FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER.

VOL. XIV.

PHILADELPHIA, NINTH MONTH 12, 1857.

EXTRACTS FROM THE LIFE OF MARY DUDLEY. (Continued from page 386.)

24th of 4th mo. 1788. In a little retirement this morning light seemed to shine on a public meeting here, the Menonists agreeing to give the use of their house at four o'clock in the afternoon; a few of these, with some Moravians, and Inspirants attended. Joseph Mortimer, a single brother from Yorkshire, kindly acted as interpreter for us. Feeling a little desire in my heart to call on a man whose countenance had struck me in the meeting, we went on entering the house a salutation of love arose, and a memorable season ensued, which to me seemed like a brook by the way, consolatory after a season of great trial and drought-and we left Nieuvied with renewed feelings of that love which had nearly united us to many there.

No. 26:

waiting for ability to worship. This sitting re-
newed that fellowship which is indeed the bond
of the saints' peace, and the harmony in service
increased that cement which is as precious oint-
ment sending forth a sweet savour.
We went
to supper with Jean Christe, a Moravian, to
whom we were recommended from Nieuvied;
several of that sect were with us, and we had a
satisfactory time of innocent cheerfulness and
freedom.

"5th. Sat as usual together in our chamber; my mind was under some exercise about a public meeting, but I felt fearful of mentioning it; our friend Christe came to tea with us, the symptoms of being measureably redeemed are obvious in this man; we all felt much love in our hearts towards him, and his seemed open to us : J. Sulger, a Moravian, who understands English, kindly interprets for us; in him also the seed of life appears to shoot forth in grain which we hope is ripening. Oh! if these visited ones were but inward enough, how would their growth be forwarded!

"6ih. Went to tea with a large company of Moravians; some of their inquiries respecting women's preaching and the nature of our visit, were answered to apparent satisfaction, but our minds being drawn into silence we found it a "We got to Wisbaden the evening of the 26th, close conflict to yield-the company were ready and met with an Englishman who accompanied to hear, or talk, but the opposition in them to us to several bathing houses, this place being fa- silence, and our nature pleading to be excused, mous for an extraordinary boiling spring, of a brought on deep exercise. Our friend Sulger sulphureous nature, which is communicated by asked if he should desire them to be still, this pipes to the different houses. From thence we was a relief to S. G. and myself, and she was, proceeded to Frankfort, a fine populous town, after some time of stillness, engaged to explain the remarkable for the liberties it possesses, being nature of true worship, and the necessity of .waitgoverned by its own magistrates, who are Luth-ing for preparation to perform it. They again erans; it is supposed to contain twenty thousand began talking, to shew their approbation of what inhabitants and among these three thousand had been said, but silence being again requested, Jews. No man pays more than five pounds a-year G. D. followed with good authority, and I thought taxes, which commences on his declaring himself some of them then felt what true silence was, worth fifteen hundred pounds. This city being particularly our interpreter, to whom, as well as so privileged is a thriving one, and not obliged through him, I believe, the testimony flowed. to take part in war, unless the empire be inva- I sat some time in close travail, desiring that the people might feel as well as hear, but found it a great trial to speak what seemed given me for them; at length love prevailed, and this memorable season, which closed in solemn prayer, was, to me, one of the most relieving since I came on the continent.

ded.

"4th. Had a little season of quiet retirement alone, and in the evening we went to see a person named Brenan, with whom Claude Gay lodged for three weeks. He and another old man live retired-they are of the sect of Inspirants; several met us to tea, and religious conference ensuing, liberty was felt in recommending silent

"We went to sup with the two dear old men, J. Christe accompanying us; it was a pleasant

visit-peace evidently surrounding the dwelling on parting I just remembered how Jacob was favored near the close of his life, and what worship he performed leaning on his staff; after reviving which we left them in love.

"7th. Our men friends called on a few persons at a little distance from town, and in the evening we all went to J. C.'s, where, after some time, silence was procured, several young people being present, to whom our minds were drawn in the feeling of gospel solicitude, which we were enabled to evince; and although this season was a strange thing to, I believe, all, except ourselves, what was said seemed well taken, and we felt peace in having yielded to this manifestation of duty.

"8th. On a little comparing our feelings this morning, we thought it best to appoint a meeting many difficulties occurred, but at length our friends J. and H. Brenan agreed to give us a room in their house. It proved a deeply exercising season, though strength was mercifully afforded to express the feelings that were raised; but the opposition to this way of worship was, I believe, clearly felt to obstruct the stream from running as it ctherwise might. Those called Inspirants have a great dislike to women's preaching, and our transgression in this respect, probably did not suit them; we however felt easy, and this little act of dedication tended to an increase of peace, and cleared the way for moving

on.

May I learn increasingly to commit all into the divine hand!

"We proceeded from Lyons in a carriage boat down the Rhone, passing many towns and villages, on the banks of this rapid river; landed at Pont Esprit, and reached Nismes in the afternoon of the 22nd; from whence we proceeded next day to Congenies,* about three leagues distant.

"On the coach stopping at a little inn where we designed to alight, a large number of people surrounded us, some looking almost overcome with joy, others surprised, some smiling, but all behaving civilly. Our men friends alighting in order to make arrangements for our reception, left us women in the coach; but such was the covering with which my mind was then favored, that being a spectacle to thousands would have seemed trifling to me-tears flowed from a renewed sense of unmerited regard, and the extension of the love of the universal parent to His children, spread a serenity not easily set forth.

"We were desired to accompany some who joined us to a neighboring house, and the room we entered was soon filled with persons, who, by every testimony we could comprehend, rejoiced in seeing us; though many expressed their feelings only by tears. They reluctantly consented for the first night to our occupying three tolerably commodious bed-chambers at the house of a Protestant (but not one professing as they do,) and we designed to engage these rooms, with "9th. Parted with our dear friends at Basle another for a kitchen, and hire a servant to atunder a sense of uniting love, and travelled tend on us: but before we were dressed next through a beautiful country, richly diversified morning, several of these affectionate poor woby nature and improved by art, to Geneva, where men carried off our trunks, &c., and on consultI was confined one day by illness at a poor inn: ing together we concluded it was best to yield to here we got an account of our friends J. Eliot the wishes of those we came to visit, resigning and A. Bellamy having arrived at Lyons. Though the personal convenience we might enjoy in being I was still greatly indisposed, we set forward on permitted to provide for ourselves. We therethe 16th, and travelled through almost incessant fore accepted apartments in two of their houses, rain to Chalons, a little French village, where and while these and their manner of cooking are we were indifferently entertained and lodged at very different to what we have ever been accusa very dirty inn. Next day we had a romantic tomed to, the belief that we are here in right diride between very high rocks and mountains-rection, smooths what would be otherwise hard strong torrents of water pouring with wonderful rapidity, some not less than three hundred feet, with perpendicular and sloping falls-these emptying themselves into a lake below, and thence into the Rhone. This scene of grandeur was rendered awful by remarkably loud claps of thunder, and vivid flashes of lightning, which continued for some hours, accompanied by heavy hail storms and rain. Through divine preservation we got to a tolerable inn to sleep, and were favored to reach Lyons the evening of the 18th; where the interview with our dear friends proved mutually comforting; and I had fresh cause for thankfulness in finding several letters from my beloved husband, conveying the intelligence of all being well. This, after suffering much from anxiety about home, was humbling to my heart.

to bear. Their love for our company is such that they seldom leave us alone, and seem to think they cannot do enough to make us comfortable.

"A few both of the men and women are sensible, intelligent persons, with whom, could we converse, some of us would be well pleased.

"We are all aware, that speaking only through an interpreter obstructs the stream of freedom, and yet I have thought that even this might have its use, by tending to prevent too much conversation, and thereby drawing their and our minds

Congenies is a small village in the department of the Garde, where, and in the several adjacent places, a number of persons reside, who profess nearly the try, although they are not yet recognised as members same principles as those held by Friends in this counof our religious Society.

from that state of watchfulness, wherein receiv- | Father's love, she became desirous that others ing suitable supplies, we may be qualified prop- might come and taste of His goodness; she had erly to administer in due season to their wants. learned that to obtain the crown, there must be "First day, 25th. Their meeting this morn- a submission to the cross of Christ, and by abiding ing was attended by between eighty and ninety in humility and self-denial she became qualified persons: soon after sitting down several of them to instruct others. Her gift in the ministry appeared strangely agitated, and no less than five was acknowledged about the year 1810. spoke one after another, partly in testimony and partly in supplication, all sitting, except one man, who stood up, and expressed a little in humility and tenderness.

"We found that our safety was in getting to our own exercise, desiring, as ability was afforded, that the right seed might rise into dominion, and the imaginations of the creature be brought into subjection and though it was evident, that but few of them were acquinted with that silence, wherein the willings and workings of nature are reduced, and the still small voice, which succeeds the wind and the fire, intelligibly heard, yet we were comforted in observing much of this emotion subside, and the meeting was favored, towards the conclusion, with a solemnity it wanted before; the people settling more into stillness, while testimony and prayer went forth through G. D.

(To be continued.)

THE OBJECT OF EDUCATION.

The true object of education is to give children resources that will endure as long as life endures; habits that time will ameliorate, not destroy; occupation that will render sickness tolerable, solitude pleasant, age venerable; life more dignified and useful, and death less ble.-[Sydney Smith.

The following are extracts from memorandums left by her:

"Oh! the fear I feel lest I should become lukewarm and forget the God of my life. As it seems to be my lot to pass through many trials and afflictions, I desire I may ever keep humble and low, begging of Him who is able to give me patience to endure them without a murmuring thought, believing all things will work together for the good of those who love and fear Him.

"O, thou most Holy One, be pleased, I pray Thee, to create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me; yea, I crave it more than corn, wine or oil; O, Thou who art adorable in goodness, cleanse and purify my heart, so that I may become a clean vessel, fit for Thee to dwell in."

She manifested a deep interest for the welfare of our Society-a love for its principles and testimonies was evinced by a daily concern for their support, which did not abate in the decline of life. Expressing, "it seems to me I am soon to leave, and if I could see more coming up and filling these ranks in righteousness, how it would rejoice my spirit."

She was an affectionate mother, governing her children in the spirit of love; and although she witnessed the severing of that cord which terri-bound some of them to earth, she murmured not

A memorial concerning our Friend, AMY DIL-
LINGHAM, from the Monthly Meeting of
Danby.

As the memory of our deceased friend remains to be precious, and in the hope that a brief account of her religious experience may prove an incentive to others to lend a listening ear to the same Counsellor, who supported and directed her through many afflictive dispensations, and brought her to acknowledge the goodness of Israel's unslumbering Shepherd.

She was the daughter of Abram and Deborah Tucker, and was born the 15th of 9th month, 1775, at Shappaqua, Westchester County, N. Y. Her parents were members of our religious Society, and were concerned to impress on the minds of their children a love for its principles. On the 20th of 11th month, 1794, she was united in marriage with Stephen Dillingham, after which they removed to Granville, and came members of our Monthly Meeting, where she spent the remainder of her days.

at the dispensation of Providence, but continued her guardian care over the remainder of her family, often, very often admonishing and enand in an observance of the discipline of our couraging them to live in the fear of the Lord, Society, which she believed would help to preserve them from many snares they might otherwise fall into.

With the concurrence of her friends she performed several religious visits to other Meetings, and the families composing them, administering consolation to the afflicted, and endeavoring to arouse those to greater dilligence who were resting as upon beds of ease. It was her practice frequently, when in social gatherings, to seek for the harmonizing influence of heavenly love, and after all were brought into solemn silence, words have flowed from her lips, comparable to the distilling dew upon the tender plants to the refreshing thereof.

We believe she was one to whom the parable would apply, both spiritually and temporally, be-"When I was an hungered ye gave me meat, thirsty and ye gave me drink, a stranger and ye took me in;" for from her beneficent hand many have been made partakers of the good things of

By yielding to the influence of her Heavenly

this life, as the destitute had a large claim upon | it may not be out of place to mention here a her sympathy. circumstance he related, which I thought remarkable, he apprehended himself called upon by Unerring Wisdom, to go to a certain house where he had no knowledge of the people, and have an interview with a woman. The undertaking appeared so formidable that he greatly shrank, and he suffered extremely ere he submitted. He proceeded to the house and made known his errand to the husband, with which he readily coincided, and after delivering what he esteemed a gospel message to her, she told him he had providentially come upon an errand of mercy to save her soul from perdition as she had been contemplating means to destroy herself for some time, so intense had been the exercise of her mind on the subject of the "atonement."

She was taken sick the 27th of 5th month, 1856 her disorder was paralysis, which for a time deprived her of the power of speech; but on a partial recovery from this state she appeared sensible, and seemed desirous of feeling a greater assurance, when time should be no more with her, of entering into that city that needeth not the light of the sun or the moon to enlighten it; which in due time was granted, and a clear evidence furnished; in allusion to which, she says, "I have prayed oftener than the morning to know whether there is a place prepared for me, but have not been favored to see until now; but now I know there is a seat all clear and white. I wish you could all see what I see." While able to speak, much salutary counsel was given to those present, who witnessed her exemplary patience through great bodily suffering. She often expressed, There is not a cloud in my way, and in an ecstacy of joy said, Do not hold me, do not keep me; and after giving a message, she said, My work is done. She continued until the 16th of 8th month, 1856, when she yielded her spirit in calm resignation, aged about 81 years.

Communicated for Friends' Intelligencer.

The recent announcement of the demise of Gilbert Dickinson, of Harford County, Md., to me was very unexpected, and it has suggested some profitable reflections to my mind. Three months have scarcely elapsed, since at our Quarterly Meeting I made his valuable acquaintance, and although apparently ripe for immortality, his appearance promised years of usefulness among his fellow-men. How forcibly I am reminded of the uncertainty of life, and the fleeting passage of every sublunary enjoyment! Here there is nothing permanent; we may make calculations in our human wisdom, and speculate upon the rearing of Babels in which to secure ourselves for a season, but ere our plans have been carried into execution, the foundation threatens an overthrow, and reminds us of the importance of seeking an establishment upon that rock, which, when assailed by adverse winds and tumultuous storms, remains immutable.

Previous to meeting with our friend, I had spent a considerable time of retirement; and as we are socially constituted, I had felt a yearning desire to commingle with some of the dedicated servants, who travel up and down the earth in promulgation of the gospel, and the company of that father in Israel seemed indeed Providential. I was strengthened and encouraged by an interesting account of his long religious experience, he spoke in feelings of tearful gratitude of the rich bounties in which he had been permitted to participate as an unfailing requital for the yielding of implicit obedience to Divine requisitions of duty. He was singularly led, and

O that we may all be faithful to manifested duty, that our latter end may be as his. Sandy Spring, 8th mo. 30th, 1857.

A GOOD FATHER.

One evening, as the wind was raging and howling with terrible force, shaking the house, and making timid people tremble for fear of fire or other aceidents that might befall them, a number of grown persons were complaining of the wakeful and restless nights they had endured during the recent winter storms.

A little boy who had listened unalarmed, with a sweet beaming trust in his face, said, in his turn: "I sleep so well and sound because I have got such a good father. I know he would not let anything happen to me.

If the house would

catch fire, he would take me right up in his arms and run down stairs with me, and I'd be safe.".

This went to my heart, and rebuked the fears of those who tremble and toss upon restless pillows, when he who holds the wind in his fist is their Father and Friend. The remark of that dear boy has taught me a lesson which I hope to remember. When I go to his bedside after he has been asleep for hours, and see his ruddy cheeks and clustering ringlets, and watch his peaceful, innocent expression, and listen to his gentle breathings, knowing, as well I do, that he is a timid child, often flying with fear from trifling causes of alarm, then I feel how deep and pervading must be his trust in his father's loving heart and strong arms, to cause such dreamless slumbers amid howling winds and storms. Cannot the experienced Christian learn a lesson even from a babe's lips? Ought we not to rest peacefully amid causes of alarm, because we "have got such a good Father?"

And though age wearies by the way

And hearts break in the furrow,
We'll sow the golden grain to-day-
The harvest comes to-morrow.