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MEMORIALS 
 
 CONCERNING 
 
 D E C E A S E D r R I E N D S , 
 
 PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION 
 
 YEARLY MEE T I N G 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 NEW YORK : 
 JAMES EGBERT, PRINTER, 321 PEARL STREET. 
 
 18 5 9. 
 
x^ 
 
 
MEMORIALS, Etc. 
 
 Memorial of Jericho Monthly Meeting of Friendi^ 
 concerning our ancient Friend Elias Hicks. 
 
 We belieye the example exhibited in the life 
 and religious exercise of this our beloved Friend, 
 is eminently calculated to set forth the efficacy 
 and sufficiency of that Divine grace, which, when 
 believed in and obeyed, bringeth salvation. • 
 
 He was born in the town of Hempstead, Queens 
 County, Long Island, State of New- York, the 19th 
 day of the 3d month, 1748. His parents' names were 
 John and Martha Hicks. At the age of seventeen 
 he was placed as an apprentice to learn the trade 
 of a carpenter : on the expiration of his term, he 
 returned to his father, with whom he lived until 
 the time of his marriage, which took place about the 
 twenty -third year of his age, to Jemima, daughter 
 of Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, in 
 said county, where he resided the remainder of 
 his life. 
 
 From his own account we learn, that when very 
 young , he was favored with clear and powerful 
 
4 iViEMURIAL OF 
 
 impressions of Divine gvcjce, operating on his 
 mind as a reprover for evil, which not duly regard- 
 ing, and being naturally of a lively and active dis- 
 position, he associated with those who indulged in 
 the vanities and amusements too common in the 
 world, though mostly in things deemed innocent 
 by the generality of mankind. But the gift of 
 Divine grace, which was so early manifested, did 
 not forsake him, though he often strove to stifle 
 its convictions, but followed him in judgment, and 
 in mercy, until a willingness was wrought in him 
 to give up all to follow Christ, in the regeneration. 
 On one occasion, when preparing to join in the 
 dance, and surrounded by his jovial companions, 
 the pure witness rose so powerfully in his mind, 
 and so clearly set before him the evil tendency of 
 the course he was pursuing, that he reasoned not 
 with flesh and blood, but gave up to the heavenly 
 vision, and in deep contrition and prostration of 
 soul, entered into covenant with the God of his 
 life, that if he would be pleased to furnish him with 
 stroigth, he would endeavor not to be again found 
 in the like disobedience ; w^hich covenant, through 
 mercy, he was favored to keep inviolate. Thus, 
 submitting to the purifying operation of the Holy 
 Ghost and fire, he was, in due time qualified and 
 called to declare to others what God had done for 
 his soul ; under the Divine anointing, he was en- 
 
ELIAS HICKS. 5 
 
 abled to unfold the truths of the gospel, in the de- 
 monstration of the spirit and with power. And, 
 through a faithful obedience to that which had be- 
 gun the good work in him, he became an eminent 
 instrument in the Lord's hand, for the promotion 
 of truth and righteousness in the earth. 
 
 He first appeared in the ministry, about the 
 twenty-seventh year of his age, and from this 
 period, his time and talents were devoted to the 
 cause of his Divine Master, laboring diligently 
 for its advancement, not only at home, and in his 
 own neighborhood, but in most parts of this con- 
 tinent, where there are settlements of Friends, and 
 also, in many places, amongst those not of our so- 
 ciety. In declaring what he believed to be the 
 counsel of God, he was bold and fearless, and his 
 ministry, though unadorned with the embellish- 
 ments of human learning, was clear and powerful. 
 In argument he was strong and convincing, and 
 his appeals to the experience and convictions of 
 his hearers, were striking and appropriate. He 
 saw, and deeply lamented, the great departure of 
 many in the Society of Friends, from that plain- 
 ness and simplicity, and that godly sincerity, 
 which characterized it in the beginning. Hence 
 he felt himself called upon, under the influence of 
 the love of the gospel, to admonish his brethren 
 in religious profession, to rally to the ancient stan- 
 
6 MEMORIAT. OF 
 
 dard, tlie light of truth manifested in the heart, 
 and to follow no man any farther than he should 
 be found a follower of Christ. He assailed the 
 strong holds of superstition and bigotry, with great 
 boldness, which sometimes alarmed the timid, and 
 roused the prejudices of others. Yet to the can- 
 did inquirer, and sincere seeker after truth, he 
 breathed the language of encouragement, of con- 
 solation and of comfort. His great and primary 
 concern was to draw the minds of the people to 
 practical righteousness — from all outward depen- 
 dance to the sure foundation, the rock of ages, the 
 spirit of truth, the comforter, '' Christ within, the 
 hope of glory/' He generally corroborated the 
 doctrines which he preached, by appropriate ref- 
 erences to the testimonies and experience of those 
 who have gone before us, as recorded in the scrip- 
 tures of truth. Through the efficacy of that power 
 which enabled him to say, *' By the grace of God, 
 I am what I am," many were convinced of the 
 truth, through his ministry. 
 
 So full and pointed was his testimony against a 
 hireling ministry, which he held to be, not only in 
 direct violation of the great gospel precept, '* Free- 
 ly ye have received freely give,*' but fraught with 
 incalculable injury to the best interests of mankind, 
 that he sometimes gave offence to those, whose 
 minds w^ere strongly biased in its favor. Yet 
 
ELIAS HICKS. 7 
 
 such was the general kindness and benevolence of 
 his character, that he did not willingly give of- 
 fence to any. While he condemned the practice, 
 he was kind and charitable to those, who, through 
 the influence of education and early prejudice, dif- 
 fered from him on this subject. Such was his con- 
 cern that his example should comport with his 
 testimony, that he was scrupulously careful to de- 
 fray his own expenses when travelling as a minis- 
 ter. 
 
 When his meetings were attended by a large 
 concourse of persons of various denominations, the 
 solemnity and stillness that prevailed, were often 
 very remarkable, reminding us of the testimony 
 of primitive Friends, that the power accompany- 
 ing their gospel labors, so overshadowed the as- 
 semblies, that truth reigned over all. Being deep- 
 ly sensible of his own inability to promote the 
 cause of truth and righteousness without divine aid, 
 he was engaged to dwell near the fountain of light 
 and life, and to minister as this opened and gave abi- 
 lity. He was indeed an example of Christian humi- 
 lity, and eminently preserved from being elated' 
 by the applause of men, or depressed by their cen- 
 sure. Many were the exercises which he felt on 
 account of the evils which abound in the world ; 
 and the oppressed condition of the African race 
 excited his tenderest sympathy. Their cause en- 
 
8 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 gaged bis earnest solicitude for the greater part of 
 his life, and he was often led feelingly and power- 
 fully to advocate it. We believe that many 
 were convinced, through his labors, of the cruel- 
 ty and injustice of holding them in bondage. He 
 bore for many years a faithful testimony against 
 slavery, by carefully abstaining from the use of 
 articles which he believed to be produced by the 
 labor of slaves. When at home and not engaged 
 in services more strictly of a religious character, 
 he labored diligently with his own hands, believ- 
 ing it the duty of all to be usefully employed in 
 obtaining the necessaries of life, and when acquir- 
 ed, he acted as a steward under the direction of 
 the bouutiful giver, being restrained from using 
 them for selfish gratification. In the various re- 
 lations of life, he was a bright example, worthy 
 of imitation ; he was an affectionate husband ; and 
 as a father and guardian, his concern for the reli- 
 gious and moral education of his children and 
 those placed under his care, was very great, that 
 they might be brought up in the fear and admoni- 
 tion of the Lord. For these ends he exercised 
 the authority of a parent with firmness, but in 
 much tenderness and love. His tender sympathy 
 was excited for the poor, to whom he was a kind 
 and liberal friend, often supplying their necessities. 
 It may be truly said of him, that he was a man, 
 
ELIAS HICKS. 9 
 
 fearing God and hating covetousness. He was a 
 peace-maker, endeavoring, both by precept and 
 example, to promote harmony in his neighbor- 
 hood, and in this respect he was very useful — his 
 Christian deportment having gained the confidence 
 and affection of his neighbors. He was very dili- 
 gent in the attendance of religious meetings, and 
 often led to encourage others, assuring them, 
 from his own experience, that none could expect 
 to increase in the Divine life, until they considered 
 that important duty paramount to temporal con- 
 cerns ; he was also conspicuously useful in sup- 
 portiDg the discipline of the society. 
 
 At a very advanced age, he continued to labor 
 in the Lord's vineyard, with, the same fervent 
 zeal, the same dedication of heart, for which he 
 had been so eminently distinguished in the earlier 
 stages of his life ; and in the exercise of his gift in 
 the ministry, he was as lively, clear and cogent as 
 at any former period. Having been long taught 
 in the school of Christ, and being deeply expe- 
 rienced in the things which concern our eternal 
 well-being, he was well qualified to administer 
 counsel and encouragement to others; and was 
 frequently led, feelingly and forcibly to impress 
 upon the minds of the rising generation, the im- 
 portance and necessity of early attention to the in- 
 ward discoveries of divine light; cautioning them 
 
10 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 n 
 
 not to rest in the tradition of their fathers, but to 
 walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing, 
 which has led the righteous in all ages safely 
 through time ; nor to depend upon the teachings 
 of men, for that knowledge which brings life and 
 immortality to light in the soul ; declaring that 
 faithfulness and obedience to the influence of di- 
 vine grace in their own hearts, could only qualify 
 them to advance the standard of truth and right- 
 eousness in the earth. 
 
 His dedication to the law of the spirit of life in 
 Christ Jesus, his firmness in the support of those 
 testimonies, which he felt himself called upon to 
 maintain, and his plainness in reproving unfaith- 
 fulness in others, and bearing testimony against 
 every appearance of evil, gave offence to some ; 
 yet none of these things moved him, neither count- 
 ed he his life dear to himself, so that he might 
 finish his course with joy, and the ministry he had 
 received, to testify the gospel of the grace of 
 God : and we are persuaded that his feet were es- 
 tablished upon that rock, against which the pow- 
 ers of darkness shall never be able to prevail. He 
 was favored, in times of the greatest trial, to ex- 
 perience the truth of the prophetic declaration, 
 '*Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind 
 is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." 
 
 He was favored with a good constitution, and in 
 
 J 
 
ELIAS HICKS. 11 
 
 the decline of life, was still actively engaged in 
 the concerns of society, and industriously employ- 
 ed in his temporal avocations. 
 
 His mental powers continued strong and vigo- 
 rous to the end of his labors. His comprehensive 
 and energetic mind, was apparently but very little 
 impaired by the revolution of more than four- 
 score years. Within the last two years of his life, 
 he travelled extensively in the work of the minis- 
 try. 
 
 When he was eighty years of age, he opened in 
 this Monthly Meeting a concern to pay a religious 
 visit to Friends and others, in some parts of the 
 Yearly Meetings of New York, Philadelphia, Bal- 
 timore, Virginia, Ohio and Indiana. He obtained 
 a certificate of unity and concurrence from this 
 Monthly Meeting, endorsed by Westbury Quarter- 
 ly Meeting. In this visit he experienced many 
 deep probations on account of the unsettled state 
 of Society. ** For the divisions of Eeuben, there 
 were great searchings of heart.'' Yet he was en. 
 abled to accomplish his visit to the Southern and 
 Western Yearly Meetings, agreeably to his pros- 
 pect. Shortly after his return from this journey, 
 he met with a severe affliction, in the loss of his 
 beloved companion, with whom he had lived in 
 near union and affection for fifty-eight years. 
 
 In the summer of 1829, in pursuance of his pros- 
 
12 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 pect as before mentioned, he visited most of tlie 
 meetings of Friends in the Northern and Western 
 parts of our Yearly Meeting. His gospel labors, 
 during these arduous and extensive visits, were 
 productive of satisfaction and peace to his own 
 mind, and were peculiarly seasonable and accep- 
 table to his friends, as appears by numerous cer- 
 tificates of near unity, which he produced to this 
 meeting on his return home ; after which, he at- 
 tended all the meetings of Friends in the city of 
 New York, and on this Island, very much to their 
 satisfaction. In these last visits, as heretofore, 
 his gospel labors were remarkably clear and 
 powerful, and we trust are profitably remembered 
 by many. He seemed renewedly concerned on ac- 
 count of the deviations from that plainness and 
 simplicity, into which the truth would lead ; and 
 expressed the comfort it would be to him, to see a 
 reformation in these respects. 
 
 On First-day morning, the 14th of 2nd month 
 last, he was engaged in his room writing to a 
 friend, until a little after ten o'clock, when he re- 
 turned to that occupied by the family, apparently 
 just attacked by a paralytic affection, which near- 
 ly deprived him of the use of his right side, and of 
 the power of speech. Being assisted to a chair, 
 near the fire, he manifested by signs, that the let- 
 ter which he had just finished, and which had 
 
ELIAS HICKS. IS 
 
 been dropped by the way, sbould be taken care of; 
 and on its being brought to hinri, appeared satis- 
 fied ; and manifested a desire that all should sit 
 down and be still, seemingly sensible that his la 
 bors were brought to a close, and only desirous of 
 quietly waiting the final change. The solemn 
 composure at this time manifest in his counte- 
 nance, was very impressive; indicating that he 
 was sensible the time of his departure was at hand, 
 and that the prospect of death brought no terrors 
 with it. During his last illness, his mental facul- 
 ties were occasionally obscured, yet he was at 
 times enabled to give satisfactory evidence to 
 those around him, that all was well, and that he 
 felt nothing in his way. 
 
 His dependance had long been upon that arm of 
 power alone, which supported him under every 
 probation, and near the conclusion of the letter 
 above *^ alluded to, he thus expressed himself: 
 '* And if we are favored to gain an inheritance in 
 that blissful and peaceful abode, where the wicked 
 cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest, 
 we must ascribe it all to the unmerited mercy and 
 loving kindness of our Heavenly Father, who re- 
 mains to be God over all, blessed forever"! He 
 continued gradually to decline until the evening 
 of the 27th, when he quietly passed from the trials 
 
 L 
 
14 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 of time, wo doubt not, to receive the reward of the 
 righteous. 
 
 riis funeral took place on Fourth day, the 3d, 
 of Third month. It was attended by a large con- 
 course of Friends and others, and a solid meeting 
 was held on the occasion ; after which, his remains 
 were interred in Friends' burial ground at this 
 place. 
 
 Signed by direction, and on behalf of Jericho 
 Monthly Meeting, held 4th month, J 5th, 1830. 
 
 WILLET ROBBINS, > p, , 
 ABIGAIL HICKS, i ^^^''^'' 
 
 At Westbury Quarterly Meeting, held at West- 
 bury, the 22nd of 4th month, 1830. 
 
 A memorial of Jerico Monthly Meeting, con- 
 cerning our late beloved friend Elias Hicks, was 
 produced and read, and being satisfactory to the 
 meeting, was approved, directed to be endorsed 
 and forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the meeting by 
 
 STEPHEN UNDERHILL, > ^; , 
 SARAH COCK. ( Klerks. 
 
WARREfV FERRIS. 16 
 
 A Testimony of Queenshury Monthly Meetings con 
 cerning our beloved jPne;t^ Warren Ferris, de- 
 ceased. 
 
 He was born at Paulings Town, Dutchess Conn 
 ty, the 19th of 3d mo., 1791. In the early part of 
 his life it appears, that, by not attending to the re- 
 proofs of Divine instruction manifested in his own 
 mind, he was drawn into vanity and folly ; repeat- 
 ed and great were his conflicts whilst he pursued 
 that path, and continued to a^soei^±e^with^vain and 
 unprofitable companions; until at length, he so 
 learned obedience by the things which he suffered, 
 that he gave up to the operation of the Spirit of 
 Christ upon his mind, in the faith of its sanctify- 
 ing power; and therein experienced the consola- 
 tion of his Heavenly Father's love. Having been 
 thus humbled, under the operation of the power of 
 Truth, he soon became qualified for usefulness in 
 the militant Church ; and about the twentieth year 
 of his age, he requested the care of Friends, and 
 was received a member of Queensbury Monthly 
 Meeting, and soon became an able minister of the 
 Gospel of Christ ; and being of strong and ready 
 abilities, and his mind improved and enlarged by 
 the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, he be- 
 came qualified for the promotion of the cause of 
 Truth and righteousness, in which he was engag- 
 
16 MEMOKIAL OP 
 
 ed ; being careful that his example should corres- 
 pond with the precepts he delivered. He was dili- 
 gent and seasonable in the attendance of meetings, 
 and was careful in encouraging his family in this 
 imporant duty. He was not frequent in his public 
 appearances, being diligent in waiting to experi- 
 ence a renewed qualification for service before he 
 attempted to move, either in tiie ministry, or in the 
 transaction of the discipline; well knowing, that 
 without a fresh anointing, any endeavors to act 
 must prove ineffectual, and tend to centre in life- 
 less formality, against which, he was concerned 
 zealously to bear tesimony — be was a faithful 
 watchman on the walls of Zion. His ministry 
 was lively and instructive, accompanied with fer- 
 vent zeal for the honor of God, and good of souls ; 
 manifesting an earnest desire that all should come 
 to the knowledge of the Truth and be saved, and 
 many can say they have felt the comfortable effects 
 of his labors. He often expressed his desire that 
 Friends might dwell deep and prosper in the 
 Truth ; at the same time observing that he feared 
 this was not the case with all, saying, there seem- 
 ed to be too much human contrivance, which would 
 never do. He did not travel much abroad in the 
 exercise of his gift, yet some years before his 
 death, he performed a visit within the compass of 
 Nine Partners'^ Quarterly Meeting, having pre- 
 
WAKREN FERRIS. 17 
 
 viously obtained the unity and sympathy of Friends 
 in his religious concern : and, about three years 
 before his death, he performed a visit to Friends 
 within the compass of Easton Quarterly Meeting, 
 to their edification : and he expressed, at his re- 
 turn, that he had great satisfaction and peace in 
 his own mind in thus performing his religious duty. 
 As he was not entrusted with much of this world's 
 goods, it was necessary that he should be diligent in 
 his outward calling ; yet, when he believed that his • 
 duty required hiixi to leave his family, he cheerfully 
 submitted thereto, well knowing his Master could 
 bless the little, and that there was nothing in this 
 world worth enjoyiug out of the Divine will. In 
 the spring of 1827, he removed with his family 
 from Queensbury to Moreau, and there being a 
 few families of Friends there, they requested of 
 the Monthly Meeting the privilege of holding a 
 meeting for worship, which was allowed them, and 
 it is still continued. 
 
 He attended our YearlyMeeting in the spring of 
 1828, which proved a close trial to him, as there 
 was a part of the Meeting that separated from 
 their brethren, many of whom he much loved : 
 and it seemed, as he expressed it, too much for 
 human nature to bear : yet he frequently remarked, 
 after his return home, that he was gla(i he attend- 
 ed the Yearly Meeting. 
 
18 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 4 
 
 He was a loving husband, a tender father, a kind 
 neighbor, and deeply sympathised with those in 
 affliction. His last sickness being a fever, it con- 
 tinned sore upon him for several weeks, during 
 which time he frequently spoke of the state of our 
 society, and seemed much engaged that Friends 
 should support the standard of Truth in its an- 
 cient purity. And to a Friend he said, a few days* 
 before his death, that if Friends kept humble and 
 faithful, our Society would shine with greater lustre 
 than it had for many years past. He several times 
 expressed, in a very weighty frame of mind, that 
 he was never more favored at any time of his life, 
 than since he had been on his sick bed, and that he 
 had been favored with such clear openings in the 
 visions of light, since his sickness, as he had rarely 
 witnessed before, which, he said, was admirable to 
 himself; and he further added, that he believed, 
 if those who visited him in his sickness were deep 
 enough, they would have a sense of his exercise, 
 and would sit down and be still and quiet. He 
 then mentioned that he had been much burthened 
 with trifling conversation in those favored seasons. 
 
 The gravity of his countenance, and the solem- 
 nity attending his conversation, made such deep 
 impressions on the minds of those present, that the 
 opportunity will be long remembered. A neigh- 
 bor coming in to see him a short time before his 
 
WARREN FERRIS. 19 
 
 decease, mentioned, that she had heard a report 
 circulated, that he denied his Saviour, and she felt 
 it to be her duty to come and convince him there 
 was one ; but he, being rightly qualified, was en- 
 abled fully to satisfy her that the report was false, 
 and further added; ** I never dared to deny my 
 Saviour, I would sooner part with my right hand. 
 I have ever believed that there is no other name 
 given under heaven whereby we can be saved, but 
 by the name of Jesus," and much more that can- 
 not be recollected. 
 
 A few days after, speaking of this circumstance, 
 he exclaimed, — '- Oh, that all who have heard that 
 I denied my Saviour, were like this honest woman, 
 and would come and see for themselves/' As his 
 time of departure drew near, he appeared to be 
 in a composed state of mind, expressing his great 
 satisfaction in his past labors, and especially at 
 the late Yearly Meeting, and since his return 
 home. Soon after he appeared to be in supplica- 
 tion, which was, as near as could be understood, 
 on this wise, that the two bands* might become of 
 one mind, and worship the one true and living 
 God ; and that all the human family might be so 
 wrought upon by the benign influence of Divine 
 love, as to be brought into the one fold. He appear- 
 ed to be in a sweet frame of mind, and the last words 
 
 ^ Meaning the two divisions of the Society of Friends. 
 
20 MI'.MOIMAI. <>l< 
 
 he uttered were, ** Oh, happy, happy, farewell 
 friends, farewell ;" and breathed shorter and 
 shorter, departing like one falling asleep, on the 
 morning of the 25th of 9th mo., 1828; and we 
 doubt not, has entered into the mansion of eternal 
 felicity, where the wicked cease from troubling 
 and the weary are at rest. 
 
 The day following, his remains were taken to 
 Queensbury attended by a large number of Friends 
 and neighbors, and after a solemn meeting heUl on 
 the occasion, they were interred in Friends' burial 
 ground there. 
 
 Thus, like the rising sun that grows brighter 
 and brighter until it comes to the meridian, did 
 this devoted servant shine brighter and brighter, 
 until he was called from works to rewards, in the 
 meridian of life, aged thirty-seven years and about 
 six months. 
 
 A Testimony of the Monthhj Meeting of West- 
 hury, concerning our heloved Friend Townsend 
 FIawxhurst, deceased. 
 
 In early life, it appears he was fond of those 
 vain amusements and pastimes, which are so gene- 
 rally prevalent with young people, in some of 
 which he took great delight, — but about the 24th 
 
TOWNSEND HAWXHURST. 21 
 
 year of his age lie attended the funeral of a neigh- 
 bor, at which our beloved Friend Elias Hicks, 
 was led largely and powerfully to open the doc- 
 trines of the Gospel, which caused him seriously 
 to reflect on the consequences that must be the re- 
 sult of such a pursuit, — as he could not experience 
 that peace and quietude of mind, that his soul 
 craved, and which he was now led to believe, are 
 the experience and reward of the righteous. 
 Being thus awakened, he attended Friends' meet- 
 ing at Cow Neck, and his spirit being comforted 
 in the enjoyment of the presence of his Saviour, 
 which he now found to be near, even within himself, 
 he became a steady attender of our meetings. In 
 his 27th year, he requested, and was received a 
 member in the Society — and by taking heed to the 
 gradual unfoldings of truth, he learned in the 
 school of Christ, that it is by the way of the Cross, 
 to all those sensual delights, that the Crown, and 
 true happiness is to be experienced — thus abiding, 
 he became qualified to instruct others, and receiv- 
 ed a gift in the ministry ; and being faithful to 
 the further openings, and discoveries of truth, he 
 became an able Minister of the Gospel ; circum- 
 spect in life and conversation, answerable to the 
 doctrine he taught — that it may be truly said, he 
 was a preacher, both by example and precept. He 
 felt such a sympathy for the enslaved African race, 
 
22 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 and had such a sense of the great injustice done 
 them, being fully convinced that God is no respec- 
 ter of persons, that he scrupulously abstained from 
 the use of the produce of their labor, for a number 
 of the last years of his life. And although 
 he had a growing family, which necessarily 
 required niuch of his care and attention ; yet, 
 knowing his peace consisted in being given up 
 to fulfil the requirings of his Divine Master, he 
 was made willing to leave his wife and tender lit- 
 tle ones, in order to perform the service that he 
 believed was required of him. Thus, with the con- 
 currence of his friends, he performed divers reli- 
 gious visits to different parts of this continent : he 
 several times visited parts of the Yearly Meetings 
 of New York and Philadelphia, and performed a 
 general visit to Friends, within Baltimore Yearly 
 Meeting ; also to the Meetings within the compass 
 of Virginia, and Ohio Yearly Meetings : and it ap- 
 pears, by accounts received, that his visits were 
 to the satisfaction of Friends; and on his return- 
 ing home, he had gratefully to acknowledge the 
 goodness of Israel's Shepherd, in having enabled 
 him to perform the service which he believed was 
 required at his hands, saving, he witnessed great 
 peace of mind in having thus given up to his Mas- 
 ter's service. His last sickness was attended with 
 much bodily distress, which he bore with Chris- 
 
 J 
 
TOWNSEND HAWXHURST. ^3 
 
 tian resignation, and his mind appeared remark- 
 ably tranquil, being fully resigned either in life or 
 death, as it might please his heavenly Father. 
 
 The following are some of the many weighty ex- 
 pressions he dropped during his sickness. To a 
 sister-in-law, he mentioned the peace of mind he 
 enjoyed, and the comfort he experienced in retir- 
 ing inward, and waiting upon the Lord : and re- 
 commended silent worship, and a strict attention 
 to the Divine light, which is manifested in each 
 of our breasts ; saying, if it was attended to, it 
 would lead and direct us in the right path. In 
 the morning he said, I have passed through some 
 sorrow in the night, but joy has again returned 
 this morning. At another time, being in great 
 bodily distress, he prayed as follows : — *' G-ra- 
 cious Father, condescend, we pray thee, to look 
 down in mercy on us this night, give me strength 
 to bear the turning and overturning of thy divine 
 hand upon me, and, oh, gracious Father, bring us 
 more and more, and the whole human family the 
 world over, to a sense of our dependence upon 
 thee, the God of our salvation ; draw us by the 
 cords of thy love to thee, the fountain of life ; and 
 be pleased, if consistent with thy will, to remove, 
 if thou seest meet, this my great distress, never- 
 theless, not my will but thine be done.'* 
 
 Some little time after he said, I feel nearly free 
 
i^4 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 from pain, and remarked, it is the Lord's doings, 
 and it is marvelous in mine eyes. He often spoke 
 of the great peace and joy he now felt, in having 
 given up to do what he believed his Divine Mas- 
 ter had required of him, when in health. His sister- 
 in-law sitting by him, be said, I bave always felt 
 a deep interest, in thy spiritual and temporal wel- 
 fare, and hope thou wilt be obedient to the mani- 
 festations of Divine light, give up to be led and 
 guided by it ; it is the humble that he will teach of 
 his ways, and the meek he will guide in the path 
 of true judgment ; be not conformed to this world, 
 to its vain fashions and customs, in braiding the 
 hair, and putting on of apparel, it brings no real 
 satisfaction ; I know it from experience, but when 
 we listen to the still small voice, tbat points out 
 the way wo should walk in, and become willing to 
 take up the cross daily and follow Christ, we feel 
 that joy, the world can neither give nor take away : 
 It has been my endeavor to turn the minds of the 
 people, wherever my lot has been cast, to this 
 principle, to Christ within, the hope of glory. On 
 its being remarked to him, that there was some 
 danger apprehended of his over exerting himself 
 in his weak state, by expressing so much ; he re- 
 l)lied, I feel so much love for you all, and it flows 
 universally, the world over, that it seems as if 1 
 could not stop; particularly mentioning several 
 
TOWNSEND HAWXHURST. 25 
 
 of Ms brothers and sisters-in-law, desiring they 
 would keep in moderation in all things, and that 
 Friends might be careful to keep in plainness and 
 simplicity, saying it was their profession. To his 
 little daughter, who had been for some time very 
 ill, he said, I feel very much for thee, my child, 
 thou hast had a tedious time, but I want we should 
 be patient, and bear without murmuring, the turn- 
 ing and over turning of the Divine hand, for it is 
 in wisdom : I feel that his ways are ways of plea- 
 santness, and all his paths are peace. At another 
 time he said, it appears like a very solemn time 
 this morning, and observing his wife to grieve, 
 desired that she might not, for there was nothing 
 in his way. The night following, his sister being 
 with him, he desired she might give him up, and 
 not grieve for him; saying, that his peace was 
 made, and should he recover from the present ill- 
 ness, there would be but a short period, and he 
 should have to pass through the conflict again. 
 And added, I have no doubt that my Heavenly 
 Father will take care of my little children, he has 
 promised to be a father to the fatherless, and a 
 friend to the widow. A day or two before his de- 
 cease, his heart was so enlarged with the flowing of 
 universal love, in the remembrance of past, as 
 well as present favors, that he was enabled, al- 
 though very weak in body, to commemorate the 
 
26 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 mercy and goodness of his Heavenly Father, in 
 being near, and giving him a full assurance of a 
 reception into the realms of eternal felicity. Thus, 
 having been devoted to the service of truth, ho 
 was favored in his concluding moments with a 
 peaceful mind ; and on the morning of the 28th of 
 12mo. 1829, he breathed his last, aged nearly 51 
 years; and we have no doubt, his spirit has cen- 
 tred, where the wicked cease from troubling, and 
 the weary are at rest. On the 30th, his remains 
 were taken to Cow Neck, accompanied by a large 
 number of Friends and neighbors, and, after a 
 solemn meeting on the occasion, they were interr- 
 ed in Friends' burial i2fround there. 
 
 Testi7nony of Shapaqua Monthly Meeting of 
 Friends J concerning our esteemed Friend Su- 
 sannah Haight, 
 
 She was born the 24th of the 4th mo.. 1756 ; 
 she was the daughter of Moses and Jane Quinby, 
 who early instructed her in the paths of piety, and 
 she being of a mild and amiable disposition, was 
 seriously inclined from her childhood, and early 
 regarding the visitations of Divine love, she was 
 brought into humility, and through faithfulness to 
 its manifestations, she witnessed her mind prepar- 
 
SUSANNAH HAIGHT. 27 
 
 ed for a more full reception of it. In the life of this 
 our dear Friend, is exemplified the sufficiency of 
 the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
 for the preservation of all those who faithfully abide 
 under its influence. In the year 1784, she was 
 married to our Friend Reuben Haight, to whom she 
 was a true help-meet, and tender sympathising 
 companion in temporal as well as spiritual concerns: 
 an aflfectionate mother, a good neighbor, kind and 
 compassionate to all those situated about her. She 
 was a diligent attender of our religious meetings, 
 and by her exemplary deportment, in quietly wait- 
 ing therein, she conferred much encouragement on 
 her friends. About the year 1800, she was ap- 
 pointed to the station of an elder, and, manifesting 
 a steady concern for the promotion of the cause 
 of truth and righteousness, she occupied that sta- 
 tion during the remaining part of her life, very 
 much to the satisfaction of Friends. During sev- 
 eral of her last years she was subject to much 
 bodily infirmity, and was thereby confined at home 
 for a considerable time previous to the late separa- 
 tion in our Society, which produced in her mind 
 such an increased exercise for the preservation of 
 Friends in that order and dignity which becomes 
 our high and holy profession, that she was induced 
 to renew her endeavors to attend our meetings 
 again, which she was enabled to do for a considera- 
 
28 MEMORIAL OP^ 
 
 ble time, very much to the help and comfort of 
 Friends. For the last eight months of her life, 
 she was mostly confined to her room, and sufiFered 
 much with pain, throuah which she maintained 
 great Christian fortitude, frequently praying for 
 preservation in patience and resignation to the Di- 
 vine will. At one time she expressed a fear that 
 she was too anxious to have this mortal put off, 
 and immortality put on , saying, that the Lord's time 
 only, was the best time. She was favored with 
 her senses to the last, and at a time when she 
 thought her end approaching, she had the family 
 called together and took an aflfectionate leave of 
 them. From this time she communicated but lit- 
 tle, and appeared to take but little notice of those 
 about her. In the afternoon, (being First-day) 
 some Friends were conversing in her room of the 
 very favored meeting they had had that day ; 
 she spoke distinctly and said, '* ah, the Lord has 
 not left us.' She continued in a sweet frame of 
 mind to the last, giving satisfactory evidence that 
 she was fully assured there was a reward in 
 store for her. On the 21st of 4th mo„ 1831, she 
 quietly breathed her last, aged seventy-five years. 
 
PHEBE DODGE. 29 
 
 A Testimony of Josepli C. Dodge, concerning Ms 
 late wife, Phebe Dodge. 
 
 Since it hath pleased the Most High to prove 
 me in the very close and afflicting dispensation of 
 the removal of my wife, Phebe Dodge, by death, 
 I have felt my mind drawn to give this testimony 
 concerning her, feeling it to be due to her memory, 
 accompanied with a hope that it may prove a 
 way -mark to others. 
 
 She was born on the 5th day of 2d mo., 1792, 
 in the town of South Salem, West Chester Coun- 
 ty, State of New-York. Her parents were Eich- 
 ard and Susannah Weeks, who were honestly en- 
 gaged for the promotion of Truth and Righteous- 
 ness in the earth, (the latter an approved Minister 
 and faithful laborer in the Lord's vineyard.) This 
 their daughter was, agreeably to her own account, 
 tenderly visited in her childhood with impressions 
 of Divine love, and her mind so overshadow- 
 ed therewith, that she was constrained to retire 
 into lonely places, unseen by mortal eye, to hold 
 communion with her God; in which seasons she 
 was enabled to behold His comeliness and to feel 
 that she was owned, and stood in a state of ac- 
 ceptance with him, which caused, her eyes to flow 
 with tears, and her heart t<; expand with gratitude 
 
30 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 to him, and livin|2: desires were raised in her mind, 
 that she might be kept pure in His holy sight. 
 About the fourteenth year of her age, while sit- 
 ting one evening by the fireside with her parents, 
 her mind being drawn from surrounding objects, 
 and wrapped in meditation, this solemn language 
 was sounded in the ear of her mind, " thou must 
 prepare for death." This awful message so over- 
 came her, that she withdrew from the family, and, 
 in the silence of night, bemoaned herself on 
 this wise ; — ** Must so young a creature as I be 
 taken from kind and tender parents, whom IJove, 
 and from all my connections, must my days be 
 numbered in the spring time of life, and I cut oflf 
 from the happiness I have in prospect." In the 
 anguish of her spirit as she poured forth her pe- 
 tition to the Lord, that he would be pleased to 
 lengthen her days, and permit her a little longer, 
 to enjoy the endearments of society in her father's 
 house, she received this answer, "Thou shalt not 
 die to the body, but thou must die to thine own 
 will." But not following the Master in bearing 
 the cross, she stumbled, and yielded to the sugges- 
 tions of the reasoner ; and fur refusing to yield to 
 the clear manifestations of duty, she was often left 
 in a state of poverty and deep suffering, losing sight 
 of her Heavenly Guide, to grope in darkness. 
 
 1 
 
PHEBE DODGE. 31 
 
 Yet she was not wholly left, but after seasons of 
 hunciiliation and deep abasement for disobedience, 
 she witnessed a return of her Heavenly Father's 
 love, as the descending dew and gentle rain, and 
 the invitation extended afresh, to enter into the 
 vineyard and labor, with the promise annexed ;* 
 and although she felt a reluctance to engage in 
 the work herself, she was concerned that others 
 might not neglect their duty ; and that the living 
 principle and word of life might not be trodden 
 under foot of men, but that all might come to the 
 knowledge of it, obey it, and be saved. 
 
 About the twenty-second year of her age, she 
 experienced a very close trial in the death of her 
 father and mother, within a few months of each 
 other, and from this circumstance much care de- 
 volved upon her. In conducting the concerns of 
 the family, her movements were marked with 
 much prudence and care. 
 
 In the year 1818, we were joined in marriage, 
 in which state we were united in near fellowship. 
 Kind, affectionate, and sympathising in every sit- 
 uation, she was a true help-meet, in the full sense 
 of the word : feeling deeply for her family, that 
 they might be favored with a competency for this 
 life ; and while her hands were industriously en- 
 gaged in her daily avocations, her mind was con- 
 Math. XX, 4. 
 
32 MK.MDIilAl. OF 
 
 cerned for more durable treasure, being made sensi- 
 ble that this was only to be obtained by an unreserv- 
 ed submission to the Divine will. Knowing that 
 she had been called into the vineyard to labor, that 
 the call had been from time to time renewed, from 
 the third to the ninth, and being clearly shown 
 that the eleventh hour was at hand, the prospect 
 whereof appeared awful to her, she was brought 
 under a deep exercise and concern of mind, to la- 
 bor for submission to the will of her Heavenly 
 Father, she was brought under the operating power 
 of the "tire and the hammer;" and, abiding in 
 the furnace, she witnessed refinement '*by the 
 spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning,'* 
 and was made willing to submit to the cross of 
 Christ. About the thirty-seventh year of her age, 
 she first appeared in the ministry. After this full 
 surrender, she became faithfully and honestly de- 
 voted to her Heavenly Father's work, and experi- 
 enced a growth and enlargement therein. 
 
 For some months previous to her decease, her 
 health had become greatly impaired, and towards 
 the close she aj)peared to be much weaned from 
 perishable things, from a sense, I believe she had, 
 that she was soon to be gathered home. 
 
 She was taken ill on the 9th day of 1st rao., 
 1832, and suffered extreme bodily pain, but her 
 mind was mercifully borne up and supported 
 
PHEBE DODGE. 33 
 
 through all, with a prospect of being soon released 
 and entering into a mansion of rest, of which, she 
 said, she had a most beautiful prospect ; feeling an 
 evidence that, through faithful obedience to her 
 Master's will, during the latter part of her life, 
 she was accepted of him. 
 
 During her illness she was at times favored in 
 an extraordinary manner, with matter and utter- 
 ance, which evidently proceeded from the source 
 and fountain of life, ^^hich I trust, will be as bread 
 to many. On one occasion, to her friends about 
 her, she remarked, that her mind had been kept 
 in a marvellous manner during her illness, adding, 
 '* the Lord is able to display his work in the earth ; 
 in a wonderful manner have you been taken from 
 my heart, that I might have nothing in the world 
 to cling to." At another time she observed that 
 her mind had, for some time, been weaned from 
 her family and friends; *' though," said she, *'I 
 love them dearly, and if it was the will of my 
 Heavenly Father, I should be willing to be spared 
 to them a little longer, yet I feel I can adopt the 
 language *not my will, but thine, be done/ '' 
 
 Speaking of the meeting at Greenwich, where, 
 she said, but few words were uttered, she expressed 
 the concern that she had felt, that Friends might 
 feel after His living presence, which was much more 
 than words. She had been a, diligent attender of 
 
34 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 that meeting, and ever manifested a deep and live- 
 ly interest in its prosperity and welfare. 
 
 She feelingly exhorted some of her young friends 
 who visited her, to disengage their minds from 
 worldly concerns, saying, ''remember that with the 
 increase of riches the mind is often drawn away." 
 She endeavored to impress upon them the great im- 
 portance of a diligent attendance of meetings, and 
 the necessity of breaking off from every temporal 
 engagement to attend to this important duty. To 
 one whom she had observed with satisfaction to be 
 engaged in the attendance of meetings, she said, 
 *' Abide stedfast in the truth, that thou mayest be 
 an example to thy companion and children.'' 
 
 At one time, after much expression, she broke 
 forth in this language, '* Oh ! praises, praises, 
 praises, to Thy great and adorable name.'* She 
 often repeated, ** what a bed of ease this sick bed 
 has been to me, but what would it have been, if 
 the work had been unfinished at such a time as 
 this," adding, " I think if I had anything more 
 than pain of body to endure, I should not bear up 
 under it/' 
 
 She retained the possession of her mental facul- 
 ties to the last, and a short time before her final 
 close, she took a solemn and affectionate leave of 
 her family and friends, on which occasion she was 
 favored with strength and ability, in a powerful 
 
 * 
 
PHEBE DODGE. 35 
 
 and feeling manner, to administer to the states of 
 those present, recommending that, which she had 
 found necessary for herself, saying, that it was all 
 sufl5cient to sustain her in this time of trial; real- 
 izing the truth of that declaration of the Psalmist 
 that "the angel of the Lord encampeth round 
 about them that fear him." In taking leave of 
 her children, she called them to her bedside, one 
 by one, and addressed them in a very feeling man- 
 ner, giving them much excellent counsel and ad- 
 vice. To her little daughter she expressed a deep 
 concern that she should keep to plainness of 
 dress, saying, " Be plain and neat, not wishing to 
 adorn thyself with those trifling things which so 
 much engross the attention of too many." 
 
 Having relieved her mind of the exercise that 
 had rested upon it, she was engaged in fervent 
 supplication, thanksgiving, and praise to her 
 Heavenly Father, until utterance failed, breath- 
 ing shorter and shorter, until third-day morning, 
 the 24th of 1st month, 1832, when she expired 
 without a sigh or groan ; and I have not a doubt, 
 that she has entered into that mansion, '' where 
 the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary 
 are at rest." 
 
 JOSEPH 0. DODGE. 
 
o6 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 A Testimony of the Montlihj Meeting of Shapa- 
 qutiy concerning Lydia Haight, daughter of 
 Moses and Anna Haight, of Newcastle. 
 
 As the power of Truth, when submitted to, en- 
 ables the mind to overcome its propensities, so 
 the present instance affords an evidence of that 
 holy Help, which, in a remarkable manner, ena- 
 bled this youth to bear with fortitude and resigna- 
 tion, her last sickness, and to show forth the good" 
 ness of God, by the operation of his grace upon 
 her mind. 
 
 She was born the 9th of 2nd month, 1S16, of 
 parents who were members of our Society. She 
 seemed to be in a declining state of health some 
 time before her last illness, which commenced the 
 2Sth of 12th month, 1831, and although it seemed 
 very painful, yet the sweetness of her disposition, 
 the fortitude and patience in which she was pre- . 
 served, evinced her entire resignation to the Di- 
 vine disposal ; saying at one time, that her afflic- 
 tions were good for her, that something was neces- 
 sary to subject her natural lively disposition, 
 whether she lived or died. At another time, 
 alluding to a period previous to her last sickness, 
 when under the care of a physician, she said, " I 
 thought when I was under the doctor's care, if he 
 was favored to restore me again to health, I was 
 
LYDIA HAIGHT. 37 
 
 afraid lest I should forget my past favors, and lose 
 sight of Him who had thus preserved and kept me ; 
 and should again set my affections on the world ; 
 surely this was the case, for when I found myself 
 better, I also found my natural spirits to return 
 and ray inclination for unprofitable things to in- 
 crease ; I began to delight in them, and flattered 
 myself a little with the hope of again enjoying 
 some of this world's pleasures, but now I see them 
 as empty bubbles/' 
 
 In the forepart of her illness she suffered much 
 extreme pain ; at a time when her father was 
 standing by her, she said, '' dear father, I think I 
 shall soon be released, but I hope to meet you all 
 again in heaven," and observed, that she felt no- 
 thing in her way. She appeared perfectly resign- 
 ed to the will of Heaven, whether in life or death, 
 but said, *• if she had any choice in it, she would 
 rather be taken now, as she would then miss any 
 more of the slippery paths of youth." At another 
 time she observed to her sister, who was standing 
 by her, on this wise, " Dear sister, it is a great 
 trial for me to part with thee, but I believe it must 
 be so, and I hope my present condition will teach 
 thee a lesson never to be forgotten, and warn thee 
 not to put off the great work of the soul's salva- 
 tion until a sick bed, when the pains of the body 
 are enough to endure. Oh ! had I put it off until 
 
38 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 now, what should I have done for these last live 
 weeks. The Lord has been my support thus far, 
 and I hope he will be with me unto the end, and 
 give me strength to bear what seems to Him best 
 to put upon me, although I feel myself a poor 
 worm of the dust, scarcely worthy of his regard. 
 My dear sister, let me charge thee to keep to plain- 
 ness, and mind the teachings of Truth, adorning 
 thyself with inward meekness, remembering Him 
 who wore the seamless garment ; He was meek 
 and lowly in all his movements, and if thou art 
 faithful to His teachings. He will guide thee safe- 
 ly through every danger, and finally land thee in 
 a quiet habitation, a house not made with hands, 
 eternal in the Heavens." It grieved her much to 
 think of the great deviations from plainness that 
 appear in our Society, and weeping at one time, 
 said, '' there were but few young persons that at- 
 tended our meeting, who dressed consistent with 
 our profession. Oh ! these little foxes how they 
 spoil the tender vines, and the enemy, how 
 he lays his snares where they are least expected. 
 ! this world's amusements, how they draw the 
 mind from the true fountain. I never partook 
 greatly of them, but when so, it has caused me to 
 endure seasons of deep mourning/' Pausing, she 
 again proceeded, '' Oh ! what a glorious prospect at- 
 tends me; 0! how happy would be the change : 
 
LYDIA HAIGHT. 39 
 
 but if I am again raised I believe it will be to 
 glorify the Lord's cause, His will be done and not 
 mine." On one occasion she said, **we can expect 
 little else but trials here, and it is hard for me to 
 part with you, ( meaning the family,) but I want 
 you all to prepare to follow me, and not mourn be- 
 cause of my departure, for it will be much better 
 for me." And on another occasion, when convers- 
 ing with her mother, she said, " dear mother. Oh ! 
 what a charge is committed to thy care, a young 
 family to watch over ; I want thee to teach them 
 the way they should walk in ; thou canst not give 
 them grace, but thou may instruct them to attend 
 to its teachings." At a time when she thought 
 herself going, being in great distress, but reviving 
 a little, said, " how sorry I am to be brought 
 back;" and prayed in these words: "0 holy 
 Father, if consistent with thy goodness, take me 
 to thyself, but Thou knowest if best bestowed or 
 not, and let thy will be done." Some little time 
 after, she said, '* I believe my time of departure 
 is not yet come, I believe there is yet a work for 
 me to do in this world, but whether it is to suffer 
 longer, or be raised again to advocate the Lord's 
 cause, seems hid from me, I don't see how it will 
 terminate;" and then uttered a prayer on this 
 wise : " holy Father, if it is thy will to con- 
 tinue me yet longer in this world, whatever thou 
 
40 MEMOIUAL OF 
 
 hast for me to do, only condescend to be witli me, 
 and I will follow thee, whithersoever thou art 
 pleased to lead me." 
 
 At a time, after reviving from a very faint turn, 
 she desired the family to be called that she might 
 take her last leave of them, which was done in a 
 very affecting manner ; addressing them individu- 
 ally, and imparting counsel and advice to each; 
 she then inquired if her grave clothes were made, 
 and being informed that they were, she desired to 
 see them, which being brought to her, she signi- 
 fied that a part of them was not as plain as she 
 wished. 
 
 She continued in a peaceful frame of mind unto 
 the close. On first-day, the 4th of 3d month, 
 1S32, her speech failed, and continuing gradually 
 to decline until the 3d day of the week, and 6th 
 day of the month, when she quietly breathed her 
 last, leaving not the shadow of a doubt that her 
 redeemed spirit has been translated from this 
 scene of probation, to a far more glorious man- 
 sion, there to enjoy the crown prepared for the 
 righteous, of which we believe she had a fore- 
 taste. 
 
 Aged sixteen years and twenty-six days. 
 
PHEBE MILLER. 41 
 
 A Memorial of the Montlily Meeting of Purchase, 
 concerning our beloved Friend, Phebe Miller. 
 
 She was born on Long Island, in the State of 
 New- York, the 30th day of the 8th month, 1748 
 and when a child removed with her parents, 
 Daniel and Sarah Hawxhurst, to the town of Rye, 
 in West Chester County, within the compass of 
 Purchase Meeting, where she continued to reside 
 the greater part of the remainder of her days. 
 
 By her own account, in early life, she gave way, 
 too much, to the captivating allurements of this 
 world, whereby unguarded youth are often en- 
 snared. But, being mercifully favored with the 
 visitations of Divine love, she was brought into 
 the straight and narrow way : yet, many were the 
 conflicts of mind she passed through, before she 
 was brought to a sight and sense of her own frailty 
 and utter inability, of herself, to withstand the 
 many and varied temptations with which she was 
 assailed, calculated to divert and draw her from 
 the path of self-denial, which she now saw was 
 the way she ought to walk in. 
 
 In a manuscript, found in her own hand-writing, 
 she thus expressed herself; '*When conviction 
 took hold of me for my back slidings, I was re- 
 proved for departing from simplicity and plainness 
 in my apparel. Having a great delight in adorning 
 
42 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 my person, and in going into company, not suitable 
 for me, which enticed to things I was convinced 
 were wrong; and I was led astray by their per- 
 suasion. Sometimes I was prevailed upon to 
 join in the dance, for wiiich remorse and convic- 
 tion took hold of me, in such a way as is never to 
 be forgotten. This has often raised in my mind 
 living desires for the youth of the present, and 
 succeeding generations, that they may attend to 
 the holy convictions, which condemn for evil, and 
 justify for well doing, and lead to safety and 
 peace." 
 
 Being faithful to manifested duty, she was ena- 
 bled, in great simplicity, to pursue the path she be- 
 lieved her Divine Master had alotted her; though 
 sometimes much in the cross to her own natural 
 temper and disposition. But, by steadfastly per- 
 severing therein, she became a worthy example of 
 plainness and consistency, not in her own family 
 only, but to her acquaintances at large. The 
 solemnity of her countenance evinced the fervent 
 and steady engagement of her mind. 
 
 She lived at this time six miles from meeting, 
 and her husband, though not in membership with 
 Friends, was kind in providing a way for her to 
 get to meeeting : it fell to her lot to go mostly 
 alone, and on horseback, that being the general 
 mode of travelling at that time. In this way she 
 
PHEBE ]\IILLER 43 
 
 diligently attended nieetings for a number of years, 
 notwithstanding the weather was sometimes very 
 inclement; yet such was the persevering engage- 
 ment of her mind, that she was seldom absent 
 when of ability of body to attend : and when pre- 
 vented by indisposition, it was her practice to call 
 her family together, to wait upon the Lord. 
 
 As she continued in faithfulness, she received a 
 lively gift in the ministry, which she exercised 
 in great simplicity and plainness, and which was 
 acceptable and edifying to Friends. She travel- 
 ed but little abroad, her religious services were 
 mostly limited to that of visiting families, and ap- 
 pointing meetings within the limits of her own 
 Quarterly Meeting. 
 
 About the forty-sixth year of her age, being left 
 a widow, the care of her family, some of whom 
 being quite young, more immediately devolving 
 on her, she manifested great solicitude . that they 
 might be preserved in innocency, and in the fear 
 of the Lord. She was frequent in waiting in si- 
 lence, and reading the Scriptures, encouraging 
 her children to follow her example. 
 
 Her habitation being remote from Friends, her 
 intercourse was much with those not of our society; 
 yet so guarded and consistent was her deportment, 
 that she was generally respected and beloved ; 
 often visiting the sick of her neighborhood, and 
 
44 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 frequently had a word of comfort and consolation 
 to the afllicted. 
 
 We believe it was her primary concern, faithful- 
 ly to occupy the talents committed to her, that her 
 day's work, might be done in the day time : her 
 light continued to shine with brightness in old 
 age. 
 
 She was much exercised on account of the un- 
 settled state of society, and said, that ** by attend- 
 ing to that Guide, that never had deceived her, 
 she found it to be her place, both in and out of 
 meetings, to bear a testimony against a spirit 
 whose movements seemed calculated to produce a 
 schism therein.'' 
 
 About three years before her departure, she was 
 attacked with a paralytic affection, which not only 
 greatly impaired her mental faculties, but also ren- 
 dered her very helpless the remainder of her days. 
 Yet at times it was evident, that she not only had 
 her senses, but the enjoyment of her Divine Mas- 
 ter's presence. Thus she finished her course, 
 and quietly passed away as one falling asleep, the 
 23d day of the 11th month, 1631, aged eighty- 
 three, a nnnister nearly fifty years. 
 
ANN BYRD. 45 
 
 A hrief Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of 
 New York, concerning Ann Byrd, to which is 
 added some extracts from her Manuscripts. 
 
 In this memorial, we have not to record the ac- 
 count of one, who had attained to advanced age ; 
 but we have to advert to a character, perhaps not 
 less animating, that of one, who, though compara- 
 tively yoang in years, was rich in faith ; and who 
 was mercifully enabled to lead, in a good degree, 
 '' an unspotted life." 
 
 Ann Byrd was the daughter of Joseph and Eliza- 
 beth Byrd, of New-York, and was born on the 3rd 
 of nth mo., 1798. Her parents were engaged to 
 imbue her mind with the love of piety : and they 
 had the satisfaction of finding, that their solicitude 
 was abundantly rewarded by her own clear percep- 
 tion of the superior importance of religious engage- 
 ments. From her childhood, she manifested a live- 
 ly and tender sensibility; and although, as she grew 
 in years, she made considerable advancement in 
 literary and scientific pursuits, yet she early evinced, 
 that her affections were chiefly placed on things of 
 an eternal nature, and that her principal concern 
 was to gain the favor of Him, with whom are ** all 
 the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." In her 
 retired moments, it appears that from her early 
 youth, she was almost in the daily practice of re- 
 cording her religious exercises and impressions. 
 
46 MRMORIAL OF 
 
 Tho following are extracts from ber memoran- 
 dums, and we think they will be deemed instructive 
 evidences of the pure and pious frame of her mind. 
 The first extract, which we have selected, was 
 written about the 17th year of her age. 
 
 3rd Month 2nd, 1816. 
 Oh, Holy Father, may I, with humble gratitude 
 and reverent awe, acknowledge thy infinite good- 
 ness towards me, during the short period of my 
 existence. Thou permitted me early to see the 
 happiness, thy dedicated children enjoy ; and when 
 the gilded allurements of this world were presented 
 to me, thou wast pleased in condescending mercy, 
 to stain them in my view ; and I was proved by 
 temptations, more singularly trying, when my situa- 
 tion seemed as in a deserted wilderness, and from 
 my comfortless mental habitation, I was led to que- 
 ry, where shall I find consolation ? Yet even here, 
 thy goodness upheld nie and bade my wandering 
 feet stand still, that I might know thee to be my 
 God. And Oh ! this day thou hast permitted me 
 to see the purifying nature of those trials ; to taste 
 the delights of thy banqueting house ; and to say, 
 Lord, it is enough. May I rejoice evermore in 
 all the turnings of thy holy hand upon me — pray 
 without ceasing, for thy direction in the various 
 vicissitudes of life, and in all thy dispensations, 
 continuallv ^'we thanks 
 
 1 
 
ANIS BYRD. 47 
 
 7th Month 29th, 1817. 
 Suffer me once more> Holy Father, to offer 
 my all to thee. Thou hast graciously been pleas- 
 ed at times, to direct my youthful heart, and hast 
 declared thyself still to be found, by those that 
 seek thee. Grant, dearest Lord, among the 
 multitude of thy blessings, a knowledge of myself; 
 enlighten my understanding, that I may see my 
 imperfections and infirmities as beheld by thee, 
 and grant, if it please thee, strength to correct 
 them Is it not thy presence that now surrounds 
 me ? what is this extatic feeling but heaven itself? 
 Whence proceeds this angelic anthem that echoes 
 within me : Glory to God in the highest, peace on 
 earth, and good will to men. Be still ail ye pow- 
 ers from without, and interrupt not this holy se- 
 renity 
 
 3rd Month 12th, 1818. 
 
 bountiful Father, daily am I a partaker of 
 thy goodness. Let me not be unmiDdful of the 
 obligations I am under for thy manifold mercies ; 
 but may I endeavor, by acting conformably to thy 
 will, to show forth thy praise. May humility and 
 industry attend me. Suffer not, Holy Father, 
 any thing in me that displeaseth thee, to go un- 
 punished, and in the hour of temptation be thou 
 my Protector. Enable me by thy Holy Spirit, to 
 persuade some of my younger friends, who have 
 
48 MEMORIAL OP^ 
 
 strayed far from thy enclosures, to return as the 
 prodigal unto thee. 
 
 There are many of that class who, in their hearts 
 love thee, but not being firm enough to resist the 
 torrent of temptation that is bearing upon them, 
 openly, in their conduct, deny thy name. To 
 these, Holy Father, let me be an instrument of 
 use ; enable me to assure them of the beauty there is 
 in holiness, and of the permanent felicity attendant 
 on piety. May they be convinced, that ** one hour 
 in thy presence, is better than a thousand" else- 
 where. And, Oh ! dearest Lord, be thou my coun- 
 sellor and director. I have enlisted in thy warfare, 
 invest me with the armor of righteousness, and 
 enable me to destroy my spiritual enemies. Let 
 me not act in my will, or according to my own in- 
 clination ; but when thy commands are given, may 
 thy servant be in readiness to obey them. 
 
 Sth Month 14th, 1S22. 
 
 Oh dearest Father, the time that is passed in 
 waiting upon thee, is by far the most delightful of 
 my life. I long for the moment to arrive, when 
 earthly cares allow me to enter my closet, my re- 
 tired apartment, where I may hold communion with 
 thee; thou knowest that I desire to serve thee 
 above all ; thou knowest, dearest Father, that 
 I desire to hold nothing so dear, but at thy call, I 
 may part with it. 
 
ANN BYRD. 49 
 
 10th Month 7th, 1822. 
 
 dearest Father, the world cannot satisfy the 
 desires of my immortal spirit ; I have in measure, 
 partaken of its pleasures, and have found them 
 vain ; but there is an eternal substance, a soul 
 sustaining joy, which thou art pleased to grant 
 unto thy children that seek thee with their whole 
 heart. Assist me, if it please thee, in performing 
 the solemn resolution I have made this morning, 
 which is never to pass a single day, that may yet 
 be granted me in this land of probation, without 
 waiting in silence for thy divine instruction, 
 
 12th Month 5th, 1822. 
 
 1 thank thee, dearest Father, for arresting 
 my attention in the morning of my day, before my 
 affections have become deeply entangled with the 
 things of this life. After the delightful intercourse, 
 my soul at seasons enjoys with thee, the most in- 
 teresting conversation of the world is a burden to 
 me ; I am weary with hearing it. 
 
 Having herself, experienced the delight of living 
 under the Divine Law, she felt an earnest desire 
 that others also, should be brought under the same 
 blessed influence ; and about the 25th year of her 
 age, she was constrained to appear in public min- 
 istry. Her communications were short, but they 
 were solemn and impressive ; and the meekness 
 4 
 
50 MEr»'ORIAL OF 
 
 which clothed her spirit in this important service, 
 was acceptably evident to her friends. 
 
 We continue the extracts from her writings, af- 
 ter this period. 
 
 5th Month 11th, 1824. 
 
 Oh, that I may learn obedience by the things 
 that I suffer, and be made perfect through suffering. 
 I fervently desire that thine eye, Lord, may not 
 pity, nor thine hand spare, until all in me that of- 
 fends is removed I ask not a mitigation of suffer- 
 ing, for I have known its cleansing effect : and 
 among the multitude of thy mercies, have I num- 
 bered a quick perception of my own errors. Be 
 pleased, dearest Father, to show me those in 
 their darkest hue, that I may seethe sinfulness of 
 sin in every shape, and under every transformation. 
 
 5th Month 7th, 1825. 
 
 I have this day revived a little, after an illness 
 of nearly a week, as severe, I think, as I almost 
 ever experienced ; but when my poor body seemed 
 nearly exhausted by the violence of the disorder, 
 my mind was preserved in calmness : and if it was 
 then the divine will to release me, I know not that 
 I had a wish to stay. 
 
 7th Month 3d, 1825. 
 
 This evening there seems a prospect of my health 
 being restored a little longer. May I duly appre- 
 ciate the ble>\'^ing, and consider it as one lent; — 
 
 1 
 
ANN BYRD. 51 
 
 may my time be occupied, not in gratifying myself, 
 in doing my own works, but may it be dedicated 
 to my Heavenly Father. May I endeavor at all 
 times, and in all places, to serve him with the abil - 
 ity he may be pleased to afford. This is a cove- 
 nant that I have repeatedly made ; and may no de- 
 sii'e after ease, no shrinking from suffering ever 
 prevent my endeavoring to fulfil it. 
 
 In the hour of negligence or thoughtlessness, 
 may the Divine Spirit warn me ; in the hour of 
 forget fulness, may it bring this covenant to my re- 
 membrance ; and in the hour of weakness may it 
 strengthen me ; for it is all-sufficient and omni- 
 present; it is God in the soul of man revealing 
 himself to us, as we are able to bear it. 
 
 1st Month 19th, 1830. 
 dearest Father, thou knowest that I have de- 
 sired not to shrink from what may be for the pro- 
 motion of thy work. Wilt thou continue to be 
 with me, and in the way in which I can most ac- 
 ceptably do thy will— in the way of thy leading, I 
 desire to give glory and honor to thee. I have ex- 
 perienced the happiness of thy government : — In 
 poverty, I have learned that thy favor is wealth ; 
 in adversity, I have proved that thy love is pros- 
 perity. Unto thee, dearest Father, I desire to 
 surrender myself and my concerns ; I delight in 
 the promotion of thy work; it is joy to me to do 
 
52 MEMORtAL OK 
 
 thy will ; may this privilege be granted me, and in 
 all things may it be my endeavor to give glory 
 to thee. 
 
 Her last illness commenced about the 1st of 8th 
 month, 1830, and continued with but little inter- 
 mission, until the close of her life. Her sufferings 
 during the latter part of her sickness, were at times 
 very great, but she bore them, not only with re- 
 signation, but with cheerfulness. 
 
 The following are a few extracts from the memo- 
 randums written by her during her indisposition. 
 
 9th Month 26th, 1830. 
 The times, O dearest Father, are in thy hands; 
 thou knowest when it is best to sever the thread of 
 life ; — when our work is finished, Oh ! then to be 
 admitted to the mansions of rest and peace ; to 
 ascend unto God the Father of Spirits ; is it not 
 the summit of the Christian's hope ? 
 
 12th Month 2Sth, 1830. 
 Precious are those moments, when the heart 
 enjoys intercourse with its God, holy communion 
 with the Father of Spirits, the God of consola- 
 tion, from whom proceeds every blessing. Thine 
 are we, Lord, Thee, thy servant desires to 
 serve in gratitude and integrity of heart. 
 
ANN BYRD. OJ 
 
 IstMoBth 19th, 1831. 
 It is delightful to pour forth my heart unto 
 thee, Thou, who seest in secret, who hears the 
 petitions — the aspiration of thy children, Thy ser- 
 vant, Father, thou knowest, has not asked for 
 an abundance of the treasures of this life, but I 
 have desired wisdom and ability to do thy will, 
 Lord, and the guidance of thy Holy Spirit. 
 
 2d Month 15th, 1831. 
 My grateful acknowledgements are rendered 
 unto thee, dearest Father, for the favor of con- 
 tentment ; surely this also is thy gift. Oh! may I 
 reverently bow before thee, under a grateful sense 
 of thy manifold mercies. Thou, Lord, seest 
 the future — thou knowest what is best for us, best 
 for the promotion of thy work through us, and in 
 whatever way thou seest meet, that thy servant 
 should be an example to others, may thy will be 
 
 done. 
 
 3d Month 28th, 1831. 
 
 Be it, Father, according to thy word ; this 
 has been the aspiration of my heart this day. In 
 sickness, or in health, may good be done — the 
 Lord be glorified. The pure in heart, the redeem- 
 ed in spirit, are permitted to see thee, Lord, 
 glorious in holiness, doing wonders. Thy ways 
 are not as man's, neither are thy dispensations 
 like unto the bread which perisheth, the enjoy- 
 
54 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 ments of time ; but in thee, tlie rigliteous rejoice, 
 and find safety. Thou art the refuge of thy peo- 
 ple every where, a present helper in times of trial; 
 and though thy devoted children may be beheld 
 as smitten and afflicted, through their sufferings, 
 shall there not be revealed important truths ? 
 
 Her illness gradually increased, but that humble 
 confidence and placid tranquility, which had mer- 
 cifully been her experience through life, continued 
 in undiminished strength and sweetness, until her 
 death, which took place on the 9th of 5th Month, 
 1831, in the 33d year of her age. 
 
 Thus has been early taken away our beloved 
 sister, but her example will remain with us in pre- 
 cious remembrance. Her life was adorned with 
 meekness and innocency; and we believe she was 
 graciously permitted to enjoy the fulfilment of the 
 animating appeal of the prophet, ** Thou wilt keep 
 him in perfect ))eace, whose mind is stayed on 
 thee, because he trusteth in thee.'' 
 
 A Testimony of Oswego Monthly Meeting, con- 
 cerning Benjamin Mitchell, deceased. 
 
 As the memory of the just yet remains to be pre- 
 cious, we think it right to preserve some testimony 
 concerning our beloved friend, Benjamin Mitchell, 
 
 J 
 
BENJAMIN MITCHELL. 55 
 
 who was born on the Island of Nantucket, on the 
 28th of the 12th Month, 1771. His parents, Rich- 
 ard and Hepzibeth Mitchell, being members of the 
 society of Friends, educated him with the rest of 
 their children in the principles of the society. 
 About the 29th year of his age, he was brought 
 under a religious concern of mind ; and from that 
 time he was frequent in reading the Scriptures, in 
 which practice he continued to the end of his days ; 
 often recommending it to others. In his 33d year, 
 he first appeared in the ministry, which was to 
 the satisfaction of his friends. 
 
 About the year 1809, he removed with his fami- 
 ly within the verge of Nine Partners Monthly Meet- 
 ing. During his residence there, he evinced a de- 
 dication to the Lord's cause, by the uprightness of 
 his conduct ; and though abounding in earthly 
 affluence, he was an example of great simplicity, 
 being scrupulously careful not to indulge in the 
 use of superfluous equipage, or in the wearing of 
 costly apparel. But conforming to the wholesome 
 advice of our discipline, he manifested due mode- 
 ration in the furniture of his house, and in the 
 manner of his living, saying, that " his so doing, 
 would enable him to do more to relieve the poor,'* 
 in whose comfort he took a deep interest, and was 
 ever ready to assist them with a liberal hand : so 
 that the declaration of Job, we believe, may be 
 
56 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 justly^* applied to him — ** I was a father to the poor, 
 and the cause which I knew not, I searched out." 
 He manifested by his works, that he was in posses- 
 sion of that '* Pure religion and undefiled before 
 God and the Father, (spoken of by the Apostle, 
 which) is this, to visit the fatherless and widows 
 in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted 
 from the world." He cheerfully and frequently 
 devoted a portion of his time to visit and sympa- 
 thize with the afflicted, whether in body or mind; 
 often holding forth the language of encourage- 
 ment, and consoling them by his soothing address, 
 for which he was very remarkable. He was dili- 
 gent in the attendance of meetings, and manifested 
 a lively concern in a consistent administration of 
 the discipline of the church, frequently endeavor- 
 ing to stimulate and encourage Friends to a faith- 
 ful discharge of their respective duties therein. 
 In his ministry, he was sound and edifying, and 
 his communications, though frequent, were not in 
 the abundance of words, for he appeared careful 
 to attend to the clear openings of the spring of the 
 Gospel, however simple, and was many times led 
 to point out the states of individuals present. 
 Some of his religious views are exemplified by his 
 own words, as expressed to a friend at the close 
 of his last visit to his native island. " I believe as 
 I always have, that men are not made better, mere- 
 
BENJAMIN MITCHELL. 57 
 
 ly by a profession of religion, but by purity of 
 heart ; and I desire no one to follow me any further 
 than they believe I am following Christ, the hope 
 of my salvation, the everlasting rock upon which 
 the true church has been built in every age of the 
 world. I have no new views to offer, nor any 
 other Gospel to preach than that, which I at first 
 received of the Father. This Gospel inspires a 
 friendly feeling to every member of the human fa- 
 mily — a disposition that wishes well to all; which 
 can weep with the afflicted, and hand relief to the 
 child of adversity, which can greet all men as 
 brothers. These are principles I crave may abide 
 with me to the end of my earthly pilgrimage.'' 
 
 His religious labors were mostlj^ confined to the 
 limits of his own Quarterly Meeting, yet he per- 
 formed several visits abroad ; two or three to some 
 of the Meetings in the compass of Ehode Island 
 Quarterly Meeting, one to Friends in New 
 Jersey, and one to Friends on Long Island. He 
 was a tender husband, and an affectionate pa- 
 rent, endeavoring to bring up his children in the 
 fear and admonition of the Lord, and careful to 
 educate them agreebly to the testimony of Friends. 
 
 He removed within the verge of this Monthly 
 Meeting a few months previous to his death, dur- 
 ing which time his services were very acceptable 
 to Friends. 
 
r>8 MRMORIAL OF 
 
 He was at meeting, when attacked with an ap- 
 oplectic, fit, which in a few days terminated his 
 life. He had just concluded a short, but lively 
 communication with these words — "1 know that 
 my Redeemer liveth/' and *' because he liveth, I 
 shall live also.'* 
 
 We believe he could adopt the language of the 
 Apostle — *' I have fought a good fight — I have 
 finished my course — I have kept the faith : hence- 
 forth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteous- 
 ness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall 
 give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto 
 all them also, that love his appearing/' He de- 
 parted this life on the 25th day of 1 Ith Month, 
 1832, in the 61st year of his age. 
 
 A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of New- 
 York, concerning our esteemed Friend, John 
 Merritt, deceased. 
 
 He was born in Cortland Town, West Chester 
 County, State of New-York, the 23d of 4th Month, 
 1758. His parents, although not members of our 
 religious society, attended its meetings, bringing 
 their children with them. The subject of this 
 memorial became a member about the twenty-sixth 
 year of his age, a short time before his marriage. 
 His health becoming feeble, so as to render him 
 
JOHN MERRITT. 59 
 
 unable to support the fatigues attending agricul- 
 tural pursuits, he removed with his family to this 
 city about the year 1793, where he commenced 
 business, and pursued it for about thirty years, 
 sustaining the character in his dealings amongst 
 men, of an upright and honest man. 
 
 About ten years before his decease, his children 
 being married and settled aronnd him, and exer- 
 tion on his part being no longer necessary, he re- 
 linquished business and resided with his son-in-law. 
 During this period, and indeed for many years 
 previous, much of his time was spent in visiting 
 and consoling the afBlicted ; and although unable 
 to contribute much in a pecuniary way to their re- 
 lief, yet he often caused the abode of poverty to be 
 cheered by making the more wealthy acquainted 
 with the situation of its inmates. 
 
 From the time he became a member of society, 
 he was a diligent attender of our religious meet- 
 ings, and was often led, in his friendly visits to 
 others, more particularly those in the younger 
 walks of life, to encourage them to the perform- 
 ance of this incumbent and reasonable service. 
 He was for a long period , an Overseer, of the 
 Meeting of which he was a member ; and few of 
 those to whom his labors in this capacity were ex- 
 tended, will soon forget the paternal kindness that 
 marked his manner on such occasions. He also, 
 
GO MEMORIAL OF 
 
 for many years, filled the important station of an 
 Elder. His meekness, simplicity, and circumspec- 
 tion of conduct, gave him much place in the minds 
 of his friends, being conspicuous for loving kind- 
 ness and charity. 
 
 For some weeks before his death, his disease 
 {i\\e dropsy,) increased rapidly upon him, confin- 
 ing him most of the time to his house, during 
 which he had his seasons of close conflict. 
 
 He, whose dispensations to his children are all 
 in wisdom, was pleased to withdraw the light of 
 his conntenance, and suffer his mind to be over- 
 shadowed, as with a thick cloud ; yet in this state of 
 affliction, both of body and mind, he did not cast 
 away his confidence, believing that he who permit- 
 ted this trial of his faith, would, in his own due 
 time, cause the cloud so to be dispersed, and that 
 he should be favored to feel his supporting arm of 
 power, to be underneath in the solemn hour of 
 death, which he felt to be rapidly approaching. 
 To one of his daughters, who tenderly sympathis- 
 ed with him, during this season of conflict, he said, 
 **do not feel anxious, it is no new thing to be proved 
 in this way ; it has been so with many others ; even 
 the blessed Master, in a trying hour, cried out, ' why 
 hast thou forsaken me,' '' and added, "I trust all 
 will yet be well with me." 
 
 About ten days before his decease, he appeared 
 so much more unwell, as to recjuire the family to br^ 
 called in the night. Upon their entering his room, 
 
JOHN MERRITT. 61 
 
 he remarked, ''I am sorry you should be disturbed, 
 as I do not expect you can do any thing to relieve 
 me." On being told, they could not feel satisfied to 
 be from him at such a time as this ; he, with a sweet 
 smile on his countenance, remarked, that he hoped 
 they would not be agitated or alarmed, that he was 
 not in the least — that he felt peace and quietness in 
 his own mind — that every doubt was removed, and 
 every cloud dispersed, all was bright before him, 
 and that there was nothing in his way — -that his 
 heart was filled with love— that he was ready to 
 break forth in singing Hallelujah, Hallelujah, and 
 several times repeated Oh ! Joy, Joy, Joy. 
 
 He expressed a desire to see some friends, with 
 whom he had been formerly associated in exercise, 
 for the support of our religious testimonies in this 
 city. Some of whom, on being informed of it, call- 
 ed to see him. He appeared glad of the opportu- 
 nity of taking them by the hand, evincing that his 
 spirit was clothed with that love, which seeks the 
 good of all — embraces and would gather all with- 
 out distinction, who submit to its holy influence. 
 
 One of his legs becoming increasingly painful, he 
 was desirous of knowing if there was any change in 
 in its appearance. On being informed that there 
 were dark spots on it, he remarked, " I suppose it 
 is mortification, and will probably terminate before 
 many days ; it is what 1 have looked for, and I now 
 
62 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 feel fully prepared for the event." On one occa- 
 sion, when laboring under great pain, of which he 
 had frequent turns, his friends expressing great 
 sympathy with him, he remarked, that his distress 
 was very great, but although he suilered much, yet 
 not so much as the blessed Master, whose agony 
 was so great, that he sweat as it were great drops 
 of blood, adding, that it was only distress of body. 
 His mind being evidently in perfect peace, he 
 seemed to gather strength to bear up under his 
 distress, by frequently calling to mind, and several 
 times referring to that circumstance. 
 
 About three days before his decease, feeling his 
 strength to be failing, and aware that the time of 
 his departure was drawing nigh, he took leave of 
 his family and those in attendance, under solemn 
 and affecting feelings ; extending counsel and en- 
 couragement in a remarkable manner. At an- 
 other time, one present, hearing him say that, like 
 Jacob of old, he had wrestled all night for the 
 blessing, added, (and those present felt the force 
 of the observation,) that he now, like Jacob, could 
 rest upon his staff, and confer a blessing on his 
 children. 
 
 On fifth-day evening, he signified he had passed 
 through a state of close trial ; it seemed as if a 
 view of his whole life iiad bet-n spread before hira 
 in a very remarkable manner; many occurrences in 
 
JOHN MERRITT. 63 
 
 his youtb, that he had not considered really wrong, 
 were afresh brought into remembrance, which new 
 appeared vain and sinful, and caused him grate- 
 fully to acknowledge and query, as the woman of Sa- 
 maria did — '' Come see a man which told me all 
 things that ever I did— is not this the Christ V 
 But he now felt that they were all blotted out, and 
 that there was not a cloud in his way ; he could 
 now sing the triumphant song, " death where 
 is thy sting ? Grave, where is thy victory]'' And 
 afterwards remarked, *' I never, until within a few 
 days past, have seen the time when the thoughts 
 of the message, ' Steward, give an account of 
 thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer 
 steward,' had not brought rather a dread over my 
 mind ; but now the prospect is so bright, that I 
 sometimes fear I shall not wait with patience, the 
 appointed time." 
 
 On sixth day, about noon, on waking from a long 
 sleep, he thus addressed his dear wife and child- 
 ren, who were around his bed — '' I commend you 
 in the words of Christ to his disciples, that ye love 
 one another ; remember it is the last advice of a 
 dying father.'' He then gave directions about his 
 funeral, requesting to be put in a white pine coffin, 
 and that all should be done in a plain way, and 
 without parade. He then embraced and took an 
 atfectionate leave of his dear companion, and re- 
 
64 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 quested, that if any called, to whom it might be 
 thought his closing scene would be useful, that 
 they might be permitted to witness it, that he fear- 
 ed not death, but felt, that to him, it would be a 
 happy change. 
 
 This was the last time his mind appeared collect- 
 ed, after which, he lay in a sort of stupor until the 
 afternoon of the next day, the 26th of the 10th 
 month, 1833. He then appeared to fall into a deep 
 sleep ; and in the evening, ceased to breathe; being 
 in the 76th year of his age. And we believe that 
 his sanctified spirit is gathered with the righteous 
 of all preceding generations to a state of rest and 
 peace in the full fruition of that joy, of which he 
 had been favored to have an abundant foretaste. 
 
 The Testimony of Amawalk Monthly Meetings 
 concerning Piif.be Wright, deceased. 
 
 This, our beloved friend, was the daughter of 
 Ephraim and Elizabeth Quinby, and was born at 
 Aimwell, in New-Jersey, the 9th of 3d Month, 
 1747. Her parents were not members of the So- 
 ciety of Friends. When quite young she removed, 
 and lived with a connection in the county of West- 
 chester, within the limits of Purchase Monthly 
 Meeting, where she resided till after her marriage 
 
 II 
 
PKEBE WRIGHT. 65 
 
 with Reuben Wright, which took place in the year 
 1770. About this time, she became convinced of 
 Friends' principles, and in due time became a mem- 
 ber of Purchase Monthly Meeting. By giving 
 heed to the dictates of truth in her own mind, she 
 advanced in religious experience, and received a 
 gift in the ministry. 
 
 In the year 1784, she, with her husband and 
 family removed within the limits of this meeting, 
 of which she was a member the remaining part of 
 her life. She was a diligent attender of our reli- 
 gious meetings, when of ability, even to advanced 
 age ; and having the charge of a pretty numerous 
 offspring she manifested a deep concern for their 
 welfare, frequently saying, '' dear children, be dili- 
 gent in the attendance of religious meetings, for if 
 they are attended under a right concern, it will 
 prove a blessing ; and further exhorted them to 
 beware of the fear of man ; for, said she, " I have 
 been as a star, shining butglimmeringly, by giving 
 way thereto;" and pausing a little, she exclaimed, 
 *' Oh ! Lord, thou knowest that I have ever loved 
 thee from a child to the present day ; if consistent 
 with thy will, admit me into thy holy enclosure." 
 
 For several years before"* her decease, she was 
 afflicted with an asthmatic affection ; and about two 
 weeks before her close, the disorder seemed to in- 
 dicate a final separation from all things here be 
 5 
 
6G MKMORIAL OF 
 
 low This prospect brought uo terror with it; but 
 she appeared perfectly resigned to the will of her 
 Heavenly Father, saying at one time, " I know 
 not what I am spared here for, except it is to fill 
 up my cup of suffering ; but thy will, Father, 
 and not mine, be done." 
 
 The day before she died, she said that the pre- 
 ceding night, had been the most pleasant night that 
 she ever experienced, fully evincing that she enjoy- 
 ed her divine Master's presence. She retained 
 the possession of her mental faculties to the last ; 
 and on the morning of the 27th of 12th Month 
 1S32, she quietly passed away, as one falling into 
 a sweet sleep, aged nearly 86 years. 
 
 A Memorial of Cornwall Monthly Meeting concern- 
 ing our beloved Friend^ Mary Titus. 
 
 She was born on Long Island, the 13th day of 
 3d Month, 1761. Her parents, Henry and Eliza- 
 beth Cock, were members of the Society of 
 Friends. She was made sensible in early life, of 
 the dealings of her great and Gracious Creator, 
 and was concerned to seek the kingdom of Heaven, 
 and the righteousness thereof; and the promise of 
 the Divine Master was verified in her experience ; 
 *' all these (necessary) things shall be added.*' 
 
MARY TITUS, 67 
 
 She was married to our Friend, William Titus ; 
 soon after which, she removed with her husband to 
 Cornwall, and became a member of this Monthly 
 Meeting, She was a faithful and affectionate wife ; 
 the law of love and kindness appeared to be the 
 governing principle of her mind ; she was a ten- 
 der motherj without giving way to the improper 
 indulgence of her children, and was very exem- 
 plary in the attendance of religious meetings, care- 
 ful to have her children with her, not suffering 
 worldly business to prevent the discharge of this 
 important duty. 
 
 She was of grave and solid deportment, and of a 
 meek and quiet spirit. She was appointed to the 
 station of an Elder soon after her settlement in 
 this meeting, in which service, she continued use- 
 ful during the renjainder of her life. It was the 
 lot of this, our dear Friend, to meet with close 
 trials, which she was enabled to endure with pa- 
 tience and resignation. 
 
 Her concern for the welfare of society, did not 
 abate in the decline of life, though she felt herself 
 in some measure released, from taking so active a 
 part in meetings for discipline, as she had former- 
 ly done ; expressing about two years before her 
 death, in a Monthly Meeting, a belief that her days' 
 work in that way was nearly done ; but that she 
 felt no abatement of concern for the promotion of 
 
C8 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 truth, and expressed a desire, that those in young- 
 er life, might witness a qualification, to labor for 
 the advancement of its testimonies. She was con- 
 fined in her last illness, about seven months ; du. 
 ring this time, she endured great bodily suffering, 
 which she bore with Christian patience. 
 
 In a time of great distress, when her children 
 were sitting about her, she said, **it does me good 
 to have yoa sit down and sympathize with me, and 
 to intercede that faith and patience may hold out 
 to the end.'' 
 
 She often expressed a desire, that her children 
 might be engaged in the promotion of the cause of 
 truth and righteousness; and that they might con- 
 tinue, when her mortal part should be laid in the 
 grave, frequently to visit each other, and keep the 
 chain of tender and endearing friendship bright. 
 
 She observed that she had been favored to feel 
 a flow of love more constant, since her illness, than 
 at any former period of her life, which was also 
 manifested through her counsel and advice to 
 those who visited her ; encouraging the youth to 
 bear the cross, expressing the consolation she now 
 felt, in that she had yielded in good measure to 
 manifested duty in early life. 
 
 She frequently mentioned the benefit that she 
 liad received when young, from the labors of those 
 engaged in religious visits to families ; and greatly 
 
 I 
 
MARY TITUS. 69 
 
 desired that the Lord would still continue to call 
 and qualify laborers in this important work. 
 
 Not many days before her decease, her bodily 
 affliction being very great, and having a blessed 
 assurance of her reconciliation to her Heavenly 
 Father, she became desirous to be released, and on 
 being reminded of the expression of Christ, under 
 the prospect of the bitter cup of suffering ; *' not 
 my will, but thine be done ;" she answered, ^'yes, 
 I know it,'' and added, " we must not only be will- 
 ing to die, but also to live, as the Lord's time is 
 always the best time." 
 
 She departed this life the 14th day of 7th month, 
 1833, and we have no doubt, has received the 
 answer of " well done good and faithful servant, 
 enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 
 
 The Testimony of East Hoosic Monthly Meeting, 
 concerning Phebb, late the wife of Joseph 
 Shove. 
 
 She was born at East Greenwich, on the 1st of 
 7th month, J 776, of religious parents, Isaac and 
 Phebe Upton ; the latter was removed by death, 
 when the subject of this memoir was a child, which 
 left her more exposed to the allurements of the 
 world ; but being religiously inclined, she manifest- 
 
70 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 ed an increasing concern to keep to plainness and 
 simplicity ; she was a dilic:ent attender of our re- 
 ligious meetings, and careful in encouraging her 
 family to this important duty. Several years pre- 
 vious to her last illness, she was appointed to the 
 station of an Elder, and appeared sensibly aflFected 
 with the responsibility of the station ; but trusting 
 in the sufficiency of Almighty help, she endeavor- 
 ed to discharge her duty under the teaching of 
 divine wisdom. 
 
 She was taken sick on the 4th of 8th month, 
 1833, and endured a painful illness for about a 
 year, manifesting much patience and resignation. 
 She experienced many baptizing seasons, in which 
 she administered instruction, reproof, and encour- 
 agement to many minds, having strength and ut- 
 terance given to the admiration of those that were 
 present. She was led with thankful acknowledg- 
 ment, after those favored opportunities, to rejoice 
 in the Lord, and joy in the God of her salvation ; 
 fully believing that it was through suffering and 
 much tribulation, that we gain an admittance 
 amongst the ransomed and redeemed of the Lord ; 
 often saying, that she was willing to spend and be 
 spent for the promotion of the cause of truth and 
 righteousness on the earth. She expressed her 
 renewed and earnest solicitude for the precious 
 youth, that they might come up in obedience to 
 
PHEBE SHOVE. 71 
 
 their Heavenly Father's will, and be as lights in 
 the world, denying themselves and taking up the 
 cross, that they might obtain the crown of peace 
 to their never dying souls, making mention of the 
 sufferings of our forefathers and predecessors, 
 whereby they procured many privileges that we 
 now enjoy: how they were dragged to prison, and 
 many sealed their testimony with their blood, and 
 added, *'0h, that none may give way to discourage- 
 ment, but press on towards * the mark for the prize 
 of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,' for the 
 Lamb and his followers will have the victory. Oh, 
 this is a heavenly consolation worth seeking after, 
 by the whole human family. What shall I render 
 unto my God for all his mercies ; glory honor, 
 praise and power, be ascribed ymto his adorable 
 name for ever.'' 
 
 Two Friends, who were in unity with her pre- 
 vious to the late separation, coming in, asked her 
 how she did ; she replied, *' I am weak in body, 
 but believe 1 can say, I am strong in the Lord," 
 and asked them to sit down. After a time of si- 
 lence, she commenced with telling them, that her 
 mind had been deeply exercised that forenoon ; it 
 seemed almost insupportable, and said she, **I 
 sought the Lord to know the cause, and he was 
 pleased, in his infinite goodness, to reveal his will 
 tome ; and an assurance was given, that it was 
 
72 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 not through my own deviations, hut on account of 
 declensions in society, from the true fold of rest. 
 Oh, this has caused deep mourning indeed; but 
 the Lord's power lias been my support ; I did not 
 know^ that I should have any thing to communi- 
 cate to any one, in this way. But dear Friends, 
 be up and doing — come forth in the glorious cause 
 of truth — let us join hand in hand in his great 
 work, for he has arisen with power and might, and 
 is shaking the earth and the false heavens also, 
 for the truth is making its way, although all the 
 combined powers of darkness tight against it, it will 
 prevail. Oh, that his hand may not spare, nor 
 his eye i Ity, till judgment is brought forth unto 
 victory. 0, touch not the Lord's anointed, nor do 
 his prophets any harm. Come let us join in faith- 
 fulness, and willingly devote the rest of our lives 
 to the service of the Lord. There is great need 
 of renouncing the world and all the vain-glories 
 thereof, to become the true followers of our holy 
 pattern, ;the meek and lowly Jesus. I have often 
 thought it was a great thing to be a true follower 
 of, as well as a true believer in Christ ; willing 
 to part with all for his sake , fully believing it will 
 not answer to keep back part of the price." 
 
 She wished to be remembered to a near relative, 
 and said, *' give my love to him in the Lord, and 
 tell him I have a full assurance of going to rest. 
 
 II 
 
PHCBE SHOVE. 73 
 
 and that I remain firm and unshaken in the faith 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ — that I have long been 
 established in, and which never was and never will 
 be shaken/' To a sister who came to see her, 
 she said, " dear sister, be faithful in discharging 
 thy duty to thy precious children ; do not deck 
 and adorn them, by giving way to the fashions 
 and customs of this world ; a stripping time will 
 come/' and holding up her feeble hands, she said, 
 ** look here, and see what all flesh must come to." 
 At another time, an acquaintance coming to see 
 her, she mentioned how it had been with her the 
 preceding day, and said, ^' It has been a day of 
 deep probation with me. I thought that I had 
 done my days' work, months ago ; but I have foand 
 a great work since, and believe I have not finished 
 yet. Although nearly exhausted and my strength 
 almost gone, I have felt the presence of the un- 
 slumbering Shepherd of Israel to be near, and have 
 found him to be health in sickness, riches in pov- 
 erty, and a present helper in every needful time." 
 The remark was made by one present, *' as thy 
 day is, so shall thy strength be ;" she replied, '' I 
 know it to be so ; for after the most extreme weak- 
 ness, I have had to declare unto others what He 
 has, in his loving kindness, seen meet to qualify 
 me to dispense unto them ; may we be valiant sol- 
 diers in the cause of Christ on earth." She ex- 
 
74 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 pressed much more on this wise, that was not 
 taken down. 
 
 At one time during much bodily distress, she 
 said, •' I have remembcM-ed how it was with our 
 blessed Saviour, when on the cross, he cried out, 
 ' My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me]' ** 
 and then added, *'not my will, Lord, but thine 
 be done ; my distress is nothing comparable to his 
 sufferings.'' She then prayed that she might be 
 enabled to bear all that the Lord was pleased to lay 
 upon her, and wait in quiet submission for her final 
 change, saying, ** the Lord's time is the best time." 
 To her friends, who were in her room, she said, 
 " come join me in singing hallelujahs to my God, 
 who is all glory, wisdom and power." She then 
 wished to have her family together, saying, '' I be- 
 lieve my work is almost done." Then appearing in 
 supplication, she prayed that the Lord might be 
 with her dear family in the time of separation that 
 would soon take place, adding, " not my will, but 
 thine be done." Her husband being present, she, 
 in an affectionate manner, took her leave of him, 
 and said, '* It has been a great trial to me to leave 
 thee, but the tie that has long bound us together, 
 must now be separated ; do be willing to give ilp 
 to what is required of thee, and the Lord will bless 
 thee, and will be thy companion and guide. I am 
 sensible that thou wilt meet with many trials, but 
 
PHEBE SHOVE. 75 
 
 my prayer is, that thou mayest be supported under 
 them/' To her children she said, " be good to 
 your father ; he has been a kind father to you, and 
 do endeavor to be a comfort to him in the decline 
 of life." Taking them separately by the hand, she 
 imparted to them much good advice, and bidding all 
 farewell, she said, '* don't mourn for me, do give me 
 up ; I believe my work is now done — I have fought 
 the good fight — I have kept the faith, and shall 
 finish my course with joy." 
 
 She continued in a peaceful resigned state, and 
 near the last expressed herself as follows : — '' Oh ! 
 what a glorious prospect I have — I can see the 
 heavens opened ready to receive me in the man- 
 sions of rest. Oh, blessed convoy, hasten if con- 
 sistent with thy will, why tarry longer? I shall 
 soon join the angels and archangels in singing the 
 glorious anthem of peace." 
 
 A short time before she breathed her last, she 
 said, ** I believe the time of release has come, and 
 that my prayer will be granted, that this day 
 might be the last, if it was the Lord's will." 
 
 She departed like one falling asleep, retaining 
 her senses to the last, on the 8th of the 8th month, 
 1834 ; and no doubt has received the salutation of 
 well done thou good and faithful servant, enter 
 thou into the joy of thy Lord. 
 
7G MEMORIAL OF 
 
 A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Friends 
 of Nantucket, concernivg our deceased Friend, 
 SusAx F. Pell. 
 
 A record of the gracious dealings of Almighty 
 goodness to individuals who have been removed 
 from us by death ; while it is calculated to '* stir 
 up the pure mind by way of remembrance," may, 
 with the Divine blessing, be a means of drawing 
 the thoughtless and unconcerned to reflect upon 
 that period, when the impressive admonition must 
 be heard — '* Steward, give an account of thy stew- 
 ardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward." 
 
 It is in this view that we have believed it right, 
 thus to preserve some of the interesting particu- 
 lars, which marked the closing moments of our 
 beloved Friend, Susan F. Pell, whose memory is 
 dear to those with whom she was connected in re- 
 ligious fellowship, and by whom her loss has been 
 sensibly felt. 
 
 We do not apprehend ourselves called upon to 
 enter into a minute account of the incidents which 
 marked her early life, or the dispensations through 
 which it was her lot to pass ; because those events, 
 though important at the time, as appertaining to 
 herself, are less a matter of general interest, than 
 
 I 
 
SUSAN F. PELL. 77 
 
 those to which we have alluded, and which we feel 
 it our duty in a particular manner to preserve. 
 
 We believe the instructive lesson which a well 
 spent life inculcates, is sometimes deeply impress- 
 ed by the serenity which its closing moments ex- 
 hibit ; and that it not unfrequently inspires the 
 fervent aspiration, ''let me die the death of the 
 righteous, and let my last end be like his." 
 
 We desire that the example of this our beloved 
 friend, may induce such a reflection, for we believe 
 that those who knew her best, will admit that it 
 holds forth the invitation, follow me as I have 
 (endeavored) to follow Christ. In whom she be- 
 lieved, and on whom alone, she trusted as the sure 
 anchor of her hope for eternal salvation. 
 
 The subject of the present memoir, was born at 
 Nantucket, the 28th of 4th month, 1784, was edu- 
 cated a member of the Society of Friends, a con- 
 nexion which was continued during the whole pe- 
 riod of her life. She survived both her parents, 
 George and Rebecca Folger, the latter but about 
 two years, whose separation, to her daughter, was 
 a trying dispensation. But she murmured not at 
 that hand which had seen fit to sever the cord 
 thafc had bound them together in near fellowship, 
 and calmly resigned her beloved mother to him 
 who had called her to himself. 
 
 She removed from Nantucket after her marriage. 
 
78 MEMORIAL OK 
 
 and resided in New-York till she was left a widow; 
 after which, in the year 1828, she returned to the 
 place of her birth ; and upon the establishment of 
 the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Nantucket, by 
 Westbury Quarterly Meeting, she became an ac- 
 tive member of that meeting, filling her several al- 
 lotments acceptably to her friends, and, as we be- 
 lieve, with satisfaction to herself. She manifested 
 a deep interest in the maintenance of our several 
 religious testimonies, which, we believe, was the 
 result of a rightly exercised mind ; whereby she 
 was qualified for the proper discharge of the im- 
 portant duties of life, rendering the application to 
 her of the apostolic doctrine peculiarly appropri- 
 ate — " Pure religion and undefiled before God and 
 the Father, is this, — to visit the fatherless and the 
 widows in their affliction, and to keep ourselves 
 unspotted from the world." Her confidence being 
 placed in the eternal principle, rather than in the 
 unsubstantial systems, the creeds and confessions 
 of faith of men ; she was led to a faithful attend- 
 ance of all our religious meetings; and in her last 
 illness expressed to a friend who called to see her, 
 the satisfaction she had derived from the perform- 
 ance of this reasonable duty, saying that she had 
 found consolation in it ; having at times gone to 
 meeting, feeling poor and destitute ; but as she 
 sought for the spring of Divine life in herself, and 
 
 II 
 
 
SltSAN F PELL. 79 
 
 kept to this, she had been favored to return, as it 
 were, filled and satisfied. She expressed an earn- 
 est desire, that all our members might be alive to 
 this important concern ; and as an evidence of her 
 faith in the promise that where two or three are 
 gathered together in the Master*s name, he would 
 be there in the midst of them, to bless them ; she 
 further remarked, that she encouraged her daugh- 
 ter, (for whom she expressed the deep solicitude of 
 a kind mother,) to leave her and go to meeting, 
 even when she felt that it was hardly safe for her 
 to be left alone. During the interview alluded to, 
 she expressed the satisfaction she derived from the 
 reflection, that there was a communion of soul with 
 soul, in a state where there could be no separa- 
 tion — where every nation, kindred, tongue and 
 people meet and mingle together ; and added, that 
 she rejoiced that however prejudice and misap- 
 prehension might separate here — might divide 
 brother from brother, that in the blessed commu- 
 nion of saints and angels in Heaven, was heard 
 one interrupted song of praise for ever and ever. 
 
 In reference to the particular meeting, of which 
 she was a member, she remarked, that though it 
 was small, she regarded this as a matter of little 
 consequence ; that our strength consisted not in 
 numbers, but in individual faithfulness ; and all 
 she craved was an evidence of Divine acceptance ; 
 
80 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 adding, that if a better way had have been mani- 
 fested to her, she should have carefully walked 
 in it. 
 
 Several limes during the interview, she mani- 
 fested considerable emotion ; and there can be no 
 doubt, that it was the result of an impression on 
 her own mind, which had for several months mani- 
 fested itself, that the time of her earthly pilgrim- 
 age was drawing to a close. No one who witness- 
 ed the preparations she made, having reference to 
 such an event, could be in doubt of this. And a 
 letter to a beloved friend in New-York, probably 
 the last she ever wrote, is closed with the following 
 impressive reflections: — *' If we meet not again, 
 dear friend, in this vale of tears, this I can assure 
 thee, thou art dear to the fondest feelings of my 
 heart ; and I crave, we may be permitted to meet 
 in that state of blessedness, where neither change 
 nor separation is known, but where one unbounded 
 love encircles all " 
 
 It was the last salutation of affection to an ab- 
 sent friend, but he who in mercy hath promised 
 that the floods shall not pass over those who repose 
 in him, was found to be near to support her, and 
 give her confidence at the trying hour; for, to her 
 daughter, who seemed much affected at seeing 
 her mother sinking under bodily suffering, she re- 
 marked, '• it distresses me to see thee grieve, not on 
 
SUSAN F. PELL. 81 
 
 my own account, but on thine ; my own mind is at 
 ease — there is nothing in my way." At another 
 time, after a severe struggle of nature, which indi- 
 cated immediate dissolution, she said, *' it seems 
 as if my work was done, and I hope well done.'' 
 How much is comprehended in such expressions at 
 a moment like this ; they only, who can estimate 
 their import, can truly appreciate them. The 
 event proved the correctness of her remark, that 
 her work was done, for on the succeeding day, the 
 16th of 2d month, 1835, she quietly departed this 
 life in the 51st year of her age. 
 
 When we reflect upon the peaceful serenity, 
 which, while it marked the closing scene of our 
 dear friend, seemed somewhat to hallow the dispen- 
 sation ; do we not feel our hearts touched, as it 
 were with a live coal from His Holy Altar, point- 
 ing our spiritual afl'ections individually, to that city 
 which hath foundations, whose builder and maker 
 is God. May we cherish these feelings, that thus 
 we may hope to be partakers of that state of bless- 
 edness referred to by our deceased friend, and up- 
 on which we believe she has entered, where neither 
 change nor separation is known, " but where one 
 universal love encircles all.*' 
 
82 MRMORIVL OP 
 
 The Memorial of Renssclaerville Mantlihj Meetings 
 concerning our Friend Jordan Frost, deceased. 
 
 Beiug sensibly affected with the loss we have 
 sustained, in the removal from works to rewards 
 of this our beloved friend, we feel our minds en- 
 gaged to give forth the following testimony con- 
 cerning him. 
 
 He was born at Oysterbay, on Long Island, in 
 the 2nd Month, 1754. Although our information 
 respecting his early life is imperfect, yet it appears 
 that he was of a sober and sedate turn of mind 
 from his childhood. By yielding to religious im- 
 pressions he felt himself drawn to join in member- 
 ship with Friends, about the twentieth year of his 
 age ; according to the testimony of those who knew 
 him, he was at this early period engaged for the 
 promotion of truth and righteousness in the earth, 
 being an example of simplicity and uprightness. 
 He very early evinced a religious concern in rela- 
 tion to the use of ardent spirits, and was zealously 
 engaged, both by example and precept, to discour- 
 age the vending and consuming of this article. 
 
 About the twenty-seventh year of his age he 
 married Amy, daughter of Jacob and Amy Under- 
 hill, and removed within the compass of Nine 
 Partners Monthly Meeting. He was soon after ap- 
 
JORDAN FROST. 83 
 
 pointed an Elder. This important trust he con- 
 tinued to exercise, we believe, with faithfulness for 
 more than fifty years, until his death. He had a 
 clear view of the importance and excellency of a 
 sound and living ministry. His concern for the 
 welfare of society, as well as for the growth of in- 
 dividuals in true religious experience, joined to the 
 natural tenderness of his feelings, made him a 
 sympathising fellow-helper to those in the minis- 
 try, and qualified him to speak a word in due sea- 
 son, by way of counsel or encouragement, to the 
 exercised traveller. 
 
 In the year 1799, he experienced a close trial in 
 the death of his wife, which he bore with Chris 
 tian fortitude and resignation. 
 
 In 1803 he removed within the limits of this 
 Monthly Meeting, then a branch of Coeymans. — 
 Here a field of labor was opened for his usefulness ; 
 he stood many years in the capacity of overseer, for 
 which service he was eminently qualified. To his 
 own Monthly and Quarterly meeting he was a dili- 
 gent servant, often riding many miles to attend to 
 appointments, for which he was particularly quali- 
 fied. He was remarkable for his diligence in at- 
 tending religious meetings, believing it to be a 
 solemn duty, and his deportment in them was solid 
 and weighty. 
 
 He loved peace, and often usefully exerted him- 
 
84 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 self in promoting it ; and being much beloved, he 
 was eminently useful in settling differences, not 
 only in his own Society, but among his neighbors. 
 
 He was a true sympathiser with the afflicted, 
 often visiting the members of his own Meeting in 
 their respective families, administering counsel and 
 encouragement suited to their several circumstan- 
 ces. He having himself derived much consola- 
 tion from the perusal of the Scriptures of Truth, 
 he was concerned to encourage others in the read- 
 ing of them. 
 
 He was not officious in religious matters, but, 
 when he expressed a sentiment, possessing uncom- 
 mon diffidence, great weight was attached to it. 
 
 The degraded condition of the enslaved African 
 race was early an object of his concern — his sym- 
 pathetic mind was engaged to promote their free- 
 dom ; and it is believed to have been much through 
 this early exercise that the slaves in his father's 
 house were manumitted. He continued to main- 
 tain this important testimony through life, having 
 for many years abstained from the use of the pro- 
 duce of slave labor, often expressing a desire that 
 no act of his might contribute to the calamity, 
 that he believed would overtake the nation if the 
 practice of slavery were persisted in. In relation 
 to his own Society he was heard to remark, a short 
 time previous to his death, that he did not see that 
 
 4 
 
ISAAC HAVILAND. 85 
 
 the Society could advance without greater faith- 
 fulness in this important particular. 
 
 The last Meeting he attended was on a First-day, 
 a little more than a week before his death, in which 
 he was observed to be much affected with tender- 
 ness. His last illness was short, through which 
 his mind was calm and evidently centered in God, 
 Although his mental faculties were somewhat im- 
 paired, he was sensible his end was approaching, 
 and expressed his resignation in either life or death. 
 Thus, without apparent pain, he gradually declin- 
 ed, and departed this life on the twenty -ninth of 
 Fourth month, 1835, in the Eighty-second year of 
 his age, and we doubt not is now permitted to en- 
 joy the reward of a well spent life. 
 
 A Memorial of Oblong Monthly Meeting con- 
 cerning Isaac Haviland. 
 
 He was born in the town of Rye, Westchester 
 County, State of New- York, about the year 1750. 
 His parents' names were Benjamin and Charlotte 
 Haviland. They were zealous Episcopalians, and 
 instructed him in that way of worship. His father 
 dying before he arrived at manhood, he was soon 
 after placed with a connection to learn a trade. 
 
80 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 After serving out his apprenticeship he removed 
 and settled within the limits of this Meeting : 
 soon after which he was convinced of the princi- 
 ples of Friends, and. on his request, was received 
 into naembership with them. 
 
 By taking heed to the unfoldings of the spirit of 
 Truth; he was thereby enabled effectually to com- 
 mence the work of self-denial in refraining from 
 those vanities which are so liable to captivate the 
 youthful mind. From the time he became a mem- 
 ber of our religious Society, his steady uniform 
 conduct was worthy of imitation. Although his 
 residence was seven miles from Meeting — the 
 country then new and the road extremely difficult 
 to travel, yet, under these discouraging circum- 
 stances he was a diligent attender of Meeting, and 
 continued so through life. Through his faithful- 
 ness and dedication, with that of some others in 
 his neighborhood, way was opened in the course 
 of a few years, to set up a Meeting near his home. 
 This he esteemed a great privilege, believing it 
 had a tendency to exalt the testimony of Truth ; 
 and he looked back upon this circumstance with 
 much satisfaction, even in the last stage of his life ; 
 observing, on the evening previous to his decease, 
 that he believed the little Meeting of Friends in 
 his neighborhood, had been set up and established 
 in the power of Truth, and had been a blessing to 
 
ISAAC HAVILAND. 87 
 
 him and others, and signified that be had willingly 
 done much for its support- 
 He was a good example of plainness and sim- 
 plicity, to the propriety and utility of which he 
 bore frequent testimony. He willingly visited the 
 abodes of the afflicted, and in that cheerful and 
 open disposition peculiar to himself, which often 
 brought consolation to those and others who were 
 the receivers of his social visits. In the course of 
 his sickness, he was kindly visited by many of his 
 Friends and acquaintances, which gave him great 
 satisfaction, as he often expressed, having realized 
 in time of health much social enjoyment in the 
 society of his Friends. 
 
 He occupied the station of an Elder upwards of 
 thirty years ; in which capacity he manifested an 
 unremitting zeal for the promotion and prosperity 
 of Truth in this branch of society, as also a lively 
 interest for the maintainance of good order in 
 the Society generally ; many times encouraging 
 Friends by precept, correspondent with his exam- 
 ple, to the due attendance of Meetings. He fre- 
 quently attended neighboring Meetings, particu- 
 larly Nine Partners and Purchase. The last Meet- 
 ing he attended was a Quarterly Meeting at the 
 latter place, held in the Tenth month, 1835, where 
 his last sickness commenced, or became apparently 
 serious : though laboring under much indisposition, 
 
8-^ MK.MORIAl. OF 
 
 he attended the different sittings of the Meeting 
 On returning home, his strength seemed consid- 
 erably impaired, so that he kept his room. Under 
 this trying dispensation, ^hen in full prospect of 
 an approaching dissolution, he gave clear evidence 
 of that christian resignation, which nothing but 
 the power of redeeming love can produce, saying, 
 *'he had been much favored with health during 
 his life, and that this washis first confinement, and 
 believed it would be his last'* — adding, *' but the 
 Lord's will be done " Then observing, though 
 thus reduced to so helpless a condition, *' I am 
 even favored in this, as I undergo but little extreme 
 pain, and if my bodily sensations were only as 
 much at rest as my mind, I sliould enjoy a state of 
 perfect serenity and quiet." 
 
 In the early part of his sickness he observed to 
 one of the family, '* I believe I shall continue with 
 you but a short time; I am daily looking for a 
 change, one that I am truly sensible it is a great 
 attainment to be rightly prepared to meet with, 
 but I feel nothing in my way." He then gave di- 
 rections concerning his funeral, expressing a wish 
 that a general invitation might be given without 
 distinction, to those in particular, who had left our 
 Monthly Meeting, adding " I am sure if they feel 
 as I do, they will attend, for 1 have nothing but 
 love and good-will for the whole human family." 
 
[SAAC HAVILANO. 89 
 
 A Friend being with Mm, observed, '* that he bad 
 long been a member of our Society, and had spent 
 much time in the attendance of religious Meetings. 
 He replied " yes, but none too much. It is now a 
 consolation to me, for they that sacrifice willingly 
 on the Lord's altar shall in no wise lose their re- 
 ward,'' Further observing, '• that he felt a deep 
 interest in the welfare of society and the prosperity 
 of Truth, desiring that they who might be favored 
 to remain a little longer, would be diligent in the 
 attendance of religious Meetings, that Truth's tes- 
 timonies might thus be promoted and flourish yet 
 again amongst us" — giving much good advice to 
 some of his grand-children and others, which can- 
 not be particularly recollected. 
 
 A Friend from a distance calling to see him, in 
 conversation observed to him, '-^that he had long 
 resided where he now did, and had at no time 
 changed his place of residence." He replied, '' I 
 have felt myself so buund to the little Meeting of 
 which I am a member, that I have felt no liberty 
 to leave it." At another time, towards the latter 
 part of his illness, several of his friends and ac- 
 quaintances coming in, and they being rather un- 
 guarded, especially at such a time in conversing 
 upon worldly concerns, he wished them to retire 
 from the room, saying, '' this was a burthen to him* 
 
90 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 as these things now appeared to l>e but vanity and 
 vexation of spirit/' 
 
 Many and various were the tribulations and 
 conflicts of this our dear aged Friend, which ap- 
 pear to have worked together for good, agreeably 
 to his own declaration on the last evening of his 
 life, when being told that it was likely he would 
 continue but a short time, and that a belief was 
 entertained that the bitter cups of affliction and 
 trial of which he had been a partaker, he had 
 known sanctified to him, he replied, '' he considered 
 they had in mercy been a favor to him, and his 
 afflictions a blessing;*' adding, ** it was for want 
 of attending to the inward guide, the spirit of 
 Truth, that so many strayed from the sure foun- 
 dation." 
 
 On the morning of his departure he was still 
 favored with his reason, which had been the case 
 during his sickness. Early that morning it was 
 evident that the time of his dissolution was near at 
 hand, of which he appeared to be sensible, and yet 
 manifested a disposition to communicate, even at 
 this time, although his voice was so feeble that but 
 little could be distinctly understood. He spoke of 
 the burning bush, and the still small voice, that 
 held forth the language of peace, and, in the lan- 
 guage of Scripture, said, ** Zaccheus make haste, 
 
ISAAC HAVILAND. 91 
 
 and come down ; for this day will I abide at thy 
 house ;" and much more that could not be under- 
 stood. After a little pause in the quiet he said, 
 " tell our separated Friends, from me, that I re- 
 main of the same principle that I ever was, from 
 my first convincement, and this is a principle of 
 universallove, that breathes 'on earth peace, good 
 will towards men,' and is equal to the whole hu- 
 man family." It being mentioned to him that it 
 was cause of thankfulness seeing he had been so 
 remarkably favored with his reason during his 
 sickness, and that it still remained to be his con- 
 dition, he replied, ** yes, and I hope I continue 
 grateful for it ; I know you all that stand around 
 me as well as ever I did." Then calling the 
 family separately by name, he bid them all affec- 
 tionately farewell, and soon after quietly expired, 
 the eighth of Twelfth-month, about the eighty-fifth 
 year of his age, after an illness of near six weeks, 
 which he endured with a resignation and Christian 
 fortitude, that evinced a foretaste of those heavenly 
 consolations, which we hum] )ly trust he with the 
 righteous of all ages when disrobed of mortality, 
 are made for ever the happy partakers of, without 
 alloy. On the eleventh, his remains were taken 
 to Friends' Meeting-house in the Valley, accom- 
 panied by a large number of Friends and neigh- 
 bors, and after a solemn Meeting held upon the 
 
92 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 occasion, they were interred in Friends' burial- 
 srround there. 
 
 A Memorial of I he Monthly Meeting of New- York, 
 relative to our beloved Friend, Phkhe T. Mer- 
 RITT, deceased. 
 
 She was born at Shappaqua, West Chester Coun- 
 ty, State of New-York, the ninth of Fifth-month, 
 1765. Her parents, Joseph and Phebe Weeks, 
 were concerned to train up their children in the 
 nurture and admonition of the Lord. Her mother, 
 who had an acceptable gift in the ministry, was 
 removed from works to rewards in the prime of 
 life ; but it appears she had been faithful to her 
 Divine Master, for, in prospect of her dissolution, 
 she said to her daughter, the subject of this me- 
 moir, (then about fourteen years of age,) *' If thou 
 wilt follow my example, I have no fear but thou 
 wilt do well.' 
 
 After the decease of a precious mother, many of 
 the domestic cares of a large family devolved upon 
 her, and it was observed that she discharged the 
 duties which were attached to them, with a degree 
 of dignity and propriety which was not anticipated 
 from one of her juvenile years : although, possess- 
 
 11 
 
PHEBE L MERRITT. 93 
 
 ing much vivacity, she sometimes indulged her 
 natural disposition in opposition to the dictates of 
 Truth, and suffered, the necessary consequence, 
 much distress of mind. 
 
 In seasons of retirement she often formed reso- 
 lutions to keep within the bounds which Truth had 
 pointed out to her, and as often, when mingling 
 with giddy associates, yielded to temptation and 
 suffered the bitter consequences; passing sleepless 
 nights and bedewing her pillow with tears. Thus 
 were good resolutions formed and broken, and 
 thus did anguish of spirit lead to repentance again 
 and again until about the eighteenth year of her 
 age, when she was reduced by sickness so low 
 that she expected not to see the light of another 
 day. While in this state, a full view of her many 
 backslidings was presented to her, and remorse and 
 anguish seized her mind : she had no other pros- 
 pect than that' of speedily entering into another 
 state of existence, and she felt assured, that in it, 
 a mansion of rest and peace was not prepared for 
 her — nothing but darkness was before her — noth- 
 ing but remorse and anguish within her : she was 
 sensible that the arm of the Lord only could save, 
 the power of the Lord only could deliver her. 
 Therefore, in brokenness of heart, in contrition of 
 spirit, she cried unto Him whose mercy endures for- 
 
94 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 ever, and who by one of his prophets, made this de- 
 claration, *'The heaven is my throne and the earth 
 is my footstool, but to this man will I look, even 
 to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and 
 trembleth at my word." She proved the truth of 
 these Scripture testimonies ; for the Most High, 
 He who had followed her in long suffering, in- 
 clined His ear to her petition and accepted the 
 sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. 
 
 At this time she made a solemn covenant to fol- 
 low her Lord wherever it might please him to lead 
 her; and while yet confined to her bed by sick- 
 ness, when her former associates in the paths of 
 vanity called to see her, in " the love of her 
 espousals*' to the Lord of life and glory, she was 
 not ashamed to tell them of the change which had 
 been wrought in her views and feelings, and that 
 she could not again engage with them in a career 
 of folly, if it should even please her Creator to 
 restore her to health. In speaking to a young 
 Friend not long before her decease, she alluded to 
 this time of entering into solemn covenant with 
 her gracious Creator, and said, " I never lost sight 
 of my covenant, from that time to this, and oh ! I 
 have never had cause to repent, that I turned to 
 seek and to serve him who is worthy to be served 
 and obeyed." It pleased our Heavenly Father to 
 
 I 
 
PHEBE I. MERRITT, 95 
 
 restore her to health, and she was thereafter much 
 more circumspect, in life and conversation, than 
 she had previously been. 
 
 Attention to the'* Law of the spirit of life in 
 Christ Jesus,'' produced peace of mind and pre- 
 pared her to see, that it would be required of her 
 to speak to others of the gracious dealings of the 
 Most High with her, and publicly to invite them 
 to '' taste and see that the Lord is good." But, 
 when the requisition was made, a sense of her own 
 imperfections and the fear that she might appear to 
 be forward, induced her to withstand clear intima- 
 tions of duty : distress of mind and severe trials 
 followed these deviations from the path of duty, 
 and it was only after a full conviction that great 
 afflictions awaited her, unless she obeyed, that she 
 was induced to yield ; when she bore a short testi- 
 mony in a public Meeting, and received the rich 
 reward of peace. 
 
 After her ministry was acknowledged by the 
 Meeting of which she was a member, she labored 
 faithfully in the vineyard, both at home and 
 abroad ; not considering any sacrifice top great to 
 make, nor any labor too arduous to enter upon, for 
 the security of that peace she had obtained with him 
 whom she had found to be " The chiefest among 
 ten thousand, and altogether lovely." 
 
 In the year 1831 she experienced a severe at- 
 
96 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 tack of sickness, during whicli she said to a Friend 
 who called to see her on the fifth of Ninth-month, 
 *' I can inform thee I am ready to take my depar- 
 ture, but the Lord's will be done. I look forward 
 with feelings prepared to hear the cheering sum- 
 mons, behold the bridegroom cometh, go thou 
 forth to meet him." On the next day she sent the 
 followingmessage to a relative who had been con- 
 fined some years to a bed of sickness and of great 
 suffering : *'GiTe my most afi'ectionate love and 
 say to her, I have partaken a little of what she 
 has partaken much. I desire that her patience 
 may hold out to the end, and that is all I wish my 
 friends to desire for me. I have nothing to do but 
 to bear the conflicts of the body : amid all, my 
 mind has been kept calm and tranquil, and I have 
 no doubt, as help is implored from Him who is the 
 controller of all things, that I shall be enabled to 
 keep in the patience. I have full confidence that 
 I shall be admitted into the mansion where all 
 sorrow and sickness will be at an end. I think it 
 likely I shall have to pass through great bodily 
 suffering; shall have to drink, as it were, of the 
 worm-wood and gall, but I cannot expect such a 
 poor, frail creature as I have been, can fare better 
 than he who was perfect, and who set for us such 
 a blessed example." 
 
 To a Friend who was watching with her, she 
 
F HE BE I. MERRITT. 97 
 
 said, " her heart had been expanded and filled 
 with love to the whole human family. That it 
 was well for her that she had not put off a prepa- 
 ration for death; she could humbly say, for along 
 time past it had been her primary concern, when 
 the summons should be sounded in her ears, *Give 
 an account of thy stewardship,' to be fitted to enter 
 into the rest prepared for the righteous from the 
 foundation of the world : and, that she had not 
 closed her eyes to sleep for some time past until 
 she felt an assurance, if she were not permitted to 
 see another day, it would be well with her." 
 
 Her sickness at this time brought her so low 
 that her friends saw no prospect of her recovery ; 
 and she often longed for the period when she 
 might pass away and be at rest ; yet clear impres- 
 sions were made upon her mind, that further labor 
 in the cause of Truth would be required of her, 
 and she believed the appointed time for her release 
 had not arrived. After her health was restored, 
 she travelled much in the ministry, attending most 
 or all the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings which 
 compose this Yearly Meeting, and some of those 
 within the limits of other Yearly Meetings ; she 
 visited all the families of Friends in her own apd 
 in some other Monthly Meetings, and also the 
 families of many who, though not members of our 
 
98 MRMORIAL OP 
 
 religious society, are in the practice of attending 
 our Meetings for worship. 
 
 In tenth-month, 1833, her aflfectionate and at- 
 tentive husband, John Merritt, was removed from 
 works to rewards. Although the separation must 
 have been greatly afflictive, the pain was miti- 
 gated to her by his manifest triumph over death; 
 which furnished to every beholder one instance of 
 the fulfilment of this assurance of the blessed Son 
 of God, ** Whosoever liveth and believeth in me 
 shall never die." 
 
 About two weeks before her decease, under a 
 sense of religious duty, she visited, apparently in a 
 social way, some families residing within the 
 limits of Hester-street Meeting; in the perfor- 
 mance of this duty she manifested much concern 
 for the temporal, as well as for the spiritual inte- 
 rests of those she visited; being introduced into 
 deep and warm sympathy with those who appeared 
 to be lonely, and who were indeed, the especial 
 objects of her concern. 
 
 She expressed to some Friends a desire that 
 these should not be neglected, and added with 
 great energy, '■ Oh ! how I want Friends to be en- 
 gaged in this work and to take each other by the 
 hand ; it does indeed brighten the chain of friend- 
 ship ; I have been amply paid for the performance 
 of everv dutv of this kind." 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
PHEBE I. MEREITT. 99 
 
 She several times said she believed this was the 
 last visit of the kind she would make, as she 
 thought her work was nearly finished. On one 
 occasion she added, " There is a great field of 
 labor for those that remain ; may they be faithful 
 in it.'' 
 
 With a view to attend the approaching Yearl].^ 
 Meeting of Friends to be held in Philadelphia, 
 she left home on seventh-day morning, and arrived 
 there in time for the afternoon Meeting of Minis- 
 ters and Elders, which she attended, as also, the 
 public Meetings of First-day. 
 
 Although considerably indisposed, she went to 
 Meeting on Second- day morning, but shortly after 
 the Meeting was gathered it became necessary for 
 her to leave it, when she was taken to her lodgings 
 at the house of her kind friend, Samuel Haydock, 
 There every attention which the most affectionate 
 solicitude could prompt was bestowed, but the dis- 
 ease soon exhibited very unfavorable symptoms, 
 and produced an apprehension in the minds of her 
 attendants, that the time of her dissolution was 
 near. 
 
 On the Third-day morning, she said, " I am per- 
 fectly willing to pass away now without much 
 suffering, if it be consistent with the Divine will ; 
 but I can say, not my will, but thine be done. I 
 have thought since I have been lying here, if I had 
 
100 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 any thing weighing on my mind — any thing to do 
 now — how could I endure it.'* A friend observed 
 to her that her work had kept pace with the day : 
 she replied, " yes, I believe it has ; I think it has ; 
 and Oh ! what a favor it is that I can feel there is 
 not a cloud in the way.'' At another time she 
 said, ** After doing all that we can do, we are but 
 unprofitable servants." 
 
 A message of love from one of her friends being 
 delivered to her she sweetly smiled and said, '' It 
 is pleasant to be thus remembered — Oh ! this pre- 
 cious love," and then quoted this passage, " We 
 know that we have passed from death unto life, 
 because we love the brethren." 
 
 She said to a friend, '' How often have I had to 
 make this quotation for the benefit of others," — 
 •' Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose 
 mind is stayed on thee : because he trusteth in 
 thee." In reply to the suggestion that she then re- 
 alized the truth of it, she said *• I do, I do." 
 
 It was remarked to her that her suffering was 
 very great, she replied, '* yes, very great, but I 
 have endeavored to attain to that state in which I 
 can say, thy will not mine be done." 
 
 After remaining quiet a little while she exclaim- 
 ed, '* Oh ! the brightness, the brightness, that ex- 
 ceeds the brightness of tlie sun ; what can com- 
 pare with it ?" 
 
PHEBE I. MERRITT. 101 
 
 Daring the night she twice repeated, '' Great 
 and marvellous are thy works, Lord, God, Al- 
 mighty ; just and true are thy ways, thou King of 
 Saints." 
 
 While suffering much bodily pain on Fifth-day 
 night, she said, *' I ask not mitigation, not mitiga- 
 tion — Oh I I ask not mitigation of trial, but in deep 
 prostration and humility of soul, I ask thy divine 
 power to support me. Let not thy hand spare, 
 nor thine eye pity.'' 
 
 Although her sickness was attended with great 
 distress, not an expression of impatience escaped 
 from her. 
 
 She uttered many weighty expressions which 
 cannot now be recollected, but which, with these 
 that are remembered, clearly show, that the king 
 of terrors was made unto her an angel of light 
 and the valley of the shadow of death, as the 
 bright mountain tops. 
 
 She departed this life on Seventh-day night, 
 the 14th of Fourth-month, 1838, in the seventy- 
 third year of her age. 
 
 The public communications of our dear sister 
 were solemn, impressive and instructive ; and were 
 calculated to turn the attention of hearers to the 
 .** manifestation of the spirit " which " is given to 
 every man to profit withal ;*' to convince them 
 that this ( being one with the Father and with the 
 
102 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 Son) is the appointed means of salvation, and that 
 it stands not in the wisdom and power of man, 
 but in the wisdom and power of God. 
 
 But the influence of Gospel love in directing her 
 movements was, perhaps, more manifest to such as 
 witnessed her daily walk, or were the subjects of 
 her more private ministrations : prompted by feel- 
 ings akin to those of the good Samaritan, she 
 sought the couches of the sick, the seclusion of the 
 solitary and the abodes of the disconsolate. In 
 these places the oil and the wine often flowed free- 
 ly, and evidence was furnished to shoW; although 
 the visitor and the visited were blest together, that 
 " it is more blessed to give than to receive." 
 
 Although she made no compromise of princi- 
 ples, but was an undaunted advocate of the Law 
 and the Testimony, yet, in cases of individual de- 
 linquency, she seemed never to forget that her 
 Divine Master was gracious, merciful and long 
 suffering, and, as a necessary consequence, that 
 his disciples are bound to labor, in these cases in 
 the spirit of meekness and restoring love : re- 
 membering always that being tempted, their own 
 feet may slip. 
 
 Her company, even in the latter years of her life, 
 was much esteemed by the young people of her 
 acquaintance, as she was an unimpeachable wit- 
 ness for this truth, that religion places the mind 
 
ZACCHEUS MEAD. 103 
 
 which is subject to its iniiuence equally remote 
 from levity and from gloom : and, excepting when 
 under preparatory exercise for labor in the church, 
 or for advancement in the knowledge of divine 
 things, causes it to exhibit, by cheerfuless and an 
 active regard to the comfort of others — its own 
 peace and gratitude. 
 
 Finally, the many who bear in lively remem- 
 brance, either her daily walk or her public labors, 
 can often say, '* She being dead, yet speaketh/' 
 
 Memorial of Duaneshtirgli Monthly Meeting con- 
 cerning Zaccheus Mead, deceased. 
 
 As the memory of the just is ever precious, we 
 think it right to preserve a memorial of our late 
 beloved friend, Zaccheus Mead. 
 
 He was born in Little Nine Partners, now town 
 of Milan, Dutchess County, State of New York, on 
 the 20th of Second-month, 1770. His parents 
 were Jehiel and Mary Mead. 
 
 When young he was placed with his uncle, 
 Nathaniel Mead, to learn the trade of a blacksmith, 
 where being exposed to the iniiuence of the exam- 
 ple of those with whom he associated, he united 
 with them in evil practices : — and by disregarding 
 
101 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 tlie admonitions of Divine grace, extended for his 
 recovery, he fell into a stale of almost hopeless de- 
 pravity. But that power which was still watching 
 over him for good, continued to extend its reclaim- 
 ing influence. After a time of conflict he was 
 enabled to see clearly the beauty and excellency 
 of the Truth : his former practices became odious 
 in his view: and beirg furnished with strength 
 from the Lord, he resolved to forsake the ways of 
 vanity and embrace the unchangeable Truth. 
 
 This took place during the latter part of his ap- 
 prenticeship : and being faithful to that measure 
 of light which convinced him of the error of his 
 ways, he requested the care of Friends and was 
 received a member. 
 
 After his convincement and while yet an ap- 
 prentice, he diligently attended meetings. 
 
 In the year ISOl, he removed with his family 
 and settled within the compass of Duanesburgh 
 particular Meeting, which being small he was 
 concerned for its growth and prosperity, which he 
 evinced by his orderly walking and steady attend- 
 ance of meetings for worship and discipline. 
 
 Not long after he settled in this Monthly Meet- 
 ing, it was thought right to appoint him to the 
 station of an Elder, which he filled with meek- 
 ness and propriety, until his decease. He was a 
 
ZACCHEUS MEAD. 105 
 
 man much beloved and esteemed by Friends and 
 others that knew him. 
 
 He was particularly engaged for the right ad- 
 ministration of the discipline, careful to treat with 
 offenders with forbearance and in the spirit of re- 
 storing love. 
 
 Strongly opposed to slavery, his compassion was 
 extended to that oppressed class of the descendants 
 of Africa, held in bondage in this country. He 
 was also concerned to abstain from the use of ar- 
 ticles produced by their unrequited labor. 
 
 Eminently distinguished for moderation and 
 equanimity of mind, he was well qualified to dis- 
 charge the various duties of husband and parent. 
 
 Liberality and kindness to the poor and desti- 
 tute were conspicuous traits in his character. 
 
 Having been a pillar and bright example in the 
 church, his loss is sensibly felt. 
 
 It was evident he had been failing in health for 
 some time, and about two weeks before his death, 
 he was so much indisposed as to be confined to the 
 house, but able to be up a considerable part of the 
 time until near his close. 
 
 To a Friend who visited him during his last ill- 
 ness he remarked, that it was a great satisfaction 
 and stay to his mind at this time, that by a firm 
 reliance on Divine direction and preservation, he 
 had been enabled in a good measure, to lead a con- 
 
106 MEMOBIAL CP 
 
 aistent life. This was spoken in great tenderness 
 of spirit, and under a grateful sense of the fav« r. 
 To another Friend who visited him a few days be- 
 fore his departure he expressed nearly as follows : 
 " That preserving power which preserved me in 
 my early years, has continued with me to the 
 present time.'* 
 
 The night previous to his death, though he said 
 but little, it was evident to those present that his 
 mind was preserved in resignation and peace, and 
 that the everlasting arm was underneath for 
 his support. 
 
 The next morning, after a period of severe suf- 
 fering, he became easy and tranquil, retaining his 
 mental faculties after his power of utterance had 
 failed. His wife and children coming to him he 
 took each by the hand and bade them a silent fare- 
 weli, then laying still, like one falling asleep, he 
 departed this life on the Sth of Eighth month, 
 1837, in the 68th year of his age ; and we enter- 
 tain the fullest confidence that he has gone to en- 
 joy the reward of the righteous. 
 
 On the 10th, a large number of Friends and 
 others, attended his remains to the place of inter- 
 ment, in Friends' burial ground. 
 
DAVID HALSTED. 107 
 
 A Memorial of Creek MontMy Meeting y concern- 
 ing our friend y David Halsted, deceased. 
 
 Being deeply affected, under a sense of the loss 
 we have sustained, in the removal from works to 
 rewards of this our beloved friend, we feel our 
 minds engaged to give forth the following testi^ 
 mony concerning him 
 
 He was born in West Chester County, in the 
 State of New York, the 27th of Sixth-month, 
 1777. His parents were David and Noami 
 Halsted. 
 
 In the 23d year of his age he joined in marriage 
 with Judith, daughter of John and Judith Griffen ; 
 and soon after removed and settled within the 
 limits of this Monthly Meeting. 
 
 It appears from his own expressions, that he was 
 early visited with the secret manifestations of Di- 
 vine love, and by yielding obedience thereto, he 
 believed it was required of him to publicly pro- 
 claim the gospel of peace and salvation. His first 
 appearance in the ministry was about the 28th year 
 of his age ; and abiding in humility, and watchful 
 dependence, he experienced a growth in his gift ; 
 and became an early example in plainness of 
 habit and deportment, consistent with our religious 
 profession. He was an affectionate husband and 
 tender father, careful in the education of his chil- 
 
108 MEMORIAL OK 
 
 dren, and appeared above all things desirous to see 
 them walking in the truth. His heart and house 
 were always open to receive his friends ; and he 
 often expressed his concern that Friends should 
 keep in simplicity and moderation; being himself 
 an example in those respects. 
 
 His conversation was often instructive and edi- 
 fying : although it was sometimes his lot to feel 
 much depression of spirit, and to pass through 
 many deep provings and trials ; yet we believe he 
 had often to witness the truth of the declaration, 
 • ' Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be 
 comforted.*' He was a lover of retirement, de- 
 lighted in reading the Scriptures of truth, and en- 
 couraged others to read them imderstandingly ; in 
 which practice he continued to the end of his days, 
 often quoting the passage ** Seek first the kingdom 
 of Heaven and the righteousness thereof, and all 
 things necessary shall be added." Being a diligent 
 attender of Meetings, he labored to encourage his 
 family and others to a strict observance of this 
 important duty. He was zealous for the support 
 of our Christian discipline, and maintenance of the 
 good order of society, and desired Friends might 
 dwell deep, and prosper in the truth. The interest 
 he expressed for the welfare of the young was very 
 great; earnestly inviting them, while in the morn- 
 ing of their days, to yield in obedience to the die- 
 
DAVID HALSTED. 109 
 
 tates of the holy spirit, assuring them that noth- 
 ing but a strict attention thereto could give them 
 comfort in life, or hope and confidence in the hour 
 of death. 
 
 Although he was zealous for the promotion of 
 the principles embraced by Friends, his mind was 
 clothed with charity towards all other religious 
 professions, fully believing that God is no respecter 
 of persons, but that in every nation, he that feareth 
 him and worketh righteousness will be accepted of 
 him. His concern in the ministry did not lead him 
 much from home. He made some visits to adja- 
 cent Meetings, and was frequently invited to attend 
 funerals amongst those not of our society ; his min- 
 istry being lively and edifying, many can bear wit- 
 ness to the counsel and advice received. 
 
 For several years prior to his death, he was af- 
 flicted with lameness, accompanied with almost 
 continued bodily pain; but when able to attend 
 Meetings, he was frequently strengthened to rise 
 superior to the pressure of disease, and in the flow- 
 ings of gospel love, to bear testimony to the effa- 
 cacy of the divine principle of light and grace, 
 and to invite others to an unreserved submission 
 and obedience thereto, that they might experience 
 for themselves that the Lord is good. 
 
 In the summer of 1839, he was attacked with 
 severe illness, which confined him at home for sev- 
 
110 MEMORIAL OV 
 
 eral weeks, which affliction he bore with Christian 
 patience, often expressing, that he had been led to 
 look over his life, and saw nothing in his way ; but, 
 that all was peace and quietness. 
 
 The last time that he was permitted to meet 
 with his friends, being on the fourth day of the 
 week, he addressed them in a feeling manner; and 
 said, it appeared to him his stay in mutability would 
 be short ; advising them to be faithful in the dis- 
 charge of their duties, and to show forth by their 
 daily walking that they were the followers of the 
 meek and lowly Jesus ; and desired that Friends 
 would not suffer themselves to be so engaged with 
 the cumbering things of this world, as to neglect 
 the assembling themselves together, especially on 
 the middle of the week, but be encouraged to give 
 all diligence, to make their calling and election 
 sure ; that our Society might once more arise and 
 shine, as in former days. 
 
 On the 16th of Twelfth-month, 1839, he was 
 taken ill, though the physician who attended him, 
 said there was nothing alarming; yet he seemed 
 sensible that his time was short ; and conversing 
 with a friend who came to visit him a few days 
 before his departure, he said that he had been a 
 long time wanting to make a visit among Friends at 
 Nine Partners ; and said, I am glad we have been ; 
 (having an allusion to himself and wife,) adding, I 
 
DAVID HALSTED 111 
 
 am confirmed that I have not changed ; I am the 
 same that ever I was. The longer I live the more 
 confirmed I am, that a straight forward course is 
 the best : let others do as they may, I will do that 
 which I believe my Heavenly Father calls me to 
 do, for it will be but a little longer. 
 
 On the 26th of the month, a near relation taking 
 leave of him, he bade her an affectionate farewell, 
 and said, "I shall never see thee again,*' adding 
 *' my belief is fixed on the immutable basis of truth.'* 
 About four o'clock in the afternoon of the 27th, 
 some Friends taking leave of him, he said, *'the 
 sting of death is taken away ; I feel nothing but 
 love and good will towards every body the world 
 over," and the sweet composure of his mind seem- 
 ed to indicate that all was well. 
 
 In the evening he was seized with an apoplec- 
 tic fit, and lay speechless until the evening of the 
 29th, when he quietly breathed his last, aged 62 
 years, a minister 34 — and we trust he is now a 
 partaker of those joys we have so often heard 
 portrayed by him, as being in store for all those 
 who are concerned to dwell in that love, which is 
 the badge of true disciplesbip,. 
 
]12 MKMORIAL OF 
 
 Mejnorial of the Monthly Meeting of New York, 
 concerning our deceased friend, Eliza brth H. 
 Walker. 
 
 Believing that "to commemorate the lives of the 
 righteous is a tribute due to their memory, and 
 may prove an incentive to the living to emulate 
 their virtues," we are concerned to preserve some 
 account of the life aud religious labors of this 
 valuable Friend. 
 
 She was born at Sheffield, in England, on the 
 26th of Eighth-month, 1761. Her parents, Wm. 
 and Mary Hoyland, were members of our religious 
 Society. Her father died when she was about five 
 years of age, but she appears to have been care, 
 fully educated by a concerned mother. About the 
 year 1789 she removed to Birmingham, and con- 
 ducted a boarding and day-school for girls, in con- 
 nection with a female Friend. It was during her 
 residence here that she first appeared in the minis- 
 try, but no information can now be obtained rela- 
 tive to the exercises of her mind at this period, or 
 the circumstances which attended her early dedi- 
 cation to the service of her Divine Master, but 
 there is reason to believe that her public commu- 
 nications, before leaving England, were acceptable 
 to her Friends. In the autumn of 1798 she came 
 
ELIZABETH H. WALKER. 113 
 
 to the United States, and for a time, resided in the 
 city of New York, where she was engaged in teach- 
 ing school. In the First-month 1§02, she married 
 our late esteemed friend Thomas Walker, and soon 
 after, removed with her husband to West Farms, 
 within the limits of West Chester Preparative 
 Meeting, which was then attached to the Monthly 
 Meeting of Purchase. 
 
 She was acknowledged a minister in Ninth-mo. 
 1807, being then in the 47th year of her age. By 
 faithful obedience, she was made eminently useful 
 in promoting the cause of truth and righteousness 
 in her day. In Sixth-month 1808, she obtained a 
 minute from Purchase Monthly Meeting to per- 
 form a religious visit to Stanford and Easton 
 Quarterly Meetings, and to appoint some Meet- 
 ings within the limits of Nine Partners Quarterly 
 Meeting. In this visit she was accompanied by 
 Rebecca Titus, a highly esteemed Friend and 
 Elder of Purchase Monthly Meeeting. 
 
 She visited Friends and others within the com- 
 pass of Canada Half-year's Meeting, and the 
 Quarterly Meetings of Ferrisburgh, Easton and 
 Nine Partners, in 1809, and from that time she 
 was diligently engaged in a succession of similar 
 services till near the close of her life. In the 
 winter of 1810-11 she made a second visit to 
 
 Canada and other places North; and again, in 
 8 
 
Ill MEMORIAL OF 
 
 1812. In 1816 she travelled extensively in the 
 Western and Southern States. In 1817, after at- 
 tending Baltimore Yearly Meeting, she travelled 
 through Virginia and North Carolina, having a 
 Meeting in the Capitol, at Washington, on her re- 
 turn. A visit in the Eastern States was perform- 
 ed in 1819 ; passing into Maine, and returning by 
 way of Quebec and Montreal, and in 1822, as one 
 of the Yearly Meeting's Committee on Indian 
 concerns, she paid a visit to the Indian tribes, under 
 the care of Friends, in the Western part of this 
 State. In the Sixth-month 1823, she embarked 
 for England, under a concern which had attended 
 her mind for some years, to visit, in gospel love, 
 Friends and others in Great Britain and Ireland, 
 and some places on the Continent of Europe. A 
 brief account of this visit, written by herself, is 
 as follows : — *' Perhaps I was never more sensible 
 of a state of strippedness and desertion than on my 
 arrival in Liverpool, but after proceeding, I believ- 
 ed that dispensation to have been permitted that 
 I might not trust to any previous exercise relative 
 to the concern. Meetings of Friends were taken 
 on the way to the Annual Meeting at Ackworth 
 School. After attending the Two-months Meet- 
 ing at Glasgow, in Scotland, we accompanied 
 Friends to the Half-year's Meeting at Aberdeen, 
 which continues to be small ; yet the little flock 
 
ELIZABETH H. WALKER. 115 
 
 were comforted together. From this place, we 
 travelled North through Scotland, having Meet- 
 ings in many of the principal towns ; way being 
 wonderfully made by the Magistrates, and by the 
 people. The Orkney Islands were also visited, 
 where, as in Scotland, the religious labors of the 
 late John Pemberton, and the more recent visits 
 of other Friends were spoken of, under such im- 
 pressions as evinced that their gospel labors had 
 not been in vain. 
 
 A short time was spent with the few members 
 of our Society who reside and hold Meetings in 
 Russia. The Friends who had visited that Em- 
 pire were spoken of with great respect, but no way 
 appeared to open for the further spreading of our 
 religious principles; yet the visit was to the peace 
 of my own mind. 
 
 A visit was made in some parts of Germany, but 
 more particularly at Minden and Piermont, where 
 the Members of the Two-months Meeting chiefly 
 reside. The Meetings were attended by many of 
 other persuasions, and from the solemnity which 
 prevailed, it was believed they were not all stran- 
 gers to spiritual worship. Wealso met with many 
 pious persons in Switzerland and France, some of 
 whom are in the practice of holding silent Meet- 
 ings. If these are faithful, they may expect to 
 meet with persecutions as our predecessors did, 
 
116 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 but by submitting to the necessary baptisno, they 
 will be brought more out of the mixture, to their 
 own unspeakable peace. 
 
 At Congenies, in the south of France, consider- 
 able time was spent in visiting the meetings and 
 families of all who profess with Friends in those 
 parts. — Here, as also in Germany, the names of 
 former visitors were frequently adverted to, with 
 gratitude to the Father of Mercies. 
 
 The families of Friends on the Island of Guern 
 sey were also visited, and two public Meetings 
 held much to the relief of my own mind. 
 
 In passing through England, Friends and others, 
 in various parts of 35 of the counties were visited ; 
 as also, public prisons, and two Yearly Meetings 
 were attended, but in these, I had very little vo- 
 cal service, being under an impression that in 
 order to transact the concerns of society to the 
 honor of the Great Head of the Church, and the 
 edification one of another, we require a portion of 
 that power in which the discipline was establish- 
 ed ; and which is more frequently raised into do- 
 minion by deep indwelling of spirit than by the 
 utterance of many words. 
 
 In taking a retrospective view of the various 
 exercises attendant on the performance of the late 
 visit, I am bound in deep abasement of spirit to 
 acknowledge that although we are weak,[yet,J" in 
 
ELIZABETH H, WALKER. 117 
 
 the Lord Jehovah there is everlasting strength/' 
 rewarding with peace, for every act of obedience, 
 and sustaining all those who put their trust in 
 Him, who is ^'glorious in holiness ; fearful in prais- 
 es.'^ 
 
 Elizabeth did not visit Ireland, and returned 
 home in the Tenth-month 1825, having been ab- 
 sent about two years and four months. The fol- 
 lowing extracts from certificates received by her 
 during her visit on the continent, are deemed wor- 
 thy of preservation. 
 
 ** From Friends of Edinghausen, near Minden, 
 in Westphalia, ninth of Second-month 1824.^' 
 
 *< The Divine influence was permitted to flow 
 through her upon the minds of all classes in such 
 a degree that we hope and believe the Divine seed 
 has obtained entrance into many hearts. She 
 has spared neither endeavors nor time in her la- 
 bors amongst us, visiting families from house to 
 house, and manifesting her gospel love by visiting 
 also, those of other professions.'* 
 
 **From the Two-months Meeting of Piermont 
 and Minden, fifth of Ninth-month 1824.'' 
 
 " We feel it our duty to certify hereby, that her 
 gospel labors amongst us, have tended much to 
 edification, strength and encouragement. We have 
 also, reason to believe that her ministerial servi- 
 ces among those not of our religious society, have 
 
118 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 been well received ; and attended with a good ef- 
 fect. We feel thankful for this manifestation of 
 the merciful condescending regard of Our Heaven- 
 ly Father and Giver of every good gift/' 
 
 Her ministry appears to have been powerful and 
 impressive ; reaching the witness for Truth in the 
 mijids of her hearers. One of her companions in 
 England, in writing to a friend, says, '' I have 
 never heard the principles of the gospel so clear- 
 ly elucidated, or so impressively conveyed/' 
 Another who travelled with her in this country, 
 has remarked, in relation to her ministry, that 
 from Meeting to Meeting throughout an exten- 
 sive field of labor, there was a freshness attending 
 her communications which might be compared to 
 the manna, that was not kept from morning to 
 morning, but newly gathered for the sustenance, 
 of the day. In the course of her religious visits 
 she had much service among those not of our so- 
 ciety, and found, among them, great openness to 
 receive her ministry. At an appointed Meeting 
 in one of our Southern cities, she was led to ad- 
 dress on the subject of slavery, a large audience 
 of individuals immediately concerned in the per- 
 petuation of this great evil. Testimony was fur- 
 nished, many years after, that the occasion was 
 not forgotten, and that her ministry was '' in the 
 
ELIZABETH H. WALKER. 119 
 
 demonstration of the Spirit and of Power," tender- 
 ing many of the audience, even to tears. 
 
 She highly valued the Scriptures of Truth, and 
 was remarkable for the frequent application of 
 their contents in her public testimonies. In one 
 of her letters, she says, " I always did, and con- 
 tinue to believe, with George Fox, * that the Scrip- 
 tures are the words, proceeding from the Word of 
 God, and understood by the spirit, being given 
 forth by it.' " I also believe with Barclay, '' They 
 are the most excellent of all writings." Now for 
 the help of such as, from their not understanding 
 them, cannot believe in the truths they contain, I 
 wish they could be referred to Geo. Fox's advice 
 to '' seek for the help of the Spirit." "• This is the 
 great illuminator of the mind of man." 
 
 Being of a social disposition, possessing a strong 
 and cultivated mind, with a benevolent and sym- 
 pathizing heart, her society was much valued by 
 her friends ; and having learned in the school of 
 experience, she was qualified to administer '^ a 
 word in season" to those under exercise and dis- 
 couragement. The following extract from a letter 
 written by her to one of this description, is thought 
 worthy of preservation. — ** Although I know thee 
 not personally, yet I am made thankful that He 
 who knows the aspirations of all hearts has gra- 
 ciously condescended to visit thy state, by break- 
 
120 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 ing u[) the fallow ground, and preparing it for the 
 good seed. But even aft-r our eyes have been 
 anointed, and we have received a little sight, oh, 
 how busy the old adversary is in trying to agitate 
 the creature ; sometimes by endeavoring to lead us 
 before our guide ; then coming in as an accuser 
 of the brethren ; thus drawing us from a deep in- 
 dwelling with the pure openings of Truth, and then 
 casting down in despair. But this is the work of 
 the enemy, and he is no where more busy than in 
 visited minds. How analogous is the outward 
 creation to our Spiritual growth. When a tree is 
 planted, if the wind shakes it about, and keeps it 
 from taking root, this prevents it from becoming 
 fruitful. So with us ; for it is only as we keep the 
 word of the Lord's patience, that we shall be pre- 
 served in the hour of temptation. Therefore in 
 patient resignation to the Divine will, possess thou, 
 thy soul ; yielding up that unto the fire, which is 
 for the fire, and to the hammer, which is for the 
 hammer. Be not afraid of suflFering; for Zion 
 must be redeemed with judgment, and all her con- 
 verts with righteousness." 
 
 The last public communication of this beloved 
 Friend, which was delivered at her own Meeting, 
 at West Chester, was of a remarkably solemn and 
 prophetic nature. She expressed the belief that the 
 day's work of some present, was drawing rapidly 
 
STEPHEN TREADWELL. 121 
 
 to a close, and that the solemn warning she was 
 commissioned to proclaim, might be applicable to 
 none more than to herself. In a few days after, an 
 individual, who was then present, was suddenly 
 removed by death, and after attending this funeral, 
 she was herself, seized with the disorder which 
 speedily terminated her life, on the eighth of the 
 Eighth-month 1827, in the 66th year of her age. 
 
 At a time when those around her death-bed ex- 
 hibited evidence of alarm at her situation, she said, 
 ''- There is no cause for alarm ; All is peace,'' thus 
 evincing that she had realized, in her own experi- 
 ence, the truth of the declaration, that " the work 
 of righteousness is peace, and the effect thereof, 
 quietness and assurance forever." 
 
 Testimony of' Rensselaerville Monthly Meeting 
 concerning our late deceased friend, Stephen 
 Treadwell. 
 
 In remembrance of the valuable labors and ser- 
 vices of this our beloved friend, it is with us to give 
 the following testimony concerning him. 
 
 He was born on Long Island, First-month 24th 
 1791, and was educated by his parents James and 
 Eachel Treadwell, agreebly to the profession of 
 
122 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 our Society; although as he grew in years he de- 
 parted from the counsel of his parents : yet those 
 early admonitions accompanied as they frequently 
 were by the parental tear, were as he often ex- 
 pressed it, as " bread cast upon the waters found 
 after many days :" he was remarkable from his 
 childhood for his more than usual vivacity of dis- 
 position, by the prevalence of which he was drawn 
 into levity and mirth. 
 
 But though thus prone to vanity and lightness, 
 the precepts of education and the often powerful 
 workings of Divine Grace upon his heart, were 
 not lost upon him ; for he was not only restrained 
 from all gross evils, but his letters to his friends at 
 the time of his greatest alienation, gave evidence 
 that his heart was not only susceptible of the finer 
 feelings, but also of strong religious impressions. 
 
 He received but a moderate share of school 
 learning, and was early placed as a clerk in a 
 store, where his attention, assiduity and skill, 
 gained him the entire approbation and confidence 
 of his employer. 
 
 In the 23rd year of his age he was married to 
 Judith Russel of this place, and settled at Wash- 
 ington, Dutchess County ; he continued about a 
 year after this to slight the reproofs of instruction 
 which had followed him all his life ; when no long- 
 er consultin^^ with flesh and blood, he gave up to 
 
 i 
 
STEPHEN TREADWELL. 123 
 
 the heavenly vision and became an exemplary 
 member in Society. 
 
 He was at this time engaged in mercantile busi- 
 ness with every promise of wealth before him ; 
 with which however he soon became uneasy, par- 
 ticularly with dealing in the products of Slave 
 labor, as thereby he apprehended he strengthened 
 the hand of the oppressor ; yielding to his con- 
 viction, he consulted not with circumstances nor 
 reasoned with consequences, but left the business 
 for which he was well qualified, and settled upon 
 a small farm in the compass of this Monthly Meet" 
 ing : though he had little knowledge of agricul- 
 ture. Here his circumspect life and consistent de- 
 meanor soon gained the esteem and confidence of 
 his friends and he was extensively employed in the 
 affairs of the church. 
 
 He first appeared in the Ministry about the 28th 
 year of his age. Though for some time his com- 
 munications were not extensive, yet being careful 
 to move in the manifestations of Divine light, his 
 gift was enlarged, and he became an eminent Min- 
 ister of the Gospel. By accounts which he preserv- 
 ed of his several journies, it appears that he trav- 
 elled near ten thousand miles, principally with his 
 own conveyance, and always at his own expense : 
 his labors were confined to the limits of his own 
 Yearly Meeting and the two adjoining ones of 
 
124 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 Philadelphia and Genesee : where it appears by the 
 testimonials of his friends, in the return minutes 
 brought by him, that his gospel labors were very 
 acceptable. His last religious visit was to Nine 
 Partners and Stanford Quarterly Meetings, and 
 Meetings constituting them, and to the families of 
 Friends and others in the compass of Nine Part- 
 ners Monthly Meeting. Of this visit we have the 
 most satisfactory accounts as being favored beyond 
 any thing that preceded it. 
 
 About a year before his death he had a fit, that 
 entirely deprived him of consciousness for a short 
 time, but from which he soon recovered, and was 
 able to attend Meeting next day, and was much 
 favored in a large and instructing testimony to the 
 tendering of many minds present. 
 
 He continued to enjoy uninterrupted health from 
 this time to the day of his death, which took place 
 the Eighth-month r2th, 1S43, having attended 
 Stanford Quarterly Meeting, in which he had some 
 solemn and impressive service. After this Meet- 
 ing he proceeded homeward, leaving the house of 
 his kind friend William Bedell, on the morning of 
 his death, in apparent health. He had not pro- 
 ceeded far when he was taken with a severe pain 
 in the head; he stopped at a private house 14 
 miles from his home, where by the kindness of the 
 friend in company, medical aid was called and 
 
STEPHEN TREADWELL. 125 
 
 every assistance rendered that the nature of the 
 case would admit ; but without effect — the disease 
 proving to be apoplectic, he lived but four hours 
 when his spirit took its flight, we doubt not to the 
 realms of blessedness there to join the spirits of 
 just men made perfect. 
 
 His funeral was attended by a numerous con- 
 course of Friends and neighbors from the meet- 
 ing-house where he had been a diligent attender 
 for nearly thirty years. 
 
 Thus has it pleased the Most High in his inscru- 
 table wisdom, to call from works to rewards this 
 our dear Friend in the midst of his usefulness, 
 when we were looking forward for much fruit from 
 his continued labors. 
 
 He was a kind and affectionate husband, an in- 
 dulgent parent, and obliging neighbor. Consonant 
 with the spirit of the gospel, his sympathetic feel- 
 ings were not confined to clime or color, but ex- 
 tended to the whole human family ; the oppressed 
 Africans of our land early claimed his attention, 
 and he was concerned largely to plead their cause ; 
 it may be truly said of him that the cause which 
 he knew not he sought out ; and his example ac- 
 corded with his precept, for he was scrupulously 
 careful that nothing about his person or table should 
 be the product of slave labor, and was often con- 
 cerned to encourage others to abstain from such 
 
126 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 fruits of oppression. He was also (particularly in 
 the latter years of his life) conscientiously careful 
 that no part of the fruit of his fields or orchard 
 should be converted into intoxicating drinks ; thus 
 bearing a faithful testimony against intemperance 
 in its first and most delusive forms. Whilst we 
 are sensible of the loss we have sustained in the 
 removal of our beloved friend, we desire to acqui- 
 esce in the dispensation of him whose ways are in- 
 scrutable and whose judgments are past find- 
 ing out. 
 
 And it is our fervent solicitude that the quicken- 
 ing effect produced upon many minds by his death, 
 may excite them to a more diligent and faithful 
 performance of their several duties : that when 
 the days of their probation shall be ended, they 
 also may inherit the blessing. 
 
 Testimony of 'Rensselaer ville Monthly Meeting, 
 concerning our late beloved Friend, Nathan 
 Spencer. 
 
 He was bom at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, 
 in the year 1761. His parents, William and Mar- 
 garet Spencer, were members of our Society, and 
 educated him according to the profession made by 
 Friends. He was of a religious turn from his 
 
 I 
 
NATHAN SPENCER. 127 
 
 youth, and remarked for his sobriety and orderly 
 conduct. He witnessed a severe trial in the early 
 loss of his first wife, after which, he married our 
 late beloved friend, Ruth Spencer, with whom he 
 removed about the year 1798 to this place. Being 
 of a sound and discriminating mind, he was em- 
 inently useful in the affairs of the Church. He 
 was early appointed nn Elder, which station he fill- 
 ed for nearly fifty years with propriety and useful- 
 ness. He was remarkable for his diligence in 
 attending religious meetings, and his deportment 
 in them was solemn and weighty. His wife being 
 much abroad on truth's service, he gave up a large 
 share of his time to accompany her, though their 
 circumstances were limited and to the eye of hu- 
 man prudence it would seem impracticable for him 
 to be so much from his business ; but he trusted 
 in that Power that blessed the oil and meal for- 
 merly that it failed not ; and he was not disap- 
 pointed ; being blessed with a comfortable compe- 
 tency sufficient to supply all their needful wants, 
 so that they were chargeable to none. He was 
 industrious and frugal in his habits and sparing in 
 his diet, and was an example of meekness and up- 
 rightness worthy of imitation ; though his health 
 had been feeble for many years, yet he got to meet- 
 ings till a few days before his death. Whilst 
 watching with anxious care the death bed of his 
 
12S MEMORIAL OP 
 
 beloved companion, he sank down exhausted, and 
 was helped upon a bed, where he remained in a 
 sweet resigned frame of mind about twenty-four 
 hours, when he breathed his last aged eighty-three 
 years. His wife survived him but about forty-eight 
 hours. Thus may it be truly said of this aged 
 pair, they were united in their lives and in their 
 deaths they were not divided. ' Their remains were 
 taken to the meeting-house where they had long 
 been diligent attenders, and after a large and so- 
 lemn meeting, were both laid in one grave. 
 
 Testimony of RensselacrviUe Montlihj Meeting con- 
 cerning our late beloved Friend j litTH Spe.vcer. 
 
 She was born near Providence, Rhode Island, 
 in the yedr 1769. Her parents, Daniel and Mary 
 Anthony, were worthy members of the Society 
 of Friends, from whom she received a guarded 
 education. 
 
 Though her early life was circumspect and ex- 
 emplary, yet it does not appear that she was under 
 much religious exercise until after her marriage 
 with our late beloved friend, Nathan Spencer, 
 which took place about the twenty-fourth year of 
 her age ; soon after which, they removed and set- 
 tled within the limits of this Monthly Meeting, 
 
 J 
 
EUTM SPENCER. 
 
 129 
 
 then a branch of Nine Partners' Quarter. It was 
 here that her religions exercises appear to have 
 commenced, and were carried forward through a 
 most close and piercing conflict, to a final sur- 
 render and subjugation of her own will to His, who 
 she believed, had called her to more dedication and 
 devotedness to the cause of truth and universal 
 righteousness in the earth ; this conflict was not 
 for days or months, but for years, when according to 
 her own account ^' her flesh wasted and she eat her 
 bread in bitterness of soul, and mingled her tears 
 with her drink ;'* but she says, **when the Great 
 Administrator of this fiery baptism saw it was 
 enough, He stayed his hand and lifted up my head 
 in hope, and was pleased to assure me that all my 
 former sins were forgiven, and the beauties of the 
 new creation were opened upon my mind." It was 
 during these years of close inward conflict, that she 
 apprehended herself called to the work of the min- 
 istry ; but being naturally diffident of her own 
 attainments, and fearing lest the searching lan- 
 guage might be applied to her, '' Who hath requir- 
 ed this at thy hand, to tread my courts," it was 
 long ere she gave up to the Heavenly requisition. 
 In giving an account of the exercises through 
 which she passed, while under the preparing hand 
 for this work, she was frequently heard to remark, 
 that it; was seven years after she so far yielded to 
 
t 
 
 130 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 this impression of duty, as to place her hand upon 
 the seat before her to help herself upon her feet, 
 before she actually appeared in that solemn ser- 
 vice ; which was about the fortieth year of her age. 
 Her ministry was sound and edifying, and having 
 thus long been under the preparing hand, she grew 
 rapidly in her gift ; and in the exercise thereof she 
 travelled extensively in this and most of the Yearly 
 Meetings on the continent. She twice visited New 
 England, attending nearly all the meetings of 
 Friends, and many by appointment, among others. 
 She made several pretty general visits to the meet^ 
 ings constituting Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and 
 three times attended the sittings of that Meeting. 
 She attended Genesee Yearly Meeting in 1836 ; 
 Baltimore in 1839; Genesee again in 1840. She 
 was also extensively engaged at different times in 
 visiting families, for which service she was emi- 
 nently qualified ; often pointing out the states of 
 those she visited, in a remarkable manner. 
 
 Having passed through much inward conflict 
 she was prepared to enter into the feelings and 
 share in sympathy, with the tribulated traveller, 
 being often led in the spirit of the true Samaritan 
 to pour the oil and the wine into the wounded 
 bosom. For a number of the last years of her life 
 she was afflicted with an asthmatic affection, but 
 was generally able to get to meetings, which for 
 
RUTH SPENCER. 
 
 131 
 
 more than half a century, she attended with exem- 
 plary diligence. She was truly a nursing mother 
 in Israel, and was eminently serviceable to those 
 who were young in the ministry, being pertinent 
 in counsel, admonition, or reproof, as the case 
 might require. Her last service abroad was on the 
 Yearly Meeting's Committee. In the summer and 
 autumn before her death, she visited in that capa- 
 city, the Quarterly Meetings of Easton an Ferris - 
 burg and some of the meetings constituting them; 
 also several of the Monthly Meetings of Nine 
 Partners and Stanford, which like all her former 
 labors, were acceptable to the visited. Her last 
 sickness was short but severe ; during which she 
 appeared to have little more to do, than to bear the 
 pains of the body. Being much of the time op- 
 pressed for breath, it rendered articulation diffi- 
 cult ; but having been engaged to do her day's 
 work in the day time, we believe she was favored 
 to witness a peaceful close, and we doubt not that 
 her purified spirit has joined the just of all gen- 
 erations, in ascribing praises to the Lord God and 
 the Lamb. 
 
132 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 Testimony of Easton Monthly Meeting concerning 
 Sarah Wilbur, deceased. 
 
 She was born in the State of Rhode Island on 
 the twenty-first of Eighth-month, 1777. Her pa- 
 rents, Nicholas and Sarah Bragg, were members 
 of the Society of Friends, who were concerned 
 to adhere to the ancient admonition, ** train up a 
 child in the way he should go and when he is old 
 he will not depart from it." And there is reason 
 to believe their labors were not in vain, for the 
 subject of this memoir was induced in early life, to 
 seek an inheritance more substantial than the 
 allurements of a vain world could afford. And in 
 accordance with the divine promise, " they that 
 seek me early shall find me," she found Him to be 
 a friend directing in safety through all the conflicts 
 of this probationary scene. 
 
 About the eleventh year of her age, her parents 
 removed and settled in the State of New York, 
 within the limits of Easton Monthly Meeting, of 
 which she was a member during the remainder of 
 her life. They were in low circumstances and had 
 to encounter the difficulties, of settling in a com- 
 paratively new country. Thus freed from the con- 
 taminatinginfluences of luxury and idleness, which 
 impair the constitutions and corrupt the hearts of 
 
SARAH WILBUR. 
 
 133 
 
 SO many, she was prepared for a life of usefulness ; 
 and was led to love and prize simplicity, disre- 
 garding the shame of appearing singular by dif- 
 fering in dress and demeanor from the gay and 
 thoughtless. 
 
 In the year 1803 she was united in marriage 
 with John Wilbur, to whom she was a kind and 
 sympathizing companion . In the succeeding years 
 of her life, much of her attention was devoted to 
 the care of a numerous offspring, towards whom she 
 performed, with untiring assiduity, the important 
 duties of a mother ; and while she labored to ad- 
 minister to their temporal wants, it was her para- 
 mount engagement, both by precept and example, 
 to draw the attention of tht^ir minds to the all im- 
 portant subject of the soul's salvation. Nor were 
 her ardent desires on these accounts limited to her 
 own family. She often expressed a deep interest 
 in the welfare of others, particularly of the young, 
 to whom, when occasion offered, she freely imparted 
 advice and admonition ; and though sometimes it 
 was in a very close and plain manner, it evidently 
 proceeded from an ardent and affectionate solicitude 
 for their best interest. Thus was she clothed with 
 that charity, which thinketh no evil, giving no just 
 occasion of offence to any, it being the concern 
 of her mind that true judgment might be laid to 
 
134 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 the line and righteousness to the plumb-line. The 
 condition of the poor came particularly under her 
 notice. She was careful to look after them, and 
 they not only received from her bountiful hand 
 those comforts which they needed, but were fur- 
 nished with employment, that thereby, she might 
 encourage them to be industrious, being herself an 
 example of industry. 
 
 She was diligent in the attendance of our reli- 
 gious meetings, and careful so to manage her tem- 
 poral concerns, as not to hinder her family from 
 attending them, and was often engaged to admon- 
 ish those who neglected this important duty. She 
 encouraged by example and precept, the more fre- 
 quent perusal of the Scriptures of Truth, often 
 expressing a fear, that light and vain publications 
 too much took the place of this volume, to the 
 reading of which and other religious books, most of 
 her leisure moments were devoted. She was truly 
 a mother in Israel, and we hope that her example 
 may live with us and that her precepts may not be 
 forgotten, but like bread cast upon the water, may 
 be found after many days. She was often led to 
 express her sorrow on account of the departure 
 from that plainness and simplicity to which our 
 predecessors were called to bear testimony, and in 
 these particulars, has left us an example worthy of 
 
f 
 
 I 
 
 SARAH WILBUR. 135 
 
 imitation. She was beloved by all, on account of 
 her innocent life and affectionate treatment of all 
 classes, without distinction. 
 
 Her last illness, with which she was seized on 
 the fifteenth of Tenth-month, 1838, was short, but 
 so severe and painful, as to render her unable to 
 hold much conversation, during the greater part of 
 the time. To a young friend who watched with 
 her during this illness, she said, " The necessity of 
 being always prepared for death looks now to be of 
 very great importance. I plainly see, that this is 
 my death-bed; my work is done — I have but a few 
 days more to stay here. I have had to reflect upon 
 the past — I see that I have made many misses but 
 I feel that they are all forgiven. I felt that I ought 
 to go and visit a neighbor, he and his wife are both 
 so feeble and confined at home ; but I neglected it 
 till the night before I was taken sick, and then 
 resolved, that in the morning it should be my first 
 business, to visit them and try to comfort and cheer 
 them up. Now thou canst see, I had put it off too 
 long, and I fear we are all apt to put things off too 
 long ; to neglect to render the assistance that is due 
 from us to others, turning aside from the house of 
 sorrow and the couch of woe. I want thee always 
 to remember the sick and the afflicted; be willing 
 to do all in thy power to comfort them and thou 
 wilt be rewarded." 
 
136 Ml^MOKIAL OF 
 
 During the latter part of her illness, the violence 
 of the disorder nearly deprived her of the power 
 of speech and hearing, but she appeared in a peace- 
 ful and resigned state of mind, continually grow- 
 ing weaker till the thirty-first of Tenth-month 
 1838, when she quietly breathed her last, aged 
 sixty-one years and two months. And while we 
 sensibly feel her loss, we are comforted in believ- 
 ing that she has entered into a mansion prepared 
 for her, and to the enjoyment of her Heavenly 
 Father's rest. 
 
 A Testimony of Purchase Monthly Meeting of 
 Friena u concerning our beloved friend Samuel 
 Barnes, deceased. 
 
 He was born at Purchase, ia the town of Harri- 
 son, county of West Chester. His parents Ste- 
 phen and Hannah Barnes, were members of the 
 religious Society of Friends, and endeavored to 
 bring up their children consistent therewith. In 
 his early life he manifested a disposition for light- 
 ness, but by attending to the reproofs of Divine 
 instruction on his own mind, he learned obedience 
 by the things which he suffered ; and by giving 
 up to the operation of the Spirit of Christ, through 
 
SAMUEL BARNES. 137 
 
 its sanctifying pov/er, he experienced the consola- 
 tions of his Heavenly Father's love. 
 
 Having been thus humbled under the operation 
 of the power of truth, he soon became qualified for 
 usefulness in the Churcb of Christ. He appeared 
 in public testimony about the 20th year of his age, 
 and being of strong mind, improved and enlarged 
 by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, he be- 
 came an able Minister of the Gospelof Christ, and 
 qualified for the promotion of the cause of truth 
 and righteousness; being careful that his example 
 should correspond with the precepts he delivered. 
 He was exemplary in waiting to experience a re- 
 newed qualification for service, before he attempted 
 to move in the ministry ; well knowing that with- 
 out a fresh anointing, any endeavor on his part 
 must prove ineffectual, and tend to centre in life- 
 less formality; against which he bore a faithful 
 testimony. About the 25th year of his age, he was 
 engaged in visiting the meetings constituting West- 
 bury Quarterjin company with Alexander Young ; 
 and many times afterwards, performed like servi- 
 ces to the peace of his own mind, and the satisfac- 
 tion of his friends. Although he did not travel 
 extensively in the ministry, yet when he believed 
 it required of him to leave his family, he cheer- 
 fully submitted thereto. ' 
 
138 me:..orial of 
 
 He was diligent in the attendance of religious 
 Meetings, and careful to encourage others in this 
 important duty. We believe many have been com- 
 forted and edified while sitting under his labors of 
 love, he manifesting an earnest desire that all 
 should come to a knowledge of the Truth and be 
 saved. 
 
 In the 26th year of his age he was united in 
 marriage with Letitia Haviland, with whom he 
 lived 32 years in the bonds of mutual affection, 
 being a kind husband, an affectionate father, and 
 true friend to those under affliction. 
 
 He was taken ill the 16th of Second-month, with 
 a fever, which continued about four weeks, during 
 which time he passed through much bodily suffer- 
 ing ; he was not able to converse much, but gave 
 evidence that his mind was staid on that Divine 
 arm of Power that had been with him, and enabled 
 him to become eminently useful, in his day and 
 generation : expressing that he felt no interest in 
 the things of time ; and on being asked near his 
 close, whether he saw any thing in his way, he 
 answered with emphasis, *' no, nothing,'' adding, 
 *'the Lord is good, he has always been good." 
 After which he gradually declined, until the even- 
 ing of the 14th of Third-month 1846, when his 
 spirit took its flight ; and we doubt not has entered 
 
SAMUEL BARNES. 139 
 
 the mansions of eternal felicity, where the wicked 
 cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. 
 Aged 57 years and six months. 
 
 Notwitstanding we feel, that the church has 
 sustained a great loss, in the removal of this our 
 beloved friend, in the midst of his usefulness, yet 
 we believe our loss to be his gain. 
 
 May we be stimulated to greater faithfulness, in 
 order that our day's work may keep pace with the 
 day, that when time shall terminate and be no 
 more with us, we m.ay be favored to join the spirits, 
 already made perfect, in the realms of bliss. 
 
 The following additional testimony respecting our 
 beloved friend Samuel Barnes, was added by 
 Fur chase Quarterly Meeting. 
 
 He was much esteemed by Friends and others 
 for his exemplary life and conversation, and being 
 sound in judgment, he was eminently qualified for 
 transacting the aflfairs of the church, and feelingly 
 concerned for the support of comely order in all 
 our Meetings. He was endowed with an accept- 
 able gift in the Ministry, in the exercise of which 
 his language was plain and simple, and he fre- 
 quently communicated instructive and edifying 
 counsel from some of the most common occurren- 
 
140 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 ces. He was concerned to bearu]) our testimony 
 to a free gospel ministr}^ both in precept and 
 practice. 
 
 While we are sensible of the loss we have sus- 
 tained in the decease of this our beloved friend, we 
 are enabled to believe that he has through faith- 
 fulness filled up his mission here on earth, and was 
 prepared to inherit the blessing prepared for the 
 righteous. We, therefore, desire reverently to ac- 
 quiesce in the dispensations of Him whose ways 
 are past finding out. 
 
 A Memorial of Troy Monthly Meeting concern^ 
 ingour helovtd Friend, Thankful Merritt, de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Being deeply sensible of the loss we have sus- 
 tained, in the removal from works to rewards of 
 our beloved Friend, we feel our minds engaged to 
 give forth the following testimony concerning her. 
 
 She was the daughter of Matthew and Mercy 
 Scott, and was born the twenty-first of Fifth-month, 
 17S0, at Spencertown, Columbia County, State of 
 New York. Her parents were members of the so- 
 ciety of Presbyterians, and she was educated in 
 their belief, and joined that society In the year 
 1797, she removed with her parents to Kingsbury, 
 
THANKFUL MERRITT. 141 
 
 in Wasliingtoi} County, where she was married to 
 Benjamin Merritt, on the third of Tenth-month, 
 1800. She subsequently removed with her husband 
 to reside at White Creek, within the compass of 
 Easton Monthly Meeting, where she became ac- 
 quainted with, and convinced of the truth of the 
 principles professed by Friends ; and about the 
 year 1811 she became a member of our Society, 
 and soon after appeared in the ministry. 
 
 In the year 1815, she removed with her husband 
 to the city of New York. 
 
 By a strict attention to the unfoldings of truth, 
 she learned in the school of Christ, that it is by 
 the way of the Cross that the Crown is to be ob- 
 tained, and true happiness experienced. Thus 
 abiding, she became qualified to instruct others' 
 and her gift in the ministry was acknowledged by 
 the Monthly Meeting of New York in the year 
 1829 ; and being obedient to the further manifes- 
 tations of truth, she became a faithful minister of 
 the Gospel. Circumspect in life and conversation, 
 and walking answerably to the doctrines she 
 taught, it may truly be said she was a preacher both 
 by example and precept. 
 
 About the year 1834, she removed with her hus- 
 band to the city of Troy, where she continued to 
 reside till the time of her death. She was a very 
 
142 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 diligent attender of meetings, and was concerned 
 to labor faithfully in the vineyard, both at home 
 and abroad; not considering any sacrifice too great, 
 nor any labor too arduous, for the security of that 
 peace she had obtained, and the favor of Him 
 with whom are all the treasures of wisdom and 
 knowledge 
 
 With the concurrence of her friends she per: 
 formed divers religious visits. She several times 
 visited part of the meetings constituting New 
 York Yearly Meeting, and twice attended Phila- 
 delphia and Baltimore Yearly Meetings. It ap- 
 peared by return minutes that these visits were to 
 the satisfaction of Friends ; and she expressed that 
 she had witnessed great peace of mind in thus 
 having given up to her Master's service. A friend 
 who travelled with her in several of her religious 
 visits, remarked, in relation to her ministry^ 
 that from meeting to meeting, there was a fresh- 
 ness attending her communications, comparable 
 to the manna newly gathered for the sustenance 
 of the day. 
 
 She felt a warm sympathy for the enslaved Afri- 
 can race, and had such a sense of the great injus- 
 tice done them, that she scrupulously abstained 
 from using the produce of their labor, for a num- 
 ber of the last years of her life. 
 
THANKFUL MERRITT. 143 
 
 She was a good example of plainness and sim- 
 plicity, to the propriety of which she bore a faith- 
 ful testimony. 
 
 She frequently visited the abodes of the sick 
 and afflicted, and, at divers times, criminals con- 
 fined in prisons ; often extending suitable counsel 
 and advice, and consoling them by her soothing ad- 
 dress, for which she was remarkable. Within the 
 course of a few years, five of her children, in the 
 bloom of youth, were removed by death ; all of 
 which severe deprivations she bore with Christian 
 fortitude and resignation, — speaking at their funer- 
 als, in a calm and acquiescing spirit, of the good- 
 ness of God, and, he having given, of his right to 
 take away. 
 
 During her last illness, she appeared tranquil 
 and resigned, and expressed her firm reliance on a 
 peaceful close of this life, and the joys of never- 
 ending bliss. She took frequent occasions, when 
 the severity of her cough would permit, to address 
 her children on important religious subjects ; and 
 one evening, near the close of her life, she told the 
 family, then mostly collected in her room, '' that 
 having found the principles she professed, and 
 which she had endeavored to live up to, sufficient 
 for her, she had no new thing to recommend to 
 them.'' 
 
144 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 She departed this life on the twenty-second of 
 Fifth-month. 1845, aged sixty-five years. 
 
 A Testimonij of Albany and Rensselaer ville Month- 
 ly Meetings, concerning our late beloved Friend^ 
 Elizbetii Carv. 
 
 She was born the twenty-second of Second-month, 
 1772; was the daughter of Richartus and Ruth 
 Cornell, of the town of Beekman, Dutchess County, 
 New York. Little is known of her early life until 
 her marriage, about the twentieth year of her age, 
 with our late beloved Friend, Samuel Cary ; soon 
 after which they settled in the townof Rensselaer- 
 ville, Albany county, then a comparatively new 
 country. As the cares of a family devolved on her, 
 her many amiable qualities were developed, and 
 she became a fit instrument of usefulness in the 
 church. At that early day she was appointed an 
 elder, which station she filled, with entire accept- 
 ance to her friends, for many years. Her humble 
 piety, tender affection to all, and great care to pro- 
 mote harmony, and increase the happiness of those 
 around her, together with her sweet and innocent 
 deportment, endeared her to all who had the privi- 
 lege of her acquaintance. 
 
f 
 
 I 
 
 ELIZABETH GARY. 145 
 
 Her health for the last thirty years of her life 
 was delicate, and for many years she suffered much 
 from spasmodic affections, which entirely prostrat- 
 ed her for a long time, and left her feeble and de- 
 bilitated ; under which she discovered a resigna- 
 tion and patience worthy the imitation of all. Her 
 last sickness was occasioned by a cancer, attended 
 with excruciating pain, under which she maintain- 
 ed the same equable temper and holy resignation 
 that had characterized her former years. Her 
 solicitude for the happiness of her numerous off- 
 spring, over whose welfare she had long watched 
 with anxious and tender care, was at this trying 
 time eminently conspicuous; and she imparted such 
 counsel as her extreme debility would allow. She 
 quietly departed this life the eighth of Third- 
 month, 1842. At her funeral, her husband, who 
 was a valuable minister of our Society, bore in a 
 broken and tender manner, the following testimo- 
 ny : ^' The deceased has been to me a true help- 
 meet during a period of fifty years, not only in 
 temporal, but in spiritual affairs; she has been as 
 a stay and support to bear me up in the trials 
 which it has been my particular lot to pass through. 
 She has been a kind neighbor, as is known to ma- 
 ny, and charitable, relieving the wants of those 
 that came within her knowledge. A tender mother 
 to her numerous offspring, endeavoring to lead 
 10 
 
14(3 MKiMORlAL OF 
 
 them in the path of pii^ty ; and I doubt not, she 
 is gathered into that rest prepared for the chil- 
 dren of God." 
 
 A Tcsfimony of Albany and Rensselaer ville 
 Monthly Meetings y concerning our late deceased 
 Fr?e?id^ Sa.mukl Carv. 
 
 In tJie hope that a brief account of the dealings 
 of the Most High, with this our beloved Friend, 
 and the instructive lesson of a well-spent life, may 
 prove useful to survivors and a numerous offspring, 
 we are concerned to give the following testimony 
 concerning him. 
 
 He left no written account of his convincement 
 and early exercises, yet this want has been par- 
 tially supplied by his family and friends. 
 
 He was born in Providence, state of Jlhode 
 Island, the eighteenth day of Eighth-month, 1766. 
 His parents were Joseph and Ruth Gary. His 
 mother died when he w^as quite young ; and his 
 father soon after removing to the state of Gonnec- 
 ticut, married for his second wife a zealous pro- 
 fessor of the Presbyterian society. Among this 
 people our friend received his education, until his 
 seventeenth year, when he left the parental roof, 
 and went to Dutchess county, state of New York. 
 
 
SAMUEL GARY. 147 
 
 Here, removed as he was from parental restraint, 
 he was abundantly exposed to temptations ; and 
 being of a volatile disposition, he mingled to a con- 
 siderable extent in vain company; but the guar- 
 dian angel of Heaven's love watched over and 
 preserved him, in this the day of eminent danger, 
 from falling into gross evils. 
 
 He remained in Dutchess county, in the employ- 
 ment of Jeremiah Haxtun, until about the twenty- 
 fifth year of his age, when he married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Richartus and Ruth Cornell. Soon 
 after their marriage they removed to the town of 
 Rensselaerville, now Westerlo, Albany county. 
 
 Soon after their removal here, he went, on a First- 
 daj^, to the house of the only Friend then living in 
 those parts, and found them sitting in silence ; and 
 being invited to sit with them, he expressed a 
 willingness, and remained to the close of the meet- 
 ing. He afterward attended occasionally for some 
 time, but the little meeting being lightly esteemed, 
 and sometimes spoken against, on account of its 
 silence, he felt an unwillingness to be seen going 
 to it ; and in order to avoid obesrvation, he often 
 went by private ways, through the fields ; but it 
 was not long before he became uneasy with this 
 course — finding it to be his duty openly to mani- 
 fest his views and feelings. According to his own 
 account, he passed through many trying dispensa- 
 
148 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 tions ere he gave up fully to follow his heavenly 
 Father in the way of his requiriugs. The use of 
 the plain language was especially trying to him, 
 and he hesitated long ere he yielded to the requi- 
 sition. 
 
 He at length submitted to the operation of the 
 spirit of Christ upon him ; and in the sanctifying 
 power therein experienced, he soon became estab- 
 lished in the truth of the principles of the Society 
 of Friends. And being preserved, in a good de- 
 gree faithful to the immediate influences of the 
 Holy Spirit, he was fitted and prepared for useful- 
 ness in the church of Christ. 
 
 The exact time he became a member, is not now 
 known, but is believed he appeared in the minis- 
 try prior to that event. 
 
 The first religious visit we have any account of, 
 was performed in 1802, in company with Nathan 
 and Ruth Spencer, to Friends in the New England 
 States. 
 
 He visited, at dififerent times, nearly all the 
 meetings embraced in his own Yearly Meeting — 
 many of them many times — always, we believe, 
 to the satisfaction of his friends. 
 
 But his eminent usefulness shone most conspi- 
 cuous, in his own family and neighborhood, and in 
 the particular Monthly and Quarterly Meetings 
 to which he belonged. Here he was a diligent and 
 
I 
 
 SAMUEL GARY. 149 
 
 faithful laborer, in meekness and forbearance, for 
 the welfare of all. His perception being quick, 
 and his judgment clear, he was eminently useful 
 in meetings for business, of which he was a con- 
 stant attender for a period of fifty years. 
 
 His pleasant, obliging manners ; his humble, 
 unaffected piety ; his sincerity, uprightness, and 
 integrity, and his entire kindness to all, greatly 
 endeared him to those who knew him in the rela- 
 tions of husband, parent, and neighbor. He was 
 an example worthy the imitation of all. 
 
 With but a small share of school learning, his 
 dependence was on the fresh anointing of the Holy 
 Spirit; and by a close attention thereto, he was 
 often enabled to reach the witness in others; so 
 that if it could not be said that his preaching was 
 glossed with human learning, it was in demonstra- 
 tion of the Spirit, and with power. 
 
 He was blessed with a sound constitution, and 
 general good health, to an advanced age. For 
 something more than a year before his death, his 
 pallid countenance gave evidence, that his health 
 was failing, though he seldom missed a meeting — 
 a distance of four miles. 
 
 In the Tenth-month, 1844, he performed a re- 
 ligious visit to Friends and others in the compass 
 of Ooeyman's and Eensselaerville Monthly Meet- 
 ings. This visit was received, as it proved to be 
 
150 iMKMORlAL OF 
 
 the last legacy of love, that he ever paid to those 
 meetJDgs, in which he was abundantly favored to 
 preach the everlasting gospel, in demonstration of 
 the Spirit, and with divine authority, to the ten- 
 dering and refreshing of many hearts. 
 
 In the Eleventh-month he attended Quarterly 
 Meeting for the last time. 
 
 A short time before his death, he spent some 
 time in the city, visiting all his children there, and 
 some others, among whom were several aged 
 friends. He remarked, during his stay, that he 
 thought it would be his last visit, and so it proved 
 to be; for not long after his return home, his 
 health declined so rapidly he returned to the city, 
 where he could receive medical advice, and took 
 his room at his son Joseph's. Here ho continued 
 to decline, at times sufifering considerably, though 
 mostly without severe pain. 
 
 His sickness and death were such as might be 
 expected from such a life ; calmly and quietly did 
 he wait the time for his release from bodily suflFer- 
 ings ; his intellect was preserved clear ; he spoke 
 of the approaching event with composure ; he ex- 
 pressed a wish that his funeral might be conducted 
 with gravity and moderation, and that every thing 
 about it should be plain and simple, to correspond 
 with the life he had lived. 
 
 He was visited by many friends during his ill- 
 
f 
 
 SAiMUEL GARY. 151 
 
 ness, to whom he imparted suitable and appropri- 
 ate counsel. 
 
 On parting with one with whom he had a long 
 and intimate acquaintance, he said. '' Eemember 
 my love to all, without respect of persons." To 
 another he expressed his love for his neighbors, 
 and that his prayer was that the blessing of his 
 heavenly Father might rest upon them. . 
 
 He expressed his unabated concern for the wel- 
 fare of his children, saying that he had often 
 prayed for their preservation and future well-being. 
 
 Some friends calling to see him on their way to 
 Quarterly Meeting, he said he had desired that he 
 might continue a few days longer, that Friends 
 might not be disturbed during the meeting, which 
 proved to be the case. 
 
 He expressed a strong desire, that the little 
 meeting to which he belonged might be kept up, 
 saying he had passed through some close trials in 
 the support of our testimonies since he had be- 
 longed to it. 
 
 His last words were: '' All is peace." Having 
 previously bid his weeping children and those 
 around his bed an affectionate farewell, he quietly 
 breathed his last, on First-day morning, Second- 
 month sixteenth, 1845, aged seventy-eight years, 
 five months, and twenty-eight days. 
 
 On the nineteenth, his remains were interred in 
 
152 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 Friends' burying-ground, in the city of Albany, 
 after a large and solemn meeting held in Friends' 
 Meeting House for the occasion. 
 
 I 
 
 A Tcstiviony of Saratoga Quarterly Meetings con- 
 cerning our hdoved Friend^ Jonatfiax Morey, 
 
 deceased. 
 
 Although the subject of this memorial, at his de- 
 cease, and for some time previous, was not a mem- 
 ber of this meeting, yet, having been long a faith- 
 ful and devoted laborer within its limits, we feel 
 that a record of his religious life and gospel labors, 
 is not only a tribute due to his memory, but may 
 prove an incentive to the living, to emulate those 
 virtues which shone so conspicuously in his char- 
 acter. 
 
 He was born in Dutchess County, the second of 
 Eighth-month, 1765. His parents, Thomas and 
 Sarah Morey, were Baptists by profession, accord- 
 ing to whose tenets and opinions he received his 
 education. 
 
 It appears from his account, that in early life he 
 became concerned for his own eternal well-being, 
 and desirous to know the good and acceptable will 
 of God concerning him. Being under great exer- 
 cise of spirit, and turning to the oracle within, he 
 
I 
 
 JOi^JATHAN MOREY. 153 
 
 saw that nothing outward and material could affect 
 the inward and spiritual ; that these were insuffi- 
 cient to regenerate the soul, produce forgiveness 
 for past offences, or bring about a reconciliation 
 with his heavenly Father, No human agency was 
 exercised in his conversion, but by the arising of 
 the Sun of Righteousness was he turned from all 
 shadows to the substance, even to the gift of the 
 grace of God, which he found sufficient to enable 
 him to live a life of sobriety and godliness in this 
 present world. 
 
 Of his residence and marriage we have no cer- 
 tain knowledge, until he settled at Easton, where 
 he requested the care of Friends, and became a 
 member about the thirty-first year of his age. 
 
 Soon afterward he removed to Milton, within 
 the verge of Saratoga Quarterly Meeting, where 
 he became an approved minister, and at which 
 place he passed the most of his remaining days. 
 
 His early life was exemplary ; his words few and 
 savory. He was meek, humble, patient, and unas- 
 suming ; naturally diffident and retiring, he sought 
 not for eminence. Having learned obedience by 
 the things he suffered, and yielding to the forming 
 hand of Divine Grace, he became an able minister 
 of that gospel which stands not in word, but in 
 power. He was seldom lengthy, but clear and 
 edifying. He performed several religious visits to 
 
154 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 Friends and others, within the compass of his own 
 Yearly Meeting, to the satisfaction of his friends, 
 and the peace of his own mind. His public ap- 
 pearances at home were frequent, weighty, and 
 solemnizing. lie was a bright example in the daily 
 circumspection of his life and conversation, the 
 equanimity of temper, the solidity of manner in 
 the domestic circle, ever maintaining a calmness 
 and serenity, that gave command without censure, 
 and elicited respect and obedience by the principle 
 of kindness and love. At times he called his fam- 
 ily together, when the God he loved and served 
 was in the midst to bless. In the neighborhood he 
 was a peacemaker ; never had recourse to the arm 
 of the law on any occasion, but would, in his 
 dealings with his fellow-man, when a difiference of 
 opinion was manifested, sooner yield what he be- 
 lieved to be right, than contend. And as he lived, 
 so we believe he died, at peace with God and 
 men : and being dead, yet speaketh, '• Follow me 
 as I followed Christ." 
 
 While performing one of his religious visits to 
 Westbury Quarterly Meeting, he met with a severe 
 affliction in the loss of his beloved wife ; after 
 which he removed within the limits of Scipio 
 Quarterly Meeting, and resided with his children 
 the remainder of his life. 
 
 His last sickness, which was protracted, he bore 
 
r 
 
 THOMAS WRIGHT. 155 
 
 with Christian patience and resignation, being sen- 
 sible to the end ; and near the close appeared to 
 be in supplication, though but few words could be 
 understood, and quietly passed away, on the third 
 of Twelfth-month, aged seventy-five years and 
 four months. 
 
 '' Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, 
 for the end of that man is peace/' 
 
 A Testimony of Stanford Quarterly Meetings con- 
 cerning our heloved Friend, Thomas Wright, 
 deceased. 
 
 Feeling deeply sensible of the loss we have sus- 
 tained in the removal, by death, of our beloved 
 friend, Thomas Wright, we feel our minds drawn 
 to prepare a brief memorial concerning him. 
 
 He was the son of William and Eleanor Wright, 
 and was born in Sheffield, England, on the twenty- 
 fourth of Ninth-Month, 1778. 
 
 By the death of his mother during his infancy, 
 he was early deprived of the benefit of her mater- 
 nal care ; but he was blessed in the love of a 
 father, who was concerned for the spiritual welfare 
 of his child, and who labored to instil into his 
 mind a love for the principles of truth. In his 
 youth he was much interested in the writings of 
 
15<5 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 early Friends, and his feelings were deeply touch- 
 ed with the account of their faithfulness and suf- 
 ferings. The very peculiarities for which they 
 suffered were endeared to his youthful mind ; and 
 as he advanced to manhood, his judgment being 
 convinced of their propriety, he was in no after 
 time willing to sacrifice them to the inclination or 
 convenience of the world. At one time, in order 
 to gratify some youthful vanity, he procured an 
 article of dress which he knew would not be ap- 
 proved by his father. Being ashamed to wear it 
 for the first time at the meeting where his fatheF 
 sat as an Elder, he walked some distance to a meet' 
 ing in a neighboring village. His father, hearing 
 of the circumstance, called his son to him the next 
 day, and pleaded so successfully, that the newly 
 acquired article was willingly cast aside, and never 
 again coveted. This simple act of filial obedience 
 was often remembered by him in after years, with 
 much satisfaction. He would repeat to his chil- 
 dren, *' I place no undue importance on plainness 
 of dress, but it was a hedge around my own youth, 
 for which I have since had reason to be thankful, 
 and knowing its good service, I regret when I see 
 it trampled down by the young." 
 
 In the year 1804, when about twenty-six years 
 of age, he came to America ; and in the course of 
 years his attachment to the country of his adop- 
 
f 
 
 THOMAS WRIGHT. 157 
 
 tion was increased by his marriage, and a final de- 
 termination to settle here. 
 
 He entered into mercantile business in the city 
 of New York, which he conducted with the highest 
 reputation for probity aDd integrity. Those who 
 remain of his associates there, will remember how 
 well and deservedly he was beloved. One who at 
 that period was associated with him in commercial 
 intercourse, though afterward far removed from 
 him, and a zealous professor of a different religious 
 sect, has, since his death, borne a beautiful testi- 
 mony to the great influence for good, that his so- 
 ciety and example had upon his own mind, in the 
 period of his own early manhood : an influence to 
 the good effects of which he confesses even now 
 in declining years. 
 
 In the summer of 1822, he retired from mercan- 
 tile business, and removed to the country, within 
 the limits of Hudson Monthly Meeting, where he 
 continued to reside until his death ; many times 
 remarking, when urged to remove from there, he 
 believed it was the place for him, though not alto- 
 gether so congenial a one as he could have chosen. 
 
 He was deeply interested in the welfare of our 
 religious Society in this country ; yet he ever 
 retained a warm attachment for the friends and 
 associations of his early life. The separation 
 which occurred some years since, which severed 
 
158 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 the ties of friendship with many, was particularly 
 affecting to him, on account of his English rela- 
 tives. He knew that the reports which were 
 spread, would occasion great anxiety on his ac- 
 count to friends who were dear to him But feel- 
 ing, as he oftentimes remarked, that he had chosen 
 in accordance with the dictates of Truth on his 
 own mind, confirmed by the education of his youth, 
 and his knowledge of the principles professed by 
 early Frien("!8, he left it to time and circumstances 
 to vindicate himself and his opinions. This anx- 
 iety on his account was diminished by subsequent 
 intercourse and correspondence with his friends ; 
 and a visit to his native land, some years after- 
 ward, fully removed any lingering fear from their 
 minds as to his spiritual welfare ; and led many 
 to remark, how wrongfully they had judged him 
 
 Our dear deceased friend was a good example in 
 moderation and uprightness. He was a man of 
 much benevolence and kindness of feeling, com- 
 bined with firmness and decision of character; 
 and being of sound judgment and a discriminating 
 mind, he was qualified, by a close attention to the 
 pointings of Truth, for extensive usefulness in the 
 affairs of the church. He filled many important 
 appointments, and for several of the last years of 
 his life he held the weighty and responsible station 
 of Clerk, to the Yearly Meeting of New York, the 
 
THOMAS WRIGHT. 159 
 
 duties of which he most faithfully aiad impartially 
 performed, much to the satisfaction of the meet- 
 ing. He was constant in the attendance of our 
 meetings for worship and discipline, a)id was care- 
 ful that his family should enjoy the same privi- 
 leges. He was frequently led to caution Friends 
 against the entanglements and baneful effects of 
 mingling, in the political associations of the world. 
 
 On his farm and with his family, the remaining 
 years of his life passed quietly away ; and having 
 always a great interest in reading, he found ample 
 occupation for his leisure hours. While every 
 instructive volume was welcome at his fireside, he 
 was at all times careful to give the Scriptures of 
 Truth the first place — frequently collecting the 
 various members of his household, and after a 
 time of solid silence, reading such portions of that 
 inspired volume, as were adapted to their condition; 
 and he frequently bore a strong testimony against 
 those whose labors were designed to undervalue 
 those precious writings. He was one among those 
 who are the advocates and supporters of the good 
 order and discipline of our Society. 
 
 In the summer of 1845 he was attacked with an 
 illness that alarmed his family and physician; but 
 his own mind was calm, and his cheerfulness un- 
 abated. He ever had the humility of heart, that 
 shrank from dwelling in conversation, on his own 
 
160 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 experience, and he would frequently remark : ** I 
 fear we may talk religious impressions quite 
 away : religion is a work between every individual 
 soul and its God ; let us then be careful of expres- 
 sion, lest we say too much.'* From this illness he 
 never quite recovered. Though able to go out 
 again, and to enjoy the society of his friends, his 
 strength was failing, and his interest in temporal 
 affairs appeared nearly at an end. Yet the cur- 
 rent of his feelings flowed as warmly as ever, and 
 he was desirous, in the autumn of 1846, to pay a 
 visit to some distant friends, remarking: **It will 
 be for the last time.'* On his return, however, his 
 family were much encouraged ; and finding such 
 remarks were painful to them, he refrained from 
 referring to what he knew was near ; simply at 
 times repeating, when plans were laid for the fu- 
 ture, wherein he was concerned : 
 
 " I hear a voice ye cannot hear ; 
 It says I may not stay ; 
 1 see a hand ye cannot see ; 
 It beckons me away." 
 
 And while his feelings oft-times found voioe in the 
 beautiful language of Scripture, he could experi- 
 mentally adopt the words of Simeon : *'Lord, now 
 lettestthou thy servant depart in peace, for mine 
 eyes have seen thy salvation." He was confined 
 
 i 
 
THOMAS WRIGHT. I6l 
 
 but a few days to his bed, during which time his 
 bodily sufferings were great, but his mind remain- 
 ed unclouded and his faith firm. On his wife's 
 remarking his sufferings were great, b'Jit he bore 
 them patiently, he replied, *• I fear not quite pa- 
 tiently ; boast not, love, thou knowest we are com- 
 manded not to boast ;" and on being asked whether 
 anything was in his way, he answered, " I believe 
 not, and I lean upon an arm of mercy.*' As the 
 year drew to a close, so also did the earthly pil- 
 grimage of this redeemed servant. The days of 
 his life were numbered : the spring-time had pro- 
 duced its blossoms, and succeeding seasons their 
 fruit : the harvest was garnered : the laborer's re- 
 lease was near; and at this expiring period of time, 
 the thirty-first of Twelfth -month, 1846, the spirit 
 took its departure, and we doubt not entered into 
 the joys of its Lord. 
 
 A Testimony of (he Monthly Meeting of New 
 York^ concerning our beloved friend, George F. 
 White, deceased. 
 
 Our beloved friend, George F. White, having 
 
 been removed by death, we feel our minds drawn 
 
 to prepare the following memorial concerning him, 
 
 for the encouragement of others in well doing. 
 11 
 
162 IMRMORIAL OP 
 
 He was born in the city of New York, on the 
 fourth of Second-month, 1780. 
 
 His parents, John and Elizabeth White, were 
 worthy menibers of our religious Society, and were 
 concerned to impress on the minds of their chil- 
 dren a love for its principles. 
 
 When he was quite young they removed from 
 the city, and settled in Westchester county, in this 
 State. While yet in his minority he returned to 
 this city, and engaged as a clerk with a mercantile 
 firm. He was of an active disposition, and fond 
 of company, and indulged freely in the follies and 
 vanities to which the young, when removed from 
 under the watchful restraint of parental care, are 
 peculiarly exposed in this large city. About the 
 time of his arriving at manhood, he became of a 
 more serious turn of mind. He was exemplary in 
 his deportment, and steady in the attendance of 
 our religious meetings. 
 
 On the fourth of Ninth-month, 1512, he was 
 united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of John 
 W. and Elizabeth Haydock. He was to her an 
 aflFectionate and devoted husband, and to his chil- 
 dren a tender and indulgent parent. 
 
 In the year 1811, he entered into an extensive 
 mercantile business, which he followed with close 
 attention, and for some time his exertions appeared 
 crowned with success. But a period of disaster 
 
GEORGE F. WHITE. 163 
 
 occurred ; his fair prospects were blighted, and he 
 became insolvent. In the distribution of his pro- 
 perty among his creditors, he adopted the course 
 which appeared to him to be the most proper and 
 correct under the trying circumstances in which he 
 was involved ; but it was not the course which 
 was sanctioned by our discipline, and he was dis- 
 owned from membership with our religious Society^ 
 He expressed serious regret that any of his credit- 
 ors should suffer loss on his account, and a hope 
 that he should be able in time to satisfy the remain- 
 ing balances. 
 
 In the year 1820, which was soon after his fail- 
 ure, he removed with his family from the city, and 
 settled at New Eochelle, in Westchester county. 
 His feelings became estranged from Friends, and 
 he discontinued the attendance of our meetings. 
 He engaged in public affairs, and mingled in the 
 political excitements of the times. There is reason 
 to believe, however, that even at this time, when 
 to human observation he appeared wandering far 
 from the Father's house, he was under his prepar- 
 ing hand ; and he subsequently declared, that it 
 was then that many of the truths which he was 
 afterward called upon to promulgate, were clearly 
 opened to his understanding. Through attention 
 and faithfulness to these openings, he was soon led 
 to see the inconsistency of his connection with such 
 
164 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 associations ; and he withdrew from them so en- 
 tirely, that for many of the latter years of his life 
 he would not even cast a vote at an election. 
 
 lie resided at New Rochelle about six years, 
 and followed the business of a miller. 
 
 In 1826 he returned with his family to this city, 
 where he continued to reside during the remaining 
 years of his life. Except for a short time, he was 
 engaged in business as a dealer in flour, grain, and 
 other agricultural products. 
 
 After his return to this city, he was brought 
 under great exercise of mind. This appears to 
 have been to him a period of darkness, of doubt, 
 and of deep distress. It pleased his heavenly 
 Father to hide his face from him for a season He 
 was, at times, almost ready to believe, that if there 
 were a God, surely he must be malevolent, and 
 must delight in the sufferings of his creatures. In 
 the bitterness of his soul he would exclaim : *' He 
 was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a 
 lion in secret places ; In the anguish of his spirit 
 he could cry out :^ ** Wherefore is light given to 
 him that is in misery, and life to the bitter in 
 soul ; which long for death, and it c«jmeth not, 
 and dig for it more than for hid treasures." Day 
 after day it was his prayer, night after night his 
 petition, that he might go down into the earth, and 
 be as though he had never been. He sought soli- 
 
f 
 
 I 
 
 GEORGE F. WHITE. 165 
 
 tary places of retirement. Even the Scriptures of 
 Truth became to him as a sealed book, and he 
 could not read them. We believe this trying dis- 
 pensation was brought upon him as a prepara- 
 tion for the work to which his divine Master was 
 about to call him. From it he learned this im- 
 portant lesson, that of himself he could do nothing ; 
 that the power of the Lord alone was equal to 
 such an emergency. In the fullness of time it 
 pleased his Heavenly Father to dispel the thick 
 clouds that had gathered around him — to pluck 
 his feet from the miry clay, and place them 
 on a rock. 
 
 In the autumn of 1832 he again became a mem- 
 ber of the Society of Friends. He testifies, that 
 " he entered it, not in his own will, nor in his own 
 time, but in accordance with the will, and at the 
 appointed time of his Divine Master, 
 
 He soon afterward commenced his public ap- 
 pearances in the ministry. His communications 
 at first were short and in much simplicity, but 
 they were accompanied with an evidence that they 
 proceeded from right authority. By attention to 
 his Guide, his gift increased, and he became an 
 eminent minister of the Gospel of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. He was acknowledged a 
 minister in 1836 — being in the forty-eighth year 
 of his age. 
 
166 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 At the Monthly Meeting in Eighth nionth, being 
 the meeting in which his ministry was acknowl- 
 edged, be opened a concern to attend the Yearly 
 Meeting of Ohio ; and to appoint some meetings, 
 and visit some of the prisons on his way, going or 
 returning. 
 
 In Tenth-month of the same year, he obtained 
 a minute to perform a visit in some of the Eastern 
 States, as far as Boston, Salem, and Andover, in 
 Massachusetts ; and to appoint some meetings. 
 These services were performed to the peace of 
 his mind. 
 
 In Twelfth-month of the same year, a minute 
 was granted him to perform a visit in some of the 
 Southern States, and to appoint meetings in some 
 of the principal cities in Virginia, South Carolina, 
 and Georgia. At that time there was great excite- 
 ment in the minds of the people in that section of 
 the country, on the subject of slavery. It was 
 thought doubtful by many, whether he would be 
 received among them, and fears were felt by some 
 for his personal safety ; but he went, not in his 
 own will, nor in his own strength — and a way was 
 made for him in the minds of the people in a re- 
 markable manner. The service was performed to 
 the peace of his own mind, and, we believe, to the 
 honor of Truth. 
 
 In 1839, he opened a concern, which had long 
 
GEORGE F. WHITE, 167 
 
 pressed heavily on his niind, to pay a visit, in the 
 love of the Gospel, to some of the inhabitants of 
 Great Britain and Ireland. His concern was unit- 
 ed with by the meeting, and he was encouraged to 
 proceed in it as Truth might open the way. He re- 
 ceived certificates of the concurrence of the Month- 
 ly and Quarterly Meetings, and the Yearly Meet- 
 ing of Ministers and Elders. But the way to per- 
 form this visit did not open, and early in the year 
 1841 he returned the certificates to the meetings 
 that issued them. In a feeling manner he stated 
 that, in endeavoring to keep a single eye to the 
 openings of Truth, he felt most easy to return the 
 certificates, feeling for the present released from 
 the engagement expressed therein. 
 
 Although he was thus released from laboring in 
 a foreign land, yet he travelled extensively in this 
 country in the service of Truth. He attended all 
 our Yearly Meetings on this continent ; and he 
 visited many meetings both within the compass of 
 our own and other Yearly Meetings. He also ap- 
 pointed many meetings among Friends, and others 
 not in profession with us. His plain and pointed 
 testimonies would at times cause some to be offend- 
 ed at his doctrines ; but his communications were 
 clothed with such power and evidence of right 
 authority, that the truth he preached would find 
 large place in the minds of his hearers. 
 
168 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 Among the testimonies which were committed 
 to him to bear, the most prominent was, the uni- 
 versality of the love of God — and that his grace, 
 which brings salvation, is^ offered to all men : and 
 second only to this was his faithful and uncom- 
 promising testimony against a hireling ministry 
 In this class he included not only those who 
 preach for hire, but also all those who, under a 
 profession of being engaged in works of righteous- 
 ness and benevolence, are receiving or seeking for 
 the rewards of men. His bold and fearless expo- 
 sures of the inconsistency of many of their move- 
 ments, gave oflFence to some, and raised a spirit of 
 opposition against him ; but none of these things 
 turned him aside from what he believed to be his 
 duty. He clearly exposed the inconsistency of 
 such as ])rofess to have received a dispensation of 
 the Gospel of Christ, and to be walking after the 
 law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, and yet 
 are turning the attention of those who have fallen 
 into weakness or infirmity, to man, or to associa- 
 tions of ipen, or even to the strength of their own 
 good resolutions. He had not so learned Christ. 
 He could tell them, from his own experience, that 
 there is balm in Gilead, and a physician there who 
 is equal to every emergency. He preached not 
 man, but Christ Jesus the Lord, as the only true 
 Saviour. 'J'o Him alone could he n^fer them. If 
 
GEORGE F. WHITE. 169 
 
 the truth shall make you free, ye shall be free in- 
 deed. 
 
 It was not his practice to point out particular 
 duties to his hearers. He believed that every man 
 had his own particular law, written in his own 
 mind ; and it was to the fulfilling of this law that 
 he desired to encourage them. It was his business 
 to invite them to the feet of the Master, and there 
 to leave them with the injunction, " Whatsoever 
 hebiddeth thee, that do." 
 
 In his view, sin consisted in withholding obedi- 
 ence from clearly manifested requisitions of duty. 
 While with great boldness and clearness he de- 
 nounced certain practices as being out of the 
 Truth, he often expressed himself as careful to 
 call no man a sinner : of this the Searcher of 
 hearts alone could judge. 
 
 His testimony against the evils and injustice of 
 slavery and oppression, was powerful and convin- 
 cing, and his practice was consistent with his 
 precept. From a sense of duty he was careful, 
 during many of the latter years of his life, to avoid 
 participating in the gain of oppression, by making 
 gain from dealing in the products of slaves' labor,. 
 And when, in the performance of his religious or 
 other duties, be was placed in circumstances that 
 made it necessary he should be served by those 
 
170 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 who were held in bondage, he endeavored, as far 
 as possible, to rtMjuite them for their services. 
 
 He placed a high value on the Scriptures of 
 Truth. He esteemed them as being, next to a 
 living gospel ministry, the greatest outward bless- 
 ing that is conferred on man. He appealed for 
 the truth of his doctrines, to the witness for Truth 
 in the minds of his hearers-, and to the Scriptures. 
 By these he was willing they should be tried. He 
 bore a strong testimony against those whose labors 
 were designed to undervalue them, or to raise 
 doubts of their authenticity. Yet he believed that, 
 to understand them aright, it required a portion of 
 the same power that moved holy men of old to put 
 them forth ; and he was at times led to warn hon- 
 est but inexperienced minds against being led into 
 a snare, by attempting to expound parts of them 
 that had not been opened to them in the light of 
 Truth. 
 
 His mind was often brought under exercise on 
 behalf of the young. He knew that youth was 
 the season for rejoicing, and he never found it to 
 be his place to check their innocent enjoy)nents ; 
 but in the language of the wise man he could 
 address them: *• Rejoice, young man, in thy 
 youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of 
 thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and 
 
GEORGE F. WHITE. 171 
 
 in the light of thine eyes ; but know that for all 
 these things God will bring thee into judgment." 
 His spirit yearned for them, that they might so 
 walk, that this judgment might not be unto con- 
 demnation ; but that they might be preserved in 
 the paths of innocency and virtue. In the endear- 
 ing language of love, he entreated them to yield to 
 every requisition of duty, how small soever it 
 might appear, even if it should be so simple as the 
 laying aside of a ribbon, or the making some 
 change in a form of speech, or in withdrawing 
 from an unprofitable associate. - By yielding obe- 
 dience, they would receive the reward of peace, 
 and their strength would be increased. 
 
 In his public communications, he was often led 
 to impress on the minds of his hearers the benefit 
 of secret prayer — ^not as a means of lessening pre- 
 sent suffering, nor of averting that which may ap- 
 pear to be impending, nor yet to increase the be- 
 nignity of the Deity, who ever is love, and whose 
 dispensations are always designed, in his infinite 
 wisdom, for the benefit of his creatures. But in the 
 bowedness and humility of soul which are ever 
 attendant on true prayer, an evidence would al- 
 ways be afforded, that whether he gives, or whe- 
 ther he withholds from giving, it is alike for good. 
 And although, in view of approaching suffering, 
 the petition may be raised, ** 0, Father, if it be 
 
172 MEMORIAL OK 
 
 possible, let this cup pass from me ;" yet, as true 
 prayer has its perfect work, the language will also 
 be known, ''Nevertheless, not my will, but thine 
 be done " Thus we should become reconciled to 
 him, and to his dispensations. 
 
 His appearances in public vocal prayer were 
 not freijuent; but the inwardness and weight of 
 his spirit, the reverence and solemnity of his man- 
 ner, and the fewness but fullness of his words, were 
 remarkably impressive. It may truly be said of 
 him, that he excelled in prayer ; and truly it was 
 a testimony that he lived near to the Lord, for 
 they that know him most will see most reason to 
 approach him in reverence and fear. 
 
 His labors in the ministry, in the meeting of 
 which he was a member, were constant and un- 
 wearied. He rarely sat through a meeting in si- 
 lence. But he preached from ne«iessity. It was 
 evident that he was often bearing a heavy burden, 
 and that the language of the apostle was true of 
 him, *' Woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel," 
 His motive in laboring was not the good he could 
 do to others, but to secure rest and peace to his 
 own soul. Hence he was not looking out for fields 
 of labor, but was always willing to retire to his 
 rest. He was a man of sound judgment, of quick 
 perception, and of a clear understanding; but it 
 was not to these that he trusted in his ministry. 
 
GEORGE F. WHITE. 173 
 
 He was careful to keep a single eye to the open- 
 ings of the pure spring of life, and to follow its 
 leading ; and when he felt these to be withdrawn, 
 he would close his testimony — sometimes abruptly. 
 He knew that of himself he could do nothing, and 
 his confidence was in that strength which was 
 referred to by an eminent apostle, in this lan- 
 guage : *' When I am weak, then am I strong.'' 
 
 One striking and prominent trait in his charac- 
 ter was his entire devotion to what he believed 
 was the will of his divine Master concerning him. 
 *• He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of 
 God." Neither the good opinions of his friends, 
 nor the censures of his opponents, appeared to 
 have any influence over his actions. Yet he was 
 a firm advocate for the order and discipline of our 
 Society, and he often expressed his belief that so 
 long as he should continue to be a member of it, 
 his Master would never require him to violate its 
 order. 
 
 He continued to exercise his gift in the ministry 
 with great acceptance, up to the time of our 
 Yearly Meeting in Fifth-month last. During the 
 course of that meeting he took little active part in 
 its business ; but just at the close of its last sitting, 
 he made a few very impressive remarks. In the 
 course of them he stated that he had long felt the 
 strength with which he had been endued to be 
 
I 
 
 174 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 pa.ssing away, and he believed it would be the last 
 time he should addres an assembly convened in 
 that capacity. His communication brought a 
 solemn covering over the meeting, under the influ- 
 ence of which it concluded. 
 
 For several weeks after this he attended our 
 meetings in silence. We viewed it as a season of 
 rest for him, but we little thought his work was so 
 nearly finished. Early in Seventh-month, at a 
 First-day morning meeting, he arose, and stated 
 that it was with fear and trembling he again stood 
 before the congregation of the people. For ten 
 long years he had lain down in armor, rose up in 
 armor, yes, and even slept in mail ; but he blessed 
 his heavenly Father there were now no enemies 
 for him to fear, for he knew that unto Christ was 
 committed all power in heaven and on earth, and 
 he can make even a man's enemies to be at peace 
 with him. Yet he spoke not as having attained to 
 a state of perfection, or as being past the liability 
 of becoming a castaway, after having preached to 
 others; but he had full confidence that the grace 
 of God would be as efficient to sustain him under 
 all future temptations and trials, as it had been to 
 sustain him through the past. He had felt like a 
 discharged day's man, one who had been called in 
 upon an emergency, and not worthy of constant 
 employment. He had spoken nothing but what 
 
GEORGB F. WHITE„ 175 
 
 he believed his heavenly Father had authorized 
 or required him to do ; and he felt bound to de- 
 clare, for the encouragement of the young, that he 
 had not been discharged without his reward : he 
 had received the blessed penny. 
 
 This was the last time he spoke in our First-day 
 meetings. On two occasions, subsequently, he 
 said a few words just at the close of our small mid- 
 week meetings ; but it was evident that the bur- 
 den of the word which had oftentimes borne so 
 heavily upon him, was removed, Even the calm- 
 ness and serenity of his countenance, while sitting 
 in our meetings, indicated a mind at rest About 
 the middle of Eighth-month he left his home, with 
 a view to accompany a portion of his family on an 
 excursion to the western part of this state. On 
 their way they stopped at Poughkeepsie, where he 
 was attacked with a severe and distressing illness, 
 during which he manifested the most entire resig- 
 nation to the Divine will. He never uttered a 
 word of complaint while suffering most painfully. 
 His language uniformly was, when disappointed 
 in obtaining relief from any of the remedies used, ' 
 *' All is wisely ordained," His physician informs 
 us, that his visits were frequent daily ; and finding 
 him always in the same happy and peaceful state 
 of mind, he on one occasion remarked to him : 
 " You suffer much, and cannot but feel that you 
 
176 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 are in danger, yet I have seldom attended a patient 
 whom I have found at all times in such a happy 
 and tranquil state of mind as you seem to enjoy.'* 
 He replied : *' I have closed all my accounts with 
 the world. I have given myself up entirely into 
 the hands of my Maker. I know that my Re- 
 deemer liveth, and I feel and know that all things 
 are wisely ordered. I have nothing to disturb 
 me : I leave all with my heavenly Father.' This 
 conversation took place about three weeks pre- 
 viously to his decease. From this time till his 
 death his language and demeanor were always the 
 same, and in accordance with what he then said. 
 He had full possession of his faculties until the last, 
 and died as peacefully and tranquilly as he had 
 borne himself through the whole period of his ill- 
 ness. His physician adds : '' So strongly was my 
 mind impressed with the evidence of his piety and 
 Christian character, that I was constrained to say, 
 that I had never known a more striking case of 
 resignation and submission to the Divine will.*' 
 
 He died on Seventh-day morning, the ninth of 
 Tenth-month, 1847, after an illness of about seven 
 weeks — being in the fifty-ninth year of his age. 
 His remains were brought to this city, and were 
 interred on the Third-day afternoon, from Rose 
 Street Meeting House, after a large and solemn 
 meeting. Several communications were made, all 
 
WILLIAM IRISH. 177 
 
 of which bore evidence of undoubting confidence 
 that all was well with him. While we deeply 
 feel our bereavement, it was also felt to be a cause 
 of rejoicing that his sun had set in brightness ; 
 and that he was rem^oved while there was not a 
 cloud to darken his memory. We believe he had 
 finished his appointed work ; that he had been a 
 faithful servant on earth, and that he is now re- 
 moved to a mansion of rest in heaven. 
 
 Memorial of Ohlong Monthly Meeting, concerning 
 our deceased friend, William Irish. 
 
 Believing that '* to commemorate the lives of 
 the righteous, is a tribute due to their memory and 
 may prove an incentive to the living, to emulate 
 their virtues," we are therefore concerned to pre- 
 serve some account of the consistent, exemplary 
 life, and peaceful close, of this our departed friend. 
 
 He was born at his late residence, in the Town 
 of Pawling, County of Dutchess, and State of 
 New York, the sixteenth of Fourth-month, 1820. 
 His parents, David and Martha Irish, are mem- 
 bers of our Society, and from them we obtain some 
 part of the following account. 
 
 His obedience, commenced in childhood, which 
 he scrupulously practised in after life, as a duty 
 12 
 
178 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 due to his parents — thus establishing that mutual 
 confidence, and unreserved freedom, so desirable 
 between parents and children. And while young 
 and in the attendance of school, his orderly con- 
 duct won for him the esteem of his teachers; and 
 we have testimony, that his example and coun- 
 sel will long be profitably remembered by his 
 school-mates. 
 
 The principle of divine truth, received Into his 
 youthful mind, was like seed sown upon good 
 ground, it brought forth abundantly ; hence his 
 early and great care, not to deviate from the truth 
 on any occasion, and so to act, as not to bring con- 
 demnation upon himself, or wound the feelings of 
 his parents. When quite young he was remark- 
 able, for his tenderness of feeling for his fellow- 
 creatures, which also extended to the lower orders 
 of creation : and he so cherished this feeling, that 
 it became his delight to administer to the comfort 
 of both. His industry in the cultivation of his 
 mind, procured for him a fund of useful knowledge, 
 which in social conversation, rendered his company 
 interesting and edifying. 
 
 He improved the best gifts ; and truly such was 
 his attainment, that love seemed predominant in 
 word and deed. 
 
 In his occupation, that of a farmer, he was in- 
 dustrious without excess. In the diligent attend- 
 
 I 
 
WILLIAM IRISH. 179 
 
 ance of religious meetings, lie bore a faithful testi- 
 mony to its importance, and when his parents 
 deemed it right to leave home upon a religious 
 account, he would use his best endeavors to make 
 the way easy for them. 
 
 He was a pattern of moderation in all respects, 
 worthy of imitation ; and to the youth a good ex- 
 ample of plainness of dress and address, consist- 
 ent with our profession. 
 
 At eighteen years of age he was appointed 
 Clerk of this meeting, and giving satisfaction, 
 was, by re-appointments, continued in that service 
 most of the remainder of his life. 
 
 H e sought neither popularity nor eminence, but 
 was retiring and diffident of his own attainments, 
 especially upon the subject of religion, always man- 
 ifesting much deference for those of riper years. 
 
 He was exceedingly guarded against speaking 
 of others' failings to their disadvantage — his char- 
 ity was without partiality, and would make great 
 allowance for degradation and loss of character. 
 The condition of the slave and slave holder, fre- 
 quently occupied his mind ; both of whom he con- 
 sidered demanded our pity and labor for their im- 
 provement, — and his sense of the inconsistency, 
 and injustice of rewarding the master, for the 
 slaves' unrequited toil, was such, that, he gave a 
 decided preference to free-labor products. 
 
180 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 He scrupulously avoided novel reading, and all 
 light and frivolous publications — he chose the books 
 he read as the company he kept, for the substantial 
 improvement they were calculated to impart. 
 
 When about twenty-nine years of age, he united 
 in marriage, with Anna, daughter of Aaron and 
 Phebe Quinby, with whom he lived about two and 
 a half years proving to her a kind and affection- 
 ate husband. 
 
 Until about twenty years of age he enjoyed good 
 health ; at that period he had an ill turn from the 
 effects of which he never entirely recovered. In 
 the summer of 1850 his symptoms became increas- 
 ingly consumptive, at which he never expressed 
 anxiety or alarm, but appeared disposed to exhibit 
 the most favorable side of his case, out of tender- 
 ness of feeling for his relatives. 
 
 During the winter of 1851, he was principally 
 confined to the house, but being in a tranquil, re- 
 signed state of mind, his company and conversa- 
 tion, continued pleasant and interesting. By me- 
 dical aid and a return of warm weather his health 
 improved ; but at the commencement of the follow- 
 ing winter, his disease increased, causing much suf- 
 fering, which he endured with fortitude and re- 
 signation. 
 
 A few weeks previous to his death, accompanied 
 by his wife, he went to Newburgh for medical aid, 
 
WILLIAM IRISH. 181 
 
 where he remained until his decease. Upon the 
 propriety of leaving home on such an occasion, he 
 observed, '' a disposition to do what we could, to 
 preserve and lengthen out life, was a wise provi- 
 sion of the Creator, implanted in the human mind, 
 in obedience to which he was willing to go.*' 
 
 About this time, he embraced opportunities, for 
 preparing the mind of his wife, to meet the ap- 
 proaching change, with composure and resignation. 
 He also, expressed much sympathy for his parents, 
 in the bereavement and loss, they must realize in 
 his death. 
 
 A short time previous to leaving home, in speak- 
 ing of the future, he gave evidence, that his reli- 
 ance and confidence, had not been misplaced, say- 
 ing, *' my dependance, has not been upon the phi- 
 losophy of men, or books.'' In discoursing upon 
 the prospect of being removed from this stage of 
 action, while yet but in the prime of life, he re- 
 marked, *' the time I have lived^ I have enjoyed 
 life, I have enjoyed it much." At another time, 
 he said, he did not think, he should be taken out 
 of time until it would be better for him than a 
 continuance here. 
 
 Such was the composed, peaceful state of his 
 mind, during the last few weeks at Newburgh, 
 (and his bodily sufferings being mitigated,) that, 
 he frequently remarked to his wife, " how comfort- 
 
182 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 able they were, and how much they enjoyed life/' 
 adding, '• perhaps more than many in health/' 
 
 When near his end, perceiving that his beloved 
 wife, was conscious, that they must soon part, he 
 requested her to give him up cheerfully ; but the 
 prospect of so great a loss, produced in her a burst 
 of grief Seeing that this was wounding to his 
 otherwise peaceful mind, she shortly became com- 
 posed, which seemed to be the removal of the last 
 obstacle in the way of his happy close. 
 
 Such was the sustaining power of divine good- 
 -ness over his spirit, that on the day previous to his 
 death, he remarked in substance, that even sick- 
 ness could be made pleasant, and in conversation, 
 and demeanor exhibited no depression, but on the 
 contrary a most joyous state of mind. 
 
 During the last night he lived, he said to one 
 taking care of him, that such care would not be 
 required much longer ; thus evincing a clear sense, 
 that his final clgse was near. 
 
 He retained his senses perfectly to the last, fre- 
 quently expressing his entire resignation, and that 
 he felt nothing in his way. He breathed his last 
 about 3 o'clock P. M. on the 20th of Second 
 month, 1852, aged 31 years and 10 months, and 
 we have no doubt, has entered into the heavenly 
 kingdom, prepared for the Lord's sanctified chil- 
 dren. 
 
HANNAH E. NICH(jLS. 183 
 
 The following day, his remains were taken to 
 his late residence at Qaaker Hill, where on the 
 23rd, after a solemn meeting, his body was in- 
 terred. 
 
 Memorial of Danby Monthly Meetings concerning 
 Hannah R. Nichols, deceased. 
 
 The subject of the following memorial, was 
 born the fifteenth of Second Month, 1819. She 
 had but a delicate constitution, and was in conse- 
 quence much indulged in her innocent amuse- 
 ments, by a tender mother. She was of a lively, 
 companionable turn of mind, and easy to be en- 
 treated. As she advanced in years, the fascina- 
 ting pleasures of the world seemed to allure her 
 for a season, and a strong inclination was mani- 
 fested, to follow the prevailing fashions of the day. 
 At a subsequent period, while on the bed of sick- 
 ness, she acknowledged that in giving indulgence 
 to this desire, she had done violence to the moni- 
 tions within her own breast, in thus adorning the 
 tenement of clay. 
 
 We will here quote her own expressions. 
 ''This has been my most besetting sin, having 
 had a manifestation of my duty to my Heavenly 
 
J 84 MKVfOKIAL OK 
 
 Fath(^r, and neglected to do it ; therefore have I 
 had to drink of the dregs of affliction." 
 
 In 1847 her constituional weakness had in- 
 creased, and as days numbered weeks, and weeks 
 months, her sufferings also increased. She was at 
 the commencement impres'sed with the idea that 
 she should not recover, and was very thoughtful 
 and anxious for the welfare of her immortal soul. 
 The first intimation to her beloved father of her 
 sore conflict of mind, was some weeks after being 
 prostrated on the languishing bed of sickness. 
 Wishing him to be called in, and embracing him, 
 she said " Father, I think I cannot stay with you 
 long, and wish that I might mingle my tears with 
 thine, and ask thy forgiveness, for the many times 
 1 have greived thee." On being told, that it 
 would bo an unkind earthly parent, who would not 
 forgive little childish errors, when our Heavenly 
 Father stood ready to pardon the truly penitent sup- 
 pliant, she exclaimed " Ze^/Ze, father they are not 
 little : I clearly saw and knew what my Heavenly 
 Father's will was, even when I was but a little 
 child, and I then sinned against this Divine Light; 
 and could obtain no peace 'till I went out and knelt 
 in a retired place and prayed for forgiveness; and 
 even on going to bed could obtain no rest till I 
 removed the pillow from my head, that I might 
 be low and humble. Still have I gone on in pride. 
 
■•?■ 
 
 f 
 
 HANNAH R, NICHOLS, 185 
 
 I have not been sufficiently helpful to my dear 
 sister, in her endeavors to keep the younger chil- 
 dren in plainness. She has had a trying path 
 since the death of our dear Mother ; Oh ! the sor- 
 rowful hours I have given her and thee, by the 
 indulgence of my love of dress. But I entreat 
 thee, father, dont give out. Do all thou canst to 
 have the boys plain and simple in their appear- 
 ance ; continue thy care that they attend meeting, 
 and read good books. I wish thee to purchase 
 each of the children a religious book as a present to 
 them from me. Call them frequently together, and 
 read the Bible or some other good book to them. 
 I have loved to hear thee read. I have been try- 
 ing to break the ties of nature, and feel I can 
 give all up but thee and my eldest sister ; it seems 
 hard to part with you — you have done so much 
 for me." At another time she said — '- Father, sit 
 close by me, and pray for me. I fear there is no 
 mercy for me, I have been so proud. Oh ! the 
 pride I have taken in arranging my hair. I suf- 
 fered for it and sometimes wished it might turn 
 gray in order to humble me." 
 
 Some days after this she exclaimed, " Father, 
 I think I have this night seen a Heavenly Light 
 bright and clear, and believe there is a mansion 
 prepared for me who am so little worthy. As an 
 evidence that my transgressions are passed by, 
 
186 MKMORIAL OP 
 
 1 feel all peace and love to flow to every indivi- 
 dual.'* After this many gloomy days and nights 
 were her portion, during which she would inquire 
 the cause of her doubts and fears — saying, ** I fear 
 I have not been sufliciently patient, and have 
 been too anxious to recover, that I might do some 
 good in the world." There were seasons, when 
 through the medium of the pen, she could hold in- 
 tercourse with the absent ; in whom, as well as 
 in those around her, she was deeply interested. 
 One individual whom she had never seen, and who 
 lived but a few miles distant, drew largely upon 
 her sympathies — a young woman in straitened cir- 
 cumstances, with physical energies prostrated, 
 and no means to procure such personal comforts 
 as she herself had always been blessed with. 
 She sent her books, and at times wrote such words 
 of comfort as her own sensitive nature knew by ex- 
 perience to be most precious to the afflicted tra- 
 veler. To a friend who visited her during her 
 sickness she remarked, that **a great deal of the 
 suflFering she endured had been induced by her own 
 imprudence. The vital powers had not been al- 
 lowed free play by the foolish demands of fashion, 
 which would confine within a small compass the 
 most important organs of the human system — thus 
 frustrating the design of the Beneficent Dispenser 
 of Life and health — who doeth all things well, and 
 
HANNAH R. NICHOLS. 187 
 
 whose physical laws cannot be violated with im- 
 punity." 
 
 On the eighteenth of Twelfth Month, 1848, 
 there was a material change for the worse. She 
 awakened very sick ; for a few moments, it was 
 thought she could not survive long. She was per- 
 fectly calm and composed, saying, '' do not mourn 
 for me, but prepare to meet me ; I am glad I am 
 going to Heaven/' 
 
 She afterwards remarked "If it were the Lord's 
 will, I should like to recover, that I might serve 
 him with all my strength, and be an example to 
 others," but added " all is peace." 
 
 Her brothers and sisters arriving, and seeing 
 them much affected, she said, " do not mouru) 
 live rightly, and you will take comfort." She fre- 
 quently expressed the gratitude she felt, for the 
 attention of her beloved relatives. A friend com- 
 ing in she extended her hand saying " I desire thy 
 husband to have a care over my brothers. I think 
 they are good boys, but I want they should dress 
 more plainly and use the plain language." To a 
 sister she said, " I am in great distress, but the 
 Lord knows I love him above every thing else." 
 
 On presenting a little token of affection to a 
 dear friend, which caused those around her to 
 weep, she said with a radiant countenance, " wipe 
 away your tears, we shall not long be separated. 
 
188 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 We have lived long together, while others have 
 been divided. Every thing looks pleasant to me 
 but to see my sisters troubled. Think of my suf- 
 ferings and try to be reconciled to give me up. On 
 requesting a sister to sit by her, she added, ** ma- 
 ny are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord 
 delivereth them out of them all." On being told 
 he would soon deliver her, she said, ** I think so, 
 but it will be one of the greatest mercies that I 
 should be saved. I feel as if I had done nothing 
 for the Lord, and did not deserve the happiness I 
 have already enjoyed. But his mercy is greater 
 than my infirmities." 
 
 Fearing a severe struggle at the last, she sweetly 
 petitioned her Maker, to be with her through the 
 valley of the shadow of Death. 
 
 She urged her family to love and serve the Lord 
 better and better, adding, '' Mother has gone 
 and is happy, I shall soon follow, and then two of 
 us will be well through." To a brother she said 
 with a kiss, *• Be a good boy, attend meetings con- 
 stantly, and while there, endeavor to think of good 
 things : be sure never to swerve from the truth. 
 Be good to dear Father who has had so many 
 anxious hours on account of his children. Be kind 
 to sister Mary. Remember thou wast but a babe 
 when she began to have the care of thee. Read 
 good Books." 
 
HANNAH R. NICHOLS. 189 
 
 She said duriDg the first three months of her 
 sickness, the thought of being laid in the grave, 
 was hard to be reconciled to, but '* it is nothing 
 to me now. Do not think of me as in the grave, 
 but as abiding in perfect happiness with my Heav- 
 enly Father, whose arras are open to receive me 
 and are now supporting me." 
 
 First of First-month, 1849, she was till noon, 
 deprived of her speech, but after noon, gave an as- 
 surance that peace reigned within, adding, '* I am 
 not afraid, no — I am not afraid to die, repeating 
 
 •' Oh death where is thy sting. 
 Oh grave where is thy victory." 
 
 On being asked if she had any word to send to 
 an absent brother, she said, *' Yes — tell him to 
 love and serve the Lord, and to walk in the straight 
 path ; it is so straight, I fear he does not walk in 
 it, as he ought. Tell him not to mind too much 
 the things of this world. I shall soon be through, 
 and shall be happy — happy — happy.'* 
 
 Afterwards addressing her sisters, she said, ''keep 
 in an humble, child-like state, and wait upon the 
 Lord, and He will be near and strengthen you ; and 
 how much comfort you will all take in serving him. 
 For a few days after her mind was again clouded, 
 and she once exclaimed, ''How stripped I am." 
 On being told Jesus once felt so stripped that he 
 
190 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 cried out ** My God — My God, why hast thou for- 
 saken me ?" She raised her liand, saying, ^'that has 
 rested with me a great deal during my siclmess, 
 and I believe it was for this trying time." To a 
 friend who came to see her she said, ** I am in 
 great distress ; what I have suffered in four weeks 
 cannot be expressed, but I have not been obliged 
 to struggle for the exercise of patience, all has been 
 given me ; see how good the Lord is." 
 
 On rousing from sleep one morning she remark- 
 ed, " I wake up here again ; shall I not go soon ? 
 I am a great while getting home," and turning to 
 a sister, said, ** dear sister I love thee, I love you 
 all, — but I want to go home. Father, \«rhat a 
 happy change it will be, when this aching body is 
 laid away in the silent grave, in a plain white cof- 
 fin, — and the spirit takes its flight to rest. You 
 will have no cause to mourn for me. You will 
 have nothing to regret, you have done all that 
 could be done." 
 
 Then alluding to her grave clothes, desired that 
 they should present an example of plainness. 
 Again was the mind of this dear sufl"erer permit- 
 ted to be clouded for a time, and she had to recur 
 to past seasons of heavenly enjoyment, when she 
 had been given to see, that she must not even 
 think her own thoughts — ** but at times" she said, 
 " I have ; and that must be the reason why I am 
 
HANNAH R. NICHOLS™ 191 
 
 left thus destitute*'^ — but the next moruing she 
 said, ** I am more than rewarded this morning, for 
 all I have suffered. Oh ! what a bed this would 
 be, without the Lord's presence ? but now it is a 
 bed of peace, there is a mansion prepared for me 
 — I know there is, I know it — nothing can shake 
 my belief." Then broke out in supplication, '* Oh 
 Heavenly Father, forgive me for all mis-spent 
 time, for time devoted to vanity, when I might 
 have been advancing the good of my brothers and 
 sisters and young companions. dearest Father, 
 let it be blotted out of the book of thy remem- 
 brance and grant that this my dear sister, may 
 walk humbly with thee, and that her life may be 
 all peace and happiness." She then desired a 
 brother to come to her, and entreated him not to 
 close his eyes to sleep, until he had an assurance 
 that it would be well with him, urging him, to 
 strive to love the whole human family, and to read 
 good books, especially the Bible. One of her 
 neighboring associates being much affected, she 
 said to her, '' I do not want any one to love me, 
 but to love the Lord, and teach the children to 
 love him ;" exhorting her to pray to God, that he 
 would give her a new heart. 
 She then repeated these lines, 
 
 *' Vital spark of Heavenly flame, 
 Quit, Oh I quit this mortal frame, 
 Trembling — hoping — ^lingering flying 
 
 Oh — ^the pain — the bliss of dying." 
 
192 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 A short time before her death, she called for 
 writing materials and penned the following part- 
 ing advice, — *• Dear sisters, do not mourn for me, 
 but for yourselves ; love God with all your heart. 
 Do not mourn over my grave, for I shall not be 
 there. Comfort Father — dear Father, — and get 
 together, and be cheerful and innocent. Watch 
 over my dear brothers All together wait on 
 God. Farewell/^ 
 
 This act seemed lo close her earthly duties. 
 Her work was done. The ordeal of preparation 
 was passed. The seal of sanctification had been 
 obtained. That which was perishable ccmtinued 
 gradually to fail, 'till her purified spirit was freed 
 from its earthly tabernacle, on the Twenty-sev- 
 enth day of First-month, 1849, aged Twenty-nine 
 years and eleven months. 
 
 II 
 
 A Testimony of Coeymans Monthly Meeting, held 
 at Baltimore, ^th Month 23, 1856, concerning 
 our beloved Friend Jc»H\ Powell, deceased, 
 
 John Powell, son of Moses and Hannah Powell, 
 was born the 15th of 4th month, 1771, in North 
 Castle, Westchester County, State of New York, 
 and removed with his parents, about the 1 3th year 
 
JOHN POWELL. 193 
 
 of his age, to this place, where he has remained 
 during his long and useful life. 
 
 In his youth he avoided vain and unprofitable 
 company, and kept to his plain, christian way of 
 living, thereby shunning the snares to which youth 
 are exposed. 
 
 For more than sixty years he was active and 
 useful in the affairs of society, was a diligent at- 
 tender of our religious meetings, both for worship 
 and discipline, and careful to take his family with 
 him, often saying '* there was nothing gained by 
 staying at home." 
 
 For more than half a century his house was a 
 hospitable home for Friends and a pleasant resting 
 place for those travelling in the service of truth, 
 many of whom he accompanied from meeting to 
 meeting, and also to distant parts. He occupied 
 the station of an Elder for many years and filled 
 other responsible stations in society, and for the last 
 twenty-five years of his life, with two or three ex- 
 ceptions, he represented this Quarterly Meeting 
 in the Yearly Meeting. 
 
 He was of a cheerful, noble and generous spirit ; 
 it may be truly said of him that he was an affec- 
 tionate husband, a kind father, a good neighbor 
 and practical christian ; he manifested great care 
 and kindness for the poor, in seeking out and as 
 
 13 
 
l94 MBMORIAl. ')F 
 
 sisting them to situations and employment, by 
 which they might supply their own wants. 
 
 Although his occupation was that of a farmer, 
 he engaged in mercantile business, which proved 
 unsuccessful, he become embarrassed to a consider- 
 able amount; a compromise was effected with his 
 creditors, who agreed to take up with one-half 
 their just dues, which was accordingly paid; now, 
 although no legal restraint lay upon him for the 
 remaining one-half, he in after life satisfied all his 
 creditors, and in speaking of it, said he '* could 
 now sleep in peace." 
 
 He attended the Quarterly Meeting in 1854, and 
 took an active part in its business. In 8th month 
 following, the death of a beloved sou, who had re- 
 mained with him and on whom he depended for 
 stay and support in old age, followed in a few 
 weeks after by the death of a very dear daughter, 
 the objects of his affection, seemed to sever the 
 ties to life. He lost his vivacity, and it was seen 
 he was declining, and on the I9th of the 11th 
 month, his spirit was released, we doubt not, to 
 unite with the spirits of the just. 
 
DOROTHY GOLDEN. 195 
 
 A Testimony from Oswego Monthly Meetings 
 Dutchess County, State of New York, concern- 
 ing Dorothy Golden, deceased. 
 
 She was born in the town of Washington, 
 Dutchess County, and State of New York, about 
 the year 1777. Her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth 
 Golden, were members of the Baptist Society, and 
 having a numerous family, were careful to give 
 them a guarded education in their way. Dorothy, 
 while young in life, went to reside for a time in a 
 Friend's family and attended their meetings, by 
 which means she became acquainted with Friends, 
 and having requested to join them in membership, 
 she was accordingly received when about eigh- 
 teen years of age. Not long after this event, a 
 Baptist minister came into the neighborhood, 
 where he had frequent meetings among the people. 
 He often on such occasions spoke much against 
 the way of truth as professed by Friends, which 
 in her childlike state tended greatly to unsettle 
 her mind, and bring it into doubt and discourage- 
 ment. Under this season of trial she wrote a re- 
 signation of her right of membership, and going to 
 the Monthly Meeting, laid the paper on the table 
 and left the house. Some Friends followed her 
 
196 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 out and kindly pressed her to return, which she 
 declined, and soon afterwards was induced to sub- 
 mit to water baptism. After taking this step, her 
 mind became so much distressed that she only 
 attended one more meeting among the Baptists. 
 In this state of affliction, she sought relief in soli- 
 tary places, frequently retiring to a grove near 
 her father's house to pour forth her tears in secret. 
 In this seeking state she was favored to see her 
 mistake, and in order to obtain that peace which 
 her soul sought after, she returned to the 
 Monthly Meeting with which she was connected, 
 and openly made an acknowledgment of her error, 
 which was freely received; her resignation not 
 having before been noticed by the Meeting except 
 in silent sorrow. 
 
 Having passed through many deep baptisms, 
 preparing her for service in the church, she soon 
 afterwards appeared in the ministry, to the satis- 
 faction of Friends, and in due time her gift was 
 acknowledged by the Meeting to which she be- 
 longed. Her communications were generally short, 
 but lively and edifying — often in a few words ex- 
 pressing deeply instructive truths. She did not 
 travel abroad as a minister, beyond the limits of 
 the Meetings to which she belonged, excepting a 
 few times to attend two or three of the neighbor- 
 
DOROTHY GOLDEN. 197 
 
 ing Yearly Meetings. She was sound in doctrine, 
 and honestly engaged to promote the christian 
 testimonies as professed by Friends. She was 
 concerned to maintain the good order of society. 
 In meetings of discipline she manifested a lively 
 attention to the subjects that came before them, 
 frankly expressing her sentiments without waiting 
 first to hear the opinions of others ; yet readily 
 yielding to the sense of the Meeting, when not co- 
 inciding with her own. Her example, in this res- 
 pect, was edifying and instructive. She was di- 
 ligent in the attendance of our religious meetings, 
 and many times, especially in the latter part of her 
 life, got there under great bodily infirmities. She 
 acted many years on an appointment of the Yearly 
 Meeting in the concern, for the welfare and im- 
 provement of the Indians, in which she was a de- 
 voted, efficient, untiring laborer. She was fre- 
 quently employed in nursiiig the sick, to whom she 
 faithfully devoted her time and attention, by day 
 and by night, for their help and comfort. To the 
 poor, when suffering from disease or want, she was 
 an active Friend, cheerfully contributing to their 
 relief, in proportion to her ability. She departed 
 this life at her residence, at Oswego, Dutchess 
 County, aforesaid, the 14th of 5th month, 1854, 
 aged about 77 years. A minister upwards of forty 
 years, and we believe that she is gathered with all 
 
198 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 the generations of the just made perfect through 
 tribulation. 
 
 A Memorial of Plains Monthly Meetings concem- 
 ing our friend, Sarah Coutant. late deceased. 
 
 The precept and example of the righteous often 
 prove a blessing, not only to the present but fu- 
 ture generations, especially when preserved by 
 records. We feel it, therefore, a duty to give 
 forth the following account of this our dear de- 
 parted Friend, Sarah Coutant : 
 
 She was born the fourteenth of First-month, 
 1794, in the town of New-Paltz, Ulster County, and 
 State of New York. Her parents, Elias and Sarah 
 De Garmo, were not members of any religious deno- 
 mination, the latter dying at the time of her birth, 
 the former, five months previous. She became a 
 member of the family of her uncle and aunt, who 
 were members of our Society ; thus she was early 
 instructed in Friends' principles, and it appears 
 her mind was peculiarly fitted for their reception ; 
 even when young she was orderly, and a good ex- 
 ample of plainnesss and christian moderation, 
 which marked her course through life. 
 
SARAH COiJTANT. 199 
 
 About the thirty-niDth year of her age, she 
 was united in marriage with Gabriel Ooutant; 
 to him she was an affectionate and devoted wife, 
 and to his children a kind and watchful parent, 
 having no surviving children of her own, but was 
 stepmother to nine, and the youngest of these only 
 five years old at the time of her marriage ; to these 
 children she discharged the various and important 
 duties devolving upon her, with that maternal re- 
 gard and affection which caused them to acknow- 
 ledge they loved her as they did their own mother. 
 In addition to these, two orphan grandchildren 
 subsequently became a part of her charge, and oc- 
 cupied a share in her affections. 
 
 Notwithstandiog the arduous charge of so large 
 a family, still her labors of love and sympathetic 
 regard were not confined to her own household, 
 for the needy she relieved with no sparing hand, 
 and to the sick and afflicted imparted the soothing 
 balm of consolation. 
 
 It was with pain and regret she viewed the en- 
 slavement of the colored race, and the evils pro- 
 duced by such a system of injustice and cruelty 
 were with her a subject of deep concern and fre- 
 quent remark ; expressing a conviction that the 
 allwise Father was stretching out his hand for 
 their deliverance, and that the days of their bond- 
 age were drawing to a close. 
 
200 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 She was witness to many evils resulting from 
 the use of spirituous liquors, and bore a faithful 
 testimony against it ; and so sensil)ly did she feel 
 it her duty to avoid even the appearance of this 
 evil, that she scarcely felt at liiicrty to use medi- 
 cine which contained spirits. 
 
 In our religious meetings she felt It a duty oc- 
 casionally to quote some passage of scripture, 
 which was generally so much to the purpose, that 
 she rarely found remarks upon it necessary. 
 
 She was a lover of silent meetings, for to her, 
 through the communion of the Holy Spirit, they 
 were edifying and instructive ; and she many times 
 mentioned a circumstance of travelling four miles 
 to attend her own meeting, found no one convened 
 but herself; after taking her seat, being favored 
 to witness a state of inward retirement, had thank- 
 fully to acknowledge that, although her friends 
 were absent, Christ, the head of tho church, was 
 present, and failed not to commune with her in 
 spirit : so that she could bear testimony that it 
 was as good a meeting as she ever attended. 
 
 She was concerned to encourage Friends to the 
 diligent attendance of our religious meetings, how- 
 ever small ; even if there be but the "two or three" 
 gathered in Christ's name and power, these would 
 in no wise lose their reward. 
 
 In her deportment and manners she was reti- 
 
SARAH COUTANT. 201 
 
 ring and unassuming. Occupying the station of an 
 elder, she forcibly felt the responsibility attaching 
 to this important service, expressing at times a 
 desire, that if she was not instrumental of good 
 therein, that she might be preserved from doing 
 harm; audit maybe remarked, that her usefulness 
 and virtues shone most conspiciously in her own 
 family, the neighborhood, and among her familiar 
 friends. 
 
 For two or three years of the latter part of her 
 life, by indisposition, she was prevented from the 
 attendance of meetings, and at such times she was 
 in the habit of having her family collected at home ; 
 which gave her much enjoyment, by the renewal 
 of spiritual strength. And such was her love for 
 the attendance of our religious meetings, that un- 
 der much bodily suffering she twice attended the 
 Yearly Meeting, and several times the Quarterly 
 Meeting, then held on Long Island, with much sa- 
 tisfaction ; even though to her it seemed as if each 
 of these meetings might be the last. 
 
 About a year previous to her death, she pre- 
 sented to each of her children a large family Bible, 
 as a token of her love, remarking, that she con- 
 sidered it the best treasure she could leave them. 
 
 For the last ^ve or six mouths she was mostly 
 confined to her room, and sometimes alone, ( when 
 the family were engaged in their domestic con- 
 
202 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 cerns;) on being asked by her husband if at such 
 times she did not feel lonely, replied. '• Oh ! no ; 
 such seasons are precious to me ; I have company 
 better than any outward company, which ' speaks 
 as never man spake.' '' 
 
 Her health continued to decline, until it was 
 evident to her friends and family that her days 
 were nearly numbered, and none were more sen- 
 sible of this than herself, saying that she was pre- 
 pared to meet the change ; and she patiently 
 awaited it, with the same calm tranquillity which 
 had always marked her life. 
 
 She gave directions concerning her interment, 
 and that her coffin be plain, and without stain, 
 thus evincing the importance that attaches to a 
 testimony against vain show and superfluity in the 
 near approach of death. 
 
 On the eighteenth day of Fifth mouth, IS53, 
 she quietly passed away — as we believe, more 
 fully to realize the reward of a well-spent life — in 
 the sixtieth year of her age. 
 
BETHANY BAREMORB. 203 
 
 A Memorial of Oswego Monthly Meeting, concern- 
 ing our esteemed friend., Bethany Baremore. 
 
 We believe the example exhibited in the life 
 and religious concern of this, our beloved friend, 
 calculated to prove the sufficiency of Divine grace 
 in bringing peace to the soul — therefore, feel dis- 
 posed to preserve the followiDg account : 
 
 She was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess 
 County, and State of New York, the tenth of Third 
 month, 1787. Her parents, Zeno and Lydia Car- 
 penter, members of the Society of Friends, were 
 concerned to imbue her mind with the love of piety. 
 And they had the satisfaction of finding their 
 solicitude rewarded, by the clear perceptions of 
 the importance of living the life of the righteous. 
 And she often expressed the benefit it had been to 
 her of having the counsel and example of reli- 
 giously concerned parents. 
 
 She was frequently heard to remark, that when 
 yoang she loved to attend meeting? in the middle 
 of the week, as well asthose on first days. 
 
 In the 19th year of her age, she united in mar- 
 riage with our Friend, Henry Baremore, to whom 
 she proved an affectionate and faithful helpmate, 
 both in spiritual and temporal concerns. The law 
 of love and kindness appeared to be the governing 
 
204 MBMORIAL OP 
 
 principle of her mind, and shone conspicuously in 
 her as a mother and a christian. 
 
 She was the mother of 13 children, 11 of whom 
 survived her, and though ever tender and sympa- 
 thising toward them, yet she was careful in guard- 
 ing them against improper indulgence. Having 
 the important charge of so large a family, domestic 
 concerns necessarily occupied much of her time ; 
 yet these were not allowed to prevent her from 
 the diligent attendance of religious meetings, and 
 she was careful to have her children with her, 
 evincing by her solid deportment that she was sin- 
 cerely engaged to gain an inheritance in that 
 " City whose builder and maker the Lord alone is." 
 
 Her love to God was such as to produce love to 
 man ; and which she found, in times of trial and 
 deep proving, to be '* as an anchor to the soul, 
 both sure and steadfast." 
 
 She was very useful in our meetings for disci- 
 pline, and also as an overseer, in which capacity 
 she had served most of the time for thirty years, 
 much to the satisfaction of her friends, and had 
 filled the important station of an elder, upwards 
 of twenty years. 
 
 She was very useful in times of sickness, ever 
 ready to impart the soothing balm of sympathy, 
 and extend the hand of relief to the afflicted. She 
 was an example of piety and virtue to her neigh- 
 
BETHANY BAREMORE. 205 
 
 bors, adorning her profession by her upright walk 
 among them, by whom she was much respected, 
 and her loss sensibly felt. 
 
 She was naturally cheerful, and in her conver- 
 sation and remarks, often edifying and instructive. 
 
 Although she was so tender and sympathetic to 
 others in affliction, her own she bore with patience 
 and resignation. Her last illness was short, so 
 that she was favored to attend meetings until the 
 last two, previous to her death. And as she lived 
 the "life of the righteous,'' we confidently believe 
 she *' died the death of the righteous," and, "as a 
 shock of corn fully ripe," has been gathered into 
 the heavenly garner prepared for the Lord's sanc- 
 tified and redeemed children. 
 
 She departed this life the Fifth of Fourth- 
 month, 1854, in the sixty-eighth year of her age : 
 and on the Seventh, after a religious meeting being 
 held becoming the occasion, her remains were in- 
 terred in Friends' burial ground at Oswego, Dutch- 
 ess County. 
 
206 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 A Memorial of Shappaqua Monthly Meeting ^ 
 concerning our beloved Fiiend, Jacob L. Mott, 
 deceased. 
 
 Feeling deeply sensible of the great loss we have 
 sustained in the removal, by death, of this our be- 
 loved Friend, and believing the remembrance of 
 those who have been examples of faithfulness to 
 manifested duty, has a tendency to strengthen and 
 encourage others to *' walk by the same rule and 
 mind the same thing," we feel it right to prepare 
 a memorial concerning him, fully believing he has 
 received an entrance into that heavenly kingdom 
 which is the reward of the righteous. 
 
 He was born in the City of New York, on the 
 Thirteenth of Ninth-month, 1784. His parents 
 were Jacob and Deborah L. Mott, the latter a 
 worthy member of our Society, who was much 
 concerned for her children, and it is believed her 
 example and care had a good effect upon our de- 
 ceased friend. 
 
 Although not addicted to gross evils, he was 
 prone to levity and mirth ; and his testimony is 
 remembered, that when returning home from such 
 pastimes, the convictions of truth on his mind 
 were so strong, that tears of contrition have fal- 
 len from his eyes, as he passed through the streets 
 
JACOB L. JVIOTT, 207 
 
 of the city, when little was to be heard but the 
 watchman at his post. Early in life submitting 
 to these visitations of his Heavenly Father's 
 love, he was drawn to attend the Meetings of 
 Friends ; and he writes of himself, as a brand 
 plucked from the burning, and a monument of the 
 mercy of God. 
 
 He was married on the sixth of Eighth-month, 
 1806, to Hannah Riker, with whom he lived in 
 great harmony and mutual affection for fifty years. 
 It may be truly said of him, he was an affection- 
 ate husband, a tender parent, and a kind neighbor, 
 being cheerful in his deportment and upright in 
 his dealings among men ; he was much beloved by 
 those who knew him. 
 
 He was received a member of New York Month- 
 ly Meeting, at his own request, in the Fourth- 
 month, 1§07, being in the twenty-third year of 
 his age. 
 
 It appears to have been his practice to commit 
 to writing some of the exercises of his mind, on 
 various subjects, and we believe nothing can de- 
 scribe him more pertinently than some extracts 
 from them. 
 
 After taking the responsibilities of a family, 
 and entering into business, he says : " I had many 
 close trials, besetments and temptations, in which 
 my religious faith was closely tried. I now see 
 
208 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 very clearly that many, or at least some of the 
 difficulties and troubles that I have experienced 
 might have been avoided, bad I always attend- 
 ed to the revelations of the spirit of Truth in my 
 younger years ; they were brought about by my 
 unfaithfulness ; I wandered from my inward guide, 
 and was almost forgetful of the day of my espou- 
 sal. But blessed be Israel's God ; thanksgiving 
 and praise be ascribed unto him, although I wand- 
 ered from the fold and went into the wilderness, 
 he followed me, and kept close to me, and, giving 
 me strength to resist temptation, preserved me 
 from falling into the hands of the enemy, and thus 
 renewed my faith, enabling me to bear up the tes- 
 timonies of our Society. Although a part of the 
 time I resided out of the city, I seldom missed 
 attending a Meeting, notwithstanding I had to row 
 a boat ten miles to get there, and sometimes re- 
 turned the same day." 
 
 In the summer of 1814, he settled within the 
 compass of this Monthly Meeting, and became a 
 member of it, by certificate, and when health per- 
 mitted, was diligent in attending Meeting, although 
 living nearly ten miles from it. In recording the 
 faithfulness and perseverance of our dear Friend, 
 in this particular, we desire not to eulogize him^ 
 but to stimulate others to press through difficulties 
 in the performance of this reasonable duty. 
 
JACOB L. MOTT. 209 
 
 Having experienced the benefits resulting from 
 an early dedication to the service of his Divine 
 Master, he was often deeply, concerned for the 
 welfare of others, and sometimes in Meetings it 
 seemed right for him to express it; but feeling that 
 the call, and qualification, for the solemn work of 
 the ministry are of God, he put it off from time to 
 time, until about the thirty-first year of his age, 
 when, in a public Meeting at Shappaqua, he ap- 
 peared in supplication for the preservation of him- 
 self and the assembly, under the weight of which 
 he was deeply humbled, keeping in view the testi- 
 mony of our Holy Pattern, " my doctrine is not 
 mine, but his that sent me." His communications 
 were sound and edifying. He experienced the 
 sustaining hand of Almighty Goodness, to be as a 
 wall of defense around about him, preserving him 
 in the faith, for which he was concerned earnestly 
 to contend. His ministry was acknowledged, and 
 he was recommended as a member of the Meeting 
 of ministers and elders, in 1830. *^This," he says, 
 ** again increased my responsibility, as now I was 
 at liberty, if I felt a concern to visit Friends of 
 other Meetings, to open it to the Monthly Meet- 
 ing." Feeling himself a monument of mercy, 
 raised up in order to proclaim the goodness and 
 mercy of God, he endeavored to stir up the pure 
 mind in others, by testifying of his grace, the word 
 
 14 
 
210 MEMniUAL OF 
 
 nigh in the heart, and in the mouth. He was fre- 
 quently concerned to visit Meetings, in our own 
 and neighboring Yearly Meetings, we believe to 
 the satisfaction of his Friends, and it is evident 
 he realized the truth of his own language, " that 
 the Good Master never sends his servants out in 
 their own strength, but amply supplies wisdom out 
 of his inexhaustible treasury.'* 
 
 He was zealous for the maintenance of good 
 order and the right administration of our disci- 
 pline, being deeply concerned for the prosperity 
 of our Society. 
 
 Earnest and affectionate were his appeals to the 
 rising generation, to come forward in faithfulness 
 to the requisitions of their Heavenly Father. 
 
 •* On you,*' he writes, *' must depend the future 
 prosperity and character of our Society. If you 
 are faithful, some of you *ere long will be called 
 to fill prominent stations in the militant church. 
 It is therefore peculiarly necessary that you should 
 be established in the great principles of the chris- 
 tian religion, in which is involved your own wel- 
 fare, and that of your fellow men, who at times 
 may be adopting the language * who shall show 
 us any good V If you examine history, you will 
 find, in all ages, it has been those who have been 
 faithful to the light of Christ within, that have 
 been made instruments in the hand of God, in 
 
 
JACOB L. MOTT. 211 
 
 gathering to the churcb. Be faithful in the little, 
 and you shall be made rulers over more, and, 
 under the guidance of the good and Heavenly Pi- 
 lot, you will be enabled to avoid those rocks, 
 quicksands, and shoals upon which many have 
 been shipwrecked." 
 
 He was concerned that the young should be con- 
 vinced that there was no gloom in religion. '•' I 
 would hold it up," he says, *' as that which is so 
 lovely in itself as to make it attractive and invit- 
 ing, as something which will enable us to over- 
 come every besetting sin, and elevate our condi- 
 tion, step by step, in the scale of improvement, 
 until we become united with the inhabitants of 
 that city, which needs not the light of the sun nor 
 of the moon to shine in it, ' for the glory of God 
 doth enlighten it, and the Lamb is the light 
 thereof.^ " 
 
 He was exercised in regard to a disposition in 
 some, to pervert the scriptures of truth, and con- 
 cerned that a right estimate should be set upon 
 them. His testimony left in writing is, '^ As we 
 attend to the same principle which inspired holy 
 men of old, who wrote them, our understanding 
 will be opened, and we shall see a beauty and ex- 
 cellency in them, which we cannot find by pervert- 
 ing them ; we shall not be undervaluing nor over- 
 rating them ; we shall consider them as testimo- 
 
212 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 nies corroborative of those spiritual truths which 
 are sealed on our minds, by the impress of the 
 Divine Spirit." 
 
 He vs'as frecjuently invited to attend funerals of 
 those not in membership with us, and being con- 
 cerned to improve every right opening, and to fulfil 
 what he believed to be his mission to his fellow 
 men, he frequently found it his duty to go, often 
 travelling many miles to accomplish it. Although 
 he often felt the weakness and infirmities of the 
 flesh to be many, and the conflicts of the spirit to 
 be great, yet, at times, he could feelingly rejoice 
 that an interest was mercifully granted through 
 Him ** who giveth the victory over all, and that 
 the Lamb Immaculate is still redeeming out of 
 every nation, tongue, and people, and adding to 
 his Church Triumphant, those whose names shall 
 be recorded in the book of life, because they sub- 
 mitted to His government/' 
 
 Some time previous to his last illness he wrote 
 as follows : — " There are many sudden removals, 
 and I am ofteu unwell : if I should be suddenly 
 taken away, I have wished that my family might 
 know the comfortable feelings my mind partakes 
 of. Oh ! how I am filled with the goodness of 
 God to overflowing, so as to raise the sensation of 
 Holy! Holy! Holy! Hallelujah to Israel's Shep- 
 herd ! Oh I glorious state ! Oh ! blessed abode ! 
 
JACOB L. MOTT. 213 
 
 When, oil ! when shall I be there ] These feel- 
 ings bring with them a complete surrender of all 
 selfishness. All centres in the Divine Will. What- 
 ever attachment to the world, however strong the 
 family ties, the love of the Heavenly Father ab- 
 sorbs them all. His will is bowed to in humble 
 submission of soul, and the acknowledgment is, 
 Thou knowest best what to bestow or what to 
 withhold. Thy will be done." 
 
 The tender, affectionate solicitude he felt for 
 his children is made manifest by the following, 
 which was written in the 60th year of his age : 
 
 *' It is the desire of your father, that you attend 
 to the impressions of the spirit of God, made upon 
 your minds from time to time ; be assured as you 
 attend to these impressions, you will become more 
 and more acquainted with the teachings of the 
 Grace of God, that brings salvation from sin, and 
 the defilements of the human heart. I most ten- 
 derly solicit you as a dear father, to yield to its 
 teachings. Be not ashamed to acknowledge your- 
 selves under its government, although it will lead 
 you out of the world's customs, because it stands 
 in opposition to the spirit of the world— it is to 
 prepare the immortal soul, to dwell in the courts 
 of Heaven, through an endless eternity ; and not 
 only to prepare for enjoyment beyond the grave, 
 but to qualify yojx to live as you ought, while here 
 
21^14 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 CD earth. It will enable you to love one another, 
 to do good to all men, to be kind to all placed un- 
 der your care, and increase your desire for the re- 
 lief of the oppressed. It will increase your love 
 for religious meetings ; you will not be ashamed 
 to wear a plain dress ; you will be willing to fol- 
 low the example of the Son of God. 
 
 ** If you reject the religion which God reveals 
 in the heart, by the teachings of His Spirit, you 
 never can obtain any but that which is the work 
 of the systems of men. These can rise no higher 
 than their fountain, but the teachings of the grace 
 of God will lead to God. Attend to it, and it will 
 lead you from many sorrows. Be not deceived. 
 Happiness does not consist in the abundance of the 
 possessions of the things of this world. There- 
 fore, be mure concerned to live a life of dedication 
 to your Divine Master, than to get riches. Oh! at- 
 tend strictly to the injunction, * Seek first the king- 
 dom of God and his righteousness, and all these 
 things shall be added unto you ' Confiding in this 
 promise, and putting your trust in the Lord, bless- 
 ings will descend upon your labors. He who 
 blessed Jacob and Joseph, will most assuredly 
 bless you." 
 
 His last illness was lingering, but he manifest- 
 ed much patience and resignation throughout, be- 
 ing clothed with love and good will to all. 
 
I 
 
 JACOB L. MOTT. 215 
 
 Under date Fourth-month 27th, 1856, he ad- 
 dressed his family, in writing as follows : 
 
 " When I was first taken sick I thought it might 
 be my last sickness. I have given the subject a 
 very careful investigation, and believe an entrance 
 will be mercifully granted me, into that City de- 
 scribed as ' having walls of salvation, and whose 
 gates are praise.' I discover nothing in my way. 
 He who is all wisdom, is also all power. If He 
 has a work for me to perform. He will raise me 
 up for the performance of it, for He knows I am 
 ready and willing. I discover nothing worth living 
 for, but to glorify His blessed name. If I am taken 
 away suddenly, do not harbor the idea that it was 
 in an unexpected moment, for 1 have been, and 
 am watching the time as if it were at hand. You 
 have manifested the greatest kindness towards 
 me ; you have done all in your power to make me 
 comfortable ; for which, I trust, you will be re- 
 warded. When the time of separation comes, 
 resign me cheerfully, submit to the dispensation 
 as ordered of God, who does all things in his in- 
 scrutable wisdom for good." He requested that 
 the testimony to plainness and simplicity should 
 be carried out in his person even to the grave ; 
 that his cofSn should be the natural color of the 
 wood, and not varnished, and that no stone or 
 monument should be placed at his grave, 
 
2IG MEMORIAL OF 
 
 In a letter to a Friend, dated Fifth-month 7th, 
 1856, he says, *• If any Friends ask concerning 
 rae, inform them I hold the truth as professed by 
 Friends, as dear as ever; that my desires and 
 prayers ascend for its increase, that it may grow 
 bright through us, as a professing people, and it 
 will shine more and more as we mind the light." 
 
 On one of his friends laking leave of him, he 
 said, *'Be faithful to the requirings of thy 
 Heavenly Father, for at such a time as this it will 
 afford more peace than all else beside." Being 
 visited by his numerous friends, he continued to 
 bear similar testimonies, while able to write or 
 converse, giving evidence to the last that Divine 
 Goodness was his support. 
 
 The last three weeks of his life he was nearly 
 deprived of speech by paralysis, yet his last words 
 were, "peace, peace, sweet peace, ready, waiting." 
 evincing the truth of the declaration, ' Blessed is 
 that serv Aut whom, when his Lord cometh, is found 
 ready ; d waiting." 
 
 He ('' ed on the 28th of Eio^hth-month, 1856, in 
 the 72nd year of his age, and we feel an assur- 
 ance that his immortal spirit is centered in that 
 glorified state, of which he had a foretaste, when 
 he could ascribe hallelujah to Israel's God. 
 
 His remains were taken to the Meeting House 
 at Shappaqua and interred, after a large and so- 
 
AMY DILLINGHAM. 217 
 
 lemn meeting, in which several testimonies were 
 borne to his circumspect life, and dedication to 
 his Master's cause; and the feeling that we had 
 lost a beloved friend and father in the church, 
 seemed to pervade every mind. 
 
 A Memorial concerning our Friend Amy Dil- 
 LL\GHAM,yr{??72 the MoutJily Meeting of Danhy. 
 
 The memory of our deceased friend remains 
 to be precious, and we hope that a brief account 
 of her religious experience may prove an incentive 
 to others, to lend a listening ear to the same Coun- 
 sellor, who supported and directed her through 
 many afflictive dispensations, and brought her to 
 acknowledge the goodness of Israel's unslumber- 
 ing Shepherd. 
 
 She was the daughter of Abram and Deborah 
 Tucker, and was born the Fifteenth of Ninth- 
 month, 177f>, at Shappaqua, Westchester County, 
 New York; her parents were members of our re- 
 ligious Society, and were concerned to impress on 
 the minds of their children a love for its principles. 
 
 On the IVentieth of Eleventh-month, 1794, she 
 
218 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 was united in marriage with Stephen Dillingham, 
 after which they removed to Granville, and be- 
 came members of our Monthly Meeting, where she 
 spent the remainder of her days. 
 
 By yielding to the influence of her Heavenly 
 Father's love, she became desirous that others 
 might come and taste of His Goodness ; she had 
 learned that to obtain the crown, there must be a 
 submission to the cross of Christ, and by abiding 
 in humility and self denial she became qualified to 
 instruct others. Her gift in the ministry was ac- 
 knowledged about the year 1810. 
 
 The following are extracts from memorandums 
 left by her. 
 
 **0h ! the fear I feel lest I should become luke- 
 warm and forget the God of my life. As it seems 
 to be my lot to pass through many trials and af- 
 flictions, I desire I may ever keep humble and 
 low, begging of Him who is able to give me 
 patience to endure them without a murmuring 
 thought, believing all things will work together 
 for the good of those who love and fear him.'* 
 
 *' 0, Thou most Holy One. be pleased, I pray 
 Thee, to create in me a clean heart, and renew 
 a right spirit within me ; yea, I crave it more 
 than corn, wine or oil ; 0, Thou who art adorable 
 in goodness, cleanse and purify my heart, so that 
 
AMY DILLINGHAM. 219 
 
 I may become a clean vessel, fit for Thee to 
 dwell in." 
 
 She manifested a deep interest for the welfare of 
 our Society — a love for its principles and testimo- 
 nies was evinced by a daily concern for their sup- 
 port, which did not abate in the decline of life. 
 Expressing, ** it seems to me I am soon to leave, 
 and if I could see more coming up and filling these 
 ranks in righteousness, how it would rejoice my 
 spirit.'' 
 
 She was an affectionate mother, governing her 
 children in the spirit of love; and although she 
 witnessed the severing of that cord which bound 
 some of them to earth, she murmured not at the 
 dispensation of Providence, but continued her 
 guardian care over the remainder of her family, 
 often, very often admonishing and encouraging 
 them to live in the fear of the Lord, and in an ob- 
 servance of the discipline of our Society, which 
 she believed would help to preserve them from 
 many snares they might otherwise fall into. 
 
 With the concurrence of her friends she per- 
 formed several religious visits to other Meetings, 
 and the families composing them, administering 
 consolation to the afliicted, and endeavoring to 
 arouse those to greater diligence who were resting 
 as upon beds of ease. It was her practice frequent- 
 ly when in social gatherings, to seek for the harmon- 
 
220 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 ising influence of heavenly love, and after all were 
 brought into solemn silence, words have flowed 
 from her lips, comparable to the distilling dew up- 
 on the tender plants to the refreshing thereof 
 
 We believe she was one to whom the parable 
 would apply, both spiritually and temporally, 
 ** When I was an hungered ye gave me meat, 
 thirsty and ye gave me drink, a stranger and ye 
 took me in ;" for from her beneficent hand many 
 have been made partakers of the good things of 
 this life, as the destitute had a large claim upon 
 her sympathy. 
 
 She was taken sick the twenty-seventh of Fifth 
 month, 1856 : her disorder was paralysis, which 
 for a time deprived her of the power of speech ; 
 but on a partial recovery from this state she ap- 
 peared sensible, and seemed desirous of feeling a 
 greater assurance, when time should be no more 
 with her, of entering into that City that needeth 
 not the light of the sun or the moon to enlighten 
 it ; which in due time was granted, and a clear 
 evidence furnished; in allusion to which, she says, 
 ** I have prayed oftener than the morning, to know 
 whether there is a place prepared for me, but have 
 not been favored to see until now ; but now I know 
 there is a seat all clear and white. I wish you 
 could all see what I see/' Whi^e able to speak, 
 much salutary counsel was given to those present, 
 
TIMOTHY FARRINGTON. 221 
 
 who witnessed her exemplary patience through 
 great bodily suffering. She often expressed, 
 '*There is not a cloud in my way,'' and in ecstacy of 
 joy said, *'do not hold me, do not keep me;" and 
 after giving a message, she said, "my work is done." 
 She continued until the sixteenth of Eighth month, 
 1856, when she yielded her spirit in calm resigna- 
 tion, aged about 81 years. 
 
 A Memorial of Oswego Monthly Meeting, concern- 
 ing our beloved Friend^ Timothy Farrington, 
 deceased. 
 
 He was born in North Salem, Westchester 
 County, State of New York, the twenty-third of 
 Second month, 1775. His parents were Edward 
 and Phebe Farrington, members of the Society of 
 Friends. 
 
 He removed and settled in the village of Pleas- 
 ant Valley, Dutchess County, in 1807, where he 
 resided the remainder of his days. Of his early 
 life we have but little account, except that given 
 by himself; in reference to which he was often 
 led to commemorate the goodness of his Heavenly 
 Father, in plucking him ''as a brand from the 
 burning," esteeming himself as one of the least in 
 his Father's house. 
 
L 
 
 222 MKMOKIAL OK 
 
 By taking heed to the visitations of Divine love, 
 he witnessed the salutary and powerful efiFect 
 thereof, inciting to piety and virtue — thus prepar- 
 ing him for the reception and discharge of a 
 Gospel mission to his fellow men. Being intrusted 
 with a gift in the ministry, he was careful to move 
 therein under the pointings of truth, with a single 
 eye to the glory of God, giving evidence of his 
 dependance upon that immediate direction and 
 baptizing power which alone qualifies for a right 
 discharge of so important a trust. That it may 
 be truly said of him, '' his preaching was not in the 
 enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the demon- 
 stration of the Spirit/' 
 
 His travels in the ministry were not extensive ; 
 he however, visited neighboring Quarterly Meet- 
 ings, especially Westbury and Purchase, also the 
 subordinate meetings generally. 
 
 He was often concerned to advise Friends against 
 the perusal of pernicious books, and to beware of 
 the vain, changing, and corrupt customs of the 
 world, urging the propriety of maintaining the an- 
 cient testimony of the Society, in relation to plain- 
 ness of dress, language, household furniture, and 
 the general observance of Christian simplicity and 
 moderation in the use of temporal things — and his 
 example in these respects, corresponded therewith. 
 
 He was a diligent attender of our Religious 
 
TIMOTHY FARRINGTON, 223 
 
 Meetings ; and attending the Yearly Meeting in 
 New York, held Fifth month, 1857. then in his 
 eighty-third year, observed on his return home, that 
 he had enjoyed the meeting — -that it had been 
 satisfactory and comforting; thus evincing the 
 Divine hand had been near to bless, and that he 
 was preserved green in old age, and unabated in 
 his interest and concern, for the promotion of the 
 Christian cause, in which he had been so long en- 
 gaged. 
 
 Soon after returning from the Yearly Meeting 
 he was taken ill ; his sickness was short, but en- 
 dured with patience and resignation, often express- 
 ing gratitude for the goodness of God towards him, 
 a poor worm of the dust, and that his heart was 
 filled with love to the whole human family, and 
 felt his work was done, and that he should soon 
 enter into the rest prepared for the righteous. 
 Thus ended the pilgrimage of our esteemed friend, 
 with an assurance and foretaste of the joys of the 
 world to come, leaving to survivors an encoura- 
 ging death-bed testimony, to the power and excel- 
 lency of that Gospel principle, which qualifies all 
 its votaries, to live the life and die the death of 
 the righteous. 
 
 He departed this life the twenty-first of Seventh 
 month, 1857. The interment took place the 23d, 
 on which occasion a large and solemn meeting was 
 
224 MEMOKIAL OF 
 
 held, and divers testimonies borne to his long- 
 devoted life in the Lord's cause. 
 
 A Memorial of Purchase Montkly Meeting, con- 
 ccrning our beloved Friend, Alice W. Burling, 
 deceased. 
 
 To commemorate the acts of the righteous who 
 have departed this life, may be due to their me- 
 mory, and prove useful and encouraging to the 
 rising generation. 
 
 The subject of this memoir was the daughter 
 of Samuel and Molly Whiting, and was born at 
 Darien, in the State of Connecticut, third of Fourth 
 month, 1803. When young in life, she was exem- 
 plary in her dress and deportment, and by yield- 
 ing to the influence of her Heavenly Father's love, 
 she learned, that to obtain the Crown, there must 
 be a submission to the Cross of Christ ; and abid- 
 ing in humility, she became qualified to encour- 
 age others in faithfulness. 
 
 She was united in marriage with Samuel Bur- 
 ling, of Purchase, Westchester County, State of 
 New York, on the thirteenth of Fourth month, 
 1842. 
 
 She was, for a long period, an Overseer of the 
 meeting to which she belonged, and also filled the 
 
ALICE W. BURLIAG. 225 
 
 important station of an Elder many years. She 
 was very serviceable in our Meetings for discipline, 
 being well qualified for transacting the affairs of the 
 Church, and concerned for the proper government 
 and comely order thereof. She was quick of dis- 
 cernment and sound in judgment, and we feel that 
 society has sustained, in her removal, a great loss. 
 She was faithful in the attendance of religious 
 meetings, where she frequently felt it her duty to 
 offer the word of encouragement to others. She 
 also bore her testimony against the use of slave 
 labor, by example and precept. 
 
 The sick and afflicted received a large share of 
 her care and attention, and she was ever ready to 
 impart the soothing balm of sympathy, and extend 
 the helping hand of relief; in her death the poor 
 and destitute have lost a charitable and sympa- 
 thizing friend. 
 
 The following are extracts from memorandums 
 left by her : 
 
 *• First month, 1820. Oh! may I be found 
 doing my duty in whatever path I am led. Christ 
 hath said, ' my yoke is easy and my burthen it is 
 light.' 
 
 " The Lord is able to bless the endeavors of 
 the weakest worm to promote his cause. To Him 
 be glory, praises, and honor forevermore, for He 
 will require nothing of us, if we rightly seek, but 
 
 15 
 
226 MKMORIAL tiF 
 
 what He will enal)le us to perform. What en- 
 couragement to persevere in the path of appointed 
 duty, however trying it may at first appear; and 
 all who deviate from the path of true simplicity, 
 and run after other forms and notions, will find 
 they have sold their birth-rigbt for nothing more 
 than a mess of pottage. 
 
 ** Twenty-fifth of First mouth, 1831. Oh ! that 
 I may be enabled to yield all up, in full dedication 
 of heart, unto Him who alone is worthy to have 
 dominion. The way is strait, and the Cross 
 often appears hard to my selfish disposition ; but 
 have I not experienced, from my early life, that 
 there is peace and joy in submission ? 
 
 " 1838. I feel the great necessity of watchful- 
 ness. If the mind is suflFered to be continually oc- 
 cupied with the cares of this life, how can any pro- 
 gress be made in religious experience ? I greatly 
 desire to be more watchful, that so I may fulfil 
 the end of my being ; that when the last summons 
 shall arrive, that * time to thee shall be no longer,' 
 I may be prepared to receive it with joy, in full 
 assurance of neverending bliss." 
 
 And according to her desire, we believe that she 
 has realized an entrance into that *'City that 
 needeth not the light of the sun or the moon to en- 
 lighten it, but the Lord God and the Lamb is the 
 light thereof." 
 
ALICE W. BURLING. 227 
 
 Her death was unexpected ; having prepared 
 herself as usual on First-day morning for Meeting, 
 she became suddenly indisposed, but for two or 
 three days her family did not consider her danger- 
 ously ill. She expressed to her sister '* that it was 
 hid from her how it would terminate, but let it be 
 as it would, it would be for the best." 
 
 On fourth day a Friend called to see her upon 
 her return from Meeting, to whom she said, '' I 
 have had an excellent meeting here in my room, 
 and in spirit I was with you." That night a 
 change took place, and her disease assuming an 
 alarming form, her reason became obscured; she 
 continued until first-day morning, the fourteenth 
 of Second month, 1858, when she ceased to breathe, 
 aged 54 years and 10 months. 
 
 Stricken down whilst in the enjoyment of health, 
 and to all human foresight many years of useful- 
 ness in reserve for her, this lesson should forcibly 
 impress on the minds of her survivors the neces- 
 sity of preparing for so great a change while op- 
 portunity is mercifully granted. 
 
 Her funeral took place the sixteenth of Second 
 month, at Purchase Meeting House, where a 
 solemn and interesting meeting was held on the 
 occasion. 
 
228 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 A Memorial of Purchase Monthly Meeting, con* 
 ceming our beloved Friend, Ann C. Haviland, 
 deceased. 
 
 She was the daughter of James and Charlotte 
 Cromwell, of the Town of Mcnroe, Orange County, 
 State of New York, where they settled soon after 
 their marriage, when the country was new. 
 
 There being no Friends' Meeting near them, 
 and feeling it a great privation not to be able to 
 meet for religious worship, they believed it their 
 duty to hold meetings in their house, and for a 
 length of time a Friends* Meeting was accordingly 
 held there, and through faithfulness to the light of 
 Christ manifested in them, they lived to enjoy a 
 Meeting established near them. They being very 
 exemplary in their walk through life, manifested 
 an unremitting concern for their children, that they 
 might choose the Lord for their portion, and the 
 God of Jacob for the lot of their inheritance. 
 
 The subject of this memoir was born the six- 
 teenth of Fourth month, 1797. She was married 
 the twenty-eighth of Ninth month, 1816, to John 
 Haviland, of Harrison, Westchester County, 
 New York, to which place she removed and settled 
 with her husband, and became a member of Pur- 
 chase Monthly Meeting. She was an affectionate 
 
ANN C. HAVILAND„ 229 
 
 wife, a tender mother, and a good counsellor in 
 the varied duties of life. Occupying the station 
 of an Elder, her example, in connection with lan- 
 guage of encouragement, has often been felt to 
 stimulate others to press forward towards the 
 mark of the prize of the high calling of God, 
 through faith in Christ ; and her countenance 
 and solid deportment in our religious Meetings 
 evinced that her mind was engaged in spiritual 
 ^worship. 
 
 She was concerned for the faithful support of 
 our Christian discipline, holding, for many years, 
 the important station of an Overseer ; and the ad- 
 vice given to her children, and to those with whom 
 she mingled, will long be remembered. She was 
 of a mild and cheerful disposition, and fond of so- 
 cial intercourse. 
 
 She was taken ill on third-day evening, the 
 tenth of Eleventh month, 1857. The violence of 
 the disease, attended with great bodily suffering, 
 prostrated her physical strength in a very short 
 time. Being sensible she could not continue long, 
 she desired those who were gatjiered around her, 
 to be reconciled to give her up, and to strive to be 
 in readiness for a time like that, as she was then 
 realizing the value of being prepared and resigned 
 to obey the call of her Heavenly Father. 
 
 She continued until fifth-day morning, when 
 
230 MUMORIAL OP 
 
 she quietly departed this lifc\ being in the 61st 
 year of her age. 
 
 Although in the vigor of life, and in the midst 
 of her usefulness, this, our dear friend, has been 
 called from works to rewards. We have the com- 
 forting belief that our loss is her eternal gain, and 
 that she is permitted to participate with all those 
 who have washed their robes, and made them 
 white in the blood of the Lamb. 
 
 Her remains were interred the fourteenth of 
 Eleventh month, in Friends' burying ground at 
 Purchase, after a large and solemn Meeting held 
 in the Meeting House for the occasion. 
 
 A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of New 
 York, concerning our beloved Friend^ Caroline 
 WiLLETS, deceased. 
 
 Believing that " The path of the just is as a 
 shining light, that shineth more and more, unto 
 the perfect day," we feel concerned that the ex- 
 emplary life, and peaceful close, of our beloved 
 Friend, Caroline' Willets, should be briefly held 
 up to view, in order that survivors may be en- 
 couraged to follow her, as she endeavored to '* fol- 
 low Christ." 
 
 She was born at Flushing, Long Island, the 
 
CAROLINE WiLLETS. 231 
 
 twenty-sixth day of Seventh-month, 1794. Her 
 parents were George and Elizabeth Farrington, 
 who were concerned to give her a guarded edu- 
 cation, and to impress upon her youthful mind, the 
 importance of a strict attention to that '* monitor 
 within," which would teach her, *' as never^an 
 taught." 
 
 Her mother, who had been convinced of our 
 principles, and admitted into membership with us, 
 felt o.oncerned that her children should be par- 
 takers of the same privileges ; and they were in 
 their minority, at her request, likewise received 
 into membership. 
 
 About the twentieth year of her age, she was vi- 
 sited with an illness, so severe, that her recovery 
 was considered doubtful ; but He, who is the Great 
 ''Physician of value," saw meet, in his loving 
 kindness and mercy, to raise her up again, doubt- 
 less with a design for future usefulness in His ser- 
 vice. Although up to this time, her life had been 
 one of much innocency, yet it was during this 
 period of suffering, that she was awakened to see 
 the need she had of a Saviour, and the necessity of 
 taking up her cross to the fascinating pleasures of 
 the world, and to follow in the path of self denial, 
 Him, who thenceforth became to her, " the chief- 
 est among ten thousand, and altogether lovely." 
 
 In the year 1828, she was married to Amos 
 
232 MKMOKIAL OK 
 
 WilletvS, of this city, anil soon after became a 
 member of this Monthly Meeting. 
 
 Here, by continuinj,^ faithful to the requisitions 
 of her Heavenly Father, made known in the secret 
 of the heart, she became increasingly useful in the 
 Society, tilling at differriit periods, some of the 
 most important offices in the Church. 
 
 She possessed an active and benevolent dispo- 
 sition, often visiting the widow and the orphan, 
 and those in attliction, imparting to them, the 
 soothing language of comfort and consolation, and 
 from her earthly substance, ministering to their 
 wants ; and of this class, we believe there are 
 many, who " can rise up and call her blessed." 
 
 The principles and testimonies of our Society, 
 were peculiarly dear to her ; and ardent were 
 her desires, that all who profess with us, might be 
 found faithfully maintaining them to the world. 
 
 She highly valued the scriptures of Truth, be- 
 ing a firm believer in them ; and concerned to en- 
 courage the frequent reading of them by all, but 
 especially the young, being sensible from her own 
 experience, of the benefit to be derived, from a 
 careful and solid perusal of those precious and 
 invaluable records. 
 
 In the attendance of religious Meetings, she was 
 a bright example, being rarely absent from them, 
 except through indisposition of body ; and when 
 
I 
 
 CAROLINE WILLETS. 233 
 
 there, often giving evidence, that she had met with 
 the ** beloved of souls ;'' and she could on her re- 
 turn, testify, that He, whom she endeavored to 
 serve, was not '* a hard Master," but on the con- 
 trary, a rich rewarder of all who diligently seek 
 and serve Him. 
 
 For a long period, the house of her husband 
 and herself, was a home for their numerous Friends 
 visitiug this city. With many of these, who were 
 travelling in the work of the Ministry, and who, 
 at times, were bowed under a sense of the great- 
 ness of the work before them, she deeply sympa- 
 thised ; and great was her concern, that they 
 might keep a single eye to the pointiugs of Truth, 
 and be found faithful watchmen '' On the walls 
 of Zion." 
 
 With her friend Rachel Hicks:, in her religious 
 engagements, she had near unity, and often ac- 
 companied her in her visits of love, in this and 
 other Yearly Meetings. And although in feeble 
 health, at the time, it was from a sense of reli- 
 gious duty, that she left her home the twenty-first 
 of Twelfth-month last, to be absent for a short 
 period, as companion to this her beloved friend, 
 who was about to pay a visit in gospel love, to 
 the families and Friends in Philadelphia. This 
 visit was entered upon accordingly, when on the 
 evening of the third day after her arrival, (having 
 
234 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 attended the three Monthly Meetings in that city, 
 and made nearly twenty visits,) she was attacked 
 with, what ultimately proved to be, Pneumonia. 
 
 Here, at the house of her kind Friends, Samuel 
 and Mary Caley, she received every attention, 
 that afifection, and kindness suggested. But from 
 the first of her illness, she suffered so greatly from 
 debility, that it was exceedingly difficult for her 
 to converse much ; her remarks however, gave evi- 
 dence, that her faith was unwavering, and that 
 He, who had hitherto been her support, was still 
 with her, in this hour of proving and trial. 
 
 On the First-day morning after her attack, she 
 said, '* I feel as I lie here, that peace, which the 
 world can neither give, nor take away. In vain do 
 the votaries of fashion seek to obtain it in their 
 round of folly ; it is only to be found in a close 
 walk with God, and in living under the circum- 
 scribing influence of his Holy Spirit." 
 
 So far from questioning the wisdom of that dis. 
 pensation, which had laid her upon a bed of suffer- 
 ing, (believing that her steps were ordered of the 
 Lord,) she found it " sweet to lie passive in his 
 hands," and expressed no yearnings for home — 
 no wish to be in other circumstances than those 
 in which His providence had placed her. 
 
 Under this feeling, she one day exclaimed, '• Oh ! 
 how good the Lord is — my lines have indeed fal- 
 
CAROLINE WILLETS. 235 
 
 len in pleasant places — I am surrounded with 
 every comfort— I have the best and kindest of 
 nurses. How good the Lord is, 
 
 '' Good when He gives — supremely good, 
 Nor less when He denies, 
 Even crosses from His sov'reign hand, 
 Are blessings in disguise." 
 
 While receiving some kind attention from the 
 hand of a beloved friend, she observed, *'0h! 
 how grateful I feel for my many blessings. How 
 little true happiness there is in this life, without 
 a feeling of gratitude, for the many blessings we 
 enjoy.'' 
 
 It being remarked by a friend who was standing 
 by, ''that it was pleasant to witness the sweet 
 composure of her spirit, under the trying circum- 
 stances, in which she was placed," she answered 
 in the beautiful language of the poet, 
 
 " What cannot resignation do. 
 
 It wonders can perform ; 
 
 That powerful charm, ' Thy will be done,' 
 
 Can lay the loudest storm." 
 
 And added, *' This I have endeavored after, 
 that I may ever be able to say, whether in heigths, 
 or in depths, ' Thy will be done.'" 
 
 While lying at another time, apparently absorb- 
 ed in deep inward communion, she broke forth as 
 
236 MEMORIAL i)V 
 
 follows: — "Return unto thy rest, Oh! my soul, 
 for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." 
 " When this is the language of the heart, it is 
 as the crown of life." 
 
 On Fourth-day morning she thus addressed a 
 young friend, who was sitting by her bedside* 
 ** My dear, I want to encourage thee to be faithful, 
 and thou mayest yet have to go about (like dear 
 Rachel) from house to house, as a preacher of 
 righteousness. With thy talents, thou mayest yet 
 become au ornament, and a pillar in the Church ; 
 but they must be sanctified, and laid upon His 
 Holy Altar, who looks not to the head, but to the 
 heart. Many a vessel is I believe, marred upon 
 the wlieel, for want of faithfulness. Keep a single 
 eye to the Truth, and be ready to hear and obey." 
 
 That love, which is the badge of true disciple- 
 ship, overflowed her soul, and was visible to all 
 who approached her. In the midst of suffering, 
 she had a pleasant smile, a kind word, or a tender 
 admonition for all. On one occasion, she said to 
 those around her, " You seem like ministering 
 angles, you watch over me so tenderly." 
 
 On Sixth-day evening, the thirty-first of 
 Twelfth-month, she seemed to be sinking rapidly, 
 and as her friends gathered around her, to witness 
 what they believed to be the closing scene, she 
 spoke very audibly, and dictated several messages 
 
CAROLINE WILLETS. 237 
 
 of love for the absent members of her family. 
 In referring to her son, she said, " Give my love 
 to him, and tell him, that if he will give his heart 
 to the Lord, He will save him with an everlasting 
 salvation. He knows the way, let it be his first 
 thought in the morning, and his last in the eve- 
 ning, to look to his Heavenly Father, As the 
 mountains are round about Jerusalem, so will the 
 Lord be round about him." 
 
 Alluding to her grandson, she said, '* Tell him 
 to look to the Lord, and He will preserve him;" 
 and after a pause, she continued, '' I am thinking 
 of my nephews. 0, that they may do nothing, for 
 which they will feel condemnation when they are 
 laid upon a death-bed, for they will find it to be 
 truly a detector of the heart." 
 
 To her brother-in-law, who remarked, '* that it 
 was hard to part with one so near and dear as 
 she was, she replied, ''It is as thou say est, hard 
 to part, but so it is, we do indeed love one another 
 — the hand of the destroyer, has never been suf- 
 fered to mar our peace; he has never found a 
 pl^ce in our midst. I love every body, and I love 
 the Lord Jesus, and He will care for me. I feel 
 nothing in my way, dear brother — all is peace. I 
 have done my day's work in the day time. I 
 have not been called to espouse the cause of 
 Righteousness publicly, but I have been called to 
 
238 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 a life of consistency : some plead the example of 
 others, as an excuse for their unfaithfulness, but 
 ' what is that to thee, follow thou me/*' 
 
 She observed, that the prospect of a separation 
 from her husband, was like '* dividing joint from 
 joint'* — but she continued, I want to say, **not 
 my will Oh Lord, but thine be done," and present- 
 ly added, "He sufifereth not a sparrow to fall to 
 the ground, without His notice." 
 
 On Seventh-day the crisis of her disease seemed 
 to have passed, and there was a slight prospect 
 that she would rally, but this hope, while it cheer- 
 ed the hearts of those who watched her, did not 
 elate or unsettle her. She had not from the first, 
 expressed any anxiety as to the result of her ill- 
 ness. *' I feel entire peace," was her language, 
 *' let it terminate as it may." Peace seems indeed 
 to be the only suitable expression to represent the 
 sweet unruffled state of her mind. Her hope being 
 anchored on the •' Rock of Ages," was not to be 
 shaken by external circumstances. In her expe- 
 rience, the declaration was abundantly verified, 
 that, -'the work of righteousness shall be peace, 
 and the eflFect of righteousness, quietness and as- 
 surance forever. We serve a kind Master," she 
 said, *• He is not an austere man, reaping where 
 He has not sown, and gathering where He has not 
 strewn." 
 

 CAROLINE WILLETS. 239 
 
 On the Seventh-day morning, she said to Ra- 
 chel Hicks, who came to bid her farewell for the 
 day, *' Go and be faithful to thy work" — and to 
 another friend, she said at parting, '* Dear John, 
 farewell ; be faithful, hold on thy way." 
 
 The promise of amendment which she had given 
 on Seventh-day, was of short duration. On First- 
 day, she relapsed into her former state of weak- 
 ness and suffering, and thenceforward continued 
 to fail until the end. On the morning of her de- 
 cease, she called to her bed-side a friend who had 
 watched with her during the night, and said em- 
 phatically, " I see that there is a mansion pre- 
 pared for me," which were the last audible words 
 that she uttered. 
 
 From this time she lay apparently without much 
 suffering, gradually breathing shorter and shorter, 
 until about ten o'clock on fourth-day morning, the 
 fifth of First-month, being in the sixty-fifth year 
 of her age. Her purified spirit was, we doubt not, 
 permitted to enter '' into that city, whose Walls 
 are Salvation, and whose Gates are Praise." 
 
 Her funeral took place from Hester street 
 Meeting House in this city, on the 8th day of 
 First month, 1859. when a large and solemn meet- 
 ing was held, and a number of testimonies borne 
 to her worth, and to the efficacy of the ever 
 blessed '' Truth as it is in Jesus/' 
 
240 MKMORIAL OF 
 
 A Mimorial ()f our late Friend Josiah Halstbd, 
 (Icceaai'd, 
 
 Feeling that surviving friends have sustained a 
 great loss, in the removal from works to rewards, 
 of this our friend, a concern is felt to preserve a 
 memorial of him, in order to stimulate others, to 
 mind the same light he was concerned to walk in, 
 and which guided him to the true haven of rest, 
 where we doubt not, his redeemed spirit has safely 
 landed. 
 
 He was born in Westchester County the twenti- 
 eth day of Seventh month, 1800. His parents, 
 David and Judith Halsted, were exemplary mem- 
 bers of the society of Friends, and were deeply con- 
 cerned to bring up their children in the nurture 
 and admonition of the Lord ; and their labors 
 were indeed blest, seeing their son endeavoring to 
 follow their counsel. 
 
 He was from his early youth of a steady turn 
 of mind, careful not to do any thing to hurt the 
 feelings of his parents, or bring condemnation on 
 himself. 
 
 When he was about two years of age, his 
 parents moved and settled with their family in 
 Dutchess County, within the verge of Creek 
 Monthly Meeting, where he ever after resided. 
 
JOSIAK HALSTED. 241 
 
 In the twenty-second year of his age he joined 
 in marriage with Mary G, daughter of Peter and 
 Mary Hatfield, and settled near his parents. His 
 occupation being that of a farmer, he was indus- 
 trious and economical, and by his steady, upright 
 manner of doing business, his labors were blest. 
 He was particularly guarded against any kind of 
 speculation, believing it to be injurious, often 
 warning others of the tendency it had to unsettle 
 the mind, and unfit it for true and substantial en- 
 joyment, and always endeavored to discourage a 
 disposition to mingle with the many and various 
 excitements of the day. 
 
 Being of a cheerful open disposition it won for 
 him the esteem and respect of all who knew him, 
 and the kindness of his heart led him into sympa- 
 thy with those under suffering, and his ever ready 
 hand was oft stretched out for their relief. 
 
 He loved the company of his friends, and the 
 cordiality with which he entertained them, ren- 
 dered his home pleasant to all. 
 
 He spent most of his leisure moments in reading, 
 but careful in the selection of his books, giving 
 the scriptures of truth the preference at all times, 
 often saying he had always prized them from his 
 youth, and frequently spent a portion of the even- 
 ing in reading for the benefit of his family. He 
 was zealous in the attendance of religious meet- 
 16 
 
1242 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 ings, saying he believed the time spent in this 
 important duty, would be amply rewarded. 
 
 Being deeply concerned for the welfare of so- 
 ciety, he was enabled to fill the various appoint- 
 ments in meetings of business, much to the satii 
 faction of his friends. 
 
 His last sickness was short, but borne with much 
 composure and entire resignation, saying ** the 
 conflict will soon be over, then all will be peace, 
 perfect peace." Being favored with his mental 
 faculties to the last, he gave such advice to his 
 family as his strength would permit, then being 
 perfectly calm, it appeared his day's work was done; 
 thus giving evidence that he had not followed 
 cunningly devised fables, but that his mind was 
 established on the sure foundation. He departed 
 this life the twenty-ninth of Seventh month, 1858, 
 in the fifty-ninth year of his age. His funeral 
 took place first of Eighth month, at Creek Meet- 
 ing House, where a large and solemn meeting wa« 
 held on the occasion. 
 
 "m 
 
JUDITH HALSTED. 24S 
 
 A Memorial of our Friend Judith Halsted, 
 deceased. 
 
 With a hope that a review of the life of this 
 truly exemplary person, may prove an incentive 
 to those that are left, to endeavor to emulate her 
 Tirtues ; a concern is felt to preserve the follow- 
 ing memorial concerning her. 
 
 She was born in the Town of North Castle, 
 Westchester County, on the third of Eighth 
 month, 1780. Her parents, John and Judith 
 Griffin, were worthy members of the society of 
 Friends, from whom she received such counsel 
 and advice as she found profitable to follow 
 through the whole course of her life. In the 
 twentieth year of her age she joined in marriage 
 with our late friend David Halsted, to whom she 
 proved atrue help-mate, not only in regard to their 
 temporal affairs, but by her humble, consistent 
 walking, was enabled at times to speak an encoura- 
 ging word to him in his spiritual exercises. They 
 removed soon after their marriage to Dutchess 
 County, within the verge of Creek Monthly Meet- 
 ing, where they ever after resided. And as the 
 care of a family devolved upon her, she manifested 
 a tender concern, that she might instruct and di- 
 rect them in the true path, always careful that 
 
244 MEMORIAL OF 
 
 her example should correspond with her precepts. 
 From memorandums left^ written by herself, we 
 find she was often led to reflect on the uncertainty 
 of time, and fervently to desire that she might so 
 live as to receive an inheritance among those that 
 have come through much tribulation, and been 
 made perfect through sufiferings. 
 
 In the year eighteen-hundred and thirty she 
 experienced a close trial in the death of a beloved 
 daughter, when she writes thus — twenty-seventh of 
 Seventh month, 1830. ''Reflecting on the uncer- 
 tainty of my stay here, strong have been my de- 
 sires that my dear children may fulfil the first com- 
 mandment, which is love, as this will give strength 
 to endure with patience whatever may be per- 
 mitted to come upon them.'' 
 
 In the year 1839 she met with a still closer trial 
 in the death of her husband, and in a few months 
 after, of another daughter ; but expressed a de- 
 sire that she might not give out under affliction, 
 and thus writes, ** Feeling myself stripped of the 
 dear companion of my life, may it please thee, 
 Oh Holy One ! to be my support under the many 
 close trials that are meted out to me, well know- 
 ing that except thou art pleased to give strength 
 all my feeble efforts are vain. I have desired that I 
 may be preserved from murmuring, knowing that 
 the Judge of all the earth will do right. It will 
 
JUDITH HALSTED. 245 
 
 be but a little while and I shall be numbered with 
 the silent dead ; only let it stimulate me to be 
 also ready, well knowing ' the ways of Truth are 
 ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.' 
 I am confirmed that I have never changed my 
 views concerning the things that belong to my 
 everlasting peace, for I have ever believed that 
 they who fear the Lord and work righteousness 
 will be accepted of Him. 
 
 *' And my desire oft arises that I may so live that 
 honor may be brought to His ever worthy name 
 who has seen meet to place us here, in order to 
 praise and glorify Him on earth, that we may 
 enjoy Him in realms of eternal day. And I want 
 my dear children to know that I have not followed 
 cunningly devised fables, but a living and eternal 
 substance. 
 
 ''Although they may have witnessed many weak- 
 nesses in me, may it stimulate them to more 
 watchfulness, for my mind is at peace, sweet 
 Heavenly peace, which the world cannot give, 
 nor take away. And I believe the same power- 
 ful voice that called the Prophet when a child, is 
 calling to the children and people in this day, 
 which if they obeyed, as the Prophet did, there 
 would be ** judges raised as at the first, and coun- 
 sellors as at the beginning, who at times have to 
 weep as between the porch and the altar saying, 
 
24G MEMORIAL OF 
 
 spare thy people, Oh Lord ! and give not thy her- 
 ritage to reproach/* 
 
 Being of a social disposition, possessing a cul- 
 tivated mind, with a benevolent and sympathizing 
 heart, her society was much valued by her friends, 
 and having learned in the school of experience, 
 she was qualified to administer a word in season 
 to those under exercises and discouragements. 
 She was deeply concerned fur the promotion of 
 the good order of our Society, and in our meetings 
 for discipline. She was frequently led to exhort 
 friends to greater faithfulness, and so '' stir up the 
 pure mind by way of remembrance/* and often ex- 
 pressed the peace of mind she felt when returning 
 from meetings, saying, *• what a favor, that we 
 have a sure reward for every act of duty.** She 
 filled the various appointments in society, much to 
 the satisfaction of friends, standing in the capacity 
 of an Elder nearly forty years. 
 
 Her last sickness was borne with a cheerful- 
 ness and calmness, as might be expected of one 
 who had led such a life, and quietly did she 
 await her release from bodily suflFering. 
 
 Her intellect was preserved clear to the last — 
 she spoke of the approaching event with composure 
 and sweetness of spirit, saying to her family, 
 ** that her day's work was done, and that she had 
 
THOMAS FARRINGTON. 247 
 
 endeavored to have her accounts in readiness for 
 the great and final change." 
 
 She departed this life the tenth day of Third 
 month, 1858, in the 78th year of her age. Thus 
 closed the work of one, evincing to those around 
 her that '* the work of Righteousness is peace, and 
 the effect thereof quietness and assurance for- 
 ever." 
 
 A Testimony qfSkappaqua Monthly Meeting, con- 
 cerning our esteemed friend , Thomas Far- 
 RINQTON, deceased. 
 
 In forming a memorial for our esteemed friend, 
 Thomas Farrington, the encouraging language of 
 our Saviour, '* There is more joy in Heaven, over 
 one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and 
 nine, just persons who need no repentance," ap- 
 pears strikingly appropriate. And we present 
 this testimony to the world, that it may serve as 
 a landmark, to increase the faith of those who are 
 endeavoring to walk in the straight and narrow 
 path, as well as to encourage the degraded and 
 fallen, to return to the path of virtue and peace. 
 
 He was born fifth of Twelfth month, 1778. His 
 parents, Edward and Phebe Farrington, were 
 
248 MRMORTAL OP 
 
 members of our religious society, consequently, 
 Thomas was a birthright member. It appears in 
 younger life ho gave way to intemperance, which 
 drew him asick* from li^s friends, and as he ex- 
 pressed himself, *' I justly forfeited all claim to 
 membership." 
 
 Spirituous liquors, had taken such hold of him, 
 that he had almost lost his free agency. 
 
 And using his own words, '' going counter to 
 that light, and knowledge, which was made mani- 
 fest in the secret of my soul, again, and again, I 
 made covenant with my God, for, of myself I was 
 not able to do any good thing; I was plucked as 
 a brand from the burning, and my feet taken from 
 the mire, and the clay, and set upon the banks of 
 heartfelt deliverance, to speak forth praises to my 
 Heavenly Father." 
 
 He requested, and was again received a mem- 
 ber of our society in the fifty-ninth year of his age, 
 and was a steady attender of all our meetings, 
 going mostly on foot, and soon became an able 
 minister of the gospel, strengthening many minds 
 in the earnest zeal he manifested for the cause 
 of truth. He said he had spent so much of his life 
 in doing worse than nothing, that now he had but 
 little time, to do his Father's will, and must do 
 with all his might. 
 
 His travels in the ministry were not extensive, 
 
THOMAS FARRINGTON. 249 
 
 yet several times was he called from home, to do 
 his Master's will, within the limits of his own 
 Yearly Meeting ; which service we believe, he was 
 enabled to perform, to the peace of his own mind, 
 and to the general satisfaction of his friends. 
 He bore a faithful testimony to the corrupting in- 
 fluence of an hireling ministry, whilst love, charity, 
 and peace, he held forth as the noblest virtues. 
 
 Often was he led to review his past life, and to 
 speak in public of the path that he had trod, yes, 
 when a wretched inebriate, despised, and forsaken 
 by earthly friends, sunk as it were in a horrible 
 pit, bound in the prison bonds of earthly passions, 
 and selfish will ; and though at the time darkness 
 was around about him, yet through it all, he 
 heard ** the still small voice of his Divine Master's 
 love '' inviting him to return. 
 
 At such times, desires would arise within him, 
 that he might be raised from the fallen state, and 
 he would resolve to reform. 
 
 Often did he determine that he would no more 
 raise the intoxicating cup to his lips — and as often 
 failed, for such resolves, made by the strength of 
 his own will, were as inscriptions made on sand, 
 swept away by the first breath of temptation, and 
 he again, and again, plunged into a state almost 
 of despair — and it was not until after many such 
 struggles, many fierce conflicts, that be was made 
 
I 
 
 260 MEMORIAL OP 
 
 willing to surrender body and soul, unto the God 
 of all. A new song was then put in his mouth, 
 and he was made an instrument by the Lord's 
 hand, to raise the warning voice to transgressors, 
 and to entreat the return of the straying prodigal. 
 And we feel bound to record, that his public com- 
 munications gave abundant evidence of the Divine 
 power. His last sickness was protracted, and of 
 great bodily suffering, which he bore with chris- 
 tian fortitude, yet there were seasons when clouds 
 encompassed his mind, and he had to go down in 
 suffering, and deep baptism, and had to exclaim 
 with our Saviour, *'my God, my God why hast 
 thou forsaken me,'' and then add, '* I must go 
 down with him in suffering and death, if I know 
 an arising with him in Glory." 
 
 He expressed to a friend that visited him, his 
 fears, that the Good Master would forsake him', he 
 had done so little for his cause ; the friend an- 
 swered, thy Master never has forsaken thee, since 
 thou hast given up with full purpose of heart to 
 serve him ; he quickly replied I know that well. 
 
 A short time previous to bis departure on being 
 seated on his chair with his family, at the tea 
 table, after sitting in silence he broke forth with 
 these words, " I can eat no more bread, until I 
 eat it anew, in my Heavenly Father's kingdom, 
 where none can say they are sick, and where they 
 
THOMAS FARRINGION. 251 
 
 need not the light of the sun, or the moon, for the 
 Glory of the Lord, God, and the Lamb, is the light 
 thereof.'' 
 
 '' May thy will ! righteous Father be done in 
 me ; if I live, let it be to thy Glory, and honor ; 
 if I die, let it be in thy blessed cause ; be pleased 
 to continue to be with me, in the dark valley of the 
 shadow of death, and I shall fear no evil." 
 
 He interceded to the throne of Grace for his 
 friends, and for all his fellow heirs, bound for a 
 never ending eternity. His petition was long, 
 and full of love, and power, to the breaking of 
 heavenly bread, so that every soul was satisfied, 
 believing his work was nearly done, and well done, 
 and could say with him, now dear father, let thou 
 thy servant depart in peace, for our eyes have seen 
 thy salvation. 
 
 We fully believe, he went to sleep in this prayer- 
 ful state, in the arms of his Saviour's love, in the 
 eightieth year of his age, on the twenty-first of 
 Ninth month, 1858; and we doubt not, has enter- 
 ed that blessed state, where all is light; where 
 the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary 
 are at rest. 
 
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