As he thus continued steadfast to the light in his own mind, he was favoured to see the necessity of a daily cross to all the gratifications of self, and that the cause of truth cannot grow in us, while we are governed by a worldly spirit.
By yielding full obedience to that light, which it was his chiefest joy to follow, he became truly convinced of the necessity of maintaining the various testimonies which we, as a people, have been called upon to bear; and, in some respects, he had to bear a testimony against things in which many of his white brethren indulge, particularly in regard to slavery; refusing to wear, or use in any shape, articles which come through that corrupted channel. And, we believe, it was through dedication to the Lord, and an unreserved surrender of his will, to the Divine will, that he was brought to see these things in that light which deceiveth not. Thus, evincing by his conversation and example, the truth of that scripture declaration, “All thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children; in righteousness shalt thou be established.”
It appears, not only from his own words, but also from his weighty example, that his great concern was to keep his mind easy, believing that right and wrong actions would result either in peace or pain within; hence, his great care was to “try all things by the mind,” as he expressed it, or the light of Christ within; with which he was, no doubt, through faithfulness, in a remarkable manner favoured; esteeming it right to be obedient to every manifested duty, however in the cross, or insignificant to the carnal mind, these small duties might appear; and as he was found, like the servant in the parable, “faithful in the little,” he was strengthened to rule over the carnal propensities of his nature, bringing his words and actions into the obedience of Christ. His humility was such, that although in low circumstances, he appeared to be content, and even refused to indulge himself in rich food or clothing, saying that “bread and water was good enough for him.” In 1814, he was, on application, received into membership with us, and continued to the last, when able, a steady attender of our meetings, both for worship and discipline.
He enjoyed reasonable health and strength until about his eighty-seventh year, when his strength began to fail, but the faculties of his mind remained good until his end.
Some weeks previous to his death, he spoke of it with the utmost composure, and recounting his past trials and experiences said, “he had thought he was alone with regard to his testimony against slavery.” But, as though he had fresh evidences thereof, said, “he believed it would grow and increase among Friends.” He appeared perfectly resigned to death, having no will therein; and as he expressed himself, “that some died hard and others easy, but for himself, he had no wish for either, being fully resigned to the Divine will in all things.”
To a friend present, the day previous to his death, he stated “that he felt himself going very fast; but that he had no wish to stay.” His weakness increasing, and having no desire to take any nourishment, he was asked if he was sick, or felt any pain; to which he answered, “that he felt neither pain nor sickness, but weakness, and a total disrelish for every thing of this world.” His weakness continued to increase until he passed quietly away, on the night of the 12th of the 6th month, 1824, in the ninetieth year of his age; and we doubt not, he has entered into his heavenly Father’s rest.
Read in, and approved by, Mount Holly monthly meeting of Friends, held 11th month 6th, 1828.
Amos Bullock, Clerk.
Read in, and approved by, Burlington Quarterly meeting of Friends, held at Chesterfield, on the 25th of the 11th month, 1828, and directed to be forwarded to the Yearly Meeting.
Andrew C. Ridgway, Clerk.