my peace is made with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. I have no disturbance of mind, and my understanding and judgment is clear. It were sad, indeed, to lie under affliction of body and of mind also; to feel pinching pangs of body, even to death, and to want peace with God. O! that would be intolerable. O! let my soul praise the Lord, for his peace and plenteous redemption."

It being proposed to send for her son-in-law, who was skilled in physic, and her daughter, she seemed unwilling; saying to her husband, "Be not careful in the matter-the Lord my God is near me, and I have thy company-it is enough; and all will be well if this lump of clay, in which I dwell, is dissolved. I have full assurance of a house and dwelling, of which God is the maker, that will never wax old or be dissolved. O! my soul, bless thou the Lord, and be glad in his salvation for evermore."

to the outward-this is all; for our joining in spirit remains forever. O! therefore, let me go easy out of this world, where I have had a great share of trouble many ways, as thon knowest, and go to that haven of rest, where I have a full assurance of entering."

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A little before she died she was attacked with fainting; and after reviving, observed, “I was glad, thinking I was going to my eternal rest, without disturbance." Again, she said. I have both a sight and sense of eternal rest with God in the world to come; and therefore, I labour hard to be swallowed up in immortal life, and to be made possessor of that rest, which cannot be disturbed, where sorrow will cease forever. O! my soul, this is thy glorious portion, therefore bless thou the Lord and wait patiently his appointed season."

Soon after she desired to be raised up in the bed, and her pains increasing, she grew very weak and faint, and observed, "Methinks I grow weak and cold-my hands and feet are very cold, but my heart is strong, and before it yields I must meet with sharper pains than I have yet felt. My God has hitherto laid a gentle hand upon me.”

Her illness increased-and many Friends coming to see her, she was often engaged in exhorting them respecting the work of the soul's salvation. On one occasion she said to some, "The cross is the only way to the crown immortal; shun it not, therefore, lest A while after her sufferings being great, she you fall short of the crown. Stand up nobly said "This pain is hard to flesh and blood, for your testimony to the Truth in all things, but must be endured a little time; ease and and especially against the antichristian yoke eternal rest are at hand-I am glad death i of tithes, for which many have not only suf- so near. Remember me to all my dear babes fered great spoiling of their goods, but im- and grandchildren-I shall behold them no prisonment unto death, and received the crown more with these eyes-God Almighty bless of life. O if all who have been called to them all, and make them his children, that I this testimony had stood firm and true therein, may enjoy them forever in the heavens above. God would have wrought for his people more Neither shall I see my sons and daughterabundantly-but unbelief makes a long wil-Ah! my prodigal son, what shall I do for derness, and it is well if some die not in it, and never see the promised land."

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him! I have prayed and longed for his return-
the time may come; God grant it may, but I
shall not see it in my time.
He is my son,
the son of a godly father, [her former hus
band,] and therefore I cannot but love him.
Tell him, it is his immortal soul's well-being
for which I am concerned-not so much for
his outward state here; for that, however
miserable, will quickly end; but the misery
of the soul, separated from God, will never
end. And, my dear, though our counsel has
not had the desired effect, yet I do entreat
thee to remain a father to him, and counsel
him again and again—leave him not to rus
on in the way of misery, but labour and pray
for his return. My love is to his wife; I desire

About two days before her decease, she gave much good advice to her grandchildren and servants, and thus addressed her husband; 'My dear, thou hast spent much time and strength in serving the cause of Truth and thy friends; thy reward with God is sure. I never grudged thy absence in that good service; and if it now be the time of our parting, as I think it will, I desire thee to free thyself from the things of the world as much as may be, that thou mayest, with the more freedom, pursue thy honourable service for Truth to the end of thy days. I trust the Lord will give thee strength to travel again, and warn all, but especially the rich, to keep low, and not be high she may mind heavenly things; and I pray minded d; for humility and holiness are the God to bless their offspring, that they may badge of our profession. God Almighty keep walk in the footsteps of their grandfather, who us all, low and humble-it is a safe and bless-is gone to his eternal rest." ed state. One thing I beg of thee-give me up freely to the Lord. The Lord joined us and gave us to each other, let us bless his name if he now take us from each other, as

The day of her death being that of the Monthly Meeting, many Friends came to visit her, to whom she expressed, with much fer vency, her joy and comfort in the salvation of

She then desired the Friends present to go to meeting, adding, "Let me not hinder the Lord's business, but let it be chief in your minds, and faithfully done by you all, that at the end you may receive your reward. Mine is sure I have not been negligent, and my day's work is done."

Apprehending that the hand of death was upon her, and finding her pain increased, she earnestly besought the Lord to help her through the last conflict; saying, "O my God-O my God, thou hast not forsaken mee-blessed be thy name, forever. O my blessed Lord and Saviour, who suffered for me and for all man

kind, great pains in thy holy body upon the cross, remember me, thy poor handmaid, in this my great bodily affliction. My trust is in thee-my hope is in thee only, my dear Lord. O come, come, dear Lord Jesus, come quickly and receive my soul. To thee I yield it up— help me now, in my bitter pangs."

Her husband now kneeled down by her and prayed that the Lord would make her passage easy, and their prayers were graciously heard and answered. She had no more severe pain, but gently drew her breath shorter and shorter. She observed, that it was good to leave all to the Lord; and calling upon those present, said, "O pray-pray-pray"-and so fell asleep in Jesus, in a good old age, being in her seventy-ninth year. She died the 30th of the ninth month, 1705, and was honourably buried the 3d of the following month; her remains being accompanied to the ground by many ancient Friends and others from thirteen of the adjacent meetings.

MEMOIR OF

THOMAS CAMM,

A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, OF CAMSGILL, IN WESTMORELAND.

will; and as he endured the necessary baptisms, at length experienced that purification of heart which his soul longed after.

THOMAS CAMM, husband of Anne Camm, | and reverent waiting on the Lord to know his was born at Camsgill, in Westmoreland, in the year 1641. Both his parents were members of the religious Society of Friends, distinguished for their piety, integrity and godly Having witnessed the blessed fruits of obeconcern for their children. Besides the ad-dience to the Spirit of Christ, he was called to vantage of their counsel and of being instructed testify to others what God had done for his in the religious principles of his parents, the soul. The Lord who called him to the work circumspection of their example made a lasting of the ministry, qualified him therefor; enimpression on his youthful mind. Through duing him with heavenly wisdom and discernthese means, and the visitations of Divine ment, to divide the word of life to the states Grace, he was imbued with religious senti- of those among whom he laboured. His docments from childhood, and took delight in the trine was sound, not delivered in the enticing company of the most serious people, earnestly words which man's wisdom teacheth, but in seeking after heaven and heavenly things. the authority of heavenly power, by which he As he grew up, his understanding was di- was made instrumental to awaken and turn vinely enlightened to perceive, that great as many into the way of righteousness. He was was the blessing of a guarded education in freely given up to serve the Lord-travelling. sound religious principles, yet it would not be extensively to proclaim the glad tidings of salavailing without the heart was regenerated and vation, and to call people from a dependance sanctified by the operations of the Holy Spirit. on external performances, to the heart-changBeing thus mercifully visited, he counted ing power of Christ's spirit in themselves. He nothing too dear to part with, but cheerfully also had his share of sufferings, by imprisontook up his cross, and followed his Divine ments, spoiling of goods, mockings and scoffMaster. He was often engaged in retirement | ings from the ungodly, and the unfaithfulness

and reviling of false brethren, which he bore with meekness and patience.

In the year 1674, he was sued for small tithes and oblations, by John Ormrod, the priest of Burton, and by a writ obtained for the purpose, was imprisoned at Kendal. Here he was detained in close confinement for nearly three years; and afterwards was again thrown into the county jail at Appleby, where he lay for six years.

In 1678, after the last conventicle act came in force, a justice of the peace sent informers to a meeting of Friends held at Ackonthwaite, and upon their evidence convicted several persons, without summoning them before him, or examining into the case. He immediately issued warrants of distraint against them, unseen and unheard, and sent the officers to levy on their property. In virtue of this illegal and unrighteous proceeding, nine head of cattle, and fifty-five sheep were taken from Thomas Camm, for preaching at the meeting. When the officers complained to the justice that they could not sell some of the cattle, many persons being unwilling to buy what was so dishonestly obtained, he charged them to sell for any price they could obtain, and seize more from Thomas to make up the deficiency, telling them, that if they did not raise all the fine from him, they should pay it out of their own pockets.

demeanour answerable to their high profession. Actuated by a well tempered and godly zeal, he steadfastly withstood that contentious spirit, which sought to lay waste the tender care of Friends over each other, and to foment discord and divisions in the church. Yet with meekness of wisdom, as a tender father, he encouraged the fearful, strengthened the weak, and comforted the mourners, proving himself a faithful steward of the manifold grace of God. Being a man of peace, he laboured to promote it among men of all ranks and classes; and his kind and gentle disposition won for him the respect of the virtuous wherever he was known.

When far advanced in years, and afflicted with the infirmities consequent on old age, and the sufferings and hardships he had endured, his zeal for religion and his unfeigned love for the brethren, abated not; but he engaged in repeated visits to different parts of the nation.

The last journey of this kind which he performed, was into Lancashire, Yorkshire, and through his native county of Westmoreland; from which he returned on the 17th of the eleventh month, 1707, O. S., to the residence of his son-in-law, John Moore, at Eldworth. Soon after reaching this place, he had a return of a disorder to which he had for years been subject, and the pain being violent he could take but little food, nor obtain natural sleep, the want of which rapidly impaired his strength. He was however favoured with resignation; and in the prospect of a glorious immortality could rejoicingly say, "to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.'

Shortly after this another distraint was made upon his property, by warrant from the same justice, professedly for the fines of a preacher at one of their meetings, who was declared in the warrant to have fled the county and his residence to be unknown. So far was this from being true, that Thomas Dowcra, the preacher alluded to, went to the justice's house after the meeting, and left his name, with information that he lived at Swarthmore, near Ulverstone, in Lancashire; that he was of ability to suffer for his own fine, and therefore desired it might not be imposed upon others. But Justice Wilson and his aids, regardless of this, chose to seek their gain from one nearer at hand, and from whom they could more conveniently wrest their un-occasion, "in that I have done the will of God. just demands.

These sufferings, however oppressive and illegal, Thomas Camm endured with fortitude and patience. Instead of shrinking from the discharge of duty in consequence of these trials, he nobly maintained his ground, rejoicing that he was counted worthy, not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for his name sake.

He was well qualified for administering the Discipline of the church, being himself a good example in conduct and conversation, and fervent in his labours to promote among Friends, a

He often remarked, "I neither desire to live nor to die, but am well contented, however it shall please the Lord to order it." "If the Lord see meet, and has any further service for me to do, it is easy for him to raise me up again—but his will be done-I am very well content, I bless the Lord." As he drew towards the close of life, the retrospect of his past labours and sufferings in the cause of his Divine Master, afforded him comfort; "I have great peace and satisfaction," said he on one

I do not know that I have much more to dothe time of my departure seems to draw nigh, and I am well satisfied. I bless the Lord that I can say with the apostle, 'I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith-henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but to them also that love his appearing.'

Sitting alone one day in his chamber, his son-in-law came in and asked how he felt, to which he replied, "I am weak in body, but

strong in the inner man; blessed be the Lord, be said nay-but it will be well with me; the who hath been my support and strength hith-enemy cannot touch me. The Lord who hath erto." Soon after he proceeded; "I have been with me, and borne up my spirit through been pondering in my mind, and meditating and over all the various exercises and trials of on the unspeakable mercies and loving kind- my time, will be with me to the end-there is nesses of God, extended to me all my life long, no doubt of it." even to this very day.-Wonderful, indeed, The heavenly tranquillity and joy which he that such a poor feeble creature as I, should was permitted to feel, occasioned him at times be enabled to hold out through the many trials, to break forth in praises and thanksgivings to travels and sufferings, both inward and outward, which have fallen to my lot. It has indeed been the Lord's doings, who is, and has all along been, my buckler and my shield. He shall have the praise and glory of all, for He alone is worthy of it, forever and forever

more."

the Most High, his heart appearing to be filled with melody. On one occasion he said, "I have served the Lord in sincerity with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my strength; hallelujah-hallelujah-hallelujah to his name ;"-and so went on magnifying the Lord, to the tendering of those present. AfAs he was walking over the floor of his terward he called on his son-in-law and some chamber one evening, leaning on his son-in- others present, saying, "Bear me record, that law's arm, he perceived his limbs to tremble I die in perfect unity with the brethren. My under him, from increased weakness; on which love is as firm and true as ever, in our Lord he remarked, "Dear John, when the pillars of Jesus Christ, the Author of our salvation." the house begin to tremble, there is feebleness On being asked how he was, he would reply, indeed; but, blessed are they who, when this" Weak of body, but strong in the Lord-in earthly tabernacle is ready to be dissolved, do Abraham's bosom there is sweet repose." assuredly know that they have a habitation eternal in the heavens, whose builder and maker the Lord is-of which, for my part, I bless the Lord, I am well satisfied."

About a week before his decease, several of his grandchildren being in the room with him, he said to them, "I think I must now leave you. If the Lord had seen meet to spare me a little longer, I might have been of service to you in counsel and advice. But the Lord, the great and wise Counsellor, will not be wanting to you in counsel, as you have your eye to Him above all things. I love you entirely, and may the blessing of the Lord rest upon you, if it be his will."

On another occasion he said, "Faith and patience, hope and charity, are excellent virtues; may the Lord endue his children more and more therewith." His weakness being so great as to make it difficult to get his clothes on or off, he remarked to those who were assisting him, "Dear children, you have a great deal of trouble about me,-may the Lord be your reward. You will see that a little time will put an end to all these troubles, and a happy end it will be for me—I doubt it not at all."

His eldest grand-daughter standing by him, he took her hand and said, "Dear Anna, the Lord will reward thee for thy care and pains about me." Observing that she was much affected at the prospect of losing so near and dear a relative, he proceeded, "Death will not VOL. I.-No. 12.

Two days before he died, appearing very faint, some wine was given him, as a cordial to revive his declining strength; but his stomach would not retain it; on which he cheerfully said to his son-in-law, "Thou seest these things will not do; but one cup of new wine in the heavenly kingdom with my dear and blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, will make up all."

His end being now apparently very near, he said, "I hope the Lord, who has been my helper in many straits and difficulties, will also help me now." Taking one of his little grandchildren upon his knees, he affectionately embraced and kissed her, saying, "God Almighty bless thee-the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, bless thee and make thee happy, if it be his will." After this he laid down and continued in a very calm and sweet frame of mind, and gently drawing his breath shorter, without any struggle or disturbance, his redeemed spirit departed to the mansions of eternal glory and blessedness, on the 13th of the first month, 1707-8. He was in the sixtyseventh year of his age.

On the 16th of the same month, his remains were interred in Friends' burial-ground at Park-end, Preston Patrick, near Camsgill, accompanied by a large concourse of people out of several adjoining counties, who assembled on the occasion, with evident marks of sorrow for the loss of so worthy and useful a man.

THE END OF VOLUME FIRST.

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