Truth bearing me witness that I am in the way of my duty to my great Lord, my spirits are borne up over all opposers and such as say hard things of me, and I have peace.

In 1787, she writes from London to her children, showing the unabated affectionate concern for their everlasting welfare:

TO HER CHILDREN.

"London, Sixth month, 1787.

"O my dear children, endeavour to keep near to that preserving Power, who is alone able to help and strengthen you to persevere in the way of life and salvation, and also to teach you how to order your dear little ones. Often doth my spirit breathe unto the God and Father of all our mercies for your help, that nothing may draw you aside from that pure path in which I know you have enjoyed true peace. Friends seem glad to see us. The meetings are very large, and graciously owned by Him who is the crown and diadem of our assemblies: happy should we be if all kept to the proper standard, and never moved out of the pure order of the Gospel."

At the latter end of the fourth month, 1789, I attended our Quarterly Meeting at Nottingham. Several strangers were there, and I had satisfaction in being with them, being favoured with a sense of Divine life, whereby I had access to the throne of grace, and witnessed a renewal of strength in the inner man, although I feel a great decay of bodily strength, and was ill part of the time of being there.

In the fourth month, 1792, was again at our Quarterly Meeting, and in the several sitthe love of our Lord, who still is with those tings thereof we were favoured with a sense of that are gathered together in his name. Fourth month 29th, 1793. Attended our Quarterly Meeting at Nottingham, and 1st of fifth month our Monthly Meeting at Loughborough; this little journey I was enabled to under the covering of the Spirit of the Lord, perform beyond expectation, and felt my mind and returned in peace. My complaints too not feeling so grievous as in months past, I terly Meetings, although being still in a very apprehended it my duty to attend some Quarweak state every way, the trial was great. On the 15th of sixth month, I left home, accompanied by my son Joseph, reached Co

On the 26th of eighth month, 1788, she ventry that evening, sat three meetings on

writes:

first-day, and the Quarterly Meeting on second. Went to Warwick on third-day, was at their week-day meeting on fourth, and at Eddington meeting on sixth-day, at Shipston meeting on first-day, and to Banbury that evening; was at three meetings on secondday, and the Quarterly Meeting on third; went same day to Buckingham, was at meeting in the evening, and at the Quarterly Meeting on

I left my home, having for some time felt an inclination to visit a few meetings in Warwickshire, and Ann Byrd coming our way and being very desirous of my company, and she having a concern to visit the said meetings, we went together in true unity, and were indeed fellow labourers in the Gospel though very deep was our travail, and, great the ex-fourth-day, which was large and satisfactory. ercise of our minds, because of the lukewarmness and indifferency which prevail amongst a people who have been so favoured; yea, a people beloved of God and chosen of him before all the families of the earth, and if there be not a reformation, them will he punish. How are they visited, and how do some labour for their restoration; and though much tried, we were at times much favoured and enabled to discharge our duty, for which we enjoyed peace; the faithful amongst us were comforted, and the Lord over all was magnified, who alone is worthy.

Thence to Northampton, on fifth-day was at meeting in the evening and at the Quarterly Meeting on sixth-day; thence to Wellington that evening, and lodged at our very kind and honest friend Benjamin Middleton's; was at Finedon on first-day, at their Monthly Meeting on second and on third-day to Ridlington Park; thence to Oakham, at their meeting on fifth-day, and on sixth, after having a solemn opportunity with our dear friends there, returned to the Park, and on seventh-day, in a renewed sense of Divine love we took leave. On first-day was at their meetings at LeicesI accompanied my friend as far as Worcester; thence to Groby Lodge; on fourth-day ter, where we staid more than a week, and returned to Leicester, it having rested on my visited several aged people much to our satis- mind to be there the first-day following: was faction. At this place we parted, and I came taken very unwell at meeting; lodged at John to Chadwick, where we had a large and sat- Priestman's, whose wife took great care of isfactory meeting; after which, staying the me; and getting better, I was able to sit meetings at Dudley, Birmingham and Coven-meetings on first-day, and was well satisfied try, I returned home in peace the 21st of ninth that I did right in staying. On second-day I month, 1788. reached home in safety, with the richest re

ward, for which I beg to be truly thankful, On the 8th of fifth month, 1795, attended and that I may be carried safe through this the Yearly Meeting in London, where I was life of trouble into everlasting rest. kindly received by my friends at my good old

I have thus had one more opportunity, quarters, the widow Roe's, which journey I though unexpectedly, to renew mine acquaint- bore better than I expected, and was enabled ance, and strengthen the bond of pure affec- to attend most of the meetings, and like one tion which we in years past had known, I raised from death unto life, had to testify of having at these four Quarterly Meetings, as the Lord's goodness, and to speak well of his also at some others, fallen in and met with great and powerful name, which is still manimany of my dear friends, whom I was truly fested in the assemblies of his people, so that glad to see, and probably took a final farewell we can say our God is glorious in holiness, of them, I being now in the seventy-sixth year fearful in praises and doth great wonders of my age, and infirm. The succeeding two amongst us. Great is the reward and sweet years I was engaged in attending many meet- is the peace that my soul now enjoys: this ings near home, to satisfaction. bears me up, though I move with a poor afflicted body, and in advanced age; and being

In the year 1794, she writes to her family unable to walk from one meeting to another, from Leeds:

TO HER HUSBAND AND CHILDREN.

"Leeds, Ninth month, 1794.

it is with gratitude I mention the kindness of my friends in assisting me in many respects; and in their thus helping a poor disciple, they will no doubt receive a reward, even a portion of that peace which my soul now enjoys, peace with God and rest in him who hath dealt bountifully with me. Amen!

TO HER GRANDCHILDREN.

"Donnington, Third month, 1804.

"My absence from you has been longer than I had any sight of when I left you, yet I have at times to believe, that as I did so in pure obedience to the Divine command, so I In the eighty-sixth year of her age, she still continue bound to the law and the testi- penned this short effusion of parental affection mony, yea, to that pure law that the Lord towards her grandchildren: writeth in our hearts; but as I am led in a way that I knew not of, so I could not inform my friends thereof, nor have their approbation; yet I endeavour to take heed that I make "Being likely to have a ready conveyance, no breach in good order, and I seem to have I am set down as in the depth of poverty; but a very kind welcome wherever I have yet I felt willing to salute my dear grandchildren come. Nevertheless, great have been the once more; though it will expose my weaktrials of my poor mind, and the exercise ness, yet it will manifest my willingness, and thereof inexpressible; and though I look upon that you are very frequently in my rememmy thus moving as a friendly visit, yet if I brance. I am glad that you are so agreeably did not feel a necessity, surely I should not placed, and wish you to improve in the best thus venture. I have with humble thankful- things, as it seems you are encouraged, and I ness to admire how way is made for me, so would hope exampled thereto. However, take poor and unworthy a creature as I am. I heed to the gift that is in you, whereby you feel an inclination to be at the Quarterly may be made truly wise and fitted for whatMeeting at York, and am favoured with the ever service you may be employed in; and agreeable company of our dear friend M. S. thus being faithful in a little you will be made wife of William Smith, of Doncaster. I long rulers over more, and have the joyful sentence to hear of the welfare of you all; and might at last of, 'come ye blessed of my Father enmy prayers but avail, they are very frequent ter ye into the joy of your Lord, and into on your account. Oh! my dears, forget not your Master's rest.' Now, having thus writto be watchful; you know how uncertain time ten a little of my meaning, and the fervent is, and what a sad thing to be unprepared; desire of my heart, I conclude in that love may I not say our happiness consists in doing which changeth not, and am your very aged, the will of God, and in living in obedience infirm, and much reduced grandmother, according to knowledge."

"RUTH FOLLOWS."

AN

ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE

OF THAT ANCIENT SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST,

JOHN RICHARDSON.

He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. Luke x. 16.

Signed on behalf of the said meeting, held at Castleton, on the 22nd of the third month, 1754.

The Testimony of Friends belonging to Gis-ness, prepared for such as hold on to the end brough Monthly Meeting, concerning our wor-in well-doing. thy friend JOHN RICHARDSON, who departed this life near Hutton-in-the-Hole, the 2nd of the Fourth month, 1753, in the eighty-seventh year of his age, and was buried in Friends' burying-ground at Kirby-moorside.

As many of our elders are removed, and but few left who had personal knowledge of this Friend in his younger years and early part of his service, we cannot give so full an account thereof as otherwise might have been done.

The Testimony of Friends from the Quarterly
Meeting held at York.

ON reading the testimony given from the Monthly Meeting of Gisbrough, concerning our late ancient and worthy friend John Richardson, deceased, of which we approve, we find ourselves under an engagement to add By accounts transmitted to us, we have this short testimony; from certain expericause to believe he was much devoted, and ence of the service he had amongst us in given up to walk in the way of his duty, and a fresh and lively ministry, and in exercistherein was of great service to the churches where his lot was cast; and an instrument in the Divine hand in turning many to righteous

ness.

As to the latter part of his life, we have this testimony to give of him; that he was a lover of discipline and good order in the church, diligent in attending meetings for worship and Truth's service, whilst of ability; a good example therein, by sitting in a still and unaffected manner in silence, and when raised up to bear a public testimony, was comfortable and acceptable to Friends.

ing the discipline of the church in a Gospel spirit, whereby many received comfort and edification; some of us having knowledge of him from his early appearance in the ministry, remember that he was acceptable to Friends, being sound in doctrine, reaching the witness of God in those to whom he ministered. He was a diligent and faithful labourer, travelling several times through most parts of this nation, and visited Friends meetings in Scotland and Ireland, also twice the English plantations in America, leaving many seals of his minis try, having had the approbation and unity of And when his natural faculties were some- Friends with his service both at home and what impaired, and he confined at home abroad. He was a tender nursing father, in through old age and infirmities, he appeared the church, over the youth whom God had more and more heavenly-minded, and seemed visited, to encourage and strengthen the newly to grow in the life of religion, that we hope convinced, to whom also he was a good examhe is now at rest in the fruition of that happi-ple; and though of a sweet and courteous

disposition, yet careful in the spirit of wisdom, to caution and guard such against the deceitful workings and false representations of the spirit of error. To divers of us who visited him towards the close of his time, he appeared in a heavenly frame of mind, to our great comfort, evidencing a preparation for that eternal bliss whereinto, we doubt not, he is entered, and now reaps the fruits of his labours.

Signed in and on behalf of our Quarterly Meeting, held at York, the 27th and 26th of the third month, 1754.

from darkness, death, ignorance and sin, that they might be made capable of obeying, worshipping and glorifying the great God and sanctifier of them.

As my father was thus waiting and looking for a more general breaking forth of this glorious, powerful, and Gospel day, which had in a good degree sprung up in his heart, he had not, as yet, seen that worthy and good man, George Fox, although he passed through those parts about that time; but soon after came William Dewsbury, and at the sound of his voice, I have heard my father say, he was exceedingly glad, in hearing him declare the

An account of the life of JOHN RICHARDSON, in-way to find the lost piece of silver, the pearl troduced with a brief relation concerning his father, WILLIAM RICHARDSON.

It has been repeatedly revived in my mind, to leave the following account concerning my dear father, William Richardson, having seen something of his own in manuscript, concerning his convincement, with remarks on some other things; but I being young when he died, did not then much heed it, and when I would gladly have seen it for my own satisfaction, I could not, nor as yet can meet with it.

As my father was early convinced of the Truth, a sufferer for it, and bore a public testimony to it, I found it my duty, as nearly as I could remember the contents thereof, to leave this short account concerning him.

of great price within, a Saviour near, who had been held forth by men to be at a distance. But having left the dark watchmen, of whom they used to inquire, they now met with their beloved at home, in their own bosoms; renowned be the name of the Lord, now and for ever.

Thus the hearing and receiving the ever blessed Truth, was as the seed, or word of the kingdom, sown in the good ground, or honest hearts of men, which took root downward and sprang upward, and brought forth fruit, in some thirty, in some sixty, and in others an hundred fold, to the praise of the great and good Husbandman.

little abroad in the work of the ministry. He suffered patiently the spoiling of his goods, and imprisonment of his weakly body, in the great and more general imprisonment; and not only believed in Jesus Christ, but suffered for him. He was a good neighbour, a loving husband, and a tender father over all that was good, but severe to all that which was wrong, and was for judgment, without respect of persons, and spared not even his own children; especially he was much concerned for me, for he said, I was the wildest of them. As he lived well, and believed in Jesus Christ, I doubt not that he has finished his course in the love and favour of God, is entered into a mansion of glory, and is at rest with all the faithful, who "loved not their lives unto death," but rather hated them in comparison of that endeared and unfeigned love they bore to God the Father, and to Jesus Christ his dear and well-beloved Son, who died for them, and also for the whole world.

My father was early raised to bear a public testimony, which was living and acceptable to He was born at North Cave, in the eastern Friends, but was so much attended with weakpart of Yorkshire, in the year 1624, of honestness of body for many years, that he went parents, and of good repute, and was educated in the Episcopal way, being soberly inclined from his childhood; a lover and seeker after purity and virtue. I have heard him say he gave his mind much to retirement, reading the Holy Scriptures, and seeking after the Lord, especially in the fields, being by calling a shepherd; and it pleased the Lord to open his understanding so clearly, that he saw and longed for a more excellent dispensation to come. He also saw that the priests were wrong, and generally proud and covetous, so that he was weary of following them, and much weaned from them and all company, except two or three men who met with him, and spoke one to another concerning their inward conditions, and what they had experienced of the Lord's dealings with them. This was before they had heard of the name Quaker, as it was in a short time after given to a people which the Lord raised up to give testimony of the notable and ancient, yet newly revived and blessed, dispensation of Christ's coming, and manifestation by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the children of men, in order to enlighten, quicken, sanctify, and save them

He departed this life in 1679, aged about fifty-five years, and was decently buried in Friends' burying-place at Hotham, near Cave, where he was born.

Having given the foregoing account of my father, it remains with me to leave to posterity some remarks on my convincement, with an account of sundry transactions, travels, healings, and deliverances I have met with, from my youth to this day, with some advice and openings in the Spirit of Truth.

receives from Christ, the Holy One; and such as do truly put on his righteousness, purity, and holiness, their clothing is better than that of fine linen outwardly. Oh! that all the inhabitants of the earth might be thus anointed, enriched, and truly clothed, that no more inward blindness or poverty may be found in the children of men, nor the shame of their nakedness be any more seen.

Receive and learn these things, you that

I was not above thirteen years of age when my father died, yet the Lord was at work by his light, grace, and Holy Spirit in my heart; but I knew not then what it was which in-can, of him that is the faithful and true witwardly disquieted my mind, when any thing ness, who always witnesseth against the evil which was evil prevailed over the good in me, in man, but always giveth witness to the Fawhich it oftentimes did, for want of taking ther, for the good in men which they say and heed to the spirit of God in my heart. I de- | think. This is the Spirit of him that was sired ease and peace some other way, without dead, and is alive, no more to be known after taking up the cross of Christ to my own cor- the flesh, as the apostle gave testimony, but is rupt will, and strove for some time, as no to be known inwardly and spiritually by the doubt many do, to make merry over the just children of men, to open the blind eye, and witness, until for a season the converting and unstop the deaf ear, and pierce into the soul true witness of God seemed to be slain, or that hath been clouded and captivated, impridisappeared. / Then I took liberty, but not in soned, and misguided, and even in a wildergross evils which many ran into, being pre- ness, and sees no way for deliverance; like served religiously inclined, seeking after pro- Israel in the land of Egypt, when the Lord fessors, and inquiring of them, for my infor- Jehovah sent Moses, a lively type of Christ, mation and satisfaction, to find, if I could, and employed him in that great work of pleadany thing that was safe to rest in, or any true ing with, and plaguing Pharaoh and the Egypand solid comfort to my poor disconsolate and tians. For a time their burthens were inbewildered soul. But I was afraid I should creased, and their exercises more imbittered, be deceived, or take up a false rest in any until their deliverance was in a good degree thing that was wrong or unsafe; which fear was accomplished; and which was not wrought of the great love and mercy of God to me. until the first-born of man, and of beast, was After many searches and inquiries among slain, throughout all the land of Egypt. those who were but in the letter and outward The clear opening I had in the light, of court, where the veil is over the understand what is to be understood and gathered from ing, and the eye of the mind is not truly hence, is not the slaying of the outward man, opened to see into things that are hid from but a putting off, or slaying the body of the all carnal-minded men; so my state and af- sins of the flesh, crucifying, or putting off the flictions were hid from them, and all the de-old man with his deeds; and as to the beast, ceitful workings of satan, and the strong all cruelty, lust, pushing, tearing, devouring, temptations which I met with, these blind and savageness, is to be slain or put away; guides could not see, nor did they know how and the corrupt or strong will of man, as well to direct me to the true Shepherd of Israel, as what is bestial, must be slain before man can the Law.giver coming out of Sion, that turns come from under the power of him who is away ungodliness from Jacob, and trans-called the Prince of the power of the air, the gression from Israel; not having truly ex-spirit that rules in the hearts of the children perienced deliverance wrought in themselves of disobedience. These things must be expeout of this cloudy, bewildered, and tempted rienced, before the children of men can go state which I was in. Oh! that people would come to him that hath the eye-salve, with which if the eye be truly anointed, it will see things clearly as they are, and not darkly, mistaking trees for men, and things terrestrial for things celestial; and that they would buy gold, tried by the fire of him who is called the Tried Stone, elect and precious, laid in Sion for a foundation. This is Christ whom the true church believes in and builds upon, and is enriched with his love, power, and virtue, which is better than gold outwardly: this is the unction, which the true church hath, and

forth rightly qualified to glorify God, and follow his dear Son, whom he hath appointed to be a leader and a commander of his people. This is he, as Moses declares, who is to be heard in all things, under the penalty of being cut off from the people; or of having their names blotted out of the book of life; or being deprived of the comforts of the Lord's holy presence. Read this, you who have heard and understood what the Spirit saith unto the churches. These things I saw, after the true witness arose or revived in me, and the light shone which had disappeared or been clouded.