anticipate full restoration; surely my views rise To S. L., JR. Birmingham, Third month 30th, 1834. TO JOHN AND SARAH GRubb. Birmingham, Fifth month 18th, 1834. DEAR FRIENDS,-Be not dismayed; the spiritual Head of his own church worketh, and will work, in a way that human wisdom and foresight knoweth not; He will bring his own glorious work to pass, though He leads his faithful servants in a way they know not. You, dear friends, are again entering the field of Christian warfare; bear in mind you are one year nearer the end that crowns all, than you were twelve months gone by. Let not go the right shield, and the battle axe. Everlasting mercy and help is on the side of the humble and devoted, though they have to pass through. many tribulations. DEAR SARAH,-You are all often in my As far as condescending favour has led me thoughts, with the recollection of events and of to discern the work of Divine Grace in the soul, years passed by, as one of the first interesting the internal evidences of Christ revealed as the "Quaker" families, with whom I was familiar. true Light, the Life, the Way to God the FaI have a lively remembrance of early impres-ther, O! I dare not enter into doubtful disputasions, and my spirit longs, at this day, for a tion. Often in the day my prayer is to be kept more prevailing sense of what I then felt; but lowly, simple, dependent as a helpless child. dear S. we must be willing to walk by faith My old age, now in my eightieth year, is calm, and not by sight, that patience may have her with abundant cause to be content; yea, very perfect work, I have satisfactory information thankful, for innumerable blessings. I lack no from Worcester; dear Candia and Sarah Bur-earthly accommodation. lingham submit with Christian resignation to Ye dear labourers who have yet to bear the their loss of a dear sister. Maria was meek heat and burden of the day, surely your rest and lowly; a patient, silent sufferer from early will be glorious! This is the view rising beyears; the close exceedingly sudden, and so fore me. Affectionately, calm as to be almost unperceived. I was particularly interested in the long confinement of Dr.. I believe his views of salvation in Jesus were correct; but O! how a death-bed view, with eternity before us, shows the wood, hay and stubble which must be consumed by fire-the fiery baptism of the Holy Ghost! MARY CAPper. To Fourth month 18th, 1834. MARY CAPPer. S. GRUBB TO M. CAPPER. London, Fifth month 27th, 1834. DEAR AND PRECIOUS FRIEND,-Thy lively communication has done me good; how sweet is the sympathy of a mind regulated by the pure principle of Divine Grace placed in our hearts! Few letters that come to my hand are fraught with so much encouragement as thine; so genuine is the desire breathed in thy expresI DO very tenderly sympathize with your sions for our preservation every way, and deeply-tried relative, but there is one unfailing that the good cause may prosper in and remedy, viz. resignation to whatever a God of through us; and so evident is it that He who mercy and compassion pleases to lay upon us. was thy morning light is now thy evening Surely it is unavailing to struggle with our-song; as well as that He remains to be like selves about sins that we cannot blot out. We dew, which keeps thee fresh and fruitful still. should rather bear the condemnation, and sit at Yes! thy address to my dear husband and me, the footstool of mercy, with our mouths in the seems to invite us forward in the race set bedust. O! this entire, this silent resignation; I fore us, while we often feel far from either believe the evil spirit opposes it, and self-will swift or strong. Sometimes I can only wade opposes it, because it proceeds from simple, through difficulty and much impediment; yet, pure naked faith in the redeeming power of so far, my poor mind can acknowledge, that Jesus, the friend and Saviour of sinners, who gave his life a ransom for us, to deliver us from sin. Here the vilest sinner may take refuge, and be safe. MARY CAPPer. they who wait upon the Lord renew their strength; that herein ability is received to mount upward too, at seasons, even with wings as eagles; to run and not be weary; to walk and not utterly faint. The present is a time resigning all! This is the Lord's doing, and He peculiarly calculated to depress; for yet, within is greatly to be praised. the borders of our religious Society, we find there is, too generally, a sliding from that situation in which Infinite Wisdom and Power placed our early predecessors; when their light shone as from a hill, and men seeing their good works were induced to glorify our heavenly Father. I cannot but smile, my Christian brother, when thou designates me "The ancient friend;" though it is true I have lived days and years not a few (fourscore years!), yet, believe me, I feel myself a very child; having to learn a new lesson every day, and to be thankful if the evening bring no condemnation for wilful omission, or any other cause; also that the morning light again arises with renewed mercies. I could say much more in a plaintive strain, but forbear. Let me watch well over my own heart! besides there is room, amidst all our occasions of sadness, to be humbly My health, though never robust, is sufficient thankful that the sure Foundation is kept to, by for the exertions required; my spirits cheera living remnant; and also that a little firm ful; all my wants supplied, and crowned faith is vouchsafed, that the ancient testimonies with calm content. What can a Christian, of the immutable Truth will continue to be up- drawing to the close of time, desire more; save held by at least a few; and the standard raised to press forward, to the mark for the prize at in its own dignity and simplicity. That which the end of the race! Accept the simple, sinhas stood the test of ages will yet stand through MARY CAPPER, all, being truth and righteousness unfailingly, in Old England; loved, though not faultless. and it requires not the torch of human reason to search it out. Thy affectionate friend, SARAH GRUBB. TO JAMES BACKHOUSE, then in Australia. MY VALUED FRIEND J. B.,-I have sometimes been privileged to see extracts from thy letters to thy dear relatives, &c. The Good Shepherd knoweth the right time and place, when and how, to feed the scattered flock. He goeth before, and leadeth the blind in a way they knew not, but of his own preparing. cere love of To M. S. Birmingham, Sixth month 22nd, 1834. THY affectionate partiality will peruse what is now sent with indulgence. I have not made any particular remark respecting joining the Society unto which I at this day consider it an unspeakable favour to be united. The religious principles professed by us, in their purity, as set forth in the Scriptures, which testify of Jesus, born of a virgin, as foretold, to bruise the head of the serpent, yea, manifested in the flesh, and dying to redeem the fallen race of Adam, and to cast up a new and holy way of access to God the Father-these principles have been, and are still from time to time, so far opened to my spiritual understanding, that my heart is at rest. As to the result of what conviction has wrought in my life and manners, since All this, and much more, is well known to thee; I may add to you, dear dedicated servants! I am personally a stranger to thy companion G. W. Walker, but I feel no separation in the best desires of my heart, that the universal Father of mankind, to whom we are recon-united in your favoured fellowship, my familiar ciled through faith in Jesus Christ, the atonement for sin, the Saviour of the poor contrite sinner, who has no other hope of salvation, may continue to bless you. May He increase our true faith, so that we may avoid all doubts and vain wranglings; simple obedience seems to me much wanting among religious professors. It is very gratifying that thou rememberest me in the bond of Christian affection; often, very often, do I think of thee, especially in my solitary sitting, in my own apartment. When I call to mind thy report of your favoured retirements, I seem in some imperfect measure, gathered by the One, eternal Power, to the same footstool of Mercy where you are so eminently favoured and comforted,-brought as it were, into the bosom of your own dear absent friends,-pouring forth the spirit of prayer, renewing your spiritual confidence, and afresh friends must testify. I can only add, that I am bound in gratitude to acknowledge the gentle hand of Mercy that has guided me hitherto, and joined me in strong affection to the Society, and satisfied my seeking mind as to the genuine gospel principles of salvation. MARY CAPPer. It is probably the following series of reflections to which Mary Capper alludes in the foregoing letter; as they bear date about this time. Birmingham, Sixth month, 1834. AFTER a considerable lapse of time, now in the eightieth year of my age, yet a sojourner and a pilgrim, pressing forward as not having attained all that my soul longeth after, I have this testimony to bear. Being lively, active and volatile in my early years, I account it not "Gladly we catch the tender sound, Which bids us come and rest awhile; The clouds of care which round us roll, Ere we the quiet haven quit!" one of the least of many mercies that my na- contrited spirits. The Saviour's gentle, sweet, tural frame was feeble, and that sometimes I marvellously kind, and feeling language of inwas much reduced by sickness. At these sea-vitation to his faithful followers, presents, as so sons, O! marvellous mercy! I was favoured beautifully applicable, encouraging and consolwith much tenderness of spirit, and shed secret, ing, that I think I must refer to it, namely, soothing, precious tears, in an indescribable "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, sense that God was very good, and that He and rest awhile!" I can hardly forbear to saw me; and I think I did breathe the prayer copy a few lines from a beautiful comment on that I might not be left to my own guidance. these words; When sin and sinfulness were set before me, in the times of my folly, and I felt not the sweet, gentle balm of our Heavenly Father's favour, I did inwardly mourn, and did ignorantly, if not sinfully, wish that I had never been born. For many years, under a variety of outward changes or events, the secret, progressive work (may I not say, the genuine power of pure religion) was preparing the way for clearer views! respecting the soul's salvation. In these babelike days, whatever I found to obstruct daily prayer-lowly supplication at the throne of mercy, seemed in my view sinful, and must be overcome. Verily I have found it, and I do still find it, a wrestling warfare! The new birth is a marvellous work; a complete spiritual creation, with all things new, is not wrought by the reasoning powers of the natural man. God the Father reveals the Son in us, as the Light, the Life and the Way; and gives us power to believe in Him also as the atoning sacrifice for sin, whereby we have access to a reconciled God and universal Father. This spiritual view of salvation, as set forth in the Scriptures, and abundantly testified by the faithful of former generations, this atoning Sacrifice, this Way of redemption, (begun, carried on and perfected for me and in me,) is the rock and ground of my Christian faith, and of my hope of acceptance, when this mortal shall put on immortality My simple, yet reverent testimony is to the marvellous love of God, in Christ Jesus, as the guide of youth, and the staff of lengthened years, to those who acknowledge Him in all their ways. My heart rests in the belief that rises before me, "Let every one that nameth these will not be left to perish through ignorance. O! I long to depart from all iniquity; this is the name of Christ depart from iniquity."Obedience is the test of our sincerity. Acknow-O! ledge God in all thy ways, and He will direct a marvellous work of the Lord's beginning, thy steps aright, from youth to old age. carrying on, and perfecting. To K. B. MARY CAPPER. My own "dear little home," as thou so justly No human contrivance or foresight could have termest it, is a prepared place of rest for me. so provided for my ease and accommodation; no anxious cares, no daily solicitudes, which press with even lawful weight, in many situations; and what shall I say? reverence and humbling contrition clothe my spirit. Language would fail me to tell of the lowly calm, wherein my thoughts are fixed on the mercy which has followed me from my childhood to this day. In my lowest estate I have the anchor of hope, and dare not cherish unbelief, nor unprofitably dwell on things too high for my present comprehension. Even my very weakness proves an exercise of faith and patience. These things I write, not so much for your intenders for the end of our faith-the salvation struction, as to signify that we are fellow-con of our souls. and familiar mention of the name of the blessed I mark thy observation on the too frequent Saviour, both in public and private. Through saved; but the solemn admonition sometimes faith in this name, my belief is that we shall be MARY CAPPER. CHAPTER XIII. Death of her brothers John and James.—Reflections.-Extracts from letters, etc., from 1835 to 1838.-Deep spiritual conflict.--Relief therefrom. Birmingham, Eighth month 27th, 1834. MY MUCH LOVED NIECE AND RELATIVES. Shall I meet you with this letter, in the fa voured shades of a father's planting! as I have understood that your annual retreat is among tress cultivated by a parent's hand. Whether this may reach you there or not, something alive within me, better than naughty self, seems as it were to unite with your that as involuntary thoughts are not at our ON THE FLUCTUATION OF THOUGHTS. Reflections, dated First month, 1835. IT has a little opened to my understanding, Farewell, my dear friend! with all whom command, we are only responsible as we wil- cherished in my heart. Thy kind corresponlingly cherish, and bring them into action. dent brings my mouth to the dust, so to speak. Secret evil suggestions, which we cannot pre-O! if a spark of genuine good desire has ever vent, arising probably from the yet-permitted been kindled, through so weak an instrument, power of an unsanctified spirit, are not our the praise belongs to a higher Power. thoughts, so long as they are a grief and burden to our hearts; and truly they are humiliating, permitted doubtless in order to humble us, and to shew us what yet remains of the unrenewed, evil nature, or it is possible, that after having measurably experienced, yea! testified, to the power and efficacy of redeeming Love, we might be tempted to conclude that the great work of sanctification was complete, and thus be lulled into a false rest, and forget, or neglect, the important injunction, "Watch and pray!" Memorandum, Third month 4th, 1835. This morning's post brought the affecting tidings, that my dear brother James Capper died in London; he was a dearly loved kind brother. To M. S. Birmingham, Third month 12th, 1835. To THE SAME. Fourth month 17th, 1835. formed for immortality and glory. Thus my long-valued friend, I have desired to be led in a plain path, from my early years; far from disputation, or speculation on things too high for me, but in simple obedience; and through the vicissitudes of my long life, I have been favoured with a measure of inward tranquillity, a little foretaste of that peace which this world cannot give, but which is all of mercy. MARY CAPPer. THE changeable weather is unfavourable to my frail tabernacle; fourscore years is no short period, but marvellous are the gentle dealings; the wearing down is gradual, without any violent dilapidation; but with mild warnings, the great and merciful Lord of all is pleased to instruct me. My prayer is, "Teach me Thyself." Yea, Lord! permit me to be numbered with the children who are taught of Thee, as an aged disciple, sitting at thy feet, with my mouth in the dust; only in favoured times, if it may so be, in my feeble way, setting forth thy condeMy kind Friend,—Thy unfeigned sympa-scending goodness toward thy rational creation, thy is truly cordial to me; also thy kindness in sending the lovely harbingers of spring, which now adorn my apartment and cheer me. I thought, as I separated them, (and now think with a sigh of tender sadness) could my be. loved brother James have entered my room, he would have admired their beauties, and said, with his usual courtesy, "And how nicely sister Mary has arranged them!" Ah! how memory brings to mind his gentleness in early life, hist patience with my untowardness; and in maturer days, his liberality in pleading my cause, as being of an age to judge for myself respecting the most acceptable way of worshipping God. I do not remember ever to have heard an unkind word from his lips, or a harsh censure, on any occasion. My precious brother was, for a season, deeply humbled under a sense of his unworthiness; although he had preached Christ, as the Saviour of sinners, he feared that he had not done all that he might have done for those under his care. I have not yet received full particulars, as the survivors have been occupied My oft-remembered young friend, and fellowin the removal of the body to Wilmington, probationer, in a land of pits and snares! I where he had long been known as a father and wish to give thee a prompt assurance that I a Christian counsellor. But I have not a doubt have read thy last communication with very regarding the spirit, redeemed and sanctified tender feeling and interest. If my experience by a Saviour's love and power; being stripped can avail anything for thy help and encourageof every rag of self-righteousness, it will be ment, I would say, fret not thyself at the preclothed in the fine linen, clean and white. This sent strife of words! It is nothing new. Conis my hope and consolation for myself and my troversies and strange voices have existed ever dear friends. I do feel these privations, in my since the fall of man, disobedience having marred lengthened life; yet I should be an ungrateful the divine image. Enduring mercy, in tender receiver of continued mercies and privileges, if compassion, made a new covenant, in order to a murmuring or discontented thought were redeem mankind, according to the Scriptures, MEMORANDUM. Received intelligence of the final close of my dear brother, John Capper, the eldest of our large family; the remaining links of the chain are now only two; my youngest brother and myself. My dear brother John died on the 26th of the fourth month, 1835. To E. S. Fifth month 9th, 1835. which testify that the Son of God was manifested in the flesh,—a body prepared of the Father; this he laid down, as a sacrifice for the sins of the world; suffering, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. And in his spiritual appearance, He is made known to the simple, obedient believer, who will not follow the voice of the stranger; for the voice of the stranger he knows not. touched with a feeling of our infirmities, and acquainted with our temptations, what indeed should we do! My spirit is revived by a consoling hope that these clouds and storms, by shaking, to the very foundation, all that can be shaken, will work together for a good end, yet but dimly seen. And I do hope that no unprofitable dismay will obstruct, in any heart, the benefit of the yearly meeting. Of course it is As sheep then of the Good Shepherd's fold, not for me, a solitary one, to presume upon my may we, my beloved young friend, press into feelings; nevertheless I may state, that in some this safe enclosure, and quietly leave all con- favoured moments of stillness,-in a quiet not troversy to those whose food it is. Cultivate to be formed by human skill, and under a seinward stillness, that thou mayst be favoured to know the secret teaching of the Holy Spirit. Meddle not with argument. What comes to thy ear, unsought, bear patiently; guard against excitement; wrestle in prayer, both for thyself and others, for strength, if in the right, still in the right to stay; if not, that heavenly Wisdom may teach the better way. MARY CAPPer. To. J. AND S. Grubb. Fifth month 15th, 1835. death! There is a rest, unpolluted by the To J. AND K. B. Birmingham, Fifth month, 1835. MY BELOVED RELATIVES,-I contemplate you in London, with divers others, as disciples, or learners from day to day at the feet of Jesus, in the good old school, with your mouths in the dust, while some may be busy around you, with a zeal to do well, and to serve the Lord. Gentle, yet impressive was the Saviour's rebuke, "Martha! Martha! one thing is needful!" O! blessed privilege, to sit at the Redeemer's feet, to know his voice, to learn of him, in the depth of humiliation, to come unto Him of whom the inspired Scriptures do amply testify. My faith increases in the promises as they stand recorded there; and in the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit, to lead out of all error and into all truth. O! if we had not a merciful High Priest, VOL. XII.-No. 4. cret sense of that Power that brought me among you as a religious body, and that is still the mercy of the present hour, I have had a belief granted me, that this annual gathering will, at times, be favoured with the overshadowing of divine love and mercy. MARY CAPPER. Birmingham, Ninth month 21st, 1835. DEAR SARAH-It seems long since we had any communication. Months have passed away, not without solemn events and changes, within the circle of our own kindred; so at least it has been permitted to me, to experience link after link to be broken. My eldest brother died a few weeks after the decease of my dear brother James, who was educated for a preacher in the established mode of worship, and lived, as a pastor, fifty years at Wilmington in Sussex, where he was beloved and lamented. In life and in death, all his hope of salvation rested on the Rock of Ages, which Rock is Christ: his language in his illness, was, "None but Christ! none but Christ! I wish to embrace Him in all his fulness, to be swallowed up in his love!" The enemy of souls endeavoured to persuade him (says his 17 |