A Brief Journal

of

The Life, Travels, And Labors Of Love,

In The Work Of The Ministry,

Of That Eminent And Faithful Servant Of Jesus Christ,

Thomas Wilson

“They that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Dan. 12:3, 4.

“These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev. 7:14.

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Unabridged from the Friend's Library 1837-1850

by William Evans and Thomas Evans

Formatting & Modernized Spelling by

Jason R. Henderson 2017

To the Reader

Friendly Reader, It seems unnecessary for me to say more than to hint at some particular qualifications and eminent services of the author, with the end of publishing his works, there being sundry following accounts and testimonies of faithful brethren concerning him, not only of this nation of Ireland, wherein he resided and travelled much in the work of the Gospel, but also from Great Britain, which he often visited; and likewise from America, where he had been twice. To which accounts, together with his journal, you are referred; in the serious perusal whereof it will appear that he had the gift of an apostle of Christ, approving himself as such in his powerful, effectual ministry, and care of the churches, and in much patience in afflictions, in watching, fasting, hard travels, and perils by sea and land, in the wilderness, and also by false brethren, following his heavenly captain through many tribulations, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God freely; not expecting a reward from any mortal man. Having on the holy armor, and weapons, not carnal, but mighty through God; he, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, was made valiant and skillful, to war against the prince and power of darkness, profanity, and spiritual wickedness in high places, to the bringing down strong holds of satan, and instrumental in turning many to righteousness, who became as seals of his ministry; and having overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of his testimony, I doubt not is now possessing a never-fading crown of glory.

The memory of the just is pronounced blessed. Proverbs 10:7. And it has been the practice of the righteous, as examples to posterity, to record a memorial of the works off good men, in the holy Scriptures, which, by the wonderful providence and mercy of God, have been preserved through many dark ages of the world, and transmitted to us, as a cloud of witnesses, to the great comfort of the godly; the serious perusal whereof is earnestly recommended to both old and young.

For the like purpose is an account of the labors, etc. of this our late worthy friend collected, as fragments that should not be lost, and that you, reader, may thereby be encouraged in diligently serving God, according to the measure of grace bestowed on you through Jesus Christ our Saviour, without whom we can do nothing; and so have cause of rejoicing at your latter end, in feeling great peace from the Lord flow in your soul, as had this our friend in the evening of his day, and obtain a crown of righteousness hereafter in the heavenly kingdom, which is the sincere desire of your friend, who wishes salvation to all mankind.

John Stoddart.

A Brief Account of the Life and Travels

of Thomas Wilson.

I WAS born in Soulby, in the parish of Daker, and county of Cumberland; my parents names were Edward and Ann Wilson, who brought me up in the profession of the church of England, and taught me the catechism, having been sprinkled or baptized, in my infancy, according to the manner of that church. While I was a youth, I had great hungerings and thirstings in my heart after righteousness, and the true knowledge of the living God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ, in which time I went with great diligence to hear the priests; and when there, did carefully mind what was spoken: and when I heard of a priest that was noted for a good man, and preached two sermons in one day, I went from our own parish, after the forenoon sermon, eight miles on foot to hear an afternoon sermon. The more I sought to hear, my inward hunger and thirst more increased, so that I was sensible of great poverty of spirit; and in the time of singing psalms, a thoughtfulness came into my heart, that men should be made holy, before they could rightly sing to the praise and glory of God. My mouth was stopped from singing with them, through a godly sorrow that was in my heart, with secret cries and humble prayers to the living Lord God of heaven and earth, for the knowledge of the way of salvation; but being yet in the wilderness of men's doctrines, creeds, articles, and outward forms, I could not find true peace in my conscience, nor see any bright beams of salvation. In this state I travelled in great godly sorrow, having religious seekings in my heart; and being weary of the heavy load of sin, as also the doctrines and worship of men's making, my mind was much inclined to dispute about religion with all sorts of professors that I met with, yet still could not meet with peace of conscience. But many texts of holy Scripture were opened to my understanding, so that I began to see, what was not of faith, was sin, even in points of worship, and pretended service to the great God, remembering the saying of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to the scribes and pharisees, formerly, “You hypocrites, well did Esaias prophecy of you, saying. This people draws nigh unto me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Thus was I made sensible, that too many of the doctrines of the church, wherein I was educated, were precepts of men's making, and that our blessed Lord and heavenly Saviour had said to the woman of Samaria, at Jacob's well, “the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth; for the Father seeks such to worship him. God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and in Truth.” This worship, in the renewings of the Holy Ghost, and not in the oldness of the letter, I greatly longed to know, but could not find it, neither could any priest I conversed with, tell me how or where to find it. But after long travail of spirit and great concern of soul, the Lord was graciously pleased to make me sensible, that what was to be known of God, was manifested in man; about which time I went into an evening meeting of the people called Quakers, with strong desires in my mind to the Lord, that if it was the true way of salvation which they preached, I might have some inward feeling and testimony thereof, by the blessed word in my own heart. After sitting some time in silence, a Friend began to speak, directing and exhorting to an inward waiting upon the Lord in faith, to receive power from him over every unclean thought; by which heavenly power they might glorify and praise the holy name of the Lord, through the ability of his own free gift.

This, I understood to be his holy word of grace, which the true apostles of our dear Lord and blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ, preached, and turned the minds of people unto, and then I felt my soul much in love therewith; and smiting upon my breast, said in my heart, this is what I greatly lacked; that is, power against every vain thought, and idle word, being things that troubled me. The Lord's power arose in the meeting, and fell mightily upon me, to the breaking and tendering of my heart, and a glorious time it was, as the mighty day of the Lord; so that great fear and trembling seized me, insomuch that the table whereon I leaned, was shaken. Thus being sensible in some measure of the glorious name and power of the Lord Jesus, I was full of inward cries, to this effect; O Lord! create in me a clean heart; for I saw the old one was not clean, and that I had been kissing the letter, but not the Son, as advised by the holy Scripture, which says, “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry,” etc.

Now was a time of the Lord's fierce anger because of sin; he showed me all things that ever I had done, and condemned the evil; so that I was made willing to love and dwell under his righteous judgments, being truly convinced it was the way to come unto the mercy seat. Then it was upon my mind, that I must cease from all the doctrines of men, will-worship, hearing the priests, and repeating their sermons, which I had delighted in and was in the practice of, as religious duties; it being made plain to me, that I should turn from them, and mind the gift which was in me, and sit down among Friends in their silent meetings, to wait upon the Lord in retiredness of mind, for his heavenly teachings and holy leadings. In the performance of this inward, divine, and heavenly worship, the great power of God did wonderfully break in among us, and many young people were convinced of the inward work of God, and turned to the Lord with all their hearts. The meeting, in general, became very tender and heavenly-minded, and Friends had great love one to another, the heart-melting power of the Lord being much felt and inwardly revealed, when no words were spoken by either man or woman. In this state we travelled in the silence of all flesh, in which times the Lord often renewed our strength in the inward man, so that we knew and experienced what the apostle exhorted the primitive Christians unto, even Christ to dwell in us by faith. The renewings of the Holy Ghost increased, and were shed on us abundantly in our meeting, whereby some were so filled, that they were concerned to declare and preach the things of the kingdom of God, and what he had done for their souls.

One of the first that came forth in prayer to the Lord, was William Greenup, and I was the next, that came forth there in testimony, which was in very great fear and much trembling. The word of the Lord, in and through me, was as a devouring fire, burning against all sin and iniquity; and the Lord made us cry aloud to turn people from all vain worships, to the living God, who is a holy Spirit. The precious life of Jesus broke in wonderfully amongst us, so that we felt drawings to visit other meetings in the country, wherein the Lord's heavenly power was plentifully enjoyed amongst us, and several were convinced of the truth, who turned to the Lord with all their hearts, and joined with Friends; particularly in our own meeting, whereby it was enlarged. I was often very much affected in feeling the love and power of God break through the whole meeting, and many such heavenly meetings we had, and the word of the testimony, in the Lord's ministers increased amongst us. I then found further drawings to other counties, and visited the meetings of Friends in Lancashire and Westmoreland.

In the year 1682, it was upon me from the Lord, to visit Friends in some parts of Ireland. I took shipping at Workington, and landed at Dublin, where I was altogether a stranger; and after I had staid a meeting amongst Friends, they inquired which way I intended to go; I told them, I had a desire to see some Friends who dwelt between the west and north. A Friend answered, he did not think there was such a place inhabited by Friends, or to that effect, but if I would see Friends, I must go north or south, which brought great trouble upon my mind, and I became very low in spirit, questioning in myself, whether I was not mistaken in that which I thought was the Lord's powerful opening in my heart, showing me both the place and people, and wherein I thought I had the mind of Christ, in the holy vision of life. The cries of my heart were great unto the Lord in secret, why I was mistaken; but after some time, a living hope sprung in me, that I was not mistaken, and that the Friends lay as I had seen.

A Friend, named Abraham Fuller, spoke kindly to me, and said, he lived near the middle of Ireland, and if I would go with him, we might get a meeting amongst Friends at Edenderry, and I had much peace in going with him. We had a blessed meeting with Friends at Edenderry; and next day travelling towards Lehinche, where he dwelt, he asked mc if I understood the compass; I told him no, and that I had not seen any compass in all my life, but the one in the ship, wherein I came to Dublin. He was then very cheerful, and lovingly said, he remembered that I had said in Dublin, I would go between the west and north, which now, said he, I see is true, for we go even as you then said; at which I was truly thankful to the Lord, who never fails to be gracious, and his blessed word is infallible. For then I, like Samuel, knew it was the word of the Lord that called me into his work and service, and showed me these things before I went from home. We came cheerfully on our way, until we got to Lehinche, and from there to the Moat, where we had a blessed heavenly meeting; so to Mountmelick, and had a meeting there, and from there to James Hutchinson's, and from there to the Province Meeting at Castledermot.

This Province Meeting was large, and several able Friends in the ministry were there. I was very low in my mind, and did not go up into the gallery, but sat down a little within the door, and many people came in, so that the place about where I sat was much thronged; it being a time that the rabble sort of people were very rude. Several such were there that day, and I being under great exercise of spirit, the powerful word of the Lord filled my heart, so I stood up and preached the Gospel in the demonstration of the spirit and power that was upon me. The rude rabble were astonished and became very quiet, and the Lord's heavenly power did shine forth gloriously, under a weighty sense whereof the meeting held and concluded. This meeting brought me into acquaintance with Friends to whom I had before been a stranger, notwithstanding I understood afterwards they were afraid, when I stood up, that my appearance would have been hurtful, but it proved otherwise, to their great satisfaction.

After this meeting, I went into the county of Wexford and visited Friends, having several blessed heavenly meetings with them in that county; they were a lowly plain people. From there I came into the county of Wicklow; and some little time after, the motion of life in me for travelling ceased, and I dared go no further, but returned back into the county of Wexford, and wrought harvest work at Lamb's-town, where Robert Cuppage, a Friend in the ministry dwelt, who had a concern to visit Friends in Munster, and would have taken me with him for a companion. But I told him I dared not go, because the Lord had taken away the motion of life from me, and I must wait upon the Lord, to know his blessed will and good time; so I staid at my work.

In a little time after, came James Dickinson, a young man from Cumberland, to visit Friends, with intention to go into Munster, and then the Lord was pleased to open my way to go with him. We being both very young, travelled together in true brotherly love, great humility, and godly fear; and the blessed heavenly power of the Lord did often tender our hearts in meetings, as also the hearts of many Friends, and we had a prosperous journey in the will of God: so I saw it was good to wait the Lord's time in all things; and having travelled through Leinster and Munster, James Dickinson went northward, but I was afraid of running before my true guide, because they who run and are not sent of God, can neither profit the people nor themselves. So I staid at work in the city of Waterford, about sixteen weeks, and went from there to Dublin, and attended the Half-year's Meeting there, which was large and very good; then took shipping and landed at Liverpool with my former companion, James Dickinson; and though it was now a time of great persecution of Friends in England, it pleased the Lord to give us a peaceable and prosperous journey through the meetings of Friends, in our way to Cumberland.

In a little time after, with my dear companion, James Dickinson, I visited Friends in the two counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland. At Kendal, some persons came to break up our meeting, and began to pull out Friends, and in a very rude manner took out my companion. Then the word of the Lord came mightily upon me, and I was made bold to stand up and preach the everlasting Gospel amongst them; the holy power of the Lord came mightily over the hearts of Friends, and even the opposers were made quiet a considerable time; but after I had stood about an hour, they came and pulled me to the door. I asked for my hat, and they said, give him his hat, he does well to put it off when he preaches. And after they had asked me many questions, I asked one of them, whether he was a believer in Jesus Christ or not? He said he was, and also in the apostles' doctrine. Then I told him he never read that either Christ or his apostles, entered into any religious assemblies, to disturb them as he did us, except Paul, before he knew the Lord Jesus, for which sin he afterward calls himself the chief of sinners. I bade him consider, and sat down in the meeting, all being very still, and in a little time James Dickinson kneeled down to prayer; the Lord's heavenly power came over all, and the meeting ended sweetly.

In the year 1684, my said companion and I travelled through Lancashire and Cheshire, into Wales, and had many blessed meetings, both in North and South Wales, in all which no informer disturbed us, until we came to Redstone in Pembrokeshire, where a constable, with a wicked informer, and several other persons came; and as I preached the word of the Lord to the people, the informer laid rude hands on me, and pulled me away. I spoke to him mildly, desiring him to let me speak a few words, and he did so. The constable, and those with him, also sat down and staid about an hour, in which time I preached the way of salvation to them all; after which, James Dickinson kneeled down to prayer, and the informer came to pull him up from his knees, but could not, he being in fervent prayer to the Lord, so the meeting ended in a sweet feeling of the Lord's glorious presence: thanksgiving be unto Him that lives forever and ever. Amen.

The informer came and laid his hands on me next, saying I must go with him. I asked, where? He said, before a justice. I asked for his warrant; he answered, he was a commissioned officer, and I had nothing to do to ask him for a warrant. Friends told him it was but a civil question, at which he was very angry, but no man laid hands on us to take us away, so we fell into some friendly discourse. I was very pleasant and easy in spirit; and walking to and fro in discourse, one of the company said I smiled, which they admired at, we being likely to go to prison. I answered, that I came in the true love of the Lord Jesus Christ to visit them, and had nothing but love and good will to them all; and turning to the informer, said to him, if you was in a journey as we are, and any man should ask you to go with him before a justice of the peace, without the king's justice's warrant, you would think it below you, as a man, to go. This being mildly spoken to him, he gave a sudden answer, saying, to be sure he would. Then said I, consider our case; whereupon perceiving he had overshot himself, he rode away and left us.

We having appointed a meeting to be held next day at Haverfordwest, went there that night, and next morning to the meeting; wherein, after a little time, the glorious power of the Lord did shine, and that text of holy Scripture came before me: “Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” After they had prevailed with King Darius to sign a decree, whereby Daniel might be ensnared in performing his duty to his God, this righteous man declined not his duty, through fear of suffering, but was very bold, as well as innocent, as appears in the tenth verse of the same chapter: “Now, when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber, toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees, three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he did previously.”

This subject was preached to the people, as our case, men having nothing against us, but for worshipping the Lord God of Daniel in his holy Spirit, according to the institution of our blessed Lord and Saviour, above sixteen hundred years ago; and that in this glorious Gospel time, we are to be very diligent and faithful to the Lord, to keep up our religious meetings, even in stormy times of persecution, referring to the example of Daniel, who was blessed of the Lord for his faithfulness; boldly declaring and affirming, that the Lord, whom we serve in the Gospel of his Son, will reward all his faithful children and people, instancing many proofs out of the holy Scriptures. The aforesaid informer and several priests, whereof his brother was one, together with some of the town officers, being outside of the house, and hearing these Gospel truths preached, were very sober, and staid a great while. Then some of them said, let us pull them out of their meeting; but others said, no, by no means; for if this be the Quakers' doctrine, it is good and sound, we never heard the like, let them alone; so went away, and our meeting ended in prayer and thanksgiving to the great Lord of heaven and earth, who is worthy forever and ever.

This informer fined Friends very much, but the Lord, by one means or other, prevented their goods from being taken away; and lastly, by the death of King Charles IL After this, no informer troubled us in any meeting where I came, though we had many meetings to visit, as in Glamorganshire, Herefordshire, Radnorshire, Montgomeryshire, Shropshire, and Flintshire; in all which meetings we had blessed sweet waterings and a confirming ministry, and Friends were glad in that the God of peace had rebuked the storm in those parts. My companion and I parted for the service sake; he went into Ireland, and I travelled northward, and had a prosperous journey through Cheshire, Lancashire, and Westmoreland.

Friends at Great Strickland, not being permitted to meet in their usual meeting place, met in the highway before the meeting house door, and the officers came while I was preaching the word of the Lord, but were very sober, and did not break up our meeting. From there I came home, where my mother and family, with Friends and neighbors, were very glad to see me safely returned, in that stormy time.

After some stay at my outward employ about home, I found drawings to visit Friends in Northumberland, Bishoprick, and Yorkshire; and had many blessed meetings mostly peaceable, though the storm of persecution was not yet fully ended. I went into Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and Oxford city, where I heard the scholars had been rude, and much abused Friends. I went into that city on a first-day morning, in great fear and humility, being a stranger to all Friends there, and sat down in a corner of the meeting house. Friends sat by the sides of the house, and left the middle empty for the rabble. We having sat a little time, a Friend began to speak, and had spoken but a very few words before the scholars came in, in such abundance, that I supposed they filled the middle part of the house. The Friend sat down as soon as they came in, and the meeting being in silence, they began to talk one to another, and spy out who would preach; and seeing me like a traveller, said, that one in the corner, looking rudely upon me; thus talking one to another for some time. The word of the Lord was strong in my heart to preach unto them; but I was first to say, sit down, young men, we shall be glad of your company so long as you are civil; which done, they all sat down, and began to listen earnestly what I would say. I preached the way to the kingdom of heaven, declaring it to be by Jesus Christ, through regeneration and being born again; and that blessed Jesus taught this doctrine to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” And though he was a master or teacher in Israel, yet being carnally minded, he could not understand these things; neither can any carnal minded men now know the things of God, for no man knows the Father but the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. So those who preach against revelation, preach against the true knowledge of the living God, and life eternal; for our blessed Lord said, “This is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” And this knowledge is in and by the spirit and holy gift of his saving grace that brings salvation; and so I went on preaching as it opened in me;—the scholars went away quietly, and the meeting ended in prayer to Almighty God.

I went from Oxford to Highwiccomb, and so to the city of London, where I staid some time, and had many blessed meetings amongst Friends. Several of these were held in the streets, where Friends were kept out of their meeting houses, and the Lord's holy word was preached boldly in that city. Friends were then a lowly, humble minded people, and the honor of the blessed truth was precious to many.

From there I travelled through some counties, in the way to Norwich, and had meetings amongst Friends, and an honest Friend with me, Samuel Waldenfield, who had the way of salvation to preach in the powerful word of life. We had very large meetings in Norwich, there being great openness in the people of that city and many parts of the county, to receive the testimony of the Lord's truth, it being a time of convincement; from there I travelled to Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, and so northward to Cumberland, and had blessed meetings amongst Friends.

After I had settled some time to my outward employ in Cumberland, I went to meetings up and down in that county, and was moved of the Lord to visit Friends in Wales, and from there to Bristol, having a very sincere companion, William Greenup. We travelled together in great unity, and had many powerful meetings in several places, the Lord's heavenly power did mightily break and tender the hearts of Friends; and in the city of Bristol, they said we came in the same power and plainness that those Friends did who were the first instruments in turning them to God. It was a time of great humiliation and thankfulness to the Lord, both in Friends and people, of whom some were convinced, and turned to God.

We went from Bristol into Wales again, and staid some time at Haverfordwest, and had many large and heavenly meetings; and then took shipping together for Ireland, and came to Dublin, where we were gladly received by Friends. After having travelled through all, or most parts of that nation where Friends inhabited, and had many blessed meetings, we came to the Half-year's Meeting at Dublin, where we parted. William went home, and I travelled again into the north part of Ireland, and staid there some lime amongst Friends; so took shipping at Carrickfergus, and landed in Scotland, and had some blessed heavenly meetings amongst Friends there. From there I returned to Cumberland, the place of my nativity, where my relations and Friends were glad to see me well, on my return from so long a journey, of about nine months time. I staid here some time working at my outward employment, and was also at many blessed meetings in this county.

After this stay in Cumberland, I went with my dear companion, James Dickinson, into the west of England, in the Lord's work. We had a precious journey, being filled with the holy Spirit, to preach the word of God; and meetings were now very large, many people came to seek after the Lord's truth, and much desired to hear the word; the strong wind of persecution being ceased, so that there was a great calm. We had glorious meetings, the Lord's tendering heart-melting power greatly breaking through them. We visited the meetings in Somersetshire, Devonshire, Cornwall, and to the Land's End, so returned northward in great peace, and visited Friends in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and parted at Coventry. James went to London, but I travelled northward, and visited many meetings, both of the north and east counties; so went to London, in the power of the holy Spirit, and preached the Gospel of the kingdom of heaven. From there I returned to Cumberland, where I staid diligently at work for a time, then took my leave of Friends, in order to enter upon a long journey.

I first went into Westmoreland, and then into Lancashire, Cheshire, North and South Wales, and so to Bristol, Somersetshire, Dorsetshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and London, in which city I met with my dear companion, James Dickinson, and was exceeding glad to see him. We both having had a great exercise in our minds to visit the Lord's people in America; and having certificates on that account from the respective Monthly Meetings to which we belonged, laid our intentions before Friends at London, for their concurrence, which they received very kindly, and approved of, believing that the Lord had called us to preach his Gospel in that part of the world. But the times seemed likely to be very dangerous; the French being at war against England, had a great fleet at sea, and while we were in London, the rumor was, that the French fleet lay about thirty or forty leagues from the Land's End of England, in the way we should pass, which brought a very great concern upon us, with many inward seekings and supplications to the Lord, that if it was his blessed will, he might be pleased to preserve us: and being strong in faith, that it was easy with the Lord God to deliver us, we trusted in his holy power. I being in deep travail of soul, had an opening from the Lord, that it was his holy will to deliver us, and we should live to see it, which I believed, and was humbly thankful to the Lord, and told my dear companion thereof with great joy, for being nearly united in true love, we could freely open our minds to each other. He also told me, that being under a travail of soul, the Lord had showed him that the French fleet would encompass us on both sides, and also behind, and come very near, but the Lord would send a great mist and darkness between us and them, in which we should sail away, and see them no more: thus we imparted our minds to each other before we left London; and our openings so agreeing with one another, we were the more confirmed, that it was of the Lord. We staid in this city until the Yearly Meeting, 1691, was over. A blessed meeting it was, and Friends tender love was towards us, many ancient Friends being there; particularly William Edmundson from Ireland, who gave us advice, which we took very kindly, he having been in America in truth's service.

We sailed from London to Gravesend, and had a blessed meeting there, with the Friends that accompanied us from the city, and then took leave of each other. We sailed to the Downs, and the master being very kind, we went on shore, and had some meetings thereabout, wherein the Lord's holy power tendered our hearts together; and from there we sailed to Plymouth, and went ashore, where we had some blessed comfortable meetings, and Friends were very glad to see us.

On the 9th day of the fifth month, 1691, we went on board, and sailed to Falmouth, where all the fleet put in; and at times we had very good meetings, both Friends and people being very open to hear the truth declared. After our return aboard the ship, and sailing some lime, we met with the French fleet, which gave us chase, coming up under English colors, within musket shot of us; then the English putting up their own colors, the French began to fire at them: the first French ship that came up was very large, and as it is said, had ninety guns; nigh to which ship were eleven more, and seventy sail behind them, as some of our company said they counted. The first ship pursued us, and fired hard, a broadside at every time; and being come up within musket shot, the Lord was graciously pleased to hear our prayers, and sent a great mist and thick darkness, which interposed between us and them, so that they could not see us, nor we them, any more. James Dickinson arose from his seat, and took me by the hand, saying, now I hope the Lord will deliver us, for he had seen all fulfilled, which the Lord had showed us before we left London. This was cause of great gladness to me, who had been under a deep travail of spirit with fasting and prayer to the Lord, that he who smote his enemies in times past with blindness, might please to do so now, which the Lord did please to answer, in a sense whereof our hearts were truly thankful to him: my fasting, praying, and inward giving of thanks continued three days.

Two ships of our company which escaped came up with us; we were glad to see them; and the captain of our vessel being a very kind man, called to those in the other two ships to come aboard his, and have a meeting with us; which they readily did, and a large and good meeting we had, giving glory to the Lord's holy name for his great deliverance.

We sailed on our way rejoicing, continuing healthy and well until we landed at Barbados, which was on the 24th of the sixth month, 1691. Here we found a great sickness amongst the people, but Friends were glad to see us. The first meeting we had, i was at the burial of a noted Friend, where we sounded forth the word of the Lord, a multitude of people being there, both white and black, and the Lord's holy word powerfully reached, and broke many of their hearts into great tenderness; the blacks stood astonished, with tears running down their cheeks and naked breasts. We staid above two months in that island, in all which time the sickness raged, yet we had many large and precious meetings, to which there was a great flocking, the people being very much humbled by the sickness, and several received the truth and joined with Friends. Being clear in our spirits of that island, we parted with Friends in great love and sweetness.

On the 22nd of the eighth month, we took shipping for New York, and arrived there the 23d of the ninth month next; and though we had a great storm in our passage, which lasted ten days, the Lord's good hand preserved us. The captain was very much down in his mind, and under indisposition of body in the time of our voyage; and said to me, we, meaning himself and the crew, should die like rotten sheep. I said, no, captain, do not fear, for I saw that the ship would go safe in; and after some further discourse, he hugged me in his arms, and seemed to rejoice. We accordingly arrived at New York, and had a meeting there, and from there went to Long Island, where we had several good meetings with Friends. Then the word of the Lord in me, was, hasten, hasten to visit my great people in Philadelphia; so we went forward, having some good meetings in our way there.

When we came to Philadelphia, there was a great division raised amongst Friends by George Keith: we preached the Lord Jesus powerfully amongst them, and had some labor tending to peace. My companion had it often upon him to warn them all to keep more inward to the Lord. We staid some time there, and visited Friends in that province, having many precious meetings amongst them, some of which were kept without doors, for lack of room, and there was a great flocking to hear the truth declared, although it was winter time. We went from there into Maryland, and visited Friends on the Eastern and Western Shore, and travelled to Virginia, and had many good and comfortable meetings amongst them; the Lord's good presence accompanying us from time to time, and we found a tender humble people there.

We went from Virginia towards North Carolina, where the floods were so great, that we could not travel on horseback, but waded barefoot through swamps and waters: Friends and others were exceedingly glad to see us, not having had any visit by a travelling Friend in the ministry for several years before. We had good service amongst them, for the Lord's heavenly power wonderfully supported us under our difficulties and hard travel, the country being so full of wild creatures, that wolves would come and howl about the houses in the night time. After having had many good and heavenly meetings with Friends there, we took leave of them, and returned through the wilderness to Virginia, and so travelled up James river, having meetings as we went, until we came to Curies, where we had some meetings to satisfaction amongst Friends and other people.

We went from Curies, through the woods, to Black creek, where we had appointed a meeting; and none having been there before, the sheriff, with some officers, came to break it up. James Dickinson being then declaring, the sheriff asked him, from whom he had his commission to preach? James answered to this effect; I have my commission from the great God, unto whom you and I must give an account. At which words the sheriff seemed much astonished; and after they had some further discourse, the sheriff swore, for which James reproved him, and said, the sheriff should not swear. He answered, I know I should not swear, seeming then very mild; and said, we had a gracious king and queen, and they had given us our liberty. I then stood up, and asked the sheriff a question; inasmuch, as he had said, we had a gracious king and queen,,who had given us our liberty, which was true, by what law would the sheriff persecute us? He then turned about and went away; whereupon James Dickinson spoke aloud, saying, let the sheriff answer the question; hut instead of doing this, he took the man of the house a little way off, and sent him back to bid us go off his land. I told him, we did not come there without his leave, and both he and the people might know we had not broken the king's law, but were there upon a religious account, and if they would have a little patience and hear what we had to say for the Lord, we would go peaceably away. Most of the people staid, and we had a heavenly meeting amongst them; several were convinced, and in a short time after a meeting house was built, and a meeting settled there, which I think is kept there still.

After the said meeting at Black creek, one Charles Fleming, who had not been at any of our meetings before, being reached by the truth, kindly invited us to lodge with him, which we did; and from his house, travelled towards Maryland, having company a little part of the first day's journey, and were then left in the woods; and after travelling all day, we sat down in the dusk of the evening, to eat some bread and cheese. My mare went out of my hand, and in a little time I perceived she had found water, at which I was very glad; and I think I never drank any wine more sweet and pleasant to me, than that water was.

We lodged that night in the woods, and as soon as the day broke, set forward on our journey through the woods, northward; and as we were travelling, met with two men, one of whom being an ancient comely man, kindly invited us to his house, where we staid two nights, and had a meeting, though he was an elder amongst the Presbyterians. He also lent us his boat to go over Potomack river, and that night we lodged at a poor man's house, and had no bed to lie on. As we were sitting by his fire, he told us, that George Fox and John Burnyeat had travelled in those parts, and had meetings on both sides the river, and many were convinced, but several of them fell away. We got next day over Patuxent river, into Maryland, and had many blessed meetings amongst Friends on both sides of the bay; and being clear of those parts, went towards the lower counties of Pennsylvania, and so to the Yearly Meeting at Salem, in West Jersey, which held several days; the Lord's holy power was largely manifested therein, and Friends were in great love and unity. From there we went to Philadelphia, where we found the difference between George Keith and Friends broken out to an open separation, he having gathered a company to himself, and set up a separate meeting, which was cause of great exercise to faithful Friends. Seeing we did not go to his meeting, he sent us a challenge to dispute; which we readily complied with, and had a meeting with him and his party, a great many faithful Friends accompanying us. We sat a while in silence to hear his charges against Friends, namely: that some of them were not sound in faith, doctrine, and principle. He did not prove it, nor permit Friends to answer him, but went on in railing; we made our observation, though we said nothing, which raised a great desire in him and his abettors, to have another meeting with me and my companion; which we readily agreed to, provided some faithful Friends went along with us, to bear witness, for I knew that the like separate spirit, which had appeared in England, was a lying spirit.

Some time after having several Friends along with us, we met again with the said George Keith, and the chief of his abettors; and being quietly set to hear what he had to say, he advanced his former charge against Friends, as being unsound in faith and doctrine; to which I answered, saying, no error in faith, doctrine, or principle of particular men, was a sufficient reason for him to set up a separate meeting. He opposed me; then I asked liberty to be heard, and told him to this effect; if he and his company were sound in faith and doctrine, and men of God, they should have kept up their testimony for the Lord in the meeting; and if there must have been a separation, such unsound men would have gone away from Friends, as those did formerly, of whom John said, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us, but they went out, that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us.” I also asked them, where ever they knew faithful Friends in England leave their meeting, and set up a separate meeting. Thus we left the dispute at that time, and went to visit the meetings of Friends in the Welch tract, or plantation, and in the country; so returned again to Philadelphia, and had a third meeting, with Keith and his party, which was very large. I told them, they were gone from the Lord in an airy flourish, and the wit of man, and had set up a separate meeting; but in a little time the Sun of Righteousness would shine amongst them, and drive away the misty doctrines of men, and that they, the separatists, should dwindle, die away, and come to nothing, except such who were most honest towards God, who should return to truth and Friends; which, in a little time, was fulfilled in both respects.

Leaving Friends at Philadelphia, we went into the country to a meeting, to which George Keith came, and asked me where we would be on the first-day, saying, that he had appointed a meeting to be next first-day at Crosswicks. Finding freedom, I went there, but my companion found drawings from the Lord to go to Philadelphia, and be at the meeting there that first-day, to which George Keith came, contrary to his appointment, and leaving his separate meeting, met with Friends in their large meeting house, and preached fawningly, as though he and James Dickinson were in unity. After he had done, James stood up in great authority in the Lord's power, and confuted George's doctrine and practice, setting truth over him and his party, and opened the mystery of salvation to the people to their great satisfaction. George Keith went away in great wrath; and the people, who were not Friends, being many, cried aloud, give way, and let the devil come out, for the little black man from England has got the day. After which, George called his party together to their meeting house, and told them that James Dickinson had never appeared against him till that day, but had then made himself equal with Thomas Wilson, meaning in opposition to him.

After this meeting, James Dickinson came to me at Crosswicks, from which we travelled through Jersey, and to the Yearly Meeting at Flushing, on Long: Island, which was a large and blessed meeting. Having visited Friends in that island, and had good service for the Lord amongst them, we travelled through the country, till we came to Rhode Island, and were at the Yearly Meeting there, which was very large and heavenly, the Lord's tendering power being mightily over it. We travelled from there through New England, to Boston; and after having had some service for the Lord there, we travelled into the eastern parts of the country; and the Indian war being very hot at Hampton, and thereabout, many of the people were gone into garrisons; and it was upon us to go to a garrison, which we did, and had a meeting near it at a Friend's house. After this meeting, we returned back to Salem, where Friends were glad to see us safe, several having been murdered on the road, and some that same day. We went from there to Boston again, and inquired if any ship was bound from there to Barbados; and there being one, but not fully ready, we went to Rhode Island again, and had several good meetings amongst Friends there; so parting with them in great love and tenderness, we returned to Boston.

On the 17th of the sixth month, 1692, we took shipping at Boston, for Barbados; and after we had been about two or three days at sea, the ship being new, sprung a leak, and part of our lading being tar, some ran out of the barrels into the hold, and our pumps clogged, so that our situation looked very dangerous. I stripped myself to work at the pump, and James went with the captain to search the hold, where they found a tree nail hole that the carpenter had left open; and after they got it stopped, through the Lord's great mercy, we arrived safe at Barbados. Some time before we went in, the weather became thick and dark, continuing so all the forenoon; but about twelve of the clock, the sun broke out, and our sailors got an observation; immediately after which the mist came over again, and the darkness was so great, that although there was a privateer which had laid several days in that latitude, we escaped him and got well in; so that we saw the same hand which preserved us in our first going there, by bringing in a thick mist over us, had again preserved us in like manner; which was cause of great joy to us and Friends on the island, who gladly received us.

We landed at Barbados on the 2nd day of the eighth month, 1692, where we staid some time, and visited Friends meetings thoroughly, and had good service for the Lord. The sickness which was in the island at our first coming, still continuing, the people were very much humbled, and their exercise further increased by a plot the blacks had laid to murder the white people, which was discovered in the following manner.

A certain man had a black servant whom he respected, and the servant was so well pleased with his master, that he said to himself, my master is a very good man—great pity to kill my master; and being overheard, some gave information thereof to his master; upon which he had him apprehended, and examined before the governor, but he denied all. However, they sent him to prison, and set a private watch to see if any of the blacks would come to speak with him, which several did privately, and charged him not to confess, for a great many hundreds would come and rescue him out of prison, and also go on with the massacre. This occasioned him to be brought again before the governor, and then he confessed the whole plot; which was, to kill all the white men at night, and to seize the fort, shipping, horses and arms; but being thus discovered, many of the blacks were taken and hung up in gibbets alive, till they died.

Being clear of Barbados, we went from there to Antigua, where Ave staid some time, and had several large meetings amongst the people; the Lord's power did so prevail over them, that several were convinced of the truth, and afterwards became faithful Friends. We passed from there to the Island of Nevis; and when near it, had a consultation, whether to go in on the north or south side thereof; and by the favorable direction of divine providence, for our preservation, we went in on the south side, where we heard that a French privateer which lay on the north side of the island, had taken a vessel about the same time. We staid several weeks on that island, and had many meetings therein, and had good service for the Lord. The inhabitants had been visited with a mortal distemper, of which many were taken away, as they told us. There had been four priests on the island before; but when we came, there was but one of them living: he was a great drunkard and a swearer; and when the inhabitants came to our meetings, and were reached by the Lord's power, so that they confessed to the truth, this wicked priest was very angry, and told them he would come and dispute with us at our meeting on the first-day. This being spread through the island, many of the inhabitants of great note came to the meeting, though the priest did not come, but went to the governor to inform him against us. We had a large meeting, in which the everlasting Gospel was proclaimed amongst them, and all were warned to repent of their sins, and turn to the light of Jesus Christ. Many hearts were reached; one that was a justice of the peace, confessed to the truth; and also wrote to the governor on our behalf.

Being clear of this island, our names were put up at a public place, as the law required, with notice of our going off the island, and certificates written and carried by a Friend to the governor to be signed by him; but he would not sign them, for he had been much enraged by the priest, and threatened that he would put us in the fort and see us before we should depart. So we took horses, and went with the master of the ship, with whom we had taken our passage, to the governor's house; he appeared very angry with us, and said, we were spies come to spy out the strength of the island. We told him, we were no spies, but true men; and to satisfy him, we showed him a pass which had the secretary's seal to it, which we had obtained at our coming out of England; wherein all governors and officers were commanded to let us pass. When he saw the broad seal, his countenance fell, and he asked us why we had not showed it to him before. We replied, we had not showed it then but for his satisfaction, that we were not spies, but true men; and further told him, we came in the love of God to visit our Friends, and the inhabitants of the island. Then he signed the certificate, and called for a bottle of wine to drink with the captain and us, but we would not drink any with him, for we were deeply bowed under the sense of God's goodness to us, who had not only drawn us into his service, but also had made way for us, and wrought our deliverance. In the latitude of Bermudas, a tornado came, which is a storm of wind, and our topsails being set, laid the vessel on one side like a log of wood, she remaining so for some time; in which season, the glory of the Lord did so shine upon us, that the fear of death was taken away, and our hearts were filled with the joy of God's salvation.

Being clear of our service for the Lord in America, we took shipping from Nevis homeward, and in about six weeks landed in the highlands of Scotland; and travelled from there into Cumberland, where we had some meetings, and Friends greatly rejoiced at seeing us, they having heard that we were taken by the French. From hence we travelled up to the Yearly Meeting at London, having some meetings in our way there. We had a very blessed Yearly Meeting, Friends being in great love and unity, and much rejoiced to see us, as we did to see them; and there is great thankfulness in my soul to the Lord for his manifold favors and preservations, both by sea and land.

After the Yearly Meeting at London was over, I went, accompanied by Thomas Story through Oxfordshire, and so to Bristol, where we met with Thomas Camm and Joseph Bains. Thomas Camm being inclined to stay some time longer in Bristol, Joseph Bains went with us into Wiltshire, and some western parts, where we had many good and blessed meetings; but at Warminster the people were contending with Friends, and we had two large meetings amongst them, wherein the Lord's tendering power broke in among them, so that many were reached, and went away well satisfied. After having spent some time in those parts, we returned again to Bristol, and Thomas Story and I went northward for Cumberland, having many good meetings in our way there. I staid at home a while, following my outward employment, saving that now and then I visited Friends in that county.

In the fall of the year 1694, I had some drawings to visit Friends in Ireland, and William Greenup having the like concern, we travelled together through part of Scotland, having service there, took shipping at Port Patrick, and landed at Dunnaghadee, in the north of Ireland. We visited Friends generally in that nation, and also had several meetings amongst other people. We had a prosperous journey, the Lord's blessed presence and power accompanying us in his service; and the wars being newly over, there was a great openness in the people, and tenderness amongst Friends.

About the beginning of the second month, 1695, I returned from Ireland, and landed at Whitehaven in Cumberland, where I made but little stay at home, having a concern to be at the Yearly Meeting in Wales, to be held at Dolobran—I travelled pretty directly there. In this meeting the Lord's good presence and power was enjoyed, to Friends comfort and refreshment. After it was over, I travelled to Bristol, and staid some meetings there, and from there to London, and was at the Yearly Meeting; soon after which I returned again into the north; and in the fall of the year, married Mary, the daughter of Thomas Bewley of Woodhall, in Cumberland, who proved a true help-mate to me. After my said marriage, I found freedom in the truth to remove with my wife into Ireland to dwell, which I did, and settled near Edenderry, in the King's county.

Some time after my removal into Ireland, I found drawings from the Lord to visit Friends in England; and in the fall of the year 1696, took shipping from Dublin, and landed at Holyhead, and travelling through part of Wales, and into Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, to Bristol and London, I visited the meetings of Friends thoroughly. From there I went into Surrey and Sussex, and visited the meetings of Friends there; so returned again to London, where I had further service for the Lord; and from there passed northward through Hertfordshire, Huntingdonshire, Lincolnshire, and into Yorkshire, travelling along the sea coast, as far as Newcastle, and from there across the country to Carlisle. I had many very refreshing seasons in this journey amongst Friends; and after having visited Friends meetings in Cumberland, I went to Whitehaven, in order to take shipping; but in the time of my waiting for a passage, had a very large meeting there out of doors, in which the word of life was declared amongst the people, and the meeting ended well. I landed in Ireland in the twelfth month, and returned home, where I found my wife well, which was a great satisfaction to me.

Soon after, I found drawings to visit Friends in this nation, which I did accordingly, and had meetings in many places amongst other people, where none had been before, nor any meetings of Friends settled, and many were convinced, of whom some received the truth in the love of it, and continued faithful thereunto.

From the year 1697 to 1713, I often visited Friends in this nation, and also in England; within which space, I was seven times at the Yearly Meeting in London, the Lord's good power accompanying me in his service.

I having had it upon me from the Lord for a considerable time to visit Friends in America again, my dear ancient friend and companion, James Dickinson, signified to me by a letter, that he had a like concern, whereof I was truly glad, for we had often travelled together in great love, unity, and sweetness. We met in Dublin, and took shipping for America in the tenth month, 1713. The name of the captain of the vessel was Richard Kelsey, of Whitehaven in Cumberland.

We made our voyage north about, and after I had seen the captain's diligent care and good conduct in his ship amongst his servants, and those on board, it drew my heart towards him in much love, and gave me encouragement to take the freedom of having some religious discourse with him, wherein I found he aimed at justice and equity, so that my love increased towards him. He being frequent in praying, we entered into discourse of the substantial part of prayer; I told him, we could not pray at all times in words, knowing our own insufficiency, but waited for the assistance of the holy Spirit to help us, and guide our understanding, having regard to what the apostle said, “I will pray with the spirit and with the understanding also,” which might be inwardly performed, although no words were outwardly spoken. To which he readily assented, and told us, we might keep our meetings in the great cabin at any time when they did not keep theirs, and said, he thought we did pray inwardly. Though we had a storm in this passage for near a month together, yet the captain's prudent management of the ship, and showing himself so very respectful to us all along, and the good conversation we had together, made our voyage much the pleasanter.

On a seventh-day of the week at night, the captain told us we should find the soundings next day, which we did accordingly about noon; and he told us, that if the gale stood, we should reach the cape that evening. Sailing on till near night, we were within about seven or eight fathom water; but night coming on, he wisely stood out to the sea, and in a short time we got into Lynhaven bay, having been nine weeks in our passage from the sight of Ireland, and after a little stay in that harbor we sailed on until we came into Rappahannock river, and from there went ashore at Queen-Ann's town, where we parted with our kind captain in great love: he would have us take some of our provision, and gave us much loving counsel, which we accepted kindly.

At Queen-Ann's town, we hired horses to York river, and next day took boat to the Western Shore; from which we contentedly took our travel on foot into the woods, having our saddles, saddle-bags, and great coats upon our shoulders; and after a little time, seeing a man at a distance, riding towards us, James Dickinson said, who knows but yonder man is coming to help us. When he came up, the man knew James, and cheerfully said, I had best alight and take your things upon my horse; which we kindly accepted, and he went along with us to James Bates' house, who received us very kindly, his wife having been convinced by James Dickinson, and was a faithful Friend. It being their weekly meeting day, we went along with them, and had a good time with the few Friends there.

We travelled from there through Virginia to North Carolina, having many good meetings amongst Friends and other people, many being glad to see us again in that country. We found a hopeful generation of young people, who received the testimony of truth with gladness; and having visited their meetings thoroughly, and had a good time amongst them, we returned again into Virginia, and visited Friends up James' river, and so by Black creek, towards Maryland. Having had good service for the Lord in those parts, and several good meetings in our way, we visited Friends on the Western Shore of Maryland, and found great openness both amongst them and other people; from which we went over the bay, and visited Friends on the Eastern Shore, and in the lower counties of Pennsylvania, and so to Salem in West Jersey, the Lord's good presence attending us from meeting to meeting. We staid the Yearly Meeting at Salem, which was very large, and the Lord's power eminently manifested therein, and the doctrine of truth was largely opened to the people. Having visited Friends on the east side of Delaware river, we went over to Philadelphia, and visited the meetings of Friends in Pennsylvania, which were very large, many sober people flocking to them, unto whom the testimony of truth flowed forth in the word of life, to the opening of the understandings of many.

From Pennsylvania we crossed over Delaware river again, and travelled through the country to Shrewsbury; and in our way there, a Baptist preacher came up to us, and directing his speech to me, said, he would ask me a question; I bid him, say on; then said he, my question is, “what is the ordination and qualification of a true minister of Jesus Christ?” To which I answered, that the apostle says, “As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it, as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified, through Jesus Christ.” I further said mildly to him, you may see that the ability of a true minister is in the divine gift. Then he said, I have another question to ask, which is this, “can any man who has this divine gift positively deny the command of our Lord Jesus Christ?” To which I replied, that no man, who was faithful to this holy gift, dared deny the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, said he, you do. Then, said I, how comes you to charge me thus? What have you seen by me, to charge me with denying the commands of Jesus Christ? I know, said he, you are a Quaker; and that all the Quakers deny the positive command of Jesus Christ. I answered, you have charged boldly, now you must prove in what we deny them. He said, you deny water baptism, which Jesus Christ commanded to be an ordinance in his church to the end of the world. I told him, he must prove his assertion, for I did not understand that ever Jesus Christ gave any command to his ministers, to baptize in elementary water. I desired him again to prove what he had asserted. He began to repeat many Scriptures, quoting chapter and verse. I patiently heard him until he had gone on a great while; and seeing he had wrested the Scriptures, I told him he must now make a full stop, until the company came up, for my companion had a bible in his pocket, and we would read the texts which he had mentioned, and any other he had yet to name. They soon came up to us, and the bible being called for, it was given into the hands of a young man, who was desired to read all those texts which the Baptist had urged to prove water baptism to be a command of Jesus Christ, and a standing ordinance in the church. After he had named many texts, they were read to him one by one; but finding no text to make good his charge, I told him he had wronged the Scripture in adding thereto, which, said I, is dangerous, for we read in the Revelations, 22:18, “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” After which I opened unto him the true baptism of Jesus Christ, which is with the Holy Ghost and with fire; as John said. Matt. 3:2. and we parted very friendly. He came to the meeting next day, and was silent.

From Shrewsbury, we travelled to Woodbridge and New York, and from there to Long Island, where we staid the Yearly Meeting, which was a large and blessed meeting. From there we went by water to Rhode Island, and was at their Yearly Meeting in the fourth month, wherein the power and the glory of the Lord did very much appear, and the universal love of God was held forth to the satisfaction of the people.

We went from there to Taunton, where no Friends meeting was settled, nor do we know that any had ever been there before. To this meeting several sober people came, who were open to receive the testimony of the truth, and some were convinced, since which a meeting is settled there. Then we went to Dartmouth, where James left me, and went to the island of Nantucket, but we met again at Sandwich, and travelled together through the country to Boston, where we had some service for the Lord, both amongst Friends and other people.

From Boston we went to Lynn and Salem, so to the eastern parts of New England, as far as Dover; and after having visited Friends there, returned by way of Boston, to the Yearly Meeting at Providence, where we had good service for truth. We travelled through the country until we came to Rhode Island again, having had several meetings in our way, and found great openness in several places. After some stay in Rhode Island, and having had several precious meetings amongst them, we parted from Friends in great love and tenderness, and returned by water to Long Island, where we made some stay in visiting Friends' meetings, and found a great openness amongst them.

From Long Island we went to New York, where we had a large and blessed meeting; the people who were not Friends, confessed to the truth. We returned by Woodbridge, and through Jersey to Pennsylvania; and after having some meetings amongst Friends, went to the Yearly Meeting at Burlington, which was very large, and held several days, in which meeting the Lord's blessed power was richly manifested. Then we went to Philadelphia, and from there, by way of Newcastle, to the Yearly Meeting at Choptank, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, in the eighth month, which was very large, many people besides Friends flocking to it from several parts of the country, and the doctrine of truth was largely opened to them. After this meeting, we went into the lower counties of Pennsylvania, and had several meetings amongst Friends, in which we were greatly comforted; so returned again to Philadelphia, and spent some time in and about that city, having good service for the Lord, and had a farewell meeting with Friends at Chester; and then hastened to Oxford on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, in order to take shipping for England.

Soon after we came to Oxford, we agreed with the master of a vessel for our passage, the ship being bound for Liverpool, but told him we had a desire to stay the first-day meeting. He said, if he did not fire a gun, we might stay; and a little before the meeting began, he fired a gun, which gave us warning to hasten aboard, although it was contrary to our freedom, not being clear in our minds to leave the meeting, so we went on board. They set sail, but made little way that day and we soon perceived that as the master of the ship had endeavored to cross us, the Lord crossed him, for there arose a great storm that night, which continued several days, in which time the ship sprung a leak, which daunted them; yet taking some courage again, they kept to sea, but the leak increased so fast, that they altered their course, and stood in again, and with some difficulty got to an anchor in Lynhaven bay, which brought a fresh engagement upon us of thankfulness to the Lord for so signal a preservation. Here the master concluded to unlade, that he might stop the leak, and told us we might go on shore and see our friends.

We hired a boat, sailed up the river, and went ashore at the house of a widow woman, a Presbyterian, who received us kindly, and said she had heard of us, and that the New Testament made much for us. After we had eaten and drank, we would have paid her, but she would take nothing from us. She shoved us a little on our way, and we parted with her in a friendly manner, and that night got to a Friend's house, and afterwards amongst Friends in Virginia. My companion and Robert Jordan, took boat and went aboard the ship, and brought off our things; the master then showed himself very respectful, and said, if we thought fit to come again, we should be very welcome, and if not we might use our freedom.

We travelled to and fro in Virginia, and through the country until we came to the Western Shore of Maryland, having many blessed meetings. Friends being very glad to see us, and thankful to the Lord for our late preservation. We also went over the bay, and had a meeting with Friends at the place where the captain would not allow us to stay before. After this meeting, we were free in our spirits to return, being thankful to God for his manifold preservations; and in a little time after took shipping in another vessel, and landed at Cork in Ireland, where we staid a meeting on the sixth-day of the week; and then went to Clougheen: next day got to James Hutchinson's, where we lodged that night, and rode next morning to Mount-melick, where the Province Meeting for Leinster was then held. We went into the meeting. Friends being gathered before we came, and the power of truth broke in upon the meeting, whereby Friends hearts were greatly tendered, under a sense of the Lord's mercy in preserving us, not knowing anything of our being landed, until we came there.

Here I parted with my dear friend and companion, James Dickinson; and as we had travelled together in great love and unity, we parted in the same. He went to Dublin, in order to take shipping for Cumberland, and I returned home to my dear wife and family, being truly thankful that the Lord had brought us together again.

I staid a little time at home, and then our Half-year's Meeting coming on at Dublin, I went there, and from there to London, in the company of Friends appointed to attend the service of the Yearly Meeting there. We had several good meetings in our way, and the Lord's power was eminently manifested in the Yearly Meeting. When it was over, I left the city, and returned northward by way of Coventry, and so for Ireland, and found my dear wife and children well, to my great satisfaction; and after some stay about home, visited Friends' meetings up and down in the nation, as I found drawings in the love of truth.

In the year 1721, I found a concern upon my spirit, to go for England in the service of truth; and after our Half-year's meeting in Dublin, took shipping in company with John Barcroft, and several other Friends intending to the Yearly Meeting at London. After being two days at sea, the ship struck often on the sand in the night time, so that we seemed in great danger of being lost; but through the favor of divine providence were preserved, and in the morning, the tide being out, the ship lay aground, and we got out our horses, and went ashore in Wales, from which we rode seventeen miles to Chester, and from there to White-church, where one of our company parted with us. The rest of us travelled to Wolverhampton, and were at the meeting on the first-day of the week, and the next day we all met at Dudley, at a burial. I, with one other of our company, went to Storbridge, and we all met again at the Quarterly Meeting at Bromsgrove in Worcestershire; and travelled together to Oster, and so to Evesham and Sheepstown, at each of which two last places we had a meeting, and then went to London, and were at the Yearly Meeting, which was large and peaceable. After it was over, I staid a little time in that city, and had some service for the Lord; and so departed in company with John Barcroft, and travelled through Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Wiltshire, and from there to Bath, and so to Bristol, in which city we staid some time, and had several very precious meetings. I went from Bristol into some parts of Gloucestershire, and when clear, returned to Bristol, and had some further service for the Lord; and my dear friend, John Barcroft, being indisposed and feeble of body, I left him amongst his kind friends at Bristol, having a constraint upon me to fulfill the service that was before me. I travelled westward, as far as the Land's End in Cornwall, having many very blessed meetings through the country. I visited Cornwall thoroughly, and was greatly comforted with Friends there, and found great openness amongst the people in several places. I returned by Plymouth, Exeter, Bridgport, Pool, and from there by the sea coast until I came to Dover, having many refreshing meetings as I travelled through that country, Samuel Hopwood being with me; we went from Dover to Canterbury, and by Rochester to London.

I staid in and about the city of London several weeks, the Lord's presence and power attending me in his work; then travelled into Hertfordshire, and had many good meetings greatly to my satisfaction. I returned to London, where I had again some comfortable meetings; and being clear of that city, parted with Friends in great love and sweetness, and travelled through Essex to Colchester, and from there to Ipswich and Woodbridge, and through Suffolk into Norfolk, having many meetings, Isaac Pickerel of London accompanying me. We had two very large meetings at Norwich, greatly to edification, the word of eternal life being freely preached, whereby many hearts were tendered; so travelled through the country, until we came to Lynn, having many good meetings in our way there. I was very glad to meet with several, who were convinced when I formerly travelled through that county. At Lynn I parted with Isaac Pickerel, and went northward, through Lincolnshire, Michael Williams going along with me to several meetings. I passed from there into Yorkshire, visiting Friends meetings; and made some stay at York, and had service for the Lord. Then I crossed the country, and went to the Yearly Meeting in Wales, which was held at Glanneedlass, having several meetings as I passed along. In this Yearly Meeting, the Lord's power and love was richly manifested, and I was greatly comforted amongst Friends; after which I went to Holyhead, and took shipping for Ireland, and in the third month, 1722, returned home, being truly thankful to the Lord, who had supported and enabled me by his divine power to answer his holy requirings.

I staid about home, sometimes visiting Friends' meetings that were near; and in the year 1724, went to the Half-year's Meeting at Dublin, in the third month, where I was greatly comforted in the feeling of that divine life and power, which is the crown and glory of our meetings. After this meeting I returned home, and growing infirm, went little abroad to distant meetings; but in the ninth month following, Friends of Leinster kept the Province Meeting at Edenderry, to which I went, and the Lord's power was richly manifested, and the affairs of truth managed in great love and sweetness; John Fothergill, from England, being there, had good service for the Lord.

Now I rejoice in that I have served the Lord in my day; and as I have labored to promote the truth in my generation, I feel great peace from the Lord, flowing in my soul; and am thankful that I have been made willing to serve him. My dear wife, being a woman that truly fears God, has freely given me up to answer the requirings of truth, and I hope she will have a share in that reward and peace, whereof the Lord has given me the earnest. I have deeply travelled both in body and spirit for the promotion of truth in the earth, in a general way, so I have also often besought the Lord, that he would be pleased to reach effectually to my own children in particular, that they may be faithful witnesses for him in their generation.

—————

Our dear friend, Thomas Wilson, being taken ill of body, about the 18th day of the eleventh month, in the year 1724, continued weakly for several months, in which time he uttered many weighty expressions; and at several times was concerned in fervent prayer to the Lord, for the young and rising generation, that they might be faithful witnesses for the truth in their day. He was freely resigned to the will of God, yet desired of the Lord if he had no further service for him, to remove him out of his pain, which, at times, was very great.

When he was a little easy, he often spoke of the things of God, and was very much concerned that Friends should live agreeably to the doctrine of Christ, and that the good order established amongst us by our faithful elders, might be kept up and maintained, and that all differences and disorders should be kept out of the church; and said, if Friends kept the ancient path, and observed the Lord's rules, they would be a blessed people, expressing his satisfaction, that in all nations where he travelled, he had been careful not to join with any that were for false liberty, or laying waste the testimony of truth, which the Lord had called his people to bear.

One evening, several Friends sitting with him, he was very sweetly and prophetically opened in words to this effect; that a great harvest-day was coming over the nations, and that the Lord was fitting, and would fit many, and send them into the harvest; but said, he hoped in a little time to be gathered to the generations of the just, that were gone before; and was comforted to feel that Friends were inward with the Lord in their spirits, expressing how near truth made Friends one to another in the beginning, and that he was glad of the nearness and unity amongst Friends now, desiring it might continue and increase.

At a time he was asked, if he would have anything to wet his mouth; to which he replied to this effect; the Lord has taken away all my pain, and given me the bread of life, and the water of life, and quenched my thirst, which has been great, the will of the Lord be done; and fervently prayed to the Lord for his people, especially the youth, that he would be pleased to incline their hearts to follow him in the way of truth: and soon after said to this effect, if the youth of this meeting and nation incline their hearts to the Lord above all, he will make them a shining people; but if they do not, he will cast them off.

And again said, the Lord's goodness fills my heart, which gives me the evidence and assurance of my everlasting peace in his kingdom, with my ancient Friends that are gone before me, with whom I had sweet comfort in the work of the Gospel. Those who touch the Lord's work, and are not of clean hands, will not prosper. Notwithstanding our said friend had been eminently attended with the power of truth, and had great service many ways, he would speak very humbly of himself, ascribing all the honor to the Lord. And at a certain tim.e he said to this effect: although the Lord has made use of me at times to be serviceable in his hand, what I trust in, is the mercy of God in Jesus Christ. To Friends sitting by him, he said, the Lord visited me in my young years, and I felt his power, which has been with me all along, and I am assured he will never leave me, which is my comfort.

He also often expressed his desire, that Friends might dwell in humility, and keep low, for that to his sorrow, he had seen many who grew high, come to ruin, both themselves and posterity, and their places left desolate.

Near his conclusion, he often desired the Lord would give him an easy passage, which was granted, being also preserved sensible to the last; so passed away without sigh or groan, as if he had been going to sleep, on the 20th day of the third month, 1725. He was buried the 22nd of the same, accompanied by a great number of Friends and others, where Friends had a good opportunity to bear testimony to that divine power, whereby he was raised up to be a faithful witness for the truth, in his generation. And though his removal be a great loss to his family in particular, and the church in general, it is no doubt his everlasting gain.

Epistles Written By Thomas Wilson,

And His Fellow-Laborer In The Service Of The Gospel, James Dickinson, While In America.

An Epistle to Friends in Virginia and Carolina, from King's creek, in Maryland,

the 12th of the Second month, 1692.

Dear Friends, All dwell in the love of God, by which your hearts were at first reached, and tender desires raised, to make your peace with him, which was lost by reason of sin. It was the love of the Father to bring you to his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom you all have life and salvation, as you abide in him, and keep in his love, that draws your affections heavenward, where they will be fixed on heavenly things, and where your souls will witness the sweetness of life, strengthening and building you up in that most holy faith, which God has called you into, and made you partakers of. Every one be careful to walk worthy of the vocation, whereunto you are called, in all fear and meekness, watching in the light, where you will discern the wiles of the enemy in all his cunning baits and transformations. As every one of you keeps inward to the Lord, you will have salt in yourselves, to savor withal, as Christ our Lord said, “Everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice seasoned with salt; have salt in yourselves, and dwell at peace one with another.”

As every one keeps to the spirit of judgment and burning, and knows the fire of God's jealousy kindled against every appearance of evil, you will be kept inquiring and taking counsel of the Lord, where you will be safe, and can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth, and the Lord will take delight to appear in your meetings, by his living power, and give you a sense and feeling beyond words, as he has done unto a remnant of you. Blessed be his holy name forever, that there are those who can taste words as the mouth tastes meat; therefore is it that words cannot deceive such, but all have not attained this length; some are unskilful, and have need of milk, which our God will give.

If you keep those longing desires that are already raised in you, you shall know the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby, from one degree of grace unto another, until you become perfect men in Christ Jesus, in whom you may edify and build up one another in the most holy faith, by which you will be made heirs of that crown which is incorruptible, and full of glory. For the attainment of this, let every one press forward, in the life of righteousness, watching one over another for good, and stirring up one another to love and good works, wherein God will supply you with the increase of his holy Spirit, by which you will be fitted for the service God has called you into, which is to be zealous for the truth upon earth, and against every thing that would cause the truth to be evil spoken of, that none may be as those spoken of formerly, who walked as enemies to the cross of Christ, and were a grief to the faithful in ages past. Such are a grief to the honest-hearted in this day, who are concerned for God and his truth, and for the spread of the Gospel, travelling for the prosperity of Zion, and peace of Jerusalem, and know her to be a quiet habitation, and themselves inhabitants thereof. The Lord is making these as watchmen upon her walls, whose resolution is to keep them up, notwithstanding the scoffs and reproaches of such, who, like Sanballat and Tobias, are without the city. Those who are within, are really concerned for God, and to stand against every appearance of evil, both in themselves and others; and the Lord is enduing them with power and wisdom proceeding from his holy Spirit, that they heed not the reproaches of Ammon, nor the reviling of Moab; for though “he may go into the sanctuary to pray, he shall not prevail, but Israel, that wrestles with the Lord, shall prevail.”

Therefore let your care be, to wait for the assistance of God's spirit, and that none plead for the truth, and be out of the Spirit of Truth, for that will never tend to God's glory, nor your edification; but on the contrary, to darken, veil, and oppress the Seed of God, one in another. But as all keep low in their respective gifts, waiting to know the assistance of God's spirit, being nothing without it, you will feel the Lord to work all your works in you and for you, and give power to answer what he requires of you, and then his love will be increased into you, and you will abide in favor with him; as you are preserved here, you will daily witness an increase of the life of truth, which will occasion praises to be sounded forth to the Lord God and the Lamb, who is blessed for evermore. Amen.

Postscript:

Dear Friends, we desire you, in the love of God, as it was our advice when present with you, that you watch one over another in love, and keep in a Christian spirit, forgiving one another; if any brother have anything against another, as God, for Christ's sake, does forgive you, so forgive one another. Take the advice of the apostle, “Be not children in understanding, but in malice be children,”

that you may bear the marks of true disciples, and manifest yourselves to all men to be such; that you may be preachers of righteousness to the world, that lies in wickedness, and follow after those things that make for peace, and eschew the contrary, and the God of peace will bless you, and keep you from evil, that it hurt you not, to his glory, and your comfort. Amen.

Let copies of this be taken and read in your meetings, and a copy be sent to Carolina. So remain your friends and brethren in the truth, letting you know that we are well, with love to you all, sending these lines as a token thereof. Farewell.

Thomas Wilson,

James Dickinson.

An Epistle to Friends in Pennsylvania.

Dear Friends, The tender salutation of our love in the Lord Jesus Christ, salutes you all, in the spring of divine love, as those that desire your growth, and settlement in God's everlasting truth, of which, in his rich mercy, he has made you sensible, and gathered you into, wherein you have found great peace with God, and sweet unity one with another, so that your hearts have been filled in your assemblies with his living presence, which has occasioned praises to spring unanimously unto the Lord.

Dear Friends, truth is the same that ever it was, and the power of it as prevailing as ever; and where it is kept to, and dwelt in, has the same effect as ever, as many of you are witnesses, who keep your habitation therein, with whom our souls are bound up in God's everlasting covenant of light, in which, as we walk, we have true fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Let all be careful to walk in the light, where there is no occasion of stumbling, but every one will see their way in the Lord, and where your fellowship will be increased with him, and one with another, and you will bear to the world the marks of true disciples, if you love one another; for God is love, and they that dwell in him, dwell in love. “He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness, even until now. For if a man say he loves God, and hates his brother, he is a liar.”

Therefore we desire you may follow those things that make for peace, and eschew the contrary, all keeping down to your own gifts, travelling with the Seed, and for the coming of it into dominion, in all your hearts, that you may know your wills truly subjected to the will of God. Here you will be kept in a holy dread and pure awe, in all your meetings, and in your lives and conduct will be preachers of righteousness, tender of God's glory, and one over another, watching for good, and none for evil; but that eye will be plucked out. As you are kept truly bowed down, still waiting to feel the operation of the power of God, that was before the power of the devil, you will feel the arm that gathered you, to be about you, and keep you in all trials and exercises, as many have done to God's glory and their comfort; so that they can say, the same arm which gathered them, has kept them unto this day, in unity with the Lord, and in fellowship one with another, and are concerned to be kept in the unity of the spirit, which is the bond of peace. Those grow sound in the faith, and in charity, and know the virtues of the charity, that “seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;” without which, the apostle concluded, he was but as sounding brass and a tinkling symbol, though he had never so large gifts without it.

Dear Friends, what gifts soever you have received, be careful that you be improving them, to the honor of the Giver, as those that know an account must be given unto Him, who will require it of us all; and how near that time is to any, may be out of the sight of most of us.

Our souls are concerned for you, that you may all grow in grace, and increase in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in obedience unto him, for it is they that do his will, that shall know of his doctrine; whose doctrine is known to drop as the dew, and his speech to distill as the small rain. Blessed be his name forever, he is daily opening the divine mysteries of his kingdom to them who are kept humble and low before him, truly desiring to keep at wisdom's gate, and wait for counsel from the Lord every day, and to feel the assistance of his spirit, and dare not move until the Lord go before, and draw them forward; these walk safely, and feel their peace to flow as a river. The Lord establishes their goings, that they are not easily moved with any storm or wind, but know the rock, and are as the dove that makes her nest there; and though such may be tried, and lie as amongst the pots, yet shall they come forth more bright, as the dove whose wings are covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold, and shall know the trial of their faith to be more precious than that of gold which perishes.

So all keep the word of God's patience, and wait for the feeling of his power in all your meetings, that your hearts may be kept tender; and a godly care will be more and more raised in you all, to watch over your children, and train them up in the fear of the Lord, and to discharge your duty in restraining them, out of the ways and fashions of the world. Our souls are concerned for your tender children, that as they grow in years, they may grow in grace, and be God's children, succeeding you in the way of righteousness, and be a blessing to you in your old age. We are sensible God's great love is unto them, and several of them were reached by his power, when we were with you; our love flows unto you and them, that you all may be kept by the power of God out of evil, in that life wherein you may find acceptance with him, where the streams of his love will be daily opened unto you, and in the sense of it you will be engaged to walk in fear before him, as those that feel his preserving arm, to be with and to support you. That God of his infinite mercy may grant this for you all, is the sincere breathing of your friends and brethren, in the kingdom, patience, and tribulation of the Lamb, with hearts full of love unto all the faithful, desiring your prayers to God for us, unto whom we commit you, with our own souls, who is only able to keep us from falling; to whom be. all fear, obedience and worship, both now and evermore.

Amen.

Thomas Wilson.

James Dickinson.

From Rhode Island, the 5th of the Fifth month, 1692.

An Epistle to Friends in Barbados and Elsewhere.

Dear Friends, brethren and sisters.

For whom we are concerned in true brotherly love, wherewith God, in his rich mercy has filled our hearts, unto all the sons and daughters of men, but more especially to the household of faith, which has been gathered by his eternal power, the salutation of our love in the Lord Jesus Christ tenderly flows forth. We desire you all to keep down to your gifts which God has given you, waiting low in his fear, to feel the operation of his living power, to tender all your hearts, and open them unto the Lord, that your spirits may be truly bowed and subjected unto God's will, which is your sanctification. Here the springs of God's love will flow, and his life run from vessel to vessel, and the life of innocency flourish amongst you, and the Lord will put his own comeliness upon you, and cover you with his spirit, and your delight will be to feel the overshadowing of his presence. Here self will be had in no reputation, but denied by all, and your delight will be under the cross, which is the power of God, whereby you will be crucified to the world, and the world unto you; so will the Lord delight to visit your assemblies with his living presence, and fill your hearts with love to himself, and one to another, whereby you will be kept tender and humble, watching one over another for good, and none for evil; that eye that watches for evil must be plucked out, for wherever it is, it does offend.

All give up your hearts to God, to be kept by his power, in fellowship with him; then will your fellowship be sweet one with another, being made partakers of the saints fellowship, who wrote one to another, that they might have sweet fellowship together, and their fellowship was with the Father, and with his Son, Christ Jesus. So will you know all things that offend to be cast out of the kingdom, and you will be tender one over another, the strong lending a hand of help to the weak, and be of Moses' mind, who wished that all the people were prophets, and would not leave a hoof behind in Egypt; and not of the mind of him, that would have had Moses forbid Eldad and Medad to prophesy in the camp; nor of the mind of Pharaoh, and the Egyptians, that would have only the men to go and sacrifice to the Lord, but the women and children to stay and not go to sacrifice. Moses wished that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that he would put his spirit upon them, and the women and children all must go; and it is the mind of Christ, our spiritual Moses, that all, both male and female, should come up in their places. Jacob was tender and careful, not to over drive the flock, lest those with young should be hurt; which ought to be a caution to us, and thereby learn us to keep to the Lord's spirit. Wait for wisdom from him, that you may be guided thereby, in your gifts and places in the church of Christ, and so build up one another in the most holy faith, stirring up one another to love and good works, that wisdom may be justified of her children, and “your lights shine before men, that they seeing your good works, may glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Be as a city set upon a hill, where their elder men will grow sound in the faith, and in charity, teaching the younger men to be sober-minded, and likewise the “aged women, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness; not false accusers, but teachers of good things, that they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be chaste, keepers at home, that the word of God be not blasphemed, and that their adorning should not be the outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and wearing of gold, or putting on of apparel; but let it be of the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price, for after this manner the holy women of old adorned themselves, who trusted in God.” All that keep to God's spirit, must mind those things, and labor to keep their children out of pride, and the foolish fashions that are in the world, which youth are apt to run into, and covet after, and to take liberty one by another.

You that are parents of children, take Abraham for an example, of whom God gave testimony that he would command his household after him; so all are to wait for power from God, and stand in your authority in your families; and not indulge your children when they are young, nor deck them in the fashions of the world, as soon as they can go, nor let them speak the language of the world, as soon as they can speak, without reproving them, nor let them keep company with the world, without restraining them. These things we have seen to our great grief, and they have brought bitter mourning to our souls, considering the floodgate of iniquity it opens to youth.

As those who feel a concern upon our spirits for the truth, and your good, and your childrens' also, we are drawn forth in tender love, to desire you to mind the truth, and the power of it, and be taught by it, and then we know you will be concerned to see things amended, where they have been amiss. We know there are many under a concern with our souls in this matter, which has been weighty upon our spirits; and therefore in true love, we visit you with these lines, desiring the Lord may fill you with love and zeal for his name and truth; that you may be valiant for it upon the earth, and in your testimonies for God, and against all that would defile the camp of God, and bring his wrath upon us, or cause him to withdraw his holy presence from us, which has given us life, and separated us from the world's ways, worships, customs, and fashions. Now, as God has separated us, we are to keep to him, that he may keep us so separated, that we may never join with those things again. For if we do so join, we shall incur his displeasure, as Israel did, when they joined themselves with the inhabitants of the land, which the Lord had commanded they should not do, and brought God's wrath upon them, whereby we may take warning not to commit the like evil in allowing our minds to wander from the Lord, and join with the world in their ways, worships, customs and fashions, or to marry with them, which was expressly forbidden in the time of the first covenant, and also by the apostle in the second covenant, who said, “Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers,” etc. So thus you may see that God's people were to dwell alone, and not to mix with other nations; and while they did so dwell, the Lord wonderfully blessed them, so that Balaam could not curse them, nor any enchantment prevail against them, but their strength was as the strength of a lion and a unicorn, and their enemies were a prey to them. But when they joined themselves unto Baal-peor, the Lord's wrath was kindled against them, so that twenty-three thousand died of the plague, which the Lord sent amongst them.

Oh! that your zeal may appear in a Gospel way, as Phineas did, according to that legal covenant, to the appeasing God's anger, that you may know the Lord to make his covenant of peace with you, and that it may abide with you forever. For truly, God is jealous of his own glory, and will have a clean people to serve him in sincerity and uprightness, clear of all mixtures, and linsey-woolsey garments, which are not to be worn in this Gospel day, wherein the Lord has been great in mercy and love, causing his glorious light to shine, and giving us the knowledge of himself; therefore let our care be, to keep in his fear, that we may walk before him in humility, worthy of those mercies and blessings, that God in all things may be glorified, and our peace preserved with him. Amen.

We remain your friends and brethren in the truth,

Thomas Wilson,

James Dickinson.

From Antigua, the 14th of the Tenth month, 1692.

An Epistle to Friends in Philadelphia.

Dear Friends, Our dear love in the holy truth, tenderly salutes you all. We received a letter from New York, and were glad to hear of your welfare, and the Lord's appearance amongst you, in your general meeting, and prevailing by his presence and power upon your spirits, tendering them before him, a state which was never rejected of him.

The God of our life keep you all an inward people, that the weight of his power may be upon your souls, that you may learn in true silence and stillness, where the divine mysteries of his kingdom are daily opened, and you will see through the mystery of iniquity, and not be ignorant of the wiles of satan; but abiding in the light, they will be clearly discovered, and you will be pressing after the life of innocency, whereunto God has called you, and which must wear the crown. They who are most in favor with him, make it their habitation, laboring to have their own spirits silenced, and daily depend upon God's teaching.

It was our glory in years past to learn in silence, which is since too much neglected by many professors of truth, upon whom a light frothy spirit has prevailed, having a life in disputes, arguments, and words to little purpose, but amusing and perverting the mind, which ought to be staid upon God, who is the strength and stay of his people, keeping them in perfect peace, whose minds are staid upon him. Such who run into disputes in their own wills and imaginations, depart from the truth, the sure foundation, and the light, whereunto our minds were at first turned, in which all that walk, are preserved in sweet fellowship one with another, and their unity in the spirit and light of the Lord Jesus Christ increases with him, and one with another, being weighty in spirit, not easily moved. Such see that all the disputes and arguments, even concerning religious matters, which proceed from the will of man, not of God's spirit, are but as froth and chaff, that will not abide God's fan, but be blown away by the whirlwind of his wrath.

All your safety is and will be, to keep inward to the Lord, that he may be your teacher, your own spirits being silenced, waiting with delight to hear what he speaks. Then if he be pleased to open any of your mouths, for the edification one of another, it will be in his power and wisdom from above, that is, first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, in which you may build up one another in the most holy faith; but those that run into a passionate, hasty spirit, go out of the wisdom which is from above, into that which is from below, and the wrath of man cannot work the righteousness of God.

So all keep in your own gifts, inward to the Lord, who will fit you for his service, and guide you in bis wisdom, to hit the mark aimed at, and preserve you in the living faith delivered unto you, of which Christ Jesus our Lord is the Author, whereby you may live, as did the just in every generation, to the glory of God, and being, by his power, made as the weighty wheat, be gathered into the garner of his salvation, when those who run out, with frothy notions of their own imaginations, will be as chaff, or dead men before the Lord.

Our souls have been often concerned for you, in these parts of the world, that you may be kept by the power of God, unto whom we leave you, desiring your prayers for our preservation in the holy truth, wherein we remain your friends and brethren,

Thomas Wilson,

James Dickinson.

Nevis, the 4th of the Twelfth month, 1692-3.

Another Epistle to Friends in America.

Dear Friends, Our tender love in the Lord Jesus Christ, dearly salutes you, and all the faithful in that island, amongst whom we have travelled to preach the Gospel of life and salvation, desiring the Lord may bless you all, and increase his love amongst you, and that you may be kept in his holy covenant of peace, into which he has gathered you, by his own power, where you have sweet communion with the Lord, and one with another. In this you are a true strength one to another, the sweetness whereof none know but those who dwell in it, and keep to the conduct of the power that gathered them. These daily feel the springs of divine love and life, opened unto them, which keep them alive to God, and under a true concern for the peace of the church, and prosperity of Zion. We desire that this care may be kept in by you all, whom God has gathered to abide in his covenant of light and life, and walk therein, where you will have true fellowship, and know the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse you from all sin and unrighteousness, which has been and still is the occasion of all the strife and contention, rents and divisions that have happened amongst us since we have been a people. We pray God to put a stop to all these, and keep all his people in true fear and humility in their gifts, waiting to know their strength renewed in him, that they may stand against the enemy, who labors to scatter God's heritage, whom he has gathered. So be preserved in unity with the Lord, and one with another, where cries and supplications are daily poured forth to the Lord for one another, as ours are for you, and we desire yours may be for us, that we may be borne up through the many tribulations we meet with, and that we may have the gift of utterance to proclaim the everlasting Gospel, and be preserved out of the hands of unreasonable men.

Dear Friends, we desire as you are free and clear, and have your hearts open thereto, that you will send us a certificate from your Monthly Meeting of your unity with us, while we were present with you, and at our parting from you; and enclose it for us, to be left at Joseph Groves' in Barbados. We have had good service here, and the Lord has been with us, to our great comfort, though under great sorrow of soul, for those things which have happened at Delaware, and more especially to see them published in print, to the view of the world, and the enemies of truth. The publishers of which may expect a reward according to their works, and God, in his own time, will wipe away all those reproaches, and ease the spirits of them that travel under the weight thereof. Unto him we are willing to commit the cause, and do commit you, and our own souls; so remain your friends and brethren,

Thomas Wilson,

James Dickinson.

To Friends of Mount-melick, Men's Meeting, and Elsewhere.

Dear Friends,

I HAVE been for some years past, and more especially of late, under deep considerations respecting the state of Friends, and the affairs of truth in general, and our Monthly Meeting in particular, which has brought a weight of exercise upon my mind; and doubting whether I may ever have an opportunity of seeing you, so as to ease myself of what remains as a concern upon me, I was willing to communicate these few lines to your weighty and serious consideration.

The order and government of the church was settled by the same divine spirit, from which the true ministry sprung; and all who speak in Men's Meetings, should be careful they do not speak anything to offend God, but wait to have their offerings seasoned with grace, and offered in the same divine spirit, by which the order and government of the church was first established. And as the doctrine of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ directed, that every one is to be salted with fire, and every sacrifice seasoned with salt; mark, the vessel is to be seasoned with the holy fire of the word of God, and sanctified by the truth, otherwise God will not accept of their offerings, no more than he did the offerings of Aaron's sons, who offered strange fire, which the Lord never commanded, and so brought death upon them. You may also observe, that when Moses was dead, who received the law from God's mouth, that Joshua was to succeed him in the same spirit, which plainly appears from the positive command of the Lord to him, that he should be courageous, and observe and do according to all the law, which Moses, the servant of the Lord commanded him. He was not to depart therefrom either to the right hand or to the left, that so he might prosper wherever he went. By which it is plain, the blessing is only to them, who come up in the same holy Spirit, which case is very applicable to Friends in this our day; for it is undeniable, that the weighty rules and order of the church were received in the beginning by our ancients and elders from the opening of the divine Spirit of Truth, and settled in the counsel of God. And as surely as ever Joshua was to succeed Moses, and to observe all the law which was commanded him; so are Friends now, who are of a succeeding generation, faithfully to keep and observe those weighty rules and precepts left them by their elders, without turning from them, either to the right hand or to the left; and it remains as a testimony in my heart for the Lord, to leave with you, that when any offer anything in Men's Meetings, which contradicts the ancient rules and divine precepts settled amongst us in the heavenly power, they contradict the very counsel of God, and it is but an offering of strange fire, which God never commanded, neither will accept, and so they bring death over themselves, kindle strange fire in the meeting, dazzle the minds of Friends, and are hinderers of the work and service of truth.

Thomas Wilson.

THE END.

Testimonies Concerning Thomas Wilson.

The Testimony of Mary Wilson,

Concerning her Dear Husband—Deceased.

Since it has pleased the Lord to remove from me my dear husband by death, there has often been a concern upon my mind, to give forth a testimony concerning him: and having good cause to remember the time of our first acquaintance, is an inducement to give some account thereof.

I well remember, when he was come up to the state of a man, how earnestly he desired the knowledge of the true God; in which time he went from one place to another, among the members of the church of England, to hear what their priests could tell him of the way of salvation; for his soul was in need of a Saviour, and great was his hunger after the way of life and righteousness. In this tossed condition he continued for some time, looking after the teachings of men, but they proved altogether unprofitable, which was a great trouble to him.

In this condition the Lord was pleased, in his unspeakable love, to visit his soul with his light, and his invisible power, by which he was much broken into tenderness. It was then a time of great humiliation and fear, in which condition, he came among the despised people, called Quakers; and although there was then great persecution, yet he sat down with them in their meetings, in silence, until it pleased the Lord so to fill his heart with his powerful word, that he knew the burning thereof, as a holy flame in his soul; then his mouth was first opened in public prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord; and afterwards to declare the day of the Lord, that was dawned, and to sound the everlasting Gospel, which was glad tidings to many poor benighted souls.

I may safely say, concerning him, that when he was sensible, the Lord had revealed his Son in him, and that a necessity was laid upon him to preach the Gospel, he did not consult with flesh and blood, but gave up to the heavenly vision, and was willing to spend the flower and prime of his days in the service of truth, which he did, in many years travel, and labored much in the work of the ministry, in England, Ireland, and America, before we married. In the fortieth year of his age, we took each other in marriage, in Cumberland, and soon after came into Ireland, and settled pear Edenderry, he having had some time before, a remarkable sight of that place, of which at times he would speak; and we had reason to believe it was our place, for the Lord blessed us together, and we had great comfort that it was our lot to settle among such honest tender hearted Friends, to whom we were nearly united.

After we were settled, he was often engaged to travel in truth's service; and I may say, from a certain sense that rests upon my heart, that the more he gave up to the work he was called unto, the more we were blessed. Although it was pleasant to me to have the company of so good a husband, yet it was more solid satisfaction to me to give him up to answer what the Lord might require of him; and. to the praise of God, I was made a sharer with him, in the sweetness of that heavenly love and life, with which his heart was often filled, and streamed forth to the comfort of many; for he was as a cloud that the Lord often filled and caused to be emptied, to the refreshing of his heritage. My soul, with many more, has great occasion to bow in deep thankfulness to the Lord, for the many refreshing showers, that we have been favored with, and give him the praise thereof, who is worthy forever.

And further, I have to say, concerning my dear husband, that he was a loving and kind husband, a tender father to his children, and one that was laborious in the creation, and provided plentifully for his family, open hearted to his Friends, and beloved in the neighborhood, by such as knew him. He often looked with a pitiful eye towards the poor of all sorts, and administered to the needs of many; he delighted in justice and hated wrong things; and although the Lord blessed him many ways, yet was not his mind lifted up thereby, but he continued to the end a humble-minded man.

He was often sorely afflicted in body, yet frequently travelled to visit Friends in much pain. In his last journey, in England, which was about ten months, he endured much bodily weakness, which continued upon him to his end, for he went no more abroad, only to our own meeting, and twice to the Half-year's Meeting in Dublin. Although his pain was great at times, yet he went to meetings as long as he was able. It was often afflicting to me, to think of being left behind; but what shall I say? the Lord has done it. He has given, and taken away; may my soul be so preserved, in a living sense of his goodness, that I may praise his name while I live, and be fitted for my final change, and lay down my head in peace, is what my soul most desires.

The Lord has brought my mind into quietness and contentment with my condition, steadfastly believing, that he has removed my dear husband in his mercy and favor, and received his soul into his everlasting kingdom. I shall conclude this testimony, with fervent desires unto the Lord God Almighty, that he may, for his work's sake, favor his church and people with a plentiful spring of a living ministry, and touch the tongues of many of our youth, with a live coal from his holy altar, that many may be willing to run his errand, and be serviceable in his hand, as were many of the generation, whom he has removed from us.

Mary Wilson.

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The Testimony of Thomas Wilson's Children,

Concerning their Dear Deceased Father.

We find ourselves engaged to give this testimony concerning our dear father, whom the Lord has been pleased to remove from us, having no small share in the loss of him, who was a tender and affectionate parent to us. We can truly say, his concern and care was very great for our growth and preservation in the blessed truth, and that we might be preserved out of hurtful things; and in a particular manner, that as we grew in years we might grow in that sense and knowledge of the holy truth, which we are sure was precious to him. He was often concerned in a solid, tender frame of spirit to advise and instruct us to seek inwardly to know the Lord for ourselves, and the work of truth in our own hearts, that would lead us to walk blamelessly and in great humility before him; saying, that was the way to obtain the blessing. As he was thus concerned for our good, we are sensible his fervent desires and prayers, were secretly to the Lord on our account, that he might be pleased to bless us with an increase of true wisdom and knowledge in the holy truth; and we have good cause to believe, that the Lord was graciously pleased in some degree, to hear and answer bis requests, in that he has in tender mercy visited our souls with a sense of his divine goodness, which we fervently desire may increase in and amongst us.

We have great reason, with thankful hearts to bless the Lord on his account, who made him so great a blessing to us; and not to us only, but to many more who had a sensible knowledge of him, and of his diligent care and counsel, that greatly tended to the good of souls; which, in the love of God, so prevailed in his heart, that he was made willing to spend and be spent in that service whereunto he was called, being a faithful laborer in God's vineyard, that truth and righteousness might increase on the earth; not accounting any fading and transitory enjoyment too dear to part with for Christ and the Gospel's sake. He was much delighted to see the youth and offspring of Friends grow up in a living concern for the truth; and that elders might be good examples and patterns in the church, which was his care to be found in the practice of.

We could say much more concerning him, but rather choose to be brief, referring to other testimonies given, with respect to his labors, travels, and services for the truth; and shall conclude this our testimony, with sincere desires, that the Lord may so favor us, through his infinite goodness and divine assistance, that we may thereby be enabled to run the race that is set before us, so as to obtain the blessing while here, and the crown of eternal life that is laid up for the righteous, when time to us shall be no more.

Thomas Wilson,

Benjamin Wilson.

Thornwell, the 1st of the Third month, 1727.

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James Dickinson's Testimony, Concerning his Friend and Companion,

in the Work of the Gospel, Thomas Wilson—Deceased:

Being a testimony to the sufficiency of the Lord's power, and the work thereof, as it is revealed in the hearts of the children of men, in this as well as in former ages, unto all who have their minds turned to the light of the Lord Jesus Christ, so as to believe and walk therein. These come to have fellowship one with another, and know the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse them from unrighteousness, and are fitted for the service of God; one of which, was this my dear friend and companion, Thomas Wilson.

The first time I was acquainted with him, was in the year 1682, when he had the motion of the Lord's power upon him to preach the everlasting Gospel in the nation of England. He being at our Week-day Meeting at Pardsey, his mouth was opened in a powerful testimony, to the tendering of many hearts, and the meeting was brought under a deep baptism of the one spirit into one body, and drank into one spirit; after which, he soon took shipping for Ireland, and I having a concern upon me to go into that nation, hastened after him, where we found it our place to travel together. The power of the Lord was wonderfully with him, and made him as a cloud full of rain, carried by the breath of the Almighty, to water the ground. He had great service while I was with him, and several were convinced by him.

In the year 1683, he visited several counties in the north of England, it being a time of great persecution, and the Lord's power was wonderfully manifested for our help and preservation. Some officers came to Kendal, where Thomas was then declaring the way of life and salvation, in the mighty power of God, so that the testimony of truth was set over all; and though they pulled him out of the door, yet had not power to take him away with them, but let him return in again, and we kept the meeting in the authority of the Lord's power, until we found freedom to conclude it in a sense of the love of God, with thanksgiving unto him.

In the year 1684, we travelled together through many counties in England, and through Wales; in which journey he had great service, the Lord made him as a flame of fire against sin and wickedness, and often as a cloud full of rain, to comfort the afflicted. We met with no informer in this journey, till we came into South-Wales, at Redstone, where they endeavored to break up our meeting, and could not; but, as we heard afterward, the Friends of that meeting were very largely fined, though the distress was prevented by means of moderate justices, after the death of King Charles II.

The said informer came also to Haverford-West, with a justice to assist him, but the power of the Lord was so eminently with Thomas, in his testimony, that the justice said, if these be the Quakers, I never heard the like, let them alone. In the time of this his journey, many were convinced, and turned to the Lord's teaching. He also travelled in the year 1688, through the south and west parts of England, wherein the Lord supported him by his heavenly power, still adding a blessing to his labors.

In the year 1691, we entered upon our long voyage to America, taking shipping at London for Barbados, it being a time of war between France and England. It was showed him, we should meet with the French fleet, which we did; and it was an exercise to us, but our cries and tears being poured forth to the Lord, he stretched out his arm for our help, and wonderfully delivered us, by sending a great fog, or mist, which blinded the eyes of our enemies,—they took all the fleet except the ship we were in, and two others. My companion had been exercised three days in prayer and fasting, that we might be preserved, and the Lord heard his prayers and restrained the hands of wicked men; so that all those on board were made to confess it was a miraculous deliverance; and even in the time of trial, we felt the Lord's living presence wonderfully with us, to the melting of our hearts, and strengthening our faith, in the sufficiency of his power, that is over all. After which, on a first-day of the week, the company of the other two ships came aboard the ship we were in, and we had a large meeting, wherein the everlasting Gospel of life and salvation was declared amongst them, and they were made to acknowledge it was the truth.

When we came into the latitude of Barbados, we met with another trial, in being chased by a man of war, but our eye was to the Lord: the company concluded to fight, and made preparation for it, having their places ordered them where they should be; but the captain, knowing it was matter of conscience to us not to fight, was civil, and bade us go to the doctor if we pleased; at which the passengers were very angry, saying, we deserved to be shot to death. We told them, Christ's kingdom is not of this world, and therefore his servants cannot fight. But seeing the captain was so kind as to give us liberty of choosing our places, we would be on the quarter-deck with him, which greatly confounded those who were so much against us, and gave us an opportunity to set the testimony of truth over them. It proved to be an English man of war.

We landed in Barbados the 24th of the sixth month, where my companion had great service for the Lord, many hearts being tendered under his testimony, and several convinced. His labors were also great in New England, Rhode Island, Long Island, East and West Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Carolina, Antigua, and Nevis, where many were convinced by him. In some of these places he passed through many perils, by sea and land, lodging out in the woods in winter season; and the greatest of all, was false brethren, but the Lord's power supported him over all.

When we were clear of America, we took shipping at Nevis, the 26th of the twelfth month, and landed at the highlands of Scotland, the 15th of the second month, 1693, and from there returned into Cumberland, being filled with thankfulness to the Lord, for his wonderful deliverances; and though we went forth weeping, bearing precious seed, we returned rejoicing, with sheaves in our bosoms.

We afterwards travelled together up to London, where we met with Friends from most parts of the nation, who were glad to see us, and the Lord's power was still made manifest for our help in his service; blessed be his holy name forever. We being sensible, that without Christ we could do nothing, he wrought all for us, and in us, and strengthened our faith in the sufficiency of his power: in which faith, this my said friend lived, and went through great tribulation, and I doubt not is entered into rest. Our fellowship was great, and the Lord made us one, both in tribulation and joy, being bound up together in the bond of love.

In the year 1713, we took our second voyage together for America, and the Lord made way for us, both inwardly and outwardly, and preserved us near to himself, and one to another, we having nothing in our eye, but the honor of his name, and good of mankind. I know there was not anything more delightful to my dear companion, than to be under the influence of God's holy Spirit, wherewith he was often filled, not only for his own good, but the good of others, he having a dispensation of the everlasting Gospel committed to him of God, which he preached freely, and it was his care to keep it without charge. Though he had a large gift, beyond many, yet was glad of the least child, who spoke from the motion of God's spirit, he having learned to cast down his crown at the feet of the Lamb, for whose exaltation he was given up to spend and be spent. He had much service in this last visit in America, and was greatly comforted in seeing the fruit of his former labors, and those who had been convinced by him, walking in the light of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I might say much more of my own knowledge, concerning his faithful and diligent labors in the work of the Gospel, of which a small account is given in his Journal, yet what I have said, is not to attribute anything to man, but to the Lord's power, which wrought effectually in him, and whereof he was a faithful witness, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

James Dickinson.

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The Testimony of Friends in Ireland, from their National Half-year's Meeting, held in Dublin, from the 8th to the 12th of the Third month, 1726, Concerning that Worthy Elder and Eminent Minister in the Church of Christ, Thomas Wilson—Deceased.

It has pleased Almighty God, the fountain of all mercies, from whom every good and perfect gift comes, in the riches of his love, not only to gather his church and people, but to bless and favor them with many peculiar blessings, and particularly in raising up, gifting and qualifying many for the public ministry, and in the power and demonstration of the holy Spirit, sent them forth to declare the way of life and salvation, whereby they became instrumental to turn many to righteousness, and for the building up and settling his church in the most holy faith, to their comfort and edification. Of the number of these our dear deceased friend was none of the least, whom the Lord was pleased to send into this nation, to preach the everlasting Gospel, first in the year 1682; and he was several times here in the work of the ministry, before he came to settle in this nation, which was about the year 1694. Many of us can say, from a sensible knowledge we had of his diligent labor and eminent services in the work of the Gospel, that he was one, whom the Lord gifted with a large gift in the ministry, and made him instrumental for convincing many.

His doctrine was sound, plain, powerful, and reaching, frequently attended with a heavenly sweetness; and when he had drawings on his spirit to go forth in public service, he was careful in waiting to know the Lord's acceptable time, to which he freely gave up, preferring truth's service before his own worldly concerns; and when he found his spirit clear of the service he was engaged in, he was careful to return with what expedition he could. He was often divinely opened to declare the mysteries of life and salvation, as also to lay open the mystery of iniquity, and to declare against a false ministry, and was made skillful in dividing the word aright, and to feed the flock in due season.

His ministry was sharp against the rebellious, but comfortable and consolating to the mourners in Zion and babes in Christ. The Lord richly endued him with the spirit of prayer and supplication, in which he was often drawn forth in great tenderness and fervency of spirit on behalf of Christ's church and people, and for their offspring in a particular manner; likewise in behalf of kings and rulers, and men in authority, with mankind in general.

He was a good pattern of plainness and humility, diligent in attending meetings for the worship of Almighty God, waiting therein to receive that heavenly power, which first raised him up in a living ministry, and was careful not to minister without it; and though he was an able and eminent minister, chose to give way, rather than stand in the way of any who had a word from the Lord to speak. He was zealous for maintaining the ancient rules and discipline settled in the church in the beginning by our faithful elders, advising Friends to a diligent observance thereof.

Much more might be said concerning his great services, and diligent labors in the work of the Gospel for many years, both in Great Britain, Ireland, and America, which are so well known to many, that we need not enlarge thereon.

And now, though this our dear friend be removed from us, which is cause of sorrow, considering the church's great loss, yet we doubt not but it is his everlasting gain. We conclude with fervent desires, that the great Lord of the harvest may, for his work's sake, be pleased to continue to his church and people, a living spring of the ministry, and that many may be made willing to run his errands, and be serviceable in his hand, as was this our worthy friend, who departed this life the 20th of the third month, 1725; aged about seventy-one years—having been a minister about forty-five years. Signed in behalf of our said meeting, by

Henry Brookfield, George Rooke, Wm. Brookfield, Jacob Fuller, Thomas Bewley, Joshua Clibborn, John Barclay, Mungo Bewley, Gregory Russel, Joseph Inman, John Stoddart, Jonathan Robinson, Edward Barwick, Joseph Gill, John Boles, Richard Sealey, Abel Strettel, Thomas Ducrett, Solomon Watson, Ralph Stephenson, Samuel Watson, Nicholas Harris, James Pillar, Bartho. Garnett, Thomas Greer, James Hill, Daniel Bewley, Toby Courtney, Samuel Fuller, John Chrysty.

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A Brief Abstract of the Testimonies of Friends of the Three Provinces,

Concerning our Deceased friend, Thomas Wilson.

From Ulster Province Meeting.

He was profound in heavenly mysteries, yet plain and clear in declaring them; very skillful and excellent in distinguishing matters of faith and principle, to general satisfaction of the people, who often greatly flocked to meetings, where he came.

He labored diligently for the good of souls, yet did not run forwardly into service, in the will of man, but duly waited for the arising and movings of the word of life and wisdom, which was often eminently with him, and manifested through him, to the affecting and tendering of many hearts, and to the glory of God, the author and giver of all good gifts.

He frequently visited Friends of this province; and the last visit he made to us, was as much as ever, in the openings of divine love, life and sweetness in spirit, to the refreshing and edifying of Friends.

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From Leinster Province Meeting.

His travels and labors of love in the Gospel of Christ, were great, frequently visiting the meetings of Friends in this province, and also having meetings amongst people, where no Friends' meetings are settled. In these labors for the spreading of truth, the Lord's power and goodness attended, and particularly at National and other meetings in the city of Dublin, to which, at times, many sober people of other persuasions came to hear the testimony of truth declared, who have been much affected with tenderness of spirit by his powerful ministry; and though, at times, he was awfully concerned in warning to prepare for a time of great mortality approaching, he yet rejoiced in a sense, that the Lord would lengthen his merciful visitation, and send plentiful showers of the doctrine of his kingdom before his judgments brake out upon the inhabitants.

He also declared to this effect, that the Lord would send his servants into the popish countries to preach the Gospel, which should prevail and spread in those dark parts of the earth, though some might seal their testimony with their blood.

He was a nursing father in the church, cherishing the good in all, particularly the young and weak in the ministry, male or female, who were gifted, and called thereunto, and rejoiced that the Lord had raised up such, both in this nation and elsewhere; and though he was an honorable elder, yet very humble and condescending, as a servant to all; grave and reserved in deportment, often bowed under exercise of spirit, yet at seasonable times, cheerful, sweet, and pleasant in conversation, both with Friends and others, whereby he gained the love and good esteem of many.

Notwithstanding he was an able minister of the Gospel, he was careful not to travel abroad in that service without the unity of the brethren; and when he found himself clear, returned speedily to his outward abode, and was diligent in his lawful vocation of husbandry, for the good of his family, wherein the Lord blessed his endeavors with prosperity and plenty.

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From Munster Province Meeting.

He was a faithful laborer in the Lord's harvest, and travelled much in the service of truth, being willing to spend and be spent for the Gospel's sake; and the Lord blessed his labor of love, so that many were convinced and became as seals of his ministry.

He was zealously concerned against undue liberty and wrong things, that truth's testimony might be maintained in the several branches thereof; that in all things, Friends might walk agreeably to the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, keeping in the path of the faithful, without swerving to the right hand or to the left—being very sensible, that those wholesome rules and precepts, with which we are favored, have been given forth in the wisdom of truth.

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The Testimony of Friends of Coldbeck Monthly Meeting, in Cumberland, Concerning our Dear Friend, Thomas Wilson—Deceased, Who Was a Member of the Said Meeting for Some Time in his Young Years.

This worthy man, was one whom it pleased the Lord to call out of the broad way and vanities of the world, and make acquainted with the way of his blessed unchangeable truth, after having known many days and nights of mourning and sorrow for mis-spent time, that it might be redeemed, and that he might be acquainted with his Saviour, Jesus Christ; who, in due time, appeared by his spirit, to the opening of his heart and enlarging his understanding in those things relating to the way of peace and salvation. As he abode under the cross, it pleased the Almighty to manifest to him, that he was a chosen vessel or instrument for his service, to preach the Gospel, and declare unto others what great and good things the Lord had done for his soul. He gave up in obedience to the Lord's requirings, and being largely endued and qualified by the holy Spirit, became an able minister, and faithful laborer in the Lord's vineyard, sound, powerful, and reaching in doctrine, with plainness of speech, not glossed with human wisdom, very zealous and fervent in prayer, greatly to the comfort and edification of the church. His godly example in life, conversation, great humility and self-denial, much adorned his ministry. He travelled often in truth's service, both in visiting adjacent meetings, and other parts of this nation, from which we have had very good and comfortable accounts of his service, and reception amongst faithful Friends.

He also travelled in Scotland, Ireland, and many parts of America, where many were convinced by him, and joined Friends in the profession of truth. He married a Friend of our meeting, and soon after removed into Ireland, having prospect of a suitable settlement there, and the unity of Friends therein; and being preserved in faithfulness to the Lord, and zealous for the promotion of his truth, he was pleased abundantly to bless him, both spiritually and temporally. We understand his service was great in that nation, and not doubting but accounts thereof will be given by Friends there, we refer thereto for an account of the remaining part of his life, not intending to be large on this subject, well knowing that all which can be said, will add nothing to the happy state of the deceased, but that the memory of the just may remain amongst the righteous, and his footsteps be as way-marks to succeeding generations, is the end of our giving this short testimony concerning our dear and worthy friend. Signed on behalf, and by order of our Monthly Meeting, held at Wood-hall, the 20th of the second month, 1726.

Joseph Peacock, William Greenup, Thomas Lamb, John Scott, William Scott, Thomas Scott, John Sowerby, George Bewley, Robert Gill, Benjamin Bewley, Jacob Nicholson, Samuel Peacock, John Scott.

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An Abstract of a Testimony Given by Friends of Virginia, Concerning Thomas Wilson— Deceased, to which Somewhat is Since Added by Joseph Jordan, a Friend of that Place, Now in Dublin, the 27th of the Twelfth Month, 1726-7.

Among the many faithful laborers, whom the great Lord of the heavenly harvest has been pleased to send from far, with his word and testimony, to visit his people in this colony, our worthy friend, Thomas Wilson, was one eminently serviceable in his ministerial capacity. He was instrumental to convince some of the way of truth, and to edify and comfort many, with the word of the Gospel, which is a word of peace and consolation, as was very manifest by the preaching of this precious servant of Christ, in whom it dwelt richly.

Some of us knew him in his first visit to Virginia, in company of our dear friend and elder, James Dickinson, in the year 1690 or 1691. Friends here were persecuted, and their meetings sometimes disturbed by ill-disposed men; and those who entertained a meeting, were liable to a fine, which frightened some well-minded people; one of whom had given our said Friends liberty to have a meeting in his house, but upon the threats of the sheriff, was discouraged, as we understood, and the meeting was held in an orchard, where a person of note received the truth, under the powerful testimony borne by our dear friend, Thomas, to the one necessary and saving baptism, which is the baptism of Christ, by his spirit. After the meeting ended, this man who had joined in with the visitation of God, through his servant, took him and his companion to his house, and kindly entertained them, notwithstanding the law, which was then severe.

Much might be said of this first visit of our dear friend; but concluding that our friend, James Dickinson, will be more particular and large in his testimony thereof, we shall proceed to some account of the last visit Thomas gave us, which was in the year 1714, when, notwithstanding his advanced age, he was lively and strong in the word of faith, and preached it with much power and demonstration, to our great comfort and encouragement; and he spake sometimes prophetically in our meetings concerning the prosperity of truth. After he had put us in mind of the many visits we had been favored with by ministers sent from Europe, who had been instrumental to gather and settle meetings in America, he told us, the Lord would raise up and qualify many amongst ourselves, to declare the word of his salvation, which is measurably fulfilled. He also said, that many great men, and many young men should bow to the truth in our wilderness country; which we humbly hope will be brought about in time, and that the church of Christ will increase and be more and more extensive in this part of the world.

This man of God also assured us, in the word of prophecy, that way would be made for the spreading of truth in the pope's dominions; and that the feet of many from Great Britain should be turned that way, some of whom should seal their testimonies with their blood; in declaring which, and much more, great tenderness appeared in him, through the virtue and power of the divine anointing, in which his understanding was very bright. We have cause to magnify the Lord our God, for sending this his approved minister amongst us, and for the many profitable and very memorable opportunities we had with him. The account of his decease affected our minds with sorrow, by reason of the church's loss, especially in Ireland, where he sojourned, and where his removal out of this life is doubtless lamented by the faithful, who had been so often and largely refreshed and edified by his labors of love, in the gift of the ministry.

To conclude, we have this testimony to bear, touching the behavior and conversation of our said friend, when with us; that it was the confirmation of his doctrine, being the practice of that holy religion he taught, with great sincerity and success. Spending the time of his sojourning on earth in fear, he was preserved to ancient years; and having finished his day and testimony, he rests from his labors, and his works follow him.

Signed on behalf of Friends in Virginia, the 14th of the fifth month, 1726, by John Porter, Samuel Sebrell, Robert Jordan, John Small, Gerard Robert Ellison, Nathan Newby.

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The Testimony of George Marke, Concerning our Dear Friend, Thomas Wilson—Deceased.

I HAD some knowledge of him before he was convinced of the blessed truth, whereof he afterward became an able minister; in which time of my first acquaintance with him, he was light and airy in conversation, much given to sporting and jesting, having an inclination to make people laugh and be merry, as he called it. But in a little time after, the Lord was pleased to visit him, and break his rest, giving him a sense of the vanity, and unprofitable way of living, wherein he then seemed to have a life; and in a short time, a very great change was wrought in him. All his mirth was turned into mourning, and his laughter into lamentation; solitary places became his resort, and the Lord having in some measure opened his understanding, he was earnestly concerned to seek for a Saviour, and zealous in going constantly to hear the priests, and some other professors, and would bring a great deal of what he had heard home with him, repeating it over, as if willing to feed a little upon it; which proving like husks, and not solid food to a seeking languishing soul, he came gradually to be made sensible by the glimpse of Gospel light, shining in his own conscience, that all the performances he could attain to in that state, being empty and fruitless, brought no lasting peace to him. In a while he left hearing the priests, and frequented Friends' meetings; and the Lord, in his own time, was pleased further to visit him, whereby he was tendered and broken at times, and scarcely able to contain himself under the great exercise of spirit that was upon him.

But the Lord, who had wounded, was pleased in due season to pour healing oil into his afflicted soul, comforting and strengthening his inward man, so that he had a few words sometimes to deliver in the meeting. His appearance therein was in great dread and fear, and his words piercing, being attended with a divine authority, and several were convinced by him in the early time of his ministry: one instance I may relate. He was concerned in testimony at the burial of a Friend belonging to our meeting at Mosedale, the burying-place being near my house, and four of my servants, not of our persuasion, who were at work a little distance off, hearing the sound of his voice, left their work, and drew near to hear him, where they were so reached by his testimony, that, to the best of my remembrance, they never went any more to hear a priest, but were all convinced, and came amongst Friends.

He was one whom the Lord was pleased to bring through the furnace of affliction, and make a chosen vessel for his use and service, being soon called to travel abroad in the work of the ministry; so that his outward settlement, or place of abode was little more amongst us; but this I may say, I believe with many more, that when it pleased the Lord to cast his lot amongst us, we partook of his service which the Lord concerned him in, with great satisfaction, comfort, and confirmation in the blessed truth.

I conclude with my firm persuasion, that he was one of the valiants of Israel, who has done his day's work carefully, and is entered into that rest, prepared of the Father, for the faithful; and though he is removed, yet his memory will live amongst us.

George Marke.

Mosedale, in Cumberland, the 28th of the Third month, 1726.

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The Testimony of Thomas Priestman, Concerning his Dear Friend, Thomas Wilson—Deceased.

That the Lord our God, who is the Father of mercies, has in this day, as in former ages, visited a people with the day-springing from oh high, is signally manifested and experienced, and that he fails not to answer the desire and breathings of that soul which feels its lack of him, and seeks him in sincerity, however bewildered at times, not knowing where to find him whom it seeks after, is evident, by his gracious visitation of this our dear friend, Thomas Wilson, who, I believe, did sincerely seek after the knowledge of the truth, that he might not be deceived; and though his exercise of spirit was great, with strong cries and groans that could not be uttered in words, yet the Lord, who has said, call upon me in the time of trouble, and I will hear and deliver you, answered the desire of his long mournful and distressed soul.

I remember one time at a meeting at Woodhall, a Friend there warned the people, and said, it was a day of visitation to some in that place; and Thomas Wilson was wonderfully broken in spirit, until it pleased the Lord to reveal his Son in him, and give him an understanding of what he should do, which, for a season, he was unwilling to give up unto; but the Lord's power prevailed, and made him willing to deny himself, and obey the Lord, in declaring the word of life, as required, and which often flowed through him, to the refreshing and comforting of the church of Christ, and convincement of several. Many who had travelled and been afflicted in spirit with him, that he might be preserved, and brought through to the praise of God, were made glad, he often having a word in season from the Lord, to speak in great love and tenderness to tribulated souls, remembering he had been afflicted, and not comforted for a time.

Much might be said on the behalf of this our friend and brother, of whom. I had many times a feeling sense while amongst us; but his works and labors of love for God, and his people, declare aloud for him, whereby he being dead, yet speaks. He is fresh in the remembrance of many of us, and the dealings of God with him, who raised him from a low degree, and made him an able minister of the Gospel, to turn people to the knowledge and obedience of the truth in themselves.

Thomas Priestman.

Dearudding, the 20th of the Second month, 1726.