that, about which we are wholly indifferent. A confidence in the goodness of God, and belief that he permits no evil to befal us but for some beneficial purpose, should engage us cheerfully to acquiesce in all his dispensations; but since "Our thanks are cold, for blessings unenjoyed," and a grateful heart is the most acceptable tribute of praise, we should endeavour to cultivate a disposition thankfully to receive his favours, though with that humility and resignation which submits every future event to the divine disposal.

8th, 10th Mo.-"He that doeth righteousness, is righteous, even as" God "is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil."* This text seemed to dwell with a lively impression on my mind, when I met with it, after having been considering the difference of faith, more peculiarly those sentiments relative to our Saviour, and his offering of himself, and the Redemption of mankind. It seems a mystery hid from ages and generations, and yet remains beyond the power of our faculties to comprehend. Wherefore that method was chosen by infinite wisdom, to reinstate lost mankind in his favour, seems to be a query of no importance to us to be resolved. * John iii. 7, 8.

We have sufficient evidence to be convinced, that by the transgression of Adam, a curse was entailed on all the human race; and that, by the coming of Christ, a door was again opened, which effectually made way for their entrance into a glorious immortality. That this power of Christ operated before, as well as after his crucifixion, and that all who followed the dictates of an inward law, written in their hearts, or the more immediate commands of the Most Holy One, when he was pleased, in that manner, to communicate his will, will be partakers in that inheritance, which, in these latter days, is more plainly revealed to be the destined portion of the righteous.

But that Christ's sacrifice for sin was such as excluded the necessity of our endeavouring to come up in righteousness and true holiness; that we may rely on his merits, and rest satisfied that he has done all for us, seems a doctrine so repugnant to reason, and to our apprehensions of the Divine Being, who is infinite perfection, and cannot behold sin, but with abhorrence, that it is amazing to me it should ever have gained ground. It is a faith that opens a door to every evil work, and destroys the whole tenor of Scripture, which so strongly enforces the necessity

of purity of life to render us acceptable in the sight of the Divine Being, and gain us an admittance into his presence. If Christ has done all for us, without us, then adieu to all virtue and morality; nothing remains for us to do but to consider our present good. With regard to every doubtful doctrine, it has frequently been the sincere and fervent prayer of my soul, that the Lord would establish my faith on the right foundation, and open my eyes, plainly to perceive those things that belong to my everlasting peace.

Considering the darkness and obscurity that surround us while inclosed in these tenements of clay, it has often been my wish to be so exercised in humility, as to prevent judging those who think differently from myself, and cannot agree in the same faith; more particularly such as appear to bring forth good fruit. I would wish to leave. Him to judge, who sees every secret purpose of the soul, and I have no doubt, will take great compassion on those, who, though they may greatly err, yet sincerely desire to approve themselves in his sight.

Reflecting a little on my own present faith, or articles of belief, I was led to set down the summary as follows:-I believe in one God, Father and Maker of the universe.

and in one Lord, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer. I believe in the Holy Ghost, which seems to me but another definition of the operation of the Spirit of Christ; and that Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are One.

This I believe, because there appears undoubted evidence, that these are the declarations of Truth itself; and it becomes us to rely on the words of the Divine Majesty, though the things which he declares are past our comprehension. I believe the things recorded concerning Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension, and that He is the means appointed by the Father, through which alone, we can gain admittance into an everlasting kingdom. That there is a necessity for such a faith in him, as showeth itself by good works; and that there is such a spiritual life, or seed sown in every heart, as will enable us, by submitting to its operations, to be created anew after the image of Christ Jesus, in righteousness and true holiness. That the many evil propensities we feel warring within us, are consequences of the fallen state of man, and which we, of ourselves, have no power to overcome, but should still continue enslaved by them, without the manifestation of the power of Christ in our hearts enabling us to get the

better of those enemies of our peace, and so purifying us by the operation of his spirit, as to present us faultless before the presence of the Father.

:

This is the faith which I feel sufficient to engage me fervently to apply to that power which can alone enable me to overcome, without considering its various distinctions and, though I wish to form right apprehensions of them, yet the inquiry seems hitherto rather perplexing than edifying. I trust, the sincere in heart will be sufficiently enlightened to prevent their essentially mistaking their way; that He who formed, still careth for them, and points out that which is necessary for their salvation. I desire rather to wait, in awful silence, for the inward manifestations of the Divine will, (which I am fully persuaded He condescends to afford,) and exercise myself in the performance of those virtues he requires, than amuse my mind with speculations on things which are too deep for me; not seeking applause from men, but the approbation of my own conscience, which bears witness for God. This will bring more profit than the nicest disquisitions; and if we carefully impress on our minds the necessity of holiness, and the different end of the righteous and