where grievous devastation has been made. We lodged at a Friend's house at the foot of Vinegar Hill, where such numbers of lives were lost; and the Friend had been taken up the hill by the insurgents, after having taken leave of his wife and family, expecting to be shot: but they were not permitted to do him any personal injury. We went from thence to Ballintore, to Cooladine and Forrest, where Friends had suffered very greatly in their property, and had expected to lose their lives. At one Friend's house at Forrest, about eight men came with full purpose to murder, as was believed, and they queried one of another why they did not begin, saying, what did they come for. But as the Friend and the family were with them in the kitchen, such a calm came over them that it was like a solemn meeting, so that the men seemed to be chained by a power that they could not account for, and went away without doing the family any personal injury. Many women were waiting in the court; ready, as was believed, to plunder when the men had murdered. These women seemed much disappointed at loosing the booty.

next place was Clonmel, where we staid about a week, and were employed in a like manner, though not in a regular one. The next place was the meeting at Garryrone, and so to Youghal, where we staid six days, and were not wholly idle. The next place was Cork, where a partial visit would not be accepted; and though the prospect was deeply affecting, yet as it appeared the way to peace, we entered on the arduous service in humble fear, and went through about eighty visits; but the Quarterly Meeting for Munster coming on, to be held at Youghal, it seemed right to attend it, and we have left the rest of the families until our return.

"Being now at Youghal and the Quarterly Meeting over, I think we may thankfully say, that the Master graciously condescended to own, with his good presence, in this day of danger and dismay. The children's safety depends, on all occasions, on their going down to the valley and choosing the smooth stones for their slings, and then waiting for holy direction and power to convey them. O, may I be preserved through the perilous day in this land, and every future day of my life, if many days are allotted me by Divine Wisdom; though that does not seem very likely, for my frame seems con

The following extract of a letter written on the way from Cork to Limerick, and at the latter place, gives an account of the completion of the family visit, and of her final farewell to the Friends of Cork.

"Many other affecting accounts we had in passing from place to place through the county of Wexford. In one place we passed near a barn in which one hundred and seventy pro-siderably shaken since I came into this land." testants were burned alive; and we saw hundreds of houses in ruins in passing along. Though the accounts in England were affect ing, (Youghal, 23d) I think they did not by far come up to what we have heard from Friends here. The last place we were at in the county of Wexford was Ross, where the wonderful interposition of Providence was such, that General Johnson, who was chief in command, said, as I was informed, that that day's work must not be attributed to man, but to the Almighty. Ross is about eight miles from Waterford.

"Before I drop this moving subject, it seems right to mention the wonderful protecting arm of the Most High round the members of our Society, so that none, except one who left the house and fled to arms for protection, lost their lives in these violent commotions; though many other innocent Protestants were cruelly murdered. I have repeatedly had to say, that the singular protection of Providence ought to be written as with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond on the hearts of Friends, never to be erased.

"Our kind friend Robert Fowler [her townsman, who had gone over with her] accompanied us, through the county of Wexford to Waterford, where he left us; and where we staid nearly two weeks, and made many calls, like visiting families, as far as it went. The

"Castlebank, 9th of Eighth month, 1799. "My beloved cousin,

"I now sit down to salute you by a line after the close of an arduous visit to the families at Cork, which was much extended by taking in all who attended our meetings, whether in membership or not.

"We have been closely engaged, and herd of Israel, were enabled to finish, the through the renewed daily help of the Shepevening before the last; and yesterday attended their meeting, in which we had to take a sweet and solemn leave."

After some further narration not material to insert, she adds, "may all within us bless his holy name, thankfully acknowledging that hitherto the Lord hath helped us; and humbly beg that he will be pleased to continue near to preserve us, and direct all our movements, that so they may meet with holy acceptance, and our spirits be favoured with that peace, which the world can neither give nor take away.

"Limerick, 11th. We were favoured to get

here on seventh-day evening safely, though a good deal fatigued. Yesterday we attended both the meetings, and to-morrow is the Monthly Meeting, after which, I apprehend, we shall not find ourselves excused without sitting in the families, which is fresh cause of abasement and reduction to the natural will, that so much desires to look towards a release, in order again to meet our beloved friends in our native land. But as we came not in our own wills, but I humbly trust, in the Master's, may it be done in and by us through time; and then, the various cups assigned us being drunk (which at times may seem mingled very bitter,) we may hope that adorable mercy will permit our spirits to rest for ever with him, in his blessed kingdom, where no alloy is known. This will be an ample reward for every season of conflict."

at its close, when safely returned to her own habitation. The letter which first occurs has several dates. It was begun in Ulster province, and finished at Dublin.

"My dear cousin's truly acceptable lines have lain much longer unanswered than has felt easy to me; but the frequent and deep baptisms that have been my portion in this land and particularly in this province [Ulster] have rendered my mind unfit for saluting my beloved friends in a manner that I would desire to do; though I think they were never more dear to me than since leaving my native land. I desire not to utter the language of complaint with regard to my sufferings; but for the cause, and them that make it suffer, I mourn. I desire I may patiently drink what further cups may be assigned to me, and be willing to suffer with the Seed, The following breathes the true language of which is indeed sorely oppressed. But under consolation, and shows that a mind closely all, my dear cousin, the Good Shepherd has engaged in fulfilling its own share of religious been pleased to be mercifully near, to enable duty, is still open to sympathy for the distres-in a good degree to discharge what has apses of others; its insertion may please and benefit the reader.

“Rathfriland, 19th of Eleventh month, 1799.

"I find it a task to address my beloved cousin, after an event that so nearly affects her, and in which I am a large sharer. But resignation to the Divine will is our duty, under the consoling evidence, that my be

loved friend and relation is taken from a

scene of pain and trial, to a place in that glorious kingdom where no alloy is known, for ever to rest with him whose glory the

heaven of heavens cannot contain. These

peared to be required duty; though my passing along has been as under the mountains, and fears have at times so taken hold of my poor mind, as to doubt of living through : and indeed my frame is weakened considerably since being here; but with this I am not dismayed, if the best life is but preserved. The Quarterly Meeting for Ulster is coming on, after which I hope we may soon feel a release from this province, and go to Dublin, which is in the province of Leinster, where are four meetings unvisited. I hope we may look towards our own dear land, with a belief that and if it be the blessed Master's will to bring we have endeavoured to do what we could, in us will be enabled to bless his holy name. us over the great deep in safety, that all withBut I dare not build upon, or much please myself with, the hope of a speedy release, though not without a little or faint expectation

of it.

considerations forbid [us] to mourn; though to feel when such tender ties are broken, I trust, is not displeasing to him who wept over Lazarus, especially when [we are] enabled reverently to say, thy will, O gracious Father, be done. May these dispensations of unerring wisdom, be a means of more closely uniting our spirits to Him, who is the way, the truth, and the life; that so we may more feelingly know that our Redeemer liveth :' and that because he liveth we live. May I think nothing hard that my gracious God may be pleased to order for me in this wilderness and vale of tears, that so, when my measure of suffering is filled up, my exercised spirit may rest with Him who has been near in six troubles, and I humbly hope will not leave in the seventh; and may his ever blessed arm of "Dear Charity Cook [of South Carolina] is help and tender succour be near, for thy pre-been out three days, and not a large burden, confined here with the small pox. They have servation and support." and at present no unfavourable symptoms ap

and I do believe I am favoured to have a "My beloved cousins, you are near to me, place in your remembrance with desires for my preservation every way. May the God of all grace be with you and yours, and with us poor pilgrims; and if he see meet to fait will be with thanksgiving and praise to his vour us to meet in mutability, I humbly hope holy name.

The remaining extracts are from letters to pear. Joseph Storrs. They conduct the reader

"Stranmore, 29th of eleventh month, five through much of the remainder of the jour-miles from Lurgan, where we intended to go ney, and show the state of her devoted mind to-morrow, to attend the Quarterly Meeting.

We are returned from the Quarterly Meeting by me. I feel little ability for writing; but and found dear Charity very ill, the doctor on looking over our travels in this land, which doubting her getting over that night, but yes- seem now to be winding up, and how our graterday and to-day the disorder seems more cious holy Helper has been near to preserve favourable. and give ability to perform what little services "6th of twelfth month. The attendance he was pleased to require of me, it humbles of the Quarterly Meeting, with some other all within me, and leads reverently to bless meetings there, was closely exercising; but his holy name: breathing in humble fear at I trust we were in our right places, as on my the footstool of his awful Majesty, this lanreturn I felt peacefulness; and as to great guage, I am but an unprofitable servant. things I do not expect them, being one of the Farewell my beloved relations. May the God little ones, but desire to be faithful to what the of all grace be with and keep you and us Master may be pleased to require, though while on earth, and cause us to meet again through very deep baptisms, which indeed has in uninterrupted peace, joy, and holy consobeen the case in the attendance of this Quar-lation, is the humble breathing of your nearly terly Meeting. affectionate, exercised cousin,

"Dublin, 11th of twelfth month, 1799. We got here last evening much fatigued. We left Charity Cook with the appearance of a favourable recovery."

'Enniscorthy, 4th of Fourth month, 1800.

"SARAH STEPHENSON."

The following was written from Melksham in the fifth month.

use of me. May I, during the few fleeting days that are yet behind, be enabled so to steer, that my poor little bark may arrive at the haven of rest."

I have thankfully to commemorate the goodness of adorable mercy, in carrying us "The cause of my not writing arose from through so arduous a journey, I hope safely a hope of a more speedy release from, this in all respects; and have now to look back land; and though the detention has been long, with a peaceful evidence of having been in and much increased by the large field of la- the line of required duty. But though I trust bour in Dublin, yet I dare not question the this is the case, I know I am one of the weakpropriety of it; as I had painfully to taste lings of the flock, and have nothing whereof what the consequence of omission would have to boast. And indeed I have often wondered been. The service was very arduous, extend- that such an one as I, should be called forth; ing to comers to meeting, and disowned per- and when I look around, and see many whose sons, so that with these and the members we abilities are so great, it sinks my mind into adhad more than two hundred and thirty sit-miration of condescending goodness to make tings; which were not finished before sixthday week in the evening; and we left Dublin next morning for the county of Wicklow, where we had not been. There are but few of our Society. We are now in the county of Wexford, on a family visit at Enniscorthy. I had a view of it when we were here before, but that did not seem to be the time. I expect we shall get through this, and I hope some other little service, so as to get up to Dublin, to the Yearly Meeting; after which I humbly hope and expect we shall set our faces homewards, which is truly desirable; but above all things that He who hath mercifully been with us hitherto, will be pleased to continue with us to the end of our labours here, and accompany us with his good presence to our native land; that his preserving power may keep us to the end of our pilgrimage, and that when time ends, our spirits may for ever rest, in joyful peace and holy consolation.

My beloved cousins, if in the ordering of best wisdom, we should meet in mutability, it seems very desirable; but at times I feel an increasing desire for a greater degree of resignation of my own will, that the great Master's will may be more perfectly done in and

The materials collected afford nothing for the remainder of the year, but the following: "28th of the eighth month, 1800. This morning sweetly refreshed with the precious streams of pure consoling love, strengthening and encouraging my drooping, exercised mind, to an increasing trust in that mercy and power that hath in many seasons borne up my head, when the waves of deep baptism and sore conflict seemed ready to overwhelm, and made way amidst opposing spirits, that seemed ready to defy the armies of Israel's God."

As the reader is now advancing towards an end of the relation of the various exercises of this dedicated Friend, in her native land, the following paper, found without a date, may in this place engage his perusal with acceptance.

"I went to the funeral of a beautiful young She was plant in a neighbouring county. about eighteen years of age. My mind was much impressed in the meeting with this language, Blessed are the dead that die in the

In the second month, 1801, in a very weighty manner, she laid before her Monthly Meeting, her concern to visit Friends on the continent of North America: her feelings on which occasion cannot, probably, be better conveyed to the reader than by the following extract of a letter to her relation, Joseph

Lord,' &c., and with it I stood up. Life mer-cup of suffering nor of consolation was by cifully attended, to the tendering of many these completely filled. A prospect of further minds, and to the peace of my own. I felt service had been long opening on her view; a desire to stop a few days with the family, and when the right time for engaging in and had some satisfactory opportunities. On the labour appeared to have arrived, she did first-day, I felt some movings on my mind not suffer her feeble health, already impaired to be at a meeting a few miles distant; and by past exercises, to operate as an insurthe father and one of the sisters of the de-mountable discouragement. She had often ceased accompanied me. As I rode along my been strengthened by faith; and she was premind was drawn into an abstracted state, so pared to follow her beloved Lord, either to life that I felt an entire detachment from visibles, or death. and as though I had no connections on earth; and I was much absorbed in Divine love, in which my spirit humbly rejoiced. Under these heavenly feelings, I rode a considerable way; but of this sweet enjoyment, I felt an abatement, and was gradually centered in a state of great poverty, in which I went to meeting. And as I sat, though in great weak-Storrs. ness, the state of the meeting was opened before me, and I had to see the states of many individuals; but for a considerable time felt no commission to move, until a Friend, who did not belong to that meeting, appeared. I then felt the movings of life, and when he sat down, it seemed my place to stand up; and utterance was given, and the baptizing power of Truth was felt, to the melting of many spirits present; and to the great abasement of my own before Him, to whom belongs all praise, thanksgiving and honour, who is for ever worthy."

a

06

Melksham, 4th of Third month, 1801. "I have been confined to my chamber about month, with a complaint, I believe, much owing to deep exercise of mind; and the first time of my getting to meeting was at our last Monthly Meeting, though under great weakness of body, and heavy exercise of mind. But, being reduced to obedience, I was enabled to lay before our Friends, a prospect which had for many years attended my mind. My dear cousin, it is nothing less than to go to America. I have admired that such a poor creature should be called to service of such magnitude and so at times let in an apprehension that Friends would think me quite unVisit to America-letters-leaves home-embarks fit; and then, I should be excused on that -the voyage-New York-family visit there ground. But as the concern was spread be-yellow fever-Long Island—various services fore them, the meeting seemed dipped into -quits New York-journey to Philadelphia-great sympathy; and, I believe, under Divine family visit in Pine Street meeting-laid up-influence, the language of encouragement was goes to Germantown—soon returns to the city-handed in a tender affecting manner. So at confined to the chamber-visit of Mehetabel home there seems no obstruction; and if at Jenkins-state of mind, and expressions near the close―her decease—abstract of a testimony, fc.-conclusion.

CHAPTER IX.

London there should be none, and my health permit, it is likely we shall soon prepare to embark. I say we, because my dear cousin Mary Jefferys felt herself so bound to the service, that she believed she should forfeit her peace if she did not give up to it; of which, in a solemn manner she informed Friends at the same time; which was, I believe, very cordially united with.

We are now drawing towards the last travels of this indefatigable labourer. We have seen the early arisings in her heart of Divine love. We have remarked its increase, and have had occasion to observe how she became willing to be the instrument of conveying to "Thou and my dear cousin Mary have others some portion of that bread, on which tenderly felt with me under various exercises, she delighted to feed. In pursuit of this ob- and I now claim it afresh in a particular ject, and at the call of duty, we have beheld manner; with your prayers for preservation her travelling in every district of these nations in every way: being indeed a poor creature, where Friends are settled. In proportion to but very desirous of being preserved from the interest which we have taken in the nar- bringing any shade on the blessed Truth, ration, we may be said to have been the wit-whatever becomes of this poor body.

nesses of her conflicts, and almost to have "I remain thy truly affectionate, exercised partaken in her baptisms. But neither her cousin, SARAH STEPHENSON."

To the foregoing, the succeeding extract of a letter to the same Friend, is a suitable appendix. It further demonstrates the tenour of her mind; and leads through another step of the precaution enjoined by our discipline, as a preliminary to travels on religious service in foreign parts.

"Melksham, 11th of Fourth month, 1801. "Your tender sympathy under the baptizing power of Truth, hath bowed my spirit under a sense of my unworthiness; and raised thankfulness for the near unity of my dear friends, in this awful prospect. May every future step of my life (a poor-worm,) be ordered in the pure fear of Him who has a right to make use of the weak of this world, that so the continuation of this precious unity may be mercifully granted, to the close of my days, whether they be many or few. For, oh! the unity of the brethren is to me exceedingly precious; and even with this blessing, under the many conflicts and sore baptisms, in the course of my little experience in journeys, my faith hath often been tried, as to an hair's breadth; and I do not expect an easier path; but how must it be without the unity and sympathy of Zion's faithful travellers?

"Our Quarterly Meeting was held here last week, when, to my humbling admiration, a current spread of tender sympathy, and as Friends expressed, of unity.

"I remain, &c.
"SARAH STEPHENSON."

full unity of Friends. About an hour before she went from home, being in her chamber, having only with her one of the sisters of her companion, who was much affected with the probability of a long separation, she said to her, "I feel nothing more to do here. If I staid with you, I should be no comfort to you:" and observed that the crown was at the end of the race.

Let us now attend to her own narration, which she has left nearly in the following

words:

"The 8th of the seventh month, 1801, we went on board the ship Uncle Toby, Elihu Doty, captain, lying at Pill, near Bristol. We staid two nights, but the wind being contrary, we came on shore the 10th to a Friend's house about two miles distant, where we also staid two nights, and then were called up early, the wind being tolerably fair, though the weather was unsettled. The captain being very anxious to get out, set sail; but in a few hours we had a head wind and a very rough sea, so that I apprehend we were in considerable danger. On seventh-day night I was very ill, not able to undress, but got into my berth.

On first-day morning the pilot thought it best to run back from the Holmes to King-road, which we reached by noon, and then anchored. About three o'clock, I was helped out of my berth, and about five, we had a meeting in the cabin. The captain, his wife and sisters, also the pilot and some of the steerage passengers sat with us. It was a season that I trust was owned by Him After this our friend attended the Yearly whose ways are ways of wonder. On seMeeting. In the meeting of ministers and cond-day, the 13th, in the afternoon, we went elders, she opened her view of visiting the on shore again, but it was with difficulty that American continent with much weightiness of I got to our kind friend's house, feeling much spirit, and obtained its concurrence and a cer- bodily weakness; but there I was tenderly tificate. Her services in the sittings of the nursed. The stormy weather had occasioned women's meeting, and the humility which ap- our friends at Bristol to be very uneasy about peared to clothe her mind, are said to have us. On their being informed that we were on been very edifying. She promoted and as-shore, my dear sister with divers others of our sisted in the writing of an epistle from that affectionate friends soon came to see us; and meeting, thus, as she expressed it, relieving I believe, with us were reverently thankful to herself of a little debt which she seemed to owe to her sisters in this land, before she left them, and as it proved, finally.

the great Preserver of men. It was a favourable circumstance to me that the wind continued unfair for several days, for in that time Having now obtained the full concurrence I recruited considerably; and on sixth-day, of all the meetings which are appointed to the 17th, we went on board, and sailed about watch over concerns of a nature so important, eleven o'clock in the morning; passing seveshe returned home to Melksham, which town ral vessels of different descriptions. The 18th, or its neighbourhood had been her residence, towards evening, we cast anchor in sight of when she could be said to have a home, for Ilfracombe, Devonshire, and lay by a few nearly thirty years. But she soon left it hours waiting for the tide. The next day again, and went to Bristol, her port of em- being come to Lundy island, the pilot left us barkation, in the latter part of the sixth early in the morning; and this day we lost month, accompanied by her justly dear friend, sight of English ground. On the 23d having relation and companion, Mary Jefferys, jun., had a brisk wind since the 19th, and part of who was also furnished with certificates of the the time pretty much aft, we had got forward