 CHAPTER X of THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOLMAN 12TH OF THIRD MONTH, 1769 Having for some years passed dieted myself on account of illness and weakness of body, and not having ability to travel by land as heretofore, I was at times favored to look with awfulness towards the Lord, before whom are all my ways, who alone hath power of life and death, and to feel thankfulness raised in me for this fatherly chastisement, believing that if I was truly humbled under it, all would work for good. While under this bodily weakness my mind was at times exercised for my fellow creatures in the West Indies, and I grew jealous over myself, lest the disagreeableness of the prospect should hinder me from obediently attending thereto. For though I knew not that the Lord required of me to go there, yet I believed that resignation was now called for in that respect. Feeling a danger of not being wholly devoted to him, I was frequently engaged to watch into prayer that I might be preserved, and upwards of a year having passed as I one day walked in solitary wood. My mind being covered with awfulness, cries were raised in me to my merciful father that he would graciously keep me in faithfulness, and then settled on my mind as a duty to open my condition to friends at our monthly meeting, which I did soon after as follows. An exercise hath attended me for some times past, and of late hath been a more weighty upon me which is that I believe it is required of me to be resigned to go on a visit to some parts of the West Indies. In the quarterly and general spring meetings I found no clearness to express anything further than that I believed resignation herein was required of me. Having obtained certificates from all the said meetings I felt like a sojourner at my outward habitation, and kept free from worldly encumbrances, and I was often bowed in spirit before the Lord, with inward breathings to him that I might be rightly directed. I may here note that the circumstance before related of my having, when young, joined with another executor in selling a Negro lad till he might attain the age of thirty years, was now the cause of much sorrow to me, and after having settled matters relating to this youth, I provided a sea-store and bed and things for the voyage. Hearing of a vessel likely to sail from Philadelphia for Barbados, I spake with one of the owners at Burlington, and soon after went to Philadelphia on purpose to speak to him again. He told me there was a friend in town who was part owner of the said vessel. I felt no inclination to speak with the latter, but returned home. A while after I took leave of my family and going to Philadelphia, had some weighty conversation with the first mentioned owner, and showed him a writing as follows. In the twenty-fifth of eleventh month, 1769, as an exercise with respect to a visit to Barbados hath been weighty on my mind, I may express some of the trials which have attended me, under which I have at times rejoiced that I have felt my own self-will subjected. Some years ago I retailed rum, sugar and molasses, the fruits of the labor of slaves, but had not then much concern about them save only that the rum might be used in moderation. Nor was this concern so weightily attended to as I now believe it ought to have been. Having of late, years been further informed, respecting the oppressions too generally exercised in these islands, and thinking often on the dangers that are in connection of interest, and fellowship with the works of darkness, Ephesians five-two, I have felt an increasing concern to be wholly given up to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, and it hath seemed right that my small gain from this branch of trade should be applied in promoting righteousness on the earth. This was the first motion towards a visit to Barbados. I believed also that part of my outward substance should be applied in paying my passage if I went, and providing things in a lowly way for my subsidence. But when the time drew near in which I believed it required of me to be in readiness, a difficulty arose which hath been a continual trial for some months past, under which I have, with a basement of mine from day to day, sought the Lord for instruction, having often had a feeling of the condition of one formerly, who bewailed himself because the Lord hid his face from him. During these exercises my heart hath often been contrite, and I have had a tender feeling of the temptations of my fellow creatures, laboring under expensive customs not agreeable to the simplicity that there is in Christ, 2 Corinthians 2-3, and sometimes in the renewings of gospel love I have been helped to minister to others. That which hath so closely engaged my mind in seeking to the Lord for instruction is, whether, after the full information I have had of the oppression which the slaves lie under who raise the West India produce, which I have gained by reading a caution and warning to Great Britain and her colonies, written by Anthony Menazette, it is right for me to take passage in a vessel employed in the West India trade, to trade freely with oppressors without laboring to sway them from such unkind treatment, and to seek for gain by such traffic, tens I believe, to make them more easy respecting their conduct than they would be if the cause of universal righteousness was humbly and firmly attended to by those in general with whom they have commerce. In that complaint of the Lord by his prophet, they have strengthened the hands of the wicked, hath very often revived in my mind. I may here add some circumstances which occurred to me before I had any prospect of a visit there. David longed for some water in a well beyond an army of Philistines who were at war with Israel, and some of his men to please him, ventured their lives in passing through this army, and brought that water. It doth not appear that the Israelites were then scarce of water, but rather that David gave way to delicacy of taste, and having reflected on the danger to which these men had been exposed, he considered this water as their blood, and his heart smote him that he could not drink it, but he poured it out to the Lord. The oppression of the slaves which I have seen in several journeys southward on this continent, and the report of their treatment in the West Indies, have deeply affected me, and a care to live in the spirit of peace and minister, no just cause of offense to my fellow creatures, having from time to time livingly revived in my mind, I have for some years passed declined to gratify my palate with those sugars. I do not censure my brethren in these things, but I believe the father of mercies to whom all mankind by creation are equally related, hath heard the groans of this oppressed people, and that he is preparing some to have a tender feeling of their condition. Tradinghen, or the frequent use of any produce known to be raised by the labor of those who are under such lamentable oppression, hath appeared to be a subject which may hereafter require the more serious consideration of the humble followers of Christ, the Prince of Peace. After long and mournful exercise, I am now free to mention how things have opened in my mind, with desires that if it may please the Lord further, to open his will to any of his children in this matter, that they may faithfully follow him in such further manifestation. The number of those who decline the use of West India produce on account of the hard usage of the slaves who raise it appears small, even among people truly pious, and the labors in Christian love on that subject of those who do are not very extensive. Were the trade from this continent to the West Indies to be stopped at once, I believe many there would suffer for want of bread. Did we on this continent and the inhabitants of the West Indies generally dwell in pure righteousness? I believe a small trade between us might be right. Under these considerations, when the thoughts of holy declining the use of trading vessels, and of trying to hire a vessel to go under ballast have arisen in my mind, I have believed that the labors in gospel love hitherto bestowed in the cause of universal righteousness have not reached that height. If the trade to the West Indies were no more than was consistent with pure wisdom, I believe the passage money would, for good reasons, be higher than it is now, and therefore under deep exercise of mind, I have believed that I should not take advantage of this great trade and small passage money, but as a testimony in favor of less trading should pay more than is common for others to pay if I go at this time. The first mentioned owner, having read the paper, went with me to the other owner, who also read over the paper, and we had some solid conversation, under which I felt myself bowed in reverence before the Most High. At length one of them asked me if I would go and see the vessel, but not having clearness in my mind to go, I went to my lodging and retired in private under great exercise of mind, and my tears were poured out before the Lord with inward cries that he would graciously help me under these trials. I believe my mind was resigned, but I did not feel clearness to proceed, and my own weakness and the necessity of divine instruction were impressed upon me. I was for a time as one who knew not what to do, and was tossed as in a tempest, under which affliction the doctrine of Christ, take no thought for the morrow, rose livingly before me, and I was favored to get into a good degree of stillness. Having been near two days in town, I believed my obedience to my Heavenly Father consisted in returning homeward. I therefore went over among friends on the Jersey Shore, and tarried till the morning on which the vessel was appointed to sail. As I lay in bed, the latter part of that night, my mind was comforted, and I felt what I esteemed a fresh confirmation that it was the Lord's will that I should pass through some further exercises near home. So I went thither, and still felt like a sojourner with my family. In the fresh spring of pure love I had some labors and a private way among friends on a subject relating to truth's testimony, under which I had frequently been exercised in heart for some years. I remember as I walked on the road under this exercise, that passage in Ezekiel came fresh upon me, whither, soever, their faces were turned, thither they went, and I was graciously helped to discharge my duty in the fear and dread of the Almighty. In the course of a few weeks it pleased the Lord to visit me with a pleurisy, and after I had lain a few days and felt the disorder very grievous, I was thoughtful how it might end. I had of late, through various exercises, been much weaned from the pleasant things of this life, and I now thought if it were the Lord's will to put an end to my labors, and graciously to receive me into the arms of his mercy, death would be acceptable to me. But if it were his will further to refine me under affliction and to make me in any degree useful to his church, I desired not to die. I may with thankfulness say that in this case I felt residedness rotten me, and had no inclination to send for a doctor believing if it were the Lord's will, through outward means to raise me up, some sympathizing friends would be sent to minister to me, which accordingly was the case. But though I was carefully attended, yet the disorder was at times so heavy that I had no expectation of recovery. One night in particular my bodily distress was great. My feet grew cold, and the cold increased up my legs towards my body. At that time I had no inclination to ask my nurse to apply anything warm to my feet, expecting my end was near. After I had lain near ten hours in this condition, I closed my eyes, thinking whether I might now be delivered out of the body. But in these awful moments my mind was livingly opened to behold the church, and strong engagements were begotten in me for the everlasting well-being of my fellow creatures. I felt in the spring of pure love that I might remain some time longer in the body to fill up, according to my measure, that which remains of the afflictions of Christ, and to labor for the good of the church. After which I requested my nurse to apply warmth to my feet, and I revived. The next night, feeling a weighty exercise of spirit, and having a solid friend sitting up with me, I requested him to write what I said, which he did, as follows. Fourth day of the first month, 1770, about five in the morning, I have seen in the light of the Lord that the day is approaching when the man that is most wise in human policy shall be the greatest fool, and the arm that is mighty to support injustice shall be broken to pieces. The enemies of righteousness shall make a terrible rattle, and shall mightily torment one another, for he that is omnipotent is rising up to judgment, and will plead the cause of the oppressed, and he commanded me to open the vision. Near a week after this, feeling my mind livingly opened, I sent for a neighbor who, at my request, wrote as follows. The place of prayer is a precious habitation, for I now saw that the prayers of the saints were precious incense, and a trumpet was given to me that I might sound forth this language, that the children might hear it and be invited together to this precious habitation, for the prayers of the saints, as sweet incense, arise before the throne of God and the Lamb. I saw this habitation to be safe, to be inwardly quiet, when there were great stirrings and commotions in the world. Prayer at this day, in pure resignation, is a precious place. The trumpet is sounded, the call goes forth to the church that she gathered to the place of pure inward prayer, and her habitation is safe. CHAPTER XI. After consideration I thought it expedient to inform friends of it at our monthly meeting at Burlington, who, having unity with me therein, gave me a certificate. I afterwards communicated the same to our quarterly meeting, and they likewise certified their concurrence. Sometime after, at the general spring meeting of ministers and elders, I thought it my duty to acquaint them with the religious exercise which attended my mind, and they likewise signified their unity therewith by a certificate dated 24th of 3rd of month, 1772, directed to friends in Great Britain. In the fourth month following I thought the time was come for me to make some inquiry for a suitable conveyance, and as my concern was principally towards the northern parts of England, it seemed most proper to go in a vessel bound to Liverpool or Whitehaven. While I was at Philadelphia deliberating on this subject, I was informed that my beloved friend Samuel Emlin, Jr., intended to go to London, and had taken a passage for himself in the cabin of the ship called the Mary and Elizabeth, of which James Sparks was master, and John Head, of the city of Philadelphia, one of the owners, and feeling a draft in my mind towards the steerage of the same ship, I went first and open to Samuel the feeling I had concerning it. My beloved friend wept when I spake to him, and appeared glad that I had thoughts of going in the vessel with him, though my prospect was toward the steerage, and he offering to go with me, we went on board, first into the cabin, a commodious room, and then into the steerage, where we sat down on a chest, the sailors being busy about us. The owner of the ship also came and sat down with us. My mind was turned towards Christ the heavily counselor, and feeling at this time my own will subjected, my heart was contrite before him. A motion was made by the owner to go and sit in the cabin as a place more retired. But I felt easy to leave the ship, and making no agreement as to a passage in her, told the owner if I took a passage in the ship, I believed it would be in the steerage, but did not say much as to my exercise in that case. After I went to my lodgings, and the case was a little known in town, a friend laid before me in a great inconvenience attending a passage in the steerage, which for a time appeared very discouraging to me. I soon after went to bed, and my mind was under a deep exercise before the Lord, whose helping hand was manifested to me as I slept that night, and his love strengthened my heart. In the morning I went with two friends on board the vessel again, and after a short time spent therein, I went with Samuel Emlin to the house of the owner, to whom, in the hearing of Samuel only, I opened my exercise in relation to a scruple I felt with regard to a passage in the cabin, the substance as follows. That on the outside of that part of the ship where the cabin was, I observed sundry sorts of carved work and imagery, that in the cabin I observed some superfluity of workmanship of several sorts, and that according to the ways of men's reckoning, the sum of money to be paid for a passage in that apartment, has some relation to the expense of furnishing it to please the minds of such as give way to a conformity to this world. And that in this is, in other cases, the monies received from the passengers are calculated to defray the cost of these superfluities, as well as the other expenses of their passage. I therefore felt a scruple with regard to paying my money to be applied to such purposes. As my mind was now opened, I told the owner that I had, at several times in my travels, seen great oppressions on this continent, at which my heart had been much affected, and brought into a feeling of the state of the sufferers, and having many times been engaged in the fear and love of God, to labor with those under whom the oppressed have been born down and afflicted, I have often perceived that with a view to get riches and to provide estates for children, that they may live comfortably to the customs and honors of this world, many are entangled in the spirit of oppression. In the exercise of my soul had been such that I could not find peace in joining in anything which I saw was against that wisdom which is pure. After this I agreed for a passage in the steerage, and hearing that Joseph White had desired to see me, I went to his house, and the next day home where I tarried two nights. Early the next morning I parted with my family under a sense of the humbling hand of God upon me, and going to Philadelphia had an opportunity with several of my beloved friends, who appeared to be concerned for me on account of the unpleasant situation of that part of the vessel in which I was likely to lodge. In these opportunities my mind, through the mercies of the Lord, was kept low and an inward waiting for his help, and friends, having expressed their desire that I might have a more convenient place than the steerage, did not urge it, but appeared disposed to leave me to the Lord. Having stayed two nights in Philadelphia I went the next day to Derby monthly meeting, where through the strength of divine love my heart was enlarged towards the youth there present, under which I was helped to labor in some tenderness of spirit. I lodged at William Horne's, and afterwards went to Chester, where I met with Samuel Emlin, and we went on board first of fifth month 1772. As I sat alone on the deck I felt a satisfactory evidence that my proceedings were not in my own will but under the power of the cross of Christ. Seventh of fifth month. We've had rough weather mostly since I came on board, and the passengers, James Reynolds, John Till Adams, Sarah Logan, and her hired maid, and John Bispen, all seasick at times, from which sickness, through the tender mercies of my heavenly Father, I have been preserved, my afflictions now being of another kind. There appeared an openness in the minds of the master of the ship, and in the cabin passengers towards me. We are often together on the deck, and sometimes in the cabin. My mind, through the merciful help of the Lord, hath been preserved in a good degree watchful and quiet, for which I have great cause to be thankful. As my lodging in the steerage, now near a week, hath afforded me sundry opportunities of seeing, hearing, and feeling with respect to the life and spirit of many poor sailors. An exercise of soul hath attended me in regard to placing our children and youth, where they may be likely to be example and instructed in the pure fear of the Lord. Being much among the seamen I have, from a motion of love, taken sundry opportunities with one of them at a time, and have in free conversation labored to turn their minds toward the fear of the Lord. This day we had a meeting in the cabin, where my heart was contrite under a feeling of divine love. I believe a communication with different parts of the world by sea is at times consistent with the will of our Heavenly Father, and to educate some youth in the practice of sailing I believe may be right. But how lamentable is the present corruption of the world? How impure are the channels through which trade is conducted? How great is the danger to which poor lads are exposed when placed on ship-board to learn the art of sailing? Five lads training up for the seas were on board this ship. Two of them were brought up in our society, and the other, by name James Naylor, is a member, to whose father, James Naylor, mentioned in Sewell's history, appears to have been uncle. I often feel a tenderness of heart toward these poor lads, and at times look at them as though they were my children, according to the flesh. Oh, that all may take heed and beware of covetedness. Oh, that all may learn of Christ, who was meek and lowly of heart. Then and faithfully following him, he will teach us to be content with food and raiment without respect to the customs or honors of this world. Men, thus redeemed, will feel a tender concern for their fellow creatures, and a desire that those in the lowest stations may be assisted and encouraged, and where owners of ships attain to the perfect law of liberty and are doers of the word. These will be blessed in their deeds. A ship at sea commonly sails all night, and the seamen take their watches four hours at a time. Rising to work in the night is not commonly pleasant in any case, but in dark, rainy nights it is very disagreeable, even though each man was furnished with all conveniences. If after having been on deck several hours in the night, they come down into the steerage soaking wet, and are so closely stowed that proper convenience for change of garments is not easily come at, but for a want of proper room, their wet garments are thrown in heaps, and sometimes, through much crowding, are trodden underfoot in going to their lodgings and getting out of them, and it is difficult at times for each to find his own. Here are the trials for the poor sailors. Now, as I have been with them in my lodge, my heart hath often yearned for them, and tender desires have been raised in me that all owners and masters of vessels may dwell in the love of God, and therein act uprightly, and by seeking less for gain, and looking carefully to their ways, that they may earnestly labor to remove all cause of provocation with the poor seamen, so that they may neither fret nor use excess of strong drink. For indeed, the poor creatures in the wet and cold seem to apply at times to strong drink to supply the want of other convenience. Great reformation is wanting in the world, and the necessity of it among those who do business on great waters hath at this time been abundantly opened before me. Eighth of Fifth Month This morning the clouds gathered, the wind blew strong in the southeast, and before noon so increased that sailing appeared dangerous. The seamen then bound out some of their sails, and took down others, and the storm increasing, they put the dead light, so called, into the cabin windows, and lighted a lamp as at night. The wind now blew vehemently, and the sea wrought to that degree that it awful seriousness prevailed in the cabin, in which I spent, I believe, about seventeen hours. For the cabin passengers had given me frequent invitations, and I thought the poor wet toiling seamen had need of all the room in the crowded steerage. They now ceased from sailing, and put the vessel in the posture called, lying to. My mind during this tempest, through the gracious assistance of the Lord, was preserved in a good degree of resignation, and at times I expressed a few words in his love to my shipmates in regard to the all sufficiency of him who formed the great deep, and whose care is so extensive that a sparrow falls not without his notice, and thus, in a tender frame of mind, I spoke to them of the necessity of our yielding in true obedience to the instructions of our Heavenly Father, who sometimes, through adversities, intended our refinement. About eleven at night I went out on the deck. The sea wrought exceedingly, and the high foaming waves round about had in some sort the appearance of fire, but did not give much of any light. The sailor at the helm said he lately saw a corpuscent at the head of the mast. I observed that the master of the ship ordered the carpenter to keep on the deck, and, though he said little, I apprehended his care was that the carpenter with his axe might be in readiness in case of any emergency. Soon after this the vehemence of the wind debated, and before morning they again put the ship under sail. Tenth of Fifth Month. It being the first day of the week and fine weather, we had a meeting in the cabin at which most of the seamen were present. This meeting was to me a strengthening time. Thirteenth. As I continued to lodge in the steerage, I feel an openness this morning to express something further of the state of my mind in respect to poor lads' bound apprentice to learn the art of sailing. As I believe sailing is of use in the world, a labor of soul attends me that the pure counsel of truth may be humbly waited for in this case by all concerned in the business of the seas. A pious father whose mind is exercised for the everlasting welfare of his child may not, with a peaceable mind, place him out to an employment among a people whose common course of life is manifestly corrupt and profane. Great is the present defect among the seafaring men in regard to virtue and piety. And by reason of an abundant traffic and many ships being used for war, so many people are employed on the sea that the subject of placing lads to this employment appears very weighty. When I remember this saying over the most high through his prophet, this people have I formed for myself, they shall show forth my praise, and think of placing children among such to learn the practice of sailing. The consistency of it with a pious education seems to me like that mentioned by the prophet, there is no answer from God. Profane examples are very corrupting and very forcible, and as my mind day after day, night after night, have been affected with the sympathizing tenderness toward poor children who are put to the employment of sailors. I have sometimes had weighty conversation with the sailors in the steerage who are mostly respectful to me and became more so the longer I was with them. They mostly appeared to take kindly what I said to them, but their minds were so deeply impressed with the almost universal depravity among sailors that the poor creatures in their answers to me have revived in my remembrance that of the degenerate Jew a little before the captivity as repeated by Jeremiah the prophet, there is no hope. Now under this exercise, a sense of the desire of outward gain prevailing among us felt grievous, and a strong call to the professed followers of Christ was raised in me that all may take heed lest through loving this present world they be found in a continued neglect of duty with respect to a faithful laborer for reformation. To silence every motion proceeding from the love of money and humbly to wait upon God to know His will concerning us have appeared necessary. He alone is able to strengthen us to dig deep, to remove all which lies between us and the safe foundation, and so to direct us in our outward employments that pure universal love may shine forth in our proceedings. Desires arising from the spirit of truth are pure desires, and when a mind divinely open towards a young generation is made sensible of corrupting examples powerfully working and extensively spreading among them, how moving is the prospect. In a world of dangers and difficulties, like a desolate thorny wilderness, how precious, how comfortable, how safe are the leadings of Christ, the Good Shepherd who said, I know my sheep, and have known of mine. 16th of 6th, or perhaps 5th, month. Wind for several days passed, often high, what the sailors call squally, with a rough sea and frequent rains. This last night has been a very trying one to the poor seamen, the water the most part of the night running over the main deck, and sometimes breaking waves came on the quarter deck. The latter part of the night, as I lay in bed, my mind was humbled under the power of divine love, and residedness to the great creator of the earth and the seas was renewedly brought in me, and his fatherly care over his children felt precious to my soul. I was now desirous to embrace every opportunity of being inwardly acquainted with the hardships and difficulties of my fellow creatures, and to labor in his love for the spreading of pure righteousness on the earth. Opportunities were frequent of hearing conversation among the sailors, respecting voyages to Africa, and the manner of bringing the deeply oppressed slaves into our islands. They are frequently brought on board the vessels and change and fetters, with hearts loaded with grief under the apprehension of miserable slavery, so that my mind was frequently engaged to meditate on these things. Seventeenth of fifth month, and first of the week. We had a meeting in the cabin to which the seamen generally came. My spirit was contrite before the Lord, whose love at this time affected my heart. In the afternoon I felt a tender sympathy of soul with my poor wife and family left behind, in which state my heart was enlarged in desires that they may walk in that humble obedience, wherein the everlasting Father may be their guide and support through all their difficulties in this world. And a sense of that gracious assistance, through which my mind hath been strengthened to take up the cross and leave them to travel in the love of truth, hath be gotten thankfulness in my heart to our great Helper. Twenty-fourth of fifth month. A clear, pleasant morning. As I sat on deck, I felt a reviving in my nature which had been weakened through much rainy weather and high winds, and being shut up in a close, unhealthy air. Several nights of late I have felt my breathing difficult, and a little after the rising of the second watch, which is about midnight, I have got up and stood near an hour with my face near the hatchway to get the fresh air at the small vacancy under the hatch door, which is commonly shut down, partly to keep out rain and sometimes to keep the breaking waves from dashing into the storage. I may, with thankfulness to the Father of mercies, acknowledge that in my present weak state my mind has been supported to bear this affliction with patience, and I have looked at the present dispensation as a kindness from the great Father of mankind, who in this my floating pilgrimage is in some degree bringing me to feel what many thousands of my fellow creatures often suffer in a greater degree. My appetite failing the trial hath been the heavier, and I have felt tender breathings in my soul after God, the fountain of comfort, whose inward help hath supplied at times the want of outward convenience. And strong desires have attended me that his family, who are acquainted with the movings of his Holy Spirit, may be so redeemed from the love of money and from that spirit in which men seek honor one of another that in all business, by sea or land, they may constantly keep in view the coming of his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. And by faithfully following this safe guide may show forth examples tending to lead out of that under which the creation groans. This day we had a meeting in the cabin, in which I was favored in some degree to experience the fulfilling of that saying of the Prophet, The Lord hath been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in their distress, for which my heart is bowed in thankfulness before him. Twenty-eighth of fifth month. Wet weather of late and small winds, inclining to calms. Our seamen cast a lead, I suppose, about one hundred fathoms, but found no bottom. Foggy weather this morning. Through the kindness of the great preserver of men, my mind remains quiet. And a degree of exercise from day to day attends me that the pure, peaceful government of Christ may spread and prevail among mankind. The leading of a young generation in that pure way in which the wisdom of this world hath no place, where parents and tutors humbly waiting for the heavily counselor may example them in the truth that is in Jesus hath for several days been the exercise of my mind. Oh, how safe, how quiet is that state where the soul stands in pure obedience to the voice of Christ, and a watchful care is maintained not to follow the voice of the stranger. Here Christ is felt to be our shepherd, and under his leading people are brought to a stability, and where he doth not flee forward, we are bound in the bonds of pure love to stand still and wait upon him. In the love of money and in the wisdom of this world business is proposed. Then the urgency of affairs push forward, and the mind cannot in this state discern the good and perfect will of God concerning us. The love of God is manifested in graciously calling us to come out of that which stands in confusion. But if we bow not in the name of Jesus, if we give not up those prospects of gain which in the wisdom of this world are open before us, but say in our hearts, I must needs go on, and in going on I hope to keep as near the purity of truth as the business before me will admit of, the mind remains entangled, and the shining of the light of life into the soul is obstructed. Surely the Lord calls to mourning and deep humiliation that in his fear we may be instructed and led safely through the great difficulties and perplexities of this present age. In an entire subjection of our wills the Lord graciously opens away for his people, for all their wants are bounded by his wisdom, and here we experience the substance of what Moses the prophet figured out in the water of separation as a purification from sin. Esau is mentioned as a child red all over like a hairy garment. In Esau is represented the natural will of man. In preparing the water of separation, a red heifer without blemish on which there had been no yoke was to be slain and her blood sprinkled by the priest seven times towards the tabernacle of the congregation. Then her skin, her flesh, and all pertaining to her was to be burnt without the camp, and of her ashes the water was prepared. Thus the crucifying of the old man, or natural will, is represented, and hence comes a separation from that carnal mind which is death. He who touches the dead body of a man and purifies not himself with the water of separation defileeth the tabernacle of the Lord. He is unclean. Numbers 19, 13. If any through the love of gain engage in business wherein they dwell as among the tombs and touch the bodies of those who are dead, should through the infinite love of God feel the power of the cross of Christ to crucify them to the world, and therein to learn humbly to follow the divine leader. Here is the judgment of this world. Here the prince of this world is cast out. The water of separation is felt, and though we have been among the slain and through the desire of gain have touched the dead body of a man, yet in the purifying love of Christ we are washed away in the water of separation. We are brought off from that business, from that gain and from that fellowship which is not agreeable to his holy will. I have felt a renewed confirmation in the time of this voyage that the Lord, in his infinite love, is calling to his visited children, so to give up all outwardly possessions and means of getting treasures, that his Holy Spirit may have free course in their hearts and direct them in all their proceedings. To feel the substance pointed out in this figure, man must know death as to his own will. No man can see God and live. This was spoken by the Almighty to Moses the prophet, and opened by our blessed Redeemer. As death comes on our own wills, and a new life is formed in us, the heart is purified, prepared to understand clearly, blessed are the pure heart, for they shall see God. In purity of heart the mind is divinely open to behold the nature of universal righteousness, or the righteousness of the kingdom of God. No man hath seen the Father save he that is of God, he hath seen the Father. The natural mind is active about the things of this life, and in this natural activity business is proposed and a will is formed in us to go forward in it, and so long as this natural will remains unsubjected, so long as there remains an obstruction to the clearness of divine light operating in us, but when we love God, with all our heart and with all our strength, in this love we love our neighbors ourselves, and a tenderness of heart is felt towards all people for whom Christ died, even those who, as to outward circumstances, may be to us as the Jews were to Samaritans. Who is my neighbor? See this question answered by our Savior, Luke 10, 30. In this love we can say that Jesus is the Lord, and in this Reformation in our souls manifested in a full Reformation of our lives wherein all things are new, and all things are of God, 2 Corinthians 5, 18. The desire of gain is subjected. When employment is honestly followed in the light of truth, and people become diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, Romans 12, 11, the meaning of the name is opened to us. This is the name by which he shall be called the Lord our righteousness. Jeremiah 23, 6. Oh, how precious is this name. It is like ointment poured out. The chaste virgins are in love with the Redeemer, and for promoting his peaceable kingdom in the world we are content to endure hardness like good soldiers, and are so separated in spirit from the desire of riches that in their employments they become extensively careful to give no offense, either to Jew or heathen or to the Church of Christ. 31, 5th month and 1st of the week. We had a meeting in the cabin, with nearly all the ship's company, the whole being nearer 30. In this meeting the Lord in mercy favored us with extending of his love. 2nd of 6th month. Last evening the seaman found a bottom at about 70 fathoms. This morning a fair wind unpleasant. I sat on deck. My heart was overcome with the love of Christ, and melted into contrition before him. In this state the prospect of that work to which I found my mind drawn in my native land being, in some degree, open before me, I felt like a little child. And my cries were put up to my Heavenly Father for preservation, that in an humble dependence on him my soul might be strengthened in his love, and kept inwardly waiting for his counsel. This afternoon we saw that part of England, called the Lizard. Some fowls yet remained of those passengers took for their sea-store. I believe about fourteen perished in the storms at sea, by the waves breaking over the quarter-deck, and a considerable number with sickness at different times. I observed the cocks crew as we came down the Delaware, and while we were nearer the land, but afterwards I think I did not hear one of them crow till we came nearer the English coast, where they again crowed a few times. In observing their dull appearance at sea, and the pining sickness of some of them, I often remembered the fountain of goodness, who gave being to all creatures, and whose love extends to caring for the sparrows. I believe where the love of God is very perfected, and the true spirit of government watchfully attended to, a tenderness towards all creatures made subject to us will be experienced, and a care felt in us that we do not lessen that sweetness of life in the animal creation which the great Creator intends for them under our government. Fourth of sixth month, wet weather, high winds, and so dark that we could see but a little way. I perceived our seamen were apprehensive of the dangers of missing the channel, which I understood was narrow. In a while it grew lighter and they saw the land and knew where we were. Thus the father of mercies was pleased to try us with the sight of dangers, and then graciously, from time to time, deliver us from them. Thus sparing our lives, that in humility and reverence we might walk before him and put our trust in him. About noon a pilot came off from Dover, where my beloved friend Samuel Emelon went on shore and fenced to London about seventy-two miles by land, but I felt easy in staying in the ship. Seventh of sixth month and first of the week. A clear morning we lay at anchor for the tide, and had a parting meeting with the ship's company in which my heart was enlarged in a fervent concern for them that they may come to experience salvation through Christ. Had a head wind up the Thames, lay sometimes at anchor, saw many ships passing and some at anchor near, I had large opportunity of feeling the spirit in which the poor bewildered sailors too generally live. That lamentable degeneracy which so much prevails in the people employed on the seas so affected my heart that I cannot easily convey the feeling I had to another. The present state of the seafaring life in general appears so opposite to that of a pious education, so full of corruption, extreme alienation from God, so full of the most dangerous examples to young people that in looking towards a young generation I feel a care for them, that they may have an education different from the present ones of lads at sea, and that all of us who are acquainted with the pure gospel spirit may lay this case to heart, may remember the lamentable corruptions which attend the conveyance of merchandise across the seas, and so abide in the love of Christ that, being delivered from the entangling expenses of a curious, delicate, and luxurious life, we may learn contentment with a little, and promote the seafaring life no further than that spirit which leads into all truth attends us in our proceedings. CHAPTER XII On the eighth of sixth month, 1772, we landed London, and I went straightway to the yearly meeting of ministers and elders, which had been gathered, I suppose, about half an hour. FOOT NOTE There is a story told of his first appearance in England which I have from my friend William J. Allinson, editor of The Friend's Review, and which he assures me is well authenticated. The vessel reached London on the morning of the fifth day of the week, and John Woolman, knowing that the meeting was then in session, lost no time in reaching it. Coming in late and unannounced, his peculiar dress and manner excited attention and apprehension that he was an itinerant enthusiast. He presented his certificate from Friends in America, but the dissatisfaction still remained, and someone remarked that perhaps the stranger friend might feel that his dedication of himself to his apprehended service was accepted without further labour and that he might now feel free to return to his home. John Woolman sat silent for his space, seeking the unerring counsel of divine wisdom. He was profoundly affected by the unfavorable reception he met with, and his tears flowed freely. In the love of Christ and his fellow-man he had, at a painful sacrifice, taken his life in his hands, and left behind the peace and endearments of home. That love still flowed out toward the people of England, must it henceforth be pent up in his own heart? He rose at last and stated that he could not feel himself released from his prospect of labour in England, yet he could not travel in the ministry without the unity of friends, and while that was withheld he could not feel easy to be of any cost to them. He could not go back, as had been suggested, but he was acquainted with the mechanical trade, and while the impediment to his services continued he hoped friends would be kindly willing to employ him in such business as he was capable of, that he might not be chargeable to any. A deep silence prevailed over the assembly, many of whom were touched by the wise simplicity of the stranger's words and manner. After a season of waiting, John Woeman felt that words were given him to utter as a minister of Christ. The spirit of his master bore witness to them in the hearts of his hearers. When he closed, the friend who had advised against his further service rose up and humbly confessed his error and avowed his full unity with the stranger. All doubt was removed. There was a general expression of unity and sympathy, and John Woeman, owned by his brethren, passed on to his work. There is no portrait of John Woeman, and had photography been known in his day it is not at all probable that the son artist would have been permitted to delineate his features. That, while eschewing all superfluity and expensive luxury, he was group realistly neat in his dress and person may be inferred from his general character, and from the fact that one of his serious objections to dyed clothing was that it served to conceal uncleanliness and was therefore detrimental to real purity. It is, however, quite probable that his outer man, on the occasion referred to, was suggestive of a hasty toilette in the crowded steerage. Note from the edition published by Monsieur Houghton Mifflin and Company. End of footnote. In this meeting my mind was humbly contrite. In the afternoon the meeting for business was opened, which by adjournments held near a week. In these meetings I often felt a living concern for the establishment of friends in the pure life of truth. My heart was enlarged in the meetings of ministers, that for business and in several meetings for public worship, and I felt my mind united in true love to the faithful laborers now gathered at this yearly meeting. On the fifteenth I went to a quarterly meeting in Hartford. First of seventh month. I have been at quarterly meetings at Sherrington, Northampton, Branbury and Shipton, and have had sundry meetings between. My mind has been bowed under a sense of divine goodness manifested among us. My heart has been often enlarged in true love, both among ministers and elders, and in public meetings, and through the Lord's goodness I believe it has been a fresh visitation to many, in particular to the youth. Seventeenth. I was this day at Birmingham. I have been at meetings at Coventry, Warwick, in Oxfordshire, and sundry other places, and have felt the humbling hand of the Lord upon me. But through his tender mercies I find peace in the labours I have gone through. Twenty-sixth. I have continued travelling northward, visiting meetings. Was this day in Nottingham, the four-noon meeting was especially, through divine love, a heart-tendering season. Next day I had a meeting in a friend's family, which, through the strengthening arm of the Lord, was a time to be thankfully remembered. Second of eighth month and first of the week. I was this day at Sheffield, a large inland town. I was at sundry meetings last week, and felt inward thankfulness for that divine support which hath been graciously extended to me. On the ninth I was at Rushworth. I have lately passed through some painful labour, but have been comforted under a sense of that divine visitation which I feel extended towards many young people. Sixteenth of eighth month and the first of the week. I was at settle. It hath of late been a time of inward poverty, under which my mind hath been preserved in a watchful tender state, feeling for the mind of the holy leader, and I find peace in the labours I have passed through. On inquiry and many places I find the price of rye about five shillings, wheat eight shillings per bushel, oatmeal twelve shillings for a hundred and twenty pounds, muttons from thrups to five pence per pound, bacon from seven pence to nine pence, cheese from four pence to six pence, butter from eight pence to ten pence, house rent for a poor man from twenty-five shillings to forty shillings per year to be paid weekly, wood for fire very scarce and dear, coal in some places two shillings and six pence per hundred weight, but near the pits not a quarter so much. Oh, may the wealthy consider the poor. The wages of laboring men in several counties toward London at ten pence per day in common business, the employer finds small beer and the labourer finds his own food, but in harvest and hay time wages are about one shilling per day and the labour hath all his diet. In some parts of the north of England poor laboring men have their food where they work and appear in common to do rather better than nearer London. Industries women who spin in the factories get some four pence, some five pence, and so on to six, seven, eight, nine, or ten pence per day and find their own house, room, and diet. Great numbers of poor people live chiefly on bread and water in the southern parts of England as well as in the northern parts and there are many poor children not even taught to read. May those who have abundance lay these things to heart. Stagecoachers frequently go upwards of one hundred miles in twenty-four hours and I've heard friends say in several places that it is common for horses to be killed with hard driving and that many others are driven till they grow blind. Post boys pursue their business each one to a stage all night through the winter. Some boys who ride long stages suffer greatly in the winter nights and at several places I have heard of their being frozen to death. So great is the hurry in the spirit of this world that in aiming to do business quickly and to gain wealth the creation at this day doth loudly groan. As my journey hath been without a horse I have had several offers of being assisted on my way in these stagecoaches but have not been in them. Nor have I had freedom to send letters by these posts at the present way of writing. The stages being so fixed and one boy dependent on another as to time and going at great speed that in long, cold winter nights the poor boys suffer much. I heard in America of the way of these posts and cautioned friends in the gentle meeting of ministers and elders at Philadelphia and in the yearly meeting of ministers and elders in London not to send letters to me on any common occasion by post. And though on this account I may be likely not to hear so often from my family left behind yet for righteousness sake I am through divine favor made content. I have felt great distress of mind since I came on this island on account of the members of our society being mixed with the world in various sorts of traffic carried on in impure channels. Great is the trade to Africa for slaves and for the loading of these ships a great number of people are employed in their factories among whom are many of our society. Friends in early times refused on a religious principle to make or trade in superfluities of which we have many testimonies on record. But for want of faithfulness some whose examples were of note in our society gave way from which others took more liberty. Members of our society worked in superfluities and bought and sold them and thus dimness of sight came over many. At length friends got into the use of some superfluities in dress and in the furniture of their houses which have spread from less to more till superfluity of some kinds is common among us. In this declining state many look at the example of others and to much neglect the pure feelings of truth. Of late years a deep exercise hath attended my mind that friends may dig deep, may carefully cast forth the loose matter and get down to the rock, the shore foundation, and there hearken to that divine voice which gives a clear and certain sound. And I have felt in that which doth not receive that if friends who have known the truth keep in that tenderness of heart where all views of outward gain are given up and their trust is only in the Lord, he will graciously lead some to be patterns of deep self-denial in things relating to trade and handicraft labor. And others who have plenty of the treasures of this world will be examples of a plain frugal life and to pay wages to such as they may hire more liberally than is now customary in some places. Twenty-third of eighth month. I was this day at Preston Patrick and had a comfortable meeting. I have several times been entertained at the houses of friends who had sundry things about them that had the appearance of outward greatness, and as I have kept inward, way hath opened for conversation with such in private, in which divine goodness hath favoured us together with heart tendering times. Twenty-sixth of eighth month. Being now at George Crossfields, in the county of Westmoreland, I feel a concern to commit to writing the following uncommon circumstance. In a time of sickness, a little more than two years and a half ago, I was brought so near the gates of death that I forgot my name. Being then desirous to know who I was, I saw a massive matter of a dull gloomy colour between the south and the east, and was informed that this mass was human beings in as great misery as they could be and live, and that I was mixed with them, and that henceforth I might not consider myself as a distinct or separate being. In this state I remained several hours. I then heard a soft melodious voice, more pure and harmonious than any I had heard with my ears before. I believed it was the voice of an angel who spake to the other angels. The words were, John Woolman is dead. I soon remembered that I was once John Woolman, and being assured that I was alive in the body, I greatly wondered what that heavenly voice could mean. I believed beyond doubting that it was the voice of an holy angel, but as yet it was a mystery to me. I was then carried in spirit to the minds where poor oppressed people were digging rich treasures for those called Christians, and heard them blaspheme the name of Christ, at which I was grieved, for his name to me was precious. I was then informed that these heathens were told that those who oppressed them were the followers of Christ, and they set among themselves. If Christ directed them to use us in this sort, then Christ is a cruel tyrant. All this time the song of the angel remained a mystery, and in the morning my dear wife and some others coming to my bedside I asked them if they knew who I was, and they telling me I was John Woolman, thought I was lightheaded, for I told them not what the angel said, nor was I disposed to talk much to anyone, but was very desirous to get so deep that I might understand this mystery. My tongue was often so dry that I could not speak till I had moved it about and gathered some moisture, and as I lay still for a time I at length felt a divine power prepare my mouth that I could speak, and I then said, I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Then the mystery was opened, and I perceived there was joy in heaven over a sinner who had repented, and that the language John Woolman is dead meant no more than the death of my own will. My natural understanding now returned as before, and I saw that people setting off their tables with silver vessels as entertainments was often stained with worldly glory, and that in the present state of things I should take heed how I fed myself out of such vessels. Going to a monthly meeting soon after my recovery I dined at a friend's house where drink was brought in silver vessels and not in any other. Wanting something to drink I told him my case with weeping, and he ordered some drink for me and another vessel. I afterwards went through the same exercise in several friends' houses in America as well as in England, and I have caused to acknowledge with humble reverence the loving kindness of my Heavenly Father who hath preserved me in such a tender frame of mind that none, I believe, have ever been offended at what I have said on that subject. After the sickness I spank not in public meetings for worship for nearly one year, but my mind was very often in company with the oppressed slaves as I sat in meetings, and though wonder his dispensation I was shut up from speaking, yet the spring of the gospel ministry was many times livingly opened in me, and the divine gift operated by abundance of weeping and feeling the oppression of this people. It had been so long since I passed through this dispensation, and the matter remaining fresh and lively in my mind, I believe it is safest for me to commit it to writing. Thirteenth of Eighth Month This morning I wrote a letter in substance as follows. Beloved friends, my mind is often affected as I pass along under a sense of the state of many poor people who sit under that sort of ministry which requires much outward labor to support it, and the loving kindness of our Heavenly Father in opening a pure gospel ministry in this nation hath often raised thankfulness in my heart to him. I often remember the conflicts of the faithful under persecution, and now look at the free exercise of the pure gift uninterrupted by outward laws as a trust committed to us, which requires our deepest gratitude and most careful attention. I feel a tender concern that the work of reformation so prosperously carried on in this land within a few ages past may go forward and spread among the nations, and may not go backward through dust gathering on our garments who have been called to a work so great and so precious. Last evening during thy absence I had a little opportunity with some of thy family in which I rejoiced, and feeling a sweetness on my mind towards thee, I now endeavour to open a little of the feeling I had there. I have heard that you and these parts have at certain seasons meetings of conference in relation to friends living up to our principles in which several meetings unite in one. With this I feel unity, having in some measure felt truth lead that way among friends in America, and I have found, my dear friend, that in these labours all superfluities in our own living are against us. I feel that pure love towards thee in which there is freedom. I look at that precious gift bestowed on thee with awfulness before him who gave it, and feel the desire that we may be so separated to the Gospel of Christ that those things which proceed from the spirit of this world may have no place among us. Thy friend John Wolman. I rested a few days and body and mind with our friend Jane Crossfield, who was once in America. On the sixth day of the week I was at Kendall in Westmoreland, and at Greg meeting on the thirtieth day of the month and first of the week. I have known poverty of late and have been graciously supported to keep in the patience and am thankful under a sense of goodness of the Lord toward those who are of a contrite spirit. Sixth of ninth month and first of the week. I was this day at Counterside, a large meeting house and very full. Through the opening of pure love it was a strengthening time to me and I believe to many more. Thirteenth of ninth month. This day I was at Laburn, a small meeting, but the townspeople coming in and the house was crowded. It was a time of heavy labor and I believe was a profitable meeting. At this place I heard that my kinsman William Hunt from North Carolina, who was on a religious visit to friends in England, departed this life on the ninth of this month of the smallpox at Newcastle. He appeared in the ministry when a youth and his labors therein were of good saver. He traveled much in that work in America. I once heard him say in a public testimony that his concern in that visit was to be devoted to the service of Christ so fully that he might not spend one minute in pleasing himself. Which words joined with his example was a means of stirring up the pure mind in me. Having of late traveled in wet weather through narrow streets and towns and villages where dirtiness underfoot and the center rising from that filth which more or less infects the air of all thickly settled towns were disagreeable. And being but weakly I have felt distress both in body and mind with that which is impure. In these journeys I have been where much cloth hath been dyed and have at sundry times walked over ground where much of their dye-stuffs has drained away. This hath produced a longing in my mind that people might come into cleanliness of spirit, cleanliness of person, and cleanliness about their houses and garments. Some of the great carry delicacy to a great height themselves, and yet real cleanliness is not generally promoted. Dyes, being invented partly to please the eye and partly to hide dirt, I have felt in this weak state when traveling in dirtiness and affected with unwholesome scents a strong desire that the nature of dyeing cloth to hide dirt may be more fully considered. Washing our garments to keep them sweet is cleanly, but it is the opposite to real cleanliness to hide dirt in them. Through giving way to hiding dirt in our garments a spirit which would conceal that which is disagreeable is strengthened. Real cleanliness becomeeth a holy people, but hiding that which is not clean by coloring our garments seems contrary to the sweetness of sincerity. Through some sorts of dyes cloth is rendered less useful, and if the value of dye-stuffs and expense of dyeing and the damage done to cloth were all added together and that cost applied to keeping all sweet and clean how much more would real cleanliness prevail. On this visit to England I have felt some instructions sealed on my mind, which I am concerned to leave in writing for the use of such as are called to the station of a minister of Christ. Christ being the Prince of Peace, and we being no more than ministers, it is necessary for us not only to feel a concern in our first going forth, but to experience the renewing thereof in the appointment of meetings. I felt a concern in America to prepare for this voyage, and being through the mercy of God brought safe hither, my heart was like a vessel that wanted vent. For several weeks after my arrival, when my mouth was opened in meetings, it was like the raising of a gate of water-course when a weight of water lay upon it. In these labours there was a fresh visitation to many, especially to the youth, but sometimes I felt poor and empty, and yet there appeared a necessity to appoint meetings. In this I was exercised to abide in the pure life of truth, and in all my labours, to watch diligently against the motions of self in my own mind. I have frequently found a necessity to stand up when the spring of the ministry was low, and to speak from the necessity in that which subjected the will of the creature, and herein I was united with the suffering seed, and found inward sweetness in these mortifying labours, as I have been preserved in a watchful attention to the Divine Leader, under these dispensations enlargement at times have followed, and the power of truth hath risen higher in some meetings than I ever knew it before through me. Thus I have been more and more instructed as to the necessity of depending, not upon a concern which I felt in America to come on a visit to England, but upon the daily instructions of Christ, the Prince of Peace. Of late I have sometimes felt a stop in the appointment of meetings, not wholly, but in part, and I do not feel liberty to appoint them so quickly, one after another, as I have done hitherto for. The work of the ministry, being a work of divine love, I feel that the openings thereof are to be waited for in all our appointments. Oh, how deep is divine wisdom. Christ puts forth his ministers and goeth before them, and oh, how great is the danger of departing from the pure feeling of that which leadeth safely. Christ's North, the State of the People, and in the pure feeling of the Gospel ministry, their States are opened to his servants. Christ's North, when the fruit-bearing branches themselves have need of purging. Oh, that these lessons may be remembered by me, and that all who appoint meetings may proceed in the pure feeling of duty. I have sometimes felt a necessity to stand up, but that spirit which is of the world hath so much prevailed in many, and the pure life of truth has been so pressed down that I have gone forward, not as one traveling in a road cast up and well prepared, but as a man walking through a myery place in which there are stones here and there safe to step on, but so situated that one step being taken time is necessary to see where to step next. Now I find that in a state of pure obedience the mind learns contentment in appearing weak and foolish to that wisdom which is of the world, and in these lowly labors they who stand in a low place and are rightly exercised under the cross will find nourishment. The gift is pure, and while the eye is single in attending thereto the understanding is preserved clear. Self is kept out. We rejoice in filling up that which remains of the afflictions of Christ for his body's sake which is the church. The natural man loveth eloquence, and many love to hear eloquent orations, and if there be not a careful attention to the gift, men who have once labored in the pure gospel ministry, growing weary of suffering and ashamed of appearing weak, may kindle a fire, compass themselves about with sparks, and walk in the light, not of Christ who is under suffering, but of that fire which they in departing from the gift have kindled. In order that those hearers who have left the meek, suffering state, for worldly wisdom may be warmed with this fire and speak highly of their labors, that which is of God gathers to God, and that which is of the world is owned by the world. From the testimony of friends in Yorkshire at their quarterly meeting held at York the 24th and 25th of the third month, 1773 concerning John Woolman of Mount Holly in the province of New Jersey, North America, who departed this life at the house of our friend Thomas Priestman in the suburbs of this city the 7th of the 10th month, 1772, and was interred in the burial ground of friends the 9th of the same aged about 52 years. This our valuable friend, having been under a religious engagement for some time to visit friends in this nation, and more especially us in the northern parts, undertook the same in full concurrence and near sympathy with his friends and brethren at home, as appeared by certificates from the monthly and quarterly meetings to which he belonged, and from the spring meeting of ministers and elders held at Philadelphia for Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He arrived in the city of London the beginning of the last yearly meeting, and after attending that meeting travelled northward visiting the quarterly meetings of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire, and diverse particular meetings in his way. He visited many meetings on the west side of this country, also some in Lancashire and West Moreland, from whence he came to our quarterly meeting in the last 9th month, and though much out of health yet was enabled to attend all the sittings of that meeting except the last. His disorder, which proved the smallpox, increased speedily upon him and was very afflicting, under which he was supported in much meekness, patience and Christian fortitude. To those who attended him in his illness, his mind appeared to be centred in divine love, under the precious influence whereof we believe he finished his course and entered into the mansions of everlasting rest. In the early part of his illness he requested a friend to write and he broke forth thus, O Lord my God, the amazing horrors of darkness were gathered around me and covered me all over, and I saw no way to go forth. I felt the misery of my fellow creatures separated from the divine harmony, and it was heavier than I could bear, and I was crushed down under it. I lifted up my hand and stretched out my arm, but there was none to help me. I looked round about and was amazed. In the depth of misery, O Lord, I remembered that thou art omnipotent, that I had called thee father, and I felt that I loved thee, and I was made quiet in thy will, and I waited for deliverance from thee. Thou hadst pity upon me when no man could help me. I saw that meekness under suffering was showed to us in the most affecting example of thy son, and thou taught me to follow him. And I said, thy will, O Father, be done. Many more of his weighty expressions might have been inserted here, but it was deemed unnecessary. They being already published in print. End of CONCLUSION End of the Journal of John Woolman By John Woolman