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tokens of the revival of ancient friendship had passed between Friends and the Indians, with a view to promote a general peace, it would be of bad consequence now to neglect or decline attending on this important occasion;

the reaching of many of them; exhorting them to take up the cross and despise the shame, and so become fools for Christ's sake; that thus, they might think nothing too dear or near to them, in comparison with Him. And further he told them, he believed it would be the last visitation of the Lord to some of them; and advised them to turn in time, before it was over: for the Lord had now raised up the third generation to bear a testimony for his truth among them in that place. In that meeting was also his aunt Jane Molleson's mouth opened in a few words of testimony. That same night we had a blessed meeting at Springhall; where David, aged twelve years, Catharine, aged sixteen years, and Christian Barclay, the younger, bore, each of them, a testimony to the truth: yet, notwithstanding all this, our friend, Peter Gardiner, could not obtain ease, but felt the life stopped in one there, and at last named the person and desired him to clear himself; and so John Chalmers, their schoolmaster, aged about nineteen years, afterward an acceptable minister in Dublin, stood up, and said a few words by way of testimony. Then Peter ended the meeting in prayer, and came away easy. That same night we had a good little meeting together in the school room. Next morning he had his farewell meeting at Ury; and so he, together with Robert and David Barclay, took his journey. But as we were parting at the end of the garden, Robert Barclay had some living words by way of testimony, to those who had accompanied us there.

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We came to Montrose that night; where, after we had rested awhile, we had a little meeting. Next morning we had a meeting among ourselves. About the middle of the day, we had a meeting of all the Friends of the town; and some other people came in both Peter and Robert Barclay preached on that occasion. We had also another meeting that night, where Peter fully relieved his mind. Robert and David Barclay both declared the truth among them, also John Gillie had some words of prayer. The substance of the testimonies borne in that meeting, were much to this purpose:-That none should sit down in Zion at their ease, but that they should travail for the prosperity of the truth in themselves and others; and that none should love the world or the things of it too much, nor be covered with any other covering than the Spirit of Truth; and that a profession of the truth would not do, till persons came to the life and possession of it. Next morning we had a blessed farewell meeting; and so parted from each other in much tenderness of heart. Peter Gardiner, David Wallace and their companion, went towards Edinburgh.

"After they were gone, Robert and David Barclay, John Gellie and Robert Gerard, had a precious meeting together, where Robert Bettie and his wife were present. They returned to Ury that night, a little after nine o'clock. Next day we had a blessed meeting among the children.

though it was judged necessary for Friends to act with great caution. We therefore set forward, and taking a meeting at Gwynnedd in the way, reached Easton on fourth-day, the 21st of the month, the governor having arrived

The day following, being the 25th of the same month, we had a glorious meeting, where Patience Barclay, aged nineteen years, was opened, both in testimony and in prayer, to the refreshing of all our hearts. We held another good meeting among the children the day after; where James Forbes, being then at Ury, had some words of testimony.

"And so, the Lord God, as he hath begun a good work, will carry it on, if we be but faithful to him, over all that the enemy or his instruments can do to hinder it. Oh! that we may think nothing too dear to part with, for Him; but that we may give up all freely for Him, if he please to make use of any of us as instruments in his hand; and that our eye may be unto Him, and so abide faithful unto the end: which will be of more value than all the perishing pleasures and transitory enjoyments of this world.

"With regard to the application of these facts to our own day, and to individual experience, it may truly be said, 'This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.' Do we not see, in them, the accomplishment of one of the most prominent among the standing miracles foreordained, respecting these gospel times?-And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy:-and on my servants and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.' And again, another ancient language, which has equal reference to more modern periods:-'Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.' It is hoped, however, that none will be inclined, in perusing the above statements, to cast these things from them; taking up the conclusion, that these marvellous things' do not concern them. For assuredly, Those things which are revealed, belong unto us and unto our children.' The example of such as have listened and heard, and answered the call of the Lord, to give up their hearts to his disposal and direction, that he may work in or by them, altogether according to his own good pleasure,—most certainly, these examples speak forth the inviting language, Follow us, as we have followed Christ: they form one link in that chain of evidence, in mercy continued down, even to us of the present age, through the long line of patriarchs, prophets and believers of every degree-that God is most favourably inclined, to draw near and to dwell with all who diligently seek him,-that he will richly reward them, even in this life, with the lifting up of the light of his countenance,-that he will dignify all who trust in and obey him, with the manifestations of his love and power, and even make them, in one way or another, instruments of his glory for the good of souls.

"Peter Gardiner, proceeding on his journey through the other meetings of Friends in Scotland, on his way homeward, arrived at Carlisle:

about two hours before us; but did not enter on business that day.

Many Friends from Philadelphia and other parts being here collected, we held a meeting on fifth-day, which was low and dull, things

from this place, as it is supposed, he wrote the ensuing epistle, but a very short time before he was taken with his last illness. It affords some clear indications of a sound and living faith, simplicity of love, a heavenly meekness and gratitude, which were now fast ripening for a better

state.

"It is thought fit,' observe the Friends of Aberdeen, 'here to insert our dear friend and brother Peter Gardiner's last salutation of love to this meeting, by way of epistle, a little before he laid down the body; it having pleased the Lord to remove him a little after, by the sinall pox, at Carlisle, as he was returning homeward, about the of1695: which paper follows-he having been so notable an instrument hereaway.'

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appearing very dark. In the afternoon, the Indians with Teedyuscung, their king, or chief man, went to the governor and signi fied the sincerity of their intentions to promote the good work of peace, when he deli

"Aglionby, 12th of Third month, 1695. "Dear friend, Francis Stamper,

"By these thou mayest understand, that I received thine from London, the 30th of first month, and it is now before me; and thy request therein I hereby answer in the following lines.

"Our dear friend, Peter Gardiner, made a very sweet and heavenly end, to the general satisfaction of all present; for the Spirit and power of God was with him: and at divers times in his sickness, he spoke many seasonable and weighty words; of which I take some, as follows:-On the fifth day before he departed this life, I was sent for by some Friends of the city of Carlisle; and when I came into the room where he lay sick, I asked him how it was with him? He said, Ah, John! I am sick

This is the tender salutation of my love to in body, but the Lord reigns gloriously in Zion: Friends in general, belonging to Aberdeen.

“My dear and loving Friends, which are near and dear to me in the everlasting truth of my

God!

In the love of God, with which our souls have been refreshed together-in this love, doth my soul dearly salute you all; hoping these few lines may find you all in good health, as, glory to my God! I am at this time;-and I have had a prosperous journey-glory be to the eternal God! Though my inward exercises have been very great, yet, this is matter of great joy, that the work of my God is going on. For the Lord is pouring out of his Spirit in a glorious manner, in the west of Scotland:-there are three come forth in a public testimony, to the great refreshment of the souls of many. Therefore, dear Friends, let us labour together in the work of our God.

"And I beseech you all, in the love of God,— which I do at this time feel to spring towards you, do not despise the day of small things; for whosoever despiseth the day of small things in themselves or others, a withering day will certainly come upon them. Therefore, dear Friends, cry mightily unto the Lord on behalf of your children; for I do believe, that the Lord will pour out his Spirit upon them, and make them very glorious, as they give up in obedience unto him:-for I feel the love of God very large, towards you and your children. And I was glad to hear of the sweet stream of life, which I heard ran among you since I came away.

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"So, dear Friends, in a fresh stream of life, doth my soul dearly salute you all, desiring the continuance of your prayers for me: so I remain your friend and brother in the Lord,

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his power is over all his enemies. And, often using the word John, as I sat by him, he said, Ah, John! there is a terrible day approaching this nation, the weight of which bowed my spirit as I Scotland-Oh! it bowed me, it was even like came along-I saw it before I left the kingdom of death unto me. So he lay still a little time, and I asked, how it was with him?-for I felt him under an exercise of spirit;-and I asked him, if he would have me write his will? Yea, said he, and what thou doest, do quickly. So I wrote it, and read it to him, and it satisfied him much. Then sitting in silence a little while, I was moved of the Lord to prayer: after me Peter Gardiner prayed very powerfully, That the Lord would preserve his people together in unity, and would spare and overshadow them with the wing of his power, until the storm be passed over;-or words to that purpose. And the power of the Lord being over all, I think all that were in the room, were melted and broken into tenderness; and some that were fallen back from the truth, being present, were also tendered, and made to confess that the Lord was with him, and so he was. So lying quietly for a little while, there came into the room one that was not a Friend, but under convictions in his heart; Peter Gardiner asked me, as I sat upon the bedside by him, Who that was that came into the room? There being many, and most of them Friends, I said, 'This is a Friend. Ah! said he, it is no Friend; is it not such a one? so called him near,-and it was so. Peter Gardiner was so full of the small-pox, that he could not see at that time. He then spoke to the young man, and said, Thou hast no peace in thy lying down, nor in thy uprising; therefore, I charge and warn thee in the name of the Lord my God, that thou speedily return, and draw near unto the Lord, whilst thou hast a day afforded thee. For now is the day of thy visitation, and the Lord is still striving with thee; and if thou dost not return, thou wilt repent, when time will be too late with thee. I tell thee, thou wouldst be heir of two kingdoms, but wilt never obtain them both;-with many other

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vered several strings and belts of wampum, made to dance round, which the governor in order to certify the full power and autho- allowed, as he had the evening before to the rity given to Teedyuscung for that purpose, Delawares, with both which we were very who also desired that as things had heretofore uneasy, as the tendency thereof was to make been misunderstood, or forgotten, he might the Indians drunk; but no endeavours of ours have the liberty to choose a clerk to take the could prevent it. minutes of the transactions at this treaty on behalf of the Indians; which was put off by the governor at that time.

Next morning Teedyuscung renewed the same request, but was again put by: then the Indians began to be very uneasy, from an apprehension that some people from the Jersey side of the river were likely to rise, with a design to destroy them; but on going to converse with them, and giving them some pipes and tobacco, which they were told was a present from Friends, they became more quiet, and seemingly pacified; this day and the next there was little business done.

On second-day morning the governor agreed to allow the Indian king to choose himself a clerk, which he did, and about one o'clock that day the treaty was first opened in public, when Teedy uscung was desired fully to inform, with an open heart, wherein he apprehended the Indians had been defrauded by the proprietaries, to which he answered that he would to-morrow; but they must first clean up the blood, as he expressed it, and bury the dead bodies. Next day being again met, the king said, that according to his word, he had met some of the several nations to do what they could for settling peace; but in the first place he had seen and considered the black cloud that hung over the land, the blood and bodies of the people who had suffered. I have gathered up the stained leaves, the blood and dead bodies, and looked round about; when all seemed terrible, so that I could find

On first-day, the 24th of the month, Friends held a public meeting in the treaty-booth, to pretty good satisfaction, to which a great number of people came, two Friends having acceptable service therein. In the afternoon Friends met again; but there seemed so great a cloud over the meeting, by reason of a raw no place to hide them; but looking up, I saw careless spirit prevailing over the minds of the people, as though there was no God, notwithstanding his judgments are so conspicuous, especially in these parts of the country, that life did not arise in this meeting. About sunset this evening, we heard that the Mohawk Indians had requested to have a fire

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"PETER GARDINER.'

Let us

the great and good Spirit above.
heartily join in prayer to Him, that he may
give us power to bury all these things out of
our sight, that neither the evil spirit, nor any
wicked person may ever be able to raise them;
that we may love like brethren, and the sun
may shine clear upon us, that we, our wives,
our young men and children may rejoice in a
lasting peace, that we may eat the fruits of
the earth, and they may do us good, so that
we may enjoy peace in the day time, and at
night lie down and sleep in it. Gave a belt
of seventeen rows of wampum.

that

By another belt he told the governor, he took him by one hand, and the Five Nations of Indians and their allies took him by the other, therefore, said he, let us all stand as one man, with one heart and one mind, and join in this good work of peace. When we intend to lift or remove a great weight, we must be strong, if all do not exert themselves we can never do it; but if all heartily join, it is easy to remove it. Our forefathers did not proceed right when they met together, they looked at the earth and things present, which will soon pass out of our sight; but did not look forward to the good of posterity. Let us set out right, and do better than they did, that a peace may be settled which may last to our children.

He next acquainted the governor, that one "This, at present, with my love to thyself and of the messengers who had gone on a late Friends; I rest thy friend,

466 JOHN BOWSTEAD.'"

message to the Indians afar off, meaning Moses Tatamy's son, was shot on his return

by one of our young men, and lay in a dangerous condition; and by a string of wampum insisted, that if he died, the other should be tried by our law, and suffer death also; and that some of their people should be present, to be able to inform the other nations of Indians of the justice done. He also revived the ancient agreement, that if any of them should commit the like offence, the criminal should be delivered up to be tried according to our laws, and suffer death in the same

manner.

went to Uwchland, to the marriage of William Trimble and Phebe Thomas, which was a good meeting, where I met my dear wife on her way to the yearly meeting at Philadelphia; and after attending a meeting at Merion, we went into the city the next evening. Our friends, Thomas Gawthrop, Samuel Spavold, William Reckitt and others from Great Britain, also Thomas Nicholson from North Carolina, were at this yearly meeting, which was large and satisfactory, holding from the 17th to the 24th of the ninth month, 1757.

On fourth-day there was no public treaty, Before I left home to attend the late Indian things seemed in much confusion and very treaty at Easton, I thought in my sleep, that dull; but Friends kept quiet. Next day II was riding eastward in the twilight, and saw found myself much indisposed, and therefore a light before me towards sun-rising, which thought it best to leave Easton; but before I did not appear to be a common light. I obleft it Friends had a solemn opportunity toge- served the appearance of something therein, ther, at which time I thought I saw, that the whereat the beast I rode was much affrighted, working of the dark revengeful spirit, which and would have ran from it, which I knew opposed the measures of peace, was one rea- would be in vain; for I took it to be an angel, son why Friends were so baptized into dis- whose motion was as swift as thought, so tress and suffering, of which I made some rather stopped and reined in my beast towards mention to Friends, and that if they kept it. It was encompassed with a brightness like quiet, the clouds as to them would somewhat a rainbow, with a large loose garment of the break away; Daniel Stanton had a solemn same colour down to the feet. It rather time in supplication. After this meeting taking seemed to move than to walk, and stood still leave of Friends, I rode to Richland, and in the midst of many curious stacks of corn; though my distemper increased and I was and smiling on me, asked where I was going. very ill, I pursued my journey the next day, I said towards yonder building, which I thought and the day following reached Philadelphia, was an elegant one directly before me; it where I was carefully attended through a seemed to approve my way and vanished uptime of tedious and close affliction. My dear wards. Then I awakened and had particuwife coming to me in my illness, was also larly to remember the complexion of this taken with the same disorder, that we were angelic apparition, which was not much dif not able to move homewards until the 23d of ferent from one of the Indians clean washed the eighth month, but through the goodness from his grease and filth; remembering my of kind Providence in supporting us, got to dream very fresh, when I had seen the Inour own habitation the next day in the even-dians at the treaty, and had heard some mating. After about a weeks' stay I set out again to attend the meeting for sufferings in Philadelphia, though very weak, and after tarrying part of three days in town, went to attend the monthly meetings in Bucks county, of which I had a view while I lay sick; when it appeared to me the way to recover my strength was to be faithful to every discovery of duty. In company with several other Friends appointed by the yearly meeting, I visited the several monthly meetings in that county, in some of which a degree of the Divine presence being felt, was cause of thankfulness; though at one of them we had some remarkably close work, both in the time of worship and discipline.

Returning to Philadelphia much recovered, I spent five days there attending meetings as they came in course; and then went to New. town meeting in Chester county, which was small, there being an evident slackness of attending week-day meetings. From thence I

ters remarkably spoken to by some particulars of them, I was made to believe it was not unreasonable to conclude, that the Lord was in them by his good Spirit, and that all colours were equal to him, who gave life and being to all mankind; we should therefore be careful to examine deeper than the outward appearance, with a tender regard to station and education, if we desire to be preserved from error in judgment.

The following sentences being delivered by John Churchman in two of his public testimonies, were soon after committed to writing by a Friend who was present, and appearing worthy to be further preserved, are now communicated. In a first-day meeting at East Nottingham, the 19th of the twelfth month, 1756, he expressed nearly as follows:

"I felt my mind in this meeting remarkably drawn from outward observation, and was

commanded to centre in deep and awful si- At a week-day meeting at the same place, lence, wherein there was such a flowing of the 17th of the second month, 1757, several good will to mankind, as is scarcely to be persons by unseasonably coming in, interruputtered by tongue. Thus centering with dili- ted the quiet of the meeting, and he gave a gent attention, I thought I felt a strong power suitable caution in that respect, in gentle winof darkness and stupid ignorance, seemingly ning terms, reminding those met of the awful. combined to make war against this solemn ness and solemnity which should attend us attention of mind; yet after patiently waiting when we approach the presence of Him who some time, to my comfort I felt a secret vic-is most holy; and in what reverence, fear and tory, and the darkness vanished. Then a care, we ought to come together, not forget. voice was uttered in me, attended, I thought, ting the hour appointed; and then expressed with Divine authority thus; I will bow the nearly as follows: inhabitants of the earth, and particularly of this land, and I will make them fear and "A certain sentence has been presented to reverence me, either in mercy or in judgment.' the view of my mind, which seemed to con Hereupon a prospect immediately opened to tain a gentle engaging caution, and matter of my view of a day of calamity and sore dis-instruction to me, attended with sweetness; tress which was approaching, and in which which was, 'Work while it is day.' Friends, the careless and stupid professors, who are easy, and not concerned properly to worship and adore the Almighty, and have not laboured to witness their foundation to be laid on Him the immovable Rock, will be greatly surprised with fearfulness. On the behalf of such, a cry and lamentation ran through me, thus; Alas for the day! Alas for the day! Woe is me! And a voice which seemed to be connected with the foregoing, said further; 'Yet once more, saith the Lord, I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. Not only the situation of those who know not any place of safety or refuge, but that which is outward and earthly; but also those who assume a higher place, and in their specious appearances and false pretences amongst men, do value themselves on their assumed goodness, and would fain be accounted of the highest rank, and even place themselves among the saints, and are by some accounted as stars in the firmament; yet in the day of my power wherein I will shake the heavens and the earth, those stars shall fall to the ground.'

"In the opening, something within me was ready to say, Amen so be it! O Lord Almighty, cut short thy work in the earth, in order that thou mayest put an end to sin and finish transgression, that thy fear, and the knowledge of thee, may cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea. Wherefore, my friends, the fervent desire of my soul is, that all present may with diligence labour to have their minds truly centered and humbled before God, to know a being fixed on that foundation which only standeth sure, that in a time of outward distress, which perhaps may come in your day, ye may find a place of safety and refuge."

All which with more to the like effect, was delivered in great humility and brokenness.

this is our day, wherein we ought to be dili-
gent and industrious. In the light of the day
we may see and understand how to work, and
what to do, that at the conclusion we may
obtain from the Master of the day, who dwel
leth in light, the answer of well done; for the
night will come, wherein no man can work.
We are favoured with liberty in this day, to
assemble together for worship unmolested;
and my hearty desire is, that we may pro-
perly improve this mercy; for the time to
some of us may come, before our day in this
life is closed, wherein this privilege may in
some measure be taken from us. Something
in me would be ready to say, The Lord for-
bid that it should be the case; but by reason
of the great declension which has overspread
the church, I hardly dare to expect any
Oh may we therefore be careful to prize the
mercy of God, and endeavour to gain an in-
heritance in the light, that when night over-
takes, and darkness as to the outward, may
hang over us, we may be favoured to with-
draw into the sure hiding place, and know a
quiet habitation!"

CHAPTER VI.

other.

Visits to meetings in Pennsylvania and NewJersey also in Maryland and Virginia.His apprehensions of duty to proceed on a visit to Barbadoes and resignation thereto, but at length became most easy to decline it.—The settlement of Uwchland monthly meeting with his epistle to Friends there.-Some weighty expressions uttered in the time of his sickness in the year 1761.

HAVING drawings in my mind to visit the meetings of Friends in the counties of Philadelphia and Bucks, and being under an ap

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