knowledge, which seems as rational an amusement as any in which the human mind can be engaged, is attended with the same mortifications, and too often proceeds from immoderate vanity, and a desire to be crowned with those laurels, which are of no use to the wearer.

If we consider the end of deep learning and extensive knowledge, of what benefit in general are they to the possessor, or others? The researches of some into natural things may have benefited mankind, with regard to their present state of existence; but if we were able to speak of things," from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon, to the hyssop that springeth out of the wall," and "of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes,"* we should, at last, be brought to the conclusion of him, whose wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and of Egypt; that all beneath the sun is vanity and vexation of spirit.

I once greatly thirsted after knowledge, and mean not now to discard it as entirely useless; but I would bring it to that state of subordination, which is its proper place, and carefully remember those expressions of

*I Kings, iv. 33.

the Apostle, "Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."* When the mind is deeply engaged in study, we are too apt to neglect many of the duties of life, and are elevated with the thoughts of our own importance; but the love of God diffusing itself over the soul, engages us to walk before him in humility and fear, desirous that all our actions may be well pleasing in his sight.

When we feel this love strongly implanted in our breasts, and consider ourselves as beings who may shortly be called from this state of existence, to be placed either in eternal happiness or misery, we can no longer look with strong desires after any temporal attainment, and shall count every thing but as dross in comparison of winning Christ, through whom alone we can gain an establishment in divine favour. This is the pearl of great price, which it is worth while to sell all to obtain; this, the one thing needful, which will stand us in stead, when all the pomps and vanities of this world shall come to an end.

The prospect of a glorious futurity enables us to pass, with calmness, through the various conflicts of time. While we consider this as only a state of probation, through

*I Cor. viii. 1.

which we must pass, to arrive at durable happiness, it lessens the disposition to murmur or complain; we can bear with fortitude the shocks of adversity, and are not elevated by prosperity, but are rather engaged in fervent desires that all may work together for good; and that our souls may be so purified, as to be fitted for celestial habitations.

26th, 1st Mo.-We should not too hastily attribute that to neglect, or want of affection, which may proceed from other causes; there may be secret springs of action, to which we cannot penetrate, and we shall only add to our own disquiet, by expecting too much from our friends. Vexation and disappointment seem united to every thing earthly. There is no stability in any human enjoyments, and some bitter seems mingled with almost every sweet. These reflections should not lead us to discontent at our present situation; but rather to seek diligently an establishment in righteousness, that we may be made partakers of a glorious immortality.

There are times, in which we feel that nothing here is capable of satisfying an immortal soul; in which even the most rational

and pleasing enjoyments lose their relish, and we can derive comfort from nothing but a sense of the Divine favour. It is, I believe, the experience of many of us, that afflictions and mortifications tend to increase this hunger and thirst after spiritual food. This should lead us to patient resignation under every trial, and to acquiesce in every thing that may be a divine appoint

ment.

If we seem left without any human friend, yet, we have a never-failing one in the Supreme Being, who sometimes sees meet to deprive us of this world's comforts and consolations, that we may be drawn nearer to himself, and place our dependance wholly and solely on him. Let us rather look with an eye of faith towards him, believing that all things will work together for good to those who sincerely love him, than indulge a disposition to repine at any of his dispensations.

Things which appear to our present unhappiness and disadvantage, have frequently at a future period proved a benefit, and we have been led to acknowledge that the Lord only knows what is best for us. These considerations of our weakness and incapacity, afford an instructive lesson of humility, and

should engage us to put up fervent supplications to the Most High. Not my will, O Lord, but thine be done!

3d day, evening. - What a melancholy event is the departure of A. G.! Such a flower nipped in the height of its bloom, hurried off with rapidity from a state of health and strength, seems to strike us with the most forcible impression. The aged and the infirm leave the stage of life comparatively unnoticed; their departure was expected: but here we seem struck with the thought, that the same quick transition, from time to eternity, may be next our portion; and how we are prepared for that awful period, is a consideration that naturally takes place in every reflecting mind. We can often look with calmness on death at a distance, whilst we yet shudder at its near approach. Too often these warnings are but like a transient shower; they soften for a short time, and then our hearts return again to their former negligence and insensibility. The cry of Lord, Lord! the desire to be prepared is soon uttered; but to come up in obedience to his will, and walk with that care and circumspection which is necessary; this is the task hard to be performed; the warfare which