tiie
tree which takes deep root downward^, that is most lUiely
to stand against the storm. This is the spring-tjme of

79
thy Ufei May thy tender, innocent heart be open to re- ,
ceive the precious seed, which I trust the great and gopd
Husbandman will condescend, and has condescended, to
sow therein; may He also be pleased to water it with the
visitations of his love, immediately and instrumentally;.
may he guard and protect it from every noxious thing!
Thou seest hpw thy elder sisters have made cheice of
rehgion, as their principal treasure. Be thou also a wise
chfld; and whatever natuial abiUties it may please the
great Creator to endue thee with, or whatever acquisitions
or improvements thou mayst make of those natural gifts,
by contemplation, reading, or converse, thou art only ac
ceptable in the sight of Heaven, (however man may esti
mate thee,) as thou takest heed to the grace in thy ovrn
heart, to be restrained by its restraintsi to do nothing con
trary to its gentle remonstrances, and to obey, in humiUty
and simplicity, its leadings and requhings. My dear chfld,
above afl things be humble, be humble. Humffity goes be
fore honour : it is the humble whom the Lord teaches of
his ways. We have in each of us a certain something,
appertaining to self, (it is of the flesh,) which profiteth
nothing in the work of religion. This fleshly part is
pleased, and nourished, and sweUs vrith the praise and
commendation of fools; for wise men would not puff up:
and we have need of frequent retirement to the gift, the
grace in our minds, that in the tranquil, cool hour of the
day, not inflated by vain knowledge, or perturbed by pas
sion, we may, in the stillness of all flesh, hear what this
monitor, this good spirit, this faithful witness, says tp our
states. Perhaps when, figuratively speaking, all men
speak weU of us, this heavenlyj sure, unen-ing word of
prophecy, which preaches to our own particular states, as
individuals, -wfll condemn or reprove us. This is what
we are to go by, and judge and estimate ourselves by; and
not by the crude, superficial, hasty, partial judgment of

80
capricious mortals, whose favour veersiiabout like the
wind. My mind is often exercised on behalf of mychfl-
dreni You are the children of many prayers. You have
hitherto been a great comfort to your dear mother and
me, and we have no greater joy than to see you'walk in
the truth. It is neither in our wfll, nor in our power, to
do great things as to this world for you. We are not hke
many others who have large possessions and lucrative
business. Providence, in the wise distribution of his
favours, has allotted us a lower rank in hfe ; yet, with in
dustry, care, and prudent economy, he has enabled us to
procure a sufficiency. And indeed a great redundance is
not desirable: the Up -of truth has pronounced how hard
it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom, A little suffi
ciency of the things of .J;his hfe, enjoyed with moderation;
and under a renewed sense of the divine blessing, is aU
tbat I think we should wish for; and when obtained,
should be cause of deep, and humble, and fervent grati
tude to our Great Benefactor,
" So, my dear, I have unexpectedly virritten thee a long
letter, instead of a short scrawl. I was writing to thy
dear mother, and whatever was the meaning of it, I could
not enlarge as usual to her ; so I turned to thee, and found
greater faciUty and fluency. Not that I think my letter
to thee is any thing extraordinary, as to its value, or that
I had any extraordinary influence to write it. But so it feU
out: these things occurred, and I venture to pen them
down, in a degree of freedom of mind. And, indeed,
without such freedom, we should be cautious of writing
or speaking on the solemn subject of religion. Our own
spirits, as human creatures, may agitate other matters; but
the spirit of Christ in us, should more or less open our
understandings, and give hberty, when we meddle with tha
things of his kingdom. Perhaps I may not very often
again, at least for some space of time, converse with thee

81
on this awful theme; but whether present or absent,
speaking, writing, or silent, be assured I am, with the
closest feehngs of paternal love.
Thy truly affectionate father,
"R. S."

FROM R. S. TO HIS WIFE.
" Baffitore 1st of 8th Month, 1776.
* * * « We are not to judge by outward
appearances. There may be great exactness in keeping
to the letter of the disciphne, and a good form, when either
the overcharge of temporal concerns, or indolence of spirit,
or permission of wrong things in their famihes, may pre
clude the flowing forth of good to individuals; and when
divers of such individuals are collected together, some
times darkness and heaviness wffi be felt, more than hght
and life. * * * I am persuaded thy honest, faithful
heart, loyal to thy sovereign, true to his testimony, and
zealous in his cause, is approved of by Him who knows
the heart; and if thou dost not go a good gait at last, I
do not know what wifl become of some of us. * * * *
"R. S."

FROM R. S, TO HIS SON,
« DubUn, 2d of 11th Month, 1776.
* * * « "We may expect good cheer in good
company, but may be disappointed. It is our great loss,
as a people, that we so much stand lopking one upon ano-

82
ther. ' Ye men of Jerusalem, why stand ye looking one
upon another, Jesus whom ye seek is not here' — is not to
be met with by looking for him after this manner. ' If ye
seek him, ye shaU find him.'
" We profess and hold forth a spiritual, supernatural
principle, as the essential, vital part of religion; enabling
us both to live, (be spirituaUy alive,) to know, and to wfll
and to do, as Christians. The world denies this princi
ple, so stumbles at the threshold. It is hard, per
haps impracticable, by dint of reason, to convince even
rational men of things which are above reason, which are
supernatural. They must be convinced by supernatural
means, even by the effects of that power which they deny :
these effects, to be seen and felt in the Uves, conversation,
and word and doctrine, of the professors of truth, who hve
in, and are guided by the power of it. * * *
" R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G  ,
" Ballitore, 28th of Srd Month, 1777.
"My dear Margaret, " Though I have not written immedi
ately to thee for a long time past, as the inteffigence com
municated to thy dear sister Deborah seems to answer
the end of writing to you both; yet I beheve thou art
thoroughly persuaded of the warmth of my affection for
thee, and the sohcitude with which I wait thy approaching
trial. " Thou art among most cordial and affectionate rela
tions, and hast aU the means of help at hand, which pru
dence may think necessary^ or competence can precure.
Cheer up, then, my dear child, trust in Almighty help.

83
be not tpo anxipus abput contingent circumstances, nor
look too far before thee : live a day, an hour, a minute
at a time, as well as thou canst, and leave the future.
Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof We are crea
tures but of a moment, so that in husbanding and improv
ing the smallest portions of our time, consists our greatest
wisdom. I embrace thee with sincere affection. * * *
" Thy tenderly affectionate father,
"R. S."

R. 8. TO HIS SON-IN-LAW.
« Baffitore, 25th of 6th Month, 1777.
" My dear Samuel,
" With great pleasure yesterday evening
I received thine, giving account of thy dear wife being on
the recovery (from a fever.) I hope thou wflt have to
continue us like favourable reports, till she is able to con
firm them with her own hand. I am in sentiment -with
thee, that this trial may have been permitted for good
purposes: we may see thereby, and by numberless
instances, how uncertain is the state of human prosperity,
and how soon the fairest bufldings of our imagination, our
schemes and our hopes may be dashed to pieces. We
live in a world, where, from a multitude of causes, we may
be made most wretched and miserable, and miss of a place of
rest hereafter. What need have we then to walk awfully in
humble tha;nkfulness, when We enjoy aU the necessaries and
conveniences of Ufe, and when this life is rendered by our
Almighty Benefactor not only tolerable, but comfortable:
yea, when in the infinity of his condescending goodness,
he is graciously pleased to* superadd to his temporal
G 2

84
favours, the visitatiens of his Holy Spirit, to prepare us for;
and afford us an earnest of eternal salvation. May you, my
dear chfldren, keep your vessels, your hearts, clean and
empty, waiting in abstractedness of thought and nothing
ness of self, that these vessels may receive some of the
blessed infusion, which wifl preserve you, wiU strengthen
you to go through the duties of this hfe with alacrity, and
qualify you to be of some service in the church in your
day. I have unity with you both, in your baptisms, in
your dedications, and in your resolutions that you wiU
choose the Lord and his service, and not the world and
its spirit, for the lot of your inheritance; and the petition
of my heart is for your growth and estabhshment in the
most precious truth. Amen !
«R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G 
" Baffitore, 3d of 8th Month, 1777.
""My dear Margaret,
" I am glad once more to receive a letter
from thy own hand. I wish us to be preserved thankful
receivers of the many favours conferred upon us. May
we be stffi kept in a sense of our weakness, and wretched
ness, and insufficiency without Divine protection and as
sistance, that we may look and lean to the Lord, who is
omnipotent and omnipresent, and, from one season to ano
ther, cultivate an acquaintance with him, through the means
which he has aUotted for that purpose, his spirit placed in
our hearts; by the operation of which, petitions and offerings
are prepared, and ascend with favour and acceptance, to our
common Creator and Benefactor, who is worthy of a whole
burnt-offtsring from each of us; even a total dedication of

85
Our all to him, frpm whom we have afl, and by whose
special goodness and mercy we yet remain, I hope, in
degree ahve, in every respect, to make mention with
gratitude and reverence of his exceUent name. * * * *
" R. S."

E. S. TO HER DAUGHTER S. S.
" Baffitore, 15th 8th Month, 1777.
• * * * "Thy father, M. and I, set out for
Moate, fourth day week. Our journey was attended with
some httle difficulties, but we were greatly favoured in
getting safe home; and, as our motive for going was to
be found in the way of our duty, I hope it was accept"
able. The pubhc ser-vice of the meeting seemed chiefly
to rest upon that faithful servant, EUzabeth Robinson,
though most of the ministering friends who were there,
had acceptable service also. AU tended to the one thing;
that is, to promote reformation amongst the professors of
truth, that they might become possessors of it; which
would be of more real value to us, by far, than any or aU
earthly enjoyments. So thou, my dear child, seek early
and late for this pearl of price! Forget not the constant^
inward watchfulness unto prayer, that thou mayst be pre
served from the many temptations that await thee on this
stage of hfe. Beware, lest thy mind, through unwatchful-
ness, be too much dra-wn away after trifling objects. I
do not mean admiring the beauties of the creation, which
leads to adore the Power that caused them to be; neither
the improvements of sensible, useful members of civil
society ; but many things that may present in variety of
company, conversation, &c. though I hope thou art not in
the way of such thuigs, as many other young people are, who

86
are much to be pitied. And those who are favoured with
a careful education, have cause of humble thankfulness to
the Author of all our blessings, that he was pleased to
cast their lot in the way to be directed aright, whfle so
many of our brethren, by creation, remain in darkness;
not being directed to look to the hght, to be their leader,
and the anointing to be their guide.
"E. S."

R. S. TO HIS SON.
" Dubhn, 4th of 11th Month, 1777.
* * * " It is a capital favour to have a sound
mind in a sound body. Indeed, the favours conferred on
pUr house are very great and very numerous: the princi
pal is the Divine visitation, which I wish may be embraced
with due gratitude and humility by us aU. It is an holy
thing, not to be trifled with, not to be put in competition
with any other thing; not to be put off -with a ' Go,' and
tarry yonder, and ' at a convenient season I wiU caU for
thee;' but received with open heart, and into the upper
most chambers there. Next, health of body. Then, kind,
and tender, and dear relations and friends, and the means
of procuring every necessary of hfe. Let none of these
favours escape our notice, but be the subjects of our
gratefid contemplation; that so He that dehghts to do his
creatures good, m blessmg may continue to bless us, and
to protect and help us. * * *
"R, S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G.
" BaUitore, 18th of 7th Month, 1778.
* * " Thy account of thy visit to the widow Rigg
was yery agreeable. The sick room is often a profitable
place. W^hen the favoured of Heaven are in the furnace
of affliction, the Son, the Comforter, is often sensibly
amongst them; and where he is, it is good for us to
be. * * *.
"R. S."
On the 22d of 7th month, 1778, that respectable woman,
Deborah Carleton, died at the age of sixty-five. The fol
lowing letter gives ample testimony of her estimable cha
racter*. R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G  .
" Baffitore, 27th of 7th Month, 1778,
* * * " Our loss, to be sure, is great, in thy
beloved aunt, Deborah Carleton, as she was both a sensi
ble and sincere woman. She was watchful over our inte
rests, and over the interest ' and welfare of our chUdren,
with an anxious, tender, affectionate solicitude; and, as

• In the almost maternal care which, as has been before remarked,
D. C. extended towards R and E. S.'s children, she was aided by an ex
cellent servant, Elizabeth Widdows, whom she brought up from a child;
who was religiously inclined, had a good understanding, and was not
without some literary taste. She assisted her mistress in giving a bias
to the minds of her interesting charge, in favour of what was good and
honourable; and was justly esteemed and beloved.

88
she had long experience of the world, was very capable of
advising respecting it.
"The chfldren, as might be thought, mourned, and
wiU mourn the removal of so near and dear a friend, rela
tion, guardian, assistant, instructor, and companion; but
the dispensation -wiU, I trust, be of benefit to their spirits,
and time wfll wear off the keen edge of grief She died
the 22d, and we interred her remains yesterday, after the
rise of the forenoon meeting. It was concluded best not
to bring them to the meeting. The dead was not there;
but, through infinite kindness, the living who attended
were favoured with the baptizing power and presence of
the Lord. Our dear friend James Gough came from
Dublin on the occasion, and had good time in testimony
at the meeting: in testimony again and supplication, with
renewed evidence of good, at the grave. The exemplary
life and good quaUties of the deceased were spoken to, in
allusion to Cornelius the centurion: ' Thy prayer is heard,
and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of
God.' And it is the crown of our comfort, that not only her
pass^e out of this hfe was made so easy, that at the last
she seemed only to cease to breathe; but at the solemnity
of her interment, there was felt so strong and well-grounded
a hope of her translation from a painful body to a place of
rest and happiness, which hope was borne testimony to,
I think in a good degree, of the hfe and authority of truth.
Our invaluable, steady, sincere friend, Elizabeth Pike, who
is so hard to be prevafled on to pay visits, or stay unneces
sarfly from home, has continued vrith us ever since, and
does not purpose to leave us till to-morrow. I think I
never knpw such another, (man or woman,) for firm, steady
friendship; her company is of great use, and a consola
tion to thy mother. She came vrith intention to adminis
ter com^f t to rny dear sister ; but that comfort was re
served for her survivors. *** I doubt not the kindness

89
of thy friends and relations in visiting thee in thy
trouble. Give aU our dear love to them all. I love them
that love thee. E. Pike joins us in dear love to thee.
May kind Providence bless and protect thy httle ones,
saith thy truly affectionate father,
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS SON.
"BaUitore, 13th of 2d Month, 1779.
* * * "I hope to be at the solemnization of
your marriage, and trust that if we keep to a right prepa
ration of heart, the Great Master wiU favour us with his
presence. Thou sayst, and truly, that solemnity causes
inward strength; but the heart must witness a preparation
for the solemnity. This preparation of heart, this cleans
ing our way, is only effected by taking heed thereto, ac
cording to the dictates of the in-speaking word. Keep
pace with this, and in aU your previous transactions dp no
thing contrary to this, and I doubt not but you will be
strengthened to go through the public part which you
have stIU to act, in a manner suitable to the occasion.
Remember the advice which Mary gave at that honourable
marriage, to which both Jesus and his disciples were
caUed: ' WTiatever he saith unto you, do it;' and the con
sequence was, that the plain, simple water-pots for purifi
cation, were made to contain most exceUent vrine. You
are both very dear to me: I love you both as one. You
are the companions of my thoughts, and subjects of my
prayers. You must bear with me then, if, with parental
tenderness and affection, I earnestly recommend to you
the path which leads to present and future happiness. It
is not a path in which the world walks, for the friendship
of the world is enmity with God; but it is a path of holi-

90
ness and self-denial; it is a path of lowUness and purity;
but it is a path in which is found substantial peace. May
you walk hand in hand through life in this path, encou
raging one another in every good word and work, true
helpmates in prosperity and adversity; ' looking unto
Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you :' i. e,
caffing to your frequent recoUection your ancestors, male
and female, from whom you are descended; men and
women devoted in all their noble faculties to the cause of
truth, which is the cause of genuine Christianity: worthies
whose names are of sweet memorial, and wfll very proba
bly be transmitted, with real honour, to latest posterity,
' Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the
end of that man is peace.' And it is the end which we
should stfll keep in view. * * *
"R. S."
On the day on which his son was married to Lydia
MeUor, R, S, wrote to his wife,
" DubUn, 23d of 2d Month, 1779,
" My dear Love,
" This day is over : it is near nine o'clock. It
has been a memorable day, to be commemorated by me
and mine with humble gratitude. The meeting was
solemn and favoured. The sphit of thy poor husband
prostrated in reverent, humble gratitude, and baptized in
the deeps. Surely if this connexion was not of the Lord,
surely his power would not be so evidently felt m the
solemnization of it. Gratitude, my dear, gratitude has
overcome my heart for this addition of favour. We have
had this evening a good, religious opportunity after tea, in
which dear James Gough was, I think, weU concerned ; as
he was remarkably in the pubhc meetmg, both in testunony,

91
before the parties took each other in marriage, and after
wards in supphcation. * *
"Lydia is really an engaging young woman. I hope
we shall have comfort in her, and that she wffi do her hus
band good, and not evil, afl the days of their living toge
ther. * *
" R. S."
By this marriage another branch was grafted into the
stpckpf this famfly; a branch bearing gppd fruit, in every
sense pf the wprd; worthy of her descent from Margaret
FeU, (Fox;) and helping to fiU the vacuum, and heal the
wound, caused by the recent loss of a beloved relation,
(D. C.) On his son's marriage, R. S. resigned the school
to him, and retired to the house where his father had
hved. It may not be unappropriate to make a short mention
here, of some of those domestics, by whose upright conduct
and fidehty R. S.'s pious concern for the right ordering of
the famfly had been essentiaUy promoted. A young friend
from the county of Wexford was servant to R. S. and his
first wife : she was a person of much simphcity and little
cultivation, but truly -wise in having "chosen the good
part," which was " never taken from her." She married
James M'Connaughty, who also settled in the family.
This worthy couple had no chfldren, but they loved those
of their master vrith nearly the same affection as if they had
been their own; and this love was fondly returned, and a
tender respect paid to their memory, by those whose in
fancy they had cherished, and whose youth they watched
over for good. James, after some years, took a miU of his
master, and removed to it, obtaining, in the country, the
title of " honest James." He died in 1780, of a short iU
ness, and his widow returned to her master's house, where
she survived bim ten years. They had been blest with

92
mutual happiness in each other, and with the prptectipn of
Him whom they loved above aU. For several years the
station of housekeeper at the school was also fiUed by a
reUgious friend.
The dwelUng which became the residence of Richard
and Elizabeth Shackleton, when they reUnquished the im
portant charge that had devolved upon them, received
from R. S. the name of the Retreat. Here, loosened from
the ties, and released from the responsibffity which had in
some degree limited their general sphere of action, they be
came stfll more dedicated to the service of the society.
In 1779, Sarah Newland, a valuable friend and approved
minister, was concerned to visit the meetings of Friends
throughout this island. R. and E. S. who knew her
worth, her patience, and her trials, united in the general
concurrence of her friends with her prospect. They did
more : they yielded to a like impulse, and gave her their
company and conveyance for traveUing. It was an arduous
undertaking; but in simphcity and singleness of heart they
accomphshed it.
Inthis journey, E. S's notes mention several friends then
living, above eighty years of age. Amongst thehi, Joseph
and Abigail Smithson, who, feeble and aged as they were,
accompanied them some miles to the next meeting ; John
Wright of Baflinelay, who had built a new meeting-house
at his own expence, and gave to Friends a lease of it, and
of a piece of ground for a burial-place. She concludes,
4th of 8th month, 1779 : " Got wefl to BalUtore, with hum
ble thankfulness in our minds for the many favours and
preservations afforded to us, and for the blessing of peace
in the discharge of this office of friendship and duty."
During his absence from them, R. S. enhvened his famfly
by his pleasant and instructive correspondence.

95

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER DEBORAH.
"Dungannon, 13th of 5th Month, 1779,
* * * " My dear child, I am going about espousing
the concern and engagement of another, for the propaga
tion of true rehgion, and sometimes feehng some degree of
engagement in my own mind for the same. Thou mayst,
therefore, expect that my letters should contain and convey
some rehgious matter and tincture. But I seldom find any
opportunities, of a rehgious kind, more deeply and sohdly
beneficial to my spirit, than those which I meet with in my
seasons of private rethement at home. To this assiduous,
dffigent waiting for, and seeking after, the resurrection of
a divine life, inwardly stirring in their own minds, I, above
all things, recommend my dear children, as the surest way
to be preserved, as weU as to grow and thrive in religious
experience.
«R. S."

FROM THE SAME TP THE SAME.
" Lisbum, 18th pf 5th Mpnth, 1779.
* * * " There is a number of young people up,
and dovm, hopefiil and promising, who do not prefer the
tinsel vanities of this world, to the substantial comforts of
Divine favour. They are not compatible together: the
idol which the uncircumcised nature worships, cannot
stand where the ark of the testimony dweUs. We must
choose which we would serve; and on making a right
choice, and persevering therein, depends our everlasting
happiness. Oh! my chfldren, be wise, and make glad tbe
hearts of your tender, affectionate father and mother, who

94
watch over you, vrith soUcitous care, for your good. Be
humble and be meek, that you may be taught of the ways
of the Lord, and your understanding guided in sound
judgment. So wfll you be as happy as the condition of
mortal man can be; in yourselves feeling renewedly the
evidence, assurance, and earnest of a blessed immortality,
and you wiU come up successors in the maintenance of the
noblest cause which ever was, or ever will be upon earth.
No honour equal to that of being the servants of Christ ;
no wages of such high value as he liberaUy bestows. The
time hastens, with unremitting speed, which wffi decide on
each of us. The past is irrevocable, the future uncertain ;
therefore, now is the acceptable time, and now is the op
portunity t^hidi should be laid hold pn, and dfligently im-
prpved by us aU, and each pf us. -' "R.S."''

R. S. TP HIS DAUGHTER MARY.
"BaUitore, 29th of 8th Month, 1779.
* * " Paul Kerma's family have been in a fever.
The mother recovered ; the father's state stiU doubtful;
the son, their only chfld, the prop and comfort of the family,
a fine, hopefiil youth, has just hoV expired. Surely this is
a vale of tears. We had need take care of health while we
enjoy it : we ought to be exceedingly thankful for it, as wefl
as for the tranquflhty, pubhc and domestic, and those neces
saries and conveniences of life which we stiU enjoy." * *
Soon after the date of the above, the daughter to whom
it was addressed was seized with a fever in Dublin, at the
house of the kind family friends, Joseph and EUzabeth
Pike, where she experienced such kindness as claimed and
excited strong emotions of gi'atitude. Her mother and

95
sister came to her, and attended her through a dangerous
illness. Her anxious father on this occasion thus ex
presses himself. R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER DEBORAH.
"Baffitore, 16th of 9th Month, 1779.
" Thy letter, my dear Debby, be sure alarmed us yester
day, though couched in the most moderate terms. We
hardly know sometimes how dear persons and things are
to us, tiU we are in danger of losing them. * * I know,
and at'times feel the instabflity and uncertginty of risible
enjo}Tnents. I am sensible that we have not long to stay
together on this earth. Our conflicts and troubles
here wffi spon be over; and if, through the mercy of
Divine Providence, we be preserved from evfl while here,
pur spuls vriU be centered in rest and peace hereafter. It
therefpre becomes us aU to seek after resignation, and sub-i
mission to that high and holy hand, which dpth aU things
weU. Perhaps, by this dispensatien pf affiiction and pain;
he means to reduce the creaturely part in our dear child;
to purify her spirit, and prepare it to offer those sacrifices
without blemish, with which he is always well pleased :
sacrifices not kindled by the fire of her own hvely imagiha-
tipn, nor offered upon an altar raised by any artificial tool ;
but those spiritual hymns, and songs, and melody, which
are pf divine origin, and stiU tend towards their original,
ascending and descending, hke Jacob's ladder, which had
communication between earth and heaven.
" In the tenderest manner whisper in my dear chfld's ear,
that I love her very deariy, and hope in due time to em
brace her in my fond arms; — that the neighbours, and
friends, and relations here are very inquisitive about her ; —
and that her speedy recovery is the subject of our earnest
desires. It seems unnecessary for me to say further, while

96
her tender and exceUent mother is near. * * * I need
not bid thee do all in thy power to keep up thy mpther's
spirits; but I charge thee, endeavpur to support thy
own.
"R. S."

R. S. TP HIS WIFE.
"Baffitpre, 9th Month, 1779.
* * * " I am thankful that thrpugh all, and
through afl my own many infirmities, I have a place in the
hearts of the generality of my friends ; having been pre^
served from retahating evil for evfl, but stffi endeavouring
to overcome evfl with good. And I am thankful that, as
to natural things, the httle meal in the barrel, and the little
ofl in the cruise has not, through the favour of our great
Benefactor, yet fafled; nor is the spring of humble, and I
trust, holy gratitude dried up in me, for the capital favour
of such a wife and such chfldren as I am blessed with; but,
on the contrary, I may figuratively say, rivers of grateful
tears run down my eyes for the same. If our dear Mary
be restored to us, it wffi be a particular additional
favour. * * »
" Remember me, in the most affectionate and grateful
manner, to J. and E. Pike, whose house we trouble, not
only as an inn but an hospital. I can do httle in return
for such manifold favours ; but I have prayed that retribu
tion may be made them for their kindness, by Him who
has aU power to bless.
"R, S."

97

R. S. TO HIS SON.

" BaUitore, 1779.
"I rejoice, and partake, and join in the harmony which
thou mentionest to subsist in our famfly. Each of us has the
high fit, the low fit, and the cross fit ; and if there be not
mutual forbearance and condescension, we shall lose peace
on earth. In music there are not only different chords and
strings, but stops and pauses. Let us seek to be ordered
and modulated by the soul of harmony. Divine love ; and
if we cannot go forward in service, and find our own minds
not under present quahfication to help others, let us stand
stffi tiU we renewedly feel and know that good is present
with us. Thus minding our stops and movings, the lock
ing and unlocking of the key, which opens and none can
shut, and shuts and none can open, we shall walk wisely
and usefiiUy in our several lots in life, * * * " R. S>"

R. S. TO HIS WIFE.
" Baffitore, 26th of 9th Month, 1779.
* * "If thou and dear Mary were at home, I think
we should aUbe very comfortable together, now our Debby
is returned. I do not speak at random when I thus speak.
I know wherein true comfort consists, and I know what an
uncertain world we Uve in. I trust our dear Mary will
have learned also, by the things whieh she has suffered,
what is the greatest good — the good part ; and that she will
be enabled tP dedicate her aU, to consecrate every faculty,
and devote the whole body of her affections, to Him who

98
has been bountiful and gracious to her. Her duty, re
spect, and Ipve, reflected back from Him, to those who
have a right to claim them here, wiU then come with sweets
e^t influence and acceptance.
« R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G— — .
" BaUitore, 29th of 12th Mpnth, 1779,
* * * "I have just received accpunt of the death
of my dearly beloved friend, Jane Watson, of Rathrush,
who departed this hfe in great quietude, without sigh or
groan, yesterday about noon. She was my very dear
fnend. I feel for her loss, but the situation of her health
made her stay hardly desirable on her own account. Kill"
coimer is now 'emphaticafly poor.' * * * SaUy is
poprly in health— has hurt her cpnstitutipn, I beheve, by
her dutifiil, affectionate, tender, assiduous care of her excel
lent mother, for sp Ipng a time, * * *
"R, S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
" Baffitore, 26th of 2d Month, 1780,
"My dear Margaret,
" I received thine of the 18th, at my return from the
quarterly meeting of Mountmeffick, That meeting was
large, and I think, as tp instrumental help, favoured,
James Gough and Mary Ridgway had, in my apprehen
sion, good times. What a wonderful blessing to the church
is a hving ministry ! and how precious a thing and admira-

99
ble it is for a human creature tP be qualified to speak in the
name of the Lord ! and for human nature to be influenced
by a supernatural power ! The frequency of such appear
ances among us, Uke those of the sun, moon, and stars,
and the process of vegetation, hy the familiarity, takes off
from the astonishment ; but stfll, great and marvellous are
the works of the Almighty.
«R. S."
After spendiffg eight years in Baffitpre, in imprpving and
pleasing society, the comforts of which were increased by
the placidity ahd cheerfidness of his own temper, Samuel
Cai4etondied> of a slow, but not very painful iUness, in
great love and sweetness of mind ; thankful that he had
been so long favoured with health, and not repining at the
loss of it. R, S. TO HIS SON.
" Waterford, 20th of 3d Month, 1780.
* * * "It is wefU to be useful members of civil
society, and to endeavour to provide -weU for our famffies,
HI whose sBcietywe enjoy many comforts; but the subordi
nation of things is greatly wanting among many: primary
eensidferaifiions rank only as secondary, and secondary usurp
the place of prirhary. The Ep of truth 'has feetdled the
erdfer, which man has reverteed in his conduct. Chlist
says, 'seek first the kingdom;' and assures, that> necessary
af^rtewaaaces aani appehdages ^aU be added. May yOu,
my beloved chfldren, united as you are in 'fle^, being
united in a *ight spirit, serik first, principstUy, most
earttestSy, the fevour of hfeaven, that you may happfly be
objects of divine notice and help. SoUd, and arduous, and
eohipUeated are your duties and engagements ; and you
never can fulfil them accepta:bly tp (j-od and nian, without
¦a2

100
the Lord's blessed mediation, guidance, and protection. I
often desire it for you, m humble prostration, and trust
that in Uke manner you seek it fpr • yourselves. As you ^
suffer the leaven of hoUness and pure and undeflled re
ligion, to operate upon and leaven your minds, you wiU in-
falUbly do weU,
" Should you unhappily forget what hand it is that feeds
and supports you, and depend on your own sufficiency for
preservation and prosperity, you are gone, my beloved
chUdren, and the joy of your father is gone with you:
therefore, be ye humble, be watchfiil, be dffigent in renew
edly seeking and feeling after the evidence of di-vine favour
and approbation upon your spirits, every day and every
night, as you pass along, and as each day and night re
volves ; that so God Almighty may bless you, instruct and
assist you to hve to his honour, and to the honour of the
great and high professipu which we make ampug men.
Sp be it^
«R. S."
In 1780, R. S. was again at the yearly meeting of Lon
don; and from that time to the end of his life, constantly
attended that solemnity, with the exception of the year
1 786, when he set his son at hberty to go thither. R. S.
had made several valuable acquaintances, when he was m
England in 1776, some of whpm were ypung in years,
with whom he maintained a corresppndence. His friends
and he rejpiced tp meet: he was much comforted in their
company. The hospitable house of J, E, was open to him
and most of the fiiends from Ireland, who experienced;
great kmdness from that meek-sphited, exceUent fiiend,
and his worthy wife and famfly. When he went to York,
the vacuum left by the death of his uncle, seemed fiUed by
the brotherly attentions of WflUam Tuke, who, with his
exceUent wife and children, received him with true affec-

101
tion. On his way to, and sometimes from London, his
visits to Abiah Darby combined a variety of comforts: his
cheerful and improving society was duly appreciated by
those whose natural tastes and acquirements were similar;
but far nearer were their spirits united, by the sweet influ
ence of perfect goodness, which drew them to mingle to
gether in rejoicing and in suffering. The venerable
mother, her daughters, Mary, Sarah, and Deborah, (the
devoted Deborah, a mother in Israel,) are afl names dear to
those who knew them; and here the repose of age, and the
activity of youth, united to promote the love of the Creator,
and the happiness of his creatures.
jjk In this year his daughter Deborah accompanied him,
previously to her marriage with Thomas Chandlee, of
Athy, a smaU town six mfles from Baffitore.

E, S, TO HER HUSBAND,
" Baffitore, 12th of 5th Month, 1780,
* * * "I observe thy exceUent remarks concerning
the kind protection of Him, who has been with us through
fife, and the good cause we have to trust in his mercy, who
knows our hearts ; and how sensible we are of our own
inabffity to provide for, or preserve ourselves. And I hope
our dear chfldren wffi reap the advantage of the tender
and unremitting concern of their affectionate father. If
they do not, they must certainly have more to answer for
than poor, neglected chfldren, many of whom are to be met
with, even in our own society; and I wish the parents of
such might consider the great trust reposed in them, lest
the burden of their negligence should be insupportable at
last.
«E. S,"

102

R, S. TO HIS WIFE,
" Butler's Court, near Beaconsfiel^,
25th of 5th Month, 1780.
* • " The yearly meeting being over; I went to see
Edmund Burke, Halving given him notice of the hour of
my intendfed -risit, he had come from the House ef
Commons, and was ready, with his famfly, to receive me.
The friendship, the freedom, the cordiality -with which he
and his embraced me,'was rather more than might be e%
pected from long love. I could not weU avoid coming
with him to this place, which is most beautiful, on a very
large scale : the house, furniture, ornaments, conveniences, ,
aU in a grand style. Six hundred acres of land, woods,
pleasure-grounds, gardens, green-house, &c. For my part,
I stand astonished at the man and at his place of abode:
a striking paraUel may be drawn between them ; they are
subhme and beautiful indeed,
" I awoke early this morning, as usual, and was glad- to
find no condemnation; but, on the contrary, abffity to put
up fervent petitions, with much tenderness, on behalf of
this luminary. * * *
"Dr, FothergiU moved, to my great satisfaction,, to have
the yearly meeting stationary, and not regulated by the
anniversary of a moveable feast *. It is to be taken into
consideration at the next sitting of that great and solemn
assembly, * * ^
"R, S,"

The time called Whitsuntide.

103

FROM. THE SAME TO THE SAME.
"Bristol, 10th of 6th Month, 1780.
* * * " There are dreadful accounts coming here
dmly from' London, of an insurrection of many thousands
of the populace; putting down Romish chapels, and
breaking open prisons, and doing great damage ^ to the
persons, houses, and furniture of mdividuals, nobflity,
gentry, &c. Our friend, Edmund Burke, most happily
(by the mterposition, I. trust, of Divine Providence)
escaped out of their hands, for I suppose they had him a
whfle in their power. He pleaded his own cause with the
mad multitude; and the ControUer of aU things so over
ruled their wicked, desperate, furious spirits, that they let
him go unhurt.
« R, S."

FROM THE SAME Tb THE SAftri. '
" Clonmel, 4tth of 9th M^mthj 1 780.
* * * "I venerate the name and chai-acter of an
ambassador of Christ; and I also am disposed to tliink fa
vourably of those whom, after Jong experience, i have
deemed Valuable friends : therefore, feeUng little or nothing
any way, I stand as it were neuter in my judgment, and
find it best for me not even to give a hberty to thought,
nor tP meddle in other folk's matters. Our high and holy
profession is a great house, buflt not for man, nor by man,
but for God; and supernatural vrisdom must quahfy for
servants and officers in this house, or it will be dishonoured,
and the Master be displeased. Too miich backwardness,
and too much officiousness, are equally offensive. My desire

104
is, my dear love, for us and for ours, whom I have many
times found abihty to dedicate to the service of this house,
that the great Master of the family would instruct us to
perform our several duties acceptably before him, if he
should honour us with any of his commands; and if not,
that he would be graciously pleased to preserve us from
eril, walking in lowUness and shnplicity, yet acceptably be
fore him.
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER SAUAH,
" Clonmel, 7th of 9th Month, 1780.
* * * " It would not be grateful, in every sense
of tbe word, to force Mary away -with us : thou must learn
resignation and patience. . I hope it wfll not be long before
you meet with joy ; that joy and placid serenity which can
only be had under the canopy of conscious innocence.
The contrary beclouds the mind, and prevents any satis
faction arising from the most pleasing, natural gratifica
tions. Conscious guflt gives every object, how agreeable
soever in itself, a gloomy, sable hue: it damps, it depresses,
it debases. By the mercy of our great and common bene
factor, I hope and beheve aU my dear children are pre
served, in a good measure, from any great mixture of this
aUoy. May the holy leaven have room to continue so to
pperate, that the whple lump maybe sanctffied; then the
jpy wffi be ftJl, * * *
"This place is very agreeable; rendered still mpre so
by the little prattUng babes, among whom I stalk about,
Uke a sort of patriarch, while they caU me ^ grandfaddy^

105
and present me with their little offerings. Yet stfll home,
and the dearest of all earthly objects attracts me home-
I hope thy mother is satisfied with my stay, and that you
aU exert yourselves to make her comfortable, and my ab
sence tolerable to her. She deserves every mark of duty,
affection, respect, and aittentioh from you. She also wants
your assistance, and the defects of mempry and recoUec
tion, and depredations of time, to be suppUed and made
up by your more youthful activity, * * The good dis
positions of my chfldren are the joy of my heart, and weigh
it down with humble gratitude. The prospect which
opens for my dear Debby is indeed highly pleasing and
comfortable to me, as I have a peculiar regard for the
young man, whom she has no cause to be ashamed to teU
the people she designs to marry. It is also my long set
tled behef, that, if kind Providence grants this my dear
chfld healthy she wffi be a, very loving, valuable wifei — a
meet help in every respect, both civil and reUgiouSj^: j§^o
that Thomas Chandlee wfll I hope be ha,ppy, as It^Uy
think he deserves to be, in domestic life. * * •':;i
"'R*i:''

R. S, TO HIS DAUGHTER DEBORAH,
" Clonmel, 8th of 9th Month, 1780.
* * " I am pleased thou hast got one step
towards thy solemn engagement, I hope, weU over. The
benediction of our good old friend Robert Leckey was
grateful to me also^ as/weU as to thee, I hope you wffi often,
both severally and unitedly, seek for the immediate de
scending of that blessing which maketh truly rich and adds

106
no sorrow with it. The riches of this worldj accumulated
even by honest hidiistry, without having the great Dis
poser of all things in view; and acting about the affairs of
this hfe in His holy fear,, are often the means of inexpres
sible perplexity and disquiet, sometimes of the most dread
ful evils. Whereas a looking, a leaning, an hiumble de
pendance on Him that feeds the ravens, and in the cout
catenation of the events ordered by his Providence, caused
the same ravens to feed his prophet, is the way to pro*
cure the divine blessing to be superadded, and prevents
thatsorrow which worketh' death to the innocent; happy,
composed life, Bitt though 1 thus indfulge a freedom of
writings I think I wefl know both your hearts; and that
they are in that place where treasures pf a far more noble
kind than any this world can -feffordj are laid up for the
poor in spirit, the simple and honest hearted, and those
-whothhik little of themselves; can say Uttte for themselvesi
yet are dfligent in- waiting for abiUfy to walk in that way
which leads tp Ufe everlastings. We have> each of us, our
foibles as men and women, and have each of us occasion
tp be industiieus in watching untp prayer ; that the drpp-
pings and distfllings of good may faU upon our branches;
strengthening and fructifying the holy plant, and destroy
ing, by its sacred virtue and influence, or at least correct
ing, those frailties of the flesh, which, Uke messengers of
Satan, are at times sent to buffet even those who are weU
minded, and in a good degree partakers of Divine regard
and notice. *¦ * * * If we neglect a proper care of our
bodies, disorders wiU hurt them ; if we omit to seek for spi
ritual nourishment, our souls wiU be in danger of perisMagy
and if we exercise not our reason, to cultivate and improve
our natural uhderstajidihgsj to form us and our manners so
as to be pleasing and profitable members of society, our
spirits may, in our progress through life, contract dispo-

107
sitions, which in course of time may be inveterate and hard
tp be removed; dispositions which wffi much disqualify
us for fiffing our several departments in Ufe with propriety,
and with ease and satisfaction to ourselves and others, I
write freely to thee, my dear chfld, because I love thee;
because Divine Providence has favoured thee with a good
understanding, both natural and spiritual; and because
thou art now going to leave thy father's house, and to be
the companion of a worthy, a sensible, and a reUgious
man: therefore I would not be wanting on my part to do
every thing in my power, in every respect, for thy happy
and comfortable settlement; and having done my duty to
the best of my poor abffities, leave the rest to our Al
mighty benefactor, whom I pray to bless you together,
with every spiritual and temporal blessing, which his un
erring wisdom sees best to- ihdue you with, * * *
«R. S.''

R. S. TO HIS SON.
" Clonmel, 11th of 9tli Mon|th, 1780. ,
"My DEAR Abraham, ,
" Thy letter pf 6th was and is indeed very
gratefid tp me: itis such incense as (thrsai^b the abun
dant mercy pf pur common gracious Benefactor) I was
favpured with abffity to offer tp my father, and such as,
thrpugh the cpntinuation of the same mercy, I trust thou
¦wflt know the pleasure of receiving from thy own offspring.
It is remarkable how in the moral world,, the crime of
irreverence to parents is punished in its own kind, and
the iniquity of the parents, in this Une, visited on the chil-

108
dren, from generation to generation. In all sins the crime
begets its own punishment ; but in this, the crime begets
the punishment in its own likeness. By the unmerited
kindness of Divine Proridence I have experienced the
contrary causes producing the contrary effects, in a simflar
manner. * *
" Thou wflt hear with pleasure from me a confirmation
of thy sister Margaret's happiness here. When I say
happiness, I do not mean it in the vague, superficial sense
in which I frequently observe that term emplpyed, I think
her happy, because I think her good. And yet bpth these
epithets are tp be taken and used with a comparative limi
tation, and reference to human condition. She does us much
honour, however, in this place, by her conduct as a mem
ber of civfl and reUgious society: she is nUrsing a beau
tiful babe: she has reared two Pthesr fine chfldren; and she
is a true helpmate, in every sense, to a very worthy, honest,
active man, who is an affectipnate husband, a gppd father,
and prosperous in business. I trust in the mumficence of
Heaven, which is graciously pleased tp shpwer dpvm its
favours upon us who are unworthy of them, that we shaU
have the like grateful acknowledgments to make respect
ing pur dear Debby: indeed, the sense pf my obUgations
to our Almighty Benefactpr, on account pf my dear chfl
dren, pften humbles my heart, and weighs me dpwn, as
fruit-bearing branches, pver-lpaded, bend tpwards the pa
rent earth, which suppUes the nourishment to the tree. * *
" Though Lydia and I have not corresponded this time,
yet I trust we are as epistles written in each other's hearts,
" I am, my dear Abraham's affectionate father,
"R. S."

109

R. S. TP HIS DAUGHTER G-

" Baffitpre, 1st pf 12th Mpnth, 1780.
* * " We took our fmal leave of our dear
friend Robert Leckey, the 19th, He died the 22d ult.
We had a favoured season with him, in which Sarah New-
land ministered to him in a sweet and lively manner. I
beUeve his spirit is happfly at rest, after a long hfe pf in
tegrity, humffity, fidehty tp the testimony, benevolence,
and humanity. His funeral was very large,
" R, S."

11»

CHAPTER V.

Letters writien bet-ween the years 1781 and 1788, incltisive.
E. S, TO HER HUSBAND,
"BaUitore, 1781.
* * * " Though it was agreeable to get a letter from
thee, yet thou mayst be sure it would have been much more
so to have had thyself, if it had been right: if not, it
is better for thee to be employed in the business of go
ing about doing good. This I hope is the case, and if
thou thinkest thou canst not do much more than assist and
support the hands of our ancient friend, who may often be
cast down through infirmities of body, and distress of
mind, it must be doing good. Distress of mind thy honest
heart is weU used to, on account of the unfaithfulness of
the professors of the unchangeable truth, which wffi re
main so, though aU men should forsake it. What remains
to be done by the few who are concerned for the promo
tion thereof, is, to be watchful and humble, seeking to
know what is required, and then hpnestly and simply per
forming it. This, I believe, is the way for the work of re- -
formation to go forward, that is begun in many roinds.
The more we are reduced and brought into the httleness,
(as thy father used to say,) and kept in it, the more help
ful we shaU be, as instruments in the hand of the Almighty,
who can work by whom it pleaseth him to work. * *
"E. S."

Ill

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G  .
" BalUtore, 7th of 1st Month, 1781.
* * "I suppose thy good man Samuel is by
this time in Cprk, I wish his hpnest mind may receive
benefit there. Such breaking away, every new and then,
from the cares and cumbers of this hfe, is very necessary
and profitable to aU who can compass it, and should be
struggled and contended for by men of business. And
not only at such seasons of general edification, do I wish
you, dear chfldren, to profit; but recommend, what I
donbt not is at times your practice, often to cultivate at
home a renewing of the baptism of truth in your own hearts :
this tendering influence, this dafly sacrifice of a broken
and contrite spirit, wffi be acceptable to him who is the
Author of every blessing, spiritual andtempotai; and wiH
be found to animate, refresh, and in-rigorate for the dis
charge of every duty of eve^jy kind. * * *
"We hve in much comfort, anrity, and satisfaction ; and
I hope some of us are not ih^nsible of the gjresit aWd
capital favour it is tliat oui^ domestic tranquiffity is length'-
ened out. This is a favour that I am jealous > too many
dp not properly estimate, and yet the complexion of the
times is such, that it ^eems np way unUkely that tbe false
rest, which many have settled ii^ wiU be disturbed; and
then the wprth of peace, s,nd. tranqufflity, and ease, and
plenty, will be known by the want of them. Divine Pro
vidence, indeed, is aU-suffident tp protect and' deliver; he
is gppd and gracipus, slow to anger, and long-suffering,"
else it would seem that these poor islands would be, as it
were, swaUowed up by such combined hosts of foes, I

112
say He is merciful and all-sufficient, yet it is not amiss for
us to commune together on the way, concerning these
thmgs; and doubtless is acceptable to our great Preserver,
when in a right spirit we commemorate his benefits, "R.S."

R, S, TO HIS DAUGHTER MARY,
" Tottenham, 14th of 6th Month, 178K
* * * « ,  — is a sprightly, sensi
ble woman; but would suit my taste much better, if more
pf the diffident, the humble, the simple entered mto her
comppsitipn. And even true genius and Uterary accom
pUshments receive a softness and lustre from these quaUties,
highly prnamental. I hepe I am npt apt tp force the
subject pf reUgiph intp conversation; (Uke poor Saul, whp
would have the prpphet cpnjiired up for him;) but let ad
vanced age, experience, and parental affection say, reli-
^on, my dear chfld, is the safety, the happiness, the glory
of human nature. By its sanctifying virtue, natural and
improved abiUties are kept in due subjectipn, regulated
and directed te useful purppses: by this we have cpunsel
and wisdpm in dubipus and intricate ccncerns; by this we
have resource and consolation in distress; and by this: we
have (the greatest of aU favours) the evidence, the as
surance, the earnest of a happy immortahty. Aspire after
the knowledge ef it, my dear chfld: with aU thy acquire
ments, endeavour to acquire this. Remember Moses, who*
was exceeding fair, who had the education of a court to
polish his manners, who was wise in all the learning of the
Egyptians, and whose poetical talents are left on record in
his song; yet had he given the preference to these quaU-

113
ties in his heart, he never would have been the leader pf
the Lord's people through the Red Sea and the wflder
ness; but he chose rather to suffer affliction with the peo
ple of GU)d, thain enjpy the pleasures pf sin for a season.
Sp thpugh no man knows where the visible part of him was
buried, yet his memory Uves, and preaches loudly to us, to
this day, * * *
" R. S."

R. 3. TP HIS DAUGHTER SARAH.
Newport Pagnel, 18th of 6th Month, 1781.
* * " Where there is not the salt of rehgion,
tP me cpmpany is exceedingly insipid. If we be truly en
amoured with the great object of our entire love, we shall
be sick of the conversation of those who are so far from
being tinctured in Uke manner. * * That which deserves
the name of Christian friendship, (or fellowship,) which is
gendered and nourished by divine love, cannot subsist be
tween persons of such opposite spirits. But, my dear
chfld, if through the mercy of the Almighty, (for there
we are to depend, having not the least merit of our pwn,)
if through his cpndescending mercy, we are happfly pre
served, having that eye open which sees a beauty in the
most exceUent truth, the beauty pf holiness; if through
the same mercy we suffer our affections to be separated
from earthly and raised to aspire after heavenly enjoy
ments ; as we thus take firm root in the Ufe of religion,
we shaU grow in the branches ; and in due season put out
leaves, and bring forth fruit, which may convey healing
virtue and food to others. So men and women become as
* Saviours on Mount Zion ;' but consider, this is not an

114
unstable, slippery footing, but Mount Zion which wflt
never be moved. There is no steady, profitable progress
made in a journey, if we be ever and anon halting, loiter
ing, standing, forgetting what we are about, or, even if
we make spme advances forward, and yet suffer ourselves
again to be drawn, as much, or perhaps mere, in a retre-
gi'ade directipu. Such a cpnduct is dangerous; no com
fortable composure abides with us on the way, and the
night may overtake us, before we have completed the
labour of the day.
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G  .
"BaUitore, 4th of 7th Montli, 1781.
"My DEAR Margaret, " Through the benignity of gracious
Providence still extended to thy poor father, I can again
salute thee from my pwn home, that comfortable home,
which he has allotted me, among the sweets of domestic
life; and which I reached on the 2d instant, under a ten
der sense of his mercies. Indeed, his kindness has been
very great to me in this last excursion, reproving, instruct
ing, encouraging, sustaining, and preserving; giring me
favpur amongst his favpurites, whereby I witnessed the
renewal ef former amities, in a manner such as I wpuld
wish, and the creatien pf new pues. * * Jpshua Pim
tpld me in DubUn that his mpther continued better, I
was greatly satisfied with her company. The feeling man
ner in which she spoke pf the inward comfort she had expe
rienced, I thought ministered life to my spirit, and I sate
with pleasure under the distiUation of her-speech, as under
the dropping of Gospel rain. Behold, my dear chfld, the

115
Omnipptent Friend, whose support is sufficient for every
trial, and who is near to help in the deepest afffictiori.
Whp would not by &11 means assiduously cultivate such
patronage?
« R. S."

R. S. TO HIS SON,
" Dublin, 1st of 11th Month, 1781,
"Dear Abraham,
" We got well and in good time hither, I
hope this wiU find you also in gopd pUght, Storms and
cross winds -wfll sometimes discompose us on this sea;
and there is also a danger from the becalmed, indifferent
state of mind. To have one at the helm, that can not
only steer the vessel safe, but command the winds and
waves, is a great acquisition. We should, with the eye of
prudence, keep a sharp look-putj that no hidden rocks or
shelves be in the way; but our dependence must be on
the pilot, and tb him we must submit the guidance, or we
shaU not be safe. For my part, I have been much tossed and
agitated of late, on various accounts. The hemisphere looks
cloudy, and neither suri, morai, nor stars appear. But I
strive to get ' right- onward,' You, my beloved chfldren,
are a great comfort to me, andi as ypu dp weU, you will
cohtribute much to my happiness. Your task aUotted in
life is arduous and comjflex; yori -will very much want
(and I hope you are truly sensible that yOu want)
Divine Wisdom for your guide. Divine Providence for
your prptectpr, and Di^ne Power to iriediate for you.
From a sense of our own insufficiency arises a cry for
I 2

116
help; and in proportion to our sensibility and distress^
that cry penetrates the holy ear with effectual importu
nity. * * » The full, the self-sufficient, as they ask not, so
they receive not; as they do not feel themselves poor,.
they neither labour nor beg. The Lord's poor are fed
at his gate, but tlie rich and the full are sent empty away,
" I very freely and readfly accept of our Lydia's apology
for not writing to me: I know the source of her back
wardness, and it is among the many things which rivet my
affection to her. She is herself an epistle written in my
heart, which I often read vrith delight.
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS SON-IN-LAW G— — ,
" BaUitore, 18tb of 12th Month, 1781,
* * * "I wrpuld not be wanting to myself
and family in taking necessary steps for the recovery of
my money, according to the best of my understanding, and
the advice of my judicious friends; but I find that suffer
ing my mind to be; too much occupied hi cpntemplation
about these matters, hurts and unfits it for better things,
I acknowledge I am not wise in my generation about
them; I am sensible of it, (as also that it is a defect, and
not any merit in me,) and therefore I apply, when I can,
to Him who has aU power in heaven and on earth, and
without whose permission such events do not happrai, that
he wffi be pleased to mediate in my affahs, and that aU
things (what the world caUs good and evil) may work
tpgether for the essential, substantial gpod of me and
mme. In the active season of life, dfligence ui busmess,
withm the lunitation of truth, is not only aUpwable, hut
has the sanctipn of apostolic precept. * Provide things

117
honest (i. e, decent) in the sight pf aU men.' And, ' if
any man provide not for his own, and especiaUy for those
of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse
than an infidel.' I often look back with a pleasing recol
lection to the industrious part of my past hfe, in which I
in some measure ' exercised myself to have a conscience
vpid of offence towards God, and towards men.' My care
and industry were blessed with competence; and if this
now, in the decline of life, be diminished, I hope that,
through the same blessing, a competence wfll still remain-
'«R. S."

E. S. TO her daughter G— — .
" Baffitore, 18th of 1st Month, 1782,
"My dear Margaret,
" Thy favouring me with the^rtfi
ietter after thy confinement I take as a mark of great
kindness and affection, and I fear I shaU make thee but a
poor return for it; for really this dismal news (the ship
wreck of Edith LoveU and Joseph Sparrow) has affected
me so much, that it is seldom out of my thoughts whfle
a,wake. Remember, we cannot pretend to judge for what
cause it was permitted. Edith was a near and dear
friend, in the prune of hfe for pubhc serrice, a humble,
devoted servant, the mother of a number of smaU chil
dren, whom she appeared to be quahfied to educate in the
way that they should go. Our dear Joseph, reared with
care, and arrived at man's estate, a dutiful and helpful
son, an affectionate brother, a kind, sincere friend, an ex
ample of sobriety and virtue, and likely to be of extensive
service in the society. How can we then but admire why
such should come to an untimely end? Yet, as we are
short-sighted, and cannot penetrate mto futurity, it .may

118
be ordered' so in unerring wisdom, that they should be
taken frem the trpubles and dangerpus temptatiens we,
whp remain, are subject to whfle here. May theur near
friends and connexions be supported under so great a
a trial. My mind has been much affected with sympathy
for his distressed mother, and I have feared it might cost
her her life; as he was not only her dear, affectionate son,
but also,' I suppose, her friend and counseUor, I wish
much for her, that she may endeavour to keep her mind
as still as possible, with her eye to Him who knows best
what to appoint for us in tender mercy, to the purifying
our spirits, in order that they may be fit to join the num
ber of those who live to praise and glorify his great name,
in a habitation eternal in the heavens.
" I observe thy wise . and prudent remarks concerning
the educ&,tion of thy dear little ones, thy charge being now
increased, I think what thou mentionedst is just, that to
be led and governed ourselves by best wisdom, can alone
quahfy us to train up our children in the nm-ture and ad
monition of the Lord; and we had need keep close to this
assistance, as we are frail, and our natural part ready to
interfere. ^ ¦ :^ *
« E. S."

R, S. TP JPHN THORPE.
" BaUitore, 24th of 2d Month, 1782.
" I have some faint remembrance that, when
I had the pleasure of thy company, we conversed a Uttle
about meetings for discipline. The church should edify
itself in love, and when the most active and zealous mem
bers of a meeting are collected together, there is season-
a,ble opportunity for every one to exercise their several
gifts to edification, and by thus giving they may know an
increase. The discipline is a branch from the same stock

119
as the ministry, and by long experience has been found to
be exceedingly useful in the conservatipii pf pur religipus
society, I need not enumerate to thee its many advan
tages. The members of the church-miUtant are still cpm-
ing pn and gping off the stage of action : there must be a
succession of dean hands to handle the discipline, and
there must be some time in learning, that they, may have
skfll in the work; so that those who are aheady quaUfied
should be presait, ready, and apt to teach. The con
ferences also in monthly meetings, among ministers and
elders, should (according to my best feeling) be dihgentiy
kept up: these should be holy convocations, solemn meet
ings. Those of this class, casting down their crowns
before Him 'who is the head of aU principality and
power,' may, under his blessed influence, as iron sharpens
iron, and diamond cuts diamond, be made instrumental
of help to one another, and consequently of help to the
monthly meeting at large."

R. S. TO HIS daughter G-

« Ballitore, lltii of 8th Month, 1782.
" The harvest of the world and the harvest
of the church, conspire to occupy our attention. For my
part, I think I am of Uttle use in either department; but
in the latter I dare net (npr am I wiUing) to withhold any
httle assistance which I am capable of giving. In aUusion
tP such harvest-work, pr wprks of agriculture, our Saviour
saith, ' No man having put his hand to the plpugh, and
looking back, is fit for the kingdom pf God.' I wish, for
myself, and those connected with me, to seek first this
kingdom. The refuse of our tune and our talents wiU not
be accepted. Whole burnt-sacrifices, and victims without

120
blemish, are the acceptable offerings: the halt, and the
lame, and that which died of itself wifl not do.
"13th, Thy letter was most acceptable: it comforted
and cheered us, to find thee so easy, happy, and tranquil,
I was thankful for it, and enabled to make a gratefol
offering on thy account. Surely, great are my obligations
to Divine Providence, for many favours; but in an especial
manner, for such a wife and such chfldren as I am blest
with. The connexions also of my chfldren having been
formed (I trust) under heavenly direction, are a source of
pleasing reflection and satisfaction to me. I wish ypu all
tP trust in the Divine, disposal, and not leam (not to be
biassed by the wffi of the creature, or its; plausible, falla
cious prospects) to your own understanding. He that
sitteth in heaven ' consults on the sum of things,' — takes the
whole, past, present, and future, into one view; He is
therefore the best and only sure counsellor,
"17th of  No doubt thou wast pleased vrith
the opportunity of being personally acquainted with thy
new sister Sarah Robert Grubb. I hope the affiance between
you will get the best, the purest, the strongest cement.
But if we would build a firm wall, we must not hurry it
up too fast: we must go on gradually, and allow the cement
time to dry. It is good to let truth create our friendships,
guide us tp the objects, order us as to the growth, and limit
us as to the degree. Truth, should be the alpha and
omega of these intimacies, or they wffi not be permanent.
Another thing. As best wisdom dwells -with prudence,
however near your union may be with one another, it is
not weU to let it be too publicly manifest : it may raise
jealousy in others, cause invidious reflections, and be pro
ductive of many inconveniences. Taking these Uttle hints
along with you, may you love one another most cordially,
say I, and may the Divine blessing sanctify your love!
« R, S,"

121

R. S. TO HIS SON.
" Clonmel, 8th of 1 Otli Month. 1 782.
* * " Clouds fiUed with gospel rain,
wafted along by the Divine Spirit, compressed by the
Almighty hand, and discharging themselves on the peo-
^e, is the perfection of instrumental help. Yet to be
looking too earnestly at these clouds, and watching which
way the wind (the spirit) is driving them, is not the way
for us to profit, 'He that observeth the wind shaU not
sow, and he that regardeth clouds shaU not reap,' * *
We have abundant cause to rely on that bountiful and
gracipus hand, and to trust in that source of supply that
has never yet fafled. Seek first the kingdpm, was the
precept pf the Great Master:— ^r*^, in the early part pf
life:— ;^rj^, as the object of greatest value .•-^rrf,, as
requiring the most diUgent attention and pursuit. This
being, through heavenly help, put in practice, there is no
doubt but other less essential, yet necessary things wfll be
added. Tune is short and fleeting, A Uttle wfll suffice
for our quick passage. One thing (as our Lord told
Mary) is needful, absolutely needful: may we happily
chopse, and be preserved to persevere in our predilection
for that good part, which is unmixedly good, which makes
' truly rich, and is free fi-om the appendages of worldly
sorrow. " There is an infinite variety in the spiritual, as in the
the temporal system; and in this variety is much of the
beauty of the inward as well as outward creation, Num
beiless are the gifts and graces which are in the heavenly

122
storehouse, aU good and afl perfect; and these would
doubtless be liberaUy dispersed to the members of the
visible church of Christ, were the ground of their hearts
prepared and made ready for the reception of them : but
an enemy has so far prevafled, that these gifts are with
held, and many posts and stations in tbe house of God
are vacant, to the tarnishing of the splendour, and de
ranging the comely and exceUent order of the house.
And too frequently, when gifts have been bestowed, they
become suffied by a creaturely mixture; something, which
though plausible and subtle, is born of the flesh, and pro
fiteth nothing in religion. There is often an affectation
and Imitation of the gift or manner of others. This is a
greett error in judgment; for every body would certainly
shine most by exercising his own gift, ahd most effectually
contribute to general service; but to despise one's own and
covet another's, is (like the dog and the shadow in the
fable) the way to lose the substance. The variety of gifts,
like the variety of chords in David's harp, constitutes the
harmony,, more sublime and beautiful than a duU mo
notony.
"R. S."

R. S. TO SARAH ROBERT GRUBB.
" BaUitore, 24th of 12th Month, 1782.
" My dear Cousin, " Having on the 22d instant received
the two enclosed letters to forward, it has been a stimulus
to me to rise early this morning, to accompany them, Uke
a guide to travellmg English friends. I remembered as
I lay in -bed, that I was in debt for a long, instructive,
affectionate, obUgin^ epistie of thine, to which I have no

123
sort of expectation of making any thing like an adequate
return; neither have I, that I know of, such emulation
about me. Honest friends, in entertaining one another,
should not vie in elegance and superfluity, but simply and
cordiaUy bring out the best they happen to have in the
house, for their guests ; and though the fare may seem
mean, yet if it be sound and savoury, and served up by
clean hands, tihere is no reason to be ashamed of it. It is
the affecting to appear something a.bove our abiUties that
renders us contemptible, and which, if persisted in, will
be in danger of making us bankrupts. But why these
sferibtures? ' ¦ They have no pointed meaning, my dear
cousin : thef are general observations. I hope and be
lieve we are both pretty dear of affectation, and superfluity,
and ostentation, though unintentipnaUy I fell, on this sub
ject. . Love and unity, I trust,; subsist between us; tod if
admonition was necessary to be imparted^ I ;alsp trust we
shpiild receive it from each other, without having recourse
to any obUque insinuations. * * *. They caU our
dweli&ag the Retreat. Itis indeed spin spme rjespects; but
annoyances of pne sprt pr Pther will break in. Flies are
most troublesome in the shade. To keep low and humble,
to step cautiously and feelingly, to watch diligently over
the movements in our own minds, to wait for that baptiz
ing virtue which makes and preserves sweet and clean, to
be as good servants, ready for every occasipnal duty which
may be unexpectedly required: this is the state we desire
to be found in, and wish it was more our experience. But
we are poor, and desire the prayeirs and sympathy of our
dear friends, to whom we are united in the feUowship of
suffering. * * * Accept of all our dear love, which in
deed thou art in fuU possession of. Whenever thou findest
leisure and freedom to favour me with a line, be sure it
wiU be very acceptable to me. If thou hast been at the
province meeting of Cork, send me the history of it.

Julius C^sar fought the batties, and recorded the narra
tive of them, with the same hand^
" I am, my dear couan, thine, very aflfectionately,
; " R, S,"

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME,
" BaffitOTe, 10th of 1 st Month, 1783.
" I am obliged to my dear cousin for her
kind, confidential letter. Every communication I have
with thee, I think, rivets thee more closely to me. I find
thy excursion to Cork has been productive of some uneasi
ness to thee. What then? It may have been, notwith
standing, a profitable journey. If thy foot slipped, and
the inward monitor was near to reprove, and thou hast
been healed by his stripes, there bound thy reflections:
the past is irrecoverable; kiss the rod in aU humffity, and
see and be a good chfld next time, I say again, thy wel
fare is near my heart, and my desire is, that neither
heights, nor depths, things present, nor yet to come, may
be able to separate thee (who art separated to the Gospel)
from the love of God, and an entire, unreserved dedica
tion of aU thy faculties, in nothingness of self, to the cause
of Christ. Our province meeting, lately held at Castle-
dermot, was to me satisfactory. As to the preaching, it
was according to the complexion of the time, a day of re
buke; but, for my own part, I rejoiced in having my own
spirit rinsed and cleansed by the baptizing power of truth.
Several of the servants ministered to us, aU weU, for aught
I know; but Mary Ridgway, that piece of beaten gold,
beaten by the hammer of affiiction, was pecuharly ho
noured among her brethren. * * *
"I very much accord with thee in sentiment, on pe-

125
TUsing the weighty centents pf thy last, I rejpice in (hy
diffidence, and in thy sense of the precariousness of thy
standing. I observe thy wise distinction - between the
strength which is inherent in the constraining mission, and
the occasional capacity which, may now and then be wit
nessed, in the freedom of a visit to one's kindred. I think,
tiU this time, when I am vnriting, I never understood the
force of that passage relating to Gideon: ' Go in this thy
might, and thou shalt save Israel.' And this might was :
'Have not I sent thee?' Be cheered, my dear friend, and
look upward: I make no doubt but heavenly help and
divine favpur are near thee. Read and apply the three
first verses in the 6th chapter ef Hpsea. Thpu brpughtest
a part pf them to my remembrance. Thou hast not only
my Ipve, but the love of aU my house. Remember us
dearly to thy husband ; to thy worthy brother and sister,
where you at present quarter ; and be assured I am, in
sympathy. Thy truly affectionate friend and kinsman,
«R. S."

R, S. TO His SON.
" DubUn, 22d of 2d Month, 1783.
* * "It was a good day to thee, when thpu wast
splemnly and pubhcly united to our beloved Lydia, I am
a witness that the power of an endless life presided on that
day. ' May it be yoinr frequent employment to wait for the
renewing of that power to your spirits. Divine love is the
great bond of our reUgious society, which pervades every
living member of the body, and johis aU together in an
holy union, I doubt not but you experience this at times,
to cement you to one another, and to aU the living.

126
" I wish you health and prosperity, and every blessing ;
butif He who has you, I trust, under his care and keeping,
sees meet to chasten with the shipes of afffiction, may you
be so instructed by the dispensations aUotted, that you
may be enabled each to say: '' Not my wiU, but thine be
done !' My heart is often engaged- for you, with tender
solicitude. Your track of life is an arduous path; thick
sown with a variety pf trials, probations/ and perplexities,
anddifficulties:;may Solomon's wise choice be yours, ahd
may you happily obtain substantial wisdom to direct, and
substantial help and comfort tp cpnfirm your steps, tod
strengthen you in your way, . '
"R, S."

R. S, TO HIS DAUGHTER MARY,
Concerning his danger on ship-board, coming from England
with John Pemberton and WflUam Mathews,
"Athy, 23d of 8th Month, 1783,
* * " I had just lain down for the night, when an
everlasting night threatened the visible part of me. The
ship struck against a bank, which they called the Kish,
near the place where the Indiaman, they said, struck some
months ago, when near one thousand, I heard, perished.
She struck a second and a third time : it was awful ! I
thought of poor Edith Level ^nd Joseph Sparrow, and
knew not but their fate would have been ours. For a few-
minutes I was held in anxipus suspense, but preserved
from abject fear; in a few minutes she floated again, tod
we got off. Thijs was a preservation to be commemorated
with humble gi'atitude !"

127

R. S, TP S. R. G.

" Baffitore, 25th of llth Month, 1783.
* * " My wife, son, and daughters Lydia, Mary,
Sarah, and I, attended our last half-year's meeting. It was
large, the season of tli^ year and the state of Pur religious
spciety cpnsidered. Favour was, I think, in a good degree
extended, to those whose Ipt it was tp burn incense in the
order of thek course, who I beUeve generally moved in har-
mpnious labpur, John Pemberton and Wiffiam Mathews
were there, John seems concerned to have meetings in
places where np friends reside: WflUam is net sp much in
that line. Several friends are in sentiment that it would be
full as weU if they traveUed sepai*ately from each other.
They have each acceptable service here. Our dear friend,
Mary Ridgway, is an opulent merchant in this traffic, and
stffi increasing, I think, in wealth: when she was less sub-
stantiaUy rich, she made greater shew; now that her
substance is increased, she makes less display of it. I honour
and adnure, as weU as esteem and love, the woman. Her
life is a striking lesson, how effectual divine suppert is,
under the mpst poignant sufferings. * * *
" My wife and chfldren join me in the salutation of dear
love to ypu aU, Hpping, waiting, expecting, lon^gfor
thy prpmised packet, I remain, as patiently as I can, thy
truly affectionate kinsman,
"R. S,'" .

E. S. TO HER HUSBAND.
"Baffitpre, 5th of 1st Month, 1784. ,
* * * "It gives me satisfaction that thou feelest
support, and a, belief that thou art in thy place, I amjwil-

128
ling to give up thy company, (which is very desirable to
us,) for the promotion of righteousness, as I appear now
to be of very Uttle use but to stick by the stuff, and keep
our outward things together as weU as I can. It is a
strength and comfort to those who are going off the stage
of action, to hear of those who are in the prime of life for
service in the church, devoting themselves to it ; and par
ticularly those of one's own family, I wish Samuel and
Margaret's estabhshmentin every good word and work; and
apprehend the way to be so, is to keep low and humbly de
pendant on that all-sufficient Power, which can enable the
striplings, like David, to make war successfuUy against the
Phffistine nature, both in themselves and others, steadfly
labouring that self may be of no reputation; and then I
doubt not but they wffi be prosperous and usefid hi their
generation, and have wisdom afforded them to train up
their dear chfldren, both by example and precept, in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord,
"E, S."

R. S. TO J, T.
"Baffitore, 14th of 3d Month, 1784.
"To be in a state of acceptance with our Creator,
appears to me to be the great object at which we should
aU aim. As to myself, the burden of my petition is much
of late for Di-rine protection and Divine direction: the
cause of Christianity, which we profess to maintain, is of
aU thjags most noble and most important. I have hved
now to the time of the decUne of Ufe, and have done Uttle
or nothing in the promotion of this cause. I much desire,
at times, that the smaU residue of my days may be spent
under wore of the influence pf heavenly wisdgm; that I

129
may be enabled to act my future part more acceptably—
show forth a more striking example of what it is to put on
Christ, and leave conspicuous and safe way-marks to the
succeeding generation.

E. S, TO HIS DAUGHTER CHANDLEE.
"Foston, 7th of 7th Month, 1784.
" My dear Deborah,
" Haring some leisure on my hands at this place,
I thought I would devote some part of it to thee, weU
knowing thy affectionate regard and attention to thy near
connexions, and* the low opinion which thou entertainest
of thyself. These are qualities which never fail of pre
serving and procuring the love and esteem of our friends,
and these I think thou possessest in a great degree. * *
"May I and all mine dweU low in humble fear, feeUng
dafly after a sense of the operation of truth in our minds,
that we may not be as those who live as without God in
the world ; but, witnessing from season to season, in this
manner, a renewal of our acquaintance with that which is
good, may be supported and enabled to run with patience
the race which is set before us respectively. In this world
we shaU, and must have trouble: in the eridence of Divine
approbation alone is true peace, * *
" Mary particularly piques herself on being present at
the yearly meeting of London, where the first women's
yearly meeting was estabUshed, *. * Remember us
very affectionately to thy husband, *I much desire your
welfare and happiness, and that it may please Divine Pro-

130
vidence to take you and your Utde family, and keep you
under his continued gracious care,
«R. S."

R. S, TO HIS DAUGHTER G  .
"Foston, 8th of 7th Month, 1784.
* * "I am often, I think, favoured with a capacity
to recommend me and mine to the protection of Omnipo
tence; and I humbly trust the contrite petition and wres-
tUng travail of spirit is graciously heard and answered.
Indeed, if merciful help and regard were not renewedly ex
tended to us, what would become of us in any sense or
respect? But he who is Lord of heaven and earth, and
holds spiritual and temporal blessings in his hand, per
fectly knows and sees what we stand in need of, and what
is best and most suitable for us. If, by his holy help and
Special grace, we be happfly preserved in his fear, walking
acceptably before him, we shaU do weU, and want no good
thing. His spirit bearing witness with our spirits that we
please him, wiU bear us up above the httle contingencies
which are apt to perplex and annoy us, as weU as above
the floods of temptation and tribulation, which seem at
times ready to swaUow us up. And if the counsel of per
fect, imerring wisdom be, that any shafl be serviceable in
his hand, for promoting the great cause of pure and unde
flled reUgion upon earth, such may assuredly expect a
double portion (the portion of an eldest son) of trials and
temptations, and siftihgs, and exercises, in order to pecu
har winnowing, and purging, and pruning, and to a prepa
ration and qualffication, experimentally, to minister to the
various states of others,
" I had satisfaction in attending the yearly meeting. It

131
was remarkable for the estabhshment of a women's yearly
meeting, which I hope wffi, in a course of time, and in the
order of its course, prove of service in our reUgious society.
The men seem to have slept a long time over this matter ;
but now, like the rib which was taken out of Adam's side
while he slept, I hope it will, in process of time, become a
true help-meet to the man in the disciphne of the
church. * *
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS WIFE.
" Colebrook Dale, 4th of 8th Month, 1784.
* * " This is the most extrordinary place I ever was
in: there is such a mixture of rehgion and worldly business,
human learning and Christian simplicity, among the peo
ple ; such a native, wild irregularity, subdued and cultiva
ted by art and opulence, about the place. * *
"I have my ups and downs as usual; but my heart is
never so comfortable, and I am never so weU satisfied with
myself, as when I am in the deeps, with the bffiows passing
over my head, engaged in a travaU of spirit for the promo
tion of Christianity, and the welfare of mankind. I some
times venture, in private, to express something of my
fresh feehngs, and to bring out of the store-house things
that have been reposited there, and are presently brought
to hand; but my cry is for humiUty and wisdom, that I
may be mercifully preserved myself from falling, and that
I may not be tempted to exceed the hfe and authority of
truth, I know nothing more excellent, nor more desirable,
than the liring virtue of it quaUfying our spirits, and en
abling to move in the Lord's work. I wish it, abpve aU
K 2

132
things,, for ourselves : I wish it, above all things, for our
chUdren; that they, as weU as we, may surrender them
selves at the Great Captain's discretion, make no terms of
capitulation in yielding up the citadel of their hearts, only
that Ufe, spiritual hfe, may be granted them — that they
may be taken into the serrice of their Lord. There is no
other service which is attended vrith such advantages : there
is safety and protection in it, from the usurpation of other
lords which have had dominion; there is maintenance,
clothing, and pay; there is honour, dignity, and immortal
glory: aU these blessed privfleges and rewards are involved
in this important cause. I believe our children are not in
sensible of this, and I heartfly desire that their obedience
in all things may keep pace with the knowledge commu
nicated to them^. 'Hear and obey, and your souls shaU
live,' is worthy of all acceptation. First, to be diligent in
waiting, in order to hear the stiU smaU voice, which is of
private interpretation to our several states indiridually;
next, to obey in submission and faithfiflness the discoveries
of the Divine wfll, in the jots and tittles, as weU as the
weightier parts of the law — in what concerns ourselves, as
wefl as hi our relative duties to others: so shall we be fa
vpured vrith the inspiration of that exhilarating breath of
life, which makes and preserves us Uving souls. * *
«R. S."

R. S, TO JOHN THORP.

"BalUtpre, 21st pf 9th Mpnth, 1784.
" How little, how nothing is at our command ! How
ever, it is our duty to endeavour to be always ready, that if
a ministermg angel of good has in charge to impart any to
us, we may be found in a state capable of receiving it;, and

133
if the prince of this world should also come with his tempt
ations, that he may be baffled in his designs. One and the
same state is necessary in both cases — a state of emptiness,
nothingness, and abasement of self. This is our centre;
and as each of us industiiously acts within his proper circle,
and fuffils his reasonable duty, we shall know (I believe)
an extension of the cord of divine love and authority, an
increase of holy zeal and abihty, and a wide field of labour.
For my part, I never expect to be worth calling any thing:
I am satisfied to be nothing, so I be but preserved from any
thing that is eril; but I want thee, and such as thee, to be
what ypu ought tp be, pr, in other words, what the Master
would have you to be. Now I beUeve it is the Master's
wffi, that his servants shall be more and more acquainted
with his good pleasure, and the miaisters of . his word, as
burning and shining hghts. I am indeed sometimes asto
nished at the betoty and exceUence delegated to some of
this class, though, like the planets, they have no light of
theh own — none but as they derive it from the sun of
righteousness. And yet how hable are even such to be
come dim, and suffer ecUpse, ' shorn of their beams,' and
whfle they are preaching in words to others, to become
castaways themselves. So that 'watch and pray' remain
to be the words of counsd and mdispensable injunction to
aU, without respect of persons-

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G  .
" BaUitore, 20th of 8th Month, 1785,
* * " Health is an exti'aordinary favour : I think
it is wonderful that the machines of our bodies should go
such a length of time without being out of order, consider
ing the complicated variety, £uid minuteness and delicacy of

134
the organs which compose them. May we be enabled ac
ceptably to acknowledge, and often return due homage for
the manifold mercies which we receive ourselves, and also
to intercede for divine protection and relief, to be extended
to others in distress and affliction of body and mind ! I doubt
not thy frequent visits to such: they are more becommg a
Christian society — more befitting the disciples of Christ to
be exercised in, than insipid, formal, cursory visits of show
and ceremony, where Ught, superficial talk, and an imper
tinent busying in other people's matters is indulged. This
is not the intercourse which the Lord has chosen for his
people, but that they should seek to visit one another in
his name, under the influence of his pure power, and
therein either keep to an inward travail of spirit for the
arising of it, or, in a proper freedom, maintain a conversa
tion savoury and edifying. This, I apprehend, is the way
to grow in serrice. Time is short, and is minutely to be
accounted for. The work we are caUed to, the spreading
of the holy principle of Christianity among men, is'awfiiUy
important : where is the room then for idleness, supine-
ness, and indifference, among those who are called to be
standard-bearers among the people? * *
" Our poor nation is much destitute of instrumental help,
in many places, A hving, sound ministry, accompanied and
corrpbprated by irreproachable, wise, and reUgious con
duct and conversation, is a capital favour to the churches.
* * It behoves those who sit as judges, to feel their way
in determining concerning appearances in this line. I
have met with variety of opinions in these cases, but I ever
found it safest for me, where I could ^<jZ nothing, to re
main detached and single, and to be cautious of either en
couraging or discouraging, tiU I had an eridence as clear as
might be expected in the matter. And here, and in many
occasional affairs arising among us as a religious society,
appears the necessity of divine wisdem illuminating pur

understanduigs, and qualifying us to judge right judgment.
A sense of this has, at times, much humbled and prostrated
my spirit, with desire that whatever little, or however little
I might be, I might be what the Master would have me to
be — I might be right. * * *
"R, S,"

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER SARAH.
" Baffitore, 12th of 1st Month, 1786.
* * * " The inteffigence received of the two Mar
garets is very pleasing, and, I hope, causes gratefol sensa
tions. Even thy scraps of paper, bearing that impression,
are welcome messengers. It puts me in mind of the
ancient Romans, who were se exceedingly fond of Augustus
Cassar, in the latter part of his reign, that it is said, I
think, in their ordinary letters on business or friendship,
they generally subjoined, ' the emperor is weU.' * *
"I am glad thou hast had this season of sojourn in
Clonmel. I hope it wiU have rivetted stiU more closely the
connexion between thee and thy brother's house ; also be
tween thee and divers dear, valuable friends and relations,
in that place. I rejoice to see my chfldren dehght in the
company of the worthy and the good: it is a sign that the
dispositions and inclinations of the inward man, are rightly
modeUed and turned: such intimacies add strength to
strength, they are safe, they are salutary, they are honour
able ; but a confederacy with the raw, the irreUgious, those
who are in the spirit of the world, and enemies to the cross
of Christ, manifests unsoundness in the spiritual constitu
tion, by the -ritiated taste of desiring and relishing food

136
that is not fresh, plain, and wholesome! 'Tis dangerous^
and destructive to the tender, precious, life.
"R. S,"

R. S. TO JOSEPH AND SARAH POOLE,
On the death of their son, who died of the smaU-pox,
12th month, 1785, aged sixteen.
« BaUitore, 12tii of 1st Month, 1786.
" My DEAR FRIENDS,
" Having heard of the great trial which you have
undergone, in the privation of your fine, hopeful son, I had
a mind to manifest my remembrance of you in your afflic
tion, by sending you a few lines; althpugh I seem tP
myself in a situatipu unquaMed to administer any good,
and I know not what I could say on the occasion, which
reason and religion have not already suggested to you.
Bpth these heavenly gifts speak the same thing : they teU
ypu that there are many reflections which would tend to
mitigate your grief, and to aUeviate the burden of yom-
sorrow. You had, I believe, much satisfaction and com
fort in your son, when he was spared to you: you extracted
many gratifications from his society: for a number of
years he helped to make so much of your pilgrimage;
through Ufe more tolerable and pleasing to you. It
proved to be consistent with a wisdom, far superior to our
finite views and fallacious prospects, to remove him, at his
appointed time, from this earth. He had been preserved,
even in the sUppery paths of yputh, frpm the evils that are
in the werld. He had led such a hfe as rendered him fit
for the awful change, * * * You had comfort in the
Ufe, and you have hope in the death of your son.

137
May it be the wffi of our great Creator, to sanctify this
affliction to you, and effectually support your spirits under
it; that when he gives, and when he takes away, you may
be enabled to bless his name, and, hke pbedient children,
humbly and resignedly submit tP all the dispensations
aUotted, whether joyous or grievous.
" My wife and chfldren join in dear love to you bpth,
with ypur truly affectipnate friend,
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER .SARAH.
"Baffitore, 2d of 4th Month, 1786.
* * * « Letters from my absent, distant children,
do me gpod. The observation of their good dispositions
often weighs my mind dpwn in humble gratitude tp the.
author of afl good ; and yet, vrithout keeping up the watch ;
without seeking to be enabled to offer the daily sacrifice in
the temple; without dying daily to self, and mortifying the
carnal wffi; without keeping low and humble, and in a state
of absolute dependance on aU-sufficient and only-sufficient
help; -without this we aU, both parents and chfldren, shaU
make nothing out in a reUgious way: we shall be but as a
door on its hinges, ppening and shutting, and remaining in
the same place ; we shaU be mere formal, lukewarm pro-
fessprs of the faith pf Christ, but never rightly-spirited,
npble advpcates in his cause,
"R, S,"

138

R, S, TO HIS DAUGHTER

« BaUitore, 1786.
* * * " It is wefl to be made rightly sensible, that
to have our expectation from the creature is vain and un
certain; that fraflty and disappomtment are the character
istics of visible things, and that that which is mvisible and
eternal, can alone satisfy the longings of an immortal spirit.
I had a letter lately from WiUiam Mathews, from London.
He seems to think well of the person who came over to
London, from the people who seem to be under some de
gree of convincement in France. He likewise mentions a
considerable convincement in North America. Known to
the Almighty Author of aU good, are his own wise and
gracious purposes: how near or how far off is the time for
a more general spreading of the Ught of Christianity, is
among the secret things which it belongs not to us to in
vestigate. Neither know we as yet how this matter wfll
turnout; whether it be a clear and open vision that these
persons are favoured with, and whether faithfulness and
stabiUty wiU be added to right knowledge: but of this we
may be certain, that truth is truth, whether men receive it
or reject it ; and that no cause ever did, or ever -wffi exist,
more worthy of the entire dedication and devotion of all
the faculties of the human mind. * *
" I have been treated with my grandson's second letter.
I think he bids fair for being a good scribe. I feUcitate
him on his beginning to learn French, and wish him good
speed in it, I observe many get a Uttle superficial smat
tering in that language and soon lose it : I wish it may not
be the case with Abraham, This is his season of life for
learning languages, and those things which chiefly occupy
the memory. This faculty is now in perfection with him,
and should be fully employed : it is compared to an arch,

139
which is strengthened by the weight laid upon it. In a few
years the memory wfll rather decUne, and the judgment
ripen, when arithmetic and mathematics will be in season,
I know it is the fashion with many, who do not mean to
send their sons to universities, to explode and decry Latin
as an useless acquisition: it may, perhaps, be unprofitable
in this sense, that it may bring them in no money; the
concerns of civfl hfe may be transacted quite as well vrith
out it; the finest productions in that language are trans
lated into the mother tongue, French is more essential to
accompUsh the gentleman, to accommodate the traveUer,
and is the most universal vehicle of verbal communication ;
but Latin has been for ages past, and I believe will be for
ages to come, (if the world stand,) the ground-work of the
hterary part of hberal education. It is like the root of aU
the most refined Uving languages ; and when a foundation
is laid in this, the rest are readily learned. In our own
tongue, so many thousand words branch out from the
Latin, so many Latin words are adopted into our language
and become a part of it; and so many famfliar Latin
phrases and expressions are constantly used in speaking
and writing, that an ignorance of Latin leaves one much in
the dark, and, like bad spelling, betrays an original defect
in one's tuition. An adept in Latin knows, as it were by
intuition, the powers and fitness of words derived from
that fountain, and uses them accordingly; he has oppprtu-
nity of reading historians, moraUsts, poets, and prators, in a
language which np translation does any thing like justice
to: translations, compared with such originals, are like
shadows compared with substances, and like unanimated,
compared with animated nature. Do let Abraham learn
Latin immediately: he may go on vrith his French at the
same time. The store of learning is no burden. There
are many changes in life : he may possibly be put to his
•shifts in future life, and be glad tP get his bread by his

140
-wits, like his grandfather. When stripped of all, the
Latin scholar can say : ' Omnia mea mecum portp.' * ?
I hope that my first-born grandson wiU be permitted to
cultivate that literary knowledge, which, when kept in due
subordination, is an useful ornament in society,
« R. S."

R. S. TO HIS WIFE.

" Clonmel, 24th of 7th Month, 1786.
* * * "I think I can say, in truth, I feel an
increase of tenderness, and a disposition to do every thing
in my power to make thy last days easy and comfortable.
Thou hast been dedicated, in soul and spirit, body and
substance. The prime of thy days has been devoted to
the promotion of the noblest cause ; and the affairs of this
hfe, in which thou wast honourably engaged, were trans
acted in due subordination, and with reference to the great
and principal object, the glory of thy Creator ; therefore,
in great mercy thou art released from a principal part of
this world's cumber, and the desire of my heart is often
times for thee, that thy spirit may be visited with the rich,
the blessed, infusion of heavenly joy. And I am glad,
as we advance to old age, to feel an increase of pure desire
for thy present happy tranquillity; and a renewal of
that love which first cemented our spirits together, and
was the original motive to that union, which has (I trust by
Divine appointment) long ago taken place between us ; an
union which, I believe, has been blessed and sanctified. * *
"I trust you at home are aU under the gracious care and
protection of kind Providence. * * *
"R. S,"

141

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER SARAH.
" Clonmel, 7th Month, 1786.
* * * "You are aU very dear to me. I rejoice
in the hope of your taking root in the Dirine soil. The
Great Husbandman sees and knows afl his plants, and the
different species of them, and what kind of ground is best
for each. We may observe some trees thrive best in a
deep and rich, and others in a light and sandy sofl. Some
love a dry, and others a marshy bed: nay, there are some
which grow, as it were, out of the very rocks, where there
is no depth of earth, and flourish amain : so that hardness
itself if rightly endured, (i. e. patiently endured,) is not
always unfavourable to rehgious growth. If it be of Divine
appointment it is good ; for whatever He ordereth is good,
and in season : but if our own misconduct, disobedience, or
indolence, has caused our hearts to grow callous and un
feeling, I know nothing we poor creatures can do to help
ourselves. We must patiently wait tffi He, without whom
we can do npthing, is pleased tp raise a vriU and desire in
us tP seek judgment; and having happily found it, let us
dweU under the corrosive operation of it, tiU it performs a
radical cure. Then Ught and hfe, and a good day, is again
experienced, and an increase of holy fear and care not to
offend again: for if there be a frequent repetition of faults,
the spiritual deUcacy and sensibihty wfll graduaUy wear off;
estrangedness from the power and virtue of truth vriU en
sue; the rehsh, even for angel's food, wffi be lost; and the
sphitual constitution vrillbe totally changed.
In this mixed state of existence, my dear S. we are liable
to many temptations and fluctuations, Retiredness of
spurit, shnpUcity, and obedience, are aU we have for it: if

142
this be kept to on Pur parts, we may be assured that He,
with whom we have to do, wfll not be wanting on his part.
His gracious design is to do us good, to bless us, and make
us happy here and hereafter: he is wiUing to enter into
an everlasting covenant with us. He wfll assuredly per
form his part; but if the conditions of the obhgation be
not also performed on our's, the covenant is annulled, and
anxiety, distress, and a tribulated path through life, wfll be
our portion, instead of that placid serenity and holy joy,
which often attend the minds of those who faithfuUy do
their duty, though amid the cares, and cumbers, and trou
bles, which must and wiU, at all events, fall to our lot
here. "R.S."

B. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER MARY,
"Baffitore, 11th of 8th Month, 1786,
* * * « y\fQ are much favoured, my dear
children, by the countenance, kindness, and friendship of
many wprthy friends; and I beUeve we are aU sensible
that it is npt by any merit pf purs, but purely thrpugh
infinite mercy, that we have been sp preserved as tp have
the precious unity of the living members pf the church.
Sheuld any pf us slide off the foundation of conviction
and reUgious feeUng; should any of us be caught by the
dazzling splendour of the world, on any of its sides, whe
ther the riches, the fame, or the friendship pf it ; should
any of us, in pur hearts, turn back intp Egypt, that pre
cious unity is immediately lost, the rights and privfleges of
the saints are forfeited, spiritual debiUty and decay ensue,
? # ? ^
«R. S,"

143

R, S. TO HIS DAUGHTER MARY.
Then on a visit at the house of Samuel Neale, who was
dangerously ill.
"Baffitore, 6th of 10th Month, 1786.
" When thou hast opportunity, present S. N.
with thy mother's and my dear love. He was our early
and intimate friend: we often took sweet counsel together.
Our acquaintance was first formed, not in a sUght, super
ficial manner, but in the deeps, where the Lord works,
and where his wonders are seen; and it has been in
creased and strengthened through successive stages of
Ufe, by many a cementing, humbhng baptism. He has not
only been our own near and dear friend, but the fiiend,
and as it were father of our chfldren, to whom we know
his love has flowed in a strong current, to their great ad
vantage and comfort. So that we, to whom the welfare of
our children is so dear, we, who have no greater joy than
to see them walk in the truth, as they advance in years
and experience, to be sensible that the Lord Almighty is
preparing them for, and engaging them in, his actual ser
rice; SBC, surely, must highly prize such a friend, and be
nearly interested in his present trying situation. How
ever, we know in whose hand he is; that hand which
rescued him from the jaws of destruction, which led him,
and fed him, and preserved him in heights and in depths,
which raised him a signal monument of his mercies ; and,
having brought him through many temptations and tribula
tions, quaUfied and commissipned him tp tell to others what
the Lord had done for his soul: this hand, though it
might be permitted that his natural heart and flesh should

144
fail, is all-sufficient to uphold, sustain, and comfort the
spirit, and conduct it safely and happily into the mansion
prepared for it. But we cherish a hope that it is con
sistent with Infinite Wisdom to prolong his stay awhile,
among his near connexions, and the miUtant church,
which, if it be the Lord's will, we earnestly deshe. We
charge thee with our very affectionate regards to the
dear and worthy companion of our patient friend: her
sufferings and anxiety on his accpunt must be great. * *
"R, S."

R. 3. TP HIS DAUGHTER G  .
« Baffitore, 9th of 7th Month, 1787.
* * * " I am pleased that  has at
last got into our right honourable row, I wish him and
his bride the best comfort in domestic life. Thou canst
tell them, my dear Margaret, from thy own experience,
that, though the conjugal state abounds in many endear
ing gratifications, it has its own perplexities and disquie
tudes — that there is but one soverdgn, unmixed good,
which is essentially necessary to. sanctify the union, to
sweeten the attendant cares, and cause real and substantial
happiness. I wish our dear friend  may get strength
from her elementary dip, and that her spirit may be often
helped to get into the sacred pool, when the angel of the
Divine Presence shafl have moved upon the waters. * * *
" I note what thou sayest respecting the stagnation of
Hfe among you. I know not when I witnessed more of
that stupid, toi-pid state, than in our meetings yesterday :
there seemed neither vrind nor tide, but a dead calm:
however, if the ship be in order, the good pflot kept on
board, and his wiU be submitted to, no danger wifl accrue.

145

The wind wiU rise again when it listeth, the vessel will
make its way; and when patience hath had its perfect
work, aU wiU be weU,
« R, S. "

R, S, TO HIS DAUGHTER G  .
"Birr, 4th of 11th Mo. 1787.
» * * « jyiy present engagement is
attending our dear friend M. D. desiring for her that she
may be rightly guided, in that hue which the gi-eat Mas
ter wffis; endeavouring to make way for the performance of
this service ; and saying amen, when I am able. S. dear S.
does her part. To be gomg about visiting prisons,
hke Howard, is a gloomy, uncomfortable task ; but it is a
necessary and honourable employment. Indeed, those
who wfll be truly serviceable in the church of Christ, in their
day, must witness a state of very deep self-abasement-
must be willing to appear vfle in their own eyes, and in the
eyes of pthers : aU must labour long and hard, and be con
tent with bare subsistence, without looking for any other
reward, » » *
" It is a trite complaint to say things are low. They
are indeed; but stfll, if each of us take heed to oursdves,
if we be dffigent in waiting, and faithful in obeying, I
beUeve, through merciful condescension, our souls will
live, and we shall be acceptable in the sight of our great
Lord and Master; which is the perfectien of our natures,
and the end of our being. So, my dear Margaret, be
thou encouraged; let the zeal of the Lord's house more
and more absorb thee, and be resigned and devoted to
serve the Lord in thy generation, with thy body, soul, and
L

146
spirit, which are aU his, and over which he has a right to
an absolute cpntrol, I thank him reverently in spirit,
that he has aUotted thee a husband who loves the truth
in his heart, and whose joy and dehght it would be to see
thep rightly and conspicuously concerned in the promo
tion thereof. Thou hast also a sweet flock of chfldren,
graciously preserved and continued to thee; thou hast
many dear, select, and choice friends, whose spiritual
feUowship helps to nourish thy hidden life; thou hast the
means of a comfortable outward subsistence: aU these
great favours caU for a rendering something ; and this
something must he nothing less than aU.
"R, S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME,
" BaUitore, 25th of 11th Month, 1787.
* * * " No doubt thou hast been com
municating with thy uncle Benjamin about the national
visit, and probably E. Pun would communicate to thee
what I wrote to her respecting it. ,1 think we did as weU
as we were capable; and may say, as thy grandmother
used to say of her passage through life, that it is weU we
met with no more scratches. On the whole, I believe the
serrice was generaUy satisfactory, to risiters and visited.
In some places where I expected truth would be much in
dominion, I found and felt things more low and flat than
I imagined would be the case ; and in other places, from
which I thought little good woifld come out, I had cause
to hope and believe that a seed was preserved ahve, which
was weU worth watching over and cultivating. So that tp
judge by appearances, or former sensatiPns, wiU npt do:
the present feehng is what we have to go by. * * * J

147
think yeu are much to be praised for your benevolence
to the poor sufferers by the late flood. Acts pf charity
are noble, and acceptable in the sight of Heaven. If it
be at all lawfid to desire riches, it must surely be that
they may be employed in such purposes.
"R. S,"

E, S, TP S, ^. G  .
" Baffitpre, 1st pf 1st Mpnth, 1788,
"My dear Friend and Cpusin,
" By a letter my husband received frpm
thee, cpnfirming what we heard of the awful undertaking
thou hast before thee*, (which, though now no secret, I
doubt not has long been so in thy breast,) I thought it
would be but kind in me to let thee know that I have
felt sympathy with thee on that account, as being different
from other serrices in these days; but the way thou hadst
concluded to move in it, appears to me as the counsel of
best Wisdom, I may say, that thy faithfulness and de
votion of soul, in this and other serrices, has at times done
me good, and cheered my poor and often-affficted spirit;
for what greater comfort can there be, than to see and feel
that a succession of testimony-bearers to the everlasting,
unchangeable truth is raising up amongst those whp are
in the prime pf hfe, willing to go forth under their Lord's
banner, and in their Lord's armour; not vrith carnal
weapons; not with the wisdom, parts, pr acquirements, that
any may be furnished with, as men and creatures, unless

• A visit to those professing Friends' principles in France.
L 2

148;
they be sanctified; but with the weapons of his spirit,
which, when humbly depended upon, are mighty to the
pulling down of the strong holds that sin and satan have
built up in the hearts of many.
" I am, with much affection,
" Thy true and faithful friend,
«E. s:^

R., S. TO S. R,. G  ,
" BaUitore, 9th of 1st Month, 1788.
* * " Henry Wilkins' removal seems a
loss indeed to religious society. He had weight and ex
perience, and I believe many good qualities and quaUficar
tions. But these events are common, to. be expected, and
to be borne with patient resignation by the survivors, as
being the dispensations of Him who doth aU things weU.
The capital grievance, the stinging sorrow is, when any of
the Lord's visited chfldren, young or old, fall away from
their- stedfastness, bring discredit upon themselves, and
upon the reputation of the spotless truth: this is what I
earnestly deprecate for rnyself, and for my beloved friends;
for we are no longer safe than while we watch unto
prayer. He who tempted the Master, be sure, will not
scruple to attack the servant, in whatever dignified station
he may be. As to thee, beloved cousin, I seem hardly
aUowed to tpuch upon the subject of the new, the arduous,
the awful serrice before thee. I must leave it to thy own
deep feelings; and as thou dwellest in the deeps, and
keepest upon the sure ground of the revelation of the
spirit, I have no doubt but that thou wflt be rightly con
ducted. I believe such prospects of duty, when indubi
tably right, are npt always deai' to the party concerned;

149
clouds often intercept the view, and the sim himself suf
fers an ecUpse; the key of David Ipcks up, as well as un-
Ipcks the hply vision; but as the patience of the saints is
exercised, as the wffi of the creature is lost in the -wffi of
the Creator, and as there is an abiding in humihty, sim
pUcity, and singleness of heart, there is no danger but
the great Shepherd wffi lead in and out, and provide
pasture, immediate sustenance, and provender for the
service.
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G  ,
"BaUitore, 9th of 2d Month, 1788.
* * " The last report concerning our
beloved friend E. Pike was rather fevourable ; so that we
hope that worthy member of the church mihtant wiU con
tinue awhile longer in the warfare, ere she be gathered to
the church triumphant, the just of afl generations. It is
a fine thing, a great fevour that you had such kind friends,
such attentive nurses, such spiritual mothers to assist and
comfort you in yom* various disfa-esses. It is hkely some of
them wfll soon be taken from your heads, and carried
¦(I hope by the spirit) into places which they know not.
The great head of the church knows his own wise pur
poses ; whom, and whither, and when to send forth, and whom
to retain and employ in the long-cultivated vineyard. May
He be -with them that go, and them that stay ; for all have
equal need of his help, both for their ovm preservation,
¦and renewed qualification for his service. May gracious
Proridence strengthen in body, and in the spirit of the
mind,- that his wfll may be done in, by, and through his
iservants; that so the Great Name may be more and more

ISO
honoured, the knowledge of the truth extended, and the
right way and worship spread among mankind.
" R. S,"

R. S. TO JOHN THORP.
"Baffitore, 24th of 3d Mpnth, 1788.
" I think, notwithstanding that there exists
too much cause for the language of complaint, respecting
the degeneracy and depravity of the times, that abun
dance of pains is taken in our reUgious society, by the
going to and fro' of gospel ministers, pubhshing the way
of Ufe and salvation; and by the laborious, arduous con-
ffict maintained with transgressors, in the support of our
salutary disciphne. And I trust that He who sitteth in
the heavens looks graciously down, and beholds with ap
probation the well-meant efforts of a remnant in the cause
of Christ, and the promption and spreading pf his reign
and government on the earth. So that I wish there may
not be in any a heart of unbelief, nor a dwelUng too much
on the view of the gloomy side of things; but rather that
there may be a steady looking to Him who is omnipotent,
and an exercising and cultivating each the particular gift
aUotted, according to the present abffity, and in the wffi
and time of the great Giver,
I am desh-Ous for thee, my dear friehd, thatthou mayst look
upwards, fi'om whence hath come, cometh, and wfll come thy
help. If I am not radicaUy mistaken, thou hast received, thou
hast been honoured with a beautiful gift: may way be made
for thee to exercise it to the honour of the holy Head and tp
the edification of the body, in as diffuse a manner and de
gree as the Master vrilleth, and the church needeth. For
my pai't, I think it is awful to be entrusted with supernatural

151
talents, given for the edffication of others. If ever so usc-
fuUy occupied, what is the trustee but an unprofitable ser
vant? but if the pccupation and improvement, even of the
one pound, be neglected, displeasiire is incurred, and loss
and shame foUow. So that I wish us to be watchful and
careful, that we may not faU into temptation of any kind ;
but that our hands may be free and skflful to build the
Lerd's house, our feet unfettered and ready to run on
his errands, and our hearts replete with the joyful answer,
of " weU done, gPod and faithful servant."
"R. S."

R, S, TO HIS DAUGHTER G ••• .
" Baffitore, 22d of 7th Montlh, 1788.
* * " We were pleased with being at the
province meeting ofWicklow: it was smaU, but I think
mercififfiy favoured. My spirit was much dipped in secret
travafl, and I was satisfied, as I could feel and cry * * *
A few of us were apppinted to join on the family-visit in
that quarter, I hope I may say we were helped through
.that serrice, * * * I have heard of our beloved E.
Pirn's speaking in meeting, I was glad that I was enabled,
since I heard it, repeatedly tod renewedly to petition for
her, I do not find abffity at present to write to her: I be
lieve she is in my debt in that way, I do not press her,
but when she has a httle to spare, I hope she wffi remem
ber the poor. * * I hope some of us are favoured
with hearts of flesh, spiritual flesh, which is nourished and
strengthened by the communication of glad tidings of
great joy, and which is also pained and distressed with the
afflictions of the gospel.
"R. S."

152

R. S. TO S. R. G  .
" BaUitere, 11th of 9th Month, 1788.
* * " I ccngratulate thee and thy husband
on your return in safety to poor Ireland, and make no
doubt but that you experience at home that peaceful
serenity of mind, which follows a faithful discharge of
duty. It was a trying, arduous service which you were
engaged in; and to have been effectually helped through,
is cause of grateful commemoration of favours past, as
well as of humble trust and confidence in the same suffi
cient help, to- abilitate, to answer the requirings of the pre
sent and a future day. You are now among the natural,
native branches of the famfly; you are not only members
of it, but appointed stewards, and overseers of the house
hold. Your lot is also cast in a place where are many
hopeful plants, whoUy I believe of a right seed, which
seem on the way of growing to be trees of righteousness,
that will bring forth precious fruit in their season. I need
not remind you what pecidiar necessity there is for such
as are thus circumstanced often to go deep down for in
struction and fresh qualification, to behave aright in the
church of Christ, Many matters occasionally faU out,
which call for the exercise of wisdom and understanding
superior to that of the natural man, and it requires a con
stant, close sitting and dweUing at the Fountain-head of
pure intdhgence, in order to be ready and furnished to
speak and act with propriety and acceptance, in cases of
a solemn, weighty, and spiritual nature. You have mine
and my -wife's warm wishes for your increasing in good,
and in a capacity to promote that cause, which is dignified
by Heaven, and dignifies aU those who are so honoured

153
as to be dedicated and consecrated to its service. * * *
I can see no cause for discouragement any way, with re
spect to opening the school. The motives I beUeve were
pure, disinterested, noble ; the pbject nothing less than the
glory of the Creator, and the radical, essential good of his
creatures; and yet difficulties and embarrassments may at
tend the commencement of the undertaking. The insti
tution, laudable as itis, may be sown in tears; and the
conductors of it may expect to go through good report
and evfl report, as deceivers, and yet true. Thy thoughts
being low, and thy expectations not sanguine about this
matter, I look on as a good sjrmptom, promising stabflity
and duration. A bright, glaring morning is often a pre
lude to a rainy day. For my part, I do, from my heart,
vrish this seminary of civil and rehgious education the best
5peed. * * *
" To the Shepherd of Israel, the bishop of souls, I
heartfly and tenderly commend you aU; and joined by
my wife and chfldren, in a salutation of love to you and
our beloved friends and kinsfolk there, remain very affec-
tionatdy thine,
"R. S."

E. S. TO HER DAUGHTER G-

" BaUitore, 26th of 9th Month, 1788.
"My dear Daughter Margaret,
" I intended to have acknowledged
the receipt of thy very kind, inteUigent letter, the two last
days ; but the continual interruptions I meet with, joined
with my inabihty divers ways, render it difficult for me to
write at aU as I could wish; for it woidd be pleasant to

154
me to converse with thee in this way, if I could. * *
I am often helpless, in a great degree, in body and mind;
at the same time a.dmiring the kindness of my Preserver,
from my youth to this day, in doing so much for me and
mine, and ih affording at times a Uttle help, to keep in a
degree of quiet resignation to bear what is permitted to
fall to my lot, in a spiritual or temporal sense, and, wWch
is a particular favour, the feeling my own worthlessness,
poverty, and entire inabiUty; (of myself) to do any good
thing. It must be that the reriving of ancient goodness
in our society, and the deai: children giving way tp the
leadings of the pure spirit of truth, bearing the cross, and
despising the shame, cannot but cause such as have any life
left in them, tO rejoice, and, as it were with trembling, beg for
their preservation; that so the cunning derice of the ene
my of poor mortals, may be seen in the hght of the Lord,
and they enabled to escape his snares, if the mind be pre
served in rooted humility, sincerity, and faithful devotiOn
of soul, to obey Him, who, vrith his dependent foUowers,
ever had the -rictory; then wffi joy and gladness possess
the souls of those, who have np greater joy than to see
truth and righteousness flourish in the earth, and a suc
cession of testimony-bearers raised up. * *
" You seem to be rich in faithful labourers, therefore you
had aU need to be faithful, and not strive to live on the
labpurs of others. Our poor chfld S. I vrish may not
meet with any thing to hurt her: she has long been a
steady, exemplary young woman. I know it must have
been very hard to her to appear in a pubhc testimony;
but whatever she finds it her duty to put her hand to, I
vrish she may hot be discouraged from doing with aU her
might, and, like Gideon, go forth in a sense of her own
weakness. We also heard of dear A. T.'s amendment in
health, and appearing in a more pubhc way than usual.
" E, S, "

155

R, S, TO S. R, G— — ^.
" Baffitpre, 9th pf 10th Mpnth, 1788.
* * " My better half bids me remember
her very affectipnately to thee, and to tell thee she thinks
Jthou didst very weU in coming to our province meeting, that
she had near unity with thy servifces, and wishes thee to
sttod dedicated and devoted to answer every nianifestatipn
pf duty, whether pf greater pr, seemingly, smaller degree.
' Use strength and ha.ve strength,' is, in my epinion, a wise
saying. I beUeve many gifted servants have suffered Ipss
by overlopking things as small, too diminutive for persons
of their greWth and stature to stoop to; thinking that they
vriU leave them to others who are younger, or pf an ihfe-
ripr prder: thus their inward man loses its agility and ac-
tirity, its flesh becomes caUous, and its sinews become
hard. Continue, therefore, my very dear friend, cheer-
fufly to submit to aU kinds of labour, which the Master
may put thee to. Labour is wholesome, and procures
sweet bread, * *
"R, S,"

R. S. TP HIS DAUGHTER G-

" Baffitpre, 9th of 11th Month, 1788,
* # * « Thou wflt probably, from
some pne or other, have had some account pf our national
meeting. We had neither T. G. nor S. N, there* T. G,
was retumed home from his visit to some parts of Great

156
Britain, and I understand purposed to have been at the
meeting, but for the critical situation that his daughter
H. was in, I suppose want of bodfly strength, not want
of inclination, prevented our dear friend S. N. from at
tending. However, other servants, and what is best of
aU, the Master himself was there, baptizing spirits intp a
deep travafl for the promoting of Christianity upon earth,
and furnishing prepared instruments to labour in the love
and in the authority of the Gospel. Even our own dear
B. lifted up her voice in the pubhc concluding meeting of
worship. ' Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire
may devour thy cedars.' Both then, and at several pri
vate meetings in Dublin, her effusions were I beheve ac
companied with divine life, and acceptable to the Uving
who were present; Indeed, my heart has been made glad
in the house of prayer, and my spirit has waded in the
deeps, on behalf of the visited youth of this generation:
the desire and petition of my soul has been, that nothing
might be permitted to hurt them, nor mar the work of
.formation in and upon them; but that they may go for
ward, and increase in the exceUency of dignity, and the
exceUency of power; that so, by and through them, under
divine protection and direction, the continued back-sliding
of a degenerate people, may in a good measure be stop
ped, and the Lord may be graciously pleased to return to
the many thousands of Israel.
" R. S."

R. S. TO S. R. G-

" BaUitore, 23d of 1 1th Month, 1788.
* * * "I wouldjust simply say, that aU the near
connexions of my dear Margaret are much obliged by thy
tender, soUcitpus, affectionate care and attention to her.

157
night and day, in season and put of season; and hariii^
thus said, I do not purpose to pain thee any more with a
repetition of acknowledgments. We are on a different foot
ing, than to deal in such kind of traffic: I shall therefore dis
miss the subject with a wish, that whatever sorro-ivs thou
mayst have, whether of this or any other kind, thou mayst
never want such a cordial friend and kind assistant, as thou
hast been to her. * *
Abraham's chfldren seem to be now finely over the
smaU-pox, which is a very great favour and relief to the
anxious mind of their mother ; and I doubt not this merciful
dealing of gracious Providence is an additional obligatipn,
weighing them both down, causing them to say: 'What
shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits ?' May it
have like good effect on aU their near connexions. * » *
I hope our A. B. has by this time got a little from under
the weight of the mountains, and goes on simply and
quietly in the performance of what she apprehends to be
her duty; not looking at the difficulties and dangers which
may be before her in the road of hfe, and so anticipating
trouble before it is sent; but looking over them aU, to the
recompense and glorious reward which is laid up at the
end, for the wflUng, faithfol, obedient servant. ' Sufficient
unto the day is the eril thereof.' And when difficulties
and dangers present to her view, let her remember the wise
man's experience: 'He that feareth God shaU come forth
out of them aU.' And as I beUeve she is one of those, such,
I trust and hope, wffi be her experience.
«R. S."

158

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER 6-

" Baffitore, 24th of 12th Month, 1788.
"My DEAR Margaret,
" The last of thy precious letters, which has
come to my knowledge, is of the 11th instant, to thy mo
ther, I retumed the 15th fi*om Mountmeffick, having been
inrited to accompany M. R. and J, W, and the friends
appointed to perform a famfly visit to the friends in that
monthly meeting. I did not think weU tp refose, sp at
tended them tffi the risit was cempleted, I trust a degree
of best help was administered, and that np harm was done.
The women held out stoutly every way. The business, I
hope, may be said to have been weU done; but my expect
ations of consequent good fruit are not sanguine. Hpw
ever, the gpspd must be preached, the seed spwn and
watered, and a patient travail pf spirit exercised, that the
Lprd pf the Harvest may be graciously pleased, in his own
time, to add the increase, • * Hpw is our dear friend
M, D, new? Why, there is a fine hpst gpne tp Cork. It
was noble of cousin S. R. G. and her sister to venture
there*: such exemplary devotipn and imreserved dedica
tion wffi, I trust, accumulate large treasures for them in
heaven, let the success turn out as it wffi on earth. The
other worthies too, that embarked on the pacific ocean, in
the glorious cause of the promotion of peace, wffi, I deubt
npt, have their blessed reward.
"Thpu wflt, I knpw, Uke to be informed how our dear S.
gees pn. She has several times Ufted up her vpice in Pur

" This alludes to a visit which S. K. G. paid to the &mjlies of Friendsi
at Cork.

159
pubUc reUgious assembUes, audibly, feeUngly, and ten
derly. In our afternoon meeting, 21st instant, she kneeled
down, and in a very intdUgible, yet very affecting manner,
ppured forth a solemn supphcation to the great Lord of
heaven and earth. It was a time of true solemnity. My
poor spirit was at that instant wading in the deeps, and her
Uvely offering no way interrupted, but assisted my laborious
travafl. When she has been faithful, she is cheerful, com
fortable, and happy in herself; and, indeed, I beUeve this
is generaUy the case with her: her even, steady, humble
conduct, manifests the placid tenour and composure of her
mind. I have never yet spoken to her between ourselves
on this important subject: I leave her to Him who, I be
heve, has caUed and put her forth. But frequent and fer
vent have been my desires on her account; and not on
hers only, but for others, to whom I am nearly united, both
by natiire and grace, that you may do vaUantly in your
day, not looking about for Uttle, mean subterfuges, and
pitiful evasions for self, but be wflUng to lose this seffish
life, that so you may find that life which is hid with Christ
in God,
"This is a day of revolting and backshding— a day in
which a vaunting, defying spirit, has too much prevafled,
and Israel, those who are truly the Lord's people, have
been discpmfited and discouraged. If those w*ho have re
ceived gifts frpm on high, and have in every respect been
distinguished by peculiar favours, both spiritual and tem
poral, wffi .pusffianimously sUnk back. Or ungratefidly
refose to cpmply with the dear requisitions pf duty, surely
great wffi be their cpndemnatipn. But I hppe better
things of divers of you: that you wffi, in the first place,
take dffigent heed to yourselves, and then, as with the
heart of one man, advance under Divine direction and pro
tection, against the common enemy. So be i^ saith thy
tenderly affectionate father.

160
" How is pur dear E. P.? If I do not nustake, I had the
last word with her in this way. Assure her of my dear
love. Her letters are always particularly acceptable to me ;
but I would not have her be uneasy about writing or not
writing to me: may she mind weU the work before her!
and that is enough for me. Her preservation and her pro
gress in the heavenly pilgrimage, is the object of my so-
Ucitpus desire,
"R. S."

* * *

from the same tp the same,
" Baffitpre, 30th of 1st Month, 1788,
" With my dear love, teU E. Pim I received
her letter. She ought, by this time, to have known me
better, than to imagine that I could forget her. She is
hke one engraven on the palms of my hands. Indeed, I
am as it were astonished, that people should pay me such
attention, and give me so many marks of their affectionate
regard. I wish for more and more of those humbling
baptisms, which keep us down in the deeps, and in a
sense of our own unworthiness and insufficiency. * * *
Cousin E. G.'s salutation is very acceptable. A, and she
are pbjpcts pf pur particular attachment. I vrish them to
grow from strength to strength, not only as to their own
rehgious experience, but capacity for more extensive, more
weighty service in the church. Good parts and disposi
tions, sanctified by the truth, may be, and ought to be, and
are designed to be soUfily useful; and there is a danger of
those losing ground, and sliding backwards, who do not
go forward according to divine appomtment,
"Our dear love to that family, always including thy aunt
Taylor,
" R. S. "

161

CHAPTER VI.

Letters. The illness and decease qf Richard Shackleton. Death
qf Elizabeth Shackleton.

R. S. TO HIS daughter G  .
" Baffitore, .21st of 1st Month, 1789.
* * "My mind is often humbled in deep thankful
ness, on account of divers of you, my beloved chfldren, who
are not only preserved to walk m the truth, but caUed to
bear testimony tp it; and my earnest and affectionate de-
she is, that you may be faithfol and obedient to the clear
manifestations of duty, and of the dirihe requiriflgs. This
is what wffi render you comfortable and happy in your
selves, and be as a Goshen to you in the midst of Egyptian
darkness: you wfll have hght, cheering hght, in your
dwellings. But the contrary has a contrary effect: instead
of the conscious answer of *weU done, good and faith
ful servant,' there vriU be a fearfol looking for of judgment,
divine favour wffi be vrithdrawn, and the sphit left soUtary
in a dry pit: nay, even the lawful gratifications of this hfe wifl
lose their rehsh, the cup wffi be embittered; and the cross
occurrences which fall put wffi cut with a keener edge, and
the hurts and wounds made by them wfll be in danger of
rankUng and festering, instead of being presently healed.
So may we all be mercifully preserved a family, a field;
which the Lerd hath blessed, and wiU gracipusly deUghtto
M

162
bless, A Uttle time, and aU wffi be over with us here :
eternity and its prospects should be the object of our con
templation, and have all their due weight and influence with
us. I sent thy message of love to our friend E, Pike,
That wise lady's answer was : ' We accept thy daughter
Grubb's love : she seems as a piece of myself.' Is not this
multum in parvo? "R. S."

B. S. TO HIS WIFE.
« Waterford, 19th of 5th Month, 1789.
* * " It is thirty-five years, this day, since a former
beloved companion was translated from earth to heaven.
The loss was grievous, and the outward prospect melan
choly ; but the great ControUer of events, in the plenitude
of his goodness, was pleased to make up that loss to me
and mine, and to brighten that glopmy aspect pf .things, by
adding thee, his precious gift, to my famfly. In thee we
have found a wife, a mother, a daughter, a superintendant,
a counseUor, helper, and friend; and I trust we are all
thankfuUy sensible of the favour. I do seem at times as if
home was not to be my cpnstant place of residence, and as
if the comforts ef domestic life were folded up; so that I
apprehend, at times, it is best for me to leave home, and be
in the way of vritnessing that some reUgious serrice goes
forward. On these occasipns I have ever found thee wil
ling to encourage, release, expedite, and accommodate me
to the best of thy power, which I gratefully acknowledge,
* * * Thy chfldren wffi, I doubt not, care for thee now
in the dechne of Ufe; and I trust Almighty help and favour
wfll be near for thy comfort and support. Remember me
affectipnately to our dear S. A petition was begot in my

163
heart for her this day in meeting, that she may be pre
served in the training pf Infinite Wisdom, and grow to be
useful in the church of Christ, according to the extent of
the designation of her gracious Master, whose she is, and
whom I beheve she serves acceptably. If she finds in her
heart tp write me a line, it wffi, doubtless, be acceptable;
but I would not have her be uneasy if she does not, for I
shaU not be uneasy on that account. I wish her never to
give to others that which is only fpr herself, nor to keep
unprpfitably and detrimentaUy to herself, what may be
given to her for others. If it wffi be any encouragement
or satisfaction to her, I can freely say I have near unity
with her sweet effusions, and her deportment and conduct
preaches loudly (I wish I could say effectually) to me.
"R. S."

from the same to the same.
"Hubberston, 23d of 5th Month, 1789.
"Now, my beloved companion and dearest friend, for
thy satisfaction I may inform thee, that I have been quite
satisfied in my mind with this excursion, which I have ven
tured to take, not rashly, but as seddngly and as feeUngly
as I wefl could^ and I hope Divine Mercy has cleared the
way for it, and wffi be near to preserve and support every
way. "Along with innumerable jfavours heaped on my un
worthy head, I am, I trust, thoroughly sensible of my own
manifold "weaknesses and insufficiency; and this sense, re
newed and confirmed to me from time to time, is cause of
deep thankfulness to me ; for Hove the low and tender and
helpless state, in myself and others. This is what the eye of
M 2

164
blessed regard is graciously towards; this is the field which
the Lord hath blessed and wffi bless. Whfle I write thus,
thou and our beloved S. are particularly in my thoughts,
and I crave the help of your spirits, and your intercession
on my behalf. I hope our beloved chfld is in sound health
of body and mind; that she goes on, in public and private
hfe, in simphcity and godly sincerity.
The believer, the true behever, whose hope and confi
dence is in the fresh supplies of everlasting strength,
maketh not haste, but patiently waiteth for the former and
the latter ram: the former to fructify, and bring to maturity
the heavenly harvest; the latter tp replenish and reward
the fruitful sefl, and prepare for anpther crep.
"R, S."

R. S. TO HIS daughter G— — .
« Baffitore, 27th of 6th Mpnth, 1789,
* * * "I am glad thy honest Samuel was so wefl pleased
with his excursion, [the Yearly Meeting in London.} He
seemed to enjoy it. Thou mentionest his apparent increase
of flesh, I trust he has also witnessed an increase of spirit
in the course of his tour, by the opportunities of instruction
ahd observation which he has had. We sometimes grow, I
beUeve, and do not know that we grow; as we may decline,
and not be immediately sensible of it. So it is said of Sam
son: ' He wist not that the Lord was departed from him.'
Thy husband is possessed of that humffity, simphcity, and
mtegrity, which wffi not fafl of makuig way for bun; and as
he diligently cultivates a renewal of inward strength, by
frequent retirement, I dpubt not his becommg, in time, a
father in the church, as he is much a father in his own
&mily, I am pleased to find he got weU home. His bro-

165
ther Robert and his suite getting home the same day, huade
it, as cousin S. said, hke running a race. I wish you all to
run legitimately, without emidation or justhng, and all to
receive the prize.
" This Clonmel is a wonderful place : it is an awfol thing
to Uve in it. There is such an assemblage of choice spirits,
and such a necessity of each one being a good example to
the others, lest any should improperly indulge themselves
in another person's hberty. But, if it were even Paradise
itself, so long as it is on earth, Satan wiU contrive to get
into it, and, if possible, wffi defeat, deform, and defile ; so
let us watch and be sober.
«R. S,"

R. S, TO S, R. G— — .
" Baffitore, 22d of 8th Month, 1 789.
"My dear Cousin,
" I have been writing to some great folk, and
dispatched my yearly epistle to thy mother. I now turn to
one of the Uttle ones, whom I am glad to be enabled to sa
lute vrith renewed affection, and to whom I would, with all
wfllingness, hand more than a cup of cold water, in the
name of a disciple, if I had it to give. We are, very em
phatically, caUed Friends ; and friends we should be to
one another, not sparing friendly adrice and reproof, and
taking a willing oversight of one another, as keepers of one
anpther, and so profitably conjoined iii,harmonious labour.
K then we should not withhold reproof and correction in
proper season, why should we withhold encouragement,
and the expression of strengthening unity ? If I have any
thing to write te thee at this time, my dear friend, it is in
this Une— the line of encouragement to hold on thy way.

166
Cpntinue in the httleness of self, and thou wilt continue to
witness an enlargedness in the service of thy great Master.
And be not weary of weU-domg : consider whose cause it is
which thou art engaged in, of infinite importance and con
sequence ; and how much depends on every one who is sent
on any expedition, or who has any part to maintain, faith
fuUy and firmly discharging their duty. To give way in a
Httie is to weaken in the general ; but every one doing his
own part, the whole is strengthened, and the work com
pletely and uniformly carried on. * *
" We have recent inteffigence of the sudden decease of
our dear friend, Wiffiam Rathbone, of Liverpool. He is a
loss in number and in weight, of the hving members of the
church. I believe he was an honest, faithful, diUgent, sen
sible, useful friend, and leaves a considerable chasm in that
quarter. * * * Our dear fidends, M. R, and Co, are,
it is like, roUing now on the vast ocean. Though the vrinds
roar, and the bffiows toss, yet may their devoted minds be
kept calm, in sweet, serene composure,
FareweU, my beloved friend; mayst thou take deeper
and deeper root m humffity, and in the experience of the
divine Hfe, for thy own preservation and nourishment, the
more thou advancest in reUgious stature, and spreadest wide
thy fruit-bearing branches. Remember me affectionately
to thy honest husband. I am glad that thou art joined to
one who vriU encourage, make way for, and help thee in
every respect. The whole plantation at Suir Island, trees,
saplings, and underwood, have all my warm wishes for their
growth and prosperity.
«R. S."

167

R, S. TO S, R. 6-

« BaUitore, 16th of 12th Month, 1789.
* * " Wlien we prescribe for such as thou art, we
must also take in the inind, which often affects, and is
affected by the organs of the body. Be an obedient child.
Now a chfld does not reason a great deal, nor puzzle itself
with the consideration of probable consequences; its duty
and its praise are, simply to do as it is bid. This is ac
ceptable to the great Father of the family in heaven and on
earth ; this is uniting in the chorus, in the blessed harmony;
this is not interrupting, confusing, or retarding the great
work of 'glory to God, and good-wfll to men,' but it is
promoting and forwarding it, according to the Divine wilL
' The stars in their courses fought against Sisera;' and of
whatever degree in the heavenly hpst, my belpved friend^
thpu mayst esteem thyself tp be, (and I am sure I care npt
hpw httle that is in thine Pwn eyes,) be thou encpuraged tp
persevere in unreserved dedication of aU to the cause of
Christ. The kingdpms pf this world seem in an unusual
ferment; and the bottom on w;hich the false reUgions of it
are founded, is altpgether sUght, preqaripus, and uncertain.
Whp knows how near the hour may be, when it shaU
please the Omnipotent to rend the vefl which obscures the
spiritual sight of mankind, and to reveal himself tp the
human species in a mere general way? saying, as at the
beginning pf the creatipn, 'Let there be Hght, tod there
was Hght.' May ypu, whp are called and chcsen, and fur
nished for the Master's service, be disencumbered, and
ready willingly to run en his errands, with an ' Here am I,
send me;' dihgentiy attending tp the fresh pointings and
directions of wisdom, hi the course of your service. So
wffi the great and glorious work be likdy to prosper in

168
your hands, and your peace wffi run down as a river in the
present hfe, bearmg and supporting your spirits tfll you are
conveyed to the ocean and fulness of^eyerlasting peace and
joy.
«R, S,"

R. S, TO HIS DAUGHTER G-^^,
" Ballitore, 5th of 2d Mpnth, 1790.
* * * "We are mercifuUy favpured here with
pretty gpod health, except our sweet, dear httle Peggy,
who does not yet rub through her complaints; but as dffi
gent means are used for her restoration, we cherish a hope
it may prove consistent with the Divine wffi to bless the
same. However that may be, submission and resignation
are our duties. Much severer trials may yet await us, than
the translation of the spirit of an innocent chfld, from a
scene of conffict and danger, to everlasting safety and hap
piness. " I think thou art quite right in paying all proper at-
tention to the facffitatmg thy husband's leaving home, and
getting the benefit of solemn feasts as weU as thyself.
Those who are often much hampered -with worldly caresj
are necessarfly covered with the dust of them. They
want to be often shaken from this dust, that it may not He
so long as to suUy thek garments, Tumhig the back
to the world for a season, and giving up to those splemni-
ties, I beheve, are often attended with beneficial conse
quences. The women dweU more ear-officio in the quiet
habitation, are less exposed to the spots of the world.
* * I am glad to be wefl assured that thy husband and
thou earnestly seek each other's improvement in the best

169
things, and are as desirous each for the opportunity of the
other's spiritual advantage, as his or her own.
«R. S."

R. S. TO S. R. G  .
"Baffitore, 11th of 2d Month, 1790,
"My dear Cousin,
" Thy last written communications to me,
dated the 1st day of this year, were very acceptable. The
extracts of letters recdved from France, and from our
dear friend R. Jones, were a highly-pleasing treat; and all
tliis fiimished at a time when thou wast wading in the
deeps, engaged with sore conffict of mind, and wrestlmg
for a mixture of condescending mercy. To think of fitting
out an entertainment for me in such circumstances, was
an argument of true friendship and true humflity ; and thy
increase in these two respects, is a particular object of my
desire for thee, both for my sake and thy own. WeU,
dear friend, thou wast helped over that mountain also, the
risit to Kinsale and the prison there. I congratulate thee
thereupon, and expect thou wflt be stffi further instructed,
disciplined, and modelled, by these forther sufferings and
rejoicings; so that thou vrilt become more and more an
obedient chfld, ready at a beck to run, and do the wffi of
thy Father who is in heaven, I was, and am also glad at
heart, that our beloved E. P. is so completely reduced
and moulded — so wflhng to be any thing, as wefl as
nothing, WeU, it is certainly the most spirituaUy-poUtic
way: it saves the poor creature a great deal of trouble, to
give up at puce ; not to be trifling and tampering about
articles pf capitqlatipn, but surrender at the discretipn of

170
the conqueror. Salute that dear chfld, for my wife and
me, with much affectionate nearness. I wrote to her in
answer to her last. If she has any good news to teU
me, I care not how soon she communicates it; if the
contrary, I have a heart wflhng to share in her troubles.
• • *
" How closely are even the favoured of Heaven some
times tried, about the means of proriding outward neces
saries! that their dfligence in worldly business and
their fervency of spirit may be stimulated at the same
time; that they may be stirred up to exercise an assiduous,
prudent care in their occupations, and yet be taught that
the fruit of their labpur depends altpgether en Him whp
alone can give the increase, * * * There is a want of
more fathers and mothers amongst us; such as seek not
the sordid gain of pre-eminence; but who, though men in
religipus understanding, are chfldren, as tc a humble,
happy, tractable disppsition of mind: such as are meek,
compassionate, benevolent, forgiving, preferring others
before themselves; or, in a word, such as have put on
' Christ, and keep on them that blessed clpthing. I hear
with much satisfactipn, pne gpod report or Pther pf some
of you thereaway. I wish the babes and suckUngs may
be strengthened to do their part; for a great deal depends
on that class thriving, and dping their duty, Tp be mer
cifuUy preserved from material injury, in passing through
the chfld's state, affords gppd hopes of arriving at the
measure of stature and capacity, designed by Infinite Wis
dom, I like the last communications from France which
thou sentest me. When thou hearest from that visited,
agitated country, I doubt not thou vrilt be kind enpugh tp
cpmmunicate, * * *
" Desiring thy continued increase in good, and expect
ing to be fayoured with a visible, manual token of thy

171
remembrance, when a favourable coincidence shaU faU out,
with dear love to thee and cousin Robert,
" I remain thy very affectionate kinsman,
"R. S,"

R, S, TO JOHN THORP.
" Baffitore, 14th of 9d Month, 1790,
" It is not a time for servants who have been
trained in a holy disciphne, fitted and prepared by various
previous dispensations, instructed to knPW the Master's
wffi, and practised in tbe performance of it: it is not a
time foi^such to be as idle, indifferent spectators, serving
themselves, and neglecting the Master's business. The
cause which the Son of Gpd introduced upon earth, which
he promulgated by his own authority, cpufirmed by mira
cles, and sealed by his blood; a cause which involves in
it Hfe and immortahty, and every thing that is truly good
in time and in eternity; this is certainly to be faithfolly
espoused, and dffigently promoted among men, according
to the abffity imparted. So thpught our predecessors,
and left behind them a most striking example of dffigence,
fortitude, perseverance, and patience in grievous and long-
continued sufferings. They knew that the term of this
life was short, and that what they had in commission to
the people of that generation was of infinite importance ;
so that they lost no time in delivering their Lord's mes
sage, and forwarding his business vrith care, fidehty, and
dispatch, • Gp and dp thpu likevrise,'
"I gratefuUy accept the salutatipn pf my honoured
friend, Sarah Taylor, and I also accept her excuse fpr
npt writing tp me. She hath dene what she could, (I be
lieve,) through a long hfe, in a far more npble and useful

172
Une; and I wpuld npt begrudge her now to sit dpwn and
eat the fruits of her industry — to tarry at home, and di-
ride, among her friends and neighbours, the precious spofl
won by her hpnest services.
"R. S,"

R, S, TO HIS DAUGHTER SARAH,
" BaUimurry, 14th of 4th Month, 1790,
* * * " I cannot say when I shall get
home, I mean to do aU abput staying and going, as weU
as I can; and I have a hope that a way wffi be cast up
for poor, bhnd me, that wfll be best, I have been hitherto
mercifuUy and graciously helped ; and therefore, if I be
preserved from evfl, I trust the same kind hand wfll con
tinue to support and direct. It is my principal depen
dance. I have httle or no confidence in the flesh, in my
own talents, abffities, or contrivance,
" My poor famffies with you are the subject of my deep
travafl, with earnest desires for your help, and for the in
terference and blessing of Heaven among, and upon you;
particularly and especiaUy thy dear mother is the object
of my faithftd, affectionate sohcitude, who so generously
and freely gives me up, and takes care for me at home and
abroad. So may we be united and bound up together all
in the spiritual relatipn, mercifuUy taken and kept under
the notice, and forming, and direction of the heavenly
hand, aU chfldren of the same everlasting Father and
Friend. And mayst thou, my dear S., continue to be an
example to us aU in watchfulness, innocence, simplicity,
and dedication. Look not too far before thee; take not
into thy view and contemplation too great a field of labour
at a time, which may intimidate and discourage thee; but

178
whatever Uttle matter thou findest tp dp, dp it in the pre
sent might. As was said tp Mpses, ' / am hath sent thee.'
Then retire to thy own closet, and hearken to the secret
intimations whispered there, endeavouring to shut out afl
the redundance of reasoning and imagination, wljich will
be apt to intrude and mix there ; remembering that that
which is born of the flesh is only flesh, and profiteth
nothing there ; flesh and blood not being capable of enter
ing into the sphitual kingdom.
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS WIFE,
" London, 2d of 6th Month, 1790,
* * * " Did I mention that this yearly
meeting ordered a commodipus place to be purchased, and
edffices to be erected here, for the more convenient recep
tion and holding of the yearly men's and women's meeting ?
for which purpose they directed ten thousand pounds to
be raised. Though this was only an external matter, yet
it was carried through the meeting vrith such unanimity,
dignity, and nobffity of spirit, that aU within me was pros
trated in thankfulness, as at the footstool of the throne —
as when the outward temple was to be buflt, and the peo
ple offered so wffimgly. I more and more find this yearly
meeting He close to my heart.
"R. S."

174

R. S. TO S. R. G  .
On her setting out on her second visit to the continent.
'• London, 5th of 6th Month, 1790.
"My dear Cousin,
" I. P, informing me that it was necessary
to send the enclosed letter under a cover, I thought I
might as well write a few hues on the cover, as send it
empty away. I therefore take the opportunity of salut
ing thee with my best love, and intimating to thee the con
tinued increase of near affection for thee. I believe that
the more any are devoted and dedicated to the promotion
of the Christian cause, and the more dfligently they labour
therein, that they feel in a stronger degree, not only the
effectual help of the Great Master te their spirits, but the
help pf the spirits pf their friends, brethren, and sisters.
And as thpu hast set such an example pf unreserved sub-
missipn tP the divine wffi, and pbedience to the heavenly
call, I doubt not thy being borne up through the serrice
before thee, to the glory of the great Name, and the pro
pagation of the blessed gospel of Christ among men.
Rejoice then, my beloved friend, that thou art honoured
with a part of the ministry; continue to let it be as thy
meat and drink, thy ordinary food, to do the wiU of Him
who sent thee, and to accomplish thy aUotted share of his
work. * *
" I love to reside in the humble vaUey, and that the
precious dew may lie upon my branch. Ahd thus I wish
you, my beloved friends, enlisted, accoutred, engaged, and
committed in the most glorious cause which ever dignified
human nature ; that in the nothingness of self, and abase
ment of the creature, you may receive your fresh supphes
of spiritual ability from the sole source of aU right, reUgious

175
qualification. And if in some places there is not an ear
to hear, no opportunity to scatter, go forward, bearing the
precious seed. * * I am ashamed to take the hberty
thus to write to my superiors; btit interpret it as the effu
sion of simphcity and love. « * * Do let us know
how you get on every way. Many are deeply interested
in your welfare, and among those,
" Thy truly affectipnate friend and kinsman,
"R. S."

R, S, TO HIS DAUGHTER G  ,
" Baffitpre 8th of 7th Month, 1790,
"My DEAR Margaret, " I have indeed abundant and renewed
cause of thankfidness to our Almighty Benefactor, for his
gracious protection stffi extended, and his safe conduct of
a very pppr and helpless creature, home tp my famfly and
friends, I have also humbly to acknowledge the dafly sup
phes every way afforded, profitable to me, for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
thus the rod and the staff, administered in wisdom, alter
nately rectify and regulate, assist and comfort; and so
poor pflgrims move along under repeated conrictions of
their own infirmities and insufficiency, and under a re
newed experience pf cpntinued mercy and divine aid. The
yearly meeting of London seems like a home or habitation
to my spirit. I am dipped there, I trust, in seme degree,
into the state of the Christian cause, and engaged in a
travafl, and secret, sflent wrestling for a blessing on the en
deavours of the faithfol in this day fpr the promotion of
it: this I look upon as my principal business there, though
a gppd deal of other matter, relative to church-affairs, falls

176
to my lot besides, and caUs for diUgent exertion of my
best abihties. Upon the whole, my dear M., I do hope
this most important cause gains ground; and that, though
there stffi remain some fruitless, sapless trees in the wood,
yet a great number of promismg young plants have taken
strong root downwards, and are shooting vigorously up
wards. Much depends on their preservation from any
annoyance — on their upright growth, and bearing teach
their own kind of fruit in due season. My journey to
and from London, and temporary stops at sundry places,
as well as some few excursions in the neighbourhood of
London, were generaUy attended with satisfaction to my
mmd. I renewed precious amity with old surviving friends ;
and I met with opportunity of cultivating a pleasing and
profitable intimacy with some new ones. I saw my friend
Burke, had him awhile to myself, and admired and loved
him afresh. * * *
« R. S."

R. 6. TO S. R. G-

" Carlow, 19th of 7th Month, 1790.
"My beloved Cousin,
" My wife and I, and several of us of this monthly
meeting, have been engaged a little at home, in a degree
of like labour as engages you abroad. We have been en
deavouring to dress the garden already enclosed, the sofl
of which is indeed poor enough, and weeds enow, rooted
and running to seed, in danger of disseminating their own
proHfic species, to the deforming of the garden and the
annoyance of the hopefol plants. You are occupied in the
wide and wild field, where there is abundance of rough
work to be done, access to be graduaUy made, rubbish to

be removed, stones to be gathered out, and the gospel
plpugh and harrpw to be introduced. I have at times
been favoured to meet with you there in sphit, and to de
sire a blessing on your work. In so large a field of labour,
your work may indeed seem small and contemptible in your
own rational view; but, as it is said, ' Every thing has a
beginning,' be not discouraged ; do your part, and that is
enough for you. Sow the seed in faith, and leave it under
the blessing of the Heavenly Husbandman : other labourers
may be sent hereafter into the field, in the progress of the
work, with different tools and instruments, for forther
serrice. The present time, the present might and ability,
dffigently and rightly employed, are the most likdy means
for the business to be effectuaUy promoted, and for the
securing and estabUshing your own peace, the precious
penny, the inestimable reward. My feUow-labourers have
left me here, as I am so far on my way to YoughaU,
where the prorince meeting is to begin, the 25th instant ;
and where i expect to meet with old James Christy, and
John Gough, and several other friends, in order to essay
a beginning of the national visit, which has been appointed
here. I understand J. G. has lately had an alarming
paralytic stroke, which nearly deprived him of the use of
one side for some time ; but was so far recovered as to be
able to attend their late quarterly meeting near Charle-
mont, where he had very acceptable service, appearing
with increasing brightness in his Master's cause, who, I
trust, wiU strengthen him every way for this fresh service.
I love to see people so devoted, so dedicated, so set upon
promoting the cause of Christ. * * *
"I hold myself much obUged, as I have been mueh
gratified, by thy kind communication from Amsterdam, of
the 1st instant. Continue, my dearly beloved cousin, so to
fevour me; for thou art precious with rae, and thy pre-

178

servation, and perseverance in wefl doing, are among those
subjects of solicitous fa-avafl which are interwoven with my
best feehngs. * « * Peace be to you, and peace to
your helpers ! The Lord hath helped, doth, and wfll help

you.

"R. S."

K. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER 6——.
" Baffitore, 22d of 11th Month, 1790.
"My BELOVED Margaret,
" It was very kind, in thy situation, to
take .the trouble of writing. We feel indeed for thee, and
wish it were in pur power to afford thee any relief. We
have none to send thee except our adrice, and that I believe
thou hast no occasion for; for thou knowest where to look
for help, and who it is that can say ' peace, bg stffi;' and
the stprms in the mpral, as weU as in the elementary
world, obey his vpice. But it is pften easier to give ad
vice than to take it: it is easy to recpmmend resignatien;
but when the trial cpmes home to us, and the exqiusitdy
tender feelings of nature are affected ; then to say vrith
the heart, 'Thy wffi be done!' is to overcome indeed.
And yet such a victory over humanity may be gained, and
is often gained by the Lord's children, in their pflgrimage
through this hfe; and being strengthened by his love and
his power, they can, in aU humflity and gratitude, kiss the
rod which chastises them, and bless the hand, which in
perfect, though unsearchable wisdom, both gives and
takes away. Our sympathy.with thee, my dear chfld, is
strong; and our hope, I trust, is not of the hypocrite,
which perisheth; our hope is, that thou wflt, in the Lord's
time, be raised out of those pits of distress, and having

179
been made a -vritness of dehverance, wilt have experimen-
taUy to testify to the sufficiency of that arm of everlastmg
Power, which could deliver in such sort, and to encourage
pther traveflers in the like tribulated path, te hold on
their way. * *
" Thy son Abraham is in good health, through favour of
Proridence; a fine, sensible, well-disposed boy, who, I
trust, wiU be a comfort and assistance to his worthy father
and thee. When I speak Of comfort, I must consequently
think of our dear S. R. G. whom to have so near thee
must be pleasing and strengthening. It is strikingly re
markable, of how singular and manifold service one person
is, whose good natural understanding is imbued with
divine wisdom, and who, in all humflity and devotedness,
goes on in simphcity, doing the great Master's wfll. How
great then must be the use, and howppwerful the effect, when
many such are combined together, assisting and encourag
ing one another, and assisted and encouraged by the Head
of the church. So that every individual should look well
to themselves, lest their want of coming properly forward
should not only be to thek own great loss, but to the im
poverishing and debffitating of the general effort for pro
moting the common cause. I hear that account has been
received of the release of our dear friend, WiUiam
Mathews, from this warfare. * * Now, my dear M.
with the one heart of two parents affectionately soHcitous
for thy happy release, in due season, from every burden,
and that aU sorrows may, in the Lord's time, be changed
into joy, I bid thee most tenderiy and cordially farewell.
"R. S."

n2

180

R. S. TO S. G-

" Baffitore, 25th of 11th Month, 179i).
"My dear Samuel,
" This morning we received the account
of my sweet little grandson's transit from earth to heaven;
an happy exchange indeed for him, without undergoing
the troubles and running the risk of length of days. But
I know thy tender heart will be grieved, and that such
trials deeply affect thee. Let this reflection comfort thee :
that thy chfldren thus removed are safe and well provided
for, and that thou vrilt have no tears to shed for their mis
conduct. He who does all things in perfect wisdom, and
knows what is best for us aU, thus orders respecting us,
that we may by his humbhng, refining dispensations, be
made what he would have us to be. * * * *
" R. S,"

R. S. TO S. R. G  .
" Baffitore, 27th of 11th Month, 1790,
"My dear Cousin,
" I often crave to be preserved from steaUng,
and taking the great name in vain; that is, from unwar
rantably and iUicitly meddling with religious subjects ; and
I hope it is under some of this awful covering and salutary
fear, that I endeavour to keep up a correspondence of this
sort, with a number of dear and intimate friends. I con
sider that we have ' gifts differing according to the grace
that is given to us;' that I have, when at home, some leisure
time ; and that I find I have neither a cast, nor Hking, nor
capacity for many ordinary affairs, which occupy many

181
people's time and talents: they attend to that which pleases
them, and which they understand. Why may not I at
tend to that which pleases me, and in which I wish to im
prove; provided I neither hurt myself, nor any one else?
I know that, as gppd ecenomists, we should have a store
room in our house, in which things not wanted for present
use should be carefuUy locked up ; and that frugality and
industry are very necessary qualities, as the means of ex
ercising hberality in due season. To be fi-ugal, not par
simonious; hberal, and not lavish; is what I think we
should endeavour to learn. But why all this preface?
As I lay awake this morning, thou occurredst to me ; and
no wonder, as thou art the frequent companion of my
thoughts ; thou seemedst to me rather poor and low, like
myself, and I thought I would try if I could converse with
thee in this manner. I do not want to make a flourish in
praise of poverty; as some people, instead of bowing down
under, and bearing the cross, appear to me to ride exult-
ingly and -ostentatiously upon it; but I want just to manifest,
by this little token, my sensibflity and affectionate sympa
thy with thee. Neither do I want to give thee advice on
the occasion. I am not so vain and foolish as to think
thou standest in need of my advice. Thou art a fa*ained
servant, and art acquainted by this time with thy Master's
ways and manner. Thou hast, though young in years,
been long under his holy discipline, and knowest that
much exercise, conffict, and probation is contumally to be
gone through, in order to be made ' perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.' Thou hast drunk deeply
of divine consolation, and thou hast known a walking in the
light of the Lord; yea, thy path has been for a season as
the shining hght. No wonder then that in turn thou
shouldst not only be stripped of thy priestly robes, but
compassed with the troubles and perplexities, which be
long to us, as being flesh. I believe, indeed, that those

182
who ascend to the greatest heights of the holy hfll, and as
instruments are made most emmently useful; I believe
that those have to descend proportionably mto the lower
parts of the earth, and have the greatest need to experi
ence a being buried with Christ, by baptism into death.
Such is the frailty and fallibility of our compound natures,
that the great Author of them knows there is a necessity
for our undergoing repeated humfliations and abasement
of self, that we may know and feel, and be made thorough
ly sensible of this important, essential truth: that ' we are
not sufficient of ourselves even to think any gopd thing,
as pf ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.' -
" It is a considerable comfort to us, that thou, my be
loved cousin, art got home, while pur dear Margaret has
been sp tiied. She has lost her little John. We are in
anxious expectation about her, but our hopes overbalance
our fears. We ta'ust that our gracious Benefactor wffi be
mercifully pleased to bring her through her dreaded cpn-
flict, and restore her to her family, to her friends, and to
the church ; which stands greatly in need of well-qualified,
experienced, devoted, active members, who have witnessed
the dispensation of preparation for acceptable service.
* * * Farewell, my beloved friend and cousin."
"29th. This letter has been delayed; and we have,
since it was written, received the glad tidings that our dear
M. had increased her family, for which I desire to be
favoured with a thankful heart. By E. Pmi's letter, I
find several of you were bound for Cork. I might indeed
have thought of the quarterly meeting being to be there.
* * Once more, and evermore, my dear cousin, fare
weU!
"R. S."
The foUowbg letter, dictated by S. R, Grubb, four days
before her decease, in reply to the preceding from R. S,

183
concludes this interesting correspondence. Sarah R. Grubb
was seized with a fever whilst at Cork, and died the 8th
of 12th month, 1790.
"Thy salutation met me, though apparently out of
course, in the right time; being under impressions which
make time and circumstances of httle account, compared
with the imhmited consolations of the Spirit, or a prepara
tion to receive them at the Divine hand. My soul, though
encompeissed with the manifold infirmities of a very affiict
ed tabernacle, can feeUngly worship, and rejoice in nothing
more than this, that the Lamb immaculate is stfll redeem
ing, by his precious blood, out of every nation, kindred,
tongue, and people; and making a glorious addition to the
church triumphant, whose names wfll stand eternally
recorded in the book of Hfe. I express not these things
from a redundancy of heavenly virtue, but from the soul-
sustaining evidence that, amidst all our weakness, and con
flicts of flesh and spirit, an interest is mercifully gi*anted
in Him who giveth victoiy over death, hell, and the
grave,"

R, S, TO ROBERT GRUBB,
" BaUitore, 28th of 12th Month, 1790.
"Dear Cou.sin Robert,
" I doubt not but thou hast had many affection
ate, sympathizing, consoling salutations from thy numerous
fiiends, in thy present solitary state; and should these be
withheld, yet thou knowest where and in whom are hid
aU the fresh springs of true consolation, as weU as aU the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge ; yet I had a mind to
throw in my mite of comfort, having myself been tried in

184
Uke manner with the privation of a bosom-friend, and part
ner in the cares and comforts of this life, and a faithful,
religious help-mate. Infinite Wisdom indeed has seen
meet to ' take away from thee the desire of thine eyes
with a stroke;' but the reflection of thy having been fa
voured with so exceUent a companion; the recoUection of
the many pleasant, profitable seasons which you had to
gether; and a sense of the spiritual benefit which has ac
crued from your near connexion, must be at times attended
with a savour, and consolatory feeUng which sweetens the
bitter cup. Thy tender care of this eminent, honourable
servant; thy attention to her wants of every kind; and
thy constant promoting and assisting her in her progress
in the great work and service in which she was engaged
on earth, must also be a source of soUd satisfaction to thy
mind, in the frequent retrospect which thou wilt have to
take of the time of your journeying together in the road
of life. So that I wish thee, my dear cousin Robert, to be
cheered, to look up, to be encouraged to attend to the
civil and religious duties of the remaining part of thy day;
and to endeavour, by thy own spiritual growth in the root
of Divine life, and improvement in holy experience and
right capacity for religious serrice, to make up, according
to thy measure, in some part, the great loss which the
church miUtant has sustained, by the translation of this
noble and splendidly-useful instrument from earth to hea
ven.

* *

"R. S."

185

R, S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G-

" BaUitore, 25th of 1st Month, 1791.
* * "May we aU be preserved objects of gracious,
condescending regard; and if it shoidd please Infinite
Wisdom to give any of us an understanding in spiritual
things, and to quahfy us at times a Uttle to handle them,
let us, in all humility and reverence, receive the commis
sion and command as a favour far transcending all worldly
honours and emoluments ; let us not slight, nor regret, nor
repine at the heavenly gift, but gratefidly attend upon it,
and use our dffigent endeavours to improve it, to the ho
nour of the giver ; that so our lives may flow on as com
fortably as is to be expected in this mixed state of existence,
under the renewed eridence of Dirine approbation; that
we may leave vestiges and way-marks to the succeeding
generations, which they may safely and happfly follow;
and ha-ving had the high honour of being, in any degree,
engaged in the promotion of the reign and government of
Christ on earth, may be eternally happy with him in his
heavenly kingdom.
"R. S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
" BaUitore, 2d of 3d Month, 1791.
My dear Margaret,
" Thy mother received tliine of 26th ult. and
though thou dost not speak out, I cannot but think that
thou durst not stay at home ; so give up cheerfuUy, and come
to this north country. People may talk of the weight and

186
influence, and respectabihty of age ; but if younger persons
do not go forth in the serrice, and exert themselves, the
cause wiU suffer. I am not for dragging thee, my dear
child, from thy domestic concerns, which are various and
important; butif truth gently draw thee, and whisper that
a duty is to be done, I would have thee follow its leadings
and secret rnonitions. He that made is aU-sufficient to pre
serve : the kine, indeed, must be allowed to low as they go ;
the natural part, to regret the parting with the inexpressibly
tender connexions left at home ; but the ark of the testi
mony must be taken out of the land of the PhiUstines, and
blessed wfll they be with whom it resteth. So, my dear M,
be not dismayed, but if thou hast heard the caU, go forth,
thoughitmay be weeping: bear and scatter the precious seed,
according to heavenly direction, and there is no doubt but
peace vrill be the crown. Thy sister S. holds herself in
readiness to go with M. D, I hope it is right, but I am
sure it is a close trial to us. I feel a soft part in my na
ture: nature must get vent.
"R. S."
In this year, (1791,) Mary, third daughter of Richard
Shackleton, was married to WiUiam Leadbeater.
R. S. to HIS SON-IN-LAW LEADBEATER.
"Lm*gan, 13th of 4th Month, 1791,
"Dear William, "Having written to thy mother, and the rest of
our chfldren in BaUitore, I thought it would not be unac
ceptable to thee to be remembered likewise in this manner,
* * * So, my dear WiUiam, trouble comes to aU the
race of men: it is the condition of our nature, and no
doubt necessary for us. May thou and thy dear compa
nion not be too much wrapped up in each other, but in the

187
time of outward tranquiffity, and respite from heavy afflic
tion, seek dihgentiy to get settled in some hiding-place in
that rock, the inhabitants whereof find a shelter from the
storms; yea, and at times sing in secret for very joy of
heart. * * * It wfll be a very capital favour to be
rightly helped through the present service : it is difficult
and dangerous — requires meekness of wisdom indeed. I
wish that you, who are young, may keep very constantly
going to school; that so you may be learning more and
more every day, and be more and more quahfied to under
stand and to teach the liring lessons of pure Christianity.
This knowledge is indeed worth aspiring after. It com
prehends life eternal : it is not seated in the head, the
region of the imagination, but it occupies the heart; and,
like the sense of feeling, pervades the whole inward man.
Thou knowest, dear WiUiam, something of this Divine
nature : it was the precious sense of it which caused in thee
such a disrehsh for insipid, lifeless, outward, unsubstantial
forms. Continue to hunger and thirst after it, and it
alone, and in due season thou vrilt be fed. Be content,
yea, glad to be preserved one of the babes in Christ, who
are nourished by the milk of the word ; and not one of the
wise and prudent of this world, from whom the gospel of
Hfe and salvation is impenetrably hid. * *
"M. W. shines in her gift; our dear M. G. in her Une,
appears clothed with the spirit of the gospel; dear S. W.'s
little effusions are very acceptable; R. G., I hope, well
concerned. So we are getting on as well as we can, cau
tious and fearful, that so we may do no hurt.
" R. S."

188

R. S. TO HIS WIFE.

"Lurgan, 19th of 4th Month, 1791.
* * " The good and gracious Master would favour
arid overshadow vrith his goodness, but vain, vain man,
letting in another power to rule and sway, the rain from
heaven faUs unprofitably, as it were, on the troubled sea.
However, in this we have satisfaction, that we have la
boured plainly, honestly, tenderly, respectfuUy, and firmly,
both publicly and privately, in order to bring into the unity
and harmony, and to defeat the enemy's designs; but I
fear Uttle is effected, besides bearing our testimony against
that which is wrong, and lifting up the standard of peace
and concord. The Lord grant that the princes among the
people may flock to it! Then I believe religion would
flourish in this flourishing province. Thou mayst think,
my dear love, from this description, that, we have had a
troublesome time of it. Meekness of wisdom was the
word, and I hope it was in a good degree kept to ; but
though Moses was the meekest of men, he was also an un
daunted warrior, and fought with ardour to get the enemy
of the true seed cast out of the land. * *
The monthly meeting proved a favoured, owning, bow
ing season. * *
"R. S."

from the SAME TO THE SAME.
"London, 12th of 5th Month, 1791.
* * " Last afternoon I attended another sitting of the
Committee on the Queries. It is a jrery difficult job to
get on with; there is so much critical accuracy about choice

189
of words. I had to rub up my old Greek, and to give my
interpretation of a word, in the origiual language of the
New Testament. However, I felt the Power, which
gathered us to be a people, near, as they were framing
and fashioning patterns for the discipline of the church ;
and I bowed in humUity and thankfulness to the Power,
and travailed for a blessing, on the endeavours used for the
preservation and strengthening of that which yet remains
of glory and exceUence amongst us. My cry also was, and
is, for wisdom, that I may be instructed to behave myself
aright in the house of God ; and if I meddle at all, that it
may be with clean hands and a wise heart. There is
too much of the mere natural and superficial amongst us :
there is want of going deeper down than many do. These
things, the propagation and promotion of vital Christianity,
are solemn, awful, and ponderous. Who is sufficient for
them? Not the wise and learned in the wisdom of this
world; not the rich and great in earthly possessions and
rank; not the prudent and crafty in human policy; but
those whose sufficiency is of and from the Lord Almighty,
who have no confidence in that part of themselves which
appertains to the flesh; who are as wiffing to be nothing as
any thing, and who seek not themselves nor their own ho
nour, but the honour which cometh fronj God only. And
such, I am persuaded, are stffi mercifuUy preserved. * *
It is not in the power of our nature to acquire the know
ledge of the truth ; it is not in us to retain it in our expe
rience ; but we may very easfly and readily, as in a moment,
dissipate, squander it away, and lose it for ever. Yea,
whfle we preach to others; while we handle the law and
support the testimony, we may, without watchfulness and
religious fear, become cast away from Divine favour, and
die to any sensations of good, or capacity to do good. So
let us fear as wefl as love, and be sure to take heed to our
selves first, then to the flock, the sheep, and lambs of

190
Christ, if indeed we feel that we are appointed by the chief
Shepherd to take any oversight thereof.

R, S. TO HIS DAUGHTER LEADBEATER, 1791.
* * * "I earnestly desire thy particular attention
to thy mother. Bear with her infirmities, prevent her
wishes, supply her wants, and Hghten my absence to her
in every respect, as much as is in thy power. Thou
knowest the tenderness of the conjugal tie, and therefore
thou wflt bear with me. I am persuaded that thy husband,
who is the very model of good nature, humanity, and equa
nimity, will do his part of this business. * *
"R, S,"

R. S. TO HIS SON.
"London, 18th of 5th Month, 1791,
* * * "Alterations, changes, dismemberments, &c.
wifl faU out m famffies. May we each seek to get settled
on that which is unchangeable; that in whatsoever propor
tion prosperity and adversity, things pleasant and disagree
able, be mingled in the cup pf life, we may take it patiently
and resignedly at the Lord's hand. So wffi it be a cup of
blessings to us: we shaU be strengthened with effectual
help, and take courage to proceed to the end of om* journey ;
where the great plus ultra wiU ppen upen us, where is no
mixture, no sorrow, sighing, nor sickness, but joy everlast
mg upon the heads of the faithful, .devoted, humble foUow
ers, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. * * The

191
close of the busmess last evening was the reading of the
testimonies concerning our late beloved Sarah Robert
Grubb. It was a very solemn time. Joseph Gumey
Bevan read audibly and feelingly : Lewis MajoUer stood by
and looked on the writing as the other read, that he might
the better coUect the sense of a language in which he was
but Httle versed. When J. G, B. had fimshed reading,
L. M. asked permission to add his verbal testimony, which
he did in a few sentences, very explicitly, properly, and feel
ingly. J. G. B. interpreted for him, sentence after seri-
tence, as the other spoke, in a very clear, inteffigible man
ner. The solemnity was great, the audience was very
lai'ge; and, I believe, much pleased, and I hope edified by
the whole transaction. For my part I was favoured to feel
deeply, and to mourn, as I would vrish, the church's loss.
So much for that bright star, now set for ever to this lower
world.

R, S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G  ,
" Colebrook Dale, 4th of 6th Month, 1791.
"My dear Margaret,
" BeUering it wffi be acceptable to thee to hear
from me, I take up the pen at the house of om* friend,
Richard Reynolds, and have, through the continued kind
ness of merciful Proridence, to inform thee that I am in good
health, enjoying the converse of friends, whom I feel near
to my heart, and to whose hearts I have abundant reason
to think I am nearly united. Deborah Darby is indeed
wanting, to consummate our social felicity ; but I believe she
is rightly employed about her Master's business, from
which, neither the partiaUty of special friendship, nor

192
maternal tenderness for her children, who are here during'
school vacation, have attraction sufficient to draw her.
She and R. Y. are on their way from yearly meeting,
risiting meetings, famiUes, &c. They are not likely to
arrive here during our stay. The yearly meeting was
large, and, I hope, solemn. I hope also that it was renew
edly felt and experienced, that, notwithstanding lamentable
declension and dimness may be acknowledged, our religious
society is still o-wned a chosen people, among whom the
hvely oracles are deposited, the gifts and graces of the
spirit are bestowed, and the principles of pure and genuine
Christianity are professed.
" Much time had been previously employed, and during
intervals continued to ba employed, about modelling new
sets of queries: this furnished ample scope for argumenta
tion, &c. For my part, through the most merciful and
gracious condescension of the Lord Almighty, if in humble
reverence I may so presume to say, I was satisfied, having
divers times got down to my o-wn hole in the rock, the se
cret place of the stairs assigned me. In that domicilium,
that httle mansion, I am not only content, but thankful to
dwell. May but the hand of Omnipotence preserve me
there ! for even there the enemy wffi endeavour to make an
entrance, and defile, and defeat, and destroy if he can; for
that is the work of his cruelty and mahce.
" I doubt not that our beloved E. Pim would communi
cate to thee some inteUigence respecting the women's yearly
meeting, &c. which her valuable sister G. would send her.
This dear sister grows, I hope, in a capacity for religious
service, and in the qualifications of a mother in Israel.
May they both grow together in the Lord: so wiU their
labours, and their example be of singular use in their day,
and infinite and glorious will be their recompence of re
ward. * *
"James Lecky, Anna Taverner, and I, set out from

193
Worcester yesterday, and arrived in the evening at this
highly-favoured spot, where we are most kindly and cor
dially entertained. I expect we shall stay for the meeting
here to-morrow, and next day set off for Manchester,
in order to pay a visit to dear Sarah Taylor, who, we un
derstand, appears to be near launching out of time, into,
no doubt, a blissful eternity. If we can receive her last
blessing, it may, perhaps, help us on our way. * *
And now, ray beloved Margaret, having given thee, his
torical, and aU as it occurred, I must draw to a conclusion.
Thou knowest that thou art exceedingly near and dear to
me, and that thy poor father's chief joy is to see, to be sen
sible, that the chfldren of the elect lady walk in the truth.
Thou hast received an heavenly gift, let it be of whatever
denomination it may. WTiat matters the name of it?
Attend upon it, prize it: it is the wisdom which is more
precious than rubies. Exercise it when the great Master
bids ; when he cometh, caUeth for thee, singles thee out,
and puts thee forth in any httle service. This is the way
for the waters of this life's afflictions to be changed into
the vrine of the kingdom, and for the sorrows and perplex
ities of this world to be turned into heavenly joy. Nothing
short of hearkening and obeying wiU do; but dffigently
hearkening, and faithfuUy obeying will do — wfll do all for
thee, and more than thou canst ask or think.
"FareweU, my dearly beloved child. Remember me
affectionately to thy worthy husband, sweet children, all
relations and friends. I must particularize my dear E. P.
" R. S."

194

R. S. TO HIS WIFE.

"Manchester, 7th of 6th Month, 1791.
* * " Sarah Taylor, to all appearance, is not likely
to hold out many weeks.. Good was evidently near her,
and her door of utterance was open. She spoke feehngly
pf that ocean of love and life, which had been much the
companion of her thoughts, and into which [I trust] her
cloudless sun was about to set for ever.
" We spent a few days at Colebrook Dale to satisfaction,
to which the company of R. R. did not a little con
tribute. * * *
«R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G  .
" Baffitore, 23d of 8th Month, 1791.
* * " Who is exempt from trials and temptations ?
This hfe is the field of battle, and our most dangerous ene
mies are those of om* own house. May the lamp of God,
in the temple of our hearts, be kept stffi renewed and re-
plerashed with heavenly ofl, that we may have a clear sight
of what is doing within us, lest we should think otherwise
of ourselves than we reafly are. Purity of heart is a main
quahfication for any serrice hi the church of Christ; let
us then use all dffigence to obtain and retain this precious
state. ' Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shaU see
God.' They shaU clearly disceirn the things which belong
to his kingdom, and when they speak of them, it vriU be of
what they have seen with their spiritual eyes, and what

195
they have ' looked upon ;' what has been brought by the
Holy Spirit before their internal view, as an object of contem
plation for themselves, and a subject which they are
authorized to handle with clean bands, and with hallowed
lips to communicate to others. Thy effusions in this line,
my dear M. according to the best of my apprehension,
are thus sanctified and commissioned. I have had near
umty -with them, and I would have thee, my dear child, to
'thank God,' that it has been his good pleasure thus to
honour thee -with his commands ; and I wish thee also to
' take courage,' and proceed in the exercise of thy gift.
Let thine heart keep the commandments of wisdom, and
the law of the spirit; 'for length of days, and long life, and
peace shaU they add to thee.'
" FareweU, my dear chfld; I am thankful that I am thy
affectionate father,
«R. S."

FROM THE SAME TP THE SAME.
" Baffitpre, 22d of 11th Month, 1791.
"My beloved Margaret,
"I was favpured with thy very acceptable letter,
and join thee in gratitude for your getting so bravely home,,
and finding afl so weU. Numberless are the favours, known
and unknown, which we are made partakers of, by the
gracious interposition and ordering of our bountiful Cre
ator and preserver. May they all conspire to raise in us
desires to serve him according to his wiU, and may we ma
nifest our gratitude by our fiUal obedience. * *
" I gratefully and greatly admire at my enjoying so con-
o 2

196
siderable a share of health. Several of us attended our
meetings for discipline at Carlow, the 18th inst. A. T.
was with us, exercising her gift in public, and completing
what remained of her visit to famflies there, which she
has now performed throughout our monthly meeting. *
* * Well, I do love to see business, the Lord's business,
going forward, and the youth stepping into their lots,
lively, experimental witnesses, of the power of an endless
life ; fresh, feeling, and full of good matter ; loring their
Master, and willing to give that proof of it which he pecu
liarly required, that is, to feed his lambs and his sheep. A
little longer time and we are numbered to the sflent grave,
in common -with all the generations which have been before
us. Let us then, while we are here, seek for help to do
our duty acceptably in the sight of our great judge, that
so, at the awful day of decision, our spirits, disrobed of
this mortal clothing, may hear the blessed sentence with
unspeakable joy, and be mercifuUy separated to eternal
felicity. * *
" R. S."

*

R. S. TO HIS WIFE.
" Mountmeffick, 29th of 11th Month, 1791.
* " I know not how it may continue with me,.
but I have hitherto felt more of the baptizing power of
truth, I think, in this visit, than I have usually experienced
on Uke occasions. I do not mean that I have found any
increase of reUgious capacity to move in serrice, but my
spirit has been engaged in deep travafl for the sake of the
cause of Christ. Indeed, this seems the business allotted
me : a silent travafl and wrestUng of spirit for my own pre-
serveition, ajid for the return and restoration of our church.

197
which seems in danger of going back into the wflderness,
out of which she came, in former days, leaning upon her
beloved. It is painful indeed to see that there are so few,
in most places, qualffied to answer the necessary calls and
duties m reUgious society; but, I trust, a number of the
rising generation, being sensible that these things are so,
wfll be stirred up with a noble emulation and godly zeal,
for the promotion of this blessed cause ; m which they
wffi have peace and the favour of their great Creator,
which is far beyond all that this world can afford.
"R. S."

K. S. TO MIS SON. "12th Month, 1791.
* * "It is marveUous how A. T. holds out in the
depth of winter : encompassed vrith bodfly weakness and
infirmities, she struggles to get forward in the work pointed
out to her, thinking it, no doubt, her crown and high
honour to be employed in advocating the cause of Chris
tianity ; the most great and glorious which ever existed, or
wffi ever exist among raen. There is rauch difference of
sentiment, much conflict and contention among raen, re
specting civfl government ; but few understand any thing
about the govermnent of Christ. His loyal subjects are
very few : very few qualified to espouse and promote his
government, though it is under his government alone that
men can be safe, comfortable, and happy. I wish the
youth in our religious society would lay these things to
heart, in a general way, and that such of them as know
and feel that those things are so, would not reason with
flesh and blood, nor be disobedient to the heavenly vision,
nor tarry behind the prophet, nor leave him ; but go -with

198
him in his successive progress to Bethel, to Jericho, and to
Jordan, where, having rent their own clothes in pieces, and
occupied the mantle of the prophet, (the covering of the
spirit, the gift, the qualification for serrice,) caffing on the
Lord God of Elijah, they w^ould know a dividing of the
waters, and a passing over into the several lots and por
tions of labour. This is honour indeed, and worthy of the
pursuit of immortal spirits. * *
" The elders, the trained servants, the baptized, bap
tizing ministers, are gone and going off the stage: 'Your
fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they hve
for ever?'
"R. S."

R. s. TO HIS DAUGHTER SARAH, (then attending S. Neale.)
« BaUitore, 28th of 1st Month, 1792.
* * " We are much concerned that thou hast no
more favourable account to give us of our beloved Samuel
Neale, whose indisposition, and that of his dear vrife, is
deeply affecting to us. His particular, kind, and frequent
remembrance of me, is grateful to my heart, which salutes
him in affectionate sympathy, and earnestly desires that he
may be supported every way under the pressure of the
present pungent affliction, and that my dear friend, his
faithfol wife, may experience like effectual help. * *
"If we reaUy, truly, and sincerely love the Master, let us
wfllingly give that testimony of it, which he hhnself re
quires; let us be wflling to feed his lambs and his sheep.
There is nothing like obedience, it is even preferred to
sacrffice, which itself is highly excellent. Obedience makes
the Almighty our friend, as Abraham was caUed God's

199
friend: pbedience causes peace and tranquiffity at home,
without which Hfe is insipid, unpleasant, if not miserable.
So, my dear S. continue to be a good, obedient child, that
I may continue to be a glad and grateful father.
«R. S."

FROM THE (SAME TO THE SAME.
" BaUitore, 16th of 2d Month, 1792.
* * "Whatever symptoras may attend our dear
friend's bodily disorder, the symptoras which thou reportest
attending his raind, are salutary and comfortable. It is a
fine thing for hira now, that in the time of his health and
strength, and active life, he considered the poor, (the poor
church,) and was wffling to spend and be spent, that she ¦-
might be enriched. ' Blessed,' says the royal Psalraist, ' is
he that considereth the poor; the Lord wffi deliver him in
time of trouble; the Lord wffi strengthen him upon the
bed of languishing: thou wflt make aU his bed in his sick
ness.' Present us all to him, as a faihfly that loves and re
spects him smcerely, and wishes, if it be the Dirine will,
that he may yet be restored to his numerous friends, and
fffi up his measure .of serrice on earth, that so he may ob
tain the fuU fruition of reward in heaven. He is seldom
out of our waking thoughts, and the best desires which
we are capable of, are fervent on his behalf, not doubtmg
but that, whatever way Infinite Wisdom shaU be pleased to
dispose, it will be well, everlastingly weU with him.
" R. S."

200

FROM THE SAME TO THB SAME.
« BaUitore, 29th of 2d Month, 179^.
"My dear Child,
"Last evening We received the sorrowful
tidings of the decisive event, for which thy last had pre-
pared us. * * Present thy mother and me, and aU
ours, as one joint famfly, which unites in cordial love to,
and affectionate sympathy with, our dear affiicted friend,
Sarah Neale. I feel, I think, that she is supernaturally,
effectually, supported in spirit, under this great trial, and
that she can and does bless the hand which gave and takes
away. See, my dear S. and learn confirmedly by her ex
ample, how happy a circumstance it is to have been enabled
tp take the yoke of Christ upon the neck in the early part
life ; how such, in time of trouble, and when old age and
infirmities increase, have an asylum, a sanctuary to flee to,
wherein they find protection and safety !
"R. S."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME,
"Baffitore, 12th of 3d Month, 1792.
* * " I Would not have thee be too concise, nor get
a habit of conceahng and suppressing, under an appre
hension that thy communications are Httle worth. There
is danger on that hand; though, as it grows out of the
stock of humiUty, it may be said to be erring on the right

^01
Side, not oh the left. But I would have my beloved S. ei'f
on no side, but keep in the middle way, out of all extremes.
' I [vrisdom] lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst
of the paths of judgment.' * * It is a certain truth, that
when any are engaged in the Lord's business, and see the
ppintings of his hand to particular service, much trouble
would often be saved by simply making use of the oppor
tunity put into the hand, and not deferring, procrastinating,
and reasomng, till the vision fadeth, the understanding be
comes clouded, and the strength and spiritual animation is
gone. * *
"R, S."

R. S. TP JOHN THPRI*.
"BaUitpre, 3d of 4th Month, 179^.
" It is now above a year since I was favoured -with thy
Very acceptable and instructive letter; since which I have
had the pleasure of personal conversation with thee. The
sentiments expressed in thy letter, very much accord with
my own, and confirm my experience, so that it seems need
less to dweU upon them. Indeed, as in conversation, so in
thus writing, the fresh, unpremeditated, rising subject,
with the fresh hfe upon it, is only truly pleasing and
edifying, " By this time you have felt the loss of your honoured
mother, beloved sister, and faithful fnend, Sarah Taylor.
Such a loss is not immediately known to its fuU extent;
but I think these dispensations are pecuharly usefid.
They tend to make the surriving, rightly-cohcerned, gifted
indiriduals, stfll more sensible of their weakness and msuf-
ficiency, bemg thus stripped of, as it were, coUateral
strength. They cause such, under this sense, more im-

202
portunatdy to crave Divine help, trembhng for the ark of
the testimony, lest in their time, and whilst committed to
their care, it should fall into the hands of the enemy. So
dwdUng here, a growth and increase are, in due time, wit
nessed: the little ones are made as Davids, and the Davids
as the angel of the divine presence, rainisterihg joy and
gladness, and kindling those sacrffices which the Lord
never did nor ever will despise. Of what great iraportance
then is it, my beloved friend, that you, who have received
gifts, should not only go doWn deep, but dwell deep; and,
seeing the works and wonders of the Lord therein, bring
up your stones of memorial from thence. A sound and
hving ministry is of unspeakable benefit to the church.
The Almighty can do afl things by his own immediate
power ; but it is his pleasure to make use of the instru-
mentahty of men and women, in gathering and preserring
the Christian church. Even the head of it desired his im
mediate followers to pray the Lord of the harvest, that he
would send forth labourers ihtp his harvest.
I fear some top Ughtly estimate their Own qualifications
for reUgious serrices, and so fall back in thdt ranks, and
weaken the general cause; and I fear that sometiraes
some of our elders, through an excess of caution, lest they
should lift up too much, have been deficient in cherishing
as they ought, and encouraging the ' babes and suckhngs,'
out of whose mouth is to be perfected praise. Therefore
there is a necessity to wait to be endued with tbat wisdom
which is profitable to direct, that so the understtoding of
.the inward man rilky be property iUurainated; and to have
the spiritual senses' of the ih*ward man quickened and ex
ercised, that so the understandih^ may rightly judge of
spiritual thirigfe'.
" We too have suffel'ed a general loss in the removal of
our friend and bTother, Saihui^l Neale. He wafe a man of
a free, open, generOiis, candid siiirit — of considerable pro-

203
perty in the world. He was a visited and caUed instru
ment, a chosen vessel, a brand plucked out of the fire.
He was a baptized and baptizmg minister of the gospel,
who spent and was spent in his Master's service. In the
active part of his' hfe he traveUed on the evangehcal er
rand, in aU parts of the world where Friends were then
settled. For some years last past he grew more infirm,
and disabled by bodily disorders; but his love to the
predous truth, and his deshe to promote the saring know
ledge of it was such, that he still struggled to get out,
even among his distant friends. In the last excursion of
the sort which he made, I was with him, and several other
friends. It was in consequence of an appointment of our
half-year's meeting, in which he was free to join. I did
not expect his long surviving that serrice, and marked the
patience, meekness, humffity, and tenderness of his Spirit,
very much to my satisfaction. To my satisfaction, also, I
was a vritness to the stream of gospel Ufe in which he
ministered; that Hfe in which at the first 'he spake
trembling, and exalted himself in Israel;' that Hfe in a re
markable manner accompanied his effusions through the
course of his religious raovements, for above forty years,
and evidently crowned his religious labours. As he was
an early and mtimate friend of mine, I cannot but feel
ingly, though resignedly, mourn his loss.
"R. S."

R, S. TO HIS DAUGHTER SARAH,
" Colebrook Dale, 12th of 5th Month, 1792,
* * "It looks as if we should stay
here to-day and to-morrow, as none of our company, be
side myself, have been here before; and this is a princely

204
seat of hospitaUty, from which, and the curiosities of
which, I am loath to hurry my companions away. * * * *
I trust I am in degree sensible who it is that has turned
the hearts of this people towards me, and who has also
given me this sensibffity and sensation of humble grati
tude: and there is not a doubt, my dear S., but that if we
be graciously preserved in the way of our duty, we shaU
have as much room as wfll be good for us in the hearts of
our feflow-creatures. It is said, I think, that when a man's
ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at
peace with him. How closely then must the sweet union
of friends be rivetted in such a case! May our ways, my
dear child, be so directed as more and more to please the
Lord ; then I am sure it will be happy for us; our increase
wfll be unto holiness, and the end everlasting hfe. * * *
" Christ washed the feet of his disciples, previously to
the command tbat they should wash the feet of one ano
ther. How remarkably cleanness was insisted on, and
prescribed under the Jewish dispensation, and how abso
lutely necessary it is in these gospel times: it is necessary
not only for beauty, but for strength: men of clean hands
shaU wax stronger and stronger. I have done what
I could for you, my dear chfldren, by way of worldly pro
vision. If I had been more of one of this world's children,
probably I should have done more for you in that way.
I have done what I could; and I trust, if you look and
lean aright, He that was mercifuUy pleased to care and pro-
¦ride for me, who (in my estimation) am more unworthy,
wifl not fail to care and provide for you, every manner of
way. Love, and aid, and cherish your dear mother, as
you have done, * ¦*
" FareweU, ray precious S.; thy siraplicity, faithfulness,
and obedience, wffi, I hope, ever unite thee to my heart;
which earnestly desires (and desires npthing more for you

205
afl than) that you may walk in the fear and wisdom of pur
great Creator.
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER LEADBEATER.
" London, 19th of 5th Month, 1792*.
Dies quern semper acerbum habebo.
* * * " The cordial welcome I received
from ray very kind friend  , was particularly grateful
to me, and the kindness and attention of his wife are re
newedly imprinted on my heart. Their children too;
their chfldren are hke Friends' chfldren, love the society
of Friends, and are settled in the habits in which they
have been brought up; habits of humflity, reverence for
the laws and ordinances estabhshed among us, and love
and respect for good men. They are brought up as wise
chfldren, who make glad fathers and mothers. * *
" When the raind is reheved and strengthened by supejc-
natural aid, there is a submissive, patient acquiescence
with the divine wffi; a behef that aU that the Lord doth
is right ; and a humble, stedfast hope, that having been
graciously pleased, in condescending goodness, to love his
own (his cafled, risited, chosen, preserved chfldren) in the
early, inexperienced part of Hfe; and having manifested
his proridential care, support, and supphes throughout
their journey, he wffi love them to the end. So I hope
thy dear mother, my precious help-mate, wfll not be suf
fered to sink below measure; but rely on, and feel under
neath the everlasting arm of sure help. You vrill, I doubt

• The day on which R. S. lost his first wife.

206
not, continue to take aU necessary, assiduous, affectionate
care of her ; and her prospect, whether she looks back
ward or forward, as to herself, seems, in my estimation,
bright and clear; so to aU-wise and aU-merciful Provi
dence, I commit and commend you aU.
"R S."

R. S. TO HIS WIFE.

" Clopmd, 2d of 8th Month, 1792.
* * " My nearest natural connexions,
present or absent, are the objects of my affectionate, ten
der, soUdtous eare, and best thoughts. I do not often
make an excursion of this sort, to gratify paternal love;
but I thought long to get some of the conversation
as weU as company of our beloved^ Margaret: the latter I
had some time ago, but it was attended with very little of
the former, I now and then am, at this season, much
gratified with her Hvely effusions, and I never was so
much pleased with her littie flock before. *****
"R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER LEADBEATER.
" Clonmel, 4th of 8th Month, 179g,
* * " It is very pleasing inteffigence that
thy mother is as wefl as usual. 1 hope she has by this time
got her chfldren with, and about her; and that they, with
the hope of the next generation after you, her grand
children, comfort and cherish her. I was uneasy at not

207
hearing from some of you; but a little matter lays my
storm pulveris exigui jactu. I continue, thank Provi
dence, in good health ; risiting my friends, chatting with
Margaret, and pondering at times about my ovm state,
and the state of others. * * Providence best knows
what is best for us. He knows how to proportion what
is called gpod and evfl in this hfe, so as that the aggregate
may be most to our advantage; as said the royal psalraist:
'How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
How great is the sum of them.'
" R. S."

R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G
" BaUitoxe, 9th of 8th Month, 1792.
* * " We should be pleased vrith intel
hgence concerning E. H, M. D. and E. P. a precious
triumvirate gone on a high embassy. It is comfortable to
find that the Great Master is thus sending messenger after
messenger, on his holy errands; and that^ notwithstanding
pur lapsed state, so many are found worthy to be ho
noured with a commission from the Great King, and vril-
Ung to take as it were their Uves in their hands, and run
to and fro', that the saving knowledge of Gpd and Christ
may be increased in the earth. * *
«R. S,"

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME,
« Baffitore, 20th of 8th Month, 1792.
* * * " I expect to go to Mpuntmeffick
to-morrow, to attend the monthly meeting there next day.

208
and join in a visit to the provincial school. * * My
precious Margaret, fareweU ! « R. S."

Withdrawn from the busier scenes of life, whfle their
sun descended brightly, Richard and Ehzabeth Shackle
ton were solicitous, not only for the welfare of their own
family, and the society to which they belonged, but for
the race of mankind. When R. S. returned home after
journeys taken from motives of duty, he returned with a
thankfol and cheerful heart, although sometimes in tears —
tears springing from grateful sensations; for he enjoyed
aU his comforts of every kind; deshing nothing but what
was allowable; and with pious resignation submitted to
the bereavements, which bis susceptible nature poignantly
felt. He was indeed greatly favoured in domestic and
social hfe ; and his own company and conversation, while
it increased the happiness of afl around him, by that
means also increased his own. He dehghted and instruct
ed his associates, because he was humble and conde
scending: the gentleman, the scholar, and the Christian
were united in his character; and it was also marked with
a simphcity which derogated nothing from the dignity
that pure and undeflled rehgion confers. It was not in
the circles of his distant friends or acquaintance, that this
good man appeared to most advantage. It was by his own
fire-side, that his sweetness of temper and his unaffected
piety beamed brightest. His exceUent wife was the con
stant object of his care and affection; his children also
were his companions and his confidents. He showed them
most of the letters which he wrote and received, and ex
pected Iflce openness from them. This gave him oppor
tunity tP correct their style and their hand-writing, &c.;
and also tp judge of the characters of tbeir correspondents,.

209
and to encourage or discpurage the friendships they seem
ed likely to form. He disapproved the manner that some
young persons got into of handUng rehgious subjects,
with which their general conduct bespoke them to be little
acquainted; for .though a nursing father to what was good,
he desired not to have this theme introduced without a
deep sense of its awfulness. He often read to his female
audience while they sat at work; and the subjects he
chose were likely to 'form the manners, and to mend
the heart.' Though rehgious writings, being preferred
by him, were frequently introduced, they were not
fcrced upon his young hearers : historical events and good
moral poetry diversified this entertainment. He often
called to see his neighbours ; and his son's house was a
second home, where he loved and was beloved, and where
he found his first paternal feelings revived; while his ht
tle grandchfldren flocked about him, 'and climbed his
knees, the envied kiss to share.' Oh the cheerfolness of
a pure mind ! What innocent deUght does it extract from
every pleasant circumstance. Whether granted to the
happy possessor of such a spirit or to others, it can ap
propriate aU to its ovra enjoyment !
Though an almost imperceptible decay of memory, ap
parently accompanymg a numbness in her right arm, in
creased upon EUzabeth Shackleton, these infirraities did
not threaten her family with the sudden loss of her; and
R. S. was favoured with uncommon health, which seemed
to promise long life. They were universaUy beloved, and
their love was universal ; their years glided on in outward
and inward peace, when the stroke of separation came;
grievous to surrivors, but doubtless sent in mercy, to call
a faithful servant to meet his reward, and to take him
from the evfls to come.
Richard Shackleton returned from his last visit to his
son and daughter Grubb, the 8t]i of 8th month, 1792.

210
On the 21st he rose early, as he was accustomed to do,
bathed, took leave of his family, and, accompanied by a
servant, set out on horseback, for Mountmeffick, to
attend the committee for the provincial school. He left
home apparently in usual health and spirits; but bis
daughter Chandlee, when he reached her house in Athy,
six miles on the way, thought he did not seem quite wefl.
However, he proceeded fourteen miles, to Mountmeffick,
to the house of his friend John GatcheU. Not appre^
bending that he was alarmingly iU, he sat one of the meet
ings ; but being obhged to go out of the next, J. G. sent
R. S.'s servant back to Baffitore on. the 24th, to acquaint
his family with his indisposition. His son, and daughter
Sarah, immediately went to him: those who remained at
home felt in fuU force the dread tod anguish of suspense.
It was a state they had not long to endure. It is painful
to reflect upon these days ; the messages backwards and
forw3,rds ; the risits of his chfldren, distressed for loth
parents; his poor, feeble wife overwhelmed with grief,
and already on her journey to . him, when afl was termi
nated. This event caused a wide-spreading sorrow, where-
ever the dear deceased was known; but bitter indeed were
the tears of his wife and children: his httle grand-chfldren
too, young as they were, could most of them feel the pang
of separation.

The Testimony of Carlow Monthly Meeting, respecting
Richard Shackleton, though it aUudes to circumstances in
his hfe which have been narrated in the foregoing me
moir, is here introduced, as containing some particulars of
his last iUness, and affording proof of the estimation in
which he was held by his friends.
" Kichard Shackleton was the only son of Abraham and

211
Margaret Shackleton, respecting whom honourable men
tion hath been made in a testimony given forth by this
meeting, and was born at BaUitore, the 28th of 7tli month,
(O. S.) 1726. Discovering early an inclination for learn
ing, his father, who kept a boarding-school, had him in
structed in the necessary quahfications for assisting and
succeeding him in that useful occupation. An account of
the visitations of Divine love mercifoUy extended to him,
is found in his own writing, in a letter tp a near friend,
conveying much instruction, as foUows: 'God Almighty
visited my spirit with a sense of his gopdpess (prpcipus
above all things) in the very early part of my hfe, as early
as I think I have any remembrance. He graciously re
newed the same dirine influence upon my soul, at various
seasons pf my chfldhood and more advanced yputh. This
sense and savour was every thing needful to me; it was
knowledge enough, strength enough, joy and comfort in
abundance: whfle in possession of this I wanted nothing;
aU things as to me were right. But temptations, suited to
my cast tod dispositions as a boy, were thrown in my
way: puerile amusements, reading unprofitable, vain books
were spread before rae, and I was at times taken in the
snare. When the heart gave its preference to these
gratffications, the heavenly guest withdrew, and wpuld not
reside with such rivals. Yet good and gracious was the
Lord, who, notwithstanding my unfaithfulness, would
knpck agtol for an enta:ance, and pffer again tP risit; and
as I opened the door of my heart, (or rather He opened
by his spirit,) he came in with the power of his judgments,
tod by his operative word burned up the chaffy, combus
tible nature ; and this office being over, remained a flame
of pure and heavenly joy. So I experienced him to be
not only a jealous God, but a consuming fire. Thus, with
these alternate visits and conflicts, I went on tfll I grew to
a more advanced stage of youth ; then the subtle nets of
p2

212
glossy, worldly wisdom, and the toils of youthful lust^,
which war against the soul, proved too strong for me,
and often carried my vessel back again down the stream of
natural inclmation. Arrived at manhood, and being about
to settie in life, a high hand arrested me in my course,
showed me ray state of alienation, and the irapossibffity of
my making a happy progress without the Divine blessing :
so, in the sincerity of ray heart, I obeyed the heavenly
vision, becarae as a fool amongst my companions, and an
alien amongst ray intimate acquaintance. I sought retire
ment and tbe company of them who companied with Jesus.
My sincerity was seen by the great Creator, and many
were the baptisms I was baptized with in that day: it
was also felt by his approved servants, and close was the
feflowship cemented between many of their spirits and
mine. Thus I have gone on to this day and hour, on
the same search, hungry and thirsty still; not desiring
any thing so much as the bread of hfe for myself and my
dear friends, companions in the same travafl.'
"Though possessed of superior natural abffities^ and
adorned with the gifts and graces of the spirit, he did not
value himself thereon; but steadfly advanced in his pfl
grimage, bowed down under a grateful sense of the nu
merous favours received at the Dirine hand. To his most
intimate friends he frequently enforced the necessity of
humffity, as the only safe situation to keep continuafly in;
dreadmg lest himself, or those he dearly loved, should by
the stratagems of the enemy be dravm therefrom. His
naturally cheerful disposition being in great measure
regulated by^est wisdom, he had rauch enjoyment of
sodal and domestic comforts, with which he was remark
ably blest. He was a kind, affectionate husband, a tender
and careful father, a good neighbour, hberal and generous,
especiafly exemplary in any thing relating to the wants of
our society. But he was careful that his attention should.

1213
not be too long occupied by any thing in this world.
Those who had the opportunity of minutely obserring his
conduct, have often perceived him retiring from company,
to seek in secret a renewal of spiritual strength. And we
doubt not with Uke filial piety, in the midst of his outward
employ (which he conducted with great reputation) he
was engaged frequently to ask for Divine counsel and
wisdom, particularly when deprived by death of his highly-
valued father. He recommended to his friends a practice
which he found beneficial to himself, devoting a part of
each evening to reUgious retirement: the effects of such
sacrifices were at tiraes obvious in him, his countenance
¦ indicatmg that he had been in the best company.
" The prosperity of genume Christianity was the object
of his greatest sohcitude: for this his spirit was exercised
m deep mental travafl: for this he was wiUing to be em
ployed in any way consistent with Infinite Wisdom, in pri
vate or more pubhc labour. He was particularly exem
plary in a dfligent attendance of meetings appointed for
the good order of the society ; and latterly, when at liberty
from his outward occupation, he almost constantly attend
ed the yearly meeting in London. He long filled with
much propriety the weighty station of an elder. As his
dweUing was near the spring of divine refreshment, he was
often enabled to draw water for the benefit of others.
He was a man of great benevolence, and the welfare of
his feUow-creatures was very near his heart, frequently
expressing his deep travail of spirit for the salvation of aU
mankind. For the departure from ancient purity, ob
vious in our religious society, he deeply mourned : on this
account his tears were poured forth ; yet he was consoled
in hope, that through suffermg and patience the church
would come forth from her wilderness state, though he
did not expect to see it in his day.
" He was often engaged in faraily-visits in divers parts,

214
and was earnest that the flock might be led into fresh
and Uving pastures, and feed securely beside the stiU
waters. He used to say that he esteemed it his honour
to be allowed to tread these courts, or to be employed on
any httle errand, as a boy or runner, about the house;
because in this house there was abundance of soul-sustain
ing nourishment — there was bread enough and to spare ;
and when thus broken in spirit amongst his friends, and
thus pouring forth the warm exprfifesion of his gratitude,
he would speak largely of the beauty of the house of God,
how it is aU glorious, how its pavement shone with hoh
ness, and how clean ought to be the feet which trod
therein. He was weU gifted for this private labour in
famffies, which he beheved our Lord particularly intended,
when he enjoined the disciples to wash one another's feet;
being an unceasing obhgation on aU theh successors in the
truth, to do even as He had done to them, that by this
exercise of discipline the members might be preserved
clean from sppt or blemish. Being endued with the sphit
of discernment respecting ministry, (which he earnestly
desired might flow pure and unmixed from the sacred
spring,) he was well quahfied to be a nursing father to
those in tbe station of minister who wanted a hand of
help; and such he encouraged to an humble, simple, faith
ful, dffigent occupying vrith the divine gift.
" In a letter a few months before his decease he wrote:
' The faithfulness and dedication pf some of you has been
cause of joy, and a kind of triumph to me; so that, accord
ing to my measure, I can join a remnant in adopting the
apostle's expression: 'For what is our hope, or joy, or
crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of
our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? for ye are our glory
and joy.' To the Lord alone be the praise of his own
works, but ' let his own works praise him.' He was fer
vent ui intercession for his beloved offsprmg, that they

215
might be preserved near the source of aU our blessings;
and as they dwelt humbly before Him, who is Lord of
earth as weU as heaven, he had no doubt but a sufficiency
of the go»d thmgs^of this Ufe would be granted them, vrith
a ' treasure in the heavens that fafleth not.' To a par
ticular friend, about three weeks before his decease, he
wrote, ' I trust that we know something Of the vicissitude
of day and night, ahd the revolution of the Lord's year in
our spirits; and tbat He vriU be mercifuUy pleased to de-
Uver us from evfl, and preserve us to the end, and at the
end.' " Being on a risit to our provincial school at Mountmel-
Uek, he was taken iU at the house of our friend John
GatcheU. Under the heavy pressure of his disorder,
which was termed a low feVer, he said he did not know
how the dispensation would terminate; if it was come for
the final separation he feared he was not prepared, but he
believed tbe baptism of sickness was necessary for purifica
tion. After much depression of nrind, he was encouraged
in the recollection of Isaiah, xl. chapter, 1st and 2d verses:
'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her,
that her warfare is accomplished, that her ihiiquity is par
doned; for she hath recdved of the Lord's hand double
for aU her sins.' He discovered no impatience, lay calm,
and spoke at times rather cheerfully to those about hira.
He once said, ' I think it a favour that I feel a sympathy
vrith the seed in suffering.' He spoke of what a gloomy
day it was in Jerusalem when our Lord was about to be
offered up, how afflicted the women were who foflowed
him, and how he exhorted them: ' Daughters of Jerusa
lem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for
your chfldren.' Also how the high professors arrayed
him in a purple robe, and mocked hira; and that now the
same spirit was setting up a mockery of Christianity, while

216
they were crucifymg him afresh. He said that the pre
sent times required to send for the mourning women, such
as were skilfol in lamentation. At another time, appearing
under great languor and depression, he said, ' My friends,
my friends, pray for me, that my patience fafl not.' To
some taking leave of him, he recommended faithfulness
and dedication to rehgious duties, which would draw down
the blessing on them, and on their famiUes: he said that
what we profess is the truth, which our worthy predeces
sors were so eminently called to support, laying the axe
to the root of the corrupt tree. He spoke of a sacrffice
which David made that was accepted, even a broken and
^ contrite spirit; and he hoped that his also was ac
cepted, Early in the morning of the 28th of 8th month, being
the eighth day of his illness, he passed through sore con
flict. For about an hour he was favoured with calmness;
frequently embraced a beloved chfld who attended him;
and about seven o'clock the same moi*ning, quietly de
parted this hfe, in the 66th year of his age. His remains,
bdng conveyed to Baflitore, were interred the SOth of the
month, after a solemn meeting,
"Having been uncommonly blessed with health, and
his mental faculties continuing undiminished, to his be
loved wifej numerous friends and connexions, his removal
was an unexpected stroke. We doubt not his purified
spirit is now in the enjoyment of an everlasting crown.
May we profitably feel our loss! « Who then is a faithfid
tod wise servant^ whom his Lord hath made ruler over
his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed
is that servant whora his Lord when he cometh shafl find
so domg. Verily I say unto you, that he shafl make him
f uler ovA* aU his goods.' "

217
The testimony of his fi'iend Edmund Burke, who also
could justly appreciate the character of him whom he had
loved so long and so sincerely, ought, in justice to their
mutual friendship, to find a place here.

LETTER FROM EDMUND BURKE TO MARY LEADBEATER,
" Beaconsfidd, September 8th, 1792.
"My dear Madam,
" After some tears on the truly-melancholy
event, pf which your letter gives me the first account, I
sit down to thank you for your very kind attention to me,
in a season of so much, and so just sorrow to yourself.
Certainly my loss is not so great as yours, who constantly
enjoyed the advantage and satisfaction of the society of
such a companion, such a friend, such an instructor, and
such an example : yet I am penetrated vrith a very suicere
affliction, for my loss is great too, I am dechning, or
rather dechned hi life; and the loss of friends, at no time
very reparable, is impossible to be repaired at aU in this
advanced period. His annual risit had been for some
years a source of satisfaction that I cannot easily express.
Hehad kept up the fervour of youthful affections; and
his rivacity and cheerfolness, which made bis early days
so pleasant, continued the same to the last : the strictness
of his virtue and piety had npthing in it pf morose or
austere; and surely np Hfe was better, and, it is a cpmfort
to us to add, more happfly spent than his. I knew him
fi'om the boyish days in which we began to love each
other : his talents were great, strpng, and various ; there
was no art or science to which they were not sufficient in
the contemplative life, nor any employment that they
would not more than adequately fiU in the active. Though

218
his talents were not without that ambition which generaUy
accompanies great natural endowments, it was kept under
by great vrisdom and temperance of mind; and though it
was his opinion that the exerdse of vhtue was more easy,
its nature more pure, and its means more certain in the
walk he chose, yet in that, the actirity and energy which
formed the character of his mind, were very risible. Ap
parently in a private path of life, his spirit was public.
You know how tender a father he was to chfldren worthy
of him; yet he extended himself more -widely, and devoted
a great part of his time to the good of that socitetj?^ of no
mean extent, of which the order of Divine Providence had
made him a member. With a heart far from excluding
others, he was entirely devoted to the benefit of that so
ciety, and had a zeal very uncommon for every thing which
regarded its welfare and replitation; and when he retired,
which he did wisely, and m time, from the worthy occupa
tion which he ffiled in a superior manner, his time and
thoughts were given to that object. He sanctified his
famfly benevolence, his benevolence to his society, and to
his friends, and to mankind, with that reverence in all
things to the Supreme Being, vrithout which the best dis
positions, and the best teaching, will make virtue, if it can
be at aU attained, nncOrtain, poor, hard, dry, cold, and
comfortle^. Indeed we have had a loss, I consolemyself
under it, by going over the virtues of my old friend, of
which, I believe, I am one of the earliest witnesses, and the
most warm admirers and lovers.
"Beheve me, this whole family, who have adopted my
interest in my exceUent departed friend, are deeply
touched trith our common loss, and sympathize with you
most sincerely. * * * I hope you wiU assure my dear
friend, Mrs. Shackleton, the worthy vrife of my late inva
luable friend, tbat we sympathize cordially in aU she feds;
and join our entreaties to yours, that she wffi preserve to

219
you as much as possible of the friend and parent you have
lost.
"E. B."
The following letter is from Thomas Wilkinson.
« Ytowath, 28th of 10th Month, 1793.
"Dear Friend, " It is certjunly more congenial to my dispo
sition to risit the abodes of sorrow, than the mansions of
joy and festirity; not that I am insensible to the comfort
and happiness of those I love, but if my friends are more
near tP me at one period than another, it is when they are
under the pressure of affliction. Though I have deferred
paying my visit of sympathy and affection in this way till
now, it was not Decause you were not dafly in my remem
brance ; but sorrow is not at aU times conmiunicative, and
I reflected that numerous would be the tributes of condo
lence on the late mournfol occasion : mine might, perhaps,
have been spared. Of your loss I make estimation from
what I have felt myself, I have but tvrice in my life had
the satisfaction of any personal intercourse with the dear
deceased, and these at six years' distance from each other;
yet the hvely impression of Richard Shackleton, left
thereby on my mind, is equaUed by few indeed. Few
indeed possessed the powers of engaging and improving
those around them, by their society, like him. His plea
sant and communicative disposition opened his way with aU
ranks. It sometimes happens that tbe great and the good
are encircled by a forbidding grarity, (I mean, something
distinct from reUgious authority,) but in him the love of the
Almighty was shown in kindness and goodwill to those
around bun : this gave bun place wherever he came, and
his mind seemed equally fit for the rigour of reasoning.

220
the capacious range of science, or to comfort and bring
forward the hindmost of his brethren and sisters. To me
he was kind indeed, and there is a sweetness accompanies
his memory m my raind, hard to be described, which I be
lieve wiU be the general feeUng where he was known; so
that his loss wffi be as extensive as his acquaintance, and
lastmg as the present generation. To you, dear friends, it
must be pecuharly trying: you who felt his paternal care;
you who felt the cheering influence of hife daily conversa
tion, and saw a thousand little acts of sohcitude and kind
ness, unknown to the eyes of his more distant friends.
I need not, I cannot enlarge. Farewefl : if the cloud of
mourning o'ershadows your vafley, extend your prospect to
that bright region, where your father, companion, and
friend is, I beheve, gathered to the just of aU generations ;
and where a few more days, a few more tears, and a few
raore struggles, and, if we follow the Ught that guided him,
we shall rejom his released spirit, and be united to the re
deemed and happy for ever and ever! * *
"T. W."
Notwithstanding the decHning state of EUzabeth Shac
kleton's faculties, she felt, vrith all its weight and poignancy,
the overwhelming blow which deprived her of such a
husband; and this heavy affliction seemed to accelerate the
decay of her inteUectual powers. Yet she got out to ge
neral meetmgs, as weU as to her own, for a few years, and
could enjoy the pleasure of entertaining her friends. It
was in her house that the valuable hfe of Job Scott was
closed, and she accounted herself favoured in -witnessing
his happy and triumphant conclusion.
Whilst the helplessness of second chfldhood, accompa
nied by the innocence of childhood, increased upon her, it
might be accounted a mercy to EUzabeth Shackleton, that
the cloud which overspread her mind, once so susceptible,

221
prevented her from a painful participation in the distresses
of her native country. In the memorable year, 1798, the
Rebellion raged riolently at BaUitore; the foUowing winter
the quiet of the inhabitants was often broken in upon by
robbers in the dead of night ; yet those who took up arms
in rebellion, those who came armed to inflict punishment
upon them, however furious in their conduct and expres
sions to others, uniformly treated her with respect, and
often with tenderness. She did not appear to be terrified,
as others were, in those times of dismay ; yet it is likely she
felt the effects of the confusion and alarm which surrounded
her, and that her mental energies were additionally weak
ened thereby, though she contmued sensible of the affec
tionate attention manifested towards her by her friends.
Her bodfly powers fafled by degrees, and, gradually
withdrawing from life, and unconscious of the approach of
death, she gently breathed her last, the 23d of 3d month,
1804, in the 78th year of her age.
Thus lived and thus died, Richard and Elizabeth
Shackleton, adorning by their conduct the doctrine they
professed ; and prepared, we trust, through the power of
redeeming love, for " an inheritance toiong aU them that
are sanctffied."

THE END.

Harvey, Dutou, and Co. Fiinten, Gtacechurch-Street, London.

""mCE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 08561 7414

M , *

|i(

\/y>.;\

-.¦ii-.;'

ur

jiwfT*a^

*"

wV'l;

rjffi-^h Sj^

¦

1
' "^.^fcfi^SO
f
jM
. <
.' r
^^^
B
ifl^*
r Jftt V^M
%'S
JkfSfVrSi
»* .4
-l".
«*'•'.¦ '
n\
»1
- ¦ m
¦4"'
y2^<J'"
'.-3'-
..-J -.'I
1 h, '.H,i