day appear as we really are, comes in with double force. Every serious thought seems to unite in raising desires really to become what we shall one day wish to be, spirits made pure, and fitted for a celestial kingdom.

1779.

21st, 3d Mo.-Our friends sometimes draw comparisons between our Society and the children of Israel, or enforce things upon us by their example. Israel must dwell alone; therefore we must dwell alone. This method of reasoning seems not quite applicable to the present state of things, and rather carries the appearance of this pharisaical language Stand off, "I am holier than thou."*

The children of Israel were peculiarly under the immediate guidance of Providence: the only family on the face of the earth (that we read of) to whom Jehovah openly revealed himself, enjoined them particular rites and ceremonies, and strictly forbade their communication with other nations.

The Christian dispensation breathes a very different language; we are all to look on one another as brethren, children of one common Father, and equally under his pro

*Isaiah, lxv. 5.

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tection. It is true, that the manifestations of his light are still very different. The glorious truths of the Gospel are revealed only to a few, and sometimes, where they are in degree known, with great obscurity. Yet the Christian cannot say to the Mahometan, I am better than thou: let him rather query, if I have more light, do I walk consistently therewith? Under the name of Christians, there are various sects; each thinks itself in the right; and under this persuasion may, with equal propriety, compare itself to the children of Israel, and judge itself peculiarly

favoured.

The above sentiments are not, written to contradict the suitableness of enforcing the advice to withdraw from the world, and in great measure dwell alone; because we are sensible that the world lies in wickedness, and that the love of it is enmity with God. But though our profession is high, we have but little cause to impute any peculiar goodness to our own sect; too many of us are joined to the world, or make a part of that world which we condemn, and which may be as likely to lead us astray from the true fold, as many of other sects. The more we associate with religious people, the better; and I would plead for keeping our commu

nications, as much as can conveniently be, within our own Society. I believe, (notwithstanding the above remark, that we have but little room to boast,) that there are more of us much farther advanced in true religion and goodness, than any other society can claim in the same proportion; and whilst we associate with them, we are out of the way of many temptations, to which, with other societies, from their greater allowance of liberty, we should be exposed. But, however good a thing may be, I am not for having it enforced by any principles that will not bear the test: there are arguments sufficient to support a good cause, without bringing in any weak ones to defend it.

5th, 9th Mo.-I have often cause to lament the difficulty I find in keeping my mind in a retired frame when at meeting. It is too much like the inn, crowded with guests, where there is no room for the manifestations of that Power which can alone give life, and quicken for the true spiritual worship. Under these considerations, I have sometimes been led to contemplate the satisfaction arising from that worship which can be performed in our own will and time, consisting in outward forms, which necessarily engage

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the attention. The mind that can believe such offerings right and acceptable in the sight of God, can return from them with a degree of confidence, in the comfortable persuasion of having done its duty! while we, who see the necessity of that awful, spiritual worship, which can be performed only through the assistance of the Spirit, have frequently to return from our solemnities, humbled under the sense that we have performed no worship, and have to lament our weakness and incapacity, time after time.

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In this state, the pride of man is laid as in the dust; he feels his dependance upon God, and benefits by his humiliation he cannot exalt himself like the Pharisee, he must mourn with the publican. And though he may have no gross sins to charge himself with, yet he sees that he is nothing, and can do nothing, but through the assistance of Him who has all power; and is therefore convinced of the necessity of waiting, in lowliness and self-abasement, for the arising of that pure spirit, which can sanctify the heart, and prepare an acceptable offering in his own time.

9th, 11th Mo.-When I have been disposed to excuse myself, or justify my conduct, in

indulging dissatisfaction at things that were unpleasant or mortifying, I have sometimes set before me the character of persons I esteem as being truly religious, and governed by Christian meekness, and queried whether they would give way to such tempers, from such provocations. The answer has been in the negative; I could not suppose that they would: when I have beheld their conduct, I have had reason to conclude that they were too much redeemed from the world, to be materially discomposed at little cross events! their eyes were fixed on a better country for complete happiness, and they were looking towards it, with the faith that would enable them to bear and forbear. It seems foreign to a meek and quiet spirit to be displeased at slight offences and neglects; it expects and looks for but little; it is therefore less likely to be disappointed.

But proud self, that seeks principally its own happiness, and cannot bear control, is feeding that fire with fuel, that must be put out. If, in the little things where self would fain justify, we cannot suppose a similar conduct in a character which we esteem; what stronger proof can we have of deserving condemnation, and acknowledging that we stand in need of more meekness and humility to