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FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER.

VOL. XIV.

PHILADELPHIA, TWELFTH MONTH 26, 1857.

EDITED BY AN ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS'

PUBLISHED BY WM. W. MOORE,
No. 324 South Fifth Street,
PHILADELPHIA,

Five Dollars.

Every Seventh day at Two Dollars per annum, payable in advance. Three copies sent to one address for Communications must be addressed to the Publisher free of expense, to whom all payments are to be made.

No. 41.

meetings, to keep in quiet and digest what hath been given.

In Limerick she felt bound to visit the families of Friends, respecting which service and other religious engagements she thus writes:

"The path of public meetings is trying, but family visiting is the hardest by far. Ah! it is lamentable to feel how the precious seed is oppressed almost every where, while many who have not our privileges would thankfully partake

EXTRACTS FROM THE LIFE OF MARY DUDLEY. of even the least of them. (Continued from page 627.)

In the 3d mo. 1807, she spent a week or two in Cork, feeling bound to sit a few meetings with Friends there, and also to encourage some who were appointed to perform a family visit by joining in a few of the first sittings. She afterwards obtained from her own monthly meeting a certificate for some religious service among Friends, as well as those of other professions, in Leinster and Munster, and after attending the National Yearly Meeting in Dublin, had a public meeting in that city, and thence proceeded to Mount Mellick.

"The usual meeting at Mountrath was deferred to twelve o'clock on Fifth day, and an invitation circulated among the inhabitants; many solid persons attended, and He who prepareth the heart and from whom is the auswer of the tongue, strengthened for the work which He required. At the conclusion, such as were in profession with us were requested to remain, and a time of labor succeeded which proved relieving to my mind.

"Sixth day we went to Rosenallis, where a barn had been niccely fitted up and a meeting appointed for the evening. It was nearly filled, principally with those of the laboring classes, while some few of a different description were present; and though it is not remembered by any Friends here that a meeting has been held in this place before, yet the manner of the people sitting was like those who were well acquainted with silent waiting. Their minds felt in such a prepared state, that it was no wonder a gracious Provider should see meet to afford something for their refreshment, which I trust was the case; and the labor was attended with a hope that it would not be all in vain. The manner of their withdrawing from the meeting was solemn, and I heard no word spoken, nor saw any one even whispering a good lesson for us after solid

"The meeting on First-day evening was largely attended by the upper class of inhabitants, several clergymen, the mayor, recorder, &c., being present. It was mercifully owned by the sweet influence of divine regard, under which ability was graciously vouchsafed for the appointed work; and a sustaining hope attended that the precious cause of truth and righteousness was not injured by the humble advocate, and that the efforts to promote it would not be altogether lost.

"In the meeting on First-day morning we passed through much close exercise; there is a variety of ground on which labor is to be bestowed, and truly there is very hard soil in the minds of many professors of the pure truth, but it felt like getting through the work, the sense whereof was thankfully accepted.

"Having felt much respecting Adair, a village eight miles from Limerick, I was not satisfied to defer the visit there longer than First-day afternoon; we therefore went soon after meeting, and I. M. H. having written to a serious clergyman on the subject, we found a large room preparing, and the meeting appointed for five o'clock. He came to see us a little before the time, and some interesting conversation occurred; but the season was too limited for all he appeared anxious to know or say, and we went to meeting, where a large number of solid people assembled. The stillness was remarkable, and the doctrines of the gospel seemed to have ready entrance into prepared minds, as truth qualified for declaring them. My soul was bowed in thankful acknowledgment of divine mercy, and we separated from this simple, religiously disposed company, under the impression of much love. They are called Palatines, being mostly descendants of Germans; they are generally farmers, who live in a neat and comfortable manner.

and request thy kind acceptance of two little tracts, which I consider instructively explanatory of the religious principles professed by us as a Society and with sentiments of esteem and gospel love, I am thy sincerely well wishing friend, MARY DUDLEY.”

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"Fourth day at twelve o'clock a meeting was | feel inclined to write to me. I herewith send, held at Castleconnell, it was, to my feelings, an awful season. The room was crowded with different descriptions, some giddy and thoughtless, many disposed to be solid, two clergymen, and several of a superior class of the inhabitants; but a large number of such as know little beyond getting within sound of the voice, unsettled and at times disturbing to others; but gracious help was near, and we had reason to be thankful, whether the labor prove availing or not." Before leaving Limerick, she addressed the folowing letter to the clergyman at Adair:

"Limerick, 6th mo. 22d, 1807.

"Dear Friend,-I regretted that we were so limited for time, yesterday, as to prevent our further acquaintance with each others' sentiments, in the line of free communication, to which thou appeared inclined; and wherein as far as I might be enabled and at liberty, I should have willingly met thee, believing it is consistent with the duty we owe one to another, to be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear.' I believe, when this is done in the spirit of love, which is that of the gospel, it will not have a tendency to raise a wall of separation; but even when we do not think exactly alike on some points, draw us nearer to that source of light and life, wherein the one blessed state of Christian unity is attained, and the acknowledgment produced that to such as believe, to the saving of the soul, there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism.' I doubt not thou earnestly desires that this precious experience may be that of thousands, and tens of thousands, yea, that the earth may be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.' I can fully unite herein, and believe assuredly that the God of universal love and mercy is bringing many to the knowledge of that salvation so freely and fully offered; and also preparing many instruments who, in His holy hand, will be used in forwarding the great work which is evidently on the wheel of divine power. When led to contemplate this, I frequently consider that in order to be made as polished shafts in His quiver, such must abide in patient submission to His preparing, qualifying power, and wisely learn the times and seasons, which being in the Heavenly Father's hand, are in His wisdom measured out, and prove by His blessing times of refreshing from His holy presence.

"These remarks I had not a view of making when I took up my pen, just to say I sincerely wished thee well, and the Lord's cause well, in that and every part of His habitable earth; but having moved in the liberty which I trust the truth warrants, I hope it may not be unacceptable to thee, from whom in the same, I should be well pleased to hear at any time, shouldst thou

A visit to the families in Youghall succeeded her engagements at Limerick, and she also held several public meetings there, and in the city of Cork; respecting these services she observes:

"I have struggled on under a weight of bodily oppression, but faith is, at times, mercifully victorious over the weakness of the flesh and spirit. So doth our gracious Helper fulfil His own promise, and evince His power in the needed time.

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My conflicts have not been small for right direction, and I wish for the clothing of resignation, though my own will may be more and more crucified. Some seasons were in a very particular manner owned by the diffusion of solemn influence; and while I have a humble hope that the precious cause of truth has not suffered, I do gratefully accept the feeling of release from this part of the vineyard."

My beloved mother returned home from this journey early in the Eighth month, with a relieved and peaceful mind; but under such a sense of impending affliction as made her frequently sad, and induced the expression of a settled belief that something peculiarly trying to her nature was at hand. It was not long before her habitation became the scene of awful calamity; her beloved husband, the only son who was at home, and her eldest daughter, being attacked at almost the same instant with symptoms of fever. The latter, and another who subsequently caught the disease, were pretty soon restored, but to the two former it pleased Divine Providence to make this illness the means of translation to another state of being.

She was wonderfully supported during the long season of anxiety and fatigue which fell to her lot; her bodily and mental powers seeming to be renewed day by day, as she watched the declining strength, and ministered to the wants of her affectionate and tenderly beloved husband, who survived his son three weeks, and was favored to make a happy and peaceful close on the 14th of the 12th month, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.

The fruits of Christian faith and resignation were instructively manifested under this afflictive bereavement; for while the loss was deeply wounding to her affectionate feelings, and after a union of thirty years, my beloved mother found herself, a widow indeed, and desolate,' she was mercifully enabled to trust in God; and so to supplicate for His saving help, that instead of sinking into gloomy sorrow she was

qualified to comfort her children, and set them an animating example of humble acquiescence with the divine will, and diligent attention to the performance of social and religious duties.

[To be continued.]

weeks passage, arrived safely at the capes of Delaware; whence, in a few days, we reached Philadelphia, and obtained a landing at Chestnut street wharf. I was debilitated in body by confinement at sea; and from all I could see or learn respecting my new position, was rather disIMPORTANCE OF RESIGNATION. couraged in mind. My brother-in-law being a mechanic and machinist, soon obtained employ"All these things are against me." Gen. xlii. 36. This was the desponding and disconsolate ment to answer the present purposes of his famlanguage of Jacob, when informed of the deten-ily. As to myself, not being able to find any tion of Simeon in Egypt, and the necessity of satisfactory employment in Philadelphia, I prosending Benjamin there also. It is in the order obtained employment at weaving, near the Great ceeded into the country about sixteen miles, and of Providence that the best of men should pass Valley, on what was called the old Lancaster through many trials, and all that remains for us road. The family in which I became a resident, was from Ireland a few years previous, and possessed many of those prejudices and sentimental habits which distinguish the different districts of that country. They were, however, kind and attentive to me, and readily granted me indulgences not usually accorded even to their own countrymen in my condition.

under them is to submit ourselves to them with

patience, without complaint or murmuring. All will then be well in the end, and we shall be more thankful and grateful for the favors and blessings we do receive. The most common sin of the children of Israel in the wilderness, was their murmuring and complaining against the Lord's dispensations towards them, as if he dealt unfairly with them, and brought them into the wilderness to perish. They would have fared better if they had made no complaint, as He that delivered them at the Red Sea was able to provide all things necessary for their support, and would not fail to do it in the proper time, without their reproaches and complaints against the Lord and against Moses. Our own way, our own time, and our own wishes are not easily yielded up; but they are seldom best for us. He who is the father of all, and is infinite in wisdom, knows what is best for us, and he will order all things aright for those who put their trust in him; and it is our interest and duty, in every condition, and under all circumstances, to say thy will be done.

It is seldom or never given us to see the design and benefit of trying dispensations till after we have passed through them; and our patience and submission under them are often brought into the severest exercise, when, at the same time, as in the case of Jacob, all things are going on well, and will tend to our good and our ultimate happiness.

MEMOIR OF JAMES COckburn.
(Continued from page 630.)

On the 10th of 3d month, 1801, the brig Brandywine-Miller, captain Frame, sailed from the port of Greenock in Scotland, with twentyeight passengers, bound for Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. Although we paid twelve guineas each for our passage, our accommodations were but poor, and our provisions of the most common kind of sea stores. The first storm we had was severe, being about the time of the equinox. We were driven backwards several days near the coast of Ireland: but the wind shifting, we were enabled to resume our course; and after seven

At this period, religious feeling was cherished rather as a source of immediate gratification, than the means or prelude to future enjoyments. Separated from all previous associations, and placed in a new position, not very flattering to well be otherwise than thoughtful, and inclining present emotions or future hopes, I could not to serious reflections. I had left a small but certain independence, for uncertain hopes in a I could. From a due consideration of all I saw new country, in which I must make my way as and felt around me, I concluded to stay in the country of my adoption, and sent for my wife; from making any change in their external affairs. but discouraged my parents, at their time of life,

In the summer of 1801, I began to attend the meetings of Friends held in the Valley meetinghouse, about four miles from my residence. My lone meditations in walking to and from meetings, proved a profitable exercise, in bringing me more acquainted with myself; and the light of little streams of beneficial knowledge, I was Truth gradually opened to my understanding soon noticed by some of the Friends in that neighborhood, and have maintained to the present time an unshaken friendship with members of the Walker and Stephens' families, who, as occasions required, have shown to me no small kindness.

Having acquired some acquaintance in the neighborhood, after a few months I rented a shop near Radnor meeting house,-bought a loom,-took in work, and boarded in the family of Jacob Maule. Here I formed an acquaintance with Joshua Maule, a valuable young minister, who taught school near me, and whose conversation was cordial and encouraging to my mind.

In the spring of 1802, my wife Isabella arrived with the return of the brig, and we soon

commenced housekeeping. She being favorably inclined towards Friends, and my own mind being satisfied that the Society, both in regard to doctrines and practice, was less objectionable than any other denomination of religious professors, in the year following we made a request to Radnor Monthly Meeting to become members; which in due time was complied with, and we were acknowledged as members of the Society of Friends. The state of my moral and religious feelings, at this period, may be understood from the following extract of a letter I wrote to John Tirpie, residing in Philadelphia, but recently come from Scotland.

Radnor, 2d of 9th mo. 1803.

"Amidst the vicissitudes of time, my friend, let us not be discouraged. Probation and trial, in some way or other, is the common allotment of humanity. One man has to encounter the difficulties of wealth another has to grapple with poverty and want one has to balance the uniform gratification of his dispositional powers another has to sustain the reversion of every desirable wish; but serene happiness dwelleth above the fermentation of corporeal things, and may be enjoyed in all the varied circumstances attending mortals. In the constitution of hu

and settled on my mind. It is probable on some occasions I may have exceeded in words the nature of my feelings on particular subjects; but in general I have been rather in the habit of closing my communications prematurely or suddenly.

Of the origin and nature of the impressions made upon our minds, it seems difficult to speak correctly or understandingly. Those impressions will probably partake more or less of the medium through which they pass. Hence, in different states of mind, the same original impressions may produce different appearances, being transformed by the representative powers of different speakers. Some speak from understanding and judgment, with feeling and integrity; others occupy the recollective powers through the memory, aided by imagination, and of course produce former aims to enlighten the mind, warm the different appearances as well as results. The heart, and excite those virtuous and pious emotions' which influence and direct the practice. The latter seems calculated to attract attention, fections or imaginations, which often soon evapmove on the passions, and lead captive the afthemselves, or distinctly discern the position they orate. Ferhaps very few thoroughly know manity, there are energies capable of realizing and too often give evidence of the uncertainty occupy of course, many mistake their calling, high intellectual feeling-sensations tending to and confusion of their own perceptions. It is elevate the soul above the control of sense, and to dispose its powers for the participation of a generally admitted by investigating and attentive devotion as pure as it is beneficial and consola-observers of the human mind, that it is originally tory. By the influence of this intellectual devotion, the mental powers are drawn to that rectitude which becomes the basis and means of promoting moral perfectability and conscious peace. What can disturb the possessor of such an attainment?

a blank, fitted for the reception of impressions
which are produced by the action of concurrent
ments or order of its being.
circumstances operating on the essential ele-

The physical organization is subject to certain and determinate laws; and according to the harWhat can such suffer in the concus-monious action and developement of these laws, sion of circumstantial events?

"His hand the good man fastens on the skies,

And bids earth roll; nor feels her idle whirl." How consolatory are these considerations! Whatever appearance religion may be made to assume, this is certainly the substance."

the animal propensities germinate and grow, forming a medium for the display of the mental faculties; whereby the mind comes to disceru objects, to discriminate one thing from another, and to observe and compare qualities, and, by deduction, to arrive at the realization of distinct With these views and feelings, I attached my-ideas, and the power of reasoning. Consentaneself to the Society of Friends: not because I en- ous with this progress will be the unfolding of tirely united with every dogma some of them that germ of intellect, evidently intended to ocheld up; but because I deemed them as a Soci-cupy the rational faculties, and become a governety less objectionable than any other known reli-ing principle to the whole man. This is that gious denomination. About this time I occa- LIGHT which enlightens every man that cometh sionally began to speak from religious impres-into the world, designed to lead and guide into sions in families and social parties, and in the all truth necessary for the knowledge of our meetings for public worship and business. The simplicity of my manners and the innocence of my life, at this period, corresponded with the testimonies I bore; which probably rendered them acceptable to my friends. They were not always, however, satisfactory to myself, being often followed with great mortification of spirit. It has been but seldom that I have been entirely relieved by speaking, from the impressions made

proper organization, or the fulfilment of the duties of our being. Thus, the rational or reasonable faculties were evidently designed by the Creator to govern the animal propensities; and the appropriate exercises of the mental faculties, to form a vehicle for the essence or vital energy of intellectual life. From analogy, as well as from experience, it may safely be inferred, that the laws of intellectual life are as determinate,

fixed, and unchangeable, as those which are con- | delineated in his sayings and precepts, and so nected with our physical nature. With regard perfectly illustrated in his practical ministry, to the modus operandi, or manner of the union and closing scene. Nothing new was introduced, of the intellectual life with the rational, it does but the exhibition of truth on its essential not appear to be within the present limits of our ground. No pristine principle of humanity, nor united powers, distinctly to understand. The any essential law continually acting on the modCreator is represented by the Mosaic history as ification of its being, can ever be changed. The breathing into the human subject already made, radical, essential principles constituting humanithe breath of life, and he became a living soul. ty at first, will intrinsically remain through all Correspondent with this history is the ancient generations. The Creator being immutable and testimony, "There is a spirit in man, and the unchangeable, no deviation or contingency ariinspiration of the Almighty giveth it an under- sing from the creature can ever reverse the esstanding." The action of this inspiring influence sential order of things. on the mind of man, is probably in proportion to its attention, willingness, and fitness to receive

it.

When animal sensation is subordinate to the legitimate exercise of the mental faculties, and when the mental faculties are brought into a harmony of feeling with the intellectual life, it is perceived there is no obstruction to the unfoldings of Truth, or good, upon the mind, according to the states or conditions of individuals. The devout attention, improvement and progress of individuals, under the unfoldings of good upon their minds, with a becoming deportment and practice, seem to furnish, or rather to bring under those feelings and that evidence of light and knowledge, which gives discernment and a sense of the particular applicability of specific declarations, or testimonies for truth or goodness, upon particular occasions. In this exercise, the most prominent mental powers are undoubtedly brought into action. Speaking by the spirit through the medium of the understanding, things new and old are brought forth to illustrate the nature of the present concern, as adapted to the condition of individuals to be benefitted. The harmonious action of the whole being of man in this service, becoming habitual and practical, seems as if it might be his highest attainment in time.

As the laws applicable to every part of our common nature, embrace the whole family of mankind, and as the results of those laws in their legitimate or appropriate action will uniformly be the same, it seems as if all might be called with this high and holy calling. And as with God there is no respect of persons, those who come to be attentive, faithful and obedient, will stand as chosen ones, without thereby acquiring any pre-eminence over their brethren as of right to control them. Hence, the gainsaying and inattentive are to be entreated as brethren of the same origin, the same calling, and the same hopes of future enjoyment. This spirit of entreaty, under the fresh anointing of divine good, spreading over our general being, seems to form what I understand by the gospel seeking to save that which is lost, and to restore all the powers of the human mind to their pristine harmony.

This was the gospel of Jesus Christ, so fully

God made man upright: but man, by a wrong exercise of the powers of his mind, and an unwise choice of pursuits, has sought out many inventions; producing an artificial state of mind, and modes of action, distinctly marking a deviation from correct principles, and involving the general mass of human society in error and deception, the fruitful sources of barbarism and crime. All the general varieties of what is called civilization, pervading different countries and nations, form but a floating mixture of perverted good, continually casting up overwhelming waves of practical evil and suffering. Individual redemption from this chaos of error, evil and suffering, must be by a return to correct principles, or an observance of the established laws of God continually disposed to act upon us for the proper fulfilment of the objects of our being. Individuals thus realizing the restoration of their proper natures, acting harmoniously with the influence of Divine good, become a medium of gospel light, or means of help unto others; and according to their dedication, attention and faithfulness, may become effective ministers or stewards of the manifold gifts of God. The agency of the Divine spirit acting as the sun of the human mind, seems mysterious and incomprehensible to our inferior powers; but is not more so, than attraction and the laws of adhesion and gravitation in the material creation. But we know the fact, by the effect produced. When goodness comes habitually to prevail over the mind, it recognizes the primitive law of uprightness and integrity, restraining from inventions, and simply disposing to do in all things to others as we would wish to be done to us.

10th mo. 12th, 1802. Happiness consists in contentment; and both in obedience to the will of heaven and it is my desire that the energies of my soul may flow in this channel.

O God, teach men wisdom, and they will adore thee; inspire them with thy love, and they will love one another.

(To be continued.)

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