those who had done amiss; he visited such in a private way in that plainness which truth dictates, shewing great tenderness and christian forbearance. He was a constant attender of our yearly-meeting, in which he was a good example, and particularly useful; assisting in the business thereof with great weight and attention. He several times visited most of the meetings of friends in this and in the neighbouring provinces, with the concurrence of the monthly-meeting to which he belonged, and we have reason to believe he had good service therein; generally or always expressing at his return how it had fared with him, and the evidence of peace in his mind for thus performing his duty. He was often concerned with other friends in the important service of visiting families, which he was enabled to go through to satisfaction.

"As

In the minutes of the meeting of ministers and elders for this quarter, at the foot of a list of the members of that meeting, made about five years before his death, we find in his hand writing the following observation and reflections. looking over the minutes made by persons who have put off this body, hath sometimes revived in me a thought how ages pass away; so this list may probably revive a like thought in some, when I, and the rest of the persons above-named, are centred in another state of being.-The Lord who was the guide of my youth, hath in tender mercies helped me hitherto; he hath healed my wounds, he hath helped me out of grievous entanglements; he remains to be the strength of my life; to whom I desire to devote myself in time and in eternity."

Signed, John Woolman.

In the 12th month, 1771, he acquainted this meeting that he found his mind drawn towards a religious visit to friends in some parts of England, particularly in Yorkshire. In the first month 1772, he obtained our certificate, which was ap

proved and indorsed by our quarterly meeting, and by the half year's meeting of ministers and elders at Philadelphia. He embarked on his voyage in the fifth month, and arrived in London in the sixth month following, at the time of their annual meeting in that city. During his short visit to friends in that kingdom, we are informed that his services were acceptable and edifying. In his last illness he uttered many lively and comfortable expressions, being "resigned, having no will either to live or die," as appears by the testimony of friends at York in Great Britain, in the suburbs whereof, at the house of our friend Thomas Priestman, he died of the small-pox, on the seventh of the tenth month, 1772, and was buried in friends' burial-ground in that city, on the ninth of the same, after a solid meeting, held on the occasion, at their great meeting-house. He was aged near fifty-two, having been a minister upwards of thirty years, during which time he belonged to Mount-holly particular meeting, which he diligently attended when at home, and in health of body, and his labours of love, and pious care for the prosperity of friends in the blessed truth, we hope may not be forgotten, but that his good works may be remembered to edification.

Signed in, and by order of the said meeting, by

SAMUEL ALLISON, Clerk.

Read and approved at our quarterly-meeting, held at Burlington the 29th of the 8th month, 1774.

Signed by order of the said meeting,

DANIEL SMITH, Clerk.

1

THE

WORKS

OF

JOHN WOOLMAN,

CONSISTING OF

CONSIDERATIONS ON THE KEEPING OF NEGROS,

REFLECTIONS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS,

AND

AN EPISTLE TO THE QUARTERLY AND MONTHLY MEETINGS OF FRIENDS.

Customs generally approved, and opinions received by youth from their superiors, especially when they are suited to favourite inclinations, become like the natural produce of a soil; but as the judgments of God by which the state of the soul must be tried, are without partiality, it would be the highest wisdom to forego customs and popular opinions, and to try the soul by the infallible standard, truth.

Natural affection needs à careful examination. Operating upon us in a soft manner, it kindles desires of love and tenderness, and there is danger of taking it for something higher.