the families belonging to Horsham and Byberry meetings. In her perceptions, she was quick and lively; her views were discriminating, and her judgment remarkably appropriate; so that her conversation and ministry partook largely of that intelligent character which meets the understanding in a striking manner.

She was desirous that Friends in their religious exercises should centre as much as possible to the mind of Truth; carefully guarding against implicit reliance on the judgment of others--or running with a current that was the effect of natural excitement.

PETER YARNALL, in his exercises in the ministry, manifested a happy facility of expression. His style was elevated, and his manner emphatic. When fervently engaged, the whole man, body, soul, and spirit, seemed united in their energies, especially when urging the return of wandering prodigals to the Father's house; and sometimes he closed his pathetic and powerful communications, by ascribing "all glory and honour to the King eternal, immortal and invisible." He was a member of Byberry meeting upwards of a year, and died in 1798.

In the same year, the meeting sustained another privation in the decease of RUTH WALMSLEY, a valuable minister, who had been a member of it about four years. Often had she portrayed in lively colours, her ardent solicitude for the religious welfare of her friends, and especially that the young people might be so attentive to the divine requirings, as to become qualified for every good word and work.

JOHN TOWNSEND, of Bensalem, occupied the station of an elder of Byberry meeting about forty years. He died in 1800, at the age of seventy-seven. Every

thing in his character was consistent with prudence and moderation,—and his life and conduct were so completely guarded by circumspection, that it is believed he could never be justly charged with error. He was often engaged in the services of the society, and actively concerned for the preservation of his friends in consistency with their religious profession. His brother, Thomas Townsend, who died in 1794, was also a worthy Friend, pleasant and agreeable in his manners, and much devoted to that practical kind of righteousness, which extends assistance to orphans and widows, and others whose situations in life require the care and attention of their friends.

A TESTIMONY

Of Kennet monthly meeting, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, concerning Rachel Barnard.

She was the daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth Wilson, of Londongrove township, Chester county. She received from her parents a guarded education; and by attending to the divine Monitor, she was enabled to bear the cross in early life, so as to become an example of plainness and sobriety. Patiently abiding under the forming hand, she came forth in a lively and acceptable testimony, in our religious meetings, about the twenty-third year of her age: and by taking heed to the gift received, she became a well qualified minister of the Gospel. After her marriage with Cyrus Barnard, she became a member of this meeting, and being endowed with sound judgment, she was engaged in our meetings for dis

cipline, to maintain the dignity of the church, on its ancient foundation. Though of a weak and delicate constitution, she devoted much of her time to the service of truth; visiting the meetings of Friends generally, on this continent, with the unity of this meeting, and to the satisfaction of the visited.

Having regard to the recompense of reward, she was frequently made willing with much fortitude to leave her young children, and all that is accounted near in this world, and travelled many long and perilous journeys for the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness.

On returning from one of her latter journeys, she observed to some of her friends, that she felt thankful she had been so mercifully supported to undergo another alloted portion of suffering; and added, “I shall now have one less to go through." Her constitution gradually declining, she appeared anxious to perform what she believed was required of her, while bodily strength would permit. Her last visit was to the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, and some of its constituent branches; which she was favoured to accomplish, much to the relief of her own mind and to the satisfaction of Friends; and soon after, being confined to her bed, expressed thankfulness that she had been favoured to reach her outward habitation with a peaceful mind; intimating a belief. that she might now be released from such exercises, and that she was fast verging towards a final close. Her bodily afflictions being great, she appeared desirous to be released from time, if it was the Lord's will, and in a feeling manner said, "By grace ye are saved, through faith in it. I have often thought if that could be fastened on the minds of the

people, as it is on mine, though they might swerve to the right hand or to the left, they could not dwell at ease, but there would be a coming back: and while I sympathize with the rightly exercised, in their many trials and deep baptisms, I exceedingly lament the situation of those that are as it were, half Jew and half Ashdod."

Being asked if she thought she had done with the world, she answered, "I have made many misses, but have experienced them to be blotted out." To her husband she said, "Seek consolation in that which is not of this world." On the morning of her decease, she expressed an apprehension that she had passed the last night of her sojourning here, and in a solemn manner supplicated her heavenly Father to grant her a little rest, which she mercifully experienced, and soon after she quietly departed, in the fortieth year of her age.

Signed by direction and on behalf of Kennet monthly meeting, held the 4th of 12th mo. 1821, by RICHARD BARNARD, Clerk.

THE CHRISTIAN'S STRENGTH.

The following lines were sent to the Friends that were banished from Philadelphia to Winchester, in Virginia, being thought suitable to their condition, by the author, SUSANNA HOPKINS.

Resign'd, a Christian meets the ills of time, Nor fears the storms of this inclement clime. Tho' thunders roar, and terrors round him spread, Eternal sunshine settles on his head.

He fears his God, and hath no other fear,
His mind unclouded, and his conscience clear;
His prospects vast, outshine the noon-tide beam,
His faith no fancy, and his hope no dream:
He fears not men of high or low degree;
No power on earth can bind his liberty.
Beyond their ken, his treasure lies conceal'd,
He only wishes 'twere enough reveal'd,
That men might know its worth, and prize it too,
He gladly would expose it to their view:
If suffering best should answer his design,
To suffer freely, doth himself resign.

He to the smiter turns his ready cheek,

As taught of him, who saith, "I'm low and meek." No provocation can his spirit move,

To act contrary to the law of Love;

But prays with him whom on the cross we view, "Father forgive, they know not what they do;" The royal law rejoiceth to fulfil,

And only recompenseth good for ill.

Thus to the world proclaims, come taste and see
The love of God; behold how good is he!
Of bitter things he makes a wholesome sweet,
And rugged paths he smooths beneath our feet.
And tho' the wicked may our hurt intend,
Ev'n angels guard and stand the good man's friend.
Remember Joseph, whom his brethren sold
To the erratic Midianites of old:

To bondage they the faultless youth consign'd,
But Providence had other things design'd.
Mark the vicissitudes thro' which he pass'd,
Which pav'd his way to dignity at last.
A christian's strength, and confidence is he
Who hath set bounds and limits to the sea;