though I must bear a part in it, is designed for the benefit of others, more than for me; but I desire that every individual may receive with resignation, the allotted portion, and endeavour to profit therewith. Not by encouraging a disposition to reject future gratifications that may be offered us, because they may be soon withdrawn, for "Our thanks are cold for blessings unenjoyed;" but from the consideration that we are under the government of a wise and good Being, who can order every thing for us better than we can for ourselves, and who, we are assured," doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men."* I believe it will always be a pleasing reflection, that we have loved with tenderness, any near relatives who have been removed from us; that we have promoted their welfare and happiness as much as lay in our power, and have never wanted to call in the aid of duty to stimulate us to any of our exertions. To have loved so well, must make the parting bitter; but the feelings of regret where this has not been the case, or that we have any thing to reproach ourselves with, must be still more bitter.

7th Mo.-[Birth and death of a second

* Lam. iii. 33.

L

grandchild.]-Thus vanish human joys! Let us remember that sorrows too have an end. If human joys are transient, so likewise in degree are human sorrows. An alternate change seems to be the lot of our nature. If a large portion of affliction has fallen to our lot, may we not look forward with the hope, that brighter days will beam upon us in future? I can remember from an early period, that the ardour of prosperity, and the bitterness of adversity, have both been tempered by contemplating the vicissitudes of life. Perhaps, sometimes more effectually than from the consideration, that "here we have no continuing city:"* for, however short may be the span of our existence here, when compared to eternity, yet to look forward to years of sorrow, unallayed by hope, would be almost beyond human nature to support. To submit with patience and resignation, is the counsel given by philosophy as well as by religion and may we avail ourselves of the consolation which the latter holds forth, considering that He who afflicts can also heal; and that, in the emphatical language of Scripture, "In all their afflic tions he was afflicted, and the Angel of his presence saved them.”+

16th, 11th Mo.-On third-day morning, there were two couple married at Devonshire-house meeting. This morning there. were two persons buried from Gracechurchstreet-meeting; the latter circumstance more singular than the former. We can hardly cast our eyes around us on the world, without observing on the one hand mirth and gaiety; on the other, mourning and lamentation. These different scenes seem the allotment of humanity; and we shall be “eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage," until the end come. Often as my thoughts revolve, do I look back to last May-day, when the voice of mirth was heard in the streets; and within doors, mourning and sorrow. Yet not a sorrow without hope, and a desire patiently to acquiesce in the will of Him, who, we may trust, orders all things for the best. And how transient is the May-day mirth of the milk-maid and poor chimney-sweeper! They play and dance one day in the year, and perhaps are confined to hard labour most of the rest. Surely, to the life of the latter, we should prefer an early grave, either for ourselves or our posterity.

1801.

1st, 1st Mo.-This day commences a new century as well as a new year. With regard to public affairs, how gloomy is the aspect with which it enters? The ravages of war still continue, and without a prospect of peace; provisions so dear that famine seems almost to stare us in the face; even bread scarcely attainable for the poor, and it is only by extraordinary assistance, that they are enabled to live. But hope, that cordial of life, still accompanies us in our most dreary prospects. We hope that a plentiful harvest this year, will crown our wishes. We hope that pestilence will not follow famine, and that all things will take a better turn. And let us continue to hope, rather than repine; endeavouring to fill up with propriety our own allotment, and patiently acquiescing in those afflictive dispensations, whether public or private, which, under All-wise direction, are, no doubt, designed for good.

19th, 1st Mo.-" Canst thou, by searching, find out God? Canst thou find out the Al

mighty unto perfection ?"* When we en

deavour to raise our minds to the contemplation of the One Supreme, we often feel ourselves lost in wonder and amazement; for how can finite comprehend infinite? or, the creature, Him who created it? The more we attempt to fathom the wisdom and power of God, the more we get bewildered in our imaginations. If we can trace him in his works, his designs are wholly unknown to us any farther than he is pleased to reveal them; and when, from beholding the things that are visible, we are led by the eye of faith to see those that are invisible, we shall be inclined to adopt the language of the poet,

"Mankind was made to wonder and adore."

As the same sun, by his influence, hardens some bodies and melts others, according to the quality of the bodies on which it acts, so does the study of theology differently affect different minds. Some it seems to lead to scepticism; others to confidence. Our endeavour should be to steer a middle course. Not presumptuously determining what were the designs of Infinite Wisdom when he first created man, and placed him in Para* Job, xi. 7.