Him who sent me; for as I am his, "do with me, O Lord, (I often say) as thou pleasest."

SAMUEL NEALE.

On the 22d of Twelfth Month, we came to Oakhampton, and having a day to spare, myself and companion visited three young women, sisters, who had been members of our Society, but were unhappily led away by the Ranters; whose self-righteousness and delusions cause much uneasiness to the truly concerned, avowing how dangerous that spirit is, when given way to. Satan, the accuser of the brethren, tries all ways. to disunite from the body and cause a separation,rents and divisions being the strength of his kingdom: and as his insinuations are adapted to all people in their different states, finding out the weak side, there he plants his battery, trying one temptation after another; sometimes as an angel of light, and sometimes (as he really is) an angel of darkness.

But let a faithful examination be entered into, and a' query raised,Am I influenced by that Spirit which governs by love in the believers? Is there no root of self-love or self-sufficiency? Is there no zeal kindled by the accuser of the brethren, that would introduce. contention and discord, pride and high-mindedness? This cannot be [from] that Spirit that baptizes into the one body and makes us one in Christ;-no, there would be bearing and forbearing, a forgetting and forgiving, a persuading and travailing in soul to be of one heart, to love as brethren. This will manifest whose disciples

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we are, and who is our Master. We visited these young women in love, and they took it well, my companion showed them what true discipline was, and their errors, when they acted contrary thereto. On the whole it was a satisfactory conference, and if they are dealt with in love, I believe they will again join with Friends.

The 4th of First Month, 1753, my companion resting a few days, I was at Spiceland, in Devonshire; where were Mercy Bell and her companion Phebe Cartwright: here I was made acquainted with these Friends' concern, to go to the market-place and street adjacent in Exeter, which bowed my spirit: I was baptized with them, and encouraged them to faithfulness. We spent the evening in a solid frame of mind, under the consideration of this weighty exercise: it appeared to me in such a manner, as made me apprehend that it was my duty to accompany them, and my companion assenting thereto, I freely gave up, not without first weighing it well, fearing by being too forward, I might rather hinder the service: and knowing that the Almighty was as sufficient to work by one (if it were his will to work instrumentally) as by a thousand. Thus, secretly desiring to be directed aright, a feeling sense opened to go, which I believe was strengthening to them.

On the 5th of First Month, in the morning, accompanied by William and Thomas Byrd, we set out, and got to the throng of the market between twelve and one o'clock; after a time of silence, Mercy Bell was concerned in fervent supplication for aid and strength

to fulfil what she thought to be her duty. We then walked up to the market-place, where she delivered what was on her mind: her companion was likewise concerned to warn the people to repent, for the day of the Lord came as a thief in the night. They proceeded through the street and often stopped; the people flocked about us in great numbers, and many were reached; and although there were divers hardened and stiff-necked, yet, in general, they listened with attention and soberness. Thus these Friends continued about three hours, regardless of the contempt and mocking of the profane, seeking nothing but peace of mind, which was administered. The word being in my heart, was put into my mouth, and I exhorted them to turn to the Lord, and he would have mercy; but if they forsook Him and lived a life of unrighteousness, they would, with the nations of all those that forget God, be turned into misery: and, for thus bearing my testimony for the truth of my God, I had the reward of sweet peace.

We appointed a meeting for the inhabitants to begin at five o'clock, which was very large; and, as ability was given, we declared the truth. Mercy Bell had a very open time amongst them, to the satisfaction of most, if not all present; and the meeting concluded with supplication and praise to Him, who fits and qualifies for every work and service. In this city, there are some professing the blessed Truth, who are like the rulers of old, who believed, but did not confess, because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Next morning I joined my former dear companion, and on the 23d of First Month, 1753, we came to Bristol, where his indisposition rendered it necessary for him to rest again; and I finding my way open homewards, acquainted him therewith. It was no small exercise to me to leave him, who was made as a father to me in counsel and advice: may it incite to a faithful perseverance, and cause my soul to be active in every point of duty; as I believe his was.

I stayed in Bristol until the 1st of the Second Month, was at several meetings, and can say, the Lord was pleased to be with me and to strengthen me: for ever magnified be his eternal name, for all his mercies to my soul. On taking leave of my dear companion, we had a religious sitting, wherein we were mutually comforted; and had to believe, that as the Lord our God joined us together, so in his wisdom he separated us, and in his love we parted.

I proceeded to Gloucester and Worcester; at the latter place I met my endeared friend and sister Catherine Payton. I stayed both meetings on First day, which were remarkably satisfactory to me: the pure life succoured, and I was helped to discharge myself beyond my expectation. In the evening, we had the company of several Friends in a religious sitting, which was very refreshing and comforting; and though the apprehension of being singly at that meeting had been trying, and fearfulness had covered my mind; yet my good Master made it easy and joyful to me, additionally so, by casting his servant's lot there at the same time,

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who had been so great an instrument in his gracious hand towards my convincement and conversion: for which continual mercies may I be favoured to hear with humility and attention, the words that he condescends to speak to my soul; that so I may obey, and witness true peace to flow in my bosom: for, at this time I can say, all that I crave is ability to worship the infinite All-wise Being aright in spirit and in truth.

I arrived in Dublin the 21st of Second Month, 1753, and attended the meetings as they fell in course, until after our National Meeting; when, with the concurcurrence of my Friends, I set out for the Yearly Meeting in London; where were many Friends of great weight. Here I was renewedly convinced of the excellency of our principles, and of the blessed union of the faithful, and that no weapon formed against them should prosper; but that the Lord of all power would be a sun and a shield to those who put their trust in him. This was a memorable meeting; many living testimonies were borne to the pure Truth, and our covering was a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty. In this Yearly Meeting a proposition came from the women's meeting, for the establishment of a Yearly Meeting upon the same foundation as the men's, to send representatives from the Quarterly Meetings annually to attend it. It was brought in by six women, viz. Susannah Morris, Sophia Hume, Mary Westen, Mary Peisley, Catharine Payton, and another: I well remember the salutation of S. Morris, when they entered the Meeting House; and she concluded with a