USA > Indiana > Memorials of deceased friends who were members of Indiana Yearly Meeting : published by direction of the Yearly Meeting > Part 9
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We know but little of his early life, having no written statement before us concerning him ; but he has been often heard to allude, in his public ministry, to the tender religious impressions he had in his early years, and the workings of divine grace upon his spirit, convincing him of sin, and leading him to see the ne- cessity of a change of heart and life. IIe has often referred, with much feeling, to the tender care of his beloved mother, in giving him Christian advice and instruction, remembering its moving and lasting effect upon his youthful mind, and its influence in preserving him from evil, and inducing him to choose the good- so that he was frequently concerned to press the duty of such care and instruction upon the consideration of other parents. Another circumstance we well remem- ber-his speaking of the care of his mother in having him to read to her, for his instruction, when quite young, from the New Testament, and the savory im- pressions he received therefrom. These circumstances may show that some things which at the time appear to be of no great consequence, cxert an influence very durable over the tender minds of children.
Ile bore abundant testimony to the power of divine
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grace, in leading him, as years advanced, into much thoughtfulness as to his spiritual condition, and to see the necessity of conversion. He was enabled also to see the evil of unprofitable associates, and to turn aside from some of the temptations and snares into which the youth are liable to fall.
He has expressed the opinion, that he experienced a change of heart by the time he was fifteen years of age. We have no doubt that he gave evidence of the influence of the changing power of the Spirit of Truth pretty young; for he was received, as we are in- formed, at his own request, into membership with our religious society at an carly period of his life.
He valued very highly the privilege of meeting with Friends for religious worship; 'a duty which there is reason to believe he attended to diligently, as he often referred, in after life, to his own experience, when admonishing others to the like duty.
We know but little of his Christian progress after the time last referred to, until he was acknowledged a minister of the gospel.
Being of an active mind and good natural endow- ments, he had obtained, without much benefit of schools, such knowledge of the usual branches of a common education, that thereby he became, for many years, quite useful as a teacher ; during which he took much care to communicate religious instruction, as well as literary, to the children and youth who were placed under his charge. lle was kind spirited and
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generous, so that the youth who went to school to him were much attached to him. .
As years advanced, he labored and traveled much in the service of the gospel of Christ. The first long journey he made was to the north, in the year 1823. From this time onward, he was much from home in the work of the ministry, visiting, in the course of his travels, Friends in almost all parts of the United States where they were settled, holding public meet- ings with them and others, and often holding public meetings at places where no Friends resided. Ile removed to the western country in the year 1837, and finally settled in Richmond, in the limits of this Monthly Meeting, to which he was joined by cer- tificate.
IIe had much zeal for the cause of Christ, and preached largely the grace freely offered through him for the salvation of fallen man. Indeed, the fallen and lost condition of man in his natural unregenerated state; the necessity of regeneration; the great love of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and free grace through him, were themes frequently and largely dwelt upon in his public communications, accompanied with exhortations to obedience to that grace which brings salvation, and which has appeared to all men. The divinity, atonement and mediation of our blessed Saviour; the necessity of sincere and living faith ; the great reality of the judgment to come, and of future rewards and punishments; and the necessity
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of conversion in order to salvation, are doctrines which he firmly believed, and labored extensively to inculcate.
He had a deep regard for the Holy Scriptures, believing that they are able to make wise unto salva- tion through faith in Jesus Christ, and, therefore, read and dwelt upon of their contents himself, and often recommended others to do so also, and that they should be read daily in families in a collective capacity.
He possessed largely of the common frailties of human nature; and although his weaknesses were sometimes apparent, it was evident that he desired, and sought with much prayer, to live a life devoted to the service of Christ, and in the fellowship of the true spiritual church.
For several weeks previous to his confinement with his last illness, he appeared to be sensible that the end of his life was drawing near; and not being able to travel about, he sat much alone in silent meditation, being also several times engaged in vocal supplication with the family.
He continued to have a deep interest in the welfare of our religious society ; and hearing a favorable ac- count of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting, he remarked that he had "felt like the Lord would be with them ;" and at another time, speaking of the travails and exercises of those upon whom the burden of society very much rests, he said : " I can say, as it.
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was said of the dear Saviour, I have seen the travail of my soul, and am satisfied."
After his confinement to bed, it was evident, from some of his expressions, that the Lord, for some gra- cious purpose, saw meet that his faith should be proved, by permitting his mind to be somewhat clouded, on account of a want of all that clear evi- dence of his acceptance which he desired to have. But he was mercifully helped to maintain his faith ; and was once heard to say : " Though IIe slay me, yet will I trust in Ilim !" and again : "I will bear the indignation of the Lord."
Ilis sufferings of body being at times very great, his prayers were poured forth to the God and Father of all mercies, to be healed of all maladies, and to be at rest; and at other times, he was engaged in giving thanks and praises for the mercies granted him.
One morning, after a night of deep conflict of mind and great suffering of body (on which occasion the earnest intercessions of some present for his relief from his sufferings and acceptance with the Lord were poured forth), he remarked, that the burden was taken from his shoulders. This was afterward more fully manifested by the ease and sweet composure of his mind, and the tranquillity and peace with which he was favored during the rest of the time he lived.
Once, on being inquired of by a dear friend how he was, he replied, "perfectly casy, both in body and mind." His hopes of eternal happiness appeared to
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rest entirely on the mercies of God through the merits of Christ Jesus, claiming no title to salvation from any works of righteousness which he had done. Ile appeared to dwell with comfort on the following passage of Scripture : "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, and by the SPIRIT OF OUR GOD." That faith which he had maintained from his youth, continued to afford him a confiding hope, as an anchor of the soul, at the approach of death.
He did not lose his love for the Scriptures : at one time he requested all to be still and that a chapter be read, which being done, a friend near him knelt in supplication, to which, when ended, he said : " Amen, saith my soul !"
One evening several friends were in his room, who thought the time of his departure near. He revived, and spoke for some time, during which he said : " Friends, talk not to yourselves, but talk to tho Lord, that Christ may dwell in your hearts richly by faith, teaching you to admonish one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in your hearts to the Lord;" with much more, closing with the words: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for-the evidence of things not seen."
llis heart seemed to be filled with love and tender- ness toward the many friends who visited him in his last illness, and he expressed how beautiful they ap- peared to him. He exhorted some in the younger
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walks to be faithful in bringing up their children ; which great and weighty concern did not lose its im- portance in his mind now toward the winding up of his time here.
To some aged friends, who came to see him a few days before his decease, he said : "Friends, sit down, and make yourselves happy ; the Lord lives here with us, and a glorious companion He is; kinder friends a dying man never had; they come from far and near to see me."
After this, he did not say much more that could be understood. For a day and night previous to the final close, his breathing became shorter; and losing the power of articulation, he frequently made efforts to speak, but could not be understood. The last accents which were heard, in a dying whisper, were : "Jesus-come." Soon after, with a look of great calmness and resignation, he expired.
MARY S. WATKINS.
A testimony of Goshen Monthly Meeting, Ohio, con- cerning our beloved Friend, MARY S. WATKINS, deceased.
SHE was the daughter of John and Sarah Taylor, members of the Society of Friends, and was born in
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the year 1811, near Mount Pleasant, Ohio. She re- ceived but very little literary education, but her mind was early visited with religious impressions ; and although she suffered these to be much effaced by the follies of youth, yet they were mercifully renewed from time to time, as she advanced in years ; yet being of a volatile disposition, and fond of gayety, she had much to overcome ; but by yielding to the opera- tions of Divine Grace, she was enabled to obtain the victory, through faith in him who loved us, and gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity. +
In the year 1828, she was united in marriage with our friend, Lemuel Watkins, and settled within the limits of this Monthly Meeting.
About this time, the difficulties in our society, caused by the unsound doctrines of Elias Hicks and his followers, occasioned a separation in this meeting. By this event, the faith of our dear friend was closely tried. Her parents joining with the Separatists, she felt that she could not unite with them therein ; but, through discouragement, neglected the attend- ance of our religious meetings, and suffered herself to be disowned. Yet, in this barren condition, she found no peace until she resumed the attendance of meet- ings. This act of duty drew upon her fresh trials ; but continuing in a good degree faithful, she was enabled to make satisfaction to her friends, and was restored to membership. She gradually increased in
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religious growth and experience, and in 1846, the thirty-sixth year of her age, she appeared in the min- istry. For some time, her appearances in this way were not frequent; but endeavoring to abide patiently under the preparing hand of the great Minister and Head of the Church, she advanced in the school of Christ, and in the year 1850, he gift was acknowl- edged, and she was recommended to the station of a minister.
Soon after this, her mind was drawn in love to visit, with the glad tidings of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, many of the meetings of Friends; and having the unity and approbation of her friends at home, she was, from time to time, liberated and en- couraged in this arduous service. She often expressed that she believed her time was short, and that she felt a great necessity to work while the day remained, for in the approaching night none can work. Her health was poor, and as she continued mostly in the field of labor, it gradually failed, and each journey seemed that it might be her last. Notwithstanding the feeble state of her health, she was enabled to visit, with the message of love, many of the meetings of Friends in other Yearly Meetings as well as in our own. In the course of her religious exercises, her mind was often drawn toward those not members of our religious society, and under the influence of that pure gospel which breathes peace on earth and good-will to men, she became qualified in good measure to show forth
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to others what the Lord had done for her, and to in- vite all to come and partake of his rich mercies through repentance and faith in a crucified, risen and glorified Redeemer. 1
In the course of her travail and exercises, her mind was frequently drawn out with compassion toward that class of our fellow-creatures who, through unwatchful- ness and disobedience to the laws of our country, were confined within the walls of a prison-house. She vis- ited the penitentiaries of several of the different States, and some of them more than once. Many of these seasons proved very satisfactory. She seemed peculiarly qualified for this service, and many of the poor and unfortunate criminals, as she . imparted to them the word of hope and consolation, and reasoned of righteousness, of temperance, and judgment to come, appeared to realize the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
The oppressed condition of the African decendants made a deep impression on the mind of our dear friend, her feelings often drew her to mingle with them, in the course of her travels, both in the free and slave-holding States, holding meetings with them and with their masters, to comfort and satisfaction, Laboring, as ability was afforded, to impress that apostolic truth, " that God hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the carth."
Notwithstanding our dear sister was called and
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gifted to preach the gospel of peace, she had many trials and deep baptisms to pass through, from time to time, in order to fit and qualify her for the service of Ilim who putteth forth his own, and goeth before them. And we find noted in her diary, the attend- ance of silent meetings, " deeply engaged, but no way opening to speak." And in contemplating an arduous engagement near the close of her labors of love, she writes : " The prospect looks gloomy-my health is so poor, yet I resign it all, and am glad when I can say, Thy will, O Father, and not mine, be done. I am afraid I am too much inclined to distrust in times of adversity. O send me help from Zion, and strength from thy holy hill !" Under these feelings, this de- voted handmaid took a final leave. "I took (said she) the parting hand, pressed the parting lips, and spoke the solemn farewell-all, all, I trust, for His sake, whose loving kindness is better than life."
Feeble and emaciated with pulmonary consumption, and the sands of life being almost run, human pru- dence would have dictated, and the feelings of nature would have prompted her to remain in the bosom of her family the few remaining days of her life, there to receive the solace of affection. But her love for Him who calls and qualifies for his service, was stronger than earthly ties, and his favor more valued than the endearments of home. So that she could, in good measure, say with the apostle, " None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so
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that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gos- pel of the grace of God."
Our dear friend was a lover of the Holy Scriptures, and strongly recommended the diligent reading of them by precept and example. She writes : "May my surviving friends, my precious family, and in an especial manner, those of the household of faith, be encouraged to persevere in all times of discourage- ment, trusting in the Lord Jesus, our never-failing friend." And she here mentions particular chapters in the Bible, and recommending them, says : "Very often have these been to me like a refreshing shower on a thirsty land. And now let my change come when it may, at my own home, or if it please the Ancient of Days to continue me in the field until I drop the shackles of mortality. O, that others may be induced to read of Ilis goodness, of His promises, and of Ilis wonderful works to the children of men !"
After having traveled extensively in this her last journey, and while on board the boat, on her way to Iowa, she makes the following, her last memorandum : "Calm, prayerful feelings pervade my mind; I de- sire to hold myself in readiness for the midnight cry, for it is my meat and drink to do my Master's will. This morning, on taking our seats for Scripture read- ing (a practice she was careful to observe in her travels), the wing of the Ancient Goodness seemed
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to be spread over us. Oh! what shall I render to the Lord for his goodness to us-ward ? How often has HIe made a way for me when there appeared to be no way ? Bow low, O my soul, and for getnot to offer thyself a willing sacrifice !"
She pursued her journey, and reached the Quarterly Meeting of Pleasant Plain, in Iowa ; here her strength failing, she was conveyed to the house of a friend, where she received every necessary attention. Her remaining strength gradually waned until the 14th of the Sixth month, 1854, when she peacefully passed away from the scenes of her earthly labors to receive, we humbly trust, the reward of the righteous, aged forty-three years, one month, and fifteen days. Thus, to use her own expression, continuing in the field until she dropped the shackles of mortality.
May the reading of this memoir encourage others to set their affections on things above, and follow on in like faithfulness in the way of life and peace, en- deavoring to promote the Redeemer's kingdom and the salvation of mankind ; remembering that, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firma- ment, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars, forever and ever."
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ANNE MOORE.
Testimony of Milford Monthly Meeting, Indiana, con_ cerning ANNE MOORE, deceased.
IN commemorating the work of faith and labor of love, which were exemplified in the dedicated course of this dear Friend, and the brightness and peace which marked its termination, the language of invitation seems to go forth to others, to follow her pious exam- ple. Although she was by nature a child of wrath even as others, having the same temptations and trials, and the same unwearied enemy to contend with, and while in the slippery paths of youth often wandering from the straight and narrow way, yet, through a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, she was at times favored with the influence of divine grace, enabling her more clearly to see not only the sinfulness of sin, but also the manifest beauty of holiness.
She was born in Person county, North Carolina, the 15th of Fifth month, 1781. Her parents, Joseph and Anne Hubbard, though not members of any reli- gious society, were religiously inclined persons, and concerned to bring up their children in that way that would be most likely to conduce to their preservation, guarding them against, and restraining them from much of the associations of the vain ; and from parti-
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cipating in the corrupting amusements and pernicious practices of the day, with which they were surrounded. This parental care, our dear friend often spoke of in after life, as a special favor and blessing. In her religious pursuit, she attached herself to the Metho- dist Society, but not finding that peace of mind which seemed desirable, and still endeavoring to keep a single eye to the guidance of the Spirit of Truth, she found it to consist with her peace to adopt the plain, scriptural language, though in the cross, and after remaining a few years with the Methodists, she apprehended it required of her to join the Society of Friends. There a multitude of difficulties seemed to present. It being about forty miles to a Monthly Meeting, and no meeting of Friends much nearer, her constitution very delicate, they in limited circum- stances, and to separate from her husband in religious fellowship, all seemed to combine to render a compli- ance extremely difficult. But our dear friend who had become acquainted with cross-bearing, and know- ing that without bearing the cross, we cannot expect to wear the crown, yielded to apprehended duty, made application, and was received into membership by Spring Monthly Meeting, Orange county, North Caro- lina, in the Seventh month, 1814. In this, hard things were made casy. The time was not long until the way appeared to open, and they removed to New Garden, Guilford county, quite convenient to meeting, where she soon had the satisfaction of having her
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husband and all their family united with her in mem- bership with Friends.
Her religious concern becoming expanded, embrac- ing the whole human family, she felt herself con- strained to invite others to turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, and so escape the wrath to come. She had the charge of a numerous family of children, toward whom she dis- charged the part of a tender, affectionate mother, not only in administering to present wants, but endeavor- ing, both by example and precept, to make the way plain and easy for them even while children, to come unto Christ, instructing them in the relationship in which man stands toward his great Creator; his entire dependent condition, and the realities of a future world, and, with the assistance of her husband, often having them collected into stillness, for the purpose of reading a portion of Holy Scripture, and impressing on their minds the value of those sacred writings, which so clearly open the works of creation, man's fallen condition, and his only hope of salvation. She was acknowledged on record as a minister of the gospel in 1831. She traveled some at times, in the work of the ministry, and was frequently engaged in visiting families, a work for which she seemed peculiarly gifted. Although she entertained the most humble views of her own worth or attainments, yet, through trusting in, and adhering to her heavenly Guide, she was enabled to walk in the path of the just, which is
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as a shining light which shines more and more unto the perfect day.
In 1837, she removed with her husband, and settled in the limits of Milford Monthly Meeting, Indiana, where she spent what may be termed the evening of her day, where she continued to grow in grace, and in the knowledge and love of the truth, so that not only her precept in words fitly spoken, but also the exam- ple of her every-day life, were truly lessons of in- struction, and so manifestly marked her heavenly- mindedness, that even the skeptic could scarcely fail to perceive that he was in the presence of a Christian; and the Zion traveler to be comforted and encouraged on his journey. The adornment of a meck and quiet spirit, and the Christian dignity of her countenance rendered her highly interesting, even among strangers. IIer ministerial communications were seldom very extensive, yet she was sound in the faith, clear in the doctrines of redemption, sensible that it was only by the atonement made for the sins of the world, that she had been enabled through merey, to yield to the operations of the influence of the Holy Spirit, and thus to feel repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. She was exceedingly tender of the feelings, and careful of the reputation of others, not allowing herself the privilege of using expressions derogatory to the character, or calculated to wound the feelings of any. Thus our dear friend, while pass- ing the evening of her day, has left us a bright example
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of rendering life valuable even in its late declining years.
For a few of the last years of her life, her bodily afflictions were such as often to prevent her attending our religious meetings, a duty to which she had long been warmly devoted. IIer sweetness of disposition and gratitude for kindness, were conspicuous, almost to the very last, so that it seemed a pleasure to those around her to do her the smallest service. She de- ceased the 3d day of Third month, 1855, and was buried on the 5th, in Friends' burying-ground at Mil- ford, which was pretty largely attended by Friends and others. And while we keenly feel the loss, and think who shall fill the vacant place, we have no doubt but she was prepared to join the just of all genera- tions, there to appear as one of those whose concern and labor had been to turn many to righteousness.
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