Their eye being directed toward an enduring inheritance, and their hearts set upon things above, they sought not after greatness in this world, but passed the time of their sojourning here in watchfulness and fear, and in great simplicity of heart, as well as of living and demeanour; endeavouring by their integrity and uprightness, and the purity of their example, to reach the divine witness in all, and to promote the love of truth and righteousness among men. In minds thus bent on seeking a more glorious inheritance than the things of time can afford, the love of the world could have little influence. They were bright examples of justice, of moderation in business, in their houses, their dress and language, and of the self-denial which the gospel enjoins, in all their conduct and conversation.

But, dear Friends, has not a departure from this simplicity and heavenly mindedness, led many among us into the love and eager pursuit of the riches and honour of the present world; producing the fruits of pride, emulation, and a love of grandeur; bringing in many imaginary wants and foolish fashions; to satisfy which, has led into hazardous speculations and a pursuit of business, incompatible with our holy profession; which has engrossed the time and talents, so as to leave but little of either, or of inclination, to attend to the momentous concerns of religion, to the right education of their children, or the promotion of the welfare of our fellow men. The mind thus absorbed and encumbered, is unfitted for religious thoughtfulness, as well as religious service; and for breathing daily after the spiritual riches, which are enjoyed in humble communion with God.

We believe that the pecuniary distress which pre

vails so extensively over our country, and those convulsions which have swept away from many, a large portion of their property, are dispensations permitted by infinite Wisdom, to show us the vanity and uncertainty of all temporal possessions, and to turn the minds of the people to the necessity of endeavouring to lay up treasure in heaven, "where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not break through and steal."

Fervent is the solicitude we feel, that we may all “hear the rod, and him who hath appointed it;” and be deeply engaged to have our affections weaned from the perishing things of this life, and fixed upon that which is to come. Thus would our desires be moderated, and our wants circumscribed by the limitations of the holy truth;-pride, avarice and ambition, would be laid in the dust, and we should be constrained, by the love of God shed abroad in our hearts, to seek first the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof,-in the humble reliance, that He who knoweth what things we have need of before we ask him, will not fail to grant them unto us. In this lowly, humble state of mind, the desire to accumulate money, or to make an appearance in the world corresponding with others, would be mortified and subdued; and as the meek and self-denying followers of Him, who though Lord of all, had not whereon to lay his head, we should be contented with that simplicity and moderation which comport with our Christian profession, and receive with grateful hearts, whatever our heavenly Father saw meet to dispense.

May such as have lost much of their earthly substance, endeavour to profit by the dispensation, as a

fatherly correction from the hand of Him, who afflicteth not willingly; and cheerfully accommodate themselves to the change in their circumstances, by a correspondent reduction in their expenses, rather than seek to recover what they have lost, by an undue extension of business.

We affectionately and earnestly warn all to "take heed and beware of covetousness, which is idolatry;" whether it be in making haste to be rich by embarking in large business, or by indulging a penurious and hoarding disposition in a smaller way. It is a saying which experience abundantly verifies, that "they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition: for the love of money is the root of all evil, which, while some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

One of the great deceptions to which mankind are liable, is looking for happiness where it is not to be found; and being ensnared by the love of the world and the deceitfulness of riches, they miss the true enjoyment, as well as the great object, of life, which are only to be found in the love and service of God.

May all then abide under the daily cross, whereby the earthly mind, which hath its delight in the pleasures and treasures, and fashions of the world, may be crucified; that being redeemed out of these things, which so manifestly hinder the progress of the soul heavenward, we may become, more and more, a serious and self-denying people, adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

WE affectionately entreat those who are placed in the responsible stations of parents and caretakers of children, to endeavour to train them up, by precept and example, in a holy life and conversation, and in simplicity and plainness of attire and language; remembering that they are precious lambs entrusted to their care, by the great Shepherd of the sheep, to whom they must give an account for their souls, in the day when he shall make inquisition into their stewardship. Much depends upon the example set before them; the minds of children being very quick in discerning what objects have the first place in the affections of those who are over them.

If they see that the parents' hearts are set upon the things of this life-that they are fond of making a show and appearance among men-running greedily after gain, though perhaps derived from small earnings or penurious savings-or that they are adorning their houses and children with finery and costly things; their infant minds will soon imbibe similar views and feelings, and be estranged from the simplicity of the cross of Christ, and the love of their Redeemer.

In the ordering of divine providence, great influence is attached to the parental relation; and where its duties are faithfully performed in the fear and counsel of the Lord, restraining in the holy authority which he gives, as well as admonishing and persuading them in his love we believe the declaration will be verified, "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Although we have always believed, that the first

day of the week is not the Christian sabbath, (that being a state of spiritual rest to the soul) and that there is no inherent holiness in it above any other day, it being our duty to keep every day holy unto the Lord,— and that agreeably to the saying of the apostle, no man is to judge us in respect of an holy day, or of the sabbath days, which are a shadow of things to come; yet we have ever been concerned to enjoin upon all our members, the due observance of that day, as a season of rest from all unnecessary labour, and of religious retirement and meditation.

We wish renewedly to impress upon parents, the importance of having their families collected during that part of first-day which is not appropriated to public worship, that they may be kept from unprofitable company, from idly rambling abroad, or needless visiting; and pass the time in suitable religious reading or other serious employment; that thus they may not only reap the benefit of setting apart one day in the week, more particularly for religious purposes, but that our example as a religious Society may be such as becomes a people professing godliness.

We feel a fear, lest there are some parents who are so bound to their worldly interest, as to have little concern for their offspring, neglecting both their literary and religious education; and others, who are in a state of lukewarmness respecting the everlasting wellbeing of their interesting charge; and from an unwillingness to cross their inclinations and exercise a salutary restraint, are suffering them to indulge in many hurtful things, and to wander from the path of self-denial.

Great must be the condemnation of such parents, in