Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... six generations of friends in ireland (1655 To 1890). chapter I. 17th century quaker pioneers in ireland. T3efore entering upon the simple annals of the family whose history we are about to trace in these pages, it may be interesting to the reader to obtain some idea of the political and religious condition of Ireland two hundred and forty years ago, in connection with the introduction of Quakerism into the country. With this subject is associated a soldier in Cromwell's army, named William Edmundson, who was born at Musgrove, in Westmoreland, in 1627. In early life he abandoned the profession of arms and entered on a commercial career. Soon after, under the preaching of a powerful minister, James Naylor, he says: "My heart was opened, as was the heart of Lydia; I received the Truth in the love of it: I had longed after it, and was ready for the Lord's harvest." Having obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful, after much suffering he joined in worship with Friends, and going to live in Ireland about 1652, he was made the means of accomplishing a spiritual work, very similar to that effected by George Fox in England. Like the founder of the Society, he united clear spiritual apprehension with strong natural character, and though of comparatively humble rank, his consistent godly life; and his impartial view of men and things, gave him a Avell-merited influence at the seat of Government in Dublin, during both Protestant and Catholic ascendancy. He felt through all his sufferings for conscience's sake, 0 See Appendix D. in as far as these sufferings were patiently borne with consistent protest against intolerance, they might become, a
