free, and meetings quiet. And though the enemy has entered and doth work in some places to make rents and divisions, yet the strength of that spirit is much weakened, and its work of opposition against the power of God, and unity of his people, much withered and blasted: and many, that were for a time hurt and captivated thereby, are restored, and come back to their first love and unity with faithful Friends; and a great love is raised in many that stood at a distance. Although others, who have wilfully persisted in their opposition against the counsel of truth and faithful Friends, are scattered, and gone back again into the world, and the loose and corrupt ways thereof; and some even to the worships that are therein. And still, where the enemy yet works to trouble Friends, they who live in the faith that gives the victory, do hope to see things better shortly. Account is also given, by letters from Ireland, Scotland, Barbadoes, Bermudas, Carolina, New England, Jamaica, and other plantations in America, that things are pretty well there, and truth spreads and increases; and that Friends generally are in love and unity.

Lastly, it was unanimously agreed, that the Yearly Meeting for Sufferings should continue, as the Lord makes way for Friends concerned to have recourse thereto. Only on tender consideration of the present difficulties and straights, and the great care upon Friends here, with respect to country Friends, to preserve their liberties as much as in us lay (which beyond expectation was answered, through the goodness and providence of God, as many were sensible ;) on these considerations it was proposed and thought meet, that if sufferings do continue till the next year, one Friend only of each county may be sufficient to come up to this meeting at the usual time; the same Friend being one that is approved and entrusted by the Quarterly Meeting, as capable to give account of Friends' sufferings, and the affairs of truth in that county, and to make application to authority here, as before directed, if need shall require.

So committing you to the divine power and wisdom of the Lord our God, for your safety and peace; and thereby to be ordered in these and all other affairs of the blessed truth, and the concerns of the church of Christ; with our supplication and prayers to Almighty God, that Zion may be filled with judg ment, righteousness, and peace; that it may appear more and more, that the Lord who dwelleth on high, is exalted over all in his church and people, we remain your faithful Friends and brethren of the aforesaid meeting.

Signed by

RICHARD RICHARDSON.

EPISTLE VIII-1685.

Salutation in Christ Jesus, with endeared and tender love in the blessed communion of his Holy Spirit and unchangeable light and life, to all faithful Friends and brethren, both in present sufferings and out of sufferings; praying to God the Father, that grace, mercy, and peace may be daily increased in and among you, through the lively operation of the same Holy Spirit; and that effectual deliverance for his afflicted remnant he may in due time bring to pass, to his own glory, and his people's comfort and joy.

Dear Friends and brethren,

The brethren intrusted by this meeting do recommend unto you the following account; viz.

1. That the Lord hath, according to his wonted goodness, accompanied this meeting with his living refreshing presence and divine counsel; and by his power hath eminently preserved and kept us; and given Friends this blessed opportunity in peace and quietness, to open their hearts one unto another, in the universal love of God, concerning the weighty affairs of the blessed truth and churches of Christ, and the present state thereof, to their general and great satisfaction and comfort in the Lord.

2. And, to our great satisfaction, accounts were livingly and weightily given by Friends of the several counties, of their present states and conditions, relating to the faith and patience of Friends in sufferings, and the Lord supporting them in their faithful testimony for his name and truth's sake; as also of the general love, concord, peace, good order, and christian care among them; and the dominion the Lord hath given them over the spirit of opposition and division where it hath appeared; and how he hath borne them up in their manifold tribulations.

3. And that though in some counties the sufferings continue great and heavy upon many Friends, both in their persons and estates; yet in some other counties the sufferings are of late abated. Blessed be the Lord.

4. Also divers seasonable and lively accounts, by epistles, were given from foreign parts; as from Ireland, Holland, Barbadoes, Pennsylvania, &c. of the love, unity, and peace among Friends, and truth's prosperity in those parts: particularly that from Holland, signifying, that Friends at Dantzick, and in other eastern parts beyond the Seven Provinces, are at present in the enjoyment of more quietness and liberty than formerly. The Lord has been pleased to influence the king of Poland, and the magistrates of Dantzick, moderately to resent the applications made to them in behalf of the said suffering Friends and bre

thren; although most of them, by means of their former great sufferings, were reduced to so low a condition in the world, that they are not yet able to support themselves and families, without assistance from Friends at Amsterdam; upon whom the burden having long lain, Friends of this meeting agreed to communicate something of their christian charity towards the assisting and encouraging them in the said good work.

5. And concerning our Friends that were captives in Algiers, the care and diligence of Friends here, intrusted in that affair, hath been such, that several Friends have been redeemed, and come safe home, since the last Yearly Meeting; and have very honestly, tenderly, and thankfully acknowledged Friends' care and kindness towards them. And as to those that yet remain captives, Friends are taking the same care for their redemption also; which it is hoped will shortly be accomplished. And Friends here being sensible how the Lord hath supported them in their faithful testimony for his name, and under their deep afflictions that they have suffered in that dark place of captivity in Algiers, are greatly comforted and satisfied in their christian care and charity on their behalf.

6. That the Friends of this meeting, to whom the inspection of accounts was referred, do make their report, That having perused the books, and those accounts relating to Friends suffering, and their relief, they find them very clear and plain, and no occasion for a further contribution this year: Friends of most counties in this nation having been very free and cheerful in their charitable contribution towards the redemption of Friends in captivity: as also Friends in Ireland, Barbadoes, and Jamaica, to their great commendation, have manifested their readiness and christian assistance in the same good work; thereby shewing their tender and charitable sympathizing with their Friends and brethren in sufferings; and shall not in anywise lose their reward from the Lord.

7. And we also give you notice, that the London Friends intrusted this year with the affairs of the captives and suffering Friends, in disposal of Friends' charity for their relief, (as according to former appointment they shall be directed) are Charles Bathurst, Theodore Ecclestone, Francis Camfield, Philip Ford, and John Staplo: to whom, or any of them, as occasion requires in those concerns, you may apply for advice.

And lastly, we remind you, according to former and frequent advice, that you keep exact and distinct accounts of your sufferings on record, to have in readiness on all occasions; and to bring up yearly a true copy, or sufficient summary abreviation thereof. And at the conclusion of every yearly account for each Gounty respectively, be sure to insert the whole number of pri

soners imprisoned that year, and of prisoners that died the same year, and of those remaining in prison: as also the value of distresses and goods levied the same year distinctly; viz. 1. On the conventicle act. 2. For twenty pounds a month. 3. Ọn Qui tam writs. 4. Twelve pence a Sunday. 5. For tithes. With all other sufferings for truth; and thereto add the total sum; to the end that they may be presented to the king, &c. for relief.

And it was desired, that the Yearly Meeting for Sufferings might continue as last year directed, for one faithful Friend of each county, who knows the sufferings thereof, to have recourse thereunto, as the Lord shall make way.

To whose divine power and wisdom we recommend you, for safety, peace, and prosperity. And in the blessed unity of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, we remain your faithful Friends and Brethren, and servants in Christ Jesus.

Signed in behalf of the said Meeting, by

RICHARD RICHARDSON.

EPISTLE IX-1686.

Salutation in Christ Jesus, with endeared and tender love in the blessed communion of his Holy Spirit and unchangeable light and life, to all our faithful Friends and brethren, in and out of sufferings; praying to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that from him grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied in and among you, with sincere love and brotherly affection, through the lively operation of the same Holy Spirit; and that the effectual deliverance for his afflicted remnant, which he hath already begun to bring to pass, may in his own due time be perfected, to his own glory, and his people's refreshment, comfort, and joy.

Dear Friends and Brethren,

We judged it convenient to recommend unto you this following account of such things as were necessary for you to understand.

1. To let you know the Lord hath wonderfully appeared for us and with us, in our several living and refreshing meetings, in which his divine presence hath made glad our souls, and hath given his people living openness in the blessed fellowship of the everlasting gospel; and many blessed and heavenly testimonies were given to the same, to the refreshment of his heritage; also signifying the love, concord and unity, and also the care and diligence, of Friends in their several countries, for the promoting and exalting the truth of God.

2. Also, divers good epistles were read from divers meetings on this side and beyond the seas, signifying the prosperous state of truth and Friends in several parts of the world.

3. To let you know, that the Friends desired to inspect the accounts of Friends' sufferings, and the charitable relief which some years since was cheerfully contributed to their assistance, do give an account that they find the books and the accounts thereof well and duly kept; and also that by reason of the great sufferings that have of late been upon Friends, which have occasioned great charges and expense, the said money is all laid out, and much more. And therefore it was unanimously agreed, that there be a free contribution recommended to all the meetings of our Friends and brethren in England and Wales, for the reimbursing Friends here, that have laid out much money for the service aforesaid; and also for the further relief of our poor Friends, that are or may hereafter be in sufferings for their faithful testimony to the truth; and that you make it known from your Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, to the Particular Meetings in each county; and recommend this good and christian work to their considerations, in the unity and sympathizing spirit of truth.

And whereas divers Friends and brethren do now, through the good hand of God, enjoy their liberty, and more freedom than formerly, we hope the Lord will open their hearts to extend their charitable help and assistance to their fellow members in Christ Jesus, who still remain in suffering for the testimony of a good and upright conscience towards God.

Also we let you know, that the Friends intrusted by this meeting this year, for the work and service aforesaid, are Francis Camfield, Philip Ford, John Staplo, George Barr, John Hall, and William Parker, to whom, or any of them, you may return the free contribution of Friends: and for the more ease to the six Friends aforesaid in this matter, some counties may return the monies, so collected, to William Mead, William Crouch, William Ingram, Benjamin Antrobus, George Watts, or John Edridge, or any of them, to be by them forthwith delivered to the Friends in trust, as aforesaid.

And as concerning Friends that were captives in Algiers, we let you know, they are all redeemed except one, whom we hope shortly will also be here. But several Friends are now captives in Sally; for whose redemption Friends are also taking care, and hope in time to effect it.

And it was desired, that you might be put in mind and advised as formerly, that you keep a distinct account of sufferings; that is to say, upon what statute, or by what ways or means, your