wisdom, and our minds are wholly attentive me, to invite my brethren and fellow-creatures to the counsel of Christ inwardly communi- to feel for, and seek after that which gathers cated. This has appeared to me a habitation the mind into it.

of safety for the Lord's people, in times of outward commotion and trouble, and desires from the fountain of pure love are opened in

JOHN WOOLMAN.

SKETCHES

OF THE

LIFE AND RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES

OF

JANE PEARSON;

EXTRACTED FROM HER OWN MEMORANDUMS.

INTRODUCTION.

Of her religious experience, an opinion may be formed from her writings; and of her reli WHEN those we have loved and looked up gious services, from the testimony of Pardto are taken from us, whatever belonged to shaw Monthly Meeting, which is introduced them becomes enhanced in its value. When at the close of her own memoirs; yet some their Christian example is withdrawn, we of-readers may be inclined to know more of her ten thoughtfully return to the circumstances general character, and how she appeared daily of their conscientious lives; when we can amongst us. no longer listen to their cheering conversa- As a reverence for the Divine Being was tion, we tenderly recur to their affectionate the leading feature of her mind, so the solemsayings; and when we hear no more their re- nity of religion was never lowered in her conligious exhortations, to the written records of versation. To some she might appear retheir devout minds we are glad to have re-served; for as she has told me, when in her course, as precious monuments of departed walks she met with acquaintances, she could piety.

not like many, stop and hold a discourse with them which meant nothing. From these and other circumstances, her deportment might sometimes appear distant and restrained; but in the circles of her friends, there were few that unbended more freely.

These observations will apply with propriety to Jane Pearson, the subject of this short memoir. In her last letter to the writer, she expressed a desire that he might look over her papers when she was gone, and dispose of them as he thought best. The use he is On such occasions, her sentiments and even now about to make of them, if he is not mis- the tone of her voice, had as much the hearty taken, the reader will approve. These memo- expression of sincere good will, as any one I randums of her pious mind, were all in her ever met with, whilst her innocent cheerfulown hand-writing, and appear to have been ness with youth, and her entering most kindly penned under lively impressions. Among her with them into their little concerns, endeared papers were also found several copies of her to this class, both as a mother and a choverses; and as it will probably be acceptable sen companion. She was qualified for a comto the reader, a specimen or two will be given panion in the foremost ranks of virtuous soin the memoir. ciety; yet to those in the humblest sphere,

experienced here, is the enjoyment of Divine favour to a pure mind.

she spoke with affection and kindness: indeed I have rarely met with one in whose deportment were united such dignity and sweetness. The reader will find something of all this She seemed to retire from a thoughtless set forth in the following pages, and may world, to live in sweet seclusion with her read therein a profitable lesson in spiritual reMaker; and those who were set forward on ligion; though with myself, he may not have their heavenward journey, she hailed as fel-attained to the assurance of acceptance, like low-travellers towards Zion: to her sisters in her whose work is done; yet let us not forego religious fellowship, who went forth in humility and simplicity to advocate the cause of righteousness amongst men, she held out the language of endearing encouragement.

Of her own ministry it might be said, that it was plain, powerful, baptizing and new. When I say new, I hope none will suppose mean that she had any new doctrine to preach; for the ministers of Christ have no new principles to set forth. I mean by new, that her ministry was in the fresh openings of life. I do not covet abundance in our meetings; a few wholesome crumbs, a little fresh water from the pure spring, satisfy me; yet I do not wish to avoid the piercing of that Divine power, which would divide between those things that please the Almighty and those which please him not; since such a division must take place, or heaven will not be our portion.

Her disposition was modest and retired; yet the reader will find in the following pages, that for his instruction and encouragement, she has in the sincerity of her heart, spread before him some of her mental trials. The conscientious mind, longing to be united to Divine purity, has sometimes sore conflicts with the evil principle within; but when through the power of the grace of God, evil is overcome, the conflict is succeeded by unspeakable joy. This, I trust, Christian statement, it will appear, was verified in the experience of our beloved friend.

That a truly religious mind is assailed with trials, we see from her own undisguised account. These trials arise from various circumstances; perhaps at times to prove the foundation of our faith; at other times, from a fear of not obtaining what is of all things most desirable, acceptance with the Almighty. But it may be, that the greatest of all are the trials which are needful, when a vigorous understanding and warm affections are to be turned from their natural tendencies into pure obedience to the Almighty; to become fit instruments for proclaiming his Divine will. This is like death; like the breaking up of nature, that the soul may become free, and prepared for entering the holiness of heaven. This at the time is hard to be endured; but it is followed by joy, peace, and unspeakable satisfaction; for surely, above all else to be VOL. IV.-No. 12.

our confidence; but in humility endeavour to continue steadfast in the faith. This will be like an anchor to our minds, so that when others are tossed with the troubles of this world, we may be favoured to hold our lot in peace. I It appears from the testimony of those who knew Jane Pearson during the greater part of her life, that a solicitude for the glory of God, joined to a care for her immortal part and the future well-being of her fellow-creatures, was with her paramount to all other considerations. This is true piety. To these ends she laboured in public and in private; and dared not to shrink from her testimony for God and his righteous law, by suppressing what came before her. Though of a tender and affectionate disposition, she did not withhold the just denunciations of truth against iniquity. She did indeed pity the individual, but she sounded the alarm in the ear of the transgressor; yet to those who were awakened to a sense of their sins, she joyfully announced the terms of reconciliation.

Early in life she married John Pearson of Graysouthen, by whom she had three sons and four daughters; whom she watched over with the tenderness of a mother; anxious that they should walk in the paths of innocence and virtue, and in the holy religion of our dear Redeemer. Two of her children died before her husband, and the others followed him to the silent grave, while she remained to mourn with many tears. Deprived of the attention and support of her husband and of all her children, it might be supposed she would sit sorrowful and alone under her afflictions; but her age was cheered by two affectionate grand-daughters; and her mind being reconciled to the dispensations of Providence, her disposition was not soured by her trials, but even at the latest period of her age, which exceeded eighty years, in the company of intimate friends, her conversation and manners partook of the pleasantness and cheerfulness of her prime. Her letters too were occasionally lively, but more frequently fraught with deep instruction.

The compiler was but a youth when he first saw his excellent friend; which was at a Northern Yearly Meeting, when her ministry impressed his mind. Several years elapsed

57

before he spoke to her; and he little thought on another point he is inclined to express his that a faithful friendship would spring up be- opinion more freely.-Some minds may be tween them. She then had an uncommonly disposed to doubt the foundation of what is fine person; but it may be said, that her mind advanced in some parts of the following was superior, being concerned for the glory pages; to such the compiler would say, he of her Maker and intent on fulfilling his Di- has long been fully of the persuasion that imvine will. Her labours are now closed, and mediate revelation has not ceased. He bewe may believe she is receiving her reward, lieves that the same Almighty Power who in that state of purity and peace, after which presided at the time of Pentecost, who visited her soul longed while on earth. Zacharias, Ananias, and Cornelius; continues It is a serious consideration with the com- to manifest himself to this day. Believing piler, who is often doubtful whether he has this, and knowing the superior mind and uppassed "the straight gate which leads to life," rightness of the individual, concerning whom to trace the steps of our pious friend, into the he is now writing, he has no difficulty in bevalley of humiliation and discouragement, or lieving what she has recorded. If any praise to pursue her way in the ascent to the hea- is due, let it not be ascribed to her, but to Him venly Jerusalem, and set forth the Divine who is the Author of all good. This was the prospects she beheld there. Diffident of his fervent desire of our departed friend, in which own judgment, how far these things are with- she is followed by in his province, he forbears to enlarge, leaving THOMAS WILKINSON. her own remarks to speak for themselves; but Yanwath, Seventh month, 1816.

SKETCHES

OF THE

LIFE AND RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES

OF

JANE PEARSON.

SECTION I.

feeble and sorely broken, bemoaning myself by reason of the disquietude of my heart.

Her reasons for writing some memoirs of herI was born at Newtown, near Carlisle, of self—Her birth and parentage―The state of sober, religious parents. My father dying her mind in very early life-Her resolution when I was young, I had more experience of not to open her mouth in the ministry-Her my mother's religious care in our tuition. She marriage-The deep inward conflicts she en- was left with four of us to bring up; and her dured for not resigning herself to Divine dis-zeal and care for her offspring abated not; so posal till she was made willing to obey-Her that I have a good account to give of her pious first offering in the ministry-Her remarks on this important office.

solicitude and concern for us. On that account, she hired a schoolmaster in the house, to teach her children, to prevent our being It has long remained with weight upon my corrupted, or learning the improper customs mind, to leave a few remarks respecting the of the people amongst whom we dwelt; so Lord's dealings, when he was pleased to lay that we were kept, more than many others of his hand in judgment upon me, for my back- our age, from associating with those of other slidings; hoping it may be of service to some persuasions.

poor, tossed, afflicted, tempted, bewildered It pleased the Lord by his good Spirit, to mind; for I do believe it would have been of work in my heart in my young years; which service to me in my painful moments, to have brought a godly sorrow over me, and a fear beheld the footsteps of others, if I had had sta- lest I should be taken away in my childish folbility to read, or quietness of mind to be in-lies. When the bell used to toll for those of structed; which for a time I had not, being other persuasions, oh! the awe and inward fear

under Providence, tend to reach and reduce the uncircumcised Philistine nature. The infirmities attending my family in my younger years, kept me much at home; and now my own weakness and infirmities are great and

attendant on these occasions! I would say in my heart; These are now called off the stage of this world, and fixed as for ever they must be. My solicitude at times so far prevailed, that I was desirous of knowing the age of the deceased, and whether they were of ages simi-many. Nevertheless my love is true to the lar to myself; and if they were, it added to my fears, which at that time were piercing. But if they were further advanced, I endeavoured to appease these fears by considering myself young, and that I might escape such a removal in youth; for I was afraid to die, and that awful "for ever and ever," brought sad

ness over me.

great and good cause, and I should be willing to go the world over to edify the body, and promote the reformation of mankind, and the redemption of their souls, through Jesus Christ. I continued to have this deep sense of privation and emptiness. I was sitting in our women's meeting for discipline at Carlisle, when it appeared clear to me, that if I continued thus inward with God, I should soon have to speak to others. This intimation that I was to be drawn to do well, was so far from humbling me, that I did not even desire to be excused, or pray my Divine Master to have patience with me: but I resolutely said; "I

I loved to read the Scriptures, especially the New Testament; and when I read the passage, where our blessed Lord is described as having suffered so much from the high professors, who despitefully treated him and crucified him, it afflicted me deeply; and I believed I should not have done this: so my heart became melt-never will do so." I started aside like a broken ed and tendered under a sense of it.

About this time it pleased the Lord to send into our parts Mary Kirby, a minister of Norfolk; and she being alone, requested me to accompany her. My mother gave me up, and it was a time of reaping some advantage; for when I returned home, I felt my heart in a good measure cleansed and emptied of the old inhabitants; my stiff will being measurably subdued; and loving retirement, I was drawn from my old companions.

bow, and I believe went into greater alienation from the Divine life than I had ever done before; and just it would have been, if Infinite wisdom had cut me off in my disobedience. I was guilty of many wrong things, which brought heavy judgment on me; and living with an aunt at Carlisle, I was much exposed; she keeping a shop, and I being from under the strict eye of my mother.

I was now about the seventeenth or eighteenth year of my age. Through every dispensation, I had a great love for good Friends; and they often manifested love for me; owning the valuable part in me, and overlooking that which was rebukable, I doubt not, in the faith that the Lord would carry on his own work; and their open carriage towards me, was so far from begetting disesteem in me, or inducing me to account them undiscerning, that it wrought upon the better part; for indeed I could have washed the saints' feet. Ministering Friends lodged at my mother's, and I sometimes got the blessing, which is fresh with me to this day.

I then witnessed a state of deep poverty of spirit, which caused me thus to address the Almighty: "Lord! what wouldst thou have me to do?" At that time I did not know there was any thing in my conduct which displeased Him; but his word in me was, "I must not only cease to do evil, but I must learn to do well." Thus I experienced, when the unclean spirit is gone out, we walk through dry places, seeking rest but finding none. Oh! that this time of drought and emptiness was but patiently abode in! but when all the old inhabitants are cast out, the creaturely part is apt to catch at something, to make up the loss At the age of between one and two and it has sustained; for how hard is it to live twenty, I was married to John Pearson, a sowithout life in the creatures, or externals! The ber, religious young man. About a year after senses are continually seeking for something my marriage, my false rest was broken; though to heal this deadly wound, and to replace I was rightly married, and I trust in best wissomewhat in an emptied mind; for it is hard thus to die to self. Therefore many are apt to connect themselves again with those worse than themselves, and their last state is worse than the first.

I feel such heavenly serenity in my endeavours to bring together these few remarks, which have long lain among my papers, that I have no doubt it is right for me to leave them to posterity; having a living hope in my heart, that the perusal of these faithful sayings will,

dom. United to a choice husband, I swimmed as in an ocean of pleasure; but I witnessed, instead of peace on earth, a heart-piercing sword. My undone condition was present with me day and night, when awake. Indeed I slept but little; sleep departed from my eyes and slumber from my eyelids; so that when night came, I wished for morning. And though I had been preserved from gross evils, so heavy was the Lord's hand in judgment against the sinful, impure part in me,

that there was sufficient work for his heartpiercing sword, which divides between the precious and the vile, that which serves him, and that which serveth him not.

merly, "Why doth he yet find fault, for who hath resisted his will?" This was one of the closest trials I ever met with: one evening when the enemy accused me of evil, and I In my own view, my case was now exceed- turned in prayer to the Judge of all the earth, ingly deplorable; so that I neither eat nor slept making my appeal that He knew I was not much, which occasioned a visible decline in wicked, beseeching that he would rebuke the my health. Indeed I was a wonder to behold; devourer for my sake, and set me at liberty to the people wondering what had befallen me.- serve him; it was darted as quick as lightThe enemy followed me closely with most ning, "There is no God!" Oh! then how grievous besetments; things that my very soul did I mourn! believing there was none who loathed would he charge upon me to be my had the least remains of good, that was ever own: and I, not having strength to resist, with tried in this manner. I thought I was now a "Get thee behind me, Satan;" or on the sinning against the holy Ghost, and that I was other hand, experience to distinguish what the most wretched creature upon earth; and proceeded from the enemy and his grievous the enemy followed hard with his bitter whisinsinuations, and what arose from the weak-pering, "To what dost thou pray? There is ness of nature; every thing in me appeared no God." out of order and a confused mass. I did I never opened my case, under this dispenbelieve none ever was in such a state be- sation, to any one; for I believed whoever I fore; nor had I ever read of any of our opened my mind to, would suppose I had been Friends who I thought had gone through such guilty of some gross thing, and therefore was various trying dispensations, what if I say for a castaway; and I thought if I met with distwo sabbaths of years, in which I feared I couragement, I should not be able to bear the should never get to the better side. Lord's hand in judgment, because I had sinned against him. At length I witnessed the truth of that declaration: "When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness;" for truly I did experience inward purity of heart and cleanness of hands; and in the Lord's own time he gave access to his throne; and the spirit of prayer and supplication was poured out upon me, with a "Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth :" I then felt a holy sense of this truth, "The Lord liveth," and "because he lives, I live also."

I ate my bread weeping, and mingled my drink with my tears; I was as if amongst fiery serpents, and in the jaws of a devouring adversary, who was exulting over me; insinuating that the next temptation would sweep me away; and darting things into my mind, one after another, as swift as thought and as dark as the darkest night. Oh! that my troubles were written with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever, for surely they are far beyond my power of description; and had not mercy been extended to me in this trying season, truly I had fallen. The dispensation was so severe, that I could not tell how to live under it; and I wished the Almighty would, by an act of his power, snatch me from mortals, though it might be by an accidental death; for I still believed that if he did take me, it would be in mercy. So earnest was I after holiness and virtue, that I often besought Him that he would never suffer me to sin against him, that I might not be eternally ranked with unclean and abominable spirits, which my very soul loathed.

I now abhorred myself as in dust and ashes, because the enemy was thus permitted to assault me. But through all, my intellects were preserved clear, and my reason sound.

About this time I was much drawn inward in prayer; for truly my tempted, bewildered state called for it; and for a time, I believe I prayed without ceasing; and yet the Lord knew what I needed, to fit me for his work and service, and now, for my further refinement, He permitted the enemy to come still nearer; although I might say with one for

This dispensation, when it had prepared the way of the Lord and made his paths straight, passed away, and I had now to say, the Lord liveth, and I speak not falsely, because I know what that precious knowledge of God has cost me. I note these things for the help of any that may be tried as I have been; for if I had met with any such account it would have relieved me. There may be testimonies of Friends in the account of their lives, somewhat similar, but I had not read them or they had gone from me. Nor could I believe that any who were under the Divine notice, or the turning of the holy Hand, were suffered to abide so long a time under such dark bewil dering suggestions.

May all who are thus proved, believe that way will be made for their escape! Do not despond nor cast away your confidence! I feel united to the suffering seed wherever they are, or of whatever society they may be: I mourn with those that mourn, compassionating their distress. My commiseration and tender feeling is towards these; and I can address them,