dren, from generation to generation. In all sins the crime begets its own punishment; but in this, the crime begets the punishment in its own likeness. By the unmerited kindness of Divine Providence I have experienced the contrary causes producing the contrary effects, in a similar manner. "Thou wilt hear with pleasure from me a confirmation of thy sister Margaret's happiness here. When I say happiness, I do not mean it in the vague, superficial sense in which I frequently observe that term employed. I think her happy, because I think her good. And yet both these epithets are to be taken and used with a comparative limitation, and reference to human condition. She does us much honour, however, in this place, by her conduct as a member of civil and religious society: she is nursing a beautiful babe: she has reared two other fine children; and she is a true helpmate, in every sense, to a very worthy, honest, active man, who is an affectionate husband, a good father, and prosperous in business. I trust in the munificence of Heaven, which is graciously pleased to shower down its favours upon us who are unworthy of them, that we shall have the like grateful acknowledgments to make respecting our dear Debby: indeed, the sense of my obligations to our Almighty Benefactor, on account of my dear children, often humbles my heart, and weighs me down, as fruit-bearing branches, over-loaded, bend towards the parent earth, which supplies the nourishment to the tree. * * "Though Lydia and I have not corresponded this time, yet I trust we are as epistles written in each other's hearts. "I am, my dear Abraham's affectionate father, "R. S." R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G "Ballitore, 1st of 12th Month, 1780. ** "We took our final leave of our dear friend Robert Leckey, the 19th. He died the 22d ult. We had a favoured season with him, in which Sarah Newland ministered to him in a sweet and lively manner. I believe his spirit is happily at rest, after a long life of integrity, humility, fidelity to the testimony, benevolence, and humanity. His funeral was very large. "R. S." CHAPTER V. Letters written between the years 1781 and 1788, inclusive. *** "Though it was agreeable to get a letter from thee, yet thou mayst be sure it would have been much more so to have had thyself, if it had been right: if not, it is better for thee to be employed in the business of going about doing good. This I hope is the case, and if thou thinkest thou canst not do much more than assist and support the hands of our ancient friend, who may often be cast down through infirmities of body, and distress of mind, it must be doing good. Distress of mind thy honest heart is well used to, on account of the unfaithfulness of the professors of the unchangeable truth, which will remain so, though all men should forsake it. What remains to be done by the few who are concerned for the promotion thereof, is, to be watchful and humble, seeking to know what is required, and then honestly and simply performing it. This, I believe, is the way for the work of reformation to go forward, that is begun in many minds. The more we are reduced and brought into the littleness, (as thy father used to say,) and kept in it, the more helpful we shall be, as instruments in the hand of the Almighty, who can work by whom it pleaseth him to work. * * "E. S." R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER G "Ballitore, 7th of 1st Month, 1781. "I suppose thy good man Samuel is by this time in Cork. I wish his honest mind may receive benefit there. Such breaking away, every now and then, from the cares and cumbers of this life, is very necessary and profitable to all who can compass it, and should be struggled and contended for by men of business. And not only at such seasons of general edification, do I wish you, dear children, to profit; but recommend, what I doubt not is at times your practice, often to cultivate at home a renewing of the baptism of truth in your own hearts: this tendering influence, this daily sacrifice of a broken and contrite spirit, will be acceptable to him who is the Author of every blessing, spiritual and temporal; and will be found to animate, refresh, and invigorate for the dis charge of every duty of every kind. "We live in much comfort, amity, and satisfaction; and I hope some of us are not insensible of the great and capital favour it is that our domestic tranquillity is lengthened out. This is a favour that I am jealous too many do not properly estimate, and yet the complexion of the times is such, that it seems no way unlikely that the false rest, which many have settled in, will be disturbed; and then the worth of peace, and tranquillity, and ease, and plenty, will be known by the want of them. Divine Providence, indeed, is all-sufficient to protect and deliver; he is good and gracious, slow to anger, and long-suffering, else it would seem that these poor islands would be, as it were, swallowed up by such combined hosts of foes. I say He is merciful and all-sufficient, yet it is not amiss for us to commune together on the way, concerning these things; and doubtless is acceptable to our great Preserver, when in a right spirit we commemorate his benefits. "R.S." R. S. TO HIS DAUGHTER MARY. "Tottenham, 14th of 6th Month, 1781. 66 is a sprightly, sensible woman; but would suit my taste much better, if more of the diffident, the humble, the simple entered into her composition. And even true genius and literary accomplishments receive a softness and lustre from these qualities, highly ornamental. I hope I am not apt to force the subject of religion into conversation; (like poor Saul, who would have the prophet conjured up for him;) but let advanced age, experience, and parental affection say, religion, my dear child, is the safety, the happiness, the glory of human nature. By its sanctifying virtue, natural and improved abilities are kept in due subjection, regulated and directed to useful purposes: by this we have counsel and wisdom in dubious and intricate concerns; by this we have resource and consolation in distress; and by this we have (the greatest of all favours) the evidence, the assurance, the earnest of a happy immortality. Aspire after the knowledge of it, my dear child: with all thy acquirements, endeavour to acquire this. Remember Moses, who was exceeding fair, who had the education of a court to polish his manners, who was wise in all the learning of the Egyptians, and whose poetical talents are left on record in his song; yet had he given the preference to these quali |