crown, without experiencing any uncommon portion of suffering, which the text, taken literally, in an extensive sense, seems to imply. "Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. The most prosperous : situation is surrounded with trials of various kinds but if good and evil happen alike to all, and if the sun shines, and the rain descends on the just as well as the unjust, there seems no inference to be drawn that the righteous are particularly tribulated respecting the outward, (excepting in some particular states of persecution, where the above text appears to me most applicable;) and with regard to the inward, we are certainly taught to believe, that though they may have many trials of faith and patience, yet they at times feel that consolation which is an unfailing support, and can make them rejoice even in tribulation. The disposition to magnify our sufferings, I have often thought increased by the prediction, that “We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom." Some, perhaps, may fear that it is not sufficiently fulfilled in their own case, and therefore, instead of submitting with cheerfulness and resignation to the evils which fall to their lot, they are disposed to * Job, v. 7. think more of them than they deserve, lest they should be in danger of receiving the sentence, thou hadst "thy good things" in this life. Others may perhaps be inclined to believe, that the greater the suffering, the greater the reward. Both are certainly in an error, though it may proceed from a religious motive for it is not voluntary suffering or humiliation that will gain us any reward, but that cheerful acquiescence with the Divine will, and patient resignation to whatever he may allot us in our various stations, that will render us acceptable in his sight. 14th, 10th Mo.-Those whose minds are thoroughly purified, will look only with a compassionate eye on the failings of others, desirous of doing them good from the prevalence of universal love; and in that disposition, pointing out the path that may lead them to eternal peace. But how hard is it to arrive at that state, in which we feel a cheerful acquiescence with all the orderings and dispensations of Providence towards us; and, when we think hard things are required of us, how necessary is it to keep a strict watch over ourselves, lest any jealousy should arise at the liberty of others. For in this mortified state, there is some danger of seeking consolation in the idea that we are better than they. Here too, we may be led to attempt dictating to others, instead of waiting for the openings of that pure spirit of light and love, which seeks to save and restore that which is lost, rather than cast out and destroy. Many are the dangers and temptations which we are liable to fall into, in our progress towards a spiritual life: this makes it necessary for us to keep a diligent watch over ourselves, strictly examining the motives that influence our actions, and desirous that all our ways may be ordered of the Lord. The more we become redeemed from the love of the world, and the various inordinate lusts thereof, the more we shall feel true peace and tranquillity of mind; and the love of God increasing according to our progress heavenward, temporal things will proportionably sink in our estimation; we shall experience that hard things are indeed become easy, and that our delight is to walk in his commandments. Instead of longing for the Babylonish garment, or the wedge of gold, we shall rather comfort ourselves that we have been drawn from such things; and though the giving them up might be a great cross to our natural inclinations, yet, feeling the superior happiness of a religious life to all the gratifications that this world can bestow, we shall be induced ardently to wish that every obstruction may be removed that tends to separate"between us and our God;" and that through the future course of our lives, we may be enabled to walk in all the law of the Lord blameless. : 1787. 11th, 3d Mo.-" Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil."* This petition will be likely to occur to a mind awfully impressed with a sense of its own weakness, and under some of those painful conflicts which fall to the lot of most thinking persons in their passage through life. “The heart knoweth its own bitterness."+ Many trials may assault us, unseen and unknown to our companions, or even to our most intimate friends; and though, when under the sweet influences of divine love, we may be led to acknowledge, that the ways of virtue are pleasant, and that all her paths are peace, yet there are other times, when our faith and our hope seem almost ready to for*Matt. vi. 13. Luke, xi. 4. + Prov. xiv. 10. sake us, and we have to traverse the barren wilderness, and the land of doubt and uncertainty, assaulted by various foes that war against our peace, tempting us to fresh hankerings after those worldly indulgences which we have seen it right to forsake, and afresh perplexing our minds with queries, whether the Lord hath indeed, said so and so? When we have passed through some severe conflicts, and feel the reward of heartfelt peace, we too often conclude the day of trial over; but we may stand in need of many further conflicts for the purification of our minds; many trials of our faith and obedience may be yet to come, and many dippings in Jordan may be required, before we shall come out thoroughly cleansed and healed of all our leprosy. Oh that in these proving seasons, our faith may not fail! Let us put our trust in God, and pray for a renewal of strength, that through the influence of his power, we may hold out to the end. Our temptations are often very different, from the difference of our situations in life. Those cups are at one time very bitter, which at another we swallow without much difficulty. This should lead us to great charity and caution respecting the judgment we form of |