fixed on the supreme Author of our being, and endeavouring to wait in the silence of all flesh, to hear that inspeaking word which would not only show us our states and conditions, and inform us what we ought to do; but, in his own good time, prepare a sacrifice acceptable to himself, and cause us to rejoice in the overshadowings of his love.

18th, 9th Mo.-The duty of many of us lies very much in scenes of active life, and various occupations may take up a considerable part of our time; but in this hurry and bustle, without setting apart proper seasons for retirement, the mind is very apt to get bewildered, and too often settles in a false rest. We are ready to adopt opinions that are suited to our inclinations, without sufficiently examining their tendency, and occupy ourselves beside the proper business; or suffer our minds to be engrossed by such things as make work only for repentance. This I at times experience to be my own case, and though I would by no means make the path of virtue appear dismal or gloomy, yet, I confess, I could never yet find it to be strewed with honeysuckles and roses, but have been rather inclined to embrace the saying of our Sa

viour to his disciples; "In the world ye shall have tribulation," but in me peace.* Great part of our happiness, while in this present state of being, arises from a well-grounded hope of a glorious immortality; and though we are to receive with thankfulness the various undeserved blessings that are bestowed upon us in terrestrial things, yet the uncertainty of their duration makes it improper that we should set our affections on them; but using the things of this world as not abusing them, we should endeavour to maintain an equal mind in prosperity or adversity, and with humble resignation of heart, say, "Thy will, O God, not mine be done :" trusting that all things will work together for our good, and being anxiously solicitous about nothing, but that we may be established in righteousness, and gain admittance into that kingdom which will never end.

I have considered the very dangerous situation of those who step before their guide, and have been earnestly solicitous that such sin might not be laid to my charge. Darkness is likely to overwhelm them: and though for a time the warmth of imagination may carry them on, without their perceiving that they

*John, xvi. 33.

have outrun their leader, yet they will soon find the necessity of his guidance, and having lost him, will not know which way to take. Though I have nothing of this sort to upbraid myself with, yet I have some reason to fear that I may have fallen into the contrary extreme, and instead of walking in the brightness of that light which is as a lantern to direct our steps, have loitered so far behind, as scarcely to be able to behold its glimmerings. Though I ever judge this to be the safer state, yet I have felt it prejudicial to the health of the soul; and though "he that believeth shall not make haste,"* yet neither must he suffer a lingering disposition to prevail, and stay so far behind his light, as to endanger its clearness being lessened.

2d, 10th Mo.-" As I have lived, so I shall close, with the most unshaken assurance that we have not followed cunningly-devised fables, but the pure, living, and eternal substance." These expressions of S. Fothergill, brought to my mind sentiments that have often occurred, respecting our faith being strengthened by the assurance of a departing friend; who can testify, that the way to arrive at a glorious immortality, is by

* Isaiah, xxviii. 16.

taking heed, and diligently attending to that light, or inward manifestation of the Divine will, which is given us to direct our steps. Few of us, who seriously consider our latter end, can pass through this probationary state, without some seasons of doubt and anxiety. The fear of being led by a false light, or thinking those things essential which are not so, will sometimes prevail; and, from beholding the variety of sentiments in the world, we are ready to halt between two opinions, instead of giving up implicitly to divine instructions. But when we consider the end of those who have most diligently given themselves up to follow that which they believed to be their duty; their pleasing reflections on every instance of obedience, and satisfaction from having acted to the best of their knowledge, it seems to inspire us with resolution to pursue the same conduct, and to run with cheerfulness and alacrity the race which is set before us.

Though my mind seems, at times, enveloped in darkness, and thick clouds gather all around, yet can I, from a degree of experience, close in with the above sentiments, that in obeying that inward teacher, the light of truth, I have not followed cunningly-de

C

vised fables, but have felt that peace which is an earnest of acceptance with God. O that my mind were but more diligently engaged, to seek this Divine light, and to be guided by it, in every action of life!

However easy and negligent we may be in the days of health and prosperity, yet, in the days of adversity, keen reflections will take place; and when stretched on the bed of sickness we shall count all but as dross in comparison of gaining Christ; of having an assurance, that when this tabernacle of clay is dissolved, we shall obtain an admittance into his kingdom. Then it is, when divested of all earthly enjoyments, we behold things in their true light; we perceive the littleness and vanity of every thing here, and are convinced that the only object worth our earnest pursuit, is that blessedness which shall be hereafter. I often think, if we did but use as much diligence to make our calling and election sure, as many of us employ in settling our worldly affairs, we should not be so much unprepared for our final period. But the mind of man is apt to busy itself about trifles, whilst things of real importance remain unnoticed. We fix our eyes on those things that nearly surround us, without being sufficiently attentive to prepare for the