Natural law embraces unalienable RIGHTS, which are founded upon innate principles, as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, &c., from which equality originates "Natural Justice." Agreeable to such natural justice is "Moral obligation;" "Love the Lord with all thy heart, and thy neighbor (not less or more, but) as thyself," "and as ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets;" or what the law of Moses, and the spirit of prophets; and the example of Jesus Christ enjoined: "Therefore with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged," and "with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.” pation, city, street, number of the house, and 935. "Natural Law"-"Moral Law"-and name of the family were he stayed before em- the "Rule of Practice," originated from the barking, ship's name, &c. &c. &c. complexion, same Author. height, flesh marks, &c. &c. all the answers recorded, and his name he had to sign to his testimony. This examination they passed through three times at the Custom House, then at the Mayor's office, and also at the Alien office; then he could not stay without the King's license, on which were certified his lodgings, &c. which must not be removed even to the next door without permission, under a penalty and the family who received him to fifty pounds fine. Moreover, he must not exceed eleven miles distance, nor preach without license from the sessions, which could not be obtained without, first, the OATH of allegiance; second, to support that particular form of government; third, against Popery, or be subject to pay a fine of twenty pounds; and those who suffered meetings in their houses without a license from the Bishop's court, were subject to twenty pounds fine; and each of those who attended, to pay five shillings. 934. Render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and unto God the things that are God's; for the devil ought to have his due, and God requires no more and every thing should have justice done to it! And to misrepresent any thing designedly, with an intention to deceive, to injure another, and thereby answer our own designs, is a MORAL EVIL" of the deepest dye; and while the Vicegerent governs the world in Righteousness, judgment must and will be given in favor of the injured. Therefore vice must not triumph over virtue; and though the "Wicked may flourish like the green bay tree" for a season, the day of retribution will come at last. Consequently, all persons whose actions flow from impure and unjustifiable motives, will have only a curse and bitterness, as a just entailment at last, as the final issue of their conduct! But innocence, uprightness and integrity of heart, founded upon virtuous and justifiable principles, as a responsible agent to the Supreme Governor of the world, will meet His approbation; who will carry them through safely, however severe their trials and conflicts may be for a season, SALVATION will come at last. The just retributions of Divine Providence have been observable in social bodies, as well as in personal and individual cases. Haman and Mordecai exemplify an instance-“ he that will dig a pit for another, shall fall into it himself." 936. The first fifteen years of my life were as lost, not being devoted to God; though more sober and steady than most at that age; which was remarked by many. When in my sixteenth year I became acquainted with the comforts of religion; which hath kept me out of many a hurtful snare. About eighteen I commenced my itinerant career; which is more than eighteen years since. Various are the scenes through which I have been preserved since, by land and water, in those different climes where my lot hath been cast, arising from the different customs, interests, and prejudice of education. There is a family likeness, so there may be a family temper, and likewise a family education. Hence the various MODES give rise to various prejudices? and those that predominate will infest and taint whole societies or neighborhoods, over whose influence they control. 937. Little minds are capable of little things; and hence to see an exaltation, is apt to produce a jealousy; which, when admitted, begets envy and friendship and respect degenerates into hatred, malice, and ill-will. 938. Every person supposes himself to be in the middle of the world, and his way to be Hence the propriety of "FAITH in God," the most RIGHT, and as a criterion, and the and a "HOPE" in his Providential Hand! summit of perfection. A difference of course Likewise Charity or LOVE, which is the to be an error, which should be cured; hence spirit of the gospel of Christ, should be the he bears the testimony against it with all the moving spring of all our actions; in order zeal, acrimony, and bitter censoriousness imathat we may glorify Him in all our ways, by ginable. Why! because it varies from his a suitable disposition of heart fitted to his views; without allowing others the same government; which requires a worship in liberty that he takes, to think, and judge, and SPIRIT and in TRUTH, with the UNDER-act for himself; but all are in error who do STANDING! not come to his rule, founded upon bigotry and the prejudice of education. For the most | but about ten dollars when I embarked for ignorant are generally the most rude, saucy, Europe. impertinent and positive in their assertions; not knowing how to state a proposition, nor draw a right conclusion; but think that assertion is argument, and so take it for granted that it proves the point. 939. Those persons who have sprung out of the ashes, and have been raised in the corner, when they get into office and power, become the most important, self-exalted, imperious, and tyrannical of any persons whatever; and domineer over those with a vengeance, that come within their power and displeasure; from which good Lord deliver the EARTH!† 940. I perceive all things below the sun to be of a fleeting nature-nothing permanent but Divinity and Immortality! And to feel the love of the former, brightens up the prospects of the latter; and inspires the heart with "hope" beyond this life! 941. I have not an acre of ground I call my own upon earth, and but a small pittance of this world's goods in any shape or form. But am without house or home of my own, and but very few on whose friendship to depend. 942. The last seven years of my life have been a scene of trials; but they have been a school. During this time I have not received from other people in my travels, what would bear one half of my necessary expenses; and yet there is no time nor place in Europe or America, that any person can point out, when or where I asked for a "CONTRIBUTION," for "myself," either directly or indirectly; though I have taken a few, made by other people, in some cases of extreme necessity, or to prevent doing harm by hurting the feelings of some well wishers, in the course of those eighteen years: but have by far declined the bigger part-perhaps ten to one.‡ 944. But hitherto the Lord hath helped and brought me through, and gently cleared my way. I feel a sweet inward peace of mind, a blessing I have never lost since I saw Calvin Wooster. What is before me I know nottrials I expect ever await me, while upon the Journey of Life on these mortal shores; but the anticipation of a better and happier world, attracts my mind to surmount every obstacle by "FAITH IN JESUS," to gain that bright abode; and strive by every possible means to regenerate the earth by the knowledge of God; that "moral evil" may be expelled the world, the Kingdom of Christ become general, and rule over ALL. 945. I verily believe these are the last days of troublesome times; and will continue to grow worse and worse, and rise higher and higher, until after the "FALL OF BABYLON," which I expect cannot be far off; and the "Beast and False Prophet" be taken away; then the Divine Government will be acknowledged. natural justice attended to, moral obligation performed in the golden rule of practice, as enjoined by the VICEGERENT of the world! And 946. Whoever will read the xxviii. of Deut. and compare it with the history of the Jews and our LORD's prediction with Josephus, must be at least rationally convinced of the doctrine of Providence in nature and grace. whosoever is convinced, and looks at the signs," may discern the TIMES; "For the light of the moon is becoming as the light of the SUN," when compared with the last centuries: and "The light of the SUN shall become sevenfold as the light of SEVEN DAYS," saith the inspiration of the Almighty. Then "the House of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountain, and exalted above the hills;" "and all nations shall flow unto it ;" then the wolf and the lamb shall dwell together; and the "nations learn war no more;" for "the NAME of the LORD alone shall be EXALTED in that day ;" and natural evil will be expelled the world, and the earth restored to its paradisical state; "until the thousand years be ended, whether a common thousand, prophetic or apostolic; when Christ shall reign on earth, and bring his saints with him; but after the loosing of Satan, then there will be a falling away; and shortly will come the general judgment, "moral evil" The narrow contracted Tyrant-condemned such a VARIETY of heights-thought to be "uniform" would having contaminated the earth again; and be for the best-and choosing his own height for the mo- hence it is inconsistent with the nature and del, has an IRON bedstead" erected for the criterion-government of the Almighty, to continue the and all the longer must be "cut off" and those that were shorter must be stretched-which neither nature nor grace admit. 943. The profits of my books, I derived no real advantage from, before I went to Europe the last time; and by the "JOURNAL" I sunk about one thousand dollars, by engaging too many to meeting-houses before the work was done at one of which there happened to lack twenty-five of eight hundred; and hence twenty-five dollars in cash was demanded, and paid from other publications; so that I had This is observable in petty understrappers as well as in the black overseers in the West Indies. I have now and then rode up to a house, and asked for a bit of bread and some few things of the like necessity, &c. world in being any longer--then we arrive to the CONSUMMATION of all things. 947. This world is fitted to man's body, but not to the mind! the love of God is the only principle that can satisfy the MIND, and make him happy. Man is ever aspiring for new and greater things: now this principle is not wrong, being implanted by the AUTHOR of nature, as an inherent principle that is innate; the evil consists in the pursuit of improper objects that can never satisfy, and so become idolaters, to the neglecting the Author of all good, the privation of which is misery, as HE is the only fountain of perfect and lasting happiness! 948. This world is man's beginning place, like a state of embryo; he being a candidate for future happiness; hence the other world is his place of destination. For "moral evil" brought "natural evil" into the world; man is degenerate, hence the necessity of "regeneration by the Divine Spirit," called the "NEW BIRTH." "The kingdom of Heaven was prepared for man," not from all eternity, but "from the foundation of the world;" whereas "the lake of fire and brimstone" was never made for man, but was "prepared for the devil and his angels." 949. The "pleasure" of the Lord was the moving cause of creation." "Love" was the moving cause of "redemption," and "faith" is the instrumental cause of "salvation." But "SIN," man's own ACT, is the CAUSE of his "damnation." Therefore the necessity of seeking the Lord by faith, to find that knowledge of him, which will give an evidence of pardon, and bring peace to the mind. 950. The "divisions" of the human family innations," has its advantage; to cause a balance of power and a refuge for the oppressed people. 951. The variety of "denominations" also in those nations, have an advantage, that no one should have the pre-eminence to domineer over others in matters of conscience;" there being so little real piety in the world. Union of form and ceremony is not religion in a moral point of view, for by it with the addition of power, the world hath been imposed upon, and taken the shell for the kernel, in their awful, delusive ignorance, which hath driven men to deism and infidelity, as common sense began to wake up and see the imposition. And doubtless will continue so to do more and more-hence the propriety of these words, "When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?" 952. But a union of HEART in the spirit of the gospel of CHRIST, is a necessary thing to promote peace, and convince the world of the reality of the religion of Jesus being founded in Divinity, that they may embrace it by faith and "know" its blessed enjoyments. 953. Let brotherly love continue, for where bitter contention is, is every evil work: and instead of judging and striving for a party, and using the devil's tools with which to do the Almighty's work, strive to excel in love; evidencing your "faith in Christ by wORRS," bringing forth those fruits of Christianity that will be the evidence on which will turn your eternal "justification" forever, in the day of final retribution! 954. The GLORY of God our object, the WILL of God our law; His SPIRIT our guide, and the Bible our rule, that Heaven may be our END. Hence we must "watch and pray," endure to the end to receive the "CROWN of Life," where is pleasure without pain, for evermore! 955. Then the storms of life are forever over, and his journey is drawn to a close; where there is glory, and honor, praise, power, and majesty, might and dominion forever be ascribed to God and the Lamb. O! this pleasing anticipation of a future world-— the HOPE beyond the grave! 956. After our arrival in New York, a combination of circumstances conspired together, whereby I was enabled to put my WORKS to press, through the assistance of some friends; whose friendship I required. But as many of the books were sold at cost, and considerable expense attending the transportation and circulation of them; there was very little, if any nett gain, or profits attending the same, without counting the great attention, care, &c. attending it; if we except the pleasure and benefits of mankind; which were my principal objects in their circulation; all of which was accomplished in about seven months, and discharged. 957. Frequently did I attend meetings at the Asbury meeting house, belonging to the Africans, or People of Color; and some other places; and departed to New Haven, where we spent a few days. It was the Fourth of July, and many were celebrating the time of Independence; but in a way neither to the glory of GoD, nor the honor of our country; but rather savored of a spirit of ingratitude, arising from a state of insensibility of how great and glorious our privileges are, when contrasted with other nations; and what has been before! So I made some remarks upon the sin of ingratitude, and its concomitant evils prospectively on the occasion. Thence to North Guilford, and Middletown, where I found a wagon going to Hebron: having held a number of meetings by the way. 958. Here I received a note from N. D. of N. L. containing the following queries: 1st. Why less time in private devotion now, than formerly. 2d. Whether the time spent in writing would not be better spent in private prayer? 3d. Why more conversant with my friends? 959. These questious reminded me of a circumstance of several vessels which were loaded with live stock,-cattle, sheep, hogs, geese, &c. &c. when several foreign vessels were off at a distance. Those things caused me to think so loud that I spoke out; "This looks like fulfilling the scripture"-"If thine enemy hunger feed him!" "Yes," replied a byestander, "the Connecticut people are very pious in that respect." But books are next akin to preaching, and may benefit society when I am no more; and duties never clash. 960. Getting equipped with a horse and small light wagon, I proceeded to Coventry, and found my aged father, one sister, and two nephews well. I staid a few days, and visited a number of adjacent places, and had some tender times: But my mind was uneasy, and some hours of sleep departed from me when I reflected upon the state of the country, and the spirit of the times. 961. When in Hartford city, I felt as if bewildered, and scarce knew which way to go I left the beast to start which way he chose, feeling no inclination to go any where in particular. Thus in slow walk we started and took the road west, toward the state of New York, about twenty miles, when I met an old man; I asked him if any body in the neighborhood loved God; he mentioned a family and escorted me to the house, where two persons lived, who were my former acquaintance, when they were single; staid all night: had two meetings, and went to Wensted, where I was invited by John Sweet, an acquaintance, with whom I fell in with by the by. Had two meetings and went to Lenox, and Pittsfield; and saw some of my old acquaintance and spiritual children, whom I had not seen for fifteen years. Held several meetings, and went to Bennington, and spoke once then to Cambridge, where I had formerly travelled, but felt not free to call on any of my old acquaintance; nor have I felt free to do it intentionally, where I formerly travelled the circuits; unless it so happened just in my way of travelling. 962. Spent about a week with Peggy's sister and brother-in-law: held several meetings, met some opposition with an A-LL-part minister; and departed to Saratoga and Ballstown Springs; and held about fifty meetings in the adjacent country-towns, and went to Still-water and Waterford; so to Lownsingburg and Troy; where CHICHESTER proclaimed war against me, before I came, assigning as the reason: "ORDER!!!" But they who are not conformed to moral order in the Divine government, will not be able to stand in that day when all hearts shall be disclosed! 963. Thence to New York, where the countenances of the people were an index of the mind; during the awful suspense of the engagements at Baltimore and Plattsburg: and also it was visible, who were the friends of the country, and felt interested, and those who were not: and a day or two days after, when accounts came from those two places, that they had not fallen; the scene was equally reversed!* 964. Thence to Philadelphia, where I spent about a month; sold my travelling convenience, and went by water in the steamboat to New Castle, in Delaware: saw an old house 127 years old: held one meeting, and took stage to Smyrna; spoke once, then to Dover, and found a distant people; spoke four times; disturbed twice by something coming into my room in the night; spoke to it, got no reply: interrogated the family, got no satisfaction, only found others had been disturbed there before. Thence to Frederica; spoke three times, and went to Milford: where I spoke several times, and went to Georgetown; and spoke twice. So on to Doggsborough, and spoke in the church of England meeting house, and then to Martinsville, and held two meetings; from there to Poplartown, in MaRYLAND: and Snow Hill. There I spoke six times, and departed to Havertown, and from thence to Downingtown in VIRGINIA. Thence I returned by Downing Chapel, and Newtown, to Snow Hill: thence to Salsbury; and so to Cambridge; where the snow and cold overtook me. During this journey so far, I had many precious times: at the Trap, in particular; and in East-town and Centreville, and at Chestertown, and at the head of Chester, and so returned to Smyrna, and visited its vicinity. 965. At the head of Sassafras, I saw MARGARET KEEN; whom I saw two years before in Baltimore: and who had accurately dreamed of Bonaparte's disasters, &c. &c. which made considerable impression upon my mind. Thus after about thirty days, I returned to Philadelphia, where I met my companion from New York, where I had left her; having travelled about five hundred miles, and held upwards of sixty meetings. 966. As neither of us had been in those northern latitudes, at this inclement season of the year, having been seasoned to a warm climate; prudence dictated the propriety of a proper line of conduct, and having some writing to do, it was proper to attend to it, and now appeared to be the time; but a proper place was hard to find, where we might be retired. 967. Once, seemingly we had thousands of friends, but alas, a true friend is hard to find! one who is not like the pine tree, rotten at the * The countenance being an index of the mind. heart. Man is not to be trusted, unless fear, | are neither less nor more, than the sword and INTEREST, or the Grace of GOD, shall influence him for mankind in general, are led like an animal, by inclination for the time being, without exercising JUDGMENT, OR REASON, which should he found in a Virtuous principle! There is none but God who can be depended upon as certain; for He never forsakes us, unless we first forsake HIM! though some talk to the contrary, saying, David was LEFT to do so and so! &c. scourge of God; not only for a nation, but as individuals also; and there are two classes who feel it heaviest here; the first is those who are of no service to God or man: viz. those who are a nuisance to society, not pursuing any useful, innocent or lawful calling, to gain a subsistence; but have corrupted society by the influence of their example, and violating the Divine law, by profane cursing, swearing, lying, drinking, whoring, and loung968. Where are my many friends now? ing about the streets: this filth is in a great ZION is gone into captivity, her harps are measure drained from our towns; and gone to hung upon the willows; but she will yet the slaughter-house.-The other is the Mercome out of the Wilderness of this world, lean-cantile class; who through the unparalleled ing upon her BELOVED! terrible as an ARMY space of peace and prosperity, were led off by the temptation of riches and grandeur, whereby they forgot God; hence the influence of their example, to the injury of society, and the dishonor of God's government: Therefore it was necessary that those avenues of wealth should be shut up; and hence the scourge from God. Consequently we should take warning that we may be able to stand; and of course must conduct ourselves accordingly, in the duty of love to GOD, and our NEIGHBOR; and attend to our Saviour's golden rule of practice, "As ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them." with banners! 969. When travelling North and South, the difference of the country, the prejudice of the people, in their different modes of raising both among the religion and those who do not profess; taking the Potomac for the dividing ground, makes me think of the "ten pieces,, of garments that Abijah gave to JEROBOAM which prejudice had began in the time of SAUL, the first king in Israel, and the house of DAVID! 970. When Cosmopolite was invited to preach in Congress Hall, before the other House; he spoke from these words: "Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a shame to any people."-He went down to the Navy Yard and staid at the house of James Friend. During the night, he dreamed, and thought that he was in the gallery of the CAPITOL, which was much crowded and the House was in session. A little, sharp looking man, came to the top of the stairs, and winked and beckoned to me, as if in great agitation; and then turned and went out. I thought I made my way through the crowd and got out of the door, where I found a military guard around the house; getting through them, I started toward the Navy Yard, when I saw the house arise, and fall in two parts, and burst into ten thousand atoms, and the whole was enveloped in a column of smother and smoke, which shock, waked me up! I told James Friend in the morning of my curious dream. Fifteen months after, as I was coming from Virginia, I called at his house; he reminded me of the dream, adding that he had never been in the house since, without thinking of it, and feeling a degree of horror! Several months after this, when I heard of Ross and Cockburn being at Washington, I could measurably interpret my dream. 971. There was more blood spilt in the Carolinas, between the inhabitants, during the former struggle, than between the regular armies. There is an awful gloom gathering fast, and clouds hang over a guilty land. Wars 972. After enquiring some time, I found a place in a Quaker family, where we obtained a room. Attended some of their meetings; had some very comfortable feelings while sitting in silence with them; heard some who spake feelingly, and to satisfaction; among whom was RICHARD JORDAN; his track Ï was much upon in Ireland, but never saw him until in this city; visited his house, and had good satisfaction.-Peter's call was to the Jews; Paul's to the Gentiles; so there are different gifts, and calls, in our day, and all by the same spirit. 973. DOROTHY RIPLEY, an English woman, who hath crossed the ocean five times, is now in this city: she belongs to no religious society; but is rather upon the Quaker order; she was very kind to me, when going on my last tour to Europe. She has travelled most of the States of the Union and also in Ireland; as well as her native country. There has been much opposition to her, from those who may be called religious bigots, who are of narrow, contracted minds; for little minds are only capable of little things; but she hath brunted the storm, and lived down much that was designed to block up her path, and make the way bitter; but God hath been with her; and how many she has been a blessing to, the day of Eternity must disclose! 974. THEOPHILUS R. GATES;-the influence of his example is very impressive on |