LIBRARY OF PRINCE'! ON 
 
 MAY 2 4 2005 
 
 THEOLOGICAL SBM' \RY 
 
 BX 7795 .G84 A3 1834 
 3rover, William, 1752-1825. 
 Selections from the letters 
 
 and other papers of Willia 
 
 m 
 

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 the Internet Arcinive 
 
 
 
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SELECTIONS JAN gi 18ig 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS 
 
 OF 
 
 y 
 
 WIIililAM GROVER5 
 
 PRECEDED BV 
 
 A BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 Be not slothful, but followers of them who through 
 faith and patience inherit the promises." — Heb. vi. 12. 
 
 Rp-printei for the TrvMees of O. Brou-n's Benerolentfvnd. 
 
 PROVIDENCE: 
 H. H. BROWN.... 25 iMARKET-SQUARE. 
 1 8 3 4. 
 
Our late friend William Grover, 
 was so justly esteemed in our religious 
 Society, that it has been thought the 
 following Selection from his Letters 
 and Papers would be acceptable to his 
 friends. They may instructively receive 
 the recollection of his Christian labors 
 and example amongst us ; and of his 
 earnest solicitude for the preservation 
 of his friends from all that is evil, and 
 for their growth in true piety. 
 
 J. F. 
 
 Tottenham. Sth month. 1828. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAP. V - PA(JK. 
 
 I. Biographical Memoir of William Grover, . . 5 
 II. Meditations and Reflections, 23 
 
 III. Letters ami Papers relating to the Character 
 
 and Principles of our religious Society, . 39 
 
 IV. Letters and other Papers addressed to the 
 
 Youth, 54 
 
 V. Extracts of Letters written from the year 
 
 1800 to 1811, with some other papers, . 70 
 VI. Extracts of Letters written from the year 1812 
 
 to 1819, . 96 
 
 VII. Extracts of Letters written from the year 1820 
 
 to 1823, 122 
 
 VIII. Extracts from Letters written in the years 
 
 1824 and 1825, . . . . .• . . f 133 
 
SELECTIONS, 8ic. 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 BIOaRAPHZOAL mBmOlB. 
 
 OF 
 
 WILLIAM GROVER. 
 
 William Grover^ the son of William and 
 Elizabeth Grover, was bom at Brighthelmstone 
 in Sussex, the 15th of the 11th month, 1752, 
 Very few particulars ai'e knowTi of his early 
 life. After leaving school, he was placed as an 
 apprentice with Edmund Rack, a Friend, who 
 was a retail country shopkeeper, at Bardfield in' 
 Essex. Soon after the expiration of the term, 
 he engaged himself as an assistant to Samuel 
 Day, who was also a member of our religious 
 society, and in a similar business, and who lived 
 at Stanstead Mount Fitchet, in the same coun- 
 ty. After serving him with diligence and in- 
 tegrity for several years, he became a partner in 
 the concern, and resided there during the re- 
 
6 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR* 
 
 mainder of his life. He inherited some patri- 
 monial property, his father having died when he 
 was young ; but at the same time he found it 
 necessary to pursue his engagements in business, 
 and was esteemed an upright tradesman, of kind 
 and respectfol manners ; one who was careful, 
 in all things, to act as becomes a member of our 
 religious society. He continued in trade until 
 within a few years of his decease ; and though 
 diligent in attending to these, the necessary 
 cares of life, he was not engrossed with them : 
 possessing a well-regulated and pious mind, he 
 may be said to have pursued the concerns of 
 time with eternity steadily in view. 
 
 In the year 1786, he married Isabel Weath- 
 erald, of Wensleydale, in the north-western parts 
 of Yorkshire, who has survived him ; and in 
 their union, for nearly forty years, which was a 
 source of mutual comfort and happiness, he 
 proved himself a truly affectionate husband ; 
 uniformly evincing, under every circumstance, 
 the greatest tenderness and sympathy. 
 
 The subject of this memoir, was one who, 
 from early life, was of a thoughtful turn of mind, 
 and showed a strong attachment to the princi- 
 ples and testimonies of Friends. As he advanced 
 in years, he submitted to the humbling, refining 
 operations of divine grace ; and, through contin- 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 
 
 7 
 
 ued watchfulness and obedience to the pointings 
 of duty, he attained to that experience and sta- 
 bihty in the tmth, of which his conduct and re- 
 hgious usefuhiess afterwards gave abundant proof. 
 A description of some parts of his rehgious char- 
 acter, is appropriately given in the following 
 extracts, from a memorial concerning him, issu- 
 ued by the Friends of Thaxted monthly meet- 
 ing, of which he was a member. 
 
 " It is not our intention to extol the character 
 of the deceased, as a man, estimable as he was, 
 in the various relations of life ; but to exhibit 
 his Christian virtues, and ascribe, as he did, all 
 excellency to the power of divine grace, merci- 
 fully granted to mankind, for their salvation, 
 through the mediation of the blessed Redeemer, 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The rec- 
 titude of his conduct, in the discharge of his 
 moral and religious duties, his humility, meek- 
 ness, and dedication to the cause of truth, were 
 all fruits of faith in the means thus graciously 
 afforded. 
 
 " He was very exemplary in the fulfilment of 
 his duty to his Maimer, by a constant attendance 
 of religious meetings, when of ability ; in which 
 his solid deportment indicated great reverence 
 of spirit, and fervency of deske to gain access to 
 the Fountain of all Good ; and, on these occa- 
 sions, we believe that his mind was often en- 
 
8 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 riclied with the incomes of divine love and 
 peace. 
 
 "He was a great lover of retirement and 
 meditation. The frequent reading of the Holy 
 Scriptures was also a source of instmction and 
 comfort to him ; and this practice he was often 
 tenderly engaged to recommend to others, as 
 one of the means by which they might be 
 strengthened and encouraged to advance in the 
 Christian path. 
 
 " The views he took of himself were humble, 
 whilst his estimate of the true Christian charac- 
 ter was a highly exalted one. Hence arose 
 great vigilance and circumspection, that no part 
 of his demeanor should dishonor the cause he 
 so greatly valued and loved. This care was 
 manifested in all his conduct ; and evidently so, 
 in transacting the affairs of the chi.u"ch, in which 
 his judgment was clear, and his language per- 
 suasive ; tending much to encourage friends in 
 the support of the discipline, in the executive 
 part of which he very rarely excused himself 
 from service ; having a great care for the pros- 
 perity of truth, and that his fellow-professors 
 might be faithful in our testimonies, and consis- 
 tent in all their conduct, endeavoring to keep 
 the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. 
 
 " Perhaps few have been so much favored 
 with the prevalence of love : it seemed to be 
 
OF WILLIAiM GROVER. 
 
 9 
 
 the constant clothing of his mind, and was evinc- 
 ed towards all classes of society. The youth, 
 especially, were the objects of his tender solici- 
 tude ; for whose early attention to the reproofs 
 of instruction, and for their growth and estab- 
 lishment in the truth, he felt an unremitting 
 concern." 
 
 His important services in cur Yearly Meet- 
 ing, and his communications to his fiiends, will 
 be long remembered. He often spoke of the 
 comfort which he derived from reflecting on the 
 goodness and mercy, and loving-kindness of our 
 Heavenly Father ; inviting others, and particu- 
 larly his younger friends, to seek to live under 
 the influence of his love. His remarks were 
 clear, comprehensive, and concise ; and the 
 precious influence which they produced, " was 
 often, in a remarkable degree, to be felt,- after 
 the conclusion of them. 
 
 He was a willing laborer in the church of 
 Christ — an elder worthy of double honor ; do- 
 ing wdiat his hands found to do with a cheerful 
 heart, as one serving a good and gracious Mas- 
 ter, and thus forcibly recommending the princi- 
 ples he professed. Highly valuing the care 
 w^hich our Christian discipline provides, and 
 manifesting a deep concern for its being rightly 
 and impartially exercised, he at the same time 
 a2 
 
10 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 discovered rnucli caution and tenderness in cases 
 of delinquency, cherishing feelings of love and. 
 compassion^ when judging of the errors and 
 weaknesses of others. He was very anxious 
 that all the meetings, established for transacting 
 the affairs of our society, should be held rmder 
 the influence of Christian love, and in the fear 
 of the Lord; being convinced that, were this the 
 case, they would often be times of solid instruc- 
 tion. 
 
 Whilst he was a firm behever in the imme- 
 tliate teachings of the Holy Spirit, he was diffi- 
 dent in speaking of his own experience ; and 
 though well persuaded that our religious princi- 
 ples lead to great spirituality, he was very cautious 
 of judging others, or deciding for them. His de^ 
 sire was that all might be drawn in love to seek - 
 after the guidance of that wisdom which com- 
 eth from above, and to see the beauty and ex- 
 cellency of the truth as it is in Jesus. Believing 
 as he did, that our predecessors had been called 
 to uphold a pure and perfect standard df Christian 
 doctrine, he was deeply solicitous that this might 
 in no way be lowered by Friends of the present 
 day ; and they as individuals, and the Society as 
 a body, might endeavor so to act, as to bring 
 others to see and to acknowledge the consistency 
 of our profession with the gospel dispensation. 
 
 His general appearance was meek and grave. 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVEK. 
 
 11 
 
 exhibiting a bright example of a religious char- 
 acter ; an habitual gratitude, and filial fear of God, 
 marking his life and demeanor. He behaved 
 with great kindness and courtesy to all ; at the 
 same time maintainingjthe dignity of a disciple of 
 Christ, so that his deportment commanded es- 
 teem and deference. 
 
 Our dear and honored friend was particularly 
 pleased with the society of young persons ; and 
 to many of this class he was endeared by the 
 sweetness and affability of his manners, conver- 
 sing with them in a w^ay which secured their con- 
 fidence and esteem. He felt tender solicitude 
 for them, in thinking of the temptations to 
 which they were peculiarly exposed , and wheth- 
 er any hints which he offered to these, were de- 
 signed to encourage them to persevere in the 
 right way of the Lord, or to check the early ap- 
 pearance of a departure fi^om Christian simplicity, 
 they were expressed with so much love, that they 
 found a ready entrance into the heart. Highly 
 valuing the approved writings of our Society 
 he often recommended them to the attention of 
 those in early life. He promoted also their pe- 
 rusal of works of literature and useful informa- 
 tion ; but saw a danger in the young and inex- 
 perienced entering much into the religious opin- 
 ions of others. Yet he was far from being illib- 
 eral in his views, often gratefully acknowledging 
 
12 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 his belief, that sects and distinctions are lost in 
 the divine sight. 
 
 William Grover appeared to think unkindly 
 of no one ; but, when obliged to censure the 
 conduct of any, he did it with great feeling and 
 compassion. At the same time, there was a 
 quick perception of what was wrong, and it was 
 not allowed to pass unreproved. He had a 
 strong objection to hearing the absent slightly 
 spoken of, or their faults made the topic of con- 
 versation. On these occasions he would observe 
 silence, or remind the company to be careful in 
 their remarks on others, lest they should un- 
 guardedly injure the character of their friends ; 
 being himself careful not to make comparisons. 
 He was of a cheerful, contented disposition, and 
 considered it right to derive pleasure and grati- 
 fication from temporal things, as blessings from 
 the hand of an Almighty Benefactor ; provided 
 they were kept in subordination to the great 
 purpose of life, and not suffered to engross too 
 much of the time and affections. He met the 
 vicissitudes of life with calmness, and was cai'efril 
 not to suffer cross occurrences to discompose his 
 mind, or to draw him into the use of impatient 
 expressions. 
 
 The remembrance of his absent friends was 
 frequent and lively, an^ he evinced a warm af- 
 fection for those whom he had loved and esteem- 
 
 4 
 
OF WILLIAM GllOVEK. 
 
 13 
 
 ed in bis youth. He seldom forgot the afflicted, 
 whether rich or poor. To those of the latter 
 class he w^as kind and considerate, relieving their 
 w^ants, often visiting them in their dwellings, 
 w^hen he would enter into conversation in a way 
 adapted to them, and peculiar to himself; and 
 frequently, in the retired circle of his own family ; 
 would speak of and commiserate the condition of 
 those w^ho had received fewer blessings than 
 himself, or who had had a greater portion of af- 
 fliction or suffering. 
 
 He was a man of great punctuality and order 
 in the daily transactions of life, seldom deferring 
 until the morrow the work of the day ; steady 
 and diligent in what he undertook, and a good 
 economist of time. Few w^ere aware of the ex- 
 tent of his usefulness in cases of a private nature, 
 among his neighbors. To these he was free of 
 access on all occasions; and much of his time 
 was employed in their service. Possessing an in- 
 telligent mind and a clear judgment, he was 
 often consulted ; and his assistance was frequent- 
 ly solicited to settle little differences. He en- 
 tered into such cases with great deliberation ; his 
 decisions were not hastily formed, and they were 
 mostly well received. 
 
 When the Auxiliary Bible Society was form- 
 ed in that part of the county of Essex in which 
 he resided, he readily united in the support of it, 
 
14 BIOGllAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 and took an active part in investigating the want 
 of the Scriptures among his poorer neighbors. He 
 was a dihgent member of the committee until 
 the time of his ihness, and felt a lively interest 
 in the circulation of the Scriptures both at home 
 and abroad. At the same time, he was anxious 
 that the concerns of this society might be con- 
 ducted under the influence of those feelings, and 
 in that temper of mind, to which the Sacred 
 Writings bear testimony ; and, whilst believing, 
 as he did, in the divine authority of Holy Scrip-' 
 ture, he was very desirous that these records 
 should be properly designated, and that men 
 should not confound the possession and distribu- 
 tion of the Bible, and the mere knowledge of its 
 contents, with the partaking of those living wa- 
 ters which flow immediately from Christ, the 
 fountain oflife~of that bread which cometh down 
 from heaven, and which, when received with a 
 lively operative faith, enables us to work out the 
 salvation of the soul with fear and trembling. 
 
 His friends had ample evidence of his being 
 a firm believer in the essential doctrines of the 
 Gospel. In a memorandum left behind him, 
 he says ; "I believe it is consistent with the 
 genuine principles of Friends, that all the com- 
 munications of the mercy, love, power, and 
 goodness of God to his creature man, are in, by, 
 and through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 
 
 15 
 
 and no otherwise, and in this belief I am thank- 
 ful to Hve and unite." In a letter, WTitten in 
 the eleventh month, 1823, after alluding, in 
 tenns of strong disapprobation, to the views of 
 one whose sentiments were decidedly contra- 
 ry to those of our society, ^'on a point of such 
 supreme importance as the divine nature of our 
 blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," he 
 proceeds ; Can I close this subject better, 
 than with the following quotation from a recently 
 published pamphlet, in which the WTiter, when 
 speaking of Christ, says : ' What encouragement 
 and comfort is there in the contemplation of his 
 character and offices, both as prophetically indi- 
 cated, and evangelically displayed, from the first 
 and most obscure, to the last and most compre- 
 hensive and expressive, viz. The Bruiser of the 
 Serpent's head ; Immanuel, God with us ; the 
 Lord our righteousness ; the Child bom ; the 
 Son given, upon whose shoulders the govern- 
 ment of his people is forever to be ; whose 
 name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 
 the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and 
 the Prince of Peace; the root and the offspring 
 of David ; the bright and morning Star ; the 
 Son of i\Ian ; the Son and Lamb of God, who 
 taketh away the sms ol the world ! w^ho hath 
 loved us, and w^ashed us in his own blood."* 
 
 Mary Jesup's Address to Friends, 
 
16 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOlil 
 
 William Grover possessed a sound constitution, 
 and enjoyed remarkably good health, until within 
 a few months of his death. On the 16th of 5th 
 month, 1825, he left home early in the morning, 
 to attend the Yearly Meeting, from which he 
 had been very seldom absent for nearly forty 
 years. He arrived in London in time for the 
 first sitting of the meeting of ministers and el- 
 ders, and acted as an assistant to the clerk; an 
 office which he had for some time acceptably 
 filled, and which he resigned at the close of that 
 sitting. With his accustomed alacrity and in- 
 terest in the concerns of the society, he entered, 
 throughout the day," into the proceedings of the 
 meetings. Towards the evenino^ he felt unwell, 
 and, in the course of the night was so alarming- 
 ly ill, that his wife was sent for early the fol- 
 lowing morning. His disorder was a very pain- 
 ful one; and, for several days, his life was 
 considered to be in great danger. His medical 
 attendants attributed his restoration to health, 
 so far as it took place, to the serenity and hum- 
 ble resignation with which he bore his sufferings, 
 as much as to the means which were em- 
 ployed. 
 
 The following memorandum, written in Lon- 
 don, on the occasion of this illness, was found 
 among his papers. 
 
 '' This has been a remarkable visitation,' 
 
or WILLIAM GROVER. 
 
 It 
 
 such a one as I never knew ; except that of 
 the small pox, more than forty years ago. may 
 be at ail compared with it. I might be said to 
 be attacked very unexpectedly, and in a lonely 
 condition ; but help and comfort,' as to outwai'd 
 accommiodation, sprang up remarkably ; and 1 
 think it might be said, that every requisite was 
 supplied. As to the most important part, it 
 seem.ed to have a great effect in breaking the 
 mind off from this world, and excitmg earnest 
 desires for a preparation and fitness to enter into 
 rest and peace everlasting. 
 
 " One feature was ver^- striking ; the kind, 
 affectionate interest of Friends respecting me and 
 my case, was indeed beyond what it would seem 
 proper to record. But at the same time, per- 
 haps at scarce any period have I so feelingly 
 and cleai'ly seen my own unworthiness and in- 
 significance, or so feelingly prized a state of lit- 
 tleness and humble reduction; so that, like 
 a little babe, I might be permitted, in simplicity 
 and perfect innocence, to draw nourishment in 
 quietness from the breast of ever enduring and 
 inexhaustible consolation." 
 
 In a letter to two of his intimate friends, he 
 remarks ; 
 
 " I am desirous (I hope with a degi'ee of hum- 
 ble gratitude) of informing you, that, within 
 three or four days, considerable improvement in 
 
 B 
 
18 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 my health has taken place ; and whilst I am so 
 abundantly sensible, from recent past experience, 
 of the uncertainty of the things of time, yet I 
 wish duly to appreciate this rich favor, permit- 
 ted to a poor traveller through the chequered 
 vale of time." 
 
 Towards the end of the sixth month, he so 
 far recovered, as to be able to return home, on 
 which occasion he made the following memo- 
 randum. 
 
 1825. — 7 mo. 13. Being permitted, pn 
 the 30th ult. in company with my dear wife, 
 cousin Ehzabeth Glaisyer, and John Hooper, to 
 reach home in safety, I am aware it is my duty ,^ 
 not only as a child, to crave divine consolation, 
 but also to watch the openings and presentations 
 of duty which may be vouchsafed, however small ; 
 so that the talent entrusted may not be buried 
 under the feelings of feebleness, or any thing 
 else." 
 
 In two letters to his friends, not long after- 
 wards, he thus alludes to his illness : 
 
 1825 — 8 mo. 7. " We can see but little be- 
 fore us; and what a favor it is, when circum- 
 stances arise, to be enabled to meet them with 
 prudence and peaceflil resignation. This illness 
 may be said to be a proof that we are not our 
 own keepers, but poor, dependent creatures. 
 Oh ! that we may have light in our dwelling 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 
 
 19 
 
 and on our path ; and, through boundless mercy, 
 peace within onr borders.'^ 
 
 8 rao. 26. Respecting resignation, how 
 just are thy remarks, that our i\dshes as well as 
 our works should at all times harmonize with 
 the divine will : indeed, our study should be, to 
 be circumscribed thereby ; but this is no light 
 matter, but a high and most precious attainment. 
 Do not thy remarks, however, beg tAVO most in- 
 teresting questions ; namely, ' the day's work 
 accomplished, and the expected consequent re- 
 ward ?' also, ' the time arrived for dissolving ev- 
 ery tender, earthly tie?' With awfulness and 
 reverence these may be left in the holy, dispensing 
 hand of Him who doeth all things well : whilst 
 we, in grateful, humble sensibility of the value 
 of the present precious blessings, manifest our due 
 estimation of them, by neglecting no proper 
 means to secure their continuance, in due and 
 filial submission, all the while, to his infinite 
 wisdom, goodness, and mercy." 
 
 As the health of William Grover improved a 
 little after his return home, his friends cherished 
 the pleasing hope that his valuable life would 
 be lengthened, and that they should be permitted 
 longer to partake of the instruction to be derived 
 from his bright example and Christian counsel. 
 But He who ordereth all in perfect wisdom, and 
 who will graciously supply the spiritual need of 
 
20 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 those who look in faith unto Him, saw meet to 
 tGiminate the trials of this his faithful servant, 
 and to admit him, as thero is every reason to 
 believe, to the participation of that peace and joy 
 which are reserved for the righteous in the life 
 which is to come, 
 
 " The expressions of a religious nature, that 
 our late dear friend uttered towards the close of 
 life, were not numerous : but they all partook of 
 that humble, yet confiding and peaceful charac- 
 ter, that distinguished him when in health,and be- 
 spoke a mind looking towards heaven, of which ^ 
 he said, he had ' had a pleasant view, particu- 
 larly of late and that he was ' favored to feel 
 very httle condemnation.' At different times he 
 thus expressed himself: The prevaihng de- 
 sire of my mind has been, for many years, that 
 I might close in peace. I have had many bles- 
 sings, many temptations, and many trials in my 
 time ; but have been mercifully helped through 
 them.' At one time, evidently under great ten- 
 derness of spirit, he observed, * The shadow of 
 divine mercy is very broad ;' and at another, 
 when conversing about his illness, he said, ^ It 
 is a source of great consolation to know, that He 
 who formed us is near.' 
 
 ^' In the afternoon of the day preceding his 
 decease, he expressed himself to the following 
 effect : ' There is nothing so precious, v.'hether 
 
OF WiLLiAM UROVEH, 
 
 in. youth or in age, sickness or health, as a 
 sense of the divine presence and love. I have 
 had great cause thankfully to believe^ that the 
 protecting arm. of kind Providencej has been 
 with me all my life long, from my youth up 
 and, after a pause, added, ^ It is my greatest de- 
 sire that my sun. which now seems nearly set. 
 may go down in brightness, without a cloud ; re- 
 lying only upon the goodness of the Almighty , 
 who can change a hfe of suffering for one of 
 com.fort and endless happiness — who can make 
 a death bed as a bed of roses. Yea, I bless thy 
 holy name, thy presence and love can make a 
 death bed as a bed of roses.' Afterwards he 
 said, in nearly these words; ^My life seem? 
 fast closing, and my afflictions nearly at an end. 
 I have been greatly afHicted, [alluding probably 
 ^to his illness,] but doubt not that it has been in 
 unspeakable, unerring wisdom^, that I have been 
 throv/n, a,gain and again, into the furnace ; v/hich 
 is, no doubt, designed for my further refinement. 
 Oh ! may all the purposes of the Almighty be 
 fulfilled. Oh ! what a precious state is that, 
 I where nothing is v/anted but the celestial gate to 
 be opened. All praise I ascribe unto the Lord^s 
 holy name.' 
 
 He was enabled to bear with great patience 
 
 See the Memorial of Thazted Monthly Mestinir. 
 b2 
 
22 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIPx. 
 
 and Christian fortitude, the extreme sufferings 
 which he endured within a short time of his death; 
 but, for a few hours before the c]ose,he was mer- 
 cifully relieved from all pain, and his end was re- 
 markably peaceful. He died the 11th of the 
 10th month, 1825, in the seventy-third year of 
 his age. _ 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 1783. — 4 mo. 27. How different a character 
 is he who is fond of procrastinating and delaying, 
 from him, who, with a wise regard to the un- 
 certainty of to-morrow, nobly improves each 
 opportunity whilst he has it. 
 
 1783. — 10 mo. 15. From disobedience and 
 difficulty, surely I am a dwarf, by not coming 
 rightly fonvard to the duty of the day. How 
 main a thing, through all, is an attention to the 
 conclusion. Do not some of us labor and toil 
 ourselves, to do that from fear, which those who 
 ai'e in the life of goodness do from love ? 
 
 1784. — 10 mo. 13. Oh that none in ease and 
 plenty may contribute, improperly, to make it 
 difficult for those in less favored circumstances 
 to think of the Author of their beino- with 2:rati- 
 tude and love. 
 
 1790. — 5 mo. 11. ''While ye have the 
 light, believe in the hght, that ye may be the 
 . children of the light." It appears a precious 
 thing rightly to believe in the light, and to follow 
 it: treading in the just man's path, which is said 
 to be '' as the shining light, that shineth more 
 
24 JIEDITATIONS AND EEFLEOTIOKg. 
 
 and more unto uie perfect day." It is probable 
 that many under our name do not believe in this 
 light, nor expect, through iaithiulness to its dis- 
 coveries, to be .led on farther and further to the 
 knowledge of the will of God, and to an establish- 
 ment in his peaceable kingdom, ■ even whilst in 
 this hie : not being like minded with a remnant 
 who believe that his kingdorn ^s come; and who' 
 desire, according to ability, to be pressing into 
 it,' that they may be faithful subjects of it, and 
 that the government may be on the shoulders of 
 Him whom they desire to serve, 
 
 87no. ll. it is a fine tiring to be preserved 
 i^irom every" snare. I believe we may be so eii- 
 . . gaged in things v/hich bear the appearance of 
 being lawful, and even'necessary and incum.bent;, 
 - as tolbe disqualified from possessing that tender_, 
 childlike, attentive state of mind, v/hich appears 
 so necessary to our growth in a divine life, and to 
 a true filial obedience, in all things, to. the will of 
 our Heavenly Father. 
 
 1792.— 4. mo. 12. Oh ! for a sincere love 
 and attachment to that pure and uhdefiled re- 
 ligion, which stands in a filial devotedness of 
 heart to do the Lord's v/ill, and in a reverent, 
 -holy travail of soul, to be made truly acquainted 
 Avith what his w^ill is ; that so v/e may not be de- 
 ceived, under an apprehension that we are fulfilling 
 the divine will, when we are rather frustrating it 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 25 
 
 by doing our own. This, I believe, may be the 
 case, even in things v/hich muy have a good-like 
 appearance. 
 
 1799. — 6 mo. 13. I believe it is good for 
 young men to make a point of devoting a small 
 portion, at least, of every day, to read a httle in 
 the Bible, and endeavor after a little calm and 
 quiet in their minds. Something may be pre- 
 sented to the mind in these short seasons of in- 
 ward calm, which may a httle nourish and cherish 
 the divine life in the soul, and make room for 
 the love of God to prevail a little ; and so, as 
 this love is cherished and found to grow, the love 
 of the world, and earnest desire after it, will 
 lessen, and the soul be prepared to take its chief 
 dehght in something spiritual and heavenly. 
 
 1799. — 6 mo. 22. I feel low, under a sense 
 of my want of the necessary qualification for 
 active service in the church. Oh! that there 
 may be more of a waiting for the putting forth ; 
 and a deeper and more frequently-renewed travail 
 after dwelling in the pure life of religion, and 
 after inward communion with the Lord; — to 
 know his will, and receive ability, in the abase- 
 ment and abnegation of self, to do it to his glory, 
 and my own soul's true peace. 
 
 1801. — 9 mo. 14. Oh! that we may be 
 made what the Lord would have us to be; that 
 is, in harmony with his work in the earth ; stand- 
 
56 
 
 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 ing faithful, according to the present day's ad- 
 ministration and service, as many of our worthy 
 predecessors stood faithful in their day and time. 
 The great thing is, to he found in our lot, let 
 the state of Truth's cause be whatsoever it may 
 in the world. 
 
 I think I see a great danger in Friends getting 
 into easy circumstances : it renders them not so; V 
 strong, and able to endure hardness as good sol- 
 diers. I believe all we have must be at the di- 
 vine disposal, and so felt by us, before we can be 
 fully qualified to endure all things that may be 
 required of a disciple of Christ, in filling up his 
 lot in the militant church. . ^ 
 
 1810. — 8 mo. S. I find a great proneness in 
 the mind to be, every now and then, laying hold 
 of something wherein to expect a sort of perma- 
 nency of satisfaction, if not of delight ; but I doubt 
 my capacity to do this, and yet retain a due readi- 
 ness sincerely to say, "Thy will be done," should 
 these things be called for. When we use the 
 words, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in 
 heaven," surely w^e mean to be sincere ; but 
 what submission and devotion of heart and will, 
 does this imply : no obstruction or resistance to 
 the divine will " as in heaven." 
 
 I I mo. 8. I believe we came into this world 
 for the great and momentous purpose of being 
 eternally happy. Even the present life, which 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 21 
 
 is a mixed and probationary state, is replete 
 \vith numberless blessings, and precious enjo}'- 
 ments, along with the attendant trials. And 
 our duty and highest interest is, so to encounter 
 the trials incident to this present existence, and 
 so to participate of the comforts and m.ercies af- 
 forded, as that our minds may be capable to bless 
 the Lord for his goodness, in giving us a being, 
 and preserving us ; and to meet the end with 
 resignation and peace. 
 
 11 mo. 10. The true dignity of man— of a 
 Christian — consists in endeavoring to fill up his 
 duty, in the station which he is permitted to fill 
 in this world. There are few, if any situations, 
 in which a man who is upright may not shine. — 
 There is lustre in integrity ; and the peace which 
 Christ gives to his humble, dependent children, 
 can reach the humble cottager, as well as the in- 
 habitant of the mansion. Many, by having their 
 eye out after things not within their reach, nor 
 within their sphere, neglect or overlook surround- 
 ing and intended blessings ; and so are not thank- 
 ful, as they might be. Thankfulness for mer- 
 cies received is a very precious feeling, and gives 
 a sweet rehsh to what we enjoy. Let us, there- 
 ore, in the first place, be sensible and feel what 
 we are, and dihgently occupy and improve our 
 talents and gifi;s in the fear of the Lord ; and de- 
 sire, above all things, to be kept within the reach 
 
2S MEDltATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 of his blessing ; so shall the increase, if permit- 
 ted, be enjoyed without violating the peace of our 
 minds. 
 
 1811. — "4 mo. 28. A precious sentiment it 
 is, " that the spirit of benevolence, if cherished 
 and encouraged, sends forth fresh shoots." The 
 soul is enriched by an increase of benevolence, 
 although the means of gratifying or exercising it, 
 to an ejttent. adequate to our feelings, may not be 
 within our power. 
 
 1812. — I 7710. 25. It is a precious thing to 
 have a behef and feeling produced in our minds, 
 that we are under the divine gracious care and 
 protection. Perhaps I have not sustained more 
 loss, or religious disadvantage, any way, than I 
 have for want of more diligently minding the 
 very gentle intimations or calls to inward still- 
 ness. A feeling of a connexion with the Foun- 
 tain of Good is, above all things, to be prized ; 
 and this feeling is utterly out of our control or 
 command, and consequently to be accepted with 
 reverence and cheerfulness ,whenever vouchsafed. 
 We cannot prize it too much : it is a treasure in 
 prosperity: it is a treasure in adversity : it will 
 be emphatically a treasure, when the awful mo- 
 ments arrive for us to bid an eternal farewell to 
 the things of time and sense. 
 
 8 mo. 22. We are, indeed, fearfully and won- 
 derfully made. From the nature of our present 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 29 
 
 condition, we see things very differently at dif- 
 ferent times ; perhaps, in part, occasioned by our 
 attempting to see and judge when we are not in 
 a situation for it, 
 
 10 mo, 24. Having now, except about three 
 weeks, completed my sixtieth year, 1 may say, 
 that in turning over some of the leaves of my 
 past lifcj I may record occasions of reverent and 
 humble thankfulness, for having been permitted 
 to escape with as little of wounds and l3ruises as 
 I have ; and for the extension of divine goodness 
 and mercy towards me, many ways. And I 
 think my religious experience, if I may call any 
 thing which I have known by that name, has 
 been much found in the path of faith, rather than 
 of sight. Just enough vouchsafed to preserve 
 me a believer in the path, and in the power 
 which sustains in it. Perhaps this has been the 
 manner in w^hich I have been led along, because 
 it V7as best for me, as most calculated to keep me 
 humble ; often having nothing good, nor know- 
 ing how to come at any good ; but at times 
 sweetly refreshed with calmness and serenity, 
 rather than with the spirit of warm devotion, or 
 any thing like ecstasy or rapture. 
 
 1813. — 1 mo. 22. The great thing appears 
 to be, to have the right hunger and thirst after 
 righteousness excited and preserved, or main- 
 tained, in the mind ; then things which are of 
 c 
 
30 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 an earthly, transitory, or unsatisfying nature, will 
 be trials, as they prevent a participation of the 
 blessed fruits of this righteousness. Many are 
 resting in these outward enjoyments, as if they 
 were the end of our being ; but the true Chris- 
 tian, the true believer, is permitted to enjoy abun- 
 dance of blessings, without resting in them, and 
 so has the comfort of the life which now is, and 
 of that which is to come. 
 
 1814. — 3 mo. 24. To write of the immedi- 
 ate and particular influences of the Spirit of 
 Truth upon the mind, in the way we understand 
 and believe that subject, is a very delicate busi- 
 ness, especially when an application is made to 
 particular and striking instances ; because it may 
 often happen that there is really not a capacity 
 in the persons addressed, to receive what is ad- 
 vanced. Whether the doctrine of clear, imme- 
 diate revelation, in the present day, be truth and 
 reality, as we most surely believe, or not, it must 
 be granted to be possible that it may be so ; that 
 is, that it may be truth. 
 
 1814. — 4 mo. 1. How many ways to involve 
 the mind in a continual something that seems 
 plausible ; and so not keep it just in readiness to 
 hear the call, to hearken to the voice, or yield to 
 the gentle, inclining influence of divine love ; an 
 influence often so soft and silent, as to be very, 
 very easily put by, quashed, lost, forgotten. 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 31 
 
 1815. — 1 1 mo. 2. The occurrence of a great 
 variety of things to engage the attention, on our 
 own and other people's account, seems to fill up 
 much of the time, which is passing over, never 
 to return, that I have great occasion to be care- 
 ful to give the preference to those things, if I 
 can happily distinguish them, which are of the 
 most importance ; because the remaining sands 
 in the glass are spending very fast, and, most 
 probably, in a few years, at the longest, there 
 will be none remaining. Whilst we are conflict- 
 ing with the various infinnities of our nature, it 
 is a precious thing, to those who are favored, un- 
 der all, and through all, to grow in rehgious ex- 
 perience ; not casting away the shield, either in 
 the day, or in the night season : but in humble 
 trust and dependence on divine support^ press- 
 ing forward, holding fast the profession of their 
 faith, not easily blown about by floating opin- 
 ions, but watching for the manifestation of that 
 light, and of that calming influence which satis- 
 fies the soul, and gives ability to rejoice, amidst 
 the jeopardies of an earthly pilgrimage. 
 
 1817. — 6 mo. When individuals, through 
 disobedience or unfaithfulness, have been brought 
 into grievous perplexity and embarrassment, it 
 often happens, that, in condescending goodness 
 towards his poor creatures, our Almighty Father 
 does not will their continuance in this wilderness 
 
32 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 condition, but is graciously disposed tol)ring them 
 out of it. But then, if we would come forth 
 perfect, his own all-wise process must be sub- 
 mitted to with patience and resignation. What- 
 ever the provings and the humiliation required, 
 we may rest satisfied that they are necessary to ef- 
 fect the purpose intended ; and if we are at length 
 brought through so as to stand in a state of ac- 
 ceptance before Him, and to partake of the peace 
 which He gives, we shall not have to say, we 
 have suffered more for the attainment of the 
 prize, than it is found to be worth. Oh ! the un- 
 speakable value, to the exercised mind, of 
 patience and resignation. 
 
 . 1818. — 4 mo, 27. conversing this' 
 
 morni^ onjthe politics of Europe, concluded 
 with this beautiful sentiment: ''that there is 
 nothing substantial and satisfactory but the Su- 
 preme good ; in it, the deeper we go, and the 
 more largely we drink, the better and happier 
 we are ; whereas, in outward acquirements, if 
 we could attain to the summit and perfection 
 of them, the very possession and enjoyment 
 palls." 
 
 1818. — 9 mo. 6. Oh! the inestimable favor 
 it is, to be true believers, and thereby to be made, 
 from time to time, partakers of the [spiritual] 
 bread which is broken, and the wine which is in 
 mercy handed to sustain, to animate, to enliven 
 the soul. 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 33 
 
 1819. — 6 mo. 15. Oh! for some share of 
 inheritance, or fellowship, with those whom the 
 Lord delighteth to bless. 
 
 18-21. — 1 mo. 5. Many are the favors which 
 the tried and exercised servants of the Lord have 
 to commemorate, in the course of their devotion 
 to his cause. May we all, in our vaiious allot- 
 ments, endeavor to be more and more preserved 
 in a state of watchful dependence upon Him : 
 that so, whether at home or abroad, our expe- 
 rience of his goodness, niercy, and truth, may 
 be enlarged and confirmed, to our own consolation 
 and encouragement of others. 
 
 1821. — 5 77ZO. 20. The Yearly Meeting was 
 largely attended, and was a solid, instinctive, and 
 interesting season. As a religious society, we 
 have much indeed to be thankful for ; and I do 
 hope there is much to be encouraged about, as 
 to the state of things among us, although much 
 to lament. Perhaps few tilings more to be 
 lamented, than that many of us are not enough 
 con-vinced, that there is no advancing in true 
 Christian experience, and inheriting the liches, 
 and privileges, and consolations of the gospel of 
 Christ, without submitting to his yoke, and bear- 
 ing his cross. 
 
 1822. — 9 mo. 8. Reverently do I wish to 
 acknowledge the belief, that there is that which 
 can richly make amends for every privation, 
 
 c2 
 
o4 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 heal every breach, cause the wilderness and the 
 solitary place to be glad, and the desert to re- 
 joice and blossom as the rose. But, oh ! for an 
 increase of capacity to look unto this, and to 
 ■\vaik worthy of receiving such blessing. 
 
 1823. — 2 mo. 23. It is a great privilegCjin 
 affliction, to be near tender, spnpathizing friends; 
 particularly, may I not say, at our time of life, 
 when both bodily and mental energy may be 
 considei'ed oh the decline. And oh I that, in 
 all our trials, both inward and outward, the di- 
 vine arm of everlasting loving-kindness and 
 compassion may be underneath^ to bear up and 
 sustain, and afford us a safe landing at last, 
 beyond the reach of all conflict and all fear. 
 
 18-23. — 7 mo. 21. We require some one to 
 speak to freely, and also confidentially. And 
 besides, how greatly is human comfort, at times, 
 increased, by a reciprocity of innocent communi- 
 cation. 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 do\\Tis that occurs 
 may be permitted to prevent us from seeking af- 
 ter the love and favor, the support and protec- 
 tion of our Heavenly Father. I think I scarce- 
 
MEDITATIONS AND IIEFLECTIONS. 
 
 35 
 
 Ij 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'. 
 
 1S23.— 10 ?no. 12. How earnestly to be 
 desired is a complete redemption from all selfish- 
 ness : 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 fi'om 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 forever and evermore. 
 
 18-24. — 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 endeavor 
 to improve the further portion of time allotted ; 
 so that we may, through mercy, be ready for 
 the final, awful change, when it comes. 
 
 1 824 . — 1 2 ?no . 8. How unspeakably worthy 
 oiu' love, our allegiance, our seeking after, and 
 our more frequent communion is the Spirit of 
 Truth. How ought it to be [sought after] from. 
 
S6 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS'. 
 
 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 unex- 
 pectedly. 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 stabihty 
 which Truth dves to its sincere and devoted 
 disciples. Oh ! for a more general, deep ac- 
 quaintance 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 be- 
 lieve, the creature will be kept low, diffident, 
 and fearful of itself ; and more ready and de- 
 sirous 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 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. ' 37 
 
 Father wants nothing. He is perfect ; his gloly 
 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 
 dehght to the mind ; but do not always deepen 
 us in rehgious 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 purchase, in comparison of the deep-hid, 
 inestimable pearl of substantial truth." 
 
 This morning I have a somewhat lumi- 
 nous view of the nature and preciousness of the 
 gospel ministry, and other rightly-religious exer- 
 cises. God is the inexhaustible fountain of all 
 good : there is no goodness but what comes from 
 Him ; consequently, nothing for poor human na- 
 ture 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 immedi- 
 ate communications of light, fife, and divine vir~ 
 
38 
 
 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 tue 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, 1 esteem of primary and vital im- 
 portance. 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 fi-ail and un- 
 certain 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 sick- 
 ness, pain, and affliction are measured out to us, 
 we may be favored with that sw^eetness and peace 
 which bear up the mind above the waves, and 
 enable us to say, the rod as w^ell as the staff of 
 the Lord's goodness, are our comfort and our re- 
 joicing. 
 
 — Convince me, more and more, O Lord ! 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 39 
 
 I beseech thee, that thy time is the only time for 
 true refreshment and comfort to the poor soul ; 
 and that every \isitation 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 readi- 
 ness to receive, adopt, and yield to ever}' 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 ev- 
 ery thing else is fleeting aud 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 deUght 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 noth- 
 ing 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 knowTi to thy poor, unworthy, but 
 depending creature, in time and to all eternity. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS AND OTHER PA^ 
 PERS RELATING TO THE CHARACTER AND 
 PRINCIPLES OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 
 
 Some Remarks on the Religious Principles of 
 the People called Qualcers, as to TVars 
 and Fightings, 
 
 It becomes those who profess faith towards 
 Godj and who, in obedience to what they be- 
 lieve to be their religions 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 w^ere a people, have borne a testimony 
 against Wars and Fightings, it may be accept- 
 able to some serious inquirers, to know a little 
 what those grounds are. 
 
 1st. They believe that the happiness of man- 
 kind, in an especial manner, depends upon their 
 living in the fear of God ; walking in obedience 
 to the secret manifestations of Truth, through 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 41 
 
 that divine principle of light and grace given to 
 every man to profit with ; forsaking every thing 
 which this divine principle manifests to he evil ; 
 and following after every thing which it mani- 
 fests to be righteous, holy, and acceptable to 
 God our Creator, our beneficent Preserver, and 
 final Judge. 
 
 2nd. They believe that the Christian relig- 
 ion 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 au- 
 thor of the Christian religion ; " Love your en- 
 emies ; bless them that curse you ; do good to 
 them that hate you." They believe that this 
 truly noble and happy state of mind is not at- 
 tainable in our own will and time ; but that, as 
 mankind yield to the secret influences of that 
 divine principle of light and grace in the heart, 
 alluded to, they are favored, more and more, to 
 gain an ascendency over self-love, and to wit- 
 ness an enlargement of heart, so as to desire the 
 good of all, and that all may be brought to par- 
 take of that happiness which results from the 
 favor and blessing of Almighty God. 
 
 3rd. They believe, that as this divine love 
 has full place in the minds of any people, the 
 understanding becomes enlightened, so as clear- 
 ly to see that all contention is out of the Truth, 
 
 D 
 
4:2 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 and out of the way of substantial happiness.— 
 And a desire accompanies these, that no part of 
 their conduct may contribute to discord in any 
 shape, either between famiHes, between neigh- 
 bors, or between nations ; but being made sen- 
 sible that all contention is evil, and that the con- 
 tinuance thereof interrupts the comfort of man- 
 kind, they desire to be preserved from doing any 
 thing to keep it alive ; and, consequently, to 
 manifest by their conduct, that they believe it 
 more consistent for the professed followers of 
 Christ to take no active part in war; because 
 war brings grievous calamity upon the earth, 
 destroys the. lives of our fellow^creatures, and 
 tends to cherish that spirit of animosity and con- 
 fusion which is inconsistent with the gospel of 
 peace. 
 
 4th. They believe that passage of the Sacred 
 Writings to be particularly encouraging to those 
 who profess faith in God, and in his divine prov- 
 idence and protection : "As the mountains are 
 round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round 
 about his people, from henceforth even forever;" 
 and that the strongest bulwark to any nation, is 
 the favor and protection of Him, who can save 
 with equal ease in times of great perplexity, as 
 in seasons of less outward difficulty. 
 
 5th. They believe that the way to obtain 
 this favor and protection, is to walk faithfldly 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 
 
 43 
 
 before him ; reverently depending upon Him, 
 and in all things desiring that his will may be 
 the rule and government of our hves. And 
 they believe that, for a nation so walking and 
 so depending, there is greater safety in this 
 trust in the divine arm of power, than in the 
 strength of armies ; and that it is beautifliUy 
 consistent for those in any nation who are 
 thus convinced and thus believing, to endea- 
 vor, in humility and reverence, to cast their 
 care upon Hun, desiring to be resigned to ev- 
 ery dispensation of his pro\idence ; and that, 
 whatever happens, they may be found clear 
 in his siojht of havins; contributed to the dis- 
 tress, the unspeakable distress and bloodshed 
 of their fellow-creatiu-es. 
 
 Extracts from Letters, &f'C. 
 
 1815. — 12 mo. 29. I am not aware that 
 Friends, as a Society, rate too highly the 
 ground on which they are called to stand ; 
 although unhappily, too many of us do not 
 maintain our standing. And I think we may 
 safely beheve this, without ascribing anything 
 to the creature, or magnifying the people ; 
 but reverently acquiescing \^nth and acknow- 
 
44 ON THE CHAKACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 ledging the Power whence the gifts and abil- 
 ity -proceed. 
 
 If, by a mighty hand, and by a stretched-out 
 arm, our predecessors were brought forth from 
 amidst the different denominations of professors, 
 and enabled to bear faithful and undeviating 
 testimony to the spirituality of the gospel — ^to 
 the necessity of following the Captain of salva- 
 tion, whithersoever He is pleased to lead by his 
 light and truth manifested in the secret of the 
 soul ; in other words, in the path of self-denial 
 and the daily cross — to the necessity of avoiding 
 all conformity with formality, all unrighteous 
 conformity to the maxims, policy, fashions, and 
 friendships of the world— to hold up a standard 
 against wars and against oaths, and a testimony 
 to the freedom of gospel-ministry, and to that 
 worship which, laying aside all rites and cere- 
 monies, as constituted and proper appendages 
 to the gospel dispensation, is performed in spirit 
 ,and in truth : — If they have been brought to the 
 fblessed and glorious avowal, " That in pure, 
 silent worship, we dwell under the holy Anoint- 
 ing, and feel Christ to be our Shepherd; that 
 here the best of Teachers ministers to the seve- 
 ral conditions of his flock, and the soul receives, 
 immediately from the divine Fountain, that with 
 - which it is nourished :" — If this people have,, 
 been brought thus far, surely it becomes the 
 
OF OUH RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 45 
 
 living among them, in the depth of humility, 
 reverence and fear, to say, as a collective body, 
 " He that is mighty hath done for us great things, 
 and holy is his name — has placed us in the 
 midst of many mercies, in a state of awful re- 
 sponsibility. Are we not brought to the ac- 
 knowledgment, that " the opening of an inward, 
 silent worship in this nation, is a precious open- 
 ing ;" and that it is our duty to walk answerably 
 to the nature of an inward communion with God, 
 that so no stumbling-block, through us, may be 
 laid in the way of others ? The awfulness of 
 the responsibility does not annul the truth of it; 
 and I beheve it is unsafe to flinch from or deny 
 it. 
 
 I rejoice greatly in the spread of the Holy 
 Scriptures, and in the institution of the British 
 and Foreign Bible Society, as a present, highly 
 fovored means of this spread. I am con- 
 cerned, by word and example, to encourage 
 Bible-meetings ; and I think am never so com- 
 fortable, if I am prevented attending those to 
 which, as appertaining to our district, I may be 
 said to belong : I mean our quarterly committees 
 and our anniversary at Saffron Walden. But 
 1 see great cause, indeed, for Friends to be very 
 watchful on such occasions* How conspicuous 
 seems to be the fondness to give 'applause; if not 
 to receive d; to ^ay nothing of -so liberally as- 
 d2 
 
46 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 cribing to the Bible, that which can rightly be 
 ascribed only to the Divine Spirit. How hum- 
 ble, how deep in travail, then, had Friends need 
 be, that they may be enabled to keep their 
 ground — to support, yea, exalt their testimony 
 to the necessity of help aud strength from the 
 Lord, for the advancement of his own cause. I 
 believe they may be greatly useful in such as- 
 semblies, and, by the savor of their spirits, 
 tend at times, more or less, to season others.— 
 But how great is the danger, lest, in communi- 
 cating strength to others, we lose, in degree, 
 our hold of , the steadfastness and beauty of the 
 pure and unchangeable Truth. 
 
 I believe, in a meeting for discipline, rightly 
 gathered and rightly preserved, the united ex- 
 ercise of living members is, that Truth may pre- 
 vail over all. To a meeting thus circumstanced, 
 I believe at times, a very precious sensibility is 
 vouchsafed, and Friends travel on in the sim- 
 plicity of filial fear and reverence ; and when a 
 nomination is depending. Friends become, at 
 times, constrained, at other times feel a tender, 
 brotherly, sensible freedom, to mention a name, 
 without daring tO stamp it high : but, in resigna- 
 tion, leaving it to make its way, or otherwise, as 
 the Master pleases ; and leaving it with the 
 ^meeting, whether the right savour attends the 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 41 
 
 expression, and whether there may be a right 
 capacity in the nominee, to accept or dechne. 
 Thus Friends feel one for another, and the bond 
 of tender gospel affection is preserved ; and the 
 travail for the cause maintained, and its pros- 
 perity sought, beyond all other considerations. 
 Oh ! one can seem to conceive what a precious 
 thing it is, when Friends, in their meetings for 
 discipline, can rightly bow under the solemnizing 
 influence ; not stamping anything they do, high; 
 but fearing, in the least degree, to wound the 
 precious cause, or contribute to disperse the 
 precious solemnity, either by speaking or by 
 withholding. I speak not, very, very far from 
 it, as one that has attained, but as a behever in 
 the validity of these things : and in the favored 
 condition of rightly-gathered, and rightly-pre- 
 served meetings for discipline. 
 
 1817. — 6 mo. Whether we be ministers, 
 elders, overseers, or of whatever class, I believe 
 we should mind where we are ; and rather bear 
 a burden, perhaps rightly brought upon us, from 
 sympathy, or the operation and influence of the 
 Spirit,, than venture to relieve ourselves, when 
 circumstances and the want of opportunity forbid. 
 I believe, in a large meeting, a diversity of ex- 
 ercise may be excited in lively-spirited Friends, 
 which it would be very inexpedient to bring 
 
48 ON THE CHARACTER AND imiNClPLES 
 
 forth in words. But I suppose that the weighty, 
 deeply-attentive, patient mind, is permitted to 
 discover the right time for moving ; and then, 
 the baptizing influence being dwelt under in the 
 exercise of the gift, the meeting feels the precious 
 effect. But I rather think, that some who have 
 a gift in the ministry, miss it at times, in the ex- 
 ercise of it, for want of understanding, at the 
 time, the state of the meeting ; perhaps, partly, 
 from being involved in their own exercise.—- 
 When a meeting is baptized under a livingi> 
 ministry, and the minister sits down, it is a nice 
 thing indeed to make an addition: at least, 
 before a suitable space has been allowed. As 
 the end of all true ministry is to bring the hearers 
 to an abiding under the influence of the Spirit of 
 Christ, we should rejoice when this is in< any, 
 considerable degree produced by the ministry i 
 of any Friend ; and be very carefol not to step 
 in, in a way to dissipate the solemnity, or remove 
 the sense which has thus profitably been be- 
 gotten. At the same time, it is very desirable 
 that no rightly appointed offering should be - 
 prevented ; and the diversity of states and con- 
 ditions is to be remembered. So that it is indeed 
 a mystery ; and a very weighty thing is living, 
 baptizing, ministry. 
 
 I remember, whilst on this subject, a remark v 
 of dear Henry Tuke, in .our quarterly meeting, . 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 
 
 49 
 
 a pretty many years ago, that he thought hardly 
 a greater evil could befall us, as a religious 
 society, than an unbaptized ministry. As to 
 offerings in the ministry, rendered unseasonable 
 fi'om the circumstance of a meetins; beino; in 
 measure baptized by previous ministry, I believe 
 solid, judicious elders might be greatly helpful 
 to our dear ministering friends of less experience: 
 they are much to be felt for, and so are meet- 
 ings. 
 
 1821. — 5 7/10, 19. My mind so sincerely 
 entertains the belief, that all good cometh from 
 God, and therefore must be patiently and re- 
 verently waited for, that I can heartily join in 
 desire, that, in our meetings for discipline, the 
 creature may be kept humble, simple, and de- 
 pendent; looking for the blessing on its feeble en- 
 deavors, unto Him who is the Alpha and Omega, 
 the inexhaustible source both of strength and 
 consolation. It behoves the rightly exercised, to 
 be especially careful, to keep their posts in such 
 meetincrs : that nothinor draw them off their 
 gaiard, or betray them into movements unworthy 
 of the faithful followers of the Lamb. The ex- 
 ercised frame of their spirits might be sweetly 
 encouraging to younger, well-inclined Friends, 
 and thus strength be progressively gained to the 
 meeting. I am not sure whether it is possible. 
 
50 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 by words, to convince the gainsayers, if many 
 such there be, that our meetings for discipline 
 are divinely owned and crowned ; but if those 
 who know the Truth, and love it, would keep 
 their ranks faithfully, with meekness and lowli- 
 ness, yet in stability and gospel-beauty, it would, 
 perhaps, go further than any thing else ; and I 
 believe these, rightly engaged, would be blessed 
 in meetings, and meetings blessed in them. 
 
 I think, in meetings for discipline, made up 
 of a great variety of states and conditions, it is a 
 precious thing that we endeavor to gather into 
 silence ; and may we not consider the solemnity 
 which sometimes prevails, to be like a mantle 
 cast over us, preparatory to entering on the 
 business, and to proceeding in order, as the sub- 
 jects successively rise before us ; and perhaps, 
 in the condescension of Him who knows the 
 circumstances and state of every mind, it may be 
 permitted, that there should be an entering into 
 the concerns of the meeting, by many, or by 
 most present, according to their present capacity, 
 growth, and attainment. And in a degree of 
 integrity and simplicity, without much religious 
 experience in some, there may be a desire that 
 the right thing may be promoted ; and by these, 
 a few words expressed, without offence or wound 
 to the meeting. 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 
 
 51 
 
 1822. — 117720. 17. May we not with rever- 
 ence belie-ve, when the jNIost High was pleased, 
 in the going forth of his \nsdom and of his mercy, 
 to gather the rehgious society of which we have 
 the unspeakable privilege of being members, that 
 he proposed to bring them forth as a people, 
 wholly separated from the apostacy, which had 
 previously so overwhelmed the Christian world; 
 giving, in a wonderful degree, light, and power 
 to discern, exhibit, and faithfully testify against 
 the spirit, and the fruits of that apostacy : — in 
 other words, to call forth a people who should 
 aim at perfection, in accordance \nth our blessed 
 Saviour's injunction: Be ye, therefore, perfect, 
 even as your Father which is in heaven is per- 
 fect :" — who should aim at a state of perfect 
 acceptance with Him ; compromising nothing ; 
 abating nothing ; but pressing on, through all 
 discouragement and opposition, towards the 
 mark for the prize — the blessed prize of un- 
 alloyed peace. 
 
 If this were the case, can we wonder that 
 they were very quick of discernment, respecting 
 any thing that came in their way, which was, 
 either in root or in branch, appertaining to the 
 apostacy? As they sought the glory of God, 
 they were very zealous against what they be- 
 lieved derogatory therefrom. As they loved the 
 truth as it is in Jesus, they were grieved and 
 
52 ON THE CHARACT^ER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 offended at any thing which they thought mih- 
 tated against the purity and simphcity of it.— 
 The persecutions and trials which they met 
 with, joined with the convictive evidence of 
 Truth in their own minds, tended greatly to 
 wean them from the world, and to fix their at- 
 tention closely on promoting the glory of God ; 
 therein securing their own happiness, and con- 
 ducing to the happiness of others in this life, and, 
 finally, in that kingdom whereunto the robber 
 and destroyer cannot come. 
 
 Can we, without tender emotion, contem- 
 plate what different conclusions will be produced 
 respecting the same subjects, where, on one 
 hand, a people are zealously, yet reverently and 
 humbly, pursuing the glory of God, as the 
 principal thing, or with an undivided aim'; or. 
 where, on the other hand, the spirit, the maxims, 
 and the enjoyments of the world, are claiming a 
 very considerable proj)ortion of the attention of 
 mind, and the strength of its faculties ? In the 
 former case, how nice, tender, and scrupulous, 
 that nothing be admitted, trenching at all upon 
 their allegiance to God, and their testimony 
 against whatever has sprung fi^om the apostasy, 
 or militates against the spirit of the gospel of 
 Christ ; endeavoring to be faithful in every 
 point, and being exceedingly jealous of what- 
 ever is either decidedly inconsistent with the 
 
OF OCR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 
 
 53 
 
 purity of the Gospol, or that is of such a com- 
 plexion. In the latter case, what nice distinc- 
 tions are sought up, and found out; what subtle 
 reasonings, tending to lessen suffering — to abate 
 the distinction between the humble, devoted 
 follower, and those who appear willing to run 
 the hazard of that which may eventually dis- 
 tress, if not lay w^aste, the Society ; keeping as 
 near the world's maxims as they can, with 
 tolerable satisfaction ; and having, perhaps, the 
 right eye towards it, and the left eye towards 
 the kingdom everlasting. 
 
CHAPTER IV'. 
 
 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS ADDRESSED 
 TO THOSE IN EARLY LIFE. 
 
 Tendei' Counsel to the Youug. 
 
 In looking towards the young men in our 
 religious Society, and esteeming them a precious 
 and very interesting part of the body, I con- 
 sider their preservation in the midst of the 
 dangers of the world, a most worthy object of 
 attention. I believe some of them, from cir- 
 cumstances which occur, are led, at an early 
 age, into temptations and deviations, that eventu- 
 ally tend to their perplexity and distress ; and 
 that they, in many instances, lose a state of com- 
 parative innocence, before they are rightly aware 
 of the value of themselves, and how much the 
 sweetness and true enjoyment of life, are in- 
 creased by humbly walking in the fear of God ; 
 not in slavish, but filial fear; for He is our 
 gracious Father, and the fountain of all blessing. 
 
 I am inclined, in affectionate desire that they 
 may not forfeit the substance of comfort, through 
 
LETTERS ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 55 
 
 a pursuit of the shadow, to recommend the 
 follo\^ing short hints : — 
 
 I beheve it is good for young men, to make a 
 point of devoting a small portion of time — a 
 few moments — every day, to read a little in the 
 Holy Scriptures, and to endeavor to yield their 
 minds, in sincerity, into a short calm and quiet. 
 For, in divine loving-kindness, something may 
 be vouchsafed and communicated, in these short 
 seasons" of mental recollection, which will, in 
 degree, nourish and cherish the Divine Life in 
 the soul, so that the Love of God will be felt to 
 prevail a little ; and as this love is entertained, 
 and found to increase, the love of the world, and 
 the anxious desire after its enjoyments, will 
 lessen, and the mind be prepared to take its 
 chief delight in something spiritual and heavenly. 
 This experience will prove a peniianent treasure. 
 
 Thoughts on Company and Boolcs. 
 
 1 wish, to feel for young people, under the va- 
 rious temptations and trials to which the years of 
 inexperience are exposed. They are naturally 
 and reasonably inchned to learn, and to accom- 
 plish themselves in ornament and usefulness. — 
 To this end, as well as for temporary gratifica- 
 
56 
 
 LliTTERS AND OTHER PAPEIiS 
 
 tion, they value and prefer company and books. 
 Most of them, perhaps, would sdij good compa- 
 ny and good books ; and it is a delicate and very 
 interesting matter to determine in what degree 
 to discourage, or to countenance this inclination. 
 It is an unspeakable favor, however, early in 
 life, to know, that, in the silence and retirement 
 of the mind, there is instruction and comfort to 
 be met with, beyond what can be expected, ei- 
 ther from even good company, or good books. 
 It is observable, by the attentive mind, that 
 there may be an enjoyment of books and of 
 company which strengthens us in the love, es- 
 teem, and pursuit of this silence and retirement ] 
 and there is an enjoyment of good books and 
 good company, which weakens and enfeebles 
 the mind, in its capacity to love, pursue, and 
 enjoy this profitable silence and meditation. — 
 Here, then, dear young friend, whosoever thou 
 art, is the point of wisdom. Mind, day by day, 
 and through all, an inward sense respecting 
 things, and thou mayst be favored to perceive 
 what thy duty calls for at thy hands, as to thy 
 outward, temporal, domestic, or social occupa- 
 tions ; and then what time thou canst properly 
 spare for company and books, and how much 
 of either thou canst enjoy, with religious bene- 
 fit to thy own mind. Much company and many 
 books, or much reading, have often a direc(; ten- 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 
 
 57 
 
 dency to draw the attention of the mind out- 
 ward, instead of inward. And here there is need 
 of wise discrimination. If thy company, or thy 
 reading, tends to give thee a humbhng view of 
 thyself, and of thy many frailties and infiraiities, 
 and to increase the ardor of thy mind, in the 
 pursuit of divine .help, of mward quietude, and 
 sweet, enriching peace, thou mayst conclude so 
 much of it is good for thee ; but if either of 
 them be such, or indulged in to such a degree, 
 as unprofitably to occupy thy mind, and rather 
 indispose than encourage thee in the love of in- 
 ward recollection and meditation, thou mayst 
 safely conclude there is a snare in it, and that 
 there is danger lest the durable and precious 
 substance may be lost in the pursuit of the 
 shadow. 
 
 The three following Letters were written to 
 young men who lived with TV. G. 
 as apprentices, 
 
 1801. — 9 mo. Being favored to desire that 
 thou, and the other young men, may be kept in 
 a reverent, tender fear of offending the Lord 
 your ^laker in any thing, I seemed most easy 
 to attempt a few lines to thee, after this man- 
 e2 
 
58 
 
 LETTERS AND OTilER PARERS 
 
 ner, without any wish to write much, but so as 
 to reach the divine witness on thy mind. 
 
 I tenderly request thee to w'eigh these re- 
 marks sohdly ; and at such time as thy mind is 
 most favored with good desires for thyself, and 
 at such times as thou art favored to crave that, 
 when thou hast done with the things of time, 
 thou mayst be found worthy to have a place in 
 the mansions of eternal rest and peace. JVow, 
 I believe that the w^ay to be truly happy, is to 
 endeavor to do the will of God. The w^ay to 
 enjoy the blessings intended for his dear chil- 
 dren, is to serve Him, and obey Him in child- 
 like simplicity ; to dwell under a sense that He 
 is our Father ; and to look up to Him, as He 
 that can provide for us, take care of us, lead us, 
 feed us, and keep us. To have this sense upon 
 the mind is very precious, and is what I crave 
 for me and mine, and those under my care. — 
 Here self is gradually reduced, and kept under ; 
 and we are made sensible, that there is no safe- 
 ty for us, whatever may be our attainments, but 
 as we are doing his will ; and as w^e are meas- 
 urably clothed with a tender, filial fear, lest we 
 should be found doing any thing that would de- 
 prive us of a sense of his love upon our spirits." 
 As this is not at our command, so we are led 
 to prize it, when He is pleased to favor with it ; 
 and when it is withdrawn, and we are left bar- 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 
 
 59 
 
 ren, and poor, and stripped, and have nothing, 
 as it were, to lean upon, and no feehng of in- 
 ward support and comfort, oh ! what poor things 
 we are, let things in the outward be as they 
 may, ever so fair and flourishing : they are fleet- 
 ing and uncertain, w^earing away one day after 
 another, and leaving us in an unprofitable state, 
 if we have not something \^-ithin to animate and 
 enliven our minds. As we come to make a 
 right estimate of things, and are favored to love 
 the TiTith above all, and to value a sweet and 
 quiet mind, and the feeling of diiine love upon 
 our spirits, above the transient enjoyments of 
 time, we come to feel and to know, that noth- 
 ing is a little thing to us, which prevents us 
 from drawing nigh to the Lord in our hearts, and 
 oflering up ourselves to Him in secret dedica- 
 tion, [saying,] Here I am : make me to be 
 thine, and preserve me from offending Thee in 
 thought, word, or deed ; that so Thou mayst be 
 mercifully pleased to enrich my mind with the 
 light of thy countenance, and to favor me with 
 thy life-giving presence." 
 
 As time is very uncertain to us all, both 
 
 young and old^ and we know not whether an- 
 other opportunity so' favorable may present, I 
 
60 
 
 LETTEllS AND OTHER PAPEllS 
 
 feel a tender inclination now, at parting, to tell 
 thee, that I sincerely wish thee well ; and un- 
 der that influence, to call thy attention to thy 
 own immediate situation, that, by a discreet and 
 timely consideration, thou mayst avoid some of 
 the dangers to which I think thou art likely to 
 be exposed. Thy time of life, and the time of 
 a young man's engaging in the world for him- 
 self, is attended with many snares. Gilded pros-/ 
 pects, which are calculated to deceive the inex- 
 perienced mind, if not strictly on its watch, are 
 apt to present ; and a state of innocence liable 
 to be interrupted, if not lost, which cannot be 
 recovered but through deep suffering. 
 
 I apprehend thou art favored to hcive a moth- . 
 er tenderly exercised in her spirit for thy good. 
 This is a first-rate blessing. This was my case ; 
 and the care and counsel of my dear mother, 
 when I was very young, I believe, made impres- 
 sions which have never been erased. She taught 
 me early to know that I was not my own, nor at 
 my own disposal ; and that, if I would be safe 
 and happy, I must look to the Lord for counsel. 
 Now this I wish for thee. In all thy movements, 
 be sure keep this in mind. It will, I trust, be 
 an inestimable treasure to thee ; confirming, in 
 thy happy experience, that the fear of the Lord 
 is a fountain of life, preserving from the snares 
 of death. When temptations, of whatever de- 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 61 
 
 scriptioDj assail, forget not the fear of tlie Lord : 
 that thereby thou mayst be favored to witness 
 preservation, and escape. Be in earnest to be 
 good ; — the only way to be happy. If, through 
 unwatchfulness at any time, thou art in any de- 
 gree overcome, be sure thou be willing to come 
 under condemnation, and bear the chastening 
 hand for disobedience : be willing to endure af- 
 fliction for transgression, and do not flinch fi'ora 
 it. Let it have its appointed season, and the 
 dispensation of condemnation will have a refin- 
 ing tendency, and thou wilt be likely to come 
 up from the washing-pool, from time to time, 
 vvith increased strength to resist succeeding 
 temptations. We must not expect to be ex- 
 empt from these. Bearing this reproof and chas- 
 tisement will give thy mind weight and soUdity ; 
 and thou wilt, I trust, come to be less and less 
 susceptible of the allurements of the trifling 
 things of the world, and thou w^ilt be more and 
 more enabled to set a right value upon things. 
 Unlawful things, and trifling things, will come 
 to have their proper character stamped upon 
 them, in thy view ; and thou wilt be likely to 
 increase in thy love for quietness, watchfulness, 
 and meditation. As we are sincere and in ear- 
 nest, although the root of evil as well as of good 
 lies deep in the heart, we may find that, as 
 tilings of an outward nature are permitted to be 
 
62 LETTERS ANi) OTHER PAPERS 
 
 snares and baits to our minds ; so, many things 
 of an outward nature are permitted to be, relig- 
 iously, helps and comforts, and a strength to us, 
 in our journey through time to an everlasting 
 home. Thou wilt find that it is good to prefer 
 the acquaintance of those who, thou believest, 
 sincerely fear God, and to read such books as 
 tend to bring our attention home, and to 
 strengthen this fear in our own hearts. Light 
 and frothy company and light and frothy books, 
 though specious, thou wilt find wound the peace 
 of the mind, estrange it from the fear of which 
 I have been speaking, and indispose to serious- 
 ness and heavenly-mindedness. 
 
 God is the source and centre of happiness. — 
 In proportion as w^e yield ourselves to things 
 which the Light he has afforded us testifies 
 against, in the secret of the soul, we go from 
 Him, and go into confusion ; and so miss of the 
 mercies, the favors, the consolations, which He ^ 
 is permitting those to partake of, who dread 
 nothing so much as losing his divine approbation, 
 and the sweetness resulting from it. Do not be 
 halting, and double-minded, I entreat thee ; but 
 yield thyself up to be a consistent Friend, to 
 speak, act, and appear as such, and I believe 
 thou wilt be blest. 
 
 When things present, bring them to the 
 Light : if they will bear the test, we may con- 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOtNG. 
 
 63 
 
 elude they make for lasting peace ; if tliey will 
 not, they make for perplexity, and, sooner or 
 later, for distress. 
 
 My heart desires the illumination and strength- 
 ening of thy mind, to follow that which adorns 
 the humble Christian, and "to flee that wdiich 
 leavens into the spirit and friendship of the 
 world, and ends in disappointment and sorrow. 
 
 Dear , now is the time. Learn to weigh 
 
 things correctly : often consult the pure witness 
 in thy own heart ; mark well and attentively 
 what it leads to, and what it leads from ; and 
 may the blessing of preservation attend thee, is 
 my heart's desire. 
 
 Thy well-wishing and affectionate friend, 
 
 W. G. 
 
 As thou art about finishing thy appren- 
 ticeship, I have had it at times on my mind, to 
 express a few things in writing before we part ; 
 as what is TVTitten sometimes remains longer un- 
 der notice than what is spoken, and may be oc- 
 casionally referred to, in moments of affection- 
 ate recollection of those with whom, and under 
 whose care, so considerable and so important a 
 portion of time has been passed. 
 
 I have no reason to think that thy coming to 
 
64 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS ^ ' 
 
 live with us was wrong ; and I think it no small 
 privilege that we have got through, so as to love 
 one another at the conclusion ; and I hope that, 
 as we are preserved to desire well for ourselves, 
 in the best sense, we shall continue, at seasons, 
 to remember one another with pleasure and af- 
 fection. 
 
 As to business, I hope thou hast attained a 
 prett}^ competent knowledge of it ; such as will, 
 with humility and industry, under the divine 
 blessing, promote thy getting, in due time, com- 
 fortably established for thyself. But my prin- 
 cipal object, at present, is thy preservation out 
 of those things which hinder or retard an ad- 
 vancement in the truth ; and if we miss of that, 
 how transitory, and of how little value, is every 
 thing else. 
 
 Thou hast much to be thankful for in the in- 
 estimable favor of a religious parent, who has so- 
 licitously cared for thy best welfare ; and I think 
 thy mind has been, through outward and inward 
 means, so imbued with a sense of what is good 
 and excellent, that, if thou art properly watch- 
 ful, thou wilt be blest with an increase of spirit- 
 ual knowledge and spiritual strength, and of ca- 
 pacity to overcome those propensities to which 
 by nature we are prone. In order to this, I be- 
 seech thee in an especial manner, to be careful 
 what company thou joinest with. I think thy 
 
.UNDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 
 
 65 
 
 own happiness much depends upon it. It was 
 rather before thy time of hfe that my mind be- 
 came seriously arrested, and a desire raised in 
 me after the knovdedge of substantial good. — 
 This good, dear , is to be kno\^Ti, I be- 
 lieve, by submission to the cross of Christ, un- 
 der which the divine light breaks in upon the 
 mind with sweet instruction, to our edification 
 and help. Though in this process our own wills 
 are frequently opposed, yet it is here we are 
 made acquainted with that wliich nothing else 
 can give us. 1 beheve the experience of many 
 has proved this to be true. Suffer therefore, 
 nobody to deceive thee, or tempt thee to beheve 
 that there is any other way to be happy. In 
 submission to the refining discipline of the cross 
 of Christ, the mind is prepared to receive good 
 from the divine hand, both inward and outward 
 good, and to receive it with true relish and with 
 thankfulness ; and I think we shall not become 
 happy without it. As the mind, by this refin- 
 ing submission, is brought into a state of fitness 
 to receive, I beheve that divine mercy and good- 
 ness is ready to bestow; and here a precious 
 state is known. And as thou seest things thus, 
 thou wilt find that it must, indeed, be good com- 
 pany, to be better than no company ; and thou 
 wilt find that too many young men, as well as ' 
 older ones, are too much unacquainted with the , 
 
66 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS 
 
 State 1 have mentioned, and are more in specu- 
 lation and reasoning than in living experience. 
 But I entreat thee to keep to thy own business, 
 and the peace of thy own mind ; that is more 
 to thee than any thing else : keeping steadily to 
 meetings, and to the practices and conduct of 
 faithful Friends. This will, I believe, tend to 
 keep thee in favor both with God and man ; and 
 I believe that thou hardly needest fear doing 
 well also in outward things. And as thou art 
 favored, more and more, to know what inward 
 peace and quiet are, thou wilt be more afraid of 
 those who know not what the truth is by expe- 
 rience. The way of Truth, I believe, increas- 
 es in brightness as we walk on faithfully in it, 
 in humble submission to its discoveries. Here 
 the creature is abased and kept in a teachable 
 state, and those discoveries made, and that es- 
 tabhshment known, which are no otherwise to 
 be come at. Therefore mind, I beseech thee, 
 the discoveries of Tmth ; and if, through un- 
 watchfulness or infirmity, or natural propensity , 
 thou at any time slippest aside, be diligent, by 
 repentance and submission to the rod, to get 
 thy peace restored. Oh! the danger of letting 
 commissions and omissions gather one upon an- 
 other, for want of coming under the washing, 
 purifying dispensation of the Spirit of Truth. — 
 'How many have wofully missed it herein, and 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 67 
 
 incurred a hardened state of mind, unsuscepti- 
 ble of the tendering impressions of good. But 
 I desire thy preservation, and that thou mayst 
 know an estabhshment in the blessed, unchange- 
 able Truth. In tme love, 
 
 Thy sincere friend, 
 
 W. G. 
 
 Extract of a Letter to two young Men. 
 
 1815. — 6 mo. 9. I think my sincere desire 
 is, that the Father of mercies may take you and 
 preserve you under his gracious care ; and so 
 renew, from time to time, his enlightening influ- 
 ence on your minds, as to enable you clearly to 
 perceive the transcendant excellency that there 
 is in the tmth ; and to engage you to prefer it, 
 and your advancement in it, to every other 
 thing. It is cause of real satisfaction to me, 
 that you are capable of business, and inclined 
 to be industrious and persevering. I think your 
 attention to these lawful and commendable pur- 
 suits, under due regulations and restrictions, may 
 not only prevent your active minds from being 
 drawn out after things less innocent, but furnish 
 you with ability to be useful to others. Never- 
 theless, I wish to remind and warn you, that 
 
68 EXTRACT OF A LETTER, &C. 
 
 temptations will not be wanting : the enemies 
 of your own house, the propensities of our na- 
 ture, will closely beset you in one shape or oth- 
 er, in one direction or other, adapting the bait 
 to the circumstances, disposition, turn, and in- 
 clination. 
 
 Under this persuasion, how solicitous I am 
 that you may be circumspect, and maintain a 
 daily watch ; so that preservation may be expe- 
 rienced on every hand. Often bear in mind, 
 I tenderly entreat you, that our great and boun- 
 tiful Creator's view, in the formation of his crea- 
 ture man, was to make him completely happy, 
 by the enjoyment of Hjmself, his own presence, 
 his own love, light, and peace : so that our 
 greatest wisdom is to aim continually at this 
 point, which is the great end of our being. If 
 we are thus preserved, we shall endeavor to 
 bear the trials, afflictions, and disappointments 
 of this life, in such a manner as may bring us, 
 day by day, nearer, and nearer, and nearer to 
 God, who is the perpetual fountain of happiness 
 and of consolation. In like manner, we shall 
 endeavor to enjoy prosperity and the comforts 
 of this life, and the many blessings which sur- 
 round us, in such a sweet, thankful, humble 
 frame of spirit, as will be well pleasing in the 
 divine sight. We may be benefited, I believe, 
 even by prosperity as well as by adversity, if 
 
EXTRACT OF A LETTER, &:C. 
 
 69 
 
 the mind be kept in a state suited to our depen- 
 dent condition ; for dependent indeed we are, 
 every moment of our days. Thus we may be 
 brought on our journey, whether longer or 
 shorter ; so as that, whenever the end comes, 
 either in middle or more advanced age, we may 
 enter, through the di^dne mercy, into the frui- 
 tion of that state, where there is neither want, 
 sickness, nor pain ; and where all tears are for- 
 ever wiped away. 
 
 We cannot too often look at things after this 
 manner : we ought to do it daily, or oftener than 
 the day. It does not unfit us for the concerns 
 of time ; but it leads us to give the preference 
 where it is so justly due, and where our inter- 
 est requires us. It leads us to desire, in sincer- 
 ity of heart, that dinne goodness will be near 
 us, and help us in all states and condhions, and 
 under all our temptations and trials ; so that we 
 may not lose our hold of good, but may contin- 
 ually advance, as our days spend and pass away, 
 towards that which is the end and perfection of 
 our being. 
 
 y2 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS WRITTEN FROM 
 THE YEAR 1800 TO 1811 ; WITH SOME 
 OTHER PAPERS. 
 
 1800. — 5th mo, 18. We are again come up 
 to the yearly meeting ; not, I trust, that we 
 think, or thought before we set out, ourselves • 
 of much consequence here; but wish to think "* 
 it a favor that we are once more permitted to 
 mingle with Friends in their annual solemnity. 
 Yet I remember that after all, we must, after 
 partaking of the strength derived from the ex- 
 ercise and concern of the lovers of the cause, 
 retire into our own littleness; live,ifwe do live, up- 
 on our own little morsel ; and depend for daily 
 help and daily supplies, as well as for final succor 
 and acceptance, upon the mercy and favor of Him 
 who knows all our infirmities ; and who knows 
 how far some of us are from that heavenly, re- 
 deemed state, which I believe many of us 
 would gladly arrive at, however far we may yet 
 be from a due willingness to submit to the teiTns. 
 Well, my beloved friend, may the sweetness of 
 divine consolation be thy experience, to enliven 
 iby declining years, support thee amidst the 
 
EXTKACTs OF LETTERS. 
 
 71 
 
 varied conflicts allotted, and sweeten the bitter 
 cups which the diversified stage admits of to 
 the travelers who ai'e passing over it. 
 
 I remember at this time, a nice young man. 
 Many dangers attend such as he is ; a lively, 
 pleasant activity for business ; and no doubt 
 many ready to associate with him. IMay he 
 wisely remember how easy it is for the mind to 
 be drawn into things, the enjoyment whereof is 
 attended with no tme sweetness, and which 
 produce flatness and barrenness, if not bitter- 
 ness in the end of them. IMay he remember, 
 none are safe companions who have not the 
 tender fear of God before their eyes ; who do 
 not endeavor to yield their minds to that cross 
 which brings into exercise and conflict, and for- 
 bids a rest in sensual gratifications, which are 
 vanity, and afford no substantial and enduring 
 comfort. 
 
 I have thought that many would like to feel 
 the comforts of religion, but miss it from expec- 
 ting to find some great thing to begin ^vith ; 
 whereas, perhaps the way appointed for most, 
 is to begin with something veYy little ; and it 
 would be well; when our minds are exercised 
 and grieved that we feel little or no capacity to- 
 wards good, to consider whether there is not 
 something manifested that we are not yield- 
 ing to. Perhaps this is the very thing which is 
 
72 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 to be the door of entrance into the path of life, 
 and of increasing consolation, and experience of 
 good. 
 
 1802. — 8 mo, 6. One thing I seem inclin- 
 ed to mention for thy encouragement; and that 
 is, to request, affectionately, that thou wilt not 
 let discouragements take place, as to the attend- 
 ance of meetings for discipline at a distance, now 
 that your borders as a quarterly meeting are en- 
 larged, and the remoteness may be an addit- 
 ional bar to thy going. I believe thy company 
 will be strengthening and encouraging to the' 
 rightly-concerned present, and their company 
 reviving and consoling to thee. Let not thy 
 deafness discourage thee : thy being, in rneas- 
 ure, gathered into thy own exercise, will, 1 be- 
 lieve, help forward the cause. Even the coun- 
 tenance of an Israelite, I believe, strengthens , 
 many a drooping mind ; and there are opportu- 
 nities, now and then, though it may not be our 
 lot to be very active, of manifesting on whose 
 side we are. So that I am inclined, from 
 some persuasion of its usefulness and fitness, to 
 encourage those who, with thyself, sincerely 
 love the cause of Truth, to keep close to it 
 publicly, even in dedining days, as to age. 
 Indeed, I have been of the mind for some time, 
 that if things go on well, the more active part 
 in our meetings for discipline will not always fall 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS: 
 
 73 
 
 on those far advanced in years ; but they will 
 probably often sit by, and, like careful fathers 
 and mothers, encourage by their presence and 
 by their weighty spirits, the younger and mid- 
 dle-aged to come up in and maintain their res- 
 pective ranks ; and now and then, in the lan- 
 guage of experience, put in a few words, well- 
 seasoned and well-timed, to the increasing of 
 the weight and solemnity. O 1 the use of the 
 company of fathers and mothers, my beloved 
 friend, in our Society. O ! the pleasantness 
 of seeing the hoary head in our assemblies, hav- 
 mg kept the faith, having loved the Truth, and 
 believed in it to the end. 
 
 1803. — 6 mo. 3. It was not pleasant to me 
 that I did not either see or write to thee before 
 I left London, which was not until the 28th. 
 I have repeatedly had in view the expectation 
 I gave thee of a little explanation of my views 
 concerning the investigation of certain points 
 which have often been considered as mysteri- 
 ous, and which I should gladly express in such 
 a manner as would tend to thy satisfaction. 
 
 I am inclined to beheve that it is not the de- 
 sign of Unerring Wisdom, that the mind should 
 be satisfied about these things, hy the exertions 
 of its own powers ; but He has wisely reserved 
 to himself the communication of this satisfac- 
 tion, dispensing it to the minds of his creatures, 
 
74 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 when, how, and in what degree he sees meetj 
 from time to time. It seems that a real progress 
 in divine knowledge is very differently to be at- 
 tained and experienced, from what may gener- 
 ally be expected and desired by mankind. If 
 any man will do his will, he shall know of the 
 doctrine. — -See John vii. 17. 
 
 It is very gratifying to the natural mind, to 
 have a very full and comprehensive view of the 
 subject of religion, at the beginning of the work; 
 but the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ appears to be very differently intended 
 to be opened to the mind; beginning, frequently, 
 with a little light or manifestation of the divine 
 will, as to some point or part of duty. And as 
 obedience is yielded to this small manifestation, 
 let it be respecting whatsoever it may, greater 
 and greater degrees of light and of strength are 
 afforded, to follow on to know more and more 
 of the divine will, and of divine things. This 
 is very humbling to the natural mind, which 
 would willingly be getting on faster : but the 
 real, divine manifestations of Light and of Life 
 must be humbly waited for, and the mind clothed 
 with reverence and fear, lest it get on in its own 
 wisdom, and mix something of its own with the 
 communications of divine Light and Life ; for 
 it is well to remember, that " in Christ, (the 
 Word) was Light, and that Light was the Life , 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 75 
 
 of men.'' Now as the mind is really favored 
 to believe that all good comes from God ; and 
 that its own conceivings and searchings, in its 
 own wisdom and strength, will end in disappoint- 
 ment, and short of that clearness and evidence 
 whiich truly satisfies, it is brought into a humble, 
 waiting state ; and in this reduced, dependent, 
 humble state, as any thing is made known fi-om 
 the source of all true good, I believe a sweet, 
 substantial, satisfj'ing something will attend it, 
 w^hich all the exertions of the mind, in its own 
 wisdom and activity, cannot afford. And as this 
 comes to be really known and believed, a fear 
 possesses the mind of entering into abstract 
 speculation concerning divine things ; preferring 
 rather to wait, in humility and reverence, upon 
 God ; not doubting but He will be pleased, if 
 we yield obedience, day by day, to the mani- 
 festations of his light in our minds, to make to 
 us such discoveries as He judges best and most 
 suitable for us. 
 
 Now, as the Holy Scriptures are read in this 
 disposition of mind, depending on God, through 
 the spirit of Christ in the soul, for the opening 
 of them to our understandings, we may, I be- 
 lieve, often be sweetly refi:eshed, comforted, and 
 edified, even in reading a very few verses. And 
 if we meet with any thing which is not quite 
 clear to us, we may rather feel disposed to leave 
 
76 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 it, than to reason, search, and contrive concern- 
 ing it. Thus thou wilt perceive that I beUeve 
 the religion of Christ to be a religion of faith in 
 Him ; and that, as in Him are hid all the 
 treasures of v^isdom and knowledge, so, as we 
 are brought into a state of true waiting and de- 
 pendence upon Him, and upon the manifesta- 
 tions of his spirit on the soul, we are in the way 
 to be rightly introduced, from time to time, into 
 such degrees of knowledge in divine things, as is 
 truly best for us, and best adapted to the state 
 of our minds ; and that it is not consistent with 
 divine v/isdom to communicate the treasures of 
 heavenly mysteries, but as the mind becomes, 
 through true obedience, refined and prepared 
 for the reception of them. 
 
 1804. — 7 mo. We find, as you do, the 
 present scene and state of things greatly 
 chequered. Many favors and many trials are our 
 lot ; and I am ready, at times, to wish that I 
 may not expect to find it otherwise, having little 
 room for it. If I may judge from the fifty years 
 which are passed over my head, what appears 
 to be wanting is a more settled and firm abiding, 
 where neither the storms and tempests, nor the 
 sunshine of time and temporal matters can fully 
 shake or move. For this experience I think I 
 do long, and in measure, I think, pray that this 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. H 
 
 longing may never, never be lost, until a perfect, 
 abiding establishment be, through heavenly 
 goodness, experienced. If the tossings and ex- 
 ercises which are met with, both by you and us, 
 may but happily contribute to this establish- 
 ment, what a favor and mercy will it be. 
 
 Is not the great thing which is wanting in our 
 religious Society, an individual travail, a close 
 attention to individual duty, whereby we should 
 more experience a fitness and qualifications for 
 collective service, as well as more availingly 
 contribute to the advancement and spreading of 
 Truth ? But whilst I lament my own languor, 
 I wish not, my dear friend, to discourage thee ; 
 but rather that we may unitedly be animated to 
 lay hold of every offer of best help ; and perse- 
 vere, in increased and increasing hope and con- 
 fidence, to the end. 
 
 1806. — 3 mo. We have of late time had to 
 wade along under many exercises and trials, not 
 fully known to any but ourselves ; yet I think 
 we have cause humbly to acknowledge that we 
 have been permitted to hold up our heads, and 
 not altogether to sink under discouragement. — 
 If the varied conflicts which we have,fi:om time 
 to time, to endure in our different allotments, 
 do but happily tend to increase our acquaintance 
 with the Supreme Good, and to strengthen our 
 
 G 
 
78 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 confidence in the divine superintencring care and 
 protection, it will be well ; and we may have to 
 acknowledge that it is good for us that we have 
 been afflicted. I wish to guard against un- 
 profitable bewailing ; and rather press on, in a 
 grateful remembrance that w^e have many favors 
 and blessings intermixed with the difficulties of 
 the day. 
 
 It is, indeed, a nice thing, and requiring a 
 portion of best wisdom, to know how to move 
 along in temporal concerns. To be suitably 
 alive to the useful discharge of our duty as to 
 temporal matters, and yet to have the mind so 
 detached from them as to have the one thing 
 needful perpetually before us, is a most desira- 
 ble attainment. Uncertainty is so stamped on 
 all visible enjoyments, that we had need, indeed, 
 to be solicitous to have our minds established on 
 something beyond them all. 
 
 1806. — 11 mo. 27. I consider it particularly 
 valuable to young men, to be placed, not only 
 where they may be learning a pleasant and re- 
 spectable business, which, under Providence, 
 may be the means of procuring them a com- 
 fortable maintenance and provision in the world; 
 but where their amusements and engagements, 
 in the hours of relaxation from business, will be 
 likely to be of the innocent and rational, as well 
 
-EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 19 
 
 as religiously-consistent kind. To fill up the 
 hours of leisure rightly is a nice thing ; and I 
 hope thou wilt be especially careful of it, par- 
 ticularly in thy reading. I wish thee to read 
 what thy master and mistress approve : such 
 things as may be promotive of thy preservation 
 in religious tenderness ; and, when not of a re- 
 ligious nature, such things as will improve thy 
 understanding, and enrich thy mind with profita- 
 ble knowledge. 
 
 It is not unpleasant that the ground which was 
 once my grandfather's, father's and afi:erv>'ards 
 mine, is become the site of a meeting-house for 
 Friends of Brighton : a place where it was, 
 about fifty years ago, not very unlikely, looking 
 outwardly, that there would be hardly any 
 Friends to hold a meetins:. I caii remember, 
 when I was a boy, sitting on a First-day, by the 
 widow Wilkins' fireside, to hold our meeting : 
 perhaps about five or six of us in number. — 
 There is great cause for encouragement to 
 Friends, both youth and elder, to be faithful to 
 kno^Ti duty ; then, I beheve, we shall indeed 
 be blessed with increase both in numbers, 
 strength, and dignity, with the dew of heaven 
 and the fatness of the earth. Very early in life 
 we may do something for this great and noblest 
 of all causes, the promotion of TRith upon the 
 earth. Abstaining from every appearance of 
 evil, will give to a very youth a certain dignity 
 
86 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 ol^haracter; and will be accompanied with 
 humility, which, indeed, is a most excellent 
 adorning, and witliout which other qualifications 
 and graces lose much of their beauty. 
 
 1810. — 1 mo. 21, Thus it is : we 
 
 pass away one after another, and the place which 
 has known us shall know us no more. I long 
 that those in the vigor of life, may increasingly 
 bend to every discovery and manifestation of 
 duty, which is the way to increase in religious 
 strength. I think I never saw, more than lately, 
 the usefulness and necessity of dihgence to ac- 
 quaint ourselves with that divine good, which 
 alone can console and sustain the soul in the 
 hour of trial and extremity; and I feel, whilst I 
 write, desires that thou mayst, for one, prize the 
 present day. Love retirement, and frequent, 
 solemn introversion of mind ; that so thou mayst 
 mcreasingly see thy duty and service in religious 
 society, and be careful to do it with Christian 
 magnanimity and faithfulness, showing, on all 
 occasions, on whose side thou art, that thou 
 mayst be an example and encouragement to 
 others to do likewise. Time spends apace, and 
 I am desirous that thou mayst be a truly re- 
 ligious character in your large meeting. O ! , 
 the beauty of an entire consistency. How do^^ 
 the example of-such operate, within the sphere 
 in which they move! How does it avail to 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 81 
 
 their own indi\'idual good, the help of others, 
 and the prosperity of the cause of Truth ! 
 
 1810. — 6 mo. 24. I understand thou hast a 
 fresh companion, which, I apprehend, will be 
 agreeable to thee ; and I wish you may be 
 strengthened to encourage one another in faith- 
 fulness to the requirings of Truth, and not the 
 contrary ; which is sometimes unhappily the 
 case with young men taking countenance and 
 encouragement from one another, in smaller or 
 greater de\iations from the simplicity of our 
 noble profession. A sight and sense whereof, 
 I believe, thou hast been favored with ; and 
 keeping faithful to what thou seest, is the way 
 to have the understanding enlarged, and to see 
 more into the law of liberty — precious liberty, 
 wherein the mind is raised, in measure, above 
 the bondage of this perishing, unstable world. — 
 I desire thy preservation in innocence, and under 
 the teaching of the best Preceptor ; and though 
 it may, at times, be to our humihation, and we 
 may be led along in a path of self-denial, yet, 
 remember, none ever repent ha\ing timely and 
 early submitted to his discipline ; but many, 
 many have to lament that they delayed the sub- 
 mission of their wills too long, and thereby in- 
 creased their own difficulties. 
 
/ 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 1810. — 7 mo. 25. Those manifestations in- 
 tended for real, solid, and permanent good, are 
 oftentimes in the cross to our own nature ; but, 
 as yielded to and obeyed, they tend to change 
 our nature, even to introduce that nature which 
 does the will of our Heavenly Father with de- 
 light. And I believe such are always blessed, 
 and partake of substantial good, though it may 
 fee often mixed with trial, such being the terms 
 of this life : " In the world ye shall have tribu- 
 lation." But remember the foregoing words : 
 " these words I have spoken unto you, that in 
 Me ye might have peace." 
 
 1810.— -10 mo. 2. I noticed thy remarks on 
 the difficulty of keeping the mind under the di- 
 vine influence. I believe this is not in our 
 power, or by any means at our command ; but 
 yet I think much depends on watchfulness, and 
 religious, tender care of our movements. As 
 we keep humble and watchful, I believe the 
 influences of good are more perceived arid 
 longer retained : the mind becomes more and 
 more in love with them and desirous of them, 
 and more afraid of things which indispose it to 
 wait for them ; and so it is that our nature be- 
 comes chianged, and we, prepared to run the 
 ways of the Lord's requirings ; and our minds 
 to be content with what is according to his will. 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 83 
 
 So, my dear , do not look too far before 
 
 thee, nor suffer the suggestions of discourage- 
 ment to prevail unprofitably ; but remember, 
 " Greater is He that is in thee, than he that is 
 in the world." I desire thy encouragement to 
 look to the Lord, and to believe that He will 
 furnish the willing and obedient mind with ability 
 to take one step after another in the way which 
 is well-pleasing to Him, until a capacity is 
 known to walk with a degree of blessed firm- 
 ness and acceptance ; although there is no state 
 to be expected here beyond a state of humble 
 watchfulness. May it be the happy experience 
 of us all. 
 
 1811. — 8 mo. 7. I hope, if permitted to 
 accomplish your union, that you will be a com- 
 fort to each other, and that your principal care 
 will be to walk in humility, reverence, and fear ; 
 knowing, as we cannot but know, if we be wise, 
 that uncertainty marks the path of man, and 
 that our most precious and endearing enjoy- 
 ments in the outward, are only rightly held and 
 possessed, as they are held with humble 
 gratitude. 
 
 It would be very pleasant to know — 
 
 well settled : not that I consider that he may 
 be losing time, unless it be in delaying to take up 
 the cross, and follow, in humility and resignation 
 
84 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 of heart, the Saviour of men. I am ready to 
 think, that the hkeliest way for many young 
 men to get forward, as to an estabHshment in the 
 world, is to seek earnestly and carefully after 
 the pearl of greatest price, trusting in the divine 
 promise : Seek first the kingdom of God and 
 his righteousness, and all these things shall be 
 added unto you." I rather think that many 
 who may be steady, respectable characters7 yet 
 not submitting to all the terms needful for those 
 who desire, above all things, to secure to them- 
 selves the divine blessing, prevent that sub- 
 stantial advancement, even in temporal things, 
 which they would more easily be favored with, 
 if they were more weighty in spirit, and more 
 fit to be placed in respectable stations at the head 
 of families, having more or fewer young men 
 
 under them. Could come enough to 
 
 put his trust rightly in Him, to whom belongs 
 the earth and the fulness thereof, and wiose are 
 the cattle upon a thousand hills, I think some- 
 thing would open ; and it would be a comfort 
 to see him, thus trusting and thus depending, 
 settled for himself. 
 
 1811. — -10 mo. As time passes over, we 
 . find fresh and fresh exercises brought over our 
 minds ; and I believe it is hardly safe to expect 
 it will be otherwise, whilst we are conversant 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 85 
 
 with the Yicissitudes of tirne. The infirmities 
 of our nature are a great trial ; and we are very 
 Hable to have an addition, from unexpectea 
 circumstances, over which we do not appear to 
 have any control; but, as in the outward, clouds 
 and sunshine succeed each other, so it is with 
 us. And I am in degree comforted at this time, 
 in some little capacity to salute thee as a beloved 
 elder sister, in the faith and tribulations of our 
 present pilgrimage ; in the tribulations common 
 to mankind, and in the faith vouchsafed to the 
 humble, exercised Christian. It is a very 
 precious thing, that, although at times and 
 seasons we are permitted to feel ourselves very 
 destitute, tried, and deserted ; and to be, as it 
 w^ere, enveloped in our own nothingness and in- 
 firmity ; yet, that at other times, a sweet, sensi- 
 ble quiet is witnessed, and a degree of confidence 
 raised in the sustaining confidence of the Lord 
 our God. Here there is no desire to feel our- 
 selves strong and self-sufficient, or to feel the 
 creature exalted ; but it is felt to be a mercy, 
 and precious favor, that we can lean upon the 
 divine arm of power, and trust in the source of 
 true consolation. Here the waves and - the 
 billows are stilled; and we are, as it were, ready 
 to say, " What has become of our sorrows ?" 
 
 Well, my endeared friend, I believe thou hast 
 abundant cause to trust in the Lord, and put thy 
 
86 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 confidence in the Holy One of Israel ; inasmuch 
 as He has been thy fear and thy dread, thy 
 shield, and the lifter up of thy head. What 
 have we else to trust to; however encompassed, 
 however tossed and perplexed ? And I bdieve 
 thou knowest, that sometimes, after a season of 
 rather peculiar trial, comes a day of distinguish- 
 ingly refreshing sweetness and calm. "It is a 
 great consolation, that sweetness and peaceful 
 enjoyment are not inseparable from outward 
 prosperity. Indeed, we do well humbly to re- 
 joice and be glad, that tribulation producethlhe 
 fmits of righteousness, if rightly endured : but 
 our nature shrinks from suffering. 
 
 Thy case and situation seem to re- 
 quire the kind attention of thy friends. Thy 
 frequent neglect of meetmgs for worship be- 
 speaks thy mind to be not in a tender, religious 
 frame ; but unguarded, and too indifferent about 
 thy own everlasting good. There was a time, 
 I believe, when thy mind was much more sen- 
 sible of the benefit of attending meetings ; and 
 when thou wouldsfhave been afraid to be ab- 
 sent, except something particular prevented thy 
 attendance. Now it seems a light matter : sel- 
 dom more than once on a first-day, sometimes 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. b7 
 
 not once ; and seldom on a week-day. It is not 
 the way to gain strength in the best things, to 
 neglect opportunities of waiting on the Lord . — 
 Remember the Scripture saying : They that 
 wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." 
 But they who neglect to wait upon Him, are in 
 danger of ha\ing their minds dissipated, and 
 turned from good, and of coming to have a plea- 
 sure and delight in those things which once they 
 esteemed not worth pursuing — things which 
 bring no sohd peace to the mind. These are 
 accompanied with a sting, and ^Yith bitter re- 
 morse, unless the pure witness in the mind be so 
 stifled and buried, that it be not heard nor under- 
 stood, but blindness, darkness, and insensibihty 
 prevail. This is a dreadful state ; but I trust 
 this is not thy situation. Yet, I think, if thou 
 dost not speedily turn about, thou art in danger 
 of losing the sense thou once mayst have had 
 of the sweetness of a religious life and conversa- 
 tion. Light, unguarded company, is liable to 
 be a sad snare to thee. Evil communications 
 corrupt good manners ; and we may be insen- 
 sibly leavened, if not upon our guard, into the 
 nature and spirit of those who do not walk in in- 
 nocency. Thus, one thing after another, of 
 which thy judgment may have been convinced, 
 may be called in question ; plainness and sin- 
 cerity of speech, plainness of apparel, simplicity 
 
88 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 and innocency of manners, may all be departed 
 from ; and thy poor mind be exposed to many, 
 many dangers and temptations, from which thou 
 mightest have been preserved, if thou hadst 
 carefully maintained the watch ; — if thou hadst 
 fled from every appearance of evil, and been 
 afraid of having the tenderness and sensibility of 
 thy mind hurt, by touching and partaking of 
 things of which thou once sawest the evil and 
 inconsistency. 
 
 Do not be deceived, or believe any one to be 
 thy true friend who would rejoice to see thee 
 dishonor thy° profession, or set light by any ten- 
 der, religious scruple. It is a great favor and 
 blessing to have a tender mind, fearful of doing 
 any thing to offend our Maker ; and those who 
 know not the value of this tenderness of mind, 
 and would willingly rob us of it, are to be guard- 
 ed against as dangerous companions. 
 
 I do not mention this because I believe thou 
 hast not once known it to be true ; but I be- 
 lieve thou hast opened an ear to that which, if 
 followed, w^ill lead thee into confusion, if not to 
 ruin ; confusion as to the state of thy mind, and 
 as to thy profession as a Friend ; and, perhaps, 
 confusion as to thy outward concerns. 
 
 I see nothing but that the situation at — 
 
 might afford thee a competent livelihood, if 
 properly minded ; but it will require care. It 
 
EXTRACTS OF LT.TTKR? 
 
 89 
 
 \vi\\; I believe, require thee to be frugal and 
 careful in thy expenses, careflil of th}- time, reg- 
 ular and punctual in doing thy business, and 
 steady in attention to it. If thou art too often 
 from home, thou mayst lose more in tv.'o or 
 three hours than will be got ao;ain in a week. — 
 By all means, be consistent. Do not seem one 
 thing, and be another. Be an industrious trades- 
 man, and mind thy business. Let hardly any 
 thing call thee from it, except thy religious du- 
 t}^ ; and take care to give a suitable preference 
 to this duty, above every thing. This will make 
 thee careful how thou conductest thyself in thy 
 business, with punctuality, honesty, integrit}^, 
 and humility. Thou wilt fear to dishonor thy 
 profession in thy words or in thy ways, and this 
 is the way for thy neighbors to have a confi- 
 dence in thee ; for though some may scoff at, 
 and deride the way of Truth and of simpHcity, 
 yet all like to have to do with those whom they 
 can depend upon, and who they really behave 
 are preserved by a principle of integrity, from 
 doing them an injury, even if they had it in their 
 power. 
 
 Do not despise little things, as some may call 
 them ; remembering, he that despiseth the 
 day of small things, shall fall by Uttle and little." 
 And by Httle and little thou mayst get so far 
 from the right way, as never more to return to 
 
 H 
 
90 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 it ; thou may St depart from the way of inno- 
 cence, the way of plainness, the way of humiK 
 ity, the way of safety, so far as to have, in the 
 end, to he down in sorrow, and to wish that thou 
 hadst never known better things, rather than, 
 having known them, to depart fi'om them, and 
 trample upon them. 
 
 I believe thy situation very dangerous, and 
 requiring particular watchfulness and resolution : 
 because thou hast, I believe, opened thy heart 
 to some things of an evil tendency ; and that 
 will, if not speedily and firmly stood against, 
 tend to the blinding and darkening of thy un- 
 derstanding. 
 
 I think I need not make any apology for this 
 friendly freedom ; as I did not see that I could 
 be clear in my duty to thee, without submitting 
 a few hints to thy very serious perusal. 
 With desires for thy real good, 
 
 Thy respectful friend, 
 
 W. G. 
 
 Religion is a very serious thing, and by a 
 great man is, I think, thus defined : " Religion 
 is the fear of God, and its demonstration good 
 works ; and Faith is the root of both." Relig- 
 ion, therefore, taken in this sense, which I think 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 91 
 
 is the true sense, is one thing ; profession is an- 
 other. A man may, at his own option, and 
 against conviction, change his profession ; but 
 his religion he cannot so easily change. If a 
 man is religious, he fears God his Creator ; fears 
 to oiFend him in thought, word, or deed, and 
 considers himself bound to walk conformably to 
 this fear. Now, according to the degree of true 
 light upon the understanding, is a man's religion. 
 He cannot, at his option, change the convictions 
 of this light ; though he may act in opposition 
 to them, and thereby incur condemnation. If 
 a man does not fear God, I conclude he has no 
 religion ; if he does fear God, and walks answer- 
 ably thereto, he endeavors to act according to 
 the best evidence afforded to his understanding, 
 as to what is, and what is not, agreeable to the 
 will of his Creator concerning him. Thus, if I 
 am not mistaken, a man cannot, at his own op- 
 tion, change his rehgion : although, as he can 
 act in opposition to what is really the religion of 
 his judgment, he can, if he be not conscientious, 
 change his profession. 
 
 We believe, as a religious Society, that the 
 duty of a religious man is to endeavor to know 
 his duty as a Christian, both as to matter and 
 mode, and then carefully and conscientiously to 
 do it. Forms of profession may be various ; but 
 the truly pious, of all denominations, are, 1 
 
92 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 believe, near akin. They unite in one grand . 
 and fundamental respect ; — a sincere desire that 
 their whole lives may be conformable to the will 
 of their Creator. This desire embraces not on- 
 ly spiritual, but temporal things ; and, with re- 
 gard to their religion, not only the life and sub-, 
 stance, but also the form and profession of it. 
 
 It may well appear strange and wonderful to 
 the believing mind, that the sceptic should not 
 discover it to be a more reasonable conclusion, 
 that that Divine Being, whom we contemplate 
 as self-existent, omnipotent, and omnipresent, of 
 infinite wisdom and goodness, the centre and es- 
 sence of all created existence, in whom, there- 
 fore, we live, and move, and have our being, 
 should be ever mindful of those rational crea-. 
 tures whom He has brought into existence; — 
 that it should not strike him, as consistent with a 
 Being of infinite purity and infinite wisdom, who 
 is ever inseparably near, to adapt his sensible 
 influences to the varied circumstances of a crea- 
 ture so fallible, so liable to error as man ; rather 
 than to leave him to himself, to find his way 
 through this life, and to conduct himself in it, by 
 means of any faculties entrusted absolutely to 
 him. That he has faculties, and a capacity en- 
 
EXTRACTS Of LETTERS. 
 
 93 
 
 trusted to him, there need he no doubt ; but he 
 has, surely, need of a regulating, superintend- 
 ing, all-intelligent preserver, to encourage, to 
 check, to reproY^e, to animate, to stimulate, to 
 restrain, to cherish, to console, according to the 
 various circumstances to which the creature may 
 be subject, either from causes over which it has 
 no control, or from the wanderings and errors in- 
 cident to humanity. 
 
 That there is such an influencing principle is 
 the supreme joy of the just, who live by faith ; 
 and it may well be matter of admiration to them, 
 that the sceptic cannot believe that it exists, or 
 that it is possible it should exist. Well, now, 
 suppose the sceptic should begin to believe that 
 such a thing is possible ; and then let him imag- 
 ine, that some who have taken a different path 
 to himself, have really found, by experience* — 
 by experience so often repeated as to have be- 
 come undoubted proof to them, that such a 
 precious, such a powerful principle does exist ; 
 and not only exist, but does act influentially for 
 their good, to their humble and thankful admi- 
 ration. After this, is it not highly reasonable 
 for him to conclude, that, in admitting the doubts 
 which he has entertained, he has been unwise ? 
 that he has shut up the way to his experiencing 
 what others have come to know ? 
 
 Suppose again, that those who have come to 
 h2 
 
94 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 this experience, (for, above all, experience is 
 the great baffler of speculation,) do find in the 
 Scriptures abundant testimonies to an inward 
 experience of this same living, active, and influ- 
 ential principle in the hearts of others, which 
 they believe they have found in themselves, is 
 it not highly reasonable that they should enter- 
 tain an extraordinary value for these writings ; 
 and that, finding so much in them which they 
 cannot but highly approve, and which they can- 
 not doubt the truth of, they are very fearful of 
 underrating them, and thereby depriving them- 
 selves of the help, the consolation, and advan- 
 tao^e to be derived from them ? These writino^s 
 give their believing reader to understand, that 
 this pure, active, influential, regulating principle, 
 is the Spirit of Christ — the Spirit of Immanuel, 
 God with us : in other words, that dispensation, 
 revelation, or display of the divine nature, life, 
 and power, which is adapted to the situation, the 
 benefit, the exigencies, of created intelligencies. 
 And these believing readers, finding that the 
 pQwer which acts in them, which influences, in- 
 cites, reproves, restrains, and comforts, eventu- 
 ally tends to good, they cannot doubt that it is 
 divine— that is of God. Hence arises an in- 
 creased value and esteem for these writings, as 
 testifying of a divine principle so precious, and 
 of the experience of others respecting it, and of 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS, 
 
 95 
 
 Its power and virtue, so corresponding with their 
 own views and experience of its excellency, and 
 of its refining, sanctifying tendency. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS WRITTEN FROM 
 THE YEAR 1812 TO 1819. 
 
 1812. — 1 mo. 4. Many are the ways by 
 which our poor minds are liable to be brought 
 into trouble ; I think I know this, not only from 
 the relation of others, but from my own repeat- 
 ed experience. Sometimes inadvertences of 
 our own become a source of affliction and dis- 
 tress ; and sometimes this is accompanied with 
 infirmity both of body and mind ; and, from these 
 complicated causes, the poor creature is plung- 
 ed into unspeakable perplexity, from which \t 
 sees no way or probability of escape ; and is 
 hoping sometimes for relief one way, and some-- 
 times another, but no permanent quiet can h& 
 obtained. Like the sea, that unstable elementj- 
 whose billows run very high, and wave upoiT 
 wave, so rest and quiet seem to have taken their 
 leave of us. But as man did not form, or cre- 
 ate himself, so, neither can he deliver or pre- 
 serve himself. Yet, I believe, in these seasons 
 of deep distress, poor mortals are under the im- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 97 
 
 mediate and peculiar notice of the Most High ; 
 and, in the language of one of his favored ser- 
 vants, we may say^ ''There is none so nigh 
 sinking,, but He puts his hand under theu' head." 
 He knows all our difficulties and perplexities ; 
 He marks our solitary wanderings, and sees the 
 path which we take. O ! then, from whatever 
 causes our distresses arise, whether ever so sim- 
 ple, or ever so complicated, it is good, it is safe, 
 it is most wise to trust in Him, to cast our care 
 upon Him, who knows our frame, and remem- 
 bers that we are but dust ; and by whom, in the 
 em.phatic language of our blessed Lord, " the 
 very hairs of our head are all numbered." The 
 great thing is, and I hope, as thou tenderly de- 
 sirest it, thou ^-^ilt more and more experience it 
 to be a truth ; the great thing is, to endeavor to 
 be still and wait for his salvation, under a hum- 
 ble, but quiet sense of om- own inabihty to help 
 ourselves. Guard against impatience or activ- 
 ity, but crave to be favored with stillness. Let 
 the billows pass over, and wave upon wave ; 
 but keep thou in the quiet habitation, and wait 
 to see what ^^ill become of the storm. Do not 
 imagine that thou canst still the tempest, nor at- 
 tempt m thy own strength to do it ; but endea- 
 - vor to stay thy mind on Him who formerly, 
 when his poor disciples were in dismay, said to 
 the wind and the waves, " Peace, be still ; and 
 
98 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 there was a great calm ; and they were filled 
 with wonder ; and cried out. What manner of 
 man is this, that even the winds and the sea 
 obey Him ?" 
 
 1812.— 9 7710, 20. I think that, on both 
 sides of the middle path of life, there is great 
 danger of mixing with the spirit of the world.- 
 It is very observable, that abundance of the 
 good things of this life, that ease, and large ac- 
 quisitions of knowledge, have that tendency. 
 On the other hand, where there is a great want 
 of literary qualification, where there is rusticity of 
 manners, and a necessity to be plodding hard 
 for a livelihood, and where temporal conveni- 
 ences are but poorly supplied after all, there is 
 a great liability for the mind to be let down into 
 the same state, at least in degree, as we too of- 
 ten see amongst the poorer classes of the peo- 
 ple at large. Not but that Truth, which is om- 
 nipotent to all good purposes, is fully equal to 
 preserve in all right allotments. But how shall 
 we in the middle stations, be sufficiently thank- 
 ful that the " lines have fallen to us in pleasant 
 places," — in profitable places, may I not say ? 
 
 It seems to be the great thing wanting in my- 
 self, and I suppose in the Society, a capacity 
 rightly, and therefore availingly, to pray ; but 
 we must look forward, and press forward : hav- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 99 
 
 ing put our hands to the plough, it will not do 
 to look back. 
 
 That we are not our own :" that we are 
 not to gird ourselves, and walk whithersoever we 
 list, is a tmth so clear and evident to the en- 
 lightened mind ; that it should be, I think, al- 
 most a first principle in education, in doctrine, 
 in the habitual frame of the mind. But who 
 are sufficient for these things ? 
 
 May you be favored to get into that spot 
 where, the eye being kept single, the body is 
 full of light ; — where the earnest desire and 
 breathing of every one is, that no one may be 
 w^ounded or hurt ; — where the willingness to 
 part with selfish views is known ; — where the 
 preservation of love, harmony, and sweetness, 
 is felt to be more precious than any outward 
 good ; and where the mind craves, above all 
 things, that every movement may be agreeable 
 to the will of our Heavenly Father, and tend to 
 his honor and glory, and the promotion of the 
 cause of peace and righteousness. And I siut 
 cerely question, whether there be any way in 
 which we more acceptably serve Him, than 
 when, in the transaction of our outward affairs, 
 we are preserved in meekness, quietness, and 
 self-denial, with our eye and desire to Him for 
 guidance, limitation, and protection. 
 
 1812.— 11 mo, 29. The principle of 
 
100 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 light, life, and power, as submitted to, more 
 and more leads the awakened and dedicated 
 mind out of a conformity to the maxims and 
 manners of the world, by a path of humble self- 
 denial, to the enjoyment of a peace which is 
 substantial, sweet, and precious. Press after it, 
 my dear friend : press into the enjoyment of it : 
 whatsoever sacrifices are required, I entreat 
 thee to make them through the rene wings of 
 best help. Do not embitter thy future days, 
 by persevering in opposition to the clear mani- 
 festations of the light of Truth. Get not into ab- 
 stract reasonings on things; but eye the light, 
 and follow it, step by step, as the way is open- 
 ed for thy complete deliverance. 
 
 How precious it is, my dear friend, in im- 
 portant movements, to feel a humble, reverent, 
 filial trust in the divine blessing on our under- 
 takings ; and though, at times, we may not be 
 favored with very clear and strong light upon 
 our path, yet, being preserved in a fear of of- 
 fending, and in a sense that, without the divine 
 blessing upon it, all our acquisitions and enjoy- ' 
 ments will have a void, a painful void, here we 
 are' in the way of safety. There is, may I not 
 say, an indescribable distinction between those 
 .who hate really believed in the reality of divine, 
 inward, immediate communication to the soul, 
 .and those who have not. Faith in this divine gift 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 101 
 
 f is a most precious thing— a most valuable treasure; 
 not to be trifled with ; not to be bartered away ; 
 but to be reverently, humbly, and perse veringly 
 treasured up, improved, and lived upon. Re- 
 member this, my dear friend ; and may heaven- 
 ly goodness be near to help, direct, and sustain 
 thee. Amen. 
 
 1813. — 2 7no. 18. Our principles are 
 
 calculated to inspire love, esteem, and confi- 
 dence ; inasmuch, as they point to humility, a 
 general courteous behavior to all, and to strict 
 punctuality. How do I desire that * * and * 
 may be favored to keep little and thankful ; 
 , sensible what a favor it is to be enabled to pro- 
 cure, by industry and attention, a comfortable 
 competency, and at the same time sensible also 
 that this is not all that we want to make us tru- 
 ly useful and happy. Uncertainty attends the 
 most flattering outward prospects. Young men 
 enojao-ino; in business are much to be felt for and 
 sympathized with, that they may be preserved 
 from unprofitable depression on the one hand, 
 and undue elevation on the other : happy if 
 they can be preserved, using their best, honest, 
 and upright endeavors, whilst they feel a de- 
 pendence on our Heavenly Father for the need- 
 ivi\ supplies of strength of body and mind ; of 
 prudence, of discretion, and well-regulated af- 
 fections and desires, i 
 
10r2 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 1813.— 3 mo. 2. In the flo wings of love, 
 and in the enlargements or expansion of the 
 mind, we may, I believe, sometimes be ready - 
 to recommend writings which are really very 
 estimable ; and yet in which, from the first word 
 to the last, perhaps there is not a single point- 
 ing to the Word nigh in the heart, the divine 
 gift, or light of Christ. Does it not require 
 great care how such are recommended ? I write 
 with caution, not wishing to prevent any good ; 
 but it wants to be more understood in the 
 world, (and what if this be one of the great ends 
 of our being raised up,) that it is not compre- 
 hending sublime truths, even the truths of the 
 Gospel, so much as seeing and knowing our 
 own individual part of the great whole, that is 
 the grand desideratum for us all ; and which do 
 we not allow, cannot any way be so well known, 
 as by diligent attention to this divine gift ? At- 
 tending to this divine gift in ourselves, and so 
 being drawn and kept under its influence, it be- 
 comes our element, and we move healthfully 
 and safely along in it. And in this element, 
 not out of it, we may look at many things, and 
 touch many things, perhaps without spiritual 
 loss, and possibly with spiritual advantage ; but 
 the danger and the loss seem to be from med- " - 
 dling with religious and spiritual things, out of 
 this element. Keeping in this element, we are^^ 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 103 
 
 in the way of feeling the Hberty of Truth, and 
 its blessed restraints, as to touching, tasting, or 
 handling this, that, or the other thing, that is 
 thrown in our way. 
 
 1813. — 11 mo. 12. It is indeed occasion for 
 thankfulness, that thou art peimitted to report 
 so favorably, which I hope may continue to be 
 the case, as thou art preserved desirous that thy 
 days may.be spent m humility, watchfulness, 
 and fear : so that the blessing may attend thy 
 honest and upright endeavors. There is a fear 
 lest any right endeavors on our part should be 
 wanting, which, I believe, is acceptable in 
 the divine sight, and tends to preservation ; and 
 there is an anxiety and earnestness, which, I be- 
 lieve, wounds the religious mind, and is not 
 fruitful of good. So that the prayer formerly 
 put up, is emphatically adapted to the Christ- 
 ian traveller of all generations , Give me nei- 
 ther riches nor poverty, but feed me vr\t\\ food 
 convenient for me." And 1 am glad thou art 
 favored to be connected with those who, whilst 
 they are caring that temporal matters may be 
 prudently and reputably ordered, are desirous of 
 giving the upper hand to those things which per- 
 ish not with the using ; but which are necessary 
 to be sought after, cherished, and preferred, 
 whether our allotment, as to the outward, be in 
 prosperity or adversity. I sincerely desire 
 
104 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 your preservation, and that the best blessing 
 may attend and enrich your minds : so may the 
 effects thereof be increasingly your happy expe- 
 rience ; even meekness, patience, contentment, 
 sweetness, love. 
 
 I am sorry for the account of poor : s' 
 
 misconduct. I am in hopes that separation and 
 restraint from improper company may place her 
 in a capacity to discern more distinctly wherein 
 tme happiness consists, and the path which 
 leads to it. Speaking on the subject, I am re- 
 minded of the experience of that dignified dis- 
 ciple of the great Master, Isaac Penington, 
 where I think he describes himself as in a state 
 of mourning for all the miserable, however de- 
 servedly so. 
 
 It was very pleasant to hear so agreeable an 
 
 account of , for whose preservation out 
 
 of every hurtful thing we can unite with you in 
 desire. And I wish he may be favored to see 
 what a privilege it is to be comfortably intro- 
 duced into business, without the hazard, to 
 wiiich many suffer themselves to be exposed, 
 of convulsive shocks, which endanger both tem- 
 poral and spiritual comfort. He seems to have 
 slidden into an establishment very easily, and 
 perhaps with as much encouragement as is de- 
 sirable. I hope nothing w'ill be permitted to 
 take him off his feet, either prospeiity or ad- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 105 
 
 versity, for there are snares in both : but that, by 
 endeavoring to appreciate the favors received, 
 he may set a proper, not an improper, value up- 
 on them, and see the necessity of watchfulness 
 in every stage of his progress, if he would be 
 kept from wandering, and know an advance- 
 ment in the pursuit and enjoyment of substan- 
 tial good, temporally and spiritually. 
 
 " Ob ! the long list of mercies undeserved, 
 And oh ! what greater gifts are still reserved. - 
 
 So that there is abundant encouragement to 
 those who are humbly in the pursuit of happi- 
 ness, within the limits and appointment of that 
 Wisdom and Goodness which are infinite. 
 
 1815. — 2 mo. 16. In the first place, and 
 
 jDre-eminently, 1 am anxious, my dear , to 
 
 say, that if thou wert to be induced to leave 
 
 , I should entertam little doubt but that an 
 
 enemy had done it. When, through the per- 
 mission of a kind and gracioiis Providence, we 
 are so situated as to be not only comfortably pro- 
 vided for, set down with comparative safety, and 
 free from the risks to which many are exposed, 
 which greatly agitate and prevent a religious 
 gTowth : but ai-e also in the way to make a rea- 
 sonable, and even a handsome, provision for 
 that time of hfe. if pern '^^--^ +c reach it, vvhcn 
 i2 ' 
 
i06 EXTRACTS OF LETTf^RS'. 
 
 much exertion would be inconvenient, if not un- 
 suitable : — -when we are thus circumstanced, 
 how needful it is for the religiously-visited mind 
 to labor after a state not only of content, but of 
 gratitude ; and in the very depth of sincerity, 
 on any contemplation of a change, to say, " O 
 Lord, I beseech thee, if thy presence go not 
 with me, carry me not hence." Oh ! the ma- 
 ny ways there are by which we may be betray- 
 ed from a state of humility and reverence of 
 mind, and drawn out of the land of Goshen, the 
 spot appointed for the children of the promise, 
 ihto the land of Egyptian captivity, where con- 
 fusion and darkness prevail, a darkness which 
 maybe felt. My heart, I think, in measure, 
 travails for thy preservation out of those things 
 that lift up the mind, prompting to aspire after 
 great things ; and unfitting, disqualifying, to sit, 
 in a lowly posture, at the feet of Jesus, the ho- 
 ly example of obedience and self-denial. 
 
 With me it is a very tender thing for any 
 visited mind to leave a situation, in which the 
 blessing has not been withheld, inwardly and 
 outwardly. It is, I think, a ready way for the 
 ungrateful receiver to experience a withering as 
 to the di\Tne hfe, and often lamentable miscar- 
 riage as to the outward. 
 
 Oh ! the safety, the unspeakable adx^antage of 
 keeping heaven uppermost, and the earth un- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. lOt 
 
 dermost. May this never be unliappily revers- 
 ed in me, or any, for whose welfare I am partic- 
 ularly concerned. 
 
 1816. — ^9 mo. 19. I hope, with moderate 
 industry and prudent care, you will be permit- 
 ted, if your days are prolonged, to continue ma* 
 kmg some additions to your property ; thereby 
 enlarging 3'our sphere of usefulness, as well as 
 increasmg your comfort. jMuch riches I do not ^ 
 covet for you : they are not necessary for our 
 sweetest enjoyments. Supineness and in atten- 
 tion are productive of very little good: but 
 moderate application, in a reliance on the bles- 
 sings of Providence upon our humble and up- 
 right endeavors, adds much to our comfort, keep- 
 ing our faculties bright, and even, I beheve, the 
 more susceptible of good. I wish your com- . 
 fort, and that you may rightly appreciate the ■ ' 
 time and opportunity put into your hands, wise- 
 ly applying your attention between spiritual and 
 temporal things. 1 had written dividing , hnl \ 
 drew the pen over it, thinking the expression 
 exceptionable : because I believe we may be fa- 
 v^ored to have our minds so preserved as to 
 maintain an undivided preference for that which 
 is best of all, (though necessarily engaged, and 
 rightly so, in the concerns of this life.) and to 
 feel that we have indeed a connection with ev- 
 
108 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 er and ever, whilst we are conversajit with the 
 vicissitudes of an earthly pilgrimage. 
 
 1816. — 12 mo. 28. It is a very interesting 
 and momentous time for you ; ^nd I suppose 
 you hardly ever had more occasion for best 
 wisdom to direct your deliberations, that all may 
 be done in sweetness, harmony, and love, as well 
 as with wisdom and a sound mind. I desire 
 your preservation and ours on every hand, that 
 true happiness and comfort may be your peace- 
 ful portion and ours, and, in the end, your and 
 our enriching crown. I believe, in order for- 
 this, it is needful to dwell very low, where the 
 right discernment is given ; and the feeling 
 know^n, whereby a capacity to distinguish is at- 
 tained, and preservation witnessed. 
 
 As you desire in simplicity so to move as you 
 believe will be the readiest way to solid peace, 
 I hope and believe that a blessing will attend 
 you. When the mind is preserved in a watchful 
 care to do right, and is fearful of wounding its 
 own solid peace, I believe that, although many 
 perplexities may be permitted to attend the path 
 which w^e tread, yet He who sees us and knows 
 our thoughts, and who, as a Father pitieth his 
 children, pitieth those that fear Him, will re- 
 member us in an accepted time, and be as a 
 hiding-place from the storm, feothat it is good 
 to trust in Him at all times^ and to endeavor to 
 
EXTKACTS or LETTERS. 109 
 
 v%"alk, as we believe, considering our respective 
 circumstances, will be acceptable in his holy 
 sight. 
 
 My desire is, that you may study moderation 
 in your pursuit of business ; not stretching your 
 arms very wide : endeavoring to carry a snug 
 sail, as the safest in stormy weather; not hazard- 
 ing the peace and composure, the solid happiness 
 of your minds, for any specious and glittering, . 
 but uncertain and dangerous prospects. Be 
 content with what you can, through favor, com- 
 pass, and compass with satisfaction. 
 
 1817. — 3 mo. 20. A tender sensibility, and 
 a disposition raised in the mind to crave and 
 press after that which can be depended on as 
 substantial, sustaining food, is very precious. It 
 introduces into the exercise of that faith which 
 becomes, from time to time, the Christian's 
 victory, and, through heavenly goodness, his 
 eventual triumph. " This is the victory that 
 overcometh the world, even your faith." 
 
 My object seems to be to express a desire 
 that thou mayst indeed be preserved in a state 
 of humble dependence on the dinne arm of 
 Omnipotence ; not seeking or desiring great at- 
 tainments ; but preservation near to that which 
 has \isited, believing that in that are hid the 
 treasures of wisdom and knowledge, ready to be 
 
110 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 handed forth according to the good will and 
 pleasure of Him who doeth all things well. — 
 Mayest thou live in a state of watchfulness for 
 the unfoldings of heavenly counsel, as mercifully, 
 from time to time, and at any time, vouchsafed; 
 desiring also to increase in subjection of the 
 will, and in well-timed obedience. To the 
 obedient mind, I believe, the unfoldings of 
 heavenly counsel are vouchsafed, in a way and 
 time suited to our condition. 
 
 Considering how supremely needHil it is for 
 the religiously visited mind to attend to its own 
 peculiar exercise, I have felt solicitous that 
 nothing, however specious, might involve thee 
 in unprofitable speculation. This does not go 
 to the prevention of the exercise of our mental 
 faculties, as rational creatures ; but to the ex- 
 citing of great watchfulness and care, to dis- 
 tinguish what, in our mental pursuits, makes for 
 peace, and what does not. There is a precious 
 saying ; As many as are baptized into Christ, 
 have put on Christ." It is a great favor to have, 
 in any measure, put him on; and greatly, I 
 believe, will it tend to our safety, to be pretty 
 sure that we do not put Him, the beloved of " 
 souls, off, and clothe ourselves with something 
 else, in any of our pursuits, even those which 
 have a religious or spiritual semblance. 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 1818. — 11 7/20. 10. Probably some of those 
 ha\ing the care of youth, and heads of famihes, 
 among whom I inckide myself, have not been 
 enough concerned to watch the openings of 
 right capacity in themselves to conve}-. and in 
 the openings of right capacity m the youth to 
 receive, lively instruction : and it appears to 
 me, that this watchfulness for the opening is the 
 thing wanted among us. It is, I believe, a 
 humbling, heart work, and would greatly promote 
 the sro^th both of oruardians and their charoje. 
 
 Amidst the contemplation of the subject 
 
 of religious instruction, I have remembered with 
 some comfort, those expressions of our blessed 
 Lord to his followers : " I have many things to 
 say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now ' 
 and I think it certainly requires care, how we 
 press religious truths too far beyond the religious 
 capacity of young people ; perhaps not possess- 
 ing the essential preparation for the reception of 
 difilise religious instruction, a resignation of the 
 mind to bear the cross. To excite a ^willingness 
 to bear the cross, with an eye to the cro^n, I 
 consider a first principle in Christian education. 
 If I am not mistaken, it has often been inculcated 
 as a sound principle, not to puzzle ourselves too 
 much to comprehend doctrinal passages of Scrip- 
 ture; but to leave them to be opened to our under- 
 
1P2 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 Standings, if needful, in the due and acceptable 
 time. 
 
 I think, my dear friend, though I have 
 
 said so much, (I fear too much forme,) I should 
 scarcely be satisfied without now suggesting one 
 idea that has often presented, respecting the in- 
 struction of our young people, viz. I fear the 
 public recommendation of any specific plan, for 
 obvious reasons ; but when one individual, or 
 more, see their way to set about it, within their 
 own sphere of action, I think it may be useful 
 and safe ; because this may be continued and 
 prosecuted, as far and as long as the oil flows ; 
 and when it ceases, procedure may be dropped, 
 or contracted, as freedom warrants. And if the 
 blessing is on it, we may safely trust that it will 
 be productive of benefit, and that the example 
 will be influential, and perhaps widely so. This 
 latter remark may, in degree, apply also to press- 
 ing the reading of Friends' writings. A thirst 
 for good will naturally lead to this. To excite 
 this thirst, then, seems the first object. To a 
 mind not thirsty. Friends' writings are, I believe, 
 ofi;en very dull and insipid : to a mind in which 
 the thirst is excited, they are, indeed, as a brook 
 by the way; very precious, very sweet, very 
 reviving. - 
 , / Leaving this, shall I mention vi^ithout weary- 
 ing thee, that it has lately occurred to me, that 
 
'EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 113 
 
 an advantage might be derived from pleading 
 our belief in the Divine omnipresence, as one 
 reason of our silent waiting in our meetings, and 
 at other times : namely, because we beheve that 
 He is ever near us ; that He is ever over us, 
 round about us ; and because in him we live, 
 and move, and have our being ? And although 
 we are not at all times, pemiitted to be sensible 
 of his presence, yet whenever it pleases Him, he 
 can make us perceive it, as in the tT^inkling of 
 an eye, and comfort us with his hght and love. 
 And believing that this perception of his love 
 is our greatest good, and not at all at our com- 
 mand, we find it our duty and our interest, 
 Imowing that He is ever nigh at hand, to wait 
 his time and pleasure for making us sensible of 
 it. And when He is pleased to bless us, and to 
 bow our minds, and the faculties of the soul, in 
 reverence and prostration, under a sense of his 
 goodness, and of our absolute need of Him and 
 dependence upon Him, then we believe is per- 
 formed in us, and by us, that worship which is 
 acceptable unto Him. God is a Spirit, and 
 they that worship Him must worship Him in 
 spirit and in truth." And in order that this 
 worship may, from time to time, be perfomied 
 in the newness of life, it must be in fresh ability, 
 which He giveth, or rather lendeth ; for He does 
 not bestow it as an abiding capacity, to be ex- 
 
 K 
 
114 EXTRACTS OF LETTER^. 
 
 ertised in our will and time ; but it mitst be, 
 from time to time, humbly and patiently waited 
 for. Would it not be a likely thing to impress 
 this view of the Omnipresence on the minds of 
 young people, as most precious and consolatory, 
 and as that which should inspire us with awe, 
 and reverence, and abasedness on one hand, and 
 with animation and confidence on the other. 
 
 1818. — -11 mo. 25. My sincere desire is, 
 that the circumstances which have occured may 
 be sanctified to you ; that the blessing of Provi- 
 dence may be over you, and round about you ; 
 and that the blessings of love, harmony, and 
 peace, on a right and pure foundation, may be 
 your enriching experience. I feel for your 
 prosperity on a right ground so sincerely, that I 
 return again to that subject. Keep low and 
 humble, and attentive to best instruction in the 
 secret of your own minds ; and then, I hope, 
 preservation will be vouchsafed to you. Do 
 not crave great things. Remember the saying 
 of a worthy character: I desire not riches, 
 but to owe nothing." Thou knowest I like 
 commendable industry. 'The sluggard cannot 
 reasonably expect to prosper; but then our 
 eye, and the dependence of our minds, should 
 be to the Lord, and to his blessing upon our 
 honest, upright, and moderately circumscribed 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 no 
 
 endeavors. In any material and important 
 movement, consult us with much openness and 
 unreserved freedom, as we desire thy preserva- 
 tion on every hand. I believe all right situations 
 have their attendant probations : and however 
 we may move, we must not expect to be with- 
 out them. Trials bring weight : and a weighty 
 mind is a great blessing. 
 
 It is a matter of sincere regret that has 
 
 so much traveling. I am well aware of its un 
 settUng and injurious tendency, as it respects 
 the humble, tender, well-regulated state of the 
 )nind of almost any Friend, 
 
 1819. — 1 mo. 23. 1 have entertained some 
 iear, lest I had not properly expressed my own 
 views and wishes, on some part of the subjects 
 touched upon in my communication of the 11th 
 month ;* particularly that of encouraging young 
 persons to read the writings of our early Friends. 
 Perhaps no one wishes more sincerely than my- 
 self, to see this practice prevail among our young 
 Friends, as well as those more advanced. It 
 is particularly cordial lo me te see young people 
 so engaged ; and 1 desire it may be encouraged 
 ill every proper way. There are many ways, 
 
 ^ See the last preceding Letter but one. page 114. 
 
116 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 doubtless, of doing this ; and I feel anxious that 
 nothing which has escaped my pen may dis- 
 courage any honest and upright endeavor to 
 promote this object. Many of the writings of 
 our worthy predecessors, with some of those of 
 later date, I esteem an invaluable treasure to the 
 Society, not to say to the world ; and my desire 
 is, that they may be duly appreciated by all 
 ranks amongst us. 
 
 I am fully aware that a careful parent or 
 guardian may very suitably recommend or use 
 Friends' waitings, as one means, and a very 
 likely means, to excite and increase the thirst 
 here spoken of; and perhaps, just in this place, 
 I may not improperly tell thee, that this morn- 
 ing, just when I was thinking to address thee, I 
 very unexpectedly cast my eye on a few lines, 
 w^hich I sometime ago penned, and which I had 
 quite forgotten, to the following import : they 
 may seem somewhat illustrative of my view of 
 this matter. " If the mind is directed to that 
 which is good, becoming tender in the 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 re- 
 ceiving the openings of Truth, either imme- 
 diately by the Spirit, or instrumentally by the 
 Scriptures, ministry, or good books." 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS, 
 
 in 
 
 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 sensi- 
 bility of desire after good, — after peace and 
 substantial happiness. And oh ! the longing 
 that I have felt that nothing may be pennitted 
 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. Endeavor, I beseech 
 thee, to keep thy mind inward unto the Lord. 
 Lean upon Him, trust in Him, and He will sus- 
 tain 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 ca- 
 . pacity to receive the further and further mani- 
 -^4 festations 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 imfold 
 k2 
 
118 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 them to us. But, oh ! the great loss which is 
 sustained, I believe, through the want of follow- 
 ing 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 be- 
 lief 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 con- 
 summated 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 submis- 
 sion in a few individuals, do in your large meet- 
 ing. How would example strengthen and en- 
 courage 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 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 119 
 
 Strength be afforded to walk steadil}' forward, 
 perhaps with feeble and diffident, but with safe 
 and peaceful steps. Oh ! the exceeding pre- 
 ciousness 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 conde- 
 scending loving-kindness. He is dealing with 
 those who early make Him their choice. I be- 
 lieve 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 en- 
 courage 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 propensities, 
 which, if not kept under, will retard or prevent 
 the growth of the plant of renown, in that dig- 
 nity and stature which it otherwise would at- 
 tam, and which should outgrow and overgrow 
 every thing else in us. 
 
 I was not sure whether the cause [ol 
 
 religion] might not, in some degree, suffer from 
 my remarks respecting the intimations of Truth 
 
1^0 
 
 7i:XTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 to the mind about outward concerns. Perhaps 
 an apprehension of tlie right thing suffering by 
 our friend's over-rating some of bis 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 1 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 honored, have 
 been very cautious of speaking of this favor, as 
 it respected themselves ; probably considering 
 it as something that is better know^n 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, 
 ]o\v, fearful, dependent, and in self-abasement, 
 so gently and faintly, though intelligibly marked 
 and defined to themselves, as m.ay serve to pre- 
 serve them walking by faith, and not by strong- 
 sight. Should a suitable opportunity occur, 
 perhaps thou wilt mention a few words ex- 
 pressive of my sense of the matter. I should 
 not like to hurt the cause, nor wound our 
 friend's mind to his disadvantage. I tmst 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 
 
EXTRACTS or LETTERS. 121 
 
 respecting their outward and inward condition 
 and circumstances. 
 
 I wish both you and we may be favoredj 
 
 at seasons, with the renewings of best ability to 
 desii'e for all the youth, most particularly the 
 objects of our care, that the divine fear may be 
 richly placed in their hearts, as the most effectual 
 way and m.eans for them to inherit every blessing 
 consistent with the Hea^-enly Father's will for 
 them to enjoy ; and as the blessed preservation 
 from the many evils which abound in the vrorld. 
 and which court their affection. 
 
CHAPTER VIL 
 
 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 
 jastly,ihan to the poverty of my own mind; 
 tliough I am aw^are, that the expression of this 
 is not likely to make thee rich. However, it 
 behoves us to endure w^ith patience our allot- 
 ment, and the various changes which are per- 
 mitted ; and happy is it, if our poverty be not 
 the consequence of our own indolence, inatten- 
 tion, or disobedience. My own health is very 
 favorably continued ; but I very often remem- 
 ber the flight of time, and that many, very many 
 sands have escaped from the glass. This is a 
 chequered and very uncertain scene : how hap- 
 py for tliose, who under all, and through all, 
 are permitted often to cast anchor ; and feeling- 
 ly to acknowledge, that the Lord is good, wor- 
 thy to be waited for, served, honored, and obey- 
 ed, under all circumstances,and in all conditions. 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS, 
 
 1S21. — -12 mo. 15. Oh! the importance, 
 As I view the subject, of Frienda 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 testunonies should fall to the ground . 
 
 I think I never saw the necessity and value 
 of Friends in this nation being a compact undi- 
 vided body, more than now ; that its conduct 
 may speak, not a confused, but intelligible and 
 invitino; lan^uao-e to those who are seekins: rest 
 for the sole of their feet. 
 
 1 consider it mav have been a sfreat favor to 
 oui- society to have been disqualified, as the 
 criminal law stands, from serving on juries ; as 
 v.^ell 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 fi'iendship, than they were a century ago. 
 
 1822. — 7 mo. 3.* Though much attended 
 with mental poverty, I seem not easy to omit 
 
 * 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. 
 
EXTRACTS or LETTERS. 
 
 saluting you with a few lines expressive of en 
 deared affection, and of a hope, that amidst tlu 
 various ways in which the cause of Truth may, 
 under the divine blessing, be acceptably promo- 
 ted, that in which you are now engaged may be 
 one. And under present feeling, I seem as if I 
 might say, it matters httle whether the flock 
 visited be smaller or greater, or w^hether what 
 we have to communicate be little or much, if 
 the great and gracious Shepherd condescend to 
 own the engagement with the animating influ- 
 ence 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 ; endeavoring 
 daily, as it may consist with the divine will, to 
 know an increase therein, but not out-stepping 
 their guide. Oh ! what sympathy is called for, 
 on behalf of sincere and tender minds, circum- 
 stanced as this little flock is, in such a country. 
 May your visit tend to strengthen in a lowly, 
 humble, quiet, inward dependence on the in- 
 
EXTRACtS OF LETTEllS. l^O 
 
 crease of the gift, individually receivedj as the 
 likely way for them to be a strength to one an- 
 other. 
 
 James Parnel says to Stephen Crisp, "Be 
 not hasty to know any thing beyond thy meas- 
 ure 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 expe- 
 rience of that good, which in a day of trial will 
 be more to us than all the world. However ap- 
 pearances 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 hum- 
 bly venture. 
 
 1822.-— 7 j?io. 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 ex- 
 perienced in the humbler and more retired walks 
 in the Master's vineyard ; so that all depends^ 
 may we not say, on endeavoring to be just what 
 we should be, whether it be foot or hand, or 
 only as a finger on the hand. l 
 
m 
 
 EXTRACTS 01' LETTER^. 
 
 1822.— 10 mo. 22. What a beautiful soci- 
 ety, 1 believe the Society of Friends would be, 
 if all were diligent to improve the talents be- 
 stowed 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 sat- 
 isfied 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 us- 
 ing the strength afforded, be it little or- much, 
 wage war with every thing which we feel im- 
 peding our journey to a state of acceptance, 
 wherein there is no condemnation. 
 
 1822.— 10 mo. 25. I know, dear friend, 
 that human nature is hable to be much tossed, 
 and tried, and perplexed, sometimes with look- 
 ing back, and sometimes with looking forward ; 
 but our safety, I think, very much lies in seek- 
 ing after quietness and resignation, faithfully and 
 in simplicity endeavoring, in our outward em- 
 ployments, 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 sit- 
 uation and circumstances ; and how availingly 
 to pity us and to care for us in all our tempta- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 127 
 
 tions aiid besetments, so that there is great ad- 
 vantage indeed in quietly looking to Him for 
 succor. 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 favored 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] fre- 
 quently furnish fresh occasion, cahnly and deep- 
 ly 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 appre- 
 ciated, is, I believe likely, under a sense of loss 
 and strippmg, to increase our dependence on the 
 guidance, protection, and sustaining arm of hea- 
 venly Goodness. 
 
 1822. — 12 mo. 21. The removal of our ven- 
 erable elder WiUiam Tuke, will, I think, be felt 
 interesting to many ; as of a standard-bearer in 
 
12S 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 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 eslahlishing of their 
 own viewSj but the advancement of true piety, 
 holiness, and humihtVj and thereby the glory of 
 our heavenly Father. I. believe it would be ac- 
 ceptable to Him, that as one faithful soldier is 
 removed; others should the more nearly and dil- 
 igently 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 m-ite, 
 precious to me to believe, that what we some- 
 times denominate " the cause" is unchangeably 
 good, and vrorthy to be espoused, being the pro- 
 motion of the glory of God, in the happiness 
 and salvation of man. And I am a little cheer- 
 ed in the hope, although many, and some very 
 pleasant persons, are too much at ease, very 
 much short of a state of dedication and resigna- 
 tion, and of perfect obedience, yet that the call, 
 will continue so availingly to go forth, that many 
 vvill be aroused, and induced to come forward 
 with increased zeal and fervency of spirit, cloth- 
 ed with humility as a gannent and that our so- 
 ciety will yet be beautiful and lovely, an orna- 
 ment and a praise. . - 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS 
 
 129 
 
 182:2. — 12 mo. 29. 3Iay 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 dis- 
 cover in us the genuine features of ills 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 dangerou-s one to Friends. They are courted 
 and siTiiled upon by the world ; and. ^^-ithout 
 very great caution, we ai'e hable, in our civil and 
 rehgious 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 keep- 
 ing upon it, that we may be strengthened avail- 
 ingly by our example to in\ite 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 think- 
 ing ourselves better than others, nor pAqujn^ 
 l2 
 
130 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTEKS'. 
 
 ourselves on any peculiarity ; but in watchful- 
 ness and fear, endeavoring not to quit our ranks, 
 or give occasion by our example to any fcllovN^- 
 soldier to desert his. 
 
 1823. — 4 mo. In all the circumstances and 
 changes which we have to experience, what a 
 favor it seems to be, to be strengthened to stay 
 our minds upon the Lord, and to feel at times a 
 sensible, refreshing calm, in w^hich we can re- 
 joice with thankfulness, though with fear, know- 
 ing how little it is in our power to command, or 
 preserve, or retain this feehng ; but yet it is 
 very sweet now" and then to get a Uttle 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", succeeding seasons, how 
 encouraging it is to remember that there is this 
 precious state to be at times known. How does 
 it furnish occasion still to trust on, and not cast 
 away our confidence; but to beheve that al- 
 though our lot may be in poverty of spirit, yet 
 that the gracious Shepherd, whose goodness and 
 mercy are unbounded, will never leave nor for- 
 sake us, as we endeavor to trust in Him. So 
 that however tossed, or however beset with try- 
 ing things, let us often, very often, center down 
 in humble quietness, and calm dependence on 
 the Lord ; and then, I believe, he will sustain 
 and preserve us. 
 
SXTRACTS OF LETTE7lS 
 
 131 
 
 1823. — 10 mo. Id. It has been a subject of 
 very considerable anxiety, that we might be 
 comfortably supplied with a companion gifted 
 with the requisites to contribute to soothe and 
 solace our declining days, which I consider of 
 very great consequence ; that the mind may be 
 sw^eetly at liberty to husband and improve the 
 supplies of good mercifully vouchsafed day af- 
 ter day, so that there may be a little verdure, 
 even in advanced age. In adverting to the 
 changes we have experienced within the last 
 year or two, how apt is the mind to dwell on 
 the privations, when we might more profitably 
 be clothed with gratitude and humility, in a 
 sense of the many privileges vouchsafed, and 
 continued, and renewed. 
 
 May Friends of every class be encouraged to 
 come up to the mark assigned them, in firmness 
 and humility, two very requsite companions to 
 each other in the Christian character ; I might 
 have added, and wisdom. I do believe that 
 the want of these, and of more quietness and in- 
 ward attention, has tended to lay waste the 
 minds of very many in our favored society ; in- 
 tended in divine wisdom and mercy, as I some- 
 times think, to have been a compact, separated 
 body, endowed with very precious gifts and fa- 
 vors. If there is too little of a capacity for in- 
 
132 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 viting others, to be seen in many places, there 
 are many amongst us who desh^e the prosperity 
 of Truth. And oh ! that none of us may shrink 
 from baptism : for may this not be called the 
 only way for tii.dy dignified and useful members 
 to be produced in the church ? 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS WRlTTExN IN THE 
 YEARS 1824 AND 1825. 
 
 1824. — 1 mo. 1. Thy allusion to the expe- 
 rience of a winter season, might meet a sunilar 
 statement from us, and I doubt not. from many 
 more ; and seeing this feeling and allotment are 
 in the permission of a wisdom which cannot err, 
 1 desire we may accept them TOh thankfulness, 
 and be enabled wisely to improve from them, 
 quickening our dihgence in the great and high- 
 ly impoiiant engagem.ent of watchfulness, and 
 deep inward retirement of mind, before Him 
 who knows exactly all our wants, and how and 
 when to relieve them to our lasting advantage. 
 Under a feeling of inward poverty and want, of 
 late known and felt, I have thought it exceed- 
 ingly desirable to labor after inward quiet and 
 attention, that the strength may be rightly felt 
 to be renewed, and our religious experience, in 
 the goodness and mercy of Israel's Shepherd, to 
 he enlarged. Hereby the gTound-work of true 
 patience would be laid, and the way prepared 
 
134 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 for that which is so much wanted among us ; 
 namely, for our becoming more a weighty, hun:^- 
 ble, watchful, self-denying people, spiritually 
 intelhgent, and dihgent in submitting to divine 
 requirings, advancing from step to step on the 
 ladder which reaches from earth to heaven. — 
 May greenness adorn our evening, and divine 
 love and mercy be our eternal crown of rejoic- 
 ing. 
 
 1824. — 3 mo. 15. Oh the simplicity that I 
 think there is in the Truth ! Oh the simplicity 
 of the Gospel, and of an inward, attentive, low- 
 ly waiting, for the renewed revelations of it ! — 
 How can this departure from it [in America] 
 have been occasioned ? What a favor, if those 
 who have been in any degree jostled off the 
 foundation, may be in mercy brought back, and 
 have to declare to others, that, in a cloudy tiine, 
 they had missed their way, but are now^, in hu- 
 mility and meekness, brought back to the quiet 
 habitation, the place of rest and safety, where I 
 believe the fihal fear thou m.entionest, is happi- 
 ly known and lived in. I hope cur dear friends 
 now among them will be graciously protected ; 
 furnished with the needful supply of wisdom and 
 strength, and often have to lie down sweetly be- 
 side the still waters. Oh! what a favor we 
 can conceive this to be, to the poor, exercised, 
 
iBXTIlACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 135 
 
 and oft-tribulated servants. Recurnng again to 
 the occasions of sorrow, I seem to want to add, 
 how strange it is that any who love the Truth in 
 sincerity, should not dread the baneful conse- 
 quences of breaking the unity — the unity of the 
 Spirit, in the bond of peace. 
 
 If I have any good desires, I think one of 
 them is,, that the ministry may be increasingly 
 weighty among us. Our dear friends in that 
 station are much to be felt for, and I wish that 
 we may be favored with increased qualification 
 to contribute to their help and comfort. How 
 does the desire arise, that there may be quite 
 as much in weight as measure. It is a very in- 
 teresting time we live in ; and I think vre are 
 a singularly appointed people. How^ desirable 
 is it, that we may know our place, and keep it — 
 a waiting, solid, self-denying people. Greatly 
 favored we have been \ and we have reason to 
 believe, shall be, if we keep to our principles — 
 I might say, to our principle, the divine light, 
 life, and power, revealed in the soul. Believ- 
 ing in this with steadfastness, I believe we 
 should often have to be very poor, and sit 
 very low. But I fear to say much on this im- 
 portant and weighty subject. Before I quite 
 quit it, perhaps I may as w^U say, that I have (of 
 late particularly) thought on the benefit and 
 
136 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS T 
 
 excellence of quietness and retlredness of mind; 
 and the want of it in our religious and favored 
 Society, as well as in the world at large. If it 
 were possible to make Friends sufficiently in 
 love with it, what blessed effects might be hop- 
 ed for from it. 
 
 1824. — 4 mo. 13. I am a believer in that 
 representation of George Dillwyn's, respect- 
 ing important dehberations and discussions in 
 meetings for discipline, somewhat on this wise • 
 that, when Friends are honestly, sincerely, 
 and piously, engaged in delivermg their res- 
 pective views, with becoming condescension 
 and feeling for each other, and the subject is 
 drawing to a point, there is sometimes known 
 a seal on the top of it, which bespeaks the con- 
 clusion to be owned. What a favor and en- 
 couragement is it, when Friends can perceive 
 this ! 
 
 1824. — 7 mo. 30. I notice thy informa- 
 tion respecting our dear friend's improvement 
 in her health. It is indeed a favor, when hu- 
 mility clothes the poor instruments, as a gar- 
 ment from head to foot : indeed, what virtue is 
 like it for value ? It becomes the man with one 
 talent, and it is quite as needful for him that 
 has the two or the five. What are the most 
 
ilXTHACTS OF LETTERS 
 
 13T 
 
 silted without it. but poor, mistaken cieatureSj 
 Ibrgetfiil that in a moment all qualification for 
 profit or sernce may be withheld and suspend- 
 ed, if not entirely -^rithdrawn : 
 
 18-24. — 11 mo. 1'2. It is not likely that the 
 expression of my poverty should make thee rich. 
 I would rather endeavor to profit by every dis- 
 pensation, that I may be favored to know my 
 attention quickened, and my feet more and 
 ' more established in the faith, and hope, and pa- 
 lienceof the Lord's children. 
 
 I am obliged for the various items of inter- 
 esting intelligence contained in thy letter. May 
 we who move in comparatively narrow spheres, 
 be enabled to pra}" for the preservation arid 
 protection of the sincere and upright-hearted 
 under every allotment, and among all the vi- 
 cissitudes permitted to occur. How do I de- 
 sii-e that the sincere-heaited in America may be 
 kept in the patient, steady pursuit of purity and 
 holiness, and know fi-om season to season the 
 discovery of the brook by the way,, enabhng to 
 hold up the head, and to trust on. 
 
 What a people should we be. if we all mo^ - 
 ed on. in the condescendingly-appointed order, 
 desiring to be neither greater nor less, than di- 
 vine wisdom intendeth us to be. Then surely 
 would ])eace be our portion, and the glory be 
 
138 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 ascribed to the blessed and holy Head ; and we 
 be hving as dear children of the same heaven- 
 ly-minded family, abounding, according to the 
 divine will, in the fruits of the Sph'it. 
 
 1824. — 12 mo. 8. Within a very short space 
 indeed, I have attended to the silent grave the 
 remains of t\Vo old acquaintances, respecting 
 whom it may now be said, as by and by of us, 
 the place that has known them, will know them 
 no more. Not that I think it desirable that the 
 dropping off of those, with whom we have been 
 used to converse, should be allowed unprofita- 
 bly to depress, but to quicken our attention to 
 the solemn subject of the uncertainty of time, 
 and of all temporal things : it is indeed an aw- 
 fully-serious subject ; and worthy of our daily 
 and hourly meditation. Our Quarterly Meet- 
 ing is again approaching ; may it be a time of 
 obtaining a little increase of strength, and of en* 
 couragement to walk in the p^th of faith, and 
 humble confidence in the divine arm of power. 
 
 1825. — 4 mo. 8. My mind, one day this 
 week, was, I think I may say, sweetly comfort- 
 ed in the contemplation of the blessedness of 
 that state, which is preserved so low, so little, 
 and humble and feelingly dependent, as to be 
 thankful for even a morsel of heavenly bread; 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 139 
 
 and even a small portion of that living water 
 which sustains the traveler in the path of faith ; 
 and this was accompanied with gladness, that, 
 f rom the morning of our day as a religious society, 
 it was given forth as the sense of Friends, re- 
 specting the Scriptures, that whatsoever doctrine 
 is contrary unto their testimony, may therefore 
 justly be rejected as false ! It is very pleasant 
 to me, that there is extant part of a letter from 
 Wilham Savery, of America, written at the time 
 of the trouble occasioned by H. B.'s dissent 
 from Friends, to a friend in London ; a few lines 
 of which I incline to transcribe, though I should 
 not suppose they are new to thee ; viz. ^- The 
 longer I live, the more unshaken confidence I 
 think I obtain, that the doctrines laid down by 
 Robert Barclay and our first friends, founded 
 upon the New Testament, and still maintained 
 by the body of Society at large, are invulnera- 
 ble to the efforts of vain philosophy, sophistry, 
 and curious speculation, so long as we retain 
 our behef in that most excellent of all books ; 
 and I am of the mind that all such as depart 
 from that foundation, will wither and be con- 
 founded." 
 
 1825. — 4 rao. 23. Since our last friendh^ 
 conversation, I have felt much interested in the 
 comfort of thy declining years. Thou hast of- 
 
140 
 
 EXTRACTS or LETTERS. 
 
 ten mentioned to me thy imcomfortable feel- 
 ings and prospects, respecting thyself and hu- 
 man nature. I believej much of them is occa- 
 sioned by thy not endeavoring to lay hold of 
 the mercy of God, offered to his creature man, 
 through the Spirit of Christ in the soul; be- 
 cause I think, and heartily believe, that by re- 
 sorting to that, we are often permitted to feel 
 our minds, through its blessed influence, brought 
 into a state of resignation to the dispensations of 
 Providence, and into a belief that all He does, 
 however inscrutable to our limited and finite 
 comprehension, is in perfect ^visdom ; and that 
 his power is sufficient to turn every thing that 
 He suffers to befal us, to a good account in the 
 end, agreeably to the apostle's testimony, that 
 all things work together for good, to them that 
 love and fear God." 
 
 As we reverently believe that the Almighty 
 is a being of infinite and adorable perfection in 
 all his attributes. He stands in no need of any 
 thing from us ; but we stand in need of every 
 from Him. And we cannot rationally suppose 
 any motive in Him by the creation of man, but 
 the communication of happiness to his creature. 
 And it is good to entertain the belief, that this 
 divine good will, and gracious design to commu- 
 nicate happiness, is not of a transient nature, 
 but constant and perpetual, in Him in whom it 
 
EXTRACTS or LETTERS. 
 
 141 
 
 is said ^' there is no variableness nor sliadovv of 
 turning." And I cannot for a moment enter- 
 tain the idea that this Divine and Ahnighty Be- 
 ing, who created man for happiness and immor- 
 tality, is so little mindful of him, as, when he is 
 come into the world, to leave him to shift for 
 himself : a creature who, He well knows, has 
 daily and hourly occasion for his providential 
 care and fatherly protection. Remember that 
 interesting saying of our blessed Saviour, the 
 very hairs of your head are all numbered," as 
 emphatically descriptive of the tender notice 
 and regard of the Most High towards his ration- 
 al and immortal creatures. 
 
 lam sincerely interested in thy comfort: 
 and I desire that the evening of thy days may 
 be cheered by the enlivening persuasion, that 
 thou canst not be from under the notice of 
 Him, who is an omnipresent Spirit, and who is 
 not only a God afar oft, but also a God nigh at 
 hand ; about our bed, and about our path, and 
 who spieth out all our ways ; and, as David 
 beautifully declares, whose tender mercies 
 are over all his works ;" and that thus believ- 
 ing, thy sun may go down in brightness, and 
 thy latter end be crowned with peace, the bles= 
 sed presage of everlasting happiness. 
 
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