assail us, doubts and reasonings take place in our minds, and we too frequently neglect walking steadily in that holy fear which would preserve us from evil, and is the appointed means to lead us to true wisdom.

O merciful Father, thou who seest our weakness, and rememberest that we are but dust, assist, we beseech thee, our feeble efforts and secret breathings of soul to become acceptable in thy sight. We feel that the spirit is ready, though the flesh is weak, and under a sense of the influence of thy power, are sometimes animated to pray for an increase of faith, and that we may witness thee to be our preserver in the hour of temptation. We may thankfully acknowledge that we have found thee, our never-failing refuge in the hour of distress, and that our afflictions have been sanctified to our benefit; and under a grateful sense of thy favours, are desirous that our love may increase, and that neither heights nor depths, principalities nor powers, things present nor to come, may ever be able to separate us from the love of thee in Christ Jesus our Lord.

31st, 8th Mo.-" Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.'

*Luke, xxiii. 42.

This

prayer to be remembered in future by Him who alone can make us happy, must at times take place in every serious mind that looks forward with hope, that when all the transitory scenes of this life are past, it may meet with permanent felicity in that which is to

come.

And to be remembered here, as well as hereafter, will be the frequent petition of those who are solicitous to obtain the approbation of their heavenly Father; for we have much need of faith and patience to conduct us through all the various scenes of life, and sometimes feel our minds so clouded by doubts and perplexities, that we scarcely know which way to turn ourselves, without the kind remembrance of the Father of mercies, who, at some seasons, is graciously pleased to illuminate our minds, and renew our faith, so that through the uniting influence of his love, we feel him indeed to be our riches in poverty, our health in sickness, and a present helper in the needful time. Though a woe was denounced against the rich, as having received their consolation, though they may seem to be placed in the midst of prosperity, and live as on the fat of the land; yet a near view of them will convince us that they are often troubled as other men; that they eat the bread of adversity,

and drink the waters of affliction; and that instead of taking consolation in their outward substance, they stand in need of the prayer of faith, to support them under their various probations, and sometimes through those peculiar trials which arise from their elevation. In all stations of life it is necessary to guard against centering our minds in the enjoyment of this world's happiness. The southern lands will be but of little value without the springs of water. And though we may be thankful for the good things which we enjoy, yet we should consider them as not essential; and that if not properly used, they may prove a curse instead of a blessing. We had need to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation, and whether in prosperity or adversity, should endeavour to keep in an humble frame of mind, earnestly desiring that in all our pursuits we may be guided by Divine counsel.

28th, 9th Mo.-" If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."* This was the language of the persecuted apostles, who had given up every earthly satisfaction to follow Christ; and it is still sometimes the language of those who

* I Cor. xv. 19.

feel themselves depressed in spirit, and who are ready to look back and consider the many self-denials they have practised for the sake of Divine favour. Though we are often told of the happiness of virtue, and sensibly feel that it has its reward, yet the steady adherence to it in all points will not be unattended with conflicts, which we shall find the need of superior strength to enable us to pass through. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me."* This could not have been a necessary exhortation of our Saviour, if he had seen that the path of rectitude he pointed to would be smooth and even, and unattended with difficulty: but He who knew the secrets of the heart, knew how prone it was to evil, and the necessity of constant watchfulness and self-denial, to subdue its various corrupt passions and inclinations, which were continually warring against the soul. It is therefore vain to expect an exemption from these trials; we should rather endeavour to support them with meekness and patience, and endeavour to bear with fortitude even reproach and persecution, if it should happen to be our lot. A consciousness of our own integrity is a sure source of consolation in

* Luke, ix. 23.

the severest trials; and if we can but appeal, as some did formerly, "Lord, we have left all and have followed thee,"* we shall likewise receive the consolatory promise of an abundant reward.

30th, 10th Mo.-Liberality of sentiment is so often commended in conversation, that it has sometimes led me to the inquiry, what liberality is? Whether it has any settled definition, or is only arbitrary, according to the notion of the person who uses it? If we look for liberality in the dictionary, we shall find it, "Bounty, a generous disposition of mind, exerting itself in giving largely, synonymous with generosity, denoting freedom of spirit." Now, as our sentiments are various respecting bounty, generosity, &c., and as one man would be apt to call that stingy or mean, which another might style generous; so likewise are we various in the opinions we form respecting liberality of sentiment. And when we hear one man speak of another, as being a liberal man, we form our idea of the person spoken of, from what we know of the character of him who speaks.

A religious man, a merely moral man, or a profligate, would never be likely to agree in * Mark, x. 28.