some prophets, some evangelists, &c. (Read the fourth chapter of the Ephesians) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.' And the same apostle writing to the Corinthians in chapter twelfth, concerning the diversities of gifts, but the same spirit; saith, that a 'Manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal;' and this makes good the words of our Lord and Saviour to his disciples, John xvi. 'Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, and will guide you into all truth.' And seeing that which is to be known of God is manifested in man, for God hath showed it unto them, as in Rom. i. it is our message to you and all people wherever we come or go, to direct all to the Spirit of truth that convinceth of sin and leads into all truth. And this is the word nigh 'even in thy mouth and in thy heart,' Rom. x. which the apostle preached, and that every one that hath an ear might hear what the spirit saith, is no new doctrine, for as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God;' Rom. viii. 14. Why we should be reviled and abused for exhorting people that have believed in God, and in Christ Jesus, to be led by the Holy Spirit of God, that thereby they may work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, do ye judge. Though we have been unchristianly treated by you, yet we do suppose you know us not, and therefore we can pray and say in reality, 'Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they do;' for all that have persecuted God's people in every age, such was their blindness and hardness of heart, that they knew them not, as they were really concerned on the Lord's account. would not have crucified him, and put him to open shame. Neither did they know holy Stephen whom they ran upon, and stoned to death; neither did Paul while he was Saul, though brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, and exceeding many in learning and zeal, know the believers in Christ Jesus, but had his commission from the high priests to bring them bound to Jerusalem; and persecuted the true church with great severity, until the Lord appeared unto him by the way, saying, 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' And such was his ignorance when fear fell upon him, that he cried, 'Lord! who art thou?" Not to speak particularly of the persecutions under the Roman emperors, who knew not the Lord's people as they were truly his, and so persecuted them as deluded and heretics; but to come to the martyrs' day and time, who were persecuted by such as professed Christianity, under the name of being guilty of heresy and delusion, which they were never able to prove, and yet used all manner of severity against them, which plainly shows they knew them not as they were the Lord's witnesses upon earth, and counted worthy not only to believe, but also to suffer for his name's sake. And to come a little nearer also, to the professors in New England, which is scarcely an age past, who used such severity to our Friends there, that they hanged three men and a woman, and others they whipped, and beat severely, and some had their cars cut off, whereas nothing was ever proved against them by the testimony of the Holy Scripture, that will render them unsound either in faith or practice; all which severity shows those professors in New England to be of the same spirit that crucified Christ, stoned Stephen, and murdered the martyrs. And though a cloud of witnesses may be brought out of the Holy Scriptures and church histories, to prove that it was the birth born after the flesh that persecuted the birth born after the spirit; yet where do we read in the Gospel dispensation, that the true church, the bride, the Lamb's wife, used violence to any "It would be too tedious to go back to the days of the patriarchs and prophets, and speak of the blindness of the Sodomites, and the hard-people as you have done to us these two times. heartedness of the Jews, mentioned in the lamentation of our Lord and Saviour over Jerusalem; who killed the prophets, and stoned them that were sent unto them, until the day of their visitation was over, and the things belonging to their peace were hid from them. When our Lord and Saviour appeared in the prepared body to do the will of his Father, as the prophets had prophesied of him; though he wrought the works which no other could do, yet how few were there that believed in him. Neither did many of the learned Jews, nor wise Scribes and Pharisees know him as he was the Lord of life and glory, otherwise they And though this last time they were not so severe as before in beating us; yet the like severity in throwing an innocent people over a brow, as though they had been casting sheep into a water, not regarding old or young, without any just occasion, hath not been often known. One in performing a religious duty, which is, to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands unto God, was violently pulled off his knees, and dragged through the river where the ford was deepest; and amongst those who were severe, there was thy man the clerk, and schoolmaster, (as people said,) which, if so, shows no good government in thy family. Now seeing it hath been the advice of good men not to judge others before they hear them, all that we desire of thee is, to search us thoroughly both by word and writing; and I do not doubt but when thou comest to know us as we are, thou wilt be made to say, as some of thy brethren have been, who never came to be of our Society, 'Ye are not such people as ye are represented to be.' "A few lines from thee is desired, hoping thou wilt be charitable for the future concerning us. To love enemies is an incumbent duty; and here we desire to remain. "By a lover of truth and righteousness, "CHRISTOPHER STORY." The 26th of the sixth month, 1701, the foregoing paper was read publicly amongst them, in the hearing of many, as I am informed, and after divers consultations about it, at last they concluded, that to answer by silence would be best. Some time after, we had a meeting at the same place, and no disturbance; they used their endeavours privately to persuade the people not to come to the meeting, but as to words or writing were pretty quiet. THE END OF THE AUTHOR'S NARRATIVE. SUPPLEMENT. As he was favoured also with a good understanding in temporal affairs, in moral and civil rights, he was often employed in that good work of ending differences, and putting a period to strife among his neighbours of other communities, with great success; often satisfying both parties. Although he has given but little account of his services abroad in this collection, yet he often visited the churches in divers parts of this nation, as likewise in Ireland and Scotland, as is well remembered by many; and being frequently at the Yearly Meetings at London, attending the service there, he commonly spent much time in visiting Friends in several counties on such occasions, in his going up and returning. In the latter part of his time, it became much his concern to appoint meetings in fresh places, in which he was often very serviceable, his testimony being not only living and powerful, but plain, pertinent, and well adapted to various states, much tending to the opening of the understandings of people in things relating to the kingdom of Christ, as well in principle and doctrine, as practice. His behaviour and conduct at all times, was in such mildness and gravity, that it greatly adorned and confirmed his testimony; so that we have reason to believe, his labour of love had good effects. But as the Lord, in all ages of the world, hath HAVING carefully collected the foregoing ever called home his faithful servants, in the sheets out of the papers of this our worthy fulness of his own time, to reward them with Friend; and no farther account appearing peaceful and glorious habitations, it pleased among them of anything particularly relating him to visit this our dear Friend with a lingerto himself for many years together, it is a ing sickness about the seventy-second year of demonstration to us, that his concern has been his age, which gradually wasted his natural rather to leave to succeeding times the way strength; during all which time, he nevertheand manner truth first brake in upon this bar-less diligently attended the meeting to which ren country, (which at that time was like a wilderness as to the knowledge of God,) than to give a journal of his own services therein. These were not a few in the church in his day; there being many remaining witnesses of his diligence and application in encouraging and confirming the churches in this country, where his service was truly great, and among whom he was honourably esteemed, being as a tender father and a faithful watchman over the flock of Christ, that nothing might get in among or prevail over them that would prove hurtful, and hinder the work of regeneration. he belonged. And though his outward man decayed, yet his inner man was strong in the Lord, as appeared by the many living and comforting testimonies he bore during his bodily weakness. In the time of his illness many excellent things dropped from his lips, on divers occasions, and he was surely one of those (as appeared from his own mouth) whose hope is in the Lord in the time of his death, which happened at his own house at Righead, on the 6th of the eleventh month, 1720. His body was interred in our burying-place adjacent, on the 8th of the same; on which occasion a large congregation of Friends and others assembled, where the Lord was pleased to engage some of his servants in living testimonies to his truth and way of life, and salvation by Christ our Saviour; through whom to God the Father of all, be attributed and ascribed all dominion and praise, as alone worthy now and for The Lord having favoured him with a good understanding and peculiar talent in the Discipline of the church, he was careful and very diligent to exercise the same, to the comfort of God's people; and his labour among them was in much plainness and sincerity, being very tender over the weak, but zealous against the wilful and stubborn, to whom he was often a ever. terror. ROBERT LATimer. Several letters of CHRISTOPHER STORY to his wife; written in his absence from home on Truth's service. Edinburgh, the 13th of the 10th month, 1680. Dear Wife, My love in that which is unchangeable is unto thee and my dear children, with a true desire for your preservation and well-being every way, but especially in the blessed truth of our God, for we are made sensible that all things that can be enjoyed appertaining to this life, will vanish and come to an end; but to know a well-being in the Lord, who is without beginning of days, or end of years, whose kingdom is from everlasting to everlasting, is precious; and blessed and happy are all they who have received the promise and earnest of this inheritance, in their own hearts. They have more cause to rejoice and be exceeding glad, than they that enjoy the increase of corn, wine, and oil, or anything that is visible. Having through well-doing and obedience to thy Maker, received in thy measure, the earnest and promise of everlasting life if thou abide faithful, O! continue faithful, for the Lord who hath promised, will certainly perform, for his promises are all yea and amen for ever, unto all that walk before him with an upright heart. Let thy care and concern be to serve the Lord with all thy heart, and let him have the chief room there, that so the Lord may delight to abide with thee; that through the daily enjoyment of his presence, thou mayest have cause to rejoice, and by living experience say, 'In his presence there is fulness of joy, and at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore.' At present I am well every way, blessed be the Lord. I have had a prosperous journey hitherto; and for aught I know, am clear of the west; I have seen Friends for the most part, and I could not pass by four Friends in the west, which was near forty miles out of my way, and was well refreshed to see them, and I had the company of two good Friends, to wit, Hugh Wood and John Hart. At this meeting last first-day, where were many good Friends, we had a comfortable time; and truly, I can say to the praise of the Lord, as I am diligent in waiting upon him, the Lord is near me to my comfort and encouragement, blessed be his name for ever. I am intending, if the Lord enable me with health and liberty, to go for the north shortly. My love once more to thee, my father and mother, and to my children, and friends and relations, as though named, hoping that all the honest-hearted are sensible of my love, as I am of theirs; in remembrance of which love, my heart has been broken, and my spirit bowed before the Lord many times; And now, dear wife, let thy care be great over my children; and tell them, as they will answer me, that they be obedient to thee, their mother, in all things. And let my son Richard know, that I desire him not to go abroad in the night time, but keep at home, and be obedient to thee, and loving, and a good example to the rest of the children; and if it please God that I may return in safety, it will be my care to reward according to their doings. This being the most at present from thy ever loving husband, CHRISTOPHER STORY. Bristol, the 30th of the 9th month, 1689. Dear and loving Wife, In that love and life which is stronger than death, where the souls of a remnant ascend over all unto God, delighting themselves in his presence, do I very dearly salute thee, and recommend thee unto the Lord, in whom our life and breathing is, whose presence is everywhere, and always ready to do good unto his, that truly and sincerely love and wait upon him. I know unto such his mercies are as the dew, and his kindness as the small rain, watering every plantation that is his, that through all that is here below, the mind may be centred and wholly gathered into the weighty Seed, which is sufficient to preserve us all unto the kingdom of rest and peace with the Lord, where all the holy ancients inhabit. And now the day being come, wherein the Lord is betrothing many unto himself, may we partake of this glory and holy habitation; in beholding which many are made to bow down in spirit, and say, Worthy, worthy art thou, O God, who livest for ever, to rule, and reign, and have dominion in the hearts of thy children, for the Lamb that was slain is alive, and we live by him. Because of this, my soul rejoices at this time, and makes me say with reverence and holy fear, Glory to God on high, and to the Lamb who lives for ever. And dear wife, press daily to gather our children unto a sense of this; and I entreat thee watch over them for good, that the Lord our God, who hath blessed us, may bless our children. And though I am separated for a time, I am not unmindful of you in my prayers; neither am I doubtful, but the Lord will bless every one with a portion of his spirit as they are faithful. Give the remembrance of my dear love to my father and mother, and to all my dear children, whom I pray God he may bless. Your care concerning me I know will be great; but by this know I am very well every way, for which I bless the Lord. We are now at Bristol, and we purpose to go to London, to be there about Newcastle, the 11th of the 9th month, 1692. Dear and loving Wife, This comes to acquaint thee, I am very well, blessed be the Lord; and have had a peaceable journey to my great satisfaction and comfort, and I can say, though alone, I have not wearied, for Friends' love hath been such, that after the first day's journey, I have not often wanted company, beyond my expectation. I had a drawing in my mind to Glasgow, to be there the first-day after I went from home, and pressing forward, visited Friends by the way; when I came there I met with Andrew Jaffray and John Hall of Aberdeen. We had the greatest meeting of Friends, that we have heard hath been in that place, and had it peaceable, to our comfort, till near the conclusion, and then one of the magistrates with other officers, dispersed us, but they offered little abuse, only mocked and scoffed us; but it being the first-day would not stone us. We stayed in Glasgow all night, and without any disturbance left the town, and | several Friends being in company, took meetings by the way, till we came to Edinburgh, to their Quarterly Meeting, where we had some precious meetings to our great comfort; several Friends being there from divers parts of the nation. I remained in Edinburgh till the first-day was over, so set forward, visiting Friends' meeting at Kelso and Otterburn, and yesternight came hither. I intend to visit most of the meetings in Bishoprick, am likely to come through some of the Dales in Yorkshire, and so to Westmoreland. Dear wife, I would not have thee be any otherwise concerned for me, than that our only delight may be in the Lord, for it is hither the righteous are gathered, knowing assuredly that all other joys and comforts will fade away as in a moment. Therefore let us be joined to the Lord, in the one spirit, where the aboundings of love are known, and the refreshing streams of his kindness are plentifully drunk of: for though wife may be near unto husband, and husband near unto wife, yet the Lord is all in all to his people; he is known to be more than all to a remnant. It is in the Lord only, that we can rightly enjoy one another, and bless his name when we are together, and when we are separated one from another; for the Lord is opening the understandings of his people, to see that they that marry are to be as though they married not, and they that possess, as though they possessed not. He is at work in the hearts of his people, to wean them from having their chief delight in that which is fading and visible, and to set it on that which is invisible, where the just shine as the firmament, and the faithful are as the angels of God, married to the Lamb, for ever and ever. All that are rightly come to the dawning of this day in their own particulars, [are arrived] where a taste of this glory is enjoyed, which will make all the upright in heart say, One day with the Lord, is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. It is the sense of these things, which as unspeakable joys are set before the eyes of the faithful, makes many deny themselves of the enjoyment of other things which may be dear unto them, and as the apple of their eye. Therefore the mark being before, O that we may ever keep here, where we are more and more sensible of the glorious presence of the Lord, to shine upon our tabernacles, then shall we witness the morning stars to sing together, and the sons of God to shout for joy. Here the smiles of his countenance are known, where many are saying in their hearts, "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." It is hither the Lord hath brought and is bringing his lambs to rest, where he is feeding his flocks in the pleasant vallies, beside the still waters, where the voice of the turtle is heard, and the rose of Sharon blossoms and casts a sweet smell. The Lord preserve thee, my dear wife, with all my dear children here, then will you be an honour to the Lord, and a joy and comfort one unto another; so shall your peace spring as a river, and your righteousness be as the waves of the sea. It is my daily travail, that Sion may arise and shine in her ancient beauty, and Jerusalem may be the praise of the whole earth, and that the knowledge of the Lord may cover the earth as the waters cover the seas, that God over all may be exalted, who is worthy, now and for ever. I am in great haste, but desire to have my very dear love remembered to my father and mother, and all my dear children as if named, and love to all Friends that may inquire after me. I rest thy ever loving husband, CHRISTOPHER STORY. THE END. A BRIEF NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF GILBERT LATEY, COMPRISING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF FRIENDS' MEETINGS IN LONDON. PREFACE. mayed or hindered thereby from approaching any in authority. With great humility, in the love of God, he attended them when the Lord's servants were under sufferings, in order to get the oppressed eased, and the imprisoned set at liberty. By perusing his life, thou wilt find how indefatigable he was, yet walking inoffensively both to Jew and Gentile, and the church of God. I conclude with desires both for myself, and all those who are quickened in the Lord, that we may persevere in the way wherein this servant walked, and not be like those mentioned in Judges, who arose after the death of Joshua and the elders, and "knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel." To render lines harmonious to every ear, is hardly possible; yet since no part of history is more instructive and pleasing than the lives of good men; though the present treatise may not entertain the reader with a great variety, it is hoped it will afford some things acceptable, which deserve imitation, and may be a means to persuade him to religion and virtue. Such memorials are fit to be delivered to posterity as carry with them evident tokens of the Divine goodness and protection; yet not to procure glory to man, to set up his wisdom, or natural or acquired parts, but to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Time here is short, in comparison with eternity; it glides away Wherefore, reader, my desire is, that we apace and possibly it may not be long ere who remain may follow the Lord faithfully; thy forehead, reader, begin to wrinkle, and and that he may raise in us the same zeal, thy hair change gray, thy eyes become dim, diligence and valour, as he did in this our anand knees tremble, and thou perhaps to all cient Friend, and the rest of the elders that enjoyments here, be as though thou hadst received the truth in the morning of the day never been. As the following passages of the of the Lord, is the sincere breathing of thy life of my beloved uncle came chiefly from friend, himself, as to what relates to the first break RICHARD HAWKINS. ing GILBERT Latey. ing forth of the blessed truth in this city; and much of the latter part of his time was within the compass of my own knowledge, (we hav- The Testimony of GEORGE WHITEHEAD, concerning lived together above forty-two years,) I shall set them forth in that plainness which in THIS Our ancient Friend and brother learned those early times attended the Lord's servants. obedience through the cross of Christ, and by This our dear friend was preserved through His grace approved himself faithful in his place all the powers and governments which were and station, being made a living and useful in his time, keeping in the self-denial, bearing member in His church, and well approved in the cross of our only Mediator and blessed his testimony and service in his day. He was Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ; by which constant in his love to his brethren; and hated he became crucified to the world and its glory; hypocrisy and dissimulation, divisions and not valuing the lofty yet empty titles of men, causing of schisms. He was for many years high and great in the world, so as to be dis- my true companion in laborious solicitations |