FRIENDS' REVIEW.

VOL. I.

A RELIGIOUS, LITERARY AND MISCELLANEOUS JOURNAL.

PHILADELPHIA, THIRD MONTH 25, 1848.

EDITED BY ENOCH LEWIS,

Published Weekly by Josiah Tatum,

No. 50 North Fourth Street,

PHILADELPHIA.

Price two dollars per annum, payable in advance, or copies for ten dollars.

This paper is subject to newspaper postage only.

ROBERT BARCLAY AND FRIENDS IN
SCOTLAND.

(Continued from page 402.)

No. 27.

whatever religious denomination, and particularly those of the Roman Catholic body; having also strictly examined how far both their princi ples and practices were consonant with the Scriptures of truth; he found himself constrainsixed, upon the same ground of real conviction as his father had been, to embrace the same. doctrine and course of life. It is by no means evident, that he was induced simply through the means of preaching, to make this change; indeed, his own clear explanation, which will be shortly given, leads us to an opposite conclusion; but more especially the testimony of Andrew Jaffray, one of his intimate friends, who asserted that he during his father's imprisonment in Edinburgh was "reached in the time of silence." Although, Castle, the governor denied him all access to him for the space of several months; yet he had had sufficient occasion to observe the circumspect example and genuine piety of his worthy parent, as well as that of other servants of the mind was in consequence imbued with some Lord, who entertained similar views; and his till at length, according to the language of the "general impressions" in favour of Friends; "he came by the power of God to Ury Record, be reached and made to bow" before the Truth.

Robert Barclay was born at Gordonstoun, in the shire of Moray, the 23d of the 10th month, 1648. When very young he had the appearance of a promising genius; and, after passing through the best schools in his native country, was sent by his father to the Scottish College at Paris, of which his uncle was the rector, Here he made so great proficiency in his studies, as to gain the notice and particular approbation of the masters of the college; and became especially a favourite with his uncle, who offered to make him heir to all his property, (which was very considerable,) if he would remain with him. But his father, fearing that he might become tainted with the superstitions of Popery, and in compliance with his mother's dying request, went to Paris in order to bring him home, when he was not much more than sixteen years of age. The uncle still endeavoured to prevent his return; and proposed to purchase, and give to him immediately, an estate greater than his paternal one. Robert replied, "He is my father, and must be obeyed." Thus he sacrificed interest to filial duty; and the uncle, disobliged, left his property to the college, and to other religious houses in France.

Robert Barclay returned to Scotland in 1664; two years after which, his father became united in membership to Friends. So far from endeavours being used to gain over the son to this persuasion, it was the express desire of the parent, that he should have his religion from conviction, rather than from imitation; which ac

cordingly proved the case. For, having freely and extensively visited all his relations and friends, in different parts of the country, of

Corresponding to the 2d of 1st month, 1649, New

Style.

At this juncture, John Swintoune and James Halliday were particularly helpful to him as inof these individuals, who uttered those few struments; and perhaps it might have been one words, attributed to some minister who was present at the first meeting Robert Barclay attended, and which are said to have had considera

In

ble effect on his mind :-they were these thingness, in nothingness there are all things.' stillness there is fulness, in fulness there is no

His own explanation above alluded to, appears in the following passage in the "Apology," where, speaking of himself, he says," Who, not by strength of argument, or by a particular disquisition of each doctrine, and convincement and bear witness to the Truth; but by being of my understanding thereby, came to receive secretly reached by this Life. For, when I I felt a secret power amongst them which touchcame into the silent assemblies of God's people. ed my heart; and as I gave way unto it, I found the evil weakening in me, and the good raised up; and so I became thus knit and united unto them, hungering more and more after the increase

of this power and life, whereby I might find myself perfectly redeemed."-Prop. xi. sect. 7.

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Although he did not believe it required of him, to travel so extensively as some others in this work, (there being ample room for variety in the administration of heavenly wisdom to her children,) we find him, in this respect, very highly esteemed in love by his fellow-servants. William Penn styles him an accomplished minister of Christ;" though, perhaps, not intending to convey what may in this day be understood by that phrase. George Fox, who was by no means addicted to eulogy, but rather sententious in his commendations, testifies of Robert Barclay, that he was "a wise and faithful minister of Christ-who did good service for the Lord, turning people from darkness to light."

Some account of his religious experience from his youth, is contained in the succeeding extract, given nearly in his own words, from another of his publications, which is a treatise on "Universal Love:". 66 - My first education from my infancy, fell among the strictest sort of Calvinists; those of our country being generally acknowledged to be the severest of that sect; in heat of zeal surpassing not only Geneva, from whence they derive their pedigree, but all other reformed churches abroad. I had scarce got out of my childhood, when I was, by permission of Divine Providence, cast among the company of Papists; and my tender years and immature capacity, not being able to withstand the insinuations that were used to proselyte me to that way, I became quickly defiled with the pollutions thereof; and continued so for a time, until it pleased God, through his rich love and mercy, to deliver me out of those snares, and to give me a clear understanding of the evil of that way. In both these sects, I had abundant occasions to receive impressions contrary to this principle of love seeing the straitness of several of their doctrines, as well as their practice of persecution, do abundantly declare, how opposite they are to universal love. The time that intervened between my forsaking the Church of Rome, and uniting with those with whom I now stand engaged, I kept myself free from joining with any sort of people, though I took liberty to hearing appeared in print six years before. "This several. My converse was most with those was,' says William Penn, "the most comprewho inveigh much against judging, and such hensive of all his pieces. It came out at the kind of severity: which latitude may perhaps close of a long and sharp engagement between be esteemed the other extreme, opposite to the us of this kingdom, and a confederacy of adverpreciseness of these other sects; whereby Isaries of almost all persuasions. It was his also received an opportunity to know, what usually is pretended on that side likewise. As for those I am now united to, I justly esteem them to be the true followers and servants of Jesus Christ."

Through great love, watchfulness, and fidelity to the inward appearance of Jesus Christ, "the true Light," Robert Barclay early came forth a zealous and able witness for it, taking up his cross to the glory and friendship of this world, and despising the shame that attended his owning this testimony; for he esteemed "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt," and counted all things but loss in comparison of winning Christ, and being found in Him. After this manner, he rapidly advanced, it may be said, both with regard to stature and strength, to such a growth in grace and saving knowledge, as has been the admiration of many. It was not long before he was called out to the public ministry; and, receiving this gift as his greatest crown or dignity," laboured to fulfil the services required at his hand, in bringing others to the truth as it is in Jesus; and his labour was not in vain in the Lord.

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Before turning from these striking specimens of the effect of submission to Divine power in its operation on the soul, it will be proper, for the sake of those readers who may need such information, at least to advert very briefly to Robert Barclay's character as an author, and to one of his engagements in that line. He was considerably exercised in controversy, from the many contradictions which in that day were poured forth upon this view of the Truth, and upon him for its sake, chiefly in his own country. In these, he ever acquitted himself with honour to his religious profession; but particularly by "An Apology for the true Christian Divinity," held by the people called Quakers, which volume was published in Latin so early as the 28th year of his age; his first piece hav

happiness both to live in a more retired corner, and to enjoy at that time a space of quiet above his brethren; which, with the consideration of their three or four years' toil, and a sense of service in himself, put him upon undertaking and publishing this discourse, as an essay towards the prevention of future controversy. It first lays down our avowed principles of belief and practice-[after which] he has put the objec tions which he had collected out of our adversaries' books-and answers them; and lastly cites divers authors, both ancient and modern, especially some of the primitive ages, for further illustration and confirmation. The method and style of the book may be somewhat singu lar, and like a scholar; for we make that sort of learning no part of our divine science. But that was not to show himself; but out of his tenderness to scholars, and, as far as the simplicity and purity of the Truth would permit, in condescen sion to their education, and way of treating those points herein handled." It has passed through many English and also foreign editions, being translated into several languages. Among those, who from that day to the present have

joined the Society by convincement, not a few have been led to do so, from the perusal of this book. Several have been the testimonies given in its favour by authors of repute. "I am not ashamed," says one, "to own, that I have with great pleasure read over Mr. Barclay's Apology for Quakerism; and do really think it the most masterly, charitable, and reasonable system, that I have ever seen. It solves the numerous difficulties raised by other sects, and by turns thrown at one another, and shows all parts of Scripture to be uniform and consistent." Cato's Letters, or, Essays on Liberty, civil and religious, by Gordon and Trenchard, 1720, vol. iv. p. 256. Another author, Norris, a minister of the "Established Church," declares, "I cannot think Quakerism inconsiderable, as the principles of it are laid down and managed by Barclay. That great and general contempt they lie under, does not hinder me from thinking the sect of Quakers to be far the most considerable of any that divide from the Church, in case the Quakerism that is generally held, be the saine with that which Mr. Barclay has delivered to the world as such; whom I take to be so great a man, that I profess freely, I had rather engage against a hundred Bellarmins, Hardings, and Stapletons, than with one Barclay." And again, that he knew of no religion so rich in reputation for great men, but might be glad of the accession of such a writer. Of Divine Light, Tract. ii.

p. 32.

For Friends' Review,

SOME ACCOUNT OF JOHN CROOK. Our late and valuable friend John Griffith, informed Robert Dudley that John Crook, one of the earliest and most distinguished ministers amongst the people called Quakers, was remarkable on many accounts, especially during the violent persecutions of that people, in the reign of Charles II.a large portion whereof fell to

this man.

It was observable that his gift in the ministry was such, that he frequently, in these times of great affliction, whilst free from imprisonments, continued his declarations in public meetings for upwards of three hours, during the whole of which, such authority attended, as to convince many of his auditory that nothing short of a Divine commission could produce the baptizing effects attending his ministry; in consequence whereof, many were joined to the Society of which he was a member, through his labours, and became ornaments thereof.

He outlived those days of dark intolerance, some years, much beloved for the remembrance of his past services and sufferings in the noble cause of religion; and frequently appeared in the meetings of Friends in very long testimonies of sound doctrine and pleasing expressions. But some deeply exercised minds amongst his friends observed, with concern, that that energy of melting virtue, which had accompanied his gospel labours in former times, to their great consolation, was now very little, if at all, felt to attend his ministry.

In truth, to adopt nearly the words of a candid writer, Robert Barclay's qualifications for controversial labour, were unusually eminent; being Two of these weighty elders, from a sense of not only master of useful literature, but of a clear duty, when they found their minds suitably comprehension, a capacious reach of thought, a qualified, waited on him, and, with all the tenclose and convincing manner of reasoning, de- derness and deference due to his age, expelivered in a forcible style, though plain and un-rience and great worth, communicated their fears affected. The excellency of his temper, heightened by the influence of religion, preserved him in coolness, that his judgment was not blinded by any degree of passion; whilst his regard to undisguised truth prevented him from flattering error, or excusing calumny. His enlightened His enlightened mind penetrated to the bottom of his subject; and this imparted a clearness of method, which, with the weight of his arguments, proved him an overmatch for his antagonists.

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on this account, and intimated their wish that he would look at this matter, and seek to that Gracious Being, in whose service he had been so effectually engaged for many years, and with such remarkable success, for his blessed counsel on this subject, and at a suitable time favour

them with the result of his deliberation on what they had laid before him. He received their communication with great meekness, and, after some weeks, waited on them, in a broken, tender

It is not requisite here to enlarge any further frame of mind, letting them know, with many on this author's productions. An ample survey duct toward him, was a kindness that he should tears, that their brotherly, or rather fatherly conof them has been given by the author of A short Account of the Life and Writings of never forget, and that, upon deep thoughtfulness Robert Barclay," published in 1802. William on the subject referred to him, he found there Penn also wrote a preface to his Collected was ample cause for it, and he looked on them Works, in which there is a particular recommendation of the several treatises of which it consists. This introduction, for the lively spiritual sentiments pervading it, can scarcely be read without advantage by those who have a true relish for divine things.

(To be continued.)

as messengers of love from his great Master to warn him of his dangerous situation; and then related how he now found he had gradually and imperceptibly slidden off in these times of public tranquillity from receiving his ministry through that pure unmixed channel, through which he had formerly received it. The spring of the ministry, he said, during the fierce trials of per

not a military question; it is not a naval ques- into practice the very simple idea, that, apart tion; it is a question for civilians to decide. from the precepts of religion, which we do so When we are at war, then the men with red often quote, but so seldom practice, and upon the coats, and swords by their sides, may step in merest calculations of an enlightened self-interest, and do their work. But we are now in peace, nations have a far different mission upon earth and we wish to reap the fruits of peace; and in than to excite in each other mutual fear? How order to do that, we must calculate for ourselves long will it be before they discover the selfish the contingencies of a possible war. It is a objects of those who have an interest in persuadcivilian's question; it is a question for the tax-ing them that the name of a foreigner is synopayers, who have to maintain the cost of war-nymous with that of enemy? When will they it is a question for the merchants, for the manu- learn that, as children of the same Father, their facturers, for the shopkeepers, for the operatives, real and only enemies, those which they ought for the farmers of this country. What is this to struggle to destroy, are ignorance, oppression, prospect of a war? Where does it come from? misery, and superstition? that in proclaiming You, I say, are competent to judge, better than their mutual friendships, they will tend to the military men; you are more impartial; you are consolidation of peaceful relations with each disinterested; at all events, your interest does other?-when will they discover that the mainnot lie on the side of war. Any man who can tenance of formidable armaments, in countries read a book giving an account of France, who whose nationality is not seriously menaced, incan read a translation from a French newspaper, flicts an evil upon all, and confers benefits on who will take the trouble to investigate the statis- none? But, better to define my idea, do you tics of the progress of their manufactures, their not think that if, confident of the maintenance of commerce, and their wealth,-any man, I say, an honorable peace, we were to deduct from the who can study these things, is as competent as 500 millions francs which our army and navy any soldier to judge of the probability of war. I cost us, twenty millions to be applied to the eduhave had better opportunities than any soldier of cation of the people, and a like sum for the purstudying these things; and I say, there never pose of converting 20,000 soldiers into road was a time in the history of France and England makers; if we gave back to agriculture and when there was a greater tendency to a pacific manufactures 50,000 more soldiers, leaving in policy in France, and especially towards this our pockets the sum which they cost to pay and kingdom, than there is at this moment. support them-think you not that this would be There are five or six millions of proprietors of a good result of the entente cordiale. Do you real estate in France: you have not a tenth of not think that this example of common sense, the number in England. Those are all thrifty, and feeling of security given by us, would have painstaking, careful men, all with their little sav-its influence upon the other countries of Europe, ings, their little hoards of five-franc pieces, all most anxious to do something for their children, for there is not a more affectionate or domestic race on the earth than the French. I have seen with horror and shame, and indignation the way in which some of our newspapers have spoken of the French people..

Now,

would lead to other disarmaments, would facilitate everywhere those fiscal reforms which are postponed from day to day on the plea of the necessities of the treasury, and would give to productive industry that capital and labour which are now diverted into unproductive channels?"

While in a state of profound I want us to understand a little better about these peace, it is for the tax-payers of England to deforeigners. You may remember that, about cide whether you will run the risk of war and three weeks or a month ago, I had occasion to keep your money in your pockets, or whether address to the electors a few remarks at Newton, you will allow an additional number of men in on the occasion of the election of our friend Mr. red coats and blue jackets to live in idleness Henry, and there I let fall some remarks favoura- under pretence of protecting you. I am for actble to a reduction of our armaments, and show- ing justly and fairly, and holding out the olive ing how necessary it was that we should reduce branch of peace to all the world; and I am for our expenditure, to carry out our fiscal reforms. taking upon myself, so far as my share extends, I little dreamt then, that, within a few hours of all the risk of any thing that may happen to me, that time, a large meeting was held at Rouen, the without paying for another soldier or another Manchester of France, at which 1,800 persons sailor. But it is not merely the question of assembled at a public dinner to promote the pro- whether you will have more armaments, that gress of parliamentary reform: and there a gen-you, as civilians, are competent to decide. You tleman was making a speech so similar to my own, that he sent me a newspaper, and expressed his astonishment that our two speeches should have been made, without collusion, so similar to each other. I will read, if you please, this gentleman's remarks. This gentleman, M. Vicinet, says: How long will it take to turn from theory

have already laid out, or will expend this year, seventeen millions sterling upon your armaments; and it is a question upon which you are competent to decide, whether the best possible use is made of your money--whether, for instance, the navy for which you pay so largely, is really employed in the best way, or, at all events, in