After this yearly meeting, he continued in London nearly a month, and then went into the country, as far as Hertford and Ware, visiting his Friends ar Tottenham, Ford Green, Enfield, Cheshunt, Waltham Abbey, and Winchmore Hill. At Hertford he had a meeting with the ancient Friends of that place, to whom he imparted suitable advice; and returned by Ware, and other places already mentioned, to London, in the latter part of the seventh month; where, except one excursion into the neighbouring country, he continued till his decease, being almost daily with Friends at their meetings, and writing epistles on different occasions. The last of these is addressed to Friends in Ireland, who were, at that time, under great sufferings, from the intestine commotions in that nation. This affectionate and encouraging epistle is dated the 10th of 11th month, 1690. The following day being the first of the week, he attended the meeting at Gracechurch street; where he was publicly exercised in his ministerial gift, both in testimony and supplication, with great power and clearness.

When this meeting was concluded, he retired to the house of Henry Gouldney, in Whitehart Court, when he informed some Friends who accompanied him, that he felt the cold strike to his heart as he came out of meeting; but added, "I

am glad I was here; now I am clear, I am fully clear." After this he lay down, but feeling the sense of cold continue, was put into bed; where, increasing in weakness, he continued with much peace and resignation, till his death, which took place after two days confinement. In the interval his mind was much engaged on subjects, which had, during a long exercising life, occupied his principal attention. That active spirit which had been indefatigably engaged in the universal love of God, to make known his truth and righteousness among the nations of the earth, was still alive to the promotion of this glorious cause. This was evinced by the directions which he gave at this awful crisis, respecting the distribution of books, calculated to promote the great ends for which he had personally laboured. The triumphant state of his mind over all his bodily weakness, was manifested by the following expressions to some Friends who visited him: "All is well; the Seed*

*The Word, or the Power of God, is called an incorruptible seed, 1 PET. i. 23; and by the term "Seed," George Fox, and other religious writers, frequently, and very emphatically allude to this divine influence. Cruden, under the head "Seed," thus explains the term: “The Word is called an incorruptible seed, because, continuing still the same, and being immutable in itself, it changes and renews the hearts of those who by faith receive it.""Hence it is said, 1 JOHN iii. 9, Whosoever is born of God, doth not commit sin; for his Seed remaineth in him."

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of God reigns over all, and over death itself; and though I am weak in body, yet the power of God is over all; and the Seed reigns over all disorderly spirits." About four or five hours before his death, some of his Friends inquired how he found himself, to whom he replied with that fortitude and indifference to bodily sufferings, which remarkably distinguished his character; "Never heed, the Lord's power is over all weakness and death; the Seed reigns, blessed be the Lord." Such was the composure which attended him at this solemn season, that he closed his own eyes and mouth at the time when life was expiring.

In this state of mind, his spirit quitted its earthly tabernacle, on third day, the 13th of the 11th month, 1690, between the hours of nine and ten at night; he being then in the 67th year of his age. At his close, he was surrounded by many of his sorrowful Friends; who, it appears from various accounts, and particularly from letters written on the occasion, were deeply affected with the loss of one whom they so highly esteemed and revered.

The interment took place three days after his decease, on which occasion a very large and solemn meeting was held at Gracechurch street; after which the corpse was conveyed to Bunhill Fields, accompanied by several thousands of Friends and

others.*

Here, as well as at the meeting house, many public testimonies were given forth to the efficacy of that divine power, which had qualified their departed Friend, for the important services to which he had been called; and to the faithful labours, patient sufferings, and exemplary conduct, with which he had adorned the gospel of God our Saviour..

William Penn, in a letter which he wrote on this occasion, calculates the number of Friends and others at two thousand; but Robert Barrow states the number inuch higher. He also mentions the Friends who were publicly engaged at the meeting house and burial ground, in the order in which they spake, viz. At the meeting house, James Park, Robert Barrow, Ambrose Rigge, Jasper Batt, William Penn, Francis Camfield, Stephen Crisp, John Taylor of York, Francis Stamper, and George Whitehead; Thomas Green was afterwards engaged in prayer. Notwithstanding the number of preachers, it appears the meeting lasted only about two hours. Those who preached at the grave side, were William Penn, Jasper Batt, George Whitelead, John Vaughton, and. William Bingley.

CHAP. XXI..

Account of his Property.His Character:

HAVING now terminated the account of the life and death of this devoted labourer in the Lord's vineyard, it remains to say something respecting his character, both in a private and public capacity. But before I enter upon this part of my work, it may be proper to give some idea of the property which he possessed. From an account which he left behind him, it appears that he held shares of two vessels, belonging to Scarborough; and had also a small share in some business. Several sums of money belonging to him are likewise mentioned, as being in the hands of different Friends; and from the best estimate which I am capable of forming, the value of the whole was about eight hundred pounds, exclusive of above one thousand acres of land in Pennsylvania, which he says William Penn gave him; but it is doubtful whether he ever came into possession of this land, so as to derive any benefit from it. As it does not appear, that he at all enriched himself by marrying a woman of fortune, it is likely the property which he possessed, was principally patrimonial. This may account for the ability.