title: Extracts from the memorandum of Jane Bettle.
text: •rf^ [Q'^>^S>'%>'^^'%'<^<^<lS>'%>-'SS''^<%''%'%>'%»'^ ^^-^P] I LreRAllY OF GON(}RKSS. J # ^&tJ-^ # I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. | 4. EXTRACTS FROM THE MEMORANDUMS OF JANE BETTLE, WITH A SHORT MEMOIR RESPECTING HER. SECOND EDITION. PHILADELPHIA. PRINTED BY JOSEPH & WILLIAM KITE. 1843. MEMOIR. The writer of the subjoined memorandums, was well known to many persons in the religious Society of Friends, as a useful and consistent member, and an elder whose example was in- structive and edifying. It is not intended by the present publication to eulogise her character, but to magnify the power of Divine grace, which made her what she was, and to hold up to view the blessed effects of humble, unreserved sub- mission to its heavenly visitations, as an en- couragement to others, to pursue the same path, which led her safely through all the dangers and temptations of this checkered life, to a peaceful and happy close. Her parents, Thomas and Jane Temple, lived in Pennsbury, Chester county, Pennsylvania, which was the place of her nativity, and where she resided until her removal to Philadelphia. 4 MEMOIR OF She possessed by nature a gentle and amiable disposition; and under the regulating and sanc- tifying power of Truth, she became in after life, remarkable for great equanimity and steady perseverance in the path of manifested duty. In her youthful days, she was subject to the temp- tations incident to that interesting period, but through the watchful care of her parents, and the restraints and checks of the Divine witness, was in great measure preserved from yielding to them, and enabled to set an example of sobri- ety and simplicity to her associates. The importance of the duty of obedience to parents, was early and deeply impressed on her mind ; and though at times it subjected her to some crosses, yet the comfort and satisfaction she derived from yielding her own views to theirs, greatly outbalanced them, and afforded her a subject of pleasing retrospection to the latest period of life. She thought it right to defer to the judgment of her parents, both in the choice of her associates and in the style of her dress, and felt herself restrained from adopt- ing:, in relation to either, a course which thev did not fully approve. JANE BETTLE. Distrustful of her own attainments, she chose to hear the sentiments of those of greater reli- gious experience than herself, before forming her opinion on any important subject, and was thus preserved from falling into errors, to which the hasty and immature minds of the young are prone. She recurred, with gratitude and reverent thankfulness, to the early visitations of the love of God to her soul ; some of which were, in great mercy, extended during the morning of child- hood, contriting and subduing her spirit, even before she was capable of appreciating the source whence they originated. Her heart being thus softened and tendered, and the love of retirement and quiet meditation on serious things induced, her ear was opened to the dis- cipline of the cross of Christ, and the way pre- pared for further manifestations of heavenly regard. As she was obedient to little requisi- tions of duty which were opened to her view, the sweet reward of peace graciously dispensed, animated and strengthened her to make greater sacrifices, when called for, and trained her to that subjection of the will, and mortification of 1* 6 MEMOIR OF self, which are essential to usefulness in the Lord's house. On one occasion, when an article of dress which she had ordered, was sent home, with some needless ornament attached to it, she felt uneasy at the thought of wearing it, and after some reflection decided not to do it. Althouorh the proposed departure from the usual simpli- city of her attire was small, yet the faithful monitor within, failed not to warn her of the danger of the^rs^ deviation ; and the little act of obedience which she was thus strengthened to perform, was followed by a feeling of peace- ful enjoyment which transcends any earthly gratification. She was thus settled in the con- viction, that however the wise of this world may lightly esteem the Christian testimony to plain- ness and simplicity, it had its origin in the blessed Truth ; and that the due observance of it, tends to preserve from many snares of the deceiver, and to prepare the mind for the dis- charge of other religious obligations. Another duty, of which she deeply felt both the importance and the advantages, was that of diligently assembling for the performance of JANE SETTLE. Divine worship, and making a public acknow- ledgment of dependence upon Almighty God for all that we enjoy. It was her concern on such occasions, to seek for a qualification to per- form that worship which is " in spirit and in truth ;" endeavouring to have all obtruding thoughts hushed into silence, and her heart fixed, trusting in the Lord. The advantage of early establishing this practice of frequent v^^ait- ing on, and seeking after Him, was conspicuous when she was afterwards deprived by sickness of the opportunity of attending meetings with her friends ; her chamber being then made to her a place of Divine communion, where ability was vouchsafed to worship before God in the beauty of holiness, and to praise and magnify his ever- adorable name. Behoving herself called to manifest fully on whose side she was, she became verv ofuarded and circumspect in her deportment and conver- sation, and was soon brought into little services in religious Society. This awakened fresh con- cern, that while acting in the affairs of Truth, she might do nothing which would be inconsis- tent with the profession she was making, or 8 MEMOIR OF give occasion to any to speak against that cause, which had become more precious to her than any earthly consideration. Her tender and sympathising feehngs led her to visit the sick and the destitute, where her kind and assiduous attentions were often very serviceable and much endeared her to those who were the objects of them. In the year 1802, she was married, and re- moved to Philadelphia. She entered into the various duties of her family with cheerfulness and diligence ; manifesting an interest in the w^elfare of all around her, and endeavouring, so far as was proper, to consult their wishes and promote their comfort. She w^as religiously watchful over her children, careful to imbue their minds with sentiments of love and fear for their great Creator, and to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, it being her chief desire, that they should serve and honour him. Attached from sincere and heart- felt conviction to the testimonies of Truth, as borne by the Society of Friends, she endea- voured to maintain and recommend them by a consistent example ; and was concerned that JANE BETTLE. 9 not only her own apparel and that of her chil- dren, but also the furniture of the house and manner of Hving, should be such as became the simplicity and self-denial which the gospel en- joins. In the treatment of those employed in her service, she evinced a kind consideration, which won their affection ; while the decision and firmness with which she met any departure from correct deportment, gave her a ready control over them, and secured their respect and esteem. In her social relations, she was kind, affec- tionate and affable ; evincing an innocent cheer- fulness in conversation, which she would gene- rally try to turn to some instructive topic. She was careful to avoid talking of the errors or failings of others, being sensible of the delete- rious and withering influence of a disposition which delights to dwell upon such things ; and when it became necessary to speak of them, she scrupulously avoided exaggeration or co^ louring, and the use of strong language, choos- ing rather to speak with moderation, and to do full justice to the good qualities of the absent. 10 MEMOIR OF But when a sense of duty, or the requirements of her station in Society, rendered it necessary for her to visit those who had erred, she was plain and honest in telling them of their faults, and tender and persuasive in her efforts to con- vince and reclaim them ; and there is ground to believe that her Christian labour in this line, was often productive of beneficial results, and gained for her the regard of the party. In the year 1810, she was appointed an over- seer of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Phil- adelphia; and in 1814, was chosen to fill the weighty and responsible office of an elder. The duties thus devolved upon her by the church, brought her under much concern and exercise, that she might, through Divine assis- tance, be enabled to discharge them in a suita- ble manner, and her example be such as be- comes those who are actively engaged in man- aging the affairs of Truth. Her love to the cause of Christ, led her cheerfully to devote her time and strength to its promotion ; the pros- perity of the Society of which she was a mem- ber, and its advancement in true religion, being objects of the highest interest in her view. JANE BETTLE. 11 Apprehending it required of her to accom- pany our friend Elizabeth Robson in her reli- gious visit to some parts of the United States, in the Tenth month, 1824, she obtained a minute expressive of the unity of her Friends with the engagement, and was absent from home in the service about a year. AUhough many privations and difficuhies were incurred in the prosecution of this concern, she cheer- fully submitted to them, and the retrospect of the engagement afforded her solid peace and satisfaction. She had generally enjoyed good health, until the early part of the year 1832, when, during a visit to the meetings of Friends in New Jersey, under appointment of the Yearly Meeting, she perceived symptoms of disease, which often subjected her to much suffering. She, how- ever, persevered in getting through the journey, and soon after its completion, was wholly con- fined to the house, which she never left during the remnant of her days. The same peaceful, quiet submission with which she had met former afflictive dispensa- tions, marked her daily course, under the n MEMOIR OP wasting and painful effects of this distressing malady. It was instructive and animating to behold with what easy cheerfulness she would receive and converse with her friends, when the obvious inroads which the disorder had made upon her frame, and her apparent suffering, would awaken the commiseration and call forth the sympathies of her visiters. But though she might truly say with the afflicted patriarch, that, as regarded corporeal feelings, " tedious days and wearisome nights were appointed her," yet the sense of her own sufferings seemed lost in the contemplation of Divine mercy and goodness, and her heart overflowed with grati- tude for the many favours she enjoyed. The dropsical swelling of her body rendered it difficult for her to lie down, and indeed to be comfortable in any position ; yet the habit of making the best of her situation, and dwelling ralher on the mercies and benefits enjoyed, than on the sufferings she underwent, so recon- ciled her mind to her allotment, that she was generally prepared to enter into cheerful con- verse with her friends, and to consult the com- JANE BETTLE. 13 fort of others rather than be anxious respecting her own. The following memorandums were penned during this protracted illness, chiefly upon detached scraps of paper, often with no other support than her knee, and traced with a faint- ness which showed the weak and tremulous state of her system. They were not seen by any of her family until after her decease, and appear to have been designed to record the feelings and exercises of her mind, and to com- memorate the mercy and goodness of Him who was pleased so remarkably to support her, amid the pain and languor of disease, in a calm and resigned state of mind, and to furnish from time to time, that bread which cometh down out of heaven, and that living w^ater, which was indeed in her " a well of water springing up into ever- lasting life." In perusing these brief records, since the writer of them has passed from her earthly trials to the enjoyment of the heavenly crown, many who knew and loved her, have derived instruction and comfort ; and believing that their tendency would be salutary, have express- 2 14 MEMOIR OF ed the desire that a wider circulation should be given them. This desire is now complied with, in the hope that they may tend to animate and encourage others in treading the narrow path- way which leads to everlasting blessedness and glory. The reader will not fail to perceive that they breathe throughout, a deep and abiding sense of her own weakness and unworthiness, of the continual need of Divine support and assist- ance, and the necessity of constant watchful- ness and prayer, in order to experience it ; a grateful feeling of the mercy and goodness of the Lord to her as an individual, and to the whole family of mankind, in that wondrous dis- play of love Divine, which provided for the salvation of a lost world, through the coming, sufferings and death of the dear Son of God. To those whom it may please an allwise and merciful Creator to try with the loss of health, and who may in consequence have to languish long upon the bed of sickness and suffering, these short memorandums may prove a source of consolation ; showing in the clearest manner that the everlasting arms are underneath to JANE BETTLE. 15 sustain the sincere and hunnble soul, during those wearisome and proving seasons ; enabling it to rise superior to the frailties and sufferings of the earthly tenement, and to rejoice with holy joy, when every gratification which this world can give is removed far from us, in the undoubted evidence that these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, will work out for those who are rightly exercised thereby, a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, in that celestial city, whose walls are salvation and her gates praise ; not one of whose inhabi- tants can say, " I am sick ; for the people that dwell therein are forgiven their iniquities." 16 MEMORANDUMS OF M E M O R A N D U M S. 1832. Eighth mo. 28th. I have fervently de- sired this day to commemorate the loving kind- ness and tender mercies of the Lord my God to me, from the days of my early youth to this time. Even then did he allure me into the wilderness, and gave me a vineyard from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope ; often speaking comfortably to my soul, and sus- taining me with heavenly bread. Faithful and true are all the promises of our dear Eord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He hath declared, *' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." This hunger and thirst belong not to the natural man, but are produced by the operation of the Holy Spirit in the heart, who, as he is submit- ted to, will clearly discover to man that he is a poor dependent creature, blind and naked, and in need of all things. JANE BETTLE. 17 0, who can sufficiently appreciate the con- descending mercy and goodness of the Lord our Creator, who made man in his own image and hkeness, and designed he should be forever happy. Even after man, through transgression of his righteous command, had fallen from the blessed state in which he was originally placed, He graciously provided the means of his resto- ration, in and through that eternal Word who was with God in the beginning, before the worlds were made, and who, in due time, took upon him a body of flesh, and dwelt among men, and at length offered himself a propitia- tory sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. *' Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and forever." Twelfth mo. 13. Consolation sprang up in my mind this evening in the remembrance of the promise, " To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembleth at my word." When on the mount, our dear Redeemer taught his disciples, saying, " Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs 2* 18 MEiMORANDUMS OF is the kingdom of Heaven." " Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Yea, rich in blessing is the Lord's storehouse, can my soul say. The present is a season of much bodily infir- mity and pain; yet, blessed be the name of our merciful High Priest, he is, as he ever was, touched with a feeUng of our infirmities. Whilst clothed with his humanity, he was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and his compassionate regard is still continued to the poor and afflicted, who put their trust and con- fidence in him. Surely we are bound to bless, to praise, and magnify the name of the Lord, in every dispensation of his unerring Providence ; as well in the day of adversity as in prosperity, and to return thanks for the support granted, which enables us to endure affliction and pain, with quiet resignation. He is perfect in wis- dom, and ordereth all things well, according to his own counsel. He leadeth us in paths that we have not known, and instructeth us in the things that belong to our present and everlast- ing peace. It is declared in Holy Writ, " Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is JANE BETTLE. 19 Stayed on thee, because he Irusteth in thee :" but how impossible is it for poor man thus to stay his mind on the Lord, except he is divinely strengthened to watch and pray. 1833. Third mo. 27th. I desire to thank thee, O thou unslumbering Shepherd of Israel, for the refreshment granted me in sleep, by w^hich the weary tabernacle feels a little revived and strengthened. Thy mercies, O Lord, are new every morning. What shall I render unto thee for all thy benefits ! Fourth mo. 1st. Under a feeling of much poverty and want, I beg for a crumb of that soul-sustaining bread, which can only be obtained from the one true and living source, Christ Jesus, our Lord. John, c. vi. 47 to 57. " Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilder- ness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the Hving bread which came down from heaven. If any man 20 MEMORANDUMS OF eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I v^^ill give, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." How confirming is the testimony of the sacred volume, that the blessed Saviour must needs have taken upon him a body of flesh, and dwelt among men, thus fulfilling the prophecies concerning his coming ; showing forth many mighty works; be wor- shipped by men and angels, and his divine attri- butes acknowledged, — and that all must bow to the humble appearance of the babe of Bethle- hem. And when the glorious mission assigned him by the Father, whilst on earth, was accom- plished, he offered up that prepared body, suf- fering it to be nailed to the cross, and thereby made atonement for the sins of the whole world ; being the one great propitiatory sacri- fice for the redemption of poor fallen man, who has it not in his power to give a ransom for his soul. 12th. Weak in body, yet a little strength is afforded to approach him who is the invisible and omnipresent One; who graciously conde- scends to hear the cry of the needy soul ; and JANE BETTLE. 21 in his own lime will answer even our feeble petitions, if we ask not amiss and wait in patience. 23rd. A day of proving mentally, as well as in body. Feeble aspirations frequently arise for more energy of mind, more fervency of spirit, in seeking to have in possession the wea- pons of defence against the assaults of my soul's enemy. If his power was not limited, he would come in like a flood, in low seasons, and prevail against us. But thanks be unto the Captain of salvation, who was never foiled in battle, he furnishes all who ask of Him in faith, with spi- ritual weapons, whereby we are able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 25th. When blessed with thy presence, O Lord, all that we have is sweet and desirable, but in thy absence it becomes loathsome. Thou calmest the troubled spirit, and givest true peace and holy joy. Thou makest us think well of all thy dispensations, and enablest us to praise thee in them all. Without thee, the highest advantages cannot please long, for to 22 MEMORANDUMS OF make them trulj grateful, thy grace must be present, and they must be seasoned with the seasonings of thy own wisdom. On reading, this day, the above paragraph in the works of a Christian author, I thought I could adopt the lanoruaffe. 28th. I have desired this evening that my beloved relatives may be enabled to resign me, and be prepared for our final parting here. I believe the day is fast approaching when ihe tenderest ties must be dissolved ; when " the dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the spirit return unto God who gave it." I desire not to think or speak presumptuously, but I believe in the assurance I have often felt, that poor and unprofitable a servant as I have been, an admittance will be granted me into the man- sions of everlasting rest. Fifth mo. 13th. For the last few weeks, unexpected relief from pain and oppression has been afforded me. I feel bound to ascribe this favour to the great Physician of value, as being imparted immediately from Him, not through JANE SETTLE. 23 the medium of medical aid ; although I have much to be thankful for in having a kind, sym- pathizing and skilful physician. May gratitude and praise be offered up to the great Preserver of men, on the altar of the heart, for all his mer- ciful dealings w^ith me, through my protracted illness. 25th. (First-day.) O, Lord God of infinite purity ! permit, I pray thee, dust and ashes to approach thy sacred footstool. Thou art gra- cious and kind, even unto the rebellious, and condescendest to visit and revisit them by thy all-pow^erful, inspeaking Word ; bringing under condemnation for transgression and sin, and bowing the creature low before thee, thou Dread of nations. What shall we render unto Thee for all thy mercies'? At one comprehen- sive glance thou beholdest the different condi- tions of all men, and knowest that we all stand continually in need of the aid of Him who ever liveth to make intercession for fallen man. Enable me, O Father, and Fountain of all good, to lie low before thee in self abasement, seeking my daily supplies from thee. Feed me, I pray 24 MEMORANDUMS OF thee, with food convenient for me, from day to day, as thou, in thy wisdom, seest meet. Sixth mo. 10th. Be pleased, O Lord, to bow down thine ear, and hear my cry. My soul longeth to appear acceptably before thee, thou all-seeing Judge, who knowest the sincerity of all hearts. Grant, O Father, true abasement of spirit; create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Wash me, O Lord, in the laver of regeneration, and, by the influences of thy saving grace, keep my heart a fit recep- tacle for thy holy Spirit to dwell in. 15th. Continued cause for grateful acknow- ledgment to the Author of my being, for daily favours, not merited, but from the loving kind- ness of Him who careth for the sparrows. He provideth a safe hiding place, where those who put their trust in Him, may rest in the day of trouble which cometh upon all flesh, and draw water from the well of divine consolation, to the refreshment of the thirsty soul. 22nd. For the greater part of the past year, JANE SETTLE. 25 my health has been gradually improving. This is altogether unlooked for ; but now, as of old, the ways of an all-wise Providence are un- searchable, and, to our finite comprehension past finding out. My expectation for a long season has been, that the clogs of mortality were about to be put off, and the day of my probation to come to an end. Herein did my soul magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiced in the hope, may I not say in the blessed assu- rance, of an entrance within the heavenly city, whose walls are salvation and her gates praise. O, may I be enabled steadily to keep a single eye to the captain of my salvation, who teacheth the hands to war, and the fingers to fight the good fight of faith. And through the few succeeding steps of my life, may the enemy of my soul's peace never gain the ascendency, or by any of his stratagems, draw my mind from the narrow and self-denying path, which leads to the mansions of everlasting rest. " Enter ye in at the strait gate ; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth 3 26 MEMORANDUMS OF unto life, and few there be that find it." May none of us deceive ourselves while walking in the broad way, but seriously consider that unless we earnestly seek, in the Lord's time, to enter in at the strait gate, we shall not be able, when once the master of the house riseth up and shut- teth the door. Seventh mo. 4th. I have had many visits from my dear Friends this day ; it is pleasant to believe that the good Remembrancer stirreth up in the hearts of his children, a tender, sym- pathetic feeling for those in affliction, whether of body or mind. What a precious cement and true union of soul is felt, when friends sit together under the canopy of his love. Love remains to be the badge of discipleship, and by it the followers of the dear Saviour are known ; they have fellowship one with another, and their fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 19th. Increased bodily infirmity ; and I have great necessity for fresh supplies of patience, to bear with Christian fortitude the JANE SETTLE. 27 trials attendant on the decay of this earthly tabernacle, the tenure of which we hold on very uncertain grounds. But how unimportant it is, at what period the immortal spirit may be dispossessed, if we are earnestly and rightly engaged in seeking the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. May the great Master strengthen every drooping soul to pursue the work diligently, "while it is called to-day, for the night cometh wherein no man can work." ' 24th. My indisposition continues, with op- pression, particularly in lying down. I feel bound to acknowledge that, through mercy, during my protracted illness, I have experienced peace and contentment amidst all my afflictions; and I am enabled to say, " Not ray will, but thine, O Lord, be done," whether my time be prolonged a little, or in mercy cut short. I desire with gratitude to acknowledge, that through many tedious days and wearisome nights, my mind has been sustained in peaceful quiet, while the poor body suffered ; and the 38 MEMORANDUMS OF language of my heart is, " Thy rod and ihy staff they comfort me." 29th. Be pleased, O Lord, so to redeem, reduce and purify me, that I may become a true babe in Christ. Carry on this humiliating work from day to day, until it be fully accom- plished, that so the account which we must all give, in the last day, to thee, the just and righteous Judge, may be rendered with joy and not with grief. Blessed were those virgins who, when the midnisrht crv was heard, had oil in their vessels : but alas for the foolish, who, had they used the same care and diligence as the wise, might doubtless have received the same happy wel- come before the door was shut. In the parable of the talents, how awful is the denunciation to the unfaithful servant who said in his heart, " Thou art an hard master, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewn." Eighth mo. 5th. Bowed under a sense of my manifold infirmities of body and mind, and JANE SETTLE. 29 the want of daily support under them. My desire is to cleave closer to the great Physician, the everlasting High Priest of our profession. He knovi^eth all our devious wanderings, in thought, as well as in word and action, and until brought under his holy guidance, we are as sheep straying from the fold of rest. There is no true rest short of that which is promised to the people of God, and this can only be obtained by taking up the daily cross, denying self, and holding it of no reputation. This is hard work to the creature; to renounce self, and feel that we owe all to Him who hath suffered for us, and that it is of his mere mercy we are not consumed. 19th. One year has now elapsed since my confinement to my own habitation, and princi- pally to my chamber. During this period, it has pleased the Lord, in his inscrutable wisdom, to dispense to us a very close and proving affliction, in the removal by death of a most dutiful and affectionate son. But under the consoling belief that, at the close of his short but useful life, he was permitted to enter into 3* 30 MEMORANDUMS OF everlasting rest, I was strengthened to take the cup and drink it, with this feeling renewed upon my mind ; " Not my will but thine, O Lord, be done." 26lh. Some tender, and I hope humble feel- ings produced, in reflecting that my day on earth is lengthened out beyond my expectation ; and I may say in great sincerity, that on my pillow this morning, my heart's desire above every other was, that I might so live during each succeeding day afforded me, as not to grieve the holy Spirit, either in thought, word or action. The Lord graciously conde- scended to call me at so early a period in life, that like Samuel of old, I scarcely knew who it was that called me. But in his adorable mercy he continued his calls until he made me to understand his voice ; bade me beware of the voice of strangers, and strengthened me, from season to season, to follow him, by which I was prevented from falling into many youthful temptations. I was also preserved in a good degree of obedience to my dear parents, whose care it was to instil into my mind the precepts JANE BETTLE. 31 of the gospel of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I esteem it a great favour that I had parents who were sound in the Christian faith and doctrines, lovers of the Holy Scrip- tures, and careful to read them to their family collected. Jn like manner they read the writings of our early Friends, and endeavoured to make profitable impressions on the minds of those who heard them. This pious care I believe was a blessins: to me in earlv life, and imbued CD f ^ my mind with a love for the Holy Scriptures, which remains to the present day. Ninth mo. 1st. Gratitude flows in my heart this evening for past and present favours. Re- lief from bodily suffering has been afforded through the kindness of the Physician of value, whose tender compassion faileth not. His all- pervading eye beholds the afflictions of the whole human family. He apportions to each one his proper share, and v^^hen his blessed design is accomplishhed, the balm of Gilead is graciously administered. In adorable mercy, his good will to the children of men continues the same as it was when he walked among 32 MEMORANDUMS OF them in person, doing good to their bodies and souls ; healing the sick ; cleansing the leper, and raising the dead. Oh ! what will not faith in his name, which is his powder, do for us, by a co-operation, on our part, with the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit ; for *' except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven." Ninth mo. 7th. There is hidden treasure in secret places for those who love and serve the blessed Master. They have bread to eat that the world knows not of, and joy and peace which the world cannot give or take away. And although, at seasons, it may be best for our spiritual health, to be furnished sparingly with this bread, or perhaps it may be withheld for a little while, (as it is sometimes found neces- sary for the health of the body, that food be given in very small portions, and this not always of the kind we most desire,) yet it becometh us to receive gratefully and cheerfully our allotted portion ; and even though our weakness may be great, we shall not be permitted to faint ; but be enabled in our measure to adopt the language JANE BETTLE. 33 of the Apostle, " I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; every where, and in all things, I am instructed ; both to be full and to be hungry; both to abound and to suffer want." 22nd. (First-day.) Great difficulty this morning in bringing my mind to its true centre : w^eakness of body and mind prevails ; yet I may, with a degree of thankfulness, acknow- ledge, that while the family are gone to the place appointed for public worship, 1 have in my private chamber, witnessed sweet commu- nion of spirit with Him who is omnipresent ; who condescends to our weakness, and strength- ens us to look toward his holy hill. Through this merciful Helper of his poor frail creatures, we are permitted to behold with the spiritual eye, Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, and a place of safety, amid much disquietude which prevails in the world. The more the mind is turned to look upon Zion, the city of the saints solemni- ties, the more the humble, seeking soul becomes enamoured with its beauty, and the world 34 MEMORANDUMS OF with all its pomp and splendour, sinks into insig- nificance. 23rd. I desire to render unto thee, thou omnipotent Lord God, the tribute of thanks- giving and praise for all thy countless mercies : ihey are new every morning, and thy compas- sions fail not ! In wisdom and in kindness thou withdrawest the sensible evidence of thy holy presence for a short season, and closely proves us. But again, O blessed Jesus, thy sweet voice is heard ; our strength is renewed, and we live and rejoice in thy presence. Tenth mo. 9th. My feelings this morning are pensive, from a sense of my own poverty. The soil seems barren, I fear from a want of proper cultivation. Occasionally something springs up which is not profitable but troublesome ; yea, burdensome, preventing the growth of the seed immortal, and hindering it from taking deep root, and spreading its fruitful branches. O, what unceasing labour doth it require to keep the garden of the heart clear of noxious weeds, that nothing hurtful may be permitted to grow there. JANE BETTLE. 35 The place where prayer is wont to be made, is the only place of safety for us. We nausl come daily to the feet of our blessed Saviour, who, when he was asked by one of his disci- ples, " Lord, teach us how to pray, as John also taught his disciples," answered them, when ye pray say, Our Father which art in heaven, &c. and so I believe, he ever will teach his humble, depending children how to ask, and what to ask for. Let us then not faint, but pray always with all prayer and supplication, in the Spirit, watching thereunto with all perseverance, that our warfare may be accomplished, and that the Lord's hand may not spare, nor his eye pity, until judgment is brought forth unto victory, — victory over the transgressing nature. 10th. A day of solemn reflection. On the morning of this day, a year ago, our dear son, Edward Settle, closed his earthly course, when I trust the prepared spirit, received the welcome invitation of " come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." This, I firmly believe, was the happy experience of the dear deceased, 36^ MEMORANDUMS OF from the impressive revival of the text at the moment of his dissolution ; " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord;" attended with a solemn and holy quiet which surpassed expres- sion. In this season of close proving, my spirit was bowed before the Majesty on high, and in the language of Job, I could say, " The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." At that time my own health was very feeble, with no expectation of surviving many weeks. The prospect was not grievous but joyous; having a humble hope, that through the unspeak- able mercy and merits of him who laid down his precious life for poor man, my sins, both of omission and commission, would be forgiven me, and my name not be blotted out of the Lamb's book of life. But without faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, and in his atoning sacrifice, we have no ground to hope for a resurrection from dead works, nor for a blessed immortality when done with time. O, unspeakable gift of redeeming love ! Who can fathom it ! Thus strengthened of the Lord, I was sup- ported through a season of much bodily suffering JANE BETTLE. 37 and exercise of mind ; and my days have been prolonged far beyond my expectation, though attended with great weakness, and sometimes considerable pain and oppression from the nature of my disorder. But through every afflictive dispensation, I feel bound to commemorate the kindness of Him, who dealeth with us as a compassionate father dealeth with his children. " Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth ;" and this ' acknowledgment is often raised in the hearts of his humble, dependent children, " Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Their experience accords with the declaration, that although no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless after wards, it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of right- eousness to them who are exercised thereby. 25th. My strength is decreasing, and the prospect of the world to come, is more and more desirable. O, for a permanent resting place, in the Lord's time, which is the best time. Nevertheless, I desire to adopt the language of one of his servants formerly ; " All the days of 4 38 MEMORANDUMS OF my appointed time will I wait until my change come." How much to be desired is this wait- ing state. Eleventh mo. 8th. Something of the fresh feeling of the love of God, shed abroad in the heart, has been experienced this afternoon, in the remembrance of the oUve leaf plucked ofTby the dove, and the bow given as the sign of an everlasting covenant, that a general deluge should not again overspread the earth. Well would it be for man if he was more watchful in the day of temptation and trial ; and kept his covenants, and performed his vows: then he would find that it is only the way of the trans- gressor that is hard, and that the Lord's ways are pleasantness, and all his paths are peace ; and the gracious promise would be verified, " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." 13th. My soul rejoices in being strengthened again to approach thee, thou King of saints, in thanksgiving and praises, for mercies past, and for the renewed favours of the present day. O JANE BETTLE. 39 Lord ! be thou pleased to preserve through every succeeding day of my life, in watchfulness unto prayer, that so I may be enabled to draw nigh unto thee. 