FRIENDS MISCELLANY.

No. 5.]

EIGHTH MONTH, 1833.

[VOL. IV.

T

MEMOIRS OF JAMES SIMPSON.

James Simpson, son of John and Hannah Simpson, was born in Bucks county, the 19th of the 3rd month, 1743. His father died when he was about

three years old. During his minority, he was much exposed to raw and profane companions, and seldom, if ever, during his youth, had the opportunity of attending the religious meetings of Friends, although he had a birth-right in the society. His mother married a Presbyterian, and James as well as her other children, were brought up under his care. They resided at a mill, near the Delaware, some distance below Coryel's ferry, where James learned the trade or business of a cooper.

wards manhood, he became serious.

As he grew to

After the marriage of his elder brother John, James went to reside with him. In this situation, he continued for a number of years; and although near four miles from Buckingham meeting, of which he was a member, yet he became a diligent attender thereof when in health, and at length a dispensation of the ministry of the gospel was committed to his charge. Having previously passed through deep baptisms, he had humblingly to acknowledge the divine goodness, in manifesting the gospel light to his benighted soul, when almost sunk into a state of despair. This he compared to the light of the VOL. IV.-17

sun, breaking from under thick clouds, and darting its rays through a glass window into a room (which in the dark, might have been supposed to be clean and in order,)-discovering not only all that was out of order, but even the cobwebs, the spiders, and the insects that had taken an abode therein, it manifested that there was much to be done within the chamber. The Divine Light also showed him an extensive prospect of labour without; and he felt his soul raised to an ecstacy of hope and joy, in an evidence that he was received into favour with his heavenly Father. In the expandings of Divine love, his vision was extended to almost all parts of the country; and his heart being filled with affection to his fellow creatures, he felt as though he was commissioned to preach the gospel of salvation to all mankind. A day and place, he remarked, not to be forgotten by him!

From this time he believed that he was anointed, and, in due season, was called, to the gospel ministry. Soon after which, he had a dream that sealed deep instruction on his mind. He thought he was standing by the meeting house at Buckingham, and saw a number of iron pots standing out, open to the firmament; he saw they were covered with rust, and there was much rubbish within them. As he looked at them, a person who stood by, told him that it was his business to cleanse and scour these pots. James felt himself weak, and told the person he could not do it,-that his strength was not sufficient to scour one of them. The person told him he was not required to do more than his strength would warrant; but that he must begin at one, do something at it, and if he could not finish it at one

time, leave it, and try it again; and so on, working at them from one time to another, and his strength would be increased in proportion to his labour; till he would be enabled to finish the work, that was given him to do.

Soon after the commencement of the revolutionary war, a large amount of paper money was issued, for the purpose of carrying it on. This occasioned much exercise to Friends. Many declined to use it as a currency-others acted differently. In Bucks Quarter, a meeting of conference was appointed to be held at Middletown, at which Friends from all parts of the Quarter attended, men and women, in order to confer upon the subject and understand the views of one another; as also to feel after the mind of Truth, in relation to the testimony against wars and fightings. At this conference James Simpson was present. He sat a little back in the house, being then a young man, and not much known abroad. Divers of the wealthy influential members plead for the use of the money, and brought several scripture passages to support their views, such as rendering to Cesar the things that be Cesar's, &c. Others were opposed to the measure from tender scruples of conscience, and considerable discussion took place, without coming to any conclusion. At length, James Simpson rose, and in a powerfully impressive testimony, set the subject in its proper point of view, declaring the danger of wresting the scriptures, through covetousness, and for interested purposes. After he sat down, a solemn silence pervaded the assembly, and not another word was spoken; till at length William Blakey proposed concluding the meeting; which was done accordingly. After

:

it was over, a few of the wealthy men, expecting James Simpson to pass by Attleborough, stopped there, in hopes to have an opportunity of reasoning the case with him, and convincing him that he was in an error, and that their views were correct. But, whether he was aware of this or not, he did not return that way, and so their object was defeated.

After the conference was over, a worthy female friend present, remarked of James's communication, that it was not James Simpson, but the Spirit of Truth through him, and was marvellous in their

eyes.

Being of a weakly constitution, and the trade of coopering not agreeing with his health, and also being poor, he was often much discouraged, fearing (as he expressed) that he should become chargeable to the parish. He therefore engaged, with a partner, in a small retail store in Buckingham. While thus employed and his ministry being approved, he joined with several Friends in a family visit within the verge of Buckingham monthly meeting. Previous to entering on the service, he had purchased a hogshead of rum, for his partner to sell. In the course of the visit, while sitting in a family at Plumstead, the hogshead of rum came before him, with such melancholy reflections on the mischief it might occasion, as produced much discouragement, and a desire to relinquish the service he was engaged in, and return home. This desire he expressed to his friends, but they not being willing to part with him, he accompanied them to several places: but his uneasiness continued, and the hogshead of rum being continually before his view, he was entirely silent. Some of his companions speaking a little,

at a few places,—at length, all vocal service closed, and they sat in several families, in silence. A general state of depression having now taken place among them, they took an opportunity together to examine the cause. James again requested to be released, saying, he was a Jonah aboard the ship. Oliver Paxson then fixing his eyes on him, inquired his reasons; saying, "the eyes of the people are upon thee; if thee deserts us, we cannot proceed without thee, to satisfaction." James then informed them what he had done, and how the hogshead of rum was continually before him. He was asked what he wanted to do. He told them it now appeared to be his duty to go home and tell his partner to dispose of that rum to such only as would not be likely to make a bad use of it; and that no more spirituous liquors should be purchased in his name. Which his friends agreeing to, he went home and made arrangements with his partner to that effect. He then felt his mind relieved, so as to proceed on the family visit to satisfaction.

From this time, he steadily bore his testimony against the selling, and unnecessary use of spirituous liquors. And as it was customary to keep ardent spirits for sale, in country stores, and the use of it was general among Friends and others, it is probable these circumstances might have discouraged him from continuing in the business of a storekeeper. He then undertook brush-making; but the want of a market for his manufactures was discouraging. Still he was anxious to do something to gain an honest livelihood, and often waded through deep discouragement of mind; under which, he said, he frequently put up his petitions to his great Master,