ciousness of social harmony; and to feel an abhorrence of war, both abroad and at home. But ah! how the evil principle of selfishness works and prevails in many to stir up hatred and strife, and thus hinder the fruits of love and forbearance one toward another! There is no happiness nor peace in this ground. I have seen its baneful influence, in destroying tender feeling and harmony in the human family. Oh! may the bright and morning star arise, and usher in the glorious day of light and peace and love amongst mankind universally.

When Infinite wisdom and goodness calls the soul from under the dominion of sin and iniquity, and awakens an earnest pursuit after eternal life, then it is that the dragon exerts his power to destroy those holy desires which are begotten of God. But he, in his boundless mercy, seeing it needful that these should enter into a wilderness state, suffers them to be there tried and proved, comparable to the dragon following them and casting out floods to drown those living aspirations after holiness, so that the true light which makes visible his kingdom of darkness might not shine upon the soul. In these conflicts I haveseen and felt that state of mind, in which “there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, but prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven."

Oh! the mystery of the power of God working out man's redemption from the fall! The scriptures are sealed as with seven seals, until the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Christ himself, cometh and fulfilleth in man

by his spirit and powerful Word, the things that are written therein. Then is understood by deep experience, that of "the sun being turned into darkness;" and also that "the holy city, new Jerusalem, hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it; for the glory of God doth lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." In this living experience, we know a being changed and born anew; and thus becoming "new creatures," made so through a faithful following of the Lamb whithersoever he leads, being baptized with the one "baptism," that is compared to "fire," the nature of which is to consume and purify. Thus, the righteous are tried as in the fire, and acceptable men, in the furnace of adversity; for God the Father knows what is needful for the redemption of his children, and they know him and are not deceived.

It is a mournful consideration that for the sake of a few transitory enjoyments, man should choose death rather than life. But those who love not God above the perishable gratifications of this world, must experience the stings of a guilty conscience when all else leaves them and is forever gone. Oh! then who can endure the bitter reflection, that they had once an offer of eternal happiness, but were not willing to become fools in order that they might be truly wise! On the other hand, how happy the state of those who deny themselves, take up their daily cross and follow Christ, even though they should suffer persecution and the loss of all things in this life, that so they may be found living and dwelling in himThese have that peace within themselves which the world can neither give nor take away; a treasure

laid up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through. nor steal.

2nd mo. 6th, 1814. Our correspondence, my dear S., has been at a low ebb, for some time: but I hope our affection for each other partakes not of the season,-cold, and congealing like the hardened watery element. When we love one another, a letter from a friend is grateful; it cheers, revives and enlivens the flame of affection, or brightens the chain of friendship. Let us not then neglect to send our notices when we can, that we may thus add to each other's comfort. The clouds and storms of winter outwardly are an emblem of old age, when the shades of the evening of life are stretching over us, and darkening the scene. Our lives are checkered with clouds as well as sunshine, and we often need mental industry and fervency of spirit to meet the varied seasons and improve them to our profit. But when we believe that all these probationary revolutions and trials, are under the control and care of Infinite wisdom who orders all things aright, we are kept from murmuring under the yoke of necessary discipline.

It is a kind of relief to a burdened mind, when we can pour our sorrows as into the bosom of a sympathizing friend: but there is a Father and friend that is always near us, and who knoweth all our wants; to him we may turn in all seasons of grief and trial, and repose our trust in him: Though his ways are hid as in the deep from mortal view-yet patience and quiet waiting in faith and hope, is a safe refuge under these dispensations.

4th mo. 5th. We have two scourges in the land,— war and sickness. Although the hand of mercy graciously spares, yet the sound of mourning and dismay continues to spread, it is to be hoped to the awakening of the people's minds. We are so attached to this world, that judgments are necessary to make us seek and learn righteousness.

My mind is often drawn toward thee, in silent converse. By and by there will be neither converse nor device in the grave, whither I am hastening. I have been allowed many years to make ready for an important change; I hope (and may it be a well-grounded hope) I shall exchange this corruptible for an incorruptible inheritance,—a portion with the sanctified who have borne, and have had patience, and have kept the faith through this probationary pilgrimage. Indeed, I have drunk the cup of bitters, that hath stained this world and all its vain glories in my estimation. I feel very far from boasting; for I have great need more frequently to retire inward to the house of prayer, and crave ability to improve the fleeting moments, yet allowed me.

6th mo. 19th. Though no way offers to send this, I have taken my pen to answer thine of the 20th of last month. It was pleasing to me to hear of thy pleasant wafture down the Delaware. Thou wished for me along: I may say that the afflictions I have seen and felt, have cast a shade over my every days walk, and stamped on the page of my existence this language, All, or nearly all, is sorrow. I take no pleasure in these things; finding it good for me to be wholly weaned from the breasts of this world. Though thy affectionate care over a widowed mother VOL. XII.-8

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soothes and alleviates her sorrows, and with heartfelt gratitude I acknowledge, it gilds her evening hours with a ray of comfort. My sands are running low, and the springs of life are waxing feeble. I have need to gird up my loins and be vigilant; for it is a great work (at least for me) to be thoroughly washed and in a state of preparation for a pure, heavenly mansion. The earthly nature is so selfish, that there needs a cutting off the life of the flesh. It is good to be mortified in order to humble the selfish nature in us. So I try to possess myself in patience, and to have a humble trust in Divine wisdom and mercy.

- 26th. Jonathan Kirkbride and another friend visited our meeting to-day, and it concluded with solemn prayer. Until we are tried, we often do not know ourselves. When under the baptismal influence of washing by the Word, what a struggle there is between nature and grace, in which many know a passing under the cloud, and through the sea. May the Father of mercies reach forth his arm, and support his tried children who are ready to sink as in the deep's.

7th month 18th. We have had the company of Clayton Brown. He gave us plain, forcible and convincing doctrine; laying open our states as I think they are in truth. He also expressed much consoling, encouraging sympathy toward the young people.

24th. William Blakey is to have a meeting here to-morrow. Ah! we need something to awaken us. I sometimes think we are a poor set of professors: but I travail in spirit that life may gain the dominion. It requires diligent exertion to climb the lad