Books and Manuscripts

Waln, Nicholas
From our General Spring Meeting of Ministers and Elders, held in Philadelphia, for Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, by Adjournments, from the 21st of the Third-month to the 24th of the same, inclusive, 1778
(Philadelphia), 1778. One sheet, 13 3/8 x 8 1/2 in. (340 x 216 mm). 2 pp. Printed document, issued by the Quaker General Spring Meeting of Ministers and Elders, held in Philadelphia; signed in type by Clerk Nicholas Waln on behalf of the meeting. Creasing from contemporary folds; scattered wear along edges; light spotting; contemporary manuscript on p. 2 “from Spring / meeting of Min Elds”. Sabin 61683; Evans 15801; Hildeburn 3706; ESTC W33435 (locating only six institutions with copies); Not in Smith

A scarce Quaker Epistle issued during the height of the American Revolution, urging fellow Friends to remain steadfast in their faith “in these perilous Times”. Printed while 20 prominent Quakers languished in exile by order of Congress due to their supposed loyalism to the British, the letter outlines their position of neutrality and the importance of becoming subject to Christ’s “pure Government in us…” The letter extolls to Friends that "while Confusion is permitted to spread in the Earth, and amongst the Earthly-minded, those who become true Christians, by knowing his Kingdom to come and his will to be done in them, will be kept out of all Bustles and Noises, and Tumults and Parties, and be enabled to exalt the Pure Standard of the Prince of Peace, in and through an innocent Life and Conversation, seeking the Good of all Men.”

Nicholas Waln was a London-trained lawyer and respected member of the Philadelphia Meeting. He was one of six members of the 1777 Quaker peace mission sent to lobby Generals George Washington and William Howe to end the conflict, defend their faith, and seek the release of their fellow banished Friends. During the time of this publication he served as an advisor to the Women's Quaker mission, led by Elizabeth Drinker, Susanna ‘Suky’ Jones, and Molly Pemberton, that took collective political action to release their banished family members.