Butcher, John

Butcher, John an English minister of the Society of Friends, was born in the city of London in July, 1666. Early in life, under the careful instruction of his pious parents, he was brought to the knowledge of the truth; and, when he was but fifteen years of age, began to testify in public of the grace of the Lord Jesus. Gradually he grew to be an able minister, "not of the letter, but of the Spirit." After being approved as a servant of the Master to whom he devoted the remainder of his life, he itinerated much as a preacher in many parts of England. He was everywhere a promoter of peace and concord, and it was his special delight to heal breaches and reconcile differences among brethren. He died near Edmonton, Middlesex, Sept. 16, 1721. See Piety Promoted, ii, 352, 353. (J. C. S.)