fear of the Lord, expecting all good from Him as the everlasting fountain of happiness, peace, and comfort, there is a good foundation laid for receiving the openings of Truth, either immediately by the Spirit, or instrumentally by the Scriptures, ministry, or good

books."

1819.-9 mo. 18. We have often cause for thankfulness, when we can remember any past opportunity with sweetness and satisfaction in the retrospect. This has been the case with respect to thy late visit to us. It left me tenderly interested about thee; so much so, that I seemed as if I might not do safely, if I omitted telling thee so. I think I am not mistaken in believing that thy mind often possesses a precious sensibility of desire after good,-after peace and substantial happiness. And oh! the longing that I have felt that nothing may be permitted to quench this desire in thy heart; but rather that it may grow and increase, until nothing, nothing in this world, may bear any comparison with it in thy estimation. Endeavour, I beseech thee, to keep thy mind inward unto the Lord. Lean upon Him, trust in Him, and He will sustain thee in the humbling path of self-denial and lowly-mindedness. I do not mean a voluntary humility; but that humility which is induced by a watchful, well-timed obedience to the secret manifestations of the divine will. This will humble the creature; but, blessed be his name, it leads into, and preserves in, a capacity to receive the further and further manifestations of his Will, of his Truth, of his Light, of his Love, even as He knows we can bear it, and as, in his wisdom, He sees meet to unfold them to us. But, oh! the great loss which is sustained, I believe, through the want of following on to know Him, in the only way in which we can attain to the knowledge of Him, the way of Faith; which word implies not only belief in, but reliance and dependence upon Him. And though this may sometimes be found

a tribulated path, I believe it is the path to the kingdom of heaven-the kingdom of peace and joy; begun, and revealed in degree, I believe, to the redeemed mind even in this life, and consummated in that which is to

come.

When I consider where thou art placed, the large meeting thou belongest to;-how desirable it appears to me, that thou shouldst make an early and full surrender. Keep in the quiet: keep in sweet innocence. Let peace be the primary object; and then other things rightly permitted and dispensed, will be enjoyed with humility and thankfulness.

What would sincere dedication and submission in a few individuals, do in your large meeting. How would example strengthen and encourage others to come forward, who are halting between two opinions; and whilst they hesitate, weakness besets, and probably increases: whereas, if faithfulness were yielded to the manifestations of Truth in the mind, how would the divine arm support and sustain; how would strength be afforded to walk steadily forward, perhaps with feeble and diffident, but with safe and peaceful steps. Oh! the exceeding preciousness of early dedication, of early submitting the creaturely will to the discoveries of duty. Inasmuch as the Almighty is the fountain of happiness, the more we look to Him for direction and safe guidance, the more likely we are to arrive at this fountain; and, I believe, in condescending loving-kindness, He is dealing with those who early make Him their choice. I believe He gives them to experience his fatherly care over them; and every now and then gives them some proof that it is well for them that they have trusted in Him.

I do not wish to enlarge; but I want to encourage thee to be of those who sit alone, and keep silence; bearing the yoke, that precious yoke, which, through divine goodness, keeps down in us those dispositions and

H*

propensities, which, if not kept under, will retard or prevent the growth of the plant of renown, in that dignity and stature which it otherwise would attain, and which should outgrow and overgrow every thing else

in us.

I was not sure whether the cause [of religion] might not, in some degree, suffer from my remarks respecting the intimations of Truth to the mind about outward concerns. Perhaps an apprehension of the right thing suffering by our friend's over-rating some of his impressions, at the same time that he is managing so poorly, might drive me too far in expression on the opposite side. Exceedingly precious, when vouchsafed, do I esteem the guidance of a gracious Providence respecting outward things. But I think I have noticed that some of those whom I have loved, esteemed, and honoured, have been very cautious of speaking of this favour, as it respected themselves; probably considering it as something that is better known and felt, than talked about; and scarcely enough given them as their own, to be made so free with:-being, in order to keep the creature humble, low, fearful, dependent, and in self-abasement, so gently and faintly, though intelligibly marked and defined to themselves, as may serve to preserve them walking by faith, and not by strong sight. Should a suitable opportunity occur, perhaps thou wilt mention a few words expressive of my sense of the matter. I should not like to hurt the cause, nor wound our friend's mind to his disadvantage. I trust I may thankfully say, that I am a humble believer in the condescension, goodness, and mercy of our heavenly Father to his dependent children, both respecting their outward and inward condition and circumstances.

I wish both you and we may be favoured, at seasons, with the renewings of best ability to desire for all outh, most particularly the objects of our care,

that the divine fear may be richly placed in their hearts, as the most effectual way and means for them to inherit every blessing consistent with the Heavenly Father's will for them to enjoy ; and as the blessed preservation from the many evils which abound in the world, and which court their affection.

CHAP. VII.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS WRITTEN FROM 1820 TO

1823.

1820.-3 mo. 9. It is not pleasant to me, that thy kind and acceptable letter of last month should have remained so long unacknowledged. I believe it can be attributed to no cause more justly, than to the poverty of my own mind; though I am aware, that the expression of this is not likely to make thee rich. However, it behoves us to endure with patience our allotment, and the various changes which are permitted; and happy is it, if our poverty be not the consequence of our own indolence, inattention, or disobedience. My own health is very favourably continued ; but I very often remember the flight of time, and that many, very many sands have escaped from the glass. This is a chequered and very uncertain scene: how happy for those, who under all, and through all, are permitted often to cast anchor; and feelingly to acknowledge, that the Lord is good, worthy to be waited for, served, honoured, and obeyed, under all circumstances, and in all conditions.

1821-12 mo. 15. Oh! the importance, as I view the subject, of Friends keeping in the unity, out of disputations, in the self-denial, (which includes a willingness to suffer,) in the littleness and abasement, rather than that any of Truth's testimonies should fall to the ground.

1 think I never saw the necessity and value of Friends in this nation being a compact undivided body, more than now; that its conduct may speak, not a con