operation of Almighty power. I felt a rest in this assurance beyond all that I can set forth, and some deep conflicts respecting these parts seemed, as it were, swallowed up in that ocean of love, which I verily believe will operate, until the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea. Under these precious feelings, praise renewedly waited as in the gates of Zion, for heavenly acceptance, and after getting on board the vessel so strong did the current of gospel solicitude continue to flow, that I was constrained to express a few words to a number of persons who were collected on the Pier. Holy support was near through this exercise, and peace succeeded, for which pledge of divine acceptance what is too dear to part with? May all our imperfections and short comings be mercifully forgiven and every deficiency supplied, for the language is, I trust, deeply inscribed, to us belongeth confusion of face.'

"We were favoured with a fine passage of less than twelve hours to Weymouth, a distance of twenty-four leagues, and having a fair wind all the way were able to stay upon deck, and partake of the captain's provisions, feeling much better than I could have expected, though sick part of the time. While on the water I was sensible of gospel love towards the inhabitants of Portland, and wished we could land there instead of at Weymouth; but I feared avowing so much lest the vessel might not safely anchor there, so said nothing until 7th day, when being about to proceed and looking over

K

maps for a while, I told my companions I did not believe the line would be discovered there, at least for me, and acknowledged the prospect I had of this Island.

"After making some necessary arrangements we went a mile and a half to the ferry, but not being able to procure any conveyance at the other side, had to walk a long way upon rough gravel. At length after E. Hatton had gone on to try for a cart for us, B. Rotch discovered one returning to Weymouth, and representing the poor women as tired, and offering generous payment, we obtained possession, and found our friend E. H. at the inn sending off a conveyance to meet us. Here we were kindly received, and found that Deborah Darby and Rebecca Young had held a Meeting in a very large room in the house, on being put ashore there in going to Guernsey.

"We appointed a Meeting for eleven o'clock in the morning, finding the Methodists held theirs at nine, and it felt unpleasant to interfere with the hour of other professors. The Isle of Portland is divided into several little villages, our men Friends gave notice in the one we passed through, and that we were then in, but I apprehend the intelligence reached further, as several came on horseback and many were in the house before the appointed hour. The room though very large, was not only filled, but the stair-case and adjoining chamber seemed crowded, and a solemn favoured season it proved;

one wherein the poor could be invited to partake of durable riches. The people are mostly of a labouring, industrious class, reckoned very honest, and diligent in attending their place of worship, which is the establishment; there has been lately opened a Methodist Meeting, and a rich man of that profession, named Brackenbury, has settled there with a view of benefitting the inhabitants in a religious sense he was from home, but some of his family were at the Meeting, and conversed freely with us afterwards; they appeared solid persons, and were very friendly. A steady looking man, a preacher, came after dinner and invited us to this gentleman's house, but we were about setting off, and declined the invitation in consequence.

"This Meeting recompensed us well for our little pains in getting to it, and I trust some were helped on their way however we felt relieved, and renewedly encouraged to trust in the unfailing arm of divine support. As we left the Island, many at their doors spoke kindly to us, and our hearts and lips could affectionately say farewell. We went back peacefully in our cart to Weymouth, and after a cup of tea proceeded to Dorchester to lodge, where on second day we parted from our dear friend E. Hatton who set forward for Sherborne: we separated under the hope that each was endeavouring to follow the light afforded, though the division was sensibly felt on both sides. We proceeded under the kind care of Benjamin Rotch to Poole, where we

lodged at Moses Neave's: several Friends spent the evening with us, and a very solemn season ensued before supper, which compensated for the little circuit we took in coming hither, and accounted for the inclination we felt to do so. The 11th and 13th we were at Alton and Staines, week-day Meetings, and on the evening of the latter reached London, which seemed to be the proper port to re-ship for another voyage."

CHAPTER VII.

Continuation of the same journey, comprising a visit to the North of England and Scotland. 1792.

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WE remained in the city over first day, attend

ing Peel Meeting in the morning, and Gracechurchstreet in the afternoon, at each of which there was an affecting instance of mortality presented to our view: in the forenoon the remains of a young woman named Boyle were taken into Meeting, and at Gracechurch-street those of Mary, the wife of Thomas Wagstaffe, both seasons were low and mostly silent. In the evening we attended the Meeting for Ministers and Elders, for the Peel Monthly Meeting, which was held at the School and Workhouse, and proved a time of renewed strength; for though the communing was sad, I was thankful for the belief that our gracious Master approved it by joining Himself to the little company, and affording a portion of food which could be travelled in the strength of, for a little while, if not many days.

"We left London about one o'clock on second day, the 17th of the 9th mo. John and Abigail Pim accompanying us as far as Wellingborough, where we attended Meeting on fifth day, as we had that of Olney, on fourth; we lodged at dear Benjamin and