With these views of the infinite power and presence of the Almighty, I shall pass to the relation promised, which may here be properly inserted.

cludes nothing without evidence, can never declare in favour of a proposition, for which, not only none can appear, but against which the whole world is full of it. But let this be disposed for the judgment of reason. When My author was Jonathan Dickenson, mertherefore it is said, that all things have come chant in Philadelphia, who was present with by nature; if thereby we are to understand the young men whom this extraordinary prothat natural things are severally self pro- vidence befell, at Port Royal, in Jamaica: he ductive, this will be disproved by daily ex-gave me the following account. Two ingeniperience; for we may observe, that they ous young men, who were lately arrived at depend one upon another, and upon various Jamaica, from London, discoursing about causes for production and subsistence, with-earthquakes, asserted that all things came by out which neither, in a state of nature, could nature: and so argued thereupon, that it possibly be. But if it be meant of the uni- brought terror upon the company, who were versal system of natural things collectively, many, at dinner, in an upper room. Whilst this will less be allowed of many, than of any this lasted, to the great astonishment of all particular of them; because that would de- present, the earth began to move and tremble, stroy the nature of a self-productive power, which put most of them to flight in such haste, which cannot be limited from being infinite, that they ran one almost over another, some and therefore can be but one: one infinite su-down stairs, others leaping over the balcony. preme nature therefore only can have self- But my author said he considered there was existed and must have been the supernatural no running from Divine Providence, and that author and power, by whom all other beings have existed: which refutes the above error, and rationally proves and establishes the great truth in the question."

The

the same hand which moved the earth, was able to preserve him; in which he trusted, and was preserved. As he continued with the young men in the same room, Oh! terrible to And this the Christian religion teaches in relate, and my heart and hand tremble in the the greatest perfection, that the Creator of all writing thereof, the mighty hand of an ofthings is God, an infinite eternal Spirit, who fended God struck these young men with filleth all things; who having been pleased to death, and they fell down, and never rose manifest his eternal power and godhead in the any more, being in all appearance unprepared visible frame of the universe, beareth witness for so sudden a change. And how many other of himself therein, by his providence and judg- gay, witty young people have been suddenly ments; and in every soul of man by his in- snatched away by death, though perhaps not ward inspirations; especially the sincere be- so immediately, nor in so extraordinary a liever, in whom his spirit dwells and operates. manner, seems worthy of reflection. Oh! that men therefore would lift up their author of this account added, that he took up minds and open their hearts to him, when by the young men, and laid one of them upon a his holy Spirit he reproves them for sin, and bed, and the other upon a couch; but that brings a damp upon their spirits for evil; from they never spoke again after their blasphemy which they would, perhaps, if they could, run, against God and his works. Upon which I or divert themselves from the sense of it. But, think it very natural, as well as necessary to alas! there is no fleeing from his presence, remark, that this was indeed an eminent inwho is everywhere; nor avoiding his judg- stance of the just judgment of God against ment, whose kingdom comprehends all things: such as deny his wonderful power and provibut woe is especially to them with whom his dence in the creation; with this terrible cirspirit ceases striving. Holy David certainly cumstance, that these unhappy persons were was very sensible of this, when he wrote that cut off in the midst of their ungodly discourse admirable description of the Divine Omnipre- and corrupt reasoning, without so much time sence, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit, afforded them as to ask pardon and crave or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If mercy of a provoked Lord; which is very I ascend up to heaven, thou art there: If I dreadful to consider. I especially recommend make my bed in hell, behold thou art there. it to the serious reflection of all such as affect If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell the name of free-thinkers, as they are comin the uttermost parts of the sea, even there monly distinguished, that they may no longer, shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand under such a pretence, abuse their undershall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness standing with a latitude of profane and evil shall cover me, even the night shall be light thinking: who, as they must be sensible that about me, yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."

they have not conferred the excellent faculty of reason upon themselves, so they may as certainly conclude that they never received it

directly tended to the misery and destruction of mankind.

to exclude his existence, power and providence, out of the world, who gave it them; nor to employ it to their own destruction, by Lastly, if any expression in this short tract such a perversion thereof, which must inevit- should prove successful to promote, in any ably be the consequence, without timely and measure, the contemplation of the Divine due repentance; but that they may apply Being; the consideration of man's duty to themselves to him for true wisdom, who is him, his Almighty Creator, or to convince the eternal fountain of it, who would direct but one soul of the error of his thoughts and all their thoughts aright therein. Then would ways; the author will think himself richly they find a substantial and enduring happi- rewarded for his endeavours, and reverently ness and satisfaction, in the honourable ascribe the glory and praise to God, the prime thoughts and practice of true religion and Author and mover of every good thing, who virtue; and that all vain and evil thoughts is worthy forever.

AN ACCOUNT

OF THE

GOSPEL LABOURS AND CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCES,

OF THAT FAITHFUL MINISTER OF CHRIST,

JOHN CHURCHMAN,

LATE OF NOTTINGHAM, IN PENNSYLVANIA.

And they that understand among the people, shall instruct many. Daniel xi. 33.
Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Daniel xii. 4.

TO THE READER.

In the perusal of the following pages thou wilt receive a pious man's plain account of his beginning and progress in the weighty work of religion, and in a life devoted to promote the cause of righteousness and the real happiness of mankind.

Having experienced the spiritual baptism which is essential to salvation, and abiding in a state of watchfulness and humility, he became, under the Lord's anointing, a well qualified instrument for the instruction and edification of others in the way of godliness. By attending to the gift of gospel ministry committed to his trust, and performing the duties required of him, he witnessed a growth from stature to stature, and became an upright elder and father in the church, being an example to the believers in word, in conversation, in spirit, in faith and charity.

As the ensuing narrative will be likely to come under the observation of many to whom

he was either little known, or wholly a stran ger, it seems proper to make known the estimation in which he was held by his brethren in religious society, who have given a full testimony of their Christian unity and fellowship with him, and that his life and conduct adorned the doctrine of the gospel.

The monthly and quarterly meetings who were for many years partakers of his pious example and labours, testify, that

"Although he was of a weakly constitution, and often infirm, especially in the latter part of his life, yet he appeared to be much devoted to the service of truth and the good of mankind, and gave up his time for that purpose, when he apprehended it was required of him, being favoured with a sufficiency of outward things. We believe he stood loose from the world and its connections, not seeking, but refraining from opportunities which he might have had to get outward riches. He visited neighbouring yearly, quarterly, and other meetings of Friends at times, to his last

year, and was truly useful in the discipline of the church, having a valuable gift in that respect, and was a good example in a diligent care to attend all the meetings both for worship and discipline, to which he belonged. He was cautious of being forward in his public appearances, and for the most part exampled us to silence in our meetings at home, especially in the latter part of his time; yet when he did appear in testimony, we think it may be truly said his doctrine dropped as the dew, being lively and edifying to the honest hearted, though close and searching to the careless professors, as well as to the profane and hypocritical.

"The elders who have ruled well are to be accounted honourable, and the remembrance of the fatherly, diligent, humble, upright, honest, and self-denying example of this our deceased friend, as also his various services in our meetings and neighbourhood, remain fresh, and are of a pleasant savour to many minds."

fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

What he has written is recommended to thy perusal and consideration, in which if thou art seriously attentive, and not superficial, thou mayest under the divine blessing, receive profitable instruction in righteousness, which is the intent of the publication. Philadelphia, Ninth mouth, 1779.

CHAPTER I.

His early sense of the impressions of divine love, and spiritual conflicts in his youth-Death of his father-His marriage-The settlement of a monthly meeting at Nottingham—His joining with other Friends in visiting families— Appointed an elder, and first appearance in the ministry, &c.

I was born in the township of Nottingham, in the county of Chester, and province of PennIn confirmation of the truth of which me-sylvania, on the 4th day of the sixth month, morial concerning him, many others of his 1705, and was tenderly brought up in the brethren in various places, can freely sub-profession of the truth. My parents, John and Hannah Churchman, were diligent at

scribe. His deportment was grave and reverent, tenders of religious meetings, both on the first and his judgment sound and clear, in matters and other days of the week, and encouragers of a spiritual or temporal nature. His dispo- of their children in that practice, which is cersition being cheerful, he sometimes discovered tainly a duty in parents, and often owned by a turn of pleasantry in conversation, which the visitations of divine love, even to those being circumscribed within due limitations, who are very young in years, of which I am rendered his company innocently agreeable a living witness. I early felt reproof for bad and instructive. words and actions, yet knew not whence it came, until about the age of eight years, as I sat in a small meeting, the Lord by his heavenly love and goodness, overcame and tendered my heart, and by his glorious light discovered to me the knowledge of himself. I saw myself and what I had been doing, and what it was which had reproved me for evil, and was made in the secret of my heart to confess that childhood and youth, and the foolish actions and words to which they are propense, are truly vanity. Yet blessed for ever be the name of the Lord! in his infinite mercy and goodness he clearly informed me, that if I would mind the discoveries of his pure light for the future, what I had done in the time of my ignorance, he would wink at and forgive; and the stream of love which filled my heart with solid joy at that time, and lasted for many days, is beyond all expression. I was early taught to think differently from such who hold the perdition of infants, and am since confirmed in believing that the sin of our first parents is not imputed to us, though as their offspring, we are by nature prone to evil, which brings wrath, until by

Being deeply sensible of the weight and solemnity of the gospel ministry, he manifested great circumspection and care, that it might be preserved pure and unblemished from mistaken, or false appearances in himself or others. In the exercise of his gift, his declarations were plain, familiar, and concise, accompanied with a fervent concern that his fellow believers and all others might be brought to the sure knowledge of the teachings of the Holy Spirit, given to direct and lead into true devotion of heart, and the practice of self-denial, consistent with the doctrine and precepts of Christ Jesus our Lord, for the prevalence and enlargement of whose peaceable kingdom, he was earnestly engaged. With a degree of propriety he might have adopted the language of an eminent minister in the early age of the Christian church, "Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shown me; moreover I will endeavour that you may be able after my decease, to have these things in remembrance; for we have not followed cunningly devised VOL. VI.-No. 5.

23

the discovery of light and grace, we are taught to distinguish between good and evil, and in that divine light which showeth the evil, we feel the enmity against the evil and the author thereof, the wicked one. If we afterwards commit those things which we saw to be evil, we then fall under condemnation and wrath, and here every soul that sins, must die to the sin he hath committed, and witness a being raised by the power of God, into newness of life in Christ Jesus, not to live to himself, to fulfil the will of the flesh; but to live unto Him who died to take away sin.

My father sent me about three miles from home on an errand; and on my return, the colt which accompanied the mare I rode, ran away to a company of wild horses, which were feeding not far from the path I was in. My father bid me go back to the place with speed, that it might follow the mare home. I went, and found the horses feeding on a piece of ground where the timber trees had been killed perhaps about two or three years. Before I went among the dead trees, a mighty wind arose, which blew some down, and many limbs flew about. I stood still with my mind turned inward to the Lord, who I believed was able to preserve me from hurt; and passed among the trees without fear, save the fear of the Lord, which fills the hearts of his humble depending children with love that is stronger than death. I found the colt, and returned home with great bowedness of heart and thankfulness to the Lord, for his mercy and goodness to me.

It was my practice, when I went to bed, to examine how I had spent the past day, and to endeavour to feel the presence of the Lord near, which for some considerable time I preferred to all other things, and I found this practice a great help to sleep sweetly, and by long experience I can recommend it to children, and those also of riper age.

I

Notwithstanding I had been favoured as before mentioned, yet as I grew in years, was much given to play, and began to delight again in several things, for which I had before been reproved, and by the divine witness in my mind was still brought under judgment for; but having lost my innocence, I endeavoured through fear to fly from the voice of the holy Spirit in my own heart. The enemy persuaded me, that I could never be restored to my former state, because I had sinned against so great knowledge, or if I was, that the judgment through which I must pass, would be intolerable, so that I had better be cheerful, and take my ease and delight. When I was about nine years old, my father sent me to school to learn to read, having been taught to know my letters and spell a little at home, in which I took great delight, and thereby diverted myself from feeling pain of mind for the great loss of my innocence which I had sustained. Although the man by whom I was taught, was poor and sat in his loom, being a weaver, while the children read to him, I improved very fast, and he soon put me to writing, and finding my capacity as ripe as is common in boys of that age, he began to teach me arithmetic. But my gracious Lord still favoured me with conviction, his spirit bearing witness against me, and in mercy he visited me with a sore fit of sickness, and by his rod of correction brought me a little more to myself. This was in the fore part of the winter, when I was between nine and ten years of age, and in the following spring I had a relapse of the same disorder. Thus by outward correction with sickness and inward judgment, he was pleased to draw me to himself, which caused me to renew my covenant with him, and I hoped never more to stray from him to follow lying vanities, whose sweets I had experienced to be exceeding bitterness in the end. I had taken great delight from a child to play with whistles and pipes, made of the bark of small branches of trees, and of straws of wheat and rye; but now it grieved me to observe children delight therein, and I ventured to tell my mind to some of them concerning such things.

I suppose that no one living knew my condition; for I delighted to keep hidden, yet was quick to observe the conduct of others. I remember a person was once at my father's, who spoke about religious matters with an affected tone, as if he was a good man; and Man is distinguished from other creatures when he mounted his horse to go away, taking by his voice; and by varying the breath toa dislike to some of his motions, he called him gether with the orderly motion of tongue and an ugly dumb beast, with an accent which be- lips, that voice is made to convey the ideas of spoke great displeasure, and grieved me much. the mind and thoughts of the heart to his felI believed that a man whose mind was sweet-low-creatures. As he was created to glorify ened with divine love, would not speak wrath- his Maker, the use of his voice should be difully, or diminutively, even of the beasts of the field, which were given to man for his use; and I relate this instance as a warning to be careful of giving offence to the little

ones.

rected to promote his glory among men, whe ther in things natural or spiritual, that is of this life, or that which is to come. Music as now commonly used, and whistling and singing, have no such tendency; but rather divert

the mind from what it ought to be employed would be a trouble to them, or their reproving about, and are therefore a waste of precious me would add to my distress. I seemed to time, for which man must be accountable. If be left without any power to resist what I this were enough regarded, instead of music, whistling, and singing merry, foolish and profane songs, many would have occasion to lament and weep for their mispent time. I leave this as a caution to parents, to beware of indulging their dear children in any thing which may impress their tender minds with a desire after music, or other improper diversions; but that instead thereof, by living in the pure fear of the Lord, and near the Spirit of truth in their own hearts, they may by example and precept, direct the minds of their offspring to attend to the voice of Him who called to Samuel in days of old, and remains to be the Teacher of his people in this age; may his holy name be magnified for ever and ever!