sitting together a letter came to me from London, that a Friend, Stephen Payton, had set up my name on the Exchange, in London, as master of the Barbadoes packet, which was the vessel bought of me by John Agar, who sold her to said Stephen Payton, who intended her for Philadelphia, and next morning a messenger was sent for me from London: thus

peo

Friend at Wallingford who was very weak, and expressed his satisfaction and thankfulness for the visit; his children were very tenderly affected also. The good Lord, the great physician of value was with us, and his grace was at that time shed abroad in our hearts. From Wallingford we went to Reading, where my good companion and fellow traveller, Isaac Pickerell, dwelt; we were lov- | having such a favourable opportunity of reingly received by our friends. I staid here turning home, I embraced it, and went on and rested several days, and had several sat- second-day to Witham, where I again met isfactory meetings with Friends, they being a with Joshua Toft and Joseph Hobson at meetlarge people, living much in love and good ing; then to Plaistow, where we had a meetwill. Here Samuel Thornton, of Edmonton, ing, and then to Bromley, near Bow, at Joseph my kinsman, and Isaac Brown, my wife's Olive's, where we had a meeting with his son, came from London to see me. From ple and servants, who were many. I thought Reading, Isaac Pickerell accompanied me to it was a good time, a divine hand of love was Maidenhead and to Jordan's, at both which reached out to the young people, and they places we had meetings. The house and bu- were advised to give up their hearts to their rying ground at Jordan's, are kept in the neat-Creator in their youthful days; several scores est order of any I ever saw, in which ground of people belong to this family. After this lie the bones of our worthy Friends, Isaac meeting I went to London and prepared for Penington, William Penn, Thomas Ellwood, the voyage. When our vessel was loaded, George Bowles, and their wives, as I remem- which was chiefly by Israel Pemberton, the ber. This meeting is often, if not mostly | younger, who went with us, as did our owner, kept in silence; yet several have been convinced there, through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Ghost, which Christ said he would send to the true believers, and that should abide with the church forever: here my beloved friend Isaac and I parted in much love, having good desires for each other's welfare. From Jordan's I went to my brother's, at Edmonton, where I rested a few days from travelling.

Stephen Payton, and Isaac Brown and four of my kinsfolks, whose names are Freeman, with several other passengers; in the latter end of the twelfth month my brother and his eldest daughter, Rebecca, with her husband, Samuel Thornton, accompanied me to Gravesend, where our parting with them was very solemn and sorrowful, we not expecting to see one another more.

From Gravesend we sailed the 3d of the Then a concern came upon me to visit first month to the Downs, and from thence Friends' meetings in the county of Essex, and down the British channel, and were at sea I went from my brother's to Hartford, and about nine weeks, which we thought long, had several meetings there, and one at Ware, having many contrary winds; but after we which was very large; after which I went came on shore, we understood many vessels to Hartford again, having relations there. | were much longer. At sea we had meetings, Thence I went to Bishopstafford and Steb- some of which were to my satisfaction. I bing, where I had meetings; and at Brain- | came very unwell on board; but when at sea, tree, Coggeshall and Halstead, and there were I mended; for which favour I am truly thankabundance of people at Colne, at an evening ful. We landed all well and in health at Phimeeting we had, where I met with my worthy | ladelphia, in the third month, 1736, where we friend Joshua Toft, and his fellow traveller, were received with joy by our relations, friends Joseph Hobson, we rejoicing to see each other. and acquaintance; it was much the more so, From Colne I went to Cockfield, which was a because they had heard I was likely to die. very small meeting; then to Colchester, where At London I had a sore fit of the asthma or I staid several days and went to several meet- phthisic, three persons sitting up with me for ings, as at Rockstead and Manningtree, and three nights, who I thought would see my then back to Colchester. On first-day I had end; but the time was not yet come that I a large meeting in the afternoon, and after it must die, though indeed death was no terror Friends were for appointing meetings for me to me, hoping my change would be much for to be at in the ensuing week, and desired to the better; for then, I hoped I should be forknow my mind therein. After a little pause ever with Him whom I loved better than life. I told them I found a full stop in my mind After I had been at home some time I went from going to any more meetings at present, to Salem, and from thence to Cohansey, and and that I would wait some days with them in my return was at Woodbury creek, and in the city, till I saw further. While we were had meetings at each place: and soon after I

visited the meetings of Friends at Bristol, Bur- ings at Moses Robin's, Allentown, Crosslington, Trenton and Bordentown, and in my | wicks, Bordentown, and Mansfield; some of return home, at Middletown. By the way I which were large, open, and satisfactory. called to see my ancient friends, Joseph Kirk- After the last meeting, we went to Burlington, bride and the widow Warder; she was ninety- and next day came home, accompanied by two years of age, and perfect in her under- Richard Smith, Jr. After being a few days standing; she said she did not know for what at home, I was sent for to Chester, to the end the Almighty should prolong her days to marriage of John Lee, (who had sailed several that age; but she was satisfied in his will. voyages with me,) next day I went to the week-day meeting at Providence, and on firstday was at Springfield; from whence I returned home.

In the fifth month I visited the meetings of Friends at Haddonfield, in West Jersey, and at Newton, Haverford, Germantown, Abington, North Wales and Plymouth, and was several times at Philadelphia and Frankford. After many exercises and large travels by sea and land, my brethren and others not of our Society, expressed their gladness to see me, rejoicing that I was likely to spend my time more on the land, hoping that I would go no more to sea; the which, God willing, I determined, having so settled my affairs that I could stay on shore; and am truly and humbly thankful to the Almighty, that he by his good hand of providence, in his due time, had favoured and helped me so to do.

The 23d of the ninth month, I left home again, and went to Philadelphia, and from thence with Daniel Stanton, John Easton, and John Proud, Jr., (the two latter of RhodeIsland,) to Radnor and Goshen meetings, and by the coldness of the weather, and crossing several creeks, I got a cold, which settled on my lungs, so that, in conversation, I was hoarse; but I was helped in meetings to admiration; for which I was truly thankful to the Almighty, the great helper of his servants and children. We had a meeting with an ancient Friend, who said she had above two In the sixth and seventh months I again hundred who called her mother, being her visited the meetings of Friends at Bristol, Bur-children by blood and marriage to the fourth lington, Byberry, Abington, Horsham, Ger- | generation : we took our leave of her, as not mantown, Fairhill, and many times at Frank- expecting to see each other more, and parted ford and Philadelphia.

in tenderness of heart. One of this Friend's In the eighth month I was at two meetings grandsons went with us to Concord, where, at Cohansey, and one at Alloway's creek, on a first-day, we had a very large meeting, where I met with Edward Tyler, a Friend on and an evening meeting at Moses Mendena religious visit from Europe, and John Sykes, hall's; and the remainder of the week we had a Friend living near Crosswicks, in Jersey, meetings at Birmingham, Kennet, New-Garwhere we had an open satisfactory meeting; den, Marlborough, and the monthly meeting from whence I went to Salem, it being their at Center, on the seventh-day following, at week-day meeting, which was large and to which were many young people; for whose the edification of many. I was also at Piles-sakes I was drawn, in my exercise of the grove on fifth-day, and at Woodbury creek ministry, to show the rise and design of our on sixth-day in which last meeting the obe- meetings of discipline. dient son was encouraged, and the disobedient earnestly called home to his heavenly Father's house. In this journey I had John Bringhurst, the younger, for my fellow traveller; his father being unwilling that I should go the journey alone.

First, That the same power which gathered us to be a people, inclined our elders to establish those meetings, and settle them in most parts where we were gathered and had meetings for the worship of God.

Second, They were advised to do the busiAfter I had been at home some time, I,ness of them, and speak to their affairs, in the with some others, went to the yearly meeting sense of the same power, spirit, and wisdom at Shrewsbury, in East-Jersey, which was on of Christ, which, as it had raised us, would, the 23d of the eighth month; it was exceed- | as we kept to it, preserve us to be a people to ingly large, and the quietest and most settled the praise of God's holy name. meeting that ever I was at there; and many Third, They were advised, in doing the budivine truths were delivered therein. From siness, not to run out into many unnecessary thence I went to Manesquan, and had a meet-words, which might lead to contention, and ing, then to Middletown, where we had a spending much time to little purpose; religious meeting in the Baptist meeting house, divers affairs being done best in a meek and quiet of whom were there, and glad of the meeting; spirit, which is of great price with the Lord; thence to Shrewsbury, and had a meeting great evils having arisen in many ages, through on first-day, being the 30th of the month : hot and long contentions about religion. It is from whence, on my return home, had meet- also good to avoid, in matters of difference

respect of persons, on account of being acquainted or related, so as to be swayed thereby from justice.

Fourth; they were advised to be very careful of giving any just occasion of offence to any, to Jew or Gentile, to Indian or Negro; for, "Woe to them," says our Saviour, "by whom offences come;" and if any will take offence when none is justly given, it is the best way to be patient, and take our Saviour for our example, who got the victory through suffering; a safe way, and glorious in the end. And as to few words, the apostle says, "Let your words be few and savoury, seasoned with grace, that they may administer grace to the hearers."

at Philadelphia, Frankford, Germantown and Abington meetings.

The latter end of the tenth month, on a first-day of the week, I was at a large, open meeting at Darby, in Chester county. After meeting I rode home, about fourteen miles; but it was so cold that my limbs were much benumbed, and were not fully recovered in more than a week. Coming home, between Schuylkill river and Philadelphia, we observed the largest meteor that ever I saw, though I had seen many by sea and land; this was in sight almost a minute, as nearly as I could guess; it was a mighty stream, like a flame of fire, leaving, as it were, sparks of fire behind it, as it went along, and then settled like a star, and disappeared. A few days after this meteor, there appeared in the sky an uncommon redness, with streams like fire.

Fifth; I was engaged for the sake of the youth of both sexes, to show them that a material part of the service of these meetings, is that care be taken therein, to see that per- About this time was buried at Frankford, sons are clear of prior engagements or en- John Hurford, who was about ninety years of tanglements, in relation to marriage, and that age; at whose burial, the coldness of the seathey have the consent of parents, or parties son considered, were a pretty many friends, concerned, as guardians, &c., and also, that neighbours and relations of the deceased; as they, and all who belong to our Society, walk also divers from Philadelphia. I was conorderly in conversation; otherwise they could cerned to advise those present to prepare for not be in unity with us, or owned by us, as a their final change; that being certain, though Society of religious people. We do not own the time is uncertain; which, generally, none scandalous persons, or admit them to be mar- knows but the Almighty; therefore we ought ried amongst us, without acknowledging their always to be preparing for our dissolution, faults and promising amendment for the fu- and always watching and praying, lest we ture, through divine grace and assistance. enter into temptation; as said our dear Lord, Also, in those meetings the widows and fa-"If the good man of the house had known in therless are taken care of, that they may be supported and visited, and youths put out apprentices to learn trades, &c.

This meeting concluded with supplication for the rising generation, and for the king and all his subjects, and with thanksgiving and praises to the sacred name of Him who lives forever.

After the abovesaid meeting we went to Wilmington, a newly settled town on Christiana creek, which I believe will be a flourishing place, if the inhabitants take care to live in the fear of God, and seek his glory and the riches of his kingdom, preferring it to any thing of this world. We had a pretty large meeting here, considering the season, for it was very cold, which was held in a large house of William Shipley's; but they are making provision for a meeting house. From this town we went to Newark, and had a comfortable meeting at George Robinson's in the evening, and next morning set out for Philadelphia.

what hour the thief would come, he would have watched." And we not knowing whe ther death will come in our youth, in middle, or old age, ought therefore, earnestly to prepare our hearts to meet death, so that we might dwell with God and Christ in his kingdom forever. It was also observed, that though this Friend had lived to a great age, yet that few lived so long, no, not one in a thousand, and many die very young. They were earnestly entreated, in the love of God through Christ, to prepare for their latter end, and not to set their hearts and affections on things below; for, by how much they set their hearts and affections on natural or outward objects, by so much the harder it would be to part with them, when death should come. This meeting ended with prayer for reformation and preservation to the end of life; and praises, yea, high praises were given to Him who had given to all present life, breath and being.

It being exceedingly severe weather, with As it was now the winter season, and hav-much rain, wind and snow, there were great ing been divers times at this season of the floods, so that we could not get over Frankyear in the warm climates, it was harder for ford creek to meeting; wherefore the Friends me to bear the cold than usual, so that I staid on the west side met together at my house, at and about home pretty much, being often and we had a satisfactory, good meeting, in

which we were exhorted to build our religion we had a meeting, which was appointed on on the sure foundation; that neither storms, rain, nor winds, might be able to shake us from this foundation, which is Christ, the rock of ages.

This winter we were visited at Frankford with the small-pox, of which many died at Philadelphia, and several in our neighbourhood.

Staying chiefly at home, I spent much of my time in reading and writing, being often sensible of the love and goodness of God, my exceeding great reward; he by the spirit of his Son comforting me, and sometimes melting my heart into tenderness in consideration of his many mercies, which caused me to praise his holy name, who is thereof worthy, beyond expression, forever.

In the first month I went with my friend John Oxley, of Barbadoes, to Bristol, where we had a large meeting; and then over the river Delaware to Burlington quarterly meeting: we were obliged to get to the Jersey shore on the ice, laying boards thereon for about one hundred yards together; and being long on the ice and poorly as to health, I took such a cold that I could not get to meeting next day, but was at the youths' meeting on third-day following. On fourth-day I went to Rancocas meeting, then to a large meeting at Mount Holly, where was a marriage; afterwards to Evesham and Upper Springfield, or Hanover, and then returned to Burlington, and next day was at the monthly meeting there, which, to me, was a good open meeting, wherein church discipline was somewhat treated of, and Friends advised to wait for that spirit which leads into all truth, to guide them in the discipline.

In the second month, 1737, I went to Cohansey, in order to negociate some affairs, and had three meetings at Greenwich and one at Alloway's creek; and on the 9th of said month, being first-day, was at Salem meeting, which was large and open: and in the evening we had a heavenly meeting at Bartholomew Wyat's.

John's account, and his service therein was to the satisfaction and edification of Friends. From thence John went to West Chester, on the main, and I went to Flushing, where we had a large, open meeting: it was a solid, good time, and the sacred name of Him who lives forever, was praised.

From Flushing I went with my old friend and schoolfellow, Joseph Latham, to his house. Our conversation was pleasant and comfortable to each other, wherein we remembered our walking to and from school, in the suburbs of that great and populous city, London; when we were beaten, stoned and abused, only for being the children of those called Quakers. The priests, who had money for preaching, had preached and printed so many lies against our friends, that the common people were almost ready to make a sacrifice of us; they telling us, when we pleaded our innocency by saying we went quietly along the streets to school, that "It was no more sin to kill us, than to kill a dog" but now, through the grace and favour of the Almighty, we enjoy the exercise of our religion, according to our consciences, free from jails and prisons, in which our primitive friends suffered much; for which we ought to be truly thankful to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

From Joseph Latham's we went to Westbury and Matinicock, after a meeting at Cowneck, and to New-York, where I had also religious service and a meeting; and from New-York I took my passage in Robert Bowne's sloop, for Newport, on Rhode Island, was two days and nights on the water, and on my arrival at Rhode Island, the brethren lovingly received me, and we were joyful to see each other.

After having had divers good meetings on Rhode Island, I went to Dartmouth, where we had a large, serviceable meeting at a place called Aponyganset, many hundreds being added to the church since I first visited those parts. From this place I went to Holder Slocum's, and he lent us his shallop to go After my return from Salem, on the 1st of over to Nantucket; but the wind not favourthe third month I took a journey to the east-ing, we had a satisfactory meeting at a large ward, having a desire to see Friends in those farm of his on an island bearing his own parts, whom I had divers times visited in the service of the gospel, in my young years; and though now upwards of threescore years of age, was willing to visit them once more before I died, who, in some places where I had formerly travelled, were grown very numerous. I set out with Joseph Gilbert and several other Friends, and we travelled together to Long island, where we parted, and I went to Newtown, where I met with John Fothergill and Samuel Bowne; at which place

name, and after meeting set sail for Nantucket, had several large meetings there, and I rejoiced to see the growth and increase of Friends on this island; where God hath greatly multiplied his people, and made them honourable; glory to his name forever.

The priests, who have money for preaching; the lawyers, who have it for pleading; and the physicians, who have money for giving receipts for health; are poor trades on this island.

I had been at Nantucket about thirty-nine which was large, she being well known, and years before, at which time there were only beloved. Next day I was at an appointed two men and one woman who joined with our meeting at Portsmouth, which was large, and friends in profession, and now it was com- to satisfaction, for which we blessed the holy puted there were above a thousand who went to our meetings, they being a sober, religious people; and there is a great increase of Friends in divers other places in New-England; and whereas formerly we were greatly persecuted for our religion, now we are treated with more civility and respect in those parts.