many of the snares and entanglements that are laid to catch our steps, and we shall be enabled to press forward through the crowds of opposition, to an "inheritance incorruptible," and "that fadeth not away.'

1st, 3d Mo.-Great comfort arises from an habitual turning of the mind to God, and looking with calm composure on every event of this life, considering them as guided by his providence, and that not even a sparrow falleth to the ground without our Heavenly Father. But the blessings we are favoured with are apt to engross our attention: we centre in them, without sufficiently considering the Giver with gratitude and praise, and neglecting to walk in humble dependance upon him, and submission to his will, are unprepared for those afflictions which are necessary to rouse the soul. Wisdom is most commonly learned in the school of adversity; and there are few that make the needful improvement in the calm and unruffled scenes of a prosperous life.

6th, 3d Mo.-The time and the disposition to meditate are often at variance. When engaged in necessary employment, we fre

*I Peter, i. 4.

quently think we could retire to profitable meditation; but when the hours of retirement come, how often have we cause to lament that our minds are not in a suitable frame to make the right improvement of such time!

This should convince us of the folly of indulging vain fancies, that we should have more opportunity to profit, if this, or the other thing in life were different from what it is; since the best we can do, is to make the best use of the present time, according to our ability, and rest assured, that whatever situation we are in, it is such as is adapted for us to work out the salvation of our souls. The same circumstance and employments are not alike suited to every disposition, and by vainly thinking what we would do in the place of others, we sometimes neglect the duties allotted to our own sphere.

The Lord, who sees the heart, and all the inmost recesses of our souls, sees likewise the true motives for every action; and if we sincerely desire to do that which is well-pleasing in his sight, and err only from fear of our own weakness and inability, or Gideon-like, desire to prove the fleece various ways, no doubt he will behold us with a compassionate eye, and so teach us to war, as that, in the

confidence of his assisting power, we shall not fail to overcome.

[Extract from a letter.] 9th, 7th Mo.Anxiety of mind has a great influence on the body in which it is enclosed; they are very nearly connected, whilst in this state of existence; and I have often thought, that weakness and infirmity, like anxiety and sorrow, have a great effect on minds properly disposed, to bring them to that true humility and resignation which gain admittance to the footstool of the divine Instructor, who not only condescends to lead us in the right path, but likewise pours the balm of consolation into our wounded souls.

When we cast an eye on the afflictions of others, it brings us to the inquiry, what are we, that we should be so far exempt, or our portion of bitterness less than theirs? It seems humiliating to reflect on our unworthiness of the many favours bestowed, and should quicken our diligence in seeking treasures more durable than this world can afford; lest our blessings should become a snare, and encourage us in a false rest. Prosperity, as well as adversity, is a trial of our faith: and I believe many are preserved in the latter, who would take their flight if surrounded

with the pleasures of a deceitful world. In all situations it is essentially necessary to keep low in the valley of humility, and I am fully persuaded, adds much to our happiness while here, whatever may be our portion. But self is ever ready to exalt itself, and get uppermost upon every occasion, not sufficiently considering that all excellences of body or mind are not at our command, but both subject to be invaded by disease, and may be taken from us in a moment.

4th, 10th Mo.-We too often seek to cover our failings by plausible pretences, and neglect that close searching of heart, which would unveil all our deformities. It is, indeed, very humiliating to see ourselves as we really are; but let us consider how much more dreadful it will be, to be exposed to the view of men and angels, when all the hidden things of darkness shall be revealed. Lord, search me, and purify me, must be the language of every soul, while under these painful apprehensions. We see the workings of evil under many a plausible appearance; let us learn to distrust ourselves in all, and walk in humility and fear.

"The heart is deceitful, above all things," "who can know it? I, the Lord, search the

heart, I try the reins."* Search me, O God, and make me willing to know myself. I long to be in a state of purity, the only state of acceptance with thee. But how hard are the terms! Every external conformity seems as nothing in comparison of this inward purification of soul. Many of us are willing to walk with a degree of circumspection, who yet know not how to bear the furnace which is necessary to purge away all the dross. We would gladly find an excuse for such, or such a disposition, or allowance of some indulgence of resentment, for such, or such a provocation; thus seeking a cover for some of the old roots of evil, instead of digging them thoroughly out. Trials and mortifications frequently make us look deeper into ourselves than we otherwise should; but there is a 'strong inclination to avoid the secret discipline they would occasion.

This observation belongs peculiarly to those little trials, which are sometimes the result of, or are occasioned by, some degree of perverseness in our own wills. We see we have erred; but we like not to acknowledge it, even to ourselves, and are still more averse to have it exposed to the world. Here then, the consideration that we must one

* Jerem. xvii. 9, 10.