Thomas Chalkley

Thomas Chalkley (1675-1741) was born in the south of England, but came to reside in the American Colonies, near Philadelphia, around the year 1700. By making it his aim to keep always in a state of humility and resignation, bearing the cross of Christ, Chalkley grew to become an eminent minister, and one of the most influential Quakers in the eighteenth century. Though he suffered great disappointments and losses both in business and family (eleven of his twelve children dying in childhood), he was ever-conspicuous for his patience, meekness, and continual submission to the light and leadings of Jesus Christ. His journal, which was always popular among Friends, has been reprinted several times, and is filled with edifying anecdotes, narrow escapes, tragic losses, and extraordinary encounters with the power and love of God. Appended to his journal is a collection of letters and essays on spiritual subjects written mostly at sea, on subjects such as the love of God, the brevity of time, Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, the kingdom of Christ, and the dangers of intemperance.