creasing on my mind for some time past, of making a religious visit to their families. This concern obtaining their approbation, one man and two women Friends, were named to accompany me therein.— The matter was then left till I should return. On seventh-day, we attended the Quarterly meeting of ministers and elders; in which, a good degree of the savour of life was felt; yet I thought it was necessary for Friends to guard against a habit of speaking, because they are accustomed to speak. It is needful to wait, from time to time, for the renewed evidence of life; without which, the most unexceptionable form of words, expressive of the necessity of a religious growth and improvement, will not in the least tend to forward the work, but rather prove a hinderance to the benefits of silent retrospection.

On first-day, we were at New Garden meeting, which was, in a good degree, open and satisfactory. Lodged at John Jackson's; and next day attended the Quarterly meeting for discipline; to me, an exercising time. On third-day, at the General meeting, a renewed visitation appeared to be extended to the youth. But it felt to me, that many were willing to reign with Christ, and were induced to admire. the gifts of others; and yet, for want of saying in sincerity, thy will be done," they remained as dwarfs in Israel; not being willing to get down to their own gifts, and therein to be, what the Lord would have them to be.

TESTIMONIES CONCERNING ELISHA KIRK. 65

A TESTIMONY

From York monthly meeting, concerning our· friend Elisha Kirk.

The remembrance of our beloved friend remains as a good savour on many of our minds. He was born the 25th of the 12th month, 1757, in East Caln, Chester county, of pious parents, Caleb and Elizabeth Kirk, whose mutual care in his education had the desired effect; tending to convince him that true obedience was necessary, in order to obtain happiness. He then resolved to take up the cross to his corrupt inclinations; in which, being favoured, he became exemplary, and by endeavouring to keep faithful, was in a good degree enabled to keep down the root of sin. As he advanced in years, trials attended; being early deprived of the benefit of a tender affectionate father's care: but that good Hand, which had begun the work of reformation, was near; and by its blessed influence, preserved him in watchfulness, so that though he was fond of company and youthful pleasure, his love for Truth was increased, and by submitting to its inward teaching, he was favoured measurably to experience preservation.

Continuing faithful, he received a gift in the ministry, in which he appeared near the end of his apprenticeship; and through humble attention to Divine Light, he experienced a growth therein;-being favoured to divide the word aright, and minister. to the comfort and edification of the churches. . He was diligent in the attendance of our religious meetings, and exemplary in humble waiting therein. When the prospect of choosing a companion spread

before his mind, he was concerned that he might be rightly directed therein; and believing it right, he joined in marriage with Ruth, the daughter of Solomon and Sarah Miller, in Maryland. Soon after which, they settled in Yorktown; where he continued a useful member of society, -was diligent in his outward calling, yet did not allow worldly concerns to hinder him from attending our religious meetings, with his family.

In maintaining our Christian discipline, he was skilful and serviceable, and was favoured with much peace in treating with those who had strayed from the paths of truth. His exemplary conduct, and strict justice in his dealings, [was a striking proof of his love to the reputation of society and] raised him in the esteem of most that knew him.

With the concurrence of Friends at home, he visited most of the meetings of Friends in North Carolina and New England; being frequently engaged in visiting families, and very useful, therein. He was an affectionate husband, a careful parent,and faithful friend,-and his sympathy toward those in difficult circumstances was evident.

He was for several years of a weakly constitution; and in the 9th month, 1789, was taken unwell with a disorder, which continued changeable until the 12th month; after which it appeared to be the consumption, and confined him, for the most part, to his chamber. In the forepart of his illness, he was tried with a state of poverty of spirit, in which he appeared patient, and resigned; waiting in humility for renewed refreshment,-which he was favoured in due season to experience, and he was enabled to praise that great Name, which we believe he had

learned to love, above all worldly considerations.Then he would cheerfully speak of his change, giving directions about his outward affairs with composure of mind, being careful to have them settled; and frequently had his heart filled with gratitude, returning thanks for the many favours he was receiving. On the 5th of the 4th month, he lay very still and slept, his brother sitting by him:-when he awoke, in an awful frame of mind, he took him by the hand and said, with great composure, "I believe I am going." His brother replied, "Thou art not afraid to go?" He answered, "No." At which time he appeared to have a foretaste of the joy that was before him, and said, "I am so filled with joy and sweetness, I cannot forbear shedding tears.'

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8th of the month he appeared very weak, and said, "perhaps I may go to-day;" and continued in a sensible weighty frame of mind, as one patiently waiting for his change; often saying, "I am going in peace."

11th of the month, many Friends coming into his chamber, he took leave of them in an affectionate manner, giving advice to some, and raising his voice, said, "Oh! let all be faithful to the precious gift, which the Lord has bestowed upon them." He then lay still for some time, continuing sensible, and near the eighth hour in the evening, quietly departed this life, in the thirty-third year of his age, and thirteenth of his ministry; and was interred in Friends' burying-ground in York, the 13th of the 4th month, 1790, and we doubt not, he is a partaker of that joy, which crowns the labours of the faithful.

Signed in and on behalf of said meeting, by

AMBROSE UPDEGRAFF, Clerk.

Peter Yarnall's Account of Elisha Kirk's last sickness, &c.

On the 26th of the 3d month, 1790, I visited my beloved friend, Elisha Kirk, who was in a low, declining state of health, but in much sweetness of mind. Looking back on his past life, he expressed, that he had received many favours from the Divine hand, even from early life; and that he had in a good degree been faithful-likewise said, he believed, he should leave a tolerable example behind him.

As I was sitting still on his bed side, he asked me whether I felt uneasy about him? I answered, no:--that I felt something very calming to attend my mind, concerning him. He mentioned a sense he had of making some misses, but hoped they were forgiven. I replied, that I believed no transgressions would be imputed to him.

27th. I spent most of the day with dear Elisha.. I had not visited him so frequently as I could have wished, during the latter part of his sickness, by reason of the indisposition of my own family, and . others. We had a sitting with him, this afternoon, in which our friend William Matthews had something to communicate, in a very feeling manner,encouraging his dear wife to seek after resignation to the Divine will. It was, I hope, a season of comfort.

28th. Being with him, he mentioned that though he felt great weakness, yet he was free from pain. He mentioned this divers times in the day, with gratitude to the great Author.. In the evening, lay