we have need to pray for strength to accomplish.

28th, 4th Mo.-As I was meditating on various subjects, my mind was led to reflect on the happiness of that soul whose dependance is upon God, and who, walking before him with integrity, can look with confidence towards the mountain of his holiness. A calm seems to cover the mind, while treading in the path of simple obedience, beyond what words can express; it enjoys that serenity which diffuses itself in measure on every thing surrounding it, and contemplating the Author of all good, ascends towards his presence with the incense of grateful praise.

How little are these sensations experienced by those whose minds are perplexed with doubt; who, from endeavouring to penetrate into things beyond their depth, and searching into mysteries not designed to be revealed to the human understanding, lose themselves in the labyrinth of uncertainty; and yet, puffed up with their acquirements in human wisdom, cannot return to a child-like state, and submit to be guided by that principle, which too often appears contemptible in their eyes! O, human wisdom, how little art thou worth, when put in competition with that

divine Wisdom which leads to purity and peace!

Preserve me, O Lord, in humble fear before thee, is the frequent petition of my soul. Let me not be tempted to transgress thy law, by an improper thirst after the tree of knowledge; but considering my own weak state, and the necessity of thy guidance and protection, without impertinent inquiries into the reason why things are so, or so, endeavour to make obedience my first object, and to walk in thy commandments, the delight of my soul.

7th, 7th Mo.-At meeting this morning we were much disturbed by a friend not in unity as a minister, who would not be persuaded to keep silence. As his moral character is good, the circumstance led me to reflect on the danger of being deluded by false appearances, and the necessity of keeping in an humble frame of mind.

What did Peter's great confidence in his own strength do for him? It saved him not from most shamefully denying his Lord and Master, after all his assurances to the contrary. His fall should be a caution to us; and not only so, but considering how liable we are to be deceived in our opinions of

ourselves, should lead us to caution and distrust, and a disposition to submit our own judgment to that of others, in what concerns them as well as ourselves. Meekness and humility are characteristics of the disciples of Christ; and great confidence in the propriety of our own conduct, and persuasion that we are above the reproof of men, are sure signs of our being in a very dangerous state, if not already entangled in the snares which Satan has been laying to catch our souls.

Those who are acting on a right foundation, will be rather inclined patiently to submit their cause to God, than enter into the spirit of opposition; not doubting, that if he has really called them into service, he will, in due time, cause his witness to reach the hearts of those who now oppose them.

8th, 7th Mo. [Extract from a letter].Many reflections arose in my mind on reading my dear's last kind favour. Her sentiments have since been subjects for meditation, particularly concerning human knowledge, which, in its various branches, might occupy an unreasonable portion of our time. If we look only on another world, every thing may be deemed useless, which does not tend to

prepare us for that eternal abode. But when I consider the various beauties of creation, and the many blessings we enjoy whilst here, it rather gives room to believe that we may be permitted to gather some flowers in our way, and amuse ourselves with their beauty and fragrancy, so long as we keep the end of our journey in view, and consider that as what ought to be the principal object of our attention. In this light I have considered every walk into the fields of natural knowledge, and I believe that the discoveries made therein have been sometimes beneficial to our present state, as well as kept the youthful mind from temptations, which would have had a more pernicious influence.

Speculations on the mysterious government and providence of God, I have ever considered as much more dangerous; frequently productive of scepticism, and a loss of that faith, which is as an anchor to the soul, supporting it under all the vicissitudes of this present life, and animating it with the glorious hope of a happy immortality. From whatever source may have been the origin of evil, or for whatever end it may have been permitted by Him who has all power, I firmly believe were not designed to be the objects of our inquiry; and, however some specu

lative minds may be buried in these things, yet observation may convince us, that they diminish, rather than add to their happiness, make them in general less fitted for social life, and sometimes worse than useless members of society.

There is not a doubt with me, that our felicity both here and hereafter will be increased, by regulating our conduct according to that revelation which Infinite Wisdom has thought fit to communicate, without perplexing our minds about that which is sealed mystery, and which must remain so, in spite of all our endeavours to unfold it.

Those internal feelings of the mind which lead us to a sensibility of His goodness, and the near communion we may have with the Author of our being, are more desirable than the acquirement of all knowledge; and I have frequently been inclined to adopt the language of one of our ministers, when speaking on similar subjects, "If this be enthusiasm, it is such an enthusiasm as I wish to feel." To arrive at this happy sensibility, nothing can be too dear to part with all that we have, or can have, it is worth our while to give for the purchase of this inward peace; an assurance that we dwell near our Maker, and are the objects of his regard;

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