for, to dwell near Him, implies a state of the most exalted felicity.

Whilst we believe in the operation of His power on our minds, we shall act inconsistently in not readily giving up any thing he may require at our hands. Obedience, in small things, is more acceptable than a larger offering according to our own wills; and if he sees our affections particularly engaged in that which may be otherwise innocent, I believe he frequently requires the sacrifice of it, at the same time that it may be allowed to other individuals. The difference of dispositions makes the path necessarily narrower for some, than others; some tempers are so untractable, that they require a very tight rein, whilst others may, without prejudice, be allowed more liberty.

I cannot quite agree with thee in thy application of the text concerning Zaccheus, though I know many of our friends have taken it in the same light. narration, I see no room to

From the simple draw an inference

of any particular height of mind; he seemed guided by the impulse of curiosity solely, when he ran before, and climbed the sycamore tree; and as his design was only to see and know our Lord, it required no hesitation to obey the call of coming down immediately

when he found he should have so much better opportunity of being gratified by his intending to become his guest. I may be wrong in my apprehensions, or not sink deep enough into the text; but this interpretation no way invalidates the argument for the necessity of humility, and coming down from every aspiring thought, before we can be fit to receive the Saviour of mankind.

I hardly know what to think of thy opinion respecting the equality of the sexes. Though male and female are all one, in respect to the gifts of the spirit, and their entrance into futurity, yet a degree of subordination while here, seems strongly enforced; and, considering the different stations we have to fill up in life, may tend to the greater union of the whole body, and be more for our edification, if we do but act with propriety in our different allotments. The word obey sounds harsh, but I believe it is a duty on our part, in every thing where a higher command does not interfere; and if we began to look on the men as our equals, rather than superiors, we should find a much stronger repugnance in ourselves to the fulfilling this precept. Too many of us want to learn a submission of will, and to be governed by that meek and

E

quiet spirit which the apostle Peter recommends as the proper adornment of a woman.

12th, 7th Mo.--Whilst at meeting this

morning, and much buried in a variety of earthly thoughts, the call of (I think I may say) a deeply baptized minister, seemed to rouse me from my lethargy, by desiring us to take a retrospective view of ourselves, and consider the situation of our minds, in the day of our first espousals. The doctrine seemed to come home to myself; and a painful review passed my mind. Oh, the prevalence of earthly things, was the secret cry of my soul, accompanied with sincere desires to be delivered from this bondage, and again illuminated with a ray of that divine light which once shone with more distinguished lustre.

A progress in spiritual things can only be witnessed by steady adherence to this light ; and we must not sluggishly lie still, in expectation of having our fetters broken, but exert that strength which is afforded us, to gain our own releasement from the snares of sin and Satan; in which state of conflict we shall not fail to receive such assistance as will enable us entirely to overcome.

We are

The world has got too strong hold of us as a people, as well as others. deeply buried in the earth, and earthly concerns; and though some of us may have broken the more obvious fetters of sin and Satan, yet we cannot sufficiently withdraw from temporal things, but bestow an improper portion of our time in the various cares and pursuits in which Martha was engaged; neglecting first to seek the one thing needful, and repose our confidence in God, trusting that all others necessary for us will be added.

But much of this faith is wanting. We busy ourselves beside the proper business, and are anxious about that which is very little in our own power. Oh, how I long to be redeemed from this slavery, and experience that glorious liberty which makes free indeed!

3d, 9th Mo.-In the hours of serious meditation, I am often led to reflect on the necessity there is for us to keep a constant guard over ourselves, and pray that we may receive strength to resist the many temptations that are daily occurring, in the common course of our lives.

We are frequently overcome by trifling

temptations, when those that appear more powerful have been presented without effect. Whence can this arise, but from a want of that watchfulness which we have seen to be necessary on more important occasions? In a state of ease and tranquillity, we sometimes too readily conclude that we can withstand this or the other assault; but if we consider how often we have been vanquished in small skirmishes, or taken by surprise by the enemy, it would lead us to great distrust of ourselves, and to keep a vigilant watch against every attack. My own experience daily convinces me more and more of the necessity of this constant watchfulness.

If we look only at the gloomy side of things, we shall be in great danger of being soured by discontent: all that partake of life, must partake of its various draughts; and the bitter as well as sweet must be their mingled portion. Let us rather then, receive with thankfulness those blessings with which we are favoured, than repine at the want of some comforts which Providence has seen meet to withhold. We have most of us cause to put the query to ourselves, "How much owest thou to my Lord?"* We may trace his abundant goodness, notwithstand* Luke, xvi. 5.