THE LIFE

OF

THAT FAITHFUL SERVANT OF CHRIST,

JANE HOSKENS,

A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, AMONG THE PEOPLE CALLED QUAKERS.

experienced, was, because I sought the living among the dead, as too many do; and the enemy of all good, was still unwearied in his attempts against me. Having learned in my native country to sing, he stirred up those with whom I now lived, to draw me into that vain amusement, which, as I plainly saw it was a snare of his, it brought trouble and uneasiness over my mind.

"I told them that it seemed as a duty laid upon heavenly Master and Father, and much in the me, and that I thought it might be for my good cross, so now I felt his good presence near to to go, for that by being among strangers, I me; and an eye being opened in me toward might with more freedom serve God, accord- him, I became weaned from the gaities, pleaing to their frequent precepts to me." I re-sures and delights of this fading world; they member the remark my father made on these were all stained in my view, and an ardent arguments, was, "the girl has a mind to turn thirst to partake of the waters of life and salQuaker." I said, "I hope I shall never re-vation of God took place in my mind. I loved nounce my baptism." solitude-sought retirement-and embraced all He charged me never to speak any more opportunities of attending Divine service, so about it, for he would never consent to my called, having free liberty from those among going; his will was as a law to me, and there- | whom I lived so to do, they being very kind fore I concluded to obey him, making myself to me; but still I found not that solid peace for the present easy, with having so far and satisfaction to my seeking soul, which I endeavoured to comply with the heavenly wanted. The reason hereof, as I have since requiring. But it did not last long, Pennsylvania was still in my mind, the thought continued, that if I was among strangers, I could better serve God, though I had no thought of leaving the profession I was brought up in, nor had I any acquaintance with Friends or knowledge of their principles. But my friends were all averse to my going, and my mother took occasion to lay before me the danger and difficulties one of my years and circumstances After I had been in Philadelphia somewhat might be subjected to, in such an undertaking, more than a quarter of a year, Robert Davis which had such weight with me, that I was insisted I should sign indentures, binding myagain diverted from it. After some time I self a servant for four years, to a person who grew very uneasy, insomuch that sleep de- was an utter stranger to me, by which means parted from me, and the weight of the exercise he would have made considerable advantage was so great, that I was made willing to forego to himself. But as this was contrary to our everything else, to pursue what I believed to agreement before-mentioned, which I was wilbe my duty, and concluded, that whatever I ling to comply with to the utmost of my power, suffered, I would not delay any longer, but and as a remarkable uneasiness and deep exembrace the first opportunity of going to ercise attended my mind, when I endeavoured Pennsylvania, provided the Almighty would to comply with his mercenary will, I thought go with me, and direct my steps, which like a it best to withstand him in it, let the conselittle child I humbly begged he might be gra- quence be what it would; whereupon he had ciously pleased to do. In a little time the way recourse to the law, and by process laid me opened. One Robert Davis, a Welchman, | under confinement. This was a trying cirwith his wife and two daughters, were going to settle in Philadelphia; a friend told me of their going, and went with me to them; we soon agreed, that he should pay for my passage, and wait until I could earn the money on the other side of the water, for which he accepted of my promise without note or bond, or my being bound by indenture in the usual

manner.

Under these circumstances I came into this land, and have great cause, with reverence and fear, to bless the name of the Lord, whose good hand did, I believe, direct in this weighty undertaking. We arrived in Philadelphia the 16th day of the third month, 1712, in the nineteenth year of my age. As soon as I was landed I was provided with a place, among people of repute, of my own society.

As I had not gone into this undertaking in my own will, or to fly from the cross, but in a degree of obedience to the will of my

cumstance. I was a poor young creature among strangers, and being far separated from my natural friends, they could not redress my grievances nor hear my complaints.

But the Lord heard my crics and raised me up many friends, who visited me in this situation and offered me money to pay Davis for my passage, according to contract, but I could not accept even of this kindness, because I was well assured Philadelphia was not to be the place of my settlement, though where I was to go was yet hid from me; however, as I endeavoured to wait, the Lord provided for me after this manner. The principals of four families living at Plymouth, who had several children, agreed to procure a sober young woman, as a school-mistress to instruct them in reading, &c. And on their applying to their friends in town, I was recommended for that service. When we saw each other, I perceived it my place to go with them; where

these people; and if at any time Friends were concerned to speak against any evil habit of the mind, I did not put it from me, but was willing to take my part, and have sometimes thought it all belonged to me.

fore, on their paying Davis twelve pounds currency, being the whole of his demand against me, I bound myself to them by indenture, for the term of three years, and went cheerfully with them to the aforesaid place. And I have thought how wonderful it was, that though va As I continued in this humble frame, and rious scenes attended me, yet I was enabled was diligent in attending meeting when I to perform the service they had for me. The could, Infinite Goodness was graciously pleachildren learned very fast, which afforded com- sed to favour me with a fresh and large visitafort to me and satisfaction to their parents; my tion of his heavenly love, and often tendered love to them was great, and theirs equally so my spirit and begot strong desires after true to me, so that all my commands were obeyed and saving knowledge, and that the way of with pleasure, and when we met could tell one life and salvation might be clearly demonstraanother of it with sincere regard and affection. ted; and blessed be his eternal name, he heard They proved sober, religious men and women. my cries and was pleased to send his servants I served my time faithfully, and never had both male and female, filled with life and powcause to repent it; the people with whom I er, who sounded forth the Gospel in Divine lived, were those called Quakers, and as I had authority, declaring the way to the Father not been among any of that denomination be- through the door of Christ, and opening the fore, I had desires in my mind to be acquaint-principles of these people, by turning our ed with their principles, and manner of wor-minds inward to the pure gift and manifestaship, and having liberty, was very ready to go tion of the spirit. to their meetings, though at first only as a This doctrine agreeing with what I had in spy; but after I had been some time among some measure been convinced of, I was made them, and took notice of their way and man- willing to join heartily with it, and was ready ner of performing Divine worship to God, I to say, these are true ministers of Christ, for was ready to conclude and say in my mind, they spoke with Divine power and authority, surely these are his people; and a brave, liv-and not as the scribes. Now I was mightily ing people they really were; there being divers reached unto, and stripped of all self-righte worthies among them, who I believe are now ousness, and my state was opened to me in in the fruition of joy unspeakable, and full of such a manner, that I was quite confounded, glory, the earnest of which, they through and concluded that though I could talk of remercy then at times partook of, to the satis-ligion, of being made a child of God, a memfaction of their hungry and thirsty souls. ber of his church, and an inheritor of his holy The solid, weighty and tender frame of spirit kingdom, there was as much need as ever to some of them were many times favoured with, cry, Lord have mercy on me a poor sinner! in meetings, brought serious considerations not having yet witnessed the law of the spirit over my mind, with this query: Why is it of life in Christ Jesus, to set me free from the not so with me? And I said in my heart, these law of sin and death. Outward ceremonies people are certainly better than I am, notwith-availed nothing, the new birth was wanting, standing I have made a great deal more to do about religion than they.

and must be witnessed, in order to prepare me for the work whereunto the Lord had called me, and was about to engage me in. The baptism of the spirit was to be known before I could be a member of Christ's church; this great work I saw by Divine favour, I must submit unto if ever I came to be a partaker of that bread which nourishes the soul unto eternal life.

As I was pondering on these things, the saying of the apostle, "that circumcision or uncircumcision avails nothing, but a new creature in Christ Jesus," was often brought to my mind. I saw this work must begin in the heart, and be carried on by a Divine power. This I was soon convinced of, and therefore could wait with patience, though in silence. But Oh, the weight and exercise I was under But yet the whole work was not completed, it during this time of refinement; the days went on gradually, step by step, which demand nights of godly sorrow and penitential onstrates the paternal care of our heavenly mourning I underwent, are far beyond my Father, carrying the lambs in his arms, lest ability to set forth in words; and once being they should be weary and faint! Who can but alone I wept exceedingly, and the desire of admire his goodness, and celebrate his praise? my soul was, that it might please the Almighty His wisdom and power are great. Oh! that to show me his ways, to teach me his paths all would but dwell under his peaceable go- which lead to peace, and give me strength to vernment, and learn of him, who is pure and walk therein according to his word; promising holy. Through the operation of Divine Good- that I would endeavour to follow in the way ness, great love was begotten in my heart to which was most pleasing to him, for that was

ken much against women appearing in that manner." This and more such like reason ings I was filled with, which did not adminis ter peace, but death and judgment. Great

to meetings as usual, but I felt not the least enjoyment of the Divine presence, but on the contrary, inexpressible anguish of mind, so that I could not shed a tear, and concluded all was over with me, and that I was lost forever. My very countenance was changed and be came a true index of my deep distress, and a

what my panting soul most desired. My desires were not for great things, but Divine favour; the Lord alone was become the centre of my happiness, and I believe I should have died at that time, had He not been pleased in darkness began to spread over my understanda wonderful manner to manifest himself a ing, and increased to such a degree, that nopresent help in that needful time, and to re-thing but horror possessed my soul. I went veal himself through his dear Son Christ Jesus, by administering consolation to my wounded soul, filling my heart with heavenly love, so that my cup ran over, and I was made. to cry out, Oh that all may know thee and thy goodness! His matchless loving kindness so overcome me, that I thought I could have gone through the world to proclaim the tender deal-person that I had a great love for, told me she ings of a merciful God to my soul. Here I had the word of the Lord to declare to me, again renewed my covenant with God, and which was, that I had withstood the day of promised obedience to his commands; and my visitation, and now was left to myself. Oh! the calm, the peace, comfort, and satis- This I readily believed, and so gave over all faction wherewith my mind was clothed, like hope of salvation; and the grand enemy got a child enjoying his father's favour, and with in with his temptations and suggestions, and inexpressible delight, beholding the smiles of like a torrent which bears down all before it, his countenance. I was afraid to do or say made my sorrow and bitterness of soul inanything that might offend the Lord, lest the expressible; and certainly he had prevailed rod might be laid heavy on me, for this is the against me with his wicked devices, had not portion of disobedience. In that time I be- the Almighty, by his eternal arm of power, came a wonder to many, but was treated with interposed, and drove him back, saying unto great tenderness by most of the Friends and me, in the hour of my deepest probation, neighbours. I had laid aside all superfluity of obedient and all shall be forgiven; and thy apparel, for which I had been condemned; I soul shall be filled with joy and peace unattended meetings diligently, and walked three speakable." At the hearing of which, I broke or four miles to them, sometimes alone medi-out into tears, and in deep humility blessed his tating upon the Lord, and thought the work of my present and future happiness was now completed in me, that I had nothing to do but sit contented under the enjoyment of Divine favour, rejoicing that I had left all and followed Christ, whom I loved more than my natural life. Thus I concluded in my own mind, not knowing as yet what the Lord was preparing me for, nor that there was a further work allotted me, which I was a stranger to, till one time being in a meeting, and sitting very contented under my own vine and fig-tree, a call arose in my miud, "I have chosen thee a ves-ence. sel from thy youth to serve me, and to preach the Gospel of salvation to many people; and if thou wilt be faithful, I will be with thee unto the end of time, and make thee an heir of my kingdom."

These words were attended with life and power, and I knew his promises were yea, and amen forever. Yet I must confess, this awful word of Divine command shocked me exceed ingly, my soul and all within me trembled at the hearing of it; yea my outward tabernacle shook, insomuch that many present observed the deep exercise I was under. I cried in spirit, "Lord I am weak and altogether incapable of such a task, I hope thou wilt spare me from such a mortification; besides I have spo

"Be

holy arm for delivering me from the mouth of the lion, who seeks to devour all he can. I renewed my covenant with the Lord, and prayed for resignation to his Divine will.

But alas! When it was again required of me to stand up in a meeting and speak the words he bid me, I again rebelled, and justly incurred the displeasure of my great and good Master. I went from this meeting in sorrow, and offered my natural life a sacrifice to be excused from this service, but it was not accepted; nothing would do but perfect obedi

In this situation I continued six or seven months; I could have but little rest night or day, by reason of the anguish of spirit I was in; yet still longed for meeting days, and made many promises that if I found the like concern, and it would please Infinite Goodness to be with me, I would submit to his Divine will, come what would. But though I went with these resolutions, when the time of trial came, I put off the work which was required of me, and came away as before, full of sorrow and anguish of soul, and knew not what to do; but often wished myself dead, hoping thereby to be exempt from pain. Yet not duly considering that if I was removed out of time in displeasure, my portion would still be more dreadful, and that it was the old liar who in

troduced such a thought, and intended not only to bring me to destruction, but also to make me the instrument of it myself.

Oh, I have often admired the long forbearance of a merciful God with me; and when I considered his loving kindness in preserving me from the devil's temptations, desires were begotten in my soul to conduct through time with reverence and fear, to his glory. And here a still more refined snare was laid for me, which was a conclusion to stay from the meeting, because I believed I might, when there, disturb the quiet of others; and really I was ashamed to be seen in the condition I often was in when at meeting.

and Plymouth; many of the youth were reached, and by the effectual operation of Divine and heavenly life, brought into true submission to the cross of Christ, several were called to the ministry, and engaged to speak in the authority of the Gospel, which is now, the same as formerly, the power of God unto salvation, unto all who receive it with meekness, and truly believe in, and patiently wait for the inward and spiritual appearance of Christ our holy Redeemer. Among the many thus favoured, was our dear and well beloved Friend and brother John Evans, who was blessed with an excellent gift in the ministry, and being faithful to his heavenly calling, became an able publisher of the Gospel; preaching it in the demonstration and power of God. He was careful to discharge his trust according to Divine ability, yet not forward, but patient in waiting for the motions of life, by which he attained experience, and knew when to speak, and when to be silent. In this, as in his love of silence, he was exemplary-he was likewise blessed with the Christian virtues of brotherly love, and universal charity; and being endowed with a good understanding, was a man of sound judgment; wherefore I always esteemed him as an elder brother, and gave him the right hand of fellowship. He was an instrument of help and good to me in my infant state in religion, which in point of gratitude I ought never to forget. Oh, may I conduct in such a manner through this state of probation, as that my latter end may be like his.

The Friends with whom I lived, and many neighbouring Friends sympathized deeply with me, and intimated their concern that I had left off going to meetings, and begged, as those with whom I lived gave me full liberty to go, both on first and week days, that I would comply with their request, and go with them as before. Their arguments had weight with me, and I went, but had not sat long before the concern to stand up and speak a few words came powerfully upon me, with this close hint; "this may be the last offer of this kind thou wilt be favoured with, embrace it, I will be thy strength and exceeding great reward." I then said, "Lord I will submit, be thou with me, take away the fear of man, thou shalt have my whole heart." And sitting a while I felt the aboundings of heavenly love towards God and his people to arise in my soul, in which I stood up, and after pausing a little, like a child, spoke a few words which were given me, and sat down in the enjoyment of heavenly life. The Friends were sensibly affected, and as many said afterwards, it was a time not to be forgotten. And so it was to me indeed, for I went home rejoicing, and renewed my promise of future obedience; but though I cannot charge myself with wilful disobedience, yet for fear of a forward spirit I have, I believe, been guilty of the sin of omission. And though it is dangerous and criminal to withhold the word of the Lord, yet, Oh, saith my soul, may all who are called to this honourable work of the ministry, carefully guard against being actua- Here I was again brought very low in my ted by a forward spirit which leads into a min-mind, and my spirit depressed almost to deistry that will neither edify the church, nor spair; so that I began to think all this might bring honour to our holy High Priest, Christ be true, yet knew not whither to go for help. Jesus. As the tree is known by its fruit, But after some time, these words sprang up in so is such ministry known by its effects, pro- my mind, I will trust in the Lord, for in the ducing death instead of life; and such as offer Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. And this, will sooner or later sit down in sorrow then secret breathings arose to God, that it and condemnation, for running before the true might please him once more to favour me with guide. his holy presence, which giveth light and life whereby to distinguish his pure voice from that of a stranger. But, Oh! the bitter whisperings of satan, and the thoughts that passed

About this time the Lord was graciously pleased to renew his merciful visitation unto the Friends and inhabitants of North Wales,

Now, though I had in part been faithful to the call of my great Lord and holy Redeemer, yet he was pleased at times to withdraw the light of his countenance from me, and to suffer the grand enemy to buffet me severely, by tempting me to believe that the peace I had enjoyed was only a false one, that it was all delusion, that the mortifications I underwent would be of no real advantage to my soul. Besides he suggested, how did I know that the Lord required these mortifications at my hands; that the humility I pretended to, was only feigned, and therefore the Lord would never accept of it.