If any were forwarder than myself, then they opened the door, and I, through an unavailing trying of the opening would close, and be excused from meddling.

As I had a great love and care for the blessed cause, that it might not suffer through weak advocates espousing it, so I always thought Iowly of myself, and thus I became the author of confusion and disorder, and the people were not so edified, nor I so comforted, as might have been expected, from the conflict I had undergone. Now I believe this had some foundation in wanting to have a form of sound words that none could condemn: for though I did not seek openings, or dress them as I pleased, yet all must have a mode of expression suiting the matter, and to convey to the audience their sentiments on religious things. On this ground I wished to have the little matter set in order, for I feared being taken to task for misquoting or misapplying the Holy Scriptures. But I was led clearly to discover that the ministers of Christ must rise when but perhaps a word is given them, and minister according to the ability with which they are favoured, not at all fearing man, whose breath is in his nostrils, but serve and fear the Lord alone.

SECTION II.

Her family-Loss of two children-Decease of her husbandHer testimony concerning him-Decease of her only remaining son-First journey in the work of the ministryDecease of her mother, father in law, and daughter Han◄ nah-Visits Lancashire, Cheshire, &c., and some Western Counties-Decease of her second daughter-Removal to Whitehaven, 1791-Decease of her youngest daughterObservations at various times, to the year 1795-Her exercise respecting vocal supplication in meetings.

I

Now began to have great outward trials, when there was an abatement in the inward. I had an affectionate husband, who, in my infant state, bore part of my sufferings. I had seven fine children, four girls and the youngest boys. Till this time the Lord had made a hedge about us and all that we had. Though we had not much to begin the world with, we increased fast in temporals. It pleased the Lord to remove two of my youngest children by the small pox, in a natural way, as we could not be free to inoculate for it. I'grieved much that a breach

was made upon us; indeed I fretted too much. There was then a language proclaimed to my inward ear, if I did not cease inordinate grieving, I should have more troubles. The affectionate part was strong, yet I trust I did not murmur against the dispensations of unerring wisdom. In the next year my beloved husband was taken from me! Oh, how I could then have parted with all my children, to have had him spared; for in him I was so bound up, that I believed if he died I could not live. He was my outward strength, and on him I relied for every thing in this world. I now seem inclined to give forth a testimony to his worth, as the widow's mite, to her children, or children's children, that when we are gone, they may see from what kind of stock they have sprung. For their welfare my very soul is moved within me, and causes me to go bowed down, imploring that Divine assistance may be their aid through this vale of tears.

JANE PEARSON's testimony concerning her dear deceased husband, John Pearson, who departed this life the 14th of 6th month, 1774:

He was born of believing parents, who gave him a tolerable education; and I believe, ac

cording to the best of their ability, trained him He was reli

up in the nurture of the Lord. giously inclined from his youth, so that in some sense he was a Nazarite from his birth; giving full proof that he sought a better country than that of this world; in which he had various struggles, being more exposed than many others, as his business was a linen-manufac turer; yet he conducted himself with honour through all his engagements, and gained a handsome subsistence for his family; and I may say, without doubt, he retained the better part through all.

He was a man of an innocent life and conversation, as also of a meek disposition, readier to take harsh treatment than to give it, and would suffer wrong rather than resent an injury he was temperate even to abstinence. In the relation of a husband, he was unexceptionable. When I consider his tenderness towards me and his family, I can scarcely but lament; yet I believe he is removed to the haven of rest, for I thought it was demonstrable that the grave would have no victory at his dissolution, His illness was tedious, but he was quite resigned whether life or death should be his portion; and he frequently said he longed to be

gone, and that he scarcely thought it would have been possible to have been so willing to leave us.

A friend coming in the day before he died, had an opportunity with him, and an acceptable time it was. The friend expressed to him that he might yet get a little better. He answered, “I had rather go, I have felt the pains of death, oh let me go!" Thence it appeared he was quite reconciled to the grave; and I said. "Oh then, my dear, thou must be satisfied thy change will be well?" He answered: "Yes, I believe so;" speaking with a becoming humility. The day before he died, he felt his pulse steadily three times, in order to know how near his change was; and inquired of the doctor how long he might continue? I desired he might not ask that question, and he, lamblike, did not repeat it.

I am satisfied he had an assurance of acceptance with the Almighty, which declared itself in that heavenly fortitude and serenity that accompanied him to his last moments. His mother, who was an aged person, and under great infirmities, being brought in to take her leave of him, he, in a prophetic manner, told her he should go first, but she would soon fol