fellow professors of Christianity, who believe in the necessity to perpetuate the outward sign; but leave them where they may apprehend their duty leads them. But as we are satisfied that the only strength, nourishment, and consolation of the dedicated disciple of Christ must be the light and aid of his holy spirit, we wish not by any outward act, to produce a dependence upon any other means. Therefore, although we do not join with others in the outward sign, we are nevertheless concerned that all may come to the living and eternal substance; and in that, know for themselves, the whole man brought into subjection, and the will of God so fulfilled in and upon them, that they may really partake of the new wine of the kingdom,and no longer remain in the old and fallen nature, but in the new and spiritual life, where the spiritual meat and drink may be received, and where the life of Christ becomes their life. Then shall they partake spiritually of his

body and his blood, and sit at his heav enly communion table, in the unity of the spirit, which is the bond of peace.

OF OATHS.

THE society of Friends are of opinion that swearing is not only unreasonable in itself, but contrary to the positive command of Christ, and in no instance ought to be submitted to by those who profess to be Christians. "Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thou shalt not fors wear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths.. But I say Neither you, swear not at all. by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool. Neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be yea,yea,

unto

nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." Matt. v. 33 to 38. The apostle James appears to have very fully adopted the counsel of his divine master, and to believe it right to give his testimony against swearing. "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay, lest ye fall into temptation." Taking this general view of the antichristian practice of swearing, the society of friends bear their testimony against it and believe that among Christians, it ought to be abolished.

It would require a considerable history, were I to give a full account of the many sufferings which our predecessors passed through, because they refused to take oaths: and certainly it is a practice which ought to be seriously considered by every man; and more especially if he professes any claim to the character of a Christian.

Because there is no point of duty enjoined by the Saviour of the world, more clearly stated than this, to refrain from swearing. Nor do I know of any practice in civil government, so inconsistent with the very end to be answered by it. But lest we should be thought to start a new doctrine in regard to oaths, it may be useful to shew that an objection against the cause and practice of swearing, was made by others. Polybius has said "the use of oaths in judgment was rare among the ancients; but, by the growing of perfidiousness, so grew also the use of oaths." Basil the Great saith, "swearing is the effect of sin." And Ambrose, that" oaths are only a condescendency for defect." Chrysostom saith, that "an oath entered when evil grew, when men exercised their frauds, when all foundations were overturned. That oaths took their beginning from the want of truth." And again, "for what end wilt thou force him to swear,

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whom thou believest not that he will speak the truth." Many others might be mentioned, to shew, that swearing has been condemned by others, as well a Friends. But if no one had come to own this doctrine of Christ, from the time that he delivered it until now, it would even in that case be proper that a Christian society, in conformity to bis express commands, should refuse to swear. Having stated the foregoing, I will refer the reader to Barclay's Apology, where he will find this particu lar treated upon at large and where I am of the opinion, all the reasons for swearing, or in favour of it, are fully and clearly refuted.

OF WAR.

THE society of Friends believe that all wars and fightings, whether offensive or defensive, are contrary to the peaceable spirit of Christ; and therefore not lawful for Christians. If a religion which has for its object the re