And although the family might have seemed likely to become extensive in the descendants of these; yet, in 1812, it was reduced to one male representative.

The memory of that great and good man, Israel Pemberton, was long cherished with respect and tenderness in the bosoms of those who were acquainted with him, and who recollected his conspicuous services, and brilliant example. Many testimonies are yet left to bear witness to his religious eminence and usefulness; and the character of the Society of Friends in the golden age of Pennsylvania, is intimately blended with the names of Israel Pemberton, and his worthy father, Phineas.

ISRAEL PEMBERTON, the eldest surviving son of Israel and Rachel Pemberton, departed this life the 22d of the 4th month, 1779, aged nearly sixty-four years.

He was a man of good natural abilities, endowed with a clear understanding, that was measurably sanctified, and rendered very useful to others, both with respect to temporal matters, and those of far higher moment and importance. He had filled several public stations with uprightness, and discharged the various duties attached to them, with fidelity and integrity.

The sympathetic and benevolent feelings of his mind were often exerted for the relief and assistance of the poor and needy, and for promoting the comfort and ease of those who had been reduced to a state of suffering and want. Among his various endeayours to advance the cause of righteousness and peace, his efforts to promote harmony and concord with the Indians, were conspicuous. He was also

concerned to furnish instruction to the children of the poor, in useful learning, and to have them placed in the way of suitable employment.

He was among the number of those who were banished to Virginia, in the year 1777, and remained a prisoner there about eight months; during which, his health became much impaired by several attacks of sickness. This, together with divers other close trials, and the loss of his beloved wife soon after his return, seemed completely to undermine his constitution; and nature, at length, sunk under the conflict. Yet, even when encompassed with langour, and depressed by sickness, his concern to relieve the distressed, and to succour the helpless, was still maintained. He was indeed a man of great sensibility, tenderness, love and sympathy.

As his bodily health declined, he was very sensible that the time of his departure drew near; but his mind was favoured with calmness, and filled with great love to his friends and relatives. Thus he met the approaches of his dissolution with a peaceful composure, and quietly yielded his soul to its divine Author, without a groan or struggle. "At this awful season," says a brother who was present, "great solemnity, composure, and a sweet calm attended; and I doubt not he is landed where the weary is at rest, and the wicked cease from troubling, to join the spirits of the just made perfect." All ranks of people appeared to be affected with his removal; and his funeral was attended, on first-day morning, the 25th, by a very great concourse, among whom were many coloured people, for whom he had been a great advocate and friend.

FRIENDS' MISCELLANY.

No. 2.]

FIFTH MONTH, 1835.

[VOL. VII.

MEMOIRS OF JAMES PEMBERTON.

If it be considered useful to commemorate the virtues of those who have gained esteem and secured the love of their fellow creatures by the exercise of the principles of goodness, producing the warm and benevolent feelings of the heart, guided by religious influence, it becomes a duty incumbent on survivors, to portray such characters with the pencil of fidelity in the glowing colours of truth. By a proper delineation of the lives of such as have shone with lustre on the stage of life, we render an important benefit to mankind; we prove that the principles which have produced such beneficial effects, are not "cunningly devised fables,” but real and substantial, exhibiting in their fruits and effects, examples and characters that stand as landmarks or beacons, to guide the course of survivors with safety along the stream of time, amid the storms and tempests of human life.

Such a landmark, such a character, was the subject of this memorial, the truly respected James Pemberton. He was the fifth son of Israel and Rachel Pemberton, and was born in the city of Philadelphia, on the 26th of the 6th month, (August) 1723. His parents gave him a liberal education, and took early care to instil into his mind a due regard and reverence to those great precepts of Truth VOL. VII.-5

which regulated his future life; and they beheld with satisfaction the gradual evolution of those principles and feelings which tended to mark his character for usefulness.

His affectionate mother, who had good opportunities of watching the early buddings of his propensities, hoped much from that mildness of temper and steadiness of conduct which he early manifested. To her kind attention and prudent care in his early life and education, he frequently, in the course of his future life, bore decisive testimony; and even when drawing near the close of his earthly pilgrimage, he tenderly expressed the obligations he had been under for her fond solicitude, and maternal anxiety.

He pursued his studies with diligence, in the usual branches of education then taught; and on their completion, was early initiated into business in the mercantile line.

Blessed with prudence in the discrimination and choice of his associates, he was favoured with the intimacy and friendship of some of the first characters of that day; towards whom he cherished a warm and virtuous affection, even in his early years.

As his mind gradually expanded, and became enlightened and invigorated, the knowledge and experience which he gained, did not elevate him in his own eyes, or puff him up with inflated ideas of his self-consequence or attainments. But religion, even in his early life, threw a lustre on his sentiments and his actions. He was humble; and ascribed all he had, and all he enjoyed, to the great Source whence it was derived; and he was desirous that his

conduct should ever be consistent with his profession.

In the year 1745, he went in company with his cousin, William Logan, to Charleston, South Carolina, and Frederica, in Georgia, to reclaim the brigantine, Trial, captured by the Spaniards, but retaken by the English, and sent into the latter place. This business was confided to their care by his father; and although attended with considerable difficulty and fatigue, it was managed with judgment and fidelity. They returned by water, and having very tempestuous weather for many days, were extremely tossed. The following memorandum, found among his papers, evinces the gratitude of his feelings on the occasion.

"This unpleasant circumstance naturally leads me to reflect, with how much satisfaction and pleasure I have heretofore enjoyed myself at home: but being then unacquainted with this uncomfortable mode of living, I hope in future, if ever I get to my former habitation, that the blessings there enjoyed, will create gratitude and a circumspect life. This I note now, more particularly, that it may make the more lasting impression on me; and on a future review, be revived with the greater pleasure."

In the year 1748, he took a voyage to England, in company with a respectable friend, Sophia Hume. Although he was much engaged in business while there, yet he employed his intervals in travelling through various counties, renewing his intimacy with several of those friends whom he had seen at his father's hospitable house in Philadelphia, and in forming new friendships and acquaintances. He returned home the year following.