Notwithstanding William Backhouse had given way to doubts previous to setting out on this journey, his mind was replenished with faith whilst proceeding on it; as appears by a letter to his wife, in which he speaks of the evidence he had of his being in his right allotment in it, and of John Griffith having had a right impression respecting the nature of his concern. This letter, as well as those he wrote from America, relate chiefly to domestic concerns; yet he often mentions in them the comfortable assurance he felt, of being in his right place in thus visiting the churches, and of having a right authority to preach the Gospel; and also the settled belief, that he should be favoured to return to his family in peace, when his work was finished.

He was exemplary in his diligent attendance of meetings, both for worship and discipline; in the latter of which he was also

highly serviceable, being a lover of peace and of a courteous disposition. He was a very affectionate husband; and a parent tenderly concerned to train up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord: a kind neighbour; of a cheerful disposition; given to hospitality, and abounding in Christian charity.

In the earlier part of his life he resided at Yealand, but removed to Kellet about the year 1727; and continued to reside there, during the remainder of his days, in a substantial house built by Robert Widders.

Being attentive to the dictates of the Holy Spirit in the secret of his mind, he was favoured not only to witness the safe guidance thereof in spiritual things, but also, in some striking instances, in matters of rather a temporal nature.

At one time he was about to set out for Whitby, in order to attend the marriage of Edward Fell; but feeling a restraint in his mind he was induced to desist from his design, and put his horse again into the stable. It afterwards proved that the young woman, whom Edward Fell expected to have married, had gone off with another man! so that if William Backhouse had proceeded on his journey, he would have been disappointed in the object of it.

At another time, feeling an impression on his mind to return from Lancaster to Kellet, by a different road to the one he usually went, but one which was farther about, he did so; and it afterwards appeared that some persons were laying in wait on the road he usually went, with the intent of robbing him ; and from whose evil designs he thus witnessed Providential preservation.

In his last illness, which was a gradual decay of nature, it pleased the Almighty to favour him with many precious earnests of a blessed inheritance; of which many Friends who visited him were in some degree sensible; being at times made partakers with him in the overshadowing of heavenly goodness.

In some of these opportunities he was engaged, in a lively manner, though in deep humility, to commemorate the gracious dealings of the Lord with him, in the course of his pilgrimage; and thankfully to rejoice, that he had laboured in his day to perform what he had believed was required of him. On one occasion he made his appeal to his Heavenly Master, and said: "Although I have had the world to struggle with, for the support of my family; yet Thou knowest, O Lord! I have been more concerned for thy honour, and the good of souls, than for any other considerations."

B

Though greatly blessed in his nearest connexions in life, yet being weaned from this world and its enjoyments, he waited in great patience and resignation for his dissolution, which took place at Kellet, on the 21st of the 5th month, 1761; and he was buried at Yealand on the 24th of the same, aged sixty-six years; having been a minister forty years. His interment was attended by a large concourse of his friends and neighbours, who assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to one who had lived beloved amongst them

WILLIAM BACKHOUSE had an elder brother, named JOHN, who grew up and was twice married and had several children. We are not in possession of the maiden name of his first wife; his second wife was MARGARET AIREY, of Kendal. He died on the 10th of the 12th month, 1739.