It strongly impresses on our minds our dependance on him, his omnipotence, and omnipresence. When we pray, we consider him as a God near at hand, and not afar off, whose ear is open to our cry, and who has power to relieve our wants. It keeps up the constant sense of his presence, and his superintending providence over us; and through this means we have access to him, and feel a renewal of our faith and confidence.

1804.

28th, 1st Mo.-In all our distresses, in all our anxieties, enable us, we beseech thee, O Lord, to cast our care upon thee. Thou hast brought us into this state of existence without our choice or consent, by the word of thy almighty Power. We acknowledge with

thankfulness that thou hast hitherto assisted us to pass through the vicissitudes of life, and that the more closely we have clung to thee, the Rock of ages, the more firm has been our support. Even though we walk in darkness and can see no light, still enable us to rely upon thee, our God; and grant us an unshaken hope that, as we are humbly dependant on thee, and follow thy leadings, we shall be brought through this probationary

state, to that blessed inheritance which thou hast ultimately prepared for us.

Dark indeed do we feel ourselves, when we endeavour to search into the mysterious government of God's providence over his creature man; we see and know but in part. Very minute is the circle of observation to which we are confined; yet in that small space, how little of what we observe can we comprehend. Often are we led to the conclusion, that "he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow,"* and that studying to find out things beyond the reach of our faculties, is weariness to both flesh and spirit. According to the wise man, the conclusion of the whole matter is, to "fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty I of man."+ Our reasonings and inquiries should never lead us from the plain and simple duties of life. Without fulfilling them, we can never stand in our allotted station, and occupy that place appointed by Providence. When we contemplate the whole of the visible creation, we are lost in wonder and amazement: but our sphere of action is confined within very narrow limits, and that knowledge imparted which is necessary.

To keep in our proper ranks is the essential thing to promote the order and harmony of the whole. And notwithstanding all our doubts and perplexities, we should endeavour to keep our eye single, and our faith steadfast on Him who can make the crooked paths straight, and the rough ways smooth, and darkness light round about us.

1st, 4th Mo.-When the disciples told Thomas they had seen their Lord, his mind was in such a state of doubt and perplexity, that he could not believe them. He thought that even the evidence of his own eyesight would not be sufficient, and that he must feel the print of the nails, and the hole in his side, before he could be convinced. But how different were his feelings when our Lord appeared and spoke to him! his faculties and perceptions were quickened; he no longer felt the need of all that evidence which he before thought necessary, but joyfully exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" Some of those who have obeyed the call of Christ, and been desirous of becoming his disciples, have yet at times felt so clouded by doubt and perplexity, that all their past views and sensations have seemed ready to vanish away as a dream, and they have scarcely known

what to believe or think. Whether they look outwardly, or take an internal view of their own minds, still they are involved in obscurity, so that hope seems almost ready to fail. They cannot comprehend God's dealings with his creatures; nor discern, nor understand all the intermediate means which he makes use of to accomplish his ends. In this state of desertion and depression, when their faith seems at so low an ebb, that they can scarcely believe the good tidings that are told them, how readily can they sympathise with the doubting disciple! And if a gleam of divine light beam upon the soul, and they feel the presence of their heavenly Master, and a renewal of their faith in him, will they not be ready also joyfully to exclaim, “My Lord and my God!"

It may be queried, what shall we do when in this low, depressed state; when He to whom we looked is withdrawn from us, we know not where, nor wherefore?-Wait in patience his return. Wait as servants who are daily expecting their lord; who are desirous to have every thing in order and ready for him, let him come at what hour he will. If he tarry long, let us not say, "my Lord delayeth his coming," and neglect fulfilling our various duties, but endeavouring to obey

his commands as far as we know them, trust that he will again more fully enlighten our understandings, and speak peace to our souls.

27th, 5th Mo.—“Oh, send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me."* In times of doubt and anxiety, how often do we feel a deep solicitude that this may be our expe rience: that in all our trials we may act as Divine Wisdom would have us act, that we may feel the reviving hope that his light will lead us and guide us, and point out that line of conduct which we ought to pursue, through all the perplexities of life. Often have my spirits been calmed with this supporting faith. And as my mind has been turned to the Supreme Controller of all events, with a desire to feel submission to his will; a degree of hope has arisen, that notwithstanding the gloom that may attend some of our present prospects, those evils which we most fear may be remedied, or mitigated beyond what we could expect. Happy is it for those who in a state of trial can turn to the only true comforter. Here alone we can find a shelter from the storm, and rest for our weary spirits. And in the renewed faith that his light and his truth will lead us, and that we shall, as

*Psalm xliij. 3.