LYDIA LANCASTER TO JAMES WILSON, 1757 (ON THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE.)

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Lancaster, 3d of 6th month, 1757.

Dear and worthy friend - since thy kind favour, I have had a letter from my friend James Backhouse, giving account of thy being pretty well in health, but very lame; also of thy dear wife's happy change from a state of painful affliction to the undoubted enjoyment of everlasting joy and perfect felicity with the pure angelic host, to which she certainly did belong, being truly prepared to join that number in endless praises to the Sanctifier. Her clothing was dear and white; her soul meade perfect through manifold sufferings without and without, still following the Lamb, her light and leader, in patience and resignation, through all the tribulations attending her pilgrimage. My soul hath always had true unity and fellowship with her, and now is my joy full on her account. I am thankful to hear (?) that both thou and Ann were enabled to bear the separation in such a cheerful and Christian manner, as indeed well you might, not only from the sense of her advantage, but also of your own cleanness in doing your utmost duty to her with great affection even all your life long, which will doubtless remain to be your peace; and yet for all that, there may be some low and lonesome sinking times witnessed, which is often my case respecting the unalterable removal of some that were near and dear to me. But, dear James, let us endeavour to hold on in patience and contentment, without weariness, to our end, for we cannot expect it to be long till their case will be also ours as to this world,and I hope in eternity, where my eye is daily looking. Though this may in some sense be both proper and profitable, yet I sometimes fear it is too much my case, as having too great a desire to be there, not being content to wait the appointed time as I should be; but looking out at being left behind most of my near and dear friends and former intimates, am ready to wonder I should be so long in fitting to join them in that undefiled rest they are entered into, and not seeing much service I am of in in staying, unless on my own account. Yet I can say I am as much devoted to do everything that I think my Master bids me as ever. I felt the strong cords of his drawing to Penrith (?) Yearly Meeting, else I should not have gone, I do believe; and He that drew me was with me in strength every way, and brought me safe home in peace. I am comforted to remember the near love that there abounded amongst us one to another, that though the public service did not lay much upon the brethren at that time, they did not seem to envy us at all; but to encourage. I believe they were very sensible the stream of the gospel went in the channel truth ordered it; for we heart afterwards that the great objection of the people there and thereabouts was against women's preaching, which after that meeting seemed quite removed. I note thy kind amen to the advance of the women, but it is the advance of truth, by male and female, that both thou and poor me chiefly desire. Oh! may the sweet comforts of the Holy Spirit be thy companion day and night, and strengthen thee with might in the inward man, that thy last days may be thy best, is the sincere desire of thy assured steady friend,

L.L.