she was enabled instructively to manifest that those who trust in the LORD are not confounded, but in the permitted, as well as appointed trials of their day, find His grace sufficient for them, and the spirit of humble resignation equal to counteract the effects of human weakness.

CHAPTER XI.

Attendance of Yearly Meeting in London.-Dangerous illness of her Husband.-Visit to the County of Cork, &c. 1797.

IN the spring of 1797, my beloved mother believed

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it best for her to attend the Yearly Meeting in London, which she did to the relief and comfort of her mind, spending a little time in Bristol on her return. While absent on this journey she writes as follows. Though not professedly out in the service of truth, I think it may be truly said I am not spending idle time; every day seems to bring its work with it, and some Meetings, and more private seasons of retirement, have been peculiarly marked by the covering of solemnity and cementing influence of divine regard; so that while I feel myself a poor creature, I have renewed cause thankfully to acknowledge gracious help, and depend upon the leadings of an ever worthy master, who does not forsake in the needful time."

Soon after she returned home, her affectionate feelings were called into painful exercise by her husband's having a dangerous fall from his horse, which occasioned an illness that for some time threatened

his life; and the anxiety and fatigue which she underwent at that season produced an indisposition of the bilious and gouty kind, the effects whereof greatly tried her constitution for several months.-She had, however, the comfort of seeing her beloved partner gradually restored to health, and they were both benefitted by spending some time at the seaside, first at Tramore and then in Youghall. At both these places David Sands of America was a good deal with them, and towards the end of the year my dear mother united with this Friend in some religious service in the city and county of Cork, being also accompanied by her neice, Hannah Grubb, who during this journey first appeared as a minister. The following extracts from her letters contain an account of the engagement.

"Fifth day was the Monthly Meeting here; until the previous one for worship, D. S. had been a silent travailer in every Meeting, but in that he was exercised in a close line, comparing the people to sheep who had been richly fed, and walked in good pasture, but had not become strong, nay, were sick and some even in danger of dying; but yet he felt a few were alive, to whom he ministered encouragement, I felt inclined to take my little certificate to the men's Meeting, and had it read while there, which opened my way among my brethren to my own relief.

"First day evening we appointed a Public Meeting, which was largely attended. I had to revive

the gracious invitation of the Saviour of the world, If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink,' and doubt not the love of Israel's Shepherd was then afresh extended, for the gathering of the people from the shadows to the substance of religion. D. S. was engaged in the unity of feeling, and though we have no report of mighty works being done, I trust that profit was sealed upon some minds.

"I had a view of going to Kinsale while in these borders, but being very much indisposed it seemed unlikely I should be able to unite with D. S. who was going on fourth day night; yet feeling inclined, H. G. and I went next morning in a close carriage, and reached Kinsale time enough for the Meeting, which was appointed for eleven o'clock, but the people coming in irregularly the house was not filled for nearly an hour. Several appeared very light, conversing, &c. but after deep laborious exercise, there was more settlement and some relief obtained. D. Sands was enlarged in testimony and supplication, and in endeavouring to do my part of the business, I found to my humbling admiration, the truth of that assurance, as thy day so shall thy strength be,' even as to the body, which was made equal to required exertion. Another Meeting was appointed for the evening, which I had almost given up the prospect of attending, but being recruited by a little rest went again; the house filled, and some solid people were among the multitude, to whom David was largely opened, in a manner teaching to their states; a por

tion of labour also fell to my lot, and I trust the precious cause was rather magnified than hurt, by these opportunities, and some minds measurably gathered to a state of true waiting. But oh! the labour that is requisite to have. even so much of the way of the LORD prepared; and how few comparatively are in a state of fitness to receive even the messengers in the previous mission, or baptism, for the master's appearance, the revelation of his power and spirit. Darkness seems to cover the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, so that every step is like working with the plough to gain an entrance for the seed of spiritual doctrine; but, if the labourers perform their assigned part, all afterwards ought to be resolved into the hand and further operation of the great and powerful husbandman, in faith and patience.

"I hope I have done with anxiety on this head, I neither look for much, if any fruit from my little exercises, nor conclude I am right or wrong from the voice of the people: oh! how unavailing are all voices but that of gracious acceptance, and when this is through unmerited mercy afforded, what a stay is it found amidst the fluctuating spirit or language of the world, yea of those who are in degree but not altogether gathered out of a worldly spirit.

"This last Meeting held above three hours, so thou mayest conclude our bodies wanted rest, which we obtained at a good inn. In the morning I found D. S. inclined for Milltown, which I felt