[Sidenote: NONCONFORMISTS.] Barclay died in 1690, signifying, as it is quaintly said, with a good understanding, that it was well with him as to his soul. “God,” he remarked to a friend, “is good still, and though I am under a great weight of weakness and sickness, yet my peace flows: and this I know, whatever exercises maybe permitted to come upon me, they shall tend to God’s glory and my salvation; and in that I rest.” Fox died in 1691, saying to those around him: “All is well; the Seed of God reigns over all, and over death itself. And though I am weak in body, yet the power of God is over all, and the Seed reigns over all disorderly spirits.” By “the Seed,” we are informed that he meant the Divine Saviour. A few hours before his departure he exclaimed: “Do not heed: the power of the Lord is above all sickness and death; the Seed reigns, blessed be the Lord.” William Penn, although adhering to Quaker principles, was too much occupied with other things to allow of his being in later life very prominent as an apostle of the Quaker faith. Friends continued to maintain their self-government. The poor were taken care of; widows and orphans were provided for; local meetings were held by each congregation for the supervision of affairs every week, fortnight, or month, according to numbers; quarterly meetings were held in every county; and a general yearly meeting was held in London in Whitsun-week, “not,” it is cautiously said, “for any superstitious observation the Quakers have for that more than any other time, but because that season of the year best suits the general accommodation.”[541] In the genial spring, therefore, the Friends met in the days of King William; and with the men attired in their drab garments, might be seen matrons and maidens clothed in the finest raiment, like troops “of the shining ones.” Nonconformity to the world in point of dress was an important article of practice, and sorely were the spirits of the Elders vexed by the tendency of younger members. The question was discussed: Friends were warned against the fashions of the world, and were forbidden not only to wear but to sell any garments of vanity. Earnest exhortations were delivered touching religious education and simplicity of speech.[542] [Sidenote: 1688–1702.]