weak, and ignorant, thou art willing to enrich, to strengthen, and enlighten us, so far as the situation in which thou hast placed us requires. And with the knowledge thou art pleased to impart, and to give us capacities to attain, we desire to rest satisfied: not endeavouring presumptuously to penetrate into that obscurity which thou hast caused to surround us; but with an eye of faith, waiting patiently till thou shalt ordain light to arise out of darkness, and in humble, submissive dependance on thee, endeavouring to fulfil all thy commands.

12th, 10th Mo.

"For all I bless thee; most for the severe."

This line of Young's was quoted on the last solemn occasion on which we were at Winchmore-hill; since which period it has often occurred to my mind, accompanied with the query, why bless God most for the severe? We bless him for all, because we have faith to believe, that his mercy and goodness preside over all; that he afflicts not willingly the children of men, but is leading them through discipline to a state of permanent felicity. We acknowledge him as the Author of all good; and when we feel ourselves surrounded with the enjoyments of life, our hearts are na

turally warmed with gratitude to Him from whom they flow, and we bless and thank him for his abundant mercy.

it

If we "bless God most for the severe,' is not likely to be whilst we are under the immediate pressure of the afflictive stroke; but at a future time, when we become sensible of the beneficial influence it has had on our minds. This past experience leads to a more patient submission under the Divine hand, and resignation to his trying dispensations. To be patient and submissive under all the evils of life, and thankful for all the good we enjoy, is no small attainment.

26th, 11th Mo.—I think I have clearly seen the impropriety of marriages between persons of different persuasions, and their tendency to produce dissatisfaction. In so close a connexion, the more the united couple are of one mind, the fairer prospect there is of conjugal happiness. Religion often sits light upon the youthful mind; but as years increase, seriousness sometimes increases with them; and if there are children, they excite in parents a joint interest in their welfare, and an affectionate solicitude to promote it, as far as is in their power. They feel the necessity of their united efforts, and a co-ope

ration in all their plans; and if a difference of opinion prevail even in small matters, it is apt to produce dissatisfaction: how much must this be increased, if the difference relate to those things deemed essential. In the most prosperous situations in life, many trials and anxieties will occur; and in the conjugal connexion, they will be greatly increased or mitigated, according as the parties are united in friendship, confidence and love.

With regard to children, it appears to me that there is only one line of conduct to pursue; that is, to do them all the good we can: collectively, as far as their joint interest is concerned, and individually, as far as it can be promoted, without infringing on the rights or claims of others. From infancy, through all the intermediate steps to mature years, this should be our simple and steady object, and even last as long as we have the ability to rende ourselves useful to them. Yet we must not expect that they will always think or act as we would wish them, or as we think prudence requires of them. Our experience has been often bought; perhaps theirs must be so too. Liberty is a precious enjoyment; and if we had the power of influencing the conduct of our children on all points, I believe it would not be desirable,

unless their judgments were convinced. We must expect that at years of maturity, they will decide and act for themselves; and if they let our advice and counsel have its due weight, it is all parents have a right to expect or claim. Our influence over them may be greater in some things than it is in others; and without feeling any displeasure where our judgment is not coincided with, we must keep the main object steadily in view, and influence them for good, when and where we can. If this conduct were pursued, I think it would tend to preserve affection, keep up harmony in families, and be productive of mutual happiness in the end.

1806.

15th, 1st Mo.-Under thy sacred influence, O Lord, I trust I can say, "My heart is fixed;"* fixed in its purposes and desires to be what thou wouldst have me to be, and to do what thou wouldst have me do. Strengthen my resolutions, O Lord, to be conformable to thy will; and enable me so to overcome my corrupt nature, that I may not only walk with uprightness in outward act, but be re

* Psalm lvii. 7.

deemed from every evil suggestion and perverse thought.

11th, 2d Mo.-" A man's enemies are the men of his own house."* This is often the case spiritually. Some people feel a promptitude to do good. Meek, humble, and benevolent, they are ready to promote the happiness of all within their reach. Others are more powerfully under the corruption of their nature; greater selfishness prevails; they feel strong emotions to pride; they are quick, instead of slow to anger; apt to return evil for evil, with many other wrong propensities. Many of these see the necessity of a change; they know where help is to be obtained; they apply for it; make war against these secret enemies, and find they can be conquered, at least in degree. By continued vigilance, one foe is vanquished after another, and they are encouraged to hope that all will be subdued. But we must not be elevated with victory. Though we have done well so far, there is no room for boasting. To be obliged to struggle implies defect: if it require an effort to do right, it is a proof that some weakness or imperfection remains. Even if we had

* Micah, vii. 6.