wonderfully preserved me in this great and arduous engagement, through this long wilderness, with a measure of that peace, which he the Lord only can give, and it pleaseth him to bestow it upon those who in faithfulness follow him, in the way of his requirings.

and in a dark, frosty night in an open boat: excellent name for ever more, who has so we concluded we must be all dead by morning. At length it pleased Divine Providence to cause the wind to lull, as the sailors term it, and we got a little forward, but it soon increased again, and we were in great distress, and it was now almost dark; our horses also began to be very unruly, which increased our diffi culty. Some of the men would have us endeavour to go back again to the place where we entered into the boat; others said it was impossible, and advised our using our utmost strength to get forward, which we did, and with long and hard labour we at length got happily over to the other side, but far wide from the landing-place, and reached a Friend's house not far distant. I hope to be thankful for this merciful deliverance, and in future to be more attentive to my inward feelings, which when duly attended to are many times preservatives both from spiritual and temporal dangers.

First-day, the 15th, rode to Goshen, where we lodged at our worthy friend Thomas Goodwin's, a minister of the Gospel, who paid a religious visit to England in the year 1762. Second-day was at their meeting, and went home with Aaron Ashbridge, an elder in good esteem, who was husband to Elizabeth Ashbridge, a minister well approved; she visited some parts of England and Ireland in company with Sarah Worrall, who was also well approved of in the same religious capacity. Yet it pleased the Lord to visit them with sickness, under which affliction they long lingered, and with hard travel, and inward and spiritual exercise grew weaker and weaker, and at length quietly departed this life, and I doubt not are at rest and peace with the Lord. Fourth-day, was at Concord Meeting, which was a day of great power, wherein the Gospel of Christ was preached in good authority, and the great Name praised, who is worthy for ever and ever. From hence to Nathan Lewis's, who is a minister, as is also his wife; she visited some parts of Europe about the year 1753. Seventhday at the Valley meeting; I thought it like unto Rephidim, a place where there was no water: I was altogether silent, but my companion, Thomas Carleton, communicated a little matter. After meeting to Edward Jones's, where I was met by my kind friend and landlord John Pemberton, who brought me letters from my dear wife and children, with good accounts respecting their welfare, for which my mind was made humbly thankful. First-day, 22nd, was at Radnor meeting. Second-day to Haverford, and so to Philadelphia; through Divine favour, in very good health blessed and praised be his great and VOL. II.--No. 12.

[John Pemberton about this time writes thus to Mary Oxley:] "Thy dear husband has stepped along wisely, and has gained the love of Friends, and, indeed, it is a great blessing and mercy to be so preserved, and I expect he will leave us much united to him. Visiting the churches in our time is attended with much suffering: frequent baptisms into death, in sympathy with the suffering seed, is the allotment of the Gospel labourers; but where faith and strength are vouchsafed to discharge duty, there is a satisfaction; and the sweet evidence which at times through adorable condescension is granted to the sincere in heart, who have nothing in view but the glory of God, and the good of souls, and that they may be found faithful, tends to support in seasons of secret mourning."

[The following is an extract of a letter from Joseph Oxley to his wife:]

Philadelphia, 1st of First month, 1772.

Since my last to thee I have been visiting Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, and about two days since was met by my kind friend John Pemberton, who gave account of the Pennsylvania packet, Captain Osborne, being arrived, and brought me thine of 2nd of ninth month, which is truly acceptable, with the comfortable tidings of thine and our family's welfare. My last would acquaint thee with my intention of returning by Osborne. The time of her sailing is settled to be the middle of next month, if nothing unforeseen prevent. Having finished what I apprehend to be my duty, I am waiting in the city, visiting Friends. I think I may say I find much freedom and openness in their hearts, as well as in their houses to receive me, and am shown much respect by Friends in general, though undeservedly. I am, through the favour of a kind Providence, in good health and tolerable spirits, content with my wages, and murmur not.

Dear Elizabeth Smith continues in great bodily weakness, and more likely to die than to live. Samuel Emlen, at our last Monthly Meeting at Philadelphia, laid before the meeting a concern he had on his mind, to pay a religious visit to Friends in some parts of Great Britain; also another Friend, John Woolman, a wise sensible man, having a good gift in the ministry and well approved of, has a concern of the like kind, more particularly

60

to Yorkshire. I suppose the latter will hardly satisfaction; I found him solid and weighty, leave the continent till the summer. and since that time have heard well concern. ing him.

On the 12th went with Benjamin Swett to Mount Holly meeting; and, in our way thither, about four miles from Burlington, we went into the woods to see a person of whom Samuel Smith in his history of the Jerseys writes thus:

May Divine Providence bless us, keep us, and preserve us temporally and spiritually, by sea and land, that we may once more meet together, rejoice in the mercy and goodness of God, and live to praise and adore his great and excellent name, who is worthy for ever! I again salute thee, my endeared wife and affectionate companion, and you, my beloved "Four miles from hence, a recluse person, children, with the blessing of a loving hus- who came a stranger, has lived alone near band and tender father: you still remain the twelve years, (now twenty,) in a thick wood, objects of my care, with strong cries to the through all the extremities of the seasons, Lord for preservation both for you and me. under cover of a few leaves, supported by the During this long separation, I have had many side of an old log, and put together in the trials, exercises, and besetments you know not form of a small oven, not high or long enough of, through all which the Almighty's power to stand upright or lie extended. He talks has wrought my deliverance, praised be his Dutch, but unintelligibly, either through de great name for it; and you, though not in the sign, or from defect in his intellects: whence same way, have, I doubt not, had your trials, he came or what he is, nobody about him can even to the trial of your faith and patience; find out. He has no contrivance to keep fire, and it is as we endure these siftings and prov-nor uses any in very cold weather: he lies ings that our souls are purified, and our un-naked, stops the hole he creeps in and out at derstanding and judgment ripened; thus we are fitted for service, some in one way, and some in another: therefore, live and walk in him, in whom ye have believed.

JOSEPH Oxley.

with leaves: he mostly keeps in his hut, but sometimes walks before it; lies on the ground, and cannot be persuaded to work much, nor without violence, to forsake this habit, which he appears to delight in, and enjoy full health. When the woods and orchards afford him no nuts, apples, or other relief as to food, he ap plies now and then for bread to the neighbour. hood, and with that is quite satisfied; he refuses money, but has been frequently clothed by charity: he seems to be upwards of forty years of age (now sixty,) as to person rather under the middle size-calls himself Francis."

The hard frost being now set in, stopped the navigation; I spent much of my leisure time in paying religious visits to Friends in their families, which being numerous, occupied my time till the first month, 1772. This service, I had cause to believe was in the will of the Lord, who gradually leadeth his servants forward into service, step by step, to their joy After meeting at Mount Holly, which was and his people's rejoicing. The 6th of second low, went to Evesham, and lodged at William month, I was at the Youths' Meeting in Phila- Foster's, a justice of the peace. After meet delphia, which was attended by some Friends ing at Evesham, went to the house of our anfrom the country. At this meeting was Nich-cient friend and minister of the Gospel Thomas olas Waln, who had his education amongst Evans, and lodged; and from thence next day the Society, but was brought up to the law, to Philadelphia, where I met with my dear and became great in his profession as a coun- companion Samuel Neale: we greeted each sellor, and who had pleaded at court but a other in brotherly love and affection, and were very few days before. He sat under an awful pleased to see one another in the enjoyment of weighty exercise of mind from the early sitting health and peace. On the 18th was at Londown of the meeting, and removed his seat don Grove Quarterly Meeting, which was large, into the ministering Friends' gallery; he ap- and owned by the Master's presence to our peared to be agitated, and trembled very much: mutual comfort and strength: his works praise after sitting about half an hour, he kneeled his name! John Churchman, William Brown, down and prayed; but his behaviour and dress John Pemberton, and many other men who being so contrary to such an appearance, oc- were in the ministry, besides many women casioned Friends to be much divided, and made Friends in the like capacity, attended on this some disorder in the meeting, but afterwards occasion. The next day returned to Philait settled and ended to the edification of many.delphia, where I continued my friendly visits The said Nicholas Waln declined his practice to Friends' families, and prepared myself for as a counsellor, which it was said brought him embarking to Europe.

in from one thousand five hundred to two thou- All things being now got in readiness for sand pounds per annum. I went, at his re-my departure, Sarah Morris, of whom I have quest, to visit him, in which visit I had much several times made mention, having at length

on board was five weeks and three days. My mind was made thankful for this great mercy and favour, the Lord's mighty preservation and protection, whilst on this large continent, as also on the wide ocean; in consideration of which, my soul praises His holy name, who is worthy for ever and ever! The next day I came up to London with my companions, and was kindly received by our friends and my dear relations. After two or three days stay in London, I set out for Norwich on the 15th of fourth month, 1772, and got well home the same evening to my dear wife and children and friends, who all expressed great joy and thankfulness at secing me; and so it was to me, after an absence from them of about one year and nine months, in which time I travelled, by a moderate computation, thirteen thousand seven hundred and fifty-five miles.

THE END OF JOSEPH OXLEY'S JOURNAL.

yielded in obedience to what she believed to be her duty, in paying a religious visit to Friends in England, and having Friends' concurrence, approbation, and certificate, it was thought well we should accompany one another over the great ocean. She had also a kinswoman to accompany her, and though one not in the ministry, yet was exercised in spirit for the prosperity of Truth, and having near sympathy with her aunt in her present concern, gave up to attend her in her said undertaking her name was Deborah Morris; and, indeed, I thought her an excellent mother, raised up in our Israel. On the third-day of the week, being 3d of third month, we had a short but weighty sitting together in the house of our dear friend John Pemberton, to which place many were gathered, in order to take their last farewell; it was a time of love, wherein our minds were much affected, and our spirits broken and contrited before the Lord, who was pleased to bless us together; in this heavenly frame, we took our leave and parted! Several of our kind friends from the city accompanied us to Chester, the place where we were to embark, Samuel Neale, John Pemberton, and I suppose more than thirty in number: after we had taken some little refreshment at Chester, we retired into a humble awful reverent waiting, which was again graciously owned, and crowned with heavenly life and power. After thus taking our farewell of our dear Friends, many of whom went with us to the brink of the waters and then returned, we set sail on board the Pennsylvania packet, Peter Osborne commander. The nearness of unity into which I was brought with these beloved Friends and citizens has made deep impressions on my Of the few additional particulars that have mind, which I trust will prove lasting, and come to hand respecting Joseph Oxley, the made it very hard for me to part with them. editor has only to produce an extract from the We ran aground twice before we left the testimonial of his friends, given forth after his Capes of Delaware, and the latter time threat-removal by death, respecting his character and ened great danger; the captain and sailors latter end; and to close the volume, by insaid there was but little likelihood of getting serting a letter from his valued companion in the ship off again, the wind blowing pretty ministerial labour and travel, Samuel Neale, hard. But the men used their utmost en-addressed to his widow, on receiving the indeavours, which Providence was pleased to telligence of his release from the probations of bless, and the ship worked off, but the captain time. said he hardly knew how: my soul reverently praises Him who wrought this deliverance for

us.

We passed through much stormy weather, but through mercy were in a good degree preserved in stillness, trusting in him who hath power to still the winds and calm the seas at his pleasure.

About thirty-one days after we left the Capes we got to soundings, and the next day brought us in sight of land, and on the 10th of the fourth month, my companions and I landed at Dover, which time from our going

It does not appear that this humble-minded servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, continued his journal, or left much if anything on record of his life or religious exercises, after his return from America. This sacrifice seemed like the winding up of his day's work, and was crowned with the sheaves of peace in his bosom, and the answer of "Well done" from his great and good Master, as to a faithful steward in the Gospel vineyard; likewise, with the approbation of his friends in various parts of the heritage, amply expressed by them in their public documents, where his lot had been cast, as well as in private correspondence.

"Joseph Oxley was a man exemplary in conduct, and agreeable in conversation, honest in advice, charitable in sentiment, universal in benevolence, deservedly esteemed by his neighbours, and beloved by his friends.

"A few months before his decease, he was impressed with a sense that his departure was at no great distance; and sometimes hinted to some nearly connected with him, that it would be sudden;-yet, not as fearing it, but rather in a serious and pleasing acquiescence with the prospect.

Accordingly, after attending two meetings sire, that I may so fill my lot here in the on first-day the 22nd of the tenth month, 1775, which were held in silence, and spending the evening with his family, in a disposition more than ordinarily pleasant, he cheerfully went up to bed; where he laid but a few minutes, before it pleased Almighty Goodness to take him from the vicissitudes of mutability, without a struggle, or passing through the tedious and afflicting pains commonly incident to nature no doubt, to him, an easy passage to a heavenly mansion.

"His remains were interred in Friends' burial-ground at Norwich, the 26th of the tenth month, 1775, in the sixty-first year of his age, and thirty-fourth of his ministry."

SAMUEL NEALE TO MARY OXLEY.

church militant, as to be ready when the messenger arrives, to give an account of my stew. ardship, so as to meet acceptance, and an entrance into the church triumphant. There are many called, but when made willing to be chosen, something interposes, dazzling, worldly pomp, splendour, or the cords which allure that way, and which sink the mind in supineness, stop the ardency of the awakened intention, and so turn into the wilderness, where many are torn as with the briars and thorns; and some are corrected, but sustain so many wounds, that they become lame and impotent, and centre down in an unprofitable state both to themselves and the church, and the stream of Divine life becomes dried up in them. May this never be our lot, but may we daily know the girding of the heavenly Master, keep on the armour that he has once given, and ei Springmount, 19th of First month, 1776. the unction that brightens the shield; that we About a month ago I heard of the removal may have fellowship with the living; gradualof my truly near and dear companion, thy ly ascending the hill, where the clean-handed dear deceased husband, whose translation is have their residence, and are replenished with to a better inheritance than to continue on this the water that issues therefrom, that ever did theatre of probation. A letter from dear Ed- and still makes glad the heritage. I trust, mund Gurney brought the tidings to Robert dear friend, the Lord of living mercies will be Dudley, and he to me at our last Quarterly with thee in thy pilgrimage, sustain thee with Meeting it struck me with surprise, and yet, food convenient, strengthening thy bow, and when I consider the man and where he dwelt, fitting for whatever he requires. When we I look upon it only as a remove from a limited are shaken with an uncommon, unexpected Goshen here, to a Goshen of endless light and stroke in our experience, we are like the needle duration. I seldom or ever have known him in the compass-box, greatly agitated, and it appear in his vestment, but it covered him will take some time before we settle so as to diffident and humble he was, preferring others be able to traverse truly; but by centering in before himself. He waded along with becoming fortitude in his visit to the churches in America and Ireland, and was universally esteemed. In his last moments the great Master unveiled his kindness to him, in removing him without much conflict or pain, his spirit es- It gives me pleasure to hear how my dear caping from a mansion of mortality into a friend's family is likely to settle; and, if they mansion of immortality and eternal life, where keep to the saving Truth their worthy father he has entered his lot, and sings with the sanc- loved, and served, and lived in, they may be tified the songs of thanksgiving and praise! ornaments in their day in the church and in Thy letter I received two days ago, which I the world, and inherit his virtues. My dear love acknowledge as a favour, and can sympathize to them, and particularly my friend Joseph, with thee in the removal of a living branch of whose union I trust is established in the coun thy family, who had not only leaves, but fruit sel of best wisdom; the reward annexed is also: his residence was near the spring which righteousness and peace. I salute thee and replenished his life, covered his head in the them in near sympathy and affection, and rehour of Gospel labour, and kept him in the main, in the fellowship of Gospel love, union and fellowship of the faithful at home and abroad.

Dear friend, when I consider how many are called from works to rewards, it raises a de

a state of quietness and acquiescence to the Master's will, we shall feel the influence of the heavenly attraction, and our spirits will be directed in the right line of duty, to our own peace and the Master's praise.

Thy nearly united friend,

SAMUEL NEALE.

END OF THE LIFE OF JOSEPH OXLEY.

MEMOIR OF JOHN WATSON.

JOHN WATSON was born in the year 1651, | father, meetings of Friends were occasionally and came with his father into Ireland, in 1658 Kilconner, in the county of Carlow, became the family residence.

In 1674, John Watson married Anne Tomlinson, whose parents had settled in Ireland about the time of his father's removal thither. Their daughter Elizabeth accompanied a His wife joined herself to the Society of which ministering woman Friend in a journey to the her husband was a member, and both patiently province of Ulster; and there, remote from endured the father's remonstrance against his her parents, sickened of the small-pox. On son's change of his profession of religion. In receiving this information, her father went to these remonstrances he was seconded by arch- her. The state of the roads and posts at that deacon Plummer, who, finding persuasion un-time did not permit the anxious mother to reavailing, threatened him with a prison; to which threat the pious young man replied: "I do not fear it, but will make ready for one;" and thereupon disposed of some of the land which he occupied, to lessen his rent and incumbrances.