liams, an inhabitant of New England. This reply being prepared at the house of William Penn, it is not improbable that he may have given some assistance in the composition.

viz.;

ence with the king, to prevent or mitigate the severity with which he was threatened. The letter of William Penn, which is of great length, manifests a deep sympathy with them in the numerous trials to which their condi- Soon after the close of the Yearly Meeting, tion in the world necessarily exposed them; he parted with his wife and family, in order and contains a pathetic exhortation to pursue to make a second visit, in the love of the Gosthe path of holiness, which had been opened pel, to Friends and others in Holland and Gerbefore them. It concludes in the following many. Of this journey he has preserved an manner, "Remember the poverty, simplicity, account, which is so full of lively interest and self-denial, patience and the cross of Jesus. I instruction, that the narrative cannot be better beg of you, by all that is dear and sacred to conveyed than in his own language. It was you, shrink not at this baptism, neither so first published in the year 1694, as follows, much as tamper with any latitude that would evade his bitter cup. Let not his vinegar and gall be unpleasant, nor his crown of thorns troublesome: last of all, let not his nails and spear be terrible to you. For they that will not forsake him in his agonies, but be the companions of his tribulations, and cheerfully lay down their life and die with him to the world; they and none else shall rise with him in the newness of life; and ascend with him to his Father, by him to be glorified with that glory, which he had with his Father before the world began. Unto which kingdom, God Almighty conduct you, through this earthly pilgrimage: Amen."

CHAPTER IX.

PREFACE.

This ensuing journal of my travels in Holland and Germany, in the service of the Gospel of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, was written for my own satisfaction, and that of some relations and particular friends, as the long time it has lain silent shows. But a copy that was found amongst the late countess of Conway's papers, falling into the hands of a person who much frequented that family, he was earnest with me, both by himself and others, to have leave to publish it for a common good. Upon perusal, I have found a willingness to comply with [this request;] hoping that the Lord will make the reading of it effectual to some into whose hands it may fall;-as well those who have received a dispensation of the same ministry, for their encouragement in their public service for God, as those who are under the same ministry, unto zeal and faithfulness.

It has been mentioned in a preceding chapter, that William Penn, about the year 1671, travelled in the work of the ministry through some parts of the continent; but of that journey I can find no particular account. Some traces appear in some of his letters of For it is the glorious Gospel-day, in which the acquaintances he had formed there at that God is exalting his dear Son, as Prophet, time. Whether the princess Elizabeth was Priest, and King, in the hearts of his people. one of them, does not appear; it is certain, O that the nations would hear him, their only however, that letters occasionally passed be- saving health, and Israel's great Shepherd! tween her and Friends in England. William who takes care of his sheep, that hear his Penn, it appears, wrote one to her besides that voice, and gives unto them that follow him in mentioned in the last chapter. By the labours the daily cross unto regeneration, eternal life. of Friends, particularly William Penn and He hath sent, and is sending, forth his servants, William Caton, a knowledge of the doctrines to gather home the sheep that are gone astray of the Society was spread on the continent; and a number had been convinced and joined in fellowship with them, among whom were the parents of William Sewel the historian.

in all nations, that so there may be but one Shepherd and one sheep-fold; according to the glorious promise made to these latter times, in which he said, he would be the In the fourth month of this year, we find teacher of his people himself. For he is William Penn leaving his family at Worming- teaching thousands, by the Light, Spirit, and hurst, in Essex, where he then lived, and at- Grace of his Son Christ, in whom he is well tending the Yearly Meeting at London, where pleased. To this, God hath sent forth his he met George Fox and a number of other servants in this day, to turn all people, as Friends, from various parts of the nation. God's call and visitation to the nations: and When the meeting was over, George Fox blessed are all those who hearken to this tesand John Burnyeate returned with William timony, both mediately and immediately. Penn to his house, where they wrote a work God is awakening men to the knowledge called "The New England fire-brand quench- of his glory in the face or appearance of ed," in reply to a publication by Roger Wil-Christ, by his Spirit in their hearts and conVOL. V.-No. 2.

9

sciences, which reveals to men the Father, yea, the deep things of God. O that they would hear and fear, and learn the things that make for their eternal peace! For if the righteous scarcely are saved, where, O where, shall they appear that neglect so great salvation!-a salvation that comes so near them, as to knock at the door of their hearts; that searches them and tries their reins, and tells unto them their most inward thoughts; and brings a line of judgment over all their words and works. This is Christ Jesus, the Light of the world, who was given of God for salvation to the ends of the earth. He has enlightened all, and shines to all, and calls all, that they should see their sins and be sorry for them, and forsake them, and take up his daily cross and follow him, whom God hath given for an example as well as a propitiation for our sins. And none can know him to be their propitiation, who reject him as their example and leader in their lives and conversations. Wherefore, reader, be serious, inward, and inquisitive for thy soul's sake. What faith hast thou? Is it one that overcomes the world, or one that the spirit of the world overcomes? This is not the faith of God's elect, without which we cannot please God. For that faith works by love. Is it such a love to God as will not offend him, but seeks his glory through a most willing obedience to his holy will? Blessed are the souls in whom this love dwells! For such have none in heaven but God, nor in the earth in comparison of him. As they receive all good from him, so they resign all up to him; and though it be through many tribulations that they must attain the rest of God; yet as nothing can separate them from his love, so neither can any thing deprive them of their reward in the end.

ing that God will judge all, by Christ Jesus, according to the deeds done in the body.

Reader, this journal is of a religious voyage, and has some passages in it that may engage thy soul to seriousness, and let thee see how good God is to those that go of his holy errands. Mayst thou be heartily affected with this testimony of his love and presence with his people; and feel good desires raised in thee to serve the Lord also, according to his blessed will, in thy day; that thou mayst know peace to thy soul, when time here shall be no more.

I am thy assured friend in the best things,
WILLIAM Penn.

CHAPTER X.

On the 22nd of the fifth month, 1677, being the first-day of the week, I left my dear wife and family at Worminghurst, in Sussex, in the fear and love of God, and came well to London that night. The next day I employed myself on Friends' behalf, who were in suf ferings, until the evening; and then went to my own mother's in Essex.

On the 24th I took my journey to Colchester, and met George Watts of London upon the way; who returned with me, and came well to that town the same evening. We lodged at John Furly's the elder, and had a blessed meeting at Jonathan Furly's house that night.

The next morning early I left Colchester, and came to Harwich about noon, accompa nied by George Watts and John Furly the elder, William Tallcoat, and J. Whiterly of Colchester; where we found dear George Fox at J. Vanderwall's house, with many more Friends. After dinner we all went to the meeting, where the Lord gave us a blessed Wherefore, reader, be thou persuaded to take earnest of his love and presence, that should thy lot among that blessed number, if thou art be with us in this voyage. For his holy, overnot yet one of them. Thou seest the way to coming, refreshing power did open all our that Divine privilege; walk in it; for the hearts, and many of our mouths in ministry, end crowns all. And if thou art one of that prayer and praises, to the magnifying of his number, who have chosen God for their por-own name and Truth in that place. tion, be diligent, zealous and fervent in the work and service of God. Redeem thy time, Vanderwall's house, where we took our leave and run thy race with care and constancy; looking unto Jesus, the author, that he may be the finisher of thy faith. Remember who said, there are many mansions prepared for the faithful. Do we believe and look for another world? Let us not then live in this, as if there were no other. Let our eyes be upon our better world, and live here as strangers who are but on our way to our eternal home; that so we may answer the end of God's love, by working out the salvation of our own souls by his power with fear and trembling; know

The meeting done, we returned to John

of Friends; that is to say, of the Friends of that place, with others that came with us, or met us there. And so we went on board the packet-boat: where, by the special favour of the master of the packets to me, (he having formerly served under my father,) we had the best accommodation given to us. Many of the Friends accompanied us to the ship, not leaving us until all was fixed; and then we parted in the fellowship of Jesus.

Those that came over, were George Fox, Robert Barclay, G. Keith, G. Watts, John

Furly, William Tallcoat, Isabel Yeomans,
Elizabeth Keith, and myself, with two of our

servants.

After we had a little refreshed ourselves, we went to the meeting; where the Lord gave us a blessed opportunity, not only with respect We set sail about three o'clock in the morn-to Friends, but many sober Baptists and proing of the 26th, being the fifth-day of the fessors who came in and staid the meeting to week; and got the sixth-day at night within the end: blessed be the name of the Lord. half a league of the Briel. We had good The meeting done, we went to Amsterdam, service those two days in the ship with seve-in company with several Friends of that city, ral passengers, French and Dutch: and though they seemed at first to be shy of us, and to slight us, yet at last their hearts were much opened in kindness towards us, and the universal principle had place.

The next morning Friends were fetched on shore by a boat of Rotterdam, with some Friends of that city who came to the Briel to meet us. The Friends that came were Aaron Sonnemans, Benjamin Furly, and S. Johnson, Vettekeuken, with three young men that live at B. Furly's house. After we had eaten, we took boat immediately for Rotterdam; where we arrived about noon, and where many Friends came to see us, among whom we were comforted.

On the 29th, being the first-day of the week, we had two meetings at B. Furly's house; whither resorted a great company of people, some of them being of the most considerable note in that city; and blessed be the true Word of life, that never failed them that rest upon it and abide in it! the Gospel was preached, the dead were raised, and the living comforted; God, even our God, bore heavenly record to his only begotten Son; and truth is honourable in the eyes of seve ral of that place.

The next day we spent in visiting Friends from house to house, not in one company, being lodged in several quarters of the city. All our visits were precious meetings; for, indeed, for that end God brought us into this land. Several of us dined and supped that day at two great men's houses, where we had blessed opportunities to make known unto them what was the hope of our glory; that mystery, which to the Gentiles is now reveal ing, even Christ Jesus, the light and life of the world manifested in us.

and of Alkmaer and Embden, who met us at the meeting at Harlem. We were lodged at Gertrude Dirick's house. G. K. and his wife, and R. B. staid over the fourth-day's meeting at Rotterdam, and so came not till the next day; which was the day of the general meeting of Friends in this country.

On the 2nd of the sixth month, at G. D.'s house, the general meeting was held, both of men and women: and the Lord, who is setting up his own kingdom by his own power, owned us with his blessed presence, and opened us in that wisdom and love, that all things ended with peace, great concord, and comfort: many things being spoken, especially by our dear friend G. F., that were of good service; and I hope will dwell with them for ever.

These several things agreed upon, being of good savour and report, I think fit here to insert.

"At the General Meeting of Friends at Amster

dam, the 2nd of the sixth month, 1677. "1. Be it known to all men, that the power of God, the Gospel, is the authority of all our men's and women's meetings; and every heir of that power is an heir of that authority, and so becometh a living member of right of either of those meetings, and of the heavenly fellowship and order in which they stand: which is not of man, nor by man.

"2. That each Monthly Meeting have a collection apart; and also that there be another collection quarterly at Amsterdam from each meeting, for general services; and that it be not disposed of, but by the consent of the said Quarterly Meeting.

"3. It is agreed upon, that henceforth a Yearly Meeting be held here at Amsterdam; On the 31st G. F., J. F., W. T., and my-unto which Friends in the Palatinate, Hamself, after having broken our fast at A. Son-burgh, Lubeck, and Fredericstadt, &c., be innemans', took boat for Leyden, where we vited; of which meeting there shall be given came that night, in order to be at Harlem notice to the Friends of the Yearly Meeting next day at a meeting appointed by G. F. and at London, to be kept always on the fifth-day myself from Rotterdam: being accompanied of that week, which is fully the third week by J. Bocliffs, J. Arents, and J. Claus, who came from Amsterdam on purpose to conduct us thither.

At Harlem we arrived about the eleventh hour, and went to the house of a good old man, who had long waited for, and is now come to behold the consolation and salvation of Israel.

following after the Yearly Meeting at London.

"4. It is also agreed upon, that henceforth this General Meeting is to be changed into a Quarterly Meeting: and that the first Quarterly Meeting hereafter shall be on the second fifth-day of the ninth month following, and so forth every quarter on the second fifth-day of

the month. This 2nd of the ninth month is to be this first Quarterly Meeting.

"5. It is also agreed, that henceforth a Monthly Meeting in Friesland should be established, as also at Rotterdam; and that on the second second-day of each month: and at Harlingen upon the third third-day of the month.

"6. Further, that in the interim, the Friends of Alkmaer, and Harlem, and Waterland, are to have their Monthly Meeting with Friends at Amsterdam and to begin the said meeting the 6th day of the seventh month, and so forth; always upon the first second-day of the month at the eighth hour.

nish him or her, but in the power of the Lord and spirit of the Lamb; in the wisdom and love of the Truth, which suffereth thereby, to admonish such an offender. So may the soul of such a brother or sister be seasonably and effectually reached unto and overcome, and have cause to bless the name of the Lord on their behalf and so a blessing may be rewarded into the bosom of the faithful and tender brother or sister that so admonisheth.

"11. And be it known unto all, we cast out none from among us: for if they go from the light, and spirit, and power, in which our unity is, they cast out themselves. And it has been our way to admonish them, that they "7. And further, concerning Gospel or may come to the spirit and light of God which der though the doctrine of Christ Jesus re- they are gone from; and so come into unity quireth his people to admonish a brother or again: for our fellowship standeth in the light, sister twice, before they tell the church; yet that the world hateth, and in the spirit, that that limiteth none, so as they shall use no the world grieveth, vexeth, and quencheth. longer forbearance, before they tell the church; And if they will not hear our admonitions, the but that they shall not less than twice admo-light condemneth them, and then goeth our nish their brother or sister, before they tell testimony out against them. the church. And it is desired of all, that before they publicly complain, they wait in the power of God to feel if there is no more required of them to their brother or sister, before they expose him or her to the church. Let this be weightily considered.

"8. And further, when the church is told, and the party admonished by the church again and again, and he or she remain still insensible and unreconciled; let not final judgment go forth against him or her, till every one of the meeting hath cleared his or her conscience that if any thing be upon any, further to visit such a transgressor, they may clear themselves, if possibly the party may be reached and saved. And after all are clear of the blood of such an one, let the judgment of Friends in the power of God go forth against him or her, as moved for the Lord's honour and glory sake; that no reproach may come or rest upon God's holy name, truth and people.

"9. As much as possibly can be, let all differences be ended by some honest Friends; and trouble not the Monthly or Quarterly Meetings with them and if that will not do, proceed to your particular Monthly Meetings. But if they be not there ended, then take aside six honest Friends out of the Quarterly Meeting, and let them hear and determine the matter. And in case any person or persons be so obstinate, as that they refuse the sense and love of Friends, and will not comply with them; then proceed towards them according to the way of Truth in such cases.

"10. That all such as behold their brother or sister in a transgression, go not in a rough, light, or upbraiding spirit to reprove or admo

"12. That no condemnation is to go further than the transgression is known. And if he or she return, and give forth a condemnation against himself or herself, which is more desirable than that we should do it, this is a testimony of his or her repentance and restoration before God, his people, and the whole world: as David, when Nathan came to admonish him. Psal. li.

"13. That no testimony by way of condemnation be given forth against any man or woman, whatever crime they commit, before admonition, and till such time as they have Gospel order, according to Christ's doctrine.

"14. And if any brother or sister hear any report of any brother or sister, let him or her go to the party, and know the truth of the report; and if true, let the thing be judged; if false, go then to the reporter, and let him or her be judged. And if any should report it at a second or third hand, without going to the party of whom the report goeth, let such be brought to judgment; for thou shalt neither raise nor suffer a report to lie upon my people, saith the Lord: for they are to be holy as he is holy; and just as he is just.

"15. And if any controversy or weakness should appear in either men's or women's meetings, let it not be told out of your meetings; because such speeches tend to the defaming of such persons and meetings, and to the hurt of the common unity, and breach of the heavenly society and privilege."

This is an account of what passed in this general meeting.

Next day, notice being already given, we had a large public meeting, in which the sound of the everlasting Gospel, testament, and co

venant went forth; and the meeting ended with a sweet and weighty sense. That evening we had a more select meeting of Friends than the day before, in which the nature of marriage, and the practice of Friends relating to it and other things were very weightily and closely discoursed. The resolutions were these following:

respect to persons, even for the Lord's sake, and his blessed everlasting Truth; that God may bless and prosper his people.

"And let all things be written down, both as to your Monthly and Quarterly Meeting collections; what you receive, and what you disburse; that all may be fair and clear, to the satisfaction of all that desire to see and examine the books."

"1. A scruple concerning the law of the magistrate about marriage, being proposed and discoursed of in the fear of God among Friends in a select meeting; it was the universal and unanimous sense of Friends, that joining in marriage is the work of the Lord only, and not of priest or magistrate. For it is God's ordinance and not man's, and therefore Friends cannot consent that they should join them to-bert Barclay, Benjamin Furly, and myself. gether. For we marry none; it is the Lord's work, and we are but witnesses.

And the Lord's fear, and life, and power was over all, in which the Lord God preserve his for ever.

"2. But yet, if a Friend, through tenderness, have a desire that the magistrate should know it before the marriage be concluded; they may publish the same, after the thing hath by Friends been found clear; and after the marriage is performed in a public meeting. of Friends and others, according to the holy order and practice of Friends in Truth throughout the world, and the manner of the holy men and women of old, may go and carry a copy of the certificate to the magistrate; they are left to their freedom herein, that if they please they may register it. But for priests or magistrates to marry, or join any in that relation, is not according to Scripture; and our testimony and practice have been always against it. It was God's work before the fall, and it is God's work alone in the restoration.

"3. If any Friend have it upon him to reprint any book already printed and approved either in England or here, they may do it upon their own charges.

"4. It is also agreed, that the care of reading and approving books, be laid upon some of every meeting; to the end no book may be published but in the unity. Yet any other faithful Friends not so nominated, are not thereby excluded. Though in all these cases it is desired, that all would avoid unnecessary disputes about words, which profit not, but keep in the love that edifieth.

"5. It is further concluded, that the general stock of the Quarterly Meeting be not disposed of, but by the consent of the Quarterly Meeting. But if, betwixt times, there should be a pressing necessity concerning the public; let that Monthly Meeting, where it shall fall out, lay down the money, and give in an account at the next Quarterly Meeting in order to their relief, if it appear that they are thereby overcharged. And let all things be done without favour, affection, relation or any

The 4th of the sixth month, being the seventh-day of the week, was employed in visiting Friends, and preparing ourselves for a further journey; that is to say, George Keith, Ro

Finding letters here from the Friends of Dantzic, complaining of the heavy sufferings they underwent; informing us also that the king of Poland was there, and asking advice about an address to him, it fell upon me to write the following letter in the name of the Friends of Dantzic:

"TO THE KING OF POLAND. "Great Prince!

"ACTIONS of justice, mercy, and Truth are worthy of all men; but in a most excellent manner of the serious consideration of kings and princes. We, certain inhabitants of the city of Dantzic, have been long great sufferers, not for any wickedness committed against the royal law of God, or any breach of those civil laws of this city, that relate to the well government of it in all natural and civil things; but purely and only for the cause of our tender consciences towards God.

"This severity being by us represented to the magistrates of this city, we could not as yet receive from them any relief; some expressing, as if easing the burden of our oppressions should give thee, O King, an occasion of dissatisfaction against them; who art our acknowledged protector.

"Being thus necessitated, and in a manner driven to make this address unto thee; take it not amiss, that we, with that humility and patience, that becometh the servants and followers of Jesus, and with all manner of Christian respect and sincerity of mind, briefly relate to thee, the most fundamental principles most surely believed by us; which we hope thou wilt believe, deserve not those punishments, that are inflicted upon us as evil doers.

"1. We do reverently believe, that there is one God and Father, one Lord Jesus Christ, and one Holy Spirit, and these three are one. Eph. iv. 6.

"2. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to have been given forth