greatly is human comfort, at times increased, by a reciprocity of innocent communication. I believe it relieves the more weighty, and, sometimes, over-anxious cogitations of the mind; and, by so relieving, contributes to our resuming them with more effect and advantage.

1824.-3 mo. 7. How much I desire that nothing, amidst all the ups and downs that occur, may be permitted to prevent us from seeking after the love and favour, the support and protection of our Heavenly Father. I think I scarcely ever found and felt it more needful for myself, than now of late time.

Give what Thou wilt, without Thee we are poor,

And with Thee, rich, take what Thou wilt away.

1823.--10 mo. 12. How earnestly to be desired is a complete redemption from all selfishness: then would envy, pride, and wrath, no more torment the poor mind.

1824.--4 mo. May I, with reverence and humility, say, that I believe there is nothing to separate the redeemed soul from the spirit of the blessed Redeemer ; and that, where He is, there will also his servants be. He that is in Christ is a new creature; and being, through redeeming love and mercy, brought into Him, and continuing in Him, who is the resurrection and the life, such shall never die, but remain in Him for ever and evermore.

1824.-8 mo. 1. It is a great comfort, when past seventy, to be pretty well; so as to enjoy the bounty of kind Providence, and endeavour to improve the further portion of time allotted; so that we may, through mercy, be ready for the final, awful change, when it

comes.

1824.-12 mo. 8. How unspeakably worthy our love, our allegiance, our seeking after, and our more frequent communion, is the Spirit of Truth. How ought it to be [sought after] from day to day, and through the day, so as to raise and bear up our minds

above the things of time, even whilst we are necessarily engaged in them; seeing they are all very uncertain, and we may be taken from them, or they from us, very unexpectedly. In such case, to have our minds previously well acquainted with divine love, and, as it were, enwrapped with it--what a treasure!

1825.--3 mo. What a fine thing it is to be preserved in the humility, simplicity, and stability which Truth gives to its sincere and devoted disciples. Oh! for a more general, deep acquaintance with the value of true quiet, where the thirst for change and novelty is not felt; but a sincere waiting and desire is known, after that which is not of man, nor of the strength and abilities of man, but of the Lord. Here, I believe, the creature will be kept low, diffident, and fearful of itself; and more ready and desirous to be taught and instructed, than to fancy itself qualified to instruct others.

The creation of the world and of man was, and is, a marvellous display of the divine glory; and the highest dignity and happiness of man, is to live, in unison with this effect of the divine will and purpose, that we may not miss of intended good and enjoyment, which it seems are only to be this way come at. Our Heavenly Father wants nothing. He is perfect; his glory is perfect; and this or that act are only a display of such part of his glory, as his infinite wisdom thinks meet, and for the best, at any particular period, or on any particular occasion.

The expression of beautiful sentiments, and the reading and approving of them, afford a delight to the mind; but do not always deepen us in religious sensibility, or increase our love for the simplicity of the Truth as it is in Jesus, or advance us in the consequent knowledge and experience of heavenly good. In contemplating this subject, I have remembered the import of a few expressions of an eminent minister: "We love the splendid, pleasant picture; but this is an easy pur

chase, in comparison of the deep-hid, inestimable pearl of substantial truth."

- This morning I have a somewhat luminous view of the nature and preciousness of the gospel ministry, and other rightly-religious exercises. God is the inexhaustible fountain of all good: there is no goodness but what comes from Him; consequently, nothing for poor human nature to plume itself upon. This divine power goes forth in such manner, time, and degree, as is consistent with its own infinite wisdom and goodness; in displays of beneficence, mercy, and blessing to its creatures: sometimes in immediate communications of light, life, and divine virtue and sweetness to the souls of individuals, for their own advancement in the path of salvation; and sometimes in precious gifts of qualification, for the benefit of others, the edification of the church, and for other religious services.

To have a mind preserved in such a state as to be susceptible of the impression of heavenly good, I esteem of primary and vital importance. To those who desire to witness the fulness of gospel privilege and blessing, this is very essential; seeing that there are seasons in which such a sweetness and precious solemnity are to be witnessed, as is comparable, in degree, to heaven upon earth; as well as that it is our Christian duty to lead others, by our example and influence, to the same enjoyment.

By how many and how various means do we get broken down, and gradually prepared for our eternal separation from this frail and uncertain state of being; and how exceedingly is. it to be desired that we may all so improve the time of health and bodily ability, as that, when sickness, pain, and affliction are measured out to us, we may be favoured with that sweetness and peace which bear up the mind above the waves, and enable us to say, the rod as well as the staff of the Lord's goodness, are our comfort and our rejoicing.

Convince me, more and more, O Lord! I beseech thee, that thy time is the only time for true refreshment and comfort to the poor soul; and that every visitation of thy love and life is exceedingly precious, and not to be trifled with or passed by, as to a more convenient season of mine.

Grant, I pray thee, that the chief study of my life may be to be found in a state of readiness to receive, adopt, and yield to every of thy gracious offers of love and life; that so my poor soul may indeed have a share in the spiritual kingdom of Thee, the living and true God, even in this life; and so come increasingly to know that Thou art the only true riches, and that every thing else is fleeting and uncertain.

Remove, I pray thee, by the gentle showers of thy celestial rain, the hardness of my heart, and make it very susceptible of the impressions of thy Holy Spirit; that I may be indeed thy servant, and that Thou mayst delight to bless me, and increase my knowledge and experience in thy precious truth, and in Thyself, the only and enduring treasure of the soul.

Oh adorable Goodness, Wisdom, and Power! preserve me so, I pray Thee, that nothing may deprive me of the capacity to enjoy Thee, according to the manner and degree in which it may please Thee, in thy mercy, to make thyself known to thy poor, unworthy, but depending creature, in time and to all eternity.

CHAP. III.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS RELATING TO THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.

Some Remarks on the Religious Principles of the People called Quakers, as to Wars and Fightings.

Ir becomes those who profess faith towards God, and who, in obedience to what they believe to be their religious duty, differ in some things from other professors, to be willing, in meekness and fear, to render a reason for that difference. And as there may be many who have not been fully informed of the grounds on which the people called Quakers, ever since they were a people, have borne a testimony against Wars and Fightings, it may be acceptable to some serious inquirers, to know a little what those grounds are.

1st. They believe that the happiness of mankind, in an especial manner, depends upon their living in the fear of God; walking in obedience to the secret manifestations of Truth, through that divine principle of light and grace given to every man to profit with; forsaking every thing which this divine principle manifests to be evil; and following after every thing which it manifests to be righteous, holy, and acceptable to God our Creator, our beneficent Preserver, and final Judge.

2nd. They believe that the Christian religion is a religion of universal love; and that, as the minds of men are, through divine assistance, gathered into this love, they become qualified to fulfil that injunction of Christ Jesus, the author of the Christian religion; "Love your

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