in his obstinacy be separated from the unity of the spirit, which is the bond of peace. To all such, there is given the fruit of their own doings; and while they shut out the light, and foster a spirit of opposition, they cannot partake of the consolations of the faithful,but are bound in heaven and on earth; and in the fetters of darkness they must remain until they are willing to cease from the spirit of opposition, and walk in the light of the Son of God. Much more might be said on the ground and principle of church government; but the foregoing may serve to give the reader a view of our profession in the case, and to convince him that they who are turbulent and opposing, cannot at the same time be members of the church of Christ.

CONCLUDING ADDRESS TO THE READER, ESPECIALLY TO MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.

THE foregoing I have written in consequence of a belief, that many in

the society of Friends are too little acquainted with the nature of our profession; also, with a prospect that stran gers might be informed, without much reading, what we believe, and not be left to form opinions of the society from the reports they may hear, or from the ministry alone. Because, in either case, the means for a correct judgment would be insufficient. From the labours of those engaged in the ministry, it would not be reasonable to expect a minute explanation of the doctrine of Friends in each particular case. Their service is much more frequently to speak to the states of the people, and to call home the mind to the light of Christ within, than to offer extensive doctrinal testimony. It may be thought by some, that the society have already a sufficient number of explanatory treatises, and that any thing further is unnecessary. But I believe that on deliberate examination, this will not be found to be the M

case, though there are many valuable works extant. I feel particularly concerned that the rising generation may be drawn off from the deceptive glitter of the world, and that early attention may be given to their religious, improvement. In consequence of this concern, my thoughts have been often exercised. In the course whereof, I have been led to take into view some of the disadvantages under which they labour; and it has appeared to me, that the young and tender minds of children are often injured for want of proper religious weight in parents. Early in life, their attention is open to observe the conduct of parents; and if they see there is want of regularity, that parents are sometimes amiable and pleasant, and at others fretful and ill-natured, this tends to produce difficulty to them, and they are at a loss to know how to conduct, so as to obtain approbation. But if, as they advance in years, the shepherd of souls should visit their tender minds by the word

of his grace, which I have no doubt is the case at a much earlier period than many are aware of, they should then find that their parents were not subject to the divine principle, it must be a cause of stumbling, and thus the mind may be retarded in its progress from earth to heaven. The dispensations

of divine love which are shed over the young minds, lead into love and affec tion for all around them; and when they are in this precious state, how must they be shocked, if for some triv ial act, which may be the effect of want of judgment, they should be addressed in passion. And yet this is what all parents of children are liable to,unless they are themselves brought under the divine government. That I have seen that while it is a beautiful and interesting task, it is a very important one, to educate and bring upchildren in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, nor do I believe that any can perform this duty as they ought to do, who are not subject to the light of Christ. And I have of

ten thought, that if parents were more heavenly minded, their children would be less hardy, and more passive to them and among their friends, than is the case with many in our day. The truly awakened and dedicated mind may often find occasion to shed the tear of sorrow over the children of this generation. But I am of the opinion, that if we lived in the humility and reverence before God which our holy profession calls for, we should have greater access to the throne of his grace, and the life and power of the gospel would spread in our families. He who was the friend of faithful Abraham would clothe us with greater authority and qualification to command those of our household. And our precious offspring, beholding the solemnity and sweetness of our spir its, would feel an early and dutiful attachment to us; they would not be difficult to command, but would be led into obedience by the concurrent operation of our divine guide, who is ever willing to assist us in every duty which he is