fused, but intelligible and inviting language to those who are seeking rest for the sole of their feet.

I consider it may have been a great favour to our Society to have been disqualified, as the criminal law stands, from serving on juries; as well as, I think it is, from accepting places of profit under government, in the present mixed state of things. And I suppose we neither of us apprehend that Friends, as a religious body, are less in danger from the spirit of the world and its friendship, than they were a century ago.

1822.—7 mo. 3.* Though much attended with mental poverty, I seem not easy to omit saluting you with a few lines expressive of endeared affection, and of a hope, that amidst the various ways in which the cause of Truth may, under the divine blessing, be acceptably promoted, that in which you are now engaged may be one. And under present feeling, I seem as if I might say, it matters little whether the flock visited be smaller or greater, or whether what we have to communicate be little or much, if the great and gracious Shepherd condescend to own the engagement with the animating influence of his love.

"A little with the blessing is a deal;

Witness the widow's oil, the widow's meal."

I think I can say my heart dearly salutes you, and craves your preservation in the meekness, innocence, and simplicity of the Gospel. I, if capable of seeing any thing, think there is great beauty and precious safety, in those who come in amongst us, keeping enough to the measure of their own gift and experience; endeavouring daily, as it may consist with the

*This letter was written to some of his friends, when on a visit, by appointment of the Meeting for Sufferings, to the Friends of Pyrmont and Minden.

divine will, to know an increase therein, but not outstepping their guide. Oh! what sympathy is called for, on behalf of sincere and tender minds, circumstanced as this little flock is, in such a country. May your visit tend to strengthen in a lowly, humble, quiet, inward dependence on the increase of the gift, individually received, as the likely way for them to be a strength to one another.

James Parnel says to Stephen Crisp, "Be not hasty to know any thing beyond thy measure;" and really there does seem something very precious in this, provided the measure be fully kept up to; and we are preserved out of all supineness, lethargy, and inattention. Do remember as a poor brother, that wishes to make some humble advancement in solid experience of that good, which in a day of trial will be more to us than all the world. However appearances may be against it, I have been in so poor a spot myself, as to seem almost unfit to meddle with sacred things, beyond my own breast; yet you see I venture-I hope I humbly ven

ture.

1822.-7 mo. 3. What a scale of usefulness do

and move on, compared with some of us: but then I remember, that no one in sincerity of love and attachment to the cause, shall even shut a door in the house for nought. And there is great sweetness, I believe, often experienced in the humbler and more retired walks in the Master's vineyard; so that all depends, may we not say, on endeavouring to be just what we should be, whether it be foot or hand, or only as a finger on the hand.

1822.-10 mo. 22. What a beautiful society, I believe the Society of Friends would be, if all were diligent to improve the talents bestowed upon them; pressing daily towards the mark of our calling; not resting contented in any state, known and felt to be imperfect;

and thereby encouraging others to be easy and satisfied in a state of imperfection. I have of late thought, that however assailed with weakness and trial, it will not do to rest herein; but using the strength afforded, be it little or much, wage war with every thing which we feel impeding our journey to a state of acceptance, wherein there is no condemnation.

1822.-10 mo. 25. I know, dear friend, that human nature is liable to be much tossed, and tried, and perplexed, sometimes with looking back, and sometimes with looking forward; but our safety, I think, very much lies in seeking after quietness and resignation, faithfully and in simplicity endeavouring, in our outward employments, to discharge the duty of one day at a time, without being over anxious; but quietly trusting in the Lord for ability to get through the duty of one day after another, as they come in succession; because He knows exactly our situation and circumstances; and how availingly to pity us and to care for us in all our temptations and besetments, so that there is great advantage indeed in quietly looking to Him for succour. Be sure, do not look for or desire great things, either inwardly or outwardly; but desire, above all things, to be kept in humility and fear, that so thy steppings may be safe and sure: in them is sweet preservation. I believe this is the state in which we are at times favoured to see a little light upon our path: and I desire thee to be thankful for every degree of true light, be it ever so small; for we have nothing truly good at our own command,

1822.--12 mo. 14. It has often occurred to my mind, that events of this interesting nature [the loss of our near and tender connexions] frequently furnish fresh occasion, calmly and deeply to ponder what are the next steps for the nearly-connected survivors to take; a little light upon the path of the bereaved, at

such seasons. is exceedingly to be prized, and if duly appreciated, is, I believe likely, under a sense of loss and stripping, to increase our dependence on the guidance, protection, and sustaining arm of heavenly Goodness.

1822.-12 mo. 21. The removal of our venerable elder William Tuke, will, I think, be felt interesting to many; as of a standard-bearer in our camp. I feel desirous that his decease may have a tendency to quicken and animate many, to stand nobly for the cause he was concerned to advocate; not for the establishing of their own views, but the advancement of true piety, holiness, and humility, and thereby the glory of our heavenly Father. I believe it would be acceptable to Him, that as one faithful soldier is removed, others should the more nearly and diligently unite, that there be no breach in our ranks; but that we might, notwithstanding, press forward and advance, as a well-ordered army, under the invincible captain. It feels, as I write, precious to me to believe, that what we sometimes denominate "the cause" is unchangeably good, and worthy to be espoused, being the promotion of the glory of God, in the happiness and salvation of man. And I am a little cheered in the hope, although many, and some very pleasant persons, are too much at ease, very much short of a state of dedication and resignation, and of perfect obedience, yet that the call will continue so availingly to go forth, that many will be aroused, and induced to come forward with increased zeal and fervency of spirit, clothed with humility as a garment; and that our society will yet be beautiful and lovely, an ornament and a praise.

1822.-12 mo. 29. May we be preserved so humble, so lowly, so in the spirit of gospel self-denial, as becomes the devoted followers of Christ; and as would enable beholders to discover in us the genuine features

of his flock. I hope I hate formality for formality's sake; but when Friends have had the privilege of being trained and accustomed to a plain, exemplary dress, I am concerned that those I love may use great caution, ere they depart from it.

My apprehension is, that the present time is a dangerous one to Friends. They are courted and smiled upon by the world; and, without very great caution, we are liable, in our civil and religious intercourse with them, to be drawn away from that weightiness of spirit, wherein true religious advancement, I believe, is known. The true, real, and genuine ground, upon which Friends have been mercifully brought, I believe to be exceedingly precious; and our safety and usefulness to others much depend on our keeping upon it, that we may be strengthened availingly by our example to invite others on to it, instead of quitting it to go on to theirs.

It becomes truly religious characters not to run with the changeable spirit of the times. We may maintain a care respecting this, and yet have humble views of ourselves, not thinking ourselves better than others, nor piquing ourselves on any peculiarity; but in watchfulness and fear, endeavouring not to quit our ranks, or give occasion by our example to any fellow-soldier to desert his.

1823.-4 mo. In all the circumstances and changes which we have to experience, what a favour it seems to be, to be strengthened to stay our minds upon the Lord, and to feel at times a sensible, refreshing calm, in which we can rejoice with thankfulness, though with fear, knowing how little it is in our power to command, or preserve, or retain this feeling; but yet it is very sweet now and then to get a little portion of it. It is something to recur to, and is indeed as a brook by the way, enabling to hold up the head; and thus, in low,

I