John Woolman's account of Peter Harvey, who died in the year 1771.

In the time of his health, a few months before he departed, I had some loving conversation with him, in regard to sundry things in his possession, relating to his living, which appeared to be comformable to the spirit of this world. He appeared to take my visit very kind, and though he was not fully settled in his mind, as to what he should do with them, yet he told me that he was inwardly united to a plain way of living, and to such who in faithfulness walked there

in.

I was twice with him in his last sickness, and the first of these times he told me, that in his youthful years, his mind was much on improvement in outward business, and that being successful, many spoke in praise of his conduct; and in this prosperity, he got sundry sorts of superfluities in werkmanship about him; and though he had not seen clearly what to do with them, yet he saw that at the time of getting these things, he went on in the dark, and they were latterly a burden to his mind. J. W.

JAMES THORNTON.

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As an introduction to the following account of our ancient friend James Thornton, it may be proper to inform the reader, that he finished his course at the place of his first settlement, in Byberry, in the 4th month, 1794, having survived his wife about one year. And although nearly thirty-seven years have elapsed since his death, he is yet held in respectful remembrance by many, both ancient and middle-aged

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•rd edition

LIFE OF JAMES THORNTON.

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encouraged to hope that although to the nicely balanced ears of modern critics they may appear to be wanting in some of the elegancies of style yet to those who admire substance, rather than splendour, they will present subjects for solid reflection that may be productive of utility as well as furnish evidence of his obedience and dedication to the grace of God which bringeth salvation, and hath appeared unto all men.

THE LIFE OF JAMES THORNTON,

WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.

James Thornton, son of James Thornton, was born about the year 1727, at Stony Stratford, in Buckinghamshire, in Old England. His parents died while he was young; his mother, when he was about eight years of age, and his father, when he was about fourteen. He had one sister, Lydia, older than himself about fourteen months, and one brother by his father's side. These, with his step-mother, were all left in a large house and shop of goods, and with considerable real estate, which was much incumbered. Soon after his father's decease, his step-mother took her son and what goods she pleased, and went off unknown to his sister and himself to where, they knew not. In this situation they lived for some weeks, with all the goods which were left, in a very helpless condition: nobody so much as to advise them what to do. They sold some goods, and with the money bought victuals and other necessaries: no one molesting them, though

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there were many creditors-none took to the goods, nor called them to an account for their conduct, though great waste was made. No friend appeared in all this

time.

The said James being of a lively turn of mind, sought out for company, and used in the day time, to fill up his time at play with boys, while his sister sold and havocked the goods away. But it was not long ere he was uneasy with such a life, and bethought himself that this could not be right, to eat and drink and rise up to play. Therefore, though not used to hard labour, being brought up in a shop in trade and business, took to work. Some of the neighbours seeing him inclined thereto, encouraged him in it, and employed him in cutting off firewood at the door, and putting it away for winter for them, and making hay and other chores. Which was of great service to him, in preserving him from loose and idle boys, and brought him into credit with sober people who were not of our society, and great sympathy with him in his distressed condition. After being thus engaged for some time, and his sister not carrying kind towards him, he grew thoughtful what course of life further to take for a change, and to be so placed under somebody's care as that he might be instructed in some way for a livelihood. He felt an inclination in his mind to go into the country to see for his stepmother, who had so unnaturally left him with his sister, and hearing that she was at her brother's house, who was an able farmer about three or four miles off, he went and found her there. When she saw him, she wept; but he could not tell what for: whether it was

for joy to see him, or for grief that she had left him in such a deplorable condition. However, she received him with some show of kindness-as did also her brother. They inquired after his sister, whom he had left all alone to do as she pleased with what was left. He told them how things stood, and that they could not agree to live together, and that he was come out to see whether some way might not be cast up for him to live with somebody who might instruct him in a way to get his livelihood. His uncle said little to him; but, he thought, was struck with amazement, as wondering how they had lived together so long without being molested by his father's creditors. And taking pity on him, gave him to all appearance, a kind reception, and employed him in keeping his sheep, and driving the horses in the plough.

Now in the time of this new business, and much retirement, he felt some earnest cries in his mind after the Lord, arising from strong conviction in himself of the necessity of living a sober life. And as he was exercised in spirit to grow better, many an heavenly visitation was extended towards him, which made his way easier to bear, though hard at times, to think of being thus exposed to other men's service,—baving been tenderly brought up, and never used to labour.

After a stay of about twelve months here, he was asked if he would go to a trade. He said, he thought that might be agreeable. So, in a few weeks, a friend was applied to, who wanted an apprentice, and he was accordingly put to him. His name was Edward Limpkin, by trade a weaver. With him he continued until he died, which was after he had served him six

and three-quarter years. It was a good place. Both master and mistress being religious, pious Friends, and who showed him great tenderness and respect, and under whose religious care for his good every way, the Lord prospered him, so that he grew in favour with God and man, being well beloved by all that knew him.

After the expiration of his apprenticeship, which was at the decease of his master, he proposed removing to Pennsylvania, which he had thought of for years before. The time being come, in the year 1750, he acquainted his friends with it; who weighed the same, and found freedom to give him a certificate of their unity with him and his service in the minis try, a dispensation of which he had received about two years before.

Came to Philadelphia from Gedington, in Northamptonshire, Old England. Landed on the 7th of the 7th month, O. S. 1750, when I was kindly received and entertained by our worthy friend Israel Pemberton, the elder, and his wife Rachel. Stayed in town about a week; from thence went to Ebenezer Brown's, at Gloucester, in West Jersey; was there about two weeks. Then came back to Philadelphia. After a short stay, I went up to Bristol, to my kind friend Ennion Williams's, where I was very affectionately received and provided for, to my full content. The Lord made way for me in the hearts of many Friends, which made my stay here as comfortable as I could desire, or reasonably expect.