ful; and his manners, says William Penn, were "civil beyond all forms of breeding." If some of his expressions sound more plain and harsh than is agreeable to the refinement of modern times, we should recollect the temper and manners of the age in which he lived were very different from the present, and that such forms of speech were then common. There is, however, a remarkable change in

his writings breathing a mildness which is peculiarly grateful. His contemporary biographer says "he was of an innocent lifeno busy-body; no self-seeker, neither touchy nor critical. What he said was very inoffensive if not very edifying. So meek, contented, modest, easy, steady; it was a pleasure to be in his company. A most merciful man, as ready to forgive as unapt to take offence."

course none which would yield him much profit. But he had a mind contented with a little, and so far from seeking to be rich, he even refused it when circumstances placed it in his power. It appears that he was part owner of two vessels which sailed out of Scarborough, and had also a small share in other business. The reader of these sketches will remember, that in the early part of his life he mentioned his having enough to keep himself this respect toward the latter part of his life, from being chargeable, and also to administer to the wants of others. Mention is made in several of his letters of small sums of money lodged in the hands of different Friends, and from the best estimate that can be made, his whole property appears to have been worth about three thousand five hundred dollars, exclusive of one thousand acres of land in Pennsylvania, which he says William Penn gave him; but it does not appear ever to have come into his possession so as to be of any benefit to him. His property was probably all patrimonial, for though Margaret Fell was a woman of large estate, he seems scrupulously to have avoided enriching himself by it. Previous to his marriage to her, he sent for her daughters, and in the presence of their mother inquired if their father's will had been fulfilled and whether their mother's estate was so settled, that they would not be the losers by her marriage to him. To which they replied it was, and desired him to speak no more of it. "I told them, says he, I was plain and would have all things done plainly, for I sought not any outward advantage to myself."

Though much separated from his nearest connexions, yet in the various relations of a son, husband and father-in-law, he appears to have conducted himself so as gain the tender affection of all, and his wife's children in a written testimonial to his memory, say that they found him a tender father who never failed to give them wholesome counsel; and that the esteem they entertained for him in early life, was increased by a longer and more intimate acquaintance.

His mental faculties were clear and vigorous; and though deprived of the benefit of much education, yet he cultivated various branches of useful knowledge. He was the friend, instead of the enemy of useful learning, and not only promoted the establishment of several schools which he frequently visited, but spent considerable time and pains in acquiring a knowledge of one or more of the ancient languages. A piece of ground which he owned near Philadelphia, he gave for a botanical garden for "the lads and lasses of the city to walk in, and learn the habits and uses of the plants." In person he was tall and rather corpulent, his countenance manly, intelligent, and grace

His ministry was deep, searching, powerful; and though not ornamented with the elegancies of literature, yet he possessed the tongue of the learned in another and higher sense, and could speak "a word in due season to the conditions and capacities of most, especially to them that were weary and wanted soul's rest, being deep in the divine mysteries of the kingdom of God."

Not only was he frequently engaged in opening the doctrines of the Christian faith in a clear and convincing manner, but having a sense and discernment given him of God respecting the states of his auditory, he spake to them under the leading of the Holy Spirit very pertinently, to their admiration and convincement, an instance of which was related by an ancient woman Friend as follows: viz.

"And now, Friends, I will tell you how I was first convinced. I was a young lass at that time, and lived in Dorsetshire, when George Fox came to that county; and he having appointed a meeting, to which people generally flocked, I went among the rest; and in my going along the road, this query arose in my mind: 'What is that I feel which condemneth me when I do evil, and justifieth me when I do well? What is it?' In this state I went to the meeting. It was a large gathering, and George Fox rose up with these words: Who art thou that queriest in thy mind, what is it which I feel, which condemneth me when I do evil, and justifieth me when I do well? I will tell thee what it is. Lo! He that formeth the mountains and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought; that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth; the Lord, the God of Hosts is his name. It is He by his Spirit that condemneth thee for evil, and justifieth thee when thou dost well. Keep under its dictates, and it will be thy preserver

to the end.""

To this narration the ancient meekness, purity, chastity, modesty, humility, Friend added, "It was the truth, the very charity, and self-denial in all; both by word truth, and I have never departed from it." and example. Graceful he was in counte"But above all, says William Penn, he ex-nance; manly in personage; grave in gesture; celled in prayer. The inwardness and weight courteous in conversation; weighty in comof his spirit; the reverence and solemnity of munication; instructive in discourse; free his address and behaviour; the fewness and from affectation in speech or carriage. A fulness of his words, have often struck even severe reprover of hard and obstinate sinners; strangers with admiration; as they used to a mild and gentle admonisher of such as were reach others with consolation. The most tender and sensible of their failings. Not apt awful, living, reverent frame I ever felt or to resent personal wrongs; easy to forgive inbeheld, I must say, was his, in prayer. And juries; but zealously earnest where the honour truly it was a testimony that he knew and of God, the prosperity of truth, or the peace lived nearer to the Lord than other men; for of the church was concerned. Very tender, they that know Him most, will see most rea-compassionate, and pitiful he was to all that son to approach Him with reverence and fear." were under any sort of affliction; full of broAs has been the case with many other emi-therly love; full of fatherly care for indeed nent and faithful servants of Christ, he had to the care of the churches of Christ was daily endure opposition and envy from some jealous upon him, the prosperity and peace whereof spirits in his own Society, who grudged him he studiously sought. Beloved he was of God; that authority and dignity with which the beloved of God's people; and (which was not Truth clothed him, and sought to lessen his the least part of his honour) the common butt services and prejudice the minds of others of all apostates' envy, whose good, notwithagainst him. Here again William Penn re-standing, he earnestly sought. He lived and marks respecting him: "He bore all their died the servant of the Lord." weakness and prejudice, and returned not reflection for reflection; but forgave them their weak and bitter speeches. And truly I must say, that though God had visibly clothed him with a divine preference and authority, and indeed his very presence expressed a religious The religious Society of Friends in the be majesty; yet he never abused it, but held his ginning, consisted of persons who were earplace in the Church of God with great meek-nestly seeking that inward acquaintance with ness, and a most engaging humility and moderation. For upon all occasions, like his blessed Master, he was a servant to all, holding and exercising his eldership, in the invisible power which had gathered them, with reverence to the Head, and care over the body. I write my knowledge, and not report, and my witness is true; having been with him for weeks and months together on divers occasions, and those of the nearest and most exercising nature; and that by night and by day, by sea and by land; in this and in foreign countries; and I can say, I never saw him out of his place, or not a match for every service and occasion."

Thomas Ellwood, another contemporary and intimate friend of George Fox, sums up his character in the following manner:

"He was valiant for the truth; bold in asserting it; patient in suffering for it; unwearied in labouring in it; steady in his testimony to it; immoveable as a rock. Deep he was in divine knowledge; clear in opening heavenly mysteries; plain and powerful in preaching; fervent in prayer. He was richly endued with heavenly wisdom; quick in discerning; sound in judgment; able and ready in giving, discreet in keeping counsel; a lover of righteousness; an encourager of virtue, justice, temperance, VOL. I.-No. 3.

Having completed these brief sketches of the life and character of George Fox, it may not be improper to make a few observations on the men who were his early companions in religious fellowship.

God and with his Son Jesus Christ, which is life eternal. Many of them were highly esteemed in the several religious professions of the day, for their uncommon piety and great experience, being punctual in the performance of all their religious duties and regular in partaking of the ordinances.

But notwithstanding their faithfulness to the degree of knowledge they had received, their minds were not at rest. They did not experience that victory over sin and that true settlement which their souls longed for, and hence they were led to believe that a purer and more spiritual way than they had yet found, was to be obtained. They felt that they needed to know more of the power of Christ in their hearts, making them new creatures; renewing them up into that divine image which was lost in Adam's fall, and sanctifying them, body, soul, and spirit, through the Holy Ghost.

Great were their conflicts and earnest their prayers that they might be brought to this blessed experience; but looking without instead of having their attention turned inward, they missed the object of their search. They frequented the preaching of the most eminent ministers, spent much time in reading the Holy Scriptures, in fasting, meditation, and prayer,

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Many of them were deeply versed in Scripture knowledge and familiar with the religious controversies of the day; and some after wearying themselves with the multitude and severity of their religious performances, without finding the expected benefit from them, separated from all the forms of worship then known, and sat down in a very simple way, earnestly looking and praying for the fuller manifestation of the power of Christ, in redeeming them from sin and giving that peace which passeth all un-ening operations, every doubt and difficulty derstanding.

the rapid increase of the Society; for although to be turned to the Lord, in reverent desire the adoption of those principles soon brought that he would be pleased to bless it as a means on them the ridicule, reproach, and even cruel of religious instruction and comfort, and by persecution of their former associates and the affusions of his Holy Spirit, enlighten the friends, yet they joyfully embraced them, heart to understand, and availingly apply to counting nothing too dear to part with in order our benefit, what we read. to purchase the blessed truth, and that peace From an early period in the history of the and settlement they had so long sought in vain. Society, this Christian duty has been frequently It is no cause of surprise that minds thus enjoined both by the Yearly Meetings and conhappily brought to experience the blessed cerned Friends. There is probably no comeffects of the doctrine, should dwell much in munity of Christian professors, who have their writings and ministry on the immediate evinced the same solicitude, or been at as teachings of the Holy Spirit. It was indeed great pains, that all its members should be the burden of the word with them, and as it made acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, struck, more directly than any other of their and frequently engaged in reading them. Paprinciples, at the very foundation of satan's rents are directed in the Discipline, and enkingdom, so he stirred himself greatly to mis-couraged in numerous yearly epistles, to inrepresent and pervert it.

They were charged with setting up this doctrine in opposition to the outward coming, and propitiatory sufferings and death of the dear Son of God, and to his divinity and mediation; which false accusation they promptly denied, asserting that since they had come to the teachings of His spirit in their hearts, they had been brought to a more true, reverent, and living sense and esteem, of his unmerited mercy in coming into the world to die for sinners, and of all his blessed offices in the work of man's salvation, than they ever had before.

In answer to the charge of denying or undervaluing the Holy Scriptures they declared, that those precious writings were in great measure a sealed book to them, until they were opened by the spirit which influenced the holy men of old who wrote them; and that through its enlightening influences, the beauty, harmony, and consistency of the Scriptures were clearly set before the view of their minds, and the saving truths recorded therein, livingly sealed upon their understandings.

struct the infant minds of their children, in the saving truths contained in those Divine Writings, and to excite them to a reverent esteem of them; and in order that all may be reminded of their duty in this respect, the query is annually to be answered by each of the subordinate meetings; "Are Friends careful to bring up those under their direction in frequently reading the Holy

Scriptures."

"As the natural man [or man in the fallen and unregenerate state, which by nature belongs to him] receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned," our first Friends contended, and the Society to the present time holds the sentiment, that the saving knowledge of the mysteries of Christian redemption, contained in Holy Scripture, is only obtained through the influences of the Holy Spirit, opening and enlightening the understanding to apprehend them aright, and sealing them upon the heart by his powerful operations. They asserted therefore, that in order to arrive In reading the writings of the first members at this essential and experimental knowledge, of the Society of Friends, we are struck with it was necessary that people should come to the numerous quotations from both the Old the teachings of the same eternal Spirit by and New Testament, which they adduced to which the Scriptures were given forth, for prove the truth of their doctrines. That they holy men of old wrote them as they were were deeply versed in those Sacred Writings, moved by the Holy Ghost. Not that they and diligent readers of them, is obvious from believed we were to expect the same degree of this fact, as well as from the memoirs of their divine illumination which those preeminentlives. Their sermons also, are fraught with ly favoured instruments enjoyed, nor yet that Scripture language, illustrating and establish- we are to wait for a divine revelation to ining by its high authority, the great truths they duce us to read the Sacred Volume; but that enforced. By precept likewise as well as in our daily perusal of them, we should enpractice, they recommended the duty of dili-deavour to have our minds directed to Him in gently and devoutly reading the Holy Scrip- whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and tures; not as a mere dry, customary performance, without interest or a feeling of the individual application and importance of the truths they contain, but as a serious yet delightful engagement, in which the mind ought

knowledge. While the mysteries of redemption are only revealed to the babes in Christ, there are a multitude of precepts and narratives contained in the Bible, fraught with interest and instruction, intelligible to the hum

blest capacity, and of daily application to the hearts of the people, in the face of contempt, duties of life. We cannot become too con- ridicule, and persecution, finally disarmed their versant with these, nor ponder them too often enemies and even extorted from them reluctant or too seriously with reference to our own commendation. Principles, for the promulga. conduct and conversation. It is not, there- tion of which, they suffered deeply in person fore, to discourage from the very frequent and estate, were subsequently acknowledged perusal of this blessed book, that the Society as truth by a large portion of Christian proholds forth the necessity of seeking the aid of fessors, and several of their testimonies have the Holy Spirit, savingly to open and apply so generally obtained as to have modified the the doctrines it contains, but rather to encou- legal codes in England and America, and given rage all in the performance of this necessary a new aspect to judicial proceedings. When duty, to apply in faith to Him who opened the we contemplate the spread of those Christian understandings of his disciples formerly to doctrines which our forefathers maintained understand the Scriptures, that so we may almost alone, and remember that they have realize the truth of the apostles' testimony, lost none of their truth or excellence, that that they are profitable for doctrine, for re- their benign influence in promoting the happiproof, for correction, for instruction in righte-ness and true interests of mankind is not ousness, that the man of God may be perfect, lessened, and that they are among the lovelithoroughly furnished unto all good works, and est features and highest privileges of the Christhat they are able to make wise unto salvation tian religion, the importance of maintaining through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Their belief in a divine communication between the soul of man and its Almighty Creator, through the medium of the Holy Spirit, by which the Christian may be "led into all truth," did not at all lessen their regard for the authority of the Holy Scriptures as the test of doctrines. They constantly professed their willingness that all their principles and practices should be tried by them; and that whatsoever any, who pretended to the guidance of the spirit, either said or did which was contrary to their testimony, ought to be rejected and condemned as a satanic delusion, and also, that "what is not read therein nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith."

them inviolate assumes a most serious character. Had the members of the Society stood in that degree of faithfulness to which they are individually called, we cannot say how much more extensively those principles would have prevailed, or what greater influence they might have had in promoting the kingdom of the dear Son of God. In proportion to the advantages bestowed upon us, our responsi bility as a community and as individuals is increased, and it is a serious reflection that if we are not improving them and walking answerably thereto, we are retarding the diffusion of Gospel light and knowledge, and as far as our influence extends, delaying the coming of that day when "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ."

With these views of the spirituality of the Every individual, however humble his sphere of the Gospel, and the authority of Holy Scrip-in life, exercises an influence over those around ture, they were led to the cordial acceptance him, which under divine guidance may be of those precepts of our blessed Saviour and made subservient to the advancement of relihis apostles, which so strikingly enforce what gion. That the most important results often are termed the testimonies of the Society, viz: arise from small beginnings, the history of against war, oaths, a hireling ministry, the our forefathers in the truth furnishes abundant pride of life and worldly compliance in ex-evidence. Their zeal and devotion, their contravagant and costly attire and living, the use stancy and faith, nay, the whole tendency of of the plural language to a single person, and their example, presents an awakening call to of flattering titles and compliments; against their successors in religious profession, to press all intemperance in eating or drinking, vain earnestly after the attainment of the same. amusements, conversation and jesting; in short holiness in life and conversation, agreeably whatever was inconsistent with the gravity of to the exhortation of the eminent apostle; men, who were “looking for and hastening" Brethren, be followers together of us, and unto the great day" of righteous retribution, mark them which walk so as ye have us for and therefore desired to " pass the time of their an ensample: for our conversation is in heaven, sojourning here" in the fear and favour of God. from whence also we look for the Saviour, the In the midst of a corrupt and licentious age, Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile their godly example was as a light that could body, that it may be fashioned like unto his not be hid, and which the surrounding dark-glorious body, according to the working whereness only served to render more conspicuous. by he is able even to subdue all things unto Silently, but steadily it made its way to the himself.”