mitted on the people of God in that city, and kept men to watch with him night and day, for fear the devil would fetch him away; as I have been credibly informed he expressed. Another great persecutor there, R. Oliffe, who made much spoil on the said people, as I heard, cried out he was damned, and that they should make restitution to them he had wronged, which he was never able to do; and so both died miserably; and several others.

Such a thrifty trade, says one, is persecution, that it leaves men never a friend in heaven, or on earth. Oh, that others would take warning in time by examples of divine vengeance, to avoid such things, and do no more so wickedly. For as the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance, so the name of the wicked shall rot; and wherever Helliar's name is mentioned it stinks, as all persecutors do.

I have carefully perused and put in order the following relation; which I have been

comforted in reading, being matter of experi ence, warning, exhortation and counsel, written in a good understanding of the things of God, and the mysteries of his kingdom. To which is added a short supplement of the last fourteen years of her life; collected chiefly from her son's account; with an epistle to Friends, and a warning to others, formerly printed; all which I hope may be of service to her posterity and benefit to others; and that it will tend to the glory of God, and the comfort and edification of his people; to whose perusal in much love and sincerity I recommend it, and all to the grace of God, which is able to build them up, and give them an inheritance among them that are sanctified; which is the sincere desire of, reader, Thy real friend,

London, the 21st of the
Second month, 1711.

JOHN WHITING.

TESTIMONIES

CONCERNING

ELIZABETH STIRREDGE.

A Testimony from several Friends belonging to the meeting at Hemel, Hemstead, and the parts adjacent, in the county of Hertford, concerning Elizabeth Stirredge, the 8th of the Third

month, 1711.

ancient account we read in holy Scripture. And she frequently pressed Friends to sincerity and uprightness of heart. Although the Lord had given her a large gift, and a good utterance, she was not forward to appear in public service, but as an immediate concern came upon her. She was a good example in frequenting meetings, both on first and weekdays, and was often made instrumental to stir up the pure minds of many, by way of remembrance, to our mutual comfort, by her fresh and living testimony.

OUR dear friends James and Elizabeth Stirredge, came here to reside about the year 1688, whose coming into these parts was seasonable, and we believe ordered by the good providence of God. It had a tendency to the strength and edification of Friends; for about that time some were busy to weaken Her husband also, who departed this life love among brethren, under specious preten- some time since her decease, was an honest ces of liberty, &c. But the said Elizabeth zealous Friend, and her fellow-helper in the being gifted for the ministry, and acquainted work of the Lord, in his proper gift, and our with the wiles and subtle devices of the enemy, true friend and brother; and they were both was made a serviceable instrument in our de- very near and acceptable to Friends, here and fence and preservation; being attended with here-away. But what shall we say? The power, wisdom, and true zeal for the pros- Lord hath called them to his rest in a good perity of the truth and people of God. She old age; we earnestly desire, as they frewas sound and savory in her doctrine and quently did, that the young generation may public ministry, and tender and affectionate come up in faithfulness, and fill up the room in Christian advice and counsel, to the com- of all such, being thereunto spirited by the fort of the afflicted and exercised in spirit, Lord, that his name may be more and more declaring, that the way to the kingdom of known, and glorified to all succeeding generaGod is through tribulation, agreeably to the tions ;-Amen.

VOL. II.-No. 5.

24

for her soul. My heart hath been well affected many times with her testimony, for she spoke as one having authority, almost to admiration, considering the weakness of body with which she was afflicted; but the Lord was with her, who giveth strength to the weak, and his power was her support.

It was her lot many times when she came to our meeting, to lodge at my house, my dear mother, Hannah Neale, and she being very intimate friends, and heartily loving each others company, which I also loved, for it was pleasant, and her discourse was edifying to me.

I HAD an intimate acquaintance with her; and as the Lord had given her a measure of the holy Spirit, to lead her in the way of I have been affected to hear her give an peace, he also gave her a public testimony, account of the sufferings, which she and in which she was very serviceable in our many others went through in early days. meetings; being attended with power, wisdom When they were going to meeting, they went and true zeal. Her testimony was sound and in peril of their lives, the wicked and ungodly savory, to the comforting of the upright-heart-people throwing stones, clods, and other things ed; she being many times drawn forth to en- at them. And although many rose up against courage the exercised and afflicted in spirit, them, yet how wonderfully did the Lord preand led to declare, that the way to the king- serve his people through many tribulations; dom of God is through tribulations. She most of which, blessed be the Lord, we in this would frequently press Friends to upright-day are free from. heartedness, sincerity and integrity; being Much might be said concerning our friend: also a good example in her conversation. she was a valiant woman for truth on earth, Although the Lord had given her a large gift, a mother in Israel, and a worthy faithful elder yet she was backward to appear therein, ex- in the church of Christ in her time. cept she found it was immediately required of And my desire is, that we who are of a her. She was zealously concerned against younger generation, and are yet left behind, that spirit that led into separation, and against may in our measure be found treading in the deceit and hypocrisy, and had a sharp testi-steps of our ancients, who have served the mony against such as the great enemy had so Lord faithfully in their generation, and are misled. She was a diligent frequenter of removed from us. meetings, both on first and week-days. Her husband also being an honest and zealous Friend, they were both serviceable to truth and Friends. But the will of God be done; for fully satisfied am I, that they are gone to rest, and entered into joy and happiness, where all sorrows cease, and tears are wiped away.

JOHN THORNTON.

Though our loss of such worthies be great; yet doubtless they are entered into those mansions of eternal bliss, where joy unspeakable and full of glory is their portion, for evermore. JOHN NEALE.

Concerning her husband, James Stirredge, by the same hand.

He was a man with whom I was well acquainted for many years; an honest uprightJohn Neale's Testimony concerning Elizabeth hearted man, one that feared God and es

Stirredge.

Ir is in my mind to write something as a testimony concerning my dear and well-beloved friend, Elizabeth Stirredge, deceased.

chewed evil; zealous for the honour of God and for the promotion of his truth on earth; a hearty lover of faithful Friends, and in his conversation amongst men, blameless.

She received the truth in the love of it in A zealous man for Monthly and Quarterly her young years, as I have heard from her Meetings of church government; his desire own mouth, during the time of my acquaint- was, that Friends in such meetings might so ance with her, which was about fifteen years. wait upon the Lord, to receive counsel from She lived about seven miles from us, and him, as to act in the wisdom of God, that sometimes came to vist our meeting at Wat-everything contrary to the principles of truth ford, and I with many more were glad to see her, she being one on whom the Lord was pleased to bestow a gift of the ministry, that she might tell unto others what God had done

might be kept out of them, and nothing but truth have the pre-eminence.

He was a meek-spirited and lowly-minded. man, more in substance than in show.

I went to visit him in his last illness, when he was so weak, that he spake very low, but very sensible, and was in a good frame of mind; so that I was refreshed in my visit.

He was very patient under his affliction, and I believe fully resigned to the will of God.

He departed this life in the eighth month, 1708, at Hemstead in Hertfordshire, and was buried at Friends' burying-ground at Woodend, in the same county. JOHN NEALE.

LIFE OF ELIZABETH STIRREDGE.

SEEING the Lord hath been pleased to count thunder, oh, the dread and terror that would me worthy to travel in Sion's way, and I have fall upon me! And I would get to the most found it so straight and narrow, and so many private place that I could, to mourn in secret, that have been called, and some who have thinking the Lord would render vengeance entered into it have gone into bypaths and upon the heads of the wicked. When I saw crooked ways again; and I have found the the flashes of lightning, oh, thought I, whither blessed effect of keeping in the right way, shall I go to hide myself from the wrath of therefore I have a great concern upon my the dreadful and terrible God! Thus was I spirit for my children, who are coming up possessed with my soul's concern; and before after me, that they may not be forgetful of I was ten years of age, was so filled with keeping in the right way, whensoever the fears and doubts, that I could take no delight Lord shall be pleased to take me from them. in anything of this world. When I grew up It is in my heart, as my heavenly Father to riper years, I went to hear those accounted will be pleased to assist me, to leave a short the best men, who lived up to what was made testimony behind me, for my children, of some passages of my life, and of the goodness of the Lord to me all my life long, unto this very day, which is worthy for ever to be had in remembrance; and in reverence to the worthy name and power of the Lord is it spoken, and he shall have the praise of his own work for

ever.

known to them. I delighted to hear them, and be in company with those who talked of good things, and discoursed of Scripture, of God and Christ, and of heaven's glory. Oh! how delightsome was it to me; but still I was not satisfied, because I found I was not a living witness of the states and conditions that the people of God were in, in former days; 1634. I was born at Thornbury, in Glou- and how to attain to them I did not know. cestershire, of honest parents; my father's Then did I mourn, and say in my heart, oh, name was William Tayler; and my parents that I had been born in the days when the were people fearing God, and very zealous in Lord spake to Moses, and to the children of their day. My father being one of those Israel, and with a high and wonderful power called Puritans, prophesied of Friends many brought forth his people out of Egypt, through years before they came. He said, "there is a the Red Sea, that I might have known how to day coming, wherein truth will gloriously break walk in the right way, and to do what the forth, more gloriously than ever since the Lord required of me, and been in acquaintapostles' days, but I shall not live to see it." ance and familiarity with my Maker; that I He died in the faith of it seven years before might have known when I pleased or disFriends came; whose honest and chaste life is pleased the Lord, whom my soul loved, but often in my remembrance, and his fervent and knew not how to become acquainted with him. zealous prayers amongst his family, are not What would I not have parted with for forgotten by me. My parents brought me up the enjoyment of the Lord, and assurance of after a very strict manner, so that I was much salvation? Surely if it were possible for me a stranger to the world and its ways. In my to have enjoyed all the world, I could freely tender years I was of a sad heart, and much have parted with it, for peace and satisfaction concerned, with inward fear, what would be- to my poor distressed soul, that mourned as come of me when I should die; and when my without hope. Many a time, and many hours lot was to be near any who would talk rudely, have I spent alone, reading and mourning, or swear, or be overcome with strong drink, when no eye saw me, nor ear heard me, neiI dreaded to pass by them. When I heard it ther could I find comfort in reading, because

it was a book sealed unto me. Then did I redound to no advantage, nor comfort; thou mourn and say, oh! that I had been born in wilt not be in any esteem amongst thy neighthe days when our blessed Saviour Jesus bours, therefore, take thy pleasure and be at Christ was upon the earth! How would I have rest. A liar he is, and ever was from the befollowed him, and sat at his feet, as Mary did; ginning; and my dear children, believe him how freely could I have left my father's not, if it be your lots to be under temptations, house, and all my relations, for true peace or exercise of any kind; or what way soever and assurance of life eternal for my immortal the Lord may be pleased to lead you in, for soul. the trial of your faith and patience. The Under this exercise I grew very sad, inso-enemy will betray as many as he can, theremuch that my mother apprehended I was fore look unto the Lord, and keep him in your going into a consumption, and greatly feared remembrance, and pray unto him in your my death; and would say to me, "Canst thou minds, although you cannot utter one word; take delight in nothing? I would have thee know assuredly, that he is near to help his walk forth into the fields with the young peo- afflicted children at all times. Oh! that I had ple, for recreation, and delight thyself in some-known this in the days of my ignorance, in thing." And to please her, I have sometimes, when we were out of our employment, gone forth with sober young people, but I found no comfort in that. Then I fell into a custom of reading the Scriptures, alone in private, reading and crying, because I knew not that heavenly power and spirit to have dominion in me, that was in them who gave forth the Scriptures; and nothing else but the substance would give me true satisfaction: therefore the Scripture was but a book sealed unto

me.

Then I fell down upon my knees, to pray unto the Lord, with my heart full of sorrow, and the tears running down my face, and could not utter one word; which seemed very strange to me, and set me to thinking that there was none like me. But it was the enemy's work to persuade me there was none like me; and that because I could not pray in words, as others could, and was under afflictions, therefore the Lord had no regard to me. But the enemy is a liar, for the Lord was near me in every exercise, and broke my heart, and melted my spirit, or else it would not have been so with me. Oh! my soul can now behold his goodness, for he was near me, although I was not aware of it; and thought none were so miserable as I, the enemy endeavouring to cast me down, and to make me despair. Truly it was the great mercy of the Lord that preserved me from it, for my affliction was great, and my distresses very many, the enemy following me with temptations, and I wanted right information where my strength was to be found, which was to have stood still, and waited upon the living God for strength to overcome him. Instead of doing so, the enemy disturbed me, and followed me with his subtle allurements; sometimes to draw my mind into the vanities of this world, and to delight in decking myself with fine clothes, that I might appear comely in the eyes of the world. For, said the enemy, as for this sadness and trouble that thou art under, it will

my young and tender years, when the Lord was at work in my heart, and I knew it not. For want of an understanding, the enemy betrayed me and led me aside in those things, by hearkening to him and the young people who were my neighbours, in persuading me that it would be of great benefit to me, for I was young, and knew not what I might come to. I was left of my tender father, with hardly any friend; and in my distress and afflictions, willing to have a little rest and comfort, I lent an ear to the enemy of my soul, and let my mind go forth after fine clothes. When it was drawn out, it went without limit; and when I decked myself as finely and as choice as I could, it would hardly give me content; for when I had one new thing, and saw another, or a third, I was as desirous of it as for the former, and so ever unsatisfied. The lying enemy had promised me rest and peace, but could not give it; a liar he is and ever was, my soul is at enmity with him; the Lord preserve me out of his snares, and my house also for ever.

But though he had thus drawn out my mind, the Lord did not leave me; for many times I had a concern what would become of me; and if at any time I was drawn into mirth or laughter, I would feel something smite my heart, and bring great heaviness over my spirit. I knew not what it was, and little thought it was the Lord, who was ever good and gracious, kind, merciful and slow to anger, and not willing people should run into destruction.

I little thought he looked so narrowly to my ways; but since the Lord hath been pleased to open my eyes, I can look back and admire his goodness; and blessed be his worthy name, and the right arm of his strength, who hath early been my guide, and kept me in great degree from running into the evil of the world, which greatly attends young people. He took me by the hand, and led me when I knew it not, in my tender years; and if I had not

came before I eat, and tears were as my sorrowful meat; when I lay down, it was in sorrow, and watered my pillow with my tears, before I could take my rest: and when I awaked, it was with the dread of the Lord over my heart.

Oh! my soul can do no less than magnify

hearkened unto the enemy, my condition had been well. As soon as he had drawn my mind into pride, and to take delight in fine clothes, they became my burden. For in a little time after, in 1654, the Lord in the riches of his love, was pleased to fit and send forth his faithful servants, and painful labourers, whose industry he greatly prospered-the living God, who is worthy of praise, hontwo men of worthy memory, dear John Aud- our and renown, thanksgiving and obedience land and John Camm; and when I heard the for evermore. And why so? Because he hath report of them, it struck a dread over my heart. condescended to the lowest estate of his handHearing of their plainness, I began to think, maid, and bowed his ear to my prayers, and "How shall I demean myself to go to hear had a regard unto my cries, and hath anthem." In a little time after, there was a swered my request, and given me my heart's meeting appointed by them, where it was my desire, which was to be led in the right way. lot to be. Dear John Audland was preaching-Sion's poor travellers know very well this is as soon as I heard his voice, it pierced me; a beginning, or a step in the way, for I can when I came into the meeting and heard his truly say, "that I never coveted heaven's testimony, and beheld his solid countenance, glory, more than I desired to walk in the way oh! how my heart was troubled within me, that leads thereunto." And I truly believed, insomuch that I knew not what would become that the Lord would redeem a people out of of me. the world, its ways and customs, language, After meeting was over, I separated myself marriage and burying, and all the world's from my company, and travelled alone two hypocrisy. I looked for this change, before miles, that no ear should hear me, making I saw any appearance of it; but all my fear my moan unto the Lord; and out of the bit- was, I should not live to see it; the enemy terness of my spirit, said "Lord, what shall always following me with his temptations, to I do to be saved? I would do anything for as-work me into unbelief, and to cast me down surance of everlasting life: and if the Lord into desperation. My soul cannot but give will be pleased to accept me upon any terms, the Lord God the glory, the honour and the I matter not what becomes of this body. If renown, for he is worthy of it for ever, and I could find a cave that I might get into, where evermore. I might mourn out the remainder of my days And now my dear children, this is for you in sorrow, and see man no more," I thought to remember, and keep by you, that ye may I could have been contented. But it pleased always know the way to heaven's glory, to the Lord to open the eyes of my understand- enjoy true peace and satisfaction; it is a ing, and to lead me by a way that I knew straight and narrow way; and whoever thinks not, and to begin the first day's work in my it is not, they are mistaken. Keep to the daily heart, which was, "the spirit of the Lord cross all the days of your lives, and to truth's moving upon the waters, and dividing the light language: and more especially keep your from the darkness." When the separation heart with all diligence, for out of it are the was made, I could see my way in the light, issues of life. Then will you be brought which was the "light unto David's feet, and nearer unto the Lord, and grow into acquainta lanthorn to his paths ;" and it will order ance with him; which was what my soul every ones' goings aright, if they take heed mourned for in the days of my tender years, unto it. which I cannot forget, and I hope never shall; It would be too tedious to go through every for I find the good effects of it from day to particular state; but my earnest cries were to day. It bows my spirit, and humbles my the Lord, "to lead me by the right way, and heart, and keeps me in a living remembrance to create in me a new heart, and renew a right of what the Lord has done for me; though spirit within me. Let me be unto thee, O he hath been pleased to give me the waters of Lord, what I am, and not unto man: I do not a bitter cup to drink, and to feed me with the take care for this outward body; do but re-bread of affliction, and suffer temptation upon The enemy, deem my soul from death, out of this horrible temptation to come near me. pit, wherein I am held as in chains of dark- the subtle serpent, the old dragon, which was ness, and shall perish for ever, if thou dost not, out of thy infinite mercy, have compassion on me, and bow thy ear unto my cries, for I can do nothing else." I can truly say, my heart was filled with sorrow, my sighing

more subtle than all the beasts of the field, followed me with his lies, to persuade me that the Lord had no regard to me; that if he had, he would not take delight to afflict me; "for there is none like thee," said the wicked one,