The following extract is from a letter to him, dated, Uxbridge, sixth month 10th, 1797, written by Ann Crowley, viz:

my way, and if there be anything in me which prevents thy great work from going forward in my heart, do thou it away: let not thine hand spare, nor thine eye pity, until thou hast made me what thou wouldst have me to be.'

worthy of the conversation and society of those whom I so greatly preferred in the truth, to myself, I had not courage to seek it, but retired much alone, bemoaning my own "I trust my beloved friend will excuse me weakness and poverty, concluding that none for troubling him with a few lines, which I knew how it fared with me. When I heard believe I should not have done, but from an some of my beloved friends expressing the apprehension that liberty is felt to communi- overshadowing of divine good which was so cate a little of my tried situation, to one who largely to be felt in some of our gatherings, often travels in the deeps, and is thereby and the sense of gratitude which dwelt on qualified to administer a word of counsel to their minds for such favours, my soul was those who may have had less experience. introduced into a state of lamentation, fearing Such has been the stripped state of my mind that my heart was become obdurate, because for a long season, that I have often been I could not sensibly partake of that heavenly tempted to let go my confidence, and con- enjoyment and soul-sustaining virtue, which clude it was impossible to hold on my way, many others appeared to share, and whereby and that I must inevitably fall by the hand the soul is kept alive unto God. But through of my enemy. At other times, am ready all, I am ready, at seasons, to lay hold on to think that I have been under a delu- the hope, that a state of poverty and desersion, and have not yet distinguished the tion is seen to be most profitable for me, and voice of the true Shepherd; and thus, as that these proving seasons are not always inwell as with various other discouraging cir- tended as a rod of chastisement. I think I cumstances, has my faith been tried, until can, at times, feelingly breathe this language; it is reduced to a very low ebb. The lan-Search me, O Lord, and try me and know guage formerly expressed by one, who no doubt felt his lonely situation, often seems applicable to me, I am like a pelican of the wilderness-I am like an owl of the desert; I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.' None seems to fathom the exercise of my tribulated soul, nor knows the "It is not my intention, by thus addressing bitterness of my heart: yet it is possible this my endeared friend, to be pouring out the may all be ordered in best wisdom, and some-language of complaint, for I am truly sensitimes I am ready to hope it is; for if these trials are rightly abode under, I have little doubt but they will tend to drive the soul home to that safe place of shelter, which I believe has been found by many to be a secure hiding place, even from the greatest storms. Here our dependence becomes more solidly fixed on that all-sufficient Arm of help, which is able to support in the needful time; when, perhaps, if greater opportunity was afforded, I might be induced, from a hope of getting relief, improperly to disclose the painful situation of my mind, and seek for inferior help, when "It may seem presuming in me, whose exnothing short of that divine consolation, which perience in divine mysteries is so small, to comes from the Fountain of inexhaustible good, say, that my beloved friend has often been immediately handed to my soul, might be brought near in sympathetic remembrance, permitted to prove sufficient to revive the and according to my small measure I have mind in hope. Thus I am enabled, at sea- felt strong desires that thou mayest experi sons, to endeavour to reconcile my mind to ence a daily increase of that faith and pamy tried allotment. I sincerely wish, my tience, which enabled many of our ancient dear friend, to be preserved from saying any-worthies to bear the burden in the heat of the thing which may increase my own poverty, day. When favoured to look a little beyond or give uneasiness to thy feeling mind, and if the present day of suffering, and call to mind I have done so, I am quite willing to stand that at the end of the race, a crown immorreproved, and desire thy entire freedom here- tal is given to all the faithful dedicated servin. I frequently wished, during my late stay ants in the Father's family, it animates us to in London, to spend a little time in thy in- press through the many crowds of difficulties structive company; but feeling myself un- which arise in the way."

ble that I have been made partaker of many more favours than my little dedication merits; but being fully convinced that thou art one of those who have passed through many tribulations, and whose baptisms have been of a fiery nature, I thought I felt something more than a bare liberty to unbosom a little to thee the tried state of my mind, believing that deep can utter unto deep, and that it is those only, who have trodden the same suffering path, who can availingly sympathize with minds buried in suffering and death.

"20th.-David Sands and I had some instructive conversation together respecting several matters, and hope I have gained something by it. Returned to my chamber from a secret impression on my mind, in order to prostrate myself at the footstool of my gracious Lord and Master, and felt some relief. O how precious is one little ray of light and life dispensed, and a living hope revived, which enables me to say, Lord I desire to wait thy time for enlargement. Ah! it is good to be content, even to be shut up as in prison, and not to cast away confidence then, though the doors may appear to be fast secured. No way opens clearly, either to go home to my family and friends, or to any place in this nation; and what can I do but endeavour after resignation. So be it-stand fast, O my soul, and yet look up unto thy only sure Helper, who has forgiven thee much, and has done much for thee in past days, and even in this land, in keeping thee from sinking in the hour of trial.

“22nd.—To Ratcliff monthly meeting with E. Janson, P. Speakman, and M. Horne, where we met Mary Watson and sister. Dined at T. Harford's, and a singular opportunity occurred, in which I thought Phebe Speakman was much favoured to speak to the state of the heads of this family; something like giving in my witness, appeared to be my duty, and M. Watson concluded the opportunity sweetly, I thought, in prayer.

"28th.-Went with Sarah Harrison to Gracechurch street meeting, where I poured out my tears, and after it prostrated myself in prayer. Felt a willingness to go with S. Harrison as far as Uxbridge, and leave London in such a way as not to return, if way should open."

the language, He trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with him,' and believe there may be, in measure, a similar experience in the line of painful exercise, although in the present superficial state of things such may appear to have neither form nor comeliness, like their blessed Master. Well, my dear friend, Thou God seest me,' is a precious appeal, and what an abundant mercy that he peculiarly regards and owns such as are resigned thus to be baptized, and with heartfelt submission drink the cup of suffering: these will not only know him, their suffering Lord, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death, but will also assuredly experience the power of his resurrection, and after these baptisms unto death, feel an increase of pure spiritual life. But why should my pen run on thus, as though such a poor creature as I am, could administer any relief or encourage. ment to thy tried mind, which has been so abundantly instructed from on high, for the sake of others, so that I have often said, thou needest not to be ashamed. He who, by His own divine power, hath caused thee hitherto to bring forth these things out of thy treasury, designs not now to shut up any longer than may qualify for increasing faithfulness in his work; and though I can often scarcely discern my own way one step, I have so much faith respecting thy way clearing up, that I was ready to say, that perhaps even now, the renewings of the heavenly commission await thee; and though I feelingly observed the declension of thy bodily strength, surely the great healer of breaches can do all in this respect, as thou and I, my dear friend, have had cause often to acknowledge."

"30th.-Went with Phebe Speakman and Ann Crowley to a little meeting at Rickmansworth, eight miles from Uxbridge, held in the parlour of Emmet Skidmore, in which dear Ann was drawn forth in an extraordinary manner; and returned back in the evening to Uxbridge.

The following is taken from a letter addressed to him by his beloved friend Mary Dudley, dated Bristol, sixth month 23rd, 1797. "Thy_farewell salutation, handed me on the evening previous to my leaving London, was truly cordial to my mind, which had been so much with thee, that I was about set- "Seventh month 3rd.-After rising this ting out to seek a little of thy valued society. morning I felt more cheerful and resigned, However gratifying this might have been to and this little pleasant feeling causes thankme, I was content, and I may say, thankful, in fulness. O how easy a thing it would be to being remembered by thee, as thou hast been by the great Disposer of events to change the me, in a nearly uniting manner; and several dispensation, even as streams in the south; times have I wished to salute thee as an en- and thereby cheer and comfort my wading deared brother in the fellowship and tribula- mind. Forgive, O Lord, and have mercy on tions of the gospel. This is a track in which me,-then might I be favoured to teach transfrom feeling sympathy, I do believe thy ex-gressors thy way, and by the help of omnipotent ercised spirit moves, and through which power, sinners might be converted. O that perhaps, in like degree, many are not passing, the dispensation I am now passing through may although each one may conclude his own be looked at hereafter, if my life is spared a burden enough. I remember while writing little longer, and do me good in the latter end.

mons, in a low exercised state of mind, and endeavoured to cast my whole self on the everlasting helper of his people. O how of ten could I fall prostrate on the earth, and bewail my state; but there is a secret stay and a language, be patient-be still. After dinner I again took my lonely walk-my bodily strength seems recruited, and O that patience may have its perfect work respecting my spiri tual strength, or so much as the Lord in mercy may please to grant. I cannot move in my

O that I may not bring reproach on that ever blessed truth, which I hope and trust has been espoused by me through holy help in days past; and I dare not believe otherwise now, though my little preaching seems to be, as it were, out of the prison window, or through the iron grating,-for soon after I am shut up again.

"4th.-Drove Ann Crowley to Jordan's to a meeting, appointed by Ann Alexander and company; we found a rough way for a few miles of the latter part; Ann and her sister and Ann Crowley appeared, and I was shut up in silence. The house was nearly full, and mostly made up of women of the middle or lower rank, some few excepted, who camé in light and airy; a few men of the first description, and less of those of higher rank. Methought as I sat amongst them, what a change! probably I sat in or near the place where those favour-own will or desire, to his praise and honour. ed men, Isaac Penington and William Penn formerly did, when they could look over a large gathering of living professors, and very likely often handed forth to them living food from the Lord's heavenly table, to their mutual refreshment. Now, if the few Friends were away from before me, there would appear few or none but women with scarlet cloaks, in a raw undisciplined state. Alas! how has the crown fallen from off the head; and yet what evident marks of the footsteps to be seen. A neater meeting-house is not often to be seen, and many conveniences about it; and the grave yard is in nice order. We ate our dinners in an upper chamber, a cold fare, but to me it relished well, and reminded me of many such occasions in the wilderness of America. I learn that two ancient men keep up this meeting twice a week. I returned back to Uxbridge with my friend, and Ann Alexander went to Wiccomb.

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6th.-Truly I am a poor creature, and seemed this morning as though I could hardly lift a finger towards prayer; like one that had become bankrupt-broken to pieces: perhaps when this is truly so, my good Master may graciously be pleased again to make me up. I am ready to query whether ever there was such an one sent over sea; and yet, O that I may be favoured even in the fires to glorify His great name, whose work and word is a deep mystery. After dinner A. Crowley proposed a ride, with which I closed; and she and R. Hull and I rode as far as where Isaac Penington used to live, within sight of Chalfont. It is a pleasant rural spot, with a deep valley not far from it, and a grove of fine trees in and around it. The ancient garden walls are standing, and the one next the road is built partly of small flint stones and partly of brick it is about two miles from Jordans. "8th. I hear that Ann Alexander and sister, and David Sands, are not far from us, appointing meetings amongst other professors; and here I am, blind, poor and naked, but not miserable; because I humbly trust I am not standing still thus, from day to day, in my own will.

"13th.-Took a solitary walk on the com

“17th.—To Tottenham and met with George and Sarah Dillwyn, Phebe Speakman, and her companion Ann Crowley. After dinner dear George supplicated, and my mind was tendered, and once more had a small Pisgah sight of good things. It was indeed pleasant to have a little prospect of what gos. pel ministry is, and I ventured to hand forth some encouragement to those afresh setting out, although so shut up myself.

"23rd, first-day.-Did not feel so much oppression as sometimes on awaking this morning. O that I might be favoured this day to cast away the labour and toil that have so often made me feel uncomfortable, and lift up my heart to God in faith; feeling an holy resolution formed by it to give up in all things to the Lord most merciful, to follow on to know him. Surely in the midst of all these deep plunges, my soul craves this, and dare not let him go. Better is it to die than to bring dishonour to the great name. O thou searcher of hearts, and trier of the reins of men, thou knowest my condition and canst speak to it. Turn out every wrong thing from my heart-root out every wrong plant, and grant me contentment under thy humbling hand. I went to Tottenham meeting, where I found M. Watson; a quiet, calm resignation spread over my mind in my walk thither, and soon after sitting down, an exercise spread, and the sight of the people assembled added weight to it, some of whom were at the last meeting I attended at Gracechurch street, which was a remarkable time. My exercise increased, and cleansing virtue from the divine presence was experienced in my own particular. O! methought, what a mercy once more to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living; and feeling strength and boldness given me, I stood up with these words: he

that hath a dream let him tell his dream; and the conclusion favour me to return home with he that hath the word of the Lord, let him peace. O my travailing soul, wait thou on speak it faithfully; for what is the chaff to the God, who will strengthen thee, and be thou wheat, saith the Lord.' But what most rested on ready to go forward, when the cloud is taken my mind, was the fresh revival of these expres-up, if even but a little: and O, saith my soul, sions, Son of man, behold I take away from that if there are fellow servants preparing to thee, the desire of thine eyes, with a stroke;' accompany me to my native land, that the and as my soul has of later months been made great Master will be pleased to accomplish his so deeply sensible of this taking away, and even work in them, and cause them to be in readimy pleasantest enjoyments have been crum- ness. My beloved friend and fellow traveller bled as into the earth, I had not only to hum- and labourer, and I, had an opportunity this ble myself in telling the assembly so, but to morning of conversing together, and my soul reason with them of righteousness, temperance craves that our care and sympathy may not and judgment to come. M. Watson concluded go beyond the altar, but that through all, the meeting in prayer, and in the little pause preservation may be graciously granted, even before we separated, my heart was thankful unto the everlasting kingdom, whither I trust that these words were made good to me: But my dear Elizabeth, the wife of my youth, has ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye gone, and where I have been favoured with are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, strong confidence to believe my dear Sarah and by the spirit of our God,' even by the will be favoured to arrive in the Lord's washing of regeneration and the renewing of time. My inward cries. My inward cries were put up in the Holy Spirit. It is indeed a miracle of mercy-let reverence possess my soul, and a willingness to bow to His sovereign will and pleasure, from hence forward, and guard against a murmuring uneasy spirit. I trust that through all, this has not been charged against me, even in the midst of extremity, for the re has been something which has kept my head above the waters; and I have been afraid of appearing to others, in this uncom-sons for my dear aged parent, that the Lord mon detention, to be a man at ease. The afternoon meeting was large, and in it I also laboured.

"27th. It is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord even suddenly to make a poor man rich-these expressions have revived this morning on getting up and making this note. Truly my detention after this manner is very marvellous-it is a trial of faith and patience; yet I am much more favoured than I deserve. Went to meeting at Tottenham and was largely exercised in testimony to divers classes, and felt comfortable and quiet after it.

"28th.-Awoke and arose quiet and more easy in mind, and my soul craved ability to say, I will trust in and rely on thee, O my God.

the night season, that almighty Goodness would bless my dear children with a more abundant knowledge of his ways. I trust I can appeal unto Him and say, Thou knowest I covet not great things in this world for them, but that if their lives and mine are spared, (and these I desire to resign up) they may cause my soul to rejoice in beholding them thy servants. My desires have also gone forth at sea

may more and more prepare her, as a shock of corn fit for the everlasting garner,—so be it, O merciful One; and, for thy name and mercy's sake, look down upon thy struggling servant and forgive, and do and give what thou, in thy unsearchable wisdom, seest to be best for him.

"3rd.-Lay awake for hours last night, pondering my ways, and the cause that such a path is my lot; and although these things are too mighty for me fully to comprehend, yet I hope my soul was brought measurably into a contrite state, with feelings of holy fear and resignation, which were exceedingly pleasant, even in the midst of the fires. Sometimes I am ready to break forth and say, Thou knowest, O Lord, I am willing to follow thee into any part of this land, or further, if it is thy will, and thy presence goes with me; but even here I am stopt with an humbling sense, that I know not what to ask for, without it is faith and patience to endure what the Lord may see best for me, either in staying or going. I went to the week-day meeting, and was favoured with a good degree of quiet throughout, and a humble hope and trust revived, that if the patience is kept, way will open.

"4th, sixth-day.-1 hope I am in a waiting state, with a willing mind to go at my divine Master's command; and yet such is the weak

ness of my mind, that I fear there has been, pleased to reach forth thy forgiveness, mercy and perhaps may now be, a want of faith to and truth, and open the way for thy poor, set out. But surely it has been my soul's unworthy servant. Grant me ability to leave delight to move in the living faith, and to be the things that are behind, and reach forward employed in so glorious a work as preaching in an upright desire to do thy will only: without the gospel. O that it may in mercy be grant-thee I can do nothing to profit or peace,—but ed again, in the Lord's time, not my time. by and through thy power, all things are acIt is close work to keep the patience in ex-complished that tend to thy honour. treme poverty, week after week. Notwith- "23rd.-Went to Gracechurch street meetstanding all, this springs up as a comfort, that ing, and sat it in pensive silence, but was if I am favoured to travel along and bow to favoured so far as to see it right to go to Uxthe heavenly will, all things will work to-bridge. gether for my good at last.

"27th.-Attended the meeting, where was Sarah Lynes from London, who is on a visit to the north; she appeared in the ministry, but I was silent, as well as in the evening meeting.

"26th.-Set off with Joseph and R. Smith, "7th.-O that I could be favoured once and arrived safely at Uxbridge, and lodged at more with a ray of living hope, and a belief John Hull's. that I am the Lord's servant; worthy to be further intrusted in his work, that I could forget, as much as is right and profitable, the things that are behind; things acted and transacted heretofore, and experience the mantle of adorable love and mercy cast over all my infirmities, which appear to be not a few, and be favoured patiently to wait the Lord's time for further opening into service in this land, if further labour is my lot. I cannot hasten his coming-O for trembling submission to the Lord's blessed will.

"8th. O adorable High Priest, thy mercy, pity and love are an over-balance to all that my wading soul meets with; therefore, it has not sunk into despair. Forgive all my iniquities, that have so closely encompassed me about: I cannot, I dare not, hide anything from thee, thou all-seeing Judge, for thy penetrating eye goes through the whole earth. O Lord, continue thy protecting care and mercy to those whom thy poor, unworthy servant has left behind, for I desire to hope and trust in thee, O my God. Amen.

"28th. I have looked to see whether any known duty has been shrunk from in this land; even when the hand of the Lord has been heavy on me, and my soul has been bowed down under temptations and trials which have been permitted to assail me, and I see none. I felt pleasant in two visits made to E. W. and family, and W. F. and wife; children whom the Lord has favoured me in days past measurably to beget through the gospel.

"29th.-Felt a comfortable calm this morning, with liberty to go as far as High Wiccomb, fourteen miles, whither I rode on horse back. In the afternoon several Friends stepped in to see me, with whom I had a pretty open time.

"30th.-Attended the week-day meeting, and pretty soon after it was gathered, Sarah Lynes and Elizabeth Stephens came in, and likewise a number of the town's people, and we both had communications. After dinner I had a religious opportunity with a number of Friends, and then set out for Oxford,—and on descending Church hill, was shown a place called Crowell, near which, in the valley, I was informed Thomas Ellwood's father lived: the prospect around was beautiful indeed.

"20th.-To Tottenham meeting, which was large; and I had once more a full and open time. I ventured also, to bend in supplication, not only for myself, but for others; begging for the blessing of preservation, and the forgiveness of sins and iniquities; and that this meeting might be a time to look back at in seasons of stripping and desertion, as one of mercy and kindness. To afternoon meeting at four o'clock, and had to address the visited children of our heavenly Father, divers of whom I had cause to apprehend were there. In the evening felt comfortable.ceived us gladly. O what a miracle of mercy, extended to such "Ninth month 1st.-Attended the week-day an unworthy one! The Lord be praised,-meeting, which was a pretty tendering time; and O for steady faith and reliance on the divine Arm-come what will.

"22nd.-Took leave of the family of T. Horne, who have shown me much kindness; it appearing to me that my time was nearly run out in this place,-Tottenham; where my soul has been deeply plunged. O Lord, be

"31st-After breakfast, accompanied by William Hull, proceeded on our journey to Chipping Norton, where we put up at William Atkins', who, with his wife and children re

and on the 2nd we set off about eight o'clock, having first had a sweet religious opportunity with the family, and arrived at Birmingham about dusk, having travelled forty-two miles: here we found Ann and William Alexander.

3rd, first-day.-In the meeting, which was large, I had to sound an alarm to some,