book sealed with seven seals, and for more than thirty years I never felt freedom to disclose them to any person until within some few years, in which time they have grown like a burden to my mind.

As it is said in scripture that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," so I found, by sorrowful experience, it happened with me. I don't know that I ever wronged or injuaed any of my fellow-beings, but my transgressions were of most hurt to myself; so I believe those visitations were, until now, intended for my own improvement; and if this account should be seen by any, I hope they will have charity towards me for unfolding these things now in my latter days. Some of those visitations were in dreams, several of which were remarkable.

As these dreams and many other visitations took fast hold of my mind with condemnation for evil, I went very frequently to Friends' meetings, believing that was the right way for me to go.

got up early, and walked out some distance to a green common where were cattle feeding, it being summer time; and as I walked along among the beasts of the field, my mind seemed to be swallowed up in something that I am not able to describe. Whether I stood still, or continued to walk, I cannot tell; but in this heavenly frame of mind (as I believe I may venture to call it) it was clearly opened to my understanding that all things which God had created were good, and remained so; but that man fell and became sinful, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, destitute of the love of God, his Maker; and in this condition he must remain until he come to know a state of redemption from his sinful fall, and to be restored by the sensible operation of Grace and Truth in his own heart. I was included with the rest of sinners. Now this seemed a very great sight for me to see-a poor, ignorant Gentile, just come, as it were, out of the ditch, and from under the hedge. I felt now quite like another person. I am not able to make any one sensible of that which operated within me, and which continued with me mostly through the day. It seemed like a Sabbath day to me, although it was the second day of the week. As

did when he denied his Lord and Master; for condemnation followed me for sin, but I endeavored after this to live more soberly, and to be more watchful over my conduct and conversation. I went steadily to Friends' meetings, and felt a very great desire that I might not offend the merciful God any more.

Several years after this, I met with another remarkable visitation which was after this manner. I had a brother living in Chester, Pennsylvania, and being there on a visit, I accompanied him to Friends' meeting on First-day. I was now in a strange place, I walked back to Roger Dick was there and preached in a power- the house, and took breakfast with my brother, ful manner; it seemed as though it was all for but kept my mind sealed up; for I felt it best me. It was to me a solemn time. I was hum- so to do. After breakfast, my brother went to bled to that degree that I could not contain my- his business, and I walked in the woods; for I self, but burst into a flood of tears. I strove as felt best when alone. Next day, I returned much as I could to hide my condition, but was home, but this solemn frame of mind was going not able. I did not, as some of whom I have off. I went to my work and felt as poor and heard when they met with something that hum-wretched as ever-as bad, I thought, as Peter bled them, fall down and cry out, but endeavored to hide my face, for I could have washed it with my tears. After a time, the meeting broke up, and I got away as soon as I could; for I was ashamed to be seen. Such were the tendering sensations that penetrated my mind, that I could not get over them. I went back with my brother to his house; but the feelings which I had experienced, and which were powerful beyond expression, so continued with me that I was forced to yield and give up to their operation. I was so overcome that I could not eat any dinner, but lay down on a bed. I felt as if I was now sunk below all hope. "Oh," thought I, "if I had but the wings of a mighty eagle that I could flee into the wilderness, or some solitary place; that I might be hid from the sight of all mortals, and that I might pour out my soul before God." For I did believe that he remained to be a God of mercy and forbearance, waiting for sinners to return, repent, and live. In this condition I remained until the next morning; but when night came on, I retired to bed alone. Oh, what a night I had! I thought I felt like a man condemned to die. I do not remember that I slept any; but it is said, "Sorrow may continue for a night, yet joy cometh in the morning." I

It was not long before I met with another visitation, which was after this manner. As I was sitting in meeting one First-day at Newtown in a solid thoughtful frame of mind, Joshua Evans preached, and in his testimony spoke to some individual in particular, and I was very sure that I was the person whose condition he addressed : he said, "the everlasting welfare of some poor soul who is now present seems to be at stake," with some other words that I do not remember, and then sat down. After a while he stood up again, and added, "there are terms offered to thee which are these, Cease to do evil and learn to do well,' and if thou obey these terms, thy transgressions shall not be as much as remembered against thee in the day of account; thy penitent heart is the very key that opens to thee the treasures of heaven; thy condition is known only to God, and thy own soul." This I well knew to be true; for I did not feel the least freedom

privileges as under their feet. I went sometimes to Friends' Quarterly meeting held at Haddonfield, where I saw that which made me feel sorrowful. When the time came for Friends to proceed to their business and it was right for me to leave the house, I observed a number of young people, and some farther advanced in life, men

to tell any one how it was with me. I received the joyful terms with such gladness that my feelings, as near as I am able to describe them, were like those of Elizabeth when Mary saluted her: the babe leaped for joy."-Oh, how the tears rolled down my face! After some time the meeting broke up, and I got home as soon as I could. I did not seem to want for any out-bers of the Society, stand out of doors in con ward food, there were such lively feelings and tender sensations at work in my mind; but I thought that if I did not sit down with the rest of the family, they would inquire what was the matter, and I should not be able to answer the question, seeing that I was then in good health. I accordingly sat down with them; but as I partook of the outward blessings, the inward bless ings seemed to depart from me. I endeavored to watch and be sober, and continued to attend meetings, but it was very much in the cross that I went to those held on week days, and that I used the plain language. It seemed to be my duty to give up these things, and I endeavored, as my understanding was opened, to be faithful according to my small capacity, for I thought that I had but one talent, but believed that it might be improved if there was faithfulness on my part. I ofteu felt discouraged, but was convinced that if there was no cross there would be no crown. I continued in this exercise of mind. for several years longer before I felt a freedom to request to become a member among Friends. Although I had a desire to do so, I felt that I had something more to pass through before I was to be admitted into the Society; and in this time the fire burned as an oven, and all pride, and all that was inclined to do wickedly seemed to be as a stubble before it. Now we know that an oven burns inwardly; so it was in my experience; for I had many inward exercises, and many combats with the enemy of my soul's peace. One thing which I have often thought of happened during this time of my struggles: a young woman lived in the same family with me; she was a member of Friends' Society, but an unguarded creature, or she would not have made so light of her right to offer to give it away. She would say, "John, why don't thee or you," (she would use one word as frequently as the other,) 'get taken into meeting?" telling me that I might have her right. She afterwards lost her right, and I never heard that she regained it. I have many times thought that I could have said to this young woman and to all who are members of this Society: "hold fast that which you have, let no man take your crown; give not away your right in society for any man, for you know not what tribulation it may bring to you." I have no doubt that many would be glad to return, but are not favored with that Divine ability which would be their strength to carry them through the undertaking; so I think that persons of both sexes should take beed how they trample their

versation, while others walked away. I have
turned away with this language in my mind:
"how glad I would be to enjoy what some of
you trample as under your feet- the privilege
of sitting in these meetings." As I passed along
through this probationary scene, I sometimes
met with encouraging seasons, one or two of
which it seems on my mind to relate. At one
time, James Thornton visited Newtown meeting,
and preached in so powerful a manner that it
tendered the hearts of many as well as my own:
it seemed to be a watering time with most.
Having sat down, he rose again, after a little
while, with these words: "when the garden is
watered is the right time to pluck up the weeds;
they are pulled up easily when the ground is wet,'
which words have often been in my memory;
for I had a strong desire that all the evil weeds
might be taken away from my heart. Another
circumstance that happened to me was as follows:
We lived about six miles from a grist mill, and
it was mostly my business to go thither. One
day Joshua Evans was there, and took the op-
portunity to speak to me; he said that he thought
I must be under some discouragement of mind
which was the reason that I did not request to
become a member of the Society, seeing I was
so diligent in attending Friends' meetings, or
words to the same effect. I was so full that I
was not able to make him much reply. He left
me, and after my grist was ground, I started for
home. I had not gone, perhaps, more than one
mile, when, marvellous to relate! the power of
the Lord broke into my heart in so powerful a
manner that it humbled me as in the dust; my
tears flowed so fast that I could have washed my
face in them. In this tender frame of mind, I
felt the dispensation of condemnation, which was
glorious in its time, pass away; for while I was
under that dispensation, I experienced a repen-
tance never to be repented of. I now felt more
freedom and peace of mind than I ever knew
before. I believe that I had now attained in a
good degree, that peace which I begged for in the
beforementioned dream. I now felt a freedom
to apply to Friends to be received into member-
ship with them, and this I did with great care
lest I should be too fast. The Friend with whom
I lived was an overseer of the meeting, and I
spoke to him two or three weeks before Prepara-
tive meeting, that if I should feel uneasy with
what I had done, I might have time to withdraw
my request; but I felt easy to let it go forward,
and so it did, and I was received with readiness.

The tenderness which I have mentioned lasted | and suffering for the sins of the people; and all till I got near home; there was some snow on that experience the same kind of suffering that the ground, and it was melting away. This I he did, experience, according to their measure, thought I resembled; for it seemed as though I something of his baptism and sufferings. These would almost melt away like the snow before must be spiritual, because we read he was "a the warm sun. Now all this, and much more, lamb slain from the foundation of the world." happened to me between the age of 21 and 31 Christ's outward sufferings were of great value, years, and before I became a member of the So- because herein he set a great example to his folciety of Friends; and if, during this time, all lowers that if persecution should follow them in the saints of earth had been on my side pleading so severe a manner that they must either lose for me, it would have been in vain, till the Lord their lives for his sake, or deny and offend him, was pleased to speak peace to my poor, distressed they would take him for their pattern and say, mind, and to open the way for my deliverance; "Jesus Christ suffered, and why should not we, for when he shuts, none can open, and when he seeing he is our pattern." is pleased to open, none can shut. 9th mo., 1826. JOHN GILL.

MEMOIR OF HANNAH GILL.

"They that know thy name will put their trust in thee, for thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee." Thou "forgettest not the cry of the humble." "Thou shalt guide them with thy counsel, and afterwards receive them to glory."

The life of our departed friend Hannah Gill, wife of John Gill, and an elder of Pilesgrove Monthly Meeting, N. J., was an illustration of the effect of divine grace in regulating the spirit so as to enable those under its influence "to go in and out" before their families in such a manner, that in after time "their children shall arise and call them blessed."

Now I don't relate these things as though I was made perfect at once; for my life since that time has been a life of warfare; and such I believe every truly baptized Christian will find his to be; and that he is no longer safe than while he is on the watch. It seems to me that if there be any water baptism under the gospel dispensation it must be when we are favored with those heart-melting, tendering, penetrating feelings which make the tears flow like little streams from our eyes, but as this is produced by the operation of the word or spirit, this baptism must be one with the spirit, as they operate together. I conclude, therefore, that under the gospel dispensation there is but one essential baptism really necessary to be known and felt. Some of these seasons have been sweeter to my Her meek and quiet deportment, is distinctly soul than the honey of the honey-comb to the remembered as casting about her an air of sweetnatural taste. I know what I say by some de- ness which rendered her a desirable companion gree of experience. We read, in the first gene- for the young, as well as for the old. Possessral epistle of John, 5th chapter, that Christ ing a retiring disposition, it induced her to came by water and blood, as though water is shrink from observation, but still she was a useconnected with the blood in baptism: and Christ ful member of society, both in a religious and said to the Jews," except ye eat the flesh of the social point of view; and it may truly be said of son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life her, "where she was best known, she was most in you." Now this must mean spiritually par- beloved." Her disease being of a pulmonary taking of his inward operations and sensations. character, she was for a long time feeble in It could not be his prepared body that he meant; health, but bore her sufferings with great pafor we have no account of his disciples or any tience and cheerful resignation. The daughter one partaking of his flesh and blood, that is, his who waited upon and watched over her during manhood. Therefore it must all have a spiritual the last few weeks of her life," felt it right" to meaning the water, the flesh, and the blood; for place upon paper some of the expressions that he told the people, "it is the spirit that quick-fell from her lips significant of the quiet trust eneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." This spiritual life must be, in some measure, known, or we shall remain insensible of what it is to partake of the flesh and blood of Christ spiritually.

I do not remember that, in any of my lowest times, it ever came into my mind that the outward death and sufferings of Jesus Christ did any part of the work of my salvation, because he said positively to the Jews, "it is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing;" it is the spirit that quickens and makes alive unto God. Christ went down into spiritual death

with which she was inspired. From this brief record we gather the following particulars.

"Having been sent for to attend her in her last moments, and entering the room rather unexpectedly, she seemed nearly overcome for a short time," then in answer to a remark, she feelingly expressed her gratitude for the many favors by which she was surrounded. Upon one occasion observing her daughter weeping, she said, "I want thee, my dear child, to be resigned, I have given up every thing, my precious children and all, and if you will endeavor to be resigned; it will make it easier for us all. Let us go quietly along and do the best we can, and

not dwell upon the hour of death as some dreadful thing, for let it come when it will, it has no terror for me; sit down, be still, be patient, be resigned, for I feel nothing in my way."

Often while administering to her comfort she would say, "What a favor to have some one to do for us at such a time as this; now sit down and be still, it seems as if all I wanted was to be still." At one time the light being almost obscured by the curtain, she requested it to be raised, for said she "it is a part of my life, this precious light."

requested her daughter E. not to leave her, who assured her she would remain with her as long as she needed her. Before going to tea E. bade her farewell, and her mother observing her At another time when she had fallen into a tears, again said "Oh, my dear, be patient and stupor, and it seemed as though she was about resigned! I do not think I shall go just yet, but departing, upon being aroused she said, "don't farewell." Her daughter saying she had often hold me, but let me go; my dear daughter give grieved her in her younger days, and asking if me up, never try to arouse me again, but let me she could forgive her, she replied "freely freely, pass away quietly in sleep." Once when her I have long endeavored to love everybody and I daughter E. expressed a fear of never being able love thee." When regrets were expressed that to do any good, she replied "Oh yes, preachers nothing could be done to relieve her, she said, of righteousness are all those who are endeavor-"There must be something to take us all out of ing to do right." the world, and how much worse it would be, to be deprived of my senses, or suffer such severe pain as many have done who have gone before me." She continued, says her daughter, "talking sensibly to us, till about half past seven, when she inquired the time in the evening, and requested us to give her something to allay the great oppression. Then looking very affectionately at us as we were standing around her she said, " sit down and be still, I feel entirely well except this oppression which is a little trying." In a little while that passed off, and she quietly departed near eight o'clock in the evening. The sweet peace which pervaded the whole house after her close exceeded description, and was accepted as an evidence of the rest which she was made partaker of. Wilt thou O Lord bring us her children into the same path of meekness and self-denial where we may remain bowed before thee. Wilt thou raise up from among us those who may fill her place in righteousness, and thereby make our calling and election sure ere we are called hence and are seen of men no more." A.

Several of her friends coming in and speaking of their comfortable feelings on sitting with her, she said "she was glad there was comfort to be felt;" and also remarked that her present situation was what she had long expected and been looking for, and all she desired was to be favored with patience to the end. A friend replied she had no doubt her request would be granted. Her dear friends Thomas and Esther Davis called to see her the day before her decease; she told them, although with much difficulty on account of her cough, that there was nothing in her way; she sometimes feared she had talked too much, but added "there is nothing in my way, it has not been given me to see whether I am to suffer longer or go shortly, but be that as it may, I feel entirely resigned."

11th of 2nd mo., 1838.

Thomas remarked, he thought the language of a dear young man near his close with the same FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER.

disease, was applicable in her case, which was, "Come, Lord, thy servant is ready;" and that wearisome days and tedious nights would not be appointed her. The interview between her and her friends was such as might be expected between those who had been long closely united in the bonds of Christian fellowship, and although it was looked upon as probably their last meeting on earth, the dear invalid calmly bade them farewell, expressing the hope that they might meet where sorrowings and partings are unknown. Upon getting up for the last time she again said, "what a favor to have some one to wait upon us at such a time as this, while there are so many poor creatures in the world who have none to do for them." Upon lying down she sank into a deep sleep and remained so through the night till near day-light, when she aroused much oppressed. This continued through the day, with great debility, so that she could bear but few persons in the room. She frequently

PHILADELPHIA, NINTH MONTH 19, 1857.

DIED, at her residence in Baltimore, on the 17th ult.,

ANN J., wife of Michael Lamb, in the 67th year of

her age.

Another vacant seat in Lombard Street Meeting! Again has death been in our midst. May one who has long and with constantly increasing interest watched her daily path, venture to say a few words, hoping, thereby to encourage some other timid "fol

lower "" to patient faithfulness like hers.

She was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Jackson, of Queen Anne's Co., Md. Her father, a zealous and sincere minister in the Methodist society, was strict and conscientious in training his children in that persuasion; and it was not until after her marriage, that she ever attended a Friends meeting—then only from her sense of duty as a wife. The writer of this has more than once heard her revert to an afternoon meeting, where she was sitting wasting time,

she thought, in a very light manner, instead of being at her own place of worship, listening to a good sermon, or joining in singing and prayer, when a dear friend arose, and expressed sympathy with just such

About ten days before the close she assembled her family, and in a clear, calm voice took leave of each one, assuring them of her bright and peaceful prospects, As soon as he began this relation, the word of and entreating them affectionately to serve and trust life began likewise to work in me, in a very the Power that was then sustaining her. She told powerful manner; and the holy hammer of the them how the reading of the Scriptures had been her Lord I sensibly felt, and saw to be lifted up comfort and solace through life; spoke of the Discipline of the Society which she had learned to love and upon the hardness of heart, which, for some time regard as a safe hedge about "the straight and narrow (as above) had been my state: and it began to path;" then so humbly and confidingly did she yield be broken, softened and dissolved; and the sense up the objects dearest to her woman's heart, to Him of the love of God in some degree to be renewshe had ever found faithful to His promises. After-ed: and then I saw plainly that this was the wards, with a radiant countenance, she said, that on