Barclay, John (3)

Barclay, John an English minister of the Society of Friends, was born in Clapham in 1797, became a Christian before reaching his majority, and began his ministerial labors in the autumn of 1823, and was "recognized" as such by Friends in Cornwall in 1825. After residing in Alton, and in Crovdon for a time, he took up his abode in Stoke Newington. "His engagements in thae liie of ministry were not frequent, but he was at times led to address his friends in a weighty and feeling manner, endeavoring to turn their attention from a dependence on man, and from all that is superficial in religion, to a single reliance on the great Head of the Church." For the purpose of promoting the spiritual welfare of the members of the Society, he edited and published a series of selections from the writings of Friends eminent for their piety. In family visitation he was especially blessed. He died May 11, 1838. See Testimony of Deceased Ministers at the Yearly Meeting, 1839, pp. 3-9. (J. C. S)