of former generations, and still delivered to us their successors and the union of these two valuable Journals being not only intended by J. B., but it appears also to have been anticipated by S. Neale himselfhe (the Editor) was encouraged to prepare the whole of the Work, and had committed a part (S. Neale) to the press, when, in the ordering of inscrutable Wisdom, he was removed from works to rewards early in the Second Month last, proving the necessity for diligence in that allotment of service required at our hands by the Great and Good Master! But the Work being so far completed, it seemed desirable that it should be carried on and finished, which has been done as nearly according to his design as could be,—and it is sincerely hoped, that the united examples of these faithful servants, in humility and devotedness to the Best of masters, may encourage and animate others to seek for ability to "follow their faith, considering the end of their conversation: Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever!"

8th of Fifth Month, 1845.

THE

LIFE OF SAMUEL NEALE.

CHAPTER I.

Samuel Neale - His Education - Early Life - Powerful Visitation of Divine Love- and Conversion - His Appearance in the Ministry.

I was born in the city of Dublin the 9th day of the Ninth Month, 1729. My parents were Thomas and Martha Neale, who removed shortly afterwards into the compass of Edenderry Monthly Meeting. About the sixth year of my age, my mother died; soon after, my father removed to America, and left me, with brother and two sisters, under the care and guardianship of my uncle and grandmother; who were very tender of us, gave us such schooling as that neighbourhood afforded, and took care of our morals and conduct. In a few years my grandmother died, and left us under the care of our uncle; who removed to Christians-town, in the county of Kildare. My grandfather had purchased an estate, which he left to me, if I should survive my father, which accordingly came to pass, he dying when I was about seventeen years of age.

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In my early years, though deprived of my parents, the Lord my God was near, and took me up, and at times moved upon my spirit and melted my heart, before I well knew what it was that affected me. When very young and capable of reading the Scriptures, and other writings tending to instruct me in that which was good and profitable, I felt my spirit tendered; and I enjoyed a sweetness of mind that made me very sedate and grave, and often the tears would run down my cheeks. In these seasons I felt myself very comfortable; and had a belief that I was seen by the allwise Creator, who knew all things: but such impressions soon wore off, and the levity of my natural disposition got into dominion, when amongst my playfellows.

Thus I went on for some time; when I was attacked by the small-pox; it reduced me very low, and few thought I should recover. In this disorder, I thought

I was not fit to die, and therefore entered into covenant, that if the Lord would bring me through, I would be more careful of my words and actions than ever I had been before. I still remember some of the prospects I had when lying on that sick bed: but it pleased infinite Goodness to raise me up. I was then about my twelfth year; and after this, though I often remembered my covenant, yet my natural propensity to youthful follies and amusements prevailed much, and stifled the good resolutions I had formed; so that, not keeping to the sense that was awakened in my mind, I too much forgot the visitations with which I had been

favoured from the gracious Hand of merciful help and not being enough restrained, I took liberties in hunting, coursing, and shooting, whereby I was introduced into unprofitable company, which often lays a foundation for repentance. As I grew in years my passion for these amusements increased, so that I was hurried on, as with a torrent, into irregularities that lead to the chambers of death.

Thus I continued till my father's death, which as already mentioned, was about my seventeenth year; near which time I had a dawn of sense given me, that my life was very unprofitably spent. I knew but little of business, and was desirous of being placed in some line of life, by which I might be enabled, in addition to my income, to live reputably amongst men, and follow up some occupation, so as to be kept out of idleness; in consequence whereof, when about eighteen years of age, I was placed with a merchant in Dublin, a very sensible humane man, to serve him till I should be twenty-one. In this situation I was as much, or more exposed than before; for having money of my own, I contracted acquaintance with many young people in that city, very injurious to my growth in that which was good. Being remarkably active and strong, and excelling most in a variety of bodily exercises, it made me vain; and emulation prompted me to endanger my health, by abusing the strength with which Providence had endued me for better purposes.

In this time of servitude I got intimate with several young men in the college, I believe some of the most

moral that were there; and I took liberties inconsistent with the principles in which I was educated. We sometimes frequented the play-house, and after these amusements, when on my return home, Oh! the anxiety and remorse that covered my mind and overwhelmed my spirit!

I was then willing to covenant to be more careful in future, and avoid what now seemed so distressing: but when those seasons of diversion approached, I felt my inclination to arise with redoubled strength, and my passion for gratifying it, like an irresistible torrent, insurmountable: so I went, like a man bereft of understanding. When all was over, I was ready to accuse myself as one of the weakest of mortals, and to deplore my unsteadiness and want of resolution.

Thus I continued for a considerable part of the three years I spent in Dublin sinning, and deploring my weakness and the commission of those things that afterwards stung like a serpent and bit like an adder. At particular times when sitting in meetings, I was sensible of the virtue of Truth, and was very much brought down and humbled in my mind: but my associates would cry out, 'This is a religious fit, religious fit, come let us take a coach and go to the Park, Black-rock, or some such place, and drive it away.' Thus the convictions of the good Spirit were counteracted by those who were not subject to its government, but were agents to him, who rules in the children of disobedience, and keeps in bondage and darkness.

I remember in an afternoon meeting a valuable