CHAP. III.

1707-1711.

After visiting Friends in the West India Islands, he embarks for Europe on the same servicelands in Ireland-proceeds through that nation into Scotland, and thence to England-passes over into the Low Countries-His travels there and in some parts of Germany-Return to England, and, in the following year, to Philadelphia -Decease of his first Wife.

AFTER I had staid at and about home for some considerable time, a weighty concern came upon me to visit Friends in the West-Indies, and some parts of Europe, as it might please the Almighty to open my way; and as it was to be a long travel, both by sea and land, and hazardous, by reason it was war time, and many privateers out at sea, I settled my affairs by will, and otherwise, that if I should not live to come home again, things relating to my outward affairs might be done honourably and well; for at this time, as at many others, I can truly say, I gave up my life freely for my holy Master's sake, and in his cause, who said, "Go, teach all nations," &c.

On the 29th of the sixth month, 1707, I had a

certificate from the monthly meeting of Friends at Philadelphia, signifying their unity with my undertaking, and desires for my welfare; and a tender concern was on my mind that I might live according to what my brethren had certified concerning me. I likewise laid my exercise before the general-meeting of ministers and elders held for the provinces of Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, on the 22d of the seventh month, who also signified their fellowship with my intended travels and journey, and recommended me to the grace of God; and in much love and tenderness I parted with my dear and loving wife, and my near and affectionate friends and brethren.

I had for my companion and fellow labourer in the work of the gospel, my dear friend Richard Gove, who also had the approbation and unity of Friends in this journey and undertaking.

We went on board a sloop at Philadelphia, bound for Barbadoes, John Knight master, about the 27th of the eighth month, in the aforesaid year.

After a few days sailing down the river Delaware, we put to sea, and in about a month's time we came within sight of Barbadoes, where we met with a privateer, which chased, and had like to have taken us; but the good Providence of God preserved us out of the hands of those enemies, for ever blessed be his great name! In this chase the seamen were uneasy, and belched out wicked oaths, and cursed the Quakers, wishing all their vessels might be taken by the enemy, because they

did not carry guns in them: at which evil I was grieved, and began thus to expostulate with them: "Do you know the worth of a man's life?" (guns being made on purpose to destroy mens lives ;)" were this ship and cargo mine, so far as I know mine heart, I do ingenuously declare, I had rather lose it all, than that one of you should lose his life;" for I certainly knew they were unfit to die. "Lives!" said they, "we had rather lose our lives than go to France." "But,' said I," that is not the matter; had you rather go to hell, than go to France?" They being guilty of great sins and wickedness, and convicted in their own consciences, held their peace, and said no more about the poor Quakers; and when we got within gun-shot of a fort on Barbadoes, the enemy left chasing us.

Next morning early we safely arrived at BridgeTown, in Barbadoes, where our Friends gladly received us; amongst whom we laboured in the work of the gospel for about two months; and from thence, after having had divers good and edifying meetings for the worship of God, we sailed for Antigua, and staid some days there, having meetings, and visiting our brethren. From Antigua we sailed for Nevis, but the wind being contrary, we put in at Montserrat, an isle that hath a great mountain in it, on the top of which is a hot spring of water, which boils up, and the mud of it is clear brimstone, some of which we carried on board our vessel; the which is ad

mirable, and shews the wonderful works of God. They say that the spring is hot enough to boil an egg. From this island we sailed to Nevis, and had meetings with those few Friends that were there, with whom we parted at the sea-shore with great love and tenderness. After which we sailed to an island called Anguilla, and were civilly treated there by the generality of the people; as also by the governor, George Leonard, at whose house we had meetings. I remember, that after one meeting the governor went into his porch, and took the bible, and opened it, and said, "By this book, if people believe the holy Scriptures, I am able to convince the world, and prove, that the people called Quakers are the people of God, and that they follow the example and doctrine of Christ, and the practices of the apostles and primitive Christians, nearer than any people in the world ;" i. e. generally speaking. At this island several people were heartily convinced, and did confess to the truth, among whom a meeting was settled. Here was never any friend before, as the inhabitants said. I entreat the Lord Jehovah to preserve the sincere-hearted among them in his holy fear, whilst they remain in this world; and not them only, but all that love and fear him, in all kindreds and nations, and amongst people of all professions whatsoever. This, in the universal spirit of God's divine love, is the desire of my soul. Back from Anguilla we went to Nevis, and from Nevis to Antigua; and notwithstanding our

sloop was a dull sailer, yet we were preserved from the enemy to the admiration of ourselves, friends, and others, our course being in the very road of the privateers. Just as we got into the harbour and were landed, a privateer came by with a prize along with her, as we supposed, which excited our thankfulness to the Lord for our preservation. Here we met with the packet boat for Jamaica, and thence for England. We staid a little at the island called St. Christopher's. In our way to Jamaica we saw a small privateer, that gave us chace, and it being calm, she rowed up towards us. The master prepared the vessel to fight, hoisting up his mainsail, and putting out our colours. In the interim some were bold, and some sorrowful. One came to me, and asked, "What I thought of it? and what I thought of the Quakers principles now?" I told him I thought I was as willing to go to heaven as himself was; to which he said nothing, but turned away from me. Another asked me, "What I would do now?" I told him I would pray that they might be made better, and that they might be made fit to die. Then in the midst of their noise and hurry, in secret I begged of the Almighty, in the name, and for the sake of his dear Son, that he would be pleased to cause a fresh gale of wind to spring up, that we might be delivered from the enemy without shedding blood; (well knowing that few of them were fit to die ;) and even whilst I was thus concerned, the Lord