AN ACCOUNT

OF

THE LIFE, TRAVELS AND CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCES

OF

SAMUEL BOWNAS,

A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.

PREFACE.

THE following sheets exhibit a plain man's undisguised account of his own progress in religion an artless narrative of his sincere and hearty endeavours, as much as in him lay, to promote the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ in the earth.

The motives inducing him to undertake the office of a preacher, appear to have been perfectly consonant to the precepts of Holy Writ, and to the practice of Christ and his apostles, viz:

1st. A clear, cogent, and convincing evidence of a Divine call, and heavenly impulse thereunto.

2d. An indispensable sense of his duty necessarily obliging him to yield obedience to that call. And

Every unsanctified person who pretends to preach the Gospel of Christ, should consider that unanswerable query of our blessed Saviour to the Pharisees of old; "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.'

A practice of this nature is condemned, even in the time of the Mosaic Law, by the royal psalmist, in these words: "Unto the wicked, God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?"

But alas! self-interest prompts men to turn a deaf ear even to Divine expostulations, and unholy persons, in despite of the most express prohibitions, continue to intrude themselves into holy things; and to be busying themselves about external circumstances and ceremonies, 3rd. The sweet returns of inward peace while the life, spirit, and substance of true reand Divine consolation accompanying his obe-ligion is unattainable by them, until it shall dience therein, greatly conduced to his con- please God, in the exceeding riches of his firmation and perseverance in the way of his grace, to cleanse their hearts from all unduty.

righteousness; for which conversion we hearti

The author of the ensuing narrative was another sort of preacher; a free giver of what himself had freely received, a liberal and openhearted communicator of his religious experiences, without respect to persons.

To the performance of this he found him-ly wish. self measurably prepared and qualified; for his own experience of the love of God, and of the operations of his holy Spirit, in gradually purging out the corruptions of his own heart, did excite and augment in him a Christian love to his fellow-creatures, attended with an ardent zeal, and an incessant desire for their conversion.

An inward purgation from sin is a necessary and essential qualification of a Gospel minister; and no man can be such without it; for God doth not send unclean messengers on his errand:

It is the constant method of his Divine wisdom, under this Gospel dispensation, through the purging of his holy Spirit, to cleanse and purify the inside of every vessel which he permits to be made use of in the service of his sanctuary.

VOL. III.-No. 1.

He directed the sheep of Christ to follow the voice of Christ himself, the good Shepherd, whose omnipresence renders his voice audible to every one of his sheep, however separate or dispersed throughout the world.

His conversation was free, generous and affable; neither did he shun the society of those whom he was sent to convert; his mission being somewhat correspondent to that of his Lord and Master, who declared concerning himself; "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

He was of a grave deportment, and of a tall, comely and manly aspect. His public

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preaching was attended with Divine authority This testimony concerning him is true, and and innocence, which commanded the attention a man of his penetration and capacity could of the hearers; and his voice being clear, strong not but discern his own improvement in the and distinct, was capable of conveying his ex-gift he had received. He therefore stood upon hortations to the ears and understandings of a his guard, lest through self-love and conceit, very numerous auditory; of which a remark- he should depart from that humility, which is able instance appears in his preaching at Jed- the ornament of every Gospel minister. burg, in Scotland, mentioned in his account. His literary accomplishments were but small, extending little further than to enable him to read the Scriptures in his mother tongue; yet by constant use and application, he became thoroughly versed therein, and was enabled by the force of their testimony, to confront and confute the gainsayers of his doctrine, which was in all points strictly agreeable to and consonant therewith.

In the religious Society to which he was joined, he conducted himself as a man of peace and prudence, choosing to walk in the plain and middle path, without declining to any extreme: so that he neither idolized forms, nor contemned good order.

This Christian virtue was generally his concomitant, during the course of his pilgrimage; and is remarkable in this account, keeping it clear from any tincture of self-applause.

In preaching, his declarations proceeded from his heart; and in writing, his relations of his services and his exhortations, spring from the same fountain.

Wherefore we recommend to thy serious consideration what he has written, as comprehended in that excellent description of a good man, given by Christ himself: "A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth that which is good."

May the good brought forth out of this good man's heart effectually reach unto thine, and through the Divine blessing operate to thy spiritual benefit and improvement in that which is good.

His estimation and repute among his friends and neighbours, will appear by the testimony of the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Bridport, in Dorsetshire, to which he belonged, So shall the design of the deceased author, given forth since his decease, wherein they in leaving behind him this account of his life say, that "It pleased the Lord to endue him and travels, be in some degree answered, and with a large gift in the ministry, in which he the writer of this preface shall have the end was a faithful labourer, and gave himself up he aims at; who with sincere desires for the for that service; that he had a gift of utterance saving health and welfare of all mankind,, superior to many, sound in judgment and doc- takes his leave, and bids them heartily faretrine, and very convincing to the understand well. ings of those who heard him." J. BESSE.

AN ACCOUNT

OF

SAMUEL BOWNAS.

I was born in Westmoreland, within the compass of Great Strickland Monthly Meeting, about the year 1676, and was entered in that register. My father died before I was one month old; but I have been informed that he was very honest and zealous for truth in his time, having been a considerable sufferer for the cause of religion, both in loss of goods and liberty, the meeting being kept in his house in some of the hottest times of persecution in King Charles the second's reign. Being left so young, and my mother having but a scanty subsistence of about four pounds and ten shil

lings a year, with a dwelling for herself and two children, at about thirteen years of age I was put to learn the trade of a blacksmith, with an uncle who used me unkindly. I was afterwards placed apprentice to a very honest Friend belonging to Brigflatts meeting, near Sedberg in Yorkshire, whose name was Samuel Parrot. All this time I had no taste of religion, but devoted myself to pleasure, as much as my circumstances would permit, though my mother had kept me very strictly while I was under her care. She would frequently in winter evenings take opportunities

came to it, but art no better for thy coming; what wilt thou do in the end?" This was so suited to my condition, that, like Saul, I was smitten to the ground, but turning my thoughts. inward, in secret I cried, Lord, what shall I do to help it? And a voice as it were spoke in my heart, saying, Look unto me, and I will help thee; and I found much comfort, which made me shed abundance of tears. Then I remembered what my mother told me some years before, that when I grew up more to man's estate, I should know the reason of that tenderness and weeping, which I now did to purpose. I went home with a heavy heart, and could neither eat nor sleep as I used to do, but my work never succeeded better in my hands than it did at this time, nor was my

to tell me passages of my dear father's sufferings, admonishing me so to live, that I might be worthy to bear the name of so good a man's son, and not bring a reproach on myself and parents: also putting me in mind, that if she should be taken away, I should greatly miss her both for advice and otherways to assist me; and advised me to fear the Lord now in my youth, that I might be favoured with his blessing. These admonitions at times brought me into great tenderness, being afraid that she would die before I was capable to live in the world; and she took me frequently to meetings with her, where she often had some words in testimony. Persecution being still very hot, and Friends locked out of their meeting-house at Strickland, we met at the door, and I remember when I was a child, and went to meet-mind ever less in it. My conduct, as well as ing with my mother, the informers came twice; the first time the meeting had been over about half an hour, the second time not quite so long, so that we escaped their hands both times. Many Friends were in prison at Appleby for attending that meeting, whom my dear mother went to visit, taking me along with her, and we had a meeting with the prisoners, several Friends from other places being likewise there by appointment. I observed, though very young, how tender and broken they were; and I was very inquisitive of my mother, why they cried so much, and thee too, said I, why did thee? She told me that I could not understand the reason of it then, but when I grew up more to man's estate I might.

countenance, was much altered, so that several in the family were fearful that I should fall into a kind of melancholy; but I longed for the meeting day, and thought it a very long week. When the time of meeting came, my mind was soon fixed and staid upon God, and I found an uncommon enjoyment that gave me great satisfaction, my understanding being opened, and all the faculties of my mind so quick, that I seemed another man. A divine and spiritual sweetness abiding with me night and day, for some time, I began to see and understand the Scriptures, and the nature of preaching the doctrine of the Gospel in the power and spirit, plainly seeing a difference between a preacher of the letter and of the Ispirit, which till then I was wholly ignorant of, not having before that, the least degree that I could perceive of Divine understanding. But upon looking back and considering what I had heard such and such Friends preach, which at that time I did not understand, I now understood it clearly, which was a plain demonstration to me, that all saving knowledge is from Divine light, which we cannot comprehend, until we are assisted so to do by a visitation from heaven.

To return to my apprenticeship; I had a very kind loving master and mistress, but who had little consideration about religion, nor any taste thereof. On first-days I frequented meetings, and the greater part of my time I slept, but took no account of preaching, nor received any other benefit, than that being there kept me out of bad company, which indeed is a very great service to youth. I took much liberty in discourse, and was taken notice of as a witty, sensible young man: but often on Now the Scriptures and ministry from the my bed I reflected on my way of life with openings of the Spirit, seemed so clear and sorrow, yet frequently fell into the same way plain to my understanding, that I wondered again. I never was given to swearing, nor to any body remained unconvinced, supposing any very gross vice, but what I gave way to them to see the truths of the Gospel in the most, was jesting, and turns of wit to provoke same light that I did. That saying of the mirth, which gave me often, after it was over, apostle, wherein he asserts his knowledge of a heavy heart. Thus I went on for nearly the Son of God being come, to be by three years; but one first-day, being at meet-ceiving an understanding from him,' was ing, a young woman named Anne Wilson, clearly discovered to me, so that I plainly saw was there and preached. She was very zeal a distinction between the children of light, and ous, and I fixing my eye upon her, she, with the children of this world-the spiritual and a great zeal, pointed her finger at me, uttering the natural man; and that the natural man these words with much power; "A traditional could not receive the things of the Spirit of Quaker, thou comest to meeting as thou went God, being foolishness to him; he cannot from it the last time, and goest from it as thou know them, because they are known "only

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by the Spirit," as the apostle asserts; and I that I was much alone, and my countenance found myself much improved in Divine wis- so altered with weeping, that my master took dom and saving knowledge. As I was going occasion to inquire how it was with me. I to meeting, walking alone, it came very liv- gave him as plain an account as I was capaingly into my mind, that if I was but faithful ble of, with which he was much affected and and obedient to the heavenly vision, I should | broken into tears. I feared that I had by dissoon be qualified to teach others, and more obedience so much offended, that I should be especially, as I saw by experience wherein my cast off forever: but, with exhortations from shortness had been, in being contented and Scripture and otherwise, he endeavoured to easy with a form of truth and religion, which pacify me, not doubting but that I should again I had only by education, being brought up in have the like offer made me, putting me in plainness of both habit and speech; but all mind of Gideon's fleece, &c. Judges vi. When this, though very good in its place, did not next meeting day came, I went in great weakmake me a true Christian; I was but a tra- ness and fear, and would rather have gone ditional Quaker, and that by education only, elsewhere, than to meeting. Sometime after and not from the Scriptures, because they I was in the meeting, I felt the same concern were a book sealed to me. And I now saw as before, and sat under the weight of it until plainly, that education, though ever so care- the meeting was almost over, and then hardly fully administered, would not do the work; knew how I got upon my feet, but did, and although a pious education ought by no means broke out with a loud voice in these words, to be neglected, but all parents and guardians viz: "Fear not them which kill the body, but ought to be stirred up to their duty in that re- are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear spect; yet we must consider, that it is not in Him which is able to destroy both body and the power of parents, or the most pious tutors, soul in hell. I say, fear you Him who will to confer grace, which is the gift of God alone; terribly shake the earth, that all which is nor can any come into the true fold but by moveable may be shaken and removed out of this door, as said our Saviour concerning him- the way, that that which is immovable may self. It plainly appeared to me, there was no stand." This was all I had to say at that other way but this, viz: by the "Spirit of time. But oh! the joy and sweetness I felt Christ alone," to attain to true faith, which afterward, I cannot express, and the pleasure works by love, and gives victory over our in- of my mind appeared in my countenance, so firmities and evil deeds, working such a change that my master took notice of it, and spoke so in us, that we can in truth, from experience, feelingly, as plainly demonstrated he was a say, "we are born from above;" and by virtue partaker with me of the same rejoicing: this of that birth only, is the true knowledge of was about the year 1696, on that called Christthe kingdom, and the things of God attained, mas day, it falling that year upon the first-day and by no other way or means, although ever of the week. so well contrived by human art. Being ex- Having as it may be said, thus broken the perimentally sensible of this change wrought ice, the next time was not quite so hard, but in my mind, it looked the more likely that II said very little, and seldom appeared for a might, in time, be qualified to speak to others year or two, having about three years of my of my own experience of the operation of the apprenticeship to serve, which I did with spirit in my mind, not thinking the time so fidelity and truth. The last year of my time, near at hand, as it appeared when I came to I found a concern in my mind to visit Scotthe meeting; for I had not sat long therein, land, being very rarely without some degree when a great weight fell upon me, with some of Divine virtue, either by night or day; words to speak; but I considered, being wil- therefore I thought, if it was so with me then, ling to be my own carver, that it was too soon it would be much more so when I had nothing to undertake such a task, being but an infant to mind but Divine things; but I found it in religion; not remembering the small time otherwise, of which in its place. I may not between Paul's conversion and his preaching omit to mention that about two years after I the Gospel Acts ix. 20. My former conduct first spoke in meeting, I opened the New Teswith my companions, many of whom were in tament at that passage spoken by our Saviour, the meeting at the same time, also stood much Mat. x. 28. to the same effect with what was in my way, for my reformation was but three first opened on my mind, as mentioned above, weeks old that very day, so that I concluded, which then I knew not to be the saying of so sudden a change would hardly be borne. Christ to warn them against the fear of men; I did not at that time, for these reasons, give although no doubt I had read it, but had taken up, and the burthen was taken from me. But so little notice of what I read, that it was to after meeting it came upon me again with dou-me as if it had never been written. But it ble weight, and affected me so very greatly, was a great comfort to me, that I was thus