A Testimony, from Gunpowder Monthly meeting, in Maryland, concerning our friend, and Elder in the Church, William Amoss, deceased.

This our dearly beloved friend, was born about the first day of the third month, 1717, old style, and educated a member of the Episcopal church. At the age of nineteen years, it appears, he was an officer in the militia: but whilst in that station, it was, through Divine mercy, opened to his understanding, that the kingdom of Christ was a peaceable kingdom. He, therefore, not confining with flesh and blood, became obedient to the heavenly vision, and resigned his office. His understanding being enlightened to behold the emptiness of all outward forms and ceremonies in religious worship, he was often led into silent retirement; and, apprehending his mind to be drawn to a certain place, then a forest, for the purpose of retirement on the first day of the week, he yielded thereto; and on the way, was led to call on two others in his neighbourhood, and invite them to accompany him. They consented; and contrived regularly to meet with him; till, in about six weeks, their number increased to nine. About this time, apprehending that they were united in faith and principle with the profession of Friends, they concluded to apply to the Gunpowder monthly meeting, to be taken under its notice. They were received into membership by that meeting; and a meeting-house was built, and a Meeting settled by the name of "Little Falls," where they had at first assembled.

Before he had any acquaintance with Friends, he

was summoned as a witness, and required to take an oath; when he found himself constrained to refuse, notwithstanding heavy penalties were threatened as the consequence: yet, being enabled patiently and steadfastly to bear his testimony, he was, after some time, discharged.

In process of time, he also saw the inconsistency of supporting a minister by hire. And he, at one time, stood almost, if not quite alone in these parts, in refusing to pay the tax, imposed for that purpose. And although this testimony exposed him to some close trials and sufferings, yet he appears to have faithfully maintained his integrity.

He was also a zealous advocate in the cause of the oppressed descendants of the Africans, and one of the first to liberate those in his possession: and after making the sacrifice, in justice, he laboured in much love and tenderness, to induce others to do likewise.

Soon after he was received into membership, arising from the flowing of love and good-will in his heart, he felt an engagement impress his mind, to invite others to become partakers of that inheritance, which at times, he had to experience in retirement: often setting forth the benefits which attended those who humbly waited on the Lord. And as he grew in years, he grew in his gift, and became an able minister: it being evident that his love for the eternal good of mankind, increased with his years, often repeating in his public testimonies that song of the angels to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace; good-will towards men."

Thus, living in near unity with his friends, he was

much employed in the service of the church, and truly helpful therein. Having earnestly laboured for the good of his fellow-creatures, he expressed the ardent desire of his mind to turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God;-being himself an example of meekness, resignation, piety, benevolence and charity; whereby he secured the general esteem and good-will of those who knew him.

At the burial of his wife, which was but a few days before his departure, when a number of his friends and neighbours were assembled on that occasion, as he lay on his bed, he delivered an awakening testimony; calling their attention in the most pressing and moving manner to consider their latter end;-that then joy of acceptance might be their consolation. To a friend who enquired how he was, he said, "My greatest desire is to be with my dear and suffering Lord."

This, our beloved friend, during the course of a very long life, continued to support the various testimonies which he was called to bear, to the edification and encouragement of many.

He departed this life, on the 26th day of 2d month, 1814, and was gathered as a shock of corn, fully ripe, in the 97th year of his age; having been a minister about seventy years. He was decently buried in the family burying place, attended by a large number of his friends and neighbours.

Signed on the 27th of the 9th month, 1815, on behalf of the monthly meeting aforesaid, by

THOMAS SCOTT, Clerk at this time.

OLIVER PAXSON TO JOHN SIMPSON.

DEAR FRIEND, JOHN SIMPSON,

Few have been the opportunities, thou and I have had, (of latter time) of social, solid conversation; I have, nevertheless, often had thee in my remembrance, with sincere desires that thou mayest be preserved steadfast in declining life. Thou wast called in thy youthful days, as the disciples were, and like them, left all to follow the blessed Jesus; and like them, had to say, that nothing was lacking. Thou hast travelled over most part of the United States, with the glad tidings of the gospel in thy mouth, in great aboundings. Many have been able to set their seals to the truths thou hast had to proclaim. If, after a dispensation of this sort, the master should be pleased to call thee into a dispensation of silent suffering, think it not strange. Paul was tried with want; and I think he says, he had learned "to be content." I have nearly sympathised with thee in thy outward conflicts, but feel no advice on that head, only to remember this, that the kindness of our Heavenly Father is such that he will open ways, where none appear, to his dependant children, in things appertaining to this life, as well as those of eternal duration.

manner.

Dear friend, I feel my mind dipped in secret travail for the prosperity of truth, as held forth by u?, and the preservation of its ministers in a particular I have sometimes thought I have found thee, like John in prison, under discouragement, and I have felt strong desires that patience might have its perfect work in thee: then I doubt not, thy bow will again be strung in strength, and thy evening sun

set in clearness. I know it is a great thing to be rightly qualified to judge of the ministry; nothing short of a measure of the same spirit, and deep dwelling under its influence, can enable to travel with it, know when it rises, continues and ends in life,-and qualifies the faithful watchers to warn in wisdom, when there is a straying from the life. I often mourn, on my own account, the deficiency I feel; yet not without hope that there are yet preserved among us, nursing fathers and mothers, and living ministry; and my faith is that whilst ministers and elders keep on the foundation, satan's efforts to overthrow the society will be in vain. So that I seem as if I might close this letter with the language of encouragement. Be of good cheer. I believe thou hast fought a good fight; and although many rocks and shoals may be near thy landing, as thou art careful to eye the pilot, he will bring thee safe to the haven of rest.

OLIVER PAXSON.

9th month 22d, 1801.

TO JOHN SIMPSON, OHIO.

DEAR FRIEND,

New Hope, 5th of 4th mo.

I have had a share of thy kind remembrance, with many other friends in the place of thy nativity, which I have no doubt has been gladly received by all the friends thou hast written to; and I thought I felt under some obligation to answer thee. But alas! what shall I say? When I think of writing a letter of social friendship, there is a subject that more or less,