is to come. It is well known that I have spent much of my time, since I have been free from my apprenticeship, in travelling and preaching the gospel, being out often many months, and sometimes a whole year, and more; and at intervals I have been apt to think the time long, till I got to my business and family; and so have divers times made more haste than I should have done, which has brought trouble on my mind, and is a trouble to me unto this day; which may be a caution to those who travel in the work of the ministry hereafter, not to make too much haste from the work of Christ; and yet there ought to be discretion used; for a minister may stay too long, as well as return too soon, which may be perceived as we keep the eye of our mind to our Divine Guide.

CHAPTER III.

1707-1711.

After visiting Friends in the West India Islands, he embarks for Europe on the same service-lands in Ireland -proceeds through that nation into Scotland, and thence to England-passes over into the Low Countries-His travels there and in some parts of Germany -Returns to England, and, in the following year, to Philadelphia-Decease of his first Wife.

After I had staid at and about home for some considerable time, a weighty concern came upon me to visit Friends in the West Indies, and some parts of Europe, as it might please the Almighty to open my way; and as it was to be a long travel, both by sea and land, and hazardous, by reason it was war time, and many privateers out at sea, I settled my affairs by will, and otherwise, that if I should not live to come home again, things relating to my outward affairs might be done honourably and well for at this time, as at many others, I can truly say, I gave up my life freely for my holy Master's sake, and in his cause, who said, "Go, teach all nations," &c.

On the 29th of the sixth month, 1707, I had a certificate from the monthly meeting of Friends at Philadelphia, signifying their unity with my undertaking, and desires for my welfare; and a tender concern was on my mind that I might live according to what my brethren had certified concerning me. I likewise laid my exercise before the general meeting of ministers and elders held for the provinces of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, on the 22nd of the seventh month, who also signified their fellowship with my intended travels and journey, and recommended me to the grace of God; and in much love 'and tenderness I parted with my dear and loving wife, and my near and affectionate friends and brethren.

I had for my companion a fellow-labourer in the work of the gospel, my dear friend Richard Gove, who also had the approbation and unity of Friends in this journey and undertaking.

We went on board a sloop at Philadelphia, bound for Barbadoes, John Knight, master, about the 27th of the eighth month, in the aforesaid year.

After a few days sailing down the river Delaware, we put to sea, and in about a month's time we came within sight of Barbadoes, where we met with a privateer, which chased, and had like to have taken us: but the good providence of God preserved us out of the hands of those

enemies, for ever blessed be his great name! In this chase the seamen were uneasy, and belched out wicked oaths, and cursed the Quakers, wishing all their vessels might be taken by the enemy, because they did not carry guns in them: at which evil I was grieved, and began thus to expostulate with them "Do you know the worth of a man's life?" (guns being made on purpose to destroy mens lives ;) "were the ship and cargo mine, so far as I know mine heart, I do ingenuously declare, I had rather lose it all, than that one of you should lose his life;" for I certainly knew they were unfit to die. "Lives!" said they, we had rather lose our lives than go to France." "But," said I, "that is not the matter; had you rather go to hell, than go to France?" They being guilty of great sins and wickedness, and convicted in their own consciences, held their peace, and said no more about the poor Quakers; and when we got within gun-shot of a fort on Barbadoes, the enemy left chasing us.

Next morning early we safely arrived at Bridge-Town, in Barbadoes, where our Friends gladly received us; amongst whom we laboured in the work of the gospel for about two months; and from thence, after having had divers good and edifying meetings for the worship of God, we sailed for Antigua, and staid some days there, having meetings, and visiting our brethren.

From Antigua we sailed for Nevis, but the wind being contrary, we put in at Montserrat, an isle that hath a great mountain in it, on the top of which is a hot spring of water, which boils up, and the mud of it is clear brimstone, some of which we carried on board our vessel; the which is admirable, and shews the wonderful works of God. They say that the spring is hot enough to boil an egg. From this island we sailed to Nevis, and had meetings with those few friends that were there, with whom we parted at the sea shore in great love and tenderness. After which we sailed to an island called Anguilla, and were civilly treated there by the generality of the people; as also by the governor, George Leonard, at whose house we had meetings. I remember, that after one meeting the governor went into his porch, and took his bible, and opened it and said, "By this book, if people believe the holy Scriptures, I am able to convince the world, and prove, that the people called Quakers are the people of God, and that they follow the example and doctrine of Christ, and the practices of the apostles and primitive Christians, nearer than any people in the world;" i. e. generally speaking. At this island several people were heartily convinced, and did confess the truth, among whom was a meeting settled. Here was never any Friend before, as the inhabitants said.