^7 
 
 c\ 
 
MEMORIALS 
 
 JOHN FORD. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 SILVANUS THOMPSON 
 
 LONDON: 
 SAMUEL HARRIS & CO., 5, BISHOPSGATE STREET WITHOUT. 
 
 YOEK: 
 WILLIAM SESSIONS, 15, LOW OUSEGATE. 
 
 1877. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Amongst the instructions left by my beloved 
 friend John Ford were the following relating to his 
 Journals, bearing date 26th of Eleventh-Month, 
 1873. 
 
 " I wish my private Manuscripts of all kinds to come 
 under no other eye than that of my dear friend Silvanus 
 Thompson, until they have undergone his revision and 
 selection. 
 
 " I have Journals kept at intervals from the Sixth-Month, 
 1820, to the present time. I have at various periods re- 
 considered and recorded my reasons for the practice so long 
 continued. Primarily the benefit to myself has been the 
 motive. This benefit has been continually associated in my 
 mind with the words of the Psalmist, Ixxvii. 10, ( I will 
 remember the years of the right hand of the Most High/ 
 The reading over at times of these records of answered 
 prayers of constraining, restraining and directing grace 
 of help in extremities of counsel in difficulties of deliver- 
 ances and blessings of times of refreshing from the presence 
 of the Lord of heartfelt, personal love for a personal, 
 ever-present, living Saviour recurrence to these has often 
 refreshed my spirit and cheered me to hold on my way. 
 More especially at this late period of life, with fast failing 
 bodily powers, these memoirs kindle feelings of lively grati- 
 tude for the unnumbered mercies and blessings of the past, 
 
 943 
 
IV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 and help to cherish the confiding trust, that the same loving- 
 kindness which has followed me all my life hitherto will keep 
 me to the end. For these reasons and for others occurring 
 among the memoranda I do not feel at liberty to destroy 
 these memoirs and manuscripts. 
 
 " In addition to the foregoing, most of my memoranda 
 are the records of efforts directed to the conscientious fulfil- 
 ment of professional duties, in dependence upon Divine 
 counsel and direction sought in earnest prayer, heard and 
 answered, and followed by grateful, heart-felt acknowledg- 
 ment. With these thoughts, I leave the disposal of these 
 Manuscripts to the judgment of my dear friend Silvanus 
 Thompson and to such friends as he may incline to take 
 into counsel, after careful revision by himself. 
 
 " In coming to these conclusions, my desire is that what- 
 ever use may be made of the records whether private or 
 more public, they may tend to promote the interests of 
 Christian education and to the encouragement of all engaged 
 in the solemnly responsible work. 
 
 "JOHN FOBD." 
 
 I believe that the records of John Ford's pro- 
 fessional career are well calculated to cheer and 
 encourage others who are labouring in the same 
 deeply important occupation, a calling in which 
 trials and discouragements arise such as can be fully 
 apprehended by those only who have had personal 
 experience of them. It has appeared to me that 
 the Journals also contain much that is valuable 
 in the record of the strife maintained in the daily 
 battle of life, by one in whom the work of Divine 
 
INTRODUCTION. V 
 
 Grace was eminently conspicuous in toning down 
 and bringing into subjection much that betokened 
 human infirmity. 
 
 Some readers may be disappointed that the 
 extracts from John Ford's Journals do not contain 
 more of the details of his professional life. It may 
 be said in explanation that he was in the habit of 
 keeping a separate u School Journal ;" but as this 
 necessarily contained much of a personal nature 
 respecting many now living, he destroyed a great 
 portion of these memoranda a year or two before 
 his decease. 
 
 It was my intention to include in these Memorials 
 many of John Ford's " First-day evening Addresses " 
 to his Scholars ; but finding that so doing would 
 make the book undesirably large, I have omitted 
 most of them, in hopes that if life be spared I may 
 be able, from the abundant materials at my disposal, 
 to prepare another volume to consist mainly of 
 them. I am the more willing to adopt this course 
 as John Ford himself contemplated their publication, 
 and had made some preparations within a twelve- 
 month of his decease for carrying out his design. 
 
 It will be noticed that the extracts of the Jour- 
 nals consist largely of records of mercies and " times 
 
VI INTRODUCTION. 
 
 of refreshing "rather than of failures or mis-steppings. 
 In reference to this point John Ford writes : (4 mo. 
 23, 1865.) 
 
 " I dare not indulge in a morbid anatomy of thoughts 
 and feelings, by a record of temptations yielded to or re- 
 sisted. I know them but too well. But the loving kindnesses 
 of my Lord through all the past, I am too apt in the cloudy 
 day to forget, and thus to live below the privileges even of a 
 poor, erring, sinful believer such as I am ; and so I record 
 them still." 
 
 I have felt deeply the responsibility thrown upon 
 me by my dear friend as to the disposal of his private 
 papers. It has been my earnest desire to let him 
 speak for himself, and to add only such brief explan- 
 atory and narrative matter as seemed needful. My 
 acknowledgments are due to various kind friends 
 and correspondents for valuable letters and other 
 contributions that enrich the volume. 
 
 SILVANUS THOMPSON. 
 
 1, ST. MARY'S, YORK, 
 9th mo. 26th, 1877. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 I. 
 
 Page, 
 ROCHESTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 
 
 II. 
 
 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK . , . . . . . . . . 22 
 
 III. 
 
 BOOTHAM . . 43 
 
 IV. 
 
 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S 84 
 
 V. 
 EVENING OF LIFB 164 
 
 VI. 
 
 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES . . . . . . 233 
 
Yea thro' life, death, thro' sorrow and thro' sinning 
 He shall suffice me, for He hath sufficed : 
 
 Christ is the end, for Christ was the beginning, 
 Christ the beginning, for the end is Christ. 
 
 F. W. H. MYERS. 
 
MEMORIALS 
 
 OF 
 
 JOHN FORD 
 
 SECTION L EOCHESTEE. 
 
 JOHN FORD, the second of the five sons of Joseph 
 and Elizabeth Ford, was born on the 21st of Third 
 month, 1801, in the City of Worcester, where his 
 father carried on the business of a baker. For some 
 generations the family had been members of the 
 Society of Friends. 
 
 At the early age of six years and four months, 
 John Ford was sent along with his elder brother 
 Joseph to a boarding School at North Newton, sub- 
 sequently removed to Overthorp, near Banbury. 
 Whilst there he lost his mother, who died almost 
 instantaneously from an attack of apoplexy as she 
 was waiting in the surgery of their medical atten- 
 dant to consult him about her youngest child, On 
 leaving Overthorp, after remaining at home a few 
 months, he went to Ackworth School in 1811. Little 
 is known of his course there, but from what in- 
 formation has been gathered from some of his 
 
2 ROCHESTER. [1815. 
 
 contemporaries, and the fact that he was appointed 
 a " monitor," he appears to have maintained a 
 respectable character in the school.* His principal 
 companion and friend besides his brothers, was 
 Thomas Pumphrey, also a native of Worcester, the 
 future superintendent of Ackworth School. The 
 close friendship between them continued till the 
 death of the latter in 1862. 
 
 Leaving Ackworth School in Third month, 1815, 
 at the age of fourteen, John Ford was articled for 
 seven years as apprentice to Robert Styles, a school- 
 master of Rochester. There is an almost total dearth 
 of information respecting him during the earlier part 
 of his apprenticeship. Happily in his twentieth 
 year he began to keep a Journal, which restricted 
 as it was in the earlier portions to the few weeks of 
 the annual vacation, affords some insight during 
 those years into his pursuits as well as his intellectual 
 and spiritual growth. Later in life, after making 
 abstracts of the contents of these early records, and 
 copies of portions of them, he committed the originals 
 to the flames. From this revised manuscript which 
 extends down to 1852 the following extracts are 
 taken : , 
 
 I have several manuscript records of the past. I have 
 often found it instructive, sometimes encouraging, perhaps 
 sometimes gratifying to self to read over these records. 
 
 * John Ford used to relate that the only time he was put into the " light 
 and airy rooms" at Ackworth, was (hy an apprentice) for the offence of leaping 
 over a pool of water, left after a thunder-storm in the shed-court. 
 
JEt 19.] ROCHESTER. 3 
 
 Sometimes too they have kindled love and gratitude in the 
 recognition of the " arm unseen." It seems time to deter- 
 mine what to do with them. I feel hardly at liberty to burn 
 them all, and yet there is much in them not worth preserving 
 if even there is anything that is. Nevertheless I may perhaps 
 still find instruction in reverting to the leading characteristics. 
 "Wherefore I propose to make an abstract : 
 
 The earliest record is a holiday journal commencing 6th 
 of Sixth month, 1820. I was then nineteen years and two 
 months old. This summer Robert Styles, with whom I had 
 been since the 25th of Third month, 1815, as an apprentice, 
 gave up his school at Boley Hill, Rochester, to Richard L. 
 "Weston, and I was transferred with the rest of the stock. 
 The journal extends to the 17th of Seventh month. It 
 contains many traces of affection for several interesting boys, 
 one of whom continues to this day an attached friend. With 
 regard to occupations, it seems they had been various. 
 Manual labour of many kinds was expected and performed 
 by young men in my position. This system ended with the 
 departure of Robert Styles and the accession of R. L. Weston 
 and his wife. The journal then notes time devoted to French, 
 Latin, Mapping, translating French into English verse, &o. 
 In the way of amusements, riding, boating and cricket are 
 included, also bathing in the beautiful Medway. 
 
 In this journal I see no trace or scarcely a trace of religious 
 feeling. There is one memorandum of expression of thank- 
 fulness to God after a day spent very pleasantly as I then 
 deemed it. Happily not one record is associated with the 
 smallest recollection of any vicious propensity or act. I can 
 feel grateful for this to-day, if I did not appreciate it then. 
 Affection was my idol. I had been long isolated from all 
 ties of consanguinity, and so fixed my affections on a few as 
 
-I ROCHESTER. [1821. 
 
 above noted with an intensity unequalled by any other senti- 
 ment till a higher love found place in my heart, and these 
 were in some measure subordinated. [1853.] 
 
 7 mo. 30, 1821. Accompanied E. L. W. to London, 
 travelling by steamboat from Gravesend, the first time by 
 this then new mode of locomotion. [In this visit there is 
 notice of going to Westminster Abbey to see the Coronation 
 decorations, George IV. having been recently crowned. 
 Returned from London with twenty-two scholars. Thus 
 ends this second vacation journal. It appears to contain 
 some traces of a sense of want, some perception of a need of 
 patience, kindness, forgiveness, forbearance, &o. ; but yet 
 scarcely an indication of where and how help was to be 
 obtained. Still the same absorbing affection for two or three 
 interesting and affectionate boys. The vacation was more 
 distinguished by frolic and gaiety than any previous or 
 subsequent one. Happily again there hang about it no 
 criminal recollections, except that of forgetfulness or ignor- 
 ance of that which can alone gild the past the Love of God 
 in Jesus Christ. 1853.] 
 
 1822. [I find notices of trains of thought in meetings 
 for worship that indicate the dawn of morning light ; also 
 of an intense perception of enjoyment in the beauties of 
 natural scenery. 1853.] 
 
 1823. [Notices of solitary walks along the banks of the 
 Severn and in other beautiful localities in which mingled 
 with some sentiment alism, I see much of vivid enjoyment of 
 scenery the harmonies and beauties of nature (not ex- 
 tinguished now by double years) and then beginning to be 
 tinged with holier aspirations. 1853.] 
 
 6 mo. 29. [The anniversary of my father's wedding. 
 All that remained of our family once more assembled in the 
 
ALL 22 ] ROCHESTER. 5 
 
 paternal home, the first time for sixteen years, the last 
 time ! 1853.] My thoughts, turned to those whose place 
 on earth shall know them no more : [my mother struck down 
 by apoplexy in a moment in 1809, my eldest brother Joseph 
 drowned whilst bathing in 1815] and believing as I do that 
 the exchange has been for them a good exchange earnest 
 desires arose in my mind that I might by following their 
 footsteps finally attain the desired haven : but the know- 
 ledge of my many deviations forcibly brought to my mind 
 the language of Cowper, 
 
 " But ine, scarce hoping 1 to attain that rest, 
 Always from port withheld, always distressed, 
 Me howling blasts drive devious, tempest-tossed, 
 Sails ripped, seams opening wide, and compass lost, 
 And day by day some current's thwarting force 
 Sets me more distant from a prosperous course." 
 
 7 mo. 10. [A memorandum occurs at this date that seems 
 to exhibit the sentimental merging into something better.] 
 Walking along the Severn on a wet mizzling evening, 
 spiritless and desponding, the beautiful lines of Moore oc- 
 curred to me, 
 
 " There's nothing dark, below, above, 
 But in its gloom I trace Thy love ; 
 And meekly wait that moment, when 
 Thy touch shall turn all bright again ! " 
 
 Cheered and encouraged by this beautiful sentiment, I re- 
 gained a more lively air and a lighter heart, resolving with 
 humility and distrust of my own strength to pursue the path 
 of rectitude. 
 
 [Another note of a lonely meditative walk, concludes as 
 follows] : How encouraging to the mind which conscious of 
 numerous failings and frailties still wishes at times to keep 
 the narrow road, is the following. 
 
 " He reads the language of a silent tear, 
 And sii-'hs are incense from a heart sincere." 
 
6 ROCHESTER. [1823. 
 
 7 mo. 27. Went to meeting with this evening, 
 
 for the last time perhaps at Worcester. It was a solemn 
 meeting to me. I was enabled earnestly to desire for myself 
 that I might be endowed with strength sufficient for the 
 weight of my fast approaching engagements, and with that 
 patience, meekness and condescension so requisite to one 
 engaged in the arduous and important task of educating 
 others. 
 
 1 mo. 13, 1824. I frequently and I think with sincerity 
 resolve to be more guarded in some particulars ; and then in 
 one short hour all seems forgotten as though it had not been. 
 We are now commencing business again. Oh may He who 
 was meek and lowly of heart graciously condescend to be my 
 teacher, and be pleased to create a more earnest desire to 
 become His scholar. I see increasingly the beauty of meek- 
 ness, humility and forbearance. May I be more and more 
 enabled to practise those excellent Christian virtues, and 
 with reverence and tears I write, may the Almighty of His 
 infinite goodness grant His blessing on my labours during 
 the present half year. 
 
 6 mo. 9. Private interview with a scholar who had 
 given me much trouble. To a few words kindly spoken, he 
 replied that he was extremely sorry, and that when he re- 
 turned to school he would endeavour to avoid troubling me 
 by his conduct. After this I took a walk in the fields, and 
 though looking back on the half year just elapsed I find 
 much, very much, to deplore, yet the remembrance of this 
 interview and of one or two other times, created a feeling of 
 humble gratitude, and a cheering hope that I was yet, though 
 totally unworthy, an object of the compassionate regard of 
 my Heavenly Father. 
 
 6 mo. 20. Favoured to feel the spirit of supplication, and, 
 
JEl. 23.] ROCHESTER. 7 
 
 with tears confessed my many failings and entreated for 
 pardon. I know whilst thus writing how very frail, how 
 liable to err, how continually un watchful I am, but I pray 
 that I may yet be enabled to persevere. 
 
 During this vacation John Ford was engaged in 
 teaching an interesting little boy, W. Curry Hillier ; 
 who subsequently became an architect, built a Chris- 
 tian church near the Jaffa gate in Jerusalem, and 
 died there. Latin and Greek also occupied J. F.'s 
 attention several hours almost daily ; on one occasion 
 8 J hours study are noted ; on another, ten hours 
 spent on Homer, Ovid and writing Latin prose. 
 
 7 mo. 27. The holidays are now over. I am once more 
 starting afresh. Oh may I not only start well but continue 
 to run well. I know by mournful experience that I am 
 utterly incapable of doing so by any strength of my own ; 
 therefore may I make it my more than daily endeavour 
 to look unto the never failing source of strength. Of patience, 
 humility and meekness I stand in peculiar need ; may I so 
 seek after these as to find them. 
 
 [The next series of memoranda relate to the school session. 
 They abound in self-condemnation in reference to the want 
 of patience, meekness and forbearance. In looking back on 
 the period I can see that much of this arose from over- 
 tasked physical and mental powers. The experience has 
 been useful to me in my care of young men as Teachers. 1853]. 
 
 8 mo. 21. I have been on duty this week, and in some re- 
 spects have been favoured to get through pretty well. Sometimes 
 I believe when I make use of angry expressions and manner, 
 it results in a great degree from an almost entire exhaustion 
 
8 ROCHESTER. [1824. 
 
 of the physical powers. [I am more inclined to accept that 
 excuse to-day than when I wrote it : that is, in looking back 
 at the modes of teaching, the circumstances of the school, 
 the head having little authority, exhaustion of spirits 
 acting upon a highly sensitive nervous system and a mind 
 consequently subject to intense feeling, account for these 
 outbreaks and the ever recurring lamentations over them. 
 The strife was maintained. 1853]. 
 
 8 mo. 29. Called on ; asked to take wine : took a 
 
 glass : a second pressed : refused, but as was peremptory 
 
 I yielded much against my will. I will not natter myself 
 that I shall for the future be able to resist earnest entreaty 
 to take a second. I intend not to do it, and if I should I 
 will make a memorandum of it. 
 
 9 mo. 12. I have destroyed several cantos of a poem, 
 which, though I have highly admired parts of it, I can no 
 longer retain with peace. 
 
 A subsequent entry records the destruction for the 
 same reason of a set of the works of the same author, 
 which had been a much valued gift. 
 
 11 mo. 8, To-day after dinner I went up to my bedroom 
 and read a chapter in the Testament, and endeavoured to 
 prepare myself for the duties of the afternoon : but alas, 
 before the afternoon was half gone I got entirely out of 
 temper and was very cross. 
 
 In a retrospect at the close of the year 1 824, the 
 following memoranda occur : 
 
 Convinced of the danger of conviviality, I some time 
 ago had resolved never to drink more than one glass of 
 wine at a sitting, but for want of firmness I have frequently 
 
JEt. 23.] ROCHESTER. 9 
 
 broken through my resolution. One evening lately I supped 
 
 at *s : I drank one glass, resisted the second for a 
 
 time gave way to banter and drank three or four 
 more. Another failing is I talk too much at random. If 
 in the course of conversation an idea arises likely to excite 
 mirth, I almost invariably give it utterance. I sometimes 
 omit to devote a little time at noon and in the evening to 
 retirement and perusal of the Scriptures. 
 
 New Year's Day, 1825. With respect to employment I 
 am more and more convinced that the important one in 
 which I am engaged is the right one, and that to which I 
 am to look not only as the means of subsistence but as the 
 post allotted me to fill, so that with my present impressions 
 I think I should be unwilling to accept a situation affording 
 better pecuniary profits were such to offer. With respect to 
 the pursuit of knowledge, I desire to use all the diligence 
 and ardour that may consist with and subserve knowledge 
 which shall remain when tongues shall cease. 
 
 1 mo. 30. I have endeavoured with some success to avoid 
 
 anger. I have been frequently much provoked with 
 
 [a sort of boy Topsy, 1854] : but yesterday I had a little 
 conversation with him, apparently accidental, he being the 
 first to introduce it, in which his manner seemed once more 
 to revive my hopes. I spoke to him in the spirit of love and 
 meekness, and I trust that the effect on both him and 
 myself was beneficial. 
 
 2 mo. 17. This week I was on duty, and had some 
 delinquents to detain this afternoon. I omitted to do it, not 
 wishing to dissipate any feelings suggested by the foregoing 
 topic [an address to the boys on the death of a young person], 
 and desirous too of availing myself of the argument of 
 kindness. In the evening some of them when retiring to 
 
10 ROCHESTER. [1825. 
 
 bed noticed it to me and said they would try to be good boys 
 
 in return. I encouraged them so to do. I also spoke to 
 
 [the Topsy before noted] : he received my remarks kindly 
 but he is too much like myself, he so soon forgets ! 
 
 3 mo. 16. The powerful ministry of Ann Alexander, who 
 was visiting Eochester, had I believe a stimulating and 
 encouraging effect on my mind. [I completed my 24th 
 year and my 10th of residence at Eochester about this time. 
 Both these circumstances appear to have awakened serious 
 thoughtfulness, and to have excited to renewed strife against 
 all evil a strife which possibly might have been more 
 successful, had the Saviour and His love, and faith in Him, 
 and reference to Him and prayer expressly offered in His 
 name been more frequent exercises of my own mind, and 
 more frequent topics of the ministry. I trace much contrition 
 of mind, much of prayerful exercise ; and yet possibly a 
 misconception as to the mode by which peace of mind and a 
 sense of reconciliation were to be attained : perhaps some- 
 thing of a " going about to establish " my own righteousness. 
 And yet how gratefully I think I can say in reviewing these 
 painful struggles, how gratefully now I can recognize the 
 hand that led me through the wilderness, and that has kept 
 me to this day. 1854]. 
 
 [Will any eye ever glance over this page and gather en- 
 couragement from the following? 1854]. 4 mo. 16. Took 
 a solitary walk after tea ; reflected with sorrow on the expired 
 week because I have been extremely cross several times. 
 
 5 mo. 1. This evening again, during a few solitary mo- 
 ments in the schoolroom whilst the boys were at supper, 
 sorrow for the manner in which my time was occupied in 
 meeting seemed to prevail. [This is one of the most frequently 
 recorded difficulties of these my early days. They stand in 
 
/Et. 24.] ROCHESTER. 11 
 
 marked contrast with the notices of heavenly favour and 
 enjoyments in the retirement of my own bedroom in solitary 
 walks numberless, and in silent hours in the schoolroom, of 
 which after eight o'clock, I was often the sole occupant, 
 sometimes till midnight and beyond. I believe there is a 
 wondrous and most merciful adaptation in the Divine dealings 
 with man, varying with his mental habits and constitution. 
 To a mind of great power and able to control the imagination, 
 and to concentrate itself upon the solemnities of united pub- 
 lic worship our silent meetings may be and doubtless are 
 seasons of refreshing enjoyment. My mind was never such 
 but unconcentrative a winged imagination too little subject 
 to control. Highly as I estimate the privilege of public 
 worship as beyond all price, much as I owe it, in the remem- 
 brance of instruction sealed on my spirit, sometimes by vocal 
 ministry, sometimes by the immediate teachings of the 
 Divine Spirit and often as I can recall seasons in which I 
 have been sensible of the Divine presence covering our 
 assembly with a solemnity beyond the power of language 
 to describe yet the heat of conflict the wrestling in 
 prayer the overwhelming sense of gratitude and love, the 
 flashing train of thought and feeling too rapid and too deep 
 for the poverty of language to express these have been 
 they still are the exercises, the enjoyments of brief moments 
 of intensity in the solitary walk, in the silent chamber. 
 1854]. 
 
 5 mo. 10. Yery unkind. Scarcely anything like meek- 
 ness or gentleness in me. I feel this evening as if a line 
 from Milton expressed my condition, " Exhausted, spiritless, 
 afflicted, fallen ! " 
 
 5 mo. 12. This day I have felt the tendering influence 
 of Divine Love : for this unmerited favour may I feel 
 
12 ROCHESTER. [1825. 
 
 grateful this evening. [And so the conflict was maintained. 
 " I was brought low and He helped me." 1854]. 
 
 6 mo. 13. Though I think I have got through the half 
 year just closing better than any preceding one, I sincerely 
 hope that the next may be much better : there is abundance 
 of room for improvement. Unkindness, to give it no harsher 
 name, has been too often the stamp of my conduct, though 
 I have generally been favoured to see my error, to acknow- 
 ledge it or to make amends for it. Oh that this spirit may 
 be entirely rooted out, and instead of it, the meekness, 
 gentleness and forbearance of our Holy pattern, Christ 
 Jesus, implanted. 
 
 7 mo. 10. Thomas Pumphrey spoke in meeting, "Are 
 there not some amongst you who have heard a voice saying, 
 * this is the way, walk in it ? ' I am certain there are such. 
 This is no other than the voice of Christ, calling, inviting 
 and alluring us to follow Him." He went on to allude to 
 the calling of the several apostles as described Matt. iv. 18 22, 
 dwelling on the word ' immediately ' no conferring with 
 flesh and blood that we must be willing to follow Christ 
 not only to the Temple and the Mount, but also to the Garden 
 and to Calvary that the same feeling of desertion which 
 prompted the words " My Grod, my God, why hast Thou for- 
 saken me ?" sometimes attended His faithful followers. Before 
 I came to Worcester I had a prospect of a requiring of a very 
 arduous and distressing character. Since I have been at 
 home it has revived with great force, but I had hitherto 
 avoided it and endeavoured to get from under it. It was 
 again brought before me whilst sitting in meeting. I felt 
 (something like a prayer for resignation, at the same time 
 wishing for some prospect of escape. Just at this moment 
 Thomas Pumphrey appeared in prayer. He prayed for 
 
JEt. 24.] ROCHESTER. i;j 
 
 those wlio miglit be thinking the Divine requirings hard 
 that they might be strengthened to submit to do whatever 
 the Lord might be requiring at their hand, thinking nothing 
 too trivial, but yielding implicit, unreserved obedience that 
 those who had in some degree come out of bondage into the 
 glorious liberty of the sons of Grod, might be preserved in 
 deep humility that those who had to drink of the cup of 
 affliction might witness His everlasting arms to be underneath 
 for their preservation. Part of this seemed so applicable to 
 my state of mind that it appeared to me his prayer was 
 granted, and strength was given me to submit. Great 
 tenderness of spirit was prevalent with me till the close of 
 the meeting, so that when T. P. shook hands with me after 
 meeting, I was obliged to turn hastily from him to conceal 
 my emotion. I walked home with my dear father and did 
 what I believed to have been required of me, and found 
 inexpressible satisfaction, resulting from obedience, so that I 
 could have uttered the voice of thanksgiving which did 
 indeed rise in my heart ! [It was the simple acknowledg- 
 ment of a fault committed years ago ; humiliating as it was 
 to an over-sensitive nature, it was abundantly blessed : few 
 things have seemed hard since : it was in some degree taking 
 upon me the yoke of Christ borne since that day sometimes 
 restlessly and impatiently, but never I trust shaken off; 
 more and more meekly, more and more willingly may I ever 
 bear it ! 1854]. 
 
 9 mo. 18. I was on duty last week got out of temper 
 terribly on Sixth-day better on Seventh. * * * * [Terribly 
 cross as I wrote myself to be, I can yet remember a maxim 
 that helped as a counterpoise never to go to bed at variance 
 with anyone if it could possibly be prevented by a concession 
 a kind word, a kind look a friendly farewell and so though 
 often terribly cross, I had a very large share of enjoyment in 
 
14 ROCHESTER. [1826. 
 
 the affectionate attachment of a large number of interesting 
 
 youths. 1854]. 
 
 6 mo. 12, 1826. This day brings another half-year to a 
 close. The retrospect is perhaps less painful than that of 
 many preceding ones. Of all that affords pleasure in the 
 review, of all the instances in which the spirit of love and 
 kindness has checked the propensity to impatience or anger, 
 the praise belongs to Him alone without whose aid I am 
 nothing. To Him I desire to return the tribute of a grateful 
 heart for His innumerable blessings. Notwithstanding my 
 weaknesses and failings, Divine help has at times been very 
 near. The remembrance of it is transcendently precious. 
 Love has increased in a remarkable degree amongst the 
 members of our large family. I do sincerely rejoice in the 
 belief that many of my beloved young friends here have 
 witnessed a growth in that which is supremely good. 
 
 11 mo. 30. To-day after dinner, I thought of retiring to 
 my room as usual for a few minutes, when a suggestion 
 crossed my mind that it was of no use, but something like a 
 solemn farce or mockery. However I felt disposed to reject 
 the suggestion and went as usual. I read a few verses in 
 the New Testament one seemed to arrest my attention " Peter 
 followed afar off." I felt an earnest desire that I might still 
 aim at following, though I felt myself exceedingly " far off." 
 Tenderness and contrition revived ; I confessed my extreme 
 un worthiness and asked for help. Since then I have felt 
 more cheerfulness and serenity than I have known for a 
 long time. 
 
 Family troubles which need not be referred to 
 more particularly, had for some years been casting 
 their depressing shades over John Ford's path. 
 
JEt. 2.5.] ROCHESTER. 15 
 
 About this period they reached their climax ; and at 
 times they seemed almost overwhelming. Trials of 
 this kind were permitted to be his lot till far ad- 
 vanced in life. Yet it was evident that these 
 troubles were blessed to his spiritual growth, and 
 from his own deep experience he was enabled to 
 enter into close sympathy with others in their afflic- 
 tions. 
 
 1827. [In looking back on this time of deep distress, I 
 think I can thankfully acknowledge the preserving love and 
 mercy of my heavenly Father to me in that I was not also 
 a fugitive or worse. How often in those days did He forgive 
 and restore, and when " in sin and. sorrow sunk revive my 
 soul with grace." I can dimly at least see too the wisdom 
 of the discipline of distress and sorrow. " .Who hath made 
 thee to diifer ? " 1857]. 
 
 1 mo. 7. Dined with . In the course of conversa- 
 tion he applied the term mysticism to some sentiments which 
 I advanced. Oh may neither this, nor far sharper sarcasms 
 ever shake my confidence in Divine guidance even in small 
 matters. Those who earnestly seek it, will I believe never 
 be confounded. The prospect may at times appear gloomy 
 and events contrary, but in the end all will be found to have 
 been directed by Eternal Wisdom. 
 
 2 mo. 21. Let me put repining and murmuring far away, 
 and endeavour with heartfelt, humble resignation to say 
 " Thy will be done " ! Oh may the gracious intents of 
 Divine Goodness in these multiplied dispensations of sorrow 
 be carried forward to their completion unfrustrated by my 
 perverse and unsubdued will. This evening I trust an 
 
10 ROCHESTER. [1827. 
 
 humble and resigned spirit is in a very small degree preva- 
 lent. Oh ! I could even rejoice in these afflictions, could 
 cherish them as the choicest blessings, did they but humble 
 my proud heart. Oh ! may they yet affect it ! Neither wealth 
 nor honour, nor fame nor long life do I crave. Grant me O 
 merciful Father the true riches, and I will be even more than 
 gratefully content ! " Thou hast been my help, leave me 
 not neither forsake me, God of my salvation." 
 
 3 mo. 21. Entered my 27th year. Eose soon after six, 
 took a walk to the dell, read in my pocket Testament. Grot 
 back just as the bell rang for school. Several times to-day I 
 have felt desirous to attain to a feeling of gratitude and that 
 gratitude might become a strong influential principle. 
 "If ye love Me keep My commandments." May I be 
 enabled to maintain the watch so that when the 27th year 
 of my life draws towards its close, it may present less cause 
 of regret in retrospect than its predecessors. If the silver 
 cord should be loosed ere that period arrives, may the day's 
 work have so kept pace with the day as that I may enter- 
 tain a humble hope in the mercy of God through the ever 
 blessed Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ, that all will be 
 well. 
 
 5 mo. 15. I could at times almost believe that I am in 
 my right field of labour, but my own many deficiencies seem 
 to forbid my labouring as I would for the good of others. How 
 can I recommend meekness, kindness, gentleness, humility and 
 the rest of that lovely Christian train, whilst manifesting 
 that I do not possess them myself? " Create in me a clean 
 heart, God ; and renew a right spirit within me. Then 
 will I teach transgressors Thy ways." Oh that I could with 
 David deeply feel the necessity of this and earnestly pray 
 for it ; THEN indeed I think I could with some boldness 
 endeavour to teach. 
 
JEt. 26.] ROCHESTER. 17 
 
 This afternoon was perhaps the happiest I ever knew. I 
 do not think I either said or did a single unkind thing. I 
 felt grateful for the blessing. I am most sure it was not of 
 myself. 
 
 7 mo. 26.- As I was leaving the school-room this afternoon, 
 the thought occurred that probably the next time I should 
 enter there, I should have commenced my solemn engage- 
 ments again ; and feeling the spirit of prayer prevalent, I 
 paused, and on the bended knee and under a sense of 
 my own utter inability to preserve myself, petitioned the 
 Almighty to protect and guard me from evil, and to increase 
 in me the love and fear of Him, my gracious God. Oh how 
 precious is the spirit of prayer ! Even now I would entreat 
 the Lord to take away from me all evil tempers, all anger, 
 impatience, ungentleness and unkindness, and to bestow 
 upon me a humble, a meek, forbearing, forgiving disposition, 
 and to be with me when tried and tempted. 
 
 10 mo. 24. " I sometimes rejoice/' says Henry Martyn, 
 " that I am not 27 years of age, and that, unless God should 
 order it otherwise, I may double the number in constant and 
 successful labour." Such were his sentiments when at my 
 present age, and what are mine? Perhaps somewhat as 
 follows : "I am not 27 years of age, and am almost ready 
 to faint by the way, and to long for the end of the journey. 
 If I look forward to a continuance in my present field of 
 labour, my heart sinks within me ; unsubdued evil within, 
 so frequently manifesting itself without, makes me fear that 
 I shall be an unprofitable servant at last." [So I wrote in 
 1827. More than twice twenty-seven years have now passed 
 over me and I am still in a like field of labour. I look back 
 upon those early years of trial and of much severe self- 
 condemnation, not only as useful discipline but as useful 
 
18 ROCHESTER. [1828. 
 
 experience. Much that tried me, impatience and its humilia- 
 ting results arose from over pressure. Nearly all the moral 
 weight of a school of more than sixty boys fell upon me. 
 My days were sometimes 16, 17 and 18 hours up before 
 six retiring between eleven and twelve highly sensitive 
 and easily excited nervous system poor digestive powers 
 frequent headaches ceaseless activity all these combinations 
 account for much that distressed me. They have taught me 
 that early hours of retiring cares and burdens better 
 adapted to the ability to bear them ultimate authority 
 to appeal to in difficulty, would tend greatly to aid a young 
 teacher to fulfil his daily duties with more peace of mind 
 than was often my portion. 1858.] 
 
 3 mo. 23, 1828. On sitting down in meeting to-day some- 
 thing very precious was felt a perception of the full 
 adequacy of the Saviour's sacrifice to atone for sin. This 
 appeared of inestimable value. I felt the need of it and 
 some degree of faith in its sufficiency. This was a strength 
 to me through the day. A hope in eternal mercy seemed 
 like a cordial under trials and discouragements. I find myself 
 very unwilling to get up early enough to read, &c., before 
 commencing. I am afraid it is idleness, and yet I feel very 
 languid and unrested in the morning. 
 
 John Ford had now entered his twenty-eighth 
 year, and he had been thirteen years a teacher at 
 Rochester. The time for a change had arrived. 
 William Simpson, the writer of the letter alluded to 
 in the following extract, had formerly resided at 
 Rochester, but for the last five or six years he had 
 kept a boarding school in Lawrence Street, York. 
 On account of health he was desirous of withdrawing 
 
JEt. 27.] ROCHESTER. 19 
 
 from the profession, and he applied to John Ford to 
 see how far he was prepared to become his successor. 
 Ten years previously Yorkshire Quarterly Meeting 
 of the Society of Friends had had under considera- 
 tion the establishment of a boarding school under 
 its own control, " which would afford a liberal, 
 guarded and religious education, on moderate terms, 
 to the sons of Friends who were not considered 
 objects of Ackworth School." The project how- 
 ever was not then carried into effect. But now 
 when William Simpson announced his intention of 
 giving up his establishment, which had been carried 
 on in premises the property of the Quarterly Meeting 
 then considered eligible and commodious, the scheme 
 was again revived. After full consideration the 
 Quarterly Meeting decided to establish a school ; a 
 committee of management was empowered to carry 
 out the details, and John Ford was appointed Head 
 Master or Superintendent. 
 
 3 mo. 28. This evening I received a letter from William 
 Simpson of York, which may possibly lead to a new epoch 
 in my life. My first thoughts were painful as involving the 
 idea of leaving a place so full of beloved recollections, and 
 friends whom I love so truly, as well as so many dear ones 
 among the scholars, such altogether as I may never meet 
 again giving up my beautiful flock to a stranger, and 
 disappointing some who had looked to my continuance here. 
 In the other scale I placed the idea of increased ability to 
 minister to the comfort of my dear father, whose residence 
 at York favoured this idea. Perhaps too some visions of 
 
20 ROCHESTER. [1828. 
 
 possible happiness floated before me. But alas ! I am 
 and I sometimes really feel myself to be utterly unworthy 
 of the least of the Lord's mercies. I believe I can honestly 
 say in reference to this prospect, my prayer is that if not 
 right for me it may be frustrated. 
 
 3 mo. 31. Wrote to W. Simpson to say I was willing to 
 treat with him. I did not come hastily to this conclusion, 
 not if I may say so, till I had sought for the direction and 
 committed the matter to the disposal of Infinite Wisdom. 
 
 6 mo. 10. Another half-year has at length passed away ! 
 How I long to be clothed with that spirit of kindness and 
 love which is 
 
 " Ne'er ruffled by those cataracts and breaks 
 "Which humour interposed too often makes." 
 
 In reviewing the past I find abundant room for improvement, 
 and long for the time of commencing again, and making 
 under the Divine blessing a fresh effort to attain a little nearer 
 to the high standard which I strive to keep in view, and to 
 illustrate if possible in some degree the beautiful character of 
 a true Christian teacher. This is a high ambition, but a 
 worthy one I believe. That I may continue, though through 
 trials and difficulties, discouragements and infirmities, to 
 follow after, if so that I may attain, is my very sincere 
 desire. 
 
 6 mo. 15. In my retirement in my bed-room, I took 
 up " Sacred Poetry " and found the hymn " There is a 
 fountain," &c. The sacred spirit of prayer seemed poured 
 upon me instantaneously ; and prostrating myself as at the 
 footstool of the throne, I found more than usual freedom of 
 access, and poured out my prayer before the Lord, offering 
 also thanksgiving for the fountain opened, entreating that 
 I might experience its blessed cleansing power ; pleading in 
 
JEt. 27.] ROCHESTER, 21 
 
 the name and through the merits of Him through whom alone 
 we have access by one Spirit unto the Father, even our Lord 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 9 mo. 13. I spoke to and about disorder 
 
 in meeting, and from their conduct when spoken to I felt 
 much disposed to be angry ; but it happily occurred to me to 
 try the effect of a mild remonstrance. I did so ; and it 
 succeeded excellently. I believe all three went away with 
 tears in their eyes. The thoughts of being about to leave 
 this beloved circle are very painful. 
 
 11 mo. 2. First-day. Though about to leave to-morrow, 
 I called the boys and attended to scriptural instruction till 
 breakfast time. I attended to them at supper time and 
 heard them repeat some pieces of poetry. I lastly informed 
 them that I was about to leave. I expressed the regret I 
 felt that I had in too many instances departed from the law 
 of kindness and gentleness ; that nevertheless it had been my 
 endeavour to live in love with them and to promote their 
 interests in every way. I alluded to the time spent in 
 scriptural instruction, and expressed my wish that fruit 
 might yet appear. The deep silence that prevailed, and the 
 tears that many shed, surprised and affected me deeply. 
 They withdrew silently to the schoolroom and settled quietly 
 to their books. After evening reading I attended them to 
 their bed-rooms, and took leave of each boy separately. I 
 received fresh proofs of their affection : many shook hands 
 with me in silence and tears. 
 
 John Ford left Rochester the following morning, 
 and after staying a few days in the neighbourhood 
 of London, arrived at York on the 15th of Eleventh 
 Month, 1828. 
 
SECTION II. 
 LAWEENCE STEEET, YOEK. 
 
 On arriving at York, John Ford became the guest 
 of his kind friend Samuel Tuke, until the School 
 opened on New Year's day, 1829. 
 
 Any account of York School would be incomplete 
 without some notice of the important services ren- 
 dered by Samuel Tuke in its establishment, and as 
 an active member of the Committee of management 
 during the succeeding twenty years. It was largely 
 through his exertions and the deep interest he took 
 in the cause of Education, that the Quarterly 
 Meeting was induced to undertake the responsi- 
 bility of the School. His eldest son, Henry, had 
 been a scholar at Rochester, and it was in his visits 
 to the school there that Samuel Tuke became ac- 
 quainted with John Ford. How deeply the latter 
 was indebted to the wise counsels and unvarying 
 sympathy and kindness of his revered and honoured 
 friend, cannot be told. " Amongst my choicest 
 outward blessings," writes John Ford shortly after 
 the school opened, " I number that of having such 
 a friend as Samuel Tuke." 
 
 1 mo. 4, 1829. A new era has opened in my life. A 
 situation of great and awful responsibility has been exchanged 
 for one still more so. Yet I cannot but believe in my best 
 
JEt. 27.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK, 23 
 
 moments that my post is of Divine appointment, disqualified 
 as I feel for it. May faith be granted me to believe that 
 " the Lord is nigh unto all that call upon Him in truth," 
 that those who come unto Christ, He will in no wise cast 
 out. , 
 
 1 mo. 29. I have had some favoured visitations of Divine 
 goodness I think I may venture to say, and I do not know 
 that the truly consoling and strengthening doctrine of the 
 atonement ever presented itself so forcibly to my mind as of 
 late. I think our evening readings have sometimes been 
 condescendingly owned, and prayer has silently ascended on 
 behalf of the flock that is given me. 
 
 2 mo. 22. Let the fire do its work in me, there is much 
 that wants consuming. Already I believe the name of Jesus 
 is become to me increasingly precious, the blood of atone- 
 ment, God reconciled in Christ, more frequently recurred to, 
 and more highly prized : ^the necessity felt not of daily only 
 but of hourly, yea continual supplies of strength to sustain 
 and of grace to preserve. Oh mayst Thou who alone art 
 able to keep us from falling, and to present us before His 
 presence with exceeding joy, be near me so that I at last 
 may be one of the happy number. 
 
 6 mo. 14. First-day. I spent the day almost entirely 
 among the boys and very pleasantly. They repeated poetry 
 as usual and answered questions in Scripture before breakfast. 
 In the evening I addressed them as about to separate. I 
 began under a feeling of incapacity, but as I went on, a 
 precious covering seemed spread over us ; several of the boys 
 were in tears. It was worth a half-year's toil and watching 
 to attain it. [Such was my first leave-taking of a beloved 
 circle 29 years ago ; many a precious leave-taking has been 
 
24 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1829. 
 
 granted me since. May the last when it comes, (if it be not 
 already passed) be thus blest ! 1858.] 
 
 8 mo. 9. Last Second-day evening my mind was much 
 exercised with a prospect of vocal prayer (at reading time) 
 for the Divine blessing on the commenced half-year. Several 
 friends were present, and I put it by for " a more convenient 
 season," but not without a feeling of condemnation. I have 
 since prayed in private for strength to perform the duty 
 should it be again presented. This evening after considerable 
 conflict, I obeyed, and in a few words besought the Almighty 
 to grant us His blessing. Felt a peaceful reward. 
 
 11 mo. 4. (Referring to domestic troubles.) The clouds 
 of last evening continued nearly all day dispersed a little in 
 the afternoon but gathered again towards night. Heaven is 
 a blessed place ! Oh that a mansion may be prepared for me 
 there by redeeming love ! There are no clouds no surmis- 
 ings no distrust neither pain nor sorrow nor sighing nor 
 any such thing ! 
 
 3 mo. 21, 1830. I have completed my twenty-ninth year 
 to-day. Though not under a very lively feeling, I have not 
 been without sincere desires for advancement in the Christian 
 course. I have no one here to notice the recurrence of the 
 day and wish me well as on former birthdays, but if I have 
 advanced one campaign nearer victory, it matters little if I 
 still fight alone. 
 
 4 mo. 17. I have often lately seemed objectless and 
 lonely, often recurring to the scenes, the friends, the pursuits, 
 the pleasures of the past ! Then again better thoughts arise. 
 I wish to tread patiently the path before me and to keep my 
 eye fixed on the end. " Finis coronatopus." " Grad, a troop 
 shall overcome him, but he shall overcome at the last ; " may 
 the latter part be as surely fulfilled in my experience as the 
 
JEt. 29.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 25 
 
 former has been ! Often has the troop of evil from within 
 and from without, overcome ; but what a glorious promise, 
 " He shall overcome at the last." 
 
 2 mo. 22, 1831. Oh when feeling that it is a painful and 
 sometimes dubious warfare, pressed from without by hostilities 
 of various kinds the world, the flesh and the Devil in arms, 
 traitors in the camp threatening to surrender, a heart prone 
 to idolatry feeling all these and more than these, who would 
 not long for the dawn of the glorious day of ultimate 
 freedom ! who would not long to be " absent from the body 
 and to be present with the Lord ! " 
 
 6 mo. 16. The annual examination of the scholars was 
 conducted to-day. I committed the cause to God in prayer 
 repeatedly, and during the examination in the Scriptures the 
 sense of His mercy and goodness was richly felt. It expelled 
 all anxiety as to what might be thought by others. Secretly, 
 and perhaps it should have been openly, I ascribed to Him 
 to whom alone it was due, all the praise. Most unfeignedly 
 can I testify that I feel my love for my " beautiful flock " 
 increased ; I look with pain to their departure, to our separa- 
 tion. Oh that daily we may remember each other, and be 
 remembered and presented by each other before the Throne. 
 
 6 mo. 25. And now they are all gone ! Oh the painful, 
 aching vapidity that comes over me in every interval of 
 employment ! The empty, noiseless play-ground, the absence 
 of every face that would expand into a smile or kindle one, 
 not a single thing left to receive or return an affectionate 
 word or look. " This is to be alone." Oh that all my 
 affections were set on heavenly things ! 
 
 During the vacation of 1831, John Ford made a 
 tour on the Continent, Crossing from Dover to 
 
'2C, LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1831. 
 
 Calais, he travelled chiefly by diligence, visiting 
 Paris and Geneva, and the vale of Chamonix, and 
 returning across France via Rouen and Dieppe. 
 After he settled at York it was his custom to leave 
 home during the annual vacations as much as 
 circumstances permitted, not merely for the sake of 
 health and recreation, but being necessarily associated 
 chiefly with the young whilst the School was in 
 session, he felt strongly the desirability of mixing 
 as much as he could with others nearer his own age ; 
 and so by contact with those who lived in a wider 
 sphere, maintaining that freshness which, without 
 care, is apt to be impaired by confinement to " the 
 little world of a School." For the same reason he 
 was glad to mingle in the social circles of his friends, 
 where his literary tastes and conversational powers 
 made him welcome. 
 
 1831. [In Paris on my return, on the occasion of a grand 
 review in commemoration of " Les trois jours," I saw several 
 of the great actors in the past, destined also to illustrate 
 again in a few years the uncertain tenure of exalted rank 
 Louis Philippe Don Pedro, Ex- emperor of Brazil the 
 Dukes of Orleans and Nemours, sons of Louis Generals 
 Soult and Sebastiani. The Queen Marie Louise and her 
 other sons and daughters were in the balcony of the Palais 
 de Justice. Little Monpensier, eight or nine years old, was 
 dressed in the costume of a national guard. 1864.] 
 
 6 mo. 3, 1832. A single case of cholera occurred to-day 
 in York. On the 13th all the scholars had gone home. 
 The city wears a most melancholy aspect. Hearses, mourning 
 
ALt. 31.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 27 
 
 coaches, tolling bells, assail the eye and ear continually. 
 Great hostility is manifested against the medical men. 
 " Burker," " butcher," " thief," &c., are lavished upon them ; 
 but the spread of the disorder quelled a little these un- 
 christian outcries. 
 
 6 mo. 17. First-day. Upwards of 60 collected in 
 Meeting to-day, for the distressed poor in the cholera. The 
 city divided into districts. Samuel Tuke and myself ap- 
 pointed for Walmgate. 
 
 6 mo. 28. Drank tea with Thomas Backhouse at the 
 Friars' Gardens. We went on the City- wall which overlooks 
 the Cholera Burial Ground. The service was being read 
 over a poor woman who twenty-four hours previously had 
 been alive and well. There was no mourner but the bereaved 
 husband. The numerous recent graves and one more pre- 
 paring, raised feelings of sympathy with the afflicted, and a 
 sense of awe in observing these outward signs of the Divine 
 chastisements. 
 
 The contrast of the scene immediately below me, and that 
 which met the eye in looking beyond it, was very striking. 
 It was a beautiful evening the sky as clear the birds as 
 musical the slowly-sinking sun as splendid the river as 
 bright and tranquil " as if earth possessed no tomb" nothing 
 in the external aspect of nature to remind us of Sin. 
 
 FROM SAMUEL TTJKE TO JOHN FORD. 
 
 York, 7 mo. 21. The accounts for the last week of the 
 disease in our City have been so favourable that we are 
 (perhaps too hastily) pleasing ourselves with the hope that 
 it is about to leave us at least for a time, and that our Schools 
 may be permitted to re-open either at or very soon after the 
 usual time. As many of our committee are likely to be at 
 Ackworth next week, we conclude to consult those who may 
 
28 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1832. 
 
 be there on the subject of re- opening, and to issue a circular 
 stating the decision. * * * 
 
 I am pleased thou hast enjoyed thy "Westmorland tour. 
 I recollect my own impressions on the first visit to those 
 scenes of gentle sublimity and apparent peace. I dare say 
 thou almost wished to tabernacle amongst them, and quit 
 the toils and cares of an arduous public station. Solomon's 
 result vanity and vexation is found however in this as 
 well as every other search after peace save one. Alas ! that 
 with so many this one should be the last they try, and that 
 so many would fain try it when it is too late. I judge of 
 thy hankering after a snug cottage by Grrasmere water or in 
 Patterdale, by my own often longings in former days when I 
 used frequently to visit Westmorland, and was very wont to 
 fancy that some place of peace was to be found other than 
 by Siloam's brook, or beneath the shadow of that Rock 
 
 which is so grateful to the pilgrim in a weary land ; 
 
 and yet, spite of experience, like the poor Israelites, I have 
 often hankerings after the good things of Egypt, though 
 they may take a more refined form than that of onions and 
 flesh-pots. Oh, how happy are those who like Paul consult 
 not with flesh and blood, but are obedient to the heavenly 
 message, and by a holy decision count all as loss and dross 
 that they may win Christ. 
 
 .8 mo. 24. After rowing about two miles up the river and 
 back, I returned tired : before night I became very unwell 
 with choleritic symptoms. 0. Williams took prompt measures, 
 and sent me to bed where I remained till the 27th. Daring 
 this illness, knowing that the fatal cholera was in the city, 
 I could not but look seriously towards a probable summons. 
 I trust it was not insensible stupidity, nor yet the more 
 fearful malady of a hard heart that enabled me to contemplate 
 
JEt. 31.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 29 
 
 a change without dismay. Death seemed fearful, but the 
 gloom reached not beyond. I examined the ground of my 
 hopes : it was not good works nor full dedication of heart 
 nor yet careful obedience nor yet sincere attempts and 
 arduous struggles. It was a calm hope in Eedeeming love 
 and mercy, not so much joyous as tranquil. I felt that I 
 could quietly commend myself and the result to God. 
 Though I often fall, sin is not my delight ; it is my burden, 
 my grief, my abhorrence. I long to serve Christ more 
 ardently, more faithfully. Since I have known the Christian's 
 hope and I dare not doubt that I do know something of it 
 I can say with Cowper 
 
 " I never trusted in an arm save Thine, 
 Nor hoped hut in Thy righteousness divine." 
 
 On leaving my bed for the first time, I enjoyed the unspeak- 
 able favour of a heart overflowing with gratitude, and was 
 enabled to pour it out before the Lord. 
 
 8 mo. 31. I attended the evening reading, and read the 
 145th Psalm. My voice faltered at the verse, " The Lord is 
 good to all : and His tender mercies are over all His works." 
 It is indeed a blessed thing to be smitten. I would not 
 choose for myself unvarying health. Many times during 
 this brief cessation I have felt the love of Grod exceedingly 
 near, the Saviour in whom is all my trust, exceedingly 
 precious. My heart has been contrited in reverting to the 
 past, and expanded with hope in looking to the future. 
 May the remembrance of these things stimulate me to 
 persevere ! May I be preserved in watchfulness and prayer 
 hour by hour, till " well done " shall dismiss me into the 
 joy of my Lord ! 
 
 12 mo. 31. I have seen many of the parents this time : 
 they seem without exception well satisfied. I desire to be 
 thankful for this, and that I may be enabled to stand ap- 
 
30 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1833. 
 
 proved not only in their sight, but in His, whose servant, 
 though most unworthy, I wish to consider myself in my 
 station here. 
 
 At our evening reading, I alluded to the preservation from 
 pestilence that we had experienced ; and in consideration of 
 the goodness of Grod to us, invited all to unite in lifting up 
 our hearts to Him in thanksgiving for His many mercies, 
 and in prayer that He would continue His goodness to us 
 and increase in our hearts daily the love and fear of Him. 
 Solemnity seemed to cover us, and I trust aspirations did 
 ascend and some renewal of covenant was entered into. For 
 myself I look to the new year with a trembling hope. Some- 
 thing seems to whisper at times it is of no use things will go 
 on as heretofore a temporary resistance and then a parley, 
 and then a defeat but still a better voice is at times heard 
 saying, " fight on take the whole armour watch as well 
 as pray watch unto prayer." Lord help me to say in Thy 
 name, in dependance on Thy Holy Spirit's aid, " So I will," 
 and then at the last day of all though a troop may have 
 overcome me at times, I may overcome at the last. 
 
 2 mo. 22, 1833. Nearly two months have gone by since 
 I noted down any of the fleeting events of a little-varied but 
 conflicting journey. I have indeed not done all that I would 
 have done and much, very much, daily that I would not, 
 that I still do, but still I hope on. 
 
 5 mo. 16. I breakfasted this morning with my friend 
 John Phillips.* I admired his varied and successful appli- 
 cation of talent. He makes his own barometers, and with 
 such accuracy of construction that he says he can measure the 
 height of a wall by them. His thermometers are also his own 
 manufacture and he has invented a new form of a self-registering 
 
 * Subsequently Professor Phillips of Oxford, the noted Geologist, at this 
 time Curator of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society's Museum at York. 
 
JEt. 32.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 31 
 
 thermometer. He has a dipping-needle and one on which 
 he observes the variation of the compass this morning he 
 says it is 25 west. He has a rain-gauge of his own contri- 
 vance which I intend to adopt. In his garden he has a stone 
 tablet with a meridian line drawn upon it. He has teles- 
 copes geological maps of his own delineating and colouring 
 he is a lithographer and has a turning lathe. I have enu- 
 merated these pursuits of my friend to stimulate myself to 
 more diligence in science. 
 
 6 mo. 6. I begin to look with painful thoughts towards 
 the dispersion of my flock. Ill qualified as I am, and I 
 make not the assertion lightly, yet I find so much happiness, 
 even in the struggling, toiling, self-contesting life which 
 I lead so much pleasure in intercourse of various kinds with 
 the boys, that I really look with sad forebodings to the 
 dreary vacuity of the approaching recess. I have no other 
 object yet in which I find a response to those feelings in 
 which I delight affectionate interest in the happiness and 
 advantage of others, and to which I please myself with 
 thinking that I do find some response in many by whom I 
 am surrounded. 
 
 6 mo. 18. The examination in the Scriptures was held 
 this evening. It was attended, I thought with some evidence 
 of Divine regard. A feeling of chastened pleasure during the 
 progress of the evening's proceedings affected me deeply. In 
 conclusion Samuel Tuke addressed the scholars. I felt 
 pleased with the proceedings of the day. Much gratification 
 was expressed by many whose judgment and sincerity were 
 to be depended upon. Neither was I devoid of gratitude to 
 Him whose help I had sought in prayer. Nor was this help 
 withheld. I was enabled to go calmly and temperately 
 through the arduous duties of the day. 
 
32 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1834. 
 
 1 mo. 13, 1834. -The close of last year and the commence- 
 ment of the present have abounded with trials from without 
 and from within. I have pondered the step of quitting this 
 post, but I cannot lose the belief that this is my right post, 
 and that in no other could I expect to find peace ; and that 
 here, through evil report and good report, I may have peace 
 within, if I do but keep a single eye to Him and His help, 
 who, I cannot but believe brought me hither. 
 
 4 mo. 30. I got rid of a heavy load to-day in admonishing 
 an individual not of my household. I endeavoured to do it 
 faithfully. Few things that I remember have oppressed me 
 so much. I made it the subject of more than one prayer. 
 I trust that in setting forth the enormity of the sin in the 
 sight of a pure and holy God, I did though weakly and 
 imperfectly discharge my conscience. 
 
 1835. [Nearly a year passed by with only very brief 
 notice of incidents and almost no reference to the inner life . 
 In the early part of this year I frequently visited Stephen 
 Eobson, then an invalid dying of consumption. His course 
 ended in peace. 1864.] 
 
 9 mo. 13. Oh that desires and endeavours after true 
 holiness may increase in me ! I have no hopes of salvation 
 but in the unmerited mercy of the dear Redeemer, and I 
 long to show that I love Him by living near Him, and trying 
 to copy His example. A subject of personal interest some- 
 times comes before me, in the thought that "it is not good 
 for man to be alone," and yet the way does not appear open 
 for a change. My path in life has been so little of my own 
 choosing that I do not like to venture on my own contriving 
 in this: and yet I fear lest I should be looking for too 
 specific direction and may not be doing my own part. I 
 should rejoice in a little light on the subject. I can honestly 
 
JEl. 3-3. J LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 33 
 
 say I should prefer the Lord's choosing to my own, whether 
 for single life or for the apparently more happy lot. May I 
 which ever it be, attain to that name and place, better than 
 that of sons and daughters. 
 
 12 mo. 26, 1836. I have at times of late had so much plea- 
 sure in the company and conversation of the elder boys, that 
 I have seemed almost to realize the " beau ideal " of pre- 
 ceptor and pupils. It is not that I assume credit to myself 
 in that which afforded me so much pleasure. Hour after 
 hour daily during the last week, I spent with six or seven of 
 them in the library, with scarcely a moment's interruption of 
 kind and cheerful freedom. They were engaged on their 
 maps, I with the accounts. 
 
 1837. An attack of influenza began in the school, 1 mo. 
 21, and occasioned great anxiety ; yet mingled, as such periods 
 have ever been in my experience, with the unspeakable 
 mercy the choice blessing, of closer communion with Grod, 
 to whom the heartfelt tribute of gratitude did often arise on 
 my own account and on that of the beloved boys, for His 
 preserving care. On First-day the 29th, only seven boys out 
 of forty-nine attended Meeting : that day week all were at 
 meeting but four. I have several times lately, withdrawn 
 for a few minutes to seek a little renewal of strength, by 
 entering into the closet, shutting the door and praying to 
 Him who seeth in secret, and have found at least a temporary 
 calm and a little abiding sweetness. " Why art thou cast 
 down my soul ? and why art thou disquieted within me ? 
 Hope thou in Grod : for I shall yet praise Him, who is the 
 health of my countenance, and my Grod." 
 
 6 mo. 22. The vacation began to day. I parted with 
 regret with some who had greatly contributed to my happi- 
 ness. I do not think I had ever had more enjoyment in my 
 
 D 
 
34 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1837. 
 
 work, in the company of the beloved boys. A large party 
 accompanied me to Selby Monthly Meeting in the Fourth 
 month and to Cottingwith in the Fifth. In the Fifth month 
 I had a most pleasant visit from three warmly attached 
 old scholars. I may never again stand so much in need of 
 all those numerous little daily interchanges of kindness from 
 those under my care, which so often cheered me during the 
 last twelve months, but nothing can efface the remembrance 
 of it. [" I may never again &c." quoted supra, refers to an 
 event which was to provide a help-meet for me. My beloved 
 Eachel and I exchanged vows the 30th of Sixth month, 1837, 
 at Dewsbury. To me it was a peaceful, chastened, joyful 
 day, a joy which sometimes tears best interpret, solemn, 
 thankful joy. 1864.] 
 
 Rachel Robson was the daughter of Nathan and 
 Rachel Robson of Darlington, and sister of Stephen 
 Robson whose death is alluded to under the date of 
 1835. It was a union that was eminently blessed. 
 The frequent allusions to her in John Ford's memo- 
 randa render it unnecessary at present to say more 
 of this beloved one, whose memory is still cherished 
 by not a few. 
 
 7 mo. 28. The first Meeting of the Friends' Educational 
 Society was held at Ack worth to-day. I was appointed one 
 of the Secretaries, colleague of Samuel Tuke and John 
 Newby. 
 
 John Ford became one of the most active mem- 
 bers of the Friends' Educational Society. The 
 Papers he contributed excited much interest. One 
 entitled " Influence and Authority," read in 1853, 
 
xlit. 37.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 35 
 
 and another in 1856 on " The Duties and Difficulties 
 of Young Teachers," may be specially mentioned as 
 of great value : both were printed by the Society, 
 and they have gone through two or three editions. 
 
 4 mo. 30, 1838. Surely goodness and mercy have followed 
 me all the days of my life hitherto. May my happy lot be 
 at last to dwell in the house of the Lord for ever ! What shall 
 I render unto the Lord for all His benefits ? A little renewed 
 health after some weeks of frequent languor and pain, have 
 turned my eye once more to this record, and though I would 
 gladly have seen a few memorials of the many blessings of 
 the blank interval, I cannot admit though not registered, that 
 they have been unnoticed or unthankfully received. Often 
 at various resting places in my pilgrimage I have felt the 
 language of the poet to be a not unfitting expression of my 
 gratitude ; and to the other parts of his beautiful hymn, I 
 can fervently add a hitherto omitted stanza : 
 
 " Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss 
 
 Has made my cup run o'er ; 
 And in a kind and faithful friend 
 Has doubled all my store." 
 
 6 mo. 30. To day my dear E. and I left home for Balby 
 near Doncaster. My dear R. remained there while I travelled 
 a few days to recruit health. On the 6th of 7th month I 
 arrived at Banbury, and met with a warm welcome from my 
 cousin Samuel Beesley. In company with my cousin I 
 visited Overthorp, the first time since I left it, a little school- 
 boy of nine years old. The next day I visited North 
 Newton, the village where the school was located when I first 
 went there a scholar in 1807, six years and four months old. 
 The houses at both places are inhabited, but the old school- 
 rooms are deserted depositories of lumber. I paced alone for 
 
36 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1838. 
 
 a few minutes the old orchard, that first served me for a 
 play-ground. How vividly every little long forgotten circum- 
 stance was recalled ! I remembered how we cut our names 
 and injured some fine old elms, one or more girdled our 
 consternation when the mischief was mentioned in the 
 Preparative Meeting (to which body the property belonged), 
 the alarm we felt when assembled in the school-room on 
 account of our evil deeds, expecting some sore infliction 
 which happily we escaped. Around me were now growing 
 five young elms, the successors of those which I at least had 
 innocently assisted in destroying. I remembered the house we 
 built like the one in Sandford and Merton our gardens with 
 the wattled hedges the cave not far off which one day 
 some of the more venturesome, my elder brother Joseph 
 among the number, explored with lighted candles. I remem- 
 bered too the river Cherwell where he was nearly drowned in 
 the spring of 1809 drowned at last in the Severn in 1815. 
 I passed along the fields through which I had so often walked 
 to and from B anbury meeting. It seemed as though all the 
 past, the very thoughts and feelings of eight years old came 
 over me again. Then recurring to the man of thirty-seven, 
 remembering the boundless, countless mercies of the interve- 
 ning period, mercies which had followed me and surrounded 
 me, and marked my path from year to year, I wept tears of 
 thankful joy. 
 
 FROM SAMUEL TUKE TO JOHN FORD. 
 
 8 mo. 9. Several times last week and again this morning 
 in thinking of thee and thy cares, these words have come to 
 my mind, " Be sober, and hope to the end." I am not going 
 to write thee a homily upon the passage : thou dost not need 
 to be told how much true strength there is in soberness, or 
 how much consolation in hope. I am sure in thy arduous 
 
JEt. 38.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 37 
 
 situation thou needs all the strength and comfort too which 
 can be had from the Divine storehouse, and encouraging 
 indeed is the thought that niggardly as man is in his poor 
 gifts, our Heavenly Father loves to be asked and to distribute 
 of whatever our largest desires after true good can ask of Him. 
 Be sober then, my dear friend, and hope to the end. I do 
 not yet despair that thou and thy dearpa rtner may reap 
 some fruits from your present labour, which may prove that 
 it has not been in vain in the Lord only let it be in Him. 
 
 4 mo. 19, 1839. Accompanied the Directors of the York 
 and North Midland Eailway Company, by invitation of my 
 kind friend Thomas Backhouse, on a short inaugural trip. 
 In walking from the terminus towards the village of Fairburn 
 I had an interesting conversation with the noteworthy Greorge 
 Stephenson, in which he unfolded his since well known 
 theory of the geological storehouse of the sun's heat, our vast 
 coalfields. His strong sense, his pure Saxon, his genuine 
 Newcastle dialect, were marked characteristics of his discourse. 
 George Hudson, then approaching the zenith of his power 
 and fame as Eailway King, was of the party. 
 
 [In the ninth month, 1840, Edwin Tregelles and Thomas 
 Pumphrey paid a religious visit to the school. They spoke 
 encouragingly to my dear E. and me, intimated an approach- 
 ing time of trial, counselling so to live from day to day as to 
 have no cause of self-reproach when trial came. They spoke 
 very closely to the boys. In Tenth month William Janson, 
 who left school in 1839 died after a very short illness. Some- 
 what distressed at the little apparent impression made upon 
 several of the boys by this event, I said one First-day evening 
 whilst addressing them, "perhaps it has not come near 
 
38 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [mi. 
 
 enough to you." Within a very short period four of the 
 company were seized with fatal illness, and before the year 
 1841 closed were all summoned away. * * * One of them 
 arrived at peace through sore conflict. The other three had 
 found peace through their Saviour's love, before the time of 
 trial and sickness came. * * * 
 
 A few brief months ago all of them were in the full enjoy- 
 ment of youth and health, two or three looking with eager 
 anticipation towards the fair promising period succeeding 
 school-boy days; 
 
 " supremum 
 Carpere iter comites parati," 
 
 prepared I trust through the alone merits and mercy of our 
 Saviour, and through the sanctifying power of His Holy 
 Spirit, for an inheritance eternal in the heavens. My dear, 
 kind, gentle Eachel was an inexpressible comfort to me and 
 these dear ones in this time of sore trial. She won the love 
 of the poor invalid boys and the lasting gratitude of their 
 parents. I believe the whole series of events was blessed to 
 the school, to the invalids and to ourselves. 1864.] 
 
 [I was taken unwell 12 mo. 3, 1841 with low-fever. The 
 half year had been one of intense trial. Many of the elder 
 scholars exercised no beneficial influence in the school : a few 
 of them a most injurious one. In looking back I cannot see 
 that either the teachers or myself neglected our duty. To 
 myself the half-year was one of continual conflict with the 
 known evil in the school. The manifestations of it in a few 
 were of a malignant character a fearful want of love either 
 of God or man unkind to their school-fellows hostile to 
 the government. And yet there were a few who held their 
 ground, who if powerless to stem evil, kept clear of its influ- 
 ence. Their characters since have borne the same testimony. 
 
yEt. 42.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 39 
 
 Two of this small number have entered on their eternal 
 inheritance. 
 
 During my illness, the result of long continued pressure, 
 my dear brother Thomas Ford died at Worcester, on the 6th 
 of Twelfth month. I was confined to bed and could only 
 weep that I had not been with him and that I must leave 
 him to strangers to inter. 1864.] 
 
 1843. [In the summer vacation of this year, we spent 
 some weeks with our cousin Sarah Wheeler at Bristol. We 
 made several pleasant excursions to Sidcot, to the Ban well 
 caves, across the channel to Chepstow, Tintern, &c., and to 
 the Cheddar Eocks and the Paper Mills. Here for the first 
 time I met with William Tanner, little dreaming what a 
 treasure of companionship and friendship was in store for me 
 in him. 1864.] 
 
 To ONE OF HIS TEACHERS. 
 
 11 mo. 26 I have not much to say in reply to thy little 
 note, except to tell thee that it raised in my heart fervent 
 desires for thee and for myself, that we may increasingly seek 
 after watchfulness and prayer, for therein consists not only 
 our own safety, but in no small degree the safety of those 
 intrusted to us. That is, our own watchfulness over our own 
 hearts is, I believe, blessed to them, and is as a hedge about 
 them. So much for both of us : and now one word for thy- 
 self. Do not forget that one of the most pleasant offices of 
 the great adversary is that of " the accuser of the brethren." 
 Suffer him not in this capacity to gain an advantage over 
 thee. Take thy burdens to the cross, (I can from some small 
 experience testify that it is a blessed errand) ; and then if the 
 accuser reproach thee, refer him to thy Captain, who will 
 assuredly rebuke him. 
 
40 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1843. 
 
 12 mo. 31. First-day evening. I felt some freedom and 
 earnestness in commending to the boys the solemn thoughts 
 connected with the closing year. My heart was lifted up in 
 prayer for them and for myself. I enjoyed a calm and solemn 
 feeling during the rest of the evening. Some of those " not 
 lost but gone before " were very sweetly brought to my 
 remembrance. My spirit was increasingly tendered, and 
 under a sense of access I bowed the knee in solemn thanks- 
 giving for the abundant mercy that has followed me all my 
 life long, and which I thankfully believed was still continued 
 to me. Humble confession of un worthiness, of many trans- 
 gressions, was followed by earnest entreaty for forgiveness 
 for the sake of Him who shed His blood for sinners. My 
 friends, my brothers, the boys, the family, my dearest 
 all were livingly brought before me, and the language of 
 intercession was raised on their behalf and the Divine blessing 
 craved. The feeling of entire dependence, the utter renun- 
 ciation of every plea but one, was the clothing of my spirit, 
 and I was enabled to adopt the language, 
 
 " Other refuge have I none, 
 
 Hangs my helpless soul on Thee ! " 
 
 Oh may this inexpressible favour, this contrite and humble 
 spirit be oftener mine and increasingly prized. May the 
 remembrance of this evening's song encourage me to press 
 onwards ! May the closing year find me lying down in peace 
 to sleep in the blessed assurance, " Thou, Lord, only makest 
 me dwell in safety " ! May the new year begin with renewed 
 dedication of heart to Him who alone is worthy. 
 
 1 mo. 14, 1844 First day. A little chastened pleasure 
 this evening, although a laborious one, spent with the boys 
 from tea time till near nine. I heard some of them repeat 
 from Oowper's " Hope," and read to them Cowper's account 
 of himself similar to the description of a condition in the 
 
-flit. 44.] LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. 41 
 
 poem ; " As when a felon &c." I was led unexpectedly and 
 with deep feeling, to speak to the boys of the importance of 
 knowing that great and joyful change accompanying the 
 sense of reconciliation with our Father in Heaven through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 " 'Tis Heaven, all Heaven, descending on the wings 
 Of the glad legions of the King of kings ; 
 'Tis more" 
 
 I pointed out how this might be attained by living from day 
 to day in the love and fear of Grod, cherishing every gentle 
 intimation of His Holy Spirit, welcoming it as an honoured 
 guest. And now one more Sabbath evening is closing ; how 
 many more may intervene between this and the dawn of the 
 never ending rest, the eternal Sabbath, I need not ask : suf- 
 ficient to know that a " rest remaineth," and that Christ is 
 the way (the true and the living) to that rest. 
 
 I think I have lately experienced those times of refreshing 
 from the presence of the Lord, in which the Christian is 
 favoured to know his sins blotted out in the blood of the 
 Lamb. In some small ability to believe this, and to pray 
 " help thou mine unbelief," I feel able to rejoice that mine 
 is a laborious allotment, and at times a capacity to labour is 
 granted, so that I can as now, 
 
 " Forget my labour as I toil along, 
 Weep tears of joy, and burst into a song ! " 
 
 II mo. 16, 1845 Seventeen years ago this day, I first took 
 my seat in York Meeting as a resident, an almost penniless, 
 friendless stranger. " What shall I render to the Lord for 
 all His benefits ? " He has spared me hitherto. He has blessed 
 me abundantly in basket and store, and has given me one of 
 His most precious temporal gifts. And though un watchful, 
 volatile, careless and sinful, He leaves me not but grants me 
 from time to time seasons of refreshment from His presence, 
 
42 LAWRENCE STREET, YORK. [1845. 
 
 in which a lively hope in His mercy, for my Saviour's sake, 
 fills my heart with gratitude to Him. Oh that I might this 
 evening, under some tendering sense of His love, renew my 
 covenant with Him, who I believe assigned me my path and 
 post here. Oh that more singleness of heart and true allegi- 
 ance were mine. Forgive, Heavenly Father, for the sake 
 of Him who shed His most precious blood to save us, my many 
 transgressions, my forgetfulness of Thee. Help me to seek 
 after, and graciously grant me more frequent and more fervent 
 communion with Thee. Increase in me the longing after 
 holiness, the hunger and thirst after righteousness to which 
 Thy blessing is promised. Save me from lukewarmness and 
 indifference. Keep me humble and dependent upon Thee. 
 Help me with increased diligence and with a single eye to 
 Thy glory, faithfully to labour in this Thy fold. And 
 whether it may please Thee to continue my service here a few 
 more years, or whether Thou mayst please to summon me 
 away in the midst of my days, grant me for Thy mercies sake 
 in Jesus Christ our Lord, to be found with my loins girt 
 about and my lamp burning. 
 
SECTION III. BOOTHAM. 
 
 The period during which the School "was carried 
 on in Lawrence Street was now drawing to its close. 
 Continued indisposition in the family in 1841, had 
 directed attention to the sanitary condition of the 
 buildings and of the surrounding locality. Previ- 
 ously to this, the visitation of Cholera in 1832 had 
 been gradually forcing on the public mind through- 
 out the country, the importance of good drainage 
 and adequate breathing space for the maintenance 
 of health. The small rooms, low ceilings, and 
 narrow passages of the Lawrence Street premises 
 were felt to be insufficient for the accommodation 
 of so large a family ; whilst the proximity of a tract 
 of low, undrained land called the " Foss Islands " 
 a name full of reminiscenses to old Scholars was in 
 the opinion of many sufficient in itself to condemn 
 the locality. The managing Committee was empow- 
 ered by the Quarterly Meeting to look out for more 
 eligible premises. The result was the purchase of 
 an estate in Bootham on the North side of the City 
 of York, on which stood a mansion erected by Sir 
 John Johnstone of Hackness near Scarborough. The 
 nett cost including alterations in the buildings and 
 the erection of School Rooms was about 4500,* 
 
 * Subsequent additions to the buildings, and purchases of adjoining pro- 
 perty have raised the cost price of the Bootham Estate to 8494. 
 
44 BOOTHAM. [1846. 
 
 towards which by the liberality of Friends, dona- 
 tions were received amounting to 2679. The 
 School was opened in the new Premises in First 
 Month, 1846. 
 
 1 mo. 11, 1846 The last Sabbath day at Lawrence Street 
 after a residence of seventeen years. 
 
 I desire to commemorate this evening the merciful kindness 
 of our Father in Heaven to my household and myself during 
 our residence here. I attempted this acknowledgment in a 
 few words, at the close of our last evening reading under this 
 roof. May the remembrance of the tender mercies of Him 
 whose mercies are over all His works, go with us to our new 
 abode : and may we be enabled so to live to His glory as 
 that our hopes in His mercy through the dear Bedeemer may 
 be strengthened from day to day. Help us, Heavenly Father, 
 help my beloved partner and myself and all our fellow 
 labourers to seek daily to Thee for strength and ability to do 
 Thy work ! May our dependence be upon Thee alone. And 
 oh for myself, the weakest and unworthiest, keep me humble 
 and meek and sober-minded. Increase in me a longing after 
 holiness, lead me away from all self-confidence and self-seeking. 
 Qualify me more and more if it please Thee for Thy service. 
 Forgive all my past transgressions for Jesus' sake : and when 
 my work here is done, may Thy mercy be near to sustain me 
 at the last, and grant me a good hope that one of the many 
 mansions in Thy house may be prepared for me when my 
 earthly house of this tabernacle shall be dissolved in death. 
 
 3 mo. 21, 1847 I am forty-six years old to day. I have 
 been reading over some of the memorials of the past, and 
 have felt earnest desires that I might be enabled with 
 increased energy to pursue the heavenward journey. In 
 
JEt. 46.] BOOTHAM. 45 
 
 reviewing the past year I cannot but lament the want of 
 earnest diligence, much lukewarmness and many sins of 
 omission and commission : at the same time I recall many 
 blessings ; peace and harmony, prosperity and health have 
 been granted to the flock entrusted to my care. There has 
 been less of apparent evil and more of what is hopeful and 
 pleasing than perhaps at any former period. Oh that I could 
 live up to a true sense of " what shall I render to the Lord 
 for all His benefits ? " 
 
 Among the blessings of the past year I would number a 
 few days of illness in the summer. For several hours _I had 
 much pain, yet resignation and peace and some increase of 
 filial love filled my heart. It was indeed good to be afflicted. 
 I am now much relieved from the daily routine of teaching. 
 Whilst I gratefully accept this relief and feel comforted and 
 thankful in its results, may I be doubly diligent on other 
 points, and turn to good account the increased time at my 
 disposal to the truest interests of the school. 
 
 Life is rapidly hasting away. How are the great purposes 
 of life being answered the glory of God the good of my 
 fellow men and my own eternal peace ? Lukewarmness and 
 indifference are too frequently my besetting and prevailing 
 sins. Nevertheless I can thankfully acknowledge that at 
 times I feel more earnestness of spirit, and also a measure of 
 peace in yielding to little openings to call the minds of the 
 scholars to serious thought. Our evening readings are some- 
 times owned. I believe it was so this evening. May I more 
 diligently seek after more frequent communion with my 
 Saviour. I sometimes feel Him to be precious to me my 
 only ground of hope. 
 
 8 mo. 19, 1849 The vacation is over, the school opens to- 
 morrow. I have been reading this evening the closing scene 
 
46 BOOTHAM. [1849, 
 
 of Dr> Arnold's life. He had just completed his forty- 
 seventh year. I am in the midst of my forty-ninth. He could 
 write " vixi : " I can write neither " vixi " nor " vici." He had 
 no further ambition to gratify or rather, as he says, " I thank 
 Grod that is fully mortified." He had no desire to rise higher 
 in the world, but to step back from his present place. The 
 reading of these things made me very thoughtful very sad 
 almost to despondency. I have no wish to step to any higher 
 station, but I do most earnestly desire to be found more 
 faithfully, more zealously, and with far more singleness of 
 purpose fulfilling the duties of my post, before called upon to 
 give an account of my stewardship ; that by increased fidelity 
 and zeal and singleness of eye I may more testify of my love 
 to Him whose preserving love and care have kept me hitherto. 
 For the sake of Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, our Saviour and 
 Intercessor, pardon, Lord, all my past transgressions and 
 sins and short comings ; blot them out for His sake, Lord, 
 and let them be no more remembered against me. " Create 
 in me a clean heart, (rod ; and renew a right Spirit within 
 me." Kindle renewed desires for communion with Thee. 
 Help my faltering resolutions incline my heart daily to 
 increased watchfulness unto prayer endue me with kindness 
 and gentleness, with wisdom and firmness to fulfil as in Thy 
 sight from hour to hour my duties in this school and family. 
 Help me to watch against every incipient temptation to evil 
 in myself, that thus I may more effectually warn and assist 
 those whom Thou hast entrusted to our care. If it please 
 Thee, Lord, bestow on my beloved partner and myself 
 health of body and stedfastness of heart and purpose, that we 
 may do for Thee cheerfully all the service Thou mayst require 
 at our hands. Grant that we may be increasingly, each 
 other's joy in Thee, Lord ! and if trial of any kind await 
 us sickness or separation, give us a good hope in Thy 
 
JEt. 48.] BOOTHAM. 47 
 
 pardoning mercy, and help us to receive all as from Thy 
 hand ; " for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord." 
 
 8 mo. 21 This evening feeling (perhaps unduly) per- 
 plexed, the passage of Scripture, suddenly (shall I say 
 strangely) occurred to me, " The peace of God which 
 passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds 
 through Jesus Christ." It affected me forcibly, and led me 
 silently yet earnestly to petition, that I might be enabled to 
 live in so close communion with God as to know for myself 
 this peace. I then remembered the lines : 
 
 " Soul, then know thy full salvation, 
 
 Else o'er sin and fear and care, 
 Joy to find in every station 
 Something still to do, or bear." 
 
 I prayed that my restless anxieties might be taken away, 
 and that I might increase in patience and humility. 
 
 11 mo. 27. Within this year my property has been 
 
 reduced (by the Eailway delinquencies of ) by more than 
 
 half: but I can truly and thankfully say, I have been freed from 
 all pain or anxiety about it. We have unitedly sought for a 
 thankful spirit for what is left for the ability still to labour 
 in this our appointed field for a capacity to leave the things 
 that are behind and to reach forth unto those that are before, 
 and so to press towards the mark for the prize of our high 
 calling of Grod in Christ Jesus. 
 
 1 mo. 9, 1850. Our short vacation is near its close ; the 
 school reassembles on Second-day. May I take for my abid- 
 ing memento, "Gird up the loins of your mind," and, "be 
 sober and hope to the end." May I be enabled to keep from 
 hour to hour a single eye to my Master, if I may . call my 
 Saviour by this name that so my constant aim may be to 
 do work as for Him. I crave Thy help, Lord, to lay aside 
 
48 BOOTHAM. [1851. 
 
 every weight and every easily besetting sin, that so I may 
 throughout the commencing year, run with renewed patience 
 the heavenly race, looking constantly to Jesus, seeking 
 conformity to His mind and will and image, laying aside 
 every inordinate affection, providing treasures that wax not 
 old, treasure in Heaven that faileth not, where no thief 
 approacheth neither moth corrupteth. May I seek oftener 
 than the day communion with Thee. For Thy dear Son's 
 sake bless this school and family, and my beloved partner 
 and myself. Whatever of anxiety or trial may be our portion, 
 keep us from sin, from all that could grieve Thy Holy Spirit, 
 and give us grateful and rejoicing hearts for all Thy many 
 mercies. Amen ! 
 
 9 mo. 28, 1851. As years accumulate I find myself as 
 others have been before me less frequent in noting down 
 incidents and feelings marking the onward course of life. It 
 is not that I have no mercies to record no blessed seasons of 
 access to the place of prayer no contriting sense of the 
 abundance and largeness of Divine Love no humble con- 
 fidence in a Saviour Lord. It is not because I have none of 
 these to note down thankfully I can say this. Nor is it 
 because I have nothing to say of unsubdued self of sin in- 
 dwelling still of conflict of defeat. Alas this mingled 
 condition is too much mine yet. Faint yet pursuing 
 rejoicing too at times in a cheering hope of victory at the 
 last. Weighed down sometimes with the formidable array 
 of responsibilities presented by my post here, and yet again 
 encouraged to work on, and glad that such a post is assigned 
 me. I am often reminded that I hold life on an increasingly 
 uncertain tenure ; health is more easily disturbed ; slighter 
 causes affect it. Oh may I increasingly, and even now as I 
 write, seek to dedicate the remainder unreservedly to the 
 love and fear and service of a long suffering- and most 
 merciful God and Saviour ! 
 
JEt. 50.] BOOTHAM. iC> 
 
 To JOSIAH FOKSTER, in reply to enquiries respecting the 
 course of religious instruction on First-days. 
 
 11 mo. 10, 1851. Some of the intervals of First-day are 
 occupied by the scholars in committing to memory passages 
 of Scripture of my own selecting, illustrative of Christian 
 doctrine and practice. They also learn hymns and selec- 
 tions from Cowper's Task, &c. ; these are repeated to the 
 teachers. I spend some time with the scholars assembled. 
 Each boy has his Bible and biblical atlas. They read to me 
 in turns. We endeavour to go through, although but 
 cursorily, the principal parts of the history, both of the Old 
 and New Testament. The course of reading is interrupted 
 by frequent questions, and by a variety of information, 
 historical, geographical, &c., illustrative of the period before 
 us : and as opportunity offers, remarks are made pointing 
 out the moral and religious instruction derivable from the 
 narrative. In the course of these readings, it is obvious we 
 must sometimes encounter passages which we do not read. 
 On these occasions, as I have felt ability to do it, I have 
 pointed out in general terms the lesson to be drawn, and 
 have endeavoured to show that all these things were written 
 for our instruction ; at the same time warning against that 
 most fearful perversion of Scripture, which would seek to 
 gratify an impure imagination by reverting to these passages. 
 The propriety of this course has I think been proved by facts 
 which have come to my knowledge. 
 
 I mostly avail myself of time on First-day evening for 
 special remarks upon any circumstances which seem to 
 afford a good opportunity for illustrating Christian principles 
 and Christian conduct sometimes by reference to facts, 
 which the school is not cognizant of, but which are known 
 only to myself and the individual alluded to but not named. 
 
50 BOOTHAM. [1852. 
 
 I have sometimes been a little encouraged by finding a boy 
 dating his commencement of some good habit, or his aban- 
 donment of some bad one, from these First-day evening 
 remarks. * 
 
 The number of my assistants, and the ability, tact, good 
 temper and kindness, and I think I may add the Christian 
 concern which actuates them, these circumstances combined, 
 by diminishing occasions of angry feeling, afford propor- 
 tionably more scope for the application of scriptural precepts 
 and principles in conducting the discipline of the school. 
 Appeals to those principles have not to contend with the 
 feeling that both parties have equally violated them. 
 
 I recur with much pleasure to our little conference ; it is 
 very refreshing to find that we are not labouring alone in 
 this great work, but that we have the kind sympathy and 
 the wise counsel of our friends thus freely offered. If any 
 suggestions have arisen in thy mind, or should arise on 
 perusing this imperfect sketch of our proceedings and aims, 
 I should feel greatly obliged by thy communicating. We 
 are still but learners and are still glad to learn. 
 
 1 mo. 23, 1852. The return of the scholars and the 
 resumption of duties have been pleasant ; and we have been 
 permitted to enjoy a sense of our Heavenly Father's love, 
 and an interest in Christ our Saviour. Last First-day 
 evening, feeling helped in my work and believing that it was 
 graciously owned, my heart was filled with joy and peace 
 and thanksgiving. 
 
 On Seventh-day last I was enabled in patience and 
 quietness to labour with a beloved boy, successfully I trust. 
 This evening again with the same, and yet hopefully. I 
 
JEt. 51.] BOOTHAM. 51 
 
 sought the Divine blessing on my labours, and when I found 
 hardness yielding under kind and gentle words I could but 
 rejoice. Among other blessings, privileges and enjoyments 
 I number that of having as aids, three young men, and two 
 juniors, all of whom kindly and efficiently co-operate with 
 me. The attachment of the two juniors is particularly 
 grateful to me. * * * * Till Adam Smith is still as a 
 pillar ^and buttress. His strong sense, animation and good 
 humour, combined with energetic and vigorous capacity for 
 teaching, are of excellent service in his post. * * * * 
 With all these and many unnumbered causes of thankfulness 
 and gratitude, I have a partner beyond all expression dear, 
 Heaven's most peculiar and most especial blessing to me, 
 fitted to my every want, dearer and dearer every day, the 
 frequent solace of my fainting spirits, my daily cheerer in 
 my onward path. For all these what shall I render ? The 
 morning of life is over ; it has ceased to be high noon ; the 
 sun has passed the meridian and is pointing westward : more 
 faithful service, more constant love more frequent com- 
 munion, more watchfulness, more frequent prayer. Grant 
 me these Lord : in Thy dear Son's name and for His sake 
 I ask, all unworthy as I am. 
 
 3 mo. 21. One more birth-day ! Fifty-one accomplished 
 years ! The end nearer ! How near ? What preparation ? 
 What hope ? What ground of hope ? A quiet, thankful, 
 peaceful feeling is my portion this evening. I sought and 
 found some ability to advocate the cause of the Eedeemer 
 with the boys. The solemnity of our evening reading 
 gladdened me. I acknowledged my sense of this, and pointed 
 it out as a cause for thankful gratitude. Weak as is my 
 faith, faint as are my hopes, wavering as is my allegiance, 
 yet faith and hope and allegiance I still strive to maintain. 
 
52 BOOTHAM. [1852. 
 
 I read the hymn (at reading time) " There is a fountain/' 
 The last two stanzas, moved me almost to tears : 
 
 " Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, 
 
 Unworthy though I be, 
 For me a blood-bought, free reward, 
 A golden harp for me :" &c. 
 
 I can truly say, in Christ and in Him alone centre all my 
 hopes. 
 
 5 mo. 29. I attended the Yearly Meeting in London and 
 took more part in the proceedings than on former occasions. 
 I felt it to be a privilege, though not without its snares, to 
 be associated with the wise and good in two or three special 
 services. In these I earnestly sought first, for that wisdom 
 which comes from above, and also for humility, that self 
 might be laid low and that all might be done to the glory 
 of God. An unmerited favour (there can be none but 
 unmerited) awaited my return home. All my fears and 
 apprehensions of physical or moral evil were unfulfilled 
 neither ailment of body nor trouble in regard to conduct had 
 occurred to report. I solemnly returned thanks for this 
 mercy with soul and body prostrate before the throne. 
 
 6 mo. 13. Another " last First-day " has come to its close. 
 Quiet, peaceful thankfulness is my portion this evening. We 
 had a short but solemn time at reading and a still more 
 solemn pause at its close, when I felt constrained to invite 
 all to unite in lifting up our hearts to God in grateful 
 thanksgiving. 
 
 1 mo. 16, 1853. Our short winter vacation of two weeks 
 closes this evening. Once more about to engage in the 
 solemn duties and responsibilities of my post, let the in- 
 junction, "work while it is called to-day for the night 
 conieth," be ever increasingly present. The afternoon has 
 
BOOTHAM. 53, 
 
 come. Twenty-four years of service here, may well remind 
 me that I am no longer a young man even if other 
 symptoms did not sufficiently declare it. If bodily power 
 and mental vigour have passed their meridian, how is it 
 with the far nobler part, the immortal spirit ? Longing 
 sometimes for rest for more of the heavenly, less of the 
 earthly mind : enjoying at times (alas too seldom) a taste of 
 the blessedness of communion with the Saviour, and enabled 
 to trust in Him for time and eternity. Too frequently cold 
 and lifeless, I want more constant watchfulness, more 
 frequent and more fervent prayer. Whilst anxious and 
 seeking to be diligent in my care of others, I have too often 
 to fear " mine own vineyard have I not kept." May it be 
 my more than daily exercise to see to this : as a means let 
 me try to press through the obstacles so often in the way of 
 private retirement and prayer. " Careful and troubled about 
 many things " is my too constant condition. May the one 
 thing needful obtain a more decided earnest attention. * * 
 * * Often on First-day evening after the hour spent with 
 the scholars in which I have felt helped to speak perhaps a 
 word in season, what a blessed sense has been given me of 
 quiet peace. May I, now commencing my twenty-fifth year 
 of service, seek with ever renewed earnestness to maintain 
 the warfare to take the whole armour of God so that 
 whether permitted to labour longer, or called to give a final 
 account of my stewardship before the year closes, may I, 
 trusting in the dear Saviour alone renouncing every other 
 claim be found nevertheless with loins girt about and lamp 
 burning. 
 
 3 mo. 21. A time of trial and perplexity has been ours 
 since I last wrote. For six weeks, hospital cares for thirty 
 patients in the mumps, distributed over that time in one 
 instance fifteen at once engrossed our time and thoughts. 
 
51 BOOTHAM. [1853. 
 
 * * * Duties besides those of my very responsible post 
 seem to increase upon me. My connexion with the Retreat, 
 with the Bible Society the Museum the discipline of our 
 little church present claims upon time and thought, and 
 bring too their snares. " Eendering service " (in civil, 
 religious or scientific matters) " as to the Lord and not as to 
 men " is indeed a great attainment. Self and self-exaltation, 
 self-complacency and self-seeking would fain mingle with 
 and mar every good. I have been instrumental in promoting 
 a certain plan of action at the approaching Jubilee Meeting 
 of the Bible Society. Engaged to take a part in the pro- 
 ceedings, I feel truly desirous that I may keep a single eye 
 to the service of Christ ; that no thought of self-exaltation, 
 on the one hand, no shrinking from service for fear of exposing 
 my incapacity on the other, may interfere. 
 
 6 mo. 26. Long intervals between these memoranda cause 
 many links in the chain to drop. The Bible meeting just 
 impending when I wrote last proved a very successful one. 
 The Earl of Carlisle presided ; the plan sketched was carried 
 out ; nearly two thousand persons were said to be present ; 
 the funds of the Society were increased, and I hope renewed 
 interest excited. This was cause of grateful thankfulness. 
 In the Fifth month I again attended the Yearly Meeting 
 and again found it a time of renewal of faith and hope, and 
 of increased attachment to our own little corner of the 
 Christian fold. Some little service seemed to fall to my lot 
 and some ability given to perform it. I was favoured with 
 good health nearly the whole time, freedom from headache 
 with only one day's exception. 
 
 This evening we have again an empty house. The scholars 
 left on Sixth-day. In reference to those who leave us this 
 summer I think we may look forward hopefully. I believe 
 
JEt. 52,] BOOTHAM. 55 
 
 that our morning and evening readings and our First-day 
 evening exercises, have not unfrequently been marked by 
 deep and solemn attention, whilst the truths of Christianity 
 its duties the spirit it inculcates the love of Christ to us 
 our debt of love to Him, were set forth, not without a sense 
 of help from Him, and that not unsought. One of the elder 
 scholars on taking leave mentioned his grateful estimate of 
 the First-day evening Addresses. May I derive encourage- 
 ment from this incident, and give all the praise to Him 
 without whose help all such efforts are but 
 
 " Tinkling cymbal and high sounding brass 
 Smitten in vain ! Such music cannot charm 
 The eclipse, that intercepts truth's heavenly beam." 
 
 With one solitary exception which looks like incipient 
 insanity, love and harmony and affection have largely pre- 
 vailed amongst us all reciprocally. No painful revelations 
 of the pestilence that walks in darkness have marked the half 
 year, nor yet indications that awakened suspicions of its 
 presence. 
 
 This evening though feeling to need relaxation and repose, 
 I cannot entirely dismiss a sense of vacuity and sadness that 
 " resembles sorrow only as the mist resembles the rain," at the 
 thought of the beloved ones dispersed and the sight of the 
 empty rooms. The privilege of association with young 
 life the power of exciting and the heart to reciprocate 
 affection, transient though it may be are elements of daily 
 happiness, the peculiar advantages of my post. With these 
 too are permitted at times to mingle the thought that my 
 beloved partner and myself may not only not have hindered, 
 but have helped some of the lambs of Christ's fold in their 
 early efforts, in the first buddings of youthful love for Him 
 their dear, their ever loving Eedeemer. 
 
 The vacation now before us will soon be with the past ! 
 
W BOOTHAM. [1853. 
 
 Chequered as its predecessors it will probably be. The 
 recollection of the last encourages the belief that even trials 
 may be transmuted into blessings by the wondrous alchemy 
 of the love of Grod in Jesus Christ. 
 
 Poor and empty faith and hope and love not extinct but 
 feeble, I would fain come this evening before the mercy 
 seat, and with the Intercessor there, for without Him I dare 
 not go, acknowledge remissness, coldness, unworthiness, sin- 
 fulness plead for pardon in His name plead His most 
 precious blood cast all my cares down there small and 
 great perplexities, anxieties, hopes, fears and ask for one 
 thing ability to say, with deep and earnest sincerity, " Thy 
 will be done." I would fain offer too, feeble and faint though 
 it may be, a note of thanksgiving for innumerable and ever 
 accumulating mercies that have followed me all my life long 
 to this very hour. 
 
 To JOSIAH FORSTER. 
 
 8 mo, 22. 1853. In reference to thy inquiries respecting re- 
 ligious instruction, I have been looking at a copy of the letter 
 which I sent thee in the Third month. I do not think I can 
 add much to the delineation of the plans pursued at York, as 
 there detailed, nor have I seen reason to distrust or to modify 
 those plans, considering the party who communicates and the 
 parties who receive the instruction. The proceedings des- 
 cribed in the letter referred to, involve a larger amount of 
 direct viva-voce instruction, than I have seen or heard of in 
 our schools in general. I rely for this on the testimony of 
 some of my young men as well as upon my own observation. 
 I do not mean to represent this circumstance either as a good 
 or bad feature per se, but as a peculiar one in regard to the 
 extent to which it is carried here. I may further observe 
 that it is not so much the result of preconceived ideas as to 
 
JEt. 52.] BOOTHAM. 67 
 
 what might be best, as it has been the growth or development 
 of time, experience and circumstances. I can readily admit 
 the belief that had I attempted at thirty -two that which I 
 am practising at fifty-two, in all probability the plan would 
 have been a failure. Do not understand by this that I have 
 any exalted idea of the efficacy of the plans I am now 
 practising ; all I can say is, that from time to time I am 
 permitted a measure of peace in following them out, and am 
 not altogether without occasional evidence of pleasant results. 
 I believe that my plan of religious instruction is availing as 
 far as it is the result of deep, heartfelt experience of the 
 truths communicated, and as far as ability is sought and 
 granted rightly to communicate it. These expressions appear 
 to me to involve the idea of earnest endeavour to live these 
 things as well as to speak of them. 
 
 I think it will follow from what I have written, that I 
 could not venture to prescribe to a teacher, especially to a 
 young one, to follow out a similar plan : it might be injurious 
 entrusted to youthful zeal and inexperience. At the same 
 time I am not sure that more of direct teaching would not 
 have been practised by wise, judicious and religious-minded 
 teachers, had they taken larger views of the liberty, the duty 
 and the responsibility associated with the possession of the 
 Truth. 
 
 10 mo. 31. Four months have sped away since my last 
 memorandum here. In the interval many things have 
 occurred worthy of a passing note, if it were only to arrest a 
 thought or a feeling that might instruct the traveller or 
 enliven the yet remaining road. Last week was one of most 
 painful labour oppressing the spirits exhausting the in- 
 tellectual powers followed of course by prostration of health. 
 The moral " pestilence that walks in darkness," manifested 
 
58 BOOTH AM. 1853. 
 
 by some of its incipient symptoms, happily incipient, not 
 rife demanded prudence promptitude decision adapta- 
 tion. Again and again under a sense of extreme need, the 
 knee was bent in secret for wisdom and prudence equal to 
 the need. Last evening sitting alone late all retired but 
 myself reviewing the labours of the week the toils and the 
 help of the evening feeling too though weak and exhausted, 
 yet a merciful relief from bodily pain of which I had had 
 much I felt a more overpowering sense of the love of Grod 
 in Christ Jesus than was (I think) ever before my portion. 
 It absorbed all power of words : it was beyond expression : 
 bended knees and streaming eyes were the only external 
 evidences : thought upon thought, glowing, rapid, well- 
 defined, like lightning flashes in quick succession, passed 
 through the mind entire confidence in the Saviour that I 
 could in that happy moment trust Him without a single 
 mistrustful doubt for time and for eternity. 
 
 Last Seventh-day evening I brought my labours on the 
 aforenamed subject nearly to a close by an interview with 
 the members of the senior class, when though labouring under 
 the depression of indisposition, I was enabled in somewhat 
 general and yet in intelligible language, to press upon them 
 their responsibility in regard to the purity and delicacy of 
 thought and speech and act, which ought ever to characterize 
 the Christian schoolboy. Whilst thus appealing to them and 
 marking the beaming and beautiful countenances of some, 
 whose hearts I believe responded to the appeal, I felt the 
 love of Christ towards them so manifestly present, that the 
 sense of it nearly choked my utterance. To-day I have 
 finished this painful labour tracked out the foe to I trust 
 his last lurking place tried to do all that my hand found to 
 do and then once more commended myself and my charge 
 
JEl. 52.] BOOTHAM. . ! >9 
 
 to Him who assures us by inference, that whilst He keeps 
 the city the watchman shall not wake in vain. 
 
 11 mo. 21. I have employed the evening hour from 10 
 to 11 lately in looking over and making an abstract of some 
 journals of vacations commencing 1820. I find some interest 
 in looking back at the unfoldings of character, moral, in- 
 tellectual and spiritual, as indicated in these narratives. Last 
 evening having spent a little time in this ivay, I felt before 
 retiring a strong sense of that preserving love and mercy 
 for some years "unseen " truly that at length " conveyed 
 me safe and led me up to man ; " and more, far more than 
 that led me to intercourse and acquaintance with the wise 
 and good, kindled in my heart love for them, and slow and 
 backward to learn as I was, taught me something of the 
 preciousness and excellence of a Saviour's love. 
 
 To WILLIAM S. LEAN. 
 
 12 mo. 19, 1853. Thy continued interest in Bootham is very 
 gratifying to us. I think I may confirm thy supposition 
 that things are going on satisfactorily on the whole. Grood 
 and evil are still manifest and the evil does not predominate. 
 I have had again as on many past occasions, thankfully to 
 recognize that watchful providence, which does not permit 
 evil long to remain unnoted, even that class of evil which 
 emphatically walks in darkness. I have had to rejoice too in 
 the fact that among the senior scholars there was moral 
 courage enough, first to warn, and then to denounce to me 
 one of their number, who not satisfied with the negative 
 gratification of being wrong himself, must needs point the 
 sneer at one who was unobtrusively pursuing the right. 
 
 * * * * But these, dear W., are not 
 
 the things to discourage us : if there were no conflict there 
 could be no victory. I rejoice with thee in believing that 
 
CO BOOTH AM. 
 
 among those whom thou knew, and among those who have 
 since entered the school, there are some " honourable charac- 
 ters," and I will use this word in an apostolic sense true 
 disciples, even though young ones, of our Lord and Saviour 
 
 Jesus Christ. , a new scholar, and whom thou 
 
 knew, are two of whom I could say with Dr. Arnold, " I 
 could stand hat in hand to them," so highly do I honour 
 every appearance of the meek and gentle and courteous 
 spirit of the young Christian. * * * * And 
 now a word or two on another topic one of deep interest 
 thyself. If thou told me that thou wast sensible of no 
 opposition in thy own heart that thou found it perfectly 
 easy to live the life of a Christian, I should think of thee as 
 I should think of a school said to be cleared of evil a little 
 paradise regained I should think there was a mistake some- 
 where. And here let me remind thee, and if it be a repetition 
 excuse it, that thy Saviour was once exactly the age thou art 
 to-day. The record of Him forbids the idea that He was a 
 stranger to conflict " tempted in all points like as we are 
 yet without sin." Mayst thou, dear W., ever increasingly 
 look to Him in every conflict, and may His loving spirit be 
 very near to strengthen and to help thee. 
 
 Thy mention of conflict of willingness of spirit and 
 weakness of flesh, brought vividly before me my own early 
 days. When about two years older than thou art now, I 
 was in the thick of the conflict. The banks of the beautiful 
 Medway were to me the place where prayer was wont to be 
 made, and many a tear shed, over innate depravity, an over- 
 sensitive temperament, and many a besetting sin. Write 
 over all such scenes " Hsec meminisse juvabit ! " The pain 
 and the strife and the heart sinkings will be forgotten in the 
 sense of that mercy and love which then at times unseen, 
 sustained. Thou wilt at length find, and mayst thou find it 
 
JEt. 52.] BOOTHAM. 61 
 
 earlier and more abundantly than I did not ultimate victory 
 but success and progress. 
 
 I assure thee it was with no self-complacent spirit that I 
 read thy encouraging remarks respecting our First-day 
 evening exercises. They were often conducted by me under 
 a deep sense of weakness, unworthiness and incapacity, and 
 yet preceded at times by prayer, and followed by a tranquil 
 feeling of peace and thanksgiving. To know that they 
 were received and valued cheers my spirit and renews my 
 trust. And thus it is that the members of Christ's Church 
 (may I say of " the Church in our house," for I love the 
 term), may help and encourage one another. There needs 
 no apology for thy three volumes of notes. I am sure thou 
 wilt not misapply them ; and I am glad I never knew that 
 they were taken till now. The knowledge might have been 
 injurious once now it is a little testimony which, in con- 
 junction with a few occasional admissions made to me by the 
 scholars, serves as a brook by the way. 
 
 12 mo. 31. A letter from dear William S. Lean a few 
 days ago moved me deeply. He mentions that he possesses 
 three volumes of notes of First-day evening Addresses. I 
 was humbled and yet pleased with this glad I never knew it 
 whilst it could influence my Addresses thankful for it now 
 as an encouragement to labour on. Is " non omnis moriar " 
 altogether an unhallowed sentiment ? Is it wrong to hope 
 to live in the memory of the wise and good ? Is it permis- 
 sible to be pleased with the gift of ability to attract and 
 attach the young ? Are we to press after entire abstraction ?. 
 Oh may I, if I must acknowledge that I still feel the force of 
 these motives seek with ever increasing earnestness to have 
 them all baptized in the love of Christ, and all entirely 
 
62 BOOTHAM. [1853 
 
 subordinated to His service. To my Heavenly Father, this 
 evening, through the ever dear Eedeemer, his son Jesus 
 Christ, I would offer in the retrospect of the year heartfelt 
 praise and thanksgiving, and ask for ability to dedicate my 
 all to His service ! Amen. 
 
 The First-day evening Addresses mentioned in the 
 preceding letter and paragraph, formed a marked 
 feature in John Ford's course of instruction. They 
 were usually given in the School Room when only the 
 Scholars and Teachers, and occasionally one or two 
 old pupils, were present. The subjects were varied; 
 points of Christian truth passing events of the day 
 and the lessons to be deduced from them anything 
 that had awakened uneasiness regarding the flock 
 and earnest invitations to accept the offers of a 
 Saviour's love. Not a few of the old Scholars will 
 endorse the opinion of one of their number, who 
 several years after leaving school wrote as follows : 
 " I think in looking back to the three years spent 
 at Bootham, that the times most impressed on my 
 memory were those First-day evening Addresses, 
 which often seemed so to touch and solemnize my 
 mind, that I wished to go to bed without speaking 
 lest the feeling should be dispelled." 
 
 12 mo. 31. The year is nearly closed. All our scholars 
 have left. Peace without and peace within, my dear R. 
 and I can acknowledge is our pleasant portion. And yet 
 whilst quietness and repose are grateful, it is with no feeling 
 of delight that I hear no echoes of youthful voices. Pleasant 
 
JKi. 53.] BOOTHAM. 63 
 
 intercourse with them from day to day is so much a daily 
 pleasure, that the absence of it throws a pensive air over my 
 spirit. Perhaps the more so from the circumstance, which 
 not boastingly but rather with the deep humility of gratitude, 
 I may record, that I have been enabled from time to time to 
 minister to them of the things entrusted to me for their good. 
 
 3 mo. 21, 1854. To-day I complete my fifty-third year ! 
 Though poor and lifeless I can hardly let the day pass by 
 quite unnoted if it were only to number my blessings and 
 deplore my ingratitude. A day of probation prolonged 
 whilst many contemporaries are removed a measure of 
 health and strength still granted for daily duties my 
 beloved R. though just now far from well, yet preserved in 
 a measure of health demanding thankful gratitude able and 
 united officers allegiance and affection still characterizing 
 the Scholars all these and many more blessings are still 
 prolonged, loudly demanding more zeal, more constancy, 
 more earnestness, more singleness of purpose, more seeking 
 after frequent communion. May I bear these thoughts in 
 mind, and with more tenacity of purpose seek to realize them. 
 May the spirit of prayer be granted me for that aid without 
 which all effort is vain. 
 
 4 mo. 9. Yesterday evening I was passing out of the 
 parlour to bed. I had felt for some time a want of capacity for 
 communion with Grod not careless but poor, very poor and 
 helpless. A feeling of sorrow and of longing flashed across 
 my mind as I was about to close the door. I turned back 
 under these feelings, kneeled down, and was favoured with 
 access to the throne, with thoughts and words and feelings 
 in unison, so that with a contrite heart and with tears of joy 
 and thankfulness, I availed myself of this glorious privilege 
 of access in the name of the dear Redeemer. Confession 
 
64 BOOTHAM. [1854. 
 
 entreaty for pardon for strength intercession for my be- 
 loved ones were offered under an overpowering sense of 
 Divine love and mercy. 
 
 This evening, without making any allusion to the fore- 
 going, I set before the scholars the duty of availing ourselves 
 of such like offers of Divine love ; that whilst daily seeking, 
 even under a sense of poverty, unfitness and discouragement, 
 for communion with Grod in the name of Jesus Christ, and 
 for His sake we should avail ourselves especially of these 
 precious moments when invited as it were to the very 
 presence chamber. 
 
 To WILLIAM KITCHING, JUN. 
 
 5 mo. 19, 1854. I was much interested in thy little review 
 of the past. It seemed to indicate to me something very much 
 the reverse of a careless or indifferent state of mind ; rather, 
 that condition which, seeking to profit by a review of the 
 past, both of its lapses and its successes, is earnestly pressing 
 forward. It is a rare felicity, seldom experienced by those 
 who engage in this world's warfare, never to suffer repulse 
 or defeat. Perhaps it is still more rare in regard to the 
 conflicts in which the Christian is called to engage. To profit 
 by repulses and defeats so as to renew the strife with fresh 
 courage, and with still firmer faith, is a safe and wise course. 
 It is cheering to me to believe that some such experience as 
 this has been thine ; and I interpret thy expression of feeling 
 thyself again on " firm ground " to mean, that by watch- 
 fulness and prayer and by frequently looking to that loving 
 Saviour, who was tempted as we are, yet without sin, 
 temptation is successfully resisted. * * * * It is a good 
 omen of success in a calling, when we feel we prefer and love 
 it. This preference and love are absolutely essential to success 
 in the teacher. It removes obstacles, smooths down difficulties, 
 
-flit. 53.] BOOTHAM. 65 
 
 and gives courage in times of trial ; I am therefore glad to 
 find that thou still entertains these feelings in regard to thy 
 future allotment. 
 
 7 mo. 2. The session just closed has been one of some 
 continued anxiety in regard to health. * * * The senior 
 class has been a company of contrasts ; high intellectual 
 power, amiability, kindliness and religious thoughtfulness 
 have been the characteristics of a few. On the other hand 
 two or three have manifested very opposite tendencies, and 
 have occasioned much care and anxious thought as well as 
 not unfrequent painful labour. In reviewing the course 
 pursued with both these classes, I may thankfully ac- 
 knowledge that I have not withheld the language of kind 
 encouragement from the one, and that I have again and 
 again been helped in labouring with and for the other. Our 
 evening readings and our First-day gatherings in the school- 
 room have often I believe been owned by a solemnizing sense 
 of our Heavenly Father's love in Jesus Christ. 
 
 With many symptoms of powers past their prime, may I 
 yet not turn faint-hearted, but be willing to abide at my 
 post till He who allotted it shall be pleased to grant a dis- 
 charge. May my dear partner and myself be permitted to 
 realize the promise, or rather to fulfil the injunction in which 
 a most precious promise is involved, " casting all your care 
 on Him, for He careth for you." " Cast thy burden upon 
 the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." 
 
 To WILLIAM S. LEAN. 
 
 11 mo. 3, 1854. In the first place, a few words about thy 
 prospects. My dear E. and myself are much pleased with 
 thy sentiments on this subject. Circumstances certainly seem 
 
60 BOOTHAM. [1854. 
 
 to point plainly towards the arrangement, and whilst we are 
 not to allow ourselves to drift in the current of circumstances, 
 irrespective of their tendency, yet when their tendency 
 appears to be in the right direction, when no manifest duty 
 is neglected in following them out, we may commit ourselves 
 confidingly to our Heavenly Father's care, trusting that He 
 will lead us on safely if right, and arrest our course if it is 
 wrong. I can gratefully record my own experience of the 
 safety of thus accepting openings of service, in preference to 
 attempting to cut and hew them out for myself. Therefore 
 far from disapproving of a decision in which thou hast the 
 very important element of thy father's and mother's approval, 
 I shall trust that it is a right decision, and that it may prove 
 a field of service, and lead to fields of service in which those 
 who love thee will rejoice to see thee labouring. Thy letter 
 appears to contain evidence that thou hast given the subject 
 a very careful consideration, and though we felt sure thou 
 wouldst so consider it, yet it is a satisfaction to have these 
 proofs of it. Entering upon a new engagement in the spirit 
 indicated in thine is I believe a safe course, and one which 
 will bear reverting to whatever may be the result. * * * 
 When I feel as though I could rejoice in the aspect of a School, 
 I find something of that " trembling " mixed with it, of 
 which the Apostle speaks. I think I feel a little of that joy 
 just now. I may be mistaken, but I believe that for several 
 years we have not had so unexceptionable a Senior Class 
 open, confiding, generous, intelligent, and several I believe 
 serious-minded. The only one of the lot whose antecedents 
 would make it folly not to be somewhat mistrustful, has so 
 conducted himself since the vacation, that I took an oppor- 
 tunity of his coming to the Library a few days ago, to tell 
 him that I had entertained the belief that he was making 
 better principles the guide of his conduct, and that I wished 
 
JEk. 53.] BOOTHAM. 6? 
 
 to encourage him so to do. He did not look as though con- 
 scious of unmerited confidence. A flush of pleasure, with 
 something of the grateful in it, adorned his not unintelligent 
 face, and strengthened my hopes. 
 
 12 mo. 31. My First-day evening labours, of which I 
 have kept a record, have again and again been blessed with 
 a spirit of prayer before engaging, help whilst labouring 
 and peace in retrospect. For all these and many more 
 favours and mercies what shall I render ? Poor, empty, 
 cold and lifeless this evening I would at least acknowledge 
 my indebtedness ; and confessing poverty and penury, yet 
 seek to come just as I am, a poor petitioner but having an 
 all-powerful Advocate. What would I have ? Pardon for 
 His sake for all the sins omissions and commissions of the 
 past pardon for the want of earnestness in asking pardon 
 for a want of a sense of thankfulness and love and gratitude 
 for so much and so many kindnesses faith to keep alive in 
 the hour of depression. Heavenly Father, for Thy dear 
 Son's sake forgive. Help me with increased vigilance, fidelity 
 and alacrity (leaving the things that are behind) to press 
 toward the mark for the prize. May a sense of Thy love 
 still extended to my dear partner and myself stimulate us to 
 more devoted service, if permitted still to serve in the coming 
 year. " Create in me a clean heart, Grod ; and renew a 
 right spirit within me." Enable me to lay aside every 
 weight and every besetting sin, and with a single eye to Thy 
 service, to Thy glory, to commence the new year. For Thy 
 dear Son's sake, our ever living Advocate, accept my poor, 
 cold, lifeless, not insincere evening prayer : for His sake 
 pardon its very coldness and lifelessness, and accept it in 
 Him. Amen. 
 
68 BOOTHAM. [1855. 
 
 1 mo. 14, 1855. To-morrow commences another six months' 
 session. Though daily watchfulness and more than daily 
 prayer must be mine, in order to maintain the daily warfare, 
 first for myself, and then as delegated guardian of others, yet 
 now on the eve of commencing I would earnestly pray for 
 the guiding, protecting, controlling and loving care of my 
 Heavenly Father in the name of His dear Son, to guide and 
 to guard and direct and help and strengthen and preserve 
 my beloved partner and myself through the session. 
 
 1 travelled with three friends lately, each of whom 
 denounced the system of the school in which he had been 
 educated each different each among Friends. One of 
 them said that what good might exist in those subjected to 
 such training, was in spite of, not by favour of the influence 
 of school in short that evil was predominant. I listened 
 with silent concern, querying what will be said of York 
 training what under-currents of evil will be the theme of 
 the men twenty years to come. I think it will be of under- 
 currents only that they will be able to speak. In some 
 recent fearful conflicts with evil, I had reason to believe it 
 was only an under-current that it was limited and recent. 
 May I be kept in that prayerful vigilance from which even 
 under-currents shall not be long concealed, and endowed 
 with true wisdom to track and to arrest their course. I 
 would fain hope even now, that it might be said evil was in 
 spite of, and not by favour of the influence of the school 
 that the good have a fair chance that evil is in a minority. 
 Heavenly Father help us still for Thy dear Son's sake, our 
 only Saviour. 
 
 2 mo. 26. Since I last wrote in these pages a depth of 
 sore trial has been permitted us in the breaking out of 
 scarlatina in the school. This is the thirty-eighth day since 
 
Mt. 53.] BOOTH AM. 69 
 
 its first appearance, and we have still three patients in the 
 nursery. In the interval I have been very unwell. My 
 beloved partner has been able to fulfil her usual daily duties, 
 though sometimes faint, weary and almost desponding : and 
 yet both of us have been enabled from time to time to renew 
 our confidence in our Heavenly Father's love and care. 
 
 3 mo. 18. Since I wrote last, illness increasing, the. 
 Committee resolved to disperse the school, and all that were 
 well left us on the 9th instant. Twelve invalids remained ; 
 they are now reduced to two still with us. Two months' 
 tension has produced its not unexpected effects, abated health 
 and prostration of spirits. 
 
 3 mo. 21. This evening our kind and able committee 
 met once more to consider various circumstances connected 
 with the state of the school. I was present, and in the 
 course of the discussion expressed my apprehension that my 
 beloved E. might not be equal to the post she now occupies, 
 except at a cost that I was not warranted to incur that I 
 could see no medium between continuing as at present, or 
 entirely withdrawing that I was not prepared peremptorily 
 to withdraw, but after having stated these views we were 
 satisfied with placing ourselves in the hands of our friends, 
 and for the present to abide by their judgment, trusting that 
 we should be adapted to the' burden, or the burden to us ; or 
 that way would be more plainly made for our release. The 
 will of the Lord be done ! 
 
 To WILLIAM KITCHING, JUN. 
 (about to enter the school as a Junior Teacher.) 
 
 7 mo. 26, 1855. I had intended to converse with thee a 
 little on the subject of thy last letter, when at Ackworth ; 
 but my ability to converse or -indeed any other ability was 
 
70 BOOTHAM. [1855. 
 
 very limited, quite unequal to ordinary duties. However 
 I do not know that I should have had much to say, except to 
 express my wish to encourage thee to look hopefully forward. 
 ***** The right fulfilment of a Teacher's office 
 consists less with the extent of his attainments than with his 
 aptness to teach, the largeness of his sympathy with youth, 
 his love for them, and above all, the love of Christ ruling in 
 his heart and regulating all his proceedings. I look forward 
 with pleasure to thy joining us ; and I believe it will be the 
 study of my dear E. F. and myself to do what we can to 
 make thy path pleasant and happy. 
 
 On the 3rd of Ninth month I went to Scarborough. I 
 had been extremely unwell. A few days' residence at 
 Scarborough produced a surprising change. I returned 
 home on the 7th. On the morning of that day immediately 
 after breakfast I ascended Oliver's Mount. It was a glorious 
 morning an almost cloudless sky. I was too early for the 
 crowd of visitors. I reached the summit, retraced the 
 ground almost to the level of Seamer Mere, then returned to 
 the top, walked round the whole drive, and only encountered 
 one set of Tourists just as I had completed the circle. "Whilst 
 alone on the summit, struck with the beauty, seclusion and 
 extent of the scene the blue sky the expanse of sea the 
 freshness of the morning air, and superadded, the sense of 
 renovated health, my heart I think I may say overflowed 
 with gratitude and love. I was constrained to bend the 
 knee on the turf. Prayer and confession and a sense of 
 pardoning mercy and heartfelt thanksgiving in the name 
 of the dear Son of God a renewal of covenant a fresh 
 desire to love and to serve all these rendered it a consecrated 
 spot and a consecrated moment, never to be forgotten. The 
 
^Et. 54.] BOOTHAM. 71 
 
 God of nature and the God of Grace the great Creator, 
 and the loved and loving Saviour seemed in some sense 
 realized. The scene brought to my mind, 
 
 " From the blue rim where sky and ocean meet, 
 Down to the very turf beneath thy feet, 
 All speak one language, all with one sweet voice 
 Cry to the universal realm, Rejoice ! " 
 
 12 mo. 30. Lifeless myself, dry empty hard the 
 opening of these pages has revived past mercies, and kindled 
 some little feeling, some renewed sense of gratitude. The 
 year almost closing has been marked by mercies innumerable : 
 among those mercies I enumerate the capacity to perceive, 
 to acknowledge and to enjoy them. Many of them have 
 been connected with sore trials songs of praise and deliver- 
 ance. Some of them have been connected with deep concern 
 for others, and permission given and access granted to petition 
 for them at the footstool of the throne in the dear Redeemer's 
 name. The verbal mention of my young friends and of 
 some who are not young, has seemed to intensify prayer and 
 intercession. And now twenty-seven years of service have 
 nearly closed : but few can remain, ' possibly very few. 
 " What is that to thee ? follow thou me." May I receive 
 and appropriate the admonition and the command seek 
 still to occupy more diligently, more faithfully, with less 
 of self-seeking more of singleness of heart as unto the 
 Lord. 
 
 1 mo. 20, 1856. At reading time after some conflict 
 not a little I bent the knee, and was strengthened to implore 
 in the name of the dear Eedeemer the blessing of our Heaven- 
 ly Father on the session just commencing that He would 
 guard us against every inroad of evil that He would imbue 
 the hearts of the beloved young ones assembled, with the 
 love of Him and of their dear Eedeemer that He would 
 
72 BOOTHAM. [1856. 
 
 so fashion them by His Holy Spirit that they might be His 
 for ever. I had peace in this offering. 
 
 Soon after the re-assembling of the school, measles 
 broke out, and many of the boys were laid by in 
 the complaint. All went on favourably for a time 
 till one of the scholars, the son of Henry Bewley of 
 Lota, near Dublin, became a cause of anxiety. 
 Before he was seriously unwell, an inmate of his 
 father's family had come to nurse him. Alarming 
 symptoms coming on, his parents were telegraphed 
 for, but they did not reach York until some hours 
 after his peaceful close. John Ford thus alludes to 
 this severe dispensation : 
 
 
 
 2 mo. 21. Since I wrote last a time of deep trial has 
 been allotted us. " Fire and hail, snow and vapour, stormy 
 wind fulfilling His word." This may not unaptly characterize 
 the events of the last three weeks. All these are called upon 
 by the Psalmist to praise the Lord. May such be the blessed 
 results of this dispensation. * * Sleepless- 
 
 ness, watching, anxiety, deep sympathy with the bereaved 
 parents, the very delicate health and the distress of my dear 
 B., bore away all refuge except one, and that did not fail : 
 again and again prayer was found to be a hiding place. 
 ***** After the funeral, in the Meeting 
 House after much conflict I bent the knee in prayer. My 
 feelings were wonderfully calmed by this offering. 
 
 To THOMAS PUPLETT. 
 
 2 mo. 26, 1856. Whilst we have been sensible on many 
 occasions during the last two weeks of the visitations of our 
 
-JEt. 54.] BOOTHAM. 73 
 
 Heavenly Father's love to our own beloved circle, it gladdens 
 our hearts to know that this blessing has been extended to 
 other circles in connection with the same sorrowful event. 
 Some more wondrous connecting influence than that of the 
 electric wires, might seem to have subsisted between Ackworth 
 and York last First-day evening. In the course of our 
 engagements in the school room, the missing one (though no 
 new topic) was incidentally alluded to, and yet another of 
 the many lessons offered for our instruction was pointed out. 
 The deep and touching solemnity that attended and followed 
 a silence that no one seemed willing to break cheered my 
 heart again, with the belief that the love of our Heavenly 
 Father was especially extended to the youthful company 
 before me to all of us. 
 
 I am glad that the invitation to seek communion with God, 
 in prayer offered in the name of His dear Son, was extended 
 to your interesting flock. I have found myself drawn 
 frequently of late, both before and since our late loss, to 
 press the invitation here, and on more than one occasion the 
 united spirit of prayer has been granted us. "Whilst " Non 
 nobis Domine " is the inmost sentiment of our hearts, we 
 may tell one another of His loving kindness and tender 
 mercy. 
 
 "We have had several interesting letters from Dublin. One 
 from the father of the beloved boy, whilst it bears evidence 
 that their hearts at times feel their desolateness, yet expresses 
 the earnest desire that the event may be the blessed means 
 of drawing many young hearts to the Saviour. " Re can do 
 it," he says, " may He give us faith to believe that He will." 
 
 In addition to our anxieties, our sorrows were not merely 
 sympathetic. We truly mourned the loss from our circle of 
 a good, a bright, intelligent, loving and lovely boy one 
 
74 BOOTHAM. [1856. 
 
 whom we thought it would be a delight to train for his 
 Master's service on earth, and He has early transferred him 
 for service in Heaven. Besides an evidence sealed on our 
 spirits that he is safe for ever an evidence which I dare not 
 call in question we have the confirming testimony of his 
 previous life and conduct, of his patient and thankful 
 demeanour in sickness, and of the peace which hovered over 
 his dying bed. His pleasure in listening to, and his affirma- 
 tive responses to the beautiful hymn, " How sweet the name 
 of Jesus sounds," and his emphatically earnest reply to my 
 dear E. F.'s enquiry, " Was not his Saviour near him, was he 
 not sensible of His presence and His love ?" "Yes, indeed I 
 am!" all these considerations remove all thoughts of gloom 
 in remembering this beloved child. 
 
 3 mo. 10. Last Sixth day the quarterly Committee met 
 at Bootham to consider the best arrangements for the carry- 
 ing on of the School. Members of the sub-committee had 
 already conferred with me. * * For myself 
 
 I may say as I have already said to the Committee, that I 
 place myself in their hands, to carry out cordially and 
 earnestly such plans as they may deem most likely to promote 
 the benefit of the School. 
 
 Ten years ago my property was larger than it is to-day. 
 Perhaps I once indulged the idea that I might be in 
 circumstances to quit this post, and might be permitted 
 peacefully to quit it with an adequate competence, by the 
 time I had arrived at my present age. It seems to be not so 
 permitted not my will, but that of my Heavenly Father 
 be done ! I had once thought that when my time of dis- 
 missal came, it might be an entire dismissal that a successor 
 might be found who would revise and reform and renovate, 
 
JEt. 55.] BOOTHAM. 75 
 
 and that I might be permitted to find an abode elsewhere, 
 leaving the field clear for new and better men and measures. 
 It seems it is not to be so. I am told that there is a general 
 wish that the system of management should remain un- 
 changed that there is a general desire that my successor 
 should be of my own training that E. and I should 
 continue to render such service as we can, and await the 
 unfoldings of events and times. To this I would repeat, 
 even so " Thy will be done ! " A little ability to render 
 service whilst required, a willing heart to render it a heart 
 to render it as to the Lord industry, fidelity, courage, 
 faith, true-hearted allegiance all these I need. Bestow 
 them upon me, Heavenly Father, for Thy dear Son's 
 sake. Amen ! 
 
 3 mo. 21. The difficulties always attendant upon the 
 introduction of new officers, make me look to the future as 
 not involving relief; perhaps as tinged with sombre un- 
 certainty, not to say gloom. If trial still awaits us, or awaits 
 me only, may I be enabled to accept it as the appointed 
 discipline of a Father's love. If it draws me nearer and 
 nearer to Him, if it should prepare and strengthen me for 
 further and more faithful service, it shall be indeed welcome. 
 Even now in reverting to the trials of the last few weeks, 
 and calling to mind the "joy unspeakable" of free and 
 frequent access to the throne of Grace the realization of the 
 love of Christ the delight of seeking and finding a sense 
 of that love, with body, soul and spirit prostrate I could 
 exclaim with the Patriarch of old, " oh that it were with me 
 as in days past." If less of sensible enjoyment is y and is to 
 be for a time my portion, may I be kept faithful and watchful 
 so that I may lose no opportunity of access in prayer, by 
 carelessness or indifference. 
 
76 BOOTHAM. [1856. 
 
 To-night, remembering the innumerable mercies that have 
 marked every year of my life, I would ask for an increase 
 of faith and love, a deeper sense of the immense debt of 
 gratitude due for the purchased salvation ; and hence more 
 constancy, fidelity and diligence in service if still permitted 
 to serve : and if before another birthday should come round 
 my term of earthly service should have closed, may I be 
 permitted to entertain the hope, that for His sake who died 
 to save us and who ever liveth to make intercession for us, 
 I may (most unworthy as I am) be accepted in Him. Amen. 
 
 6 mo. 22. Our scholars all left us on Sixth-day, and another 
 vacation has begun. We parted with our two faithful aids, 
 Till Adam Smith after nearly fifteen years of service, and 
 "William Robinson after three. It was not without much 
 emotion, that my dear R. and myself took leave of these 
 beloved friends. * * * * Prevented going to Meeting 
 by indisposition, incapable and needing rest as usual at this 
 time, yet also as usual feeling the silence and vacuity of the 
 house and grounds, I am poor and depressed this evening, 
 and yet not without a thankful remembrance of past mercies, 
 nor yet without some trust for the future. 
 
 * * * * believe that on several occasions lately I 
 might without presumption, without running not being sent, 
 have said a few words in our Meetings for worship. Fear- 
 fulness and faithlessness have prevented. I earnestly desire 
 to be preserved on either hand. The gospel is livingly and 
 frequently preached in our Meetings here at York ; but that 
 is no excuse if an offering be really required : again, " who 
 hath required this at your hand " is a very solemn question. 
 "Make my way straight before Thy face." Help me to be 
 faithful and obedient ! I have often had to acknowledge 
 thankfully the help afforded in my First-day engagements 
 
JEt. 55.] BOOTHAM. 77 
 
 with the scholars a gift entrusted to me for them ; a measure 
 of the same feeling has attended me at times in Meeting. 
 Keep me from mistakes either of utterance or of silence, 
 Lord! 
 
 7 mo. 6. This morning early in the Meeting the text 
 " Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in 
 Heaven that one of these little ones should perish," came 
 before me. There were many little ones present and after 
 much conflict and many fears, I ventured to quote the text 
 and offer a short comment. I believe that the enemy of all 
 good, the accuser of the brethren tried to discourage me after 
 this engagement. I laid my case before Him whom I would 
 gladly claim as my Master, and His peace that passeth all 
 understanding filled my heart with gratitude and my eyes 
 with thankful tears. 
 
 Last Third-day I went to Ackworth to attend the Greneral 
 Meeting and the Educational Meeting. I read a paper on 
 " The Duties and Difficulties of Young Teachers." I may 
 thankfully acknowledge the help granted in the preparation, 
 as well as the acceptance it seemed to find, and the precious 
 solemnity that followed its conclusion. 
 
 8 mo. 3. Another vacation closes to-day. 
 
 " What tho' the day be never so long, 
 At last it ringeth to evening song." 
 
 And so with our brief vacation. And so at length with the 
 brief term of mortal life. With what evening song shall 
 that hour be greeted which marks its close ? " "Worthy is 
 the Lamb that was slain." Oh if through wondrous mercy, 
 ability should be granted to unite at last in that glorious 
 anthem, welcome the evening that closes with such a song 
 welcome the dawning of the succeeding day " for there 
 shall be no night there." 
 
78 BOOTHAM. [1856, 
 
 10 mo. 17. In the course of the evening, I had interviews 
 
 with and . I remonstrated with on the 
 
 unkindness of the procedure as regarded myself, the years I 
 had watched over him, &c. He was greatly moved acknow- 
 ledged his obligations and spontaneously said he was sorry he 
 had troubled me, and that he would try to avoid doing so. I 
 could not observe without emotion the tear stealing down his 
 fine face. The depth and sincerity of his feelings were manifest 
 in the expression of his countenance, and his whole demeanour. 
 Oh ! how worthless are penalties compared with scenes and 
 emotions like these ! How efficacious is Christian discipline. 
 In the evening I met the assembled school exclusive of 
 the senior class. I addressed them on the prevalence of evil ; 
 comparing some form of it with Cholera, Scarlet fever, 
 Measles or some other deadly disease : a matter not for 
 punishment, but for sorrow, repentance, seeking for pardon 
 and for strength to resist future temptations. At reading 
 time I read Ephesians iv., 22 32, and at the close, the 
 words of our Lord occurred to me " If two of you shall 
 agree on earth," &c. I remarked that I had felt encouraged 
 by the remembrance of this promise that I believed more 
 than two, this night are prepared to ask for the grace of 
 repentance, for strength to resist temptation, for the preserving 
 hand of our Heavenly Father to keep us from evil that I 
 should seek for ability to do so, and I trusted that others 
 would accept my invitation to unite in it. A solemn pause 
 ensued. 
 
 10 mo. . An interview with . I reverted to his 
 
 past history that I felt it hard as the close of his term 
 approached, and as that of mine could not be far distant (as 
 resident), conscious as I was that I had deserved to win his 
 allegiance and affection, that I should thus have to remonstrate 
 
JEt. 55.] BOOTHAM. 79 
 
 with him. " Thou hast won it, John Ford," he replied, 
 with deep and earnest emotion. I could not but be greatly 
 moved by such a speech from such a boy. It once more 
 renewed my faith in efforts to maintain a spirit of allegiance, 
 by Christian courtesy and gentleness and by appeals to the 
 better nature. 
 
 11 mo. 12. This morning in Meeting my mind was deeply 
 affected with the evil manifestations I have lately had to 
 encounter in a few of the scholars. It occurred to me 
 
 " Thou art coming to a King, 
 Large petitions with thee bring," 
 
 and I felt as though I could pour out my soul in earnest 
 petition for the powerful interposition of omnipotence, to aid 
 in the warfare, to endue with wisdom, and every other 
 requisite, those who keep watch and ward : to visit the hearts, 
 contrite the spirits, and attract by His love the flock entrusted 
 to us. It was a precious time of earnest, silent intercession. 
 
 This evening, I went, after the candles were put out, and 
 
 sat down in " Number " bedroom. I told them I had felt 
 
 inclined to come and offer them a kind word of counsel to 
 strive to make the bedroom a sacred place ; a place where 
 neither in word nor deed, anything should occur of which 
 they could be ashamed : the blessedness of falling asleep 
 with a peaceful conscience, after a little lively conversation 
 such as no one could blush to hear : a review of the day's 
 doings as in the Divine sight : condemnation, if need be, of 
 wrong, and then closing their eyes to sleep under a sense 
 of their Heavenly Father's love. I felt peace in making 
 this one more effort, a sense of love to the eight inmates of 
 the room. A remembrance of the morning's intercession, 
 encouraged me to take this step. Be pleased to bless it, 
 Heavenly Father for Thy dear Son's sake ! 
 
80 BOOTHAM. [I8f>r>. 
 
 11 mo. 23. Since I wrote last I have had to pass through 
 deeper trials and more arduous service in regard to some of 
 the senior scholars than has been allotted to me for many 
 years. I have often prayed that evil might not be permitted 
 to lay us waste, but might be brought to light and so hath 
 it been : and through pain and grief and depression, physical 
 and mental, and with many prayers, I have striven to 
 maintain the conflict, to maintain it too in that spirit which 
 I have so commended to others the spirit which would win 
 and restore, and many a time have I had to acknowledge 
 with tears of joy the help thus afforded. Many a time has 
 the sorrowful countenance and the trickling tear of some 
 whom I would fain win over to Christ, moved my deepest 
 sympathy. They forget they are careless thoughtless. Is 
 that strange ? Oh may I be preserved from faithless unbelief 
 in the efficacy of true Christian discipline, the voice of gentle 
 suasion and love ! 
 
 Thrice since I wrote last have I opened my mouth in our 
 Meetings for worship, I did so to-day. Hesitating to speak, 
 yet afraid to keep silence I have spoken. I have heard no 
 other than the voice of encouragement from my friends. 
 Whilst willing to say " Here am I, send me," I shrink from 
 the responsibility and sometimes from the inquiry, " Who 
 hath required this ? " Heavenly Father, keep me humble, 
 watchful, willing keep me from all self-seeking in Thy 
 service give me a thankful, grateful heart for all Thy 
 mercies that so, honoured by permission to serve Thee here 
 in this the flock intrusted by Thee or in the assemblies of 
 Thy people, I may be stimulated to more faithful allegiance, 
 and know more and more of Thy sustaining and contriting 
 love. 
 
 12 mo. 31. Our school broke up on Sixth-day. It is 
 
Mi. 55.] BOOTHAM. 81 
 
 long since I had so laborious a half-year : it is not often that 
 I have felt so discouraged at the supposed lack of fruit of 
 labour. I ought with renewed thankfulness to acknowledge 
 that in the administration of the discipline, in meeting the 
 various forms of evil manifest from time to time, I have 
 been preserved from procedures that would give me pain in 
 reflecting upon them. Moral suasion, appeals to the highest 
 principles, urged with kindliness of tone and manner, have 
 been my weapons ; and again and again I have brought my 
 cares and fears and despondencies to the mercy seat not 
 in vain. 
 
 My beloved R. is still an invalid confined to her bedroom 
 and parlour a patient, thankful, cheerful prisoner of the 
 Lord comforting me many a time by her sweet, gentle, 
 confiding, loving spirit privileged often I believe to know 
 what it is to rest on His bosom. A few more minutes 
 will bring in another year. What it may bring with it 
 matters little if it only finds us with our loins girded about 
 and our lamps burning, and we ourselves like men who wait 
 for their Lord. Weary, faint-hearted and unequal to the 
 service, and longing, oh how earnestly, perhaps selfishly, for 
 rest, I have often been of late : perhaps I am so now, and 
 may be so when about to engage in the service again ; and 
 yet I think peace has been my portion if not enjoyment. 
 Increase my faith. Teach me to endure hardness. Oh keep 
 me from a murmuring, a discontented spirit. Help me from 
 day to day and from hour to hour in the constant warfare 
 against evil in myself, and in those committed to my care : and 
 to all these blessings add, Heavenly Father, for Thy mercy's 
 sake in Jesus Christ our Saviour, a sense of Thy love and of 
 Thy protecting and sustaining care. Then preserved by 
 Thee in this field of service, or dismissed from it for other 
 service elsewhere, or called to render an account, a final 
 
 G 
 
82 BOOTHAM. [1857. 
 
 account of stewardship may a humble hope in Thy mercy 
 through Him, whom I would fain love and serve with my 
 whole heart, gild the closing scene. Amen ! 
 
 1 mo. 12, 1857. Never did the 34th Psalm appear so 
 beautiful, so full of comfort as it did to me this evening. 
 With a heart full of grateful emotions I felt invited to appro- 
 priate some of the gracious declarations the promises the 
 blessed experiences announced in several verses. 
 
 3 mo. 21. Seven years at home seven years a school- 
 boy twice seven a teacher twice fourteen Principal 
 fourteen years at Worcester fourteen nearly at Rochester 
 and a little more than twenty-eight at York making fifty-six 
 in all have brought me to the present day, my fifty-seventh 
 birthday, and my present position. " Surely goodness and 
 mercy have followed me all the days of my life," and at 
 times a good hope (not a vain confidence I trust) is granted, 
 that " I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." A 
 hope inspired by a sense of the pardoning mercy of Grod in 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 The time since the vacation has been less marked with 
 trial and conflict than some previous months. I fear less 
 marked too by frequent, earnest application to the mercy-seat. 
 How precious nevertheless are the recollections of running 
 thither with childlike confidence, to pour out troubles and 
 sorrows and tears before a loving and merciful Heavenly 
 Father, emboldened so to do by confidence in an ever living 
 advocate, and in that confidence, realizing at times the assu- 
 rance, " the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall 
 feed them," and " God shall wipe away all tears from their 
 eye si" 
 
 4 mo. 12. I have been fearful lest the condition of our 
 Meeting with regard to vocal offerings should induce me to 
 keep silence unprofitably. I have tried to rest on, " what is 
 
JEt. 56.] BOOTHAM. IS 
 
 that to thee ? " May I be enabled faithfully and entirely 
 to obey the annexed injunction, " follow thou me." In 
 looking towards the future, no way seems to be opening 
 for release from service in the school ; and yet at times I feel 
 unequal to the cares and anxieties : they press more heavily 
 on my health and spirits than they once did. I would fain 
 trust it all to my Heavenly Father's disposal, and seek just 
 for help from hour to hour to do the hour's service. 
 
 To 
 
 4 mo. 27, 1857. I was much interested in thy account of 
 thy two pupils more particularly in reference to thy little 
 friend. I was glad indeed to find that thou hadst found 
 access to his understanding and his heart on the most im- 
 portant of topics. In my late attempt to aid young teachers, 
 it was no mere piece of sentiment when I pointed out their 
 opportunities of cherishing in their young friends the love of 
 Christ : it arose from a deep conviction that knowing some- 
 thing of that love themselves, (if happily they do) they will 
 long to communicate it, and from a deep conviction too that 
 there are in the hearts of many little boys and older ones too, 
 at times, undefined longings which some perception of this 
 love can alone satisfy a condition of mind which gratefully 
 and lovingly accepts as in the case of thy cherished pupil, a 
 word however simple, addressed to these aspirations of the 
 immortal spirit kindled in the youthful heart by the influence 
 of the Holy Spirit of God. * * * * 
 
 The morning of life high noon afternoon and evening 
 each of these periods has its service. Mayst thou in this thy 
 morning, my dear young friend, and we too who have 
 arrived at afternoon be faithful, true-hearted servants. I 
 sometimes feel as though repose would be grateful. My turn 
 may perhaps some day come for a change of service. Welcome 
 that or any other allotment only let it be a Father's ordering. 
 
SECTION IV. 
 BOOTHAM AND ST. MABY'S. 
 
 Though Rachel Ford since the summer of 1855 
 had resigned her duties as housekeeper to Sarah 
 Robinson, whose efficiency relieved her from house- 
 hold cares, her increasing delicacy and the state of 
 John Ford's health also, made it evident that the 
 time was at hand when substantial relief from the 
 constant pressure of their position must be afforded 
 them. The way opened somewhat suddenly. A 
 house in the immediate neighbourhood of the School 
 well adapted to their requirements, became unex- 
 pectedly at liberty. After consulting with their 
 friends the whole subject was laid before the 
 Committee. With its entire concurrence, arrange- 
 ments were made for them to remove to their new 
 residence, No. 7 St. Mary's, at midsummer ; that 
 John Ford, whilst relieved from some of the duties 
 which he had hitherto discharged, should retain the 
 post of Superintendent, and that Fielden Thorp, 
 who as scholar, junior teacher and assistant master 
 had been associated with him for several years, and 
 for whom he entertained a deep affection, should 
 become resident head Master at Bootham. 
 
 In reference to these changes John Ford thus 
 writes under date 5 mo. 3, 1857 : 
 
JEt. 56.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 85 
 
 * * * * Embarking on new and somewhat ambiguous 
 duties, or relationships in regard to duties, Eachel and I 
 have been mostly enabled to rely quietly, hopefully and I 
 believe thankfully on our Heavenly Father's love and care. 
 
 6 mo. 21, 1857. Since I last wrote another vacation has 
 commenced. The general kindness and loyalty of the 
 scholars and the entire good feeling subsisting between them 
 and the teachers, have been very gratifying features of the 
 close of the session. I do not know and I find it difficult to 
 estimate the amount or the nature of the change contem- 
 plated in our non-residence. The prospect has invested many 
 things with some of that feeling of mournful interest which 
 attends the doing of a thing for the last time : in some degree 
 it is so ; but I earnestly desire to regard the change as occur- 
 ring in the ordering of an ever kind and merciful Heavenly 
 Father, assured that if so, all will be well. If it brings its 
 peculiar trials, may faith .and patience equal to the emergency 
 be granted ; if a little less pressure and burden, may all so 
 gained be consecrated to the best of services. 
 
 To EACHEL FORD. 
 
 Dewsbury, 6 mo. 30, 1857. * * * * Twenty years 
 ago to day ! Twenty years marked by mercies fresh every 
 morning from our Heavenly Father, and by ever deepening 
 love for each other ! May ever deepening love for Him who 
 has so loved us and blessed us be our experience to the end 
 and willing-hearted service whether it be to do or to bear. 
 Farewell, dearest. In abundant love, 
 
 Thine ever, 
 
 JOHN FOED. 
 
 7 mo. 5. To night probably for the last time I am making 
 a memorandum under this roof. My term of non-resident 
 
86 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1857. 
 
 Superintendent has already commenced " de jure ; " before I 
 write again it will probably have commenced " de facto." The 
 eleven years and a half spent here have been marked by many 
 mercies, those of this very day not the least. Perhaps I never 
 felt myself to stand more in need of pardoning mercy never 
 wrestled more earnestly and importunately for it never felt 
 more of its unspeakable preciousness. A trial, (reckless evil 
 in another) crossed my path unexpectedly and suddenly yester- 
 day, and found me unprepared. Last evening and again to 
 day, the grace of repentance the spirit of earnest prayer and 
 supplication with many tears has been in abundant mercy 
 granted me. The sense of reconciliation pardon restora- 
 tion renewed love, has again and again overwhelmed my 
 spirit. The evening Meeting was a very precious time ; and 
 now again in the solitude of this large house with its two or 
 three inmates and my beloved R. retired, I have again to 
 acknowledge the rich sense of our Heavenly Father's love 
 contriting my spirit. Oh that henceforth by continual watch- 
 fulness, by seeking to take the whole armour, the attacks of 
 an unwearied enemy, the outbursts of remaining evil, may 
 be successfully resisted and repressed. Oh that I may never 
 utter another unkind word. May the remembrance of yester- 
 day's pain and to day's pardon be an additional safeguard. 
 
 EACHEL FORD TO BRIDGET THOMPSON. 
 
 7 mo. 14, 1857 I came to St. Mary's after tea last evening, 
 and soon felt very comfortable ; and on our little company 
 sitting down together for the first time for the purposes of 
 family worship, there did appear such an overshadowing of 
 heavenly good as quite to tender our spirits ; and my dear 
 Jiusband was constrained on bended knee to offer the tribute 
 of thanksgiving, and to petition that the same mercy and 
 goodness which had in an especial manner followed us all 
 
2Ei. 56. J BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 87 
 
 our lives long, might still be continued, keeping us watchful, 
 and prayerful, with willing hearts doing all that may be called 
 for at our hands : and that whether our sojourn here together 
 might be longer or shorter, at the end an entrance might be 
 granted us into the kingdom of our Lord through the mercies 
 of His dear Son, our ever living, ever loving Saviour. 
 
 To WILLIAM KJTCHING, 
 
 7 mo. 15, 1857. We have got into our new house, and I 
 am glad that it has been accomplished without much fatigue 
 to my dear E. ; and I think I can say I am truly thankful 
 to see her so entirely pleased with the change, not finding a 
 single discomfort in her new residence. It was indeed time, 
 with her delicate health and long service, that she should be 
 relieved from all feeling of responsibility in the large family 
 over which she has presided for twenty years. But if respon- 
 sibility on her part has ceased, interest has not ceased, nor 
 perhaps service that service which I believe she has often 
 rendered, of earnest prayer for the blessing of our Heavenly 
 Father on the labours of those called to more active service. 
 I shall be glad to meet you all once more and to unite with 
 you in caring for the flock. I account it a singular happiness 
 to be united with such with able, kind-hearted, earnest, 
 young men with whom associated, it is sometimes joy to be 
 able to feel myself a fellow-servant with them, of our gracious 
 Master. May our fidelity and love to Him, and our love one 
 to another, as His servants, increase and abound. 
 
 9 mo. 11. We have now been several weeks in our new 
 house, and have much cause for thankfulness and praise for 
 the sense of peace and repose often granted us. To me it has 
 
88 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1857. 
 
 been an especial cause of grateful thanksgiving that my 
 beloved E. does so enjoy the change. We have both at times 
 I think had our trust renewed that the change in our position 
 has on it the stamp of Divine ordering. My interest in the 
 school and in every individual in it is not diminished. It is 
 pleasant to find that I still have a place with all its inmates. 
 Whilst enjoying the quiet of St. Mary's, I miss perhaps most 
 of all the evening readings at the school. Brief as they 
 mostly were, they were often times of refreshment of spirit. 
 Thus far efficiency and harmony and united interest continue 
 to characterize the officers, and affection and loyalty the 
 scholars. * * * * 
 
 I think my health has improved since the change of resi- 
 dence. I find it more difficult, in my position between the 
 two houses to maintain steady, uninterrupted, literary labour 
 some books and means being at one house and some at the 
 other. I must guard against desultory and indolent habits. 
 I hope to see more and more plainly what is my allotted 
 service what new duties belong to my new circumstances 
 what old ones to be more diligently prosecuted what belongs 
 to the public, what to the more private service what to the 
 moral, the intellectual, the spiritual. Watchfulness and 
 frequent prayer diligence perseverance faith these are 
 some of the means towards the fulfilment of " occupy till 
 I come." 
 
 10 mo. 14. Especial private prayer this evening for some 
 of the thoughtless, yet beloved ones at Bootham. Again let 
 me plead Heavenly Father, in the name of Thy dear Son. 
 Visit their young hearts show them their thoughtlessness 
 and their forgetfulness of Thee show them their need of a 
 Saviour draw them to Him give them to feel the love of 
 Christ inviting them to come unto Him. Suffer them not to 
 
JEt. 56.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 89 
 
 be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. And for the whole 
 school and its unworthy head, withhold not Thou Thy tender 
 mercies from us. Thou hast been our help : for Thy dear 
 Son's sake, leave us not nor forsake us, God of our Salva- 
 tion. 
 
 12 mo. 6. I have made some change in arrangements for 
 First-day, which occupy more of my time at Bootham with the 
 scholars, and more in preparation. Besides the ecclesiastical 
 history in the morning I have the senior class separately in 
 the evening on points of Christian doctrine. Thankfulness 
 should be the clothing of my spirit this evening for the help 
 graciously afforded in these services thankfulness to Him 
 whose tender mercies are over all His works. 
 
 In the Second Month of 1858 a sharp rheumatic 
 attack of four weeks' duration, confined John Ford 
 to the house, and much of the time to his bed. He 
 thus writes in reference to this period : 
 
 My head was preserved in perfect clearness. My memory 
 was more than usually clear and active. When I could 
 neither read nor listen to reading from weakness, psalms 
 chapters of Holy Scripture long passages hymns pieces 
 from Cowper passed gently and quietly through my mind 
 just trickling through, leaving a refreshing dew as they, 
 passed. Hymns and verses long unused to be thought of, 
 recurred. I went through many of Dr. "Watts' s " Divine 
 Songs," learned more than fifty years ago. Sleepless hours 
 were often thus charmed. Prayer and thanksgiving were 
 often graciously granted me. 
 
 6 mo. 13, 1858. The last Sabbath of the Session. I gave 
 one more lecture, the 30th on Church History. After the 
 
BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1858. 
 
 evening reading, in addressing the boys I said I could 
 publicly acknowledge a sense of thankful gratitude to our 
 Heavenly Father, for His preserving love and mercy ex- 
 tended to this family since the commencement of the session. 
 I believed there were those present who could unite in the 
 sentiment. I remembered that at the commencement we 
 had asked for this extension of love to us, that we might be 
 kept from sinning, kept in the love and fear of our Heavenly 
 Father. If there were young hearts present sensible of this, 
 they could so unite. Let them carry this feeling home with 
 them, and let the fruits of it be seen in increased kindness, 
 gentleness, unselfishness, affection ; these would be proofs 
 that so it had been with us. 
 
 I came away once more from this interesting and beloved 
 company with a thankful heart, and yet with feelings a little 
 saddened even yet after nearly thirty years of labour, at 
 once more parting with them, with some perchance to meet 
 no more. Continue Thy loving kindness to them and to me, 
 to my beloved partner and to all who are dear to us, for Thy 
 Son's sake, our ever living advocate with Thee. Amen ! 
 
 9 mo. 19. The past week has been one of sore trials. 
 Trials arising, I think I may venture to say, in answer to 
 prayer. I have often asked that evil may not be permitted 
 to prevail amongst the scholars. Evil very recent became 
 known, and I was helped to grapple with it. To day a 
 tender and prayerful spirit has been in mercy granted me. 
 
 12 mo. 7. I gave my fifth lesson on Church History at 
 the Mount School. Last evening and this evening I spent 
 some hours in preparation ; and before setting out I felt 
 drawn to engage in prayer. I accepted the invitation, and 
 found prayer once more to be a very precious thing. Pardon 
 
JEt. 57.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 61 
 
 in the name of Christ the aid of the Holy Spirit the anni- 
 hilation of all self-seeking and self-sufficiency permission 
 to serve, and direction when and how, such were some of my 
 petitions, and I believe they were granted. Interest seemed 
 well sustained during the lecture ; and after the reading of 
 the Scriptures I addressed the girls. I returned home with 
 a contrited and grateful heart. My prayer is still, " make 
 me as one of Thy hired servants." 
 
 1 mo. 25, 1859. This evening after many hours of 
 research, thought and writing, I have nearly completed my 
 second Lecture on Church History, to be read next Fifth-day 
 evening. Looking forward to the preparation of one or two 
 similar Lectures somewhat despondingly not unwilling to 
 work and yet at times longing for rest a very precious sense 
 of my Heavenly Father's love in Christ my Saviour was 
 granted me a rich overpayment of all toil a little evidence 
 that it is a service for Him. 
 
 To WILLIAM S. LEAN. 
 
 3 mo. 15, 1859. Thy residence in Kent and thy mention 
 of Rochester brought up a numerous and busy train of remi- 
 niscences of the joys and sorrows, the hopes and aims all 
 glowing the poetry and the friendships of that bright period 
 of life through which thou art passing. From the age of 
 fourteen to twenty-seven, my home was on the banks of the 
 beautiful Medway. The window near my desk, about one 
 hundred feet above the river, commanded a broad expanse of 
 near a thousand feet of water immediately below, and the 
 windings of the stream were visible between the chalk downs 
 for two or three miles. The opposite shore soon rose to con- 
 siderable elevation, crowned by the woods of Lord Darnley's 
 domain. The window looked due west. Imagine the most 
 glorious sunsets thy fancy can paint, and confess that they 
 
92 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1859. 
 
 cannot equal those which now through a long vista of years, 
 I see along those hills and mirrored in that resplendent river. 
 Excuse this natural burst of enthusiasm, the vibrations of a 
 chord touched by thee. I could almost personify that river 
 and say, 
 
 " Never can that heart forget thee 
 That hag felt a love like mine." 
 
 But it was not the river, the woods, the hills, and the sun- 
 sets, that formed the charm. Early friendships, not yet all 
 severed, and higher and holier things than these are associ- 
 ated with those scenes. There some of my earliest vows were 
 made the river- side was the place of many a prayer. Do 
 not wonder at this train of thought. Future years will 
 perhaps explain it to thee when looking back upon Blackwell 
 and the Tees, or the less picturesque York and its Ouse. The 
 poet says " Let the dead past bury its dead ; " but there are 
 things of the past living things, which it would be a sin to 
 bury. 
 
 3 mo. 21. In the Meetings at York and at Wakefield 
 last week, the young, the children have been the objects of 
 my concern and love. On these occasions, and especially in 
 my First-day evening engagements at Bootham, freedom of 
 utterance and a sense of a Saviour's love to them, have been 
 granted me in answer to prayer, accompanied with a 
 commission so to speak. 
 
 May this my fifty-ninth year, if spared to complete its 
 round, be more faithfully earnestly constantly devoted to 
 the best of services, the best of masters loving service to 
 Him who hath so loved us ! service preparatory to that 
 blessed condition where His servants shall still serve Him, 
 and see His face, and fear no more the mingling of sin or 
 sorrow or unsuccess ! 
 
JEt. 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 93 
 
 5 mo. 8. A blessed evening at Bootham. After reading, 
 I withdrew to the silent Lecture-room,* and there was enabled 
 to pour out a thankful heart, and again to present many 
 beloved ones in prayer to a merciful Heavenly Father in the 
 name of His dear Son. Before I left the room a poor boy 
 came to see me, oppressed with a feeling of prevailing sin. 
 I gave him counsel, entreating him to apply for pardon and 
 for strength, and to let no temptation of Satan prevent him 
 from so doing. The evening closed with a very thankful 
 heart for the mercies of the day. 
 
 To WILLIAM S. LEAN. 
 
 5 mo. 11, 1859. Since I wrote to thee my dear E. F. has 
 slowly and gently, step by step declined still further in 
 health. Her voice is generally reduced to a whisper : she 
 still comes down stairs : but yesterday, for the first time was 
 carried up in the evening, the effort of walking up being no 
 longer in her power, finding her strength and breathing 
 utterly exhausted by the effort. She enjoys the change down 
 stairs, and I hope she may be permitted to enjoy it for some 
 time, as we have arranged means for carrying her up, and 
 down also if that should become needful. She was much 
 pleased with thy sweet reference to her condition, in thy letter. 
 She is still preserved in quiet, peaceful trust, and sometimes 
 her spirit can rejoice in God her Saviour. On Second-day 
 evening she expressed this sentiment in the words of that 
 beautiful stanza : 
 
 " What thanks I owe Thee and what love ; 
 A boundless, endless store, &c." 
 
 Though my heart is often heavy, and the thought " I must 
 
 * After removing to St. Mary's, the Lecture-room (since altered into the 
 Dining-room) was occupied by John Ford during the hours he was at Bootham. 
 It may be well also to explain, that whilst the First-day evening Addresses 
 were usually given in the School-room, the reading of Scripture with the 
 assembled household was conducted in the Dining-room, "before the boys 
 retired to rest. 
 
94 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [185. 
 
 finish my journey alone " makes me very sorrowful, yet at 
 times the unutterable love vouchsafed to her, realizes in me 
 something of the Apostle's experience, " sorrowful yet 
 rejoicing." 
 
 6 mo. 1. The shadows seem deepening. My darling 
 wife is very ill. Looking at her pallid and worn face this 
 evening as I sat by her bedside, I could not repress my 
 sorrow, much as I feared to distress her. At length I read 
 to her a passage of scripture on which I had casually opened, 
 ending with, " for we know that if our earthly house of this 
 tabernacle were dissolved." This and some of the precious 
 declarations in the preceding verses, " the light afflictions" 
 the " far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," 
 seemed, under the Holy Spirit's influence to open the way 
 for thanksgiving and prayer on the bended knee, for and 
 with my beloved and myself. Oh what a blessed, soothing, 
 calming, confidence-restoring thing is prayer ! * * * Oh 
 if this most precious treasure this most tenderly beloved 
 one be taken from me, may I be permitted to fill up the 
 brief period of separation (till I rejoin her before the throne) 
 in faithful, loving service of my Heavenly Father and 
 Eedeemer ! 
 
 7 mo. 3. The tender bond of twenty-two years is severed. 
 Yesterday evening my darling wife entered upon her heav- 
 enly inheritance, purchased for her by her Saviour's most 
 precious blood. Most gently and tenderly has'her Heavenly 
 Father dealt with her gently sloping the way to her and 
 to me by a most peaceful and painless illness. It was the 
 most peaceful close not a motion to indicate the parting 
 moment. Though there was no opportunity for a parting 
 word, yet the last week was one long farewell. Morning by 
 
JEt. 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 90 
 
 morning I read (and evening by evening) a few verses of 
 precious hopes and promises, to which, her response often 
 was, " how beautiful " " how precious" " how comforting." 
 Her spirit too, often united with mine when I was enabled 
 by her bedside to pour forth words of thanksgiving and 
 prayer. To-day I have again and again, especially in our 
 morning reading with my two poor weeping servants, and 
 again this evening at reading time, found refuge and peace 
 and comfort and light in humble, heartfelt prayer, so that 
 I felt as though I could adopt the beautiful language of the 
 prophet, " The Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song ; 
 He also is become my salvation." 
 
 At the time of her decease Kachel Ford had 
 completed her fifty-seventh year. Her remains 
 were interred in Friends' Burial Ground, York, 
 on the Eighth of Seventh Month. On the evening 
 of that day the following sketch of her, drawn up 
 by John Ford in the interval that had elapsed since 
 her death, was read to a large company of relations 
 and friends assembled at the School, 
 
 The instruction to be derived from the less conspicuous 
 and the sequestered walk of the faithful disciple of Christ, 
 though less obvious and less easy to set forth, is perhaps not 
 less valuable than are the lessons to be drawn from a life of 
 active service," in a wide and public sphere. Some such 
 instruction seems to have been bequeathed to her friends by 
 the late Eachel Ford. 
 
 She was the daughter of Nathan and Eachel Eobson of 
 Darlington, both of whom were taken from her in com- 
 paratively early life. She had also to mourn over the loss 
 
06 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1859. 
 
 of two brothers and two sisters all summoned early away. 
 Thus she became acquainted with sorrow. Till her marriage 
 with John Ford in 1837, her life was of a somewhat 
 chequered character. She filled various stations of usefulness, 
 largely securing the esteem and affection of the kind relatives 
 in whose families she resided. Many of these have testified 
 to the early maturity and soundness of her judgment and to 
 an unvarying kindness 
 
 " Ne'er roughened by those cataracts and breaks, 
 That humour interposed too often makes." 
 
 Though she shrunk at first from the prospect of the grave 
 responsibilities involved in the proposed connection in 
 marriage, yet once satisfied it was of the Lord, she entered 
 on the union with all the warmth of the most tender affection, 
 and in humble confidence, that ability equal to her need, 
 would be granted to her, to fulfil the important duties 
 devolving on the female head of a large school. Though 
 constitutionally of very delicate health, she decidedly declined 
 the assistance of a house-keeper, preferring to have direct 
 and immediate personal intercourse with every member of 
 the large family, whose confidence, esteem and love she soon 
 secured. The attachment of numerous domestic servants, 
 extending over twenty years of active superintendence of 
 the school, testified to her love and care of them. A kind 
 word of counsel to the young, the wayward, and the careless, 
 forbearance to such encouragement to every effort to amend 
 wisdom and prudence in arranging differences, and the silent 
 influence of her own quiet spirit were means Ablest in a large 
 degree, to the maintenance of harmony, and of efficient 
 service. The time of paying the half-yearly wages was 
 made by her an opportunity of evincing her interest in her 
 servants' welfare. She made a point of seeing each separately, 
 and many a word in season was thus imparted. In more 
 
JEt. 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 97 
 
 than one instance, she had in her domestics, those who, like 
 herself, loved their Lord, and manifested that love by a 
 careful, humble, self-denying walk. These were dear to her 
 in the bonds of Christian love. 
 
 More than twenty young men, as teachers and junior 
 assistants, partook of her care and kindness in the course 
 of her twenty years of service. These too were the objects 
 of her especial interest. To secure their physical comfort, to 
 make herself readily accessible to them, to minister to them 
 in illness, and by tender sympathy to cheer them under 
 discouragement, marked her line of conduct towards them. 
 The supper-table, round which they assembled when the toils 
 of the day were over, will be remembered by many of them 
 as the scene of tranquil enjoyment, to which she contributed 
 by the influence of her gentle spirit. Nor were they uncon- 
 scious of this influence nor ungrateful for it. One of them in 
 a letter written the day before her death says, " Her delicate 
 kindness to me during my sojourn at Bootham, and the 
 sweetness of her meek and quiet spirit will never be forgotten 
 while memory lasts." Another who partook of her tender 
 care and interest for three years and a half, in a letter dated 
 two weeks before her decease, writes : "I have a vivid 
 remembrance of the thrill of feeling that went through me, 
 as my heart responded to the remark of a Mend on the 
 occasion of Eachel Ford's appointment to the station of 
 Elder : He said, " Though there might not be the zeal of a 
 Peter or the boldness of a Paul, yet there was in her, the 
 ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is, in the 
 sight of Grod, of great price." Truly it is not to eulogize the 
 departed that these testimonies are adduced. Her humble 
 estimate of herself would have made eulogy most repugnant 
 to her. And yet now, "seeing no longer as in a glass 
 darkly," she would not blame the attempt to draw lessons 
 
98 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1859. 
 
 from her life, calculated, though in ever so small a degree, to 
 stimulate others to tread the path of dedicated and loving 
 eervice. 
 
 More than three hundred and fifty boys passed through 
 the school during the period of her administration. To these 
 individually she gave a tender and ever watchful care. The 
 little boy, fresh from his mother's side, soon found in her, 
 one whose sympathetic kindness made some amends for the 
 separation. To her they soon found they could confide their 
 little troubles, without apprehension of repulse. Before 
 increased delicacy of health interposed, she devoted a little 
 time after breakfast each morning, and every evening after 
 reading, to receive all comers, with every little ailment, 
 administering to their several wants, and thus acquiring 
 distinct, individual knowledge of almost every boy's peculiar 
 temperament of body or of mind. Few half-years passed 
 over, without one or more of the scholars being brought 
 tinder her notice, bereaved of a parent, a brother, or sister, 
 or other near relative. On these occasions her parlour was 
 the scene of many a soothing and comforting interview. 
 The hearts and the lips, even of the shy and diffident, were 
 opened on these occasions, in response to her soothing and 
 delicate kindness. But it was in periods of sickness whether 
 of individuals or when numbers were indisposed, that she 
 seemed peculiarly gifted to minister. She availed herself of 
 these opportunities, not only to exert the kindest care and 
 superintendence, in regard to all physical wants and allevia- 
 tions, but by reading a short portion of Scripture by the 
 bed-side, and by the simple expression of religious concern, 
 she availed herself of the softening influence of sickness, 
 gently to lead to thoughts of a Heavenly Father's love and 
 care. The kindling eye and the bright response of one dear 
 boy, to her whispered suggestion of a Saviour's love, a few 
 
JEi. 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 99 
 
 brief hours before his sweet spirit left its earthly tabernacle, 
 were deeply impressed on her mind, and comforted her in a 
 time of sore trial. 
 
 Way was often purposely mad for her to see and converse 
 with poor boys in trouble, whether for minor or graver 
 offences : her softening influence over these, was no unim- 
 portant part of the Christian discipline of the school. 
 
 Such is a brief sketch of what may be called the official 
 life of our late friend. In the spring of 1856, it was 
 evident that her physical powers were becoming unequal to 
 the duties of Bootham. The way for release however did 
 not fully open till midsummer 1857, when she removed with 
 her husband to a private house, not far from the school. 
 She most gratefully enjoyed the repose of this change, and 
 said that she had not an earthly wish ungratified. For 
 the last two years of her residence at Bootham she was 
 most kindly assisted by her friend, Sarah Eobinson, to whom 
 she became warmly attached. She retained her interest in 
 the school to the last ; was always glad to see her friend, 
 and to aid her with her counsel not more cheerfully given, 
 than kindly and thankfully received. 
 
 For the last three or four years she had been sensible of 
 declining health and strength. In 1855 at a time when 
 scarlatina prevailed in the school, she wrote as follows to one 
 whom she loved as a daughter, and who warmly reciprocated 
 that love. " This is of all things, the one I the most dreaded, 
 and yet, now that it is come upon us, I feel enabled quietly 
 to submit to it, I look upon it as one of those permitted 
 trials, intended to do us good." About the same time she 
 says, " I am very feeble, getting at times quite discouraged 
 about my health, I know however that all is ordered well 
 and wisely. I cannot say, as some do, that I consider 
 sickness a sorrowful thing : my feelings are more in unison 
 
100 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1859. 
 
 with the beautiful hymn, ' Chamber of sickness ! much to 
 thee I owe.' ' On the second of the First-month, 1859, she 
 wrote to the same loved one as follows : "In the unusual 
 solemnity that seems to cover my own spirit, at the com- 
 mencement of the present year, my thoughts have turned 
 very lovingly towards thee and thine, with warm desires for 
 your welfare every way. What I long for you is, that you 
 may go forward in that way, in which I most comfortingly 
 believe, you have taken not a few steps. Oh ! seek to live 
 more and more in that spirit, which will lead you to realize 
 the frequent presence of the dear Saviour, whose loving hand 
 is upon you for good." Whilst she could thus comfort and 
 encourage her friends, her diffident spirit taking an humble 
 estimate of herself, thus expresses her sense of the need of a 
 Saviour. " I feel the beginning of this year a very solemn 
 thing to myself. There is much work to be done before the 
 warfare be accomplished. Earnestly do I crave to be enabled, 
 as a poor penitent believer, to come to Him, who alone can 
 availingly say, * I will ; be thou clean/ ' 
 
 During her last illness, and shortly before its close, there 
 was evidence of deep searching of heart, and of jealousy over 
 herself, lest she should be taking up with a false rest. 
 Though to outward observation hers had been indeed a 
 blameless life, from her youth up, yet in solemnly reviewing 
 her early years, she told a beloved Mend that she believed 
 every transgression of her youth had been brought painfully 
 before her, and that whilst she could thankfully believe they 
 were all forgiven, yet the remembrance of them had been 
 affecting to her. " Quiet trust, peace, not joy," she said 
 " was her portion." Her tenderly beloved friend Sarah 
 Rowntree, visiting her a few days before her decease, says, 
 " I found her bright and cheerful. Her heart seemed 
 peculiarly alive to her many outward comforts. She directed 
 
Mt. 58. J BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 101 
 
 my attention to a beautiful vase of flowers, sent her by a 
 young friend, one of the junior teachers in the School, and 
 remarked, ' I do see the kindness of my Heavenly Father in 
 so abundantly supplying my outward wants ; ' to which I 
 replied, that great as were these blessings, they were not to 
 be compared with the blessedness of having a good hope of 
 eternal life through the mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. She said, ' I cannot quite realize that,' I replied, 
 1 But thou hast a quiet, settled -trust ?' She said, ' Yes, a 
 quiet trust, THAT is JUST IT ' ; ' and ' added S. E., * all fear 
 of death is taken away ?' ' Yes,' she replied, ( and if I were 
 now just entering the valley, I believe I should feel no 
 fear.' " 
 
 On another occasion she spoke quite cheerfully of having 
 arranged all the little presents she wished to be given to her 
 friends, and in looking forward as regarded herself she 
 seemed divested of every anxious thought. She said it felt 
 remarkable to herself, that she, who had always, according 
 to her own estimation, been so weak in faith, should now, 
 with the end in prospect, be so entirely free from anxiety, 
 and able to trust all to the mercy of her Heavenly Father, 
 whilst she hoped it might be permitted her to have a clearer 
 evidence of her acceptance before the end came. Another 
 much loved friend, Esther Seebohm, who visited her two 
 days before her death, thus writes : " It seemed when I had 
 the privilege of a few minutes, beside her, as if the end was 
 very near, and there was nothing left to desire but an 
 entrance into that rest, the sweetness of which she was 
 already tasting : the fruition of that love, and peace, and 
 joy, which the presence of the Saviour alone can give." 
 
 Although since her removal from Bootham, Rachel Ford's 
 health had been most delicate, it was not till the spring of 
 1859 that increased anxiety was awakened. From that 
 
102 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1859. 
 
 time till her decease, painlessly and most mercifully, did 
 her Heavenly Father, slope the downward way, enduing 
 her with patience to bear the weariness of debility, with 
 sweet resignation to His will, and with quiet trust in her 
 Saviour. Some of her dear friends who visited her, and 
 he who for twenty-two years had been the object of her 
 devoted affection, often partook of the sweetness of her spirit, 
 and felt the atmosphere of her chamber inviting at times the 
 utterance of thanksgiving and prayer, to the mutual comfort 
 of their enfeebled friend and their own. Encouraged by 
 witnessing the sustaining power of Divine grace so beautifully 
 exemplified, their hearts warmed with the love of Jesus, and 
 feeling the promptings of the Holy Spirit, they did not 
 hesitate thus to enjoy the precious privilege of prayer. 
 
 At length with no other premonition than that of in- 
 creased weakness, the end came. On Seventh-day, 7th mo. 
 2nd, her kind medical attendant, Dr. Williams, called to 
 see her about nine o'clock in the evening. He proposed 
 that arrangements should be made for sitting up with her 
 that night, for the first time during her illness. He waited 
 while these arrangements were making. Aware that he 
 was in the house, his patient desired he would come up as 
 she wanted to settle for the night. On going upstairs he 
 saw that the end was near. Her sorrowing husband, his 
 attached friend Joseph Eowntree, a kind friend who had 
 come to sit up with the beloved one, together with her two 
 maids, stood round her bed, and sweetly as a child falls 
 asleep, without the movement of a muscle, she slept her 
 last sleep ; the cessation of the pulse alone marking the 
 period of final separation. 
 
 Her husband in concluding the preceding sketch, thus 
 expresses his personal feelings. " Whilst I longed for a 
 farewell word from this my dearest treasure, my Heavenly 
 
JEt. 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 103 
 
 Father's most precious earthly gift, I see and can thankfully 
 acknowledge, His kind and loving hand in sparing us the 
 pain of parting words. Twenty-two years and two days of 
 most constant and most tender love, and much of most 
 precious united communion with our God and Saviour, had 
 been through His mercy our happy experience. Thoughts 
 of her eternal blessedness, a humble trust in that same re- 
 deeming love which was so richly extended to her, and a 
 hope that it may be my portion at last, are my stay in this 
 time of trial, and under a sense of our Heavenly Father's 
 love in Jesus Christ, I desire to say, ' Thy will be done.' ' 
 
 In presenting their annual Report to York Quar- 
 terly Meeting, the School Committee thus record 
 their sense of the value of Rachel Ford's services 
 to the Institution, and of the influence for good 
 which she exercised over its inmates : 
 
 "The Committee cannot close their Report without re- 
 ferring to the removal, by death, in Seventh-month last, of 
 their beloved friend, Rachel Ford, and expressing their deep 
 sympathy with her bereaved partner under this affliction. 
 Our late friend occupied the position of female head of the 
 Institution from 1837 to the summer of 1857. Gentle and 
 unobtrusive as was her character, we apprehend that it is 
 not easy to overrate the value of the influence she exercised 
 on the three hundred and fifty boys who passed through the 
 school during the term of her administration. In an ex- 
 tended variety of ways, but with great singleness of purpose 
 did Rachel Ford seek to promote the welfare of the household 
 in which she moved. In the painstaking selection and train- 
 ing of suitable domestic servants, in ministering to the 
 comfort of the teachers, and in furthering the harmonious 
 
104 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1859. 
 
 working of the family, by the silent influence of her meek, 
 unselfish spirit she was peculiarly blessed. So long as health 
 permitted, Rachel Ford cultivated a personal acquaintance 
 more or less intimate with each boy passing through the 
 school ; her delicate attentions to them, in times of indis- 
 position, whether of a trivial, or of a more serious character, 
 not seldom won their affections ; and seasons of trouble, 
 arising from misconduct, from domestic bereavement, or from 
 other causes, were often embraced by her as opportunities for 
 gently introducing the word of counsel, or of comfort, and 
 of extending the invitation of a Saviour's love. Whilst the 
 Committee would wish to abstain from eulogising their de- 
 parted friend, the remembrance of her example, and of the 
 service she was enabled to render, has deepened their estimate 
 of the value of the quiet, persistent, Christian influence which, 
 in the home circle, or in the public Institution, may be ex- 
 erted in the work of education by the female head of a 
 household." 
 
 To AN OLD SCHOLAR. 
 
 7 mo., 1859. Apart from the immediate topic of thy 
 letter, the tone of it interested me much. It is indeed a step 
 in the right direction to feel the vanity of all terrestrial 
 things, of all hopes and aspirations whose ultimate aim is 
 bounded by time. The next best step is a positive one (not 
 a negative). It is to discover that here, on this earth, amidst 
 all its vicissitudes, its sorrows, its trials, and mutations, there 
 is for every one a service for Christ. If we accept this 
 truth to seek to know what our own especial service is, and 
 ask for ability to serve : then, whether the school or the 
 college or the counting house the path of science or litera- 
 ture or commerce be our allotment, then vanity and vexation 
 of spirit will be no longer ours. We may serve Christ our 
 
JEt. 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 105 
 
 loving Saviour, testify our allegiance to Him in any one of 
 the departments, and feel at times that His service is the joy 
 of our life, and that it is a service unlimited by time, stretch- 
 ing over the boundless range of eternity. 
 
 For some years John Ford had occasionally felt 
 it required of him to engage in ministry and in 
 prayer in the Meetings for Divine worship in his 
 own section of the church. His communications 
 were often brief ; yet as they bore the impress of 
 right anointing, his Monthly Meeting in Eighth 
 month, 1859, in accordance with the usages of the 
 Society of Friends, believed it right to record its 
 recognition of his having received a gift in the 
 ministry of the Gospel. 
 
 In the Eleventh-month of this year another 
 bereavement occurred deeply and lastingly felt by 
 John Ford. It was the removal by death of his 
 beloved friend Joseph Eowntree, with whom for 
 many years he had enjoyed close Christian friend- 
 ship, and who from the time of the establishment of 
 the Boys' School at York, had taken a warm and 
 active interest in its management and welfare. The 
 following letter written some years after Joseph 
 Rowntree's decease, will best convey John Ford's 
 sense of the loss he had sustained, and his high 
 estimate of his friend's character.* 
 
 * Permission has been kindly granted to reprint this letter from the 
 unpublished Memoir of Joseph Rowntree, printed for the use of his family 
 only. 
 
106 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1859. 
 
 JOHN FORD TO JOHN S. ROWNTREE. 
 
 St. Mary's, York, 11 mo. 7, 1866. 
 
 My dear friend John S. Eowntree, 
 
 In compliance with thy request, I have been 
 looking back over the long period of thirty-eight years, to 
 the time when I first became acquainted with my- dear 
 friend, thy late Father. His kindness to me, and his ser- 
 vices to the school were so constant and unremitting, that 
 comparatively few incidents have marked prominence in the 
 record. In the the 7th mo., 1829, whilst on a visit to thy 
 uncle, John Eowntree, at Scarborough, (a visit arranged 
 for me by thy Father, on account of a low condition of 
 health, at the close of the first half-year of my labours in the 
 school) I received intelligence of the serious illness of my 
 dear father, then at York. On my way to York, I was met 
 by a message of his death. On my arrival, I found thy 
 father waiting for me at the coach-office. It was an un- 
 looked-for act of kindness, never forgotten by me, stamping 
 his character in my mind, with a " dependableness " which 
 I never henceforth found to fail, through the long term of 
 thirty years. His last act of this kind to me, was only three 
 months before the close of his life. It was an act of quiet, 
 affectionate succour in a time of deep distress, standing by 
 me, when ready to sink by the open grave of my dear wife, 
 near the spot where his remains were so soon to rest. * * 
 
 In the early days of the school, then situate in Lawrence 
 Street, my dear friend, and one of thy father's dearest friends, 
 Samuel Tuke, was my almost daily counsellor in the affairs 
 of the school. Even then, in times of emergency, thy 
 father's ready aid was always at hand. This was especially 
 the case when the cholera first visited York, in the Sixth 
 month, 1832. And thenceforth, in all times of sickness, 
 
JEt, 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 107 
 
 in the time of the scarlatina in 1855, and in that of the 
 measles in 1856, he largely shared our troubles, sympathised 
 with us in them, and often cheered our drooping spirits with 
 his affectionate, brotherly aid. 
 
 In all critical times, times of discouragement from what- 
 ever cause, thy Father was ever the dependable and wise 
 counsellor, as well as the constant and faithful friend. About 
 the year 1841, much anxiety began to be felt regarding 
 the health of the school, and doubts arose regarding the 
 salubrity of the situation. In that year, five youths, all 
 under the age of seventeen, died at their respective homes. 
 They were all cotemporaries at school in 1840. Four of 
 them, two of decidedly delicate constitutions, left school in 
 illness. From this time forth, thy father entertained the 
 idea of removing the school to a more healthy locality, and 
 gave the whole force of his mind to its accomplishment. I 
 accompanied him in the survey of numerous properties in 
 York and its vicinity, till at length the house and grounds 
 in Bootham were fixed upon, and finally entered in the First 
 month, 1846. In this matter, whilst largely aided by the 
 counsel and personal service of many Friends from various 
 parts of the Quarterly Meeting, success was in a great 
 measure attributable to Joseph Eowntree's persevering firm- 
 ness, and to the confidence reposed in him throughout the 
 Quarterly Meeting, as well as in various parts of the 
 kingdom, amongst the parents and friends of the Scholars. 
 ********** 
 
 I have already referred to the attack of measles in 1856. 
 This ended in the death of one of the scholars. Never was 
 thy dear Father's aid and sympathy more deeply felt and 
 appreciated. Suffering himself by reason of his near con- 
 nection with the parents of the dear boy, an only son, he 
 nevertheless so helped us, as to prevent our quite giving way 
 
108 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1859. 
 
 under the pressure of this sore trial. After this event, the 
 failing health of my dear Eachel pointed to the necessity of 
 relieving her from all care of the school, and in 1857 we 
 left the house and removed to St. Mary's. The arrange- 
 ments preceding this step, and those consequent upon it, 
 involved not a little of delicate management. In this Joseph 
 Eowntree's counsel and aid were most efficient. Difficulties 
 were overcome, the post of Eesident Head Master was most 
 satisfactorily filled by my friend Fielden Thorp, the cordial 
 co-operation and harmonious working of all connected with 
 the school, was secured ; and the arrangements thus made 
 subsisted for eight years, till my final withdrawal in 1865. 
 The sound judgment and executive ability, which distinguish- 
 ed thy father in public life, were often observed by myself in 
 regard to the concerns of the school. To plan wisely and to 
 adapt means to an end, in execution of a purpose, were his 
 peculiar gifts. With far seeing prescience he anticipated, 
 and prepared to remove, all obstacles to completion. For 
 myself, that which most impressed me, whilst observing his 
 daily path for many years, was his entire Christian consis- 
 tency. In the last few years of his life especially, he seemed 
 to me as one living under a constant sense of the Divine 
 presence. No one can ever replace him to me. I love and 
 honour his memory, and at times am enabled to entertain 
 the hope, that through the same redeeming love, in which 
 alone he trusted, and which sustained him to the last, I may 
 meet him again. 
 
 I am, thy affectionate friend, 
 
 JOHN FOED. 
 
 To HIS BROTHER SAMUEL. 
 
 12 mo. 30, 1859. Stripping and bereavement may well 
 
JEt. 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 109 
 
 remind us that our own end cannot be far off. With, desires 
 and prayers for myself that I may be found ready when the 
 summons may come, I mingle at times prayer for thee, my 
 dear brother, that thou as well as myself may find refuge 
 and security in Him who died to redeem us. He will accept 
 us both if we will but apply to Him and accept the offers of 
 His love and mercy. It is a comfort to me to know that it 
 is " not by works of righteousness which we have done, but 
 according to His mercy " that He saves us. If it were by 
 works I have no claim. Give these thoughts a little 
 consideration, my dear brother. 
 
 1 mo. 29, 1860. An especial prayer for help for the 
 evening service at Bootham was largely answered. . My 
 heart glowed with love and earnestness whilst inviting the 
 beloved boys in the School-room to come to Christ. Much 
 of the same precious feeling was granted at reading time ; and 
 on withdrawing to the Lecture-room I was enabled to pour 
 out my heart in grateful thanksgiving, and then earnestly 
 to pray that every one who had been with us this evening, 
 with myself, might at last be found safe within the walls of 
 the Heavenly City, through our Heavenly Father's boundless 
 love in Jesus Christ. And thus though of late often exceeding 
 sorrowful, rejoicing is permitted. " Yet I will rejoice in the 
 Lord, and joy in the God of my salvation." 
 
 Within the last few years the need of provision 
 for the further religious instruction of the young 
 people in the Society of Friends after leaving school, 
 had claimed the attention of many thoughtful 
 members of the Society. With a view of in some 
 degree meeting this want, various individuals en- 
 gaged in the preparation of papers on points of 
 
110 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1860. 
 
 Christian doctrine, Church History, and other 
 cognate subjects. In this service John Ford took 
 a deep interest. His extensive knowledge of Scrip- 
 ture illustration and Church History, combined 
 with a ready discrimination of salient points and 
 great facility in composition, rendered the prepara- 
 tion of such Essays, a very congenial employment. 
 To enumerate all that he wrote would be superfluous. 
 Suffice it to say that the interest excited by these 
 papers entailed on him the expenditure of no small 
 amount ol time and labour, in complying with 
 invitations to read them in various places up and 
 down the country. A memorandum shews that his 
 essays on " Sacrifice," alluded to in the following 
 extract, were read at thirty-six different places 
 between the years 1856 and 1863. 
 
 2 mo. 26. Last Third-day I went to London, and that 
 evening and on Fifth-day, read to very large audiences in 
 White Hart Court meeting house the essays on Sacrifice. 
 On the alternate nights I read the same at Tottenham to a 
 smaller but very select audience. They were well received 
 by Friends of very different views. Much was said in com- 
 mendation by individuals whose commendation was valuable. 
 But I may gratefully acknowledge that the prayer to be 
 preserved from elation was fully answered. Numbers of 
 Yorkists and a few old Bochester scholars greeted me at the 
 close of the meetings. 
 
 3 mo. 16. To-day for the first time I paid a solitary visit 
 to the grave of my dear Eachel. I stood awhile in sweet, 
 tearful silence. It was a bright, sunny, spring-like day. 
 
JEt. 58.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. Ill 
 
 " I saw around me the wide field revive 
 
 "With fruits and fertile promise, and the Spring 
 Come forth her work of gladness to contrive, 
 With all her reckless birds upon the wing ; 
 And turned from all she brought, to her she could not bring !" 
 
 Many a time I recall her words, when I sat sorrowing beside 
 her, forecasting my future loneliness, " I shall be with thee ; " 
 and surely it is neither delusive nor sinful to believe that her. 
 gentle spirit is hovering near me. This at least / know, that 
 she loves and adores the same Grod and Saviour, and that at 
 His throne we can worship together, I with tearful eyes 
 and trembling heart and hope whilst for her, Grod hath 
 for ever wiped away all tears. 
 
 3 mo. 18. I sometimes fear I am too continually sorrow- 
 ful, and yet it is not a repining sorrow, nor is it a sorrow 
 that prevents or (as I believe) mars my duties. I engage in 
 them, pray for help in the performance, and thankfully 
 acknowledge the help granted me. But in the silence and 
 loneliness of evening I cannot restrain my tears. And 
 yet they are not hopeless or desponding tears. Often are 
 they mingled with thought and feeling intensely fixed on 
 her, whose constant love cheered me for twenty-two years 
 day by day hour by hour and sometimes mingled with 
 an overwhelming sense of the love of a merciful Heavenly 
 Father and Redeemer, and precious thoughts of re-union 
 where parting is never known. 
 
 To-day I think I have been helped in my service. In 
 Meeting I engaged in vocal prayer. This at one time seemed 
 too high and too solemn an engagement for me. Since my 
 bereavement I have more than ever sought and found refuge 
 and comfort and peace and joy in frequent private prayer : 
 perhaps this has been the means of preparing me for this 
 service in public. To-day as at other times on thus engaging 
 in Meeting, my spirit was greatly tendered and contrited, 
 
112 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1860. 
 
 especially after I had resumed my seat, under a sense of the 
 condescending love of my Heavenly Father in thus per- 
 mitting me to serve Him. " "Why," therefore, " art thou 
 cast down, my soul ?" "Hope thou in Grod; for I shall 
 yet (again) praise Him who is the health of my countenance 
 and my God ! " 
 
 To A EELATIVE. 
 
 6 mo. 2. I am glad to find that thou art using, as I think, 
 the only means of safety entire abstinence. When I say 
 the only means, I merely mean to imply that in the case of 
 long continued habits, all other means, humanly speaking, 
 are hopeless apart from abstinence. I highly value the means 
 referred to in thine ; and in reply to thy request that I 
 would pray for thee, I may say, that since I saw thee, I have 
 done so many a time, and continue so to do. Join thine also. 
 Why are our lives thus prolonged ? Just to give us a 
 prolonged opportunity to accept the offers of Divine love and 
 mercy so profusely offered us, in and by and through our 
 Saviour. " Come unto Me all ye that labour, &c." " Him 
 that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out." For no 
 reason or cause whatsoever not for long years of forget- 
 fulness not for multiplied transgressions not at the eleventh 
 hour. Therefore let us come in full assurance of His promise, 
 He will not cast out. Having come and received the promised 
 pardon, and life still prolonged a little space, our joy will be 
 to spend it all in His service longing at times for the rest 
 of Heaven, yet still willing and joyful to bear, to suffer and 
 to serve a little longer on earth, if it were only to afford the 
 poor proof we can of our love. May some portion of this 
 happy experience yet be thine. 
 
 6 mo. 17. In the School- room I referred to the closing 
 
JEt. 59.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 113 
 
 session. Aware from week to week of its approach what 
 would retrospection now present to us ? Opportunities 
 improved? Evil successfully resisted? Communion with 
 our Heavenly Father sought and through Christ obtained ? 
 Had we all, scholars and teachers, sought to fulfil our 
 respective duties ? Could we look back without remorseful 
 regrets? I said I had often believed, and I would not 
 to-night abandon the belief, that often our evening in that 
 room had been owned by our Heavenly Father's love con- 
 triting our spirits, and lifting our hearts to Him in silent 
 aspirations of prayer, thanksgiving and praise. A solemn 
 pause ensued ; and I kneeled and returned thanksgiving for 
 the preserving grace and the love and favour granted us, and 
 prayed especially for the young men about to enter on the 
 busy concerns of life. Thus ended one more series of these 
 deeply interesting engagements. 
 
 To 
 
 (a former pupil who was contemplating the resignation of 
 his membership in the Society of Friends.) 
 
 6 mo., 1860. I was glad to receive thine of the 5th, and 
 much interested in its contents. * * * I am glad thou 
 hast had a conference with thy father, and that it was as I 
 infer in some respects satisfactory. I think it was both wise 
 and kind of thee to wait at his request for a year or so before 
 taking a decided step. I cannot but believe that honest, 
 earnest, prayerful inquiry, such as I trust thine is, will issue 
 in thy accepting those views of Christian truth, doctrine and 
 practice, which will be to thee the road to peace and hap- 
 piness. And so believing, I feel sure there will always be, 
 between thy views and thy practice and my own, far more 
 points of union than of difference always granting that the 
 
 i 
 
114 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1860. 
 
 love of Christ, faith in Him, and desire to serve Him, be the 
 foundation stone of all our hopes and all our confidence. 
 
 In looking at some of thy sentiments especially on that 
 regarding forms of prayer, it occurs to me that thy personal 
 experience may have had much influence in thy conclusions. 
 Happily placed as regards early training little exposed to 
 temptations from without a temperament and dispositions 
 tending greatly to make early life pleasant, and to secure 
 the warm attachment of thy friends and possibly having 
 less of temptation to contend with from within than many 
 have had to encounter amongst all these happy and favour- 
 able circumstances, I can conceive a conscience less burdened, 
 less alarmed with the sense of sinfulness and of actual sin 
 than that of a large number less happily trained and placed. 
 
 Those who are conscious of the very reverse of all this 
 conscious not only of a sinful nature but of accumulated 
 unforgiven actual sin to such as these when once aroused 
 to a sense of their condition, all forms of prayer give way to 
 the deep, earnest out-gushing of heart and soul that needs 
 no prompting, no exemplar. The particular want, the par- 
 ticular confession, the particular besetting sin, the ever re- 
 curring temptation will find earnest, burning words poured 
 forth in the name of Christ. Moreover I believe that in the 
 next stage of the Christian life, when the joyful sense of 
 reconciliation with Grod through the blood of the cross when 
 " being justified by faith, we have peace with Grod through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ," any words but our own, the fresh 
 spontaneous outpouring of our joyful spirits, will be altogether 
 inadequate to the occasion. "We should no more think of 
 adopting other men's words than I should think when wishing 
 to write to thee, of adopting the Chinese plan of going to a 
 paid. letter- writer, and telling him, " I have a dear young 
 
 Mend in , write to him for me and tell him all that 
 
 is proper to tell him." 
 
^Et 59.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S, 115 
 
 Perhaps I am mistaken in my imaginary description of 
 thy past experience. Perhaps thou wilt assent to much that 
 I have said, seeing I have applied my remarks more to the 
 individual worship of the closet than to the united worship 
 of the congregation. Nevertheless whatever path may 
 ultimately be thine, I feel assured that the further we 
 advance in the Divine life, the less we shall depend upon 
 man and his doings, and the more we shall seek for ourselves 
 direct, immediate intercourse with our Heavenly Father in 
 the name of His Son, under the guidance of His spirit. 
 
 I am glad to hear that the tour is agreed upon. I heartily 
 wish thee every enjoyment in it. The capacity for such 
 enjoyment is one of the especial good gifts of God to the 
 young. One element of this capacity for enjoyment will 
 also I trust be participated in by all your party, to see 
 amidst all the beauties of wondrous scenery, 
 
 " A ray of heavenly light gilding all forms 
 Terrestrial in the vast and the minute ; 
 The unambiguous footsteps of the God 
 "Who gives its lustre to an insect's wing, 
 And wheels His throne upon the rolling worlds." 
 
 8 mo. 9. Formal opening of the school session this after- 
 noon. The usual topics of address truthfulness kindness 
 and purity of language and conduct. Allegiance on their 
 part kindness and good government on ours. Excuse- 
 making, dangerous ground, closely allied to untruthfulness. 
 Minor details cash accounts cash kept in purse and pocket. 
 New arrangement at the gardens washing place, &c. 
 Elder scholars their duties towards the school generally 
 their power for good or evil, and consequently their respon- 
 sibility. "Whilst every one should be placed on new ground 
 till by his conduct he brought the past to remembrance, 
 
116 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1860. 
 
 there were some who would hold their places in the senior 
 class conditionally. 
 
 11 mo. 4. To-day is the anniversary of the death of my 
 dear friend Joseph Eowntree more missed hy me than any 
 one whom I have lost except my dear Eachel. His brotherly 
 aid, his wise counsel, and his Christian example seem more 
 precious than ever : now I miss them day by day. * * * 
 I have found a little access in prayer in private, and a 
 little help sought and obtained in the evening at Bootham. 
 At the close of reading I remarked to the boys, " You have 
 begun your merriment again, and I do not know that I have 
 much to object to if it will continue a little longer ; but let 
 me repeat one word, already said in the schoolroom. Before 
 you close your eyes to sleep to-night * Try to love Him 
 tell Him you wish to love Him ask Him to help you.' ' 
 My own spirit has been tendered to-day by these simple 
 words of Dr. Yaughan. 
 
 11 mo. 18. * * * This evening I was led to address 
 the scholars in a rather unexpected way, but it would seem 
 not inappropriately. One of the elder boys followed me out 
 of reading to the lecture room, and told me of the difficulty 
 he felt in doing, that which he felt the need of doing under 
 the influence of what I had said in the schoolroom. I had 
 no knowledge whatever of his recent circumstances in this 
 particular. He came to acknowledge what was wrong, and 
 seeking for help. I was glad to see him. I tried to en- 
 courage him to more effort. My own spirit was tendered. 
 I told him I had prayed for him. I recommended him to 
 try to-night the simple prayer, " Heavenly Father, for Jesus' 
 sake help me to put away unkind and angry thoughts and 
 feelings." He left me I hope cheered and encouraged. 
 
JEt. 59.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 117 
 
 To 
 
 (a former pupil to whom the letter on page 113 was addressed.) 
 
 12 mo., 1860. In reference to the main topic of thy 
 letter, whilst I regret the conclusion arrived at, I will not 
 say one word to disturb thy "convictions," or to prevent 
 thee from following that course which will ensure thee peace 
 of mind and progress in the Christian life. I shall entertain 
 the belief that we are both travelling in converging paths, 
 that will meet at last in one of the many mansions in our 
 Father's house in the city whose walls are salvation and 
 whose gates are praise, where sects and names and all the 
 poor distinctions of time are utterly unknown and forgotten. 
 
 To see thee, as I believe, in earnest to become a true 
 disciple of Christ, looking for salvation through His blood 
 shed for sinners His life given as a ransom for many is a 
 very delightful thing. As I journey on towards the end, 
 whilst I love that section of the church with which my lot 
 is cast, and am thankful that the religion of my education 
 has become that of my judgment and affections, I feel more 
 and more disposed to recognize as brothers in Christ, all who 
 love Him and manifest their love by their allegiance. I am 
 acquainted with such of various names, and find large com- 
 mon ground of union, and scope for united action. I find 
 among these many who can accept much which once was 
 more peculiar to Quakerism than it is in this day. If I 
 speak of Peace, they can respond in the hatefulness and 
 anti-Christian nature of war : they think truth-speaking 
 better than oaths : they admit that every true believer is a 
 priest : they condemn the vanities and frivolities of fashion : 
 they admit that essentials are better than signs : they do not 
 deny the right of any man who believes himself called to 
 preach the gospel, wheresoever and whensoever he can 
 
US BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1860. 
 
 without violating the good order of society. One trained 
 in the Church of England and whose religion cost him 
 much makes the following declaration, to which I apprehend 
 any Quaker would subscribe : " Baptismal regeneration, 
 Church privileges, the sacramental system, confession, and 
 priestly absolution may do for some people when in health, 
 but no smile of joy from a sick man, would ever be the fruit 
 of such miserable comforters in the last hour. "When a 
 dying man [and I would add a living man] can say or feel, 
 ' I know that my Redeemer liveth,' he wants no more." And 
 therefore I trust that whilst seeking enjoyment of the means 
 of grace elsewhere as tending to promote the great end of 
 life reconciliation with Grod through Jesus Christ, and a 
 daily hope of eternal blessedness, all that is sustainable on 
 scripture grounds in Quakerism will still be maintained by 
 thee. I shall not cease often to think of thee with affection- 
 ate interest. Our conversation at St. Mary's eleven months 
 
 ago, and the day at are remembered with far more 
 
 pleasure than if on either occasion I had entered upon con- 
 troversy. I believe the tenor of my intercourse with thee 
 on both occasions manifested more concern as regards the 
 end, than the means. I rejoiced then in the belief that thou 
 wast in earnest, and that feeling attends me now. 
 
 Don't let this letter close our correspondence. Let me 
 know from time to time how thou art getting on ; and if the 
 
 gospel should be so preached in Meeting, and prayer 
 
 and praise be frequently offered, and thou shouldst find 
 peace and progress amongst us, how glad I should be. And 
 more than that if feeling the want of these, thy own heart 
 should be so filled with the love of Christ as that thy own 
 mouth should be opened to speak of it and invite others to 
 partake, there would be joy and gladness in other places 
 than . If the young would but come to the rescue, 
 
^Et. 59.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 119 
 
 I believe they might find in Quakerism all that their souls 
 long for. 
 
 12 mo. 1, 1860. [one of the scholars] came to 
 
 borrow money. I took the opportunity of offering a word of 
 encouragement to him ; expressed my pleasure that he was 
 occupying his leisure time profitably, and my belief that he 
 was also seeking after higher and holier things peace with 
 God by Jesus Christ. He seemed moved : his face assumed 
 more of beauty than it would have been thought capable of 
 expressing a thoughtful, gentle, chastened aspect, denoting 
 as I believe a response to the word. He very modestly 
 signified his wish to do as I had suggested he was doing. 
 At parting he thanked me. 
 
 12 mo. 2. Yesterday afternoon I had a short visit from 
 an old scholar. He wished to tell me more fully and freely 
 of some of his religious difficulties. One is, he feels no joy 
 in believing, no answer to prayer : thinks under these circum- 
 stances prayer is a mockery. He believes in predestination 
 because he cannot reconcile free will and foreknowledge. 
 With all this, his conversation led me to believe that he has 
 a tender conscience, is leading a blameless life, is acting 
 under the influence of the spirit, is an object of the love of 
 Christ ; but is looking for too much of sensible, perceptible 
 evidence and feeling. I felt much for him, and gave him 
 such counsel as presented itself adapted to his condition, 
 which I assured him was no uncommon experience patient 
 continuance in well doing, perseverance in prayer, rejecting 
 all idea of mockery as a temptation of Satan, accepting the 
 invitations to pray so abundant in the New Testament, 
 remembering that the invitations are to all to come to Christ ; 
 that man can be lost only by his own act, that there is no 
 
120 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1860. 
 
 election of reprobation : that these great truths like a line 
 of light run through Holy Scripture. These things I set 
 before him. He left me, I hope a little refreshed. He 
 thanked me warmly. I remembered him in prayer in the 
 evening. 
 
 12 mo. 8. Had an interview with the senior class. 
 J. S. Rowntree in Meeting had expressed his sympathy and 
 offered encouragement and counsel to those who watched 
 some for long years over the souls of others, " as those 
 that must give account." This reminded me of a deep 
 exercise of spirit last evening in my solitary bedroom, when 
 I bowed the knee in earnest prayer for the senior class es- 
 pecially, and for those who leave us. I remember but few 
 such occasions. I found this evening, as I think, my peace 
 was concerned in simply narrating these facts to the beloved 
 company in the senior class-room. A deep solemnity was I 
 believe granted us, and I kneeled in prayer for them once 
 more, then and there. 
 
 12 mo. 15. In the schoolroom, a brief review of the 
 session. A reference to our first meeting. Truth and kind- 
 ness and purity enjoined with what success ? Our prayers 
 with them and for them to encourage and cheer them our 
 endeavours to induce them to pray for themselves. Though 
 I had not looked to any such service, a solemn quiet seemed 
 spread over us, and I kneeled down and offered thanksgiving 
 for the blessings and mercies of the session, ending with 
 prayer for continued preservation. Dear F. Thorp gave a 
 faithful word of parting warning and counsel. So ends one 
 more session as far as Sabbath evenings are concerned. I 
 think I might say in the quaint language of Job Scott, 
 
 " A thankful heart I feel ; 
 In peace my mind is stay'd." 
 
 12 mo. 23. * * At Meeting this morning, seeing a 
 
JEt. 59.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 121 
 
 number of young children present I addressed them especi- 
 ally. I quoted Isaiah, " He shall gather the lambs with 
 His arm, and carry them in His bosom." I was helped I 
 believe to adapt my words to the understandings of these 
 darling little ones. I had more than peace in the offering. 
 Oh that I had myself more of the spirit of a " little child." 
 
 1 mo. 15, 1861. I have received an extremely sweet 
 letter from a young disciple. " It cheers my old heart," 
 (to borrow an expression of dear William Forster's) to see in 
 him and in other Yorkists, signs of early dedication. 
 
 1 mo. 18. I had a special interview with all the teachers. 
 I addressed them on several points connected with moral and 
 intellectual training, and in regard to the avoidance of all 
 that would interfere with or discourage the religious life in 
 any quiet deportment when attending them in the bed- 
 rooms in the evening, avoiding light conversation, and if 
 possible, all penalty. I mentioned that I had seen a boy 
 who occasionally kneeled at his bed-side, look extremely 
 offended on going into his room, by a penalty very small, 
 just then announced to him for a very trifling offence. I 
 referred to the solemnizing effect on my own spirit by being 
 present at times when boys were thus kneeling. A little 
 silence ensued in the conference, and I felt bound to engage 
 in prayer for Divine guidance and blessing on ourselves and 
 our charge. 
 
 TO HIS BROTHER SAMUEL. 
 
 1 mo. 22, 1861. These engagements of service are not of 
 my own seeking; but when solicited to assist on the occasion 
 of gatherings of Friends, I do not feel at liberty to refuse. It 
 is becoming very common amongst Friends to have meetings 
 of Sabbath School Teachers on a large scale, and I have 
 frequent invitations to attend such. I do not complain of 
 labour or fatigue or expense, but rather feel glad if I may 
 
122 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1861. 
 
 be permitted to do a little service for Him who has done so 
 much for me. And when I feel for myself how precious a 
 thing it is to know something of peace with Gtad through 
 faith in Jesus Christ, and feel too His preserving grace and 
 mercy in keeping me from sinning, and His pardoning 
 mercy when evil in any form gains the ascendant, I ear- 
 nestly desire the same blessings for all who are dear to 
 me, and for none more than for thee. Whilst life and in- 
 tellect are still ours there is hope for every one of us. If 
 we have not come in at the ninth hour we may at the 
 eleventh. Do come ! 
 
 In the Second-month of 1861, John Ford attended 
 the interment of an old Scholar, Richard Ecroyd 
 Tatham, of Settle, who in his twenty-third year was 
 called away after a brief course of earnest, loving 
 devotedness to the service of his Lord. Deeply 
 interested in his former pupil, and in the part he 
 had taken in the establishment of the Settle Adult 
 Sabbath Classes, desirous also that the encourage- 
 ment and instruction of such a life should not be 
 lost to others, John Ford willingly undertook the 
 compilation of a Memoir of his young friend from 
 materials furnished by his family. It was published 
 in a small volume entitled " The Sabbath School 
 Teacher ; a Memoir of Richard E, Tatham ;" and 
 it went through three editions in a short time. 
 
 To 
 
 (To whom the letters, pages 113 and 117 were addressed.) 
 Early part of 1861. I am indebted to thee for thine of 
 
JEt. 59.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 123 
 
 the 10th and 28th. I must ask thee to attribute any delay 
 in replying, to any other cause than that of diminished 
 affectionate interest. In attempting to reply, I feel deeply 
 the inadequacy of correspondence to explain or illustrate the 
 important and interesting topics touched on in thine. 
 
 I am glad of thy first concession that " private prayer and 
 watchfulness are our most essential duty." Agreeing en- 
 tirely on that point, and earnestly seeking to live in the 
 spirit of such a conviction, we shall not differ widely about 
 other matters, and shall most assuredly as I believe, meet in 
 heaven at last, and entirely agree in all things for ever in 
 perfect love, joy and peace. 
 
 In reference to public worship, (no form of proceeding 
 being set forth in Scripture) its arrangements seem to be left 
 to the judgment of the churches. Now the vast diversity of 
 conditions assembled in any congregation, seems to me to 
 militate against the idea, that perfect unity of thought and 
 of devotional feeling could be possible, and cannot therefore 
 be an essential circumstance. I should abstain from quoting 
 any passage of Scripture as a warrant for silence in worship : 
 I deduce the practice from the very nature of true worship 
 as defined by our Saviour, " in Spirit and in Truth." I can 
 conceive no better preparation for worship than silence. 
 
 When assembled for this purpose, each individual, as in 
 the Divine presence, examines his own heart feels his vari- 
 ous wants his indifference his sinfulness, and secretly 
 applies for pardon and for help in the name of Christ. 
 
 I believe worship to be an individual act direct com- 
 munion with Grod through Jesus Christ our intercessor and 
 mediator. Each individual in the congregation thus feeling 
 his own particular needs and thus applying the whole 
 congregation is engaged in the most solemn and most ac- 
 ceptable worship in spirit and in truth. A solemnity spread 
 
124 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1861. 
 
 over a silent meeting at times seems manifestly, to own this 
 worship. Ministry of the word faithfully exercised, whether 
 in prayer or in proclamation of Gospel truth, is a most 
 valuable auxiliary to this public worship a means for the 
 edification of believers, and for the conversion of the unre- 
 generate. I fear that a set, appointed, pre-arranged course 
 of prayer and praise, interferes with this individual worship, 
 and tends to foster a mistaken idea that to listen attentively, 
 to be present at these services is worship when not one 
 thought of the individual heart may have been directed 
 heavenward. 
 
 In reference to prayer, I think I must renounce the au- 
 thority of Holy Scripture, if I conceded that true and 
 acceptable prayer could ever be offered without the aid of 
 the Holy Spirit of God. The very first thought of the 
 awakened soul, the very first and faintest thought of 
 repentance the very first longing for reconciliation and 
 pardon the very first breath of life that vents itself in 
 " Grod be merciful to me a sinner," is most surely the work 
 of God's Holy Spirit and of nothing else. I consider the 
 grand feature of Quakerism to be the individuality of true 
 worship the aversion from all worship by proxy the direct 
 communication of the soul with its Maker through Christ 
 alone. Such combined individualities make up the best and 
 truest public worship. Nor will that worship be silent : 
 vocal utterance of confession of entreaty for pardon ac- 
 knowledgements of the mercies and the love of Grod praise 
 and thanksgiving to Him, will complete and crown this 
 public worship. If this in any congregation is rarely the 
 case, the fault is not in the system, but in those to whom, if 
 they had sought it, God would have given these precious 
 gifts for the edification of His Church. 
 
 I know it is utterly impossible in a brief letter to satisfy 
 
Mt. 59.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 125 
 
 a young and earnest enquirer like thee. I believe that few 
 if any such inquirers ever found satisfaction in any system 
 however spiritual, or however material whether amidst the 
 silence of a Friends' Meeting, or amidst the music, the in- 
 cense, the vestments, the eloquence, and all the appliances 
 to charm the sensuous nature found in some other churches. 
 I believe no such inquirer found either peace or rest, till 
 by individual application, by all the earnestness of one 
 who is ready to perish without it, he has sought and 
 obtained through Jesus Christ reconciliation and pardon 
 with his Heavenly Father. Having found this filled with 
 the love of Christ private and public worship are his 
 delight. The more hold he has of the substance, the 
 less anxious is he about the mode. I can with all truth 
 acknowledge that the profession of my education has become 
 the religion of my judgment, of my heart and conscience ; 
 and I find as a member of the Society of Friends, no limita- 
 tion in regard to the attainment of every Christian grace 
 and gift, and the acceptance of every Christian doctrine. 
 
 I know, and I rejoice in knowing, that there are multitudes 
 thronging the road to Heaven of other names and professions; 
 but I believe I shall best promote not merely my own sal- 
 vation if I may say so but the universal cause of Christ, 
 by remaining in this small enclosure of the great sheep-fold. 
 But I would judge no one who in all sincerity of heart 
 believed that he had found his own proper allotment in 
 another quarter. To the young I would only add, be not 
 hasty. Try whether in the profession of thy education there 
 is not ample scope for the young and earnest Christian for 
 him, who, having accepted Christ as his Saviour, can look to 
 God, not as an offended sovereign but as a reconciled and 
 most merciful Father one to whom he can now confidingly 
 go and confess his faults, his infirmities, his transgressions, 
 sure of pardon for his Saviour's sake. 
 
126 JBOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1861. 
 
 Thus the work of sanctification proceeding day by day 
 love to Christ increasing it will be passing strange if he 
 does not find service for Christ to do : to tell of His love to 
 invite others to partake of the same blessings. Many in the 
 Society of Friends are doing this. Would that many more 
 would yield their hearts to do the same. Silent Meetings 
 would cease. The voice of exhortation and prayer and 
 
 praise would again be heard within the walls of and 
 
 Meeting houses. I long to see " Yorkists " coming 
 
 forward in this glorious work. I know of several who have 
 so come forward. May it please our Heavenly Father to 
 increase the number. 
 
 3rd mo. 24. On the 21st I completed my Sixtieth year. 
 How solemn the thought the three-score over and gone ! 
 Few of the ten may be mine. May I seek with renewed 
 earnestness and watchfulness and prayer, to be ready at a 
 moment ! 
 
 Failing physical power memory less dependable ; an idea 
 presented and if not laid hold on immediately, gone past 
 recovery ; less elasticity of spirits ; more easily depressed ; 
 these are some of the symptoms of three-score. May the 
 remnant, whether few or many, be increasingly dedicated. 
 I believe I desire to serve ; I pray to be enabled so to do. I 
 pray that my service may be appointed and ordered for me 
 that my faith and love may be increased. 
 
 TO HIS BROTHER SAMUEL. 
 
 5 mo. 16, 1861. I did not like to leave home without a 
 line to thee, for thou art very often in my thoughts and art 
 remembered in my prayers. For amidst anxieties about 
 myself, that as I draw nearer and nearer to my journey's 
 
JEi. 60.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 127 
 
 end, I may know the work of preparation for an eternal 
 state to be carried on, I do not forget those connected with 
 me by the ties of nearest relationship. Whilst at times 
 enabled to trust that through our Heavenly Father's mercy 
 in Jesus Christ our Saviour, I may, notwithstanding utter 
 unworthiness meet acceptance at last, I cannot but earnestly 
 desire the same good hope for thee, and many others whom 
 I have known and loved. As our lines of life differ, so do 
 our temptations and besetments ; and all of us have need 
 again and again to adopt the poor publican's prayer, " Grod 
 be merciful to me a sinner." And it is a blessed thought, 
 and a very blessed truth, that no such prayer as that is ever 
 breathed in vain. I am turned sixty : thou art approaching 
 that mark : it is time for us both to be in earnest to give 
 diligence to make our calling and election sure. 
 
 8 mo. 4. Anxious and troubled about the future, I went 
 to Meeting with little capacity for enjoyment. A prayer 
 was offered which did not seem to help me. Towards the 
 close of the meeting F. Thorp spoke on " they that seek Me 
 early shall find Me," addressing himself chiefly to the little 
 ones. This seemed to open up some little spring of life, and 
 I ventured to commend the little ones present for the especial 
 blessing of our Heavenly Father's love. My own spirit was 
 tendered, and the clouds that hung over me parted so as to 
 admit a gleam of light. 
 
 * * * The vacation closes to-night the thirty-third 
 vacation ! possibly the last to me before either my services 
 there end, or the long vacation from earthly service begins. 
 Oh that by the grace of a merciful Saviour preserving 
 keeping sanctifying redeeming from day to day, it may 
 be a matter of indifference to me whether one or the 
 
128 BOOTH AM AND ST. MARY'S. [1861, 
 
 other event await me that indifference which is comprised 
 in " Thy will, not mine be done." Grant me, Heavenly 
 Father, a more trustful spirit. 
 
 8 mo. 11. I have been lately perhaps over anxious 
 about the future. I have made that a subject of frequent 
 prayer, desiring to trust it entirely to the Lord to Him 
 who has appointed my locations hitherto from my youth up. 
 I wish to trust Him entirely. I pray to be guided and 
 directed solely by His counsel. I want to be as a little 
 child in His hands. I pray for an enlightened judgment in 
 this matter, and that I may not be permitted to err. If the 
 time is approaching to sever my connection with the School, 
 all I ask is light upon my path light to point out where 
 my few remaining days may be spent, where I may best 
 serve, if permitted to serve Him, whom amidst all my 
 wanderings and waywardness I believe I love. May I 
 to-night with a thankful heart accept the invitation, " Casting 
 all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." 
 
 8 mo. 12. Drank tea at Bootham with the members of the 
 Senior Class. I addressed them before we parted on responsi- 
 bilities, duties and privileges their power to help us points 
 in which they could especially do so language private con- 
 duct courtesy politeness the power of silent disapprobation. 
 the duty of more active remonstrance against evil. Sketched 
 the tale of the little book " A Word in Season " the young 
 man who so politely not only stopped profane language in 
 a railway carriage, but whose interference was blest to the 
 conversion of a gentleman much older than himself. His 
 expostulation was, " Will you have the kindness not to 
 swear." So might a schoolboy say to another, " Will you 
 have the kindness to stop that kind of conversation." We 
 had a very pleasant evening. 
 
JEt. 60.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 129 
 
 10 mo. 27. It is very late, near midnight but I do not 
 like to let a day of renewed mercy and favour pass unrecorded. 
 I can look back upon some of these records and as I read 
 them, say, " Thou hast been my help," and then perhaps 
 the prayer may arise, " Leave me not neither forsake me, 
 God of my Salvation." Help asked for and granted, in 
 Meeting, at Bootham, and in my own evening reading at 
 home, has been again my experience : the spirit of prayer 
 has been bestowed. 
 
 11 mo. 1. To-day the little memoir of Eichard E. 
 Tatham is published. I have thirty copies, most of which 
 I intend to distribute to young friends. Before sending 
 away a few this evening, the thought occurred to me with 
 much sweetness, to pray that a blessing might go with every 
 volume. I retired to my room, and on bended knee preferred 
 this prayer in the name of Jesus. How many things we 
 may make subjects of prayer ! Happy they who make this 
 discovery in early life ! Happy even they who make it 
 though late who make it at all who make it ere it be too 
 late! 
 
 11 mo. 3. * * * A little incident toward the close of 
 the day encouraged me. One of the elder boys one over 
 whom I have watched, and for whom I have prayed and 
 who was the object of the care and love of my sainted R., 
 followed me from the school, and in a simple way expressed 
 to me his feeling of the privilege of our First-day evenings. 
 I said a few kind, encouraging words to the beloved young 
 man. 
 
 11 mo. 24. * * In the evening after special private 
 prayer, I was enabled to address the boys very solemnly on a 
 very solemn subject. I recommended them to make the subject 
 of the evening's address a matter of special, individual prayer 
 
130 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1861. 
 
 that night, in faith that the promise made to two (" if two 
 of you shall agree ") would be verified to sixty, promising to 
 join my prayer to theirs for them. Heavenly Father, be 
 pleased to bless them and answer their prayers, and permit 
 me to pray for them, and hear us for Jesus' sake. 
 
 11 mo. 30. Address to the boys on First-day occupations, 
 &c. frequent change interval of relaxation. I had stood 
 for some time talking with two of the teachers. Loud rising 
 conversation, &c., were proceeding in the schoolroom. At 
 length they all assembled. I queried whether if all they 
 had said within the last twenty minutes were taken down, it 
 would be congruous or incongruous with the purposes of the 
 day. I had no reason to believe it was out of harmony with 
 those purposes. I was glad of these signs of freedom. I 
 feared the sudden hush arising often out of the conscious- 
 ness that there was something that would not bear light an 
 appearance as plainly indicative of conspiracy as if conspirator 
 were labelled on the back. Happy to see no such signs here. 
 This led to a review of the duties of the day the reasonable- 
 ness of requiring a few verses of Scripture to be learned. 
 My desire that First-day might be to them in recollection a 
 pleasant day. Referred to the dying declaration of dear 
 J. H. Walpole of the happy First-day evenings spent at 
 York. My prayer that such might be the retrospect of every 
 one present. 
 
 12 mo. 8. Last evening kneeling by my bed-side I was 
 enabled to pour forth prayer for the senior class, and for 
 those who leave us finally this winter, with more of earnest- 
 ness and feeling, and with a sense of access in the name 
 of Jesus exceedingly precious. To-day in Meeting, John S. 
 Rowntree, once a York scholar, spoke with much feeling on 
 the text, " They watch for your souls as they that must give 
 
^Et. 60.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 131 
 
 account;" expressing his sympathy with those who for long 
 years had been so watching, perhaps discouraged at little 
 fruit. My spirit was greatly contrited with the love of Christ 
 in remembrance of the favour of last evening. I felt as 
 though my prayer had been heard and would be answered. 
 I felt too, reluctant as I was to speak of this coincidence, 
 that I must try to bring it before the senior class this evening. 
 I sought and found a suitable opportunity. I told them the 
 circumstances my motive for telling them to encourage 
 them to unite with us in prayer for themselves. A very 
 solemn feeling seemed to spread over us ; and I said, " I 
 believe some of you can unite in prayer now to the same 
 end." I kneeled down and was enabled once more to pour 
 forth earnest, heartfelt petitions for this beloved company. 
 A solemn, quiet tone seemed to prevail with them the rest of 
 the evening. 
 
 12 mo. 15. In the evening I gave one more brief parting 
 address. " We have already been reminded to-day that this 
 is our last Sabbath of the session. At its commencement we 
 endeavoured to set before you the blessedness of three great 
 practical duties Christian virtues eminently for school boys 
 to cultivate, truth, kindness and purity. From time to 
 time as the months and weeks have passed away, we have 
 endeavoured to encourage and confirm you in the practice of 
 these as well as of all other Christian virtues. And we have 
 prayed with you and for you, and encouraged you to pray 
 for yourselves, that truth and kindness and purity might ever 
 be your characteristics ; that so when the day should come, 
 which now at last has come, bringing our sabbaths to a close, 
 not one remorseful thought might oppress the heart of any 
 one amongst you in looking back on the half-year in reference 
 to these duties." 
 
 Silence and solemnity seemed to deepen; and I said, 
 
132 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1862. 
 
 " It did not seem to me when I first opened my mouth, that 
 it would be required of me vocally to express our sense of 
 the mercy and goodness of the Lord to us during the session, 
 but I feel that I cannot consistent with peace of mind omit 
 it. I trust some of you can unite with us in this." I then 
 kneeled down, and returned thanks for the mercies temporal 
 and spiritual showered upon us, and prayed that the Divine 
 presence and blessing might go with those who go, and rest 
 upon those who stay : and that seeing we might never meet 
 together again in time under our present relationships that 
 through our Heavenly Father's mercy in Jesus Christ our 
 Lord, we might meet together before His throne in Heaven, 
 there to join in an endless song of praise. 
 
 In Fourth-month, 1862, under the apprehension 
 of religious duty, and with the encouragement of his 
 Monthly Meeting, John Ford attended the Yearly 
 Meeting in Dublin, and visited the schools in Ireland 
 conducted by Friends. In this service he was joined 
 by his cousin, William Tanner, of Bristol, with 
 whom he was closely united in the bonds of Christian 
 fellowship. In the following autumn, again liberated 
 by their respective Monthly Meetings, they visited 
 most of the Meetings composing London and Mid- 
 dlesex Quarterly Meeting, and had many social 
 gatherings and meetings for the young, as well as 
 other more private service. 
 
 6 mo. 17, 1862. Having analysed the character papers 
 I spent a few minutes at reading time in commenting upon 
 them. The prevalence of truth the few exceptions some 
 of the exceptions explicable on grounds indicated by other 
 
JEt 61.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 133 
 
 characteristics. Noticed the variety of employments the 
 mention of kindness to schoolfellows the rare instances of 
 associations not for good the opposite several whose in- 
 fluence over others and over each other was decidedly good 
 the belief entertained that with several, in the Senior Class 
 especially, this good influence arose out of their having 
 measurably given their hearts to their Saviour. F. Thorp 
 read a short Psalm, and I ventured on thanksgiving and 
 
 prayer. I shook hands with each as they filed out. 
 
 hastily withdrew his and buried his face in his hands : he 
 sent word by one of the teachers that he wished to see me in 
 his bed-room. I went, and had a few words of parting with 
 him. He came a very little boy was most kindly cared for 
 by my dear E. After causing me deep anxiety by his 
 conduct, latterly there has been cause of rejoicing in the 
 change apparent in him. So ends one more session. " Non 
 nobis, &c." 
 
 In giving a brief outline of a tour taken during 
 this summer, John Ford writes : 
 
 At Evesham I heard that my very earlies t surviving friend, 
 Thomas Pumphrey, had died on the 31st of Seventh-month. 
 * * * * My (j ear Mend had sent a message of love to 
 me from his dying bed. On the 10th of Sixth-month last 
 I accepted an invitation to assist at a festival at Ackworth on 
 dear Thomas Pumphrey's sixtieth birth-day. The pro- 
 ceedings were of a most interesting character. In T. P.'s 
 speech he particularly referred to me as one of his oldest 
 friends, our association as children, our common ancestry, 
 our companionship at school, and at length our duties running 
 in parallel lines, the bonds of true friendship ever drawing 
 us more closely together. 
 
 At the solicitation of Thomas Pumphrey's family, 
 
134 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [18G2. 
 
 John Ford consented to prepare a Memoir of his 
 departed friend. It was published in 1864. 
 
 To (a young man). 
 
 10 mo. 17, 1862. I have often thought of thee since I 
 
 left . I gratefully remember the hospitalities received 
 
 at thy father's house and thy own particular kindness. The 
 story of thy varied experience of life during thy absence from 
 home deeply interested me. Now if any apology is needed, 
 these must be my apology for writing to thee. I want to 
 express the desire which I feel so truly that I cannot avoid 
 expressing it, that now, having seen much of the dark side 
 of human nature in various forms, thoughts of the solemn 
 responsibilities of life may begin to have due place with thee. 
 
 All the associations of my life have been with youth : the 
 result of this has been enlarged sympathies with them, and an 
 ever increasing desire (if so I may be enabled) to help them, 
 if it be only to point to the path of peace and happiness. 
 
 It was impossible (to me at least) to be acquainted with 
 thee, even for so brief a time as my visit afforded, without 
 perceiving qualities of head and heart that greatly interested 
 me, and raised in me desires which I now venture to 
 convey to thee, that all these the energy of will the 
 executive ability the affections the costly knowledge of 
 the world may all be made subservient to thy own highest 
 interests. I have no doubt there are times when these desires 
 have a place in thy own heart. I want thee to yield to 
 them to cherish them : yielded to and cherished, they will 
 lead thee where they have led many others to the foot of 
 the cross. I need not interpret this phraseology to thee. I 
 long that thou shouldst realize for thyself, all the benefits, 
 all the sweetness of going there knowing all past trans- 
 gressions for ever blotted out, and ability granted to pursue 
 
JEt. 61.] BOOTH AM AND ST. MARY'S. 135 
 
 i 
 
 henceforward the path of peace. And that is a bright path. 
 The life of the young Christian is a joyous life. There is 
 room in his path for the expansion of all his faculties, of all 
 his peculiar gifts and talents. The energy of his will, his 
 executive ability, his power to influence others will find 
 ample scope. His joyous temperament will commend his 
 profession ; by his lively yet chastened wit he will show that 
 Christianity is no dull, morose affair, but that the young 
 disciple of Christ is and has a right to be, one of the most 
 cheerful and happy of men. It has been well said and 
 there are living proofs of the truth of the saying " there is 
 no more beautiful, no more blessed sight upon earth than a 
 youth devoted to Christ." 
 
 And thou art yet young with position, means, and talents, 
 and many other advantageous circumstances. Come then at 
 once, and take the road I have endeavoured to point out to 
 thee. If it should prove painful and difficult for a time, thou 
 hast already shown qualities that are not daunted by pain 
 
 and difficulty and be assured, dear , that before long 
 
 the ways of wisdom will be found to be ways of pleasantness 
 and all her paths peace. 
 
 To (to the same young man). 
 
 10 mo. 25, 1862. I do not wish to burden thee by 
 writing, or in any way to lay upon thee the obligation of 
 replying, but thy letter of the 21st, I can most truly say, 
 deepened the interest I had already felt for thee, and left me 
 no alternative, (with a peaceful mind at least,) but to write 
 to thee again. The naturalness and the truthful air of thy 
 letter, the condition of thy health, and above all the sense of 
 want which it seems to indicate the longing for peace with 
 God all these sentiments led me to desire and to pray too, 
 
136 BOOTH AM AND ST. MARY'S. [1862. 
 
 that I might be enabled to point out to thee a little further, 
 the road to peace. I know it is little we can do to help one 
 another, but it pleases our Heavenly Father to use human 
 instrumentality and to bless its use. 
 
 I read with painful interest and yet not without a 
 hopeful and cheering thought, thy query, " Am I fit to die ?" 
 With like feelings also I read thy reflections on the past. I 
 have said " hopeful and cheering,'' because I believe that 
 the very first dawn of the light of the Holy "Spirit in the 
 heart, is given us to convince us of sin. Under this convic- 
 tion, we have in Holy Scripture abundance of authority and 
 encouragement and loving invitation to go to our Heavenly 
 Father, and earnestly to plead for pardon in the name of 
 Jesus. I have no doubt that the parable of the prodigal son 
 is perfectly familiar to thee. So it has been to thousands 
 who never felt its fitness and beauty, till a deep personal 
 interest brought it home to their hearts, and the spirit of God 
 sealed the instruction there. 
 
 Men are apt to talk of little and much in reference to their 
 transgressions against the Divine law ; but these distinctions 
 disappear when we come to see ourselves as we are seen of 
 Grod. Then even those who to human apprehension have 
 least erred from the way of peace, can without cant or 
 hypocrisy (but with solemn conviction of the truth of the 
 confession) confess themselves fallen, sinful and helpless 
 pronounce themselves utterly unworthy, and throw them- 
 selves just as they are, like the poor prodigal, on the mercy 
 of their Heavenly Father in the name and for the sake of 
 His dear Son, who died for our sins, and paid the price of our 
 redemption with His most precious blood. So coming, we 
 have the promises of our Lord Himself that He will in no 
 wise cast us out. I want thee to come. If any suggestion 
 arises in thy mind that thou art not fit to come, and thus to 
 
JEt. 61.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 137 
 
 apply for pardon, reject it as a temptation of the evil one. 
 Go just as thou art. If prayer seems difficult, ask for the 
 ability to pray. Ask for the grace of repentance, ask 
 earnestly importunately. Eemember the declaration, " If 
 we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us 
 our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." He 
 is faithful because he has promised ; and His promises are 
 yea and amen for ever. He is just because Christ Himself 
 has paid the penalty of our sins of mine and of thine. 
 We have but to ask and to have. "Ask and ye shall receive," 
 is His own blessed declaration. An unbeliever on hearing 
 the simplicity of the Gospel plan set before him is said to 
 have replied, " This is too good to be true" Millions of 
 redeemed spirits in heaven and tens of thousands of believers 
 on earth, can testify that it is as true as it is good. 
 
 It is not a vague indefinite trust in the mercy of God that 
 will suffice us. We must seek that mercy under a deep, 
 heartfelt sense of our need, and in simple reliance upon the 
 sacrifice of our Saviour the blood shed for the remission of 
 
 sins. Seek that, dear , and thou shalt assuredly find : 
 
 and then the all important query, " Am I fit to die ? " shall 
 receive a joyful and affirmative solution. And then if 
 restored health should be granted thee fit to die, and fit to 
 live a happy life may be thine. If early summoned away, 
 a happy death a happy translation to a better inheritance 
 will be thine. An entire stranger to thee till within the 
 last few weeks, do I need to apologize for the freedom with 
 which I write ? Thy kind and frank letter of the 21st inclines 
 me to think I need not. Whilst it will be pleasant to me to 
 hear from thee, I beg that thou wilt not feel under any 
 obligation to write, especially, if still unwell, writing should 
 be wearisome or fatiguing to thee. 
 
138 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [18G3. 
 
 4 mo. 19, 1863. Two weeks have passed away since I 
 wrote. Why do I write ? I am too prone to take desponding 
 views of myself to think how much I might do, how little 
 in comparison of others I am doing, if I am doing anything 
 for my Lord feeling often how much more I might know 
 of the peace and joy of believing than I do know. With 
 these views I sometimes can reap a little comfort, a little 
 renewed trust and faith and love, a little contrition of spirit, 
 by reading a brief record of past mercies. Did the psalmist 
 know something of this when he said " This is my infirmity ; 
 but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most 
 
 High " ? * * * On Fifth-day I accompanied in 
 
 soliciting for new Subscribers to the Bible Society. It 
 appeared in the course of conversation that we had both 
 prayed for a blessing on the undertaking before engaging 
 in it. We had good success. We were both prepared 
 to unite in " Thank Grod," as we parted at the end of our 
 morning's work. 
 
 4 mo. 26. Some lively and earnest longings for holiness 
 and conformity to the will of Christ, not for a ground of 
 trust but as evidence of love, have been mine to-day, accom- 
 panied with tenderness of spirit and access in prayer. It is 
 evening with me. Oh for a peaceful sunset a humble, 
 quiet, confiding trust ! Even if it be but to lie at His feet 
 weeping no one was ever repulsed, no one ever perished 
 there ! 
 
 " Not one object of His care 
 Ever suffered shipwreck there." 
 
 To on leaving School. 
 
 6 mo., 1863. I need hardly tell thee in reply to thy 
 enquiry, that "Truthful" in its highest form stands opposite 
 thy name in the report : and believing as I do that thy 
 truthfulness is not the result of mere expediency, but that 
 
^Et. 62.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 139 
 
 it is the result of the love of Christ in thy heart, I trust it 
 will be to thee, as it is to me in observing it, cause of thank- 
 fulness to our Father, in Heaven. The love of Christ in the 
 heart is the only sure ground of allegiance to Him. In 
 regard to other manifestations of character, I can hardly 
 speak of them freely without the risk of ministering to 
 feelings allied to self-complacency. Those who are gifted 
 with pleasing qualities both of head and heart, such as attract 
 the esteem and love of acquaintance and friends, have special 
 need to be careful in the choice of their associates. Possessed 
 of the power of pleasing, they do not like to offend. It is 
 
 not easy to say No. Keep then, dear , a tender 
 
 conscience. Resist the first temptation to violate it, whether 
 from within, or by the -solicitation of others. As the best of 
 all possible helps to this, be constant in morning and evening 
 prayer. Leaving behind a good name at School, and 
 carrying away with thee the esteem and love of many (of 
 my own I can assure thee), may the ending of a happy 
 school-boy life be the beginning of a course to be marked in 
 every stage by that ever-increasing happiness, which the love 
 of Christ and a life evidencing that love and that alone, 
 can procure. 
 
 6 mo. 27. Nearly four years have gone by since I 
 watched the last peaceful sigh of my sainted treasure. * * * 
 Longing for rest striving yet often vanquished in the 
 strife lonely yet not always alone sometimes cheered by 
 the felt presence of Him who can sympathize even with 
 loneliness cheered too by recollections of the departed 
 cheered by the hope of re-union separated perhaps even 
 now by a very thin veil. Help me, Heavenly Father, for 
 Jesus' sake in this sore conflict. Undertake for me, blessed 
 
140 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [18G3. 
 
 Saviour ! Oh that I might know Thee to be unto me wisdom 
 and righteousness, sanctification and complete redemption. 
 Grant me the cleansing, purifying, sustaining, preserving 
 grace of Thy Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. 
 
 8 mo. 6. School formally opened this morning. Treated 
 on the usual topics Truth, the character long sustained by 
 the school the effects of truth and candour in the minds of 
 those who have to govern how it propitiates and how 
 justly for everything is to be hoped for from a delinquent 
 who speaks the truth it is the first step towards that self- 
 conviction which is the legitimate end of school discipline. 
 Kindness remarked on the many set down as kind in the 
 review at the vacation let it continue to be the characteristic 
 of the school. The moment any one sees a school-fellow 
 pained by word or acfc, desist and never shrink from a kind 
 apology for offence whether intentional or not. I spoke 
 strongly and plainly on the avoidance of act or word that 
 could in any degree lower the moral standard in the mind of 
 a school-fellow, or call up a blush on^ his countenance. 
 Cultivate that chastity and purity of thought that would 
 shrink from uttering or hearing anything that could impair 
 the sentiment. Guard against innuendos : most unclean 
 ideas are but too often conveyed by this means in very clean 
 language. Guard yourselves and one another in this 
 particular. Let your bedrooms be sacred places unasso- 
 ciated in after life with a single thought of evil associated 
 as in the minds of some York Scholars, with recollections of 
 prayer. The responsibilities of elder scholars. The power 
 of all of us to contribute to the general happiness. The 
 duty of old scholars to set nothing but what was right and 
 good before the new of the new, to furnish no new contri- 
 butions to anything wrong. These were some of the 
 prominent topics of the opening address. 
 
JEt. 62.] BOOTHAM AND ST.. MARY'S. 141 
 
 To A GENTLEMAN OF HIS ACQUAINTANCE. 
 
 8 mo. 19, 1863. I have long had it on my mind to tell 
 
 you how much I enjoyed my visit to , and how much 
 
 that visit deepened the friendly interest I felt in my kind 
 host. I have delayed writing, because it seemed that if I 
 wrote I should wish to refer to our conversations at the 
 breakfast table, as well as on other occasions, when topics of 
 deep interest were discussed, the importance of which 
 demanded more time and thought than I could give 
 immediately on my arrival at home. In entering upon 
 them now, I trust implicitly to the candour and courtesy 
 with which, when our views differed, any presentation of my 
 own was always received. 
 
 We agreed in our belief in the Divine authority of Holy 
 Scripture in the essential deity of our Lord and in the 
 duty and the efficacy of prayer. These are some of the great 
 truths of Christianity. There are two others equally impor- 
 tant the doctrine of the atonement and that of the necessity 
 of a change of heart the one set forth by our Lord in His 
 declaration that He came to give His life a ransom for the 
 many ; the other in His words to Nicodemus, " except a man 
 be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 
 
 I remember on one occasion you made the remark, " God 
 is Love ; and I cannot believe that He created intelligent 
 beings with a knowledge that they would exist for ever in 
 endless misery." I also believe that " God is Love," and 
 that He did not intend any of His intelligent creatures for 
 such a destiny ; for I believe our Lord when He speaks of a 
 condition of penal woe as * * prepared for the devil and his 
 angels". Into the origin of evil we need not go : it is not 
 revealed. The origin of evil to man is revealed : it did not 
 originate with him ; it came from external agency. If asked, 
 why capable of evil ? Why susceptible of temptation ? The 
 
142 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1863. 
 
 answer seems to be that an impossibility of transgression is 
 incompatible with the exhibition of obedience. The will is 
 one of those resemblances of man to God, implied in his 
 being created in " the image of God." The attribute of will 
 implies freedom to choose. Man in the exercise of his free 
 will listened to the tempter, transgressed and fell. The 
 declarations of Holy Scripture and the individual experience 
 of every one of us, establish the truth, that we inherit a 
 nature prone to evil, and that we all have sinned. Suppose 
 we admit all this, and yet reply, " True, but * God is Love ' ; 
 therefore He will pardon." True also ; but God is just. He 
 has made known His laws. Law cannot be broken with 
 impunity : anarchy would ensue : distinctions between right 
 and wrong would be lost ; and yet God will pardon ; " As I 
 live saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of 
 him that dieth ; " and therefore He has provided a plan by 
 which " God can be just and the justifier of him that believeth 
 in Jesus." 
 
 I now come to the great truth expressed by the Apostle 
 Paul in 1 Cor. xv. 3, that " Christ died for our sins according 
 to the Scriptures." It would occupy time and paper almost 
 indefinitely to quote all the passages which enforce and 
 illustrate this truth ; and moreover it is needless to one who 
 is as well read in Scripture as my friend. The passages to 
 which I refer show that the penalty of our sins has been 
 paid our redemption purchased and that a sacrifice, atone- 
 ment and propitiation for our sins has been offered to God 
 (and accepted by Him) by one who, mysteriously combining 
 in His person perfect deity and perfect manhood, very God 
 and very man, suffered for us as one of us and, as one with 
 Q-od gave infinite value and efficacy to the sacrifice. He 
 thus became the " propitiation for our sins, and not for ours 
 only, but also for the sins of the whole world." Let us 
 
Mi. 62.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 143 
 
 admit all this, and infer, " well then our pardon is purchased 
 and is secure." True ! but with one more truth super- 
 added we secure this by faith in Christ the reality and 
 efficacy of our faitl\ is proved by our love our love by our 
 allegiance and our allegiance is manifested by our daily 
 life and conversation. 
 
 And now we come to that other great truth, the necessity of 
 a change of heart ; for our ability to manifest our allegiance 
 consists in that change wrought' in us by the Holy Spirit of 
 Grod. By this, new motives new affections new hopes 
 are implanted in our hearts. Love, joy and peace take the 
 place of anxiety, distrust and fear. The man thus changed 
 no longer lives to himself, but to Him who died for him and 
 rose again. We must be " transformed by the renewing of 
 our minds." Without this change heaven would be no 
 heaven to us. Blest with all temporal blessings, the man 
 thus changed holds them all as a steward. His new affections 
 leave him still all his love for his friends, heightened and 
 intensified by the belief the sure and certain hope that the 
 bonds of friendship are of eternal duration : and above all he 
 can look to the end of this transient life as the beginning of 
 a blissful eternity. Thus then we come to the axiom with 
 which we set out, that " GOD is LOVE," that by this love 
 pardon, reconciliation, and peace are freely offered to us in 
 Jesus Christ. And the believer may assure himself that no 
 place of penal woe is prepared for him. The abode prepared 
 for him is quite another thing : "In my Father's house are 
 many mansions I go to prepare a place for you ." 
 
 I may well be asked, "Have you yourself realized all 
 this ?" I answer with Paul immeasurably below him 
 nevertheless in the measure of attainment " I count not 
 myself to have attained ; " and (modifying his words) I 
 would add, " this one thing I (strive to) do, forgetting those 
 
144 BOOTH AM AND ST. MARY'S. [1863. 
 
 things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things 
 which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of 
 the high calling of Grod in Christ Jesus." 
 
 Excuse this long letter and the freedom I have used in 
 writing and pray accept it with all its imperfections as 
 evidence how sincerely I am your grateful and affectionate 
 
 friend, 
 
 JOHN FOED. 
 
 P.S. When a man has reached his grand climacteric as I 
 have nearly, sixty-three, he may hope to be excused if he 
 shrinks from delaying to a future day what appears as a 
 present duty. This is my case. Often whilst penning the 
 foregoing I have been reminded of one similarity in our 
 circumstances you have lost a friend whom you long and 
 and hope to meet again. I too have lost one of even a 
 dearer name than that of friend, and the same hopes and 
 longings animate me. One object of my letter is the earnest 
 desire that the hopes of both of us may rest on the alone sure 
 foundation. I pray that so it may be ! 
 
 8 mo. 23. " But above all, let me mind my own personal 
 work, to keep myself pure, and zealous, and believing 
 labouring to do Grod's will, yet not anxious that it should be 
 done by me rather than by others if God disapproves of my 
 doing it." Thus wrote good Dr. Arnold on Saturday 
 evening, June llth, 1842, within two days of completing his 
 forty-seventh year : on Sunday, June the 12th, after two hours' 
 illness he died. I am fifteen years older than he was at the 
 time of his death. To-day, these his last recorded self-musings 
 have occurred to me with an earnest desire that I may have 
 them for my own experience. I think I have measurably 
 attained to the condition of being glad at witnessing the 
 
2Et, 62.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 145 
 
 services of others not anxious that I should share them if 
 Grod disapproves of my doing so. 
 
 9 mo. 6. Bead to the school a short extract from " Harrow 
 Sundays." " Ask (rod's blessing each morning upon what is 
 to befall you that day, &c." The deep, .silent attention with 
 which it was listened to, led me to express my belief that 
 many times we had together experienced, both here and in 
 the Dining-room on First-day evening, the presence of our 
 Saviour by His Spirit, solemnizing our spirits. This belief 
 made it still as it had ever been to me, a pleasant task to 
 minister to school-boys, permitted in some measure perhaps 
 to encourage and to help them, if it were only to point out 
 to them the path of peace and safety. Expressed my belief 
 that there were many among them who knew something of 
 the love of Christ influencing their hearts, producing returns 
 of love to Him, and helping to testify of their love by their 
 allegiance : that I earnestly desired the encouragement of 
 these, and that all might be like-minded. If there were any 
 who thought I drew too fair a picture that they would 
 pardon me, and earnestly try to realize it for themselves. 
 That I was about to be absent for three or four First-days 
 that I knew I was leaving them with those who loved them, 
 and whose hearts were often lifted up in prayer for them 
 that I should often remember them especially on First-day 
 evening, and would that they might so remember me. A 
 very solemn silence ensued ; and after a brief pause I once 
 more prayed with them and for them. 
 
 TO HIS BROTHER SAMUEL. 
 
 9 mo. 10, 1863. I am again going to unite with my dear 
 cousin, William Tanner, in religious service in the Quarterly 
 Meeting of Durham. Whilst anxious that I may know for 
 myself a preparation for a time that cannot be very far distant, 
 
146 BOOTH AM AND ST. MARY'S. [1863. 
 
 and desirous to be found trusting in Christ as my Saviour both 
 from the penalty and the power of sin, I find myself called 
 upon to invite others to seek after the same blessing. Not 
 seldom do I think of thee and pray for thee that thou mayst 
 so come to Christ for thyself, as to know thy sins forgiven 
 for His sake. It is now the eleventh hour with both of us. 
 Neither of us have any plea to offer for acceptance at last 
 but the unmerited mercy of God in Christ Jesus, and that is 
 freely offered to all of us if we will but earnestly ask for it 
 and accept it. That this may be the happy experience of 
 both of us is the prayer of thy affectionate brother. 
 
 11 mo. 14. How precious are the moments how refresh- 
 ing when the tendering influence of the love of Christ 
 distils like the evening dew on the longing heart. Some 
 little experience of this has been mine this evening. It is 
 not always so. To kneel morning and evening at times 
 without any glow of devotion seemingly without ability 
 to pray, is my condition ; and yet not doing it as relying 
 upon it not satisfied with it as perfunctory not thinking 
 of it in the smallest degree as a claim for favour but often 
 and often feeling as a poor, erring child waiting in silence 
 for a Father's morning blessing longing for it if but little 
 earnestness is felt in asking for it not liking to begin the 
 day or to encounter its duties and its trials and temptations 
 without at least trying to put myself in the way for a 
 blessing, I dare not, I cannot intermit the practice. I can 
 sometimes venture to take comfort, even in times of emptiness 
 and incapacity, in the thought, " Thou Grod seest me 
 Thou knowest my wants, my weakness, my infirmities of 
 flesh and spirit," and thus silently appeal and wait for help 
 in the name of Jesus. 
 
JEt. 62.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 147 
 
 And so on retiring at night, I cannot intermit the practice 
 of again kneeling, again seeking to put myself in the way of 
 asking for pardon and peace, and committing myself to the 
 protecting care of my heavenly Father in Jesus' name. If 
 it be not often that I enjoy the precious sense of heavenly 
 love, contriting my spirit, renewing my faith and love and 
 allegiance I feel as though I would yet go evening by 
 evening even as a child to his .father, depending upon his 
 father's love ; although he should not always, or even not 
 often, receive sensible demonstrations of it. And then how 
 precious are those times when kneeling empty, lifeless, poverty 
 stricken scarcely faith enough to kneel fearing it is mere 
 habit half disposed to listen to the evil suggestion to give 
 it up, to turn into a prayerless bed to a prayerless sleep 
 how precious even then, before we rise, to find this lifelessness 
 departing, access granted, ability given to pour out the over- 
 flowings of a full heart before Him to know that He has 
 inspired, and hears, and will answer our prayer. 
 
 11 mo. 30. To Ackworth to-day to attend the sub- 
 committee. Among other duties was that of seeing a few 
 scholars, three boys and four girls, newly entered. After 
 one or two members of the Committee had said a few words 
 of counsel, I addressed them on not being afraid to show 
 their colours neither being afraid nor ashamed of doing what 
 they believed to be required of them, nor yet of abstaining, even 
 in the face of custom to the contrary, from doing what they 
 felt was wrong. I instanced the subject of prayer, illustrating 
 it by the results I had seen of faithfulness in this matter. As 
 I went on I believe my own spirit was helped. Oh if I was 
 permitted to help this little company permitted to help even 
 one of the little lambs of Christ's fold, what a blessed privi- 
 lege ; overpayment tenfold for any cost of any kind in going 
 on this errand this day. Of all the privileges of the gospel 
 
148 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [18G3. 
 
 few are sweeter very few so sweet as union of spirit and 
 sympathy with the piety of a child. The thought that " of 
 such is the kingdom of Heaven " is inexpressibly precious. 
 I shall long remember, perhaps never forget the sweet 
 feelings accompanying this very little service. 
 
 12 mo. 31. The evening of the old year, his expiring 
 hour from eleven to twelve, and the early minutes of the 
 new, were spent as in earlier days they were sometimes 
 spent by me, in " watching unto prayer." The year 1863 
 is just expiring. The minster bells are ringing him out. 
 To me the year has been one of multiplied mercies. Oh 
 that more adequate returns had marked its course, more of 
 grateful, willing service. And yet I know that whatsoever 
 service has been permitted, whether more or less gratefully 
 or cheerfully rendered, only in Christ can his poor unprofit- 
 able servants be complete only accepted in Him. 
 
 The moment is full of memories of the past. The ever 
 dear one dear as ever still who has entered on her heavenly 
 rest the two much loved and faithful friends of earlier and 
 later years, Joseph Bo wn tree and Thomas Pumphrey 
 many who in the ordering of Providence have been placed 
 under my care have been brought before me. During the 
 year just going out I have had more enjoyment of prayer ; 
 have used the privilege more frequently and for a wider 
 range of requests : for many a trifle, so called, I have asked 
 for help and guidance ; for many a little favour, for many a 
 preservation from blunders and mistakes (having raised a 
 secret aspiration for help), a brief but earnest thought of 
 thankfulness has been offered. 
 
 2 mo. 4, 1864. This afternoon I had a visit from an 
 interesting young man with whom I had become acquainted 
 slightly, many months ago. He spent the evening, and 
 
JEt. 63.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 149 
 
 seemed to enjoy scientific conversation relative to the stereo- 
 scope, microscope, polariscope, &c., some of the phenomena 
 of which were new to him. * * After he left, a feeling 
 of regret almost of condemnation, came over me, that I had 
 not made an opportunity (seeing that none very manifestly 
 occurred), for a word on a Saviour's love. 
 
 6 mo. 5. In the evening at Bootham I believe I was 
 helped in addressing the boys in the school-room, and in 
 vocal prayer especially for them at Beading time. "When 
 thus favoured to feel the love of Christ, flowing through 
 one so utterly unworthy, toward this beloved company, I 
 can make the grateful acknowledgment, " The lines are 
 fallen unto me in pleasant places." Childless, (so it has 
 pleased my Heavenly Father I should be,) yet loving the 
 young with deep natural affection, I can indeed rejoice when 
 permitted to feel that holier affection the love of Christ 
 sanctifying and intensifying the natural love. 
 
 To HIS BROTHER SAMUEL, 
 
 (who had recently met with a severe accident). 
 
 8 mo. 4, 1864. Four years ago I was summoned to 
 Sheriff Hutton with the news, that thou wast thought to be 
 dying. I hastened over and found thee apparently in great 
 danger. Thy life was then mercifully spared ; and my prayer 
 was then, and many a time since has been, that our Heavenly 
 Father in His mercy would lead thee to deep, sincere, 
 heartfelt repentance. I have assured thee often, and I can 
 again assure thee, that it is not too late to seek for mercy. 
 I want thee to look upon this accident as another invitation 
 to review the past, and avail thyself of the opportunity, by 
 earnest prayer in the name of Jesus, to know all thy past 
 sins forgiven. Independently of this accident, there are 
 other signs of failing health and strength. Neither to 
 
150 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1864. 
 
 myself nor to thee, in the natural course of life, is it likely 
 that many more years can be allotted : the probability is 
 that there may be but very few not years but months 
 remaining. I am not writing as though I needed not such 
 counsel myself but as one who has felt, and still feels, the 
 need of pardon, and who can at times feel that pardon is 
 secure for all the past. But this does not satisfy me. The 
 more I know of the sweetness of pardoning mercy, I cannot 
 rest satisfied with possessing this myself. I long that all 
 who are dear to me, especially by the ties of blood and 
 affection, should be partakers of the same blessing that they 
 may know for themselves how it can sweeten life give com- 
 fort and resignation amid trials and suffering, and fill the 
 heart with glowing and glorious hopes of happiness when 
 this mortal life and all its trials shall end. 
 
 It would be a sorrowful thing for me, if in a time of 
 extremity, when thy powers of life were failing and death 
 seemed near at hand, were I to hear thee saying, as some have 
 said when alarmed at the prospect of eternity, " Why did 
 you not tell me, and warn me of all this before ? whilst 
 there was time and opportunity to seek for repentance and 
 pardon ?" It is in no accusing spirit that I write, but with all 
 the earnestness of Christian and brotherly love, that I want 
 to encourage thee to seek for thyself that mercy so freely 
 offered, even at the eleventh hour. Eemember the gracious 
 promise of our Lord, " Him that cometh unto me, I will in 
 no wise cast out." Ask for ability to pray Ask for the Holy 
 Spirit to help thee to pray. If no answer to prayer should 
 come speedily, do not be discouraged. Our Lord bids us be 
 importunate in prayer. " Create in me a clean heart, God, 
 and renew a right spirit within me," is a very fitting prayer 
 a prayer often made and answered. 
 
JEt. 63.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 151 
 
 9 mo. 18. Addressed the school in reference to the sermons 
 and prayer at Meeting their solemnity. Our responsibility 
 in thus hearing the Gospel preached, and being present at 
 worship owned by the Divine presence and blessing. Have 
 we profited ? Are we profiting by it ? Has the love of 
 Christ more place in our hearts ? Are we more His than 
 we were a week ago ? We may apply tests to ourselves 
 kindness gentleness and love scrupulous truthfulness 
 these are some of the evidences 'which we may seek for in 
 ourselves. I believe there are those amongst you who never 
 knowingly or wilfully inflicted pain either of body or mind 
 on a schoolfellow. I can imagine no more beautiful or 
 blessed sight than a company like the present, were every 
 one seeking to realize the Christian in all his conduct. Let 
 not then the gospel messages such as we have heard to-day 
 to use a common phrase, " go in at one ear and out at the 
 other ; " but let us resolve that with the help of the Holy 
 Spirit of Grod we will seek to realize the beauty of the 
 Christian character. And let none of us be discouraged if 
 we seem to fail of realizing all that we long for. Let us go 
 again and again for pardoning mercy and grace to help us 
 to overcome : if so, then the life-long conflict will end in 
 victory at last through " Him who hath loved us." The 
 deep silence at the close of these remarks seemed to indicate 
 the spirit of prayer granted to us and to this I gave 
 utterance. 
 
 10 mo. 17. I availed myself of an opportunity of handing 
 
 to a balance of account sent by his father in paying 
 
 his bill to offer him a word of counsel. I told him I had 
 thought much of him, partly through long acquaintance with 
 many of the family, and especially in remembrance of his 
 two brothers who had been York scholars ; and that I hoped 
 he was trying to be a good boy. I had nothing to upbraid 
 
152 BOOTH AM AND ST. MARY'S. [1864. 
 
 him with, but I wanted to encourage him to try earnestly 
 for the remaining part of the session. His looks betrayed 
 considerable emotion. I reminded him of the peace accom- 
 panying the effort to be ood, to keep a conscience void of 
 offence. It seemed that this was pretty much the message 
 I had for Christ to him. I parted from him not without 
 hope : my prayer for him now is that the very simple 
 message may be blest to him. 
 
 About this time the consideration of retiring from 
 the Superintendence of the School engaged John 
 Ford's attention. After noticing a correspondence 
 on the subject with some of his friends, lie states in 
 his Journal the conclusion arrived at. 
 
 12 mo. 4. It seems right for me at present to take no 
 action, but carefully to observe any pointings towards an 
 opening for it. I have made it a subject of frequent prayer, 
 and have sought to trust it as regards time and mode, to Him 
 who has hitherto umistakeably directed my steps and chosen 
 my allotment from Worcester in 1815 to Rochester, from 
 Rochester to York in 1828, and to a most happy marriage 
 in 1837. Not less wise and not less kind, even though full 
 of sorrow, the event of Seventh-month 2nd, 1859. And now 
 alone ! in the evening, my desire and my prayer are that the 
 same loving hand may guide my steps, appoint my service 
 and my place of service. " Thou hast been my help ; leave me 
 not, neither forsake me, God of my salvation." 
 
 The compilation of a Hymn Book specially 
 adapted for young persons now occupied John 
 Ford's leisure. He engaged in an extensive cor- 
 respondence to ascertain 'the views of others as to 
 
JEt. 63.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 153 
 
 what particular hymns were desirable to be included 
 in such a collection. The result was a volume which 
 appears to have met with favour, as the little book, 
 " Selected Hymns," has gone through several 
 editions. 
 
 2 mo. 27. Long interview with , reported for 
 
 repeated acts of disorder : this combined with a recent affair 
 with one of the Teachers occasioned a reference to me. After 
 much patient labour, reticence, reserve and obstinacy if 
 that was an ingredient gave way : sensible that he had 
 been in the wrong both in act and in mental condition 
 sorry for it really as I believe intending to strive earnestly 
 to be more guarded. Thus the true ends of discipline 
 appeared to be attained. I introduced the Teacher to him, 
 and cordiality and kindness seemed to be restored. He 
 expressed to him as he had to me the above sentiments. I 
 appealed to him as a young man ; (he is in his 17th year). 
 Difficult as he seemed for a long time, the conference ended 
 with an increased rather than a diminished estimate of his 
 whole character. He needs very careful handling. I had 
 prayed for wisdom for myself, and a yielding heart for him 
 in this matter. 
 
 4 mo. 23. Whatever may be the fate of these records, 
 whether I burn them myself, or commission others to burn 
 them for me, or whether they be burned without a com- 
 mission, of this I have no doubt, they have been inestimable 
 aids to me. Sensitive, and as a consequence often tending 
 to despondency, I find my faith and hope and love from 
 time to time renewed, rekindled, confirmed, by being thus 
 enabled to " remember the years of the right hand of the 
 Most High," the " times of refreshing from the presence of 
 the Lord " times of sweet communion with my Saviour. 
 
154 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1865. 
 
 I dare not indulge in the morbid anatomy of thoughts and 
 feelings, by a record of temptations yielded to or resisted. 
 I know them but too well. But the loving kindness of my 
 Lord through all the past, I am too apt, in the cloudy day 
 to forget, and thus to live below the privileges even of a 
 poor, erring, sinful believer such as I am ; and so I record 
 them still. 
 
 6 mo. 17. On retiring to my bed-room this evening, I 
 was very unexpectedly favoured with a most memorable 
 season in prayer. I had nearer access than usual to the 
 mercy seat was enabled in something like living faith, to 
 pour out my heart to the Lord in Jesus' name. All my 
 earnest longings all my little wants all my many fears 
 I seemed at liberty to bring them all as to a loving Father. 
 Oh the preciousness of such seasons ! I cannot give up stated 
 times of prayer but oh the difference when such favours as 
 these are granted ! No distrust no coldness all earnest, 
 confiding love. Oh for that state when this shall be not the 
 exception, but the ever abiding condition of the happy spirit. 
 
 7 mo 4. I left for Ackworth. The examination of the 
 girls in Scripture again fell to my lot a pleasant task, 
 refreshing to the spirit by the sweetness and readiness of this 
 beloved company, numbering not a few of the lambs of Him 
 whose almost last parting command was that they should be 
 fed. The Educational Meeting was held on Sixth-day and 
 numerously attended. I read a paper on " Penalties," a 
 subject I have long had on my mind ; it seemed to be well 
 received. This looked like another last lime. Much was 
 said about younger men coming forward : I wish they 
 would, and that they might be enabled to come with a 
 little self- distrust with modesty and humility, not with 
 self-confident dogmatism. 
 
JEL 64.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 155 
 
 John Ford's professional life had now extended 
 over more than fifty years. It had been his earnest 
 desire not to retain his position as Superintendent 
 of York School longer than, in the opinion of his 
 friends, the Institution would be benefited by his 
 remaining at the head of it. He often expressed a 
 dread of retaining office after capacity for effective 
 service had gone, and shrunk from the idea of its 
 being thought, 
 
 " Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage." 
 
 Feeling satisfied that the right time was now come 
 to withdraw from further service, he tendered his 
 resignation in the following letter. 
 
 To THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE YORK QUARTERLY 
 MEETING'S BOYS' SCHOOL. 
 
 20 Bootham, 9 mo. 25, 1865. 
 
 Dear friends, 
 
 After giving the subject the most careful and serious 
 consideration, I have been led to the conclusion that the 
 right time has come for me to resign the post of Superinten- 
 dent of the School. I therefore wish to close the connexion 
 on the 31st of the Twelfth-month next ensuing, when I shall 
 have completed thirty-seven years of service. 
 
 In the Sixth-month, 1857, in consequence of the declining 
 health of my late dear wife, the Committee accepted my 
 proposal of leaving the house in Bootham, and residing at a 
 short distance, retaining the post of Superintendent, my 
 friend Fielden Thorp being appointed Eesident Head Master. 
 In 1862 I tendered the resignation of my office, if, in the 
 
156 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1865. 
 
 judgment of the Committee, the time of final retirement had 
 arrived. The Committee expressed their belief that the 
 interests of the school would be served bj my occupying the 
 post awhile longer. And now, in finally tendering my 
 resignation, I wish to express my unfeigned satisfaction in 
 the belief that the school will not suffer thereby, and that 
 my dear friend, Fielden Thorp, is fully prepared to undertake 
 the duties of Superintendent and Head Master. In reverting 
 to the eight years of our joint labours, I cannot speak too 
 highly of his courteous and cordial co-operation. Nothing 
 has been permitted, at any time, to interrupt harmonious 
 action. To sever a long connexion, under circumstances so 
 favourable to the school, is cause of reverent thankfulness. 
 
 Well aware of many imperfections, mistakes and failures 
 in the past, I can acknowledge that they have met with the 
 kind and charitable construction of my friends; and that I 
 have been enabled, from time to time, to take them to the 
 foot of the cross, for the pardoning mercy and sustaining 
 grace of a compassionate Saviour, and thus to find my 
 strength and trust renewed. To the Committee, among 
 whom I have numbered some of my dearest personal friends, 
 I have been largely indebted, for their kind, most efficient 
 and constant support and counsel. Nor am I less bound 
 gratefully to acknowledge the hearty co-operation, as well as 
 the kind recognition of service of numerous parents, and 
 the continued attachment of young men once under my care. 
 In conclusion I may say that the interests of the school will 
 ever be dear to me. My prayers will be for its prosperity, 
 and that the blessing of the Most High may richly rest upon 
 the labours of the Committee, the Superintendent, and the 
 various officers, that so, by their joint efforts, the scholars 
 may ever be trained, not only in sound learning, but above 
 
JEt. 64.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 157 
 
 all, in the knowledge, and fear, and love of their Heavenly 
 
 Father and their Eedeemer. 
 
 JOHN FOED. 
 
 EXTRACT FORM THE ANNUAL EEPORT OF THF, COMMITTEE OF 
 YORK QUARTERLY MEETING'S BOYS' SCHOOL, 9 MO. 1865. 
 
 "We believe the School to be in a sound and healthy 
 state. That this should be the case, is felt to be a cause of 
 special gratitude at the present time, when our dear friend 
 John Ford has signified his intention of shortly retiring from, 
 the Superintendence of the School. He has held this office 
 since the Quarterly Meeting assumed the management of 
 the Institution in 1828. Since that date, 670 boys have 
 entered as Scholars. Many of these are now reaping the 
 benefits of the education therein received, and will unite with 
 the Committee in those warm feelings of thankfulness and 
 satisfaction, with which they recur to the long period during 
 which John Ford has been enabled to discharge the respon- 
 sible duties of his position. In the prospect of his retirement, 
 whilst we cannot but feel regret at the close of our official 
 connexion, we are not insensible to the claims he has for 
 release from this field of service, and we earnestly desire that 
 the Lord's blessing may richly rest on his future lot, and 
 that he may long be permitted to witness the sucessful pro- 
 secution of the work, to which so large a share of his best 
 energies have been devoted. 
 
 To EEBECCA THOMPSON. (Bridgwater). 
 
 11 mo. 13, 1865. My resignation was accepted ; and I 
 am thankful in believing that I have not overstayed the right 
 time and that the right time has come. And yet I cannot 
 
158 BOOTH AM AND ST. MARY'S. [1865. 
 
 forego the pleasures of a long professional life without regret. 
 " The warm precincts of the cheerful day," (if I may apply 
 Gray's beautiful language to the association with young life 
 which I have so much enjoyed), seem to claim " a longing, 
 lingering look behind." 
 
 11 mo. 19. In Meeting this evening, using as I trust a 
 little faith, I spoke on the text, " Be not weary in well 
 doing." The concern seemed to be to encourage those who 
 might at times feel discouraged by the strong demarcation 
 sometimes insisted on, " You are in Christ, or you are not." 
 True enough and yet capable of being so presented as 
 unduly to discourage. The work of grace is a gradual work, 
 and because not all accomplished at once, but many a conflict 
 yet to come, therefore we must not conclude that we are not 
 in Ilim; " First the blade, then the ear, &c. ;" and yet this 
 we are too apt to do, and our enemy is but too ready to 
 avail himself of our despondency and to second it. Our 
 reply to him is, "I know I am a sinner, and yet I may 
 and will come again and again for pardoning mercy and 
 sustaining grace. Get thee behind me/' I referred to 
 the hymn, " 'Tis a point I long to know ; " and though the 
 prayer of the last stanza may sometimes be adopted, 
 
 " Let me love Thee more and more, 
 If I love at all, I pray," 
 
 there are times when the believer can get beyond that, 
 times when under the influence of the descendings of 
 Heavenly dew the Holy Spirit of God access is granted 
 us into the very presence chamber of the King in the name 
 of Jesus, and we can gratefully and humbly make the 
 Apostle's appeal, " Lord, Thou knowest all things ; Thou 
 knowest that I love Thee." 
 
JEt. 64.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 151 
 
 11 mo. 26. I would commemorate this evening a most 
 precious season of private prayer. It seemed as though I 
 was enabled to trust my Saviour for sanctification, as I have 
 already trusted him for justification. I was enabled earnestly 
 to plead that He would undertake this for me, enabling me 
 to maintain the conflict, trusting in Him and in Him alone 
 for ultimate victory. 
 
 In Twelfth-month, 1864, a Royal Commission 
 was appointed to enquire into the education given in 
 some of the principal Schools in England. Though 
 the powers of the Commission were largely confined 
 to endowed schools, the Commissioners were desirous 
 of obtaining information respecting other educational 
 establishments, and John Ford was invited to at- 
 tend before them. His evidence is published in 
 the Commissioners' Report. 
 
 12 mo. 10. Indisposition and at times extreme fatigue 
 consequent, as well as multiplied engagements, have inter- 
 fered with these records. To-night I may tell again of 
 special answer to prayer. Each recurring First-day evening 
 bringing the last nearer and nearer this evening being pro- 
 bably the last but one deepens the sense of responsibility : 
 so before going into the school-room I kneeled once more in 
 the lecture room, and there was enabled to ask with some 
 earnestness and a deep sense of need, and some renewed 
 faith in prayer in Jesus' name. I asked of my Father in 
 Heaven that He would condescend to go with me and be 
 with me, and help me in addressing once more the assem- 
 bled school ; and now, as heretofore, I think I can say, " I 
 know He does answer prayer, for He has answered me." 
 
160 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1865. 
 
 To-morrow if all be well I go to London to give evidence 
 before the Royal Commission of Education. I have prayed 
 and still pray for that same most blessed and most effectual 
 guidance and counsel and help. I know and feel in my very 
 heart at this moment that I am utterly unworthy, and yet 
 in the name of Jesus I may come. I am entreated by 
 Himself to come. Oh that I could make more return of 
 love! 
 
 12 mo. 16. " Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." 
 But for the desire to accept profitably this truth, I might 
 look forward to to-morrow with over anxious thought. If 
 all be well I give my last Scripture lesson ; and in the 
 evening I take for the last time my post in the school-room, 
 where for many years I have been accustomed to stand and 
 address the assembled School. This has been to me the most 
 precious part of my First-day services at Bootham ; for there, 
 many times after preparation by previous prayer, I have 
 been enabled to set forth the beauty and safety of early 
 dedication of heart to Christ. So I will still trust in the 
 help heretofore granted, and try to look hopefully to to- 
 morrow. 
 
 12 mo. 17, First-day evening. Nor have I been dis- 
 appointed. Throughout the day it seemed as though I could 
 not give my thoughts to the subject of taking leave in the 
 evening ; therefore once again in the Lecture-room alone I 
 prayed for help and counsel. I heard a few of the juniors 
 repeat portions of hymns, and then addressed the School in 
 substance as follows : 
 
 "I referred briefly this morning to the fact that I was 
 giving my last lesson of Scriptural instruction. There is 
 something solemn in doing a thing for the last time, but. 
 especially so when the act is the last of a long series, involving 
 
JEt. 64.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S, 161 
 
 the highest responsibilities, as that does in which I am now 
 engaged for the last time, after a long service of 37 years. 
 
 " Standing before you here week after week on this evening, 
 I have sought earnestly and prayerfully from time to time to 
 warn and counsel and encourage you, as ability might be 
 granted me, in all that concerns your highest interests for 
 time and for eternity. To-night I have no new thing to say ; 
 but you will pardon me if for a few minutes I occupy you 
 with a few words of personal concernment. This day has 
 been one of very solemn thought to me. I am closing a 
 service of infinite responsibility responsibility such as I 
 dare not look back upon were it not that, conscious of 
 numerous imperfections, mistakes and failures, I have sought 
 from day to day to take them where I have counselled you 
 to take yours to the foot of the cross there to plead the 
 name of Jesus, to ask for the renewed application of the all- 
 cleansing blood of sprinkling and there I have found 
 pardon and peace, and renewal of strength and trust for daily 
 service. But for this I should not have stood before you 
 here this evening. But having sought so to do, notwith- 
 standing anxieties, difficulties, sore trials and distress, I can 
 now look back upon a happy professional life. For this I 
 am deeply indebted to kind and able colleagues. To my 
 
 dear friend my grateful recollections are most 
 
 justly due : for more than twenty years I have had his 
 invaluable services. Nor am I less indebted to my beloved 
 friend, your Superintendent and master, Fielden Thorp ; 
 for nearly twenty years I have been permitted to enjoy 
 his friendship. For eight years we have stood in relations 
 to each other not devoid of liabilities. But it is a peculiar 
 happiness to look back upon the connexion as one of con- 
 stant courteous and most cordial co-operation, and one the 
 harmony of which nothing has been permitted for a moment 
 
162 BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. [1865. 
 
 to disturb. To my younger colleagues, in whose earlier 
 training I have had some share, I am also indebted for kind, 
 efficient and affectionate support. Scarcely less is the debt 
 I owe to you, my young friends on my right, the senior 
 scholars. Year after year I have seen on those forms youths 
 who have well sustained the character of the school, not 
 only in the intellectual and moral aspect, but in its higher 
 aim as a place of Christian education. I have seen from 
 year to year those seats vacated and re-filled, and never as I 
 believe more worthily filled than now. 
 
 " Excuse me if I refer for one moment to a matter more 
 exclusively personal to myself. I cannot part from all the 
 pleasant associations of many years without pain. More 
 than six years ago it pleased the Almighty in His inscrutable 
 wisdom and love to remove from me, one who for twenty-two 
 years shared my toils, and cheered me with her wise counsels 
 and her tender love. You will believe how differently I 
 should have looked upon retirement had she been spared to 
 share it. In the autumn as you are aware I finally tendered 
 my resignation, and my connexion now ceases altogether. 
 It was in prospect of this that I presented each of you with 
 a copy of the little Hymn Book which I compiled last 
 summer. I mention it now, because it was intended as a 
 parting present, in hopes that thereby I might occasionally 
 be remembered by each of you with no other than friendly, 
 kindly feelings. And may I ask of you occasionally when 
 assembled here on First-day evening to bear me in your 
 remembrance, in your prayers ; it will cheer my somewhat 
 solitary lot to believe that I am so remembered. 
 
 "I have said that mine has been a happy professional 
 life. One peculiar happiness I have yet to notice that of 
 leaving the school in so happy and prosperous a condition 
 leaving to my successor, able, efficient, affectionate teachers, 
 
JEt. 64.] BOOTHAM AND ST. MARY'S. 163 
 
 who love their office and the objects of their care ; and leaving 
 too that which especially makes a school a happy community, 
 kind, intelligent and loyal school-boys. For my beloved 
 friend, Fielden Thorp, I cannot express a better wish as 
 regards his position than that, whenever by the course of 
 time or by other causes he may withdraw from his post, he 
 may leave as I do without an anxious thought for its future. 
 
 " Many a time at this hour in this place, I reverently and 
 thankfully express my confident belief, we have been favoured 
 with the overshadowing of our Heavenly Father's love. 
 May this through long years to come be the happy experience 
 as York Masters and Scholars meet together here. That so 
 it may be, may all of you, in words which I used last First- 
 day, seek and cherish and live in the personal love of a 
 personal Saviour." 
 
 Fielden Thorp followed and in most kind and touching 
 terms referred to our past connexion. At reading time I read 
 the 145th Psalm and then, " Finally brethren farewell, &c," 
 at the close of the Epistle to the Corinthians. I afterwards 
 engaged in prayer for F. and A. J. Thorp, for the teachers, 
 the scholars and the servants ; and thus ended this formidable 
 looking day. I might well say at the end, " What shall I 
 render unto the Lord, &c." 
 
SECTION Y. 
 EVENINa OF LIFE. 
 
 In the early part of 1866, soon after withdrawing 
 from his professional duties, John Ford spent some 
 time in visiting his friends in the Midland Counties 
 and West of England. On his return home he 
 writes as follows : 
 
 3 mo. 2, 1866. * * I was permitted much enjoyment 
 in these visits, and in looking back on them find nothing to 
 mar the recollection. * * * One bright, clear, frosty 
 morning I seemed capable of enjoying as I did forty years 
 ago all the profuse beauty of nature ; " the incense breathing 
 morn," kindling even as it did in early years, thoughts too 
 deep for words love for the author of all these beauties, 
 both as Grod and Saviour crowned with thankfulness for 
 this renewed capacity, this freshness of spirit, recipient of 
 such chastened pleasure. 
 
 On my return to York I was so kindly welcomed at 
 Bootham, and so lovingly at Union Terrace, that all the 
 clouds that had seemed to gather over York melted away, 
 and all I needed was a more grateful heart. 
 
 To ONE OF HIS SCHOLARS WHO HAD RECENTLY GONE 
 TO A SITUATION. 
 
 2 mo. 10, 1866. I heard that thou wast gone to , 
 
 and now I suppose thou art beginning to be accustomed to 
 thy place and its duties. I trust thou art doing all thou 
 
JEt. 64.] EVENING OF LIFE. 165 
 
 canst to please thy employers and to be very useful. It will 
 give me great pleasure, (few things would give me more) 
 to hear that thou wast getting on well. Don't be discouraged 
 by mistakes and failures, but rather let them serve as stimulus 
 to new exertions. The way to excel in business is to give 
 the mind thoroughly to it. ******* 
 
 And now dearest , do try to be good, always truthful, 
 
 willing and obliging, and do not forget some good counsel, 
 often repeated but never out of place never forget to pray. 
 Ask morning by morning thy Heavenly Father to help thee 
 to do all that is right and good, to keep thee in time of 
 temptation to comfort thee in trouble. Ask Him to help 
 thee to love thy Saviour, and ask Him to do this for Jesus' 
 sake. I long for thee to be a good, prosperous and happy 
 young man. Be careful in thy choice of companions ; and 
 if any one should tempt thee to do wrong, give up his 
 company. 
 
 On First-day evening, 3 mo. 11, at F. Thorp's request I 
 took my old post in the school-room and addressed the boys 
 after the old fashion : their marked attention was very 
 grateful. I have free access to the school. My earnest 
 desire is that I may be enabled to use this liberty in service 
 for Christ, and that in the ability which He may give, I may 
 occasionally still be permitted to feed the Lambs of His fold. 
 
 4 mo. 15. In the evening Fielden Thorp invited me again 
 to my old First-day evening post in the school-room, and I 
 addressed them, asking their permission to suppose myself for 
 a moment in my old character. I spoke of the half-year 
 as half over the value of retrospect the opportunity of 
 persevering in well doing, or for amendment if need 
 were. The pleasure of a retrospect of school when by 
 
166 EVENING OF LIFE. [1866. 
 
 daily watchfulness and prayer the school-boy had sought to 
 approve himself a disciple of Christ that good soldiership 
 now, was the best preparation for good soldiership in the 
 sterner conflict of life. 
 
 Last Fifth-day, 6 mo. 14, was an eventful and note- 
 worthy day, one I had looked forward to almost with dismay. 
 About fifty old (York) scholars dined at the De Grey Booms. 
 I was their guest. After dinner they presented me with a 
 screen containing under glass 257 portraits of old scholars, 
 also a silver inkstand, and an address accompanied by a 
 cheque for six hundred pounds to be invested in an annuity. 
 I replied partly extempore, chiefly by a written reply. I 
 would I had a more grateful, loving heart to my Father in 
 Heaven for His protecting grace that has kept me to this 
 day. Had it not been that I have sought and obtained His 
 pardoning mercy from time to time for all my unfaithfulness 
 in the discharge of the solemn responsibilities of thirty-seven 
 years, intense sense of un worthiness would have marred all 
 the pleasure of the day, if it would even have allowed me to 
 touch what was so kindly offered. But having, as I have 
 before acknowledged, known the pardon of all these mistakes 
 and omissions, I could again acknowledge that mine had 
 been a happy professional life, and that I could thankfully 
 accept these tokens of the esteem and love of more than 
 three hundred old scholars. 
 
 To EEBECCA THOMPSON. 
 
 8 mo. 2, 1866. The account of the proceedings of 6 mo. 
 14, printed by the Committee of the Presentation, will have 
 informed thee of the particulars of that interesting occasion. 
 To myself it was almost overwhelming. The kindness and 
 the munificence of the old scholars took me by surprise. I 
 did not know that I had so large a place in the affectionate 
 
JEt. 65.] EVENING OF LIFE. 167 
 
 remembrance of so many. Perhaps the most touching part 
 to me was the graceful and grateful tribute to the memory 
 of my sainted R., paid by two or three of the speakers. 
 One, a warm-hearted youth, spoke with intense feeling of her 
 kindness in sickness and in affliction, he having partaken of 
 it in both. The money gift was very opportune, enabling 
 me to continue my duties as a Steward, nearly if not quite 
 on the same scale as heretofore : this, otherwise, I could not 
 have done in York. The screen containing the photographic 
 portraits, when opened out, presents an array of intelligent 
 and useful men and youths (not a few of them, I believe, 
 avowed servants of Christ) very pleasant to look upon, not 
 the less pleasant, because, not reproachfully, but kindly, I 
 can imagine them looking upon me. 
 
 The deep interest which John Ford took in the 
 Castle Howard Reformatory for Juvenile Criminals, 
 is manifested by repeated notices in his diary. He 
 was appointed on the Committee of the Institution 
 in 1855, and remained a member till the time of 
 his death. He frequently availed himself of the 
 opportunities afforded by the Committee Meetings 
 at the Reformatory, to address the Inmates collec- 
 tively, as well as to have private interviews with 
 individual boys in difficult cases. 
 
 7 mo. 12. I attended a summons to the Committee at the 
 Castle Howard Reformatory : no other member attended. 
 
 I remained the usual time, dined with Mr. , and had 
 
 an interesting conversation with him on the theological 
 aspect of the present day as manifested in its literature, 
 
168 EVENING OF LIFE. [1866. 
 
 sermons, biographies, &c. His son, an Oxford student, was 
 present. I endeavoured to give the conversation a course 
 that might be instructive to him. In the morning I had a 
 few words with a boy of twelve recently admitted. Mr. F. 
 gave him a very good character. The cause of his committal 
 is very doubtful as regards any criminality on his part. 
 His fine, open countenance was a strong contrast to some of 
 his harder associates. I said a few words to him, and gave 
 him a little book. Mr. F. introduced me to a very different 
 character, a lad of eighteen sentenced to seclusion, described 
 by Mr. F. as exceedingly hard. I had two or three minutes 
 conversation with him he seemed more moved than I 
 expected, told me he had shed many bitter tears when alone 
 in his cell. I reminded him of the force of temptation 
 supposing he was restored to society ; asked him if he knew 
 where to apply for help : did he pray ? Yes he did. I 
 recommended him to tell Mr. F. that he would as once 
 before try to conduct himself well to make a frank acknow- 
 ledgment. He said he would try to do better. On parting, 
 I said, " Now give me your hand, and try to be a good 
 fellow." He gave me his hand, and seemed much moved. 
 I would commend the three youths the Oxonian, and the 
 other two, the gentle and the hard, to the care and notice 
 and love of a compassionate Saviour, even now as I write. 
 
 9 mo. 9. I find I am near the end of this volume. How 
 near am I to my journey's end ? That need concern me not, 
 provided " I am His and He is mine/' Sometimes turning 
 my thoughts to the life beyond the end, I feel as I pass 
 along from day to day an intense craving for objects of 
 affection and care and help and love and sympathy. I try 
 to find and to cherish such objects perhaps too exclusively 
 among the young, feeling a pleasure in it second to none but 
 the sense granted at times of Christ's love to me, or of my 
 
JEt. 65.] EVENING OF LIFE. 169 
 
 poor love to Him. I call to mind gratefully times when I 
 have knelt and prayed with and for many a beloved school- 
 boy in sickness, in sorrow or under convictions for sin 
 occasional visits to sick chambers, and some to poor offenders, 
 found in seclusion in my visits to the Castle Howard Be- 
 formatory. These stand out with a distinctness beyond 
 almost all other events or incidents of my recent life. Seeing 
 it is so, I think (must I say speculate) at times on what 
 similar service may be mine, when the earthly journey is 
 ended and its opportunities for service all over. Service 
 there will yet be, for " there His servants shall serve Him ! " 
 Oh what joyful commissions may there not be, to minister in 
 some way, beyond human comprehension to conceive to the 
 poor, the sick, the sorrowful, the penitent, the solitary ! 
 Heavenly Father, I ask Thee to fit and prepare me yet more 
 and more thus to serve Thee here, that such service if it be 
 Thy will may be mine for ever in Heaven ! 
 
 9 mo. 28. Yesterday at the invitation of the Matron, I 
 attended a gathering of ex-scholars at the Grey Coat Girls' 
 School. No other gentleman was present. A clergyman had 
 been expected but had not come. Several ladies of the 
 Committee were present. When the ex- and present scholars 
 were assembled I was asked to address them. I paused a 
 moment, and then felt it would be right to engage in prayer 
 previously to addressing this exceedingly interesting com- 
 pany. I did not know what the ladies and matron would 
 think of it, but this did not disturb me. I was enabled with 
 earnestness to pray for and with them. I then addressed 
 them and felt helped in doing it. I had peace and more 
 therein. And so service of various kinds still is found 
 for me. 
 
 Reference has been made to John Ford's friend- 
 ship with William Tanner, and to their uniting in 
 
170 EVENING OF LIFE. [1866. 
 
 religious services in Ireland, and in London and 
 its vicinity. By William Tanner's marriage with 
 Sarah Wheeler, a much loved cousin of Rachel Ford, 
 he and John Ford were brought into closer intimacy, 
 with frequent interchange of visits ; and for many 
 years they maintained a continuous correspondence. 
 In 1863, under the apprehension of religious duty, 
 they united in visiting the Meetings of Friends in 
 Durham Quarterly Meeting ; and in the following 
 year they were occupied in a similar service in 
 Yorkshire. Visits to the schools were a part of the 
 service, and they had many social meetings of a 
 religious character attended by large companies of 
 both sexes. 
 
 In Tenth-month, 1866, John Ford spent a few days 
 with his cousins at their residence, Ashley Farm 
 near Bristol. A fortnight after his return to York 
 he received the sad intelligence of the decease of 
 William Tanner after a very short illness. In re- 
 cording this sorrowful event he thus writes : 
 
 More than brother to me, his was the most congenial 
 mind I ever met with : though more logical and metaphysical 
 and far more powerful in these respects than myself, there 
 was united in him a spirit as lively, genial and tender, as 
 ever warmed a merely human breast. His cheerfulness, his 
 ready sympathy, the absence of all that was gloomy or 
 repellent in his piety, gave him ready access to the young, 
 who charmed by these attractions eagerly sought his company, 
 his correspondence and his counsel. In the midst of my 
 
JEt. 65.] EVENING OF LIFE. 171 
 
 sorrow I could but be grateful and glad that providentially 
 contrary to my usual custom I had so recently been at 
 Ashley. I greatly enjoyed his company. Besides his usual 
 liveliness and the brightness of his intellect, there were times 
 of special enjoyment in our evening and morning social 
 worship. After breakfast on the morning of the 26th, I 
 was engaged in vocal thanksgiving for the permitted enjoy- 
 ment of the visit, and in prayer commended ourselves now, 
 and " in the unknown future, to the love and care of our 
 Father in Heaven in the name of His dear Son, our Saviour." 
 
 Four months only elapsed after the death of her 
 husband, when Sarah Tanner also was summoned 
 away, and laid in the same grave in Sidcot Burial 
 Ground. A few weeks before her decease she had 
 placed in John Ford's hands her late husband's 
 manuscripts, for the purpose of publication. The 
 compilation of the Memoir of William Tanner occu- 
 pied much time during the rest of the year, and the 
 volume was published in the Spring of 1868. 
 
 1 mo. 16, 1867. I have spent some time to-day in closing 
 my accounts for the year 1866. At the close of 1865, the 
 last year in which I received a salary, my income exceeded 
 my expenditure. ****** M v desire is to devote 
 the surplus to cases and causes consistent with Christian 
 stewardship. I have prayed to be preserved in a liberal 
 spirit in this stewardship, and for wisdom rightly to discharge 
 it. 
 
 1 mo. 23. Nearly two weeks of continued frost have 
 had a very depressing effect upon my health, and con- 
 sequently on my capacity for work or for liveliness of 
 
172 EVENING OF LIFE. [1876. 
 
 spiritual perception. And yet perhaps this very circumstance 
 may have aided in intensifiying a few precious moments of 
 access in prayer. * * * This evening, much of the day 
 having been spent alone, the cold keeping me within, I was 
 looking through " Lyra Anglicana," a Hymn Book recently 
 sent me by a kind friend, when I met with one new to me, 
 the sweet refrain of which is, " Son thou art ever with me, 
 and all that I have is thine." The last two lines, indeed 
 the whole piece greatly moved me 
 
 " I shall hear, through the lapse of ages, when the stars have ceased to shine, 
 ' Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.'" 
 
 A little bright momentary gleam of heavenly light seemed 
 to warrant my appropriating this glorious expectation, and 
 left a sweet calm on my spirit poor and contrite yet trusting. 
 
 8 mo. 21. With several young men, watched the planet 
 Jupiter when all his satellites were invisible : three were 
 passing over his disc, one was eclipsed by the planet. On 
 the 27th and 28th again at the Observatory in the Museum 
 Gardens. My desire not to yield unduly to diminished 
 energy, not to become an idle, self-involved old man, induces 
 me to note some of these engagements. It helps to keep 
 alive in me the desire to be usefully occupied, especially in 
 any thing in which the interests of the young are concerned. 
 The memoir of my dear cousin William Tanner finds me 
 employment almost every day. 
 
 8 mo. 23. I do not get on well when I omit to note the 
 passing events of the evening of life, the blessings, the 
 mercies, the conflicts, the pleasures allotted, accepted and 
 enjoyed. This evening I resumed my ecclesiastical lessons 
 at the Mount School. I was most kindly received, and was 
 told that my young friends expressed their pleasure when 
 they heard that the lessons were about to be resumed. At 
 the close they repeated in concert, " Rock of ages cleft for 
 
JEt. G6.J EVENING OF LIFE. 173 
 
 me." The recitation and the Scripture reading refreshed 
 me. I think the occasion was owned. I made a few remarks 
 on the Scripture and hymn amidst, I think, a sweet solemnity. 
 This little event has cheered my spirit and revived a little, 
 faith, hope and love. I am thankful that this little service, 
 which brings me into pleasing association with the young, 
 is still permitted me. 
 
 To REBECCA THOMPSON. 
 
 8 mo. 28, 1867. I entirely agree in the sentiment, that 
 it is not wise or well, either as regards ourselves or the world 
 at large, to look despairingly. Despair paralyses, hope 
 impels to action ; and I am glad to find that my dear friend, 
 thy husband, continues with unabated active interest, to 
 promote the religious welfare of the many. If the gospel 
 message is to find access and acceptance with these, it must 
 go through disinterested channels, divested of all pecuniary 
 motive, on the part of those who convey it. The Society of 
 Friends will maintain and strengthen their hold upon the 
 many, by virtue of the non-payment principle. It gives 
 them a power, which from various indications, I think they 
 are using with something of the freedom of earlier days 
 going to the poor, the ignorant and the vicious, meeting them 
 more in their own way and condition, and setting before 
 them in simple terms, the story of the life and love of Christ. 
 And even if it should not result in filling our Meeting 
 Houses, or extending the boundaries of our own particular 
 part of the Church of Christ, let us rejoice in the belief that 
 by the Divine blessing upon these various efforts, not a few 
 may be gathered into the onefold under the one Shepherd. 
 
 11 mo. 2. This evening in F. Thorp's absence I presided 
 
174 EVENING OF LIFE. [1867. 
 
 at the evening reading at Bootham, and yesterday evening 
 I was also there and conducted the recitation of texts. I 
 greatly enjoyed the renewal of the old occupation : I ad- 
 dressed the boys briefly both evenings and felt my own spirit 
 refreshed. Opportunities for little services still occur. I 
 have undertaken for some months to register the meteoro- 
 logical phenomena as observed at the Museum, and have 
 superintended and recorded the transits taken at the observa- 
 tory of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society. This occupation 
 has the advantage of taking me out regularly every morning 
 and sometimes in the evening, and is a wholesome break in 
 reading and writing. I recently prepared a short paper on 
 Beading, for the Albert Soiree last Third-day, and I have 
 spent several hours in preparing one on the Reformation, to 
 read at Doncaster on the 26th. Besides these, there is a 
 lesson on Ecclesiastical History every Fifth-day evening at 
 the Mount School, and though I have accumulated much 
 material, I occupy considerable time each week in re-modell- 
 ing the lessons and introducing new matter. The preparation 
 of the memoir of dear William Tanner and the correspon- 
 dence connected with it, demands much time and thought. 
 * * * I have attended several times, the Committee of 
 the Castle Howard Eeformatory held at the school. My 
 four years service on the Ackworth Committee ended last 
 Seventh-month. The committees of the Blue Coat Boys' 
 and Grey Coat Girls' Schools, and attendance at the Council 
 Meetings and Monthly Meetings of the Yorkshire Philo- 
 sophical Society serve also to vary my engagements. * * 
 I occasionally annotate from various sources an interleaved 
 New Testament; and mostly have some book in reading 
 connected with biblical literature. 
 
 John Ford's scientific pursuits, especially Geology, 
 
-?t. 66.] EVENING OF LIFE. 175 
 
 Astronomy and Meteorology, gave him a deep in- 
 terest in the proceedings as well as in the Collections 
 and the Observatory of the Yorkshire Philosophical 
 Society ; nor was he less interested in the extraor- 
 dinary assemblage of Roman and Mediaeval antiqui- 
 ties collected and in situ in the Society's beautiful 
 grounds and Museum at York. He greatly valued 
 the opportunities afforded him as a member of the 
 Council, of associating with men of high literary 
 and scientific attainments. Amongst these may be 
 enumerated, John Philips, F.R.S., the Geologist, in 
 his earlier days Curator of the York Museum, and 
 who subsequently held the Professorship of Geology 
 in Oxford University; Charles Wellbeloved, the 
 learned author of " Eburacuin ;" William Vernon 
 Harcourt, Canon of York, one of the founders and 
 an early President of the British Association; 
 John Kenrick, eminent as a classical scholar, and 
 author of Histories of Egypt and Phoenicia ; 
 and Robert Davies, F.S.A., whose antiquarian re- 
 searches have thrown much light on the early and 
 and mediaeval History of York. 
 
 The following notice of John Ford's connexion 
 with the Yorkshire Philosophical Society appeared 
 in the Annual Report for 1875 : 
 
 " Mr. Ford came to reside in York in 1828, and from that 
 date took a deep interest in the various objects and in the 
 welfare of the Society, having been elected a member so far 
 back as the year 1834. For many years he was an active 
 
176 EVENING OF LIFE. [1867. 
 
 member of the Council, and one of the vice-presidents. The 
 Society is more especially indebted to him for his services as 
 curator of Meteorology. His records of daily observations in 
 connection with this department extend over more than forty 
 years. We are glad to add that since Mr. Ford's decease 
 these records have been presented to the Society, and are now 
 deposited in the library. Mr. Ford was also much interested 
 in the study of Astronomy, and as long as his health per- 
 mitted he was in the habit of using the instruments in the 
 Society's observatory." 
 
 11 mo. 17. At F. Thorp's request I supplied his place at 
 the school in his absence. In the evening I addressed them 
 for a few minutes. " I wish to offer a few words of encourage- 
 ment to you. I cannot believe that there are among you 
 those who are wilfully, unconcernedly living in sin. I have 
 always found pleasure when addressing you as now, in the 
 thought the firm belief that not one among you had 
 become hardened in sin, but rather that though failing at 
 times and falling through the force of temptation, still from 
 time to time there was raised in your hearts the earnest 
 longing for better things for purity and all other Christian 
 graces. I want you not to be discouraged by the past ; 
 there is a future before you, let it be full of hope. There is 
 One looking down upon you, watching over you not with 
 the severe aspect of a judge but that of a loving Saviour, 
 who longs to have you for Himself. Thus leading a life of 
 watchfulness and prayer, you may lay up a store of happy 
 recollections of school-boy days, as many at Bootham have 
 done before you. I have a note from one in which he speaks 
 with affection of his school, and says, < I shall always look 
 back with pleasure to York School, and to the corner in 
 
JEt. 66.] EVENING OF LIFE. 177 
 
 " Number 1 " where I first poured out my soul long and 
 earnestly to the Lord.' It is not often that we know what 
 passes in the heart and mind of a schoolboy, but" occasional 
 glimpses such as this give one faith to believe that in many 
 a bed-room besides the corner in * Number 1,' has been a 
 schoolboy's place of prayer, of pouring out his soul before 
 the Lord." A deep, solemn silence followed. I believe the 
 spirit of prayer was granted, and once again I kneeled on 
 the schoolroom floor, and gave utterance to earnest, heartfelt 
 prayer for the preservation from all inroads of the enemy 
 for this beloved company and that for Christ's sake our 
 Father in Heaven would make them all His now and for 
 ever. Oh that a blessing might largely rest on the services 
 and mercies of the day. To-night I can give thanks for 
 the help granted, surmounting as it did feeble health and 
 failing powers. 
 
 12 mo. 12, 1867. I sit down to pen a few thoughts on the 
 subject of thy last letter, under an almost painful feeling of 
 incompetency, and yet with an earnest desire that in pon- 
 dering upon the great truths involved, I may be helped 
 myself, and may, at least, not hinder thee. To take thy 
 letter as it lies before me. I have referred to the sermon of 
 dear William [Tanner] mentioned by thee ; and I find it 
 does in some measure meet thy need. He says, " The new 
 Covenant is distinguished from the old by the larger and 
 fuller appeal to the affections and understandings of mankind, 
 and by the higher influence which it should bring to bear 
 alike on heart and mind." " There were mysteries indeed 
 in their teaching [that of our Lord and His Apostles] to the 
 full conception of which it was impossible for the mind of 
 man to rise." These are two important points the appeal 
 
 N 
 
178 EVENING OF LIFE. [1867. 
 
 to our love and yet mystery. I believe these two are most 
 practical considerations the appeal to oar love, to influence 
 our conduct the appeal to our faith, " without which it is 
 impossible to please God." 
 
 Before I proceed with thy letter, I will give thee a short 
 passage from a very profound thinker, Bishop Butler, which 
 seems something like a resting place to me. " Why and 
 how it was necessary that the innocent blood should be shed 
 for man's redemption, or how or in what particular way it 
 has the efficacy assigned, I do not find that Scripture has 
 explained. It is our wisdom thankfully to accept the benefit 
 without disputing how it was procured." 
 
 I now return to thy letter " the difficulty of not seeing 
 in the sufferings of our Lord an equivalent for the eternal 
 sufferings of millions." I observe thy remark, " I do not 
 want to see it equivalent." Nor need we. No such doctrine 
 is contained or implied in Holy Scripture. The statement 
 that Grod could not pardon unless His Son suffered in the 
 sinner's stead a statement made by some Evangelicals (so 
 called), seems to me little short of blasphemy. Thy own 
 summary, immediately following this shocking sentiment, is 
 a plain and concise account of one very important part of 
 the truth. " There is a sense in which our Saviour actually 
 bore our sins " suffering and sorrow and pain and desertion 
 and death. Thy comment upon it is one which every one 
 who has tasted the preciousness of pardoning love, could 
 endorse. " The thought of this has wonderful power ; it 
 seems to announce and to seal the news of God's pardoning 
 love." Most true most beautifully and practically true ! 
 Then follows " Still I suppose there is more than I have 
 grasped in our dear Saviour's death." Yes, there is : just 
 the how and the why of Bishop Butler. And it seems to me, 
 that the pride of the human intellect on the one hand, or its 
 
JEt. 66.] EVENING OF LIFE. 179 
 
 presumption on the other, has given rise to two attempts to 
 explain the how and the why. The Socinian rejects or 
 explains away "redemption through His blood " (Col. i. 14), 
 " propitiation for our sins " (I. John ii. 2). Other theologians 
 undertake to make all clear and plain : they see in the suf- 
 ferings and death of Christ a full equivalent for all the 
 eternity of woe due to me as a sinner no mystery nothing 
 left to the province of Faith. 
 
 There is yet another attempt io bring Salvation by the 
 death of Christ down to the level of the human under- 
 standing : it is perhaps the most specious of all, ascribing 
 Salvation to the regenerating influence of the love of Christ 
 in the heart, produced by the exceeding beauty of His moral 
 character. 
 
 To thy enquiry, " if the Scriptures do not mean this " 
 (the equivalent theory) "what do they mean respecting 
 Christ's death " ? I should be disposed to answer such an 
 enquiry by passages from Holy Scripture that need no 
 explanation. I believe "that Christ died for our sins," 
 I. Cor. xv. 3 that "He is the propitiation for our sins," 
 I. John ii. 2 that " we have redemption through His 
 blood " Col. i. 14, (already quoted) that we are "redeemed 
 with the precious blood of Christ," I. Pet. i. 19 that He 
 " bare our sins in His own body on the tree," I. Pet. ii. 24 
 that " Christ suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust," 
 I. Pet. iii. 18. I could multiply such passages indefinitely, 
 and ex animo, in heart and conscience, endorse them all. 
 Then if questioned what do you infer from this or that, I 
 should resort to Scripture again ; as for instance, I infer, 
 " that Grod was in Christ reconciling the world unto Him- 
 self/' The inquisitorial " what do you infer," has made an 
 apostate church in ages past " drunk with the blood of the 
 Saints," and would do so again but for a more extensively 
 
180 EVENING OF LIFE. [1867. 
 
 enlightened public opinion. I need only refer to what is 
 called " the sacrament of the altar," the Roman mass, 
 struggling for pre-eminence again, all based upon a false 
 inference from Scripture " this is My body." 
 
 I will now as I promised give thee a few thoughts of 
 other men. " If there be any hope of redemption from this 
 consciousness of sin this separation from God this discord 
 in himself, universal in the history of man, the most 
 thoughtful will feel the most fully, that it must be only by 
 a method which involves in it a full recognition of the evil, 
 and which, probably, will involve as great a mystery to the 
 intellect in the solution, as in the problem : all the light 
 coming through the same moral portion of man's nature, 
 which is the chief region of his misery and the only one of 
 his sin. And that great practical solution of this awful 
 problem given us in the Bible, comes to us under precisely 
 such an aspect of mystery, as a Revelation which may justly 
 be termed transcendental wholly incapable of being explained, 
 but yet not incapable of being believed. * * * * The 
 mere pardon of sin by an absolute act of the Divine will 
 can never seem to the spiritually minded man, so satisfying 
 as that grand act of voluntary self-sacrifice, which is the 
 centre of the Atonement of Christ, and which not merely 
 vindicates the majesty of God's Law, but also displays His 
 character of love in such an aspect as to be most attractive 
 and subduing to the heart of man. The great act of atone- 
 ment through Christ does, above all that we could conceive, 
 produce in the heart that believes it, a deep consciousness of 
 sin and of its infinite evil, but at the same time, by the 
 gratitude which it inspires for the deliverance from such evil, 
 it produces also a living self-surrender of the whole man to 
 God. A new spirit is infused by which the sinner is not 
 only reconciled but renewed not only released from the 
 
JEt. 66.] EVENING OF LIFE. 181 
 
 punishment due to transgression, but made meet for re-union 
 with the holy and happy portion of God's universe, and for 
 increasingly closer communion with Himself. * * * * 
 The moment a man truly believes in Christ as his redeeming 
 Mediator with God, he feels that his sinfulness may and will 
 and shall grow less in him even day by day : that it shall 
 have no more dominion over him, now that he is under 
 grace but that what no law could have done subdue his 
 heart unto a loving obedience God, sending His own Son 
 as a sacrifice for sin, has done and shall do, until he is more 
 than conqueror over all the enemies of his soul." (Fredk. 
 Myers.) 
 
 Once again the writer whom I quote reminds his readers, 
 " This atonement of Christ which lies at the very centre of 
 the Christian religion, is to be received by Faitk rather than 
 by the understanding : it cannot be fully explained either in 
 its causes or its consequences" But I must come to a close. 
 I have not satisfied myself with my manner of setting forth 
 the truth as I hold it ; I shall doubtless fail in this to satisfy 
 thee but I am satisfied with that child-like acceptance of 
 the Truth which is sometimes granted me, in which I can 
 from my very heart say, 
 
 " I do believe, I will believe 
 That Jesus died for me : 
 That on the cross He shed His blood 
 That I might happy be ! " 
 
 my dear friend, it is in moments such as these when 
 the Holy Spirit of God bears witness with our Spirit that 
 we are His that plans and schemes and creeds of man's 
 arranging, are less than nothing lose their importance 
 cease to trouble us, and we can repose on our Saviour's love 
 in full confidence, and trust our all to Him for time and 
 eternity. May this be evermore the blessed experience of 
 my friend and myself. 
 
182 EVENING OF LIFE. [1868. 
 
 P.S. I have reviewed thy letter again. I do not think 
 that pride has anything to do with thy distrust (not of 
 Scripture truth but) of the received modes of explaining 
 these truths. Possibly there is in thy mind a longing for 
 more insight more of comprehension of the " how and the 
 why," than the human intellect, under its present limitations 
 is capable of attaining to more perhaps than would be 
 profitable, if attained. Tennyson, after a few stanzas giving 
 a desponding view of man and his destiny, finishes with this 
 line : 
 
 " Behind the veil Behind the veil ! " 
 
 And then possibly, but not till then, we may find all mysteries 
 solved ; among them these : " Why is evil permitted in a 
 world governed by omnipotence and love, and whose material 
 frame-work is a wondrous display of Law and order and 
 beauty and life ? " " Why, in the moral world, Trans- 
 gression disorder pain and death?" "Shall evil and its 
 consequences be eternal ?" I do not know ! 
 
 1 mo. 12, 1868. Five weeks have passed away since I 
 wrote last. Alone as I often am, unwell, absent from our 
 evening Meeting ; not for mere occupation of time, but 
 seeking a little renewal of faith and hope in the contem- 
 plation of many continued blessings, I write again. I feel 
 at times so weary, so little power of exertion, as to make me 
 fear lest I should allow diminished health and strength, the 
 loss of wonted elasticity of mind and limb, to make me an 
 idler in this late evening of life. So if I enumerate little 
 services, it is to help me to believe that I am striving against 
 that unhappy, profitless condition. * * * * For my- 
 self poor, very poor, and sometimes depressed, I can still 
 speak of " times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord," 
 
&L 66.] EVENING OF LIFE. 183 
 
 in answered prayer, in anxieties for others alleviated, and 
 permission at times granted to speak for Christ and His 
 Truth. 
 
 Oh at times to feel as I do, that I do indeed love Him 
 that He is my only refuge, (other have I none) that I can 
 trust Him for time and eternity this is peace sometimes 
 joy. I have read much in the last few years, and have 
 recently read much in writings which are thought by many 
 not orthodox, especially on the Atonement as ordinarily 
 described in formulas of doctrine. These have not in the 
 smallest degree shaken my faith, or weakened my entire 
 acceptance of this doctrine as set forth in various ways in 
 Holy Scripture. One thing I think I have learned from 
 them the fitness and the safety of expressing and setting 
 forth this doctrine in the words of Scripture. The result of 
 further thought on this fundamental article of a Christian's 
 creed, convinces me that in simplicity of statement and in 
 variety of illustration, Holy Scripture furnishes a most ample 
 supply. Accepting this Scriptural setting forth, I think I 
 can sometimes say with that Christian philosopher, Greorge 
 Wilson, " I rejoice that I have a creed with which I can 
 (Christ helping me) face death and eternity, and which 
 makes this life often a joyous worship and always a patient 
 endurance." 
 
 At times when sitting down to a lonely meal as I often 
 do, I am comforted, sometimes beyond words to express, by 
 remembering the gracious assurance, "Behold, I stand at 
 the door, and knock ; if any man hear my voice, and open 
 the door, / will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he 
 with Me." What a glorious guest ! 
 
 I feel increasingly the uncertainty of continuance here. 
 I am outliving my contemporaries. Not a day passes but 
 this thought is with me. As one result I have been slightly 
 
184 EVENING OF LIFE. [1868. 
 
 looking over and burning hundreds of letters, not only mere 
 business ones, but many full of memories of much enjoyment 
 in the affection and intelligence of the numerous youthful 
 writers, many of them in my earlier days most intimately 
 associated with me when schoolboys, and maintaining for 
 several years a most affectionate correspondence as young 
 men. The writers of not a few have I believe obtained, 
 through their Saviour's atoning mercy and infinite love, an 
 inheritance in that better land where through the same love 
 and mercy, when the time comes, may I rejoin them and 
 many more dearly loved there to unite in all the fulness 
 of love for Him through whom alone we enter there. 
 
 3 mo. 21. I am sixty-seven years old to-day. Whilst I 
 can truly say, " surely goodness and mercy have followed me 
 all the days of my life," and whilst I long and pray for a 
 more grateful heart, I still find life a warfare a painful 
 conflict sometimes even to the conviction that " to depart 
 and to be with Christ " would be far better ; and yet amidst 
 the conflict, enabled, with a little renewal of faith, to com- 
 mit the keeping of my soul in well doing, unto a faithful 
 Creator. I see conditions of holiness of conformity to the 
 Divine will in all things every thought brought into captivity 
 to the obedience of Christ to which I have not attained, 
 and yet earnestly longing for it, and in distress, but not in 
 despair, I utter the petition " Undertake for me." I have 
 known from time to time, plenary pardon for all past sins, 
 through that blood which cleanseth from all sin, and have 
 felt the love of Christ to me and a love to Him in return 
 that moves me to tears. I have, nevertheless still to deplore 
 coldness and lifelessness prayer without the spirit of prayer, 
 and yet again enlivened by " times of refreshing from the 
 presence of the Lord," and then can say with F. W. 
 
JEt. 67.] EVENING OF LIFE. 185 
 
 Kobertson, " I feel the beauty which I cannot realize : robe 
 me in Thine unutterable purity." 
 
 In Ninth month, 1868, in company with his dear 
 friend, Isaac Brown of the Flounders' Institute, Ack- 
 worth, and with the concurrence of York Monthly 
 Meeting, John Ford paid a visit to the Schools of 
 Friends and to some of the Meetings in Ireland. A 
 brief account of this visit is given in the following 
 letter. 
 
 To EEBECCA THOMPSON. 
 
 11 mo. 9, 1868. I must tell thee a little about our visit 
 to the Schools and some of the Meetings in Ireland. It 
 was a very laborious time. We attended sixteen Meetings 
 and had eleven conferences with Friends in a conversational 
 way, exclusive of the visits to the public schools. We were 
 only twenty-three days between landing and re-embarking. 
 On our return home we were enabled to look back peacefully 
 and thankfully on our service. Sometimes together (and 
 often each alone) we asked for direction and help in our 
 work, and for a blessing upon it, and we could at times rejoice 
 in answered prayer. We found much progress in Christian 
 work for the benefit of the Society, as well as for the poor, 
 the ignorant and the vicious, since a visit to Ireland in 1860. 
 We were especially pleased with the evidence of life a'mong 
 our younger Friends in Dublin. We had a Meeting of a 
 social character soon after landing. At the close, several 
 young men came round us, and expressed a wish that we 
 would meet them again on our return from the South. We 
 gladly assented. They sent out invitations to " the workers 
 and those who wished to encourage Christian work," to meet 
 us at tea at the Meeting House on the 7th of Tenth-month. 
 
186 EVENING OF LIFE. [1868. 
 
 More than one hundred Friends met. After an hour's 
 interchange of conversation on various modes of Christian 
 usefulness, a psalm was read, followed by solemn silence ; 
 'this was broken by several offerings in prayer. It was a 
 finis to our service in Dublin for which we were indeed 
 thankful. Here and there we met with some of the honestly 
 over-cautious, who looked with apprehension on change and 
 progress : our counsel to our younger Friends was to avoid 
 as much as possible offending these, and to seek in a prayerful 
 spirit to use the various means and opportunities for promoting 
 the cause of Christ in themselves and in those around them. 
 One of the pleasantest things of the journey was the warm 
 greeting I met from my old scholars. Four of them, all 
 from different families, were, on the quay at Kingstown to 
 welcome me. 
 
 The following extract from John Ford's diary 
 has reference to a visit paid whilst in Ireland to a 
 young man apparently on his death-bed. 
 
 There are some happy moments when the truth as it is in 
 Jesus, in all its completeness, in all its beauty, is presented 
 to the mind with a force which scatters to the winds all false 
 philosophies, all the refinements of logic that would disturb 
 our faith ; the heart and soul triumph over them all. That 
 glowing, earnest, loving spirit is not about to be annihilated, 
 or " absorbed into the spirit of the universe," whatever that 
 may mean. No ! the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed it 
 from all sin : the Holy Spirit has taken possession of His 
 earthly temple. The weakness of the enfeebled mortal frame 
 is over-mastered ; the very countenance radiant with the 
 peace of God, told of a sure and certain hope of a joyful 
 
JEi. 67-] EVENING OF LIFE. 187 
 
 resurrection and a glorious eternal life. It was a moment 
 in which it seemed that I realized in all its fulness the senti- 
 ment of Dr. Arnold often quoted by me at Bootham, " There 
 is no more beautiful, no more blessed sight on earth, than a 
 youth that is rich towards Grod." 
 
 12 mo. 31. * * The year just closing has again thinned 
 the ranks of my dearest friends. In the Fourth-month 
 Edwd. Smith, and in the Seventh, John Pease, were sum- 
 moned away by very brief illness. The very prayer of my 
 heart is that this increased and increasing loneliness, this 
 departure of " friend after friend," unreplaceable by new 
 earthly friendships, may help me to seek day by day to draw 
 nearer and ever nearer to the friend of sinners the friend 
 that sticketh closer than a brother to Him who is not 
 ashamed to call us brethren to Jesus the Mediator of the 
 New Covenant : even so, Amen ! * * * * A continuous 
 cough in a temperature below 48 or 50, seems my regular 
 winter companion. How soon and how quickly this might 
 assume the form of a summons, I know not ; that it may do 
 so, I do know. Not without " times of refreshing from the 
 presence of the Lord," I am nevertheless often walking 
 rather by a modicum of faith, than by the lively feeling of 
 this presence : and though sometimes failing and foiled, yet 
 still desiring and striving, and praying for help to maintain 
 the fight. 
 
 3 mo. 19, 1869. I feel at times as though mine were 
 a useless life, so that I am glad when any service calls 
 me out. I could not now at sixty-eight meet the demands 
 of daily compulsory work as at forty-eight and fifty-eight ; 
 but I look back on the times of compulsory, daily, re- 
 gular occupation notwithstanding their responsibilities and 
 difficulties and nightly weariness, as times of enjoyment 
 
188 EVENING OF LIFE. [1869. 
 
 and privilege, contrasted with the incapacity of feeble health 
 and the dangers of desultoriness. And yet at times I can 
 take a more cheerful view perhaps a healthier one, of my 
 present circumstances of health and occupation lively thank- 
 fulness that a blessing on the working days of life has provided 
 abundantly the alleviations for the closing hours : and I 
 desire to enjoy with a grateful heart, the permitted repose 
 of evening, without on the one hand being too anxious to 
 work, and on the other, careful, watchful, and frequent in 
 prayer to be preserved from slothful ease. 
 
 6 mo. 20. Whatever other records are omitted through 
 lack of opportunity, lassitude or weariness, answered prayer 
 must not pass unnoticed. To-day in feeble health, partly 
 due to the depressing cold weather and the remains of previous 
 illness, I have felt very incapable of any exertion or exercise, 
 mental or spiritual. Thus passed the morning and afternoon. 
 Before leaving for the evening Meeting I knelt in prayer, 
 first for the blood of sprinkling over all the past then for 
 the Saviour's presence and love, then that if it were His 
 will that I should serve, that He would be with me to give 
 me subject and utterance. With my spirit tendered before 
 Him I went to Meeting. Soon I found the spirit of prayer 
 granted. I knelt down, and with more sense of freedom 
 and earnestness than usual, I gave utterance to thanksgiving 
 and praise, and to various petitions for varied individual 
 needs. After an interval I spoke for some time, with a 
 grateful sense of help and with that freedom which kelp 
 confers. I quoted " What would ye that I should do for 
 you?" I applied the question as put then and there by a 
 loving Saviour to each condition present a loving Saviour, 
 able, omnipotent and all willing to supply all our needs. I 
 left the Meeting humbly thankful. 
 
yt. 68.] EVENING OF LIFE. 189 
 
 6 mo. 22. I had a brief visit from an old scholar, form- 
 erly a loving schoolboy. Following a little impression of 
 religious concern, I found liberty to converse with him freely, 
 and he freely responded. "Meliora video, proboque," and 
 the sorrowful context, was the starting point of our conversa- 
 tion, and led to words of Christian encouragement under a 
 glowing sense of the love of Christ. This love was I believe 
 inclining the heart of this young man not only to see and 
 approve, but to long to follow. He spoke touchingly of the 
 transient nature of his good resolves, of his failing efforts. 
 I spoke to him of the efficacy of persevering prayer ; said I 
 would pray for him : this he gratefully acknowledged : as- 
 sured him of the love of his Saviour to him, of this I felt 
 no doubt. Need I doubt that He was with us, touching both 
 our hearts ? I was enabled to pour out my soul in prayer 
 in the evening for my beloved young friend. I parted from 
 him thankful for the opportunity and the ability granted to 
 try to help him. 
 
 7 mo. 3. and and their children took tea 
 
 with me at St. Mary's. As years glide away the probability 
 of such gatherings grows less and less. On the 5th they all 
 
 left for a visit to . I believe this family is to me a 
 
 mercifully and graciously accorded blessing. Isolated, except 
 during twenty-two happy years of married life, from all 
 connected by blood even from my earliest manhood, I prize 
 the blessing thus granted me as a most precious blessing. 
 I try to guard against inordinate affection ; I try to love 
 them in Christ, Him first and supreme. I remember them, 
 mention them in my prayers. I miss them now in their 
 absence exceedingly, and I try to seek yet more earnestly 
 for closer and more frequent communion with Him, their 
 friend, and brother, and Saviour, and mine too, all unworthy 
 
190 EVENING OF LIFE. [1869. 
 
 as I know and feel I am. I am reminded whilst writing, of 
 the words of Augustine of Hippo, " Blessed whoso loveth 
 Thee (Christ) and his friend in Thee ; for he alone loses 
 none dear to him, to whom all are dear in Him who cannot 
 be lost " an ever present Saviour and friend and brother ! 
 
 11 mo. 11. Castle Howard Reformatory. I have not 
 unfrequently desired to have an opportunity of addressing 
 the poor boys. I attended the Committee this morning. 
 The business was over by noon, and the boys were at their 
 dinner. All the gentlemen had left except W. W. We 
 went into the dining-room and conversed with some of the 
 boys. Just as dinner was ending I asked Mr. Fish if I 
 might say a few words ; he said he was just coming to ask 
 me to do so. At the Scripture reading at home this morning 
 I read from Matthew xviii., " Jesus called a little child, &c." 
 This brought to mind the company at Castle Howard Re- 
 formatory. Alas ! how unlike the little child ! and I think 
 this determined me, not without a prayer for help, to seek an 
 opportunity to speak to them. I began as I did once before 
 by questions, requesting only individual answers, and these 
 only in a whisper from each whom I might ask. The questions 
 were asked aloud, and in reply to most of them many hands 
 were held up in token of readiness to answer. It soon 
 appeared that their attention and interest were quite ab- 
 sorbed. The series of questions, led to the conclusions 
 that they knew when they had done wrong their conscience 
 told them that they were not happy in doing wrong that 
 it was better to be found out, than successfully to conceal 
 their wrong doing that concealment tended to harden the 
 heart, and to repeated sin that the Holy Spirit of Grod 
 taught their consciences, and that the Holy Scriptures taught 
 them. All these answers and many more were given by 
 
JEt. 68.] EVENING OF LIFE. 191 
 
 individual boys, and repeated aloud by me, and were illus- 
 trated and commented upon. 
 
 The answers to questions on the facts and teachings of 
 Holy Scripture denoted careful teaching, and that their 
 memories were fairly stored, that all that God created was 
 very good, man included that he became evil by disobe- 
 dience that the act of disobedience was taking that which 
 he was forbidden to take that it is sin which separates from 
 God that all have sinned that eternal punishment is for 
 unrepentant sinners. This led to facts concerning our Lord, 
 His birth, life, sufferings and death, &c. ; eliciting from all in 
 concert the glorious text, " God so loved the world, &c." I 
 enlarged upon this, pressing upon them the great love of 
 Christ to us and our obligation to love Him confession 
 prayer and forgiveness the Holy Spirit's help to keep us 
 and guide us. These and other kindred truths I was enabled 
 to set before them and press home to their hearts and con- 
 sciences with earnestness and love, reminding me of some 
 favoured times on First-day evening at Bootham. 
 
 Though I felt I had entire hold of their most earnest 
 attention, I was not aware till my friend W. W. told me 
 afterwards, of the deep emotion of many, evinced by the 
 tears of some and the efforts of others to repress their tears. 
 Deep thankfulness was the covering of my spirit then, and 
 is now in the remembrance of the help graciously given in 
 this little service. 
 
 11 mo. 21. The low temperature has made my cough 
 troublesome, and respiration out of doors difficult. I am 
 staying away from Meeting this evening. Whilst pondering 
 this matter at tea time, to go or not to go, and examining 
 my motives, querying whether idleness, carelessness and love 
 of ease were the inducements, and somewhat unwilling to 
 
192 EVENING OF LIFE. [1869. 
 
 succumb to the infirmities of age, such a sense of the love of 
 my God and Saviour came over me the assurance that He 
 is not a hard master that He knoweth our frame, He re- 
 membereth that we are dust as contrited my spirit gave 
 me peace in the conclusion to stay at home, and joy in the 
 thought that my frequent prayer, " Forsake me not when my 
 strength is failing," is heard and answered. Whilst my 
 friends were at Meeting I enjoyed occupation in annotating 
 and afterwards in solemnly reading Holy Scripture. This 
 was succeeded by a precious season of prayer and thanks- 
 giving prayer for myself, for several beloved and loving 
 ones, for the congregation then met, for individuals by name ; 
 and thanksgiving for admission to the throne, for communion 
 with Christ through His Spirit. Once more TV eu Sofa.* 
 
 To REBECCA THOMPSON. 
 
 12 mo. 6. 1869. I fear I shall be much confined to home 
 during the winter. I can less and less bear the cold weather. 
 I sometimes recall the beautiful description of Heaven 
 learned in very early years in Barbauld's Hymns. " There 
 the cold of winter shall not wither us, nor the heat of summer 
 scorch us. In that land there is eternal spring and light 
 without any cloud ; " and, most blessed thought .of all, 
 " There we shall see Jesus ! " 
 
 1 mo. 18, 1870. Encouraged and strengthened by the 
 evening Meeting, I carried out a little impression of duty in 
 a visit to the Blue Coat School. I found the boys assembled 
 in a social group near the stove, and one of the younger 
 teachers reading a narrative to them about a boy who had 
 been wounded (and who died) by the accidental discharge of 
 
 * To God be the glory. 
 
JEt. 68.] EVENING OF LIFE. 193 
 
 a gun. When lie ended, I told them the tale of the dear 
 Irish boy whom I visited, pointing out the blessedness in 
 such a time to have no painful remorse of unforgiven, 
 unrepented sin, but to be like him prepared to go, his heart 
 overflowing with love, and nothing but praise for himself 
 and prayer for his friends. I read to them the beautiful 
 hymn, " The Prodigal's return." I stayed the evening 
 services. They sang " Abide with me." At the close I gave 
 a short parting address. I believe the love of Christ, His to 
 us and ours to Him was felt. I rejoice in these permitted 
 humble services with these dear boys. 
 
 2 mo. 20. Several weeks have passed by since my last 
 entry. During that time I have suffered from a harassing 
 cough, interfering with rest by night, and producing 
 prostration and incapacity for exertion of body or of mind. 
 Between six and eleven in the evenings I have felt less of 
 the weariness of the former part of the day. Often the 
 spiritual as well as the intellectual life, has sympathised with 
 the physical depression. And yet at times as last evening, 
 the sun has shone through a rent in the clouds. A most 
 precious time of access in prayer was unexpectedly and 
 suddenly granted me ; it was like a burst of sunshine, with 
 a refreshing shower spanned by a rainbow. I was indeed 
 thankful for this. 
 
 To MATILDA STURGE. 
 
 4 mo. 4, 1870. In the human character of our Lord, there 
 is to me nothing so beautifully illustrative of it as His personal, 
 peculiar friendship for the " beloved disciple." It is like a 
 beam of earthly sunlight on His sometimes sorrowful and often 
 suffering lot. His susceptibility of hunger and thirst and 
 weariness and pain, His tender sympathy, His tears all 
 
194 EVENING OF LIFE. [1870. 
 
 assert His human nature, but it is on the sorrowful and suf- 
 fering side : whilst His friendship, (His friend leaning on His 
 bosom at supper) may lead to the thought of His participation 
 in some of the highest order of pleasures granted to earthly 
 life. It seems to bind Him to us, and us to Him by even 
 a closer bond than His participation in our sufferings and 
 sorrows. It seems as though even His oneness with the 
 Father (His " yet I am not alone ") did not prevent Him 
 
 from seeking and enjoying the sweets of human friendship. 
 
 * * * * 
 
 I suppose that like most other lovers of literature thou 
 hast read Tennyson's last" The Holy Grail." The reading 
 of it has led me to look again at his other " Idylls of the 
 King." Dean Alford has written a very able and interest- 
 ing review of the whole series, in the " Contemporary Review" 
 for January. I was pleased to find in that Review a passage 
 quoted as beautiful and instructive, which, when at Bootham, 
 I had quoted in an address to the boys. It speaks of the 
 change in the countenance indicating the prevalence of the 
 higher and nobler the Christian motives and impulses, in 
 the heart and mind. I have marked these changes with 
 infinite pleasure. There is something exceedingly beautiful 
 in the expression of a young face, when the heart is brought 
 under some measure of the love of Christ. 
 
 To EEBECCA THOMPSON. 
 
 8 mo. 2, 1870. Thy letter came in the midst of our 
 Quarterly Meeting engagements. With us as with you, the 
 barriers of exclusiveness are breaking down. Selfishness in 
 Churches may be as injurious to a Church, as it is to the 
 individual man, " the wretch concentred all in self." Our 
 testimonies, our numbers, our interests, our members, are 
 
JEt. 69.] EVENING OF LIFE. 195 
 
 phraseologies giving place in some measure, to words and 
 thoughts and doings, that take the wider range of the Church 
 of Christ and the multitude not yet within that safe enclosure. 
 Inasmuch as any of our testimonies are essential truths of 
 the New Testament, let us stick to them, and seek to spread 
 them far and wide : and we may be glad that some of these, 
 most of them are far less exclusively ours than they were. 
 
 * * * I apprehend that a large amount of mistaken 
 Christian zeal has been expended on sentiment, [as dis- 
 tinguished from conviction^ traditions, conventionalities. 
 
 * * * Thou enquires kindly about my health. Having 
 entered my seventieth year, I have much to be thankful for 
 in that respect ; though I feel, and have felt for the last two 
 or three years, greatly diminished ability to encounter bodily 
 fatigue. My earnest desire is that I may not lead an idle life, 
 but that work may yet be assigned me adapted to advanced 
 years. Such work I continue to find in and around home, 
 occasionally visiting our smaller Meetings, as well as some 
 not within our Monthly Meeting. 
 
 To ISAAC BROWN (Kendal). 
 
 9 mo. 6, 1870. I hasten to reply to thine which I read 
 this morning with emotions of reverent thankfulness. The 
 prospect of the service had been subject of frequent prayer ; 
 and though the probable lateness of the season had made it 
 appear formidable, I had come to the condition of willingness 
 trustfully to face all that it might bring, if the right time 
 were come. And now I can accept thine as another answer 
 to prayer, shewing so clearly, as it appears to me, that it is 
 not the right time, and that the postponement, if it should 
 prove only postponement, is not the result of my own willing 
 or contriving. I shall gladly look out for openings and 
 
196 EVENING OF LIFE. [1870. 
 
 intimations of service, such as I named to thee in my last, 
 not implying long absence nor long journeys. 
 
 I can form, I apprehend, some idea, though perhaps but 
 a faint one, of the engrossing and painful, as well as 
 exhausting labours past and prospective in Lancashire and 
 Cheshire which fall to thy lot, such as I am sure would need 
 an interval of rest and refreshment as a preparation for the 
 far pleasanter work of seeking to " lay our spirits alongside 
 the unadulterated spirits of the young" My heart nearly 
 overflowed at my eyes, as it responded to thine, as thou 
 describes this " sweet and soothing service." I felt it to be 
 so, last First-day evening, when towards the close of a 
 sermon not especially addressed to the young, I turned to 
 them (the large majority of the assembly) as unadulterated 
 with a long-continued course of sin conscience not yet 
 hardened ears and heart still open to the Spirit's gentle 
 pleadings. I could but assure such of their Saviour's love, 
 and invite them to give their hearts to Him in all the glow 
 of early affection inviting them to make their daily lessons 
 and even their amusements, service for Christ. The latter, 
 in order to refresh and invigorate their bodily health and 
 mental powers, that thus learning and science might be 
 successfully cultivated and consecrated to Him. 
 
 To MATILDA STURGE. 
 
 9 mo. 10, 1870. I read thy contribution to the Examiner 
 with much interest, and have looked at it again. If I differ 
 at all, it is in reference to " the dawn preceding the rising of 
 the Sun." I see in the condition of the Roman, Grecian 
 and Jewish world, circumstances most aptly described by the 
 Apostle as denoting that the " fulness of the time " was 
 come. The old systems of religion (with the exception of the 
 
JEt. 69.] EVENING OF LIFE. 197 
 
 pious manifestations of Judaism in a very select few), were 
 utterly worn out. Greece and Home were at the very zero 
 of moral degradation (see Romans L). The great rulers 
 and teachers of the Jews, paid to virtue the tribute of that 
 hypocrisy which our Lord so sternly denounced. On the 
 other hand Rome had brought the nations together under 
 one head ; Greece had furnished a universal language ; and 
 Roman roads and Roman ships were ready to carry the good 
 tidings to every land. In regard to conclusions, I say 
 Christianity has not failed. With all the wickedness which 
 we feel, and see, [and hear of, I nevertheless believe that 
 from Eden down to the present day, there never was so large 
 a number of the human family, as now, in harmony with the 
 mind and spirit of Christ. I think " the better and brighter 
 day " will not prove to be so remote as to involve periods 
 intervening comparable to the rate of geological changes 
 in the past. Holy Scripture appears to intimate that the 
 strife between good and evil, and the triumph of the former, 
 will be completed by some decisive display of Divine 
 Power. But with thee I say " let us contribute our little 
 aid, &c." 
 
 12 mo. 21. For most of the time since the 6th ult., I 
 have been often very incapable, sometimes quite lethargic, 
 sometimes comatose, and occasionally a wave-like sensation 
 sweeping across the head with every pulse, like the old school 
 head-aches. These things remind me daily of the increasing 
 frailty of the earthly tent. I cannot say that the ever present 
 thought day by day that my " three-score years and ten " are 
 nearly completed (only three months short of it to-day) alarms 
 or disturbs or depresses me. I feel at times that I know in 
 whom I have believed and can trust all to Him. Yet 
 
198 EVENING OF LIFE. [1870. 
 
 longing and earnestly praying for more and more con- 
 formity to the mind and spirit of Christ, more of purity and 
 holiness and faith and love, I can adopt the beautiful lan- 
 guage in the reply of Christian to the enquiry of Prudence, 
 " "What is it that makes you so desirous to go to Mount 
 Zion ? " He replies, " Why, there I hope to see Him alive 
 that did hang dead on the Cross ; and there I hope to be rid 
 of all those things, that, to this day, are in me an annoyance 
 to me ; there they say there is no death, and there I shall 
 dwell with such company as I like best. For, to tell you 
 truth, I love Him, because I was by Him eased of my 
 Burden. And I am weary of my inward sickness : I would 
 fain be where I shall die no more, and with the company that 
 shall continually cry, Holy, Holy, Holy." 
 
 To EDWARD RHODES, M.D.* 
 
 12 mo. 29, 1870. The touching details of thy letter, 
 thy dear father's illness and thy own present condition, move 
 my warmest Christian sympathy. Oh how I rejoice even 
 whilst writing as I turn to thy words that thou canst 
 realize the hand of Love, enabling thee to rejoice even 
 though in affliction and bonds. I lift up my heart for thee 
 as I pen these lines, that if it please our Heavenly .Father 
 to restore thee, it may be with enlarged gifts for the service 
 of the dear Saviour. The alternative will be the ever blessed 
 service of Heaven, where His servants see His face, and His 
 name is on their foreheads. 
 
 Thy letter finds me a prisoner from the effects of the 
 severe weather, and the little resistance which threescore 
 years and ten nearly accomplished, presents to its influence. 
 Thy reference to dear William Tanner, whose portrait 
 
 * Edward Bhodes of Philadelphia, a young physician of great promise. 
 He received this letter only two days before his death. 
 
-fit. 69.] EVENING OF LIFE. 199 
 
 presented by his Mother hangs before me, reminds me of 
 thy tender sympathy with me in his loss, expressed in thine 
 to dear E. H. Crosfield. I find as year after year glides 
 away, how dear companionships, heart friendships, are sev- 
 ered for a time, till the preponderance is on the other side of 
 Jordan. Mine has been an extremely isolated lot in life as 
 regards kindred by blood : but this has been most kindly 
 compensated by the attachment and friendship of very many 
 not so connected. And now as the end draws near, I have 
 
 in my dear friends and (who stand to me in 
 
 the relation of adopted son and daughter) and their family 
 of affectionate and loving children, those on whose kind care 
 and love I can rely when the end comes. And why should 
 I hesitate to say that I have, and trust to have even to the 
 end and for ever and ever, the care and love of Him who 
 died for me, and whom (how inadequately) I love and desire 
 to serve. 
 
 To AN OLD SCHOLAR. 
 
 (About) 1871.- I have thought so much and so often of 
 thee since I saw thee, that it was a great pleasure to receive 
 thy deeply interesting letter. It has brought me into warm 
 Christian sympathy with thee. Oh how it recalls my own 
 early days, when I read thy complaint of " little progress " 
 the " road more difficult ' ' " the smallness of faith "and 
 
 " the lack of enjoyment." I trace in all this, dear , 
 
 indications of the true-hearted young disciple. These 
 longings for more conformity to the mind of Christ, for more 
 enjoyment of His love, and more sense of love to Him, in 
 His own good time He will assuredly satisfy. How often 
 has the thoughtso sweetly expressed by thee crossed my 
 own mind " If we could only onoe see and speak to Jesus," 
 
200 EVENING OF LIFE. [1871. 
 
 followed by the thought, " I would fall at His feet, confess 
 my sios, tell Him my wants that I loved Him and longed 
 to love Him more." And then sometimes such a sense of 
 His presence seemed to be felt, that I could then and there 
 tell Him all this, and rejoice in the renewed experience of 
 His love. 
 
 I have remembered thee and thy dear brothers in prayer, 
 and do still remember thee, and pray that child-like faith 
 may be granted thee, and that when assailed by temptation 
 He may be at hand to help thee, who " was tempted in all 
 points like as we are," and (as in Heb. ii. 18) "in that He 
 himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour 
 them that are tempted." 
 
 Thy experience, dear , of occasional coldness in 
 
 prayer is no strange thing : I think it is a sign of love to 
 Christ to feel and to lament it. I have many a time been 
 comforted and encouraged myself, and, in times past, have 
 sought to comfort and encourage my beloved flock at Bootham 
 by the following from Dr. Yaughan's " Memorials of Harrow 
 Sundays : " " Be resolute to withstand the tempter, when 
 he first says to you that Grod does not hear or will not answer 
 your prayer. Oh be able to say then from your own ex- 
 perience, * He does answer, for He has answered me.' And 
 is not that true ? Oh is it not true that Grod has answered 
 us all ? Has He not, sometimes as we knelt before Him, 
 cold perhaps and dead, self-accusing yet not penitent, touched 
 our hearts with that inward impulse, which quickened and 
 reanimated, which gave meaning to our formal words, and 
 Warmth to our cold and languid spirits ? Have we not risen 
 from our knees, humbled with that sort of humbling which 
 is better than any elation ? " I would add to the foregoing 
 'Have we not risen from our knees with heart and eyes 
 overflowing with gratitude and love ?' And if joy like this 
 
JEt. 70.] EVENING OF LIFE. 201- 
 
 is not often permitted, let us hail it when it is granted, as a 
 " time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." The 
 Psalmist gathered strength from such remembrances, when 
 he says, " I will remember the years of the right hand of the 
 most High." This was a time of deepest discouragement. 
 The seventy-seventh Psalm sets forth this despondency and 
 its cure most wonderfully. 
 
 3 mo. 21, 1871. My "three-score years and ten" are 
 completed to-day. Surely goodness and mercy have fol- 
 lowed gone with me all the days of my life. I would 
 that with a little more glow than I just now feel, I could 
 adopt words, familiar to me from my earliest years, 
 
 " When all Thy mercies, my God, 
 
 My rising soul surveys, 
 Transported with the view, I'm lost 
 In wonder, love, and praise." 
 
 Though bodily health and strength are waning, the un- 
 speakable blessing of freedom from acute pain, (once my 
 frequent portion) is granted me. The blessing of intellectual 
 clearness is still graciously permitted. Lapses of memory of 
 names are not much more troublesome than I find them 
 acknowledged by my juniors. * * * * "What of 
 the higher life ? Conflict is not over evil is not utterly 
 expelled. " The blood of sprinkling " is needed day by 
 day, and asked for still. The travel-soiled feet need daily 
 washing ; and so I try to come day by day, and oftener for 
 pardon, for cleansing, for renewing and sustaining grace. 
 And thus not hopelessly nor doubtingly I run the race, ever 
 looking to Jesus I fight the fight relying on Him alone 
 for victory ; seeking for more of faith and love, more of. 
 longing for holiness, more of the heavenly mind. 
 
202 EVENING OF LIFE. [1871. 
 
 To MATILDA STURGE. 
 
 4 mo. 3, 1871. I have felt the effects of the long and 
 cold winter, and have been more confined to the house than 
 ever before. But I need not complain that at " three-score 
 years and ten" the powers of resistance fail, but rather, 
 thankfully acknowledge the measure of health granted, and 
 work assigned, suited to circumstances. Nevertheless I have 
 been inclined to think that the trials of inactive life are quite 
 as great, in their demands upon patience and watchfulness 
 and prayer, as are those of the pressure of exacted daily toil. 
 I know that the evening of life is the allotted and permitted 
 season of repose, but I fear lest repose should degenerate 
 into indolence. ***** 
 
 Thou refers to the question of non-intervention [in the 
 Franco-Prussian War] . If intervention implied armed force, 
 I should have said it was not only a crime against humanity 
 (human nature I mean), but a gross political blunder, said 
 (by one of Satan's prime ministers, Talleyrand,) to be worse 
 than a crime. In reference to the first Napoleon are we 
 sure that he would have needed crushing, had the principle 
 of entire non-intervention been the rule of action in Europe ? 
 Happily, the intervening sea, as a secondary cause, left 
 England at liberty to settle her own affairs in 1642-8, and 
 again in 1688. Wrong never turns up right at last. I think 
 it was wrong to interfere in the affairs of France ; and now 
 it seems the bloody game of settlement amongst themselves is 
 to be played over again. I refer to the first interference and 
 the Brunswick proclamation. 
 
 I have only just received the Report of the Dublin Con- 
 ference. I shall refer to it with interest, to read thy paper. 
 I cannot assent to some of the opinions announced at Dublin, 
 in regard to the qualification for engaging in Sunday-school 
 teaching. The ability and the will and the opportunity to 
 
&t. 70.] EVENING OF LIFE. 203 
 
 instruct the ignorant, seem to me sufficient qualification and 
 authorization. Many have engaged therein on no higher 
 ground, and have found it a stepping stone to higher 
 things to devotion of heart to Christ. Having attained to 
 something of this previously is certainly an additional 
 qualification of great value. But who is to judge ? 
 
 10 mo. 5. In compliance with an invitation from Eichard 
 Fish, the Superintendent of the Castle Howard Eeformatory, 
 I attended the harvest thanksgiving and feast. An excellent 
 sermon of just twenty minutes was addressed to the boys 
 assembled in the chapel. E. V. Harcourt had provided for 
 them a plentiful dinner of roast beef and plum-pudding. 
 After the visitors had lunched, the boys were re-assembled, 
 and at E. Fish's request I addressed them. I described the 
 happy results of the training of this school to at least eighty 
 in every hundred, out of the three hundred and thirty who 
 had received the benefits of the school. If I could summon 
 them all before you to-day, what would they say to you ? 
 Well dressed, earning an honest and respectable living, 
 capable of looking any man in the face, they would tell you 
 to profit by your instruction here the daily reading of Holy 
 Scripture the morning and evening family prayers the 
 services in public worship and your own prayers when 
 kneeling by your bed-side by the kind care and instruction 
 bestowed upon you from day to day. They would entreat 
 you to profit by all these to learn habits of obedience, of 
 truth speaking, and all other habits becoming Christian 
 boys. I was listened to as heretofore by these poor boys 
 with fixed attention. I remembered them in prayer. I 
 breathe a prayer for them now. 
 
204 EVENING OF LIFE. [1871. 
 
 To AN OLD SCHOLAR, "WHO HAD SOME VIEW OF ENTERING ON 
 FOREIGN MISSION SERVICE. 
 
 12 mo. 17, 1871. I have read thy letter again and again, 
 and each time with much emotion and deep sympathy. My 
 very heart responded to the perfect naturalness of thy wish, 
 " for one hour's converse with Jesus." But we must bear in 
 mind His words, " it is expedient for you that I go away." 
 A verbal, vocal command from Him would not be in harmony 
 in its effect upon the mind of the recipient, with the stress 
 which He always placed upon the exercise of faith. On 
 the morning on which I received thy letter, one of the texts 
 for the day was, " Commit thy way unto the Lord : trust 
 also in Him ; and He shall bring it to pass." A comment 
 following was, " Even in the affairs of daily life, His Provi- 
 dence opens up or closes our way, with no doubtful meaning 
 to the simple heart that sincerely asks to do His will." I 
 immediately associated this text and comment with thy 
 letter. 
 
 I was glad to find that thou had given the little book, 
 and to find that it cost thee an effort. These little things 
 that "cost an effort," are the very things to which the 
 promise belongs, " to be made rulers over more." 
 
 I have seen enough of to enable me to understand 
 
 thy " passionate love " of such a home. I have seldom seen 
 one so happy. These preliminaries have arisen out of thy 
 frank and confidential communication. I enter upon the 
 direct topic, not without prayer that I may be permitted to 
 help thee. I think I can say as the prophet to David, " thou 
 didst well that it was in thine heart." I am reminded of 
 what we frequently hear of the length of time between the 
 first impression of required service, and the attainment of 
 clearness as to entering upon it : a time of great trial of 
 
JEt. 71.] EVENING OF LIFE. 205 
 
 faith and patience. In my own small experience, I have 
 endeavoured to cherish the impression, to live in the spirit 
 of prayer concerning it, and ask that by the leadings of 
 His Providence He would make His way straight before 
 my face. This guidance has not failed me, nor misled me. 
 And I would say to thee, my dear young friend, cherish 
 the impression of service ask for an enlightened judgment 
 concerning it. " In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He 
 shall direct thy paths." ******* 
 
 It seems to me that as the impression remains and deepens, 
 the time will come to take further counsel home first : then, 
 with the sanction of home of some of the wise, judicious 
 and well informed friends who are interested in Friends' 
 Foreign Mission work. * * * I note thy remark re- 
 garding marriage. Under the guardianship of Paul, it is 
 probable that for a time, Timothy deferred matrimony. We 
 are not informed whether or not he was ever thus united. 
 But I think there can be no doubt that if he was, he found 
 his whole nature, in all its beauty, (as sanctified by Divine 
 grace) developed as it never had been before, and his quali- 
 fications for his mission work enlarged. It is not for nothing 
 that the inspired book tells us of the joint labours of Aquila 
 and his wife Priscilla. 
 
 In conclusion I would say, cherish the impression look 
 for its realization wait for and pray for further clearness 
 watch all providential pointings continue the careful reading 
 and study of Holy Scripture. I shall continue to remember 
 thee when access in prayer is specially felt. 
 
 5 mo. 14, 1872. Tea at the Mount School. I went 
 anxious, and came back thankful. I attended the Scripture 
 reading, and was enabled to address the beloved company 
 
20 EVENING OF LIFE. [1872. 
 
 with freedom, earnestness and feeling. I spoke of the golden 
 period of youth, its peculiar privileges, its comparative inno- 
 cence sin not yet become habitual by a long process of 
 hardening conscience still tender and watchful the fresh- 
 ness of youthful feeling, the power of sympathy called 
 forth by your youthful friendships leading you to loving 
 participation in the sorrows and troubles, the pleasures, the 
 joys and the happiness of each other. 
 
 Surrounded here by a Christian atmosphere, familiarized 
 day by day with the truths and the incidents of Holy 
 Scripture, the life and actions of the dear Eedeemer, the 
 wealth of sympathy, compassion and love in His human heart, 
 manifested in the narratives of the widow of Nain and her 
 only son, the poor epileptic, possessed boy and his agonized 
 father, the Divine merged in the human when He wept at 
 the grave of Lazarus. Do you not love Him as you trace 
 His character in the New Testament ? Sin and suffering 
 and sorrow disease and death itself calling forth all the 
 tenderness of His love, all His Divine, creative, restoring, 
 sin-forgiving power. Looking to your training now in 
 relation to your future, I am reminded of some lines by a 
 lady-poet sometimes called the English Sappho, in which 
 she glances at the sorrowful side of female life : 
 
 " Her lot is on you to "be found untired, 
 
 "Watching the stars out by the bed of pain, 
 
 Meekly to bear with -wrong, to cheer decay, 
 
 And, oh ! to love through all things therefore pray ! " 
 
 But it has its joyous side too, in your power to double the 
 sense of happiness by participation in the times of rejoicing 
 to cheer and to sustain in trouble. Thus now with your school- 
 associates and friends, with brothers and sisters at home, you 
 are training for whatever relationships the future may bring. 
 There is an incident recorded in the life of the Czar, Peter the 
 
JEt. 71.] EVENING OF LIFE. 207 
 
 Great, illustrative of woman's power to soothe. He was a 
 hasty, impulsive man, subject to fierce outbreaks of wrath. 
 "We are told how Catherine placing her cool hand on his 
 burning forehead, soothed and assuaged his fierce spirit. 
 This wealth of love and sympathy, the especial gift and 
 ornament of the woman the meek and quiet spirit, what 
 can it not do ? I spoke of the value of prayer the habit of 
 morning and evening prayer do not give up because of the 
 feeling of coldness or lifelessness. Pray for one another ; 
 there is reflex action in intercessory prayer. Expect, look 
 for answers to prayer, and you will be able to say, " I know 
 that Grod answers prayer for He has answered me." 
 
 To (aged 14.) 
 
 7 mo. 23, 1872. You have so many pleasant things to 
 write about at Whitby, that you have quite an advantage 
 over me. Ten, or twenty, or more years ago I could have 
 told you of excursions by sea and land, climbing mountains, 
 exploring caverns, swimming in lake or sea or river, botanizing 
 on the hills, or studying geology in the rocks or the coal 
 mines : but all that is passed. Paley, an English philosopher, 
 whose works are still worth reading, says, "It is not for 
 youth alone that the great Parent of Creation has provided. 
 Happiness is found with the purring cat no less than with the 
 playful kitten ; in the arm-chair of age, as well as in the 
 sprightliness of the dance." I am somewhat in the con- 
 dition which the same writer describes as one not without 
 its enjoyment " riding at anchor after a busy life." I think 
 it very likely that I felt as much pleasure in believing that 
 I ministered a little to the pleasure of dear, suffering, patient 
 
 , by quietly conversing with her a few minutes in the 
 
 darkened and silent room, as thou finds in thy many active 
 engagements at "Whitby. Be thankful, dear , for the 
 
208 EVENING OF LIFE. [1872. 
 
 capacity of enjoyment, for active limbs and lively spirits. 
 Do not forget Him from whom all these blessings come. 
 
 TO THE SAME ON HIS BlRTHDAY. 
 
 7 mo. 30, 1872. I do not like to let this thy fourteenth 
 birthday, pass over, without at least a greeting to assure thee 
 of my continued interest and love. I wish it may be a 
 happy day, and I wish the same for every succeeding one 
 even to the last. "When fourteen years have passed away, 
 the age of childhood is rapidly departing. The time is 
 coming when less by the force of rules and regulations, and 
 more by a sense of personal, Christian responsibility, a boy 
 must seek to govern his conduct : and he will be enabled to 
 do this, just in proportion as the love of his God and Saviour 
 has place in his heart. May this evermore increase and 
 
 abound in the heart of my dear . These are solemn 
 
 words, but not, I think, unfitting in a birth-day letter of 
 loving congratulation. And what I wish for thee is, I am 
 sure, no bar to a happy, cheerful, sunny life. 
 
 8 mo. * * * The week spent at Scarbro' was rainy 
 and cold. I had much social enjoyment, but was strongly 
 impressed with the evidence of failing physical power. The 
 well remembered enjoyments of former days still appeared 
 pleasant things but no bodily power responded. Not with a 
 repining, but with a thankful spirit I refer to this change. 
 Other enjoyments the liberty to serve, the ability to serve, 
 are precious, highly prized substitutes for the pleasures 
 passed away. The days referred to, and the enjoyments of 
 those days, were often most thankfully regarded by me as 
 permitted relaxation from the responsibilities of school-life, 
 unencumbered with a single anxious, troublous thought. 
 
JEt. 71.] EVENING OF LIFE. 209 
 
 To THE OLD SCHOLAR TO WHOM WAS ADDRESSED THE 
 
 LETTER, PAGE 204. 
 
 12 mo. 13, 1872. I have read and re-read thine of the 
 10th with deep and affectionate interest, and have sought in 
 prayer for right direction in the matter for myself and for 
 
 thee. I cannot but look upon 's kind offer, (coinciding 
 
 as it does with thy own previous impression and prayer,) as 
 a kind and loving pointing of the Divine finger, towards 
 present duty, at least for a time. I have gratefully marked 
 and accepted such intimations in my own course, and can 
 thankfully acknowledge in looking back, that I was not 
 
 mistaken in so doing. 's offer seems to provide the 
 
 leisure for mental improvement so very desirable, whether 
 thy future work should be at home or abroad. The increased 
 study of Holy Scripture, increased experience in teaching 
 and influencing the human mind of young and old, are 
 'excellent preparations for either allotment home or foreign. 
 I am therefore glad that thou hast accepted 's well- 
 timed offer. 
 
 One step at a time, dear . If the next step should 
 
 be to unite in partnership with , and then called to a 
 
 third step, to leave all and follow Christ wheresoever He may 
 please, I do not doubt that power to see and to take each 
 successive step will be granted thee. " Make thy way 
 straight before my face," was the prayer of the Psalmist. I 
 have used it for myself, and changing my into his, have used 
 it for thee. It is indeed a pleasant sight to see youth 
 desirous of devoting itself to the service of Christ. If it were 
 not that there in that better land " His servants shall 
 serve Him/' I should regret my failing powers, and the 
 not far off end of my little service here. The young are 
 coming forward; I rejoice therein. 
 
 p 
 
210 EVENING OF LIFE. [187&. 
 
 1 mo. 1, 1873. New Year's Day ! Shall I see another ? 
 I would adopt in reference to the query, good Eichard 
 Baxter's thought 
 
 " If life be long I will be glad, 
 
 That I may long obey ; 
 If short yet why should I be sad, 
 To soar to endless day ?" 
 
 Each memorial of death that has lately come to me has been 
 of men younger than I. The approaching end is daily in 
 my thoughts ; it does not alarm me. I can sometimes say, 
 " I know in whom I have believed." I find need, and I 
 daily ask for the renewed application of the blood of sprink- 
 ling the daily feet- washing. If I sometimes fear lest mine 
 should be a misplaced confidence, when thinking of the 
 solemn declaration, " without holiness no man shall see the 
 Lord," I turn to the Apostle's resource, " not having mine 
 own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is 
 through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of 
 God by faith ; " and, " Therefore being justified by faith, we 
 have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." 
 Though it is not often that I have seasons of rejoicing in 
 hope, yet my spirit is sometimes contrited under a sense of 
 the love of Christ to me, enkindling renewed love to Him ; 
 and I desire to do that which I counsel others to do, never 
 to distrust His love. My prayer is still to be permitted a 
 little service for Him ; and I am glad that I have still a 
 part (rightly I believe) in the ministry of the word : and I 
 can rejoice in the frequency with which the Gospel is pro- 
 claimed in our Meetings by young and well-qualified men. 
 Other little services I thankfully accept. If I turn to these, 
 it is not in a self-complacent spirit but with a thankful heart. 
 In moments of depression they have served me in the sense 
 conveyed by the Psalmist, when he said, " I will remember 
 the years of the right hand of the most High ! " 
 
JEt. 72.] EVENING OF LIFE. 211 
 
 I sometimes turn to the possibilities of the closing scene 
 possible pain possible desertion. In these I still desire to 
 confide in the love and goodness and wisdom of my Heavenly 
 Father. He does not willingly afflict. I recur very grate- 
 fully to the peaceful, painless departure of my sainted wife 
 " a death-like sleep, a gentle wafting to immortal life." For 
 nearly fifteen years I have had remarkable and most merciful 
 exemption from acute pain. Previously much had been my 
 portion from facial neuralgia,- so much so, that when it 
 became less frequent, and ceased, many a time, remembering 
 the extremity of former suffering, I have added to a grateful 
 evening offering, thanks for freedom from pain. Should it 
 again be my portion, I trust that grace and strength to 
 bear it will be granted. Oh! I would say to-night in 
 simple resignation, and in a sweet feeling of renewed love 
 tendering my spirit, " Thy will be done." 
 
 3 mo. 21. I entered my seventy-third year. My age and 
 the condition of health, the symptoms of the taking down of 
 the tent, do not distress or alarm me. I am thankfully 
 surprised at times by the calmness and the peace with which 
 I am enabled to contemplate the not far off end. 
 
 I daily number my blessings and ask for a more grateful 
 heart. I have kind and most loving friends still left, though 
 the number on the other side of the river increases year by 
 year. * * * I have many alleviations of the 
 
 monotony of invalid life. * * * * I have a few 
 remaining correspondents of thoughtful, active, Christian 
 minds, with whom it is a pleasure to interchange thoughts 
 on the tendencies of the religious sentiments prevalent in 
 the Church, and on the oppositions of men of science. 
 
 After noticing the decease of friends with whom 
 
J12 EVENING OF LIFE. [1873. 
 
 he had been much associated in various ways, John 
 Ford thus proceeds under date 11 mo. 9, 1873. 
 
 These events and anniversaries remind me that the end is 
 drawing near. "Whilst contemporaries are departing year 
 by year, amidst increasing bodily infirmity my life is still 
 prolonged mercifully prolonged that the discipline of 
 Fatherly love may prepare me for the purity, the holiness, 
 the love and the joy 'of Heaven, to which so many of my 
 associates and friends and many dear York scholars have 
 been gathered. I look back thankfully and gratefully to the 
 days when work was my appointed portion. How imperfectly 
 the work was done, none but myself and He who appointed 
 the work, and who did not withold His blessing can tell. 
 Now to bear rather than to do is my portion. But yet I can 
 speak of abounding blessings freedom from acute bodily 
 pain competence to provide the alleviations of the increasing 
 infirmities of age the ability and the will to administer 
 through the agency of others, to the sick and the poor 
 permission and freedom to assist in the vocal service of public 
 worship, not unfrequently in prayer and not without the 
 occasionally expressed approval of my friends. How can I 
 be sufficiently grateful for all these blessings ! I long for a 
 more constantly grateful heart. Often the beautiful lines of 
 Addison, remembered from my early boyhood, 
 
 " When all Thy mercies, O my God, " 
 
 glide through my mind with great sweetness. And yet 
 another blessing childless myself, I have daily the loving 
 attentions of my adopted family and the sweet affection of 
 their dear children. And yet another refreshment in the 
 house of prayer in public worship and in the solitude of 
 my own room. ***** In the early part of the 
 Meeting I had been enabled to lift up my heart in earnest 
 
Mt. 72.] EVENING OF LIFE. 213 
 
 silent prayer, and at the close of a fervent vocal prayer from 
 
 , I uttered a half- whispered " Amen." An earnest 
 
 desire pervaded my prayer that in little things little troubles, 
 little disappointments, I might know far more than I have 
 done, my will brought into untroubled acquiescence with all 
 that befalls me that is not of sin. I long to be able to cast 
 all my care upon Him who careth for me, even for me. 
 After this desire for renunciation of self, whilst listening to 
 
 's sermon on Matt, xxv., I had enjoyment in the 
 
 ability to appropriate, with overflowing thankfulness, the 
 blessed words, " ye did it unto Me," in remembrance of some 
 instances in which, directed and guided by Him, I had been 
 permitted to minister to Him in the persons of His brethren 
 and of the lambs of His Fold. I will not apply a morbid 
 anatomy to these, to determine how much was the result 
 of the natural feelings of kindness and compassion, and of 
 the pleasure in the exercise. I will attribute all the praise 
 to Him who sends His brethren, and gives me the ability 
 and puts it into my heart to help them. This very evening, 
 whilst writing, my heart has overflowed with thankfulness 
 in remembrance of " the years of the right hand of the most 
 High," and under the contriting sense of His continued 
 love in Christ Jesus my Saviour. And so once again I 
 write, T> 0eo> Sofa. 
 
 To HEXRY HIPSLEY. 
 
 12 mo. 13, 1873. I am glad thou art engaged in visiting 
 Kent. I spent fourteen years of my early life at Rochester, 
 from the age of fourteen to twenty-eight ; and there about 
 the middle of that period, I was enabled to enter through a 
 very strait gate into the narrow way : and though, with 
 some of Christian's experience of " the hill difficulty " and 
 other hindrances, I can thankfully believe I have never been 
 
214 EVENING OF LIFE. [1873. 
 
 permitted to lose sight of the road or of the Leader. In 
 the earlier stage of the road, I passed (not unobservant) by 
 " a Cross and a Sepulchre." " Then was Christian glad 
 and lightsome." I had not thought of this when I sat 
 down to write, but the word " Eochester " is a plectrum that 
 strikes a harp of many strings. 
 
 12 mo. 25. In looking back in the records of services 
 connected with Ackworth School, as well as of various others 
 of an active kind at Bootham and elsewhere, notwithstanding 
 all their imperfections, they appear to me as times of great 
 enjoyment, recognizing prayer for help in the services, help 
 most graciously granted, followed by grateful thanksgiving. 
 And now at times I indulge the thought of the future 
 blessedness of the unalloyed service of Heaven, for there 
 " His servants shall serve Him." No more hindrances from 
 infirmities of flesh and spirit no more weariness of the poor 
 exhausted body no more mixture of motives the glory 
 of God sole and alone ! And so to-night having turned to 
 the past and its many mercies, I feel as though I had 
 gathered a little encouragement, a little renewal of faith, 
 hope, and love. 
 
 2 mo. 20., 1874. Constant familiarity with the thought 
 of the not far off end of the journey does not disturb me. 
 I believe this is the result of no false security, but of a con- 
 fiding, humble trust in that love which has followed me all 
 my life long and which will not fail me at the last, for my 
 only hope is in Christ my adorable Eedeemer. I have come 
 to Him and have His promise, " him that cometh unto Me 
 I will in no wise cast out." My more than daily prayer is 
 for help to maintain the conflict to the end for an increase 
 of faith and love and meetness for a home in heaven, through 
 
JEt. 72.] EVENING OF LIFE. 215 
 
 Him who has redeemed us by His own blood. Oh for more 
 constant love for Him, and for a more continual sense of 
 His presence and His love. 
 
 To ISAAC BROWN. 
 
 3 mo. 17, 1874. When I read of thy journeys and labours 
 past, present and prospective, I said, "then let my dear 
 friend give thanks every morning for the ability, the oppor- 
 tunity and the commission to work for his Lord." Long 
 may all these be granted him. My opportunities for active 
 service are very much limited by declining bodily ability. 
 Evening Meetings, among them our Fellowship Meetings, 
 
 I very seldom attend. in one of his recent sermons 
 
 reminded such, " they also serve who only stand and wait." 
 I look back with a kind of regretful pleasure on our little 
 joint services. The morning prayer for help in the day's 
 work, the evening thanksgiving for the answered prayer, 
 seem to gild the past, and turn my thoughts to the not far 
 off future, where service still awaits the servant, unencum- 
 bered, unalloyed. In the meantime I desire to be found so 
 waiting as to be ready for any little work adapted to 
 declining powers. 
 
 8 mo. 17. I sent to the Editor of " The Friend " a 
 review of the first seven chapters of Farrar's " Life of Christ." 
 I read through the two volumes while at Scarborough. The 
 seven chapters reviewed refer to the early life, the boyhood 
 and the Nazareth home of our Lord. Whilst confined to 
 Scriptural facts alone, these are set forth with exceeding 
 beauty. The tenor of the whole narrative, from the joyous 
 youth through the early manhood to the painful yet 
 triumphant close, seemed often to bring my spirit into very 
 near loving and adoring communion. 
 
216 EVENING OF LIFE. [1874. 
 
 In the summer of 1874, John Ford visited Scar- 
 borough, staying with his friends, William and Mary 
 Rowntree, by whom as on many previous occasions 
 he was most kindly welcomed, and his every want 
 anticipated. Difficulty of breathing as well as in- 
 creased general debility made the exercise of walking 
 very fatiguing. He nevertheless enjoyed the change, 
 and returned home feeling refreshed. From this 
 time the downward progress became more evident. 
 He still got to Meetings occasionally ; but the colder 
 weather added to bodily infirmity soon compelled 
 him to forego this privilege. The last occasion 
 he attended public worship was on the First of 
 Eleventh-month ; and from the end of that month 
 he was entirely confined to the house. Lethargy 
 and weariness greatly disqualified him for reading 
 or writing till towards evening : and almost constant 
 internal pain prevented him from sleeping at night 
 without the use of anodynes. 
 
 9 mo. 20. I had nearly concluded not to go out this 
 evening, but the genial air and a secret desire to go altered 
 my conclusion. I went not without a prayer for help and 
 blessing. I had no prospect of vocal service. F. Thorp rose 
 early, quoting several verses in the 12th of Hebrews relative 
 to the " Cloud of Witnesses," referring also to part of the 
 enumeration of Patriarchs and Saints recorded in the 
 eleventh chapter. To these he added the accumulated crowd 
 of the eighteen elapsed centuries, and then the witnesses 
 whom we ourselves had known and honoured and loved, 
 exhorting to look as they had looked, even to Jesus, the 
 author and finisher of their faith. 
 
JEt. 73.] EVENING OF LIFE. 217 
 
 I soon rose, fearing to omit what seemed set before me to 
 offer. I said that whilst listening to what we had already 
 heard, I had been reminded of the cloud of witnesses 
 gathered from among the school-boys and school-girls, who 
 had once occupied the seats now filled by our dear young 
 friends : that in the forty-six years since the boys' school 
 was established more than one hundred who were once 
 scholars had passed into the eternal world, and from the 
 other side a like proportion. Of very many of these there 
 was indubitable evidence, both from their daily lives and 
 their dying beds, that they are now .a part of that great 
 cloud of witnesses, * * * * * it seemed to me that 
 in the presentation of this portion of the ever-accumulating 
 crowd of witnesses there was encouragement and stimulus 
 for my dear young friends. You, as they, have had the 
 blessing of pious parents, of loving Christian care at school 
 have had the privilege of faithful gospel ministry within 
 these walls and elsewhere, and you, as they also were, are 
 the children of many prayers. I would ask you then to 
 resolve, God helping you, to give your hearts to Christ to- 
 night, even now. I echo the words uttered here this morn- 
 ing, and say, " Why not now ? " Group after group, the 
 occupants of these seats are passing away : may they continue 
 to succeed one another for many a year to come. The boys 
 and girls of each succeeding group will be the fathers and 
 mothers of the future. May you, the present occupants, so 
 live as true disciples of Christ, that the influence of the 
 schools may be for good, and for good only, and thus be 
 transmitted to those who shall succeed you. Nor is it to you 
 alone that these aspirations belong, but equally to us all, so 
 to live as that we too may be a part of the cloud of witnesses 
 whose record already is on high. Thus may you with life 
 before you, and we who have passed many years, like those 
 
218 EVENING OF LIFE. [1874. 
 
 to whom I have referred, testify to Christ in our lives and 
 on our dying beds ; and like them, when the end shall come, 
 pass away with His blessed name on our lips. 
 
 To ISAAC BROWN. 
 
 11 mo. 4, 1874. Fifteen years ago this day my more 
 than brother, dear Joseph Rowntree, entered upon his 
 heavenly inheritance. I have a memorandum of one of his 
 last expressions : " This marvellous peace ! this wonderful 
 peace ! this perfect peace ! " With greatly increased debility 
 and with ailments, which, though not threatening, may at a 
 short notice develop what are called alarming symptoms, I 
 can thankfully acknowledge a sense of this peace, in looking 
 towards the close. My sole reliance is on Him who " is our 
 peace," and of whom I can sometimes say, 
 
 " I muse on the years that have passed, 
 
 In which my defence Thou hast proved ; 
 Nor wilt thou relinquish at last, 
 A sinner so signally loved." 
 
 To THOMAS PUPLETT. 
 
 2 mo. 6, 1875. Though thy kind considerateness relieves 
 me from all obligation to reply, there are circumstances 
 connected with thy most welcome letter that impel me, as 
 briefly as I can, to account for writing. Previously to the 
 Quarterly Meeting, my prayer had been for a blessing upon 
 the gathering for an out-pouring of the Holy Spirit on 
 all Ministers and congregation, and for myself that I 
 might, though absent, be a partaker of the festival. This 
 request was most graciously and abundantly granted. My 
 room from time to time during the Quarterly Meeting became 
 a little sanctuary. Besides kind messages and visits, on three 
 separate occasions, ministers of the Gospel, Hannah Thorp, 
 
JEt. 73.] EVENING OF LIFE. 219 
 
 my dear cousin Hannah B. Sewell, and Isaac Brown, engaged 
 in solemn prayer and thanksgiving, greatly to my comfort and 
 rejoicing. To these I may add the kind and loving visit of 
 dear GK and E. Satterthwaite, full of Christian fellowship. 
 Then on Third-day, came thy letter. In a wakeful hour in 
 the night these especial blessings came before me so forcibly, 
 with such an overpowering sense of a Saviour's love, that 
 I enjoyed a tearful jubilate, never to be forgotten. And then 
 I thought I must tell Thomas Tuplett how largely he had 
 contributed to this. There then occurred to me as the best 
 answer I could send him, some lines from Cowper's poem on 
 Charity, as expressive of the enjoyment I had had in this 
 accumulation of blessings. They occur rather beyond 
 midway in the poem, with the line, 
 
 " When one that holds communion with the skies," 
 
 and the eleven following lines.* I would have copied them 
 as part of my letter, but I leave that to thee as I have 
 already reached the extent of my very small capacity for 
 writing. In unabated love, thy attached friend of many 
 
 years, 
 
 JOHN FOBD. 
 
 P.S. Do not construe this letter as boastful or self- 
 complacent ; but rather as a thankful acknowledgment of 
 unmerited mercies. May not the Christian tell of his visit 
 
 * When one that holds communion with the skies 
 Has filled his urn where these pure waters rise, 
 And once more mingles with us meaner things, 
 'Tis e'en as if an angel shook his wings : 
 Immortal fragrance fills the circuit wide, 
 That tells us whence his treasures are supplied. 
 So when a ship, well freighted with the stores 
 The sun matures on India's spicy shores, 
 Has dropt her anchor and her canvass furled, 
 In some safe haven of our western world, 
 'Twere vain enquiry to what port she went, 
 The gale informs us, laden with the scent. 
 
220 EVENING OF LIFE. [1875. 
 
 to the House Beautiful, as well as of his imprisonment in 
 Doubting Castle ? 
 
 2 mo. 9, 1875. S. E. called. After a very interesting 
 conversation she engaged in most sweet and solemn thanks- 
 giving and prayer. We did indeed recognize a third with 
 us, Him who said, " There am I in the midst." One 
 expression had an earnest echo in my own spirit, " Home in 
 Thy own good time." 
 
 2 mo. 27. Praying for entire conformity of will accepting 
 all as from a Father's hand. Tempted to complain turned 
 away immediately. 
 
 The following extract is from the last entry in 
 John Ford's regular diary. 
 
 3 mo. 21. Seventy-four years completed ! In the midst 
 of many ailments incident to old age, (free from acute pain,) 
 passing through a daily round of bodily trouble sleep by 
 means of anodynes needing frequent counteraction by 
 opposites often oppressed with lethargy forms of disease 
 increasing others intensified still through the cloud of the 
 discipline of pain (chastisement a mark of son-ship) I can 
 thankfully acknowledge innumerable blessings alleviations 
 of physical suffering kind and watchful nursing, * * and 
 above all these, in answer to daily, earnest prayer, pre- 
 servation from an impatient, a repining or a distrustful 
 spirit, faith being granted to appropriate " My Grace is 
 sufficient for thee," as for Paul. 
 
 Night after night I dwell upon (silently repeating) many 
 beautiful hymns, and many of the most precious promises of 
 Holy Scripture promises of my God and Saviour kept 
 
-St. 74.] -EVENING OF LIFE. 221 
 
 from all doubt of acceptance in and through Him alone, not 
 having a single plea of any other kind. I hold as a creed, 
 adopted many years ago, the lines in Cowper, of which these 
 form the substance : 
 
 " I never trusted in an arm but Thine, 
 Nor hoped but in Thy righteousness divine," 
 
 with their previous and following context.* I long and pray 
 for entire conformity to the will, and mind and example of 
 Christ. 
 
 In First-month 1875, John Ford's strength failed 
 so rapidly that those about him thought the end 
 was near. But such was not the case. Months of 
 weakness and weariness were still to be his portion ; 
 and a long course of bodily suffering was before him, 
 in which he was permitted strikingly to exemplify 
 the theme which was especially dear to him the 
 all-sufficiency of Divine grace to support in every 
 hour of need. The difficulty of going up and 
 down stairs becoming very great, in Third-month a 
 room adjoining his bedchamber was hastily fitted 
 
 * Since the dear hour, that brought me to thy foot, 
 And cut up all my follies by the root, 
 I never trusted in an arm but Thine, 
 Nor hoped but in Thy righteousness divine : 
 My prayers and alms, imperfect and denied, 
 Were but the feeble efforts of a child ; 
 Howe'er performed, it was their brightest part, 
 That they proceeded from a grateful heart ; 
 Cleansed in thine own all-purifying blood, 
 Forgive their evil, and accept their good ; 
 I cast them at Thy feet my only plea 
 Is what it was, dependence upon Thee ; 
 "While struggling in the vale of tears below, 
 That never failed nor shall it fail me now. 
 
 COWPER'S " TRUTH," 
 
222 EVENING OF LIFE. [1875. 
 
 up as a sitting-room ; and here he spent many 
 happy hours. The extreme beauty of the Spring 
 and of the vegetation in the gardens seen from the 
 window, was a continual source of delight to him. 
 He looked upon them as the works of his Heavenly 
 Father's hand, testifying to His love and goodness. 
 
 He retired to rest early. After a few hours' sleep 
 he usually woke feeling much refreshed, and enjoyed 
 sitting up by the fire for an hour or two in the very 
 early morning. The comparative freedom from pain 
 and lethargy usually granted him in these early hours 
 he felt to be a peculiar blessing, and his " Matins " 
 (as he termed them) were the brightest part of the 
 day. It was then that he enjoyed his Scripture 
 readings in Greek and English ; and Anna Shipton's 
 books,* recently brought under his notice, were a 
 source of great comfort and help to him. It was at 
 such times before returning to bed that he made 
 most of the brief records in pencil which form the 
 continuation of his Diary. 
 
 3 mo. 23. Weariness and pain. Many a prayer for 
 patience amidst the trials of the poor body not in vain. 
 
 3 mo. 31. Faith not failed, but longing for light and 
 love. 
 
 * " Wayside Service ; " " Asked of God ; " " The Lost Blessing ; " Wait- 
 ing Hours ; " " The Secret of the Lord ; " " The Promise and the Promiser ; " 
 " The Watch Tower in the Wilderness , " " Tell Jesus ; " and " Footsteps of 
 the Flock." 
 
Mi. 74.] EVENING OF LIFE. . 223 
 
 To EEBECCA THOMPSON. 
 
 4 mo. 6, 1875. I thank thee very much for thy encourag- 
 ing and comforting texts. How wonderfully does a visitation 
 of illness, especially amidst the weakness of age, enhance the 
 estimate of the priceless value of Holy Scripture its glorious 
 promises its assurances its setting forth of the infiniteness 
 of our Heavenly Father's love to us, in and through His 
 dear Son our adorable Eedeemer. * * * * I should be 
 an ungrateful receiver of blessings did I not thankfully 
 acknowledge that I am not permitted to distrust my Saviour's 
 love, notwithstanding intervening clouds of weariness and 
 pain sometimes drift across the sky, and partially obscure 
 the sun for a time. 
 
 To ISAAC BROWN. 
 
 4 mo. 14. As regards the body and its varied ailments, I 
 am many stages lower than when I saw thee last. As regards 
 the spirit, that was a time of most especial favour. I have 
 thought of it since as a brief sojourn in the land of Beulah 
 and of intercourse with the " Shepherds " on the " Delectable 
 Mountains." I did indeed experience the joy as well as 
 the peace of believing, arising partly perhaps from a near 
 prospect of home. And now, through the clouds of the 
 discipline of pain, I have faith to believe that the sun is 
 shining above the clouds, and through occasional rifts I see 
 its brightness and feel its glow. I will not speak of my 
 increasing ailments; it would be a depressing catalogue. 
 They do not seem to point to a speedy issue. Is it wrong 
 to long for home, with a full reservation " Thy will be done ?" 
 I may tell you of my blessings and alleviations and exemptions : 
 I have no oppression on the breathing when at rest no 
 
221 EVENING OF LIFE. [1875. 
 
 head-ache no confusion of intellect. I have numerous kind 
 friends. * * * You know that I have a most kind and 
 faithful, watchful attendant in my old servant, for whom I 
 have made a life provision. I am still ahle to enjoy reading. 
 * * * * ^y more than daily prayer is for " grace 
 sufficient " for every hour every moment. 
 
 4 mo. 19. Earnest prayer for entire resignation. The 
 future, moment by moment, referred solely to Thy keeping 
 and direction. 
 
 4 mo. 23. Why do I long to go home ? To avoid 
 suffering ? Or for love to Christ and desires to be with Him ? 
 Oh give me this for His sake, and faith and grace to bear. 
 
 4 mo. 24. In " The Lost Blessing," (pages 161 and 162) 
 most precious promises brought home to my great comfort. 
 The refrain, 
 
 " Follow the Master's footsteps, 
 Drink of the Master's cup." 
 
 Prayer for patient acquiescence for each moment Grace 
 sufficient. " Christ hath sufficed thee, and He shall suffice ; " 
 sufficed in action formerly, in suffering now. 
 
 4 mo. 25. More exalted views of Grospel ministry. 
 Retrospect of very imperfect service. Is the present teaching 
 a preparation for the perfect service of another life, in which 
 " His servants shall serve Him " ? 
 
 4 mo. 28. Many an upward look for patience. 
 
 5 mo. 6, 1875. Beading Anna Shipton's little books has 
 impressed me with the imperfection of past services, and 
 led me to believe that one purpose may be accomplished in 
 the present discipline of pain, and I have prayed that it 
 may be so a preparation for the more blessed service at 
 
Mt. 74.] EVENING OF LIFE. 225 
 
 home in Heaven. Another purpose is, I believe, accomplish- 
 ing, more and more meetness for that service more and 
 more of " wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and 
 redemption." 
 
 5 mo. 25. Ailments increasing. My refuge is prayer 
 for Grace sufficient. Peace still no fear longing for Home. 
 
 5 mo. 31. My prayer is now for help " to pray without 
 ceasing." Kneeling and rising are times of great pain. He 
 is not a hard Master. 
 
 6 mo. 1. Whilst arranging my pillows, my kind, faithful 
 attendant gave me that most precious text, " As thy days, 
 so shall thy strength be." Enabled to accept it, my heart 
 overflowed with thanksgiving in the peace and joy of be- 
 lieving. 
 
 6 mo. 5. The thought sometimes occurs that the end may 
 be remote. My prayer is, " in Thy own good time, Lord 
 hasten the day." 
 
 6 mo. 7. Some abatement of pain in this nocturnal vigil. 
 A poor sick child longing for home peaceful and helped in 
 prayer therefore T 0s So'fa. 
 
 6 mo. 10. Enjoyments still, but not in them seen and 
 heard from my nice day-room : the advance of Spring 
 the beauty of the opening buds and flowers the gushing 
 rain to-day, the rolling thunder, the bass of the great 
 anthem, " Spring has come forth, her work of gladness to 
 contrive." 
 
 6 mo. 17. The happiness of the boys at Bootham, 
 present and impending about to go home and then to be 
 there, is even now (4 a.m.) sweetly associated with the thought 
 of going to, and being in a home, purchased, prepared, 
 one of the many mansions. " What will it be to be there ?" 
 
 Q 
 
226 EVENING OF LIFE. [1875. 
 
 6 mo. 21. " When thou liest down thou shalt not be 
 afraid." Not afraid now, nor when lying down at last 
 through Thy redeeming love, adorable Redeemer. 
 
 6 mo. 22. The Spirit himself witnessing with my spirit 
 that I even I am a son, redeemed by the precious blood 
 of Christ and by that alone. To God be glory a thousand 
 fold. Thankful for a long midnight vigil of clear intellect 
 and abated pain. 
 
 The decay of bodily strength progressing slowly 
 but steadily, at last confined John Ford entirely to 
 his bed-room. He was wheeled in his chair into 
 the sitting-room for the last time on the Fourth of 
 Seventh-month. The lethargy which for months 
 had been very trying to him became so much more 
 oppressive, added to constantly increasing debility, 
 that he could read but little, and writing was very 
 burdensome. Then came complete confinement 
 to bed. In addition to almost constant internal 
 pain, the sense of extreme exhaustion, often as 
 trying as pain, tested his patience to the utmost. 
 Those who had known him in his earlier days, and 
 remembered his nervous temperament, his ready 
 excitability and his extreme sensitiveness to pain, 
 could not but marvel at the patience and unmurmur- 
 ing spirit with which he bore his days and nights of 
 suffering and unrest. But He who gave the assur- 
 ance, " My Grace is sufficient for thee," a promise 
 which the sufferer loved to dwell on during the whole 
 of his illness, did not forsake His servant, but was 
 ever present in the hour of need. Though the 
 
JEt. 74.] EVENING OF LIFE. 227 
 
 outward man was perishing, yet the inward man was 
 renewed day by day ; and so to the last he could 
 thankfully testify that as his day so had his strength 
 been. 
 
 The great pleasure he had always taken in hymns 
 and devotional poetry, proved a constant source of 
 comfort and enjoyment. The love of Jesus was a 
 theme on which he delighted to dwell. " Oh," he 
 exclaimed one day in the earlier part of his illness, 
 " if I should ever be permitted again to preach the 
 Gospel in Meetings, how earnestly would I set forth 
 the exceeding love of Jesus." 
 
 Rather more than six months before his decease, 
 such a vivid sense of acceptance in Christ Jesus was 
 granted, that he frequently afterwards referred to 
 this period as being " in the land of Beulah : " and 
 this sense of acceptance was mercifully continued to 
 the last. During the protracted period of pain and 
 weariness through which he had to pass, he was 
 never permitted to doubt that through redeeming 
 love his name was written in the Lamb's Book of 
 Life. The precious sense of entire peace which was 
 so often felt in sitting by him, was more than can be 
 expressed. The sting and the fear of death were 
 removed. In sending messages to friends at a 
 distance he would say, " Tell them I am troubled 
 in body, but with undisturbed peace." 
 
 As he became unable to write letters, he would 
 request one or other of those about him to write for 
 
228 EVENING OF LIFE. [1875. 
 
 him, and would make a few memoranda in pencil of 
 what he wished to say. One of these, dated 7 mo. 
 16, is as follows : 
 
 My kind substitute most readily undertakes the 
 
 duty of amanuensis to one who each morning on awaking 
 feels himself a poor sick child under the notice of a loving 
 Heavenly Father, and a Saviour close at hand ; and thus 
 faith and hope and assurance are sustained even amidst much 
 debility and intervals of acute pain. Very dear love, though 
 very weary and feeble. 
 
 It was touching to hear his fervent expressions of 
 gratitude and thankfulness for any alleviation of pain 
 or uneasiness. One evening he was much disturbed 
 by a band of music in the street. On the following 
 night he remarked that the absence of this annoyance 
 was a cause for thankfulness, and he felt that favours 
 and mercies however small should not be unacknow- 
 ledged. Many a time he would say, " Take hold of 
 my arm and now a prayer for a blessing on the 
 means used that there may be a little alleviation for 
 the coming hour. And now I will try and get a little 
 sleep." Then like a weary child, when his pillow 
 was smoothed down, he would settle for a brief rest. 
 Again and again would the simple prayer arise, " If 
 it be Thy will if it be Thy will give a little relief 
 from suffering to Thy poor sick child." 
 
 One evening about three weeks before his decease 
 he said, u I wish to say emphatically in the presence 
 of you all as witnesses, that I have found the grace 
 
-t. 74.] EVENING OF LIFE. 229 
 
 of God sufficient on all occasions." He used nearly 
 the same words more than once subsequently, adding 
 to them the declaration that his faith and trust had 
 not been permitted to waver. 
 
 During a time of extreme suffering on the 8th of 
 Eighth-month, John Ford hastily sent for an absent 
 friend who had been much with him during his 
 illness, and who thus describes the interview. 
 
 " On going to the bed-side, he said, ' I want thee to pray 
 for me, and with me.' And as the words were feebly uttered, 
 ' Heavenly Father, we ask Thee for Jesus' sake,' lie inter- 
 posed, ' Oh, yes ! that is it, for Jesus' sake.' We asked that 
 the Saviour would be very near through all the journey ; 
 and again he joined in, ' and to the river's brink.' We 
 added * and through the river.' The next words were his, 
 ' and to the very gates.' And when we added, ( and into 
 the presence of the Saviour whom he so loved and served/ 
 the dear invalid gave a most emphatic ' Amen.' His soul 
 seemed satisfied." 
 
 In the morning of his last day upon earth, his mind 
 wandered a little, and the power of speech for a time 
 seemed gone. Occasionally the suffering expression 
 of his countenance was changed for one of exceeding 
 brightness, and his eyes had a very far-away look, 
 as if gazing on something beyond the ken of those 
 about him. Once when thus gazing upwards he 
 beckoned with his finger ; and when asked if he 
 wanted something, he said, " I want to go home : " 
 and after awhile, " Tell them to come quickly : " 
 
230 EVENING OF LIFE. [1875. 
 
 then more distinctly, " He knows me better than 
 any human eye," adding emphatically, " and I 
 know Him." Words of prayer followed, but only 
 one sentence could be gathered, " Thou knowest all 
 the process to the very end." Faith and patience 
 did indeed hold out to the close. His breathing 
 gradually became quieter till it gently ceased, and 
 the redeemed spirit entered into the joy of his Lord. 
 John Ford died on the 16th of Eighth-month, 
 1875, aged seventy-four years and five months. 
 His remains were interred in the Friends' Burial 
 Ground, York, on the 19th. One of the many who 
 loved and honoured him, and who came from a 
 distance to pay their last tribute of respect, has given 
 the following account of the day's proceedings. 
 
 I had the privilege of attending the interment : it took 
 place in the Friends' Burial Ground, Heslington Eoad, York, 
 a mile or so out of the city. The place is retired and rural, 
 prettily planted with shrubs, and intersected with walks. 
 Here and there on that occasion, some bird occasionally gave 
 forth its sweet note ; and the afternoon sunbeams were falling 
 brightly on the graves of the silent dead. Friends from 
 many places, near and far off, old pupils, teachers who 
 had served under the deceased as their chief, City acquaint- 
 ances, the then pupils of Bootham School, and old servants 
 of a former day, made their way, some on foot, some in 
 equipages, to the place of sepulture. When the more 
 immediate mourners had arrived with the remains, all drew 
 around the open grave, a mixed but reverent company. 
 The grave was the one in which Rachel Ford had been 
 interred some years before, a woman of no common virtues, 
 
-t. 74.] EVENING OF LIFE. 231 
 
 and eminently graced with the ornament of a meek and 
 quiet spirit. On headstones in immediate proximity, I read 
 the honoured names of Samuel Tuke and Joseph Eowntree, 
 two of John Ford's most loved and chosen friends. A 
 heavenly feeling of unusual solemnity overspread the gath- 
 ered throng, and fitting, teaching, soul-inspiring words were 
 spoken in memory of the dead, and in praise of the efficacy 
 of Christ's sustaining Grace. Years fulfilled, service accom- 
 plished, suffering over, an eternity of bliss begun, were 
 thoughts, no doubt, that passed through many a mind. 
 
 As the company slowly moved away, Fielden Thorp, once 
 John Ford's pupil, then a teacher under him, and eventually 
 his successor as Superintendent of Bootham School, was 
 seen to lead to the grave-side an aged pilgrim, who reverently 
 looked down into that deep and narrow resting-place. This 
 was Thomas Eichardson, bravely bearing the weight of 
 four-score years, a clergyman of the Church of England, a 
 practical member of the fraternity of Teachers, and long 
 one of John Ford's personal friends. Many others also 
 passed over the newly upturned earth to take a last look at 
 the coffin and the grave, and then there was a general 
 adjournment to the Meeting-house in the City. A good 
 and solemn Meeting ensued-. The vocal offerings, whether 
 of comment, exhortation, or prayer, seemed to me peculiarly 
 fitted to the occasion, judicious in their references, alike to 
 the living and the dead. 
 
 After the Meeting a gathering of many of John Ford's 
 old pupils, teachers and friends took place at the Bootham 
 School, under the efficient direction of John Firth Fryer, 
 the present Superintendent. We broke bread together under 
 cheerful yet mingled feelings ; and then a brief sketch of 
 our dear honoured friend's last illness was read, which took 
 us most touchingly through his lingering hours, his triumphs 
 
232 EVENING OF LIFE. [1875. 
 
 of faith, his passage of the Jordan of death, and his ascent 
 to the very Gates of Heaven. 
 
 On my way to the Railway Station to return home, cross- 
 ing the handsome Lendal Bridge that spans the Ouse, the 
 sun was seen hanging low in misty yet gorgeous splendour 
 over the river. With what keen zest of enjoyment had 
 I known my departed friend to gaze on similar sights. 
 The splendid view became at once a reminder of the glorious 
 land he had entered, where flows a pure river of water of 
 life, clear as crystal, and where no earthly mists obscure the 
 light of Him who is its Sun. 
 
SECTION VI. 
 PEESONAL EEMINISOENCES. 
 
 John Ford's long professional career presents 
 phases differing widely from each other. His earlier 
 scholars retain impressions in some respects very 
 dissimilar from those which are cherished by his 
 pupils of a later period, when under the power of 
 Divine grace and the influence of his happy marriage, 
 the asperities of his character and the impulsiveness 
 of younger life were softened down and brought 
 into subjection. Thus the personal reminiscences 
 of one may present a portrait, which however truth- 
 ful and life-like at the particular period, is hardly 
 recognised by others whose acquaintance with the 
 original was limited to a different stage of life. 
 With the hope therefore of presenting a more com- 
 prehensive picture than if it had been drawn by one 
 limner only, the Editor invited the assistance of 
 some of his friends, who either as Teachers or 
 Scholars (or both) had been intimately connected 
 with John Ford ; and he feels much indebted to 
 them for the kindness and readiness with which they 
 have responded to his application. He has preferred 
 giving the sketches separately at the risk of occa- 
 sional repetition, rather than attempting to combine 
 or condense them. 
 
234 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 
 
 I. 
 
 REMINISCENCES OF LAWRENCE ST. SCHOOL, 1829 TO 1835. 
 
 It is difficult at this distance of time to recall the exact 
 condition of the School at its commencement, but if in answer 
 to his request the following jottings will in any way serve the 
 Editor's purpose, the writer has pleasure in placing them at 
 his disposal. 
 
 I well remember arriving at the School at its opening 
 under John Ford in 1829, in the old-fashioned six-inside 
 " Trafalgar " Coach, which set a fellow-scholar and myself 
 down at the door, after a journey of forty miles occupying 
 over six hours. I wish I could as readily recall my early 
 impressions of John Ford and of the School at that time ; but 
 as I find this is impossible, I must be allowed in attempting 
 to put down a few reminiscences, to give them as belonging 
 to the whole period I remained at Lawrence St. School. 
 
 There was, I remember, a mixed element in the School at 
 its commencement, some boys remaining over from the 
 previous regime who were not " Friends." One of these is 
 distinctly impressed on my mind from my having seen him, 
 when calling at the School prior to John Ford's becoming 
 the head, stripped for a pugilistic encounter. I never 
 remember an actual " fight " taking place in my school-days, 
 and this, like the free use of the cane which had previously 
 existed, was entirely abolished. I do not mean to say 
 corporal punishment was never used, but I only remember 
 one boy and he was a most troublesome one who after 
 
 spending some days in " 's Castle," (as the room he 
 
 was placed in was called), was flogged, whether for his good 
 or not I cannot say : and beyond an occasional boxing of the 
 ears I do not remember any other. 
 
 If my recollections are correct, as I believe they are, that 
 corporal punishment was in fact abolished, it will be readily 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 235 
 
 seen in looking back to the condition of the public mind and 
 the practice of schools generally at that period, how far 
 John Ford was ahead of his time in thus preferring to depend 
 upon moral power or suasion, for the government of the 
 School. 
 
 That he was successful in this, I feel no doubt ; and I 
 should think that the actual amount of other punishment 
 was decidedly small. That this government was one which 
 worked easily in all cases, or to the equal satisfaction of all 
 concerned, it would however be a mistake to suppose. Many 
 would have preferred " a good flogging " to the prolonged 
 interviews or long silent sittings in the Library or in seclusion. 
 
 There was also at the period under review, what I have no 
 doubt John Ford struggled hard to overcome, (and did to a 
 large extent overcome in later years) though we boys knew 
 nothing of this and judged him hardly in consequence great 
 irregularity of temper, and at times much petulance was 
 shewn. I well remember that the manner in which a certain 
 door was shut behind him as he entered the School in the 
 morning, was looked upon as an index of the way in which 
 we might expect to be treated for the day ; and thus whilst 
 some carelessness or want of attention was one day treated 
 with much good temper, and some allowance made for the 
 stupidity or infirmity of the boy, the same offences were on 
 another treated with undue harshness, and a class might be 
 suddenly sent to its place, or a book sent at the head of 
 a poor fellow stammering over his Latin or French, which it 
 is needless to say only increased his difficulty and made the 
 lessons an object of dread and aversion. Not that there was 
 intentional unkindness in all this, but the uncertainty had an 
 injurious effect on some boys, and made his reign to them 
 one of fear instead of love. And thus it may easily be 
 imagined that with sensitive boys or those who could not 
 
236 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 
 
 easily forget these explosions, school reminiscences were not 
 so unmixed as might have been desired. 
 
 But it seems unjust to one whom I so heartily loved in 
 after years, to dwell so long on the weaker side of his 
 character, and in doing so, I can make every allowance for 
 the difficulties he had to encounter with his warm, impul- 
 sive nature ; and as is usually the case with such natures, the 
 sunny days were really delightful ones. To the stupid boy he 
 would explain the lesson as few others could, so clearly and 
 kindly that he must needs understand it, and what brought 
 tears one day, caused a smile then : for the restless or in- 
 attentive the fullest allowance was made consistent with 
 good order, whilst the warm, hearty approval given to those 
 who did their work well, went far to efface the less pleasing 
 recollections of other days. Most delightful also under such 
 influences were the excursions or long walks, when gathering 
 around John Ford, he would be the centre of all that amused 
 or interested us a good joke, a good natured quizz, an apt 
 quotation, a few lines of poetry, a race or a jump in which we 
 were of course beaten : then his deep interest in Natural 
 History and his quick observation, helped to strengthen and 
 form that love of Nature which has always been so prominent 
 a feature in York School. 
 
 How many there are to whom the remembrance of "Lang- 
 with " in connexion with these excursions, will bring back a 
 rush of pleasant thoughts, and make them perhaps for the 
 moment sigh that they are not still boys, and able as then to 
 drink in with the freshness of a boy's delight a draught of 
 the elixir of childhood. 
 
 I have very little recollection of what may be called any 
 directly religious influence in the school. There were not 
 more than two or three boys who ventured to read their 
 Bibles in public except when expected to do so on First-days ; 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 237 
 
 and I remember during the last year I was at school being 
 taunted by the head teacher, why I know not, with " trying 
 to be rekgeou*" as he called it. As to John Ford's own 
 earnest desire to promote and encourage a religious tone 
 in the school, I have not the slightest doubt ; and I can 
 recall certain occasions, as in the instance of severe illness or 
 a death in the school, when his earnest addresses impressed 
 many young hearts, and sowed or helped to water seeds 
 which have since borne good fruit. 
 
 Great as the difficulty may be supposed to be in the 
 present day in obtaining good Teachers, it is nothing com- 
 pared with the period under review ; and the Teacher to 
 whom I have just referred (not a " Friend ") would not now 
 be deemed worthy of the post he held ; and in passing 
 I cannot but note the great benefits which the Flounders' 
 Institute has conferred upon the schools of the Society of 
 Friends. 
 
 If this retrospect may seem to have brought out in too 
 sharp or distinct a form the failings of one, who in after 
 years became so admirably adapted for his post, it may not 
 be without a service in showing how with increasing years 
 came increasing wisdom and self-control; and if I and 
 others may have had to bear what may be compared to the 
 rule of a " 'prentice " hand, which was not at all times wise 
 or equal in its pressure we cannot but rejoice that others 
 have benefited by the experience thus gained ; and whilst 
 feeling that there were matters in the early years of his 
 administration which may be regarded with regret, there 
 must ever remain in the memory of his pupils, the image of 
 one who never descended to anything that was mean or 
 unbecoming, and who endeavoured to uphold in his life 
 as well as in his words the high standard of Christian 
 character put before us in the words, " Brethren, whatsoever 
 
238 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. ' 
 
 things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever 
 things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things 
 are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report ; if there be 
 any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." 
 
 JAMES. H. TUKE. 
 
 II. 
 
 In the year 1844, coming as a little boy to school at 
 Lawrence Street, I first became acquainted with John Ford ; 
 little thinking then how largely my whole life would be 
 influenced by my intercourse with him. Great was the awe, 
 though mingled with a cordial feeling of esteem, with which 
 most of the junior scholars, myself included, regarded him. 
 
 There was a little ante-room partitioned off from the 
 Library in Lawrence Street, where I believe some books and 
 papers, shoes, slippers, and the like belonging to J. F. were 
 stowed ; but the current tradition of the school maintained 
 that it was there that the cane was kept. As, however, I 
 never knew it to be brought out from this or any other 
 hiding-place, during the thirty-one years over which my 
 acquaintance with John Ford extended, I may use the lan- 
 guage of the Roman Historian, and say, " de ea re nihil 
 satis comperti affirmare velim." 
 
 Acute physical sensitiveness was associated in John Ford's 
 case with a keen perception of the beautiful in nature, and 
 a quick appreciation of that which is lovely and of good 
 report in the characters of those around him. An amusing 
 instance of the first point occurred to me as a little boy : 
 In the course of a game in the playground I had wounded 
 my head by a knock against a tree, so that it bled profusely, 
 and a school-fellow in alarm took me off to the old nurse who 
 then presided over the infirmary department. She, I suppose, 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 239 
 
 deemed the case beyond her skill, and forthwith fetched in 
 John Ford, who proceeded to apply plaster in a very skilful" 
 style. But while engaged thus he noticed that a Dutch 
 clock which hung in the room was on the point of striking. 
 He could not endure the interruption of this noise; and 
 instantly clapt his hand on the pendulum and stopped the 
 clock. 
 
 Of his delight in the beauty of the outward creation his 
 frequent references to it in addresses to the boys bore wit- 
 ness and not unconnected with this was his keen relish for 
 poetry. Some of us can remember with how much effect 
 he would bring out, after reading with us in the school-room 
 the Scripture narrative of Saul's interview with the spirit of 
 Samuel at Endor, the powerful lines in which Byron has 
 depicted the scene : or remind us at a Meeting of the 
 Natural History Society, in Cowper's words, of Him 
 
 " Who gives its lustre to an insect's wing, 
 And wheels His throne upon the rolling worlds." 
 
 Old scholars who knew something of the discipline of 
 sickness while under John Ford's care, will well remember 
 his kindness. Along with somewhat of sternness in manner 
 there was a depth of sympathy and consideration for suffer- 
 ing that at once gained the loving confidence of the patient. 
 He was once visiting for the first time at a friend's house, 
 where two boys were staying, one of whom was evidently in 
 delicate health. After they had left the room, the two were 
 exchanging notes about the visitor. The elder, a youth in 
 vigorous health, remarked, " What an eye he has ! it seems 
 to look right through you ! " " J think it is a very kind 
 eye," was the response of the invalid. 
 
 Yery early in his career, John Ford became fully alive to 
 the importance of providing useful and pleasant occupation 
 for leisure time. Even while closely pressed with the ordi- 
 nary work of the school, he devoted many hours to editing 
 
240 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 
 
 a manuscript magazine, called The Naturalist, which circu- 
 lated among the boys. Every York scholar must remember 
 the interest he took in the various pursuits promoted by the 
 " Natural History and Polytechnic Society," of which he 
 was the founder, and, up to his decease, the president. As 
 long as health permitted, he delighted to attend the half- 
 yearly and other special meetings of the Society where a 
 cordial welcome always awaited him. He would tell us 
 from time to time, in his old lively way, how a botanical box 
 carried by one of the party when he and two of his scholars 
 were in "Wales together, procured them an introduction to 
 one of the leading officials employed on the construction of 
 the Britannia Bridge over the Menai Straits, and a walk 
 over the tube in his company : or would take up the specimen 
 of the Ziczac (the Trochilus of Herodotus), and recount, to 
 the amusement of the youngsters, the cleverness of the bird 
 and its friendship for the Crocodile ; and would add a few 
 words of loving, practical counsel on the employment of 
 leisure time. 
 
 Thirty years ago, when Greek, Latin, and Mathematics, 
 with a smattering of French, history and geography formed 
 the staple of ordinary school instruction, he was fully alive 
 to the value of natural science as a branch of education ; 
 and though the appliances now so abundant were almost 
 unknown, he contrived to interest his scholars by means of 
 lectures, in geology, physiology, mechanics, chemistry and 
 astronomy. These lectures were at first often delivered by 
 himself, and gradually entrusted to some of the resident 
 teachers, whose attention had been directed to one or another 
 of these sciences. 
 
 As a teacher or lecturer, he was somewhat deficient in 
 method but his discursiveness was to a large extent com- 
 pensated for by the lively manner, awakening the sympathetic 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 241 
 
 interest of his scholars. He had a great dread of resembling 
 Quintilian's description of the " magister aridus " the " dry 
 stick " as he used to translate the phrase. But I had com- 
 paratively little experience of his teaching in ordinary class 
 work ; his influence in the moral government of the school 
 is what lives most in my recollection of those earlier years. 
 He was eminently successful in inculcating a high standard 
 of truthfulness not the mere abstention from direct false- 
 hood, which he would characterize as a very poor idea indeed 
 of the requirements of truth, but the avoidance of all shifts, 
 evasions, and underhand doings the endeavour to act, and 
 speak, and live in perfect sincerity and straightforwardness. 
 The frank acknowledgment of an offence went very far to 
 secure his overlooking it, while any attempts at prevarication 
 generally resulted in the utter shame and confusion of the 
 offender. 
 
 In the prospect of entering the school in 1850 as a Junior 
 teacher, I wrote to John Ford to enquire the nature of the 
 work that would be likely to fall to my lot. After giving 
 some details in 'reply as to the subjects taught in the lower 
 classes, J. F. proceeds : 
 
 " In replying to thy father's letter I mentioned that the 
 indescribable part of our work was far the larger portion. 
 To attempt to describe the indescribable would probably be 
 a failure. To discriminate wisely between that which is 
 merely the result of the liveliness and volatility of youth, 
 and that which indicates moral obliquity, and to treat each 
 accordingly ; to be yielding yet firm ; to be all things to all 
 boys, in the apostolic sense ; to cultivate large sympathy 
 with the cheerful spirit of youth ; to see that our humility 
 keeps ahead of our knowledge ; these, and many other 
 faculties and endowments will be needed for that part of 
 our work which I have not attempted to describe." 
 
 R 
 
242 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, 
 
 One secret of John Ford's success lay in his power of 
 making his influence felt through his teachers. We have 
 known very conscientious, pains-taking schoolmasters quite 
 unable to attain this : their personal oversight, their constant 
 presence, seemed necessary to the working of the machine ; 
 or, if this were not the case, the under-masters were .left to 
 carry through the discipline of the school by the mere weight 
 of their own authority, with little guidance or support from 
 the Principal. John Ford's own experience at Rochester 
 had shown him the importance of such guidance and support 
 from the head-master ; and some of those who were long 
 associated with him at York can bear testimony that he had 
 learned the lesson well. Vividly do they remember his kind, 
 almost fatherly sympathy with the young teacher in his 
 difficulties and discouragements; his readiness to interpose 
 his personal influence and authority for the support of a sub- 
 ordinate officer, and the relief experienced, in cases of 
 difficulty, from transferring the responsibility to him. 
 
 Eminently characteristic is the following piece of advice ; 
 and those who were privileged to be associated with him in 
 the School will bear testimony how fully he carried out in his 
 own practice the precepts he inculcated. " Watch your 
 opportunities ; help your pupils in their little difficulties, 
 answer every request so as to invite another, aid them in 
 their pursuits of science, or natural history, in prosecuting 
 their inquiries, in determining and naming their plants, 
 their fossils, and their shells : avail yourselves of every 
 occasion of making yourselves acquainted with their parents 
 and their home ; there is magic in even a small amount of 
 this community of interest and of feeling : be the first to 
 detect any little ailment, or indisposition, and whilst guard- 
 ing against anything that would minister to effeminacy, or 
 that would discourage them from bearing with manly fortitude, 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 243 
 
 their portion of pain or of sickness, let them see that your 
 liveliest sympathy is awakened, and your kindest care mani- 
 fested. Above all, watch the precious moment of affliction, 
 or sorrow, it is then that the portals of the youthful heart 
 are open ; wisely, gently, unobtrusively, unofficiously, perhaps 
 almost silently, seek to soothe and console them then." 
 
 Amongst the various papers written by John Ford for the 
 Friends' Educational Society is one entitled " Influence and 
 Authority," from which the extract just quoted was taken. 
 Another of great value is on " The Duties and Difficulties of 
 Young Teachers.'* A careful perusal of these papers will 
 give those who did not know John Ford a fair idea of his 
 professional character. I will conclude my remarks with a 
 single extract from the latter, in which I cannot help feeling 
 he was describing somewhat of his own happy experience. 
 " Bringing to the service a sense of duty and of love ; that 
 genuine interest and true earnestness, without which nothing 
 worth accomplishing can be brought to a successful issue, the 
 teacher will find that his honourable profession amply rewards 
 its votaries. He will win the grateful affection of the young 
 by ministering to their thirst for information, by inciting and 
 gratifying their curiosity in the boundless fields of knowledge, 
 as well as by checking their wayward tendencies, and attracting 
 them to the paths of peace and safety. As years roll on, still 
 distrusting himself, being a constant and earnest applicant 
 for that wisdom which is from above, he will become a happy 
 and an honoured man. Still endeavouring faithfully to 
 fulfil his trust, he will find his power to influence others 
 increased, and his sphere of usefulness enlarged. The affection 
 of the schoolboy towards him will be matured into the grateful 
 esteem of the young man, whose heart is still open to the 
 word of counsel from him whom he learned to love in his 
 earlier years. Not in the spirit of self-exaltation, but with 
 
244 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 
 
 self-renouncing gratitude to Grod for the ability which He has 
 given to labour in His vineyard, he will sometimes be cheered 
 and encouraged by seeing those whom he has taught, 
 exemplifying the Christian principles he has laboured to instil. 
 To see truth and kindness and purity still the stamp of their 
 character, and as years increase, to mark in them the consistent 
 and intelligent advocates of the right, exemplifying that moral 
 courage, firm yet gentle, which he strove to implant to see 
 them the faithful servants of Christ, consecrating to Him their 
 talents and their learning, laying all their gifts upon His altar 
 this may be at times his happy experience, and he may say 
 with the apostle, in the spirit of thankful gratitude, " what is 
 our hope, our joy, our crown of rejoicing ; are not even ye in 
 the presence of Jesus Christ ? " Though bowed down at times 
 with a sense of poor imperfect service, confessing himself an 
 unprofitable servant, yet trusting in his Heavenly Father's 
 mercy in Jesus Christ, he may hope at the end to receive the 
 crown of his labours in the approving sentence of Well done ! " 
 
 FIELDEN THOEP. 
 
 III. 
 
 I had the privilege of serving as a Teacher at Bootham 
 for three years ; and that, during what may perhaps be 
 called the Augustan period of John Ford's administration, 
 his physical energy still large, his mind lively and vigorous, 
 the asperities of an earlier day almost entirely worn down, 
 and his Christian character, though, as we know, still further 
 to be matured, even then shining with distinguished lustre. 
 
 On first crossing the threshold, I perceived, at a glance, 
 that he was master of the place. His will and word were 
 law : but that will was so happily regulated by heavenly 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 245 
 
 wisdom, that only on one occasion, was I cognizant of any- 
 thing approaching to arbitrariness in his management of the 
 boys ; for which, his subsequent demeanour clearly showed 
 his humiliation and regret. 
 
 The assurance he gave me before entering the school, that, 
 " from his wife and himself I should receive all the assistance 
 their position and ability could afford," was well fulfilled. 
 Though expecting from a Teacher the right discharge of his 
 duties, he was truly sympathizing with him in his difficulties. 
 One instance is vividly before me, when, at inconvenience to 
 himself, he sought me out as I was sitting withdrawn from 
 others under a temporary feeling of much discouragement, and 
 poured balm into my wounded spirit. With all his kindness, 
 however, my three years under him never quite wore off a 
 feeling of restraint in his presence somewhat painful to bear, 
 notwithstanding his evident effort to put me perfectly at ease. 
 
 I knew scarcely anything of John Ford as an actual class 
 teacher, maintaining needful order, and laboriously instilling 
 book-learning from day to day. That part of a Teacher's 
 vocation, he had, at the period referred to, almost entirely 
 discontinued. But, as a trainer of youth, as a director of 
 mental effort and leisure hour pursuits, as a moral preceptor, 
 as an expounder of religious truth, and as an advocate of all 
 that is pure, and lovely, and honest, and of good report, I 
 I had the pleasure of knowing him at his prime. 
 
 That he had great influence over the young is undoubted : 
 and this influence resulted from a combination of qualifica- 
 tions. Love alone will not give this power : but when on 
 this foundation stone rests a true understanding of a boy's 
 nature, a perception of his legitimate tastes, and ability to 
 aid them, a vivacity that attracts the juvenile mind, a 
 power of will, an honesty of purpose, a readiness of expedient 
 all exerted on a boy's behalf, a sympathy with his joys 
 
246 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 
 
 and with his sorrows, the gift vividly to pourtray and to 
 recommend what is right, and equal power in denouncing 
 what is wrong, mental acquirements, which, if not profound, 
 are yet varied, and amply sufficient to command respect, a 
 disposition not blindly, but hopefully, to look on the brighter 
 side of a young delinquent, and whilst faithfully pointing out 
 his errors, not always upbraiding him, and when from the 
 basement to the very topstone of this goodly column is 
 mingled the unyielding mortar of true Christian interest, 
 then a teacher, under the Divine blessing, is signally gifted for 
 tutoring and moulding the minds of his precious charge. 
 And those who knew John Ford in his full and mature de- 
 velopment, will readily admit, that these endowments were 
 bestowed on him in no ordinary degree. 
 
 His method, stated without detail, was threefold : daily 
 mingling with the boys, and so exerting an almost unfelt but 
 powerful influence ; private, loving labour in its many 
 forms ; and public exhortation ; in which he addressed him- 
 self with remarkable skill, to school-boy needs, virtues, 
 failings, dangers, or privileges, as the occasion might require. 
 His style in these addresses was peculiarly his own ; and I 
 cannot doubt they often left many of his young audience 
 fired with a true desire to tread the road he had been 
 depicting,. to climb those heights of mental or moral excellence 
 which his graphic language had clothed with brightness, or 
 to walk as disciples of that gracious Saviour, whose love, from 
 practical acquaintance, he could so winningly proclaim. The 
 teachers, too, participated in the benefit of these exhortations : 
 delivered, as they mostly were, on the Sabbath evening, 
 they often acted as a stimulus to my own mind, to discharge 
 to the best of my humble ability, the various duties of the 
 week. 
 
 THOMAS PUPLETT. 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 247 
 
 IY. 
 
 In reviewing the professional career of our late friend, it 
 must be remembered that he did not enjoy the advantages 
 of training now open to those who pursue the profession of 
 teaching. The extreme difficulty of obtaining trained helpers 
 was one of the most formidable difficulties in his early 
 years as a schoolmaster. No one rejoiced more ^han John 
 Ford when the establishment of the Flounders' Institute, 
 the enhanced estimate of the teacher's office in the Society 
 of Friends, and the opening of the door to university honours, 
 began to attract to the profession larger, numbers of our 
 talented young men. The meetings and publications of the 
 Friends' Educational Society, founded in 1836, exercised a 
 powerful influence in advancing the cause of education, and 
 in promoting the change of feeling we have referred to in 
 respect to the profession of teaching. Along with Samuel 
 Tuke, Josiah Forster, William Thistlethwaite, Thomas 
 Pumphrey, Joseph Eowntree, and others, John Ford took 
 a prominent part in the gatherings held for a series of years 
 on the day succeeding the Ackworth General Meeting for 
 the discussion of educational subjects. His review of the 
 History of the Association, his essays on Influence and 
 Authority, and on the Duties and Difficulties of Young 
 Teachers, remain to attest the quickness of his mental and 
 moral perceptions, as well as the felicity of his style, and 
 the aptness of his illustrations when handling topics that 
 called forth his special powers. John Ford was a warm 
 admirer of Dr. Arnold, and often quoted him. Their charac- 
 ters were, however, widely dissimilar. Dr. Arnold governed 
 Rugby as a powerful statesman might have governed a 
 great province. John Ford's mind was cast in another 
 mould. ^Lis, forte was not in logical or sustained reasoning. 
 He attained his position as a schoolmaster from the natural 
 
248 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 
 
 force of his will, combined with strong sympathies, warm 
 emotions, and an almost feminine sensitiveness of the per- 
 ceptive faculties. 
 
 The progressive nature of the work of Divine grace was 
 conspicuously illustrated in the life of our late friend. With 
 advancing years Christian experience mellowed, softened, 
 and tranquilised his character. It will be in the remem- 
 brance of some of our readers how, in one of the last 
 Educational Meetings, having counselled the young teacher 
 to be no striker, he avowed the wish it were possible for him 
 to recall every instance when he himself had transgressed 
 
 this rule.* 
 
 JOHN S. BOWNTBEE. 
 
 V. 
 
 As a School-boy my knowledge of John Ford extended 
 over the seven years which I spent at Bootham, entering at 
 nine years of age. I shall ever look back to York at that 
 period as a School where boys were well and considerately 
 treated. Their best interests, spiritually, morally, intellect- 
 ually and physically considered, were well looked after ; and 
 the principle of honour fostered in the happiest manner. 
 
 John Ford never either caned or birched ; and the moral 
 influence which he had with the boys was I believe far 
 more effective than corporal punishment. We not only 
 respected him, but we feared to grieve him. No boy will 
 forget the grasp of his hand when there was " nothing up ;" 
 nor will any boy forget the awe of being summoned to the 
 Library as a culprit whether for wilful disobedience or other 
 aggravated offence. After leaving the offender in the Labora- 
 tory alone perhaps for an hour or two, he would take him into 
 the Library, and seating him by his warm fire would kindly 
 * Extracted by permission from a leading article in " The Friend." 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 249 
 
 and in a gentle and fatherly manner remonstrate with, the 
 boy. Such a course generally attained the desired end, and 
 John Ford had rarely to do more. But if needful to resort 
 to an ultimatum, he would show a hardened offender a letter 
 written to his father expressing his (J. F.'s) extreme regret 
 in having in the interest of the school to dismiss the boy. I 
 do not remember this ever failing to bring a boy to his right 
 mind thus rendering it needless to post the letter. 
 
 John Ford made the Bible a book which was really attrac- 
 tive to us boys. His lessons on Scripture History, enriched 
 by most interesting details and illustrations from Dr. Kobinson, 
 Lieutenant Lynch and other Eastern travellers, specially 
 caught the attention of myself, and hence they were always 
 looked forward to with pleasure. He took great pains in 
 their preparation, writing copious notes. 
 
 My sunny memories of York School would not be complete 
 without referring to one beloved and esteemed by all 
 Rachel Ford. Tender and loving as a mother, it was the 
 greatest of pleasures to take a picked rose, the best in our 
 little garden, up to the parlour and offer it to her ; though 
 she might have many infinitely better, she would always 
 receive it kindly and courteously, and give it an honourable 
 place. 
 
 After leaving York, up to the time of John Ford's death, 
 I ever esteemed it a privilege to meet him, or to call on him, 
 and again realize the grasp of his hand and see his cheery 
 countenance, the countenace of a Christian now gone to 
 his reward, whose memory is ever fragrant, and whom I can 
 truly say, whether as a boy or man, I esteemed and loved. 
 
 THOMAS WHITWELL. 
 
 YL 
 
 I was indeed grieved to hear of dear John Ford's death, 
 
 s 
 
250 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 
 
 though I do not know why we should grieve that one like 
 him should, after finishing a long and useful life, be taken 
 to his reward. For myself I cannot tell how much I feel I 
 owe to him. "Whatever I may do will be largely owing to 
 the training which he gave me at York. He had in a most 
 wonderful way the faculty of exciting enthusiasm in boys, 
 and giving them a healthy, honest and manly tone, teaching 
 them to look at life as a place in which there was something 
 to do, and that that something had to be done well and 
 courageously. It would be hard to estimate the depth of 
 his influence in forming the minds of the present generation. 
 I for one shall always hold him in most affectionate remem- 
 brance. 
 
 JAMES BACKHOUSE WALKER.* 
 
 (HOBAIIT TOWN.) 
 
 After the contributions of so many well able to 
 form a correct estimate of John Ford's life and 
 character, the Editor may feel excused from adding 
 much, especially as he can endorse to a large extent 
 the views advanced by the various writers . 
 
 It was my privilege to be associated with John 
 Ford as a Teacher in York School for nearly a 
 quarter of a century ; and the close friendship 
 which existed between us was broken only by his 
 death. He had largely relinquished regular teach- 
 ing before my time ; but for a few years he continued 
 to take classes in one or two subjects. Whilst there 
 was a want of exactness in his teaching, his earnest- 
 ness and animation made the lesson interesting to 
 most, and compelled even the careless to learn ; yet 
 
 * From a letter addressed to Elizabeth Backhouse, Holdgate, near York. 
 
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 251 
 
 it was at the expenditure of so much physical energy 
 that however advantageous it might be to the 
 learners, it was evident such an exertion could only 
 be maintained for a limited time. The trait which 
 impressed me most throughout the entire period of 
 my acquaintance with him, was his force of character. 
 He seemed born to command. He constantly re- 
 minded me of the Centurion of Scripture ; "I am a 
 man under authority, having soldiers under me : 
 and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth ; and to 
 another, Come, and he cometh ; and to my servant 
 Do this, and he doeth it." This force of character 
 remained to the last. To it, when brought into 
 subjection to Divine grace, in conjunction with his 
 intense sympathy for the young extending as it 
 did even to very little children may be largely 
 attributed his success as an educator. To these 
 qualities must be added his manliness and straight- 
 forwardness. He despised all underhand dealing ; 
 and espionage had no place in his system. The 
 high standard of truthfulness which he upheld in his 
 addresses to his scholars, was maintained in all his 
 relations in life. 
 
 The readers of these pages will have noticed how 
 deeply John Ford lamented the irritability and im- 
 pulsiveness which marked his earlier days. They 
 will have noticed too as years rolled on how these 
 besetments were brought into subjection. To those 
 who were intimately acquainted with him for a long 
 
252 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 
 
 series of years, the gradual toning down of these 
 asperities under the powerful influence of Divine 
 grace, was very instructive. 
 
 If there is one point more prominent than another 
 in John Ford's practice as exhibited in his diary, it 
 is his prayerfulness. Page after page reads almost 
 like a practical commentary on the injunction, " In 
 every thing by prayer and supplication with thanks- 
 giving let your requests be made known unto God ;" 
 and often did he realize the fulfilment of the accom- 
 panying assurance, " the peace of God which passeth 
 all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds 
 through Christ Jesus." Thus living in the love and 
 fear of God, drawing his supplies of help and 
 strength from Him, he was enabled to be an " am- 
 bassador for Christ " and to feed the flock committed 
 to his charge : and now through the love and mercy 
 of that Saviour on whom alone all his hopes were 
 placed, he has entered upon the higher service of 
 Heaven which he anticipated with such delight, for 
 
 " THERE His SERVANTS SHALL SERVE HIM." 
 
 WilHam Sessions, Printer, 15, Low Ousegate, York. 
 
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