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satisfaction in what he said. Her voice had wholly failed her, and the power of articulation was almost entirely gone. Her power of moving or expressing herself by action was almost as much gone as utterance; but we could gather her mind and discover she was trying to express something. It was evident to me that she attempted to say "Farewell" to Fowell, of whom she wished to take leave. As the evening advanced, the appearance of approaching death decidedly increased. We assembled round her. I was sitting holding her hand, the others about us. She fixed her half-opened eyes upon me, and many times whispered inarticularly, "Farewell." She was still seen making efforts to `speak, when I heard quite evidently, "Farewell to you all." She looked up to Rachel, and again comparatively audibly uttered, "Farewell." with quite a heavenly look, and I believe she said, "My love is with you,' and was moving her lips for some time. We discovered her saying, "O Lord!" She was no doubt in prayerwe thought for us. And here she feebly moved her hand and arm to take our's and F. thought made a movement with her face for me to kiss her. This I observed twice or thrice, and an evident decided smile, such as it had been long since I had seen. F. J. Fry was then empowered (it was indeed, with a power and demonstration of the Spirit) to hold forth to her the most lively encouragement, to lift up her head in the strength of the Lord, to assure her soul before Him, that He would carry her above the waves of Jordan. And she added something to this effect:-"If I saw with my eyes the glorious things prepared for thee, I could not be more sure of them than I now am." Soon after this she fell asleep, which became more and more the sleep of death. Several sat up all night. We were summoned into the room after family reading in the morning, and all assembled round her. We trembled whilst watching whether each would be the last breath. J. J. G. said, "Lord Jesus, receive her spirit,"-when she ceased to breathe. E. Fry repeated the same in a prayer of thanksgiving. Catherine quoted that verse, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

She was a most precious, tenderly beloved sister! How have we seen her soul live in strength through the decay of the body!

ransomed and happy spirit? But to the divinely anointed vision of frail and feeble pilgrims yet waiting on the wilderness side of Jordan, some glimpses are at times afforded of the riches of this perfect bliss and glory, and in the ear of faith a celestial voice announces, "All are yours; for ye are Christ's and Christ is God's."

One of the sisters gives a very touching description of the funeral, which took place on the 31st. "There was," she says,

A blessed sense of the Divine providence and support through every part of it. J. J. G. and E. F. both prayed at the grave, and both in a strain of praise and thanksgiving for the mercies that had been vouchsafed to Priscilla in her life and in her death. J. J. G. gave thanks that she had been redeemed from this present evil world; that through the everlasting love of God, she had been made ready, sanctified, and prepared for the inheritance incorruptible; that her conflicts and her trials had, through the mercy of her God, been made subservient to the great end of working out her salvation, and that she was anongst that blessed number whose robes had been washed white in the blood of the Lamb! E. J. F. alluded to the shortness of her time here on earth, to some of the heavy and sorrowful steps of her pilgrimage: "Thou leddest her in the wilderness, in a solitary way, where she found no city to dwell in. Yet thou didst sustain, comfort and bless her, and in thy own appointed time thou hast led her to a city of habitation." At the meeting, my uncle Joseph Gurney bore his testimony to her upright and holy course of life, to the glory and beauty of that principle of faith in Christ which had led her in the way of the cross, which had kept her in an humble and self-denying path, but one in which she had been enabled to glorify the God whom she had served. Those to whom she had shown many kindnesses, to whose wants she had administered, to whom she had been the means of imparting spiritual instruction and consolation, who had beheld the sweetness of her countenance, and had blessed her, were earnestly invited to make themselves aquainted with the principles of Gospel love, of that living faith in Christ, of that grace shed abroad in the heart, which had led to such abundant fruit in her whose loss we then deplored.

An extract from some reminiscences of the character of Priscilla, Gurney, penned by her sister Rachel Gurney, may prove an appropriate conclusion to the foregoing memoir :

The closing scene to which this most interesting recital has conducted the reader, occurred on the 25th of Third Month, 1821. Very solemn The principles of conduct in Priscilla, that and animating is the contemplation of such a were particularly brought to my observation, blessed victory over the power of sin and sorrow. were these:-1st. Her anxious desire to employ How gently did the angel of death lay his hand time weil. 2nd. Her vigilant attention to the upon her, shielding her from the extremes of poor and sick. 3rd. Her lively interest in the nature's agony! And how shall finite thought education of the youth of all classes, and more conceive, or mortal utterance describe, the inef- especially in the religious instruction given them: able and perfect bliss and glory that awaited her a cause which she had most deeply at heart.

Her frequent calls from home, both of a religious and domestic nature, made it difficult to pursue any object with regularity; but her perseverance in overcoming these obstacles rendered her unusually skilful in the economy of time, through almost every variety of circumstances. There was, in her, the ever-open eye to watch and discern the leadings of Providence, even in the minuter occurrences of the day, and a most discriminating perception of the duties that were involved in them, and in nothing was this more displayed than in her equal fitness for the passive graces or the active virtues, as either the one or the other might be required of her. This happy combination of the principles of true diligence with a nice judgment in their application, was discernible in every stage of her illness, during which period, her exertions were adapted to her power of making them, with wonderful exactness and perseverance. The labors of love, which had occupied so great a portion of her life, were still ever ready to be extended to all within her reach; this was to be particularly observed to the children of our family circle, whom she treated with especial tenderness, and to the servants who waited upon her. The governing principle of religion was not only conspicuous in the economical arrangement of her time and pursuits, but in the love of order and completeness, which so remarkably characterized all her undertakings. Her interest for the poor, and the sick amongst them, was habitual to her, and led to a vigilant care of them at all times, and wherever she might be placed. If she could not give them her own personal attention, she was very careful to stimulate others to the discharge of this duty. She did not consider that a short stay in any place exempted her from the necessity (when it could, be done) of ascertaining the state of the poor in it; but, on the contrary, it furnished her with motives for redoubled diligence in her attentions to them, that some good, if possible, might result to the neighborhood where such accidental visits were paid. Towards the sick, especially, her tender sympathies were drawn forth, and she considered it one of the most important obligations of christian charity to have them diligently sought out, that assiduous care should be taken to mitigate their sufferings and to minister to their comfort. She thought an association for the benefit of the sick was also particularly desirable, as affording a permanent source of relief for them, but where this could not be effected, she was most anxious that there should be at least, a supply of linen and other necessaries in readiness to be lent out to them. She was greatly interested in the establishment of Bible associations generally, being the most ready and effectual method of supplying the Scriptures, and of exciting their desire to possess them. In schools of every kind she felt much interested,

but especially in Sunday-schools; as being, under careful superintendence, one of the finest means of diffusing the knowledge of religious principles. At some periods of her life, she was very diligent in visiting our own schools and those in the neighborhood, with the express design of examining and promoting the scriptural instruction of the children; in this work, her grand aim was, to instil into their minds the principles of Christian conduct in connexion with the doctrinal truths of Scripture; thus preparing them to comprehend the obligation of the "two great commandments" on which "hang all the law and the prophets." She was strongly persuaded that the principle of christian charity was very inadequately cultivated in its various branches even by sincere Christians, and she thought that to imbue the minds of children with its beauty and excellence, was, with the blessing of God, one great means of increasing peace on earth and goodwill towards men. She was deeply solicitous that, in the Society of Friends, the young people should be well versed in the Scriptures. In all her intercourse with the poor, it was her endeavour to exercise great caution in administering to their relief, that no undue dependence on their part might be begotten by it; on the contrary, she wished to help them in a way that should stimulate their own industry and independance as much as possible. With this view, she frequently assisted those who were the most diligent labourers, and she took great pleasure in ecouraging young people to make useful exertions, and to perform acts of kindness, by uniting timely presents and rewards to the exhortations and instructions which she gave them. She went much to the cottages of the poor, and sought opportunities of reading the Scriptures, and other religious communion with them, as the way might open. She thought that the most important service that could be rendered to the sick, was by frequent visits to them, and by inducing their neighbours to attend upon and watch over them. In concluding these subjects-of her charities to the poor and her interest in the religious instruction of young people-it may be as well to add that she was very conscientious in the expenditure of money; though perfectly liberal in all reasonable expenses, she studiously endeavoured to avoid all superfluities of every kind that should curtail her means of assisting others, or of supporting objects that she conceived to be generally beneficial. Her forbearance and wisdom were conspicuous in her conduct towards those from whom she differed in opinion, and her great caution to avoid giving pain to others was habitual to her, even in the minor matters of taste and inclination; yet this care was united to a faithful desire that no considerations for the feelings of others. should interfere with the discharge of those religious duties to which she apprehended she was

called, and which were frequently rendered more difficult to her by the narrow and solitary path that they occasionally led her into. In mixed societies she might be said to adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour, and to wear the orna ment, spoken of by the Apostle, " of a meek and quiet spirit." Her active and almost anxious benevolence made her so much alive to every description of persons with whom she associated, that none were indifferent to her, this was a talent used to good purpose, and one that, under the government of religion, gave peculiar tenderness and efficacy to her ministry, especially when exercised towards individuals; her ready discernment of character also, aided her in adapting the administration of her gifts and graces to the necessities of others, and the sweetness of her countenance, together with the peculiar refinement of her manners, gave her access to all classes, by whom she was loved and revered in no common degree. Her calling to the ministry was exercised by her in deep selfhumiliation, and in subjection to what she conceived to be the authority of scripture on the subject; in this work, it was her endeavor to follow implicitly the guidance of the Spirit by which she felt she had been constrained to enter upon it. In her public services she was governed by the discipline of the body of Christians to whom she belonged, and by whom she was acknowledged as a minister, gifted and prepared for the work allotted her. It was not only in this character, but in her whole conduct, she exhibited a beautiful example of the efficacy of the principle which she advocated, and which is so prominently upheld by the Society of Friends, that of the immediate direction and sensible influence of God's Spirit over the hearts and minds of true Christians.

For Friends' Intelligencer.

REMARKS ON THE BEAUTY AND ORDER OF CREATION.

BY DANIEL E. GEROW.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. And God saw everything that was made, and behold it was very good;" and therefore He is not the author of sin, because He is perfect in goodness, wisdom and power, and that which He has made is also good; consequently all evil has its origin in the fallen and unregenerate will and wisdom of man, which is ever at enmity with God, and which is the producing cause of so much unhappiness and the fruitful source of human wo and misery. When my attention is turned back and silently led to contemplate upon the original perfection, beauty, and order of the outward and visible creation,

the formation of man, the obligations and duties that devolve upon him, the high and exalted station which he is designed to fill, (that is, to glorify God here on earth and enjoy Him in heaven,) my spirit within me is reverently bowed and humbled, and implores divine aid and assistance. We find in the beginning man was made upright in God's own image and after His likeness, and is the noblest part of His creation. He has endowed him with the exclusive and noble gift of reason, the highest mental or gan of the human mind, or element of our nature. It is the free gift of reason that constitutes man's free agency, and furnishes him with the power of choice. It elevates him above the beasts of the field, the fowls of the air, the fish of the sea, and all other portions of the animal creation. As said the Psalmist, "thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and given him dominion over the works of thy hands." And, moreover, thou hast crowned the immortal part or soul of man with a revealed knowledge of the Divine will, by which, through faithful obedience on our part to the clear manifestations of Divine truth, the internal vision becomes illuminated with the light of Christ, in which we are enabled to distinguish between thing and thing, the precious and the vile; to choose the good and reject the evil, which is in agreement with an Apostolic declaration to the Romans, saying, "That which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shewn it unto them." Hence the important necessity of watching unto prayer; of passive obedience to the Divine will which alone can enable us to honor and to glorify Him and answer the end and design of our creation; establish us in the perfect order of truth as at the beginning, and cause us to shine as stars of the first magnitude in the firmament of His wisdom and power, that would shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day. But alas! for want of this watchfulness and care (although the human family has been so wonder fully favored and blest, even with the revealed will of heaven), how many through disobedience have fallen from the Divine image in which they were created, having departed from the simplicity, beauty and order of the truth as it is in Jesus, and from the highway of holiness in which they were designed by the Creator to walk, and therefore have fallen far shorter of answering the end and design of their creation than all the countless myriads of animated nature combined. When I behold the dazzling splendor, beauty, and order of the sun, moon, and stars as they pursue their wonted courses in their various allotted orbits, in perfect harmony and order, shedding forth their rays of refulgent light, and the firmament in which they are placed, all of which Thou hast ordained by the might of Thy power, I am ready to adopt the language of one formerly, "Great and marvellous

A

are thy works, Lord God, Almighty! Just and true | this bright and shining path it will lead us are all Thy ways, thou King of Saints! Who shall safely on our heavenly journey through the not glorify Thy name and worship before Thee! wilderness of this world and the valley and Thy wisdom and power are made manifest in shadow of death to the Redeemer's kingdom of the earth, and the firmament of heaven sheweth everlasting peace and rest. If we cast our eyes forth Thy praise and declareth Thy handiwork!" upon the watery elements, we again behold the Who but a Divine and Almighty being could beauty, grandeur and magnitude of omniscient have spread out over our heads this vast and design. The gushing streams, rivulets and beautiful vault? What reed can determine its torrents that pour from the hills and sides of the height or measure its circumference? Could any mountains wind their way onward until they other than an Almighty hand have presented mingle their waters with those of the rolling such sublime and glorious objects to our view? ocean. These form a grand and magnificent They portray a measure of His brightness and thoroughfare or medium of commercial navigaseem to invite us to look unto Him that the in- tion and enterprise, upon whose surface many a ner temple of the soul may also be filled with His splendid ship and steamer richly laden with marvellous light. The beautiful rays of the sun various treasures are daily proudly pursuing are widely spread out and diffused over this vast their onward course to some destined port in a terrestrial globe. It has not omitted for ages to foreign land, whereby an extensive commercial shed its blessings upon us. It warms and fertil- trade and intercourse is continually carried on, izes the earth, and promotes and beautifies vege- that extends from sea to sea, and from the rivers tation. It animates and enlivens the entire to the ends of the earth. Nor is it from the animal and vegetable kingdom, and yet its un-commercial adaptation of the watery elements equalled light and beauty are not in the least alone that an estimate can be made of its usedegree lessened nor diminished. It still remains to be the grand luminary of the day by which our external vision is enlightened and enabled to distinguish between thing and thing. As it goes down in the western horizon, its last tinge of splendor is gradually eclipsed by the silent shades of evening. Night spreads the earth in darkness, suspends our labors, and affords us a season for retirement and repose. The planetary bodies reflecting the light of the sun, become, in its absence, luminaries of the night, therefore it is the light of the sun shed forth, either directly or through their agency, that forms a light to our feet and lantern to our path, while on our outward journey through life; a beautiful emblem or representation of the Sun of Righteousness, the heavenly luminary or light of Christ within, that arises with indubitable clearness and sheds forth its celestial rays of heavenly light in the inner temple of the soul of every true believer and follower of Christ. All are enlightened by it, still it is not in the least degree lessened nor diminished; it is unchangeably the Sun of Righteousness that shines in its fulness, a bright and shining light that enlightens every man that cometh into the world. Of ourselves, independent of Divine assistance, we can do no good thing, for there is none good save one, and that is God. Every good and perfect gift emanates from Him, consequently the best of instrumental means in regard to divine and spiritual things can afford us no light on our heavenly journey, only as they have been received from the inexhaustible fountain of Divine light or Sun of Righteousness. It is the light of the Son of God shed forth through the instrumentality of his faithful servants and handmaids which we witness, and nothing is due to the creature; and as we continue to walk in

fulness and the benefits which it confers upon the human family. Contemplate for a moment upon the countless myriads of living animals. which inhabit its fathomless depths, the diversity of their structure, the peculiarities of their organization, and the adaptation of many of their species to furnish us with food and other luxuries of life, and we cannot fail to observe the beauty and harmony of a divine instrumentality. How various and diversified are the beauties that adorn this vast terraqueous globe which we inhabit, the footstool of His Majesty on high, who, at the dawn of Creation said, "Let the water under the heavens be gathered together. unto one place, and let the dry land appear," and he further said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his own kind, whose seed is in itself upon the earth," and how abundantly do we see His promise verified. The mountains have risen in their beauty and gradeur and the valleys descended in their places as the Lord has appointed, and these inequalities but add to its utility and beauty, while the entire animal and vegetable kingdoms contribute to show forth His praise, and promote the happiness and enjoyment of His creature man. The beasts of the field, the fowls of the air, and the spontaneous productions of nature, who is sufficient to portray to the full their beauty, or set forth their usefulness. The horse may justly claim the pre-eminence over all domestic animals; his animated gracefulness and beauty combined with his rapid speed excites our interest and admiration, while the cow at the approach of evening is seen slowly and silently returning from the verdant fields with her luxuriant store of delicate refreshment. The busy bee cheerfully labors and toils through the day with unremitted diligence and care, and the sweet

products of its labor are straightway stored in exquisitely wrought cells, whose beauty and order display the wonderful teachings of instinct. These, in connection with other domestic animals, fill up the measure of their usefulness agreeably to the designs of their création, and add to the storehouse of rich dainties which a bountiful Creator has bestowed on the human family for the promotion of their happiness and enjoyment. The wild beasts and fowls, though natives of the wilderness and uncultivated portions of the land, are not void of usefulness nor destitute of beauty. They once constituted the principal dependence for support and clothing for the hardy and independent aborigines of our country.

[To be concluded.]

Study to be quiet and mind thine own business, is one useful, necessary direction to all who would shine at home: there is an active enemy, who seeks to draw out the mind after other people's business, to the neglect of our own, whereby hurt and loss attend, and the feet of the mind are gadding from house to house and abide not within our own doors; the domestic affairs of the soul are neglected, the house gets unclean and confused, and when the holy Head of the family and husband of the soul comes, he finds things unmeet for his reception, and refuses to take up his residence. Here some bemoan his absence, which is chiefly or wholly owing to their want of care in having all things clean and in order, and being at home to receive him when he comes.-S. Fothergill.

For Friends' Intelligencer.

Richland, 28th of 3d mo. 1857. Dear Friend,-Having been confined to the house for several weeks, I have been looking over my grand-father Samuel Foulke's writings, and finding some that I do not remember having seen in print, I have copied three of them for thy examination, and if thee thinks them suitable to put into the Friends' Intelligencer thou art at liberty to do so, and if they should be read by any of their numerous descendants, and be the means of stimulating them to follow their worthy predecessor, as he endeavored to follow

Christ.

K. F.

MEMORIAL OF WILLIAM NIXON, LATE OF MIL

FORD, IN THE COUNTY OF BUCKS, DECEASED.

Inasmuch, as it is a Christian duty to pay a due regard to the memory of those, who have led exemplary lives in this world, in whatsoever station they stood, it will therefore not be amiss to make something of a memorial of our lately deceased friend William Nixon, who lived many years at the above mentioned place, in good esteem among Friends, and his acquaintance in general, his life and conversation being agreable to his profession, and was serviceable

in the Society, according to his capacity, and ready to do what lay in his power, for the promotion of truth. He was very exemplary in constantly attending all religious meetings to which he belonged, and was a bright example of duty in observing the time appointed to meet. In meetings he was a pattern of gravity, and a solid composure of mind, entirely free from any appearance of heaviness, in which religious zeal he continued to the last. He was at meeting both morning and evening the day before he was taken ill of his last sickness, which was the 1st of 12th mo. 1747-8; his distemper was violent, and continued near two weeks, all which time he bore it with courage and patience, showing a perfect resignation of mind to the will of God whether to live or die. To a friend

And

who came to visit him, he expressed a lively concern for the prosperity of truth universally, but more especially for the meeting to which he belonged, that the youth might walk in the way of truth and come up to supply the places of ancients when they are taken away. having heard of a treatise lately published in vindication of the principles of Friends in respect of war, he greatly rejoiced upon hearing something of the contents of it, that the author had been so weightily concerned, and hoped it would added, "I firmly believe that the Lord will prosdo some good service for truth; and further per his truth upon the earth, and carry on the work that he has begun in the hearts of men to perfection, in his own time. that the light of the Gospel already manifested in the world is but a small beginning, and as it were but the dawning of the day in comparison with what shall be revealed, for it has been my breathing and prayer to the Almighty, when I nearest to him, that the gospel shall be spread have been retired, and my mind drawn the all the world over, and all the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdom of God and his Christ; and he will bring it to pass in his

own time."

And I believe

whether anything lay upon his mind that interThe friend, before mentioned, asking him. rupted his peace and the enjoyment of Divine comfort, he answered no, and blessed the Lord, with lifting up his hands saying, there is nothing, ing that troubles me; through Divine mercy I am favored with true peace and quietness of mind. I have endeavored to walk uprightly in my time, and to do the just part unto all. I have endeavored to live in the fear of God, which is my comfort now, and He helps me to be freely given up to his will, whether it be in life or death; and if this is my last sickness, I can truly and freely say the Lord's will be done," which words he repeated several times. He also said he would rather be dissolved if it was the Lord's will than to remain any longer, but he was resigned.

On the friend taking his leave of him, he

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