named Ellis Pugh, who proposed to go over there: I had great satisfaction and comfort sea with me to visit his friends in Wales, was in being there. We took meetings as they now with me, and we came into Maryland, suited, in our way; and I found my companand took our passage home with a Friend, ion under a great concern to speak something whose name was Daniel Maud, but he could in meetings, but very backward and loath to not be ready to sail under two months; so my give up to it. I gave him what encouragecompanion returned to his family, and I visited ment I could; and in Tewksbury meeting, Virginia and Carolina, and had good satisfac- after some struggle in himself, he stood up, tion. I took my leave and returned to the and appeared very much to his own, and ship, and found my dear friend Ellis Pugh, Friends' comfort, and so in every meeting labouring among Friends in Maryland. In a after till we came to Bristol; and indeed he little time the ship fell down the bay, where appeared more like an elder in the work than the fleet made up, waiting for convoy, and in a babe. At Bristol he did not get through a few weeks the fleet came together, being what he had before him to his liking, and sat very large; but many ships had taken so great down under great discouragement, but I cheerdamage by staying so long in the country, ed him up as well as I could, by giving him that they could not bear the sea, and several an account of my experiences; and when we foundered, and some put back to unload, and came to the little country meetings again, he have their ships repaired. We had a long did finely, and gathered strength and experipassage, but arrived safe, landing at Ports-ence in the work.

mouth, in the tenth month, 1706, visited a We came to my intended father-in-law's small meeting at Portsmouth, and took coach house, and went to their Monthly Meeting, for London, where I staid to visit the meetings where I and my friend proposed our intended in the city, and afterwards went down to Wilt- marriage, which was taken notice of. Bristol shire Quarterly Meeting, where was some un-Yearly Meeting coming on, we went thither, easiness amongst Friends, but happily reconciled.

I then went into Somersetshire to visit my friend, to whom I was under an engagement of marriage as before hinted, where I remained a few weeks, and visited meetings in that neighbourhood, and so went for Bristol, where I staid a week or ten days, then went pretty directly into the north, which I called my home, and glad I was to be amongst my old friends again.

and met our worthy friend Thomas Camm, who intended to be at our marriage. After the Yearly Meeting was over at Bristol, Thomas Camm took a meeting or two in the way, but my friend James and I returned back, in order for me to get clear of the Monthly Meeting, and likewise to provide ourselves necessaries for the wedding, which was to be accomplished the week following, at a meeting on purpose at Puddimore, and it was a very large meeting, several public Friends besides Thomas Camm being there.

Having visited the meetings in our own county, and delivered up my certificate, giving The Yearly Meeting at London coming on, an account of my travels, at the next Monthly I staid but a few days with my wife; I would Meeting I acquainted Friends with my intended have had her gone with me, but her mother marriage, having a few lines from under my was taken ill of a feverish disorder, and was intended wife's hand, as likewise from her very weak, for which reason she was not easy parents, showing all their consent. And I to go; so I was obliged to leave her to nurse desired a certificate from the meeting, and her mother, who in a few days grew much persons were appointed, as is usual in the like better. I had a sweet opportunity with the case, to make inquiry of my clearness. In family, and one or two other Friends in her the interim the Quarterly Meeting for Cum-chamber, and the spirit of prayer came on berland happened to be at Carlisle, whither I James, and he was drawn forth very largely, went. The meeting was exceedingly large, and very devoutly. After which, not without and I had great satisfaction in being there. I considerable reluctance, we parted for a short visited a few meetings in Cumberland, but was limited for time, being obliged to be at the next Monthly Meeting to have my certificate to present in Somersetshire, in order to proceed towards my marriage.

By this time the spring was advanced, and my worthy friend James Wilson offered his company to go to my marriage; accordingly we set forward, and took in our way the Yearly Meeting at Middlewich, which was very large, and several weighty Friends were

time, and James and I set out for London, and that meeting was very large, and Friends there were willing I should give some account of my travels, which I was much afraid of; but being called upon in the meeting, I did it, and came off better than I expected; Friends expressing their approbation of it.

As soon as the meeting was over, dear James and I had a heavy parting; but as I was going to my wife, that helped to cheer my heart a little. I came directly home with

places.

out taking any meeting, having my dear the life of religion in all shapes." Yet neverfriend James Salter, and others who had been theless we found a brave living people in that at the Yearly Meeting, in company. I staid nation, and great encouragement to visit fresh with my dear wife, and went very little abroad for more than twelve months, hav- I came from Coleraine to Lurgan, Mounting very great comfort and satisfaction in Allen, and sundry small meetings thereabout, my married state, my wife being a true as Hillsborough, Lisbon, Raffer Island, and so sympathizer with me in the exercises which to Drogheda, Friends having a meeting house I often was under, of one kind or another. in that town, but few came to meeting, there Sometimes I feared how we should go on in being no Friends in the town except two men. the world, and she would often say, if we From thence I went for Dublin, then visited get but little, we will spend less; and if we the meetings towards Wicklow, Waterford, save a little out of our gettings, we shall do and so to Cork, and had a large meeting at well enough, I am not at all fearful of it, nei- Kinsale, it being the first meeting in the meetther would I have thee to be. I was jealous ing house that Friends had built there. Friends that my ministry was not so living as it had in that kingdom are highly to be commended, been before I was married; and making my in not sparing charge for accommodating trouble and uneasiness about it known to my meetings, either by building or hireing places wife, she would endeavour to dissuade me from for that service. such thoughts, adding, there was no reason for it; so that I found her to be a help-meet indeed.

Finding a concern to visit Ireland, I acquainted her therewith, and she gave me up so freely and cheerfully, that it was like a cordial to me; saying she expected I would often leave her, and that she had resolved in herself before marriage, she would never hinder my ministry if she could possibly avoid it, and she hoped the Lord would strengthen her, and make that easy to her.

By this time the Half-yearly Meeting at Dublin came on, but nothing very remarkable happened there. I took my leave of Friends, and when clear, I left the city, and my dear friend Joseph Gill, accompanied me about three weeks. He did not then appear as a minister in meetings, but was under great exercise and the influence of Divine goodness, which I was satisfied would be manifested by his coming forth in the ministry in due time, which accordingly came to pass; for in a few weeks after his return, he appeared very acceptably in the ministry, and became a serviceable man in the work.

About the fifth month, 1708, I applied to the Monthly Meeting for a certificate, which I obtained, and then took shipping at Minehead, After we parted I went for Cork, and took and landed at Cork, where I staid two or shipping for home, but the wind not favouring three meetings to good satisfaction. I then us for almost three weeks, gave me some unwent to Charleville and Limerick, visiting the easiness, because I had written to my wife, meetings along that side of the nation to Cole- that I intended coming sooner. I heard afterraine, and I found very hard work in many wards that some of our neighbours had replaces, and in some meetings was quite shut ported, that I with the ship was taken into up; but where the people who did not profess France; but my poor wife bore up bravely with us came in plentifully, it was not so, under it. When the wind sprung up fair, the there being an open door. That worthy master set sail, and we were but just got clear Friend, and heavenly minded, meek, and di- of the river before it veered against us; so vine preacher, Gilbert Thompson, was there the master proposed to fetch Waterford, and at the same time; and when we conversed thought it would be better to do so than go about it, I found he was much as I was, shut back to Cork. We all agreed, and got there up and found it very hard work in some by the close of the evening, being seventh-day; places to get forward; and as he was in ex-I staid the first-day meeting, which was very perience and age much my superior, I asked much to satisfaction, and I was opened in the what he thought might be the reason, why it excellency of the Gospel. On second-day we seemed more dead amongst Friends in this nation now, than in some other places? He gave this as a reason, "That the professors of truth in that nation were very strict and exact in some things, and placed much in outward appearance, but too much neglected the reformation and change of the mind, and having the inside thoroughly cleansed from pride and iniquity; for thou knowest," said he, "the leaven of the Pharisees was always hurtful to VOL. III.-No. 2.

set sail again, and got into Minehead in about forty-eight hours, and I posted home by Bridgewater, and met with a hearty and kind welcome from all our family, more especially my dear wife, having spent in Ireland somewhat more than eighteen weeks. It soon got abroad that I was come home, and many Friends, from several neighbouring meetings, came to visit me, and we had great comfort in one another.

6

I had now nothing to do but visit the meet- in arrears, that it was beyond their powings around me, which were pretty numerous: er to end it, and it must be put into the exyet one thing came closely upon me, which chequer, and that would be very chargeable, was, to put myself into some business to get which," says he, "must fall upon you at last." bread. Some proposed one way, some an- I told him that I could do nothing to make it other. London and Bristol were both men-up; and having conferred some time, we went tioned, but I could not see my way to either in again, and he spoke to the effect following, of them; and what I should do in the country," That he was very sorry he could not serve being ignorant of farming, I saw not yet. At us, as we were both his neighbours and last it was proposed that I might with a little friends," meaning the parson and me, and told charge put up a conveniency to make a little the parson "it would be uneasy to us both; malt, in which, when an apprentice, I had and would have us end it between ourselves. some experience, being then used to it. I ac- I said, if it were a matter of just debt that I cordingly did, but my stock was very small, was satisfied was my neighbour's due, I should and some kind friends lent me some money. soon end it with neighbour Ray, and be as I found it to answer better than I expected, so willing to pay as he was to receive it; but as that I was encouraged to proceed; and in it was not of that nature, I could by no means about three years time I found it answered do it. So I was dismissed, and in a little time very well, so that I went on with pleasure, served with an exchequer process; and in a and took great care, and was very diligent in few months after, in the next term, I was my business, and in attending all meetings taken up in my way for Bristol, where I was that I could reach in a morning's ride, as I going about my business, and put into jail. found a concern so to do. The comfort and But when the parson had got me there he was happiness I enjoyed was great, for I could very uneasy indeed, so that he could not take entertain my friends with a lodging and other his rest, and told his attorney, "If he lost all necessaries in a plain way, which was very his claim, he could by no means keep me agreeable to us both; and most Friends who there, for he had no rest or quietness of mind came, took a bed with me one or two nights, night nor day." Accordingly the attorney as best suited their conveniency in their jour- came to the keeper in less than ten days time, desiring him to let me go home to look after my business; which I did, and in a few days went my journey to Bristol; and when I had done my business there, took a little turn into Wiltshire, and spent about two weeks in visiting meetings, and so returned home.

ney.

In a little time a storm arose: the parson of the parish having had nothing from our family for thirteen years and upwards, for his small tithes, and other church dues, as he styled them, got a summons for me to meet him before the justice; but before the time I informed my friends at the Meeting for came I wrote him a few lines to know his de- Sufferings in London, how it stood; who admand, and he wrote me a long letter in an- vised me, that the parson could not proceed swer, to which I replied. All which are an- further, as he had taken me up and put me nexed. The time came, and some other into jail: so I heard no more of it all that Friends were convened by other priests from winter; but in the spring a distant relation of other parishes at the same time. When I was our family came to my wife when I was from called, there were two justices, Edward Phil- home, and desired her to lend him ten pounds, lips, Esq., of Montague, and Harben, for he was going to a fair, being a consideraEsq., of Newton. Phillips was very rough ble grazier. She had no thoughts about the and boisterous in words, and Harben alto- parson's demands, that being a much larger gether as mild, using many arguments to per-sum, and he being a dissenter, and having suade me to pay the demand myself, or suffer done me the like favour, she lent it him, and some other person to pay it, being very earnest he gave her his note accordingly. My wife, that I should suffer him to pay it for me, and when I came home, told me what she had he would not desire to have it all together; done, and I said it was very well, mistrusting supposing I might not so well spare what the nothing of any trick in the matter; but as he parson demanded at once. I told him I was came in my absence to borrow it, so in like very much obliged to him for his kind offer, manner he came in pretence to pay it, adbelieving his intention was to serve me, but I dressing himself to my wife to this effect; could by no means accept it, without injury "Dear cousin, if you can help me to that to my own mind, it being a matter that con-note, I had best pay it; you know I borrowed cerned my conscience, which I desired to keep it of you, and shall pay it to you." So she void of offence towards God. He took me very innocently brought his note, and he tore into another room, and was very earnest to it immediately; and putting his hand into his have it made up; urging, "it was so much pocket, took out and threw down to her, the

Lymington, the 15th of the Fourth month, June, 1712.

Neighbour Ray,

fence? I think thy people this year and last were very unreasonable in their taking, having both years, modestly computed, taken above one eighth part of my hay: and Brook's never, as I am informed, paid any in kind till thou came into the parish; but now for nine pence the three acres, thou hast taken every year hay worth eight or nine shillings per annum at least. As for arguments between us, for or against, I suppose them needless, but I take it very hard to be so treated from a man of thy pretensions. I believe thou wouldst not, if in my case, like such treatment. Not that I murmur or repine because my goods are taken away on this account, being persuaded that it is my duty actively to refuse a compliance with the laws that command tithes; and if I must, as I have already done, suffer the spoiling of my goods, I hope passively to submit and bear it. This I conclude with desires of good for thee and thine every way.

parson's receipt for the ten pounds, in full of be served as Mr. Bantom and Mr. Tilley were; all demands for tithes to that time. My poor and indeed, if it were again to do, I should do wife was under a very great surprise, urging, the same, said he.-Robert Bantom and Wilit would be a very great uneasiness to me. liam Tilley were two very great sufferers by "Your husband," said he, "is we allow, a exchequer process, both very honest sincere man of sense, but in this he is a stubborn Friends. Thus was this affair ended. The fool; and I would have paid it out of my own first letter I wrote the parson, with the parpocket, rather than he should have ruined you son's answer, and my reply, are annexed, and himself, which this exchequer suit would | viz: soon have done, if it had gone on; for his original demand is fourteen pounds and upwards, and he hath been at forty or fifty shillings charge already, and you must have paid that and ten times more if it had gone on, Since thou art pleased to proceed against which now I have cleared for ten pounds; Ime by justice's warrant, I desire thou wouldst think you are exceedingly well off." "Ay be pleased to let me know what thou demandbut," said she, "we look at inward peace more est; else, how shall I be able to make my dethan all that, and I shall be blamed for being privy to the contrivance, and beget a jealousy in my husband about other affairs." "Oh! my dear cousin, trouble not yourself about that," said he," for I can clear you, that you are as innocent of it as a new born babe: and I know I could not have brought it about with your husband, for he would have started so many questions, that I could not possibly have brought it about any other way, than by ploughing with his heifer." When my wife told me of it, which was not presently, it troubled me, to have my testimony thus evaded by this undermining trick, which was, in the Iman who did it, designed for our good no doubt, and the note that he gave for the money being destroyed, I had nothing to show under his hand for the money, and what to do in it I was at a loss. I thought it best to convene the elders, and let them know how it stood, and to be advised how I might clear my testimony, and my dear wife and self, from having any hand in this deceitful trick; which I accordingly did, and they were satisfied we were clear of the contrivance, but did not know what to do to satisfy others about it; one Friend was for suing him who had thus tricked me for the ten pounds. But others thought such an act would do more hurt than good, and thought it by no means advisable to act any further, than to go to my kinsman and let him know, that what he had done in the case, though by him intended for a kindness, yet it had the contrary effect on our minds, so that although he intended to serve us, it proved a disservice, and to request that he would never serve us so again. In due time my wife and I took an opportunity, and discoursed the matter over with him; and he to excuse it, said, he little thought we would take it so much amiss as we had, having, as he thought, no reason for it, and wondered our friends should be so stubborn as to contend against law; and he could not bear to think we should "You might as well make an entry upon

"Sir,

SAMUEL BOWNAS.

"I have been above thirteen years in the parish, and have not given the family any disturbance, though the arrears which are due to me are considerable; so that you have no reason to complain of hard usage from me, but rather to thank me for my kindness, in bearing this injustice so long.

"You do not think, when you go to law with one another, or with some of those who differ from you, that you spoil their goods, when you put them to charges, that you may force them to do you justice. And why, pray you, should it be thought a spoiling of your goods, when we do nothing more than you do yourselves, when you think you are wronged; that is, endeavour to recover our own? For I demand nothing of you but what I know tc be mine before I receive it.

our glebe lands, or upon anything else we possess, as to seize upon the tithes, to which you have no more title than to the other, unless you have bought them, as I am sure you have

not.

but butterflies. Nevertheless, since the war against France began, your friends have given the same active obedience to the laws for payment of taxes, as their fellow subjects have done; and I hope you, for the future, will do for the payment of tithes, which, according to your avowed principles, is as lawful as the payment of taxes for carrying on a war with vigour.

but his neighbour's.

"For every body who understands these things will tell you, that when such lands as are tithe free, are sold or let, they are for that reason valued at an higher price, and the lord or seller makes the tenant or purchaser pay "It is a vain thing to pretend conscience to for the tithe, as well as for the rest of the excuse oppression or covetousness, for it must estate and that on the other hand, there is a be one or other of these which makes any proportionable abatement made to the pur-man take possession of what is not his own, chasers and tenants of such lands as are liable to the payment of tithes. And there is very good reason for it, because in that case the tithes being no part of the landlord's property, he cannot make them over to another, or demand a price for that which he has not sold; and those who rent or purchase his estate, can claim no title by virtue of any conveyance or grant of his, but only to what he had a right to dispose of himself; so that if you will needs, in this matter, pretend conscience, you ought not to occupy any land but what is tithe-free.

"But if you think that this would be very grievous and inconvenient, you ought, when you occupy tithe-land, to permit us quietly to enjoy our tithes, which are a part of our freehold; and to which we have the same title as we have to our glebe, wherein you claim no propriety, as indeed you have no manner of title to the tithe. If you have, be pleased to show it, and let us know from whom you had it. And if you have none, as I know you have not, do not go to pretend conscience for invading your neighbour's property.

"For my part I do not see any reason why you should not actively comply with the law for payment of tithes, as well as with that for taxes, as your friends have done over all the kingdom ever since the revolution; and some of them have been collectors, though the title of the act of parliament did plainly show, that the tax was for carrying on a war against France with vigour and yet your friends, even those who have been of greatest reputation among you, and the champions of your cause, have declared as much against the lawfulness of all war, as they have done against the payment of tithes, and sometimes have carried the matter so high, as to refuse the payment of money demanded of them for that purpose; as Robert Barclay in his Apology tells us, "they suffered because they would not pay for drums and colours, and other military furniture." And this they did in the time of peace, when the militia met only to make a raree-show, and had at the place of rendezvous no other enemies to skirmish with

"If we lived by the alms-basket and could claim nothing but what we might expect from the benevolence of those from whom we make any demand of this nature, we could not blame you so much: but the case is otherwise; for we desire none of your benevolence, and we know the tithe is no part of your estate, and that you can claim no right to it, either by donation or purchase. Therefore do not go to call that your own which is not; and being you disclaim all violence against, or oppression of, men upon the account of their conscience, we may reasonably expect so much tenderness from you, that you would not oppress us, because we differ from you, and that you would not, under a pretence of conscience, seize upon our estates, and then make an outcry against us, when we desire the assistance of the civil magistrate, for recovering any part of our properties or freeholds, as often as you unjustly invade them. Surely we might look for more equity from you, being we are members of that church, which in other respects permits you the free exercise of your religion, and has confirmed the same by the late act of indulgence, agreed upon by the bishops, lords, and commons of our communion. An instance of such moderation as was never shown to our church by any other sect who had us under their power, whether Papists, or some violent and fierce Protestant dissenters, who perhaps would handle us as roughly as our predecessors were by them, if God should again permit us to fall under their merciless hands.

"You say, you take it hard to be so treated by a man of my pretensions, and if it was from some of the same cloth, you would think it was like themselves. But why should it be thought inconsistent with my pretensions, to demand what I know to be my own? And why may I not say the same to you, that I take it hard to be so treated by a man of your pretensions, who profess, that violence against those who differ from you, merely upon the account of their conscience, is unwarrantable; and yet, contrary to this your profession, you