kept to the leadings of Truth, they would not admit any members to sit in men's meetings, [for discipline,] but such as come under these three qualifications: namely, first, that they be orderly in their conversations; secondly, consistent in their apparel, and good examples therein, according to Truth; and thirdly, that they are one with Friends in their spirits in the discipline of the Truth. Such as these may be benefited themselves in such meetings; and if they grow in the Truth, may be serviceable in time to the church. I have, I confess, gone on thus largely, in an uncommon strain, in writing thus to one, who, I am well satisfied, wants no information in these and many more things of the like kind. I have no reason to give, nor apology to make for it; but that as I found my mind inclined to write thee a long letter, so I let my pen run as things came into my mind, yet very short of what I could have said on the subjects. owing to the lukewarmness of indulgent elders, who must account for them in the day of the Lord. It is very plain to me, that such elders do want the true and equal balance of the sanctuary, they want a true spirit of discerning, and how to divide aright the precious from the vile, where to be sharp and execute judgment, and where rightly to be tender. We never read that the Lord pardoned any, while they continued in a state of stubbornness and rebellion; no, no, such are not in a state of repentance, and therefore not in a state for forgiveness. But on the other hand, we find he was very merciful and tender to humble and penitent sinners. And as the Lord thus dealt and divided, and led his people of old to do the same, so he does in our day, to make a right division. There is more true love in close and plain dealing, than in smoothing that which is for judgment. The latter may be compared to an unskilful surgeon, who applics a healing plaster to a deep and corroding wound, that should be searched to the bottom; And though I have been thus large already, for though the holy apostle in proper cases yet I cannot well omit some further additions advises to comfort the feeble-minded, support upon thy letter particularly. First, of the hint the weak, and be compassionate; yet we find thou givest of thy poverty of spirit and dehe also thought it as proper in the contrary sertion at times: to answer this subject at case, to advise, to rebuke sharply, to warn the large would fill more paper than I have to unruly, and a rod too, where needful. There spare; and therefore, to be but brief upon it, is equality and proportion to be used in spir- shall say to thee, my dear friend, this is no itual, as well as in natural things: in spiritual new thing; it was so of old, and is but comthings, the plumb-line of justice and righteous-mon to all Zion's true travellers in our day, ness is the equal rule, either for judgment, or and even to such too who have attained to tenderness and mercy; and both in their some good degree of growth and settlement in places are to be extended in due proportion. the Lord's holy Truth. There is but one The second cause of disorders in the path, thou knowest, for preachers as well as churches has been, by introducing or letting hearers to travel in heavenwards, and that is in [to meetings for discipline] unduly qualified the way of regeneration and sanctification. members to sit in judgment; which also I be- The Lord is often pleased to hide his face, lieve is much owing to such elders. These and withdraw himself for a season, and to being admitted, have in time become great plunge those whom he intends for greater troublers of the churches, some of whom, services, into great distress; though none being able from their carnal and fleshly wis- that travel in Zion's way can pass without dom to use words, and speak fluently, without a it more or less; and the Lord's ends, in true sense of Truth, have with numbers of more deeply exercising his peculiar chosen inlike spirits, pleaded for liberty and wrong struments, are manifold. I could enumerate things, and by their numbers, noise, and many of them, but for brevity shall instance clamours have brought a cloud over a meet-but a few; as first, to make them sanctified ing, and kept down the power of Truth from members for his own use and service, by arising. This I have seen in some places, to slaying, breaking down, and mortifying the the great grief of my soul: upon which, I natural and fleshly part, and bringing them have said in my heart, Oh! what will become into true lowliness and humility, since nothing of things? how can they be remedied? For that is high and lifted up can dwell in God's without a regulation of such members, the kingdom. And yet, the natural and selfish things of God cannot in a general way be managed rightly; and I see no way for a regulation and purging out such members, but by a dreadful stroke from heaven, or the Lord's arising by his overruling power to keep down that spirit. I have often thought, and sometimes said, that if Friends everywhere part, even in honest souls, is very apt to get up, through abundance of openings and revelations. We find it was so with the great apostle Paul, for which reason the messenger of Satan was sent to buffet him and keep him low: neither did the meekest man on earth wholly escape this temptation of self. Secondly, by great tribulation the righte- that we are poor forgetful creatures of ourous gain patience, as well as experience, so as selves, I mean, as to the sensible remembrance of past enjoyments, without a renewing of the same life and sense in which we enjoyed them; even to that degree, that what we witnessed yesterday, when the life and power of Truth was up, we are apt to forget the true savour and sense of this day, if the power of life be withdrawn. And now, in conclusion, upon this subject, when all is said that can be said, I have ever found it safest and best, under all distresses, temptations, and desertions, to be as still, patient, and quiet as possible; not so much as look at the temptation, if we can help it, but let the boisterous waves, billows and storms pass over our heads. This counsel I know is easy to give, but hard to learn. However, we may be assured of this, that the Lord will never utterly leave nor forsake his depending ones. They are to endeavour to keep the word of his patience, in the hour of temptation; but if we are restless and uneasy under distresses, we shall certainly add to our sorrow and affliction. in the end they learn not only how to abound without elevation, but patiently also to suffer want. Thirdly, the Lord does often hide and withdraw, as of old, in order to try his little ones' faith, patience, and dependence upon him, and that they may learn to depend upon nothing at all of themselves; but entirely as a weaned child upon him. Fourthly, the Lord is oftentimes pleased to suffer the enemy to buffet, tempt, and distress his peculiar instruments more than others in a common way, and sometimes in an uncommon manner, with such temptations too, that they seemed not to be naturally inclined to before; and this he does, that they may be able to speak a word in season, as they are moved, to all states and conditions. And herein we have an instance in our blessed Lord, who, though without sin, was tempted himself, and touched, as says the apostle, with the feeling of our infirmities, that he might be able to succour those that are tempted. If then our Lord suffered and was tempted for that end, shall it be a wonder that any, even the highest gifted instruments, should As to thy hint of thy concern at Limerick, be so in an extraordinary manner; to the end, upon my weighing it in spirit, when thou first that they also should lend a helping hand by acquainted me with it, I had good unity theretheir own experience to others who are tempted with, and my spirit was in travail for thee till and distressed. The holy Scriptures are full it was accomplished; I hope good will come of instances, of such as had attained large ex-out of it: it had a great effect upon the people, perience in the things of God: how many ebbings and flowings did holy David witness; the book of Psalms are full of them. We also find it thus with many other holy men, under the old covenant: then again, under the Gospel, we find plentiful instances of the like. The disciples of Christ, while he was with them, preached the Gospel of the kingdom, did many miracles, and seemed so strong in faith, that they could die with Christ: but then again, how very weak in faith were they at other times: poor Peter denied his Lord, and all his disciples forsook him and fled. Many instances might also be brought from the apostles, of the sore fights of affliction they passed through; which are indeed needless to thee, As the Lord is pleased to bestow upon who knowest these things, without my infor- some far greater spiritual and natural gifts mation, as well from the history, as thy own than upon others, so he expects far greater experience; and therefore I should not much services from such, and that they the more wonder, if thou ask, why all these things to singly devote themselves to these services, thee? I answer as before, I have little apology whereunto he has appointed them; agreeably to make; but as out of the abundance of the to the saying of our blessed Lord, "Where heart the mouth speaketh, so out of the abun- much is given, much is required." Thus, dance of love and openness I feel in my heart dear friend, the Lord hath endued thee with to thee, I let these things go, as they came. many excellent gifts, natural and divine, and And yet, we have examples from the apostles, he therefore expects of thee, I am satisfied, that they did not always write to the ignorant, suitable returns, and that nothing of this world but sometimes to such as knew the same things, or the encumbrances thereof should stand in in order to stir up their pure minds by way of the way, or be obstructions thereto. The remembrance. I know by my own experience, apostle Paul, speaking of a soldier of Jesus who were much dissatisfied with the recorder for his rude behaviour. Thy service in this city was not only very acceptable to all Friends, but I am also very sensible it was of great benefit to some particulars; and I hope they will never forget or lose it, particularly to my son: he does, I hope, retain the exercise he then fell under, to my great comfort. My soul prays it may continue with him. Dear friend, TO THOMAS STORY. Cork, 22nd of Ninth month, 1723. Christ, alludes to an outward warrior, who, he says, does not entangle himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please, Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Such an instance may intimate, that the ministers of Christ ought not to entangle themselves with worldly things, but leave such to his care and provision, who takes care even of the sparrows, that so at all times they may be ready to attend his call and service. Yet all this does not hinder any from doing necessary business in the creation, so that it be done in that true moderation, which is only to be seen and known by walking in the light. It is not in my mind to charge thee in any wise, by thus writing, nor is it because thou dost not know them, but to stir up the pure mind by way of remembrance; well knowing thou hast spent a great deal of time, labour, and travel in the work of the ministry; and I rejoice to find, that notwithstanding all thy various exercises the Lord has preserved thee alive in spirit to him; and that he may so continue to do to the end, is the desire of my soul. other such like things, after the modes of the Though I have not believed all they say to shelter and screen themselves; yet, dear friend, shall I be so free as to say, I fear they have taken some strength from thee. For I have been informed by some who do dearly love thee and thy ministry, that they have thought in some things thou goest a little too fine and modish, and particularly as to thy hat and long hair, &c. It is not that we place evil in wearing either long or short hair, considered in itself; but when either are in fashion, and that or any other thing is taken up by any ministers or elders, though they be But though thou hast been thus preserved, not proud of it, yet it greatly strengthens and yet by what I have heard, thou hast in some encourages others, who are inclined to pride measure fallen among the briars of the world, and fashions, to exceed even in a greater de which have scratched thee. To these things gree. Thus a minister or elder edging towards I never lent an ear, beyond sympathy and any fashion, others will equal their extravacharity, not questioning but thou couldst in gancy in their lesser things, and with a sort truth and justice clear thyself against all such of privilege and authority cover themselves charges; and yet I will here say to thee, there therewith, till by thus exampling one another is still a nearer thing to be considered, whether and each exceeding the other in pride, a flood according to thy station in the church, thou of iniquity hath been introduced into the oughtest to have entered into any great things church, whereby the ancient plainness of an in the world, however just and honest in them-old Quaker has been in some lost, and in the selves, wherein there might be any danger that thy gift or thy example to others might be less esteemed. This is what I was truly concerned for, lest this had happened to thee by going into great undertakings. Though still I do not charge thee; but out of the pure love of my heart and the esteem I have for thee, I write this, that if there should be anything in it, thy experience may lead thee to avoid everything of the kind, that may have so much as a tendency to hurt thyself, or lessen thy ministry in the church, either with great or small. And now since I have been thus large and free, I will yet be a little more free, and upon a subject that has at times given me real trouble: which is, that some libertines have made use of thy name as a cloak to their own pride and vanity, and running into the fashions of the world; which has appeared in their long curled and powdered hair, flourishing wigs, long cravats, many unnecessary folds in their coats, fashionable sleeves, and cuts of several kinds, cocks and strings in their hats, with end some have been so ashamed of the plainness of Truth and the cross of Christ, that they have run quite out into the world. These things are so plain, that they cannot be denied; and the consideration of them hath brought deep sorrow and mourning upon some. And, oh! saith my soul, that the Lord would lay a heavy and zealous concern upon all the honest-hearted ministers and elders, to endeavour to put a stop, and stand in the gap against this torrent of pride, which has been so mischievous in the church; renewing the discipline of the church against these things. But in the first place, it behoves all such to be good examples themselves in all things, and then they can the better and the more boldly speak to others. The apostle advises the believers to take him for an example; and though he tells us all things, that is, good things, were lawful for him, yet that all things were not expedient; he therefore advises us not to please ourselves, nor do anything whereby the weak may be stumbled or any tendency to evil encouraged; but rather to follow the things strength of my own, I can with unutterable thankfulness, and in deep humility of soul, say, the Lord my God has kept me to this day from falling into the gross sins and enormities of the world, and for which I reverently bless and praise his holy name. that make for peace, and the things whereby ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live we may edify one another. The Lord has righteously and godly in this present evil bestowed diversities of gifts in his church; he world. And by which alone, and not by any hath endowed some with a spirit of discerning, others as helps and for government, &c. These seeing anything in any minister or elder whose example therein may prove hurtful to the church, it is their duty to advise and counsel such an one, and his duty is to condescend therein, though he should see but little in it, especially where the thing is not matter of faith but of condescension, and there can arise no hurt from removing the occasion of offence. The apostle Paul even exceeded this, when he would eat no flesh while the world stood, if it made his brother to offend. But notwithstanding that, I freely confess, that for want of my keeping so close to the guidance of his Holy Spirit in my heart as I ought to have done, I have very often sinned and offended him. And whenever I so did, either in thought, word, or deed, his holy light in my soul let me see it, and his Holy Spirit, I confess I am apt to be prolix in writing, which is the same, brought inward judgment and never thought myself a sententious or and condemnation upon me for the sin and accurate writer, but I am not much concerned offence committed against him, and by his about it, well knowing I am addressing a true righteous judgments within me, which is the and charitable friend, who will not put upon baptism of Christ, which all men must witness it a wrong construction; and if there be the to fit and qualify them to enter the everlasting least thing therein that may conduce to stirr- kingdom of God, I say, by his righteous judg ing up the pure mind, my end will be an- ments and the assistance of his Holy Spirit I swered. For the very desire of my heart is, was brought to true repentance, and found rethat as the Lord has gifted thee and made mission of my sins, O blessed be his holy and thee a bright and shining instrument in his everlasting name, saith my soul! hand, so thou mayst on thy part answer his love therein by thy obedience, and by carefully avoiding anything that may in the least eclipse thy gift. Extract from the last Will and Testament of Joseph Pike, of Cork, dated the 25th day of the month called November, 1727. And besides the blessing of his Holy Spirit, he, the God of all my mercies, hath added blessings from beneath, namely, outward substance, for the conveniences of life; which I can in sincerity and humility, and without boasting, say, I have received from the Lord's hand with great thankfulness of heart; and have desired of him that he would be pleased to give me a heart not to be puffed up with them, and I hope I can in truth say he hath I, JOSEPH PIKE, of the city of Cork, mer- granted my request therein. And I can furchant, being but weakly in body, but through ther say in sincerity, that I have not eagerly the Lord's mercy of perfect mind and under- striven to be rich in this world, to make my standing; and, although I am but weak in children high and great therein. But what I body, and arrived to old age, yet, through the have more earnestly desired of the Lord for infinite goodness and mercy of Christ my only them has been, that they might truly fear and Saviour, and by whose merits alone I hope for serve him, and first seek the kingdom of heasalvation, I can also say, he has made me ven and the righteousness thereof; and then, strong in spirit this day, to give in my testi- whether they had but little or more of this mony to the powerful and virtuous operation world's goods, they would have the Lord's of his holy light, grace and good Spirit, a blessing with it, which I esteem infinitely bemeasure and manifestation whereof he has yond all the riches of this world.-This introgiven to me and all men to work out our duction to my last will I have chiefly made as salvation; and which teaches the obedient, a memento to you, my children and grandaccording to Holy Scriptures, to deny all children. THE TESTIMONY OF THE MEETING OF CORK, CONCERNING JOSEPH PIKE. Ir having for some time past lain on the was both acceptable and serviceable, and minds of divers Friends, that something by even sometimes when the circumstances of his way of testimony concerning that worthy family might have been a reasonable excuse elder, our dear deceased friend, Joseph Pike, for his staying at home. But his love to might be of service, we hope a few lines re- Truth and concern for the prosperity thereof lating thereto will not be thought unseasonable outbalanced other considerations; and some of at this time. us, who were intimately acquainted with him He was the son of Richard and Elizabeth for many years, are witnesses of that deep Pike, who were early convinced of the blessed exercise and travail of soul he laboured under Truth, and continued zealous for it and faith- for Zion's sake; more especially of late years ful to the end, he dying a prisoner for his tes- since the removal of many of our worthy timony thereunto. It pleased the Lord in his ancient and faithful elders from among us, great love, to visit this our dear friend in his under a sense and consideration how few tender years, being under eight years of age, in the present age come up in their places. and by his Holy Spirit strove with him, to It may truly be said of him, that he prebring him off from the vanities that childhood ferred the welfare and peace of the church and youth are incident to, and until he was before his chiefest joy; taking great delight in twelve or thirteen years of age. About this hearing when the affairs thereof went well, time, that honourable elder, William Edmund- particularly in hearing any account of young son, came to visit Munster Province, by whose men coming up in a right concern for ministry at a meeting in Cork, the Lord's hea- Truth. venly power took hold of him, opening to him He was a man of a clear understanding, his inward state and condition, which begat in and sound judgment and impartiality; tender him earnest cries to the Lord, that by the help over the weak, where tenderness appeared, of his Holy Spirit he might be enabled to come but sharp against the high-minded and stub into obedience for time to come. And as he born, though nearly related. Much might be grew in years, and was brought into obedience said of the many excellent qualifications with to the workings of Truth in his own heart, he which it pleased the Lord to favour him; of found a concern upon his mind to join with which favours he was truly sensible, and faithful Friends in church discipline, for which oftentimes, in great awfulness and brokenness service it pleased the Lord to gift him in an of spirit, humbly acknowledging his own uneminent manner, as appears by some manu- worthiness of the great love and goodness of scripts written some time before his departure, God extended towards him every way, both as also by that excellent Treatise on Baptism inwardly and outwardly. In conversation and the Supper; and on many occasions solid and weighty, without affectation, yet showing himself to be a man of an universal cheerful and agreeable without levity. spirit. A worthy elder, ruling his own house well, and of great service in the church, as is well known to many that yet remain, who are more and more sensible of the church's loss in his removal. As a good steward of the grace and gift received, he was faithfully and zealously concerned for the holy name and testimony of the Lord, that the line of judgment without partiality might be kept up, and over that And as he had often desired, that he might spirit that has long and does still endeavour have a short and easy passage out of this to lay waste the Lord's work, by introducing world, he had his desire granted; for after a a false liberty into the church; he being, from lingering weakness which had attended him the time of his first admittance into meetings for several years, he was suddenly taken with for business, preserved from joining with or a fit of illness, and in a few minutes departed strengthening the hands of any loose, disor- this life, the 7th day of the eleventh month, derly spirits, but on the contrary, had a testi- 1729; and we doubt not, he is entered into mony in his heart against them to his dying that rest which is prepared for the faithful. day. He was a good example in duly attending meetings for worship, and sincerely devoted himself to the serving of Truth: constantly, for many years together, attending the National Half-yearly Meeting at Dublin, and often the Yearly Meeting at London, where he Signed on behalf of the said meeting, by THE END. EDWARD BAURICK. |