JOSEPH OXLEY'S JOURNAL

OF

HIS LIFE, TRAVELS, AND LABOURS OF Love,

IN THE FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

"I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him." Gen. xviii. 19.

Joseph Oxley's Address to his children. My dearly and well beloved children, unto whom I send greeting: grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am now pretty far advanced in years, waiting daily until my change shall come, having no desire to stay longer than is my Master's good will and pleasure. In this state of resignation I desire to live, and to live so as to be fit to die. I trust, in this passage through life, I have not been unmindful of that great work, unto which I have apprehended myself called; and when concerns of a religious nature have appeared to be my duty, have not to charge myself with neglect

You are nearer and dearer to me than all things here beside. Divine Providence was pleased to bestow you on me in the days of my youth, since which you have been my constant care; and, as you have been increasing in years, so in like proportion have my cares been increasing towards you. While or backwardness; but stood in passive subvery young, you were instructed to fear and worship your great Creator, and oftentimes directed to him, and to the guidance of his blessed, holy, unerring Spirit, which, as due regard is paid thereunto, would lead and guide you into all truth. This becoming the rule of government of our actions, will make us, of the children of men, the children of God. I have not been wanting in bestowing on you a liberal education, to qualify you for business, and brought up and settled you in such business and callings as are in esteem and reputation, in all which I have had an eye to the glory of God.

mission to be made willing in the day of his power. Herein, as I was made to give up, I had great peace, and have no cause to murmur or repine at any of his requirements, though I thought myself not worthy, not pure enough to run on his holy errands. I do not know how better to recommend you, than to follow me, my dear children, in like manner, only in greater degrees of purity. The more pure and holy and perfect we are made, the fitter we are to be sent on his errands, and to bear the Gospel message. In former manuscripts I have recommended brotherly love and unity, without which there can be no real, true hapAs occasion required, I have exhorted, ad- piness. The same I again recommend to you. vised, reproved, and restrained you. You There is much beauty in beholding brothers know well that I was exemplary in attending and sisters living in love, endeavouring to religious meetings, and you also therein be- help one another as occasion may require, in came my companions. My increasing cares, counselling and advising in temporal or spiritand laudable endeavours, through Divine fa- ual matters. I charge you be not unmindvour, have in some good degree procured for ful in so doing, my dear children; peace will me that blessing, which above all temporal flow in upon you abundantly, and your blessings I have desired,-the blessing of sober reputation and honour will be increased and virtuous children. It is the all-wise, great among men. The Lord will delight himself and good Benefactor, the Lord, the everlasting in you, and you will be a praise to his great I AM, the Alpha and Omega, before whom my name.

soul seeks to worship at this time, and with My life being attended with variety of disearnestness to entreat, that he would still vouch-pensations, I have, as opportunity presented, safe the renewings of celestial rain upon the committed to paper some things, among many seed of his poor servant, that thereby they that have fallen to my lot, in the course of my may grow as plants of the Lord's own right pilgrimage; not with any intention or desire hand planting, to his glory and praise for ever of its going forth to the public, but intending chiefly to have it kept within the circle of my

and ever.

own family; not thinking it better worth. You Him who is perfect, who delighteth not in the will find in the perusal of these few sheets, the death of sinners, but is graciously seeking, tender dealings and merciful visitations of the immediately and instrumentally, to save sinAlmighty to me, after long provoking him to ners from their sins, and to preserve them anger; by which means, judgment and con- from sinning. How strange a thing it is that demnation were brought over my soul. May minds should be so infatuated, as to prefer he who reached poor me when I was gone pleasures rather than peace. It is by seeking astray, and brought back again that which and pursuing after pleasures, that many hearts was lost, in like manner effectually reach are wounded and slain; but they that seek the hearts of my dear children, that closely after peace, shall be made peace-makers, and joining in with the visitation of Truth, they shall be called the children of God. The tes may at length become warriors and champi- monies and labours of the Lord's servants, ons in our Israel, contenders for the God of tend to bring off from those things that are of their father, in their generation; and the Lord a hurtful and destructive nature and evil tenso bless the work in their hands, that sinners dency, wounding the poor soul, bringing it may be converted from the error of their into great distress and confusion; which do ways, that souls may be saved from death, not settle it upon a right bottom and sure and thereby hide a multitude of sins. In that foundation, wherein dwelleth true happiness, day the wisdom of God will be made mani- comfort, and peace. Thus is an understand. fest, and according to the saying of the pro- ing given, not a verbal declaration only; for phet Daniel, "those that are wise shall shine the knowledge and Christian experience of as the brightness of the firmament, and they such, as have been seeking after the Truth, that turn many to righteousness, as the stars, and by obedience to its manifestations have for ever and ever!" For this great and good found it, and have it in possession, speaks of end, many have been called into the Lord's what they know, and not of what they know work and service, and their reward shall be not. I therefore direct and recommend you to according to their measure and faithfulness. Great is the loss which many sustain who have been long hearing, and not obeying, being diverted and turned aside by strangers, of which there are many to delude and enchant; deceivers, and not true, captivating allurements, called by fine names. Thus it is, that the creature is exalted above measure, and is set up in the mind above the heavenly witness; turning aside the deep counsels communicated from

such teachers, and to the teacher of them, the Lord Jesus Christ in your own hearts, the true and infallible Teacher; that by attending thereto, you may come in this manner to attain to the like experience, and in the end obtain your hope, even the salvation of your souls.

Remember my counsel, herein recommended, and depart not from it. It is what above all things else I covet for you.

JOURNAL OF JOSEPH OXLEY'S LIFE AND TRAVELS, &c.

CHAPTER I.

I HAVE had it on my mind for a considerable time, to commit to writing some of the many occurrences that have befallen me; and of the precious visitations, and merciful deal ings of the Almighty with me from my youth

up.

parted this life the 27th of the sixth month, 1720; and was interred at Castlethorp, in Friends' burial-ground, the 30th day following, aged thirty-three years and three months. She was a virtuous, zealous woman, sometimes publicly engaged in meetings, and loved and entertained Friends heartily who came to visit I was born at Brigg, in Lincolnshire, on the us. She was naturally a woman of a ready 4th day of the ninth month, old style, 1715. wit, charitable to the poor, a friendly neighMy father's name was John, son of John and bour, and well beloved of all. We had a Mary Oxley of Criggleston, in the parish of good meeting at her interment, wherein seveSandel, and county of York. My mother's ral testimonies were borne concerning her; name was Ann, daughter of Joseph and Cathe- also at the burial-ground, all signifying her rine Peckover, of Fakenham, in the county of Norfolk.

Respecting my mother, my father left this short testimony:-" Ann Oxley, of Brigg, de

departure was in peace with the Lord." About three years afterwards, it pleased Divine Providence to visit my dear father with a sore fit of sickness, of which he also died, the 29th

Being now in the twenty-second year of my age, I left Scarborough, and by order of my uncles, Edmund and Joseph Peckover, went to Brigg, my native place, and by their advice, disposed of an estate of my late father's: from thence into Norfolk, to see my relations About this time my dear grandfather Peck- there, which afforded me very great satisfacover, of Fakenham, departed this life, and tion, and not the least to see my dear brother, bequeathed something for my further educa- who was then an apprentice to John Northern, tion, &c. After being at school more than a Friend at Walsingham, in said county: I had five years, I was sent to Scarborough, in not seen him for about thirteen years. We Yorkshire, to be an apprentice to a clock- were exceedingly rejoiced to see each other, maker. But when my master came to seel and though we were so long parted, I believe VOL. II.--No. 11.

master about one year and a half, and so far from growing better, I grew worse, and brought great sorrow and trouble on my relations and friends in the country, whom I wanted to see, and an agreeable opportunity offering I ventured to go. But I met with a very cool reception, and whilst I staid in the country rather lost than got reputation and favour. I soon returned again to London, and my master received me very cordially.

brotherly affection remained as strong as if we had lived together all that time. I spent some time in the country with my aged and honourable grandmother, who was a mother in our Israel, and would often be giving me such advice as I stood in need of, but it had little effect at that time. It now became time for me to think how I must live in the world, for at present I was neither in circumstances, nor otherwise qualified, to set up in my business, being altogether ignorant in the watch-making About this time there came to town a young branch, which I thought highly necessary to man, George Whitefield, educated a clergyknow; and, in order thereto, I went up to man, who preached sometimes in steeple-houses London, where I met with my uncle Edmund, and at other times in fields, &c.; and many and by the interest he made, I got a place, were excited to go and hear him, amongst though not so suitable as could be desired. whom I was one, and as I thought, he spoke My instructor was a good workman, and in as one that had authority and not as the many respects kind; but he was very much scribes; so I returned very well satisfied. wanting in religion, seldom or never going to Soon after, I heard he was to preach at Kenany place of religious worship. He was by nington Common, a short distance from Lonprofession of the Church of England, so called. don, to which place I resorted amongst a great I indented with this man for two years to learn many thousands of people. The day was exto be a watch-maker, which I liked very well. cessively hot, and I was in the throng of the My master was a good-natured man, and wil-people, and being very low of stature, was lingly agreed with my uncle's proposal, in overcome to such a degree with the crowd letting me go to a week-day meeting once a pressing me, and continued so long, that I week. Thus was my uncle's kindness and thought verily I should have been smothered care continued over me so long as I remained to death in a very little time. Oh! the disunder his charge. My master would often tress of mind I was now in! the horror and take me out with him, and make me as his confusion of my soul was beyond all descripcompanion: I used to be frequently with him tion! the terrors of the Lord were upon me; at his clubs and places of diversion, and at the stings of a wounded conscience I felt to these places I learned to sing what they called pierce through and through for sin and transa good song, and so became one with them.gression. I thought I was in a few moments But even at that time, I was under such strong going to launch out of time into eternity, noinward convictions, that my heart was filled thing but everlasting woe and misery seemed with grief, and however joyous I might appear to be my portion for ever and ever! My agony outwardly, I was inwardly condemned. My was so great, both in body and mind, as to mistress was a Dutch woman, but not of that make it intolerable to bear without loud shrieks free disposition as was my master. Once on and cries, which were heard far and near, by a trifling occasion she was angry with me, very many. The press was so great, that and her passion increased to such a degree, they who had their arms down could not get that she threatened my life, and caught up a them up, till at length a gentlewoman in a case-knife for that purpose, and in her great coach noticed my condition, extended herself fury and rage made an attempt to give the as far out as she well could, and with her fan fatal stroke; but providentially, for I cannot yielded me some relief, which enabled me to call it anything less, the maid-servant inter-stand it till the preacher had done. Now was posed, and took hold of her arm, by which my heart made to rejoice, and my tongue means she was prevented doing the intended evil, and gave me an opportunity of making my escape. My master being from home was sent for, and was under great concern and sorrow; he requested I would pass by the offence, and promised he would do what lay in his power to make me easy, and to prevent in future any such insults, which he found difficult to do. I believe the greatest dislike she had to me was, because I was one called a Quaker. Though far from what I should be, yet I could not compliment her in the way she required of me. I had now lived with my

broke forth into singing, unto Him to whom I was so largely indebted, and by whose provi dence I was yet spared; and even at this very time I cannot help saying, "I thank thee, O my heavenly Father! in that thou didst not call me away in that unprepared hour, to give an account of my stewardship; very unfit I most assuredly was to appear before thy great tribunal: I beg, I may ever, whilst I live, reverently and gratefully remember and acknowledge this day, wherein thou wast pleased so mercifully to spare, to reach, and to visit so effectually my soul. Now I know that my

Redeemer liveth, and because he lives I live also.'" I returned home filled as with the new wine of the kingdom: when I got home, I stripped myself of my wet clothes; for I was comparatively as if I had come out of a pond, and I was stopped by several to know where I had been, I was in such strange condition. But oh! the draught of divine consolation, the gracious aboundings of the love of God to my soul, it was so ravishing to my heart that I never felt the like before: I was almost fit to be swallowed up in an ecstacy of joy.

and powerfully, and so convincingly as to overcome me, notwithstanding all my attempts to defeat him; he set forth good and evil in such an excellent manner, attended with that wisdom which is from above. In this dispute, I was again overcome with the flowings forth of heavenly virtue, and my heart was humbled as in the Divine presence, that I was even ready to say, "Lord make me what thou wouldst have me to be;" and in yielding myself cheerfully to the will of God, it procured for me that peace which the world cannot give nor take away.

From this time I began to seek the Lord in

I now loved to attend meetings for religious worship, on week-days as well as those on the first-day of the week, from whence I experi-the way of his requirings, and forsook all my enced great benefit and strength. Soon after old companions and idle pastimes, and led a this, I got acquainted with one James Oldham, life of circumspection and care. This was the of whom I inquired if he could inform me of time of my espousals, a time wherein nothing a suitable place to live at, as my time with my appeared to me so lovely as the Truth. I was master was near expiring. He replied, he did well pleased that I had got into this family, as not know but I might have such accommoda- having my dear friend James Oldham for a tions where he himself lived, and that if I companion. He came from Warrington, in liked he would make the necessary inquiry, Lancashire, up to London when a young man, and let me know; of which I much approved, and being by occupation a barber and perriwigand indeed it was what I much desired, for I maker, worked at his business in the capacity knew the Friend with whom he lived. When of a journeyman. He told me, that he himthe time came, my master and I parted very self had been a very great libertine, accusgood friends, continuing a correspondence as tomed himself to frequent swearing, insomuch occasion required. It was not long after that he did not know when he did it. I think left my master, before I went to see him again he was brought up in the way of the Church about some business; and falling into conver- of England, so called, and was convinced of sation, he signified to me, that several young the Truth in London some few years before men who had been under his care for improve-I had knowledge of him. He was a very ment in like manner as myself, had agreed to comely young man, unmarried, endued with go with him to Islington and take a game at a large share of natural understanding, which skittles, &c., and desired my company. I was under the government of best wisdom; would have excused myself by saying I was and lived in abstinence, that he might the ignorant of the play, but he said he would not better feed the hungry and clothe the naked. be denied, but go I must. I then agreed to His chief diet was bread and water, sometimes make one of the company, and he thanked milk; he was cheerful and pleasant in conme. Immediately, I did not like what I had versation, as also very instructive and edifypromised, but I thought within myself, I would ing: I never heard him speak evil of any, but keep from committing sin as much as it was he made it a rule if he could not speak well of possible. There lived at this time a young a person, to be silent rather than speak to their man with my master, in the capacity of an prejudice. He was of a meek and humble apprentice, who was nearly out of his time; spirit, a diligent attender of religious meetings he was sober and very religious in his way, for worship, both as to the day and time apand showed great friendship for me. He came pointed; the becoming gravity and steadiness to my new quarters, to see me and speak to with which he sat in meetings, from the beme about the engagement I had come into with ginning to the end, was profitable and instruc my master as above related, which he thought tive to behold; was never heard speaking was by no means consistent with the profes- slightly of any testimony that was dropped in sion I made, and would fain have me not to a meeting, or the instrument of it, though go. But I replied, that as I had passed my never so mean or contemptible. He was full word, I could not depart from it without telling of love and good works, and abounded in a lie. James Oldham, of whom I shall have charity to people of all professions; it seemed occasion to speak more largely by and by, to me to be his meat and drink to do the will joined the young man, who was what is called of his Maker. He was the greatest pattern of a Methodist, in giving me advice in this matter. Christian perfection of all I ever knew; his James Oldham, in whom was the Spirit of work was cut short in righteousness; he was Truth and righteousness, argued so clearly taken ill of a fever which was very violent,