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an inward spiritual teacher, who will lead us into all truth.

"I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."* This text, taken in an exact, literal sense, may seem strange; for why should it be cause of thankfulness, that the way of salvation should be hid from wisdom and prudence? What it appears to me to imply, is, a thankfulness that human wisdom and prudence were not the means to find out Christ; for then indeed, would he be found by but few; but that in a state of innocence and simplicity, his power would be revealed, and known to preserve even the wayfaring man and the fool from erring in the way of salvation.

On 3d day evening, the 30th of 8th Mo. my father departed this life, in the eightieth year of his age. I was in the room with him at the awful closing scene, which was quite quiet.

To be prepared for the same solemn change, is a wish that seems naturally to arise in the mind from such an event. Every connexion in life that is thus broken, is a warning to ourselves; and I believe it is ra

*Matt. xi. 25.

ther profitable to indulge the meditations arising from such a scene, than too hastily to turn from the house of mourning. A view of surrounding life convinces us that many trials must occur in our passage through it, and observation may likewise lead to the conclusion, that it will be more conducive to happiness to endeavour to arm our minds with fortitude to bear with calmness those that may fall to our lot, than to endeavour to flee from every thing that disturbs us. I am far from pleading the propriety of imposing unnecessary trials upon ourselves, or courting scenes of affliction, which can be attended with no use; but I believe, if we studiously endeavour to avoid every trouble for ourselves, that we do not immediately see can be productive of benefit to others, we shall be in danger of drawing the line so close, as to be likely to omit what might prove to our satisfaction.

On Sd day morning, the 6th of 9th Mo. we attended my father's funeral at Winchmorehill.

29th, 10th Mo.-" God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."*

* Psalm xlvi. 1.

Happy it is for us, if we can adopt this as a truth, in our own experience, and in the hours of trouble and anxiety rest our minds upon God, as a sure refuge, a counsellor to guide us, and a comforter to relieve our distress. Few of us pass through life without many probations; many trials of our faith and patience; during which seasons we feel the necessity of divine aid, to assist us in our struggles, and enable us to get through them. Often may the dependant soul adopt the language, Whom have we in heaven but thee, or in the earth in comparison of thee? We feel as if we must be miserable if we could not apply to God as our friend, with a confidence that he will look down upon us with compassion, and be our never-failing support in the hour of trouble. Often in the course of my life have I found the consolation arising from this faith. When my mind has been clouded by disappointment, when I have looked at the past with regret, or forward with an anxious solicitude; how often has

my perturbed mind been calmed by casting my care upon Him who careth for us, and who often out of seeming evil produces a most solid good. Oh that I may but be preserved in uprightness, is the language of my spirit; and cherishing a resignation of mind

to the all-wise Disposer of events, may I be enabled to be thankful in prosperity, and patient in adversity, looking forward with hope to that final period when both must terminate, and to be prepared for which is the only object of importance!

28th, 11th Mo.-I have been confined to the house about a fortnight with a feverish disorder; during which time, as well as at other periods of indisposition, I have been led to the consideration how little can be done in such a state towards preparing ourselves for a future existence. Indeed, in times of sickness and debility, it appears to me that we can do little more than pray for patience and resignation, for submission of our will to the Divine will, whatever it may be, respecting us. Do thou, O Lord, direct, and then all things will be for the best. Whether sickness or health, life or death, thou knowest best what will be for good to ourselves or others. We are short-sighted, but thine eye comprehends all things. We are weak and ignorant, thou hast all knowledge and power. What can we do but trust in thee, praying for the forgiveness of our sins, and that we may find mercy and acceptance with thee.

1797.

13th, 1st Mo.-That God is good, we must believe, or be wretched; for what can poor weak man look to, as a source of hope and consolation, but infinite goodness? When we look round and behold the beauties of creation, and the numberless sources of varied blessings from which pleasure may be derived, we shall perhaps feel a ready assent of the mind to the truth that God is good. But we sometimes take a different view of the picture. We behold sickness, pain and poverty, distress and anguish in various shapes ; war, famine and pestilence, perhaps, form not a very distant view. Whilst contemplating such scenes, we may be almost ready to query, where is the Lord? or be tempted to fear, that whilst such things are permitted, his goodness extendeth not to us. But I believe, by looking into ourselves we shall be more ready to acknowledge the goodness of God, than from any outward observation. We have received blessings for which we have felt our hearts raised in thankfulness; we have experienced support and consolation in the hour of trial; many secret warnings to escape from evil, and suggestions to pursue