PURCHASE AGREEMENT ------------------ Northern Funds (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust, and Martin C. Gawne hereby agree as follows: 1. The Trust hereby offers Martin C. Gawne, and Martin C. Gawne hereby purchases, one share of the Trust's...

                                                                 Exhibit (l)(13)

                              PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                              ------------------



      Northern Funds (the "Trust"),  a Massachusetts  business trust, and Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxx hereby agree as follows:

      1. The Trust  hereby  offers  Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx,  and Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx hereby
purchases,  one share of the Trust's  MarketPower  Fund (the "Share") at $10 per
Share.  The Trust hereby  acknowledges  receipt from Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx of funds in
full payment for the foregoing Share.

      2. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx represents and warrants to the Trust that the foregoing
Share is  being  acquired  for  investment  purposes  and not with a view to the
distribution thereof.

      IN AGREEMENT  WHEREOF,  and  intending  to be legally  bound  hereby,  the
parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of February 14, 2000.


                                     NORTHERN FUNDS


                                     By: /s/Jylanne X. Xxxxx



                                     XXXXXX X. XXXXX


                                     /s/Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx