a meeting house was built at a place called they were much affected; and they called the Nottingham, which is a large meeting, and greatly increases.

other nation, viz., the Shawanese, and interpreted to them what we spoke in their meeting, and the poor Indians, particularly some of the young men and women, were under a solid exercise and concern. We had also a meeting with the other nation, and they were all very kind to us, and desired more such opportunities; the which, I hope divine Providence will order for them, if they are worthy thereof. The gospel of Jesus Christ was preached freely to them, and faith in Christ, who was put to death at Jerusalem, by the unbelieving Jews; and that this same Jesus came to save people from their sins, and by his grace and light in the soul, shows to man his sins, and convinceth him thereof, delivering him out of them, and gives inward peace and comfort to the soul for well-doing, and sorrow and trouble, for evil-doing; to all which, as their manner is, they gave public assents; and to that of the light in the soul, they gave a double assent, and seemed much affected with the doctrine of truth; also the benefit of the Holy Scriptures was largely

and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Several of the Friends that went with me, expressed their satisfaction in this visit, and offered themselves freely to go again on the like service.

When I was travelling in those parts, I had a concern on my mind to visit the Indians living near Susquehanna, at Conestoga, and I laid it before the elders of Nottingham meeting, with which they expressed their unity, and promoted my visiting them. We got an interpreter, and thirteen or fourteen of us travelled through the woods about fifty miles, carrying our provisions with us, and on the journey sat down by a river, and spread our food on the grass, and refreshed ourselves and horses, and then went on cheerfully, with good will and much love to the poor Indians; and when we came they received us kindly, treating us civilly in their way. We treated about having a religious meeting with them, upon which they called a council, and were very grave, and spoke one after another, without any heat or jarring; and some of the most esteemed of their women do sometimes speak in their councils. I asked our interpreter why they permitted the women to speak in their councils? His answer was, "That some wo-opened to them.* men are wiser than some men." Our inter- After this we returned to our respective preter told me, that they had not done any habitations, thankful in our hearts to the God thing for many years, without the counsel of an ancient grave woman; who, I observed, spoke much in their council; for I was permitted to be present at it; and I asked what it was the woman said? He told me she was an empress; and they gave much heed to what she said amongst them; and that she then said, "She looked upon our coming to be more than natural, because we did not come to buy, or sell, or get gain, but came in love and respect to them," and desired their well-doing both here and hereafter; and further continued, "That our meetings among them might be very beneficial to their young people," and related a dream which she had three days before, and interpreted it, viz: "That she was in London, and that London was the finest place she ever saw, it was like to Philadelphia, but much bigger, and she went across six streets, and in the seventh she saw William Penn preaching to the people, which was a great multitude, and she and William Penn rejoiced to see one another; and after meeting she went to him, and he told her that in a little time he would come over and preach to them also, of which she was very glad. And now she said her dream was fulfilled, for one of his friends was come to preach to them." She advised them to hear us, and entertain us kindly; and accordingly they did. Here were two nations of them, the Senecas and Shawanese. We had first a meeting with the Senecas, with which

I also was concerned soon after to visit the people about Egg-harbour and Cape-May, and had meetings amongst them, and several meetings were settled in those parts, and the people somewhat reformed from what they had been before they were visited by Friends. They told me, after a meeting we had with them, that they used to spend the sabbath days in sporting and vanity, until Friends came among them, and now they meet together to worship God and his Son Jesus Christ. At our coming amongst them, some backsliders and apostates were displeased. One, in a very bitter spirit, called us cursed and cruel devils. Another wrote against us. To him I sent an answer, for which he scandalized me in one of his almanacs, and publicly belied me in print; which lies I swept away with "A small Broom," printed in this year, 1706, to which I never understood that

It is worthy of notice, that at the first settling of Pennsylvania, William Penn took great care to do justice to the Indians, and bought his land of them to their satisfaction, and settled a trade with them; so that whereas the Indians were destructive to the other colonies, they were helpful to Pennsylvania; and to this day they love to hear the name of William Penn.

he returned any answer, nor that he wrote the earnest of peace in their own souls in this against Friends afterwards, though he had made it his practice for several years.

world, have a blessed reward in the glorious kingdom of the Lord and his Christ in that At Little Egg-harbour lived a Friend whose world which is to come. It is well known name was Edward Andrews, who, as himself that I have spent much of my time, since I told me, had been a leader of the people into have been free from my apprenticeship, in vanity and folly, as music, dancing, &c., but travelling and preaching the gospel, being out the good hand of the Lord being upon him, often many months, and sometimes a whole wrought a wonderful reformation in him, and year, and more; and at intervals I have been made him an instrument to lead people into apt to think the time long, till I got to my butruth and righteousness, and gave him an ex-siness and family; and have at times made cellent gift in the ministry of the gospel of more haste than I should have done, which Christ; so that he was made instrumental in gathering a large and growing meeting, most of the people thereabouts being convinced, and a great reformation and change wrought in their conversations. This Friend told me that when he was very rude and wild, he was mightily reached to, at the meeting we had under the trees at Crosswicks, so that he could not go on with his vanity as before; after which he had strong convictions on him, which wrought conversion in the Lord's time, after he had gone through many deep inward exercises.

*

After these journies were over, and I had cleared myself, I was some time at home, and followed my business with diligence and industry, and throve in the things of the world, the Lord adding a blessing to my labour. Some people would tell me that I got money for preaching, and grew rich by it; which being a common calumny cast upon our public Friends that are travellers, I shall take a little notice of it, and leave it to posterity. It is against our principle, and contrary to our known practice and rule to take money for preaching the gospel of Christ, and publishing salvation through his name unto the people; for according to Christ's command, we, receiving it freely, are to give it forth freely. I can say, without vanity or boasting, I have spent many pounds in that service, besides my time, which is as precious to me as to other people; rising early, and laying down late; many days riding forty, fifty, and sixty miles a day, which was very laborious and hard for my flesh to endure, being corpulent and heavy from the twenty-seventh year of my age. I can truly say, that I never received any money or consideration on account of these services, either directly or indirectly; and yet, if any of our ministers are necessitous or poor, we relieve them freely, not because they are preachers, but because they are needy; and when we have done those things, we have done but our duty: and well will it be for those that have discharged themselves faithfully therein. Such will, besides

* See
page 8.

has brought trouble on my mind, and is a trouble to me unto this day. This may be a caution to those who travel in the work of the ministry hereafter, not to make too much haste from the work of Christ; and yet there ought to be discretion used; for a minister may stay too long, as well as return too soon, which may be perceived as we keep the eye of our mind to our divine guide.

After I had staid at and about home for a considerable time, a weighty concern came upon me to visit Friends in the West Indies, and some parts of Europe, as it might please the Almighty to open my way; and as it was to be a long travel, both by sea and land, and hazardous, by reason that it was war time, and many privateers at sea, I settled my affairs by will, and otherwise, that if I should not live to come home again, things relating to my outward affairs might be done honourably and well: for at this time, as at many others, I can truly say I gave up my life freely for my holy Master's sake, and in his cause, who said, Go teach all nations, &c.

On the 29th of the sixth month, 1707, I had a certificate from the monthly meeting of Friends at Philadelphia, signifying their unity with my undertaking, and desires for my welfare; and a tender concern was on my mind that I might live according to what my brethren had certified concerning me. I likewise laid my exercise before the general meeting of ministers and elders, held for the provinces of Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, on the 22d of the seventh month, who also signified their fellowship with my intended journey, and recommended me to the grace of God, and in much love and tenderness I parted with my dear and loving wife, and my near and affectionate friends and brethren.

I had for my companion and fellow-labourer in the work of the gospel, my dear friend, Richard Gove, who also had the approbation and unity of Friends in this journey and undertaking.

We went on board a sloop at Philadelphia, bound for Barbadoes, John Knight, master, about the 27th of the eighth month, in the aforesaid year.

After a few days sailing down the river of the apostles and primitive Christians, nearer Delaware, we put to sea, and in about a than any people in the world;" i. e., generally month's time we came within sight of Barba- speaking. At this island several people were does, where we met with a privateer, which chased, and had like to have taken us; but the good providence of God preserved us out of the hands of those enemies; for ever blessed be his name! In this chase the seamen were uneasy, and belched out wicked oaths, and cursed the Quakers, wishing all their vessels might be taken by the enemy, because they did not carry guns in them; at which [evil conduct] I was grieved, and thus expostulated with them: Do you know the worth of a man's life? guns being made on purpose to destroy men's lives. Were this ship and cargo mine, so far as I know my heart, I do ingenuously declare, I had rather lose it all, than that one of you should lose his life for I certainly knew they were unfit to die. Lives! say they, we had rather lose our lives than go to France. But, said I, that is not the matter; had you rather go to hell, than go to France? They being guilty of great sins and wickedness, and convicted in their own consciences, held their peace, and said no more about the poor Quakers; and when we got within gun-shot of a fort on Barbadoes, the enemy left chasing us.

heartily convinced, and confessed to the truth, among whom a meeting was settled. Here was never any Friend before, as the inhabitants said. I entreat the Lord Jehovah to preserve the sincere-hearted among them in his holy fear whilst they remain in this world; and not them only, but all that love and fear him, in all kindreds and nations, and amongst people of all professions whatsoever. This, in the universal spirit of God's love, is the desire of my soul. From Anguilla we went to Nevis, and to Antigua; and notwithstanding our sloop was a dull sailer, yet we were preserved from the enemy, to the admiration of ourselves, friends and others, our course being in the very road of the privateers. Just as we got into the harbour and were landed, a privateer came by with a prize, as we supposed, which excited our thankfulness to the Lord for our preservation. Here we met with the packet-boat bound for Jamaica, and thence for England. We staid a little at the island called St. Christopher's. In our way to Jamaica, we saw a small privateer that gave us chase, and it being calm, she rowed up towards us. The master prepared the vessel to Next morning early we safely arrived at fight, hoisting up his mainsail, and putting out Bridgetown, in Barbadoes, where our friends our colours. In the interim some were bold gladly received us; amongst whom we la- and some sorrowful. One came to me, and boured in the work of the gospel for about asked, "What I thought of it? and of the two months. After having had divers good Quakers' principles now?" I told him I and edifying meetings for the worship of God, thought I was as willing to go to heaven, as we sailed for Antigua, and staid some days himself; to which he said nothing, but turned there, having meetings and visiting our bre-away from me. Another asked me, "What thren. From Antigua we sailed for Nevis, I would do now?" I told him, I would pray but the wind being contrary, we put in at that they might be made better, and that they Montserrat, an isle that has a great mountain might be made fit to die. In the midst of their in it, on the top of which is a hot spring of noise and hurry, I begged in secret of the water, which boils up, and the mire of it is Almighty, in the name, and for the sake of clear brimstone; some of which we carried his dear Son, that he would be pleased to on board our vessel; which is admirable, and cause a fresh gale of wind to spring up, that shows the wonderful works of God. They we might be delivered from the enemy withsay that the spring is hot enough to boil an out shedding blood, well knowing that few of egg. From this island we sailed to Nevis, them were fit to die. Whilst I was thus conand had meetings with the few Friends there, cerned, the Lord answered my desire and with whom we parted at the sea-shore in great prayer, for in a few minutes the wind sprung love and tenderness. We sailed to an island up, and we soon left them out of sight, our called Anguilla, and were civilly treated there vessel sailing extraordinarily well, and the by the generality of the people; as also by next day we got to Jamaica, and had meetings the governor, George Leonard, at whose house at Port-royal, Kingston, Spanish-town, &c. we had meetings. I remember that after one At a meeting at Spanish-town, there were meeting the governor went into his porch, and some Jews, to whom my heart was very took the Bible and opened it, and said, "By open, and I felt great love to them, for the this book, if people believe the holy Scrip- sake of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and tures, I am able to convince the world, and Jacob; and they were so affected with the prove, that the people called Quakers, are the meeting, that they sent us some unleavened people of God, and that they follow the exam-cakes, made with fine flour and sweet oil, it ple and doctrine of Christ, and the practices being a festival time with them. We had a

way after a godly sort. We got to Port- We afterwards travelled southward, where Patrick, in Scotland, after about five hours there were but few Friends and small meetsail, in order to visit the few Friends that were ings; yet we may say, that the goodness, scattered about in that part of the nation. love, and presence of Him, who said, where People in those parts looked very shy on us, two or three are gathered in my name, there and did not care to discourse with us on mat- am I in the midst of them, was oftentimes ters civil or religious, which I thought unrea-witnessed to be with us, blessed be his holy sonable. The first town or city we came to, name. Oh! that the children of men would in which we had a meeting, was Glasgow, praise him in thought, word, and deed, for he accounted the second city in North Britain, is worthy. In great reverence and holy fear, where, in our meeting for the worship of the we travelled along towards South Britain, had Almighty, we were shamefully treated by the several meetings at Edinburgh, and divers people, who threw dirt, stones, coal, &c., other places; also at Berwick upon Tweed, amongst us, and by other actions unbecoming where there were many soldiers, who were men, though heathens or infidels, much more very rude. The devil hath had many battles people professing Christianity. I was con- with us, ever since we were a people, in order strained to tell them, that though I had to hinder us in our worship, but we generally preached the gospel to many heathens, and to came off with victory, as we did here also, divers Jews, as also to Indians and Negrocs, through faith in his name who hath loved us, and had travelled in many countries and na- and manifested himself to us. Those rude tions in the world, in several quarters thereof, soldiers throwed their hats into the congregaand many thousands of miles, yet I never met tion, in order to disturb us, and hinder us in with the like incivilities and such scurrilous our service, but were at last ashamed and treatment, not in all my travels. I also told disappointed. them, that I had preached the gospel of Christ At this place my dear friend and fellowamong their brethren in New-England, and in traveller, Richard Gove, and I parted. I was Boston, where they formerly hanged the Qua- going by the east sea-coast up to London, and kers, and cruelly persecuted them for their he inclined towards Cumberland. We had religion, and yet they did not treat us so travelled about a year in the work of the minbrutishly even there. And further I told them istry, in great love and true friendship, in that I lived in those parts of America, and which work we were true helpers one of anwhat account I should have to carry home to other; and as we had laboured together in the their aforesaid brethren, of our treatment in work of Christ, so we parted in his love. Glasgow, the second city in Scotland. I de- From Berwick I travelled to Newcastle; had sired them to consider of it, and be ashamed, one meeting by the way, and good meetings if they had any shame. This a little abashed at Newcastle, Sunderland, Shoten, and Durthem for the present, but afterwards they were ham, and several other places in the bishopas bad as ever. There were at this meeting rick of Durham. The winter coming on some collegians, who were very rude. I apace, it began to be bad travelling; and I asked if that was their way of treating stran- being already much spent by it, designed to gers? and that I believed their teachers in the go speedily up to London; and taking some university did not allow of such ill manners, meetings in my way, as at Stockton, Whitby, by which they scandalized themselves, their Scarborough, Burlington, Hull, and Brigg, and city and country. From this city we went to so on through Lincolnshire, where I went to Hamilton and Gershore, where they were visit a Friend who was prisoner in the castle more civil. At Gershore a man of letters of Lincoln, because for conscience-sake, he and sober conversation, begged that I would could not pay an ungodly priest the tithes of pray to the Almighty, that he would establish his labour. From Lincoln I proceeded to him in the doctrine which he had heard that Huntingdon, about which place we had seve day. This being rare in those parts, I minute ral large meetings, then to Baldock, where I it here. We went on towards the north of met with my father and John Gopsil, who Scotland, to Aberdeen, and thereabouts, where came from London to meet me, which was a there is a tender hearted people, among whom joyful meeting, for I had not seen my father we had several large gatherings, and some for about nine years. The love and tenderthat were not of us, expressed their satisfac- ness between us, and our gladness in seeing tion. In the north I met with a gentleman, each other again, cannot well be expressed, who coming from a nobleman's house, joined but I believe it was somewhat like Jacob and me, and asked me, "If I knew Robert Barclay?" I said, not personally, but by his writings I knew him well. He told me, "That he (Barclay) had not left his fellow in Scotland."

Joseph's meeting in Egypt; it was affecting and melting; blessed be the Almighty that gave me once more to see my tender and aged parent! From Baldock we went to